RAP NEWS CENTER CONTEST

It has been one year for this blog and to cap it off we have a contest going on for the month of February.  This contest is for a new header.  The winners will receive a free Gold version of Tuneup which I reviewed in January Here are the rules and details...

Rules/Details:

• Contest is going to be held for the WHOLE month of February
• Top 3 submissions will receive a FREE version of Tuneup Gold
• Each submission should be e-mailed to rapnewscenter@gmail.com with the title "Header Contest"
• The colors of each submission should match those of the blog
• The "I Do This For Hip Hop" subtitle should be in the header
• Photoshop Dimensions are as folllows: 
• Pixel Dimensions
• Width - 998 pixels
• Height - 220 pixels
• Document Size
• Width - 13.861 inches
• Height - 3.056 inches
• Resolution - 72 pixels per inch
• Format types: PNG, or JPEG (If your tech savvy and know other formats that would produce high quality headers those are okay also)

IF THERE IS ANYTHING I FORGOT PLEASE POST A COMMENT, OR E-MAIL ME AND I WILL EDIT THIS POST.

ALL SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGHOUT THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY AND VOTING WILL HAPPEN THE FIRST WEEK OF MARCH.

GOOD LUCK, AND THANK YOU FOR READING THIS BLOG!!!

Drake on the Cover of Complex

Here is a short video interview from Complex.Com and it's a very interesting video of seeing Drake in this type of space.

Ying Yang Twins - Halftime

Oh snap I didn't know these guys still existed.  The Ying Yang Twins have released this small little song reppin Halftime.  Personally this song doesn't get me but since I haven't heard from these guys in a while, I decided that this post was something that needed to be done.

Rap Releases for 2010 from HipHopDX

Here is a link to some albums coming out this year.  Bun B, Jason Derulo, DJ Khaled, Ludacris, Drake, Lil Wayne, Bone Thugs, and many others are listed as well as some good independent and underground artists.

HipHopDX Article: Click Here

Papa Reu - Put It In The Air feat Rick Ross

Oh boy! Papa Reu one man from back in the day has a new song out with Rick Ross and it isn't too bad.  This track right here lacks hot lyrics, but it has a good beat and is a pretty decent club track.  Check out the video and song for yourself...

Eve Leaves Interscope

Some more news that will make you yawn, this time again from HipHopDX.  These days the news front has been VERY slow, but hopefully within this next week I can post up some more music.  Anyways Eve has stated that she has left the Aftermath family and expect her album to be released this year.  Like any other artist's news, "I BELIEVE HER" (sarcasm).

News Article: Click Here

Mystikal is BACK!!!

Yep not very shocking news to those who are teenagers now, but for those of us who are older do remember this No Limit Soldier.  If you don't remember clearly Mystikal went to jail for Sexual Battery 6 years ago, and has finally been released.  I guess there are many questions that are still going to be answered if people care like is he a free artist, what label will he join, does he still want to do music, and what has he learned?

Mystikal Out Of Prison After 6 Years | Mystikal | Rap Basement

Wyclef Assists Haiti

I know everyone has heard of the news in Haiti and many of us can just pray that everything will get better.  Several people have died and a lot of bodies are still missing.  Regular pedestrians like me, celebrities, and charities are all working to help those in need overseas.  Wyclef is one of those who is lending a helping hand in the disaster in Haiti.  The link is from Rapbasement and we all know that this man has always meant more than just music. 

Wyclef Spends Day Picking Up Dead Bodies | Wyclef Jean | Rap Basement

Rakim - Walk These Streets feat Maino

Rakim recruits one of New York's own prominent rappers on this video, and I like the throwback feel.  The beat rides pretty good while both MC's compliment each other very well.

Diddy & LOX Reunite?

According to Styles P and an interview posted on Rapbasement it's true.  The word is that Diddy and the LOX are doing a one album deal which could be best for both parties.  I wonder whose gonna keep the masters...

Styles P Talks LOX Reunion With Diddy | P Diddy | Rap Basement

Jay-Z Sneak Dissing Breakdown

I got this from HipHopDX which in turn received it from another site.  What the link contains is a way to get to the original article, and it breaks down slight jabs from Jay-Z himself geared towards some very interesting rappers.  The article is pretty interesting even though some of the lyrics don't seem like they are aimed correctly.  Here is the link, and enjoy Jigga's lyrical prowess.

HipHopDX Link: Click Here

Detox Delayed AGAIN!!!

Ok Dr. Dre what the heck man!  I officially have stopped anticipating this album, and honestly now I don't even feel like making the purchase.  The news is Dr. Dre has stated that his album "Detox" is not coming out for at least another year.  Now if anything we should get one or two street tracks to get the buzz back, but I'm not Jimmy Iovine so we can leave that decision on him.

Dr Dre Says Detox Is A Year Away | Dr. Dre | Rap Basement

TuneUp Media Review

Your music collection is a mess. TuneUp fixes it. Automagically.

Yes is does!  I had the privilege to use TuneUp and to tell you the truth it's amazing.

