Lil Wayne To Sue Birdman For $8 Million [Update: Wayne Also Seeks To Take Young Money Artists With Him]

Lil Wayne puts his money where his mouth is, demanding Birdman pay him $8 million and free him from Cash Money.[Update: Wayne Also Seeks To Take Young Money Artists With Him]

After almost two months of Lil Wayne complaining about his record label, it looks like he's finally doing something legal about it. The Cash Money/Young Money MC will target CEO Birdman in a suit that will ask for both $8 million and Wayne's freedom from the label.

TMZ reports that Birdman owes Lil Wayne that $8 mil as an advance for Tha Carter V that hasn't been paid yet. In addition to this, Wayne is alleging that Birdman is violating their contract by continually withholding release of the project.

While we wait for the story to develop, listen to Tunechi air out his grievances with Stunna on Sorry 4 The Wait 2. 

[via]

[Update: Wayne Also Seeks To Take Young Money Artists With Him]

While TMZ originally reported Wayne was suing Birdman for $8 million, they've now received reports that Wayne also wants to take his Young Money roster with him when he leaves. 

Cortez Bryant, Wayne's manager, spoke on the Wayne Cash Money rift via Instagram. Part of Bryant's two part statement stated "And for all our other artists that's been loyal from the beginning and patiently waiting on their number to be called! That's coming too!"He would go on to mention Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda, Cory Gunz, Lil Twist, and Shanell, while mentioning Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Tyga in a previous message. 

TMZ reports that Cash Money's distribution deal with all the Young Money artists will most likely force the issue to be resolved in court. 

[via TMZ]

Paul McCartney Is Not Co-Producing Kanye West’s Entire New Album

Sorry folks, Paul McCartney is not producing Kanye West’s entire new album. Reps for McCartney and West confirmed with Rolling Stone. The news began to circulate fast that ‘Ye’s entire new LP was co-produced by the the Beatle legend when Yeezy’s longtime friend and barber IBN Jasper took to Instagram and announced some huge news about the Kanye LP. “Kanye’s whole new album is co produced with McCartney,” Jasper said in the comment section of his IG post of the cover art for the new Rihanna, West and McCartney “FourFiveSeconds.”

IBN also revealed the song is originally a ‘Ye record that will be on both Rih and Mr. West’s new LPs. “[West] decided to put Rihanna on the song and put it on BOTH of their albums because they are both Roc Nation,” he added. ”FourFiveSeconds,” a beautiful acoustic single that’s part soothing and part aggressive, dropped this past weekend. That’s the same track Ty Dolla $ign hinted at earlier this month and quite possibly the same song Kanye previewed at the iHeartRadio Summit. On Jan. 1, West and McCartney put forth the first fruits of their labor with the track “Only One.”

COZZ – I’M THA MAN (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

After making his contribution to the LA Leakers and their  2015 Draft Picks mixtape, Cozz gets back to promoting his own project Cozz & Effect with an official video for “I’m Tha Man.” Props to him for rocking that old Thrashers jersey. 

J Dilla’s Brother Illa J To Host “Montreal Loves Dilla!” Tribute Celebration

The upcoming event will be the first of its kind organized by the J Dilla Foundation and a family member in Montreal, Canada.

Just days after it was announced that the first annualDilla Day L.A. would be taking place on February 13, another J Dilla tribute celebration has been revealed, this time in Montreal, Canada.

According to MTLBlog.com, Montreal Loves Dilla! will be hosted by J Dilla’s youngest brother Illa J, and will take place on February 7, 2015 at the Inspecteur Épingle bar in Montreal, Québec, Canada.

The event will be presented by De La Rap and the J Dilla Foundation. Local deejays including DJ Ephiks, Toast Dawg, Dr. MaD, DJ Manzo & Sev Dee are set to play Dilla beats all night long.

Raekwon & Ghostface Killah Announce "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" Documentary

The two Wu-Tang Clan rappers will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Raekwon's debut with a documentary about the album.

