Yung Joc

Mixtape Daily: Dee-1, CyHi The Prynce, Yung Joc,

23 Jun 2011 14:28:33 EDT

Check out whats going on in the underground market of Hip-Hop.
By

CyHi Da Prynce
Photo: MTV News

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Yung Joc

Chris Brown Comeback Inspires Yung Joc On New Mixtape

20 Jun 2011 15:16:45 EDT

'There are a lot of cats that people say it's over for,' rapper tells Mixtape Daily.
By Rob Markman

Yung Joc
Photo: Swagg Entertainment

Mixtape Daily Main Pick
Artist: Yung Joc Representing: Atlanta Mixtape: Ready to Fly Real Spit: Yung Joc knows what his doubters think of him, but on his latest mixtape, Ready to Fly, the Atlanta rapper aims to change the public perception that he has fallen off.

"I think this mixtape is definitely one of those ones that people should definitely check out, especially for the naysayers that's like, 'It's over for that guy.' That's cool too. There are a lot of cats that people say it's over for," Joc told Mixtape Daily before likening himself to another phoenix-from-the-ashes pop star. "I remember on my last mixtape, Grind Flu, I got a song with Chris Brown. I remember people were like, 'Why you got Chris on there? It's over for him.' Look at him now." Joc, who rose to prominence after his Grammy-nominated debut single "It's Goin' Down," helped kick-start hip-hop's snap craze. The track even caught the attention of actor Tom Cruise, who famously did the song's accompanying motorcycle dance during a BET broadcast. Despite earning a gold plaque for his 2006 Yung Joc City album and multiplatinum credits for his single, Joc seemed to lose steam and hasn't released an album since his 2007 sophomore effort, Hustlenomics. Not that he's completely disappeared: Joc appeared on R&B singer Slim's 2008 single "So Fly" and alongside Diddy a year later on Day26's "Imma Put It on Her." "It's just funny how people jump ship so fast. It don't take but a little buzz, a little heat up under that frying pan to heat things up, and people are right back on the bandwagon," Joc said. "Hopefully that's what this mixtape will do, because I'm gonna keep coming, dropping video after video." For Ready to Fly's cover, Joc drew inspiration from the Notorious B.I.G.'s 1994 classic debut Ready to Die, swapping out the Biggie baby for a picture of himself. While Joc paid homage on the cover, Ready to Fly isn't all about B.I.G.; it's a nod to Joc's Southern roots and original Atlanta sound — which he never abandoned. DJ Sense and DJ Demp host the tape, while rappers like Tity Boi, Yo Gotti, Gucci Mane and 8Ball make appearances. Will it be Joc's big comeback? Only time will tell, but so far, things sounds pretty fly. Joints to Check For
» "Ready to Fly" - "That's on some grown-man intellect and understanding. You can hear the pain in my voice on this record. Ain't nothing about it fake. You hear from the beginning of the record to the end of the record, it's just how I feel and things I've been going through." » "Deuces" - "We just took the approach where everything we said, we did it in twos. We put a two in it some kinda way. Even if it was a name that started with 'two,' like Tupac, or O.G. Tookie. I said, 'Make a sucka drip, what up Tunechi.' Wayne, so you know we got the record 'Drip' the remix on there, featuring Yo Gotti, Wayne and myself." For other artists featured in Mixtape Daily, check out Mixtape Daily Headlines.

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Yung Joc And Gucci Mane's 'Going Ham' Leaks

12 Jan 2011 14:32:26 EST

'That's not even a mixed version ... but y'all got it now,' Joc concedes.
By Steven Roberts

Photo: Ben Rose/ WireImage

Jay-Z and Kanye West dropped their first single, "H.A.M.," on Tuesday, but their record may have overshadowed another "ham" song: Yung Joc and Gucci Mane's "Going Ham" leaked over the weekend. The tracks aren't related, nor do they have anything to do with a choice cut of pig: The Jay and 'Ye song name is actually an acronym that stands for "Hard As a Mother----er," while Joc and Gucci's version is based on the Atlanta term "going ham," which is a derivative of mayhem. Joc admits most people may not even know the term's origin.

"I think people don't realize it," he explained. "You take a word and cut it down; we've got nicknames for everything. The average person, they don't know what it means; they just hear the saying. They understand the understanding of the word: Everybody is going crazy, having a good time, 'going ham.' " Joc, who wasn't at all bothered by the song titles' similarities, said he and Gucci had been kicking it a lot recently, even though they didn't have a chance to go to the studio to record. He sent Gucci a record, which eventually became Joc's second single, "What She Like," but he didn't think Gucci's verse fit the song. "I ended up calling Yo Gotti, and Yo Gotti got on the record," Joc said. "[He] followed the idea of where we were going with the record." But a song just right for a Gucci collaboration did come along. "I went in with Ike Dirty, Isaac Hayes' son, and when he first played the beat I said, 'Man, I swear this sounds like something that could be for Gucci,' " Joc remembered. "And I was just sitting there listening: 'Man, that's crazy. I already got a record with him, but I could use his verse for this.' In the studio, we played around with it for a little bit. It synced up, and I was like, 'Hell yeah, let's go with it.' " Joc said he didn't know who leaked "Going Ham" or how they did it. "That's not even a mixed version or a complete version because we got a lot more drop and a lot more sound effects with the record, but y'all got it now," he said. "Y'all calling me about it." Have you heard "Going Ham"? Give us your review in the comments section below!

