Birdman talks Jay-Z's "H.A.M." diss

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterEver since 2009, Birdman has been challenging Jay-Z, warranting no response. First, he said Jay-Z did not deserve an award for The Blueprint 3. He felt his "son," Lil Wayne's Tha Carter III, was a better album.Jay-Z is known for being the ultimate rap businessman. Many rappers have modeled their business skills after Jay-Z. Birdman had something to

Grandmaster Flash robbed at the 40/40 Club

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterIt seems as if no one is safe in today's times. Regardless of what a person has done in the past, it does not protect them from the present. Yesterday, hip hop pioneer, Grandmaster Flash, ran into a bit of trouble at Jay-Z's 40/40 Club. The legend was robbed at the upscale club of all places.Grandmaster Flash had a show at the Manhattan 40/40 Club and

Is It Safe to call Lil Wayne a Legend?

By The VoiceHip Hop Vibe Staff Writer"The next time ya mention 'Pac, Biggie, or Jay-Z, don't forget to mention Weezy baby," Lil Wayne said three years ago. After spending three years on the mixtape scene, Lil Wayne released Tha Carter III during the summer of 2008.The album was met with mostly positive reviews, but was not viewed as a classic by many. Instead, the album was looked at as Wayne

Kanye West lands in More Hot Water

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterRight when it seemed as if Kanye West had put his career back on track, he got knocked off again. The Chicago rapper was doing great until the release of the "All of the Lights" single. First, Rihanna lies to a cancer charity to perform with West at the All-Star Game and then the video is critically-panned.Critics have accused Kanye West of stealing

Rick Ross begins recording "God Forgives, I Don't"

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterWith a good portion of the business taken care of, Rick Ross is back to doing what made him famous in the first place. Recently, the Carol City rapper has been working on his latest album, which is titled God Forgives, I Don't. For this album, Ross plans to continue his trend of recording with the stars.Rick Ross has been busy over the past few months

Lupe Fiasco considers Jay-Z reunion

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterThrough Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco and Jay-Z were properly introduced. Lupe Fiasco recorded on West's Late Registration album of 2005. The single, "Touch the Sky," was released in 2006 and became a hit. For many people, it was the first time they had heard Lupe Fiasco.Jay-Z had the chance to meet him months prior to the recording of the album. Upon

DJ Premier talks Jay-Z vs. Nas feud

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterTen years ago, the biggest subliminal feud in years had finally reached its peak. Jay-Z and Nas were two of the biggest rappers in New York City. Both rappers were fighting for position and looking to take each other out. On "Takeover," their feud was official when Jay-Z called him out.Upon hearing "Takeover," Nas recorded the "H to the Omo" freestyle

Big Sean discusses "Watch the Throne," warns of Surprise

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterOnly weeks after the release of his solo album, Kanye West announced he was working on an album with Jay-Z. West was met with critical acclaim on his last album and wants to face-off with his mentor, Jay-Z, for an entire album. Jay-Z said Watch the Throne would be the first time he and Kanye West performed as equals.Their collaboration album has

Lil' Kim explains turning Roc Nation down

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterBefore igniting her feud with Nicki Minaj, Lil' Kim was close to signing with Roc Nation. Throughout her career, Kim has worked closely with Jay-Z. The two have become good friends over the years and Jay-Z wanted her services. Many websites reported the deal being close to done.However, when asked about Roc Nation, Lil' Kim said she had not signed

Rick Ross talks Warner Bros. deal

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterRick Ross surprised many of his hip hop mogul friends, when he decided to establish a deal with Warner Bros. Records. Jay-Z helped Rick Ross get signed to Def Jam. Birdman has been a frequent collaborator. Diddy has taken Ross under his wing in recent years.Last year, Rick Ross' stock rose very high. Many feel he was the top rapper, aside from Eminem

Rick Ross signs Pill to Maybach Music

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterIt took four years for Rick Ross to become the face of Def Jam. He also became one of rap's biggest names in the process. Outside of simply rapping, Rick Ross has become a major executive in the music industry. In 2008, he launched his Maybach Music label and has signed several artists to the label.Last fall, Ross spoke of possibly signing Wale. Last

Throwback Video of the Day: Jay-Z - "Imaginary Player"

Will Rick Ross follow in Jay-Z and Diddy's footsteps?

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterRick Ross pulled off a boss move when he landed an exclusive deal with Warner Bros. Records. When he first came into the game, Rick Ross was nothing more than a rapper. Jay-Z helped him land a lucrative deal with Def Jam, while he was CEO.While Jay-Z would soon step down from his executive role at Def Jam, he and Ross bonded. The two recorded together

Saigon talks Tru Life prison sentence

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterRecently, Saigon was able to breathe a sigh of relief, as his long-awaited The Greatest Story Never Told was released. Saigon is currently on top of the world. The album has been hailed by many as an instant classic. But, things are not going so well for Tru Life, one the closest friends Saigon has.Tru Life is currently facing a ten year prison

HHV Valentine's Day 2011: Jay-Z ft. Beyonce - "'03 Bonnie & Clyde"

HHV Valentine's Day 2011: Jay-Z ft. Pharrell - "Excuse Me Miss"

HHV Valentine's Day 2011: Jay-Z - "Song Cry"

Jay-Z working with "Black & Yellow" producers

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterBefore "Black & Yellow," Wiz Khalifa was a no-name in the rap game. The track was produced by Stargate, a production duo known for doing tracks with Ne-Yo. Despite already being known, their career boosted after working with Wiz. The duo teamed with Roc Nation in 2008 and Jay-Z is now ready.Jay-Z is currently working with Kanye West on their

Jay-Z wins Grammy for "Empire State of Mind"

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterBy 2009, Jay-Z had accomplished almost everything a rapper would hope to when they enter the game. He had built two successful record labels, been the CEO of Def Jam, and had released ten number one albums. Still, Jay-Z had yet to release a number one single.Many people considered The Blueprint 3 to be Jay-Z's most-creative album of his career. Some

Birdman confirms Maybach Music deal

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterWhile Cash Money Records does not receive the radio play they received in the late 1990s, they are still one of hip hop's hottest labels. In 2005, a subsidiary label, Young Money, was launched by longtime artist, Lil Wayne.Young Money Entertainment has gone from being the side project from Lil Wayne to being the hottest movement in rap. Drake and