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Dr. Dre Headphones Becoming Favorites Of Athletes

Dr. Dre's brand of headphones, Monster Cable's Beats By Dre, have received some very high-profile product placement, from talk shows to music videos (Keri Hilson's and Lady Gaga's, just to name a few).

Now, some of sport's biggest stars will be rocking the high-end headphones, as the entire Cleveland Cavalier team was given custom-made Beats By Dre gear.

According to ESPN.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers' Lebron James also teamed up with the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant to purchase custom-made Beats By Dre for every member of the East and West NBA All-Star teams. James also gave the headphones to his U.S. Olympic teammates in 2008.

"I had high expectations," said Kevin Lee, Vice President of Brand and Business Development for Monster, of the headphones. "We surpassed my expectations. We released the Beats by Dre in 2008, and it took a good 12 months for it to hit the masses."

Lee spoke of the line's futristic and visually appealing side, but also noted their audio quality. "They give you full studio sound, because Dre is very particular about sound. It really does matter for athletes. That's why LeBron and Kobe rock our headphones."

"Athletes have always used music for some type of inspiration," said Ryan Grant, Green Bay Packers running back and owner of Beats By Dre headphones . "We travel and do things that are active when we listen to music. We want the best product."

Indeed, headphones are a worthwhile investment for athletes, according to Atlanta Hawks forward Al Horfor, who had a pair of blue and white custom-made Beats By Dre headphones with the phrase "El Jefe" (The Boss) inscribed on the side made for him and his teammates.

Other athletes who've had custom headphones made for themeselves include Chad Ochocinco and Nate Robinson.

DX News Bits: Erykah Badu, Ty Fyffe

Throughout her colorful career, Erykah Badu has maintained strong creative control over her music, a reality that has allowed the neo-soul/funk singer to experiment with several different sounds. While one of her latest singles, the Lil Wayne-featured "Jump Up in the Air and Stay There," has received favorable reviews, Badu has revealed that she will not add the track to her upcoming album New Amerykah Part Two. Her decision was made partly due to a desire to protect the integrity of her music.

"The age of Aquarius is a whirlwind, baby," she told Billboard. "I can say, 'No pictures, no video,' but everything is a video camera now. Because of the kind of artist I am, I don't want to lose the boutiqueness or the exclusivity of the music. The element of surprise is a true element for an artist, just like earth, wind, fire, and water."

The track, however, will remain available digitally, as will several remixes of the song featuring Snoop Dogg, Jay Electronica, Raekwon, and a few others. Badu expressed that the album will contain themes dealing with love, rather than the heavy political motifs heard on her last LP. New Amerykah Part Two will include production from Madlib, 9th Wonder, and Badu herself. The album is due on Mar. 30.

In other news, producer Ty Fyffe has extended his global "Raw 'N' Uncut" contest deadline to Apr. 15. The contest challenges rappers to send in their best video freestyles for a chance to appear on the "Raw 'N' Uncut" compilation hosted by DJ Kay Slay.

"I am very excited with the selections we have made so far," said Ty Fyffe, who has worked with artists like 50 Cent, Nas, and Rakim. "I'm still looking for a dope female and male singer, and I'd like to hear a reggae artist too."

Videos can be submitted at www.tyfyffe.com.

Trill Entertainment Manager�s Murder Charges Dropped

According to the Associated Press murder charges against Melvin Vernell Jr. and Marcus Roach, two managers at Trill Entertainment, have been dropped.

The charges against the two men were dropped because prosecutors in the case waited too long to try the men on the charges they received. Prosecutors waited two years to try the men.

"The judge threw out the most serious charges. Attempted murder and armed robbery carry mandatory prison sentences," Lewis Unglesby, one of the men’s attorneys, told the AP.

Although the murder charges against Vernell and Roach have been dropped they still face the charges of aggravated battery, aggravated assault with a firearm, and possession of an illegal firearm by a convicted felon.

Currently out on bond, both men will have to stand trial for the remaining charges in August.

Vernell and Roach were charged with attempted second-degree murder following a shooting at a store in Baton Rouge in 2005.

Sandman Launches March P.C.P Concert Series, Honors Bahamadia

DXnext alum Sandman, along with the Philadelphia Coalition have announced a series of concerts on Wednedays nights in March.

Tonight kicks off the series, with an honor to one of Philadelphia's pioneering emcees, Bahamadia. She worked with the likes of Gang Starr, Da Beatminerz and The Roots on her 1996 critically-acclaimed debut Kollage. The emcee, who released two more albums is said to be at work on a documentary film.

