Sha Money XL Bringing One Stop Shop Producers Conference To NY & More Revealed In Interview

via PMP Worldwide

PMP: How does it feel being back in the Def Jam building as an executive?

Sha Money: It feels reel good and it's a blessing. I'm ready to put that work in; I'm not caught up in the hype.

PMP: What are some of the immediate differences between your current exec position at Def Jam and when you were over at G-Unit?

Sha Money: Def Jam has a huge team of professionals compared to G-Unit which had about 3 or 4 executives. At Def Jam you have over 30 professionals who know what they're doing so I've got an amazing team behind me. I have a music mentor in L.A. Reid who is a real music dude not just an executive only.

PMP: Coming from the background of being a producer do you look at yourself in the same light?

Sha Money: Absolutely, I'm a music person and I tell people I'll handle all the politics that have to be done before the music but my music speaks for itself and it always will.

PMP: What specific artist projects are your priorities?

Sha Money: My priority is Juelz Santana. Right now it feels like his album will probably drop 4th quarter definitely this year. We're getting started right now and he got some amazing music. Were really just getting to the nuggets right now so its too early to build on the specifics but trust I'm putting my 100% all into it no doubt.

PMP: Do you feel any pressure as far as expectations in a time when Hip Hop artists are not selling as many album units compared to the heydays of G-Unit?

Sha Money: Nah I don't feel any pressure and if there was any pressure then I like it because I'm good at handling urgency and importance. L.A. Reid told me to get results and that's what I do, you have to remember I work with one of the toughest dudes in the business (50 Cent) so pressure is nothing.

PMP: Do you feel A&R executives need to do a better job at utilizing the Internet when it comes to discovering talent and/or finding quality music from producers and writers?

Sha Money: You definitely have to be active when it comes to working with digital technology. With the PMP for example I've been in the back office, listening to tracks and learning how ya'll guys whole model is setup which is real dope and efficient so I'm all about being on the cutting edge as far as the Internet is concerned.

PMP: What is the current status of the annual One Stop Producer Conference?

Sha Money: It's still going down but I put it on hold because of this new transition. I figured I'll have more power behind me so I'm going to have more people participating for the next one. I don't have an exact date locked in but it's going to be in the Fall and I'm bringing it to New York this year.

PMP: Was the change of venue location due to the recent political atmosphere out in Arizona?

Sha Money: Yea well we held the conference 3 times out there and it felt good and now its time take it to new cities and help new producers out. New York is live and they're ready for it. In Arizona and the rest of the West Coast they needed it so I did everything West Coast and now its time to come back East and New York is the best place to start it at.

PMP: Def Jam as a label brand was once synonymous with authentic street hip hop, do you feel your part of a revival by being offered your new position?

Sha Money: Absolutely and L.A. Reid recognized that in me and he wants the streets happy that's why I'm here. I represent for New York and all the great street music from around the world and it's our job to bring that rush.

PMP: What's your personal feeling about the current hip hop sound that's in the market now?

Sha Money: I think it scattered right now because there's not enough official releases so everything is spread out too wide and it makes it hard to get a grip on exactly what's going on. My intention starting out at Def Jam is to have multiple releases coming out each quarter instead of all these little bricks going on right now. Hi-Tek and Kwali just dropped their new project earlier this week on Tuesday so we need more Hip Hop releases overall in the business.

PMP: In regards to the New York market many accuse the DJ's of not supporting the local acts. Do you feel this is a fair assessment?

Sha Money: I think the DJ's need to be more than just DJ's and help pave the way they want the music to flow but at the same time I also believe the artists in New York need to step their game up. There are a few dudes out there that are really bringing it but just not enough.

PMP: Is some of the problem due to a lack of artistic development in the A&R sector of the business?

Sha Money: A lot of A&R's are not on their jobs and I can you tell that for a definite fact. Its not going down under my watch, I'm here to push the music as far as I can take it while I have this opportunity

PMP: From the Russell Simmons to 50 Cents and now yourself what is it about the Borough of Queens that produce so many successful entrepreneurs in the music business?

