SOHH Atlanta

I got something new for SOHH Atlanta. "Fashion, Shawty" will be a feature for all my Atlanta hip-hop fashinonista's out there. I told you all that I was going to check in with styling & branding extraordinarie, E. "Born" Edmonds. Check it out below.

Earlier this week I told you about a new up and comer in the ATL who goes by the name of Born. Born is a hip-hop branding/styling consultant who I had the pleasure of meeting at this years BET Style Suite. Born is on a fast track course to carve a name for himself amongst an extremely completive yet necessary industry of styling and branding. His newly formed company, Precise Product Placement is all about merging the right fashion choices with right urban artist.

For those of you who may not be aware, today's artists and entertainers are constantly getting bombarded with various products from fortune 500 companies who hope that stars will be photographed wearing their clothes, high-end sunglasses, footwear, etc. With hip-hop dominating radio, television, the internet, fashion and everything else in between Born's company focuses on not only styling today's most popular entertainers with unique and exclusive fashion selections, but he also facilitates potential endorsement deals and more branding opportunities for his clients.

Edmond's has worked with hip-hop heads like Rich Boy, Soldier Boy, The Roots, Chaka Zulu, Lil Wayne, David Banner, DJ Drama, Erykah Badu and many more.

So being the the blogger that I am, who strives to bring you as much original content then any other blog site on the internet [FYI], you know I had to go interview him, right?

While I've never been into Fashion all that much [and that's because when I was growing up in the 90's the clothes that were made for taller people were always ugly], Born ended up educating me on a lot of new trends and labels that have dope designs, and that also cater to the taller people of the world. There a NYC based urban company called Schmack clothing that specializes in creating trendy hip-hop influenced fashions for people of all sizes. Check them out here.

Born was nice enough to take time out of his busy day to walk me through some of the fall "must haves." Plus, he also offered a few urban fashion tips for us fashionably challenged.

Check out the video below.



There's so many people on their grind in the "A" that it's good to break up the monotony of talking about rappers all the time.

To find out more on Born and his company, visit his myspace page.

If you're in the urban fashion industry and are in the Atlanta area and want to be on SOHH Atlanta's newest feature, Fashion, Shawty! Hit me up and let's make it happen.

Oh And Before I Forget.....
DTP members Luda & Willy Northpole snagged the cover of popular automobile publication, Dub magazine. I'm SOHH ready for both of these guys newest albums.

Talk to y'all lata.

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 4:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Hate to say I told you SOHH.

Asher Roth, Ace Hood, Charles Hamilton, B.o.B, Rock City and others are all featured in XXL's second "Leaders Of The New School" edition, thats on newsstands now. Check out the cover below.
It's funny to me how just six months ago when I told you about how Asher was going to blow up, a lot of the comments were hateful and cruel. But fast forward to today and now Asher is on the cover of one of hip-hop's most influential publications.

[Watch Behind The Scenes Footage Here]

Over the years I've caught a lot of heat for my often times radical opinion, so it's good to know that I can spot shiny dimes amongst all the pennies.

The only difference between these artists versus last year's selections is that internet buzz. All these kats stay on the blogs. You labels need to get with the program.

[Check Out Some More Artists You Need To Be Looking Out For]

I know I promised you all that I'd have that new Asher video for you today, but it's on my laptop, which is currently @ Geek Squad. Sigh, I hate PC's. I SOHH need a Mac. Anybody know where I can get one?

Shoutout to Scooter Braun, Ray Daniels and B. Rich!


Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, "The Franchise" DJ Shakim and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download.  Do you have a request? Hit us up.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]
 

1. Eric B. & Rakim - "My Melody"
2. Masta Ace - "Me and the Biz"
3. Slick Rick - "Hey Young World"
4. M.C. Lyte - "10% Diss"
5. Queen Latifah - "Wrath of My Madness"
6. Biz Markie ft. Big Daddy Kane - "Just Rhymin" With Biz"
7. De La Soul - "Potholes In My Lawn"
8. Audio Two - "Top Billin'"

[Download or Listen To Mixtape Here]
 
Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 2:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

It's like shooting fish in a barrel.

It's being reported that HOT 107.9 radio personality, Mizz Shyneka has done went and get herself caught up in a scandal. WSBTV, anchor Jovita Moore just reported that the "queen of controversy" and her rapper boyfriend David Smith AKA Montanna The Mack were accused of stealing from a local mall resulting in both of them being detained and question over the incident for hours.

Shyneka expressed her anger over the embarrassing and reportedly false accusation. It happened at Arbor Place Mall in Douglas County. By their accounts, David was trying on different polo shirts in Dilliards, and ended up purchasing two of them [which he had a receipt for]. However, security of the popular retailer is saying that Mr. Smith stole the shirt, that he was wearing when he entered the department store.

While I can't stand the chick, Shyneka is  no theif. And it's sad that in 2008 young black American's continues to come under attack by racial profiling. I mean we all know homegirl's money isn't what it used to be with her new move to the late night hour and all, but I don't think Shyneka would result to lifting clothes.

And it looks like Richardson and Smith aren't playing around because they've gone and retained legal counsel with Atlanta's legal pitbull in a skirt, Phadedra Parks. If I'm not mistaken Phaedrea reps the angry lesbian with no soul, also. [but don't quote me on that one I could be wrong]

Story Developing..........

Sidebar, am I the only one gagging at this match up? Montanna the Mack and Mizz Shyneka, are you serious? This is a pairing I'd never would have guessed.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 5:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

I've been meaning to run this video footage from Russell Simmons and his Hip-Hop Action Network's "Get Your Money Right" event that rolled through ATL two weeks ago. If you aren't familiar with the seminar, Russell gets a bunch of today's most popular/relevant entertainers and personalities to join him on the road to help young people understand financial accountability and empowerment.


And while we here @ SOHH.com, continue to question prominent hip-hop figures responsibility/insensitivity over our current-global financial devastation, Mr. Simmons's, of course, doesn't feel that hip-hop, in particular, should be singled out.  

When I was presented with the opportunity to ask one of the godfathers of hip-hop a question, I put on my Sway cap, imagine I had thick ass dreds and I went in on him.

Check the video:
 

It seems I was no match for Russell's side steppin'. How could I have possibly thought that I was going to get a real answer out of him on a red carpet?

As you can see Mr. Simmons once again is refusing to put hip-hop in it's place in the constant discussion on what specifically should rappers responsibility's be in dealing with today's young people.

Hopefully I can get the chance to really sit down with Mr. Simmons one day for a real man to man conversation on a lot of peoples concerns regarding hip-hop and our current society.

But until then, I guess the video will have to do.

SMH!

But I Know What You Want.......

Posted by Gyant at 4:55 PM | Permalink

I got some Young Jeezy album information for you guys. But I can't decide if it's good or bad news.

I got the SoundScan numbers late yesterday, and I've been noticing for a few weeks that the Atlanta MC's newest album is starting to lose its steam on the charts. After riding it out on the charts for more then 7 weeks it looks like any hopes for platinum success is slowly diminishing. According to the new SoundScan reports, Mr. Jenkin's socially conscious album sold 26K copies this week, bringing his US total to 561,561.

But in today's shaky music industry I'm not sure if these numbers equate a commercial failure. Out of all the Def Jam artists that have dropped projects this year, this is easily one of the most successful ones. But I still held higher hopes for this project.

And now that we are officially in the fourth quarter [we are in fourth quater, right?] and with SOHH many albums dropping from bigger and more popular names, does the Young Jeezy have what it takes to push this album into platinums status?

Jeezy has just wrapped two video shoots in Atlanta, and the holiday season is coming up followed by the Grammy's, so I guess he could still ride it out at least 200, 000 more copies to push him into the low seven-hundred thousand range. But anything more then that seems extremely doubtful.

Platinum status or not, what did you think of the album? Did it live up to the hype?

I have still yet to here the project.

Let's see what happens here.

Story Developing....

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com
 

Posted by Gyant at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (25)

Well look who's finally letting their guard down and cracking smiles.

T.I. made an appearance on the E! channel's Chelsea Lately show, and seemed to be in great spirits. The late night program had T.I. awfully chipper I was pretty shocked to see the Southern MC laughing so careless and free like he did. Out of all the rare opportunities I've had to meet the "King" I've never noticed him crack a smile. Check out the video.



Clearly Tip is expanding his brand and I'm not mad at him one bit. Sh*t I need to be doing the same thing. 

But I still say that if Tip is getting all of this success/attention off trying to buy some machine guns, then someone needs to meet me at the corner of North Ave and Piedmont with some illegal weapons. I'll call the police as you approach my car, of course you've already called the media, and I'll just sit back and wait for all my riches. [I'm just having a little fun, relax.]

But this chick had me on the floor when she opened up her legs to T.I.. Who knew this chick was that funny. Shout out to all the white girls.

And Speaking of Brands....

Please note that no more event pictures from the BET weekend will be posted. I'm sorry for those who I missed, but after 7 blogs on that weekend I think enough is enough. I don't work for Viacom, dammit!

I will have something for you all tomorrow on Russell Simmons, though.

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............

Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, "The Franchise" DJ Shakim and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download. Today its all about Tip. A reader hit me up requesting a mix from the rapper and you know Shakim hooked him up. Do you have a request? Hit us up.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]
 

[Download or Listen To Mixtape Here]


Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 12:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

Yesterday I got an email from Chaka Zulu's assistant granting my request to listen to Luda's new album, Theater Of The Mind. Anyone who checks in to SOHH Atlanta from time to time knows that I've been very expressive in my requests to listen to it. Check out my review on Chris' album below.

When the official album cover was released last week I instantly liked it. Right away I could see that it was art because anyone could look at it and walk away with a different perception-much like a feature film. SOHH it was great to hear that the cover art matched the actual art.

Theater Of The Mind, has to be Ludacris' best work since Chicken-n-Beer. Usually when a rapper takes that trip to "Hollywood" they don't fully return to the mic with the same enthusiasm and there projects almost always suffer as a result. But, after listening to the cuts on the project it's abundantly clear that Luda wasn't letting that happen with T.O.T.M

Chris teamed up with T-Pain, Lil' Wayne, Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Spike Lee, Chris Rock, Ving Rhames, T.I., Plies, Jaime Foxx, the Trackmasters, 9th Wonder, Don Cannon and DJ Premier on his musical project. But, the record that's going to have all the hip-hop heads gagging is the record that teams Ludacris up with Jay-Z and Nas.

That's right, SOHH Atlanta can exclusively reveal that the other "King Of The South" has just upped the ante by securing the creme de la creme of rap music. The song is called  "I Do It For Hip-Hop" and its F-I-Y-A-H! [Goose, drop a bomb on that!] Now you already know that if my hatin' ass co-signs a tune, then it's got to be ill.

It's easily the song of the year. OMG!

But it gets better because for anyone who thinks that Ludacirs isn't a real MC anymore, or that he's fallen off - needs to get this album. No matter what your hip-hop level is, Ludacris' got you.

T.O.T.M. truly has something on it for everybody. There's hard rap records like "MVP" and "I Do It For Hip-Hop". Then you got ya *cough* [you get that, right] records like "Southern Gangsta" and "Last of A Dying Breed".

The only song that I really couldn't fux with is his record with Plies. The song is called "Nasty Girl"  and when I heard: 'I knew this chick named Keisha', I turned my brain off. And Plies is horrible to me. I just dont like that hobbit! [No, seriously I think he's shorter then Weezy.] But I'm sure the ladies will go ape sh*t and seeing as though they made it for them anyway my opinion on it is moot.

All in all Ludacris and his DTP/Def Jam team put together a really tight album that will appease everyone. Though some of you may look at all the featured artists and form an uneducated opinion on this album, the project isn't overworked or overly produced. Ludacris is shutting all the haterz up with this one, present company included.

I guess Chris is proving that you can come from the streets and go to Hollywood...just make sure you take your mic with you. [Pre-Order Your Copy Here]

Big shoutout to Chaka Zulu for taking the time out his busy day to walk me through the project. And I also got to shoutout to Lauren for following up with a brutha.

