Thursday, June 30, 2016
Wednesday, June 29, 2016
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
RZA Announces Album Inspired By Atari
RZA hasn't even made it to the release date for his collaborative Banks & Steelz project with Paul Banks and he already has something else up his sleeve.
The Wu-Tang rapper/producer will be creating a joint project with Atari for an album inspired by the video game company's storied catalog including Asteroids and Centipede. He sent an exclusive statement to Billboard describing his joy in working with 2600 creator.
“I’m so excited to work on these iconic games to deliver what I believe will be one of my best albums. I am going to invite some of my friends to join me and it will be Game On with the first beat!” RZA exclaimed.
The two have worked together previously thanks to his voice-over work on Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure. Released in 2006, the title also featured voice acting from Talib Kweli, MC Search and Diddy (who also served as executive producer over the soundtrack.)
Chief Executive Officer of Atari Fred Chesnais released a statement expressing his excitement as well.
“We are thrilled to partner with RZA, one of the greatest hip-hop producers of all time,” adds Fred Chesnais, the chief executive officer of Atari. “RZA is a multi-talented artist and soundtrack virtuoso and we cannot wait to hear the new tracks he creates based on Atari’s iconic video game sounds and music.”
No release date or title has been given at the time.
[via HIPHOPDX]
Monday, June 27, 2016
WU-TANG CLAN ORIGINS - How RZA's 5-Year Plan Changed Hip Hop Forever
RZA had a secret plan to bring the Wu-Tang clan to no. 1 within 5 years. Method Man, Ghostface, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, GZA, ODB, U God, and Masta Killa had no idea what they were signing up for. But amazingly, the plan worked.
Friday, June 24, 2016
Raekwon, Action Bronson & Just Blaze Among Those Featured In Polo Ralph Lauren Book
Raekwon, Action Bronson and Just Blaze are among some of those from the Hip Hop community featured in an upcoming book that documents the subculture of Polo Ralph Lauren.
The 264-page book, titled Bury Me With the Lo On and created by Lo Life founder/rapper Thirstin Howl the 3rd and New York-based photographer Tom Gould, looks at the Brooklyn-based Lo Life crew and its influence on the worlds of Rap and fashion.
“For the past five years Lo Life founder Thirstin Howl the 3rd and photographer Tom Gould have been documenting this culture,” the book’s website reads. “Interviews, archival pictures, and recent portraits of key players make up the first-ever book recounting how a group of kids in Brooklyn went on to influence mainstream rap stars and birth a movement of boosters and collectors of Polo worldwide.”
The book, which is priced at $65, is set for release on July 7 and can be purchased here.
[via HIPHOPDX]
Thursday, June 23, 2016
Wednesday, June 22, 2016
Ghostface Killah Says Next Wu-Tang Reunion Is In His Hands
TORONTO, CANADA - It's been almost 23 years since Wu-Tang Clan released their debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), a true rap classic considered as a high point in the genre. The 10-man crew was a perfect mix of unique voices and strong personalities, fusing together to make a unified sound. The lyrics were vivid, the beats were gritty and the hooks can still get a house party shaking to this day.
The years that followed saw the members of the group develop their individual styles through several highly-acclaimed solo albums, occasionally reuniting to reform Voltron and drop a full crew project. Ghostface Killah is one of the most prolific members of the group, releasing 12 solo studio albums including his 1996 debut Ironman, and making guest appearances on countless others.
Now 46 years old, Ghost continues to weave cinematic narratives over classic R&B samples, recently collaborating with Toronto jazz/Hip Hop instrumental group BadBadNotGood for 2015's Sour Soul and putting out Twelve Reasons to Die II, which featured spots from Wu-Tang members RZA and Raekwon.
At the same time, he's working on the long-awaited Supreme Clientele 2 album and now he's been tasked with coordinating the next Wu-Tang reunion, the first since 2014's A Better Tomorrow.
HipHopDX spoke to the rap legend after his set at the NXNE festival in Toronto on June 17 to get his thoughts on the current state of Hip Hop, which city has the best weed, and how Apple Jacks aren't as good as they used to be.
Thor vs Wu-Tang Vol.3 - Hidden Dartz"
Vingthor returns with a new addition to the VS Series:
125 clear cassette shells with red imprint
75 solid red cassette shells with white imprint
18 new remixes, 64 min of pure underground Hip-Hop, don't miss this collectible piece in a deluxe cassette box.
