Rapper LL Cool J could be the next hip-hop act to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On September 23, it was announced that LL Cool J is one of 12 artists to receive a nomination for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Other nominee’s include ABBA, Donna Summer, KISS, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Chantels, and more.
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Hip Hop trio Run DMC are currently the only rappers to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
LL Cool J rose to fame in the eighties with his debut album Radio. Signed to Def Jam, LL Cool J went on to release a number of classic albums including Bigger And Deffer, Walking With A Panther, and Mama Said Knock You Out.
In recent years, LL Cool J has concentrated on his acting career starring in several television shows and movies.
Currently, LL Cool J is one of the stars of NCIS: Los Angeles. NCIS: Los Angeles premiered on September 22.
Christie Z-Pabon: "The following information was supplied and approved by Roc Raida's wife Tyeasha. This is as accurate as it comes. Please feel free to update your blogs, fact check it against what is posted and most of all please help to preserve Raida's legacy accurately. Thanks in advance. The family thanks you for all of your kind words and letters of sympathy."
Grand Master Roc Raida: May 17, 1972 - Sept. 19, 2009
Anthony "Grand Master Roc Raida" Williams was born in Harlem New York on May 17th, 1972 to Brenda Williams-Bolling & William “Tony” He was educated through the NYC Public School System.
He passed away on Saturday, September 19th, 2009 from a cardiac arrest resulting from injuries he suffered in an accident while training in Krav Maga, a type self defense system that he had been studying weekly for the last two years. He was proud that his 15-year-old daughter, Asia, shared his passion for Krav Maga and was the only girl in their class.
At an early age, Anthony joined the Mt Neboh Baptist Church & was baptized under the leadership of the Late Rev. William D. Gardner. It is at Mount Neboh where he served faithfully during his youth. He was a member of the Children's Choir, the Junior Choir, the Usher Board, and a former mascot for the Male Chorus of which his grandfather, the Late Deacon Early Williams was a member.
Anthony Williams was both African-American and Puerto Rican. He lived most of his life in Harlem but after marrying his soul mate, Tyeasha on June 26, 1997, they moved to the Bronx. Several years ago, they realized their dream of owning a home and relocated their family to Maryland. He encouraged and shared in his wife’s dream of one day opening up her own beauty salon.
He began DJing at the age of 12, spinning at local parties around Harlem. By 1995, Roc Raida represented the United States at the DMC World DJ Championships and won! He was the first DJ from New York City to hold this title and was automatically inducted into the DMC/Technics DJ Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, he lived his passion - being a professional Hip Hop DJ. He was blessed to have touring the world as his day job. Williams was honored to have worked with recording artists including Showbiz & AG, Lord Finesse, Kool G Rap and most recently, he toured exclusively with Busta Rhymes.
Although his family called him “Ant” (short for Anthony), he became known worldwide as legendary DJ Roc Raida. In 1999, Grand Master status was bestowed upon him by a group of pioneering Hip Hop DJs, during a conference at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.
Before he passed, he asked his 10 yr. old daughter, Nyra, who was the most interested, of his children, in DJing to take over for him as a DJ. She agreed!
With a very aggressive swagger on the turntables, those who knew Roc Raida were floored by his humbleness. His wife, Tyeasha reports, “His notoriety amazed him every day!” He never took that for granted. Williams was also known to be very quiet, private and easy going. His self-control was commendable unless he was pushed to his limit and then he would roar. In fact, Lord Finesse called his friend “the quiet lion” for this very reason. Those closest to him have the pleasure of remembering him also as a hilarious comedian, loving to joke and laugh.
Roc Raida through battles, performances, videos, dvds and even a Pepsi commercial, influenced thousands of DJs, both to party rock as well as to battle and he took several aspiring DJs under his wing to mentor personally. As a member of legendary turntablist crews, The X-Men and The X-ecutioners, he along with his brothers-in-vinyl took the world by storm, innovating, influencing and inspiring at every turn. In 2006, to progress and contribute to the Hip Hop DJ battle scene, he founded Roc Raida’s Gong DJ Battle, a national DJ battle that occurs annually, combining head to head turntablist dexterity with comedy and drama.
Not only was he a World Champion DJ, he was a dedicated father and husband.