Here is a review on what the winners of the February contest will win for the RapNewsCenter header.  Contest rules will be posted soon and the contest will be underway from that point on.  I will have a separate post on the rules, but I thought this would get people prepared.

I don't want this to sound like some commercial so let me tell you the truth.  TuneUp is software which cleans mislabeled music for your computer, and is VERY helpful when it comes to cleaning up itunes.  To start, I went to the official website for this product (www.tuneupmedia.com) and did a tour of what they had to offer.  You will find on there site that they go into detail about many different features that they offer like cleaning, cover art, etc.  and once you read a few of the things they offer, you see that not just does your library get cleaned up but you can also buy concert tickets, view music videos, and much much more. 

The next thing I did was go to the BUY button and checked out the 2 different deals they have.  Currently you can get a one time life long purchase for a single computer at $29.95, or you can do a 1 year membership for $19.95, both which are great deals.  I personally like the lifetime option because it's affordable, everyone uses digital music, and usually people use there laptop or desktop for at least 2 years which would save you around $10.00.  Once you make your purchase the next step is downloading and installation, both which are pretty easy.

After getting Tuneup installed you open it up with itunes if you want, and it opens a side bar which is Tuneup in its entirety.  The next step in organizing your songs is to basically select the "Clean your mislabeled music" option.  Everything is very self explanatory and user friendly even for those of us who aren't really computer savvy.  Once you get all the music labeled and organized (I did 300 songs in 5 mins) the next thing left is to play and enjoy your songs.  An interesting thing is when you play a song from an artist through your itunes library, Tuneup displays a bio on the side with music videos straight from youtube.

I hope this review of Tuneup encourages you to at least check out there website.  Not only has this helped me organize my hundreds of songs, but it has really relieved me of that stress I would face whenever I had to open up itunes and try to straighten everything out myself.  Oh, and another interesting thing is I like looking at my ipod and seeing real album artwork instead of the "No Album Artwork Image", I mean who wouldn't!

Here is a nice video of Tuneup with Biz Markie

Lil Wayne - On Fire

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo this is it huh, Lil Wayne using a really nice beat to mumble, and stuff with autotune and call it his rock/rap album?  Hate, it might sound like it but c'mon, where is the structure the lyrical work, the melody?  Personally I've had a love/hate relationship with Lil Wayne because I was and still am a old school Wayne fan, but this is very troubling.  Does anyone like this, I guess a poll would be the best way to ask...

The video looks cool though I ain't gonna lie

Bow Wow's FREE Mixtape?

Ok I'm not putting this comment or post here to rag on Bow Wow, but I had no clue this mixtape was out.  The reason I found out he had a mixtape is because he was defending his 2 million downloads, which he claimed through his twitter.  I personally don't listen to Bow Wow too much or look for his music, but I do respect his longevity in the game. 

Here is the article on the 2 million downloads controversy

Bow Wow Defends His 2 Million Mark | Bow Wow | Rap Basement

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

The R.E.D. Album Information

I don't know if this really is the real album cover or not for the project but I do have some news on this cd.  The Game or Game however you wanna call him these days finally is back with Dr. Dre, and has some other interesting features on his album.  Along with the Doctor, Game enlists Rick Ross, Justin Timberlake, & Beanie Sigel on his album with probably a few more additional guest spots.  Rap Basement also has stated that Robin Thicke is on there, and the production will have a slew of contributors.  Can't wait!!!

Rap Basement article: Click Here

Young Buck Disses G-Unit?

The question mark is in place not because it wasn't expected, but because I wonder what the relevance of this diss is right now?  If you don't know, Young Buck is currently signed to G-Unit and owes 50 Cent one more album.  Earlier this year DJ Whoo Kid did an interview with Buck when he called in, and according to many people listening 50 Cent wasn't very fond of the interview.  On Jan 1st Young Buck dropped what has been one of many G-Unit disses, and we have to wonder how many are left.  I know for sure all this doesn't really help Buck and his direction and motives are in question if you ask me.  Heck I might be upset if I was him also, but I would do make sure my paperwork was good before I went off on a insulting rampage...

Here is a direct link to RapBasement for those of you who want to listen to all 3 of Young Buck's disses that are currently released in 2010.

Buck Disses 50 Cent/G-Unit For 3rd Time | Young Buck | Rap Basement

Trey Songz - Say Ahh feat Fabolous

Hot Beat? Yea, Good Hook? Of Course, Overall Catchyness? A lot.  Ok so I know it wasn't credit card commercial material, but this song right here has every element you need for a radio hit.  Trey Songz has solidified himself with this new album as a mainstream success, even though the albums sales don't reflect it.  Oh yea and it helps if you got Fabolous on your single...

The Cool Kids - Free Throws

I really enjoyed this song while playing my NBA 2k10 so I thought it would be something interesting to share, isn't this what a blogs for...

Jay-Z - On To The Next One feat Swizz Beatz

As we move on in the next year I think it would be perfect to put up Jay-Z's  track.  Right here we get more dark, satanic video presentation by Jay.  All this rock star and Illuminati talk has not only the people involved, but those as observers now have to really consider what is really going on...

