Just recently during a visit to Kenya, rapper 50 Cent joined forces with World Food Program to help fight the plague of starvation. Street King, a project launched by 50, was introduced to raise money in efforts to feed children in the region who suffer daily from the lack of nourishment. The name ‘Street King’ comes from an energy drink in which 50 is promoting, that is infused with natural caffeine and is reported to give its users about 6 hours of energy and focus. 50 was said to have been on his way to Somalia to launch the same type of campaign. There was not a lot of media attention attached to the rapper’s visit. It is not certain, but maybe his travels throughout the country was covertly done due to Somalian militants. 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, joins an elite group of artists who has stepped forward to utilize their fame or fortune to support Kenya’s efforts in uplifting their country and surrounding territories.
Even just a few weeks prior Rick Ross had a stop over in Nairobi Kenyans international Airport JKIA while in route to South Africa during his most recent tour.
Seems like there is a lot of attention on the region lately, could this be the East African renaissance in its beginning stages?
click here to check out Atlanta based, Kenyan MC Noggz latest interview/feature with HHABC
“Either you’re slingin’ crack-rock, or you’ve got a wicked jump-shot”. When Biggie spit that line back in 94, it became clear to the world that one’s odds of making it out of ghetto black America were slim to none.
Those words resonate clearly for a cat like Stalley who began with hoop dreams that an injury would eventually put a sudden end to. The Ohio native explained in a recent interview that following his injury that put an end to his once promising basketball career, he found himself strangely drawn to music and 4 years later signed to Rick Ross’s Maybach Music.
Sounds pretty simple huh? but it was no cakewalk for the small-town dweller who found solace and inspiration in music. The monotony of a small town and get destructive, and the predictability of each and every encounter even the more draining.
“My thing is I just didn’t wanna end up being stuck there, ’cause a lot of people end up selling and using drugs or are just there, existing… says Stalley.
Stalley admits to having a desire to want to know more than what his small town dwelling allowed him to see. Years later, the newcomer seemingly humble and driven at the same time, displays a soulful grace through his music of which he credits towards his diverse taste.
With countless features on heavy rotation, an independent album “Lincoln Way Nights” already released and an MMG co-sign to say the leased, it is safe to say the Ohio native has a bright future ahead of him.
Canadian Based, Somali born rapper K’Naan expressed his dis-contempt for Republican hopeful Mitt Romney and his campaign team.
During Romney’s campaign recently, K’Naan’s song “Waving the Flag” was used during the Florida primary victory speech.
In a statement released on Wednesday the 1st, K’naan says Romney’s campaign didn’t seek approval to use the song and that he would not have granted either way.
“Wavin’ Flag” was an international hit for K’Naan in 2010 which was co-produced by Bruno Mars’ production team, The Smeezingtons.
K’Naan says, he would happily grant President Barack Obama’s campaign the use of the song and he also wants to make sure Romney does not use his song again and is seeking legal action.
This is a very bold statement for any artist to make considering it is usually the artists especially hip-hop artists who get the back hand from public officials more than not.
Stella Mwangi, Famous for the songs Take it Back, Haba Haba, Biacara, and Lookie Lookie, lost her father Jeff Mwangi Kwirikia to a hit and run accident in their resident Norway.
The Norwegian based Stella has been promoting her latest single HULA HOOP! feat Mohombi which has faired well in various Afrcan, Caribbean and European charts.
The vehicle involved in the accident is believed to be dark brown, blue or blank in color, and possibly a Partner ot Berlingo. Police in Norway are asking for anyone who may have information that might lead to the location of the runaway car or driver to call them at 99487751.
Stella’s family relocated to Norway in 1991. STL, has released several hits in Kenyan and international markets over the years. Her song “Haba Haba” topped Norway’s official singles chart in week 6 of 2011. For more on STL click here.
Hate him, like him, disregard him but Zino aka Ray Dog has had his brief moment in hip-hop.
1st as co-owner of hip-hop’s once most influential magazine “The Source”, which was once called “The Bible of Hip-Hop” during its hey day, a somewhat mediocre rap career, Benzino is definitely a notable figure to recognize.
