''New Slaves'' Projection Stopped By Police
3:30PM ET May 25th, 2013
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

Kanye West's "New Slaves" video was set to be projected on several buildings in cities across the world last night (May 24th) for the second time in as many weeks, but it looks like the rapper's unique promotional ploy was foiled in the city of Houston. According to reports, Kanye's plan to project a visual onto the Rothko Chapel Central library and the George Bush Monument didn't quite come to fruition.

Houston police shut down the Rothko showing and ordered the crowd to disburse or be arrested for trespassing.

The Bush screening just didn't take place. Fan Janet Quiroa said people were waiting for a showing that never happened.

"All we saw were the sprinklers come on and obnoxious people screaming Kanye threats," Quiroa said.

''My New Album ESGN Out In July''
8:30PM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

Despite his highly-publicized departure from Young Jeezy's CTE imprint, Midwestern rhymer Freddie Gibbs has been hard at work on his forthcoming studio album. Gibbs made an announce today (May 24th) regarding the project.

The rapper didn't share very many details, but he did give fans an update on the project.

Gibbs confirmed the release via his Twitter page.

"My new album #ESGN out in July," he tweeted.

Gibbs has been one of the more talked-about rappers in indie hip-hop for the better part of four years.

Atlanta, GA and Oslo, Sweden Among New Cities
8:30PM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Martin James
A Rocky Williform Company

Kanye West made an announcement this afternoon (May 24th) via Twitter. The hip-hop superstar revealed the new locations of “New Slaves” video projections that will take place throughout this coming Memorial Day weekend in 24 different cities around the world.

Atlanta, Cannes, Philadelphia, Oslo, San Diego and Austin are all among the cities around the world expected to see projections.

West premiered "New Slaves" last weekend with a music video that was projected onto 66 buildings around the world in cities ranging from New York City to London to his hometown of Chicago.

''People Who Die From Drugs Are Just Weak-Minded''
4:30PM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Stephen Willis
A Rocky Williform Company

After A-Trak mentioned him in a Huffington Post piece about drug culture in rap music, Trinidad James offered his own perspective on drugs, hip-hop and influence. Speaking to XXL, the rapper who became known for his "popped a molly, I'm sweatin'!" catchphrase said that drug abuse is the result of a weak mind.

"I’m my own man, and I have my own reasons for why I do anything," James said. "But I respect where [A-Trak is] coming from, because when someone like him starts that conversation, it’s going to influence somebody. I have a strong mind, but people are going to read his thoughts, and hopefully his message reaches a kid or an adult who doesn’t have a strong mind so they won’t even waste their time with drugs because if they do they’ll end up being an addict and dying. I feel like people who die from drugs are just weak-minded."

"If you have three people talking about the subject, you have one person who’s never done drugs, period; you have one person who does drugs currently; and you have one person who’s done drugs but doesn’t do it anymore," he says. "Every one of those people’s opinions isn’t necessarily wrong, it’s just their outlook on it. To say that they’re wrong? Not necessarily. Because at the end of the day, doing drugs is not right. It’s not right. Doing drugs is not right."

"I watch the energy that I put out in the world," he says. "I try to put a positive energy out in the world, but my music is still real and it has its ratchet moments. But at the end of the day, it’s about how you take it. You can’t blame Trinidad for nothing. Nothing."

''ON THE WAY SEPTEMBER TENTH!!!!''
4:30PM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Martin James
A Rocky Williform Company

2 Chainz may have only dropped his debut solo album in the summer of last year, but the Atlanta hip-hop star has been hard at work on its follow-up for the past few months. The star finally gave fans an idea of when they can expect to hear the latest opus from the artist formerly known as Tity Boi.

Making the announcement via Twitter, he revealed that the album will be landing in stores in the fall of 2013.

"FEATURES ON HAULT... NEW ALBUM ON THE WAY SEPTEMBER TENTH!!!!" the rapper tweeted.