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Chris Brown Featured On New Yung Joc Song 'Choose Me'

12 Aug 2009 20:27:00 EDT

'Why are we still ridiculing this man?' Joc asks about the singer, who pleaded guilty to felony assault.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Chris Brown
Photo: Steve Granitz / Getty Images

First, Ciara stood by Chris Brown when she kept his vocals on her album in the wake of his felony assault case. Now, Yung Joc is following suit. The Atlanta rapper released a free album Tuesday, and Brown is featured on a track called "Choose Me," along with fellow crooner Pleasure P. "I think the record is a great record," Joc told MTV News about why he included the collaboration on his Grind Flu project. "Why are we still ridiculing this man? He had a problem with his girl. I'm not condoning abuse. But they both got into it and they both got over it. Why can't the world?" On the midtempo track, Brown sings with Auto-Tune-assisted vocals: "You should get to know me, but first you gotta show me, how you're gonna rock my world." Other guests featured on Joc's project, which is available as a free download on his Swagg Team Entertainment Web site, include Bobby Valentino, Shawty Lo and Lil Wayne protégé Nicki Minaj. Grind Flu is Joc's first project since word broke that he was having differences with his management and recording home. The lyricist is signed to Block Entertainment and Bad Boy Records, but he's trying to be released. Joc was caught in the middle of differences each side was having with the other, although he said he hasn't taken sides. "I'm working on release, but I'm not mad at anyone," Joc explained. "We could have made a lot of money together, but it is what it is." In the meantime, Joc has been developing Swagg Team, where he's signed the GS Boyz, who scored a hit with their track "Stanky Legg." "I've grown as a businessman," he said of his impending independence. "Whoever makes a play for me next, it's gonna be a good decision on their part."

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David Banner Gets A-List Support For 'Get Like Me' Video: Chris Brown, Yung Joc -- And Barry Bonds!

05 May 2008 15:59:00 EDT

Brown and Banner ham it up for MTV News, pretend to interview each other.
By Shaheem Reid, with reporting by Yasmine Richard

Chris Brown and David Banner on the set of "Get Like Me."
Photo: MTV News

Barry Bonds declining a wardrobe change, the Maloof brothers taking dance lessons from Chris Brown — and David Banner showing off his guns for the first time. Who couldn't enjoy themselves on the Los Angeles set of Banner's "Get Like Me" video? "It's a lot of ladies," Brown told MTV News, while sitting on his motorbike. "The whole thing has been fun — even just chilling with everybody." Chris Brown guest-stars in the video and the song, as does Yung Joc.

"Making this record with Banner and Joc — me and Banner are real close friends," Brown said. "We did the movie 'This Christmas' and working [on the set], he said, 'I got this record that if you get on, I think it will be great.' I told him I didn't want to do a typical R&B record — I don't wanna do the hook-kinda thing that every other R&B artist does. I would more like to be in tune with the verse or do a verse almost like I'm rapping, but singing it. I recorded the song in [Virginia], he said, 'Oh word, that's dope.' " Chris' chat with MTV News was then interrupted by Banner: The two began bantering in fake British accents, then brought it back to their native American-speak. "I know that since he's a big superstar now, he's trapped in the tour bus and like, 'I wish I could just go out and just have fun!' " Banner joked of Brown. "I ain't Michael [Jackson]!" Chris laughed. "How great is Chris Brown?" Brown continued in the guise of a reporter questioning Banner. "Chris Brown is all right, but we in the 'hood, so I can't really tell nobody how much I bump Chris Brown when the homies not around," the Mississippi rapper responded. "It's haawwwrd! Hawwwrd in the streets." "I'm a gangsta dancer!" Brown said minutes later, yelling, "It's hard out here too! Ballets, pirouettes!" Banner, Brown and Yung Joc would later be doing synchronized dancing and filming with an MLB legend. "Barry Bonds came out!" Banner said with pride. "You know how y'all like to have your rappers' friends — Barry Bonds is here. Barry came fresh out of court to come holla at me. That's real." Banner's Greatest Story Ever Told will be out toward the end of July. He said the reason it didn't come out last year as planned is because he's trying to build up his brand. "When the album comes out, we're trying to make sure it's a statement," he explained. "Greatest Story Ever Told: Listen to the title. We have to make sure [the impact] matches." Banner produced approximately 80 percent of the LP himself; Akon and the production team of Cool & Dre contributed as well. Guest vocals were secured from Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, T.I., UGK, Kandi Burrus (formerly of Xscape) and Jim Jones. "Get Like Me" is all about stuntin', and in the video you'll see plenty of performance and glamour shots of women and Banner's own vehicles.