Anthony leaves to cherish his memories; his loving wife: Tyeasha Williams; three beautiful daughters: Asia, Nyra & Tia; one son: Earl Tyric Smiley; mother: Brenda Williams-Bolling; his step-father: Clarence Bolling; mother-in-law: Clarice Powell; father-in-law: Deryl Hunt; sister: Tamneka Bolling; 2 brother-in-laws: Willie Neat & Keith Powell; 3 aunts: Arlene Tramble, Jacquline Knox of FL, & Jacquline (Donald) Tramble; 1 god-sister: Tina Carter; Adoptive Grandmother: Juanita Jackson and a host of cousins & dear friends.
Anthony is now reunited with his grandparents, Deacon Early & Helen Williams & his Aunt Minister Carol Knox.
The family would like to acknowledge these amazing "God-sends". They have truly been Tye's backbone throughout this ordeal. To: Henley "Pro" Halem, Sean C, Fat Man Scoop, Busta Rhymes, DJ Premier and Christie Z. Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!!!
The family would like to expressly thank Chatman-Harris Funeral Home in Baltimore MD as well as Mount Neboh Baptist Church in Harlem NY for their generosity and kindness.
Funeral Arrangements and Information for Thursday, September 24, 2009
The viewing for Anthony Williams will be held from 10am to 12 noon, followed by the funeral beginning at 12noon
Mount Neboh Baptist Church 1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (W.114th St. & 7th Ave) New York NY, 10026 Phone: 212.866.7880 * http://www.mountneboh.org *
Directions
Train: 2 or 3 to 116th St. Exit near intersection of W 116th St and Lenox Ave. Go West on W 116th St towards Lenox Ave. Bus M11: W 116 St and Adam C Powell Blvd Please visit http://www.hopstop.com for more directions.
* For those who want to send flowers, please kindly be sure to have them delivered on Sept. 24th, 2009 to the church's address above only between 9am – 10am.
** The family kindly requests that NO FILIMING OR PHOTOGRAPHY INSIDE THE CHURCH during the viewing and during the funeral.
All accurate information, official family approved tributes and fundraisers will be posted at:
YO! PROMOTIONS WELCOMES LEGENDARY RAPPER GURU & HIT PRODUCER SOLAR
Yo! Promotions proudly presents its newest client, legendary East Coast rapper and GangStarr founder Guru aka Mr. GangStarr and hit producer Solar from the successful boutique label 7 Grand Records.
"Yo! Promotions is proud of signing a promotion deal with a true legendary rapper. Guru is a great addition to our roster and we are all looking forward working with Guru, Solar and the whole 7 Grand Records family," says Yo! PR CEO Kai Denninger.
Guru said, "I want to welcome the Yo! Promotions team to the 7 Grand Records worldwide family! Solar and I are looking forward working with Yo! Promotions on our future projects. Look out for our new single 'Lost and Found', the title track from our current classic 7 Grand release 'Guru 8.0 Lost and Found' which is available in stores now! This is real Hip-Hop 2009 and beyond."
Iconic rapper Guru gained worldwide stardom when he and super producer DJ Premier took over the Hip-Hop industry in the 90's as the duo GangStarr with combining unique elements of Acid-Jazz, Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop. The duo released classic albums like "Step In The Arena" (1991) and "Daily Operation" (1992). With Guru's popular "Jazzmatazz" album series, he is considered by industry insiders and music fans worldwide to be one of the pioneers of Hip-Hop/Jazz crossover.
Guru’s "first proper solo album", in his own words, was 2005's "Version 7.0: The Street Scriptures", a critically acclaimed album that was also one of the best selling independent releases of 2005, released with the help of producer and new backup Solar. Solar's production discography includes the creation of tracks for Grammy Award winning artist and nominees like Damien Marley, Common, Caron Wheeler, David Sanborn, Dionne Farris, Angie Stone, Talib Kweli, Jean Grae, Styles P, Slum Village, Blackalicious, Zion I, Aceyalone, and B-Real.
With Guru's latest accomplishment, "Guru 8.0 Lost & Found" (2009), the New York MC explained "it was necessary in today's Hip-Hop game to release another classic to keep REAL Hip-Hop alive."
"Guru 8.0 Lost & Found" is what the game has been missing and what true Hip-Hop fans have been waiting for. So if looking for Hip-Hop's new coordinates, turn off your radio, pop in "Guru 8.0 Lost & Found", and you will find your way indeed.
I'm taking time off from trashing celebrities, they're not putting money in any of our pockets anyway. This week, I explain why in 2009, I still use a tape walkman and a VHS machine like they were just invented yesterday (and show off some of my collection)...
