Published 09/27/2009 · By Nicole Perrino

Athletes and artists came together to celebrate the launch of NBA 2K10 last week, marking their 10-year anniversary of the game. Guests included NBA stars like Andre Iguodala, Brook Lopez and Nate Robinson, while soundtrack artists Duo Live performed followed by a performance from Wale.

Guests were able to have a first try at the game, thanks to several stations set up around the venue. Meanwhile a tournament ensued starting with Iguodala defeating Lopez in the first round. Wale then showed off his skills, beating Robinson 29-25. Wale has obviously come a long way — from purchasing his first basketball game at a pawnshop to showing up dunk contest winner Nate Robinson. It was all good fun and Iguodala went on to defeat Wale in the championship. When well known DJ Bobbito asked Andre who was tougher to beat, Wale or Rajon Rondo (who he defeated at last years 2K9 launch party) he replied, “Rondo was a little bit tougher.”

This year’s cover features none other than L.A. Laker Kobe Bryant. Ryan Hunt, brand manager of 2k sports, explained why it was only right that the defending champ be on the game’s cover this year, “We wanted to line ourselves with the best athlete out there. Kobe Bryant obviously wins championships. We had the number one rated NBA game last year, so it just made sense for us to partner up with a guy like Kobe.”

When asked what 2K wanted to do differently for their 10-year anniversary, Hunt responded, “For this year we definitely wanted to come out with attitude, a little bit of swagger, if you will. It’s a big thing for us to take over. And that was the message with this year; take over for 2K10.”

As for the soundtrack, “We have a good line-up with Kanye West, Duo Live, MGMT, and Flo Rida. The Game did an original track for us called ‘Champion.’ “

As usual the graphics are great, the soundtrack is hot and even the players can’t deny that 2K is the best. “When you get involved with 2K and what they bring to the game it’s unbelievable,” Andre Iguodala exclaimed. “They’re pretty much on point with everything — facial expressions, tattoos, the way you dress in the game.”

When asked what extra features he could do in the game that he wishes he could do in real life, Iguodala responded, “Jump that high. And unlimited stamina, so you can play at full speed the whole game.”

NBA 2K10 will be available October 6th, for PC DVD, Playstation 2 and 3, PSP system, Wii and Xbox 360.

For more info, visit 2KSports.com.

If you’re a sneaker pheen who loves anything and everything sneaker, you have most likely heard Rahsaan’s hit single Sneaker Store Terrorist, or at least heard it when you copped your last pair at a local underground spot. Just like video games have their own unique soundtracks, the eccentric world of sneaker lovers does too, and Rahsaan’s love for unique kicks has earned him a spot. But the fun hit about confessing the details of a sneaker addiction to a therapist is nowhere near the real stuff the Guyana born-Brooklyn raised rapper has to offer, “The sneaker thing is a small part of me as an artist. That’s just another aspect of my music that I know you need in order to catch peoples attention, especially the younger generation because nobody likes to listen nowadays. In the state of this economy and the state of the country right now that shit really isn’t important to me right now.”

            At a time with arguments over whether or not hip is dead, or at least insanely ill, many hip hop heads are searching far and wide for a fix of the sounds of classic hip hop. Since the radio waves are clogged with anything but, the underground world of music can be a great place to look. While Rahsaan doesn’t like to put his music in a particular category, he is quite aware that most people do, “I don’t put myself in any categories, but the outside world would consider me underground. But I think when you say underground you start to generalize the sound before you even hear it. You can’t really do that with the type of music I do.”

            Underground or not, Rahsaan has goals just like any other artist, “I’m definitely aiming towards international hip hop superstardom. I aim high and I aim big. Some people are content with reppin’ their block, but I myself feel like I have a universal appeal.”

            When asked if he can dig any of the stuff out now on the radio, at first Rahsaans answer was no. But after having a few moments to think he had an answer, “I like Lupe [Fiasco]. Because he’s very very lyrical, I definitely appreciate what he brought to the game. He was able to kind of cross over and still maintain the MC pedigree, still maintain his integrity as an MC.”