With 2015 marking the 20th anniversary ofRaekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx album, Rae and fellow Wu-Tang Clan rapper Ghostface Killah took to the Sundance Film Festival during the weekend, to announce the release of a documentary on the making of the album.

After hosting what they called a "sneak peek #PurpleCarpet screening" at the film festival in Utah, Rae and Ghost unveiled plans for a documentary called The Purple Tape Files.

Ghostface is notably featured on 15 of the 18 tracks on Raekwon's debut.

Mixtape Release Dates: Rocko, SD, Black Cobain, Tone P

Rocko is slated to release his next mixtape next month, SD eyes the end of February for "Life Of A Savage 4."

A few new mixtapes were announced this week. Check out what's new below.

Rocko is slated to release his next mixtape next month. Real Spill eyes a February 13 drop date.

SD is slated to release his next mixtape toward the end of next month. Life Of A Savage 4 eyes a February 29 release date.

Black Cobain is slated to drop his next mixtape at the end of the month. No Buzz eyes a January 30 release date.

Tone P is slated to release his next project at the top of next month. The Beats About Nothing is slated for a February 2 drop date.

January 26

YGG - Rich Before Rap

January 27

2 Chainz - Tru Jack City

Chevy Woods - Gangland 3

Young Scooter - Jug Season (Hosted By OG Double D)

January 28

A.T.L. - Above The Law

January 30

Black Cobain - No Buzz

Criminal Manne - Trap Talk

February 2

Tone P - The Beats About Nothing

Wessy Wes - 90's Baby

February 3

Sosamann - Trap'd Out 2

February 7

Bo Deal - Out Wit A Bang

February 9

Casino - Ex Drug Dealer 2

February 13

Rocko - Real Spill

Tom G - Live From Da Ghetto

February 16

Antman - Real: 30

February 19

SD - Life Of A Savage 4

February 25

J Money - Sauce God

TBA

808 Mafia - Free Agent

Ab-Soul - #LT3

AK-OG (Akon & OG Boo Dirty) - Two In The Chamber

Alley Boy - Definition Of F*ck Shit 3

A$AP Ant & Tootie Ro - Percs & Lean

Capital STEEZ - King Capital

Chief Keef - Thot Breaker

Chubbie Baby - Millions In The Kitchen

C-Murder - Penitentiary Chances

Fashawn - Ode To Illmatic

Fredo Santana - Walking Legend

Future - Super Future/Fire Marshall Future

HBK Gang - Gang Forever

Iamsu - Kilt 2

Jeremiah Jae - Good Times

JT The Bigga Figga - Don't Stop Til We Major

Juelz Santana - Born To Lose, Built To Win

Juelz Santana - God Will’n Vol. 2

Katie Got Bandz - Coolin' In Chiraq

King Louie - Drilluminati 3 (God Of Drill)

Lil Mouse - Mouse Trap 2

Lola Monroe - Lipstick And Pistols

Lupe Fiasco - Lost In The Atlantic

Maxo Kream - Maxo 187

Method Man - The Meth Lab

Mickey Factz - 741 Park Ave

Migos & GS9 - Shmigo Gang

Migos & Rich The Kid - Streets On Lock 4

Migos & Skippa Da Flippa - Migos x Flippa

Nipsey Hussle - Mailbox Money

OJ Da Juiceman & Criminal Manne - Kings Of The Trap

PeeWee Longway - Lobby Runners 2

PeeWee Longway & Jose Guapo - Longway Guapo

Shad Da God - Rise And Hustle 3

Skippa Da Flippa - I'm Havin

Slim Thug - Boss Life

Soulja Boy - Foreign 2

SpaceGhostPurrp - Blackland Radio Vol. 2

T-Pain - The Iron Way

Trouble - The Return of December 17th

Various Artists - A3C Piff 2014

We The Best Music - Take Over

Yakki & Young Thug - For Geekers Only

YMCMB/Greg Street - The Vault (Hosted By Birdman)

YG & Nipsey Hussle - Two Of America's Most Wanted

Young Scooter & Future - Street Lottery 3

Young Scooter & Young Thug - Eagles Landing

Kid Cudi Speaks On His Homosexual Role In New Movie "James White"

Viewers won't see Cudi coming out the closet to his friends or kissing a male friend during the film.

