Sunday will mark the 2011 Billboard Music Awards. There should be a good variety of performers on hand from hip hop music to celebrate this latest show in Vegas.
There will be a Lil Wayne Billboard appearance. He'll team up with singer Mary J Blige to perform a duet together on stage. This will be their song from the Diddy-Dirty Money album, also scheduled to appear on Blige's upcoming solo album.
Nicki Minaj, Cee Lo Green and Snoop Dogg are among the other performers scheduled for the show. Among the presenters will be everyone's favorite young couple of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez.
The 2011 Billboard Music Awards will also award Jay-Z's wife, Beyonce Knowles, with a special Millenium award. The show airs Sunday night starting at 8PM EST on ABC. Check local listings for appropriate channel in your area.
Jay-Z has topped the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list for 2010. The rap star earned $63 million in 2010. The second place entrant, Sean "Diddy" Combs earned less than half Jigga's amount with just $30 million.
Just $30 million right? It's being reported that stability was key in 2010 because the economy's effected everyone, even rappers. However, these guys are still pulling in serious bank.
# 1.Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter $63 Million # 2.Sean "Diddy" Combs $30 million # 3.Aliuane "Akon" Thiam $21 million # 4.Dwayne "Lil Wayne" Carter $20 million # 5.Andre "Dr. Dre" Young $17 million # 6.Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges $16 million # 7.Calvin "Snoop Dogg" Broadus $15 million # 8.Timothy "Timbaland" Mosley $14 million # 9.Pharrell Williams $13 million # 10.Kanye West $12 million
Kanye West and 50 Cent are reportedly amongst the biggest droppers in terms of earnings. West dropped from $25 mill down to $12m, while 50 has gone from $20 million down to a measly $8 million due to less success in the past year.
One of the year's biggest success stories so far is Drake who made his debut appearance on the list at the #11 spot with $10 mill. Drake's not only got the hit album, but deals with Sprite and Virgin Airlines, plus that whole acting thing. And then there's Lil' Wayne, who was able to go up in his earnings by about $2mill despite the fact he's currently doing time. Maybe jail time really does help rap careers.
The 2010 Grammy Awards featured a Triple threat contest between Beyonce, Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, with the teenage music star taking home some of the biggest awards of the night, including Album of the Year for "Fearless". Meanwhile, the Grammy show saw an interesting lineup of performances trying to stretch the limits of artistic creativity on stage. These included P!nk's cirque de soleil like performance with the superstar wearing very little and suspended from the ceiling dripping wet. Or there was the Green Day American Idiot musical performance of "21 Guns" by the band as well as their Broadway cast. Add to that a nice tribute to Michael Jackson done by Jennifer Hudson, Smokey Robinson, Celine Dion, Usher and Carrie Underwood, complete with 3-D effects.
There were also a few rap/hip-hop performances, with T-Pain & Jamie Foxx doing "Blame it on the Alcohol". They had Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash come out and play his solo from "November Rain" as the track got rowdier towards the end. One of the final performances of the night was introduced by Inglorious Basterd Quentin Tarentino, as Eminem, Lil' Wayne and Drake took the stage, minus K-West. The camera caught Taylor Swift dancing to "Forever" in the crowd several times, in a happy Grammy moment.
Here's the big winners for the 2010 Grammy rap categories:
Best Rap Album - Relapse by Eminem Best Rap Song - Run this Town by Jay-Z, Kanye West & Rihanna Best Rap Solo Performance - D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune) by Jay-Z Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group - Crack a Bottle by Eminem, Dr. Dre & 50 Cent Best Rap/Sung Collaboration - Run This Town by Jay-Z, Kanye West & Rihanna
Just days ago the talented young rapper Drake's (Aubrey Graham) latest track "Forever" hit the internet. It's a hot one as it not only features Drake rapping and singing but also Kanye West, Lil' Wayne and Eminem all adding tremendous guest verses. It's almost like a "Swagger Like Us" part 2, just missing TI & Jay-Z. Here's the lyrics for Drake's "Forever" featuring Eminem, Kanye West & Lil' Wayne (the self-professed martian).
Forever Lyrics by Drake feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Eminem
Chorus: It may not mean nothin to yall But understand nothin was done to me So I don't plan at stoppin at all I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...) I'm shuttin sh-t down in the mall and tellin every girl she's the one for me and I ain't even plannin to call, I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...ever mane...)
