Eminem
Due to technical issues, have to apologize for the lateness of your mid-week look at what is going on in the Hip-Hop world. Will Slaughterhouse sign to Shady? Cardiac Arrest the cause of death for the legendary DJ Roc Raida, Lil Boosie gets two years and the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors goes down in Brooklyn last night.
Eminem to sign Rap Collective
The most talked about Hip-Hop collective since Wu-Tang Clan looks like it might be signing on the dotted line with Eminem’s Shady imprint.
Slaughterhouse which consists of New York MC Joell Ortiz, New Jersey’s Joe Budden, Detroit’s Royc Da 5’9 and West Coast rapper Crooked I released their first album in August of this year on E1. It is expected that their second release will be released in 2010 through the Shady imprint.
The collective formed after appearing on a track from Joe Budden’s album, Halfway House, also called Slaughterhouse which also featured up and coming rap phenomenon Nino Bless.
Roc Raida’s Death down to Cardiac Arrest
Pioneering DJ Roc Raida who has been remembered by a who’s who of the Hip-Hop world since his untimely demise last week died of a cardiac arrest according to a statement issued by the DJ’s family.
Born Anthony Williams, Raida went on to win the notorious DMC championships back in 1995. Williams had been taking part in a martial arts class when he suffered a training injury which placed the father of four in severe distress.
The funeral for the revered DJ will take place in Harlem today. Various benefits are also being planned to acknowledge the DJ’s contribution to not only his craft but the Hip-Hop culture.
Lil Boosie gets 2 Years
Rapper Lil Boosie has been sentenced to two years for drug and gun charges stemming from an arrest last year. The rapper secured a plea deal and may be out within a year if he adheres to good behaviour while in prison.
Born Torrence Hatch, in Louisiana, Boosie shot to fame with his Bad Azz album which has sold over half a million copies. The follow up to the gold selling album Superbad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz was released only last week through Asylum.
VH1 Hip-Hop Honors
Hip-Hop was celebrated last night at a Brooklyn theatre last night as the show recognized the work of Def Jam Records which celebrates its 25th Birthday this year.
Hosted by Tracy Morgan, the sixth Hip-Hop Honors celebration saw performances from a variety of artists, some current and former members of the legendary label which was founded by Rick Rubin and Russell Simmons out of a dorm room at NYU back in 1984.
The lead off artist from the label LL Cool J has also been recognized for his contribution to Hip-Hop and pop culture with a nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this year.
Melanie Cornish