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David Banner Builds A Brand With Help From Chris Brown, Yung Joc

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Patrick Stump Named One Of 2007's Un-Sexiest Men; Plus Prodigy, R.E.M., Lindsay Lohan, Eddie Murphy & More, In For The Record

02 Jan 2008 17:39:00 EST

Mobb Deep rapper to issue solo LP while in jail; R.E.M. settle on album title; Lohan tops worst-movie-performance poll.
By MTV News staff

Patrick Stump
Photo: Scott Gries/ Getty Images

Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump has been named one of the un-sexiest men of 2007 by Boston alt-weekly The Phoenix. He lands at #95 on the list, right next to Larry King and Jon Heder. ... Prodigy, who will start serving a three-and-a-half-year jail sentence on a charge of gun possession for which he was indicted in October, plans to issue his second solo album while behind bars. H.N.I.C. Part 2 will drop in March, feature production from Mobb Deep group mate Havoc and Alchemist, and be integrated with Voxonic technology, which converts a voice into hundreds of languages with near-perfect accuracy. Prodigy also released a statement regarding his upcoming sentence, saying, "Throughout my life, I have always lived through adversity. I'm a survivor. You don't understand the mental power that I have. While I'm locked up, I'm going to be writing lyrics, working on the script for my second feature film, 'Dope,' and finish writing an autobiography of my life, which will be finished by the time I'm released. My mind is going to be focused, and I'll have time to think and map out my entire plan. The experience will make me a tougher, stronger person. I'm gonna work on getting out faster, so I can get back to doing what I do best. When I get home, it's gonna be on!" ... R.E.M. have christened their forthcoming album Accelerate and set an April 1 release date for the effort. The album was produced by Jacknife Lee (Bloc Party, Snow Patrol) and will feature "Until the Day Is Done," "Living Well Is the Best Revenge" and "Staring Down the Barrel of Middle Distance." Expect the band to tour in the spring. ... It's not like she was expecting an Oscar nomination, but a nod for the worst? In a poll conducted by AOL's Moviefone Web site, 58 percent of respondents gave Lindsay Lohan the dubious distinction of turning in the worst performance by an actress in 2007 for her role in "I Know Who Killed Me." Another one of Lohan's box-office bombs, "Georgia Rule," finished second among the more than 3.8 million voters, just behind the Eddie Murphy comedy "Norbit," as the biggest waste of $10. "Norbit" also earned the comedian the title of worst performance by an actor. ... Eddie Murphy and "Good Luck Chuck" producer Tracey Edmonds got hitched during an intimate New Year's Day ceremony on a private island in French Polynesia, according to People.com. Johnny Gill was reportedly Murphy's best man. ... Radiohead singer Thom Yorke has hit back at the boss of his former label, EMI Music, after claims that the band had rejected a nearly $6 million advance for their new album while demanding the copyrights to older titles. In a December 29 post on the group's official Web site under the heading "FYI — if you care — for your information," Yorke wrote, "We did not ask for a load of cash from our old record label EMI to re-sign. That is a L I E. The Times in the U.K. should check its facts before it prints such dirt. What we wanted was some control over our work and how it was used in the future by them — that seemed reasonable to us, as we cared about it a great deal. [EMI boss Guy] Hands was not interested. So neither were we. We made the sign of the cross and walked away. Sadly." Yorke said the group was upset about the airing of "dirty laundry" in public. Separately, Yorke told BBC Radio 4 that releasing In Rainbows solely as a digital download — the physical album hit stores this week — would have been "stark raving mad" because 80 percent of fans still buy physical releases. "We didn't want it to be a big announcement about 'everything's over except the Internet, the Internet's the future,' 'cause that's utter rubbish," Yorke said. "And it's really important to have an artifact as well, as they call it, an object." Yorke, in one of his first public comments about the decision to release In Rainbows under a pay-what-you-wish scheme, explained that Radiohead had a "moral justification in what we did in the sense that the majors and the big infrastructure of the music business has not addressed the way artists communicate directly with their fans. ... In fact, they seem to basically get in the way. Not only do they get in the way, but they take all the cash." He also denied reports that In Rainbows was downloaded more than 1.2 million times in its first week, but, in keeping with the band's silence on sales, would not confirm how many times it was actually downloaded. "It's total nonsense. ... We're the only