I also got to give major luv to Ivory, Jamal and Ludacris for constantly hooking SOHH.com, up with the exclusives.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

While everyone is eying the blogs, looking for any new information on the big fourth quarter stars' albums, I thought that I would keep you all abreast of some Atlanta artists we need to be looking out for. There's SOHH much talent coming out of the A. 2009 is lining up to be a big year. Check it out.




B.o.B. doesn't need a cosign from me. He's already got the industry buzzing about him. The prolific MC is already being compared to a younger Andre 3000. B.o.B. continues to work on his craft by producing and rapping. He's hard at work on his new album, is performing all over the county and the southern MC some how managed to secure multiple endorsement deals. Add in that he's also of T.I.'s Grand Hustle crew, and you already know he's already on his way to chart topping success.

Plus, throw in the fact that B.o.B. is genuinely a nice guy and that already makes him a winner the game. Because there are a lot of assh*les out there. [Myspace Information Here]



I know that I haven't always had the best things to say about Bobby Valentino, but every since Bobby was dropped by Def Jam/DTP the R&B crooner is doing his thing. While I may take a keyboard-jab at the singer every once in a while, I've always known that Bobby had a solid fanbase. I've never had a problem with Bobby outside of his attitude, But over the years I've come to understand him better. However, even I can admit that Bobby has definitely toned down his cockiness a bit.

And now with a new situation and his own record label, Bobby is poised to make a strong splash on the charts when his new album drops next year.

He's already got a smash hit with "Beep, Beep" with Yung Joc. I'm not going to front, I've downloaded it and thrown it up in my i-Pod. [Don't look at me like that.]

Check out his new video:



I have every bit of confidence that Bobby V. is gonna knock expectations out of the park when his new album drops. [Myspace Information Here]

Atlanta transplant, Rosco also seems to creating a name for himself in the A. The Wide World signed arist could easily be called the 'King Of The Mitapes, because he's hosted over 600.

His newest mixtape "Check Dig" is getting crazy buzz in the streets. Greg Street has taken the unknown MC under his DJ wing to help cultivate and establish himself in the game. People are comparing Rosco to Jeezy. And while I can't say that I see the correlation, the dude's got something that made me listen to his entire album with a smile. The ish is good. I can't hate one bit. [Myspace Information Here]



Please. Y'all already know how I feel about Asher Roth. Dude's a refreshing sound in this stale and often times dated hip-hop game. The Pennsylvania MC made the trek to the ATL and has made a name for himself on the blogs, the magazines and on TV.

And now that Eminem announced his surprising return to the mic I am definitely interested in seeing if there's room for two on the billboard charts. I have a video from Asher that I promise I will have on the site no later then Friday. [Myspace Information Here]



Warner Music artisit, Attitude [L] is next up on the list. After grinding it out behind the scenes, Attitude is ready for the spotlight to be shined on him. He's written smash hits for artists like Nelly Furtado, Timbaland, Bubba Sparxx, Rich Boy, and I-15.

Word is he ghost writes for Timbaland. [What, you didn't think Timbaland was a real rapper, did you?] But with all of that behind him, Attitude has his eyes on an 09 release date. [Myspace Information Here]



Rock City is crazy. I blog about them like crazy. Timothy and Theron are gearing up for their new album "Wake The Neighbors" . They're currently on the road on a nationwide tour and when they're not doing working on their own music, they write hits for artists like Usher, Akon, Jennifer Hudson, etc.

They're currently in the studio with Fantasia right now. I got a chance to hear some of her ish, and it's amazing. [Myspace Information Here]



Don't roll your eyes, Gorilla Zoe is the truth. The Block Entertainment star is hard at work on his sophomore album. Zoe's already got a hit single with Wayne called "Lost" that's making a bigger impact with each passing day.

I think Zoe's second solo album is going to do way better then the first. His people just need to figure out a way to get his online media game together so the fans can get a chance to learn more about the quiet MC. [Myspace Information Here]

All year I've been hearing people talk about Rich Boy's new album. While I know this brutha has some skills, I wasn't moved by his last album. His first single "Thrown Some D's" was fly, and the remix was even better. But the album didn't do anything for me.

But I got an email from Richs' people yesterday his new track titled "Drop" is interesting. Have a Listen.

[Listen To New Song Here]

This track puts me in the mind of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love". You remember when that ish first drop and it sounded a mess, but then it ended up being a monster smash? Thats what I think Rich might get with this track. "Drop" is definitely different from anything I've heard from the TN [or is Alabama] MC.

And it looks like Polow Da Don is venturing into different sounds as well because for the first time it didn't sound like a "Polow" record.

As you can see the A still harness and cultivates hit makers. Haterz don't be mad. It is what it is. [Myspace Information Here]


Dondria Nicole, AKA Phatfatt is the last on my list for artists to watch out of the A. I'm not sure how I feel about Dondria just yet, but since I do like her song "Can't Stop" I figured I'd show the Texas native some luv.

There's been internet buzz that Dondria might've been dropped. Fans were looking for her album to drop in Oct, but now I hear that her freshman album is due in early 09. Phatffatt has a huge youtube audience. She actually got her deal off JD seeing her on the internet doing her thing. But I find it interesting that the place where Dondria got her start [the internet] isn't being utilized well in the promotion of Dondria as a star.

There's SOHH much this chic could do. SMH. These labels just really don't get it. But something tells me to not count this chick out just yet. [Myspace Information Here]

But I Know What You Really Want............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, "The Franchise" DJ Shakim and myself have teamed up to bring you the hotness daily with a free 20 minute download.  Do you have a request? Hit us up.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]
 

1. KRS-One - "Still number 1"
2. Boogie Down Productions - "Criminal minded"
3. Boogie Down productions - "The bridge is over"
4. KRS-One - "M.C.'s act like they don't know"
5. KRS-One - "Love's gonna getcha"
6. KRS-One - "Step into a world (rapture)"
7. KRS-One - "Black cop"
8. KRS-One - "Sound of the police"
9. Boogie Down Productions - "JIMMY"

[Download or Listen To Mixtape Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

Am I spotting a trend? Yesterday I was taking my usual stroll around the internet, when I spotted a story about Nelly, and how he is about to form a super group. The group would consist of Nelly, Akon, Pharell, and T-Pain.

Immediately it dawned on me that we are in the midst of a new trend in this wretched industry we all call the "music business".

With album sales on the steady decline, and previous top selling artist's meager unit results, if you squint your eyes hard enough you can see the industry crumbling before your eyes. But could a temporary fix prolong an inevitable fate?

Could teaming up one artist with another in a package deal help boost suffering profit shares?

Could T.I. and Nelly teaming up increase the value in the project all together? T.I. is still a top seller, but could him teaming up with a fan-desired MC on the next project pay off? I think it would.


Not that they both need it all, but if Jay-Z and Lil' Wayne teamed up on a joint album it would shatter records. I even hear that Kanye and Lupe Fiasco are linking up for a new album.


What if Monica and Brandy decided to join forces on a joint album. The interest for worlds interest in them would spike. Think up a great marketing plan around those two and send that project to the moon.



And if Lil' Kim and Foxy got on a project together they could have a shot at coming back. Solo they stand no chance in doing it. And they can keep hating each other. They can even go at each other, but its a respect and love their that keeps it on waxx. Title that sh*t Lil' Kim/Foxy Brown = Love/Hate and it would be a WRAP!!!!!

And it shouldn't stop there because, what the record labels could do is start letting the fans decide who they wanted to hear collaborate. There could be internet surveys set up all over the internet to obtain data on which fan would like to see what.

With sales down like they are. This idea is worth looking into.

Just a random idea from a blogger.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 8:00 AM | Permalink

Y'all know my newest favorite musical duo is doing it big on their current tour. And since we are days away from a historic election I thought I'd show some political support with a little help from the guys. Check it out below.

As Rock City continue to churn out hits for other artists they are rapidly carving out their own lane for their first studio album. And since I know most of the SOHH Atlanta readers are for Barack Obama, I thought I'd bless you all with some new Rock City music.

Check out "Ridin For Obama"

Look out for some new Rock City videos. I hear the guys are working their asses off putting the finishing touches on their album. I see MTV has finally gotten on the Rock City movement. The fellas are getting A LOT of luv from the music network.

I already know you got their new mixtape "Put The F*ckin' Album Out", right? Well you can pick that one up right here if you don't have it.

But I Know What You Really Want............

Posted by Gyant at 3:14 PM | Permalink

The argument that ensued between me and my friend, and apparent number-one fan to Wayne, was over the notion that the self-proclaimed "greatest rapper alive" is ruining his brand by hopping on every song.

Weezy's rise to rap success wasn't an overnight fairytale, the brutha put in work. However, this recent year Wayne's brand has risen to its ultimate height.

He sold a million albums in his first week of Tha Carter III, he's amassed numerous awards including an MTV Video Music Award, multiple BET Hip-Hop Awards, etc. And is being featured by virtually everyone.

To date here are a few of Wayne's features

Akon - "I'm Paid"
Gorilla Zoe - "Lost"
Cassie - "Official Girl"
Keri Hilson - "Turn Off"
T.I. - "Swagger Like Us"

I think you get the point. He's got a new featured blog on ESPN and continues to book shows all through out the world. And while his success is encouraging for hip-hop, I can't help, but think that Wayne is killing is brand in his attempt to capitalize off of his success.

It's my belief that If Wayne continues to over saturate his brand, that he essentially will lose his value. Again, in my opinion Wayne should begin to consider his brand then simply the zero's on the check.

But my friend disagreed with me. According to him, Wayne is doing it right. My friend, who I'm going to assume thinks a lot of like Wayne's fans, can't get enough from the "Martian." It seems that Wayne could drop a new song everyday and he'd be right there, with cash in hand, ready to purchase it.

What do you all think, is Wayne simply doing too much? Or am I just hatin'??

Oh And One More Thing...

Blogging Lesson Of The Day: If you do not invite a blogger to your video shoot, then please don't waste your time sending them pictures. I can guarantee you that most bloggers won't post them.

I'm not going to be mentioning any names. I just felt compelled to put that out there. It's a new day in the game.

Some of you record executives fly certain bloggers all over the world for coverage, but treat a lot of other bloggers like red-headed step children - yet claim it's all luv.

 It's a new day, people.


Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 7:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)

 

The self-proclaimed "King of The South" continues to infiltrate everything as far as his music is concerned. Check out the creative way a sixth & seventh grade debate team used T.I.'s current smash "Whatever You Like" to give our current political scene a little bit of swagger.

Just days away from a historic election, a new video was sent my way of some school kids who aren't even legally eligible to work infusing hip-hop and Politics. Check out the video.



This right here almost want's you to have kids. Almost!

But let's add a few things up:

         T.I.'s "Peace & Positivity" movement
         Tip's "Respect My Vote" Campaign
+       T.I.'s top selling album
         Crime Stoppers appearance
______________________________________
         =  No Jail Time

I personally feel that Tip won't spend a night jail over his illegal gun weapons charge.

When it happens remember who told you, first.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 2:29 PM | Permalink

It looks like Ludacris pulled a fast one on us. Or should I say Rap-up.com.

DTP just sent me over the real album cover to Luda's new album, Theater of the Mind.

Posted by Gyant at 3:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

The giveaways keep coming on SOHH Atlanta. Check out what's being given away now.


The Garner Circle and GTM Central have joined with SOHH Atlanta to present the TAG RECORDS SOHH FRESH CONTEST

As you all know JD has teamed up with Proctor & Gamble/Tag for a new record label. TAG Records is hosting freestyle competitions in cities all across the U.S. and Canada to find the most talented MC out there. After all, the freshest hip-hop record label should only have the freshest rapper signing a demo deal with them. If you think you are the one, or just want to find out who is, check out the grand finale of the Survival of the Freshest Tour taking place at Atlanta's very own Center Stage on Sunday, October 26, 2008 with sign up starting at 6 p.m. and show time at 7 p.m.