Kid Cudi is serious about acting.

His new flick James White premiered during day two of the Sundance Film Festival in Utah.

According to Billboard, Cudi's character is gay and the rapper wasn't uncomfortable portraying the role.

"This was way different than anything else I've ever done," Cudi told Billboard prior to the film's premiere.  "It was dope to do that. I felt like I had a responsibility to present a different walk in life from that world."

The movie's plot focuses on a young New Yorker struggling to take control of his reckless, self destructive behavior in the face of momentous family challenges.

Cudi was cast as the gay best friend of the movie's heterosexual lead character, played by Christopher Abbot.

But viewers won't see Cudi coming out the closet to his friends or kissing a male friend during the film. Several of those scenes didn't make the final cut.

"When he comes out of the closet it's not really a thing," Cudi explained. "I think that's something the world needs to see. 'Cause it's not a thing. We're all equal."

"I'm mad [Mond] cut out my kissing scenes with David," he continued. "We made out so many times -- and it was so good! That's my only gripe."

Kanye West's Next Album Reportedly Co-Produced By Paul McCartney

Ibn Jasper also announces that "FourFiveSeconds" will appear on upcoming albums from both Rihanna and Kanye West.

With the release of Rihanna's latest Kanye West andPaul McCartney-featuring single raising questions about the former Beatles' involvement in both stars' music, Ibn Jasper has now confirmed that Kanye West's next album is entirely co-produced by Paul McCartney.

Jasper, a close friend and longtime barber for Kanye, confirmed the news in response to a string of Instagram comments on his account. Ibn also announced that the recently released "FourFiveSeconds" single is set to appear on both Rihanna's and Kanye West's albums separately.

The announcement confirms news released by Ty Dolla $ign earlier this month in which he spoke about plans for new music from Kanye West, Rihanna, and Paul McCartney.

"It's gonna drop soon," he said of the yet-to-be-released collab. "I heard they shot the video recently. I don't know what the final title is, but I know it's crazy so just be looking out for [it]."

Check out a profile of Ibn Jasper by FRANK151 below in which he details his history with West and how he got his start as a barber in Chicago thanks to Bilal.

Tyga Being Sued By Former Management Company For $4 Million

C&J Management is reportedly seeking $4 million for a breach of contract.

Fresh off the announcement of a release date for hisjoint album with Chris Brown, Tyga is reportedly being sued for $4 million by his former management company.

According to TMZ, C&J Management is after the Cash Money rapper for several million dollars after he reportedly fired them without cause in 2013 to hire a new manager. TMZ also reports that C&J was pivotal to Tyga's Cash Money signing in 2011.

Like Lil Wayne, Tyga has complained recently about his album being delayed by Cash Money and in December threatened to release The Gold Album independently.

Separately, TMZ also recently reported on rumors that Tyga is in the process of preparing a new reality show for MTV set to begin airing this Spring based on his lifestyle with his entourage.

A$AP Rocky Confirms A$AP Yams "Didn't Overdose On Any Drugs"

Yams was a major factor in the launching of Rocky's career.

It's been one week since the untimely death of A$AP Worldwide Records owner A$AP Yams.

The Harlem-bred 26-year-old's passing, shook the Hip Hop community last week, spawning the trending topic on Twitter #RIPYams and multiple condolences from rappers he either worked with or groomed.

In addition to  A$AP affiliates Ant, Ferg and Nast, Drake, Azalia Banks, Wale and 2 Chainz, among others have spoken out about the loss of the NYC tastemaker.

Rocky recently had an emotional interview with Billboard, in which he expressed his feelings regarding the concealed cause of death, Yams' role on his forthcoming album and his outlook moving forward.

Rocky wouldn't disclose the cause of Yams' passing but he did dispel rumors claiming that he overdosed on drugs.