It isn't clear whether or not "Features On Halt" is the name of the album or not.

Legendary Hip Hop Band Will Receive Mural Dedication
1:30PM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

The Roots will be honored on South Street in Philadelphia with a mural created by the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. The famed hip-hop band will be on-hand for a public dedication on May 31st. The title of the painting is "Legendary."

“Like many Philadelphians, we love The Roots,” said Jane Golden, Executive Director of the Mural Arts Program in a press statement. “We have enjoyed getting to know them and appreciate the opportunity to celebrate the many gifts they have given our city, our region, and indeed the world.”

The crew is working on its next album, as well as continuing in its role as house band on "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon."

''I Was A Little Nervous At First''
1:30PM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Martin James
A Rocky Williform Company

With all of the buzz surrounding Kanye West and J. Cole's June 18th album release dates, Pittsburgh indie rhymer Mac Miller is a little worried that he may get lost in the shuffle. Mac admitted that the fact that his is due to be released on the same day as West's Yeezus and Cole's Born Sinner is a little nerve-racking for him.

"Kanye's album. It is [dropping that day], for real? You guys have the industry connect," he replied when he was told about the release dates. "So is it for real? Right. I feel him."

"At first, I had that date for a while and then it felt so right," Miller said, referring to June 18th. "And then I was a little nervous at first. But I was like, 'This is an omen.'"

''I'm A Fan of the Little Man''
6:00AM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Martin James
A Rocky Williform Company

Ludacris has collaborated with pop superstar Justin Bieber on a couple of occasions. The Atlanta rap veteran appeared on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" this week and shared that his working with "The Beebz" helped make him cool in his daughter's eyes.

"I thought I was the coolest dad because I am Ludacris, but it turns out I'm the coolest dad because I've done songs with Justin Bieber," Ludacris said. "That's why I'm the coolest dad. Yeah. It's crazy. She loves it."

Luda also shared that he believes in Bieber's abilities as an artist.

"I did it because I love the music," Ludacris said. "I'm a fan of the little man. He's the lil' homie. I think he makes great music. Absolutely."

''Yes, T-Boz and Chili. It's Crazy''
6:00AM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Stephen Willis
A Rocky Williform Company

J. Cole explained to Charlie Sloth on BBC 1Xtra that his upcoming album, Born Sinner, doesn't feature a lot of guest hip-hop artists. The Roc Nation rapper did, however, reveal that he has two high-profile R&B collaborations on the project--including one very unexpected one.

"I got Miguel, but I also got - this is big - I got TLC on the album," he said. "Yes, T-Boz and Chili. It's crazy."

"No [one else] is rapping on the album," he confirmed.

Cole, who has just released his latest single "Power Trip," made headlines this week when he announced he was moving his album's release date up to compete with the new project from Kanye West.

Rapper/Actor Appears In PSA
6:00AM ET May 24th, 2013
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

The NYPD’s “Stop-and-Frisk” policy has been under fire for years. After a federal class action lawsuit was filed against the city, a judge ordered that the NYPD stop enforcing the practice in front of private residences in The Bronx. The public is now awaiting the ruling in the case of Floyd v. City of New York, which questions the constitutionality of the program itself.

Rapper/actor Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) is appearing in a new PSA about the ruling and how "Stop-and-Frisk" violates human rights.

The clip, called “Don’t Tread On Me,” states that 85% of the 5 million “Stop-and-Frisk” stops were Black or Latino. It also features a police officer recalling that his commanding officer said “we’re gonna go out there, and we’re gonna violate some rights.”

''Everyone Involved Will Be Contacted By My Attorney''
9:30PM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Stephen Willis
A Rocky Williform Company

It was reported earlier this month that former Jay-Z protege Foxy Brown was planning to reveal secrets about the hip-hop superstar's former life. Accusations included Jay spending lavishly on young Foxy early in her career, her contracting an STD from Jay and his supposed love of transexuals.

