Lil Kim – Download video featuring Charlie Wilson & T-Pain

Behind The Scenes On The Set Of Lil Kim’s “Download”

Check Out This Behind The Scenes Look At The Making Of Lil Kim’s “Download” Featuring T-Pain & Charlie Wilson

“Download” Available On iTunes NOW!!!

Bobby Valentino’s ‘Beep’ is even hotter than before! Check out the official remix laced with guest verses from Ludacris, Lil’ Kim and Lil’ Wayne. It’s the remix bay bay!

‘Beep’ Remix audio

ABOUT BOBBY VALENTINO

Triumphantly re-launching his career on his own terms after a taxing detour, Bobby Valentino is prepping his EMI Records debut Rebirth via his own Blu Kolla Dreams imprint.

The gifted vocalist is familiar with new beginnings. Bobby first charted as a member of Mista, the teenage group responsible for the innovative single “Blackberry Molasses.” Intent on forging a solo career, he reinvented himself as Bobby Valentino and smashed the scene with 2005 chart-topper “Slow Down.” His self-titled solo debut, released later that year on fellow Atlantan Ludacris’s Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam label, reached number three on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart.

As 2007 drew to a close, Bobby found himself among the casualties of corporate upheaval and economy-caused cutbacks. His sophomore disc, Special Occasion, was scarcely supported by his soon-to-be-former label. It was clearly time to re-envision his career, looking toward his strong faith in God to illuminate his life’s path. The introspection and soul-searching resulted in Rebirth, his most intriguing and personal album to date. Alongside gifted producers L.O.S, Raphael Saadiq and long-time collaborators Tim & Bob, the talented songwriter offers a mature effort that will both please loyal fans and win over fickle critics.

Rebirth revolves around relationships. The infectious lead single “BEEP,” among the disc’s most visceral tunes, details the joys of adventurous sex. Cleverly crafted by up-and-coming Mississippi native Big Fruit, the melody begins as ballad and morphs into an up-tempo sweat-inducer. Bobby notes, “The feedback from the record was so strong. When I played it for people and I sent it to the clubs everybody reacted to it quickly. My first single, I always want it to be for the people.” The single announces: “I’m back, I got a new situation – it’s one of those kinds of records that’s gonna make a statement.”

Bobby was especially honored to work with Grammy Award-winner Saadiq, who produced “Wish List” for the project. Bobby beams: “He is one of the coolest, most down to earth people in the world. I didn’t know what to expect but he was a fan of mine. He knew my music and that really had me in awe.” The two ambitiously cover Saadiq’s 1995 gem “Just Me and You.” Valentino explains, “I rewrote the verses while he brought in live horns and played guitar.” Melodically, Bobby’s version blends the majesty of the original with his signature vocals.

Tim & Bob are Bobby’s go-to guys from the Mista era, they helmed Bobby’s “Slow Down”. On working with the duo: “I release all of my stress and my energy into music with Tim & Bob. I like to work with producers that really know how to play instruments and aren’t all about the drum machines because with R&B it’s all about the music.” The duo crafted “3 Is the New 2” a Jodeci-tinged joint playing on the phrase “30 is the new 20.” Another mid-tempo ballad in this vein is “Butterfly Tattoo,” which evokes ‘80s Prince, complete with synthesized accents and an electric guitar solo.

Not everything can be summed up as sheer lust however; heed the mature “Hands on Me,” a desperate yen to remain faithful despite a very tempting dalliance. Or the sophisticated ballad “Give Me Your Heart,” on which Bobby takes listeners to church with divine chords and an evangelical falsetto. “It’s kind of like me turning in my player card,” he says. “It’s for the grown folks.” And while he’s not quite ready to live by the song now, he muses with a half-smile: “Down the road I don’t even have to propose. I can just play that song.”

Rebirth also marks Valentino’s production debut with the track “Make Me Say.” Inspired by the hook he wrote and sings on Lil’ Wayne’s flirtatious hit “Mrs. Officer,” Bobby explains, “It’s about a girl that I really like so much that I can bring her around my family, bring her around my friends. She just makes me say ‘Woo!’”