Verse 1 Drake: Last name Ever, first name Greatest Like a sprained ankle boy I ain't nuthin to play with Started off local, but thanks to all the haters I know G4 pilots on a first name basis N----s say they faded off the brown- Nino She insists she got more class- we know Swimmin in the money come & find me- Nemo If I was at the club you know I ball, chemo Drop the mixtape that s--t sounded like an album Who'da thought a countrywide tour would be the outcome Labels want my name beside a X like Malcolm Everybody got a deal I did it without one Yea, N---a I'm about my bizness Killin' all these rappers you would swear I had a hitlist Everyone who doubted me is askin' for forgiveness If you ain't been a part of it, at least you got to witness......b----s
Chorus: It may not mean nothin to yall But understand nothin was done to me So I don't plan at stoppin at all I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...) I'm shuttin sh-t down in the mall and tellin every girl she's the one for me and I ain't even plannin to call, I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...ever mane...)
Verse 2 Kanye West: I used to have hood dreams, big thangs big chains I stuck my d--k inside this life until that b---h came and went hard all fall like the ball teams Just so I could make it rain, all spring Yall seen my story, my glory I had raped the game young you could call it statutory When a n---a blow up they gone build statues for me Old money, Benjamin Button, what? nothin Superbad chicks givin me McLovin You would think I ran the world like Michelle's husband You would think these n---s know me when they really doesn't Like they was down with the old me, no you f----n wasn't Uh, you such a f----n loser, You ain't even go to class, Bueller Trade the Grammy plaques just to have my granny back Member she had that bad hip like a fanny pack? Chasin' the stardom will turn you to a maniac, All the way in Hollywood and I can't even act, They pull they cameras out and godd--n he snaps, I used to want this thing forever, yall can have it back..
Chorus: It may not mean nothin to yall But understand nothin was done to me So I don't plan at stoppin at all I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...) I'm shuttin' sh-t down at the mall and tellin' every girl she's the one for me and I ain't even plannin to call, I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...ever mane...)
Verse 3 Lil' Wayne:
Ok, Hello its the Martian Space Jam Gardens I wrote this s--t forever Wake up and smell the garden, Fresher than the harvest, step up to the target, If I had one guess, then I guess I'm just New Orleans, and I would never stop, like I'm runnin from the cops Hopped up in my car and told my chaffeur "to the top" Life is such a f----n roller coaster then it drops, But what should I scream for? This is my theme park My mind shine even when my thoughts seem dark, Pistol on my side you don't wanna hear that thing talk, Let the king talk, check the price, and pay attention, Lil' Wayne, that's what they gotta say or mention, I'm like Nevada in the middle of the summer, I'm restin in the lead I need a pillow and a cover, Shhh...my foot's sleepin on the gas, No brake pads, no such thing as last...huh!
Chorus: It may not mean nothin to yall But understand nothin was done to me So I don't plan at stoppin at all I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...) I'm shuttin' sh-t down in the mall and tellin' every girl she's the one for me and I ain't even plannin to call, I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...ever mane...)
Verse 4 Eminem: There they go, packin stadiums as Shady spits his flow, Nuts they go, macademian so ballistic whoa, We can make them look like Bozos, he's wonderin if he should spit this slow, F--k no, go for broke, his cup just runneth over, oh no He ain't had a buzz like this, since the last time that he overdosed, They've been waitin patiently for Pinnochio to poke his nose, Back into the game and they know, rap'll never be the same as before, Bashin in the brains of these ho's and establishin a name as he goes, The passion and the flame is ignited, you can't put it out once we light it, This shit is exactly what the f--k that I'm talkin bout when we riot, You deal with a group of villains who stand inside of the booth truth spillin' Until our true feelins come flyin out our mouth never mind it Payback motherf----r for the way you got at me hows it taste? When I slap the taste outta your mouth with the bass so loud it shakes the place I'm Hannibal Lecter so just in case you're thinkin' of savin' face You ain't gonna have no face to save by the time I'm through, play some Drake...
Chorus: It may not mean nothin to yall But understand nothin was done to me So I don't plan at stoppin at all I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...) I'm shuttin' sh-t down in the mall and tellin' every girl she's the one for me and I ain't even plannin to call, I want this s--t forever mane, (ever mane...ever mane...)
Catch it now while it's still up, the rap collab performance which brought the house down at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards! Rappers Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne and T.I. teamed up for their hit remix song "Swagga Like Us", with a pregnant M.I.A. opening it singing her sampled vocals...The performance was done all in black and white, suits, ties, and B&W film style..M.I.A. was reportedly due to give birth the night before but as seen on stage was still packin' a little bundle of joy...
