Vanessa's Variety

TRACE is back!

2009-02-18T15:40:00.002-05:00

TRACE Magazine's latest issue is out at a newsstand near you. The mag has been revamped and will now only be published 4xs a year. The blog site however, www.trace212.com, will be updated daily, starting March 2, 2009, and will feature a column by yours truly...ME! So check me out here and at trace212. I got some shit in store for yall!

Softwear

2009-02-18T14:59:00.002-05:00

Common and Microsoft...yes, Microsoft...have debuted a line of t-shirts. The first design features the lyrics to Common's 1994 hit, "I Used to Lover H.E.R.". The others will be vintage themed; showcasing 80's Microsoft computer font. View them all at the Microsoft website.

LMAO!

2009-02-18T14:58:00.000-05:00

My dude Mavado man...this is too funny!

Tidbits of News

2009-02-18T14:44:00.004-05:00

Yo...I'm back! I know it's been damn near 2 weeks since I posted anything, but that's cuz there ain't really been nothing to post. The Rihanna/Chris Brown and 50Cent/Rick Ross sagas are washed up now. Everybody's talking about them but the shit is corny. Well, I got some stuff to report...not much, but it's something. Hopefully some more important news will swing my way. I'm not trying to jump on the bandwagon and beat dead horses. Enjoy!

Shyne might be released this April because of good behavior. And yes, he plans on hitting the studio. I'm anxious to see what direction his music will take because he's now practicing Judaism. Well...stay tuned!

Diddy's next album will be entitled, "Last Train to Paris", and will feature production by T-Pain. It is slated for a September 09 release.

Bone Thugs n Harmony will be collaborating on a new project with Kevin Federline and Vanilla Ice....smh. I can't. Bone Thugs are talented...I hope they know what they're doing. They better do ALL the writing.

Uncle Luke (Luke Campbell) got locked up yesterday for not paying 10 stacks ($10,000) in back child support to one of his kids' mothers, Shakera Morgan. He won't be released until the entire debt is cleared. Damn.

Justin Timberlake was crowned GQ Magazine's "Most Stylish Man in America". Huh?

MC Hammer has a new reality show debuting on A&E about him, his wife and their 5 kids...YAWN.

Lil Wayne Does Letterman’s Top 10

2009-02-06T14:09:00.003-05:00

“Pause” LOL! This is comedy. Weezy tells the top 10 reasons he’s looking forward to the Grammy Awards. Weezy is too cute.

DAMN

2009-02-06T10:59:00.004-05:00

New Rick Ross online game at officerricky.com. There's even an Officer Ricky facebook page. There's no recovering now. There goes that Def Jam deal. His album better make major sales.

Impeachment!

2009-02-06T10:55:00.002-05:00

Word in the music world is that DJ Khaled might be replaced as President of Def Jam South by current Core DJS President Tony Neal. Sources claim that the reason behind Khaled's termination is because of embarrassing total sales for Ace Hood's debut album, (roughly 50k units) and the current 50 Cent/Rick Ross feud.

Diddy's Dollar

2009-02-06T10:21:00.002-05:00

LMAO! I got this pic from thisis50.com and I think it's hilarious. I love their caption; but I had to do my own.

Inside Diddy's Head:

"1 hunid, 2 hunid, 3 hunid, four hun...what da fuck is...oh shit! I remember this! This is a single. I aint seen one of these since...hold up...fuck is this doing on me?"

LMAO!

New Music

2009-02-05T16:13:00.007-05:00

Biggie & Jay-Z – “Slam” Freestyle

Biggie’s the best. Hands down. “My style gushy like a hooker’s pussy”. “Slam Larry Johnson and his Grandmamma NIGGA!” “Stuck to ya ass like tissue when you wipe it fast”. Come on man!

Jay’s right behind him. No question. "I diddy-bop like Diddy back when Big cock eyes hypnotized the masses behind Versace glasses”. Dope. But what would the game by like if Big was here? He’s truly missed. Nobody can rap like this no more.

http://209.18.98.116/Themes/default/media/music/player.asp?xmluri=/extras/media.aspx?postid=20833816&launchBtn=off

Lil Wayne - “Yeahhh”

This is aight. As always, some bars make sense and some are senseless. “Shout out to Nas for helping me tap into my inner nigga”. Damn.

http://209.18.98.116/Themes/default/media/music/player.asp?xmluri=/extras/media.aspx?postid=20833811&launchBtn=off

Yung Chris ft. Wale & Bun B - 3 Rap generations (so to speak) on one soul-full beat spitting the truth. My favorite song of 09 so far.

http://209.18.98.116/Themes/default/media/music/player.asp?xmluri=/extras/media.aspx?postid=20833771&launchBtn=off

Snoop Dogg – “I Walk the Line” – Johnny Cash Sample. Snoop uses the late Johnny Cash on this Hip-hop meets Country single.

http://209.18.98.116/Themes/default/media/music/player.asp?xmluri=/extras/media.aspx?postid=20833809&launchBtn=off

