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Diddy to Reportedly Launch Music-Themed Network Revolt on 12-12-12

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

Diddy is after that Oprah money.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is planning on launching a music-themed cable network named Revolt on Dec. 12, 2012 or 12-12-12, according to BroadcastingCable.com.

The website reports that Revolt will be a music video and music news channel with an urban twist, almost like an old school MTV with more music.

Although Diddy didn’t confirm the report, a source also told B&C that Comcast systems and Time Warner Cable will be involved in the distribution of Revolt, meaning the channel could reach close to 18 million households due to the two cable giants’ scope.

By the looks of things, though, Diddy is going to have his work cut out for him if he indeed plans on going through with this cable network. Oprah’s Oprah Winfrey Network has struggled to find its footing, taking a plunge in ratings shortly after its launch in 2010. Last May, OWN’s CEO was fired, before Oprah assumed control of the seat herself.

“I would say it’s a lot harder than I ever imagined,” Winfrey said during a live webchat with Facebook Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg. “If anyone says, ‘Do you want a network?’ Think about that!”

But then again, Diddy is used to multitasking, whether it’s rejuvenating his storied Bad Boy Records by signing rappers like Red Cafe and French Montana, being the pitchman for Ciroc and rapping and acting himself. —Jakinder Singh

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San Diego State Basketball Team Remakes “The Motto” [Video]

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

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Submit A Beat to be Used in XXL Freshman Cypher

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

The day that the 2012 XXL Freshman list is announced is inching closer, and to prep for the moment, XXL is looking to involve up-and-coming beatsmiths.

Like in years past, this year’s Freshmen will be participating in individual freestyles as well as cyphers showcasing their skills. Now, to lay the soundscape for those lyrical displays, XXL is on the search for the perfect beat. If you think you’ve got what it takes, send one mp3 (submissions with more than one attachment will not be accepted) to xxl@harris-pub.com by Monday, January 30. Make sure to write “Freshmen Cypher Beats” in the subject line and that all beats are original and cleared.

The annual Freshmen issue will follow up the March 2012 issue, paying homage to The Notorious B.I.G. on the 15th anniversary of his passing. The release is packed with Biggie-related content, including interviews with his children and their mothers, a compilation of the 100 best bites of his lyrics, as well as more than 40 never before seen pictures of the Brooklyn wordsmith.

Be sure to submit your entry to xxl@harris-pub.com by next Monday in order to be considered. Good luck! —XXL Staff

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Rockie Fresh, Chip Tha Ripper Drop New Mixtapes [Download Now]

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

It’s a busy day for Midwest rappers.

Up and comers Chip Tha Ripper, from Cleveland, and Rockie Fresh, out of Chicago, have both dropped new mixtapes.

Chip’s Tell Ya Friends features KiD CuDi, Wale, Krayzie Bone, and Bun B, with production from the likes of Lex Luger, Chuck Inglish, Hi-Tek and Boi-1da. You can download it here.

Meanwhile, Rockie’s smooth offering, Driving 88, includes guest spots from Casey Veggies, Phil Ade and King Louie. You can grab the project here.

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XXL Pays Tribute to Notorious B.I.G. With March 2012 Issue

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

March 9, 2012, marks the 15-year anniversary of The Notorious B.I.G.’s death and XXL is paying tribute to the late, great Brooklyn MC with a special issue dedicated to his legacy.

Similar to the honorary issue dedicated to Tupac Shakur and the 15th anniversary of his passing, released by XXL in September of 2011, the XXL team spoke to some of those closest to Big for an in-depth look into his life and death. From his kids T’Yanna and Christopher “CJ” Wallace and their mamas, Jan Jackson and Faith Evans, to his closest friends like members of Junior M.A.F.I.A. and others, many got their chance to share stories and more to pay homage to the beloved MC. Most even disclosed rare, never-before-published photos of Biggie from their personal collections, which are featured in this month’s issue. Since Big was one of the most swagger-jacked rappers of all time, there’s a list of the 100 best Biggie bites, a look a what The Notorious One might have looked like at 40-plus, and much more.

Even though the issue is a Big tribute there’s much more in the mag to look forward to. It’s been 15 years since 1997, arguably the best year in hip-hop music, and XXL explores that very notion with a detailed essay. There’s also a look back at 2011’s rap music with a recap of the five best albums, mixtapes, verses, producers and singles of the year.

Check out XXLMag.com for an entire month’s-worth of Biggie-related stories that celebrate his life and death, extras from the issue, including outtakes, as well as everyday hip-hop news and much more. And cop the special tribute issue when it hits stands on February 7.—XXL Staff

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2 Live Crew Reuniting For Summer Tour

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

Luther Campbell is putting politics aside to reunite with his rap group, 2 Live Crew, for a 2012 summer tour.

During the Sundance Film Festival, where he is promoting his appearance in the film The Life and Freaky Times of Uncle Luke, the raunchy rapper told the Associated Press about the trek, “I just can’t wait to just start practicing. That’s going to be a blast.”

The 51-year-old artist also clarified that, while his rap songs are known for being are obscene, he is only concerned with entertaining his fans.