But I have 10 tickets for 10 of SOHH.com's loyal readers [w/ a plus one guest] to attend the show. Simply email me you and your guests name, and I will pass it along to the publicist handling the event. Please act fast. I only have room enough for ten people.

But for a truly loyal SOHH Atlanta reader, I have two VIP tickets to the show. Sunday night you and your guest will be treated like a true mover & shaker of the ATL.

But you got to be able to answer the following four questions:

1. Who's my favorite Atlanta MC right now?

2. How many BET Blogs did I post?

3. Who is the owner of SOHH.com?

4. What did Big Boi promise me over the event weekend?

Send your answers to sohhgyant@gmail.com

Winners will receive

- ALL ACCESS VIP passes to VIP room (hosted by Jermaine Dupri)*
- guaranteed entry inside the event
- and a TAG records Platinum gift pack

Courtesy of Gyant

The Survival of the Freshest Tour kicked off on August 14th in New York's infamous Ruckers Park at Entertainers Basketball Classic and will end in Atlanta with a live concert by Q (formerly known as Q da kid) and Jermaine Dupri himself with surprise guests.

The live MC Battle is judged by the crowd for a chance to battle in front of Dupri. Winner will get a chance to win $5,000 and a demo deal with Jermaine Dupri. How to sign up?  This is a FREE event. Sign up to make history at Center Stage on October 26th, and be sure to get there early. It is first come - first serve, the crowd decides the winner. For rules and regulations visit TagRecords.com

*VIP ALL ACCESS VIP room (hosted by Jermaine Dupri) is only available to the winner who answers the five questions.

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, "The Franchise" DJ Shakim and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download. Today its all about Common. A reader hit me up requesting a mix from the rapper and you know Shakim hooked him up. Do you have a request? Hit us up.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]
 

[Download or Listen To Mixtape Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Since many of my record label executives continue to be confused on how to correctly implement new media into their artist over all marketing/promotions campaign, allow me to offer up some free advice. Usher, Janet I hope you're listening.


Usher: Usher looks to be on the right path somewhat. He's no longer with his former manager Benny Medina and has gone back to momma, Jonetta Patton. He's also pushing Tameka Foster into the background. I hear they are separating. And though that information may be horrible for Usher's personal life, it will do wonders for his struggling career. And I hear that Usher is hard at work on a new album.

But Ush hasn't even won half the battle. The top selling male artist needs to document his entire recording process and compile them into short videos for blogs and the internet.

Usher's current situation is the perfect story for him to reconnect with his fans. The video's will serve as a way for Usher to control his own media. He can do rumor control, document the process all of his aforementioned album and even package it with the new CD, which will give the project another layer of sales appeal.

I also feel, and I know that some of you will disagree, that Usher is need of some positive press. After swooning the ladies for SOHH many years, what's the next thing that the pop star can do that will have everyone talking, and will also allow him to reach out to a new demographic with a large amount of disposable income? The Gays.

Put away your personal feelings for a moment people we're talking business.

If Ush decided to execute an unannounced club performance at a popular Gay club somewhere in the world, everyone would be talking about it. The Gays would love [and even better] embrace him which would ensure more CD sales for that next album. Top gay publication, The Advocate would want him on the cover. And just like that Ush would have a more broader audience for CD selling time.

As long as he steers away from "Make Love In This Club",  "You Got It Bad" he's good. OH, and "Trading Places" he's good. LOL!

And Let's Move On To Janet....
Janet Jackson: Janet's a legend in the game. Nobody can ever take away all her achievements. But nobody can deny that MTV's Icon has fallen off BIG time these past few years. Personally, I feel that Janet Jackson needs to stop recording new material.

Janet has a core fan base and if she would focus on them - and only them- she'd continue to make an astronomical amount of money. Could you imagine if Janet was in Vegas. Hell, I've never been to the Sin City, but I would if I knew that Janet was going to be catering to me, and to her hits then I'd be right there.

Thats probably one of the biggest reasons, post "nipplegate" that Janet and her people have f*cked up on. None of her last three albums were made with her "core fan base" in mind. All three albums seemed to have been made for the kids. Which turned off a lot of her older fans.

But, if Janet is dead set on hitting the recording booth again on her own terms, then here's somethings she can do that will ensure a warmer response the next time around.

1. New Media: There's only a small handfull of people who really don't need new media. Jay-Z & Beyonce are the only two in Urban music that comes to mind that doesn't really need to fux with the blogs just yet. But Janet isn't one of those people - not anymore. Janet needs to start up a Janet Blog with an unlimited amount of content.

The blog should consist of exclusive videos of her life post the "Superbowl". Janet also should team up with a top blogger *ahem* that she would allow into her world and give exclusive blogs on an array of subject matters for tem to post. Concreteloop, Necole Bitchie, Perez Hilton, Gyant, anyone could do it.

[I have more ideas in store, but I really don't feel like typing it all out].

2. Do not disappear after the tour: We all know that Janet usually disappears once her project is over, but I suggest that she keep at it. No break, no relaxing. Get back in the studio, get the body in top shape [more then its ever been] and let muthafu*cka's know that you're not playing.

These are just a couple of free ideas that I thought I'd offer up to the struggling stars out there.

Not all bloggers are all about hatin' on folks. I try to offer up solutions in my posts, even when I'm hatin'.

Usher, Janet, if y'all need some new media consulting holla at me.

I'll sign whatever confidentiality agreements you want.LOL!

I'm no expert, but I know a little bit about artist development/new media.

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download. Today its all about Rich Harrison. A reader hit me up requesting a mix from the super-producer and you know Shakim hooked him up. Do you have a request? Hit us up.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]



[Download or Listen To Mixtape Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

OutKast fans rejoice! There's a reunion in the works.

Michelle over at Straightfromthea.com caught up with Big Boi recently and the legendary MC put her on to some new information about the highly anticipated musical return. It looks like both Andree 3000 and Big Boi have satisfied their solo aspirations and are now looking to get back together.

Check out what Big Boi's saying:

Mr. Patton gave me some inside information about some upcoming projects.  I know you ALL are waiting for Sir Lucious Leftfoot to drop but Big Boi already has another project completed and ready to go.  I'm sworn to secrecy on the name but just know that the title is about as comical as Sir Lucious Leftfoot: The Son of Chico Dusty.

Also, the biggest bit of news he let drop was that he met with Dre Thursday night and the two are officially working on another Outkast project! I'm so happy, I'm bout to put on my wedges and do a table dance!!!

I also ran into Big Boi over the weekend as well. You already know I gave him a hard time about my dissapointment that I still have not had the chance to listen to his second solo CD. Mr. Patton told me that I will get my chance months ago, but it has yet to happen. However, Antwan promised me that he'd make it happen.

Naturally, I pushed for an actual date, and that's when one of the god fathers of the Atlanta hip-hop explosion told me that he was flying out to Los Angeles to film a two-part episode for NBC's long running TV court-drama, Law & Order SVU for sweeps week.

Though Antwan was noticeably mute on his upcoming role, he seemed to be extremely excited about the oppurtunity. I didn't push too much. I mean, we were at a party.

While I am a huge fan of Law & Order, I'm not a fan of the SVU franchise. I like good ole' Jack McCoy and Lt Van Buren in that series.

Big Boi is now the second Atlanta rapper to star in the long running television program. Ludacris also made a surprise appearance on the show last year.

SOHH I guess it's safe to say that with a new solo CD dropping, talk of a reunion with his musical counterpart, and now this TV gig, things are as right as rain for the southern rapper.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink

I told you all that I was going to compile a top ten list of things not to do on any red carpet, PERIOD! Well take a look at them below. Study that ish.


1. No photo opps: A red carpet is always insanely unorganized. And one of the things that urks a lot of people is when you see photographers, etc, trying to jump the rope to get a photo with a celebrity. That shit is both lame and unprofessional.

You're there to report on the event and be a fly on the wall, SOHH to speak. Anything else makes you look like a true ass.

2. Asinine requests for multiple drops: OK, so you got to an event and you interview a celebrity. They give you a drop for your outlet, but you want more. Now you have them giving drops to your Uncle Rosco's start up magazine, etc.

No! Please stop with that ish. Drops are not as important as they used to be. And remember; you are there to push the outlet you work for NOT the start up companies in your mind.

3. Simplicity is best: Please make your drops simple and quick. Most celebrities have the attention span of a child so when you start making your drops long and complicated all you do is take away from other media outlets from getting in their questions.

4. Attempting to be-friend the celebrity: I've been doing this ish for 5 years and the one thing that I've learned is that don't no celebrity care about you. They truly don't. You are there to provide a service. Anything beyond that services is a waste a time. I'm cool with a lot of entertainment people, but I know it's who I represent [SOHH.com] and not me they are f*ckin' with.

Stop with the passing of the business cards. Please don't bring up how you met them 5 years ago at their sister's, best friend's, Uncle's party. Trust me they won't remember you.

5. Keep your questions simple: Red carpets are not for one on one interviews. Please keep your questions to the event at hand. There should be a courtesy rule that every media outlet ask two questions or less.

Certain media outlets end up hogging up all of the entertainers time, which makes other media outlets miss out on their opportunity.

6. Celebrities, show respect: There's a lot of celebs out there who diss media and the red carpet. They want to come to a party and pop bottles and mingle [for free might I add], but don't want to walk the red carpet.

Aint nothing in life free people. NOTHING. SOHH shake off that chip on your shoulder [Usher] and earn your free bottle of Patron.

7. Eager publicists fall back: Y'all know who I'm talking about. The publicist who stalks the red carpet and damn near forces their client[s] down your camera lens' making everyone uncomfortable in the process. There's one petite Asian [or is she Spanish] publicist that literally forces media to talk to her clients. Y'all know who I'm talking about.

All that sh*t does is end up in my trash can.

8. Know who people are: I can't tell you how many times I'm on a red carpet and people constantly ask me "who is that?" Clearly if you don't know who they are then you need to go home, do ya homework and come back to the next event primed and ready.

9. Keep it cool/Charge it to the game: All you media people who add pressure to a red carpet by shouting, interrupting other media interviews, etc need to just fall back.

Why add to the situation? You'll get your turn, and if you don't then just charge it to the game and keep it moving. I was at the BET Hip Hop Award red carpet interviewing a an artist that the world simply doesn't care about. And while I was talking to her, I saw 50 Cent walking right passed me yelling at some reporters that I knew would've been a great video blog. But I couldn't disrespect the person I was talking to by moving my camera away from them while they're talking.

I had to just charge it to the game and try to catch 50 another time. But I knew that yelling at 50 to come back and talk to me, etc was a waste of time and adds more tension for the publicist who's already dealing with a lot.

10. Make it worth your while: Look, now -a - days there's a red carpet for the opening of a car wash. Just because you get an email invitation to come cover an event doesn't mean you have to.

Don't feel pressured by nobody to cover anything that doesn't make sense. I personally have fallen back from a lot of events because I just knew that you all wouldn't care one way or the other. I know the SOHH.com audience. And it's a good thing that I do because it saves me from wasting a lot of time.

Publicists here's a list of people that NOBODY cares about:

Chingy
Any Sports player other then the most well known ones
New Artists [I don't want to mention any names, b/c that might hurt some people's feelings]
Mario
Yung Berg
Joe Budden
Any BET Personality [y'all know I'm telling the truth]
Any cast member from Keyshia Cole's "The Way It Is" [Sorry Frankie and Neffie, but your 15 mins are up]
Playaz Circle
Ike Dirty
Jazze Pha
Up & Coming Fashion Designers
New Rapper [Unless he's got a poppin' single out]
Contestants from any reality show unless they were the winner....

I think I should stop there. Any more names and I feel that I might be getting all kind of calls. But you get the idea, right?

These are a few things that could make a red carpet affair run a little bit mire smoothly. Just my two cents as a blogger.