Sha Money: It's the water man! There are a lot of successful people that have come out of Queens from the artist level, executive level and DJ level as well like DJ Clue, Envy and Whoo Kid. Run DMC was the first Hip Hop group to take it to a platinum level so it's gotta be something in the water.

PMP: For the producers on the PMP, both established and new what advice would you give them?

Sha Money: Make sure you shop your music to a lot of people that got good ears. Make sure your shit is really hot and not be caught up in just glorifying yourself. Take the time to study the game and become a real student of the game; don't just jump into the business not knowing the history behind it or what's currently happening. Once you become a great student then you can graduate and become the teacher

PMP: In your opinion how should a producer be compensated for providing original production for songs that are released on Mixtapes/online promotional?

Sha Money: I think the producer should get his credit up because if he's not known he should use that as an avenue to say 'this is what I've done'. Nowadays you have Mixtape records that get heavy play and are as respected as the songs coming off of retail albums so use it as a reason to get your name out there. The artist will love it and in exchange ask for your name to be credited on the insert 'produced by...'you need that for your own personal branding.

For example there is a producer by the name of Nascent, he did a lot of mixtape work for 50 Cent and then he finally got his shot on 50's last album and that was due to the work he was putting out there and getting a buzz around his name. It's like 'ok you did that, shit was hot let me hear some more' so it's all about allowing people to identify with what your work is.

PMP: Are you still producing and will it be a conflict of interest to submit your music to projects your responsible for at Def Jam?

Sha Money: Nah I'm getting music from everybody, I'm too busy on the executive side to be in a good creative space so I'm focused on helping make Def Jam the #1 label as far as market share and selling a whole bunch of records this year and for years to come. I'm good at making music but I'm great at creating and building brands and making stars so I'm going to concentrate on what I'm great at right now.

PMP: Are you still working with G-Unit?

Sha Money: Yea that's my family, I still work with them in the studio and when its time to get it in. I speak to 50 at least once a week and the same with Yayo and Banks, those are my brothers.

PMP: The Lloyd Banks record 'Beamer, Benz or Bently' was released independently is currently enjoying 'major-like' success. With Hip Hop is there really much of a difference between the majors and their indy counterparts?

Sha Money: It's the same game because now there's only a thin line between being on a major and being independent. You got companies like E1 that are kicking more ass than some of the majors so it's really no difference, its all about when the money stops. The majors have more money than the independent labels but that's about it.

PMP: So if the Lloyd Banks project was on Def Jam once it started making real noise that's when the extra $1 million can kick in and people like yourself can take it to another level correct?

Sha Money: Exactly

With Sha Money XL Now At Def Jam Will 50 Cent And G-Unit Head Over?

via MTV

Queens is in the building — again. Sha Money XL has signed on to become the senior VP of A&R at Def Jam Records. The label has had such a rich history of Queens-bred fellas in the boardroom, from its founder Russell Simmons to Irv Gotti to one of Sha's mentors, the late Jam Master Jay. XL is excited to plant his flag in the cherished hip-hop recording house.

"I've been floating around this industry since I've just been executive-producing 50 [Cent]'s albums," XL explained Thursday at the MTV offices. "Freelancing, doing my own thing. I've been able to meet with L.A. Reid. We've been having some great conversations. Finally, the call came. It felt so good. Def Jam is such a strong company and strong roster. The staff is amazing. I felt it instantly. I knew that this is something I can do with my New York vision and New York swag and bring that for all the guys that's based out here. And the things that was needed to excite the industry as well, internally and externally. I connect with everybody by all levels."

Sha said that after being with the G-Unit for so many years, there is no such thing as pressure to him anymore.

"I work good under pressure," he said. "Working with 50, I know what needs to get done. I don't feel pressure. I do the things that need to be done. As long as artists listen and we really become businessmen in this business, as we say we are, I think we should all prosper. I'm looking to make the company more money and take it to the top, the highest level."