The 51st annual Grammy awards showcased a true melting pot of music, merging all sorts of genres and performers up on stage. This year's Grammy award show featured a slew of performers doing double duty, not just performing once but in collab mode with other artists. Justin Timberlake held his own as he went into a duet with Al Green on "Let's Stay Together", then joined rapper T.I. for their current single. Jay-Z lent a hand to Coldplay with his guest rap on "Lost", then joined a pregnant M.I.A., T.I., Lil' Wayne and Kanye West for "Swagga Like Us" which brought the house down. Kanye also joined Estelle on stage for her pop hit "American Boy". Wayne also performed his heartfelt tribute dedicated to the many homeless and displaced individuals affected by the New Orleans tragedy. Robin Thicke provided the singing, while Weezy also performed "Big Chief" and "Tie My Hands".
Wayne picked up a total of 4 awards including Best Rap Song (Lollipop), Best Rap Solo Performance (A Milli), and Best Rap Collab (Swagga Like Us). He soon won the Grammy for Best Rap album, but then fell short in the Album of the Year category to Robert Plant and Allison Krauss who won a host of awards. Coldplay also picked up 3 awards despite 7 total nominations. Jennifer Hudson won the R&B Album of the Year award in a touching moment. The award was presented by longtime diva, Whitney Houston, who received a standing ovation. Hudson, who had recently been in the news due to the tragic murder of several of her family members, thanked all her family, both those in heaven and those still on earth. Hudson later went on to perform one of her soulful ballads, ending teary eyed. Other performers included Katy Perry, The Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Paul McCartney with Dave Grohl, and a duet between teen sensations Taylor Swift & Miley Cyrus. See full list of Grammy Award Winners
Chris Brown Arrested
(Brown & girlfriend Rihanna No Shows)
An incident which has just been coming to many people's attention is the no-shows by both Chris Brown and Rihanna at the awards show. Both singers were expected to be performers and were also nominated for awards. Reportedly, Brown and Rihanna were involved in a car accident, and Brown was also charged for a domestic incident in which he struck an unidentified woman. Brown later turned himself in for the altercation and Los Angeles police are investigating. Read more about the incident here.
CBS had a Grammy Special on Wednesday night as a precursor to the big awards show coming this Sunday night. On the special, CBS Evening News anchor, Katie Couric, interviewed several Grammy hopefuls including Katy Perry, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake and Lil' Wayne. Couric also participated in various activities with the artists, including bowling against Lil' Wayne and golfing with Justin Timberlake.
Justin Timberlake discussed his various endeavors including acting in Independent Films (Alpha Dog, Black Snake Moan), his comedy sketches on SNL (the famous box skit), and most recently his foray into fashion. JT's fashion line, William Rast has ads that feature Timberlake playing a renegade character on the run which he fully created. Timberlake also helped coach Couric to play some golf, and it was revealed that Justin's been named the #15 musician golfer.
Lil' Wayne has been nominated for the most Grammys of any artist at the awards show and discussed what it is to be "gangsta". Basically he doesn't take anything from anyone and plans to die before he ever does. Wanye discussed his start writing rap songs while growing up in New Orleans as well as the song he'll be doing at the Grammys which is dedicated to the Hurricane Katrina disaster. Lil' Wayne also revealed his real name is Dwayne, but he dropped the D due to the fact he's a "Junior". His father wasn't part of his life, so Wayne made the choice to not associate his name in that way. Wayne also revealed his numerous tattoos, and discussed his drug habits. Wayne talked of being previously addicted to prescription cough syrup, and his love of weed. The rapper said he'll stand up for marijuana any day, and currently uses it for medicinal purposes. Apparently he suffers from migraine headaches and the marijuana eases the pain.
Lil' Wayne is scheduled to perform this Sunday for the annual Grammy Awards. The LA Times has an interesting article discussing the Grammy Awards slow recognition of the hip hop genre. Read "Grammy's Slow Hip-hop embrace"
Lil Wayne's next studio album, "Rebirth" will be a departure from his rap style and a foray into the Rock N' Roll genre. The beats will have guitar and drums with a heavy alt rock vibe and Wayne singing the vocals. This album called Rebirth features the debut single called "Prom Queen", in which Wayne sings about a love lost, the Prom queen who got all the guys, but broke Wayne's heart. Here's lyrics for Lil' Wayne's "Prom Queen" from the Rebirth album scheduled release on April 6th, 2009.