Bobby V is expanding his philanthropic efforts The Bobby Valentino Foundation, which focuses on the value of higher education. The Clark Atlanta graduate shares, “Going to college was one of my best experiences and I just want to provide that opportunity [for others] and stress the importance of being educated.”

His highest hurdles behind him, Bobby Valentino is poised to reclaim his peerless place in the music world. His general life philosophy is reflected in the principles he holds for Blu Kolla Dreams: “The majority of my fans and audience are blue collar people that work every day with a dream. And this is my dream. I’ve been in this industry a long time. I just continue to believe in myself.” Considering his inevitably successful return, Bobby Valentino is far from alone in his dream.

Bobby Valentino
The Rebirth I In Stores & Online on February 10, 2009
Pre-order on Amazon
Blu Kolla Dreams/EMI

AMALGAM ENTERTAINMENT DROPS NEW STRAIGHT TO STREET ALBUMS FROM LIL’ KIM, THE FIXXERS & POPA WU

The Independent Distribution powerhouse Amalgam Entertainment continues to strengthen their Hip-Hop distribution arm by expanding their catalog with three hot new straight to street albums this summer.

Lil Kim’s “Ms G.O.A.T.” and Wu Tang Clan Affiliate Popa Wu’s “Visions of the 10th Chamber Pt.II” will hit store shelves June 3rd and will be followed by the release of The Fixxers (DJ Quik & AMG) “Street Masterpiece”, which streets June 17th.

Tracklist for Lil Kim “Ms. G.O.A.T.” (June 3rd 2008)
01. “Hood Newz – Lil’ Kim Free”
02. “Ms. G.O.A.T.”
03. “Mis-Education of Lil’ Kim”
04. “I Get It”
05. “Wrath Of Kim’s Madness”
06. “Chillin’ Tonite”
07. “Need A Bitch” feat. Nate Dogg
08. “2 Hatin’ Bitches Skit”
09. “It’s Kim Bitches (Get That Money)”
10. “Fuck You”
11. “Rock On Wit Yo Bad Self”
12. “Queen Bitch 101?
13. “Kim Gets Deeper”
14. “Wanna Lick Magic Stick pt. 2? feat. 50 Cent
15. “Thang On Me” feat. Maino & Sha”
16. “It Ain’t My Fault” feat. Sha”
17. “Kimme More” feat. Britney Spears
18. “Salute The Women of Hip-Hop (skit)”
19. “Keyshia Cole feat. Lil’ Kim & Missy – Let It Go”
20. “Mr. Cee Speaks”
21. “Gucci Mane feat. Lil’ Kim – Freaky Gurl (remix)”
22. “Outro”
23. “Alicia Keys feat. Lil’ Kim – No One (remix)

Tracklisting for Popa Wu “Visions of the

10th Chamber Pt. II” (June 3rd 2008)

01. Freedom or Death ft. Popa Wu
02. S.O.D. Part 2 ft. Free Murda
03. Black Germ (still Tricknology)
04. Popa Wu righteous Chamber
05. Hallz of Justice
06. Choppen Block
07. Phone Tap – entamishun
08. Abdullah
09. Spyz in the Palace
10. Powder (Yacub’s Faktory)
11. Broken Bladez ft. Dungeon Masta
12. Medachevits (OH NO)
13. Generatorz
14. Virus (like we do)
15. Love Hell or Right ft. Angela S.
16. Revenge of the 7 Archorz
17. P.E.A.C.E. ft. A Special Guest

Bonus Track: Osirius

Tracklisting for The Fixxers “Street Masterpiece” (June 17th 2008)

01. Quik Talk
02. Masterpiece Intro
03. Do I Love Her
04. Born N Raised
05. Get Down Ft. Chingy
06. Black P*ssy
07. Get Nakkid Ft. Mausberg
08. Down Down Down
09. Pitch N On A Party
10. Tonight
11. U’Z A Gansta
12. Let’s Get Down
13. Me Wanna Rip U’R Girl
14. Bombudd
15. Bombudd 2
16. Intro From Roger
17. Trouble
18. Trouble (Remix)
19. Trust No Bitch
20. Murda 1 Case
21. Just Lyke Compto
22. Hand N Hand
23. Black Mercedes
24. Well Ft. Raphael Saadiq & Mausberg
25. Fandango ft. B Real
26. Dollars N Sense
27. Quik’s Groove
28. Change The Game
29. U Ain’t Fresh
30. Don’t Eat The P*ssy
31. I Use To Know Her
32. Can U Werk Witdat (Remix) ft. Jim Jones
33. So Good Ft. Rich Boy
34. Flip It Ft. Kay L
35. Go To Work Ft. Kay L

