Common On Getting Caught In Obama & Fox News Crossfire [Video]

Common opens up about how he felt when a poetry function he was performing at for Michelle Obama was opposed by protesters because of a song he did about activist Assata Shakur. The Chicago rapper reveals that he was extremely shocked when he first heard of the situation, and wasn’t aware that the event was causing an uproar until friends started texting him. The Nobody’s Smiling rapper said that he quickly realized he had become caught in the crossfire of Fox News trying to get at President Obama. Common says he was thankful that the Obamas held their ground over the situation and he was able to share his love for poetry at the White House.

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Pete Rock’s James Brown Tribute Mix [Stream]

Check out Pete Rock’s James Brown Tribute mix. Dopeness! R.I.P. James Brown. “When I met James Brown, I think he passed along something to me when I shook his hand. I look at that today, and I say, “Damn, I think James Brown gave me a piece of his [soul] power.” He came to Mount Vernon and he did a concert with Bobby Bird and The JBS in my hood at a spot called the Left Bank. And I’m telling you I’ve never seen Mount Vernon so poppin’ in my entire life! It was always poppin’–don’t get it twisted–because we used to do little parties in the hood and stuff like that and everybody would come out. But James Brown — I mean I was seven years old, me and my brother Grap, and we walked in the joint and my mother talked to one of James’ bodyguards or managers or something and was asking him, “Yo, can my kids meet James?” And the next thing you know, he came up behind us and I shook his hand and he was like, “God bless you man, God bless you.” And he shook my mother’s hand and he shook my brother’s hand. And it left something with me. This was before he got on stage. He shook our hands and then we watched the show. And I left that place not the same. So you see how strong black music can be. It had a heavy impact on me in my

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Royce Da 5’9″: “Nobody Is Gonna Beat Eminem” [Video]

At the July 27th UW “Annihilation” battle event, VladTV Battle Rap Journalist Michael Hughes caught up with Slaughterhouse member Royce Da 5’9 for an exclusive interview. Royce reflected on the success of his Total Slaughter Battle Rap reality TV show, and what he learned from the experience to make future battle events even better. He also shared his thoughts on Joe Budden’s performance vs. Hollow Da Don at the grand finale battle event, and Royce truly believes that Joe “made Hollow bleed” in the battle. After seeing his labelmate and friend get busy in the lyrical ring, Royce admitted that it gave him an itch to possibly test his skills at one point as well. Royce spoke on the possible inclusion of Cassidy for a future Total Slaughter battle event, and concluded by addressing the highly anticipated return of Eminem. While Royce is uncertain if Em will ever step back into the ring, he is confident that “Whoever it is, is gonna lose. Nobody is gonna beat Em.” How do you think Eminem will do if he steps back into the ring?

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Swerve – Mixed Aromas [EP]

“Mixed Aromas” is Swerve’s highly anticipated third solo release, and his sixth overall release since his debut project with fellow artist SYG in 2012. Mixed Aromas features Los Angeles hip hop artist Blu, on the well received single “Sk! H!”, as well as the usual feature from SYG on the Banksy inspired “Everybody Knows Everything”. This collection of songs will be available for free download until 8/15/14. 5,000 Limited Edition CD’s will also be on sale with artwork by Rick Edigius. Mixed Aromas by Swerve

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