"People were saying that Yams overdosed on drugs -- he didn't overdose on any drugs," Rocky tells Billboard. "I feel like people feel that way because that's all he's in pictures doing. When you see A$AP Yams you see Hennessey or purple drink, you see some type of controlled substance or illegal narcotic."

Yams was a major factor in the launching of Rocky's career.

He served as the executive producer of Rocky's debut Long. Live. A$AP album and is also set to receive co-executive producer credits for Rocky's untitled follow-up.  

Rocky told Billboard that both Yams and Dangermouse (Black Keys, Gnarls Barkley) helped craft the project.

"Dangermouse and Yams -- I'm really intrigued for people to hear how that combination sounds," Rocky said. "Yams manifested his powers into it."

The tragic news is still fresh in Rocky's mind but he seems confident he'll be able to return to form in time.

"I'll be back in my zone in a bit," he said. "I just got it get it together. This all happened and the timing is so wrong, with me doing Sundance and Mens Fashion Week in Paris...I'm a happy spirit, man, and I feel like time heals."

Bobby Shmurda Has Gun Charge Dismissed

The 20-year old rapper still faces charges brought against him and 14 other GS9 members.

The Brooklyn District Attorney's office has announced that a gun case involving Bobby Shmurda will be dismissed in the coming weeks, according to Revolt.

Shmurda remains incarcerated at Rikers Island in New York after being arrested last month following an investigation by the NYPD and special Narcotics Gang Unit. The Brooklyn case set to be dismissed by the Brooklyn D.A. alleged that Shmurda, whose given name is Ackquille Pollard, fired a gun at a crowd of people near a barber shop.

Shmurda still faces the charges levied against him and his fellow GS9 members which include gun possession, murder, and conspiracy. The 20-year old rapper is currently being held on $2 million bail.

The rapper's lawyer, Howard Greenberg, also told Revolt that Shmurda is set for his upcoming trial date later this month.

“Brooklyn is done and now it’s on to Manhattan, where we need to teach these adversaries a lesson,” he said.

Greenberg also denied rumors that Shmurda was recently released on bail and separately that he had been critically injured in a jail brawl.

“Bullshit,” Greenberg said. “Saw him yesterday (January 20) in court. He looked fantastic.”

In a separate statement, Greenberg recently told XXL about upcoming plans for Shmurda's defense.

“The intermediate plan is if there is a superseding indictment on the 29th is to enter a plea of not guilty," he said. "The long term plan is to kick some ass and take no prisoners."

Kanye West Reveals Why He Doesn't Like To Smile In Photos

We now know why Kanye West is forever unsmiling in his paparazzi photos.

Kanye West has been showing his face on the web a bit more than usual this past weekend, with a new collaboration with Rihanna and Paul McCartney on deck, and an appearance with Kim Kardashian at the BET Honors, where he took home the Visionary award.

During another recent appearance at the Daily Front Row's Fashion Los Angeles Awards, Kanye spoke on his infamous non-smile-move in the majority of his paparazzi-taken photographs. Simply stated, Ye looks cooler when he's not smiling.

Kanye was an honorary guest present at the fashion award show, and revealed, 

"Back when I was working on Yeezus, I saw this book from the 1800s and it was velvet-covered with brass and everything,” West said. “I looked at all these people’s photos and they look so real and their outfits were incredible and they weren’t smiling and people, you know the paparazzi, always come up to me, ‘Why you not smiling?’ and I think, not smiling makes me smile… When you see paintings in an old castle, people are not smiling cause it just wouldn’t look as cool."

Are Lil Wayne & Young Thug Taking Shots At Each Other?

Lil Wayne and Young Thug seemed to be sending subliminal shots at one another over their competing events last night.

By this point, you're fully aware that Lil Wayne and Birdman are not on the best of terms, as Wayne has expressed a desire to leave Cash Money, claiming Birdman won't release his completed studio album, Tha Carter V. This weekend, the rift was taken to the next level when reports that Weezy was suing his father figure for $8 million arose, and last night it seems Young Thug may have become involved in the beef.