But Let's Move On...
This weeks 'Honorable Mention' goes out to one of the hardest working females in the game today. Publicist extraordinaire Krystle Coleman has been grinding it out  since the beginning. After attending Florida Memorial University, Krystle was presented with an opportunity to work for Def Jam Records in NYC. After a long process of elimination among other college students around America, Krystle was selected to join nine other college students for a six week internship in New York at the biggest and most influential record labels in history to represent music.

During her second internship at only 19-years-old Krystle worked under Jana Fleishman, one of the most accomplished and well respected African American publicist in the business. Fast forward to the present and Krystle has been doing her thing. She's worked with or represented Trina, Plies, Rick Ross and Slip-N-Slide Records, but she's now focusing all of her attention on being the top boutique P.R. firm in the industry.

Her new company, Midori Star Media is destined to be a success.

Shout out to you Krystle.

Reach Krystle Here

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]

1. MC Shan - "The Bridge"
Boogie Down Productions - "Poetry"
Superlover Cee & Cassanova Rud - "Do the James'
2. Ultramagnetic M.C.'s - "Ego Trippin'"
Schoolly D - "P.S.K."
3. Kwame - "The Ryhthm"
Heavy D. and The Boyz - "Mr. Big Stuff"
4. Heavy D. and The Boyz - "The Overweight Lover In The House"
5. EPMD _ "So Whatcha Sayin'"

[Download or Listen To Mixtape Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Shouts out to Ne-Yo for holding down the illest party over the weekend. You know I got pictures below. Check them out.
 

The prince of Def Jam brought in his 29th birthday in with a bang! Cirque De Soleil was the theme as the packed out venue brought out celebrities like Janet Jackson & Jermaine Dupri, Kenny Burns, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," Bobby Valentino, Melyssa Ford,  Devyne Stephens and a host of others.

Ne-Yo and his Compound Entertainment family [with the help of Jamal King] transformed an Atlanta area museum into a tricked out party complete with an open bar, hundreds of single ladies and two killer DJ's.

The music was provided by World Famous Superfriends, Boom Bip and Mars.

I can't even front; out of all the parties I went to over the course of the weekend, Ne-Yo gets my "King Of The Party" vote this year. Check out the pictures.



Ne-Yo's 28th Birthday Bash.



Yung Joc and Hot Stylz.



Yeap, they had white girls who juggle up in that b*tch.

Block Ent's Rico Brooks & Wife, Sky.



My girl, DJ Boom Bip.



Girls were hanging from the ceiling, literally!



Kenny Burns and Phil Ried. I'm still not sure what it is that Kenny Burns does. I mean I know what he's known for, but what does he do now?



Two of Atlanta's most popular DJ's Mars & Bip were KILLIN' it on the one & twos.



Atlantic Records, Attitude. You guys may be hearing about Attitude on the blogs soon. That is if the business get's taken care of first.



I LOVE THIS COUPLE! With SOHH many relationships ending in divorce it's good for television to show black love to the masses. Lisa Wu Hartwell and her husband, Ed Hartwell are good peoples. I'm supposed to be linking up with the "Real Housewives" soon for an interview. Shout out to April Love!



Gorilla Zoe couldn't wait to "Pop Champagne". Check him sippin' on some spirits on the red carpet.



The cast members of "The Real Housewives Of Atlanta."



Bobby Valentino.



Ne-yo and his mama. Damn, she blinked....

  Ok this white girl is naked with her t*tties and shit showing. Wow....NeYo wants us all to know that he likes women.. 10:50 PM Oct 18th

  Ok Ne-Yo we get it.. 10:51 PM Oct 18th

Call me crazy but what's the point in coming into a party just hover around the red carpet?? People are such f*ckin losers, 10:53 PM Oct 18th

  Melyssa Ford is HOT.....if only. 10:56 PM Oct 18th

  F*ck it! I'm drinking tonight.....sorry God! 11:07 PM Oct 18th

Good lord there's a whole lotta scattered ass around this b*tch.....geesh. 11:09 PM Oct 18th

  I smell that Kush.....DAMN! 11:14 PM Oct 18th

  Fiyah drink recepie vodka, red bull, splash of cranberry....just sip it! 11:27 PM Oct 18th

  Real Housewives of ATL just arrived. I just confessed my love for NeNe....she's a diva and I love Divas!! 11:33 PM Oct 18th

  Ok LaLa just showed up. Um.....somethings different about her. And that's all I'm gonna say, @necolebitchie what say you? 11:35 PM Oct 18th

  Ok DJ Boom Bip is KILLIN' IT!!!!! 11:41 PM Oct 18th

  You can see these n*ccas on the prowl...I pray that my lady readers have their chasity belrs on... 11:53 PM Oct 18th

  Ne-Yo in the bldg.....and everyone is going ape sh*t! 12:13 AM

  Ok Got a shot of NeYo now I'm bouncing to Luda's party.. 12:18 AM

  Ok why they Ushering NeYo through the crowd like he's Barack Obama. 12:20 AM Oct 19th

  OK I just fell in front of a WHOLE CROWD of people.....time to go.. 12:30 AM Oct 19th

Rumor has it that Janet is in the bldg @ Ne-Yo's party.....I'm so over it... 1:23 AM Oct 19th

Y'all need to stop playin' and follow me on Twitter. My twitter friends always get blog entries and other tidbits throughout the day. [Twitter Me Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 11:30 AM | Permalink

My dude Asher Roth hasn't even put out an album yet and already people are whispering about what he's going to do now that there's talk of an unexpected Eminem return. Is there about to be a battle brewing?

Contrary to popular belief I personally don't understand the Eminem comparisons when it comes to Asher Roth. When I first blogged about him eight months ago, and got a chance to listen to his music first, I didn't immediately compare him to Detroit MC, Marshall Mathers.

I mean other then their comparable skin tones, I don't see much else that are alike between the two. Just because they are white boyz doesn't mean that Asher is copying Em's style. Asher's a college kid who came from a middle class family. He's all about peace and positivity and doesn't have the rage of our other faired skinned rapper.

Unfortunately when there's only one of white guy in the hip-hop game thats doing it like Eminem any white boy afterwards will get a Em reference on some level. But tell me this, did Eminem book 5-10k shows before he dropped an album? Did Eminem have a lot of key players in the industry that's waiting to see what Asher is going to do? Did Eminem get the same critical acclaim that Asher is getting before his first album dropped?

Asher is in a lane all his own and anyone who can't see it is one big hater who just refuses to fess up to the fact that a white boy came in the game [again] and took the game from all the "street" dudes. Did Em make it easier on Asher as being one of the firsts - absolutely. But that's where it ends.

Plus, I hear there's a new record that Asher has just completed that's going to end all the talk on any future comparisons. You know I'm going to get the exclusive on that.

I can smell a rap battle brewing.

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]


[Download or Listen To Mixtape Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

Are we over the BET Hip-Hop Awards yet? I got some more video from the red carpet.

Are Melyssa Ford and Devyne Stephens shackin' up? Is Lola Luv working on a new mixtape? I got Young Dro talking about his new album, and his confirmation that he and Fantasia are over. Lola Luv opened up about her aspirations to rap. And 50 Cent totally disses SOHH.com on the red carpet.

Young Dro

Angel Lola Luv

50 Cent

Oh, And Here Are Some More Pictures...

Posted by Gyant at 11:30 AM | Permalink

Written By Gyant

I've been meaning to talk about this video for a over a week. I swear I have SOHH many blogs already written out in my head, but there's always SOHH much to do that I forget. But I just heard the song on the radio and I knew I'd have to show luv.

Hannah Kang over at Grand Hustle sent me over a dope as video from Yung L.A. featuring T.I. & Young Dro. The song is tight. But it's T.I.'s verse that truly has me thinking that Mr. Clifford Harris is probably the illest MC out there today. But, I will admit that I have become quite fond of the Atlanta MC.

What I have found particularly interesting about T.I., this past year, is that he's very misunderstood. While some of you may think that he's on some "Hollywood" ish [and to be fair I'm not even sure if Hollywood is the best word to use], Tip is simply an old school soul trapped in a young mans body.

And sometimes the young man and the old soul conflict. I find his growth from being out of control last year to humbling himself into the man he was meant to be.

Let's keep it real, a lot of the bruthas have walked the same path and fail miserably.

But let's not lose focus, because though T.I. killed it on the "Ain't I" remix, the song belongs to Yung LA.

Check out the video below. [Blackberry uses, get to a PC to check the video out]




It looks like we need to be looking out Yung LA. Just another musical wonder coming out of Grand Hustle. I don't know much about him, but I think it's time that I found out. SOHH Atlanta is all about spotting the new musical tend-setters in the game.

Damn Grand Hustle might want to add a new media person to their team so they can get the internet more focused on their artists, etc. Hint, Hint. LOL!

Shout out to Amir Boyd!

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 4:20 AM | Permalink

For those of you who don't know I am a big Twitter junkie. I spend most of my day updating all my twitter friends on various event inside scoop. If you don't know what Twitter is I suggest you do a google search. Think of it as live blogging. I've decided to start doing blogs on my Twitter updates from various events that I attend. Check out my first Twitter update below.

Now that the BET weekend is over I'm putting you all on to my twitter updates. People who follow me on the site receive live updates as sh*t develops. And for those of you who haven't gotten on Twitter just yet I'll be bringing you updates the next day.


6:30....no luda. Just Gorilla Zoe. 6:36 PM Oct 16th

Just clowned Zoe with an inside joke. 6:38 PM Oct 16th

Luda is here.... 7:05 PM Oct 16th

Killer Mike is here... 7:07 PM Oct 16th

Luda just introduced the film.... 7:19 PM Oct 16th

Why are D. Woods' people asking me to stay so that she can get a picture...who's gonna pay for my car being over the meter??? 7:20 PM Oct 16th

So here's the 'celebrity' rundown @ Ludacris' event. Keisha Knight-Pulliam, D. Woods, Luda, one member from Grand Hustle's Xtaci, Killer Mike... 7:42 PM Oct 16th

New Era Event Next.............. 7:43 PM Oct 16th

OK there's nothing to report at the new Era event. 8:04 PM Oct 16th

Ok so they just played Beyonce's "Single Ladies" and everyone losing their minds....wow. Women watch ya men. 8:06 PM Oct 16th

Follow Me On Twitter For My Live Blog Updates [Join Twitter Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 7:00 PM | Permalink

With all the parties that happened over the past couple of days you know everyone is waiting to see who's going to get crowned as the King of the BET weekend. And while the verdict is still out on that one, I know who was the king of the brunches. At least according to Gyant. Check it out below.


Sunday morning Ludacris, Bobby Valentino and Sean Garrett all held private brunches in celebration of of BET's monstrous Hip-Hop award show weekend. Luda and DTP honored BET's Stephen Hill with an intimate brunch at his Asian-inspired resturant STRAITS.

The other King of the south presented Stephen with a plaque celebrating all the work that Stephen does, and has done for BET. Check out the pictures.



Chaka Zulu, Stephen Hill, Ludacris and Kevin Lyles.



As you can see it was a pretty laid back event. Just good food and great people brunching it out.



Ludacris seems to still be somewhat perturbed by me. He remained distance pretty much the entire weekend. I don't think he likes bloggers. Or maybe it was just a bad weekend.
 


Chaka Zulu had on the illest pair of boots. For those of you don't know I'm all about shoes and hats.



Shout out to V103's Tangie.



Shameless plug.



Y'all ready for that new Luda album?
A little atmosphere from the venue.
After this event I hot tailed it over to Bobby Valentino's brunch that was held at Artistry. Bobby and his crew came out to celebrate his new record label, Blu Kolla Dreams.

When I first heard about brunch at the Artistry I didn't know what to think. Anyone who's been the venue can probably understand why hesitation to attend. But I couldn't have been more wrong because the food was RIDICULOUS.

Macorini & Cheese, Fried Chicken, Omelletes made to order, an open bar, shrimp grits, pancakes made fresh to order and a killer dessert bar. Bobby knew what he was doing.

Check out the pics.



Buckey trying her hand at the country girl look.



Bobby and Courtney.



There were sexy ladies everywhere.


