News

Badu 4 U, Kweli X Mick Boogie = MCEO, Del The Funky’s 11th Hour, Cube’s New Record, Amanda Diva Plays NYC.

• In the pre-processed, microwave and serve age of music consumption, New Amerykah Pt. 1 is a real breath of fresh air. From the illustration laced booklet to the track by track journey the disc takes you on, this CD is a must have. Check out this clip of Erykah performing her song “Me” at the House of Blues in Dallas Texas at her CD release event / birthday party. A lot of people have been inquiring about where to get the USB stick version of the release. It is not available yet and the label hasn’t offered up much information about when (or where, for that matter) it might be available. Stay Tuned. In the mean time, we added a gang of those interview videos to E’s imeem page with still more to come.

• What happens when you are the head of a record label, a sharp and cunning business mogul, and a rapper too? No, we’re not talking about Jiggaman… it’s Talib Kweli! And if you’re him, you join forces with a sick producer like Mick Boogie to churn out this fresh new mixtape entitled MCEO. Featuring Jean Grae, Strong Arm Steady, Idle Warship (Kweli + Res), KRS One, Busta Rhymes, UGK and more this gem is what?? FREE! How does this MCEO stay in biznis? Listen, and then <a href=”http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=3&topic_id=168606&mesg_id=168606&page=
“>take your thoughts to the boards.

• Before Del was THE Funky Homosapien, he was just a ghostwriter for his cuz, Ice Cube, on AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted. Today, the funky-funky Hieroglyphics founder (and full on entity unto himself) drops his latest effort, 11th Hour, on Def Jux. Read allhiphop’s interview with the man where he talks about his album along with upcoming projects such as a new joint from the Hiero crew with Prince Paul and a possible EP with El-P entitled Del-P. Now say that three times fast!

• Speaking of Del’s cousin, word is that Ice Cube is gearing up to release his newest album Raw Footage, set to hit stores this June. As a follow-up to ’06’s Laugh Now, Cry Later, the record will feature his interweb-hit “Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It” along with appearances from Musiq Soulchild, Nas and Scarface, among others. If you’re at SXSW this week, catch Cube live on the 15th.

• If you haven’t yet heard Black Spade’s To Serve With Love you are missing out on a treat. This week all you South By South Westers have not one, but two chances to catch Spade live. First, this Thurs., Mar. 13th at Light Bar, and again at the Giant Step party on Sunday at Barcelona (along with a DJ set by Philly’s own King Britt). Texas, stand up!

• Bigg Snoopy Dogg is back with Ego Trippin’ (on shelves today) and yes, he stays the life of the party. <a href=”http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=5&topic_id=1606228&mesg_id=1606228&page=
“>Watch his new vid for “Life Of Da Party’” feat. Too $hort and Mistah F.A.B..

• NYC, tomorrow catch Amanda Diva live, hosted by Talib Kweli, at S.O.B.s featuring a special appearance by Q-Tip. Then cop your tickets now for Mos Def <a href=”http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=3&topic_id=167200&mesg_id=167200&page=
“>at the Nokia Theatre Times Square on Sun., Mar. 30th. Jay Electronica is slated to open! Definitely sounds like this show will be nuts.

-gingerlynn