Release Dates For Jay-Z & Kanye West's "Watch The Throne" Revealed

The official release dates for Watch the Throne have been announced. The digital version of the LP will arrive on 

August 1st, while the physical retail edition lands in stores on August 5th.

Originally intended as a five-track EP by Jay-Z and West, Watch the Throne was revealed by West to be a full-length album in an October 2010 interview for MTV. He said in the interview that they planned to record in the South of France. Production for the album began in November in Bath, England and continued during available times in Jay-Z's and West's respective schedules at recording locations in Australia, Paris, New York City, and Los Angeles. Parts of the album were recorded at the Mercer Hotel and Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York City. In an interview for Rolling Stone, Jay-Z discussed their insistence on recording in person and attributed it to the delay in releasing the album, stating "If we were gonna do it, we were gonna do it together. No mailing it in". The album features guest appearances by 

recording artists Beyoncé, Frank Ocean, and Mr Hudson.

Check the tracklist below.

01 No Church In The Wild f. Frank Ocean (prod. Kanye West & 88-Keys)

02 Lift Off f. Beyoncé (prod. Kanye West, Mike Dean, Jeff Bhasker, Q-Tip & Don Jazzy)

03 Niggas In Paris (prod. Hit-Boy, Kanye West, Mike Dean & Anthony Kilhoffer)

04 Otis f. Otis Redding (prod. Kanye West)

05 Gotta Have It (prod. The Neptunes & Kanye Wwest)

06 New Day (prod. The RZA, Kanye West, Mike Dean & Ken Lewis)

07 That’s My Bi**h (prod. Q-Tip, Kanye West & Jeff Bhasker)

08 Who Gon’ Stop Me (prod. Sham “Sak Pase” Joseph, Kanye West & Mike Dean)

09 Murder To Excellence (prod. Swizz Beatz & Symbolyc One)

10 Welcome To The Jungle (prod. Swizz Beatz, Mike Dean & Ken Lewis)

11 Made In America f. Frank Ocean (prod. Sham “Sak Pase” Joseph & Mike Dean)

12 Why I Love You f. Mr Hudson (prod. Mike Dean & Kanye West)

13 Illest Motherfucker Alive (prod. Southside, Kanye West & Mike Dean) *

14 H.A.M (prod. Lex Luger, Kanye West & Mike Dean) *

15 Primetime (prod. No I.D.) *

16 The Joy f. Curtis Mayfield (prod. Pete Rock, Kanye West & Mike Dean) *

2Pac Murderer Confesses

New information has come to light regarding Tupac Amaru Shakur's death. I've always been a bit iffy on whether Pac was actually dead or not - this seems like further proof that he is, though accepting the king of rap is actually gone is gonna be hard :(
A man has admitted to shooting rap star Tupac Shakur in 1994 after allegedly being paid $2,500 dollars by James "Jimmy Henchman" Rosemond inside Manhattan's Quad Studios in November of 1994.
Dexter Isaac, a former friend of Rosemond, is an inmate currently serving life in prison for murder, robbery and other offences. Isaac came forward Wednesday (June 15th) with the information on the eve of what would be Tupac's 40th birthday. 
Isaac, who is from Brooklyn, has long been suspected of being involved in the Quad shooting of Tupac Shakur, along with an associate name Spencer "Scooter" Bowens, who is also serving a life sentence. According to the confession below, Dexter Isaac not only knows what happened to Tupac Shakur's jewelry, but he claims he is also in possession of the Hip-Hop star's chain that was taken during the altercation on that infamous night on November 7, 1994. 
The shooting on November 30th, was the start of a deadly feud that resulted in the murders of both Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. 
Their murders have never been solved. 
Isaac was indicted by the government in 1998 and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison for murder, robbery, fraud and witness intimidation charges.

Lil Wayne Sued For $1 Milion Over 'Tha Carter III' In Second Lawsuit This Week

The lawsuits continue to roll in over Lil Wayne's hit album Tha Carter III,  as the rapper has been sued again for the second time this week relating to unpaid royalties claims. 

Well known Dallas producers Play-N-Skillz filed a lawsuit against Lil Wayne in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

At the heart of the new lawsuit is the hit single "Got Money" featuring T-Pain, taken from Tha Carter III. 

The production duo claims Lil Wayne owes them at least $1 million dollars in unpaid royalties for "Got Money," which they produced. 

"Got Money" was a huge hit for Lil Wayne when it was released in May of 2008. 

The song was so popular, a rock version was created by Korn's lead vocalist, Jonathan Davis.

"Got Money," which was the third single from Tha Carter III, has sold over 2 million copies since its original release date.

