Cash Money Plaque To End All Wall Plaques

Spotted at ozone, courtesy of Derick G.

Drake Live At The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Concert Recap

As reported by Susan Langenhennig / The Times-Picayune

Drake is a ladies man, no doubt about it.

About 20 minutes into his 6 p.m. close-out set at the 41st annual New Orleans Jazz Fest (Saturday, April 24) presented by Shell, the Canadian-born rapper decided to pluck one lucky woman from the audience to join him on stage for a dance. The heavily female, mostly under-20 crowd responded with what could only be described as Beatles-era shrieking.

"Now ladies, you have to know, if you come up here, anything is liable to happen," he teased as he scanned the faces for volunteers.

Despite all that bluster, the 23-year-old rapper was a perfect gentleman when Jade, the young lady - or should I say girl - who caught his eye was handed up to the platform.

"How old are you?" he asked.

"Seventeen," she responded.

At that, he kissed her on both cheeks and forehead and sent her on her way.

When he wasn't romancing the ladies, Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, was rocking an R&B-infused rap set. Dressed all in black with spotless white tennis shoes, he perched at the edge of the stage. Launching into "I'm Going In," he gave a shout out to New Orleans (incarcerated) rapper Lil Wayne, calling him "My Big Brother."

For his final song, Drake segued into "Say Something," prompting the crowd to break out in a collective bounce that sent plumes of muddy brown water splashing up in waves, just as the sun began to set.

Photo links:
Film Magic
Wire Image

(video courtesy of stopandhearthemusic)

Drake Live In East Lansing, Michigan State University

Drake performed Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan Wednesday, April 14.

Drake 'The Away From Home Tour' Dates:
April 15 – Rochester Hills, MI – Oakland University
April 16 – Morgantown, WV – West Virginia University
April 21 – Orlando, FL – University Central Florida
April 22 – Greenville, SC – Furman University
April 23 – Nashville, TN - Vanderbilt University (Rites of Spring Fest.)
April 24 – New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 26 – New Orleans, LA – University of Missouri-Kansas City
April 27 – Lexington, KY – University of Kentucky
April 29 – Lowell, MA – University Mass Lowell
April 30 – Syracuse, NY – Private Location
May 1 – Boston, MA – Private Location
May 4 – East Rutherford, NJ – Bamboozle Festival
May 5 – Towson, MD – Holy Cross
May 6 – Cheney, PA – Towson University
May 7 – Ithaca, NY – Private Location
May 8 – Plymouth, NH – Private Location
May 12 - San Francisco, CA - Warfield Theatre
May 13 - Los Angeles, CA - Club Nokia

(video courtesy of classof2006kiwi)

Lil Wayne Shoots A Gaggle Of Music Videos Before Heading Off To The Clink

While everyone was in town this past week for Super Bowl festivities in Miami, Lil Wayne got to work filming several videos at a time, before he heads off to jail tomorrow.

The above video is Tyga's "I'm On It" which features Wayne, Drake, Juelz and the other Young Moneyites.

Photos from each video shoot here:
Jeevans World - Trae Tha Truth ft. Rick Ross & Lil Wayne "Inkredible"
Ozone - Trae Tha Truth ft. Rick Ross & Lil Wayne "Inkredible"
Ozone - Lil Wayne "Da Da Da"
Ozone - Young Money "Roger That"

Lil Wayne: Yale Student Declares 'The Rebirth' DEAD

Commentary by Yale student and writer for the Yale Daily News Jordan Schneider.

Lil Wayne, why you do me like this?

You were my portal out of the Manhattan prep school universe. You were the perfect rapper to give a white Jew rocking 6 inches of blond curls some cred.

Lil Wayne, you gave hip hop nerds a reason to love a rapper who rarely wandered from the hip hop trinity of making money, f**king b**ches, and blowing trees. Your ever-mutating flow and ADHD wordplay on the mixtape Drought 3 wound its way into my heart. It was clever enough to give white fans cover to appreciate rap that wasn’t ‘conscious,’ but just hot.

See the line: “How come every joint be on point like a harpoon/How come every bar stand strong like a barstool/How come every line is so raw you gon’ snort two?” Who else would go from Moby Dick to coke in three bars (without taking into account the adopted Creole accent)?

The night before graduation, I went to Bridgeport to see you perform two days before the Carter 3 dropped. I picked up a Carter 3 album T-shirt, and when I wore it people from all races would stop me on the street and acknowledge Weezy’s transcendence. With you, it wasn’t like “what can this white boy know about N.W.A”: my hip hop fandom and beatboxing habit no longer felt like that of an outsider.