Although he is better known for his infamous beef with Eminem, Zino managed to produce his strongest hit to date, the Mario Winans assisted “Rock The Party”. During late 2002, early 2003 “Rock The Party” saw him “almost” rise to stardom. The record would top various rap charts and then a remix featuring “Lil Kim and Petey Pablo” would follow shortly after.
Dr. Dre and his company Beats Electronics will sell a 51% stake of the company to Taiwanese telephone maker HTC for $300 million dollars.
The Beats Electronics venture is a collaboration between Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine and Interscope Records that began almost a decade ago.
The company specializes in making high end headphones, which are customized for a variety of pop stars, who sell them to their fan base.
In addition to the Beats by Dre line, Beats Electronics has made headphones for artists such as Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and countless others.
Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine will continue to run Beats Electronics.
“When Jimmy and Dre started this, they had a very specific vision of what Beats would be,” said Beats Electronics president Luke Williams. “It wasn’t about headphones, it was about fixing the degradation of sound.”
For years Forbes.com has documented the yearly earnings of today’s top hip-hop stars. it is with great pleasure HHABC brings to you the most recent list and show you where some of your favorite stars fall in the most recent list.
1) Jay Z,, 37 Million
2) P Diddy, 35 Million
3) Kanye West, 16 Million
4) Lil Wayne & Baby, 15 Million
6) Snoop, Eminem & Dr Dre, 14 Million
9) Akon, 13 Million
10) Ludacris, 12 Million
11) Wiz Khalifa & Drake, 11 Million
13) Pharell Williams, 10 Million
14) Timberland, 7 Million
15) Nicki Minaj & Swizz Beats, 6.5 Million
17) Rick Ross, Pitbul & 50 Cent, 6 Million
20) T-Pain & B.O.B, 5 Million
After 7 years of marriage and the birth of their twins superstar couple Jeniffer Lopez & Mark Anthony have decided to call it quits. The couple released this following statement. “We have decided to end our marriage. This was a very difficult decision. We have come to amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time.”
The ever candid and outspoken Lupe Fiasco sat with CBS to discuss various matters ranging from politics, his label woes and various other matters. During the interview Lupe expressed his distaste for the US political process and foreign policy as a whole. Lupe also address the infamous protest by his fans a few months ago when his Label “Atlantic Records” wouldn’t give him a release.
“In my fight against terrorism, to me, the biggest terrorist is Obama in the United States of America,” Fiasco said in an interview. “For me, I’m trying to fight the terrorism that’s actually causing the other forms of terrorism. The root cause of the terrorism is the stuff that you as a government allow to happen and the foreign policies that we have in place in different countries that inspire people to become terrorists. And it’s easy for us because it’s really just some oil, which we can really get on our own.” -Lupe (CBS News)
He also explained his reasons for opting not to vote in political elections. “I don’t vote. I don’t get involved in the political process because it’s meaningless, to be honest,” Fiasco added. “I’m a real big believer if I’m gonna vouch for someone, then I’m gonna stand behind everything that they do…So politicians aren’t gonna do that because I don’t want you to bomb some village in the middle of nowhere.” -Lupe (CBS News)
Nothing short of the word legendary Fat Joe continues to add more to his extensive catalog and advance his executive ventures.
For years the legendary Bronx MC Fat Joe has played around with his weight on various occasions loosing and gaining it back. Recently after the release of his latest video Joey Crack surprised his fans with a 75 pound weight drop and it looks like once again he is determined to keep the public talking.
Just recently during a visit to Kenya, rapper 50 Cent joined forces with World Food Program to help fight the plague of starvation. Street King, a project launched by 50, was introduced to raise money in efforts to feed children in the region who suffer daily from the lack of nourishment. The name ‘Street King’ comes from an energy drink in which 50 is promoting, that is infused with natural caffeine and is reported to give its users about 6 hours of energy and focus. 50 was said to have been on his way to Somalia to launch the same type of campaign. There was not a lot of media attention attached to the rapper’s visit. It is not certain, but maybe his travels throughout the country was covertly done due to Somalian militants. 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, joins an elite group of artists who has stepped forward to utilize their fame or fortune to support Kenya’s efforts in uplifting their country and surrounding territories.