Prom Queen Lyrics - Lil' Wayne
VERSE 1 I loved her fancy underwear, I'd sit behind her every year, Waitin' for the chance to get To tell her I'm the one she should be with And- shes popular with all the guys So innocent in my eyes I can see her in my life She would've had the world if she were mine But see should had other plans I couldn't understand, Her and her stupid friends Varsity's biggest fans, Never forget the day, She left and walked away, I couldn't stop her, I guess she had it all....
CHORUS: She had it all figured out, When she left me with a broken heart F-d around and turned me down cuz she didn't think I could play the part But now the prommmm queen, the prommmmm queen Is cryin sittin outside of my door so you never how everything could turn around...
VERSE 2 They loved her fancy underwear Every boyfriend, every year she tryin to keep a man tame when they could hardly remember her name She did everything she could just to make em love and treat her good But she'd find herself alone Askin herself where did she go wrong She didn't realize she chased the type of guys that don't believe in ties tryin to apologize never forget the day she left and walked away I couldn't stop her I guess she had it all...
CHORUS: She had it all figured out, When she left me with a broken heart F-d around and turned me down cuz she didn't think I could play the part But now the prommmm queen the prommmmm queen Is cryin sittin outside of my door so you never how everything could turn around...
CHORUS: She had it all figured out, When she left me with a broken heart F-d around and turned me down cuz she didn't think I could play the part But now the prommmm queen, the prommmmm queen Is cryin sittin outside of my door so you never how everything can turn around...
Recent news has come up about Jay-Z's last release on the Def Jam label, "The Blueprint 3". According to news sources, Jigga plans to take his time on this release as he wants it on the same level of the scorching track, "Swagga Like Us". Swagga featured Jay on the track along with T.I., Lil' Wayne and the man who will be behind most of Blueprint 3, Kanye West. West originally told reporters that they layed down a bunch of tracks, but Jay wanted to go back in and do some more at a later date. This could make for another hip hop classic from Hov, with no current release date scheduled, but plans for an album in the first or second quarter of 09'.
In another story, Jay's fellow guest rapper on Swagga, Lil' Wayne is looking to release a rock album. His next album, entitled "Rebirth" is scheduled for an April 7th release date. Lil' Wayne's official Myspace page has details for the release of the first single from the Rebirth album. Wayne will perform "Prom Queen" live Tuesday January 27th in San Diego, California at about 9:30 PM EST. You can catch the performance along with the world premiere of the song at Facebook Freeforall. Immediately following that performance, the studio version of the song will be released online. According to MTV.com the song has already found its way online and to the radio waves, and is definitely all rock with a singing Wayne aided by Autotune. Check hiphopmusicdotcom if you can't wait for the live performance. The rapper who's ready to rock is also scheduled to perform live February 8th for the 51st Annual Grammy Awards show.
Online music and entertainment site, Vibe.com is releasing a list of what they believe are the "80 Best Songs of 08", 16 tracks at a time. So far they've released just the first 48 tracks (80-32) of their listing, but it's a mix full of variety; everyone from Joe Budden to Red Spyda, Duffy, Leona Lewis, Danity Kane, Young Jeezy, Wayne, G-Unit, Kanye and many of the hottest singers & rappers in the game are represented. The tracks come from the Billboard charts as well as unreleased singles, remixes and mix tapes.
Here's a look at #60-50 as determined by Vibe:
60 “SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT)” Beyoncé
59 “I DECIDED, PT. 1” Solange
58 “GET LIKE ME” David Banner feat. Chris Brown and Yung Joc
57 “GIRLS AROUND THE WORLD” Lloyd feat. Lil Wayne
56 “STAY WITH ME (BY THE SEA)” Al Green feat. John Legend
55 “UMMA DO ME (REMIX)” Rocko feat. Young Jeezy, T.I., Boo, and Big Kuntry King
54 “THREADS” Portishead
53 "THE CRAZY" Wale
52 "DON'T STOP THE MUSIC" Rihanna
51 "CHEVY MONSTA" Rich Boy
50 "HERE I AM" Rick Ross feat. Nelly and Avery Storm
Based on the above list, Beyonce's little sister has sure grown up into a singer in her own right. Solange's song just barely beats out "Single Ladies" which TIME magazine refers to as one of its top 10 songs of the year, period. Solange's Neptunes-produced track definitely has some oomph to it, but if she will ever have the star power of Beyonce really remains to be seen.