Weezy, I understand how in the rap world ‘musical miscegenation’ is much more accepted, as artists sample the likes of Justice (Wale) and Empire of the Sun (Wiz Khalifa). But on Rebirth, you take your cues from Smash Mouth, Evanescence and Blink 182 while adding an overwrought helping of autotune. Your recent No Ceilings mixtape made it clear that you haven’t lost your flow, but you make me lose faith when one of your choruses is “f**k you (f**k you!) get a life (get a life!).” The production sounds like a hard rock song not good enough to make it into Guitar Hero. I maintained the hope that you might have been using this rock phase as a medium for social commentary, but when you title a song “Ground Zero” and the bridge repeats the disturbing “Jump-Jump out a window/Lets-Lets-Lets jump off a building baby,” I really don’t know what emotional planet you’re from. A lot of this record is just dumb.

So where does this leave us? You get some credit for being willing to take some time off from defending your “Best Rapper Alive” title, and choosing such an audacious project as the send-off for your upcoming yearlong jail term. But what of your cross-racial appeal that garnered me so many approving nods? Will people think I actually like this “dope boy with a guitar?”

Weezy, you didn’t need a Rebirth.

Young Money & Cash Money Alumni B.G., Juvenile Share The Stage In Lafayette, LA

Not an official reunion, but a very unpublicized event with the Cash Money and Young Money crews joining forces on the Lil Wayne 'Before I Go' tour stop in Lafayette, LA at the Cajundome on January 8.

The Cash Money festivities begin with B.G. then Juvenile start at the 1:45 mark and go from there.

the Photo links are just of Lil Wayne's set:
Getty Images

Drake Helps Out Lil Wayne At Last Date Of The 'Before I Go' Tour

At the Desoto Civic Center (Sunday, January 10) in Southaven Mississippi, Drake comes in to save the day for Lil Wayne at the 2:07 - 4:45 mark and Birdman pops in some time after.

PHOTOS:
Young Money HQ
Lil Wayne HQ

Lil Wayne, Young Money & Lil Flip On Stage Backstage In Beaumont, TX With C. Stone

At Ford Park Arena in Beaumont, TX - Tuesday, January 5 Young Money crewsters Mack Maine, Short Dawg, Gudda Gudda, T.Streets, Lil Twist & the wandering Birdman also in the building, but no Nicki Minaj.

Lil Wayne 'Before I Go' Tour Dates:

Jan. 7 (Thursday) – Allen Events Center - Allen, TX
Jan. 8 (Friday) – Cajun Dome - Lafayette, LA
Jan. 9 (Saturday) – Alltell Arena - Little Rock, AR
Jan. 10 (Sunday) – Desoto Civic Center - Southaven, MS

Catch Lil Wayne, while you can...

Lil Wayne Bids Adieu At Home Town Concert

(video courtesy of Linzwats1214 & HipHopRapper420)

Lil Wayne 'Farewell' Tour Dates:

Dec. 31 (Thursday) - San Diego Arena - San Diego, CA
Jan. 1 (Friday) – Don Haskins Arena - El Paso, TX
Jan. 2 (Saturday) -Tucson Convention Center - Tucson, AZ
Jan. 5 (Tuesday) – Ford Park Arena - Beaumont, TX
Jan. 6 (Wednesday) – Travis County Expo - Austin, TX
Jan. 7 (Thursday) – Allen Events Center - Allen, TX
Jan. 8 (Friday) – Cajun Dome - Lafayette, LA
Jan. 9 (Saturday) – Alltell Arena - Little Rock, AR
Jan. 10 (Sunday) – Desoto Civic Center - Southaven, MS

Young Money On Track To Sell 120K-130K First Week Sales

According to Hits Daily Double based on the first day sales round up, Young Money album 'We Are Young Money' is on track to sell between 120k-130k first week of release.

The Hits Daily Double numbers will become more firmer a day prior (on Tuesday, December 29) to the Nielsen/Soundscan (the industry standard) numbers as we will see next Wednesday, December 30.

Lil Wayne Takes Center Stage At Dodge Arena Texas Concert Recap

Lil Wayne first concert date of his tour before he heads off to jail in February 2010.

As reported by Zack Quaintance at The Monitor

Lil’ Wayne played for about an hour and a half Thursday (Dec. 17) at Dodge Arena, playing hits that included “A Milli,” “Mr. Carter,” and “Lollipop.” There’s a perception that hip hop as a genre doesn’t translate well to live shows. That’s not the case with Wayne. Instead of the standard show – featuring a rapper, hype man, and DJ — Wayne brought the band and a collection of guests. He did things his way, and it’s the same way he has gained such a massive following.

Think back three or four years ago, when artists still made a fair amount of money selling records. In those days, Wayne was busy making about a billion mix tapes and distributing them for free. Why would he do such a thing?

