ANYONE FOR COFFEE?

Message to all you Coffee fans: This is a take over, I repeat THIS IS A TAKE OVER he is no longer in power.

2007-06-23T17:05:00.000Z

You may have noticed that over the passed few weeks that Coffee has deserted you, not putting up new posts, not answering back your calls….But Due to various reasons he cannot show commitment to his loyal readers as he once did. So he has asked me Rose A. to step up to the plate and keep things going. And with the power vested in me this blog is gonna have a new twist…. Rose .A style.

New Young and Hot

2007-06-23T16:53:00.000Z

Lil' Mama. The teenaged rap phenomenon's first commercial hit "Lip Gloss" is fastly becoming a celebratory anthem for girls of all ages. Lil' Mama is a multi-faceted artist who boasts the ability to sing, rap and write her own material. Her Jive Records debut, Voice of The Young People explores the mindset of a young woman who is truly wise beyond her years.Growing up between Brooklyn's rough East New York section and Harlem, Lil' Mama was forced to overcome both personal and financial struggles at an early age. As one of eight brothers and sisters, the rapper born Niatia Kirkland started to express herself artistically as a little girl through poetry and dance. When she was just 10-years-old, Lil' Mama decided to try and put a rhythm behind her poems.Just 17 and 5’2 it looks like Lil Mama is here to stay.

Lil Mama- Lip Gloss

Not only is Lip Gloss a hot track, but she's also now featuring on Avril Lavignes remix to Girlfriend. Seeeeeee downloading instrumentals and recording over it is not a waste of time. Lil Mama did it and sent it to Avril and the rest is history.

Avril Lavigne and Lil Mama Remix

Tiffany Evans another young wonder at just 14 years old born in the Bronx, New York. She began to sing at an early age and went to compete on Star Search twice. Tiffany also sang for the soundtrack of the Disney movie Tarzan ‘who am I’. Her latest song is called Promise Ring ft Ciara.

Tiffany Evans ft Ciara- Promis Ring

Tiffany Evans on Star Search

New Vids !

2007-06-23T16:11:00.000Z

Usher and R.Kelly- Same Girl

Real corney ending if you ask me...come on I would expect this from Kells, but Ush smh you know wayyyy better!

Chris Brown -Wall to Wall

Chris Brown - Wall To Wall (Sneek Peek)
Uploaded by Alisvideo

Chris does it again & just turning 18

Rihanna- Shut up and Drive

Well its no Umbrella ella ella but it will have to do, try harder next time rih-rih.

Amywine House ft Mos Def -Love is a Losing Game

Amy & Most Def - Love Is A Losing Game
Uploaded by Phillips-Entertainment

Is Race Still a Problem?

2007-06-23T15:52:00.000Z

Well Atlanta’s very own T.I seems to think so. Rapper T.I was unable to buy the house of his choice, according to the hip-hop star himself, because of the colour of his skin. T.I had his eyes set on a luxury house in Atlanta and was even ready to pay the asking amount of $2.5 million in cash. Despite his efforts to ‘make it rain’. Once the owners saw who he was, the house was no longer for sale. “ If you ask me its because I’m a young black man” says T.I

Eddie Come Get Your Baby!

2007-06-23T15:34:00.000Z

"The test results are in and it proves Eddie…YOU ARE the father"

After all his claims not to be the baby’s daddy, the results are in and he is the father to daughter of Meb B, Angel Iris Brown. Oooo ….. its burns don’t it Eddie.

Kanye West - Can't Tell Me Nothing

2007-05-26T19:32:00.000Z

Basically this is Kanye's "I told you so" track but it's sick. And he drafted in my fav rapper Jeezy just to go 'HAHAA!!' and 'YEAH!!' but it gives it that get money feel.

Team America

2007-05-22T23:53:00.000Z

Hilarious

Americans are NOT stupid - WITH SUBTITLE
Uploaded by antoinetheone

Quality Comeback!!

2007-05-22T23:22:00.000Z

Master P shot back at 50's comments, at the BET Awards press conference, in style. And thanks for the link AmyLola - check her out www.jiggyradio.com Wednesday 4-6pm... just keep on pluggin. Anyway Master P, yeah... in an open letter response he said:

Curtis Jackson's comment motivated me. I paid for Curtis's first rap tour through the south. He was such a humble guy at the time. Most artists' mission is to sell records. My mission is to help save and change lives.
Like the Jose Mourinho side shot: pretend your being polite while throwing warning shots.

Think about it: people in jail are not writing letters proclaiming to come out and do the same thing that landed them there in the first place. People in the hood don't want to stay poor for the rest of their lives. They want to change. Parents that really love their kids would rather sacrifice their own lives so that their kids could make a change to have a better life and a better education.
One of 50's own tactics: state facts so people have to agree... therefore setting yourself up on the podium of being right.

First of all, it's simply disappointing to see people that are in a position to help make a change just sit back and entertain the negativity. It's sad to see Steven Hill set all of these programming standards at BET, just to contradict himself for the sake of marketing dollars or artist performances in order to create the appearance of a successful award show. The record company with the biggest marketing check controls the music video stations so we need to go after the people who actually control these programming networks if we want real CHANGE.
Now it's time to throw some punches.

There are four things that differentiate me from artists like Curtis Jackson. One, I can honestly admit that I was once part of the problem. Two, I don't want my son to grow up and be like me. I want him to be better and do better - and that is why he is taking the time to pursue a college degree. Three, money don't make me, I make money. My goal is to educate our people in building generational wealth and knowing how important it is to own real estate. Four, I'm a TRUE entrepreneur; my boss is God not Jimmy Iovine. From one brother to another, if you misunderstand my purpose you could always pick up the phone or talk to me in person. I'm trying to be part of the solution not the problem. The media thrives on entertaining, especially the negativity no matter what the cost. I'm praying for the brothers that are lost out there.
Knock-out blow: I'm praying... therefore placing himself on the podium of the righteous.

Throughout the years, I have lost so many relatives and friends. This year, I'd like to focus on the comedy movies because we need to laugh more. The first movie that I'm producing is "Black Supaman" and thereafter will be "The Mail Man" starring Tony Cox and myself. I'm setting up a book tour for "Guaranteed Success" and a Hip Hop Business class with financial expert Curtis Oakes for those seeking knowledge. I understand that I can't change the whole Hip Hop industry; I'm only trying to do my part. If you're real, be a part of the positive movement with Take A Stand Records.com Look for the first single "I Wanna Be Like You" from the album "Hip Hop History."
And I had to leave in the plug cause he deserved it.

CURTIS out 26 - 6 - 07

2007-05-19T12:48:00.000Z

If you didn't already know 50 Cent's third album will be called CURTIS and will hit stores on the 26th June. I felt I had to plug it cause he's been marketing it so well. Like Money said there can only be one winner when you go against Ferrari F50 and that’s not Cam. If you didn't see him coming to ringside with 'Pretty Boy' Floyd in the biggest fight this century then here he is plugging the album at the BET Awards press conference...

And the self proclaimed 'King' was also there to give his two pence...

He's also starting to get comfortable on the thrown. Big new tune TI - Big Things Poppin

Next vid I got in my inbox and I was in stitches...

A day and night in pictures...

2007-05-12T21:40:00.000Z

Been doing work experience in Zoo magazine lately and there's always models coming into the office for some reason or the other. By the seventh time of time of me thinking "Woah!" out loud as the models are coming in they decided to let me jump in one of the pictures...

By the second pic I had got the hang of the 'this happens everyday' look.

Then Russell Simmons held a party at Paper on Friday night to commemorate 15 years of Phat Farm and we had the hook up through Truth's favourite celebrity dj, Nikki from Beatnik...