Every tape includes a FREE #ThorvsWuTang sticker and FREE download codes to Thor vs Wu-Tang Vol.1, 2 & 3!!!
Includes unlimited streaming of Thor vs Wu-Tang Vol.3 via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
shipping out on or around 22 June 2016
edition of 125
Saturday, June 18, 2016
"Wu-Tang" Foamposites Swarm Into Stores Next Weekend
This article was first published on Sole Collector.
Nothing officially links this upcoming Nike Air Foamposite One to the Wu-Tang Clan, but the familiar palette drew the shoe instant comparisons to the legendary rap group's trademark scheme. Now, Sunday, after months of previews, the "Wu-Tang" Foams have officially been unveiled by Nike and are heading to stores next weekend.
Traditionally blocked, this version of the '97 model pairs black nubuck with a bold yellow hue known as Optic Yellow on the upper. Various logo hits and details are also done in yellow, while a smoked out sole with yellow tread caps off the look.
Priced at $230, release date is set for next Saturday, June 25 at nike.com and Nike retailers.
Release Date: 06/25/16
Color: Optic Yellow/Optic Yellow-Black
Style #: 314996-701
Price: $230
Friday, June 17, 2016
Common and RZA Are Linking Up for 'Black Samurai' TV Series
Remember the 1977 movie Black Samurai? Maybe not. But thanks to Common and the Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, you're about to have fond memories of D.R.A.G.O.N. (Defense Reserve Agency Guardian of Nations) agent Robert Sand. Common has signed on to star in a TV reboot of the Al Adamson film (itself an adaptation of the 1974 book series by Marc Olden), according to Variety.
"Robert Sand is like black Jason Bourne," producer Andre Gaines (Da Sweet Blood of Jesus) said in a statement. "Black Samurai is one of the most unique, timely and fun experiences I've ever read, while at the same time tackling some serious subjects around race and diversity." The project, currently being shopped with "much interest," is looking for a writer and director. RZA is attached as an executive producer, alongside Wu Films' Diane Crafford and Mitchell Diggs.
[via COMPLEX]
ODB | Shimmy Shimmy Ya | Muppets Version
The Muppets perform their version of the Ol’ Dirty Bastard classic, “Shimmy Shimmy Ya.” Starring Dr. Teeth as ODB, featuring Electric Mayhem. Video by Mylo the Cat, aka the guy who did the Beastie Boys/Muppets mashup and the Gonzo/Humpty Dance.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
NYC Students Shine At Science Genius’ B.A.T.T.L.E.S. Rap Competition (VIDEO)
(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop can be used as an effective educational tool. The Science Genius B.A.T.T.L.E.S (Bringing Attention to Transforming, Teaching and Learning Science) Program proves elements of the culture are a powerful way to connect today’s youth with science curriculum.
Science Genius held its fourth annual rap competition featuring New York City students displaying their rap skills as well as knowledge of scientific subjects. Actor Derek Luke and music producer Bruce Waynne served as celebrity guest judges.
The students had to battle their classmates at their school in order to make it into the city-wide event. Seven acts were selected to compete as finalists.
Brooklyn Preparatory High School’s Freaks of Nature (Jaiyer Millington, Melshawn Richey, Mitch Hunte, and Kaison Samuell) won first place. The group’s energy-centered performance earned them the 2016 title of B.A.T.T.L.E.S. champions.
The Science Genius initiative was founded by Columbia University professor Dr. Christopher Emdin and legendary Wu-Tang Clan member GZA.
“The program was inspired by the brilliance of young people and the inability of schools to harness that brilliance and activate an interest and passion for STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics],” said Emdin.
Science Genius is also located in Chattanooga, Tennessee, St. Lucie, Florida, Houston, Texas, and Toronto, Canada. Emdin plans to expand the program to other cities around the country.
Watch Freaks of Nature’s performance below.