people who know, and it feels wrong to say exactly what happened," he said. "But it's been a really nice surprise and we've done really well out of it." ... The presidential race will bleed over into late-night TV on Wednesday night (January 2) when David Letterman chats up Democratic contender Senator Hillary Clinton and Jay Leno welcomes Republican candidate Mike Huckabee on the respective comeback episodes of their shows. Chingy will perform on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno," while Lupe Fiasco will play on the "Late Show With David Letterman," with Robin Williams also appearing. Letterman struck a deal with the Writers Guild of America that will allow him to return to air with writers, but Huckabee and Chingy will be crossing the picket line with their appearances on Leno's show, as the writers' strike continues. ... "L.A." Reid, Denzel Washington, Steven Spielberg, Brett Ratner, Billy Joel and others partied Sunday on a private yacht owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, and Jon Bon Jovi and Robbie Robertson performed at the shindig, according to Fox News. ... Staind's Aaron Lewis, along with members of Boston, Tesla, Stryper and other bands, will join host Dee Snider of Twisted Sister at the fifth anniversary Relief Fund Charity Concert, to be staged February 25 at Providence, Rhode Island's Dunkin' Donut Center. The event is being put on by the Station Family Fund, a group founded by survivors, family members and community members affected by the Station fire, the February 2003 nightclub tragedy that claimed 100 lives. Proceeds from the show will go to the survivors of the fire, many of whom did not qualify for Social Security benefits. ... The lineup for Dave Mustaine's Gigantour 2008 has been revealed. The trek, to launch in mid-April and run through late May, will feature his band Megadeth, as well as In Flames, Children of Bodom, Job for a Cowboy and High on Fire. ... P.O.D. have set an April 8 release date for When Angels & Serpents Dance, the band's forthcoming LP. The record will feature a guest appearance by Suicidal Tendencies mainman Mike Muir. ... Former Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland's band, Black Light Burns, have begun work on material for their second album, which is set for release in early 2009. Borland said in a statement that the new stuff is "a lot more guitar-heavy than it is synth-heavy. The feeling/tone is a little more fun and weird compared to the darkness of the first album." The effort follows the band's debut disc, last year's Cruel Melody. ... Hatebreed were forced to postpone the final concert in their Stillborn Fest series after guitarist Frank Novinec broke his ankle. No word yet on when they'll make up the gig, which was supposed to happen Sunday in Rochester, New York. ... A lawyer who previously represented Death Row Records boss Marion "Suge" Knight in a $130 million lawsuit over ownership of the onetime gangsta-rap powerhouse is asking a judge to set that judgment aside. According to the Los Angeles Times, in a hearing set for Wednesday attorney Dermot Givens is asking that the judgment be voided because of what he claims is new evidence that the plaintiff, singer Lydia Harris, and her imprisoned drug-dealing husband, Michael, allegedly duped a Los Angeles judge into ruling against Knight. The motion contends that Harris hid from the court that she had filed for bankruptcy five years before suing Knight and that she never claimed an ownership stake in Death Row during that legal proceeding. The motion also alleges that recent sworn testimony by the couple shows that Michael Harris, an alleged crack kingpin, was the real party of interest in her lawsuit against Knight; Michael Harris sued Knight in 1996 claiming he helped finance Death Row, and was awarded a $300,000 out-of-court settlement. Lydia Harris filed a separate suit in 2002 claiming that she and Knight started the label together and that he cheated her out of millions in profits. ... James Brown's final recordings have been caught up in the legal feud over the late rock legend's estate, according to The Associated Press. Brown recorded an album in Los Angeles in summer 2006, but courtroom disputes over who should get his music royalties are preventing the release of the tracks. More than 50-60 additional unreleased songs recorded by Brown are also reportedly in the archives. ... The Jersey Boys have a bit of a problem on their hands. Tommy DeVito, ex-bassist of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons — on which the "Jersey Boys" story is based — is being sued by the widow of a man who also wrote a story about the group, according to TMZ. Donna Corbello says her late husband Rex Conrad Woodard's yet-unpublished book was the basis of the Broadway smash, and she is reportedly seeking a declaration that he is the volume's "joint owner" so she can get some of the future profits from the production. The suit was recentl