So with 50 Cent a free agent, free to bring himself and his label — which includes Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo — anywhere he pleases, will Sha try to secure a spot for his longtime friends at Def Jam?

"I spoke to Fif, to [his manager Chris] Lighty. I would love to see that there," Sha admitted. "Banks has an amazing record right now, independently. If things work out, then yeah, I would love to see that happen."

If the Unit came to Def Jam, things would get interesting, to say the least. Shyne, Rick Ross, Nas and DJ Khaled, people who Fif and the Unit have had problems with through the years, are all on the roster.

"I'm a businessman," Sha Money said when asked how he would feel having the Unit in the same building with some of their adversaries. "The beef stuff, I'm over. We at a certain point in life where we don't even need that. We eat that. So I will let them speak for their own, but honestly, I would like to see a company continue to grow. And I think G-Unit is in a position — coming from an independent space — that can continue to do their thing. I would like to provide an opportunity for them to continue to grow."

While the Unit deal is just in the talking stages now, Sha says his top priority is making sure Juelz Santana gets his LP out. XL already has his sights set on DJ Toomp to get in the lab with Juelz.

Big Boi Talks New Def Jam Deal And 'Sir Luscious Left Foot, Son Of Chico Dusty'

Big Boi Sir Luscious Left Foot, Son Of Chico Dusty on Island/Def Jam coming soon!

via Hip Hop DX

With OutKast's Big Boi finally inking a deal with Def Jam last week to release his Sir Luscious Left Foot solo album, the rapper sat down with Gyant Unplugged to discuss his past and present label situations, as well as future endeavors.

"It was a lot of behind the scenes, label politics, basically." said Big Boi in the video interview. "A lot of people don't know, we started at LaFace Records with LA Reid, a very creative mind. He definitely gave us an avenue to make the music we wanted to make."

Big Boi went on to explain LaFace's acquisition by another company with whom he didn't have a personal relationship. However, Jive finally allowed Big Boi to make a move to Def Jam. "Just recently, as of maybe three weeks ago, they gave me the opportunity to take the album elsewhere. I called my big brother LA Reid, he said, 'Meet me in Miami.' The next day, we flew to Miami, played him the music, he said, 'Let's do it,' [and the] deal
is done."

Describing himself "Happy as hell," Big Boi allayed any ideas that he may be concerned with Def Jam's perceived lack of present-day marquee artists. "I'm not even concerned with nothing but me. People might say [Def Jam] doesn't have any hot artists, but he got the number one record with Ludacris' last week...My album is a musical nuclear bomb, and we finna drop it."

(video courtesy of Gyant Unplugged)

Def Jam 25th Anniversary Package with Autographed Poster Learn More

The Def Jam 25th Anniversary Box Set with autographed commemorative Def Jam poster signed by Juelz Santana, Rick Ross, Method Man, Redman, Fabolous, Ghostface Killah, The-Dream is available exclusively at the Def Jam Shop limited to the first 500.

To purchase click here:
Def Jam Shop

VH1 Hip Hop Honors Show: Photos, Press Release, Media Coverage

VH1 Hip Hop Homors airs October 13 check local listings for times.

via press release

NEW YORK, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The 6th annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" shook up Brooklyn, New York last night as some of the biggest names in entertainment gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records -- one of the most celebrated hip hop labels in the music industry.

Taped at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House on Wednesday, September 23rd in Brooklyn, New York and hosted by Tracy Morgan ("30 Rock"), talents from across all artistic genres came together to celebrate this significant milestone in American hip hop music. The show paid tribute to the architects of Def Jam Records including Bill Stephney, Chris Lighty, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles, L.A. Reid, Lyor Cohen, Michael Kyser, Rick Rubin, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Russell Simmons. Performances by Ashanti, Chrisette Michele, DJ Chuck Chill Out, DJ Clinton Sparks, DMX, Eminem, EPMD, Fabolous, Foxy Brown, Gym Class Heroes, DJ Jaycee, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ghostface, Ja Rule, Judacamp Choir, Kid Rock, KRS One, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Method Man, DJ Nonstop, Onyx, Public Enemy, Redman, The Roots, Rick Ross, DJ Sam Sneak, Scarface, DJ Scratch, The Street Sweeper Social Club, Trey Songz, Wale and Warren G brought down the house celebrating Def Jam Records.