New Music

2009-02-05T10:55:00.004-05:00

Bussa Buss: “Wack”. But please believe this song isn’t!

http://209.18.98.116/Themes/default/media/music/player.asp?xmluri=/extras/media.aspx?postid=20831212&launchBtn=off

Vi – “Over Here”. Straight outta Chi-town. I like this dude.

http://209.18.98.116/Themes/default/media/music/player.asp?xmluri=/extras/media.aspx?postid=20831201&launchBtn=off

Tidbits of News

2009-02-05T10:51:00.006-05:00

Keyshia Cole and R. Kelly did a remake of his ‘90’s hit “Honey Love”. They will be releasing the song around Valentine’s Day, and also behind the scenes footage of them in the studio working together.

Rumor has it that Def Jam (specifically L.A. Reid) has ordered Rick Ross not to respond anymore to the beef with 50 Cent. He’s not even allowed to have any contact with radio stations about the situation. Boss huh? Smh.

Speaking of 50 Cent, the $50 mill lawsuit filed by Shaniqua Tomkins (50’s baby’s mother) has been dismissed. Again, the court ruled in 50 cent’s favor.

More 50 news: It’s also been said the he’s got video of Ricky’s graduation ceremony as a Correction Officer. Ouch! And also that he got some info from Jackie-O and Trick Daddy about the Miami rapper. Is there no end to the humiliation?

Reggie Bush, running back for the NFL’s New Orleans Saints, has just signed an endorsement deal with Red Bull. Get that money baby!

Word around town is that VIBE Magazine is shutting down its operation soon, but a statement released by the magazine rebuts these claims.

Eve’s changed the name of her album. It’s now entitled Flirt; and will drop sometime this year. It was supposed to drop last year, but she had a lot of conflict with her label.

Steve-O of MTV’S Jackass will be among the celebrity cast of ABC’S 8th season of Dancing With The Stars.

Etta James is gonna whoop Beyonce’s ass. (Beyonce portrays her in the film Cadillac Records.) Listen: http://dl055.zshare.net/stream/aa81ed2bb1cfdeeb62cefacc1a55bda5/1233845652/55120307/Etta%20James%202009-01-31%20t08.mp3

Room Service Tried to Poison Deelishus

2009-02-05T10:49:00.002-05:00

http://hollyhoodhdtv.ning.com/video/video/show?id=2281878%3AVideo%3A9384

It’s never that serious. Thank God she’s ok. Stop the bullshit please. I have much more respect for Ms. Charles now. She’s a real woman. Take notes bird bitches!

LMAO!

2009-02-05T10:48:00.000-05:00

This is funny. But please realize that 50 is not publishing Tia Kemp’s book. The only thing he did was tell her the right people to work with for the book to be successful. I also heard that Jackie-O’s gonna be the 2^nd lady of G-Unit…I hope this isn’t true! Fif…say it ain’t so!

DUH!

2009-02-05T10:46:00.000-05:00

Rihanna and Michael Jackson are being sued for $650 stacks by Manu Dibango for unauthorized use of a sample of his 1972 hit song, “Soul Makoosa”. Re Re, I mean, Rih Rih used the sample on her song, “Please Don’t Stop the Music”, and instead of asking the original singer (Manu) for permission to use it, she asked Michael Jackson; who obviously gave her the OK. (Do you see the lack of sense here?)

The Drama Continues

2009-02-05T10:45:00.000-05:00

Jim Jones was slapped with a $7 mill lawsuit by Javyon Smith; the member of Ne-Yo’s entourage who he got into an altercation with last Christmas Eve at the NY Louis store. Jones is due back in court on March 24^th. He faces assault charges.

Come Out, Come Out Wherever You Are!

2009-02-05T10:44:00.002-05:00

Cam’ron has been found! Apparently, he’s been chilling out in his 2nd home, Chicago. His album, Crime Pays, drops this year; he’ll be doing an interview with Miss Info soon; and he’ll also be gracing the cover of XXL Magazine’s April ’09 issue.

KRS 1 slams Barack Obama

2009-02-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

I see his point and agree with some things. But damn.

Ricky’sPissed

2009-02-03T12:08:00.003-05:00

Rick Ross called up Miss Info on Hot97 to address the video of 50 Cent and his baby's mother, Tia Kemp. He says he knew she was meeting 50 and wouldn't tell her not to cuz she could get some bread out of it. He even said that "Mafia Music" ended 50's career. Huh? Sorry Ricky. Those 4 bars didn’t hold enough ether to end 50’s career. We saw what 50 could do. Your up next.

http://dl008.zshare.net/stream/4171f791c6a02357b7da0aad41316768/1233679757/55033274/02%20Rick%20Ross%20Calls%20Miss%20Info

New Mavado!

2009-02-03T11:08:00.000-05:00

So Blessed

New Cam'ron!

2009-02-03T09:32:00.000-05:00

He's still wearing pink.