Earlier this week, producer David Kirkwood filed a lawsuit against Young Money entertainment and Cash Money Records, claiming that the labels have failed to pay him over $1.5 million in royalties and production services for his work onTha Carter III. 

In March, Lil Wayne was sued for $20 million dollars by producer Darius "Deezle" Harrison over unpaid royalties on the release, while producer Bangladesh sued the rapper in May of 2010 as well.

Play-N-Skillz had threatened legal action over nonpayment of royalties for "Got Money" in May of 2009, but opted to see how the situation played out. 

"We haven't gotten any compensation. We really didn't want to speak on anything like that, just because of our relationship with Pain and Wayne. We're more thankful for the opportunity to be on Tha Carter III, but business is business at the end of the day," Skillz told AllHipHop.com in May of 2009.

Sean Kingston In Hospital After Jet Ski Crash

Hip-hop star Sean Kingston is in critical condition in a Miami Beach hospital after being injured in a bad jet skiing accident Sunday evening ... TMZ has confirmed.

According to Local10.com, the "Beautiful Girls" singer had a female passenger on board his watercraft when it crashed into a bridge around 6 PM local time.

We're told both Kingston and his passenger were rescued from the water by a good Samaritan.

The Miami Fire Dept. responded to the scene and both Kingston and his female passenger were transported to nearby Jackson Memorial Hospital. We're told Kingston's injuries are so severe, he is being treated in the trauma ward.

We're told ... at this moment, officials do not believe alcohol played a role in the crash.

Kingston's rep tells TMZ .... "Sean Kingston was in an accident today. No further details are available at the moment. He and his family thank everyone for the well-wishes."

Officials are investigating the cause of the crash.

Young Jeezy Mixtape Released Today!

Whilst the release date for Young Jeezy's latest album is still unknown, he has reunited with DJ Drama for a new mixtape called 'The Real Is Back,' due out tomday at 1:03pm (GMT-5).

The mixtape will serve as an appetizer for Jeezy's long-delayed fourth album, which is now scheduled to hit stores sometime this summer, according to the Snowman. Although July 26 had been reported to be the album's proper release date, Def Jam representatives shot down those assertions.

Back around 2004, Drama had a hand in Jeezy's rise to rap prominence, after he featured the Snowman on his Gangsta Grillz series of mixtapes, including 'Trap or Die' and 'Can't Ban the Snowman.' The two had a falling out for a period of time but are now back on good terms.

'The Real Is Back' features 21 tracks and contributions from longtime CTE roster member Slick Pulla and latest signee Freddie Gibbs. Other notable guests include Fabolous on 'Rollin',' Yo Gotti on 'Flexin'' and Lil Wayne on Jeezy's current single 'Ballin'.

R.E.D. Album

A year of delays later, California rapper Game has revealed that  'R.E.D. Album' has finally received a confirmed release date from Interscope Records boss Jimmy Iovine.

The album was initially scheduled for a December 2009 release, but was pushed back time and time again, undergoing a variety of unexplained setbacks, lawsuits and delays, along with an ever-changing list of rumored guest stars, a banned music video and Game's recent detention at the Canadian border for alleged gang affiliations.

"I had a meeting with [Interscope head] Jimmy Iovine last week, and he told me the album was slated for the end of the summer, and it will not be pushed back any more than that. So we're looking towards late August," Game told Billboard earlier this month, and though fans had heard such promises from the Compton MC in the past, it now appears official.

"Just got off a conference call with Jimmy Iovine & @interscope. Aug 23rd is the release date & it's like a FAT GIRL...It won't move !" Game tweeted. "#Alliwantis for my fans to know that the R.E.D. album will be in-stores AUGUST 23rd !!! Thanks for the continuous love & support."

Game's controversial video for his Lil-Wayne-assisted single 'Red Nation,' was banned from MTV and BET earlier this month, quickly receiving over 2 million views on YouTube. It is an absolutely dope tune though, have a listen below:

Rock City Split from Konvict Muzik.

Caribbean singing and rapping duo R. City aka Rock City has announced that they have finally parted ways with Akon's record label, Konvict Muzik.

The brothers  signed with Akon back in 2007, after writing 'The Rain' on his platinum-selling 2006 album 'Konvicted.'

The group has since released eight mixtapes and written songs for virtually every major R&B artist, including Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and R. Kelly, yet their frustrations steadily began to mount because of the conflict with Akon's label, which caused them to delay the release of their debut album 'Free at Last,' since 2008.

In 2010, R. City attempted to force their release from Konvict via their 'PTFAO (Put The F---ing Album Out)' campaign, which prompted a sit-down with Akon back in March, who finally released them from their contract. 'Free at Last' is now scheduled to drop later this summer, on their own imprint, Rebelution Records.