Nikki & TD

Rev Run was also there as a guest dj but more importantly so was the team team and guests...

above B.Money, TD & the girls, and below with fashionista Adam

I lost the afro wars to dj AmyLola from Jiggyradio.com

Oh yeah so was Russell Simmons...

Money, TD & new Kimora Lee with Russell

When I got from behind the camera I bumped into Masterstepz

TD had the right idea...

TD with Rachel Ritfeld and with our Sharon

TD with Becky from Beatnik and with Estelle

TD, Sam and your fav jeweller Daisuke Sakaguchi

And it got loose...

'Ricky' Money "livin the vida loca"

Truth's Documentary season 2

2007-05-07T08:55:00.000Z

Once again this blog turns into TD's photo diary... but hey what can you do. Ride Out's man about the town has been about the town of late. Last week he was lucky enough to get an invite to the ROCKERS NYC spring/summer wear launch at the DPMHI store in Soho.

The collection demonstrates the labels distinctive neon pop style, this time drawing obvious influence from the world of music and album art including a very special collaboration with Maharishi to create two tone inspired tees!

'Blurt! When you hear the sirens comin' Dizzie was also present

Truth also celebrated his Bday at Melange on Kingsland Rd. Unfortunately the spot was shut down by police as part of their clamp down on after-hour’s clubs in the "Shoreditch Triangle". The Evening Standard reported that a team of six officers have been mounting high visibility patrols in the area until 5am... must have been the same officers that got us but not before we finished the film in the camera...

I had my 'two thumbs up' for the special occasion

TD with Kwams 'the future'

ladies man

TD and your favourite jeweller Daisuke Sakaguchi

with Rich and Sheridan from Mayhem Makers

The club has now been closed temporarily for serving alcohol after-hours, along with the Russian Bar in Kingsland Rd and T Bar in Shoreditch High St, voted in top 50 clubs in the world, which has been closed for security improvements.

I might as well start the campaigning now... SAVE OUR SHOREDITCH TRIANGLE!

Young Jeezy - Dreamin ft.Keyshia Cole

2007-05-05T14:40:00.000Z

Another one from my fav rapper at the moment...

Young Jeezy Ft Keyshia Cole - Dreamin
Uploaded by lilmarcus

West Africa Idol

2007-05-03T20:36:00.000Z

My friend emailed me a clip of West Africa Idol and I haven't stopped laughing since. I've been looking for clips ever since she told me about it but now I see there's a couple up on youtube, anyway enjoy... I'm told this only the half of it...

The show which kicked off in February was open to contestants from - Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saint Helena, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

It follows the same format as our Idol and the judges are: DEDE MABIAKU a Nigerian musician, protégé and member of Fela Kuti's band; ABREWA NANA a household Ghanaian name and first female 'hip-life' artist; and DAN FOSTER a prominent Nigerian radio personality.

But the stories are very much different...

This young lady, Jerrilyn Mulbah, is still in it and it's at the final 5 stage now... you go girl!

Make It Rein!!!

2007-05-02T14:48:00.000Z

We've got the best goalie in the world!!! And thats Pepe!!

Yesterday night the world enjoyed another magical European night at Anfield and I had to put this vid up so you can relive it anytime you want.

The best bit is the shot of Rafa 'da Gaffa' doing his best impression of the Dalai Lama...

BRING ON THE MANCS.... COME ON YOU REDS!!!

Rhianna - Umbrella ft. Jay Z

2007-04-26T20:57:00.000Z

Right now Rhianna over Beyonce any day...

Hip Hop under the kosh...

2007-04-25T22:20:00.000Z

First it was the fallout from the Don Imus 'nappy headed hoes' comment now it’s the 'stop snitchin' theology. If you haven't already heard hip hop has been getting a lot of flack, and with that a lot of airtime, in the u.s recently.

Last week Russell Simmons led a hip hop panel including Common, Kevin Liles and Dr. Benjamin Chavis (president of the Hip-Hop Summit Network) on Oprah to discuss the use of sexist and misogynistic language in hip hop - or more like get berated by black women who just 'ain't gonna take this shit no more.'

Now Russell is calling on the hip hop industry to ban three words from the mainstream media: n****s, h**s & b*****s. And there's me thinking these words were already banned from radio edits.

Then earlier this week Cam'ron appeared on a CNN show called 60 minutes which was looking at the affect rap's 'stop snitchin' campaign has had on crime in urban communities.

When you wanna portray the worse in hip hop you can always rely on Cam...

pt.1/2

pt.2/2

What’s funny is that Cam got great promotion in the show; further demonstrating how all this negative stuff is good for business. Anyway who made these guys the rule makers? What has to be stressed to the kids is that these guys will say anything to get that money... its strictly business. They're millionaires. Like 50 said it’s a different financial space, you have to have a different mind-state, they're just acting ghetto to maintain their income.

Don't believe me - look at what happened with the Diddy and Shine case. Diddy took the stand and he's out getting more money than ever before and he's still running the city. Shine felt he would be betraying his principles by getting on the stand; so he didn't and the last time we saw him was when mtv did that interview with him from his jail cell but at least he always gets shouts on tracks hey...

***In case you got the wrong idea: Coffee does not encourage snitchin of any kind***lol

lyrics for lyrics cooome!!

2007-04-18T18:34:00.000Z

This is for Money. He thinks Cassidy will have Murda Mook... yeah right!!! Go put a beat on Money!! lol...

EASY!!!

And I'm putting up every video Junior Reid features in cause he's repping the flag...

Mims - This Why I'm Hot (Blackout Remix) ft Junior Reid & Cham

Nigeria's Next Top Model

2007-04-17T20:45:00.000Z

Don't get excited it's not a tv show it's an event and it's in London. I came across this in the blogosphere and it was pitched as a reality tv show like America's Next Top Model but after some digging I learned it was an event. Taking place at the Great Assembly Hall, Hammersmith on friday 27th April the event will follow the same format as the tv show and the winner will become Nigeria's Next Top Model. How that works when all the contestants are based over here I don't know. But anyway it looks interesting, for more info you can check www.nigerianexttopmodel.com.

London Underground

2007-04-16T02:08:00.000Z

My friend told me about this clip a while ago but I've only now just seen it and I had to share it.

Some guy skis down the escalators in Angel station, which the clip claims is the longest in Europe...

Crazy I know but there are some unanswered questions: What part of the escalator is the dude skiing on? (you have to call all extreme sport competitors 'dude') How does he stop himself when he gets to the bottom? And why didn't he get someone to record him as he was coming down? Wouldn't that have been a much better shot?

And on the point of the underground and being late on things... on the 4th April more than 4,000 clubbers converged on Victoria station to participate in a flash mob stunt.

The trend which kicked off in America in 2003 uses the internet to bring large groups of people together in a single place to perform a bizarre act before disappearing.

On that day the crowd gathered at Victoria station with mp3 players in hand and aim to dance the night away. At a set time (6.53pm of all odd times) the revellers began to dance silently but wildly to their own music...

These events are unofficial and set up on the net through e-bulletins so commuters on their way home had to fight their way through the crowds to get to their platforms. The rave went on for about two hours until police came to disperse the crowds.

I need to get on their mailing list... I wanna know when the next event is so I can go down and do the same ol' two step with a lil twist.

I can't sing...

2007-04-14T05:12:00.000Z

but if I could I would sing my issshhh... and this what I would say...

Bobby Valentino ft Timbaland - Anonymous

Free at Last

2007-04-12T00:57:00.000Z

To mark the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade the notorious slave ship The Zong sailed back up the Thames and into London, mooring at Tower pier. The ship, a replica of the 18th century wooden rigger, was in London to form part of an exhibition exploring the history and legacy of the European slave trade. The original ship was at the centre of an infamous court case in 1783 after 133 slaves were thrown overboard in what was an insurance scam.