Monday, June 13, 2016
Method Man and Redman | Da Rockwilder | Beavis and Butthead Mashup
Mashup of Beavis and Butthead rapping along to “Da Rockwilder” by Method Man and Redman. Featuring cameos by Stewart, Daria, Principal McVicker, and Tom Anderson. For those of you who care about how these things come about, here goes… Adam Schleichkorn at 'This is how you go viral?' had this song on his list for over a year, but recently, his dear friend KC told him that she and her soon-to-be husband plan on walking out to it at their wedding reception, which reminded him that he had to use it. At that point, Adam had no clue who the characters were going to be. He was then watching Silicon Valley a couple weeks ago, and thought, "oh wow, I’ve been a fan of Mike Judge for over 20 years". Then he thought, how about Beavis and Butthead? He then locked myself in his apartment for countless hours, and there you have it. Feel free to bring on the song requests, and do him a favor, and freakin subscribe! Video by Mylo the Cat aka Adam Schleichkorn.
Adam is available to edit all sorts of videos and create all sorts of content, contact him - Adam@hiddentracktv.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/mylothecat
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/MTCyall
Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/mylothecat
Check out some of his other 90’s Hip-Hop mashups!
Friday, June 10, 2016
RZA and Interpol's Paul Banks Announce New Album Anything But Words Featuring Florence Welch, Share "Giant": Listen
Back in 2013, Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA revealed he was working on a record with Interpol’s Paul Banks. Last month, the two unveiled a name for their project, Banks & Steelz. They also shared the first track from their collaboration, “Love + War,” featuring Ghostface Killah, along with a video paying tribute to Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs. On Wednesday, they announced their album will be titled Anything But Words, due out on August 26. Today, they've detailed the album and shared a new song called "Giant." The song, produced by John Hill and Kid Harpoon, will be available via all digital retailers on June 10. Listen to it below.Anything But Words features Florence and the Machine's Florence Welch, Wu-Tang Clan's Method Man and Masta Killa, and Kool Keith. Along with previously announced appearances at FYF Fest, Life Is Beautiful, and Austin City Limits this summer, the duo has also announced a set of tour dates. Find those below, too.
Anything But Words:
01 Giant
02 Ana Electronic
03 Sword in the Stone [ft. Kool Keith]
04 Speedway Sonora
05 Wild Season [ft. Florence Welch]
06 Anything But Words
07 Conceal
08 Love and War [ft. Ghostface Killah]
09 Can’t Hardly Feel
10 One by One
11 Gonna Make It
12 Point of View [ft. Method Man and Masta Killa]
Banks & Steelz:
07-21 – Los Angeles, CA - The Roxy
08-24 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile
08-25 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
08-27 - San Francisco, CA - Independent
08-28 - Los Angeles, CA - FYF
08-31 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
09-01 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
09-03 - Boston, MA - Sinclair
09-06 - Toronto, ON - Mod Club
09-08 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
09-23 - 9-25, Las Vegas, NV, Life is Beautiful Festival
09-27 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theatre
09-30 - 10-02 - Austin, TX - ACL
10-07- 10-09 - Austin, TX - ACL
10-09 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
[via PITCHFORK]
Thursday, June 9, 2016
The Wu-Tang Clan and Bill Murray Will Take Down Martin Shkreli in This Crowdfunded Musical
There’s a theater piece about the Wu-Tang Clan taking down Martin Shkreli? And it includes the legendary Bill Murray? Yes, please.
Written by Lauren Gundrum and Joel Esher, this new musical draws inspiration from the real-life events that took place late last year. Here’s a refresher: In November of 2015, the Wu-Tang Clan auctioned off its one-of-a-kind album, Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, for a hefty $2 million price tag. The man behind the purchase was Shkreli, the notorious "pharma bro" who jacked up the price of Daraprim to $750 a pill. It was a shame that one of America’s most-hated men would own such a music gem, and to make matters worse, he threatened to destroy it.
Soon after he took ownership of the album, someone leaked a document that was supposedly a part of Shkreli’s contract with Wu-Tang. It included a clause that allowed the "Wu-Tang Clan and/or actor Bill Murray" to "legally plan and attempt to execute one (1) heist or caper to steal back Once Upon Upon A Time In Shaolin, which, if successful, would return all ownership rights to the seller."
Unfortunately, the document was bogus. But the silver lining is that it inspired Gundrum and Esher’s musical called Martin Shkreli's Game: How Bill Murray Joined the Wu-Tang Clan, which has just been accepted to the Midtown International Theater Festival.
In order to make the musical a reality, the creators have started a crowdfunding campaign to pay for advertising, props, rehearsal space, and general production expenses. They have currently raised about $1,200 out of their goal of $6,500.
To help the cause, which will result in some decent perks, go to the musical’s IndieGoGo page.
[via COMPLEX]