According to SOHH, Eminem's label Shady Records and the rap group Slaughterhouse are negotiating a record deal, bring the hip-hop stars under Eminem's wing. The irony here is that Slaughterhouse member Royce Da 5'9" was once closely connected to Eminem via their common Detroit roots, doing records together and even forming a short-lived group called Bad Meets Evil. The group's failure prompted some acrimonious comments by Royce on record and in print, and when Eminem turned his attention to promoting D12 it only seemed to exacerbate the situation. If Slaughterhouse does sign with Shady Records though, it will all be water under the bridge.
Baton Rouge rapper Lil Boosie entered a guilty plea earlier today (September 22) on drug and weapons charges stemming from an arrest that occurred last October.
Local Louisiana news network WAFB reports that Boosie was scheduled to go to court this coming Monday, but pleaded guilty today in an effort to avoid trial. He was sentenced to two years in jail, but depending on his behavior he may only have to spend one year behind bars.
“I’m just ready to get all of this behind me and get further along in my career,” he told the station. “I plead guilty, it was in my best interest.”
"Ghetto hero - I'm hood rich/Fuck rap! I got dope money bitch/And I bet you can't catch me, I bet you can't catch me, I bet you can't catch me/I won't let 'em catch me." Is this off the unreleased album "The Rehab" or some newer project? Whatever it's from I can't catch that either although Buck himself says "I'ma run this bitch hot homey, just give me a minute/If my album don't drop, you can go ahead and send it." I have no idea if it will or not, but Young Buck sings his way through these bars with a minimum of audio manipulation (no obvious Auto-Tune) and seems to be narrating his real life when he spits "You never seen a Phantom with so many stash spots/Bought a crib in Atlanta cause the 'Ville is gettin hot." Stay out of trouble Buck, we'd like to see that long awaited album in stores.
Artist: E.S.G. f/ Chamillionaire Title: Soldier Label: Screwed Up Click
As a Southern rap pioneer E.S.G. deserves accolades and props. As the artist behind misleading mixtape releases he deserves none. Where does "Soldier" fall between the two? Well the producer on this leak isn't credited, but the sound is akin to something you'd hear on a major label Chamillionaire release, and that's a good thing. Speaking of Cham, he brags on this track that he's got a "Presidential black card like I'm Barack" and his competitors "act as fruity as a strawberry banana smoothie." Not everybody could get away with these lines, but the charismatic Chamillionaire makes it work and even sings the hook. E.S.G. plays to Chamillitary by spitting some actual armed forces rap: "Now look how many soldiers in Iraq die every day/While we whip the Coupe with two hands, they dyin in the Sudan/This song ain't for ringtones, this one for my true fans!" Well congratulations E.S.G., you won one back with this rap.
Artist: E-40 f/ B-Legit, Young Jeezy Title: Get Money Label: Sick Wid It Records
The leaks from E-40's forthcoming album "Revenue Retrievin'" have already begun, and the first joint to land at RapReviews.com is "Get Money," produced by Drew Money. Coincidence? Probably not. The song IS money though. E-40 is at his pimptastic best, saying he'll if you get in his way you "get smacked with the K" and he'll "cook you like Bobby Flay." I wouldn't doubt him for a second. The song is heavy on the electronic organ sound often heard from DJ Khaled tracks or productions by The Runners. Coincidence? Definitely not - they do all of Khaled's hottest best tracks. If Drew Money is styling himself after them, he at least picked a good role model. Young Jeezy and E-40 is a natural collaboration uniting Atlanta with the Bay Area, and it's only surprising they didn't do it sooner. This one should burn up mixtapes soon.
Samson is advertised as 'one of the UK's most anticipated grime/hip-hop artists' and "Call Me Samson" 'is predicted to be a club banger and a staple anthem in the grime/hip-hop scene whilst warming up his fans for the eagerly awaited "Black Magic" album.' Maybe it is time for these and/or 'grime/hip-hop' semantics to go away, because musically "Call Me Samson" isn't so much one or the other as it is safe, standardized urban music. Slightly stuttering drums that move along at a moderate pace, lots of synths to create what apparently is perceived as 'anthemic.' It's highly conventional from a contemporary dance music point of view, and that's putting it mildly. The rapper himself is a bit stiff compared to the UK's premier league, but he has the authority and attitude to match the assertive beat. The major stumbling block, however, is the song itself. Samson is also known as Black the Ripper. (It says so in the hook.) Why he now wants you to call him simply Samson (with an album entitled "Black Magic" on the horizon, nonetheless) is explained nowhere in the song. Singles should be self-explanatory, but this one raises more questions than it answers. Too bad, because the lyrics suggest that Black hasn't watered down his content for 'his most commercial record to date.'
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Toth is full of theories!
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