The exhibition named 'Free at Last' ran from the 30th March to the 9th April and I managed to be one of the many that visited it.

On board the ship what surprises you first is how small the hold is. The ship has a capacity of around 200 and would often go out carrying over 400 slaves; all packed in an area barely the size of an average single room. Standing in the hold looking at the diagram of how the slaves were contained gave life to the expression 'packed like sardines.'

And then there's the chains placed around their necks, arms and legs: they were heavy as hell!!! Had to be at least 15kg and were a dead ringer for the gold ropes and diamond encrusted pieces of today.

The exhibition was both informative and daunting. Did you know that an estimated 27 million people are in slavery today? Even though only a replica the ship's affect is very real. It would be great to have it as a permanent fixture in London as the group is campaigning for: CLICK TO SIGN PETITION

Maybe we need a black superhero... what about the militant black guy???

Click Here for more great videos and pictures!

Happy Easter!!!

2007-04-08T23:44:00.000Z

I know it's late but I've been out working for the Easter bunny all day... no really, I've been out making sure all the kids up and down the country had their Easter eggs...

If you've seen the bunny racing up and down your street and tried to explain it to your mates but only succeeded in convincing them that you've been at the wacky backy too much then here's the proof... It exists and I've been driving it for the last couple of weeks...

And that's the money shot!!

HOTT NEW VIDEOS

2007-04-05T09:02:00.000Z

Some videos we might not see in the rainy country for a while...

Firstly, just for jokes, 50 Cent pushes some model into a pool in the new series of America's Next Top Model...

Trey Songz - Wonder Woman... first single from forthcoming album 'Trey Day'... and it's worth the 3mins 30secs to see who the wonder woman is (don't cheat)...

DJ Khaled - We Takin' Over ft. Akon, T.I, Rick Ross, Fat Joe, Baby & Lil Wayne... cars speeding away in reverse, speed boats and Junior Reed waving the Ghana flag: IT'S A LOT... and if you want Lil Wayne you have to have Baby, don't ask me why...

Sincere - Reppin London ft. D Double E and Scorcher... IT'S A LOT... the game needs more tracks like this, with the best in grime and hip hop on the same wavelength

Wrestlemania 23

2007-04-02T20:08:00.000Z

Last night I was really tempted to phone sky box office and order Wrestlemania 23, actually I would have ordered it if my funds would have allowed it. I've not watched wrestling in ages but it was on sky sports the other day and I happened to catch a preview. Undertaker is one of the headliners for the event and it was showing some of his classic footage, the guy is 14 - 0 in wrestlemania bouts, and all the magic came flooding back.

It was vintage Undertaker, the stuff that used to make my little brother leave the room whenever he heard that bell chime.

I think this years Wrestlemania was quite special as Wrestlemanias of late go. I hadn't seen so much advertising and promotion for a wrestling event since I stopped following it plus Donald Trump was mixing it with Vince McMahon in the run up so it had to be something.

But saying that, watching some of the 'road to wrestlemania' shows reminded me why I stopped watching it in the first place; apart from growing up its lost all its magic. The crazy costumes are gone instead they're just wearing pants and the ladies are hardly wearing anything; there's too much talking outside the ring and too many belts; there's no more average guys you can relate to, all the wrestlers look like steroid junkies now; and there's no more epic moments...

And before Take That and the Spice Girls parted company there was one split in the wrestling world that broke more young hearts than anything else...

watch this space...

2007-04-02T02:49:00.000Z

On Saturday night I was at The Roundhouse in Camden to see a live music showcase of young talent.

The event was an end of term show put on by youngsters enrolled in the theatre's creative skills and artistic ideas courses.

Coffeeflowoddly intern/researcher/my little cousin Rosalyn took the stage as part of Roundhouse's dynamic urban choir Volume Voices...

she's the one looking at the camera while everyone's getting on with the performance... FLY GIRL ENT... WE ALL WE GOT!!!

Volume Voices ladies and gentlemen

Stand out performance of the night was newly formed band Fleet Street, they brought the house down with a mix of rock and soul. I'm telling you watch out for this group, I'm still singing their track up until now.

I caught some of their performance on my digi cam so check it out for yourself...

You can check them out at www.myspace.com/fleetstreetuk

You can find out what The Roundhouse offers at www.roundhouse.org.uk

A Cuppa with Tash Curly

2007-03-27T00:54:00.000Z

Video director, artist manager and aspiring media mogul Tash Curly took my 'Anyone for Coffee' banner literally and dropped by for a cuppa and a natter.

In exchange for a cup of my finest brew the industry's behind the scenes man was happy to get in front of my camera and answer my questions.

You used to work at Channel U what was your role there?
I was there in the early days. I directed and edited the first season of the Illout Show and I was also responsible for all the graphics.

What do you think of the channel now?
I left in 2004 and at first I used to watch the channel all the time. Back in those days it was everything, when I was working there my phone was always going somebody always needed something innit. So I would watch it all the time to see what was happening, it was like staying connected.

Since then I haven’t really watched it you know; just on & off in the last couple of years. Personally I think it’s gone backwards, it’s lost its credibility. When it first came on it was fresh, they spent a lot of time on their content and were particular about what they showed. They even had guidelines to ensure only quality product made it on. I hear those guidelines have become even more stringent but even back then they were open to bias.

What: 'money under the table' type of bias?
Like I said them guidelines were open to bias, people had their own agendas, make of it what you want.

I can’t speak for what goes on now, I know a lot of the old staff have left. But watching the channel now hurts man. It’s like they’re just charging people £200 for round the block street fame. And they’re doing it to the people who don’t have the money. Look at the demographics man; you ain’t seeing well-to-do middle class kids on there. It ain’t right. Plus I see a lot of negativity on there like gun clicking and hoodies, etc. It’s mad; we’re helping ourselves be alienated.

Do you think that’s a reflection of the urban scene on a whole?
Well yes and no. Like I said I see a lot of negativity in the urban scene and that just plays into the stereotype. Then I see artists like Sway and it’s like there are people out there trying to be fresh and innovative.

I know you’ve worked with Sway did you feel at the time that he would become as big as he did?
Yeah man, I did the cover for Sways first mixtape. He’s an excellent example of someone that spent a lot of time thinking about promotion and marketing. He’s a very intelligent guy and he realised early on that it’s about reaching the wider audience. You’ve got to understand that urban music is a niche market in this country and to push units you’ve got to break out of that mould and reach the wider audience.

So your doing this Silverhawks thing now, where is that at?
I was thinking I’ve worked on projects for various artists and I’ve got all these contacts and all this knowledge. And I’m thinking I need to use it to help aspiring artists so I set up this management company Silerhawks.

Even with that I’m learning; like at first all my artists were urban because that’s what I know, but now I’m thinking a lot bigger than that. Keep a look out on the myspace - www.myspace.com/silverhawksmanagement - you’re gonna see a lot of changes. Firstly I’m not gonna overstretch myself managing a lot of acts I’m gonna focus on my main player. Work on my strengths that’s what you’ve got to do.

Would that main player happen to be Soul Nana?
It’s really hard to market Soul because he’s so diverse and talented you can’t find a sole angle to concentrate on. We had problems with the whole Ghetto thing, people were saying it was too street for an R&B artist but that’s part of Soul.

What we’re doing now is we’re working on two albums; a street album and a more commercial album. Once the two cds are done I’m gonna take them to the labels while Nana hits the PA circuit.

You have to hear some of his new stuff then you’ll understand what I’m doing. I’ve got high hopes for the boy.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved in the music business?
I’d say watch a wide spectrum of music channels, not just Channel U. Read magazines, find out whose hot and why so you can begin to understand the workings of the game. Also try to learn about the business; when your in HMV or Tesco pick up a CD and look at the back, look to see what label’s putting out the music, who were the producers, etc.