         Although a true hip hop fan can appreciate deep, no holds bar lyrics, the general public craves a watered down version and Rahsaan has learned this on his own, “I had a meeting at Sony one time and I was playing my records and the guy told me that my records were too deep. He said he would never sign a New York artist because they try to be too deep and too intellectual.”

            The game hasn’t been too hard on the Guyanese rapper, even giving him the chance to perform at some of the Rock The Bells locations this summer, one of the biggest underground hip hop festivals. Rahsaan had a chance to show Chicago, Boston, and Maryland what he was working with, and even the places where he wasn’t so lucky were still dope because they, “led to future endeavors.”

            Rahsaan has even appeared in a BET Rap-It-Up campaign, a series of commercials, letting teens know how important it is to use protection. The troubles that can arise from teenage sex are no stranger to Rahsaan, and can be heard in a song he dedicated to his two unborn children. “Theres a record that I have called “A letter to my babies” about two abortions I went through when I was 18.” The song talks about the reasons he wasn’t ready for a child, and sends an important message to both male and female teens. Ten years later Rahsaan has a baby girl on the way, most likely born by the time this article is published.

            Those interested can check out Rahsaan’s blog, AflyGuy.com, where they can find videos and get a sneak peak into the rapper’s hip hop journey. He is currently working on several projects including an EP and an album entitled Georgetown, which he hopes will be out by next summer. The album’s title pays homage to Rahsaan’s hometown, Georgetown Guyana. Fans can also check out his MySpace page.

ACE HOOD

Things have moved pretty quickly for newcomer Ace Hood. After only working on his album for around six months, Gutta is set to hit stores on October 14th. Still, he’s not letting it go to his head. Ace took the time out while on the road to speak with Parlé about his sudden fame, the We The Best

family, and tips on how to stay humble while still remaining confident…

“My people and my family were always a part of music. So music was always a part of me.” Ace explains. “I started taking it serious around high school. I had a little single I was pushing called MOE (Money Over Everything). Basically I built a little street buzz for myself, trying to be on every local paper, every local magazine to get that exposure but I ended up meeting up with D. J. Khaled in November of ‘07. We went there promoting my CD, once he seen me he was like ‘I’m digging this right here.’”

Ace originally went down to the studio to give Khaled his CD, in hopes that he’d get the chance to perform at his annual birthday party, which always brings out the top acts in the industry. After meeting Ace, Khaled was impressed so he sent him the I’m So Hood instrumental to see what he could do with it. Ace recorded it the next day and sent it back, only to get a call from Khaled later that night.

Over the years D.J.Khaled has emerged confidently, with a team rappers, singers and producers taking over high-energy beats and exclaiming well, they’re the best. So it’s no surprise that Ace Hood’s entire album is “high energy. It’s definitely going to be a street classic. It’s a lot of go getter records; a lot of hard core records.” Ace says that he brings a lot of energy to the game. “When people mention my name, they are going to say, “Ace Hood goes hard. That’s why the streets respect me.”

Even though some could argue that joining a team already known for big name rappers might be hard for a newcomer to maintain a spotlight among them but Ace isn’t worried one bit. “I’m just thankful enough for DJ Khaled to be by my side, making me a part of the whole We The Best movement, but I’ma always be me. I’ma always be me and go hard.” And when asked if he has a lot of creative freedom being that he is among so many influences he exclaims, “I put a lot of input. The records that I create I definitely get face on the records I create. We pretty much go with an idea and we run with it.”

The beginning of the “Cash Flow” video shows Ace Hood coming out, confident among the stares of what seems to be curious peers. When asked whether the video was symbolism for how the game is looking at him right now, Ace responded, “Kind of, and kind of not. In this rap game you always gotta prove yourself. You gotta show people what makes you different; what’s going to make people buy your album. But regardless we’re going to go hard.”

While some are embracing the changes in hip hop, others are working hard to swim against the current that seems to try to drown them. For Ace, the current seems to be traveling his way. “Right now I feel like Hip-Hop is in a good position. I feel like we blessed to be the head leaders right now. The South is definitely doing their thing. Hip-hop is in a good state right now and I’m just happy to be a part of it.” And right now the South has a big part of the spotlight shining on them, with an apparent bond among the Florida rappers. “It’s all about that unity. We got that whole movement. Flo Rida, Khaled, Rick Ross, T Pain, Trick Daddy; cats like that. So all we doing is keeping ourselves powerful. We just making ourselves unstoppable, regardless of whether this man hates this man or what not. We still have a movement that can’t be stopped.”