The show kicked off with The Roots, Eminem and DJ Jazzy Jeff performing LL Cool J's classic "Rock the Bells," proving that Brooklyn was "in the house."

The crowd went crazy as Public Enemy were accompanied by S1W, The Street Sweepers Social Club, and The Roots performing "Rebel Without a Pause" - Public Enemy's hit single from "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back," one of the most celebrated and revered albums in hip hop.

The next performance rang true at BAM as Travis McCoy, Wale and KRS One with Gym Class Heroes covered Beastie Boys' iconic "No Sleep Till Brooklyn."

The momentum kept going as Gym Class Heroes joined the chart-topping rap group Onyx with a rendition of Onyx's Billboard chart hit "Slam."

The legacy of Def Jam continued to be celebrated as best-selling artist DMX collaborated with Gym Class Heroes for his 1999 hit single "Party Up."

Tracy Morgan introduced rapper Rick Ross who took the stage to perform "Hustlin" - one of the first songs off his debut album that catapulted him into hip hop fame.

Next, the rap duo that shook the hip hop world reunited as Method Man and Redman took the stage to perform "Da Rockwilder."

The Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, took to the stage in front of a hyped audience as she joined Method Man for a rendition of their Grammy award-winning single "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By."

The legends of hip hop continued to represent as Warren G was joined by Trey Songz to perform "Regulate" in honor of Def Jam Records and Warren G's triple-platinum album that solidified him as hip hop royalty.

Eve introduced Ja Rule and Ashanti as they performed their hits "Down for You" and "Always On Time" in true Def Jam style.

Two of the South's heavy hitters, Ludacris and Scarface, united onstage to perform "Guess Who's Back" and "Southern Hospitality."

Bringing the show to an unforgettable end, The Roots, Kid Rock, Foxy Brown, Fabolous, Ghostface, Chrisette Michele, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Eric Sermon all ripped the stage with an unbelievable medley performing some of Def Jam's most iconic hits.

2009's "Hip Hop Honors" demonstrated how Def Jam Records and its architects Bill Stephney, Chris Lighty, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles, L.A. Reid, Lyor Cohen, Michael Kyser, Rick Rubin, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Russell Simmons transformed American pop culture by bringing hip hop to the world.

Photos:
Arrivals
Film Magic 1
Film Magic 2
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2
WENN Photo

Backstage and Audience
Film Magic
Getty Images
Wire Image

Show
Film Magic
Getty Images 1
Getty Images 2
Wire Image 1
Wire Image 2

Pre-Party
Getty Images

Hip Hop Media Coverage:
All Hip Hop - Pictures of Def Jam's Legendary Night

XXL - VH1 Honors Def Jam’s 25th Anniversary in Brooklyn

Rap Radar - Def Jam Vignette: LL Cool J’s Origins from inside the awards show video

Rap Radar - Eve Speaks On Ruff Ryders Reunion on The Red Carpert video

Rap Radar - Ghostface Killah & Brett Ratner Reunion on The Red Carpet video

Rap Radar - Warren G Speaks On XXL Cover Red Carpet Interview video

Rap Radar - Meth x Mary “All I Need” performance video

Rap Radar - DMX On “DMXing” The Game on The Red Carpet video

Rap Radar - Eminem x Black Thought “Rock The Bells” performance video

Visit VH1 Hip Hop Honors home page for updates:
2009 VH1 Hip Hop Honors

Learn More About Music Executive Lyor Cohen

via The New York Times

1. ACTS HE HAS WORKED WITH: Beastie Boys, who are wacky. LL Cool J, who is remarkable. Nas, who is a wordsmith.

2. JOB DESCRIPTION: I am a hunter, an anthropologist, aneedle-in-the-haystack finder. You never know when it will be the day that you’ll find the artist that will change your life.