You’ve got to get in a studio and record cause without that you’re not even starting. And get out of that mc mentality you’ve got to think like an artist.

Most importantly ask yourself: Do I really want to do this? Have I got what it takes or do I just want to be just another street mc? And I say this sincerely because if you can’t whole heartedly say this is what you want to do then please do not waste your time and money.

Before you go, what do you think is the best US drama on the box right now: Lost, 24, Desperate Housewives or Prison Break?
Best US drama is Hereos mate. Have you seen it, it’s sick, one guy can freeze time.

With that our cups had emptied and it was time for my guest to retire home.

King of Bling

2007-03-25T12:08:00.000Z

Lil Jon is to be entered in the Guinness World Records for having the world's largest diamond pendant.

Jon's 'Crunk Ain't Dead' pendant is 7.5 inches tall, 6 inches wide, 1 inch thick and has a total of 73 carats of diamonds.

Now the self proclaimed 'King of Crunk' can add 'King of Bling' to his title.

What an achievement!! I always new Lil Jon would make good, I mean all that shouting and screaming had to be for something. "He's shining, He's shining..."

Roll Deep - Celebrate

2007-03-24T03:59:00.000Z

New Roll Deep video fresh off Rules & Regulations mixtape. And check the ex-big brother contestant shaking her stuff (I'm not complaining!)

Somebody let me know how many units a silver album is, I'm interested to know.

Another Day, Another Show...

2007-03-21T19:53:00.000Z

Your favourite duo Big O's and Kwams were on the road again yesterday night. They were out to perform at an 18th Bday Bash and radio presenter AmyLola followed to interview the boys while in action...

from the crib...

to the spot...

even the host of the night Fulham player Gabby Zakuani and the Bday girl couldn't escape the presenters' mic...

it was a bubble...

JME & Skepta also came out and ripped it...

O's with JME & Dj Maximum

And the fam's so real they came out at the end of the night to support...

Sugacane & Yetunde that's not a lot!!

make sure you listen to the beautiful AmyLola on Jiggy Radio 105.6fm wednesday 4-6pm to catch that interview

Donna's beautiful as well but you can't catch her on the radio so watch this space for the next show.

Stage Wars: Episode III - Return of the Stunnas

2007-03-20T03:42:00.001Z

The Ride Out stage show hit Greenwich University on Saturday for the culture season finale. And what a finale it was…

The whole TeAM tEAm was there, even the complaints department just in case anyone was unsatisfied...

Any problems just let us know and we'll put you through to Big Touch & Lefty '3 guns' and they'll take all measures to ensure your complaint is solved.

Soul Nana was performing as well...

Kwams & Big O's continued their stage partnership performing 'Party Hour' Only Fools & Verses exclusive...

Then your boy jumped on the stage to perform 'Let Me Know' (another mixtape exclusive) with Truth Documented and Soul Nana...

The stunnas were in full effect...

And off stage we was up to our usual mingle mingle...

O's with Funmbi from It's Real

And TD & O's were battling for shot of the night; I don't know you tell me...

Remember The Real McCoy

2007-03-20T03:07:00.000Z

My boy sent me a Real McCoy youtube clip and I was in stitches.

I don't think there's been a black comedy sketch show as funny since. Come to think of it I can't even remember another black comedy sketch show apart from that 3 non-blondes and that's painful at best.

If you can think of any let me know, in the meantime watch these clips...

Stunnas With A Vengeance

2007-03-17T06:05:00.000Z

Big O's and Kwams were at it again. On Friday night they were at the University of Kent Culture Fest to perform the club hit 'Like That'. But this time they brought along some friends...

And the StUnNaS were back too...

Kwams, Truth Documented and Big O's

with 'dancing Donna' who I now look at in a different light. (the girl can shake more structure than an earthquake!)

TD was meant to hold the cam but he turned up in a mink and was having none of it.

The show was hot but someone made the schoolboy error of not charging the batteries and the camera only went and died at the start of the performance...

So no pics of O's with his top off this time. (not that I mind, he was giving us seasonal gymers a bad name!)

Off stage it was all love and a lot of group hugs, I mean we were ReAlLy trying to get in touch with our culture...

And I even managed to get from behind the camera to steal one half of a 'tWo ThUmBs Up'

Big O's & Kwams shake up Sussex University

2007-03-11T23:01:00.000Z

On Saturday some of the TeAm tEaM where in Brighton to take part in the University of Sussex's Culture Fest.

Big O's was performing his hit 'Like That' and Kwams was supporting. Your boy Coffee was there to hold their bags and take all the numbers, look after the artists, you know that sort of thing.

Before we hit the road we had to get the stunnas in order.

A couple of hours later...

kwams, big o's, coffee & young sammy eto'o

We were showed to our dressing room which was already occupied but we all got on like a house on fire.

Big O's & Kwams with the ACS president and event organiser

backstage in the green room with the models

After the fashion show...

was SHOWTIME !!

After the show with the dancers

Cam'ron - HP Commercial (Spoof)

2007-03-05T11:47:00.000Z

Money! I put it up for you, get @ me. Killa!

Airforce1 25th Anniversary Song 'Better Than I've Ever Been'

2007-03-04T01:21:00.000Z

Kanye West, Nas, KRS-One and Rakim have joined forces with DJ Premier to record the Airforce1 25th anniversary song and it's a CLASSIC.

But with the way the game is structured these days there probably won't be a lot of heat around the track and you'll probably only see the video on the net so here it is...

J.M.E - 'Serious remix'

2007-02-28T21:42:00.000Z

"The levels of mcing is going up..."

I know this track's been around for a while but he's done the vid and it looks quality mate.

Jigga jnr?

2007-02-28T20:51:00.000Z

This lady

is claiming that this young boy

IS JAY Z'S SON!!

Her name is Shenelle, she's a model from Trinidad and the rumour is that Jay paid her to keep his name off the birth certificate.

Check out the story at BOSSIP

Spitting image of Jigga? Let me know.

Timbaland v Scott Storch

2007-02-28T19:46:00.000Z

Rap beef has spilled out of the booth and behind the mixing desk. The hottest producers of the moment Timbaland and Scott Storch have traded punches on wax.

Timbo's new track 'give it to me' feat. Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake is directed at Scott.

The word is that Timbo's comin at Scott, Nelly at Fergie and JT at Usher.

Scott has already recorded his response 'Built Like Dat' ft Nox CLICK TO LISTEN

What team would you back?

V

Aries Spears

2007-02-23T19:01:00.000Z

Check out comedian Aries Spears, he does mad impressions. This is funny issh maaan.

Airforce 1's Birthday

2007-02-23T03:50:00.000Z

To mark the 25th anniversary of the Airforce 1 the sportswear giant commissioned a piece from Ride Out's favourite jeweller Daisuke Sakaguchi.

What he created is a sterling silver pendent made up of 25 individual pieces which together make the number 25.

Each piece is engraved with the original sole pattern of the Airforce 1 and has the Daisuke signature on the back.

Individual pieces retail for £250 and you'll have to do the maths if you want the whole picture.

The piece is being exhibited at
17-18 Dover Street, London W1S

Go down and ask for your boy Alex Wysman to view it.

You can check out more of Daisuke's work @ www.daisukesakaguchi.com

Also on show is the limited edition Nike Luxe Airforce 1.

With both trainers priced at £1,000 they are the bees’ knees. The left is full anaconda and the right full crocodile skin, so you'll have the animal activists on your tail. These are so real you need animal trading licences to send them to the States.