Sean and Frank Ski.

'

Janet and Necole.



8732 fashion designers.



Bangladesh and Infamous.



Cherry, Sheree and Miss Sophia. I heard Sheree rolled up this event in a Malibu sedan. I didn't see it, but thats what people were whispering about when she got there. I could care less.

Shout out to April Love! I'm going to be interviewing the real housewives very soon!!!



You know how may run into people who you see all the time and you always speak to them, but you never know their names? Well that always happens with me. I see the lil dude [not the boy that's Nina's son] standing next to Nina all the time, but I never can remember his name. I don't know why I want to call him Storm.

Same thing goes for the chick in the pink. She's as nice as she could be. She always greets me with a genuine smile, but I swear - I have no idea who she is.

So let's just all focus on Nina Brown's beautiful smile.

Update: One of my Twitter friends, NDiiBaBii just told me that "Storms" name is Laidback Black.



Shout out to Jamal King for making this event fly as hell. Though he befriends the angry lesbian with no soul, he does know how to throw a party.

More BET coverage to come.....

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]


[Download or Listen To Mixtape Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 3:30 PM | Permalink

What a weekend! Though I still need to go through all the video, I got some some pictures from all the various events. Check it out below.




Ludacris and New Era threw a party Thursday evening in celebration of the rapper turned actor's new limited edition hat that he designed. Luda didnt show up to the party until late SOHH I missed him. But I ran into D. Woods, Chanel and Mika Means of The Girls Club.

As you can see D. Woods ain't trippin now that Diddy handed her those walking papers.

[Shoutout to Nicole Garner of The Garner Circle for the invite]

This years' BET Style Suite was held at Artistry in Midtown. Bangladesh, the women from "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," Devyne Stephens, the cast of BET's "College Hill," Mychael Knight, E-40, Young Joc, Gorilla Zoe, Playaz Circle, Mari Marrow, Princess, The Girls Club, Gorilla Zoe, Sammie, Frank Ski, London, Khao (producer), Kaira Akita ("Somebodies"/Tyler Perry), Don Cannon, Stevie Williams, Three Brown Girls, Q Parker, and many more where all in building to get their free swag.

The free swag was incredible. Check out what the owner of Jeraco clothing, Jesse Combs, gave me.

Posted by Gyant at 11:52 AM | Permalink

Happy Sunday folks! I thought that I'd give you all a lil' tidbit of video from this years 2008 BET Hip-Hop Awards red carpet. I have SOHH much footage from the entire weekend that I am going to be sprinkling it throughout SOHH Atlanta over the course of next week. Of course I'll get you all the most important stuff first thing Monday morning. But for now enjoy the footage.


[Blackberry users get to a PC to check out the video.]
Please be on the lookout for a Top 10 list of what entertainers as well as media people shouldn't do on the red carpet. I got some sh*t to say that I know is gonna hurt some peoples' feelings. And you know I don't care about none of that.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Special thanks to Senior Publicists Voncella Mcintosh, Lyntina Townsend, Danielle Spigner, Marcy Polanco, BET Online Marketing Manager Kristina Bevk and also Bernadette Simpao at the BET headquarters in Washington D.C.

Posted by Gyant at 4:43 PM | Permalink

While I'm still collecting various BET Hip-Hop Award weekend footage, I was checking the SOHH News department. And a new report on Dallas "Damn" Austin had me slamming on my breaks while I was driving....and I'm not kidding.

OK SOHH according to Cyrus, Dallas "Damn" Austin has just signed a deal with Universal to drop his first every solo CD.

Check this ish it out:

The Grammy- winning, Atlanta hit maker will provide fans with a mixture of his signature beats for the debut, along with cameos from artists like George Clinton, Goodie Mob's Big Gipp, Novel, Colin Munroe and others. With Austin's long track record of hit singles, major record label Universal Motown has decided to team up with the producer for his forthcoming album.

"Dallas is a true innovator and a visionary," Universal Motown President Sylvia Rhone said in a statement. "He has put his unique stamp on an extraordinary array of hit music over the past two decades. So it comes as no surprise that his long-overdue solo debut is a brilliant, groundbreaking project that crosses boundaries, both musical and visual, to tell a compelling real-life story."

Led by the album's first single, "Exasperated," the 11-track project tells the story about a real-life woman named Daisy that Austin befriended.[Source]

OK, now I am not trying to hate on the fleeting producer, but don't nobody care about what the hell Dallas is doing. He hasn't had a hit in God knows how long.

Could this sudden "inspiration" to put out his own music stem from a need to take another dance with the white lady? [Only a druggie will get my last sentence.]

All I know is that this album is a flop and it hasn't even dropped yet.

All these washed up has been's getting all kinda deals, but don't nobody want to give Gyant a reality show? Ain't that a b*tch?


But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]


No Tracklisting Today!
[Listen And Download Mix Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@tmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 7:22 PM | Permalink

Ludacris gave the city of Atlanta a first look at his new movie - which hit's movie theaters today - with a big red carpet premiere at the Rialto Theater last night. You know I was in the building. Check out the pics and video below.

I know everyone usually comes to the blog to check out what I have to say about an event, but last night was pretty laid back SOHH I really don't have much to report.

Just checkout the photo's below.



Ludacris talking with the press.



I know it's Keisha to the world, but to me she will always be my little Rudy Huxtible.



Shout out to Gorilla Zoe.

And You Know I Got Video............
 
 Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:17 AM | Permalink

Since I'm preparing for the BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend I don't have much to give you today. I mean I still have a new Asher Roth video that I need to get you guys, but I haven't even started the editing on it [I know, Scooter]. However, in the meantime I thought I'd bless you all with another SOHH Atlanta Music Mix. And also explore why SOHH many people in Atlanta hate the housewives.


Look, I know it's not hip-hop so I will make this quick.  Why are SOHH many ATL residents hatin' on the "Real Houswives of Atlanta"? I'm not a member of high society SOHH I really don't know who is who.

All I know is that the sparks flew yesterday when the girls where supposed to stop by "Frank and Wanda's Morning Show." The ish got SOHH bad the girls ended up canceling their appearance.

Plus, I hear that only one of the girls showed up last night to their own party thrown by Botchey and Hannah Kang's events companies at Luckie Lounge.

I was going to provide you all with the link to the audio from the show, but they have since been removed.

Basically ATL is having a problem with these chicks. Some say they frontin' on all the extravagance's they project. And that they are aren't as classy as they are trying to portray.

I havent even watched the show, but the minute I found out that this show was going to feature black women, I just knew that there was going to be problems. And I don't mean with the cast, per say - I'm talking about with the everyday sista's who'd be watching.

Why do we black people got to hate on people so much?

Could the girls from the show be living a lie? Yes. But isn't that how a lot of people in today's time, do?

It seems that everybody lies about damn near everything. And don't disagree with me because if a lot of y'all wasn't lying about your lives our country wouldn't be on the brink of a financial metldown.

But that's a story for another time....

Again, this really didn't have much to do with hip-hop, but I still thought I'd offer my two cents.

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mixes. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute download.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. If you got something you want to say to Shakim hit him up [Email Him Here]

1. Nas ft. AZ - "Life's A Bitch"
2. AZ - "Sugarhill"
3. Blazhay Blazhay - "Danger...When The East Is In The House"
4. Das EFX - "Real Hip-Hop"
5. Capone -N-Noreaga - "Blood Money"
6. Smif-N-Wessun - "Stand strong"

[Listen And Download Mix Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Plus Hit Me Up On Twitter

Posted by Gyant at 2:43 PM | Permalink

The Atlanta premiere for Ludacris' new action flick Max Payne is tonight. But there are still a few free tickets left for you to come and be apart of the red carpet event.

The other King of the South gave SOHH Atlanta a handful of free ickets for you, the readers. Yesterday I found out that Laced Up Boutique still has a few more left and y'all better stop playing and get your ass down to the sneaker store on Edgewood and cop 'em.

Check the Luda ad to the right of this blog to find out what you need the do for those movie tickets.

And Speaking Of Ludacris....

I got word last night that I will be shadowing Ludacris for the entire BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend. The lyrical beast has a full schedule, and I've been granted permission to tag along to bring you guys an exclusive look at the award festivities from the other side of the red carpet.

For my Twitter friends; y'all already know that I will be updating you live.

Let's Move On..........

Russell "Big Block" Spencer, CEO of Block Entertainment, has launched the "Don't Block the Vote" campaign to encourage voter participation in the upcoming election on November 4^th. The campaign is a series of weekly video messages covering various topics surrounding voting in the 2008 Presidential election including; registration deadlines, former felon eligibility rights, determining your polling location and what not to wear to the polls. According to Big Block, "'Don't Block the Vote' is my way of encouraging my community to go to the polls and make history!"

And Now For The F*ckery....

Why other bloggers stay SOHH concerned with what I do is beyond me. Yesterday, former rouge blooger for SOHH.com, Ron Mexico posted a blog about my new tattoo.

Apparently Mr. Mexico has a problem with my efforts of trying to take blogging to another level. Check out some of what he had to say:

Today's Negro Please Bonus goes to a former teammate of mine at Big Green. Yes, we all respect his bloggety blog grind. T.I. can claim to be Kang of the South all he wants. However, even he knows that whosoever controls the shine box also controls these solar-powered rapsters. In Atlanta, that man goes by SOHH Gyant... Shawty.

Sh*t often goes terribly wrong when bloggers step from behind the desk seeking "shine" of their own. Sometimes n*ggas get things tatted on them they damn well know they shouldn't. Gyant gives the Negro Please reader the best of both blunders. [Source]

Sigh...

It had to have been a slow news day for Ron to have taken such a strong interest in what I do with my body.

Hey, I get it - I hate on people/people hate on me. And the world goes round and round again. But I thank him for the back-handed compliment.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 9:51 AM | Permalink

If you didn't know tomorrow kicks off the third annual BET Awards and anyone who lives here already knows that the parties and events are going yo be going to be pretty crazy. But if I were you I wouldn't throw my money away on just anybody's party. Check out some places that I can guarantee will ensure that you have a good time.



I love the good people over at CTE and Compound Ent. Though I won't be in the building I'm sure the ladies will be out to show Jeezy and Ne-Yo luv.



While I know that Ms. Julia Beverly don't be feelin' me like that, I still got to give one of Atlanta's top promoters, Mr. Colby Plush, his shine b/c his events are always stellar.

Posted by Gyant at 5:23 PM | Permalink

Shoutout to DTP's Willy Northpole. The Arizona MC has been grinding it out for a minute and now he's finally dropped a new video for his debut album. Check it out below. Is it poppin' or floppin'?



Northpole's first video "Body Marked Up" didn't pick up a lot of steam even though it was dope as hell. But the warm reception seems to be cool with Willy because he's got this new joint called "Shut Up B*tch".

The video was directed by Artemus Jenkins [AJ, to those who know him]. The concept of the video is quite simple.

It's clear that their in a strip club. I just wish they would've gotten some hotter females in the video.

What do y'all think of this video? I can't pick it apart too much. Willy is one my people's SOHH I can't go in on him. He and AJ get an "E" for effort.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 9:30 AM | Permalink

Y'all better recognize my skills. Did the inspiration from Beyonce's new song come from a SOHH Atlanta post I did years ago?

Ok, so I got an email today from the Soulman who informed me that Beyonce's new video [like some of her more recent ones] was a direct copy of an old Fosse video that was posted on SOHH Atlanta years ago.

I remember posting the video because someone had put the smash hit "Walk It Out" by Unk and Andre 3000 over the old 60's "Mexican Breakfast" tune. The video was SOHH dope that I shared it with all of you.



Fastforward two years later and it seems that Beyonce has stolen remade the video for her new song "Singe Ladies [Put A Ring On It]".



As you can see Beyonce has recreated the video, but made no mention that this video was Gwen Verdon inspired.

I'm not trying to be ridiculous about this, but I'm starting to feel like SOHH Atlanta is a trendsetter.

