Kweli ft UGK & Raheem DeVaughn, Duck Down Gets Bizee, Free El-P in NYC, RZA Interview, Grammy Nods Coming!
• While we didn’t know him, Okayplayer recognizes the contributions Pimp C made to hip hop culture and the many artists he influenced. TMZ has posted an interview with Chad’s mother speaking on the untimely and horribly sad death of her son. Too $hort also spoke, praising the unique style that Pimp C brought to the game, which many adopted. Listen to the latest single “Country Cousins” off Talib Kweli’s Eardrum featuring UGK and Raheem DeVaughn below. Ironically, the label just serviced this track to radio and media this week.
• Although Kweli is currently in Nigeria shooting his video for “Hostile Gospel Pt. 1,” we imagine we’ll hear some sort of statement regarding the loss of his friend as soon as he returns.
• Duck Down’s been making the headlines lately. First we reported that Kidz in the Hall, have inked a new deal with the label. Now we hear DD’s also locked in an agreement with ESPN to provide music for Men’s College Basketball, and there’s also reportedly a deal with A&E’s The History Channel. According to BuckShot the label’s also working on signing (or has already signed) KRS-One, Diamond D, Promise, and DJ Revolution. We’re looking for big things from the Duck Down fam in ‘08!
• New York City, come out to Willy B tonight for a FREE El-P show. Yup, free. Def Jux’s El-P will take the stage with Chin Chin, one of my all time favorite Brooklyn bands (watch the 1st video for “Appetite” on their myspace), backing him up. This show is guaranteed to be so hot it’ll melt those icicles right off your nose hairs. Also on the bill, Flying Lotus and Home Video. See you in Brooklyn?
• In the spirit of the holidays, a treat. It’s an audio snippet from one of the Al Green sessions. ?uesto blogged it up on his myspace page a lil while ago, and now here’s the audio rip.
• Next week, Wu-Tang’s 8 Diagrams hits the shelves. Read this interview with Wu’s Rza for the producer’s take on the new record, the Wu process, the beefs, and more. Rza says “So when I do Wu-Tang I don’t it for myself, I do it for the world.” And the world appreciates it!! I know I’ll be copping next Tuesday.
• Allhiphop’s rumors report that Common might have snagged a role in the new Justice League of America movie as The Green Lantern. We hope so, Com always looked good in green. We also hope that their rumor about Common leaving hip hop alone for a while is a joke. We’re still awaiting OK confirmation on the movie (BKyle??).
• We’re all waiting for LA to wake up this morning! This year’s Grammy nominations, which are slated to be announced later today from the left-coast, are rumored to favor Kanye West and Amy Winehouse with multiple nods.
…And the nominees are… Congratulations to Common, Amy Winehouse, Kanye, Dwele, Musiq, UGK and everyone!
-gingerlynn