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Brandy Won't Be Charged In 2006 Car Crash; Plus Yung Joc, Lil Wayne, Radiohead, Angels & Airwaves, Beyonce & More, In For The Record

28 Dec 2007 18:15:00 EST

Joc says he has 'utmost respect for the law'; Weezy slips out digital Leak; EMI boss reportedly rejected lucrative Radiohead deal.
By MTV News Staff

Photo: Peter Kramer/Getty Images

Brandy is in the clear — according to TMZ, the Los Angeles city attorney will not be filing charges against the singer over the multi-car crash that claimed the life of a woman in December 2006. The attorney had until the end of the day Friday (December 28) to file criminal charges against Brandy in the incident. The singer's attorney, Blair Berk, reportedly responded with a statement, saying, "These past 12 months have posed an extraordinary hardship for Brandy and her family, who have been unfairly forced to live under a cloud of suspicion initially caused by the ill-advised and premature press release sent out by the California Highway Patrol accusing Brandy of wrongdoing before the police investigation was even finished. However, Brandy continues to be mindful that she was so fortunate to be uninjured in this accident and there was a life lost that should be remembered." Brandy is, however, still facing a $50 million wrongful-death suit from the family of the victim, Awatef Aboudihaj. ... Yung Joc was seven hours late to an arraignment on a felony gun charge on Wednesday and was scolded by the judge in the case after an arrest warrant was issued. But the rapper (born Jasiel Robinson) tried to clear his name in a statement released through his lawyers. "I have the utmost respect for the laws of this country and would never deliberately commit an act that would jeopardize my freedom, my family or my career," he said, according to TMZ. "I've worked very hard to achieve my goals, and it's unfortunate that this current situation has garnered more attention than the many donations I've made and the charitable work I've done with various organizations. ... I'm proud to be a citizen of America, where we are taught to believe that every person is afforded the presumption of innocence. That being said, I have full respect for the judicial system and its due process. I look forward to resolving this situation and moving forward to a positive and prosperous 2008." Joc is due back in court on January 25 in connection with his arrest Sunday at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, where authorities said he tried to take a loaded gun onto a flight. He faces a possible sentence of up to 18 months for the charge. ... Lil Wayne told MTV News a couple of months ago that he was planning to drop Tha Carter III: The Leak on December 18, with the official Tha Carter III LP to follow February 12, but he actually slipped out a five-song EP called The Leak through Rhapsody and Amazon on Christmas Day instead. The disc features "I'm Me," "Gossip," "Kush," "Love Me or Hate Me" and "Talkin' About It." "Gossip" has been rumored to be a dis song directed toward 50 Cent, but as Weezy told Mixtape Monday in late October, "I recorded that song in 2006. ... I don't make records or say anything about people. I don't beef with people. Everybody knows that. ... My words are more important than you."... Radiohead decided to split with their longtime label EMI in the fall after the company's new boss, Guy Hands, rejected a deal that would have cost the company more than $20 million, according to the London Times. The U.K. outlet reports that the band had been offered a $6 million advance by Hands for In Rainbows, but demanded more. An EMI spokesperson who was not named told the Times that, "Radiohead were demanding an extraordinary amount of money, and we did not believe that our other artists should have to subsidize their gains." The bandmembers reportedly responded that they believed more big-name artists would be leaving EMI and accused Hands of not negotiating seriously with them. The deal Radiohead sought also reportedly included the handing over of some of the copyrights to their back catalog, a move that could have cost the label millions in future earnings. Band manager Bryce Edge told The Times, "We couldn't move ahead with EMI because Guy Hands irrevocably refused to discuss the catalog in any meaningful way. We sold 25 million records, and we have the moral rights over those six albums. We wanted a say in how they are exploited in the future. We were not seeking a big advance payment, or a guaranteed marketing spend, as discussions never got that far." ... Members of Angels & Airwaves, No Doubt, 30 Seconds to Mars, Bad Religion, Journey, Pennywise — as well as the Roots' ?uestlove — will hammer away at the skins when they perform at a January 5 drum-off hosted by former Jane's Addiction member Stephen Perkins. The Guitar Center contest, which began three months ago, will culminate with a show at the Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood that will also feature performances by the four finalists in the store's competition. ... "The Beyoncé Experience - Live," which came out in DVD form in late November, will be broadcast for U.S. troops stationed in Iraq on New Year's Eve via the AEG Network. The programming block will also include Celine Dion's "A New Day" and Garth Brooks' "One Artist, One City, One Time." ... It's official: David Letterman has reached a deal with striking writers and will return to the air with a full staff on Wednesday. Jeff Hermanson, a Writers Guild of America executive, told Reuters that talks between the union and Letterman's Worldwide Pants production company had led to a "full, binding, independent agreement" that features provisions for paying writers for work distributed online. Protesting writers have been demanding compensation for Internet-content. Jay Leno, Conan O'Brien and Jimmy Kimmel are also returning to the air on Wednesday, and Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert on January 7, although none of those late-night hosts will be coming back with their respective writers. ... Jessica Simpson is enjoying Nashville as the relocated singer/actress records her upcoming, yet-untitled country album there. "Nashville is a very warm city," she recently told Billboard.com. "The people are friendly and kind. There is a sense of community, which thrives on music. There is no animosity ... only respect for one another's talent." The effort is due in 2008 through Columbia Nashville and will be the follow-up to 2006's A Public Affair. Simpson didn't provide many more details on the project, and when asked if she would be hitting the road to support it, she said, "Since the record is in the beginning stages, there hasn't been much talk about a tour just yet." ... Meanwhile, Franz Ferdinand's third album doesn't have a name yet either, but the band has shed some more light on the successor to 2005's You Could Have It So Much Better. "I suppose we're heading back to the idea of dance music," frontman Alex Kapranos told RollingStone.com. "It's more of a dance record than a rock record." The band has tapped an unlikely producer — Brian Higgins (Kylie Minogue, Cher) — for some of the songs. "It appeals to my contrary side," Kapranos said. "And I don't like the distance between bands and pop music there is now. Dr. Dre or Timbaland or the Neptunes are making the songs you've never heard before, not the indie kids strumming their f---ing guitars." ... Chris Rock has jumped into the 2008 presidential-election conversation, comparing Senator Hillary Clinton to the current commander in chief and voicing his support for rival Senator Barack Obama in a recent interview with The New York Times. "I love Hillary Clinton, but to me she is the Democratic version of George [W.] Bush: someone who is running, and the only reason you know who this person is because of their name. ... She has much more in common with George Bush Jr. than she does with Oprah Winfrey." He added, "It's neck and neck against a woman whose husband was the president, and [Obama is] a black man that no one knew a couple years ago. That is an unbelievable achievement." ... Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn are divorcing after 11 years of marriage, according to People.com. The "Into the Wild" director and "Beowulf" actress have two children together, boys ages 14 and 16. ... In another marital development, Marilyn Manson and Dita Von Teese's divorce still isn't finalized yet — Von Teese filed in December 2006, citing Manson's alleged infidelity and partying — but they are now legally permitted to marry other people, People.com reports. Their marital status was terminated Thursday, but the ex-couple have yet to settle their finances. Manson, 38, has been dating Evan Rachel Wood, age 20. ... While Josh Groban is enjoying a record-setting run atop the charts with his holiday album, Noël, Variety reports that the rest of the music business had a horrible Christmas week. Overall music sales during the Christmas shopping season were down 21 percent from last year. From the week of Thanksgiving through December 23, 83.9 million albums were sold, a steep decline from 2006's total of 105.28 million. 12.27.07 'Tis the season to get engaged, apparently. A day after it was revealed that Fergie and Josh Duhamel are going to be wed comes news that Jessica Alba is engaged to producer Cash Warren, the father of the child the "Awake" actress is expecting. The couple are expecting their first child in late spring or early summer, although a wedding date has yet to be revealed. ... Miley Cyrus has donated a personalized, autographed Philadelphia 76ers jersey to an Brandy

