FABOLOUS & THE-DREAM COVER XXL MAGAZINE

Loso’s Way Goes On Sale July 28th

VIDEO | KID CUDI x COMPLEX MAG SHOOT

Kid Cudi is the artist that sits atop my list when it comes to contenders for hip-hop’s rookie of the year in 2009 . The Cleveland, Ohio native made a name for himself last year with his hit single “Day N Night” and his mixtape A Kid Named Cudi, but now he’s looking to become more a household name with the release of his debut album on Kanye’s G.O.O.D. Music.

Complex mag co-sign's on our claim, featuring Cudi in the “Upstarts” section of their February/March 2009 issue (click here to read the full magazine article). And for the photo shoot, they took the lonely stoner to a place where he could really come out of his shell: Dave & Buster’s in Times Square. Watch the behind the scenes video below…

5 WAYS RICK ROSS CAN SAVE HIS HIP HOP CAREER

Well, we can’t say we didn’t see this one coming. Anyone who’s followed 50 Cent’s history of beef knows full and well that Curtis doesn’t half step when it comes to embarrassing his opponents. So it was only a matter of time before Curtis’ latest nemesis, William Leonard Roberts II bka Rick Ross got the Southside Special.

Yesterday, 50 released a video of him taking one of Rick Ross’ baby’s mothers shopping for furs and Gucci bags. Was the hilariously embarassing move a career-ender for Officer Ricky? All eyes are now on the Boss, waiting to see how he reacts. We’d advise Ross to respond using one of these methods...

#5: RECORD A SONG WITH THE REAL NORIEGA

The rap public scoffed when Ross boasted that he knew “Noriega—the real Noriega” on his debut single, “Husltin’.” We still don’t believe the boast, but his “realness” would seem a lot less fraudulent if he finally hooked up with the former De Facto Leader of Panama on a track. We’d even settle for a phoned-in interlude.

#4: CREATE THE ‘09 VERSION OF COP RAP GROUP 5IVE-0.

It may seem unbelievable in today’s world of hustlers-turned-rappers, but back in 1994, there was actually an entire rap group comprised of police officers called “5ive-O.” See, Ricky? Being a gloried security guard isn’t that bad!

#3: HIT THE GYM AND GET IN FIGHTING SHAPE

In the midst of his battle with 50, Fat Joe challenged Curtis to a boxing match saying he couldn’t beat him one on one. Rick Ross could do the same and promptly end this fiasco. But, because he’s the size of an adult sea cow, we suggest he hit the gym first. He already called himself Kimbo Slice on the mic. He should get down with the dudes who trained the fellow Floridian (before he got knocked the F out) and then arrange a time and place to whoop 50’s a**.

#2: MAKE HIS OWN VIDEO WITH 50′S BABY MAMA

Since 50 already threw the “no women, no children” rule out the window, Ross has no choice but to bring 50’s baby mother, Shaniqua Tompkins, into the mix of things. Playing off the line in “Mafia Music” where he talked about 50 burning Shaniqua’s house down, we suggest he shoot a video where he goes through her new crib and installs various fire safety equipment. “RAWSE!”

#1: RECORD AN ACTUAL DISS TRACK ABOUT 50 CENT

Out of all the things he could have dissed 50 about, we’re not sure why he chose to focus on him burning his baby mother’s house down. Was he scared to talk about all the real chinks in 50’s armor? Like, his canceled MTV reality show, getting outsold by Kanye, his numerous singles that have flopped, or his roster of failed G-Unit artists? Any and all of those would make great ammo for a follow up diss track. The man’s hard to beat, but he’s definitely not invincible.

FUNNY SH*T | BILL O'REILLY GOES IN ON JAY-Z AND JEEZY

As much as I despise dude... I must admit, Bill O’Reilly is never scared! He goes in on Jay-Z and Jeezy for their comments Monday Night in Washington, DC during their performance. Check it out!