The album's catchy first single, 'We On,' was released in April. "With its unmistakable bounce, expect the song to make its way to every club deejay's playlist nationwide within weeks," a rep for the group explained. 

Gucci Mane Wiggles out of Jail

Fake-ass rapper Gucci Mane, currently doing time for probation violation, is reportedly set to hit the streets once again as early as next month.

According to reports, Gucci will avoid a recommended 17-month stay in an Atlanta jail. Rumour has it that Gucci Mane will be out of jail by the end of June -- 15 months earlier than anyone expected. Gucci appeared in a Fulton County jail Monday afternoon and in less than an hour, he got the best news of his life. The Atlanta-based star, who has been on probation since October 2005, will end his probation by the end of June and he'll be out of jail, says his attorney Mike Issa. It had been recommended that he serve 17 months in prison for the probation violation, but his attorneys were able to convince the judge to set him free after just 45 days. 


Personally, I think the longer they can keep his wack ass in prison for, the better. It's rappers like Gucci who give a bad name to modern hip-hop. He just keeps getting into trouble and gets no punishment - he needs some real time to set his ass straight. Wonder how much be bribed the judge?

Skylar Grey EP

So it's a bit of a departure from the usual genre of music I usually cover, but I think I've fallen in love with Skylar Grey. Best known for co-writing some of the biggest hits of 2010, including "Love The Way You Lie" and "Coming Home", she's even received a Grammy nomination for best songwriter of the year.

Having just listened to her 2010 "EP O'Dark: Thirty", I thoroughly recommend others take the time to go through the track list. I lack the writing skills (/cba) to compose a detailed and interesting album review. It is interesting to compare this EP to her previous album "Like Blood Like Honey" (made under the name Holly Brook). Whereas previously she was directly unfluenced by artists like Sarah McLachlan, this EP represents a departure from this and more of a move towards hip-hop - P. Diddy even produced the main single from the EP!

Anyways, enough of my waffle; I'll let the music do the talking!

J. Cole Finishes Debut Album

Two years since joining up with Jay-Z, J Cole has finally finished his long awaited album. The North Carolina-born rapper revealed the news to fans - who he acknowledged had been very patient in waiting for the release. "All singles done. Album ridiculous. Title Perfect. Music incredible," he wrote. "Thank you for your patience. Let's change the game."

Cole also released the new track 'Disgusting,' to tide listeners over until his first official single drops. "Hov say we got the 1, 2 punch ready. I say it's a even bigger combo than that!!"

Just as his 'Friday Night Lights' mixtape won critical acclaim upon it's release last yearl, fans clamored to get their copy of his latest album, causing Usershare to crash.  'Disgusting' received more than 35,000 downloads on the site in one day.

In a previous interview, the rapper stated that despite pressure from his label, the one person that he wants to appease with his debut release is himself. "I don't worry about what the world wants me to do," he explained. "I'm worrying about meeting my expectations."

Since dropping his first mixtape in 2007, Cole has had a meteoric rise - now touring with the likes of Drake earlier this year, and Rihanna next month. Although there is no official release date or title for his album, it is arguably one of the most anticipated debuts of the year.

100 Followers!

Thanks for the support to everyone who has followed me!

I wish I had something prepared to celebrate the occasion, but a lack of planning on my part means I don't. Still, I'll do my best to keep the hip-hop news coming out - some big stuff being released soon, so keep an eye out for it!

Released Date for "Hell: The Sequel" Confirmed.

Eminem announced the EP's official title on Twitter, Monday night (May 2) with two brief messages. "At midnight I'm announcing the EP title," he tweeted. The title, 'Hell: The Sequel' simply followed.

Royce Da 5'9- began to collaborate with Eminem as Bad Meets Evil over a decade ago, but never released a completed body of work, despite having popular singles. Producers on the upcoming EP will include DJ Khalil, Mobb Deep's Havoc and D12 member Denaun Porter.

Porter revealed how the album idea got off the ground: "The idea for a Bad Meets Evil EP first came about while Porter and Royce were working on Royce's solo album," Porter explained. "We had one song and it turned into, 'Yo, what do you think about getting Em on this record?'"

Eminem and Royce's first single was 1999's 'Nothin' to Do' and this year, they have teamed up to release the new tracks 'Writer's Block' and 'Echo.'

'Hell: The Sequel' is currently set for a June 14 release.


I'm sure I'm not the only one who's ridiculously excited about this. From the snippets I've heard of tracks, this is much more like the old Eminem - which is only a good thing! Relapse was a massive disappointment, and while Recovery was better, it still had nothing on his first few works.