Towers of London v Roll Deep

2007-02-18T13:13:00.000Z

Fake punk rocker Donny Tourette from CBB fame leads his band Towers of London in a football match against 'notorious hip hop crew' Roll Deep. And they pitched it as the clash of the titans... this one's jokes.

'A girl like me' by Kiri Davis

2007-02-16T03:09:00.000Z

'A girl like me' is a documentary made by a 16-year-old film student which explores the standards of beauty imposed on today's black girls. In the documentary she carries out a test originally done in the 50s to help the case for de-segregation. Watch the alarming results...

Cam'ron - Curtis (50 Cent Diss)

2007-02-15T22:12:00.000Z

Jennifer Hudson on the cover of Vogue

2007-02-13T22:51:00.000Z

Soul singer and Dreamgirls actress Jennifer Hudson will become the first black singer to grace the cover of Vogue magazine when its March issue hits stores.

The first black woman to make the cover of Vogue was Beverly Johnson in August 1974.

Naomi Campbell September 1989 was the lowest selling vogue cover ever. However, she would go on to grace the cover a number of times.

Oprah shed the pounds for this cover in October 1998.

The last black woman on the cover of Vogue International was Halle in December 2002.

There was actually a black singer on the cover of Vogue before Hudson but she was part of a group.

Guess who...

...

Our very own Mel B (scary spice) in January 1998.

Cam'ron talks about 50 beef

2007-02-12T19:05:00.000Z

phoned Kay Slay to discuss the 50 beef... CLICK TO LISTEN

I pulled his CV...

First CLICK TO LISTEN

then CLICK TO LISTEN

then CLICK TO LISTEN

And now CLICK TO LISTEN

So did he body them? What do you think?

Let me know.

50 CENT - FUNERAL MUSIC (CAM'RON DISS)

2007-02-10T20:33:00.000Z

50's got a new album coming out sometime this year so I guess the campaign trail starts now.

I heard Cam's response and it's fire. I think he's won this round. He's shooting a video for it so as soon as it's done I'll have it on and you can decide.

Young Jeezy ft. R Kelly - Go Getta

2007-02-08T22:00:00.000Z

My favourite artist, I mean trapper, so far this year.

Cam'ron On The Phone With 50 Cent (LIVE VIDEO)

2007-02-07T17:26:00.000Z

Live video of when Cam phoned into Hot 97 to berate 50. There just happened to be a camera around. Dipset continue to top the charts for entertainment.

Dear Photo Diary...

2007-02-05T04:55:00.000Z

Another week, another dollar.

Truth Documented was out with the cast of Mayhem Makers (upcoming comedy sketch) to celebrate getting a slot on E4.

The cast

Look out for Daisuka Sakaguchi on Ride Out Only Fools & Verses mixtape coming soon!!

TD with cast members. Nyke from Milkymans also involved.

The Team Team caught up with Kat at the Choice FM night at Departure Lounge...

It was a pretty boy affair...

But Michael-Kojo 'CEO' and Big Touch were there in case anything popped off...

Yeah right...

I guess it was a good night...

C'mon he is the youngest in the camp. And he still made it to work that morning. Its a fierce schedule, I know.

Go See Blood Diamond!

2007-02-04T19:34:00.000Z

I went to watch Blood Diamond the other night... What can I say; it wasn't your normal cinema experience.

Usually; I snuggle into my seat with my sweet popcorn and Malteser mix, finishing it within the first 20 minutes of the movie, and then proceed to watch the film, leaving as soon as the final credits appear.

On this night I snuggled into my seat with the same sweet popcorn and Malteeser mix but this time I didn't finish it within the first 20 minutes, in fact I didn't finish it at all. And at the end of the movie I didn't leave as soon as the final credits appeared, I sat there through the whole thing as the poignant title track (Nas - Shine On 'Em) blared out of the speakers.

Apart from a few dodgy accents the film feels very real and the raw emotion leaps off the screen so much so that it will have you pinned to your seat for the duration of the movie. And it is with that raw emotion you will leave the cinema. It’s been reported that women have been removing their jewellery when leaving screenings.

My first reaction was to be ashamed that it took seeing the film to be moved into action. My second thoughts were:

Yes Grillz... I always thought they were stupid, imagine how I feel now. And yes I'm pointing out Hip Hop culture, why? Cause you got to start at home. A rapper makes it from nothing and to commemorate his rise to success he buys diamonds so now his money is used to fund the mass murder of his people in Africa. Even worse: That same rapper probably dedicates bars to his brothers and sisters in the motherland. On top of that, rappers that ain't even making money got ice just to maintain a look, so their funding atrocities back in Africa on credit. GET REAL MAN!!

Even above the miss-education in the rap game is the wider issue of consumerism. Materials are given greater value than life. What would you do for that new **** (fill it in yourself) you want so badly? What would you overlook? Look at these pictures...

They say we have become desensitized to images of suffering, I don't know what do you think?

Nas - Shine On 'Em

www.blooddiamondaction.org

50 Cent on the phone with Styles P and Cam'ron

2007-02-03T12:21:00.000Z

Not to be out done by his arch rival The Game, 50 Cent was in Hot 97 the other night to stir some trouble. Firstly he claimed he was responsible for the delay of Styles P's album release and then he threatened he could have Koch shut down.

Stlyes P and Cam'ron both called in to dispute his claims and it's funny to see how different their conversations were.

LISTEN TO 50 CENT v STYLES P

LISTEN TO 50 CENT v CAM'RON

To be honest I dig what 50's saying about he can't be on the street corner in the hood, he can't help them doing that. The best thing he can do is keep opening doors in the upper echelons of this industry so the hood can walk through.

But wasn't the Styles P conversation refreshing and you got love Killa Cam for being Killa Cam.

The Game ft. Kanye West - Wouldn't Get Far

2007-01-31T19:36:00.000Z

He'll never do a track without mentioning B.I.G or Pac but he also mentions everyone else on this one and it's BIG.

Look it's the Team Team

2007-01-31T01:32:00.000Z

Only Fools & Verses mixtape on its way... We recorded a banger for the mixtape on Saturday. It was your blogging A&R with Truth Documented and we got UK jewellery designer Daisuke Sakaguchi to bless the track. It's not long to wait now.

In the studio Coffeeflowoddly, Daisuke and TD

Hit the spot later that night, shout the good people at 'M.A.D.E In London' on Saturday night.

I recruit the in-turns

Money was doing the 'how many pictures can I feature in tonight' look!

The whole Team Team was out: Kwams, B.Money, Big Touch, Michael-Kojo 'CEO', Lefty '3 guns', Manj

And it was the beautiful Germaine's Bday, (LLM) Ride Out Administration.

Had to sneak this shot, she's gonna kill me!

Then on Sunday Janeiro wrapped up the signing of Emmanuel Eboue for our Goals Team Team.

He's trying to look inconspicuous, we didn't want another Ashley Cole on our hands

Mr Controversy says he 'fingered' Vida Guerra

2007-01-31T00:30:00.000Z

You guessed. The Game was doing what he's best at on Funk Flex's Hot 97 radio show. Among a number of things he claims to have 'fingered' Vida Guerra at a Jamie Foxx house party.

What is funny though is how much props he gets from corny-ass Funk Flex.
CLICK TO LISTEN

Stalking Jay-Z

2007-01-30T22:12:00.000Z

This crazy chick admitted to stalking Jay-Z for more than three years. She says she buys every magazine Jay-Z is in, has called him over 300 times and e-mails him 200 times a day, but he has never responded. She even had a T-shirt made up with her and Jay-Z's picture, that she says she sleeps in every night.

Katrina said: "I want to see Beyonce and Jay-Z one day in public and just go there and snatch her weave out."