Thug, who happens to cite Wayne as his sole influence, has of course been pretty close with Birdman over the last year. He released the critically acclaimed Rich Gang mixtape with Bird, and can be seen by his side at pretty much any event he attends. It just so happens Birdman was hosting his own party last night, in direct competition with an event Wayne was holding.

Weezy took to Twitter to announce his Sorry 4 The Wait 2 party at the the Versace mansion, but made sure to tell fans not to attend the Rich Gang event at LIV, closing his tweet with "Go to LIV for what?".

While the tweet was seemingly aimed at Birdman, it was Thug who may or may not have responded directly on Instagram, announcing in a video "We going to LIV. Whoever don’t like it, pull up, fuck n--ga.”

Big Sean Announces Title For Upcoming Project

Big Sean takes to Instagram to announce the title of his follow up to "Hall of Fame".

While his track "I Don't Fuck With You" is still in heavy rotation, G.O.O.D. Music's Big Sean announces the title of his next album, Dark Sky Paradise.

Via MissInfo.com, Sean is using Instagram to announce contributing producers and features on the upcoming album, having those featured post an image of the album title to their Instagram accounts. So far, scheduled to appear on the project are Drake, Jhene Aiko, TraviS Scott, PARTYNEXTDOOR, E-40, DJ Mustard, DJ Dahi, Vinylz and Dj Khaled. 

On a recent promo run, Sean announced Lil Wayne and Kanye West are scheduled to appear on his upcoming album. There is currently no scheduled release date for Dark Sky Paradise.  

Casey Veggies Reveals Title To Upcoming Debut Album

Casey Veggies reveals the title of his upcoming debut album.

Casey Veggies is prepping the release of his debut album for later this year, and on Wednesday he paid a visit to The Breakfast Club while out in NYC and accidentally spilled the news of the project’s official title.

Right before the very end of the interview, Charlamagne and company asked Casey for the title of his album, which ultimately led to them guessing it correctly and Casey confirming it. Now thanks to the mind of CharlaMAGNE (Kanye West Voice), Casey Veggies’ debut album via Epic Records is now known to be titled Live And Grow.

Of course there was no other information as for a release date or features, but we do know that its being led by the single “Backflip”, which just saw a remix from YG and Iamsu! get released recently.

50 Cent Reveals "The Beast Is G-Unit" EP Artwork

G-Unit's upcoming "The Beast Is G-Unit" EP now has some official artwork.

It's still been under a year since G-Unit officially reunited, but we've already been given a healthy serving of new material from the iconic crew. First off, we got a collection of freestyles, followed by The Beauty Of Independence EP, but the Unit still have one more short release before they put out any kind of full length.

The Beast Is G-Unit has been discussed for a minute now, but today we're given some official artwork (via Fif's Instagram), which hopefully means we're one step closer to some more new music from 50, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and co. 

Take a look at the cover in the gallery above. What are you expecting from the new project?

Iggy Azalea Calls Out Ebro For "Sparked A Change" Meme

Iggy Azalea responds to Ebro's meme of her sparking "change" in hip-hop.

Hip-hop was once again up in arms thanks to an Iggy Azalea quote this past week. During an interview with GQ, Iggy Azalea was so bold as to say she "sparked a change and inspired some leniency in what people accept in hip-hop." Hmm...

The remarks soon had the haters coming at Iggy on twitter, as well as memes. When HipHopWired asked their twitter followers to send a photo of their face when they heard Iggy say she "sparked a change," Hot 97's Ebro got in on the fun, sending a photo of a baby who was not pleased/half asleep. Iggy Azalea caught wind of Ebro's tweet, and quickly responded to him.

She elaborated on what she meant by "sparked a change" saying, "I'm talking about changing who we accept having a voice in hip hop. As the only white, Australian,woman with a 1#." Then she added, "you can meme all you want but I have change many ppls opinions about allowing different voices to be heard." And, "u guys are the BIGGEST haters you try to exaggerate everything I say to make it seem like I have a god-like complex."