Amazon.com is offering some extremely low prices on recent hit rap albums. Right now Lil' Wayne's "The Carter III" and Q-Tip's new solo release "The Renaissance" are just $5.00 each to download the entire MP3 album at Amazon. Both albums are considered among the best of 2008, with many saying these are the Top 2 albums and classics at that. Pick them up now for your MP3 player as individual tracks from the albums are 99 cents each if bought individually. Amazon offers DRM-Free MP3's which will work with almost any player including the iPod.
TIME magazine's December 22nd issue has a look back at the year 2008's best and worst through a series of lists. The following is TIME's Top 10 Songs of 2008, which is always open for debate.
1. Love Lockdown - Kanye West 2. So What - Pink 3. Oh My God - Ida Maria 4. A Milli - Lil Wayne 5. White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes 6. Burnin' Up - Jonas Brothers 7. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on it) - Beyonce 8. Time to Pretend - MGMT 9. Rockferry - Duffy 10. Going On - Gnarls Barkley
Kanye West continues to rule music, no matter what form his comes in. TIME calls his Love Lockdown "easily the most interesting musical experiment this year". There's been plenty of criticism against the rapper for his sing-songy experimental album, 808s & Heartbreak. As for Lil' Wayne, he's got the full page photo next to the list and TIME says its rare a Wayne song go by without him claiming he's ill. Then again isn't that what most rappers say? It's been a great year for Wayne though, as he has several Grammy nominations for Tha Carter III and various songs heading into the 2009's awards show.
Wednesday night saw a special Grammy Nominations Concert held on CBS. During the show in Los Angeles several of the nominees for the 51st Grammy Awards scheduled for February 2009 were announced. The show also featured performances by Mariah Carey, the Foo Fighters, BB King and Celine Dion, and had Taylor Swift and LL Cool J as the hosts.
Here's a look at several of the nominees for the 51st annual Grammy Awards....
2009 Grammy Nominees
Best New Artist (presented by Ne-Yo):
- Adele - Duffy - Jonas Brothers - Lady Antebellum - Jazmine Sullivan
Album of the Year (presented by Celine Dion):
- Viva la Vida by Coldplay - The Carter III - Lil' Wayne - Year of the Gentleman - NeYo - Raise the Sand - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - In Rainbow - Radiohead
During the "Best Rap Performance by a duo or group" intro, it was discussed how rap has been honored since the Grammy show in 1991, and now artists of many other genres perform together with rappers. This wasn't the case in the award category this year, as it was rappers featuring rappers. Taylor Swift presented the nominees which included Jay-Z, Young Jeezy & Lil' Wayne.
Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group:
- Royal Flush - Big Boi feat. Raekwon & Andre 3000 - Swagga Like Us - Jay-Z & TI feat. Lil' Wayne & Kanye West - Mr. Carter - Lil' Wayne feat. Jay-Z - Wish You Would - Ludacris feat. TI - Put On - Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West
Record of the Year (presented by John Mayer):
- Chasing Pavements - Adele - Viva La Vida - Coldplay - Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis - Paper Planes - MIA - Please Read the Letter - Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
Mariah Carey opened the show with one of her classic songs from her past Christmas album. The show also culminated with a classic duet performed by BB King and John Mayer for "Let the Good Times Roll". Also announced during the show was the news that a new Grammy museum will be opening later this week.
While not every category was announced on air, most likely due to some of the titles in thebest rapp solo performance category, here's a look at what else is up for an award...
Best Rap Solo Performance
- Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)... Jay-Z
- A Milli Lil Wayne
- Paris, Tokyo Lupe Fiasco
- N.i.*.*.e.r. (The Slave And The Master) Nas
- Sexual Eruption Snoop Dogg
Best Rap Song:
- Lollipop (Lil' Wayne) - Low (Flo Rida feat. T-Pain) - Superstar (Lupe Fiasco feat. Matthew Santos) - Sexual Eruption (Snoop Dogg) - Swagga Like Us (Jay & TI feat. Lil' Wayne & Kanye West)
Best Rap Album:
Best Rap Album:
American Gangster Jay-Z
Tha Carter III Lil Wayne
The Cool Lupe Fiasco
Nas Nas
Paper Trail T.I.
Lil Wayne may be cleaning up the awards this year, but it'll be interesting to see which album wins best rap album. Both The Carter III and Jay-Z's American Gangster have been given critical acclaim and are considered recent classics material. In terms of top nominee, Lil' Wayne took 8 nominations for his work this past year from The Carter III. Jay-Z, Ne-Yo and Kanye West each earned six nominations.