Larry Davis comes at Dame Dash

2007-01-29T03:40:00.000Z

Click the links below to hear the interview between DJ Kay Slay and Larry Davis in December last year. Talking from his jail cell Larry accuses Dame of attempting to steal his story for a movie based on his life.

Larry Davis on Dame Parts 1 & 2

Larry Davis on Dame Part 3

The Larry Davis Story

2007-01-28T11:05:00.000Z

He shot and wounded corrupt police officers who came to assassinate him, evaded capture for 17 days and then beat the attempted murder charges brought against him. This is the story of Larry Davis.

Larry Davis Story Part 1 of 9

Larry Davis Story Part 2 of 9

Larry Davis Story Part 3 of 9

Larry Davis Story Part 4 of 9

Larry Davis Story Part 5 of 9

Larry Davis Story Part 6 of 9

Larry Davis Story Part 7 of 9

Larry Davis Story Part 8 of 9

Larry Davis Story Part 9 of 9

What you just saw was a one sided account of events in the life of Larry Davis. Yeah it's a great story and he's a street legend who took on the corrupt authorities and nearly won (I say nearly won because he still ended up in a jail cell)... But political prisoner? I'm not so sure.

I mean when I think of a political prisoner the names Biko and Mandela come to mind - men that put the interests of their people above their own lives. Larry Davis was a young man who sold drugs for the cops so HE could make an earner, I don't believe this 'forced' to sell drugs malarkey; a young man who then tried to rob the same cops HE was working for, hence 'the money's on the table, take the money, don't shoot' quote; a young man who, after that, shot six of the same corrupt cops HE tried to rob, in defending HIMSELF; and is now an old man trying to negotiate the rights to his story so HE can make millions. Good luck to him, as I said it's a great story.

This is a guy that has been looking out for number one all his life. Street star - yes - but for me, he is not on the same mantle as a political prisoner. What do you think? Let me know.

What do We Have Here?

2007-01-22T01:57:00.000Z

Big O's debut mixtape What We Have Here is now available for download at www.rideoutrecords.com.

CLICK TO BUY BIG O’S – WHAT WE HAVE HERE CD

'What We Have Here' is the exciting and enjoyable mixtape from Big O's. He calls it his introduction to the music industry. Big O's takes you through a journey of laughter, tears, and personal achievements and encounters. He says 'it’s about pleasure and pain, past mistakes and future doubts'.

The title track 'what we have here' is a joyous blend of witty lyrics, musical energy and an explosive beat by Niimp Records. Throughout this mixtape Big O's is not short of expression. Whether it is an expression of his vulnerability like in 'Changed My World', or an expression of his strengths like 'Like That', Big O's consistently delivers catchy hooks and unforgettable rhymes.

Big O's keeps this enjoyable piece of work profanity free, making it suitable for the whole family. Big O's did the industry a 'favour' by teaming up with A.J. of Niimp Records who did not fail to supply him with real club bangers. Quality is 'What We Have Here'.

What group do you belong to?

2007-01-22T01:05:00.000Z

A new study commissioned by Somerfield has identified six new social groups that have emerged in our society and will, they say, cement themselves in the years to come.

Which group do you or your friends fall into?

URBAN FARMERS
People who live a country lifestyle in an urban area: they drive 4x4s, have an allotment or grow veg in their gardens, go for walks or rambles and purchase organic food.

BRICKLAYER'S WIVES
A rival of footballers' Wags they are the wives and girlfriends of bricklayers, plumbers and electricians. They have a household income over £40,000, read Vogue magazine, drink champagne often and love designer clothes and accessories.

YOUNG FOGEYS
Youngsters who act like their parents: under 35, listen to radio 4, are not into nightclubs, drink real ale and buy clothes for comfort not style.

TRANSIENT TWENTIES
University graduates on a permanent gap year: move often, do not believe in job security and are always searching for a new challenge.

VIRTUAL VILLAGERS
Rural dwellors who spend their lives on the internet.

THE UNSTOPPABLES
A super-race of over 65s, who still enjoy eating out, gigs, travelling, evening classes and generally having a good time.

Get @ me!! And tell me what group you’re in or nominate your friends.

Is this the Face of the UK?

2007-01-17T22:38:00.000Z

The fat playground bully showed her cards last night when she ranted and raved about Shilpa Shetty 'Bollywood star' claiming oxo cubes were the only thing she had ordered on the BB shopping list.

Oxo cubes? Or was it that she was mad that Shilpa 'Bollywood star' is pretty, well spoken, a good cook and tolerating of fools. Even in all the verbals Shilpa 'Bollywood star' had the best punchline stating Jade was only famous from Big Brother... true. Jade banged on for ages all f***s and s***s and only succeeded in showing how insecure she is.

The best part of the evenings events however was watching Danielle Lloyd 'shamed beauty queen' doing her sidekick gig. Complaining about Shilpa 'Bollywood star' she said "she can't even speak English properly" forgetting as you do that English is not everybody's first language and she herself can't even speak English properly, let alone another language. And then stroking Jade's ego she claimed "your mother would be proud of you".

So I'm asking is this the aptitude and behaviour that UK mothers are proud of these days?

Get @ me!

Peace in the Middle East

Unsigned band top of the pops

2007-01-16T01:36:00.000Z

You heard it here first about the shake up of the chart rules. (Recap: From the start of January the chart would begin to count downloads without a physical CD release. You see before that an artist needed to release singles on CD or another physical format - and therefore have a record deal - to qualify for the chart.)

Well Essex rock band Koopa have made chart history by becoming the first unsigned band to land a UK top 40 hit

Their download-only single Blag, Steal and Borrow debuted at number 31.

The boys who have been together for seven years have built up quite a fanbase through the internet and live shows, playing almost 500 gigs in the last three years.

Check them out and listen to the track at www.koopatheband.com

And on that note the following are...

CLICK TO BUY DJ AMES - RAW TALENT VOL 1 CD

CLICK TO BUY LOGIC - THE PRODUCT OF HARD WORK CD

CLICK TO BUY ROR - PROMO CD

INTERNATIONAL RULES OF MANHOOD 2007

2007-01-10T02:19:00.000Z

I received this email from a friend the other day and ever since I have been on a crusade to raise publicity for the RULES OF MANHOOD CAMPAIGN. The media has swamped young men with images of clean shaven, chest waxed, hair gelled men and it is killing masculinity among our next generation. The picture of Beckham in that sarong still haunts me to this day.

IF YOU ARE OF A SENSITIVE DISPOSITION LOOK AWAY NOW

I feel the rise of the 'hoodie' is a direct response to the steadfast promotion of the modern man.

I still remember the days when men used to go out and hunt for their food... well... I've seen the documentaries on the Discovery channel, same thing. In short I am calling for these rules to be set in statute and the return of DAN THE MAN.

*INTERNATIONAL RULES OF MANHOOD 2007*
1. Under no circumstances may two men share an umbrella, unless at rugby, and your beer is getting rained on, then for the drinking period only, it is permissible.

2. It is ok for a man to cry under the following circumstances: a. When a heroic dog dies to save its master. b. The moment Angelina Jolie starts unbuttoning her blouse. c. After wrecking your boss' car. d. One hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds into "The Crying Game"
e. When she is using her teeth.

3. Any Man who brings a camera to a stag night may be legally killed and eaten by his mates.

4. Unless he murdered someone in your family, you must bail a friend out of jail within 12 hours.

5. If you've known a bloke for more than 24 hours, his sister is off limits forever, unless you actually marry her.

6. Moaning about the brand of free beer in a mate's fridge is forbidden. However you can complain at will if the temperature is unsuitable.

7. No man shall ever be required to buy a birthday present for another man. In fact, even remembering your mate's birthday is strictly optional.

8. On a road trip, the strongest bladder determines pit stops, not the weakest.

9. When stumbling upon other blokes watching a sporting event, you may ask the score of the game in progress, but you may never ask whose playing.