Yung Joc

Lil Wayne

Radiohead

Angels & Airwaves

Yung Joc Says He Has 'Utmost Respect For The Law'; Plus Lil Wayne, Jessica Simpson, Franz Ferdinand & More, In For The Record

28 Dec 2007 13:52:00 EST

Weezy slips out digital Leak; Simpson dishes on country album; new Franz LP will be 'more dance than rock.'
By

Yung Joc
Photo: Jason Campbell

Yung Joc was seven hours late to an arraignment on a felony gun charge on Wednesday and was scolded by the judge in the case after an arrest warrant was issued. But the rapper (born Jasiel Robinson) tried to clear his name in a statement released through his lawyers. "I have the utmost respect for the laws of this country and would never deliberately commit an act that would jeopardize my freedom, my family or my career," he said, according to TMZ. "I've worked very hard to achieve my goals, and it's unfortunate that this current situation has garnered more attention than the many donations I've made and the charitable work I've done with various organizations. ... I'm proud to be a citizen of America, where we are taught to believe that every person is afforded the presumption of innocence. That being said, I have full respect for the judicial system and its due process. I look forward to resolving this situation and moving forward to a positive and prosperous 2008." Joc is due back in court on January 25 in connection with his arrest Sunday at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, where authorities said he tried to take a loaded gun onto a flight. He faces a possible sentence of up to 18 months for the charge. ... Lil Wayne told MTV News a couple of months ago that he was planning to drop Tha Carter III: The Leak on December 18, with the official Tha Carter III LP to follow February 12, but he actually slipped out a five-song EP called The Leak through Rhapsody and Amazon on Christmas Day instead. The disc features "I'm Me," "Gossip," "Kush," "Love Me or Hate Me" and "Talkin' About It." "Gossip" has been rumored to be a dis song directed toward 50 Cent, but as Weezy told Mixtape Monday in late October, "I recorded that song in 2006. ... I don't make records or say anything about people. I don't beef with people. Everybody knows that. ... My words are more important than you."... Jessica Simpson is enjoying Nashville as the relocated singer/actress records her upcoming, yet-untitled country album there. "Nashville is a very warm city," she recently told Billboard.com. "The people are friendly and kind. There is a sense of community, which thrives on music. There is no animosity ... only respect for one another's talent." The effort is due in 2008 through Columbia Nashville and will be the follow-up to 2006's A Public Affair. Simpson didn't provide many more details on the project, and when asked if she would be hitting the road to support it, she said, "Since the record is in the beginning stages, there hasn't been much talk about a tour just yet." ... Meanwhile, Franz Ferdinand's third album doesn't have a name yet either, but the band has shed some more light on the successor to 2005's You Could Have It So Much Better. "I suppose we're heading back to the idea of dance music," frontman Alex Kapranos told RollingStone.com. "It's more of a dance record than a rock record." The band has tapped an unlikely producer — Brian Higgins (Kylie Minogue, Cher) — for some of the songs. "It appeals to my contrary side," Kapranos said. "And I don't like the distance between bands and pop music there is now. Dr. Dre or Timbaland or the Neptunes are making the songs you've never heard before, not the indie kids strumming their f---ing guitars." ... Chris Rock has jumped into the 2008 presidential-election conversation, comparing Senator Hillary Clinton to the current commander in chief and voicing his support for rival Senator Barack Obama in a recent interview with The New York Times. "I love Hillary Clinton, but to me she is the Democratic version of George [W.] Bush: someone who is running, and the only reason you know who this person is is because of their name. ... She has much more in common with George Bush Jr. than she does with Oprah Winfrey." He added, "It's neck and neck against a woman whose husband was the president, and [Obama is] a black man that no one knew a couple years ago. That is an unbelievable achievement." ... Sean Penn and Robin Wright Penn are divorcing after 11 years of marriage, according to People.com. The "Into the Wild" director and "Beowulf" actress have two children together, boys ages 14 and 16. ... In another marital development, Marilyn Manson and Dita Von Teese's divorce still isn't finalized yet — Von Teese filed in December 2006, citing Manson's alleged infidelity and partying — but they are now legally permitted to marry other people, People.com reports. Their marital status was terminated Thursday, but the ex-couple have yet to settle their finances. Manson, 38, has been dating Evan Rachel Wood, age 20. ... While Josh Groban is enjoying a record-setting run atop the charts with his holiday album, Noël, Variety reports that the rest of the music business had a horrible Christmas week. Overall music sales during the Christmas shopping season were down 21 percent from last year. From the week of Thanksgiving through December 23, 83.9 million albums were sold, a steep decline from 2006's total of 105.28 million. 12.27.07 'Tis the season to get engaged, apparently. A day after it was revealed that Fergie and Josh Duhamel are going to be wed comes news that Jessica Alba is engaged to producer Cash Warren, the father of the child the "Awake" actress is expecting. The couple are expecting their first child in late spring or early summer, although a wedding date has yet to be revealed. ... Miley Cyrus has donated a personalized, autographed Philadelphia 76ers jersey to an auction benefitting charities chosen by the NBA team. The singer/actress also known as Hannah Montana recently performed at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center, the same arena where the Sixers play. At press time, bidding for the jersey was at $520. ... What do Jay-Z, Sammy Hagar, Mel Gibson, Hugh Grant and 50 Cent have in common? All five made the cut on Forbes' list of Biggest Celebrity Paydays of 2007. Fiddy came in second, thanks to the Vitamin Water deal that netted him $100 million, while Jay-Z made $82 million (before taxes) when he sold Rocawear to Iconix Brand Group. Hagar earned almost as much — $80 million — when Gruppo Campari bought his Cabo Wabo tequila brand. ... Madonna's directorial debut will premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, which will take place in Germany on February 7-17. Madge's short-form comedy "Filth and Wisdom" counts among its stars Gogol Bordello frontman Eugene Hutz, who also starred alongside Elijah Wood in "Everything Is Illuminated." ... In related news, there's cause for Madonna and Green Day to celebrate: Amazon's DRM-free downloads store began selling tunes from the Warner Music Group catalog starting Thursday (December 27), according to Billboard.biz. The development means all four major labels have now committed to eliminating DRM from their catalogs. WMG will also sell additional digital products, including album bundles with exclusive tracks, through Amazon. ... Don't mess with Trey Songz. Videos circulating online show the R&B singer lashing out at a fan who apparently threw ice at him during a recent concert. As seen in the clips, Trey Songz tells the DJ to cut the music after the objects are thrown, and he then leaps into the crowd with his bodyguard to go after the fan. He is later seen apologizing to the women in the crowd for the disruption. ... Good news for Brandy: An unnamed California Highway Patrol source reportedly told TMZ.com that the woman who died in a 2006 car crash involving the singer may have actually caused the crash herself. As officials continue to consider filing vehicular manslaughter charges over the December 2006 accident that took the life of Awatef Aboudihaj, the source told TMZ that rather than being the cause of the accident, Brandy may have been a victim of the pileup. According to the sources, Aboudihaj struck the vehicle in front of her and then slammed on her brakes, which caused Brandy to hit the woman's car. The city attorney has until the end of the day Friday to file criminal charges against Brandy in the incident. In the meantime, Brandy is still facing a $50 million wrongful-death suit from Aboudihaj's family. ... Never afraid to take the unpopular position, TV physician Dr. Phil McGraw told People magazine that he thinks Lynne Spears is doing a great job raising her kids, despite the current controversy over 16-year-old Jamie Lynn's pregnancy. "We know the Spears family, particularly the parents," he told the magazine. "An asset that Britney and Jamie Lynn both have is a great and dedicated mother." McGraw admitted that his friend Lynne Spears is "troubled right now" but is "really looking for the positives in this." The good doctor's wife, Robin, said of the Spears clan, "They're a very strong, close-knit family. ... They're relying on each other." Just days later, Us Magazine reported that the father of the Spears girls, Jamie Spears, was still so "furious" with reports that his ex-wife arranged a $1 million deal with OK! Magazine for the story on Jamie Lynn's pregnancy, that he didn't spend Christmas with his ex-wife or daughter and instead stayed in Los Angeles and worked. ... It sounds like Rivers Cuomo may have a bigger vault than we thought. The Weezer frontman told Billboard that he would like t