WTF?! KOCH RECORDS NAMES JIM JONES VP OF URBAN A&R

Koch Records has announced that rapper Jim Jones has joined the company’s executive staff, as Vice President of Urban A&R. Jones will be responsible for signing and developing new talent for the Urban division of Koch Records, which is the #1 independent record label in the United States. “It feels good to know that the hard work has been recognized by the same people that have helped me get to this point in my career,” Jones said in a statement. “They recognize that I’m not only an artist but a person that can smell talent and be able to mold a superstar.” Jim Jones’ solo albums On My Way to Church (2004), Harlem: Diary of a Summer (2005) and Hustler’s P.O.M.E. (2006) were all released via Koch Records. Hustler’s P.O.M.E. contained Jones’ massive hit single “We Fly High (Ballin’).” According to Alan Grunblatt, General Manager for Koch, Jones successes as a recording artist have helped put the label “on the map.” “He truly knows what it takes to make a hit record. I am thrilled to be working with him for many years to come,” Grunblatt said. The first release under Jones’ tenure with Koch will be the debut album by Juelz Santana’s new group, Skull Gang, which is due in stores February 24. New singles from the album, “Body Like Mazi” and “Rock Starr” featuring Lil Wayne and Starr are scheduled to impact radio in the coming weeks. Juelz Santana is also working on a new studio album that will be released in late 2009.

FIRED! JERMAINE DUPRI OUT AT ISLAND DEF JAM

Jermaine Dupri’s tenure as President of Island Records Urban Music has come to an end. A formal announcement of his departure from the position, which he has held for nearly two years, is set to occur any day now. Sources have reported that Dupri has in fact been terminated effective immediately. The Island Records Urban Division was created within the Island Def Jam Music Group a short time prior to Dupri’s hiring in February 2007. In the position, he oversaw the label’s entire urban music operations, reporting directly to label Chairman Antonio “L.A.” Reid and Steve Bartells, President of Island Music and COO of the Island Def Jam Music Group. Having enjoyed tremendous success with Island Records songbird Mariah Carey on The Emancipation of Mimi, Dupri’s duties also included providing production for the Music Group’s entire roster.

INTRODUCING...WORDSPIT "THE ILLEST"

Stack all of your imaginations then mash it up with of color, boundless soul, and homegrown Hip Hop and you will be in the presence of Wordspit. Brooklyn- born, Chris Dupree burst out into the world in 1984 just as Run-DMC made their stamp on Hip Hop and now has come to claim his own. Raised by a drug ailed mother and a street-hustling musician as a father, he made his imagination his refuge. Since the third grade, Spit's fluid freestyles and uncanny metaphors have moved from the lunchroom -- on tables and over trays --to the corner with his boys keeping the beat, to the lights of center stage.

Years Of Experience: Eight years

Musical Influences: Nas, Rakim, Canibus, Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Linkin Park, Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, System Of A Down, Nirvana, Massinisa, Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, Hi Jynx, good music, etc…

Favorite Rap Album: It Was Written by Nas

--
for music and up dates check out

ww.myspace.com/wordspit
www.youtube.com/wordspit
www.abmnewyork.blogspot.com

NEW VIDEO: THE GAME "MY LIFE" FEAT. LIL' WAYNE

Check out the video for The Game’s “My Life” featuring Lil' Wayne. Game’s new album LAX, will hit stores on August 26th.. I digs. 

MTV's 10 Hottest Mc's List - Are You For Real???

MTV aired a show Monday on which they chose their picks for TOP 10 MC's alive today. I watched the show in its entirety and was left asking the question... Are You For Real???

The list was based on lyrics, swagger, skills, impact to the game and success (musical & entrepreneurial).
I don't totally disagree with the list - my major concern is the ordering. Like how in the hell is Rick Ross and Snoop higher than Lupe and 50 - and how did Andre 3000 even make the list. Dont get me wrong, dude is dope, but what was the last joint he put out? But I guess you cant be mad... its MTV.

1. Kanye West
2. Jay-Z
3. Lil Wayne
4. Rick Ross
5. Snoop Dogg
6. 50 Cent
7. Lupe Fiasco
8. Young Jeezy
9. Andre 3000
10. T.I.

We In The House

Welcome to the inaugural post of Fresco Daily. (Inspired by the many blogs I find myself fishing through from day to day to suit my many interests.)

I decided that there really should be a place where one can go to get there "daily dose" that fuses different facets together to ammeliorate the bouncing around from blog to blog. Sort of a one-stop-shop, feel me? Plus alot of these sites didnt really expose influential and interesting elements of NYC urban life and failed to give me what I really wanted altogether. So suddenly I was hit with a jolt of inspiration and decided, who better than to give me what I want than me.

So here it is. Bringing you up to date daily (or as frequently as my schedule permits). Fresco Daily. Blending Fashion, Pop Culture, Lifestyle, Entertainment and Sports. Highlighting emerging trends and talent.

Ya dig