Could my original post have been seen by someone in the Beyonce camp who thought that the idea was SOHH hot that they had to remake it?

Who knows.

But it's most definitely got me saying "hhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm".

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta Music Mix. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute mix.

Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. Since Shakim missed us yesterday we got a 30 minute mix for you.

1. Marsha Ambroshia -  "R.I.P., It's Over"
2. Talib Kweli ft. Little Brother - "Gettin' My Grown Man On"
3. Jennifer Hudson ft. Ludacris - "Pocketbook"
4. Ron Brownz ft. Lil' Kim, Swizz Beatz & Ludacris - "Pop Champagne" Remix
5. Kardinal Offishal ft. Clipse - "Set It Off"
6. Fonzworth Bentley ft. Andre 3000 - "Everybody"
7. John Legend ft. Kanye West - "It's Over"
8. Camp Lo - "Ticket For Two"
9. Mary J. Blige - "Till The Morning"
10. Jazmine Sullivan - "Live a lie"

[Listen And Download Mix Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Plus Hit Me Up On [Twitter]

Posted by Gyant at 2:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

A lot of you may not be aware, but So So Def's, Kadife Sylvester is the main man behind the Lil' Wayne/Static Major "Lollipop" song. But did you all know that it wasn't even meant for Wayne? The song was originally recorded for Dem Franchize Boyz..

Anyone who's an avid participant of the Atlanta hip-hop industry has to know Kadife Sylvester from So So Def. The south east regional street promotions director has been actively trying to clear the air regarding Wayne's insane hit "Lollipop" with Static Major and how it all came to fruition.

The music industry is often times a thankless business, but Kadife isn't having it regarding this particular situation. He's told me his story at least a dozen times about how he was instrumental in bringing Wayne and Static Major together to record "Lollipop".

It was a huge record SOHH I can understand and appreciate Kadife's due-diligence in making sure that everyone knows the real deal about how he orchestrated the link up between Wayne and the late, great Static Major.

The real deal behind the song is that "Lollipop" wasn't initially offered to Wayne. Apparently the song was created with Dem Franchize Boyz in mind. Listen to Kadife explain it to Greg Street below:

[Check Out The Audio Here]

According to Kadife, Static was a huge fan of Dem Franchize Boyz and really wanted them to record the music. Kadife tried to get the members of the group to come through Patchwerk studios to listen to the demo, but apparently the Boyz were going to the club and passed on the opportunity.

Wayne was in the city recording music for his now top selling CD, The Carter III so Kadife took the concept over to him and the rest is history.

They always say hindsight is 20/20 so you already know Dem Franchise Boyz probably wished they would've had their priorities straight. I bet you the next time they get a call on some work, they'll make better decisions.

But its clear everything happens for a reason. I cant even imagine what kind of song "Lollipop" would have been with Dem Franchize Boyz on it. I barely liked it with Weezy.

But shout out to Kadife Sylvester for making one of the biggest moves of the year. And even though people aren't giving you your proper respect on this matter, we here at SOHH Atlanta give you your props, homie.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Holla @ me on Twitter

Posted by Gyant at 10:15 AM | Permalink

Over the weekend I decided to get a new tattoo. I haven't gotten one in over ten years, and I had been hearing about this hip-hop tattoo artist in Atlanta who is in a class all his own. I decided to do a blog about my tat experience. It was one of the most painful experiences of my entire life. But I guess it's the only way to earn your ink.


E.J., of E.J. Ink, invited me out to his private- plush tattoo studio that's located exactly 25 mins outside of Atlanta, to come and experience how good his work really is. A graduate of the Art Institute Of Pennsylvania, EJ has been a visual designer since as far as back as he can remember.

His way with the pencil is comparable to the way T.I. is with the microphone.
I thought that I would go for something completely unique by creating a new tattoo that paid homage to one of my most favorite MC's of all time, LL Cool J  & the love of my job - blogging. Why I thought I'd be in and out in matter of a few hours is beyond me. My new tattoo starts at the tip of my shoulder and runs all the way down to my fist. The whole ordeal ended up taking 8.5 hours.

That's right, I endured an enormous amount of pain for as long as most of you go to work.

You know I got some video for you. Check it out below.

E.J. has a degrees in computer animation, has been featured in Urban Ink magazine and is currently working on a big tattoo project for Gorilla Zoe.

No matter what you're tat desires are, EJ can hook it up. He's got a well detailed portofolio with pre-existing designs for you to pick from. And he can draw his ass off, so if there's something that you want but don't see, he'll hook that up for you with no problem.

And for all my celebrities out there who is looking for a private place where you can get your designs without having to worry about being bothered by anyone in the process, EJ has a private studio that is by appointment only.

Check out some of the pics from my tat just moments after it was finished.
 


Go Hard or Go Home, babe!
If it looks like it hurts it's because it does!



E.J. and Gyant

Like I said before, E.J. is only 25 minutes outside the city of Atlanta. To find out more on him and his work, check out his myspace page here.

And for all my industry connects and celebs that I'm cool with if you want his contact information hit me up.

Shoutout to Yancey Richardson for the connect. And in even BIGGER shout out to E.J. for an outstanding job.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 12:48 PM | Permalink

Y'all already know that I'm apart of the Rock City movement. With so much bullsh*t out there, when I find good music I strive to support it. I was surfing YouTube over the weekend and came across an old video/song of the fellas from earlier this year. And though you can tell that the video was made with a very meager budget, the song is tight and has a dope message that you all need to absorb.

With all the problems that many people are going through with their finances, I am personally really trying to get you all to think about your life and how you're living it. It's no secret that a lot of people are trying to be rock stars. We see the celebs with all their riches - no matter how fraudulent those riches are - and we're trying to live like them at virtually any cost.

It seems like with each passing day we're discovering that many people in the industry are stretching the truth about damn near EVERYTHING. But Rock City is here to tell everyone to just "stop lying."

The song-writing duo, who are currently on tour and hard at work promoting their new mixtape "Put The F*ckin' Album Out," composed this socially aware track themselves.

I encourage you to take in the message and if it applies to you then I think it's time to make some changes.

Check out the video:

Let that marinate for a moment. Are you lying about your life?

As I said before, Timothy and Theron have a new mxitape out that is dope as f*ck. Between these guys and T.I.'s new project I'm enjoying the music right now.

Download Rock City's Mixtape Here

1. Go Hard
2. A Millie
3. So fly
4. Can't believe it
5. She aint your girl
6. Ride for obama
7. Swagger like us
8. That oprah
9. You gotta go right no
10. Say yeah
11. Stop & go
12. Put on
13. Tryin to get to tomorrow
14. Give youth man the mic
15. In the dancehall
16. I aint done
17. Ring the alarm
18. Rock the mic
19. Hip hop props
20. Need you bad
21. Up in ah di air
22. Houzin

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 9:52 AM | Permalink

Damn, I haven't talked about anything Block ENT in a min. But they hitting the streets in attempt to get the young people to go out and vote, and that's always a good thing. Check out their voter initiative below.


Block Ent and Bad Boy South have linked up to stress the importance of each and every legal citizen getting out there to vote this political year.

Let's hope Jock, Block, Zoe and Breeze educate the criminally challenge peeps out there because a lot of people out there still think that if you're a felon you lose the right to vote, and that just simply isn't the case.

I'll be dropping these videos as they send them to me SOHH be on the look out for them.

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............

Shout out to Rico....
Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta 20 Min Music Mix. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free 20 minute music mix download. Check out what the world famous superfriend has for us today. It's all about 90's hip-hop.

1. Black Moon - "I Got You Ppen" Remix
2. Smif-N-Wessun - "Bucktown"
3. Jeru da Damaja - "Come Clean"
4. O.C. - "Times Up"
5. Nas - "Memory Lane"
6. Public Enemy - "Shut 'Em Down" remix
7. The Roots - "Clones"
8. Onxy - "Last Dayz"

[Listen And Download Mix Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Plus Hit Me Up On [Twitter]

Posted by Gyant at 2:54 PM | Permalink

It warms my heart to know that someone else is stepping up and calling out hip-hop for all the f*ckery.

Contra over at The Smoking Section posted an open letter calling out today's rappers for not stepping up to help save the birthplace of rap music. Since I know a lot of you probably don't even realize what the above picture is allow me to educate you.

1520 Sedgwick Ave is the historically documented birth place of hip-hop. Located in the Bronx it's the official birthplace of hip-hop. At the tender age of 13 DJ Kool Herc moved into the historic building, and with time Herc came to develop and cultivate the beginning steps of what is now known as the dominating and extremely profitable culture.

Each and every single rapper, from the prolific to the mediocre, owe their careers to Herc and to this building. But when news broke that the 100-unit apartment complex in Morris Heights was losing state assistance and the families on the property reached out to hip-hop to help save it - nobody reached back. And even when DJ Herc himself publicly pleaded that someone assist in saving it nobody stepped up to the plate.

In a time where rappers toss around 20k on strippers, toss around 100k on a damn video game, hand their boyfriends [yea, I said it] one million dollars in cash in an expensive Louis Vuitton bags as birthday gifts and drop songs expressing how paid they are, it's nice to know that not one rapper attempted to offer any assistance in this disparaging matter.

And y'all wonder why this culture is losing its essence and is dying a slow death.

As previously mentioned, Contra wrote an open letter to all you sellfish, and ungrateful bastards thats reaping the benefits from the culture, but is showing little to no interest in saving its birthplace. And here's what they had to say:

Dear Rapper/Producer/Promoter/Mogul/Entertainer,

You disappoint me.

Throughout history people have given their lives for symbols of their cultures. To this day, feuds on a global scale & cataclysmic proportions continue over territories significant to cultures and religions.

The above pictured is the birthplace of Hip-Hop.

People have given their lives for less. You all fight every day over chains and songs, contracts and beats. You didn't even have to fight for this. Just sign a check. Make a donation.

And yet you still failed.

This building was bought by a real estate developer who has neither notable connections to Hip-Hop culture nor made contributions to it, except maybe a Sir Mix A Lot LP he bought to help a fat friend through rough times. He quite certainly had no debt to Hip-Hop. 

But you who owe your lives to what began here, you should be ashamed of yourselves.

Kool Herc joined the tenants of this building and pleaded for your empathy and support. You turned a cold shoulder proving once again that you have completely forgotten where you came from.

Let it be known that this is not addressed to those helping other causes, supporting other communities in substantial manners. This is for you who stood by, counted your money and walked away.

F*ck you very much, from the bottom of my heart. I hope you choke on your grill, get strangled by your chain or get run over by a Ferrari.

Sincerely,

Contra™[Source]

Unlike Contra I'm not dissapointed....I'm disgusted.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 6:19 PM | Permalink

Ludacris fans listen up! The rapper turned actor has linked up with SOHH Atlanta for an exclusive give away. Who's interested in attending the star-studded Atlanta premiere for Max Payne?

SOHH.com has been given a specific amount of tickets for our readers to come out and support the other "King of The South." And thanks to the owner of Laced Up Boutique on Edgewood Ave the first 25 people to get to the store will recieve two tickets to the event.

But not so fast. You got to know the answers to the following questions to get your tickets.

A. What is Ludacris' character's name in his new film, Max Payne?
B. Who is Luda's main co-star in the flick [hint, he used to be a rapper]
c. When does Max Payne hit theaters?

If you can answer those three questions take them down to Laced Up and claim your free tickets to the movie premiere.

Here's the address for Laced Up:

572 Edgewood Ave NE
Suite 114
Atlanta, GA 30312

(404) 230-5905

Please call for store hours.

The red carpet affair will happen next Thursday, October 16th. Check below for more details.

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Chris Bridges (Ludacris), Mila Kunis, Olga Kurylenko, Chris O'Donnell, Beau Bridges, Donald Logue, Amaury Nolasco, Nelly Furtado

Director: John Moore (Behind Enemy Lines, The Omen)

Producers: Julie Yorn, Scott Faye

Synopsis:

Maverick cop Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg) is hell-bent on revenge against those responsible for the brutal murder of his family and partner.  His obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmarish journey into a dark underworld.  As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal.  http://www.maxpaynethemovie.com/

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Shout out to Shelly of Allied Advertising for the tickets.