Here's a look at Billboard.com's top mobile ringtones right now. Dominating the chart is TI's smash hit Whatever You Like. TI is also dominating iTunes downloads right now with the top album and song download ("Paper Trail" and "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna). You'll notice one artist who appears quite often amongst the ringtone selections here, Lil' Wayne. The rap star is puttin in work, and getting his name on just about every album, remix and genre of music these days. Looks like Wayne wants that top spot on the MTV Top Hip Hop Artists debate next year!
Lyrics - Swagga Like Us by T.I. feat. Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Kanye West
T.I. recently released his latest solo album entitled Paper Trail which includes a slew of guest stars. One track that stands out is the four-man collab joint called "Swagga Like Us". It features not only T.I., but 3 of the best rappers there are today. Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Jay-Z join T.I. on this all-star jam which features a rattling drum beat and sing-song hook. Here's the lyrics for "Swagga Like Us" by T.I. featuring Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z and Kanye West.
"Swagga Like Us" TI feat. Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne & Kanye West Album: Paper Trail
Chorus: No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us
Verse1: Kanye West Mr. West is in the building Swagger on a hundred thousand, trillion Ayo, I know I got it first I'm Christopher Columbus, y'all just the pilgrims Thanksgiving do we even gotta question? Hermes pastel I pass the dressing My attitude is tattooed That means permanent so I guess I should address it, huh? My swagger is Mick Jagger Every time I breathe on the track I asthma attack it Why he's so mad for? Why he gotta have it? Cause I slaved my whole life, now I'm the master Na-Na-Na How it feel to wake up and be the shit and the urine Na-Na-Na-Na-Na Tryin' ta get that Kobe number, one over Jordan
Chorus: No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us
Verse 2: Jay-Z (No one on the corner) Gotta bop like this Can't wear skinny jeans cause my knots don't fit No one on the corner gotta pocket like this So I rock Roc jeans cause my knots so thick You can learn how to dress just by jocking my fresh Jockin' jockin' my fresh Jockin' jockin' my fresh Follow my steps, it's the road to success Where the niggas know you thorough And the girls say "Yes" But I can't teach you my swag You can pay for school but you can't buy class School of hard knocks I'm a grad And that all blue Yankee is my graduation cap, it's... Hoooooooova Dippin' different Rovers, whippin' with the soda Hoooooooova Could you even have any doubt that the doubt is over
Chorus: No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us
Verse 3: Lil Wayne No one on the corner has swagger like moi, Church But I'm too clean for these boi I require what I desire, I got stripes, A-di-das Mami scream "Papi no mas!" Run up in your shit just me no mace Runnin' this shit like I got four thighs No one has swagga' like these fo' guys When it comes to styles I got several Sharper than a swagger dagger all metal And my jewels blue and yellow Type of shit that make 'em call you Carmelo Rules as follows stay true to the ghetto Write your name on the bullet make you feel special Ha, what the fuck you boys talking about? I know it's us cause we the only thing you talk about
Chorus: No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us (And I'm gone) No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us (Bye!) No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us
Verse 4: T.I. (Yea....You think?)You go see Weezy for the wordplay Jeezy for the birdplay Kan-yeezy for diversity and me for controversy All my verses picture perfect only spit to serve a purpose You ain't living what you kickin' and you worthless Looking from the surface it may seem that I got reason to be nervous Then observe my work and see that my adversity was worth it Verses autobiographical, absolutely classical Last thing I'm worried 'bout is what another rapper do Ain't nobody hot as me... Even if they rap they ass off, blast off and have outstanding qualities Sell alotta records I respect and salute that But spitting real life on hot beats... I'm the truth at, you kick it like me no exaggeration necessary Living revolutionary, nothing less than legendary Gangsta shit hereditary, got it from my dad Flow colder than February with extraordinary swag
Chorus: No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us No one on the corner have swagger like us Swagger like us, swagger like us
According to a recent Billboard.com article rap artist Lil' Wayne has re-signed with Cash Money, his original recording label since he was a teenager. The contract is for an undisclosed number of albums. Wayne also is Cash Money's current president, and runs an independant label on the side called "Young Money". The most recognizable name from that label is Mack Maine who has appeared on Cash Money mixtapes and the single "Get Money" by Wayne & T-Pain.
Check out the official Cash-Money website here, where you can preview tracks from various artists, learn about the artists on the label, order music and much more.