DAMN

2009-02-03T09:25:00.006-05:00

He Made Use of His 48 Hours: Introducing one of Rick Ross’s baby mommas, Tia Kemp. 50 even takes her and her homegirl shopping on 5th Ave! That fur on her back?...Ricky didn't buy it. 50 did. Visit thisis50.com to check out the wallpaper. Smh.

50 Cent on Funkmaster Flex: “Def Jam’s waiving the white flag a little”.

Weekly Spotlight: Take Notes From Mr. Gates

2009-02-02T14:17:00.013-05:00

Versatile. Creative. Trendsetter. Fly. William Highsmith is definitely one of the cool kids.

I have had the pleasure of seeing this dude at work and I can solemnly swear that this guy is the truth. So what does he do?.......Everything. But let’s start off with one of his talents: DJing.

A resident of Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, where music is a strong presence, it’s highly likely that he be influenced by this strong force. DJ Will Gates started djing around the age of 4; taking his grandmother’s vinyls and putting them on top of the coffee table pretending to mix. Noticing his love for the tables, his dad (who was also a DJ) constructed a makeshift DJ set for Will from a sneaker box and two round pieces of cardboard; which he later replaced with a real set when Will turned 8.

Spinning vinyl is his way of not only exhibiting his love for music; but keeping abreast of what’s hot, what gets the clubs jumping, and where he could potentially take the rap game and music industry all together. By the way….he’s also a rap artist.

Not only does he play other artists’ hits; he also creates his own. Notes started rapping the same time he started djing; mimicking whatever he saw in rap videos. He’s been writing rhymes for a while and it shows through his music. He’s going to be a forced to be reckoned with once his rap career takes off.

I had a brief Q & A session with him and here’s what he had to say:

Q: What do you enjoy more: djing or rapping? Why?

A: Well, rapping is my first passion, but as of right now, I DJ more than I rap and I’m more known for that right now. I like to rock a crowd and get a party started. As for the long term, I want to rap. I want to do world tours. I want to sell out the [Madison Square] Garden, and of course, I can’t do that as a DJ. But I love djing and I’m also using it as a stepping stone to do my rap thing.

Q: If a well know DJ is djing a party the same night as you; why should people attend the party you’re at as opposed to the other DJ?

A: Not to discredit any famous DJs because they paved the way for people like me, but once they get to a certain height, they don’t play the club all night and they don’t go in like they should because at their status, there’s really no one for them to impress. Promoters are prone to using the same DJs; and they play the same songs that get TV and radio spins everyday. As for an up and comer like me, I’ll play exclusives and classics; and mix it up for the crowd a little more.

Q: Define your style.

A: Different (laughs). It’s ironic because I don’t like too much attention because it usually brings about hate; but at the same time, I’m not going to dim my limelight to help the next man’s ego. I’m humble despite the vibe some may get from me.

Q: Which clothing brand(s) would you say reflect(s) your personality/style the best and why?

A: Polo and Alador & Smith. That’s me. A graphic tee with skinny jeans; loafers and corduroys, with a button up and a cardigan.

Q: What artists have you been compared to if any?

A: I’ve been told that my style is similar to Fabolous, Kanye and Lupe, but for the most part, I haven’t been compared to anyone which is a good thing. I can be street and eclectic at the same time. I’m cool with the goons and the skateboarders too.

Q: If you got into the rap game, how would you change it?

A: I would be more diverse. I want to change the perception on how rappers should rap, act and look. I want to bridge the gap between the misfits and the popular people. I want to influence rappers to not be so typical with their lyrics, and I want to make good, quality, timeless music that will still be bumping in 2050.

If you want to experience DJ Will Gates on the ones and twos at a club near you (which you should put on your priority list), or if you want to hear some radio airplay worthy tracks by Notes himself; visit : www.myspace.com/djwillgates.

New Remixes

2009-02-02T11:04:00.004-05:00

Loso – “Turn My Swag On Remix” http://dl017.zshare.net/stream/016b77511bfbc993f2737439993f3110/1233586308/54917986/fabolous_-_turn_my_swag_on_remix.mp3

Trey Songz – "Day N Nite" Freestyle. (Stop sleeping on this dude man. He’s ridiculous with the pen and the pad).

The Dream ft. Los and Busta – “Rockin That Shit Remix”. First Fab put his vocals on it, now Busta followed suit. Nice.

New Music

2009-02-02T10:56:00.006-05:00

Snippet - Lil Cease and Fabolous with a Biggie sample: “Talk Go Through Us”:

http://dl022.zshare.net/stream/2de2da1a2b39534eb00666cb5b824347/1233585944/54992707/lil%20cease%20%20fabolous-talk%20go%20through%20us.mp3

Rick Ross ft. John Legend – “Magnificent”. Off that new album, Deeper Than Rap. This shit is hard.

Maino ft. T-Pain – “All The Above”. This track is produced by Just Blaze. Please don’t turn into Swizz Beats with the recycling and tweaking. Don’t this sound something like T.I.’s “Live Your Life”?...