Hip-Hop Wired » jay-z

Kendrick Lamar Weighs In On Gay Marriage Debate [VIDEO]

Latifah Muhammad — Fri, 25 May 2012 20:39:34 +0000

Kendrick Lamar has become the latest rapper to speak on the controversial issue of gay marriage. Like Jay-Z before him, the Compton, Calif. rapper steered clear of judging people based on their sexual preference. In an interview with DJ Drama, Lamar showed his support for a person's right to live their life as they fit. "I don't give a f**k about people doing what they gotta do. That's your lifestyle, you dig what I'm saying?"

Lamar's comments come after President Obama and Colin Powell both announced their support of gay marriage, and the young MC pretty much feels the same way as the aforementioned political figures. "People gonna be they own individuals and have they own worlds and I can't knock it," he continued. "If you didn't believe in Jesus I can't knock you for not [believing], you got your own beliefs and your own morals. I can't help the way you was born if you was gay. And I can't change that so do what you gotta do to be happy."

Aside from commenting on political hot topics, the 24-year-old is also working on his major label debut Good Kid in a Mad City, and a joint release with J. Cole.

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Photo: Killer Hip Hop

Jay-Z To Score Annie Remake Starring Willow Smith

Latifah Muhammad — Thu, 24 May 2012 22:59:02 +0000

Her Roc Nation debut may be on hold (for now?) but Willow Smith is still making moves. The singer will star in a remake of Annie, scored by none other than Jay-Z.

Bust Magazine is reporting that Hov will write new music for the film's soundtrack. The project will also mark a family venture for the newly bald 11-year-old phenom, since her father will produce the flick. Of course Jay's ties to Annie go back over a decade. In 1998, he sampled “It's Hard Knock Life” from the musical, and earned himself a Grammy nod in the Best Rap Solo Performance category.

Since signing to Roc Nation last year, Willow has dropped two singles “Whip My Hair,” and “Fireball.”

Colin Powell Endorses Gay Marriage [VIDEO]

Latifah Muhammad — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:47:04 +0000

First President Obama stood behind same-sex marriage, then Jay-Z gave his approval, and now Colin Powell is following suit. The former secretary of state said that he has "no problem" with gay marriage, in an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer Wednesday (May 23).

Much like Obama and Jay-Z, Powell sees a person's sexual preference as a personal choice "I know a lot of friends who are individually gay but are in partnerships with loved ones," he said. "And they are as stable a family as my family is. And they raise children. And so I don't see any reason not to say that they should be able to get married."

Making the rounds to promote his new book, Powell has fallen short of supporting Obama's re-election, despite endorsing him during his 2008 presidential bid.

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Photo: Kare 11

Jay-Z's Made In America Festival Lineup

Kazeem Famuyide (@RealLifeKaz) — Tue, 22 May 2012 13:20:54 +0000

The lineup for Jay-Z's Made In America festival, sponsored by Budweiser, has officially been announced. Taking place September 1st and 2nd at Philly's Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Fairmount Park, Jay-Z enlisted big names from all of music including Pearl Jam, Skrillex, MMG, Odd Future, D'Angelo and more for the inaugural festival. More names are going to be added later, but to see the initial number of performers, hit the jump.

Jay-Z, Pearl Jam, Skrillex, Mike Snow, Afrojack, Calvin Harris, Odd Future, D'Angelo, Maybach Music (feat. Rick Ross, Wale, Meek Mill), Passion Pit, Santigold, Dirty Projectors, X, Janelle Monae, Prince Royce, Rita Ora, Savoy (DJ set), The Knocks.
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10 Rappers In The 40 & Over Club That Still Got The Glow

D.L. Chandler — Mon, 21 May 2012 20:49:10 +0000

There is no doubt to ~~some~~ most that if Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace were alive today, his crisp baritone flow would still be intact and potent as ever. In honor of Biggie's 40^th birthday today, Hip-Hop Wired has compiled a list of so-called “old fogies” age 40 and over in the young man's sport of Hip-Hop that still smash microphones on the regular.