There's more to be written about and by Lil' Wayne though. Sports fans can now get inside sports commentary from the rapstar, as Wayne is being given his own blog on ESPN. Wayne claims he watches "nothing but sports" so his blog will be "fun". Here's an excerpt from his first entry:
I grew up playing football. Believe it or not, I was a fullback. When I was nine, ten, eleven, I was a great blocker. I knew how to block real good and the other kids didn't. So there I was. One game when I was ten years old we were on the goal line about to score, and coach called the play for me. I was supposed to go one way, but I ended up sneaking around the other side on a sweep. Everybody thought I was already tackled. The ref was already blowin' his whistle. But I was still up and I stutter stepped one way and beat the last guy trying to get me and scored that touchdown. That's my favorite sports memory for myself.
Besides the Packers, my favorite teams are the Red Sox, the Lakers and the Boston Bruins. I also love tennis.
Interesting how Wayne doesn't mention New Orleans sports, but tennis. Maybe we'll see a Roger Federer or Nadal cameo in an upcoming rap video...
If that's not enough, Lil' Wayne's ex-wife is writing too..all about Wayne. Antonia "Toya" Carter divorced Lil' Wayne back in 04' and announced news of her upcoming book via Myspace...You know you're famous when the ex-wife gets a "tell-all details book deal" about you!
Two huge albums dropped last week with Lil' Wayne's Tha Carter III and N.E.R.D.'s Seeing Sounds. While one is more of an alternative hip hop/rock album, the other is straight hip hop but many are calling these albums the best from both artists. Some have even gone as far as to call Lil Wayne's a classic and one of the best rap albums in years (Don't forget Jay-Z's American Gangster in that convo) . Wayne sold over 400,000 copies of his work on Day 1 and is expected to come close to the million mark.
Both albums included catchy and clever tracks. The song "Spaz" has recently become a huge hit for N.E.R.D., while "Lollipop" became a smash for Wayne. Here's 3 recent reviews written of both artists' albums to help you decide to buy either, or both!
There's a new Mr. Carter dominating album sales, and it's not Shawn. According to the Associated Press, Lil' Wayne's latest album "The Carter III" has sold 423,000 copies on just its first day of release. The album is on pace to sell nearly a million copies total, a tough feat considering all the digital thievery of music these days.
From Associated Press:
The excessive leaks and bootlegging of Lil Wayne's new album haven't prevented it from being a hot seller: The rapper's "Tha Carter III" sold 423,000 copies in its first day of release, according to Billboard magazine, citing figures from Nielsen SoundScan.
With such sales, Lil Wayne is on pace to sell about 900,000 copies of the CD in its first week and post the best sales debut of the year. Last year's first-week top-seller was from Kanye West, who sold some 957,000 copies of "Graduation."
Though Lil Wayne has been on the rap scene for years, "Tha Carter III," released Tuesday, was expected to be the album that catapults the critically acclaimed rapper into pop superstardom. Ubiquitous on mixtapes and a frequent collaborator, he has owned the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100 pop chart for the past few weeks with his song "Lollipop," and "Tha Carter III" is among this year's most anticipated CDs.
His last two albums, "Tha Carter" and "Tha Carter II," sold 1.1 million and 1.4 million copies, respectively.
Expect to see Weezy hit the #1 spot on Billboard album charts come next week, despite an anticipated album release by N.E.R.D. and others. Wayne was recently bumped off the #1 spot on the MTV's "Hottest MC's of 2008" list, in favor of Kanye West. The panel argued that Wayne's hot, but didn't have that album or body of work to back it up, but now it seems he does.
Yesterday I had the opportunity to see the MTV roundtable discussion show where they ranked the Top 10 Hottest MC's for 2008. The discussions were interesting, as votes and arguments happened to swap guys around. Lil' Wayne was at the 1 spot but enough people on the panel felt Kanye was transcending hip hop to put him at the top. They also argued that Jay-Z is hotter now, due to having a major concert tour and the American Gangster album which is one of the hotter rap albums in recent times. Lil' Wayne has the Lollipop single, guest appearances, some mixtapes, but no album or tour going on.
MTV's Top 5:
1)Kanye West 2)Jay-Z 3)Lil' Wayne 4)Rick Ross 5)Snoop Dogg
When it comes to lyrics and the style, I've never been a fan of Wayne like some of the masses are. I'll give him credit for being good, but at times the Wayne gimmicky style can get tired. It seems as if other guys on the list like Andre 3000, Jay, Kanye, Lupe Fiasco, etc are continuing to innovate. This isn't to say Lil Wayne is no good either, but for personal preference I'd lower his rank. Same goes for Rick Ross who I admit has talent, but his gimmick is not one I'm a huge fan of these days.
