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

Rick Ross sets up shop with Warner Bros. Records

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterRecently, there were rumors about where Rick Ross would be going. Following the release of Teflon Don, Ross was a free agent. But, he also has a growing record label he is looking out for. Due to his popularity, everyone began making offers to the boss.Jay-Z helped Rick Ross break into the game when he made him a part of Def Jam. Soon, DJ Khaled, a

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

Black Rob disses Bad Boy Records

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterThere has been plenty of discussion about Black Rob over the past few months. After letting the people have their say about him, Black Rob has decided it is his time to talk. He has reminded people of his history in the game and how popular he was.Eleven years ago, Black Rob posted a major hit with his "Woah" single and the remix. But, it took several

Rick Ross causes a Bidding War with Major Executives

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterIn 2005, Rick Ross was picked up by Jay-Z and signed to a lucrative deal with Def Jam. Before his days with Def Jam, Ross was signed to Slip-N-Slide Records. After doing two albums with them, Jay-Z moved him off the label and over to Def Jam, solely.Around this time, Rick Ross also established his own record label, named Maybach Music. The label's

Shyne determined to reach Jay-Z's level of success

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterEarly in his career, Shyne was molded in the same vein as Mase by Sean Combs. Following the death of The Notorious B.I.G., the Bad Boy label needed a new flagship artist. Mase was the first artist selected, but he gave up rap for ministry. Shyne was soon recruited to rebuild Bad Boy.Shyne was a major star early in his career because he was with the

Sound Cartagena talks Style and Background [Interview]

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterHip hop is forever evolving and Sound Cartagena is representing this change with his music. The rapper comes from hip hop's birthplace, New York City. Carrying the swagger of the empire city with him, Sound Cartagena is focused on changing the game.Sound Cartagena was born in hip hop, so he has a natural love for the music. But, his style is different

G. Dep's wife Speaks Out about Murder Charge

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterEver since he announced a murder over fifteen years ago, G. Dep has been the laughingstock of many hip hop websites. Even after achieving success with Bad Boy Records, he confessed to murdering someone. But, when he pled during the first court hearing, G. Dep pled 'Not Guilty.'Despite the success he has experienced, G. Dep has had a problem with drugs

Yung Joc tells Raz B's brother to Chill

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterRecently, there have been rumors of Yung Joc being in a physical altercation with Ricky Romance, the younger brother of Raz B. When he first came into the game, Yung Joc did all he could to avoid being involved with beef. His "It's Goin Down" hit was remixed by Cam'ron and included a diss to Jay-Z.Yung Joc presented himself as a non-confrontational

G. Dep admits to Murder

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterIn the late 1990s, G. Dep rose to fame as an artist on Diddy's famed label, Bad Boy Records. For most of his career, G. Dep was in the shadow of Black Rob, Mase, Shyne, and Loon. Three years ago, he grew tired of waiting and left the label. G. Dep later collaborated with fellow former Bad Boy, Loon.While G. Dep never received much attention while he

Shyne explains connection between Hip Hop and Politics

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterRecently, Luther Campbell and Ray J have expressed interest in holding political office. In the past, 50 Cent contemplated running for mayor in Connecticut. Diddy and Jay-Z have also toyed with the idea of politics in the past.Wyclef Jean is probably the most-notable hip hop entertainer who tried to enter politics. During Haiti's crisis, last year,

G-Dep pleads 'Not Guilty' to Murder Charges

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterBefore the end of last year, G. Dep came forward with information about a 1993 murder. Surprisingly, the former Bad Boy rapper admitted he committed the murder, himself. He confessed after getting away with the murder for seventeen years. The rapper had enjoyed world tours and hit records.But, after holding on to that information for so long, G. Dep

Diddy speaks on The Notorious B.I.G.

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterNineteen years ago, Diddy met The Notorious B.I.G. and the two quickly formed a partnership. Out of this partnership was born Bad Boy Records. Known by most fans as Biggie, B.I.G. took the game over. What began as simply a partnership blossomed into a friendship.While Biggie was the star, Diddy was the businessman. Both men saw themselves dominating

Shaquille O'Neal discusses relationship with The Notorious B.I.G.

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterIn the late 1990s, Shaquille O'Neal was literally the biggest player in the NBA. He was so big that he had ventured outside of basketball and into the hip hop world. Shaq had made friends with several big time rappers, including The Notorious B.I.G.When Biggie rapped about Shaq, the former Orlando Magic center contacted Biggie. Soon, the two had

Rick Ross preparing Maybach Music compilation album

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterNot even a month after Rick Ross pulled off his major distribution deal with Warner Bros. Records and he is already working on the next project. Only days into the New Year, Rick Ross announced the title of his fifth album, God Forgives, I Don't. Days later, he added several artists to the Maybach Music roster.With Rick Ross' growing popularity and

Diddy names his Starting Five rappers

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterThe head of Bad Boy Records, Diddy has been around many different rappers. Through his Bad Boy label, Diddy introduced the world to the likes of Biggie and Mase. Because of his high-profile job, he has had a front-row seat to the hip hop game.Fellow producer, Swizz Beatz, recently discussed a few of his favorite rappers. Known for doing things big,

Shyne says Drake is bigger than Hip Hop

By The Hip Hop WriterHip Hop Vibe Staff WriterMany would argue Shyne's time came and went. He was hand-picked by Puff Daddy to resurrect Bad Boy Records after Mase left the label on the path to righteousness. But, right when Shyne's career seemed poised for a takeoff, an altercation at a New York nightclub found him headed to prison.In October 2009, Shyne was released from prison and he