To honor Bahamadia, Cannons Inc.'s Housewife, Trish Barnes, Nina Ross and early '00s Timbaland protege Ms. Jade are included on the bill, among others.

Next week's event features James Cagnie, also of Cannons Inc., E. Ness of Making The Band fame and others.

The March 24th event features Sandman, rising sensation Daddy-O and Tone Trump, among others.

Closing out the month, March 31st's event features Bump J., Donny Boy, Stacks Fam and others.

All events are held at Philadelphia's Arts Garage on Ridge Avenue.

DMX Arrested, Battling Addiction

DMX's penchant for getting in trouble with the law continues, as the once-superstar rapper was once again arrested.

According to TMZ.com, the Yonkers rapper was arrested yesterday (March 9) in Arizona for violating the terms of his probation by using illegal drugs over the past nine months.

"He's been battling addiction for some time and he's in need of treatment," says X's lawyer, Gary Jenkins.

"We're hoping that maybe Dr. Drew might be able to help him," added Jenkins, referring to Dr. Drew Pinsky, a radio and television personality who specializes in addiciton medicine. In addition to hosting the syndicated radio talk show Loveline, Pinsky produces and stars in the Vh1 show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.

The Ruff Ryder has been arrested for countless charges in recent years, including having a warrant for having no vaild driver's license, as well as drug and animal cruelty charges.

UPDATE: Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio revealed to MTV News today that the Yonkers emcee admitted to using cocaine, as drugs were found. As a result, the once-platinum superstar rapper remains in Maricopa County Jail. The sheriff was quoted as saying, "I think it's about time to give him hard time."

The sheriff did also suggest a behind-bars drug program that could allow DMX more leniency to expected parole violation sentencing.

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 3/7/2010

Pop/Country act Lady Antebellum finally bumped Sade's Soldier Of Love, taking the #1 spot after six weeks on the charts. Sade does have a chance however of being the first 2010 urban release to go platinum. At best, the charts will see that next week. If not, with certainty, the week after.

The Black Eyed Peas enjoyed their 39th week on the charts. The group kept the #8 seat warm for The E.N.D. Already at double platinum, a new video "Imma Be Rocking That Body," has will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and Apl.De.Ap staying as close to the top of the charts as they've been in months. will.i.am will soon be working on Usher's Raymond v. Raymond.

There were two new additions to the Top 15. Raheem DeVaughn's Love & War Masterpeace concept album received an impressive Top 10 debut. The DMV Soul singer's third album features Ludacris and Wale ("The Greatness" ) and a slew of guest R&B singers on the posse cut "Nobody Wins A War."

With all the chart movement, Lil Wayne's Rebirth fell six spots. This was the last week of Wayne out of prison to promote the album, which may hurt its platinum potential. Wayne's homie DJ Khaled's Victory album debuted at #14. This was seven points and 30,000 units less than Khaled's last album, We Global. Victory is getting stronger critical response, as the album boasts three Rick Ross appearances, as well as features from Drake, Young Jeezy and Snoop Dogg.



* Please note: figures below approximated to nearest thousandth.

Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)

Rank	Artist	Album	This Week	Est. Total
2	Sade	Soldier Of Love	79,000	899,000
8	Black Eyed Peas	The E.N.D.	46,000	2,228,000
9	Raheem DeVaugn	The Love & War Masterpeace	45,000	45,000
12	Lil Wayne	Rebirth	32,000	393,000
14	DJ Khaled	Victory	28,000	28,000

Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 closes in on 1,660,000 units sold, while Eminem's Relapse crossed the 1,875,000 unit mark. Last week, Gucci Mane's The State Vs. Radric Davis out-sold both platinum rappers, coming in at #51. The Warner Brothers/Asylum release crossed the 300,000 unit mark, as its creator remains in prison, limiting marketing.

Drake did indeed surpass 400,000 units with So Far Gone last week. Although Universal and Cash Money treat this EP as unofficial album, the release may likely go gold, making a strong case for retail versions of free download music. 50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct fell 40 spots last week, outside of the Top 100. This movement may have a lot to do with the close sales race, decided by 3,000 weekly units or less.

Freeway & Jake One's The Stimulus Package hung in on the charts for a third week. Free's first "official" independent album, this on the Minneapolis-based Rhymesayers label was supported with a whole album's worth of production from Seattle's most prolific producer, Jake One.

Rank	Artist	Album	This Week	Est. Total
51	Gucci Mane	The State Vs. Radric Davis	11,000	301,000
52	Eminem	Relapse	11,000	1,875,000
77	Drake	So Far Gone	7,300	401,100
103	50 Cent	Before I Self Destruct	5,800	416,000
195	Freeway & Jake One	The Stimulus Package	2,700	15,000

Will Ludacris bring his boys vs. girls fight to the top of the charts? Can the Kidz In The Hall get the mainstream love they seem to be seeking? Stay tuned to next week at HipHopDX.