As far as the future goes, Ace Hood feels like producing is naturally the next step for him. He says he wants to expand himself farther than being just an artist. When asked whether or not he could see himself as part of the We The Best for a very long time, Ace replied, “Khaled is my brother. I got the We The Best branded in me right now. That’s my man; I’m a part of the movement. It’s going to be my only stop. We just going to ride forever.”

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Words by Nic Perrino
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0

Listeners watched this year as artist after artist claimed to be bringing us the album of the year. While many came close, here comes an album that knocks the others right out of the box. T.I.’s sixth studio album, Paper Trail, is that perfect cocktail of lyrical expertise along with fresh new beats.

Following a 56 bar intro, T.I. starts the album off with a slew of songs, showing off his trademark sound, but proving it never gets old. In “Ready For Whatever,” he gets us ready for what we are about to experience throughout the rest of the album; his honest experiences stirred in with his poignant swag.

Definitely worthy of being the anthem of the New Year, “Live Your Life,” featuring Rihanna, would make anyone walking down the street suddenly walk with a sharper swag. With T.I.’s ability to ride the beat as smooth as a newborn baby’s booty and Rihanna’s vocal abilities that often produce goose bumps, the two prove to be an amazing duo.

“Whatever You Like,” the album’s first single, has already proven its own success, giving men all over the perfect song to approach a woman to and women everywhere a reminder of the existence of men who will take them shopping just for the hell of it.

“No Matter What” is the song everyone can appreciate and deep people will love. After a few years of tracks from artists that we couldn’t quite comprehend much less than take advice from, T.I. gives his fans some real words to live by, “Apologies to the fans, I hope you can understand it / Life can change your direction even when you ain’t plan it / all you can do is handle it, worst thing you can do is panic / use it to your advantage, avoid insanity manage to conquer every obstacle / making possible — possible even when winnings illogical, losing’s still far from optional.”

The last song on the album, “Dead and Gone,” featuring Justin Timberlake, couldn’t be a more perfect song to end a perfect album. In a day where features are becoming a necessity and not an accessory to a song, T.I. has handled it well, proving how strong of an artist he truly is, letting the featured artists be the icing on the cake rather than part of the ingredients.

The holidays are approaching and T.I. has delivered the perfect gift, wrapped in a big bow — including photos, wallpapers, videos and more. Paper Trail brings us a view into the eyes of an amazing artist who has gone through great trials and tribulations in his career, leaving a trail of hot lyrics and dope beats behind

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Words By Nicole Perrino

If you pick up Senseless, a book written by first time author Cheri L Banks, you are actually reading the first step to the California author’s screen play in what she hopes will be the next ‘who done it’ to make its way to the big screen. The book, which is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com, is about a college student turned serial killer after a boyfriend is found straying from the relationship. Cheri admits that the idea for the book “[kind of comes from] a relationship I was in back in 94’. It has nothing to do with real life though, just creative writing.” The book actually started out as a screenplay in 1994, in which she ended up writing as a book, only to turn it back into a screenplay now.

“I just wanted to get the feel of it, I’m just learning from my mistakes,” the Bay Area writer says.

Banks, who enjoys mysteries and who done its plans to write two more books to follow up with Senseless, “because this girl, the main character is killing people and for now, getting away with it.” Although she has no problem talking about her plans for the book to make its way to the big screen, she is keeping most of the details under wraps, “I’m only up to chapter five.” She does admit, however, that in the future she hopes to work with a better publishing company since “AuthorHouse wasn’t really helpful in promoting me.  I decided to go a different path.” But she hopes she can do most work herself. “I’m going to leave it up to the script to take me to a movie deal.” Cheri is aware it’s a lot of work to do most of it by herself, but of course, the end result will be worth it, and the success story will be greater.