Posted by Gyant at 3:22 PM | Permalink

There aren't many people who excite me in hip-hop these days SOHH when a rapper catches my attention, I usually go above and beyond to embrace them and show luv.  Last month I put you all on to I-20's track "I Like Her"  feat Ludacris and Rocko. And now that the video's out, you know I got it for today's Poppin' or Floppin' video of the week. Check it out.



For me, his unique delivery and tone is what intrigues me the most. And when you add the impressive producing skills of Street Symphony then it makes this ish as right as rain.

But what do y'all think? Is it poppin' or floppin'?

I hear the DTP affiliate will be dropping his new album in November. I will definitely keep you posted.

But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............
Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Plus Hit Me Up On [Twitter]

Posted by Gyant at 10:27 AM | Permalink

No disrespect to Tip, but if I can get movies, a number one album, a new clothing line and all the luv in the world from my fans then I think I'd have no problem doing a bid.

By now I'm sure everyone has seen that T.I.'s newest album is number one on the charts. That information isn't a shock to anyone, especially me. But you might not realize that Cliff has been working non stop pretty much every since he was sent home and placed under some version of house arrest.

His new movie, Bone Deep with Chris Brown is currently in production and luckily enough for you I scored some pictures. You all don't mind the watermarks do you? I know I don't.

Some clueless peeps out there have the most pickiest standards when it comes to posting pictures from other blogs that have watermarks on them, but in all my years of blogging I understand the importance of showing blog luv to everyone. Well, except for the angry lesbian with no soul. [Y'all know who I'm talking to].





Plus, check out some behind the scenes footage.

Sh*I want to be in a movie. LOL.
But I Know What Y'all Really Want..............

1. Eric B. & Rakim - "Move the crowd"
2. Audio Two - "Top Billin"
3. Boogie Down Productions - "The Bridge Is Over'
4. DeLaSoul - "Plug Tunnin'"
5. M.C. Lyte - "I Cram To Understand"
6. Salt -n- Pepa - "My Mic Sounds Nice"
7. Craig G - "Droppin' Science"
8. Kid -N-Play - "Last Night"
9. Run DMC - "Sucker M.C.'s"

[Download Or Listen To SOHH Atlanta Mix Here]

Talk to Y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Plus, come join me on Twitter. I get it buck wild on there [Follow Me]

Posted by Gyant at 2:00 PM | Permalink

Bow Wow and The Game have some serious explaining to do.

Last month I spoke out about how ridiculous I thought the Game/Bow Wow "100k Charity Madden" competition was going to be. And lucikly enough the two MC's didn't disappoint. Yesterday while listening to V103's "The Ryan Cameron Show" Ryan himself, along with his beautiful co-host, Elle Duncan [Hey, Elle] even spoke out about the foolishness.

After weeks of West Coast rapper, The Game, winning the ultra splabovian prize [while disrespecting Ciara in the process], there's been no word as to where the 100K charity prize has gone.

As Ryan pointed out on his afternoon radio program, usually when a donation in the amount of what Jaceyon publicly stated that he'd fork over to a charity, that charity makes a public statement acknowledging such a sizeable donation. However, after a month since all the publicity has died down I'm still waiting and watching to see what these two are going to do. As of today no announcement has been made about that money.

Many people [including me] are speculating that Game pocketed that money, rather then helping out the less fortunate - as promised.

Last night I reached out to a mutual connect of Bow Wow, hoping that Shad would reach out to give me more details on the matter, however as of this blog posting I haven't heard from him.  And when I reached out to Game, through Matthew Marcus of Konzole Kingz [check out the guys awesome site here], I was told that the 100K was given to the rappers charity, The Black Wall Street Foundation.

But in doing an extensive google search I couldn't find one story, or link confirming that this foundation is even in exsistence. And even when I went to Game's wikepdia page there's not ONE mention of such a foundation. Check it out below:

Other ventures

As a result of his fame, The Game ventured into areas outside of rap. He was chosen to play and had bought a large selection of shares for the now defunct Inglewood Cobras, an ABA franchise team.^[32] The Game also ventured into acting. In 2004, he had a minor role voicing the character "B-Dup", in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. He also voiced a character in the video game Def Jam: Icon. In 2006, he made his film debut in Waist Deep as a character named "Big Meat" and has been filming at least two more movies.^[33] The Game has also partnered with 310 Motoring to create his own shoe called The Hurricanes. A portion of the proceeds of the shoe are donated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

In August 2007, The Game and an entourage of 12 including Omarion performed a concert in Luanda, Angola with two dates on August 11 and August 12 at the Atlantico Cinema produced by Casa Blanca company.^[34]

Call me crazy, but wouldn't you include your philanthropic efforts on your page that outlines ALL of your personal and business achievements?

In an effort to exhaust every search engine I know, here are the links that mention "The Game" and "Black Wall Street", but there's not one single mention of a "Black Wall Street Charity"

Link 1
Link2

Though I can't verify one way or the other what exactly happen with the 100K that was promised to go to charity, my gut feeling is telling me that these two dumb muthafatha's played the media in an attempt to justify their video game competition.

If they wanted to just throw 100k around just for fun then say it. However, once you open your mouth and say the word "charity" guess what? People expect you to give it to charity.

Some of you may be thinking that this isn't such a big deal. But to me, it definitely is.

In a time where everyone is thinking about their finances more then they ever have in their lifetime [probably] these two kats toss around money [or "allegedly" toss around money] like "money ain't a thing". So if money ain't a thing I think these two have two choices:

A. Bow Wow can go to his lap top and record a video clearing the air on what happened to the money.

B. Game can have his publicist submit a press release explaining, in specific terms, what's the status on the substantial donation.


All I can do as a blogger is present you all with the questions. Let's see who's gonna push them to submit an answer.


Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:00 AM | Permalink

Yo, I don't know about you, but I've been laying low since these high ass gas prices and shortages have gotten out of control. However, thankfully for us Exclusiveaccess.net and Julia Beverly were out and about in the ATL.

Check below for some pictures on this past weekends homecoming.

Event planning extraordinaire, Jamal Coleman along with Taiye Samuel, Keionon Johnson, Big Cac, DJ Trauma and DJ Mars. brought a star studded vibe to this years homecoming in ATL. Though I've never really understood the nature of homecoming, perhaps because I wasn't popular in high school, it's still good to see so many people get involved with the festivities.

T-Pain, B.O.B., Jermaine Dupri, John Legend, Maino and a host of others all came out to various weekend events. Check the pictorial recap below.

CLARK the VOTE: The CAU Homecoming Soiree:

Clark The Vote 2008


If bowling, a live DJ, spirits and all the girls in the world are your thing then you want to stop by 300 on Sunday nights.

Yo, if you on the blog often and want your name shoutouted on the Mix email me and I'll make it happen.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 1:10 PM | Permalink

Akon is making waves with a new track off his upcoming album, Freedom. But the minute I saw the title of the song, I knew I wouldn't like it. And this time I got some peeps who are agreeing with me.

Doesn't it make you all warm, and fuzzy inside knowing that the Senegal pop sensation stays paid? His new song, inappropriately titled "I'm So Paid," has leaked on the internet.

The song teams Akon with the most overly saturated rapper, next to T-Pain and Lil Wayne.

[Have A Listen Here]

I listened to the track, and can't help but ask myself "WTF!". Rich people can be so damn insensitive. In a time where the Dow Jones is losing more points then... [this is where being a sports wiz would've been helpful]....well you get the point.

People are on the verge of losing EVERYTHING. Their homes, their life savings, all that people have worked for is about to be gone, and this dumb n*cca has the NERVE to drop a record telling everybody how much money he's got and how he's ballin out of control.

This isn't a personal attack against the man, because I barely know him. This is plea for all my entertainers to be sensitive to what your fans are going through.

And I wanted to make sure that I wasn't alone.

I hit up my twitter friends [Join my Twitter List Here] and asked them if they were offended by this sh*t, or if it was just me. Check out what some [who wanted to go on record] said:

This is one of the biggest reasons why the industry is the way it is. Instead of creating music for the people. And let's be clear most -- if not all-- entertainers do not make the music for the people....they make music in hopes of 'getting that money.'

You want the people, who basically have nothing, to go out and support your music and concerts  and you can't even step back for a minute to look at the world? Are you kidding me?

This is why I'm not one to go out and purchase anything for today's stars. I bought T.I.'s album over the weekend even though I was already given a free one from the label. But other then him I have only purchased two other CD's this year. I figure if they don't keep me as a consumer in mind when they make their albums, then I can't keep them in mind when the bullsh*t gets put on the shelf.

I have every bit of confidence that this tracks is already dead in the water. It's gonna go nowhere.

Let's hope it sends a message to the industry that they had better become more aware with their direct consumers concerns, or close up shop now.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Posted by Gyant at 10:05 AM | Permalink

Shout out to Lil' John on the new deal.

OK, so I got some information handed to me over the weekend about Lil' Jon. Homie has been laying low for quite awhile, but it looks like he was trying to get his business taken care of.

Word on the street is that crunk MC has signed a very substantial deal with Universal.

My industry connect put me on to the news with specific instructions to NOT mention it yet because Lil' Jon was trying to keep the information quiet, however someone else clearly didnt get that memo and as a result I got scooped on the news.

From what I understand Jon has signed a HUGE deal with Universal Republic Records, though no finacial details have been made available.

I'm not hatin' in the man, but I thought Lil Jon's time of dominating the clubs with records was over.

Maybe I'm wrong about that, but we will all soon see, won't we. All I know is that I had better not hear a record with Jon and Amy Winehouse, because if I do I'm going in on both of them..HARD!

But I Know What Y'all Really Want...........

Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta 20 Music Mix. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free music mix download. Check out what the world famous superfriend's got for us today.

1. Slim Thug ft. Devin the Dude - "Bitch, I'm back"
2. Red Cafe - "So easy"
3. Maino - "Role model"
4. Red Cafe ft. Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Fabolous - "Paper touching" remix
5. The Lox (D-Block) - "it's like that"
6. Q-Tip - "Getiing up"

[Listen To, or Download Mix Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Hit Me Up On Twitter: Gyant Twitt

Posted by Gyant at 2:00 PM | Permalink

 

I've got to take this opportunity to say that I take back everything I've said about the true King of the south, Clifford Harris, Jr AKA T.I.

I spent the entire weekend cooped up in my apartment hanging out with the chief, listening to Tip's newest album, and I've got to give the man a blogging ovation. Paper Trail is a collection of classic music that's both reflective and compelling. It's a well rounded body of work, and easily my second favorite hip-hop album of the year [and no, Wayne's is not the first].

I'm even starting to like the collaborative efforts of "Swagger Like Us".

But with the economy in shambles, and with so many people losing their homes, jobs and automobiles from people living well beyond their means, Tip's collaboration with Rhianna, "Live Your Life" should be the next single because it speaks DIRECTLY to each and every one of us.

it's my opinion that this song should be the next single. It's already number one itunes.

[Listen To Track Here]

I'm often times clowned, by how I dress, and my very simple way of life.  But I took the red pill along time ago. [That was a Matrix reference for the slow].

After f*cking my credit up by trying to live for everyone else in my early twenties, I got my sh*t together; paid my dues and have come out of it a wiser man. But a lot of you people are still walking blind trying to live your life for everyone but yourself.

There's an idea that industry people, need to look "the part" in order to be taken seriously in the game. And that notion has penetrated itself into our everyday way life. Our current culture has become so infatuated with celebrity lifestyles that most people have been brain washed into thinking that they too should be able to floss like a celebrity. The everyday working man [and woman] are trying to live like Tip, Jay-Z and Beyonce on managerial and business administration salaries. WTF!!!!!

$400.00 jeans, $1000.00 handbags , sprawling estates - you'd be surprised at the lengths people go to just so that the world will take notice of who they are. Not realizing that the more financially extended you become the more banks and creditors own you.