“We’re going to perform the songs and everybody’s going to be excited,” he said. “Some of the older people of our generation will be able to tell their kids, ‘You’re staying home tonight, we’re going to see 2 Live Crew and shake our booty!’”

Uncle Luke is the star of “Freaky Times,” a short created by local film outfit Borscht that was selected for Sundance’s 2012 Short Film Program.

In the clip, Uncle Luke becomes Miami’s hero in a loose homage to the French sci-fi flick “La Jetee.” Watch the trailer below:

—Gina Montana

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Nicki Minaj’s “Stupid Hoe” Video in 12 Absurd Screen Shots

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

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Win Tickets to See Wale Perform in NYC

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires


The Double M Genius, Wale will be performing at New York’s Irving Plaza on February 10 —as well as a few other select dates and cities around the country —and XXLMag.com has a pair of tickets to giveaway for a handful of stops.

The first person to email XXL@harris-pub.com with their full name (first and last) along with the correct answer to the following trivia question will win (restrictions apply): In his verse on the song “Ambition” (ft. Meek Mill & Rick Ross) Wale mentions being “lyrically” what?

Please write “Wale Tix” in the email subject line when applying. XXL will notify the winners. Check below for the select dates and cities.

Thurs, Jan 26: Bridgeport, CT Webster Bank Arena
Fri, Jan 27: Springfield, MA Mass Mutual Center
Sat, Jan 28: Worcester, MA The Palladium
Tues, Jan 31: Wichita, KS The Cotilion
Weds, Feb 1: Omaha, NE Sokol Hall
Thurs, Feb 2: Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom
Sun, Feb 4: Indianapolis, IN (Super Bowl Weekend)
Fri, Feb 10: New York, NY Irving Plaza (w/ Miguel) Lotus Flower Bomb / Valentines Show
Mon, Feb 13: West Hollywood, CA Key Club (w/ Miguel) Lotus Flower Bomb / Valentines Show
Tues, Feb 14: Las Vegas, NV Marquee Nightclub
Weds, Feb 15: Reno, NV The Knitting Factory
Thurs, Feb 16: Salt Lake City – Depot
Sat, Feb 25 & Sun, Feb 26: Orlando, FL (All Star Weekend)
Fri, Mar 2 & Sat Mar 3: Charlotte, NC (CIAA Weekend)
Tues, March 6: Nassau, Bahamas Colonial Island

—XXL Staff

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Swizz Beatz Not CEO of MegaUpload, Still Considering Position

– January 23, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

Despite previous reports, it appears Swizz Beatz is actually not the CEO of Megaupload, the file-sharing website that was shut down by the Federal Government last week.

A source close to Swizz told MTV News that the rapper/producer isn’t yet officially attached to the site although he is still interested in being involved. “He’s not walking away from this,” the source said.

While Swizzy was listed as the company’s CEO on the website’s “About Us” page before it was shut down, the source said “they put that up prematurely,” adding that although Swizz was in negotiations to run the company, the ink on the deal wasn’t dry yet.

On Thursday (January 19), the feds shut down the site, arresting several members of the company, including founder Kim Schmitz, and serving them with multiple racketeering and copyright infringement charges. A federal indictment alleges that the site has generated more than $175 million in criminal proceeds from pirated movies, albums and other material, all crimes that allegedly pre-date Swizz’s participation with the site.

Swizz, who became involved with the company over that last few months, was given a take down notice by Universal Music Group on January 18 for his “Mega Song,” a promotional video for Megaupload which features Diddy, Kanye West and will.i.am, among other artists. According to the source, the clip was just one of a number of efforts Swizz and the company explored to get “music to consumers.”

And, the source adds, after the legal matter is resolved, it is still possible Swizz Beatz will officially join the team at Megaupload. —Gina Montana

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Jay-Z’s NYC 40/40 Club Shuts Down for Health Code Violations Day After Reopening

– January 22, 2012Posted in: Rap Wires

A day after celebrating its reopening, Jay-Z’s New York City 40/40 sports bar shut down for health code violations on Friday (January 20).

According to the New York Post, the club was shut down for a slew of health-code violations; an inspector found perishable food at warm temperatures inside the walk-in refrigerator and discovered “hot” food left out on the counter on Thursday (January 19), the day of the star-studded affair, Health Department sources said. A worker was also seen mixing salsa with his bare hands. (Check out a timeline of the 40/40 reopening event here.)

All the hot foods should be at least 140 degrees, sources told the paper. The club’s restaurant was immediately closed once the violations were discovered but was reopened on Saturday (January 21) once the problems were corrected.

Ron Berkowitz, a rep for the club, told TMZ on Saturday (January 21) the motor in one of the refrigerators blew just moments before the health inspector arrived, causing the temperature in the fridge to rise. Berkowtiz says the staff too notice to the issue immediately and had no intention of serving the food from that fridge until it was fixed. Consequently, the refrigerator was fixed by noon the next day and the club reopened.

Still, the 40/40 club received  69 violation points, more than the 28 needed for a worst-possible “C” grade, and they’ll be adjudicated at a hearing next month.—Gina Montana

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