3. ACT HE MOST WANTS TO SIGN: Kings of Leon.

4. CAREER BEGINNING: I threw a concert at the Los Angeles club I was managing in the mid-1980s. Run-DMC was the headliner. They loved the show and gave me my start being their road manager.

5. JAM MASTER JAY MEMENTO: I have an award I received from his charitable organization. He used to be my roommate on tour. I remember his smile, which was beautiful.

Read More Here:
NY Times - Lyor Cohen profile

Island Def Jam Names New A & R

Attention, anyone wanting make it in the music business especailly in A&R (the guys and gals who sign and oversee talent at the music labels) it takes a lot of luck to get to the top and maybe a double platinum record like ""I Am Sasha Fierce" does hurt either.

via Billboard.biz

Island Def Jam has named Max Gousse their new senior VP of A&R. Gousse will be based in Los Angeles and report directly to chairman L.A. Reid.

Before joining Island Def Jam, Gousse worked in executive capacities for MCA Music Publishing, Epic Records, Sanctuary Management and most recently Music World Entertainment, where he oversaw Beyonce's multi-platnium records "Bday" and "I Am Sasha Fierce."

Ghostface Killah: Wizard Of Poetry Tracklist And Tour Dates Revealed

Ghostface Killah "Ghostdini The Wizard of Poetry" tracklist:

01. Not Your Average Girl featuring Shareefa
02. Do Over featuring Raheem “Radio” DeVaughn
03. Baby featuring Raheem “Radio” DeVaughn
04. Lonely featuring Jack Knight
05. Stapleton
06. Sex Stay
07. Paragraphs Of Love featuring Vaughn Anthony & Estelle
08. Guest House featuring Fabolous and Shareefa
09. Let’s Stop Playin’ featuring John Legend
10. Forever
11. I’ll Be That featuring Adrienne Bailon
12. Goner featuring Lloyd

**Bonus Tracks**

13. She’s A Killah featuring Ron Browz
14. Back Like That featuring Ne-Yo & Kanye West

Ghostface Killah on tour:

10/2 Albany, NY- Northern Lights
10/3 Philly, PA- Trocadero
10/4 Carrboro, NY- Cats Cradle
10/5 Charleston, SC- Music Farm
10/7 Ft. Lauderdale, FL- Revolution
10/9 Oxford, MS- Lyric
10/10 Baton Rouge, LA- Spanish Moon
10/11 Austin, TX- Emos
10/13 Tucson, AZ- The Rock
10/14 Tempe, AZ- The Clubhouse
10/15 San Diego, CA- Canes
10/16 Los Angeles, CA Key Club
10/17 Santa Barbara, CA- Velvet Jones
10/19 Reno, NV- Club Underground
10/20 San Fran, CA- Slims
10/21 Arcata, CA- Arcata Theatre
10/22 Portland, OR- Berbati’s Pan
10/23 Eugene, OR- WOW Hall
10/24 Seattle, WA- Showbox
10/25 Bellingham, WA- Nightlight
10/28 Salt Lake City, UT- Urban Lounge
10/29 Aspen, CO- Belly Up
10/30 Denver, CO- Bluebird
10/31 Boulder, CO- Fox

VH1 Hip Hop Honors Def Jam 25th Anniversary

The 6th annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors to air on VH1 Tuesday, October 13 at 9PM ET/PT.

via press release

The 6th annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" show will commemorate the 25th anniversary of Def Jam Records, as talents from across all artistic genres come together to celebrate this significant milestone in American hip-hop music. Eminem, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Ludacris, DMX, Mary J. Blige, Redman, The Roots, Method Man, ONYX, Public Enemy, Warren G, Kid Rock, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Brett Ratner, Trey Songz, Ja Rule, Gym Class Heroes, and Scarface are scheduled to show up and show out to celebrate the label that served a catalyst for this American musical phenomenon.