Possibly because he envisioned this day — where he would stand on stages at places like the Dodge Arena. He would slap hands with people in the front row as thousands chanted “Weezy, Weezy, Weezy.”

He seemed especially pleased when he delved into rock, a genre Wayne often tinkers with. Even though he had the excellent band behind him, Wayne played electric guitar himself for a couple songs, including a cover of Aerosmith and Run D.M.C.’s “Walk This Way.”

The crowd erupted when he slung the axe over his shoulder. Wayne’s guitar skills are debatable. He looked like a kid at a high school talent show concentrating intensely on every note. But that wasn’t the point. Weezy was having a blast up there and doing whatever he felt like. The feeling carried over to the audience.

People stood on chairs, waved their arms and cheered every time he looked their way. A superstar with the world watching him had come to South Texas, and he loved every second of it. They couldn’t help but thank him.

Read the full concert review here:
The Monitor - Lil' Wayne puts on larger-than-life show at Dodge Arena

PHOTOS:
The Monitor

more fan shot footage below.









Lil Wayne Tour Dates:

Dec. 18 (Friday) – Laredo Entertainment Center - Laredo, TX
Dec. 20 (Sunday) – American Bank Center - Corpus Christi, TX
Dec. 26 (Saturday) – Phillips Arena - Atlanta, GA
Dec. 28 (Monday) – New Orleans Arena - New Orleans, LA
Dec. 31 (Thursday) -San Diego Arena - San Diego, CA
Jan. 1 (Friday) – Don Haskins Arena - El Paso, TX
Jan. 2 (Saturday) -Tucson Convention Center - Tucson, AZ
Jan. 5 (Tuesday) – Ford Park Arena - Beaumont, TX
Jan. 6 (Wednesday) – Travis County Expo - Austin, TX
Jan. 7 (Thursday) – Allen Events Center - Allen, TX
Jan. 8 (Friday) – Cajun Dome - Lafayette, LA
Jan. 9 (Saturday) – Alltell Arena - Little Rock, AR
Jan. 10 (Sunday) – Desoto Civic Center - Southaven, MS

(video courtesy of K3vinBacon & mandy14465)

OOPS: Amazon Accidentally Ships Lil Wayne 'Rebirth' To Pre-Ordered Customers

via Billboard

While most of Lil Wayne's fans will have to wait until at least February in the New Year for his often-promised and often-delayed "Rebirth" album, about 500 Amazon customers who pre-ordered the album are enjoying the record already, thanks to a shipping mishap.

According to sources and an e-mail to Billboard from an Amazon customer, the online merchant sent copies of the album to some customers who pre-ordered "Rebirth." The album began arriving in mailboxes on Monday, Dec. 14, despite a change in the street date from Dec. 21 to February 1.

The release date change - the sixth time "Rebirth" was pushed to a new date - was made last month by Universal Motown, the distributing label for Cash Money, and its distributor Universal Music Group Distribution. Universal Motown and UMGD recalled the album, but roughly one million units were manufactured and about one-third were shipped to accounts when the decision was made to pull "Rebirth" from the schedule, sources say.

Although Amazon received the word to return the Lil Wayne album, supposedly about 500 copies were sent to customers. An Amazon spokesman didn't respond to an e-mail request for a comment.

Cash Money and Universal executives felt that the album hadn't received the proper set-up and decided to hold-up the release yet again, sources say. The album was initially supposed to be released April 7, but was pushed back to May 19 and then Aug. 18. And when that date came it went, the release date was pushed to Dec. 15 and finally Dec. 21, before the latest turn of events.

While its known that the album has been delayed to allow for proper set-up, some sources indicate that the album may be worked on some more, possibly with new tracks being added. If that's the case, then the Amazon customers who already received the album may have a collector's item on their hands.

Read the full article here:
Billboard - Amazon Ships Lil Wayne's 'Rebirth' Months Ahead Of Street Date

Lil Wayne Set To Play A One Off December Show In Texas

via the Brownsville Herald

Lil’ Wayne will perform Dec. 17 at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, venue officials have announced. Tickets go on sale Monday, Nov. 30, at Ticketmaster outlets and the Dodge Arena box office.

Lil’ Wayne ranks among the top active hip hop artists in terms of both sales and critical acclaim. Last summer, singles off his Tha Carter III album blasted from the radio, clubs and car stereo systems. He’s widely praised for his creative word play, and his distinctive, raspy New Orleans drawl make his rapping easy to identify.

His follow up to the mega-successful Tha Carter III is scheduled to debut Dec. 21. Wayne, who has occasionally tried to play electric guitar during concert and festival performances, has said this disc marks his rock debut.