            Banks, who quit her job with the government to work part time, is happy to have the extra time to work on the screenplay, “I like the flexible schedule, its giving me time to dive into doing that.” After over a decade of allowing her career to come first, Cheri is finally able to focus on her real passion, and follow the advice of a fellow writer, “Follow your dreams and keep pressing on.” She says to “just keep perusing your dream and be creative. I’m just not letting things get to me, and to keep writing.” Cheri has future plans for a website to better help promote her work, but for now you can find her on her myspace, myspace.com/clbankssenseless.

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Words By Nicole Perrino

When urban fiction made its way onto tables on street sidewalks, it instantly became a staple in urban culture. A slap in the face to the rest of society, they proved that an urban lifestyle was worthy of being read about, and actually quite addicting. There is something about the realness, the no holds bar of urban literature that intrigues people. The curses, the vulgarity of the sex scenes; its taboo, and people love it. The books became more like movies, with questions over which ones have been read, recommendations and even book swapping.

But not only do these books help maintain stereotypes by endorsing sex, drugs and violence, they show how even a community who “supports” their fellow writers, are still not supportive enough to buy the books in a store, buying them for seven dollars on their local street corner.

Since these barely edited books made their debut in the late 90’s, people have debated over the use of the word literature when speaking about them. Are they even worthy of calling them literature? Is it really just hip hop literature? Do we want our teens reading about the same things we don’t want them seeing on TV? Did we really accept a new genre of literature just to make room curse words and glamorizing a life that so many try hard to escape?

Even though while walking down Jamaica avenue or Fulton Street you will still find a long table with rows of A Hustlers to wife and The Coldest Winter Ever, days of urban fiction have certainly seen some fizzling out. After all, the same concepts are repeated throughout a lot of the reads, and halfway through the book you feel like you’ve already read it. The urban culture has also seen major changes in the last few years, changing the culture in itself entirely. While rappers once bragged about how many guns they had and how many pounds they sold, we are now seeing a happy go lucky bunch of hip hop artists focused more on cool funky beats and ringtone sails. This change makes people less likely to go pick up a book about the fabulous life of a coke slinger, and spend those seven dollars towards a current trend, be it a pair of funky shades or a scarf. But that’s not to say that urban fiction is dead, these changes in society might just give urban authors a new direction to go in their writing.

BROOKLYN, NY

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Words by Nicole Perrino

Sitting in a car, cell phone to his ear, Smiley the Ghetto Child is on his way to perform at Funk Master Flex’s birthday bash. “I’m deep in public relations,” he says when asked about landing the gig. “I got a lot of ears out there. As Premier’s (DJ Premier) big brother I was always on the m***f*** couch in studio B.  That’s where I met a lot of the people that I know to this day.”  A veteran at rap, but nowhere near ready to retire, Smiley The Ghetto Child is back to take another stab at the industry, but this time he’s taking it more seriously.

            Many who know Smiley might associate him with Gang Starr, or remember him as a ghost writer for Black Sheep and Chi Ali. His legacy runs right beside the lines of many artists whom we might know more about, but that doesn’t take away from his experience. In fact, even though his time away was considered a set back, it also helps the Bronx native sift out the true fans. “It’s really always been the true hip hoppers that always going to be looking for Smiley the Ghetto Child.”

He might have been behind bars for some time, but he didn’t leave his passion behind and more importantly, didn’t get left behind. “I’m not going to be the one to complain about the change because I’m going to embrace the change,” Smiley says about the major differences we have been experiencing lately in hip hop. “A lot of the people that was in the era with me gave up.” With recent evidence of an old school verses new school hip hop battle ensuing, it’s rare to find a rapper willing to cross over, but Smiley has no problem adapting.

The road is long but Smiley is still moving. It has been all about trial and error, gaining experience and knowledge along the way. “I did a lot of things in the UK in the midst of trial and error. A lot of opportunities I fucked up, I passed up on. I didn’t really know what to do back then.” He released his comeback album back in 2006 entitled The Antidote, which he created for those in some serious need of a dose of real hip hop. The album didn’t contain many features so that his own talent could shine through, but today Smiley will admit that the features matter. “It’s a business, its hustling. I know that if I add that on its just going to be more potent.” One of his current singles is entitled “Triple Beam” and features Papoose, which is on his recent mixtape, Money Machine, already released. Smiley is currently working on his album expected to be released at the end of the year through his own label, A Mob Entertainment.