"VH1 Hip Hop Honors 2009" will be taped from the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. "30 Rock's" Tracy Morgan returns as host for the 3rd year, as he will be joined many of hip-hop's biggest luminaries. The "VH1 Hip Hop Honors 2009" broadcast will premiere on VH1 on Tuesday, October 13 at 9PM ET/PT.*

Def Jam has launched the careers of some of the biggest names in music history and has inspired other emerging labels and artists. Special homage will be paid to the architects of the label, Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons, Kevin Liles, Lyor Cohen, Julie Greenwald, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Antonio "L.A." Reid (Chairman Island Def Jam Music Group). Presenters and performers honor the history and the legacy of Def Jam Records through never-seen-before interviews, archival footage and special musical performances of some of Def Jam's greatest hits. It promises to be a night that will showcase how Def Jam came and remains to be one of the premier record labels of hip-hop music.

Hip Hop fans can go to HipHop.VH1.com now to comment on this year's line-up and to weigh in on what they'd like to hear at this year's celebration. Additionally, on Monday, September 14, VH1 will launch the full show site at HipHop.VH1.com with artist profiles, exclusive online programming, show information and more. Additional VH1.com and VH1 Mobile efforts for "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will be announced in the coming weeks.

Ghostface Killah: Free CD 'The Wizard of Poetry' Album Sampler Mailed To You

On the heels of the new Ghostface Killah release "The Wizard of Poetry" out on Island/Def Jam September 29, 2009, Hooked On That is giving away a FREE CD Ghostface album sampler while supplies last.

All you have to do to get your FREE CD Ghostface album sampler is:

1) Become a member of Hooked On That by signing up as a follower.

2) Send an email with your name and street address (P.O. Box is ok) to:

Hookedonpromo@gmail.com

Current followers are eligible for a FREE CD Ghostface album sampler too, just email your name and address.

3) Hooked On That will send out as soon as possible to have in your hands.

Sorry in advance to our international readers, but this promotion is for US residents only.

I don't have to say that any Wu-Tang Clan member like a Ghostface Killah item has an esteemed value as a collectible and makes a nice edition to any collection.

Rick Rubin And Russell Simmons Talk Jay-Z

Getting ready for the the VH1 Hip Hop Honors airing in October and the 25th Anniversary of Def Jam.

Here's a glipse of the actual session Rick Rubin is talking about for "99 Problems" with Jay-Z:

Addias Originals And Def Jam 25th Anniversary Shoe Line

(article courtesy of Freshnessmag)

Two of the best in the respective sneaker and music industry, Adidas and Def Jam, had come together this year to collaborate on a collection of sneakers to celebrate Def Jam’s 25th Anniversary.

Amongst this collection are cool renditions of the signature Forum Mid and Stan Smith II in red, black and gold. The special edition Stan Smith II features a plush black suede upper highlighted with red accents. Both Def Jam and Adidas logos are incorporated into the kicks for some major brand recognition. The Def Jam logo is printed in white on the side heel panel and it also shares a spot with the Adidas Originals logo on the tongue and heel. A thoughtful design detail to note would be a small turntable graphic that is printed on the opposite side of the heel panel, a fitting motif for Def Jam in the music business.

Read and see more here

Big Boi Leaving Jive Records Signing With Def Jam

After the much delayed 'Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty', Outkast's Big Boi confirms the split with long time label Jive Records. Outkast were originally signed to Laface Records by L.A. Reid in the 90's, then it merged with Jive Records in 2002 and then Reid left the label in 2004 for his current post at Def Jam as Chairman. With this latest news, Big Boi renews his partnership with Reid by signing with Def Jam.

Read more here

What does this mean for Outkast and Andre 3000 who are currently signed to Jive Records? Does it mean Outkast will have 2 label homes? Time will tell.

Jay-Z new book deal in the works?