10. You may fluctuate in front of a woman only after you have brought her to climax. If you intentionally trap her head under the covers for the purpose of flatulent entertainment, she's officially your girlfriend.

11. It is permissible to quaff a fruity alcohol drink only when you're sunning on a tropical beach... and it's delivered by a topless supermodel...and it's free.

12. Only in situations of moral and/or physical peril are you allowed to kick another bloke in the nuts.

13. Unless you're in prison, never fight naked.

14. Friends don't let friends wear Speedos. Ever. Issue closed.

15. If a man's fly is down, that's his problem, you didn't see anything.

16. Women who claim they "love to watch sports" must be treated as spies until they demonstrate knowledge of the game (can explain offside or LBW) and the ability to drink as much as the other sports watchers.

17. A man in the company of a hot, suggestively dressed woman must remain sober enough to fight.

18. Never hesitate to reach for the last beer or the last slice of pizza, but not both - that's just greedy.

19. If you compliment a bloke on his six-pack, you'd better be talking about his choice of beer.

20. Never join your girlfriend or wife in discussing a mate of yours, except if she's withholding S*x pending your response.

21. Phrases that may NOT be uttered to another man while lifting weights:
a. Yeah, Baby, Push it!
b. C'mon, give me one more! Harder!
c. Another set and we can hit the showers!

22. Never talk to a man in a bathroom unless you are on equal footing: i.e. Both urinating, both waiting in line, etc. For all other situations, an almost imperceptible nod is all the conversation you need.

23. Never allow a telephone conversation with a woman to go on longer than you are able to have s*x with her Keep a stopwatch by the phone. Hang up if necessary.

24. The morning after you and a girl who was formerly "just a friend" have carnal "drunken monkey s*x", the fact that you're feeling weird and guilty is no reason for you not to nail each other again before the discussion about what a big mistake it was, occurs.

25. It is acceptable for you to drive her car. It is not acceptable for her to drive yours.

26. Thou shalt not buy a car in the colours of brown, pink, orange or sky blue.

27. The girl who replies to the question "What do you want for Christmas?" with "If you loved me, you'd know what I want!" gets a Playstation II. End of story.

28. There is no reason for guys to watch Ice Skating or Men's Gymnastics. Ever!

29. Men shall never take part in female social activities, for example Yoga.

***Half way through posting the rules up I realised I had this nice colour pattern scheme going on... THE DISEASE IS SPREADING! WE HAVE TO ACT NOW OR FOREVER BE DOOMED TO MOISTURIZING CREAMS AND OIL FREE FACIAL SCRUBS!!***

PLEASE MAKE YOUR FRIENDS, AND THEIR FRIENDS, AWARE OF THE STRUGGLE.

Apple Introduces iPhone, Readies Apple TV

2007-01-10T02:12:00.000Z

news bulletin from Hip Hop Marketing & Business News

Today, at the Macworld Conference and Expo, Steve Jobs announced the introduction of the Apple iPhone and the February release date for Apple TV, a "video box" designed to store and stream videos downloaded from the Internet.

On the iPhone:
The phone automatically synchs your media movies, music, photos through Apple's iTunes digital content store. The device also synchs e-mail content, Web bookmarks and nearly any type of digital content stored on your computer.

On Apple TV:
Apple TV will come with a 40-gigabyte hard drive that stores up to 50 hours of video. It features an Intel Corp. microprocessor and can handle videos, photos and music streamed from up to five computers within the wireless range.

Lots of details not given here but the tech press and bloggers will be making a field day of the iPhone announcement.

Officer Jackson

2007-01-10T02:10:00.001Z

Not to be out done by her brother Jermaine, Latoya Jackson is to appear in a reality tv show where the celebs are trained to be cops. And it looks like she is relishing the role.

Top of the Pops

2007-01-07T14:02:00.000Z

New chart rules come into force this week which allows songs downloaded from the net to be counted in the charts regardless of when they were released.

Previously, downloaded songs were only included when the physical copy of the record was available in the shops, starting one week before they arrived and being discounted two weeks after they left.

For instance, on exiting the charts the Gnarls Barkley single 'Crazy' continued to out sale most songs through downloads but they were not counted as their label had removed the hard copy of the song from the shops to prepare for their next release.

So we could see the return to the charts of old favourites which are continually downloaded through the net. EMI are rumoured to release the Beatles' back catalogue as downloads for the first time this year.

On that note, I'll just like to remind you that all Ride Out releases can be downloaded from the net at WWW.RIDEOUTRECORDS.COM

On a 'lighter' note...

2007-01-07T13:28:00.000Z

A couple who made £1m peddling toxic skin lightening creams have been fined £100,000.

Yinka and Michael Oluyemi sold the bleaching creams from their two cosmetics shops in Peckham, south-east London.

Yinka Oluyemi on her way to court

Appearing at Inner London Crown Court the couple admitted 10 charges of flouting medical and safety regulations between July and December 2005.

Their products contained hydroquinone, a bleaching agent which is dangerous in excessive quantities and can lead to asthma, liver damage and infertility.

In sentencing, Judge Nicholas Philpot told the church-going couple they were "hard-nosed business people determined to make money regardless of the danger to public health". He fined them £70,000 and ordered them to pick up the prosecution's legal costs of £22,000.

The use of bleaching creams is said to be very popular among African and Caribbean women. So what is it? Is lighter skin more attractive? Straight hair, light skin; is that the picture of a beautiful black woman? You know me I'm not fussy; picky hair, straight hair, dark chocolate, milk chocolate; as long as there’s a pulse it's a GO!

What do you think? Let me know.

COMMON FT WILL.I.AM - 'I HAVE A DREAM'

2007-01-06T22:55:00.001Z

Check out Common's new video for the upcoming 'Freedom Writers' movie.
Martin Luther on the track... imagine that!

JAMES BROWN'S WIDOW

2007-01-06T07:06:00.001Z

In the days following James Brown's death his widow 36-year-old Tomi Rae Brown was locked out of the godfather's estate. Brown's lawyer who ordered the freeze out said she was merely "from time to time, a guest in Mr Brown's home", was not married to him and did not see him in the final weeks.
Well on this showing they should have done the same when she came to visit from time to time.

There are much bigger issues in the world I know but…

2007-01-06T05:20:00.000Z

My researcher (really my little cousin) came up with some stunners for the new year which I couldn’t overlook. You try overlooking this.

Tyra Banks looking like a happy meal really does make her happy. But hey she’s been successful of late and nothing shows success like that ‘getting money fat’. She’s gonna need a larger money belt for that waist though.

Word is the new series of America’s Next Top Model has been put on hold until she gets back to this…

This one’s for the Beyonce haters… you know who you are…

I don’t claim to be an expert on either women or hair but I’m sure it wasn’t meant to look like that. My stylist (the same little cousin) tried to explain what was happening to the side of her face but I still don’t get it. I do know it’s something to do with glue and weave and sounds like a task for MacGyver.

And Lil’ Kim is reportedly demanding nearly $1 million to appear on Big Brother. The original sum offered to her was $500,000 and she is now considering an increased offer of $800,000. The Sun has also claimed that she made a list of diva demands including having a personal assistant with her in the house and a make-up stylist on standby. I’m sure the later would be considered if the program was shown before the watershed, so as not to scare the kids.

Don't say I never do anything for the ladies...

Get @ me!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2006-12-31T05:51:00.000Z

2007 is official tissue. Look out for the TEAM TEAM at a club, stage, after party then hotel lobby near you.

So if you missed RIDE OUT @ Warehouse, Bristol on the 15th...