Murs To Release 10 Albums in 10 Months

Murs has a lot of music in the vault. Although fans have been anticipating his latest project Fornever, a release with producer 9th Wonder, he says he has much more in store. Recently, the Mid City Los Angeles emcee announced that he would be releasing ten albums in ten months in 2010.

The theme may also lead to a box set that will be released in October.

"10 albums 10 songs each in 10 months in the year 2010. 10/10/10 box set will be available," he announced on his Twitter page. "Or you can wait till 12/28 for the last piece."

Believing that fans may take it as a joke, he has repeated himself more than once on the subject.

This can be as a result of his time spent after releasing his Warner Brothers debut, Murs for President. Since that album, Murs has been working on a variety of projects with various artists. In August of last year, Murs spoke to HipHopDX about all the music he is ready to release and promised the ten records to us back then.

“A lot of people keep asking about Murs and 9th Wonder. It never went away. We never stopped doing shit. We’re going to do shit forever. So, Murs and 9th Wonder coming [in 2010]... I got a punk rock group called The Invincibles with this gang called Whole Wheat Bread coming out this year. I’ve also been working on some stuff with DJ Quik and Terrace Martin. We’re doing a whole ghetto, hood, electro, dance, sex, party record. We’ve been working on that. We’ve got a few songs knocked out. I’ve also got Varsity Blues 2, man. So, I got like 4 records coming out. I’m going to have like 10 records in the next year, man. Stay tuned because as soon as I get free from Warner Brothers, it’s going to be a party.”

Now free, it seems he's ready to get that party started.

Wu-Tang Management Says They Seek “Next 9 Generals”

John “Mook” Gibbons, founder of Wu-Tang Management, has started a new campaign to find up-and-coming rappers with “The Next 9 Generals” competition.

Centered around the premise of a “new school” Wu-Tang squad, the competition looks for rappers between the ages of 18-33 who exemplify the Wu-Tang spirit through lyrics. Online applicants are asked to rhyme over two Wu-Tang instrumentals (“Protect Ya Neck” and “Wu-Tang Clan Ain’t Nuthing ta Fuck Wit”) to show their lyrical abilities.

Along with the online applicants, Gibbons will also be holding several auditions across the country, including New York, Philadelphia, Miami, and Los Angeles. Judges for the auditions are Gibbons, SRC’s Steve Rifkind, Power 105 radio personality Steph Lova and Wu-Tang member U-God.

The nine winners of the competition will reportedly secure “major recording deal(s), music videos, world wide exposure, international tours, and most importantly the right to bear the Wu-Tang ‘W’.”

Registration is available online here. The early registration deadline is March 31.

Mitchy Slick Talks Tha Wrongkind, “In Search Of Stoney Jackson”

San Diego veteran emcee Mitchy Slick has had an active 2010. In addition to his group, Strong Arm Steady releasing an acclaimed album with Stones Throw Records, In Search Of Stoney Jackson, the SMC/Fontana artist opened the year releasing his own compilation album with Wrongkind, Yellow Tape. Speaking recently with HipHopDX, Mitch broke down his latest venture. "Wrongkind represents a whole bunch of niggas - people that ain't just rappers. We got homies that do a lot of things for Tha Wrongkind; we got homies that just slap people for Tha Wrongkind. It ain't just San Diego homies either. It's just some fly cats from my community that don't fit the usual type of get-money, have-bitches [mentality]." Slick said that the group has affiliates in Oklahoma, San Francisco and New York. "We're like the outcasts of the industry, 'cause all my niggas is real and 100." He added, "It's just a movement of real niggas that want to make some real shit happen in the Rap game." Within his Lincoln Park neighborhood, Slick said the group's extensive roster particularly resonates, "In San Diego, it just so happens that a lot of the [members] happen to be real figures of the community before they even grab the mic."

Although Mitchy Slick was present on every Yellow Tape record, he only appeared on two cuts ("Pressure" and "Two Pistols" from his group's sophomore album, produced entirely by Madlib. Asked why that was the case, Mitchy responded with candor. "Nothing pulled me from that project. Usually, with the Strong Arm Steady projects, I let Phil [Da Agony] and [Krondon] coordinate them. If they felt like [I] was only needed to be featured on [In Search Of Stoney Jackson], then I give them the freedom to do that. The two songs I'm on is great songs."