ESTELLE LIGHTS IT UP WITH “SHINE”; BRITISH SENSATION CROSSES THE ATLANTIC WITH DEBUT RELEASE FROM JOHN LEGEND’S HOMESCHOOL LABEL; FEATURES UK #1 SMASH, “AMERICAN BOY (FEAT. KANYE WEST),” PLUS COLLABORATIONS WITH SUCH LUMINARIES AS WILL. I. AM, WYCLEF JEAN, MARK RONSON, SWIZZ BEATZ, AND CEE-LO; US CLUB TOUR CONTINUES, WITH MAJOR TV PERFORMANCES SLATED THROUGH EARLY MAY; “SHINE” ARRIVES IN STORES AND ONLINE APRIL 29TH

Homeschool and Atlantic Records have announced the upcoming release of “SHINE,” the hugely anticipated US debut album from British hip-hop/soul sensation, Estelle. The album – which features the current UK #1 single, “American Boy (Feat. Kanye West)” – lands in stores across North America on April 29th.

“SHINE” marks the premiere release from John Legend’s new Homeschool Records label, in partnership with Atlantic Records. “Her sound is a unique blend of hip-hop, pop, reggae and soul,” explains the Grammy Award-winning Legend. “She has a special voice, unlike any other voice out there in mainstream music, and she can really write. I’m excited and honored to have Estelle as the first artist on my label. I believe the world is going to fall in love with her album, as I already have. Estelle is an amazing talent, and she’s going to do big things.”

Legend – who executive produced “SHINE” alongside Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman – is hosting a number of dates on Estelle’s current US club tour. The shows continue through a May 1st performance at Los Angeles’ Temple Bar (see attached itinerary).

“American Boy (Feat. Kanye West)” continues to dominate the UK singles chart, standing tall at #1 for its fourth consecutive week. Last month, the track made history as the third-ever #1 UK single based on digital sales alone, following in the international smash footsteps of Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” Here in the US, “American Boy” has just impacted at multi-format radio outlets nationwide, including Urban, Rhythmic, and CHR/Top 40.

What’s more, the “American Boy” companion video is looking like an out-of-the-box breakthrough for Estelle. The clip – directed by Syndrome (Danity Kane, Day26, Lupe Fiasco) – has already been added at MTV, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, mtvU, and BET J. Estelle has also been tapped fort he prestigious BET “Rated Next” and Vh-1 Soul “You Oughta Know” programs.

On April 24th, Estelle made her network television debut on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman. Additional television performances will include, the nationally syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show, CBS’s Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

“SHINE” is now available for pre-order via the iTunes Store. An exclusive “Deluxe Edition” is also on offer, featuring bonus tracks such as “Life To Me,” Estelle’s 2007 collaboration with renowned hip-hop producer Hi-Tek, as well as the music videos for “American Boy” and “Wait a Minute (Just a Touch).”

Executive Produced by Homeschool Records founder John Legend and Atlantic Records Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman, “SHINE” is without question one of the year’s most anticipated releases. The album features production from an array of studio superstars, including Mark Ronson (Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen), Wyclef Jean (Mary J. Blige, Shakira), Swizz Beatz (T.I., Jay-Z, Beyoncé), will. i. am (Justin Timberlake, Diddy, Chris Brown), and Supa Dups (of the famed Black Chiney sound system). Joining Estelle behind the mic are such talented artists as John Legend, Kanye West, Cee-Lo, and acclaimed Canadian dancehall/hip-hop MC, Kardinal Offishall.

Even with the star-studded guest roster, it is Estelle who shines brightest throughout the collection. Her idiosyncratic vocals – sensual, swaggering, and always special – unite the album’s diverse spectrum of sonic styles, spanning funk, reggae, R&B, soul, hip-hop, and anything else which strikes the West London girl’s fancy. Tracks such as the dancehall party jam, “Magnificent,” or the brass-powered “Wait a Minute (Just a Touch)” display mature confidence, deep soulfulness, and a remarkable gift for no-holds-barred emotional expression.