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Yung Joc Scolded By Judge But Allowed To Remain Free On Bond

26 Dec 2007 19:26:00 EST

Rapper was late to Wednesday arraignment following Sunday arrest for allegedly attempting to sneak loaded gun onto plane.
By Chris Harris

Yung Joc
Photo: Ethan Miller/ Getty Images

Yung Joc was scolded by a Cleveland judge for showing up to court late Wednesday (December 26) for his arraignment on a felony gun charge, according to Reuters. An arrest warrant had been issued for the "It's Goin' Down" rapper after he hadn't shown up at the arraignment, which stemmed from an incident at an airport on Sunday. However, Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Michael Ryan allowed Yung Joc, who was born Jasiel Robinson, to remain free on $50,000 bond, which he had posted Monday. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 25. The 27-year-old Atlanta native was arrested Sunday and charged with carrying a concealed weapon — a third-degree felony — after he had allegedly attempted to take a loaded gun onto a Delta Air Lines flight out of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The rapper, who was on his way home after performing in Cleveland Saturday night, was detained at a standard security checkpoint as he was heading to his departing flight. Joc could face additional federal charges, although there's no indication yet when such charges could come down. He could reportedly face up to 18 months in prison on the concealed-weapon charge. The AP reported that police found a semiautomatic handgun and armor-piercing ammunition in Joc's carry-on luggage. Joc reportedly told authorities that he did not know the weapon was there. Because he was late for the Wednesday morning arraignment, Cuyahoga County assistant prosecutor Gayle Williams told the wire service that the rapper was considered a fugitive of the law. Joc's attorney, Stanley Jackson Jr., was apologetic about his client's absence at the hearing and said the rapper was out of town on personal and family obligations. Ryan chided the lawyer but allowed Yung Joc to stay free on bond, Reuters reports. Jackson Jr. said his celebrity client is innocent of the charge. The arrest marks the second time in three months that the rapper has faced legal troubles. In late September, Joc, along with rapper T-Pain, were involved in a skirmish inside a London nightclub, after someone allegedly tried to rob him of some jewelry. The rapper's most recent LP, Hustlenomics, opened at #3 on Billboard's albums chart in late August, selling more than 69,000 copies. To date, the record has sold more than 173,000 units. [This story was originally published at 11:23 a.m. ET on 12.26.2007]