The San Diego rapper understands that his content differs from that of the group's other two members at times. "A lot of that may have to do with some of the content of the songs that I recorded for the Stoney Jackson album. It was already enough for the fan-base of [Madlib] to do records with a guy who was gonna be on gang-bangin' and shit, crack-rappin' on his beats. Some of the songs I did for the Stoney Jackson [album] was pimp records and shit. I just felt like that was something that hadn't really been heard on Madlib slaps. A lot of my fans ain't even really familiar with Madlib. They need to get their bars up though, for those that don't know a Madlib or a J Dilla or something like that. Open your horizons."

With their Blacksmith debut Arms & Hammers still in the works, Mitchy Slick expressed pleasure from the fan and critical response to the January album. "Some of the best response we've ever gotten from a Strong Arm Steady project have come from [In Search Of Stoney Jackson]."

Further asked if the rapper who has worked with Messy Marv and Cashis feels marginalized with his peers, he confessed, "I know that I get a much better response when it's a Mitchy Slick show than I get when it's a S.A.S. show, out of state. That's maybe because of how we promote it." Like Kool G Rap, Kurupt or Xzibit, Mitchy Slick prides himself on existing in two worlds. "I like being able to do both things, and I don't try to mix 'em. So if you hear Mitchy Slick on Strong Arm Steady shit, sometimes it's a little more conscious and a little more lyrical. Not lyrical, but a lot of times there's a lot of ignorance on a Mitchy Slick record. We refer to ignorance as that ghetto shit: $5,000 paintjob on a $2,000 car shit."

One of the stronger cuts on Yellow Tape is the commentary courtesy of "What Happened To The Turf." Mitchy Slick explained the vision for the album-record. "When I heard the track, all I could think about was the transitions in my neighborhood from the time from when we first began to now. From the '80s era this text-messaging, Internet era. I just asked questions about a lot of issues that's going on in my neighborhood." Mitch said that many of the young street disciples might not even realize that they're surrounded by forgotten street scholars from yesteryear. Offering insight, he says, "I try to bridge that gap between the old homies and the new homies."

As the predominant voice for San Diego in the last decade, Mitchy Slick was asked about his relationship to '90s San Diego pioneer Jayo Felony, who comes from a rival gang. "No comment," began Slick, who then added, "This Rap shit is so real, and this gang shit is so real...shit. That's some other shit. Me and Jayo Felony, that's street shit, not Rap shit. That's why I don't make songs and rap about niggas and say shit. That's buster shit to me."

With the streets recognizing the barriers between 16 bars and bandanas, Mitchy Slick explained why the two maintain separation. "Two niggas that's from two neighborhoods, that's supposed to be from those neighborhoods, ain't got no business rappin' about each other because that shit can go to shooting fast...I'm cool on talking about that shit."

Still, the emcee in Mitchy Slick recognized the significance both men offered their city. "We did a lot for the town. A lot of people look up to Jayo Felony for what he did." Going back to the mid-'90s, Slick admits, "I had never seen Jayo Felony and I could never identify with him, really, 'cause it's so segregated in our town. It kinda showed us that we could do it."

Although their streets might be separate, Mitchy Slick said he knows that he's yet to reach the level of success that Jayo Felony say through hits like "Whatcha Gonna Do." He revealed, "I don't look at the shit that I've accomplished on the level of what he's accomplished, because I know the real game. I'm not sayin' about what he has now or where he is now, but I'm sayin' to be on that level, that playing-field to a west coast gangsta nigga doing songs with Redman and being on Def Jam and all that shit, that ain't no regular shit. I respect that."

With 15 years on the Hip Hop map, both Mitchy Slick and Jayo Felony have been hugely instrumental to the city's recognition. "It showed San Diego we could do it. But we ain't show it on the level to where they can trust and depend on this Rap shit. Not yet. 'Cause we ain't really brought the bacon home."

With two group releases already this 2010, Mitch Slick is certainly trying to further the Southern California city's impact.



Purchase Yellow Tape by Mitchy Slick Presents Tha Wrongkind

Kool G Rap Writes Foreward To New Book On Rapping

Author Paul Edwards' book How To Rap: The Art & Science of the Hip-Hop MC has reached book stores. Not just any other scholarly book on one of the pillars of Hip Hop, Edwards' book features a Foreward by none other than legendary emcee Kool G Rap.

This book breaks down the emcee artform into five sections: Content, Flow, Writing and Delivery with various sub-sections. In addition, Edwards' work features 104 interviews with emcees ranging from E-40 to Hell Rell, 2Mex to Royce Da 5'9".

Published in December of 2009, this is Edwards' first book.

Purchase How to Rap: The Art and Science of the Hip-Hop MC by Paul Edwards