One of the recently leaked songs off the album:

Chiddy Bang Breaks Freestyle Record

The inaugural "O Music Awards" witnessed a new world record on Thursday. After freestyle rapping for 9 hours, 18 minutes and 22 seconds, Chiddy broke the Guinness World Record for the longest rap in history. He barely skipped a beat the entire time - indeed, to take more than a 3 second break would rule his effort invalid!


The target to beat was set by the rapper M-Eighty, from Indianopolis. Following his performance, Chiddy Bang was overwhelmed with public support for this effort: "Feel crazy right now thx for all the support yall the s**t! Cudnt did it without yall forreal" (Twitter).


Truly an incredible effort - I can hardly maintain some decent freestyle flow for 10 minutes! Check the video below for a 10min clip of Chiddy's rapping.

I Am Still Music Documentary

So finally, a blog of mine which isn't about Eminem!

Lil Wayne is turning his trek his I Am Still Music tour into a documentary.

The Young Money figurehead told MTV in New Orleans last  week that cameras have been capturing footage of his first tour since being released from prison. "I just felt like a movie like that hasn't come out in so long. I also felt that I was the artist and I have the label and the artists with me to pull it off," he explained.

Treading a path similar to many other rappers with tour documentaries, Weezy felt it necessary to bring the behind-the-scenes element back to fans. "At that time when they put those movies out, we as the fans were interested in what they were doing on the road. It's going to be real major; it's going to be real big, I will eat real nice."

This isn't the first time the 28-year-old has let the cameras inside his personal life. He reportedly took part in a documentary following him as he prepared to begin his eight month prison sentence last year. The project was never released, but according to MTV, Scoob is also shooting the current project, so the new footage may be added to the upcoming documentary.

Wayne, Travis Barker, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj and the rest of his Young Money family are wrapping up the tail end of the tour with three shows in Canada this week. No word yet on whether or not the documentary will hit the silver screen or go straight to DVD.

Eminem Goes Diamond

11 years since its release, Marshall's third studio album "The Marshall Mathers LP" has gone diamond, with the album shipping more than 10 million units.

Released in May 2000, the album was an immediatel success. Landing at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, the controversial effort hit the top of the international charts and subsequently reached platinum status in almost two-dozen countries. It became the fastest selling rap album in history in the US, selling 1.76million copies in its first week.

Additionally, the album' racked up several accolades, including the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2001. Fueled by singles 'Stan,' 'The Way I Am' and 'The Real Slim Shady,' it was later ranked at No. 302 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and was also included on similar lists in Q Magazine, Time Magazine and Complex Magazine.

Eminem most recently released his seventh studio album 'Recovery' last year. The LP bowed at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling 741,000 copies in its first week and later becoming the best-selling digital album of all time. It also won the rapper his sixth Grammy for Best Rap Album.

"Bad Meets Evil" - Eminem and Royce Da 5'9

Eminem and Royce Da 5'9" have revealed plans to team up for a collab EP called 'Bad Meets Evil,' with the expected release date on June 14. The project is a much-anticipated follow-up to their 1999 collaboration of the same name, and is set to feature production from D12, Mobb Deep, DJ Khalil and others.

Eminem has revealed he is enjoying working with Royce and feels there is synergy between them: "Royce and I started hanging out again and inevitably that led us back into the studio. At first we were just seeing where it went without any real goal in mind, but the songs started to come together crazy, so here we are."

"I'm excited to see this project come to fruition considering the long lapse in time between when we worked before and now. We had a blast doing it and we just hope everyone enjoys it while we're working on the 'Monster' that will be the Slaughterhouse album," said Royce.

The duo first worked together on Eminem's 'The Slim Shady LP' in 1999,whilst also producing the underground classic "'Scary Movies." In the noughties, Royce had bitter arguments with Eminem and D12, releasing several diss tracks but subsequently squashing the beef after the death of D12 member Proof. Since then, Royce has signed to Shady Records as one-fourth of super group Slaughterhouse, who most recently released an eponymous EP in February 2011.

Already this month, Royce released the track 'Writer's Block' featuring Eminem. It is as of yet unknown whether the track will be included on the joint album. Em also appeared on Royce's 'Rock City,' released back in 2007.


Listen to Writer's Block here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAeVkEve4_Y

Getting Started:

So! This is the first post on hadders93.blogspot.com - my new place for blogging about fresh new music, and whatever comes to my mind! I'll be trying especially to get the latest info on hip-hop tracks and EPs, but will also attempt to get some personalised remixes and mash-ups the recognition they deserve.


//Hadders