I don't want to get all deep with it; but all this country is going through stems from a lack of self value.

When are people going to realize that it's not what you have, but who you are that makes you - you? But I digress.

"Live Your Life" is a message about taking charge of your life. Brush the haters off. Stop worrying about what people think about you. Stop trying to perpetrate a fraud by driving a Mercedes Benz if all u really can afford is a Honda. It's amazing how the concept of this song has come right on time. And when you throw in ALL the other tracks [except the one with Ludacris, I still think that one is "ehh" at best] this is easily one of Tip's best albums to date.

It's inspiring to see a man, who this time last year was going through one of the toughest times, rise from the ashes and create beautiful music. Why is that most people seem to be the most creative when we're faced with moments of adversity?

Y'all know me; I'm a real dude. If I think something is whack, I'll say it. But, when I think something is prolific and out of this world, then I'll be the first one to give someone their props.

It's estimated that Tip's newest album will hit the charts on Wed in the 600-700k range.

It's not Lil Wayne numbers, but Wayne is a novelty [YEA I SAID IT].  Where as T.I. is will be a long lasting legend in the game we call hip-hop.

Thank you for putting out some decent music, T.I.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email:sohhgyant@gmail.com

Hit Me Up On Twitter Too: Gyant On Twit

Posted by Gyant at 9:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

It's no mystery that the music industry is struggling, but can Beyonce, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Ludacris, Ciara, Andre 3000 and Jay-Z save it this fourth quarter? And why in the hell are people sleeping on Big Boi??

There's a new report out that's projecting the pressure of the music business to break even onto certain key entertainers who are all dropping albums in November and December.

This year has proved to be once again a weak and financially weak year for the record industry. In order to break even with just last year's numbers, over 200 million copies must be sold in this last quarter.

The 3rd quarter of this year totaled 297.9 million albums sold, which is 12 percent less than last year. In 2007 there were 500.5 million albums, 30 percent of that coming from the fourth quarter. So... will this fourth quarter pay off?

It certainly has enough big name releases to give it a chance. With albums from Beyonce, Ciara, Kanye West, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes and possibly Dr. Dre, Eminem and Andre 3000 all coming up this year at least equaling last years numbers is certainly in reach.

Labels are worried as major retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, Best Buy and Circuit City have their stock down 82 percent and may be on the verge of bankruptcy. On the upside, sales are up as albums from Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy and T.I. all are selling extremely well.

I know hip-hop is powerful, but can the urban market sustain this pressure? What nobody in country music can help the industry out? Can't somebody call up Garth Brooks or somebody?

And how in the hell is this report going to mention names like Busta Rhymes, and Andre three-stacks, and not mention Big Boi? While I'm not a fan of Big Boi's newest single with MJB [I can't even think of the name of it], he's a bankable artist who's gonna bring in a couple of million. [In my Nancy Grace tone] "Bank On It Buddy"!

Plus, there's still been no release date announced for Kanye West. So he may be no help at all.

What y'all think; can they pull it off?

Oh, And Before I For Get.......

--SOHH Gyant

Email sohhgyant@gmail.com

Hit me up on Twitter Too [Gyant on Twitter]

Oh And In Case You Can't Tell....WE'RE BACK, B*TCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Gyant at 12:46 PM | Permalink

It's being reported that Ludacris has pushed back his album, Theater Of The Mind eliminating his hopes of becoming "Mr. October". But why does it seem like nobody cares?

Arguably one of the most illest MC's out of Atlanta, Ludacris is gearing up for his sixth studio release. But there seems to be little - to - no interest this time around. His newest single, "What Them Girls Like" with Chris Brown isn't the smash that I'm sure he and Def Jam were hoping it would be.

And his recent appearance on Martha Stewart's daytime talk show is leaving many thinking "WTF!".

His mixtape came and went without making a strong impact. And you know me; I'm wondering what the hell is going on.

Over the years Luda has proven himself to be amongst the music indsutry's elite. After selling millions of albums, and even lending his voice, and lyrical skill to make other records hot - the hood always fuxed with the Atlanta MC.

However, this time around I'm not sure if Luda can bet on the streets.

But, its clear that Luda ain't sitting at home worried about what the hell we think.

Check out this video of Luda and producer, Don Cannon working on tracks for his upcoming project. It looks like they're at Patchwerk studios.

As many of you know, I've been pushing to get a listen to the project since the beginning of the summer. But to no avail it hasn't happened.

And since I haven't heard it I guess I can't offer up an opinion [no matter how bad I'd like to].

But let's move on....

Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta 20 Minute Music Mix. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free music mix download. Check out what the world famous superfriend's got for us today.

1. Willie da Kid ft. Trey Songs, Gucci Mane, La the Darkman, Yung Joc, Bun B, Florida - For the love of money
2. M.C. - ft. Twista, Chingy, Ebony Eyez - I'm cool remix
3. T.I. - I'm illy
4. M.I.A. - Paper Planes
5. T.I. ft. Jay-Z. Kanye West, Lil Wayne, - Swagger like us
6. Q Da Kid - On a mission

Download SOHH Atlanta Mix [Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Hit me Up on Twitter Too: http://twitter.com/gyant

It's not too late to nominate your favorite artists, bloggers or even yourself for an Online Hip-Hop Award. State your bid here

Posted by Gyant at 9:00 AM | Permalink

Check out what they had to say below.

I have to with the King on this one, the vocoder should only be left to those who do it best. However, I don't think Kanye West or Wayne does it better then T-Pain. So therefore it should be his thing solely. I'm just sayin' Who's with me?

You can check out the full Paker Report on MTV Jamz [check your local listings]. Or you can just go [here]

But Let's Move On............

Y'all already know that DJ Shakim is killin' it with the SOHH Atlanta 20 Music Mix. If you didn't know, Bow Wow's personal DJ and myself have teamed up to bring you all that hotness daily with a free music mix download. Check out what the world famous superfriend's got for us today.

1. T.I. -You ain't missing nothing
2. Scarface - Emeritus
3. Game - Baggage claim
4. 88 Keys ft. Kanye West - Stay up (Viagra)
5. Jadakiss ft. Jay-Z - Who run this
6. 9th Wonder & Buckshot - Concrete jungle

Download SOHH Atlanta Mix [Here]

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Hit me Up on Twitter Too: http://twitter.com/gyant

Posted by Gyant at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today I got something that I know a lot of you guys have been waiting for. Rock City's "Put The F*ckin' Album Out" Mixtape is finally available! And you already know I got it for you below.

Currently, Rock City is on the road on a nationwide College tour with BET, and that other hip-hop site, that shall not be named. But that doesn't mean that the music is going to suffer.

For those of you who don't know, the two brothers were born Theron and Timothy Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  They were raised on the 32 square miles of St. Thomas, also known as Rock City.  Raised in extreme poverty, their lives consisted of an aggressive work ethic, family, and, of course, music. 

In their teens, Rock City began building a name in St. Thomas.  Performing at talent shows, releasing three independent albums, and by their high school graduation in 2000, the duo knew their next goal would be the States.  Despite limited means, the two made their first stop in Miami and eventually landed in Atlanta, one of the hottest scenes for up and coming artists. 

After a chance meeting with DJ Benny D, Rock City landed their first major placement for songwriting on Akon's double platinum CD Konvicted, penning the song "The Rain".  Their songwriting credits grew with artists like Busta Rhymes, Nicole Scherzinger, Eve, and Grammy winner Usher.

In September of 2006, the Caribbean duo were officially signed to  Akon's Konvict Musik and are now expecting the release of their debut album, appropriately titled Wake the Neighbors.  Their infectious first single "Losing It" is already waking the neighbors.  The song, written, produced, and composed, by Rock City is already receiving radio airplay and gaining rotation on BET.

Ordinary meets astounding is the story of Rock City, a duo that encompasses talent, struggle, and success.  Wake the Neighbors is only the beginning of their inevitable longevity in music. 

Considering hip-hop is suffering what many journalists and artists themselves are referring to as a "death", the boys of Rock City are a refreshing and a much needed relief. 

Rock City is here to resuscitate hip-hop. 

Download Mixtape Here

1. Go Hard
2. A Millie
3. So fly
4. Can't believe it
5. She aint your girl
6. Ride for obama
7. Swagger like us
8. That oprah
9. You gotta go right no
10. Say yeah
11. Stop & go
12. Put on
13. Tryin to get to tomorrow
14. Give youth man the mic
15. In the dancehall
16. I aint done
17. Ring the alarm
18. Rock the mic
19. Hip hop props
20. Need you bad
21. Up in ah di air
22. Houzin

Here's the official video from the mixtape "Gotta Go Right Now"

Plus, don't forget their smash record "Ridin For Obama", which you can download below.

http://sharebee.com/33499b12

And you can't forget their collaboration with Ms. Jennifer Hudson.

http://www.zshare.net/audio/1964815572ba57cb/ - "If It Isn't Love"

Y'all enjoy the music.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Hit me Up on Twitter Too: http://twitter.com/gyant

Posted by Gyant at 7:56 PM | Permalink

 

Ludacris made a questionable apperance on Marta Stewarts day time talk show. Check it out below.

I don't know why this video is surprising to me. I mean I know Ludacris is Hollywood, but I never imagined him rubbing elbows with the likes of homemaking multimillionaire, Martha Stewart. Check it out below.



It's like watching a psychotic horse running towards a burning stable.

I mean, I get it, it's PR and all, but certain things just don't go good together.

Patron and sprite [contrary to popular belief] don't go well together. And neither does Chris and Martha.

Is this a good look?

LOL@ Ludaris saying he's got ADD.

and an even bigger LOL @ Martha professing her love for rap music. Wow!

 

Shoutout to Freaky Zeky airing out his frustrations over these crazy ass gas prices in the name of Hip-Hop.

I luv it!

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Hit me Up on Twitter Too: http://twitter.com/gyant

Its not too late to nominate your favorite artists, bloggers or even yourself for an Online Hip-Hop Award. State your bid here

Posted by Gyant at 12:42 PM | Permalink

While there's clearly some problems going on with Big Boi's new album Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty because the release date is still up in the air. However, that's not preventing the southern MC from getting some luv from GQ magazine. Check out some pictures from magazine spread below.



Big Boi's second single from his anticipated album isn't fairing so well, which could possibly push the album back to a later date. I have no information confirming this, but generally labels don't promote a project without a strong radio buzz.

Especially when you get to Big Boi's status in the game. Let's keep our fingers crossed.

But I got to give him props on landing a new deal with Coca-Cola's "Full Throttle" energy drink. His new campaign will focus on the relaunch of Full Throttle Fury with a completely new look and experience, in an attempt to tap the lucrative African-American male demographic.

It looks like the union between he and Grand Hustle is already starting off on the right foot.

But Let's Move On.........

Tips weekend went off without a hitch. And though the gas shortages kept me from participating in everything. The homie, Freddyo scored a bunch of exclusive shots. Check some of them out below.



Though the turnout was small for the Grand Hustle comedy show, I heard that the jokes were endlessly funny.



We always got to show luv to the DJ. I know this kat is gonna kill me because he's introduced himself to me several times, yet his name always escapes me.



Rico blessed the audience with a performance. I heard he's doing his thing. You know he's Fantasia's big brother, right?



T.I. cracking up at something funny.
I mean to include this picture of Executive Vice President [or something like that] of JD's new TAG records, Mr. Jerry Clark.

Gyant Mix, presented by DJ Shakim



Got a song you want to hear on the mix? Send ya requests to DJShakim2008@gmail.com 

Download Mix Free [Here]

I know it's a little lite today with the blog, but I'm watching the launch of the site.

Talk to y'all lata,

--SOHH Gyant

Email: sohhgyant@gmail.com

Hit me Up on Twitter Too [Gyant Uncensored]: http://twitter.com/gyant

Its not too late to nominate your favorite artists, bloggers or even yourself for an Online Hip-Hop Award. State your bid here

Posted by Gyant at 9:00 AM | Permalink