DJ UNK chops it up with Kevin Garnett while he gets in some NBA 2K9 playing time (Photo: BallerStatus.com / Nicole Perrino)

Published: Friday – September 26, 2008
Words by Nicole Perrino

Sports and music was blended together last night for the launch party of the 2K Sports’ ”NBA 2K9″ video game, the #1 rated NBA simulation for seven years in a row now, and features some of the most realistic graphics around.

Cover athlete Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics, Andre Iguodala of the 76ers, Brook Lopez of the New Jersey Nets, Danilo Gallinari of the New York Knicks, and Rajon Rondo of Boston were among the celebrities who came out to celebrate.

After an introduction by VP of Marketing Jason Argent, 2K Sports’ Marketing Manager Mark Goodrich explained the awesome concept of their The Other Season campaign, a fantasy league where eight NBA pros are the owners and you get to be the player. Stats are recorded through Xbox Live or Playstation online, and players work their way towards a championship. Those interested can sign up at TheOtherSeason.com.

DJ Bobbito returns this year as the DJ in the Blacktop streetball mode, which takes place in the legendary Rucker Park. Everyone laughed as Bobbito exclaimed, “Look that’s me,” when he saw himself on the screen. He later did his thing on the turntables.

The Cool Kids spoke about their involvement with the game and creating an original song for the soundtrack. “We tried to write the coolest song we possibly could for it,” Mikey Rocks said. They later performed after a performance by DJ Unk.

Andre Iguodala and Rajon Rondo showed off their controller skills and played each other on the big screen after guests viewed the hilarious commercials featuring Garnett for the game’s release.

Tim Rosa, director of brand and lifestyle marketing, was very excited about this year’s project, the music specifically.

“We’re touching it all. It’s just about trying to do something that’s fresh and new and unique that kids can have an emotional connection to,” he said when asked about the genres of music picked for the soundtrack.

He is currently busy with getting the Bounce Tour on the ground, which kicks off in November and is headlined by Q-Tip and The Cool Kids. It will travel around the country and will include giveaways and promotions.

AS for the game itself, it is slated to drop October 7th on the Xbox 360, and PS2 and PS3 consoles.

The Game Celebrates LAX In NYC With Host Of Friends

Published: Thursday – August 28, 2008
Words by Nic Perrino

For the celebration of The Game’s new album, LAX, the west coast rapper chose to show love to his east coast fans on Tuesday night (August 26) with a show at the Fillmore in NYC. Armed with a ban of fellow rappers and plenty of G-Unit disses, The Game had even the most native New Yorkers throwing up their W’s. Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Joe Buddens, among others made appearances.

Yung Joc helped open the show with a performance of “It’s Going Down,” while Irv Gotti popped onstage to enjoy the performances.

After explaining that he came over here from Compton, only to catch beef because of someone else, Joe Buddens appeared on stage and performed his infamous “Pump It Up” alongside Game. Before Joey exited the stage, Game showed his gratitude by telling him, “I appreciate you rocking with me my brother, especially when you a real n****.”

Ghostface and “The Chef” Raekwon performed after which Game asked them, “How ya’ll n****’s still look 20?” followed by laughter from the audience.

Legend DJ Kool Herc graced the stage with his presence followed by Fat Joe’s performance of “Lean Back.”

After many chants of “G-Unot,” Maino sang “Hi Hater,” resulting in a few minutes of freestyles from Game since, “N****’s always say The Game can’t freestyle.”

It was clear how many G-Unit haters were present when Young Buck got on stage along with his entourage. The Game obliged by yelling out one by one that each member of G-Unit can suck his d*** before performing “This Is How We Do.” Buck then performed his song, “Shorty Wanna Ride.”

Things came to an end shortly after Jim Jones appeared to perform his track “Love Me No More” and his very first collabo with The Game, “Certified Gangsta.” These were just some of the celebrity appearances throughout the night.

Game let everybody know before leaving that, “I know you came out to see Game, you didn’t think it was going to be this live.”