**update**

According to The New York Observer, Jay-Z plans to release a book commenting on and telling the stories behind his lyrics plus two other books one traditional memoir and another a business book.

3 total. First (lyric) book is called Decoded.

This will be the first book by Jay-Z, who famously claims never to write down his lyrics on paper. When it will be published is unknown. The multiplatinum-selling rapper's next album, The Blueprint III, is scheduled for release on Sept. 11, 2009.

Read more of the article here

Jay-Z new book deal in the works?

According to The New York Observer, Jay-Z plans to release a book commenting on and telling the stories behind his lyrics plus two other books one traditional memoir and another a business book.

This will be the first book by Jay-Z, who famously claims never to write down his lyrics on paper. When it will be published is unknown. The multiplatinum-selling rapper's next album, The Blueprint III, is scheduled for release on Sept. 11, 2009.

Read more of the article here

We here at Hooked On That are not sure what the real deal is about this Jay-Z book, as it has been mythically talked about for quite some time. It being the 25th Anniversary of Def Jam and with a new 'Blueprint 3' arriving this September, it would only make sense to have a Jay-Z book(s). Whatever develops, we'll keep you posted.

Fabolous talks Loso's Way

Fabolous recently talked with Billboard about his new upcoming "Loso's Way" release out July 27 on Desert Storm/Island Def Jam.

On his personal life:

"For a while it felt like my personal life was just my personal life," says Fabolous, born John Jackson. "But I started to feel more comfortable in my skin and with myself as a public figure, and I wanted to share more of my character with my fans. I also felt it could help my music too, especially this album."

On the correlation concept between "Loso's Way" and the 1993 Brian De Palma directed film "Carlito's Way":

"The concept of the album came from me watching 'Carlito's Way' and seeing how he was a guy who came from jail and wanted to do something bigger and better," he says. "I didn't come from jail, but I came from the hood, and in many ways I felt just like Carlito, because even though I'm still connected to the streets, I wanted to do bigger and better things too. There were a lot of parallels between his story and mine."

Read more of the Billboard story here

Rick Rubin: In the Studio new book release date announced

This is something that has pique my interests, an in depth book about Rick Rubin: In the Studio. Early in his career, Rick Rubin was synonymous with making great hip hop productions and starting Def Jam with Russell Simmons from his NYU dorm room. Cut to 2009/2010 while now based in Los Angeles, Rick Rubin is still producing some of the today's music greats. In the coming months, I look forward to hearing his production cut(s?) off of The Clipse's new album "Till The Casket Drops" and of course, more great music productions to follow.

(via press clipping)
On August 11, ECW Press will issue the 300-page book "Rick Rubin: in the Studio" by biographer Jake Brown. Nearly three years of meticulous research went into the making of the book, which documents the roots of Rubin's rise as one of the industry's most singularly influential record producers and A&R men, chronicles the making of such ground-breaking Def Jam-era classic LPs as the BEASTIE BOYS' seminal "License to Ill" and RUN DMC's "Raising Hell", his legendary, career-resurrecting collaboration with Johnny Cash, and of course, Rubin's countless successes in the studio with such wide-ranging rock/metal superstars as the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS, SLAYER, AUDIOSLAVE, SYSTEM OF A DOWN, WEEZER, DANZIG, THE CULT, LINKIN PARK, METALLICA and others.

Pre-order the book from Amazon here

See how Jay-Z and music producer Rick Rubin work in the studio making "99 Problems".

Fabolous: Loso plays with live band at B.B. King's New York

Fabolous is working hard to promote his upcoming release 'Loso's Way' out July 25 as he is seen here performing at B.B. King's in New York City June 24.

Check out the photos from the performance here

Power Moves party in LA for new Def Jam Digital Marketing Director

On Wednesday May 20, several music industry friends came together at Club Sushi in Hollywood to give Jycorri Robinson a celebratory send off. Jycorri will be moving from LA to NYC to assume his new dutties as Def Jam's Digital Marketing Director.