Rumors are flying about the album --– he pays homage to The Beastie Boys, he collaborated with Fall Out Boy, he raps over instrumentals that sound like Coldplay --– but it’s hard to predict anything with Wayne.

For more information:
Dodge Arena - Lil Wayne

Related:
Lil Wayne's Guilty Plea Could Affect CD, Tour

Lil Wayne, Eminem, Mary J. Blige & Young Money Comp. Now Arrive Dec. 21

Following in Usher's street date foot steps, Universal Music Group has decided to stage their key releases to come out the week of Christmas on Monday, December 21.

12/21 new releases are as follows:

December 21, 2009
Usher - Raymond vs. Raymond (Jive/Zomba/Laface)
Young Money - We Are Young Money (Universal/Motown/Young Money)
Mary J. Blige - Stronger With Each Tear (Geffen/Matriarch)
Eminem - Relapse: Refill (Interscope/Shady/Aftermath)
Lil Wayne - Rebirth (Cash Money/Universal)

This is a very usual move by the major labels that is not typically seen from previous holiday selling seasons.

Some of these artists/releases don't even have a radio picture built yet which normally goes along with each release's set up for the marketplace.

As this year's economy has taken a toll on the populous pocketbook, the major labels probably figure if anyone is going to spend any of their hard earned cash it would be the week of Christmas.

Do you think the major labels are doing a good thing by releasing their biggest titles the week of Christmas?

Young Money and Cash Money In London Video Journal Pt.3

DAY 5 YOUNG MONEY CASH MONEY LAST NIGHT IN LONDON from DERICK G on Vimeo.

Related:
Young Money and Cash Money In London Video Journal Pt.2
Young Money and Cash Money In Amsterdam & London Video Journal Pt.1

Young Money and Cash Money In London Video Journal Pt.2

DAY 4 YOUNG MONEY CASH MONEY IN LONDON from DERICK G on Vimeo.

DAY 3 YOUNG MONEY CASH MONEY IN LONDON from DERICK G on Vimeo.

Related:
Young Money and Cash Money In Amsterdam & London Video Journal

Young Money and Cash Money In Amsterdam & London Video Journal

DAY 2 YOUNG MONEY CASH MONEY IN LONDON from DERICK G on Vimeo.

DAY 1 YOUNG MONEY CASH MONEY IN AMSTERDAM 0CT 2009 from DERICK G on Vimeo.

video courtesy of Derick G

Lil Wayne & Young Money Crew Live in Amsterdam with Video & Photos

Quality fan shot footage from the photo pit.





Lil Wayne, Birdman, and Young Money at the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam, Netherlands Tuesday October 6.

Photos:
Getty Images
Wire Image

(video courtesy of Arthurcroes)

Lil Wayne Turns 27

Untitled from DERICK G on Vimeo.

Photos and post:
Lil Wayne HQ at the hotel
and:
Lil Wayne Birthday Pix at LIV at Fontainebleau in Miami, FL

America's Most Wanted California Tour Recap With Lil Wayne And Others Video, Photos and Show Review

Concord, CA (near San Francisco) at Sleep Train Pavilion Saturday August 15.

Lil Wayne



**edit** Young Jeezy & E-40



More video and pics found here:
Rap Basement - Concord, CA

Anaheim, CA (in Orange County) at the Honda Center Friday August 14.

Lil Wayne





Soulja Boy with 50 Cent



Young Jeezy



Universal City, CA (near Los Angeles) at the Gibson Amphitheatre Thursday August 13.

Lil Wayne







Lil Wayne & Young Jeezy fan recap



L.A. Times Live Review - Gibson Amphitheatre, Universal City, CA

Photos from each show:
Film Magic - Concord, CA
Ozone Magazine - Concord, CA
Getty Images - Concord, CA (1)
Getty Images - Concord, CA (2)
Film Magic - Anaheim, CA
Getty Images - Universal City, CA
Wire Image - Universal City, CA

America's Most Wanted Tour continues:
August 17 - Vancouver, BC GM Place
August 18 - Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
August 20 - Denver, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
August 22 - Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
August 23 - Dallas, TX Superpages.com Center
August 24 - Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
August 27 - Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Theme Park Resort
August 28 - Noblesville, IN Verizon Wireless Music Center
August 29 - Tinley Park, IL First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
August 30 - Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
September 1 - Saint Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
September 2 - Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheater
September 3 - Cincinnati, OH PNC Pavilion At Riverbend
September 4 - Charlotte, NC Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
September 6 - Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center

(live show review courtesy of the L.A. Times)
(video courtesy of Rap Basement, cbrunt, thaprincessbaby, IversonG and theworm1212)