But Foxy is now claiming that the entire report was false. She issued a statement to TMZ saying that someone fabricated everything.

"The atrociousness of this story sickened me to my stomach. Any and everyone involved will be contacted by my attorney." Foxy says, "In all my years in the music industry, these are the most disgusting and disrespectful allegations I've ever experienced. This fictitious story ... with NO audio, visual or written interview, clearly was concocted with malicious intent."

"Jay has only been wonderful to me and my family, a great friend throughout all the years I've known him and we had nothing but great success as a team," she added. "Beyonce, his wife, has always been gracious and sweet to me ... I will NOT let any undercover hater create discord and disrespect my name and reputation."

''People Love To Help People Who Help They Self''
9:30PM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

French Montana released his long-awaited major label debut, Excuse My French, this week, and the Bad Boy rapper revealed that he was able to land most of guest stars on the strength of his reputation alone. French appeared on MTV's "RapFix Live" and shared that he only had to pay for one feature--and he was happy to do it.

"The only person I paid was Max B. That's about it," French said. Max B is his longtime friend and is serving 75 years in prison.

"I just feel like I've been blessed for everybody watching my grind," he said. "They see that I grind for everything that I want, I make it happen, so I just feel like people love to help people who help they self, because we all gonna need each other in the end."

''It's Really Just Time To Move On''
4:30PM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

In the video for his "B**ch Don't Kill My Vibe" single, Kendrick Lamar celebrates the death of "Molly," the popular party drug that has been the subject of several hip-hop songs and references over the past year. In an interview with MTV, Kendrick explained why he wanted to kill off the drug.

"Sometimes you have the trends that's not that cool," Kendrick explained. "You may have certain artists portraying these trends and don't really have that lifestyle and then it gives off the wrong thing. And it becomes kinda corny after a while."

"When everybody consciously now uses this term or this phrase and putting it in lyrics, it waters the culture down," he added. "So it's really just time to move on."

''I Would Take Him, Too''
4:30PM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Stephen Willis
A Rocky Williform Company

“Freeway” Ricky Ross revealed that he would be willing to fight hip-hop superstar Rick Ross if the proceeds from the brawl went to charity. Freeway and the rapper have feuded for years over the former's allegations that the star stole his name and drug kingpin persona to further his hip-hop career.

“And you know what, I would take him too if we do it for charity,” said Ricky Ross in an interview with Prezident Bejda. “If he wanted to go down, we go in and we donate all the money to some kids. I’d be willing to do that…Yeah, even though he ‘bout 400 pounds bigger than me. That don’t mean nothing. Cause he look like he ‘bout to have a heart attack anyway.”

Ricky Ross also claimed he saw Diddy and Rick Ross kiss on video.

"I saw them kiss one time,” he revealed. “Somebody showed me a video of where they kissed. They was on stage and they hugged and put their lips together. I can only imagine what they do in private. Hopefully those tapes never get out because I know they probably film it!"

Rapper's Red Bentley Caught On Camera
2:00PM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Stephen Willis
A Rocky Williform Company

Atlanta rapper Soulja Boy is being implicated in a crime that injured a motorcyclist in Los Angeles back in January. The cyclist was injured after running into a red Bentley in Hollywood. The Bentley's driver fled teh scene of the accident and it is being reported that the driver made a reckless turn and caused the crash.

A valet at Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles told a friend of the biker that the car belongs to Soulja Boy.

A law enforcement source told TMZ that strategically-placed cameras caught the license plate number of Soulja Boy's Bentley. After running through the database, several photos surfaced of the same car with damage that looked to correspond to the accident.

Despite the photos, the LAPD are searching for more evidence before moving forward.

Rapper Claims He's Addicted To Marijuana
2:00PM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Martin James
A Rocky Williform Company

Scrappy appeared in court yesterday morning (May 22nd) where he responded to allegations that a drug test he took in March positive for weed. The rapper and "Love & Hip Hop" star has admitted that he has an addiction to marijuana. Scrappy's attorney, Mawuli Mel Davis, said that Scrappy is scheduled to enter a rehab facility to address his drug habit.