Big Boi - Shine Blockas feat Gucci Mane

I really like this song by Big Boi but the one thing missing or person is Andre 3000.  Gucci has another feature performance but obviously we don't get a chance to see him doin his thing.  Anyways here is the video for those who rep the ATL or Hip Hop in general...

Nolan Is Hip Hop

First off I would like to say sorry for the week of no posts as news was slow and the holiday spirit was high.  For those who celebrated Christmas I hope it was wonderful and for those who celebrated the New Years I wish them a happy New Years.  On that note I would like to introduce another rapper and his name is Nolan.  In this post I will have an interview along with a download link for the mixtape.  There's no better way to start out a new year with some good free music now is there!

Where are you from?

I'm From the south side of Chicago, Illinois

How Long Have You Been Rapping?

I've Been Officially Rapping Since 2007, but I've been freestylin here n there since I was young. I still got a tape from a song I did when I was 6. I've always been a fan of music.

Why The Name Nolan?

Nolan is my real name. I chose to go by that because I put all of myself into my music.  Everything I write is based on my life or experiences that I actually had. My heart and soul goes into everything so I figured I gotta use my name.

Favorite Artists or Inspiration?

Lyrically, my favorite artist is NaS hands down. I personally feel like he's one of the best emcees to ever touch a mic. His powerful lyrics, strong but mellow delivery has definitely been my biggest inspiration. A few of my other favorites are Kanye West,Talib Kweli, Little Brother, Outkast, Lupe Fiasco, and Jean Grae.  Production wise my biggest inspirations are 9th Wonder, Alchemist, DJ Premier, The Neptunes, Timbaland And Pete Rock. They are the blueprint to what I try to do musically.

What is the direction of your music?

Musically I just try to make good hip hop music. I try to make somethin for everybody to relate to so I do all styles of hip hop. But I usually try to stay in the lane of that soulful hip hop music you can feel.

How do you feel about the current state of Hip Hop (commercialization, album sales, beef, etc.)?

I feel like Hip Hop is great depending on where you look. On the surface (the mainstream), I'm not feelin it too tough right now. Everybody sounds the same to me. It's just a collection of one hit wonders out there. I just don't hear real music anymore so I rarely listen to the radio. There are a few people steppin outside the box like Drake and Kid Cudi but that doesn't outweigh the garbage thats out there. The beefs are pretty corny. Everybody beefs on twitter, facebook, and youtube. I'm not feelin that. I wanna see a NaS n Jay-Z or a Jada n Beans thing poppin off. Song for song, lyric for lyric beef. But If you look underground Hip Hop is alive and well.  There are a lot of artists out there with incredible music. The mainstream is sorta strugglin right now, so they're looking to grab underground artists again because the music is different, it's trendsetting compared to what you hear on the radio. Which means ultimately the tide will change again and possibly go back to more real music being put on the forefront. But ultimately we hold the key to the preservation of hip hop.

What Are Some Projects Your Currently Working On or Affiliated with?

I'm working on a few different projects right now. I'm producing full albums for Cypha (www.myspace.com/consciousproductionz), Pickett (www.myspace.com/mattpickett1)

, and The Kansas King.  I produced a track for Qwestions (http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Qwestions/23210600457?ref=ts) that will appear on his mixtape titled "As Of Rite Now" which drops January 18, 2010, and we gonna drop an EP Soon. I produced and featured on a track for Canadian Pop Artist/Actress Aruna called "Sweet Summertime" and you can check that out here http://www.reverbnation.com/aruna. I also added it as a bonus track on my mixtape Invisible Man Vol. 2.  I'm also currently working on tracks with Tekknikz, William Munny, Hei-Ron  & Priceyall. Lastly, I started recording Invisible Man Vol. 3:The Misunderstanding Of Nolan.

On this mixtape what can we expect and listen for?

On this mixtape you can expect the grandest show of lyricism and production. Period. I put a lot of time and effort into creating a mixtape that was lyrical yet versatile. Aside from the disses and warning shots, I wanted to put something on here for everybody to vibe to, from the real hip hoppers, to the smokers, to the trappers. So really listen for that. I got somethin on here for everybody. I feel like I broke through a lot of creative chains with this one. I guarantee you this mixtape will solidify me in your mind as a great independent artist/producer. 

Any Words or Advice for Future Artists?

To the future artists I would say this is a constant grind. Progress is a process so stay consistent and be persistent in your endeavors to this. You can't slack or half step if you wanna get ahead.

Lastly I just wanna say I lease my beats free. So get at me on myspace or twitter both are /nolanishiphop. You can also findin me on facebook.com/cpdigital. Cypha's mixtape Hunger Painz drops January 15th, Qwestions mixtape "As Of Write Now" drops Janary 18th, Pickett's EP "Taste Of Chicago" Is Available right now and it's fully produced by me, So make sure you grab a copy. Most importantly check out my mixtape Invisible Man Vol. 2:Nolan's Universe. I promise you will not be wastin your time.

www.myspace.com/nolanishiphop
www.twitter.com/nolanishiphop
www.facebook.com/cpdigital



To DOWNLOAD the mixtape CLICK HERE