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Yung Joc

Common, Ludacris, Q-Tip, Roots, Busta Rhymes Hit The Stage During Hip-Hop-Heavy NYC Weekend

08 Oct 2007 14:58:00 EDT

Swizz Beatz, Yung Joc, Keyshia Cole, MC Lyte, Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One round out bills at Friday, Saturday, Sunday shows.
By Shaheem Reid

Photo: Scott Gries/Getty Images

NEW YORK — Friday, Saturday and Sunday? Hip-hop addicts were OD-ing this weekend as rap concerts monopolized the Big Apple. The Roots, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Common and Q-Tip kept the b-boys saying, "Hoooooo!" and the fly girls doing the wop.

Friday night at the Nokia Theater, the Roots headlined a concert in conjunction with VH1's Hip Hop Honors show, where not only did they perform, but they backed Big Daddy Kane and MC Lyte. Black Thought showed mind-blowing breath control as he channeled the spirit of Kool G Rap during a cover of the lispy legend's "Men at Work." "Dope 'cause I'm a death wish, not even Bob Hope's," he rapped. "Rhymes are rugged, soul flooded, cold-blooded/ You ain't better, you're butter, so just shut it/ Here to perform, having a brainstorm, make a rain form/ How rap groups run to keep the name warm/ Putting heads to beddy-bye like Freddy so get ready/ 'Cause I'mma get crazier than Crazy Eddie." Thought also imitated the entire Wu-Tang Clan for "Protect Ya Neck." MC Lyte paid homage to her brother Milk Dee with a verse from "Top Billin' " (that's Milk's voice looping in 50 Cent's "I Get Money") and brought back classics like "Paper Thin" and "I Cram to Understand U."

After presenting Black with a pimp cup for his birthday (and a cake at Thursday's Hip Hop Honors — see video at left), Big Daddy Kane made the theater go dizzy with a handful of classics from "Set It Off" to "Warm It Up, Kane" to "Smooth Operator." Big Scoob came out for "Raw," during which he and Kane did an electric dance routine that included splits and midair chest-thumping. On Saturday night, Boost Mobile held its annual Rock Corps concert at Radio City Music Hall. Yung Joc, Hurricane Chris and Swizz Beatz (Swizzy brought out Jadakiss and Eve) were the appetizers, and later NYC favorite Fabolous came out for a handful of joints, including "Make Me Better," "Baby Don't Go" and "Keepin' It Gangsta." For "Gangsta Don't Play," reggae icon Junior Reid came out. Keyshia Cole's set was as brief as a cup of coffee, but she did have one of the biggest pops of the night with her hit "Let It Go." Co-headliner Busta Rhymes tried to make the most of his 15 minutes — yes, 15 minutes for Bus is sacrilege — teasing the crowd with snippets of his monster hits, such as "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" and "Break Ya Neck." Ludacris' time was limited as well, but he did squeeze in "Number One Spot" and more. Sunday (insert fatigued intake of breath here) was the last night of shows. It all pointed back to the Nokia Theater, where Common and Q-Tip — who have joined forces for a side project called the Standard (album due in 2008) — performed separate sets at a concert presented by 2K Sports. Tip opened, and fans were hoping to be surprised by a reunion of A Tribe Called Quest — but the Abstract Poetic went it alone. "New mutha----in' York," he yelled, excited to be in his hometown. "We're winning, by the way: 8 to 3," he added, pointing to the Yankees logo on his hat. Although nothing can compare to seeing Tip and Phife Dawg do Tribe joints in their entirety, the music is so beautiful, everyone was excited to hear Tip do half a record here and there, such as "Check the Rhime." Tip did Phife's rhymes on "Award Tour" and "Electric Relaxation." And let's not forget, Tip does have two very big solo tracks: "Vivrant Thing" and "Breathe and Stop." Common was theatric, poignant and potent during his show. "Go!," "U, Black Maybe," "Testify" and "Drivin' Me Wild" riled fans up. He then started paying tribute to hip-hop, with a bevy of covers such as N.W.A's "Straight Outta Compton" and Nas' "N.Y. State of Mind." Then he gave fans the ultimate moment with an off-the-head freestyle cipher that included KRS-One and Q-Tip. "We do this here, and you know we don't stress/ I got my n---a Common and KRS," Q-Tip rhymed. "Right here, this is the Teacha/ I wanna hear a shout from Nokia," spit KRS, who had just minutes earlier surprised everyone with "The Bridge Is Over" and "South Bronx." Common followed with a warning to sucka rappers: "I put you on a stretcher, you can call me love 'cause love's gonna get ya/ When it comes to this, MCs, you know I gotta snuff ya, and when it comes to this you can't tell me nothin'." Later, at the end of "Misunderstood," Common listed some people who he thought were misunderstood: Tupac, Malcolm X, Kurt Cobain, Lauryn Hill, Michael Vick and the Jena Six. He finished his set with "The Light." For more sights and stories from concerts around the country, check out MTV News Tour Reports.

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