There's a slew of underrated MC's around too, but that's a topic MTV seems to have trouble with, as they don't have these guys' videos in rotation. Names like Cannibus, Mr. Lif, MF Doom, Apathy, Jedi Mind Tricks, etc etc. MTV should get with the program and develop a special to discuss these guys, the ones underground who are putting out clever material, and not ringtones.
Here's the rap music lyrics for the latest hit Lil' Wayne song called "Lollipop". The mellow song has been a recent chart-topper and comes from Lil' Wayne's upcoming album Tha Carter III which is available on May 13, 2008.
Lollipop by Lil' Wayne
(Ow...Uh Huh...Young Mula Baby!)
[ She say he so sweet make her wanna lick the rapper So I letta lick the rapper ]
Shawty say I lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop She say I lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop Lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop She say I ..... like a lollipop
CHORUS: Shawty wanna thug Bottles in the club Shawty wanna hump And ooo I like to touch ya lovely lady lumps
Repeat twice
Verse 1: Okay, lil mama had a swag like mine Even wear her hair down her back like mine I make her feel right when its wrong like lyin Man, she ain never had a love like mine N' man I aint never seen a *** like hers And that p---y in my mouth had me at a loss fo words Told her to back it up like "erp erp" And make that *** jump like "shczerp shczerp" And that's when she said I lo-lo-look like a lollipop ( oh yeah I like that ) She said I lo-lo-look like a lollipop ( oh yeah I like that ) She said I lo-lo-look like a lollipop ( oh yeah I like that ) Shawty I lo-lo-lookin like a lollipop ( oh yeah I like that )
CHORUS: Shawty wanna thug( oh yeah I like that ) Bottles in the club( oh yeah I like that ) Shawty wanna hump( oh yeah I like that ) And ooo I like to touch ya lovely lady lumps
Repeat twice
Verse 2: Shawty said the ***** that she with aint **** Shawty said the ***** that she with aint this Shawty said the ***** that she with cant hit And shawty ima hit it(hit it) like I cant miss And I cant do this And I dont do that Shawty needa a refund needa bring that ***** back This typa refund;i tell her bring that *** back And she bring that *** back (she bring that *** back)
CHORUS: Shawty wanna thug( oh yeah I like that ) Bottles in the club( oh yeah I like that ) Shawty say I lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop She say I lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop Lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop Wanna lick the rapper So I letta lick the rapper Shawty wanna thug( oh yeah I like that ) Bottles in the club( oh yeah I like that ) Shawty wanna hump( oh yeah I like that ) And ooo I like to touch ya lovely lady lumps
Repeat twice
Call me so I can make it juicy for ya Call me so I can do it juicy for ya Call me so I can make it juicy for ya Call me so I can do it juicy for ya Call me so I can make it juicy for ya Call me so I can do it juicy for ya Call me so I can make it juicy for ya Call me so I can do it juicy for ya
CHORUS: Shawty wanna thug( oh yeah I like that ) Bottles in the club( oh yeah I like that )
I get her on top she drop it like it hot And when im on the bottom she hit the very bottom Then we in the bed givin' gettin' h--- ( givin' gettin' h--- givin gettin' h--- ) Call me so I can make it juicy for ya Call me so I can do it juicy for ya Call me so I can make it juicy for ya Call me so I can do it juicy for ya Call me so I can make it juicy for ya Call me so I can do it juicy for ya
Shawty say I lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop She say I lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop Lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-look like a lollipop Wanna lick the rapper So I lett-er lick the rapper
Online music and entertainment site, 
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T.I. recently released his latest solo album entitled 
which includes a slew of guest stars. One track that stands out is the four-man collab joint called "Swagga Like Us". It features not only T.I., but 3 of the best rappers there are today. Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Jay-Z join T.I. on this all-star jam which features a rattling drum beat and sing-song hook. Here's the lyrics for "Swagga Like Us" by T.I. featuring Lil' Wayne, Jay-Z and Kanye West.
!
and N.E.R.D.'s 
. While one is more of an alternative hip hop/rock album, the other is straight hip hop but many are calling these albums the best from both artists. Some have even gone as far as to call Lil Wayne's a classic and one of the best rap albums in years (Don't forget Jay-Z's American Gangster in that convo) . Wayne sold over 400,000 copies of his work on Day 1 and is expected to come close to the million mark.