With “SHINE,” Estelle more than fulfills the promise of her 2004 debut, “THE 18TH DAY.” That album earned her widespread acclaim, as well as a series of honors including a 2004 MOBO for “Best Newcomer” and three consecutive received “Best Female Artist” trophies from the UK Hip-Hop Awards.

“SHINE” has already received ecstatic critical hosannas in Estelle’s home country. “Equal parts reggae, pop and hip-hop, it’s stuffed with potential singles,” declared the Guardian’s Caroline Sullivan in a four-out-of-five starred review. “There’s a nothing-to-lose confidence in these songs that defies resistance,” raved the Times’ Peter Paphides, hailing the album as “an almighty new beginning.”

Here in the US, Estelle has been acknowledged as one of the year’s most extraordinary new stars. She is among Rolling Stone’s “Ones to Watch in 2008,” Billboard’s “What Great in 2008,” the New York Post’s “New Faces of 2008,” and Paste’s “4 to Watch in 2008,” as well as one of Vibe’s “Next” artists.

Also offering prolifigate praise are Estelle’s fellow artists. “I have never worked with a young artist that reminded me so much of Lauryn Hill,” offers Wyclef Jean. “Estelle is such a talented singer, rapper, vocal arranger, and songwriter,” says Mark Ronson. “I can’t think of anyone else who can do all those things as well as she can. Any time that we work together in the studio, she never comes up with an idea that’s uninspiring.”

“Estelle has a strong unique voice,” notes Cee-Lo, “reminiscent of old soul. Her ability to think outside the box draws me to her, and this is what will draw others to her.” “I feel she will be the next big thing in the R&B/soul game,” adds Swizz Beatz. “She is a great person to work with and I feel her album is a new feel for ‘08.”

(TOUR ITINERARY BELOW)

ESTELLE

US Tour – Spring 2008

* Hosted by John Legend

APRIL
15 Washington DC Zanzibar on the Waterfront*
16 Charlotte, NC Amos’ Southend
17 Atlanta, GA Sugar Hill*
22 Ft Lauderdale, FL The Culture Room
28 New York, NY Highline Ballroom*

MAY

1 Los Angeles, CA Temple Bar*

As soon as I heard that there was gonna be a new Biggie LP (around late ‘97 I think) I was hyped. A lot of people had loved ‘Ready To Die,’ I’m one of those (infact, it featured/features one of my favourite tracks of all time ‘Suicidal Thoughts’), plus, I

did actually think ‘Life After Death’ was pretty ill too. It had some ‘filler material,’ but the majority of it was dope. So, of course, I expected Puffy to select the best of Biggies unreleased material and release an LP that would be amazing.

Well, on the one hand, my expectations were met, but on another, they weren’t. I had strong beliefs that I wouldn’t be giving this LP less than 8.5, which from me isn’t particularly easy to obtain. And, as you can see by the score on this page, it didn’t meet the level I expected it to.

For some reason, Puffy seems to have grasped the idea that rap fans, not pop fans, love his rapping. I’m here to tell you that that isn’t true. I can’t recall Puffy dropping many verses on Biggies material, while Biggie was alive. I remember words, hooks etc., but rarely any verses. Now, since he’s gone, he and Biggie ‘collaborate’ all the time. Kind of easy to gain consent when someone isn’t alive, isn’t it?

Almost everyone I know, that has heard the unreleased version of ‘Real Niggas’ by Biggie, thinks that it was ill. Biggie spitting dope freestyled verses over some Death Row beats. It’s understandable that Death Row wouldn’t have allowed clearance to Bad Boy for the usage of this track in a proper release. Well, if they weren’t gonna let it be properly released in its best form, why not just leave it a dope mixtape joint? No, Puffy wasn’t satisfied with that, he not only threw an altered version of it on his own LP, but he altered it for ‘Born Again.’ The track entitled ‘Notorious B.I.G.’ is without a doubt, the worst track dubbed to be ‘by Biggie.’ The beat is feeble, the singing in the background isn’t necessary at all, and Puffy and Kim don’t improve the track with their verses by any means. Unbelievably disappointing.

Is that the only time where a dope Biggie track is re-used and practically ruined completely? No. I loved to death the True Master produced track (it said RZA produced it, but it was later found out that he didn’t), ‘Tonight.’ Well, Puffy grabbed the track, swapped the beats, and because it would sell, added Mobb Deep and Black Rob. Firstly, this wasn’t needed in any manner, secondly, the beat isn’t in any way as good as the original, the muffled Biggie samples scattered amongst the track don’t add to it, Mobb Deep and Black Rob don’t improve the track in any way and finally, adding Joe Hooker to the track is absolutely never a good idea. I wish people would have learned this fact sooner, maybe we wouldn’t have had to suffer listening to him.

I wish that that were the only time that I could say this LP came off as being less than brilliant. ‘Biggie’ is a tribute track gone wrong. The feeble, sung hook and un-impressive rhymes by Junior M.A.F.I.A. really don’t do the memory of Biggie justice, I commend Junior M.A.F.I.A. for wanting to do something as a tribute to Biggie, but making this track (and hearing it before it was released) was a mistake.

There are other instances where I was completely disappointed with the LP, but if I talk too much about them, it will seem as if the 6.5/10 score I gave this LP was undeserving, when I feel it was.

Though Puffy made a fair amount of mistakes with this LP, in an attempt to increase sales, adding Eminem, the Hot Boys and Meth and Redman to some of Biggie’s tracks, was a good idea. The first track which was said to be on ‘Born Again’ was the track ‘Dead Wrong.’ This track had several versions in circulation for months. But, they decided to add the remix to the LP, the remix featured Eminem. And is hot. It’s grown on me immensely over a period of about three weeks. A definitely great addition. ‘Hope You Niggaz Sleep’ is without a doubt a surprise to me. Though I haven’t actively taken an interest in the Hot Boys, I had an idea of them as being, well, shit. But this track with Biggie is damned funky, haha. The beat on the cut is pure brilliance, and along with Biggie’s dope verse, Juvenile, BG, Turk and Lil’ Wayne drop some nice verses making a really impressive cut.

There are also a few cuts, which people may have heard, but which are rare, which are featured on ‘Born Again,’ and, they are well worth peeping. ‘To All My Niggas’ and ‘Come On’ featuring Sadat X are pretty damn dope. ‘Come On’ especially. The hook is chanted, and combined with a dope beat, Biggie and Sadat create a dope track. There’s also the ‘Who Shot Ya (Remix),’ which was released on a 12″, but still remains pretty rare to this day.

The LP is a compilation of tracks chosen by Puff Daddy. It contains some good choices, but also some very bad choices. Basically, if you’re a big Biggie fan, pick it up, but remember, he won’t benefit from it.

Notorious B.I.G. – Born Again review

“I Know Why” – Gucci Mane Ft. Pimp C, Rich Boy and Blaze 1
Real Player – Windows Media Player

Gucci Mane’s new album BACK TO THE TRAPHOUSE features appearances from Lil’ Kim, Trey Songz, Shawnna, Latoya Luckett, Rich Boy and others! In Stores and Online – December 11th

Lil Kim at the Beckham’s “Welcome to LA” party.

Seen at Crunk + Disorderly

by Ant-One

Who can release an album filled with nothing but references to oral sex and flossy living and not get laughed out of the CD player? Lil’ Kim can do it, and excell at it. With her 2nd solo album, she doesn’t fall off like the sophomore efforts of her crew (Puff, Mase etc.). Kim’s style has changed a bit, her lyrics contain more of an edge this time around, and, Biggie’s influence is prevalent.

Original Article (extended)

by Low Key

Kimberly Jones has come along way since her humble beginnings as Biggie’s sidekick. Kim was easily the most recognizable emcee in Jr. Mafia, as her aggressive delivery and sex appeal catapulted her into the limelight. With her debut album, Hardcore, Lil’ Kim helped usher in a new era of Hip Hop for female emcees – those who would openly and proudly fault their sexuality to sell records. 10 years later, Kim is still going strong and continues to be the dominant female artist in the game. This is once again evident on her fourth album, The Naked Truth.

Original Article (extended)