"After testing positive, Mr. Richardson went and sought clinical help and was diagnosed with marijuana addition and post-traumatic stress disorder," defense attorney Mawuli Mel Davis said.

DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Daniel M. Coursey agreed that some form of monitored treatment was in order.

"He obviously needs some help to get off drugs," Coursey said. "And we can't trust him to do it on his own. I think he's tried to cheat the system." Davis offered to enroll Richardson in the in-patient program and will report his client's progress to the judge by June 12.

T'yanna Wallace Launches ''Notoriouss''
6:00AM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Rayna Dean
A Rocky Williform Company

Just a day after what would've been the late Notorious B.I.G.'s 41st birthday, his daughter T'yanna Wallace has announced the launch of her own endeavor. The 19-year old is pushing her own fashion line.

Wallace is launching "Notoriouss," a line of shirts and other clothing items.

Some are taking exception with the fact that the Notoriouss line prominently features gun imagery. Biggie, born Christopher Wallace, was famously gunned down in 1997 at the age of 24.

Reps for Notoriouss have yet to address the minor controversy.

''We Hire Guys Who Are Supposed To Have Harvard Degrees''
6:00AM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

Fat Joe pleaded guilty to tax evasion in December, and the hip-hop star was honest about the possible ramifications. In the wake of Lauryn Hill being sentenced to three months for failing to file federal taxes, Joe opened up about his own situation during an appearance on MTV's "RapFix Live."

"I can't really explain that 'cause I got a real court case going on, like facing jail time. But I guess after June 24. Hopefully, it goes well," said Joe. "At the end of the day, I'm paying all the money back that's owed — actually I have and I'ma just go like a man, stand up."

"You gotta understand we hire guys who are supposed to have Harvard degrees to take care of us," he added.

"All the time you see artists, the first thing they did to you when you caught money was introduce you to a bunch of fancy guys with bow ties who are gonna take care of your money and all that and then you always see an artist or a celebrity or somebody like that goin' down for it and these guys never go down for it," he also said.

''I Think It's A Good Move''
6:00AM ET May 23rd, 2013
Contributor : Martin James
A Rocky Williform Company

Roc Nation Sports has added New York Jets quarterback and NFL rookie Geno Smith to its ever-growing roster. XXL reports that Smith has signed a deal with the newly-launched firm, joining New York Yankee Robinson Cano and the WNBA's Skylar Diggins.

“I think it’s just [Jay-Z's] agency,” said Smith. “When you talk about being in New York from a standpoint of what they can do in the city, the connections that they have, I think it’s a good move. My mother and my family is comfortable with it, I’m comfortable with it. I’m just going to move on from there, not let it be a big deal, remain humble and keep focusing on football.”

The former West Virginia University star was drafted by the New York Jets during the second round of this year’s NFL draft.

''I Didn't Even Think About That''
7:30PM ET May 22nd, 2013
Contributor : Martin James
A Rocky Williform Company

Ludacris denies that his new track "Mad For" is a diss aimed at Young Money star Drake. Luda and Drake have had words in the past, and both Pusha T and Chris Brown are featured on the record--both of whom have had well-publicized beefs with Drizzy.

But Luda says it isn't about anyone specifically.

“I didn’t even think about that…Man listen, I don’t tell other artists how to write. I just basically—they go off what they feel and they write what they wanna write on there,” Ludacris explained. “That’s just how hip hop is, man. You write to what you feel. So, make no assumptions, just listen to the track. You can make your own assumptions, but I definitely would never make assumptions just based off who’s featured on a record…I’m not talking to anyone specific.”

“The ‘Mad For’ record, a lot of people, a lot of different artists heard it while we was just in the studio vibing and wanted to get on it. Everybody from Chris Brown to Swizz Beatz—to Meek Mill, Pusha T, everybody,” said the rapper.