You young whipper snapper rappers will be blessed to get a fraction of their longevity. Here are 10 rappers in the 40 and over club that still got the glow*.

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-- Photo: CNN

*Really 13, but who's counting?

Rihanna Performs With The Throne (Jay-Z & Kanye West) In London [VIDEO]

Alvin aqua Blanco — Mon, 21 May 2012 14:30:13 +0000

Besides posing for a lot of photos, Rihanna always seems to get special treatment. The European leg of the Watch The Throne tour is underway and during its stop in London, the Bajan singer joined Kanye West and Jay-Z on stage to perform "All of the Lights" and "Run This Town."

Rih Rih's appearance marked the first time a guest shared the stage with Hova and Yeezy on this particular tour. More footage to come but in the meantime watch Kanye and Rihanna perform "All of the Lights" below and on the next page.

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Photo: YouTube

Jay-Z, Kanye West (& Kim Kardashian) Kick Off European Leg Of Watch The Throne Tour [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

Kazeem Famuyide (@RealLifeKaz) — Sat, 19 May 2012 13:15:21 +0000

Jay-Z & Kanye West kicked off the European leg of their Watch The Throne Tour yesterday in London's O2 Arena. Kanye's famous lady friend, Kim Kardashian, also made the trip as well. After the break, watch them perform ‘N***as In Paris' and peep some more photos including one of Kanye & Kim heading for a dinner with Jay-Z & Beyonce.

Props HHNM

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6 Rappers Who Lied About Retiring From The Game

Latifah Muhammad — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:47:46 +0000

Rappers love to bite the hand that feeds them. The music game can be a bumpy ride, and at some point the public glare becomes too much to stomach. Retiring is definitely within their rights, but with so many people claiming to be done with music—but never actually making steps to leave the spotlight— but threatening to walk away from music has become more of a publicity stunt, and less of a believable proclamation.

Earlier today, T.I. became the latest MC to announce that he “wants out” of the music game, because he doesn't like the direction in which things are going. Being that he runs a record label, and is the self-proclaimed King of the South, the idea of him completely walking away seems farfetched, but we'll humor him anyway. In honor of Tip's unofficial announcement, here are six other rappers who said they'd walk away from the game—but never did.

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Photo: Studio Noize

Jay-Z Explains Why He Signed Rita Ora [VIDEO]

Latifah Muhammad — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:19:35 +0000

Jay-Z's stamp of approval goes a long way in music, and while his newest protégé, Rita Ora, has yet to officially blow up the Roc Nation head has faith in her abilities. In an interview with VEVO Lift, Hov explained why he drafted the “R.I.P.” singer to the RN team. “You can see the potential,” he said. “When she enters a room it changes and that presence you can't duplicate that, especially at a young age. It was just infectious to me, like 'man she loves this' she's driven in that way.”

Since signing the blonde beauty, Jay has been in promotion mode for his own projects, but still finds time to plug Ora's new music. In February he stopped by New York City's Z100 to preview her “Party And Bullshyte” single to execs at the station who immediately threw the record on air. "This is all very spontaneous for us, we just came to see some great friends over here, and play some music," he said."They liked what they heard and said 'let's just throw it on the air,' which is great.

Ora's has gotten a healthy amount of buzz for both her music and personal life. She has yet to announce a release date for her debut, but with Jay at the helm, she can't lose.

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Photo: The Hollywood Reporter

Vintage: The Notorious B.I.G. & Jay-Z Perform "Get Money" [VIDEO]

Kazeem Famuyide (@RealLifeKaz) — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:22:11 +0000

FUSE unearthed this vintage footage of The Notorious B.I.G. and a very young Jay-Z performing the classic cut "Got Money." Jigga playing Big's hypeman while the two perform the Junior M.A.F.I.A. classic for the birthday party of rap pioneer Ralph McDaniels. Check the footage below.

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