Big Touch just come off the stage

your boy Coffee with Big O's (who came out and did his thing) and security.lol

Kwams with a female fan

Money posted up

Logic played the background

NoWay & Real Bigg supporting

T.D. leaving the spot

the conversation at the after party

the hotel lobby

... get at us and make sure the team has a fixture at your local ground!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR SEE YOU ON THE OTHER SIDE!!!!

Back from the commercial break...

2006-12-31T05:05:00.000Z

TRUTH DOCUMENTED IS BACK WITH AN EXCLUSIVE... WATCH YA BREDDRIN ON MICHAEL JACKSON'S NEW TRACK...

LOL. Nah, but I bet if you would have closed your eyes you would have thought it was Mike and as always 'ya breddrin' Truth's on point.
Anyway its Daniel Michett 'I Want U' featuring TRUTH DOCUMENTED and K-Force.
Why the guy thinks he's Mike I don't know but don't pretend you ain't done the same thing in your living room.
Anyhow, what do you think: will there be another Mike... 'anyone Jordan, Jackson, Tyson'?

Truth's Documentary pt 1

2006-12-31T03:57:00.000Z

Ride Out's Truth Documented performed with Beatnik at the re-opening of the Apple Mac flagship store on Regents Street last month.

T.D. works closely with the duo (Dj Nikki & Statis) and features on their upcoming album.

Beatnik is a brother and sister duo consisting of Dj Nikki & Statis. The group has its own 'fly-on-the-wall' documentary on B.E.N. The programme focuses mainly on the life of Dj Nikki - past shows have seen her playing at the Jay Z GQ award party and the Williams v Harrison fight night after party.

Their dubbed the British urban White Stripes... it's funky stuff check it out...

Hip Hop Is Dead

2006-12-30T02:06:00.000Z

HIP HOP is now a billion dollar industry; last year alone it out-sold rock music, filled more concert halls than opera and was nominated for more gongs than pop. Sadly though, on the way to the award show hip hop was involved in a bad accident and died…

With his latest album Nas has claimed that hip hop is dead and I have to say I agree with him. Apart from the Team Team there is not a lot out there that gives me the chills.

The problem is the game has lost its creativity. I think Saigon summed it up perfectly when he described hip hop’s current state as ‘monkey see, monkey do’. Somebody will come across a successful formula and the rest will follow.

You’ll notice the game now has seasons: one quarter everybody’s a pimp; the next all gangsters; and I think this season everybody’s got a new dance. I’m not saying there is anything wrong with each of these elements but if you’re gonna do it be creative otherwise it’s just tired. Remember there’s nothing new under the son so it’s not what you do but how it’s done.

Was there ever a golden period? I don’t know but I remember when you could pick up an album and it was not a replica of the hottest thing out at the time. How many current tracks do you think you’ll be able to listen to five or ten year’s down-the-line? I know I can still listen to tracks like ‘Can I Live’ Jay Z, ‘Picture Me Rollin’ Tupac, ‘Slippin’ DMX (the list goes on) and still get goose bumps. That’s that timeless music!!!

To blame this decline on the fact that hip hop is now big business is a cop-out. Artists like Kanye West have proven that the market is crying out for creativity. To be honest I think the game has just gotten lazy. In a time of declining CD sales artists love to bang on about how much work they need to do these days to earn a buck. It’s true… But in all their effort they’re forgetting one of the most important aspects: it’s an art so you gotta be creative. In addition they’re getting too comfortable doing what has been proven as successful. Guys that claim their hustlers and done this and that are too afraid to take a risk, shake it up a bit.

Like a driver falling asleep at the wheel it’s this attitude that’s gonna kill hip hop.

Peace in the middle east.

The Story So Far...

2006-12-30T00:01:00.000Z

Way back in 1998 a young man had a dream. Lynn ‘Janeiro’ Manuh envisaged that he would be the head of a successful record label. Remembering one of the few good rhymes he himself had written, Janeiro decided to call his label Ride Out.

Janeiro with Big Touch

In 2000 Michael-Kojo adopted the term - after being motivated by its meaning - as a banner for club nights he was running while at uni. Having booked circuit performers such as So Solid and Oxide & Neutrino before they went mainstream he realised his younger cousin’s dream was an achievable target.

Michael-Kojo

With the monies raised from his promotions Michael started paying for artists (his younger siblings) he had been working with to record their songs.

The label introduced itself to the public in 2006 when it released the promo and The Product Of Hard Work mixtapes simultaneously. The promo also included the street video R.I.D.E. which received regular spins on Channel U and Passion TV.

Later the same year the label was involved in a joint venture with upcoming mixtape producer DJ Ames. Together they released the Raw Talent Vol 1 album, which featured their own artists alongside some of the best and well-known talent in the UK.

“We are unique in that every artist is his own manager. We do not just give these musicians an outlet to express their art we give them ownership of their destinies,” says Michael-Kojo, chief executive.

CLICK TO SAMPLE MUSIC FROM LATEST ROR RELEASES

The Met's Most Wanted

2006-12-04T17:52:00.000Z

Dear Fraudster,

I saw this and I thought of you...

An eBay seller was surprised to receive an email from the Metropolitan Police placing him in their top 10 most wanted list when, suspecting a deception was afoot, he did not send out items brought from him on the auction site.

Surprise soon turned to laughter and by the time he had finished reading the message it had become clear that the fraudsters were not going to give up easy.

Below is a transcript of the original email (spelling mistakes 'n' all... enjoy!):
From: metropolitan police
Date: May 25, 2006 12:53 PM
Subject: WARNING..................Metropolitian Police ..............(uk)
To: xxxx@gmail
This is to inform you Mr XXXX that we have received a complaint in conjuction with PayPal about a payment made for an item bought from you recently, We received the complaint that the payment has since been approved and that you haven't taken the neccessary step which you are suppose to take in other for the payment to be transferred to you.
We are informed that you are suppose to make the shippment of the item to the buyer and send the tracking number to the payment company(PayPal) for shippment verification which is secure for interest of both the seller and the buyer from been scammed.
All your information has been forwarded to us and we have already contacted the nearest Metropolitian Police office nearer to your address about your case and they will immediately start the investigation.They may come to your home for more information about what happened and they may also require you to follow them to the station for more query.We have also forwarded your full contact information to the IFCC {Mr XXXX, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire United Kingdom} which you sent to the buyer for the payment to Internet Fraud Complaint Center(IFCC) about this case.
According to (Section 1001, Title 18, U.K. Code) of the criminal law quote,which says that and i quote "Unshipped paid merchandise must be sent to a six month Imprisonment".
So we implore you to go and make the shippment immediately and send the tracking number to the payment company(PayPal) which is safe and secure for making and receiving payment worldwide.We are assuring you that you are 100% safe with the payment and we will want you to go and make the shipment.Make sure you send the copy of the Royalmail tracking number to us immediately the shippment is made in other for us to cancel the complaint leveled on you.
Here is the shipping infomation which you are to ship the item to,
MR IBAJESOMO
UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS
DEPARMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
AKOKA
YABA
LAGOS
23401
NIGERIA
Note:88
If the shippment is not made in the next 72hrs of this message to you,we will immediately order your case permanent for proper investigation and immediately forward your full contact address to the press for publish.You are already among the Metropolitian Police most wanted Fugitives of this week for quick investigation and execution.But the only solution to remove you from the 10 most wanted fugitives is to follow the steps given to you and we assure you that you wont have any regret in making the shippment.
We hope to hear from you immediately you see this message for quick processing of your case or you will be immediately be prosecuted.We thank you for your cooperation
Thanks
The Metropolitian Police can be contacted twenty-four hours a day, every day. Here's how:
105 Reid Promenade, Joondalup,
6027
United Kingdom
MOTTO
The Metropolitian Police motto is "Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity."