ENTERTAINMENT THE CIVIL WAY!

Looking back, there probably wasn’t any crew affected by the death of their “leader” than Terror Squad was with Big Pun’s. Junior Mafia, at least, managed to release an album before Biggie was taken away. And Lil Kim went on to achieve her own level of fame. The Outlawz never seemed like a group who could become true forces without 2Pac. Even Bone Thugs N’ Harmony sold platinum albums after Eazy-E passed.

Yet, Pun’s death seem to bring to light the dark side of Terror Squad. Promises weren’t fulfilled. Acqusations of abuse still surround his name. Potential was never reached. The worst part? Life-long hatred materialized as a result.

Who knows what sparked Kanye to tweet such, but yesterday he let his feelings be known about long time G-Unit sargent, Lloyd Banks. Dr. Donda’s son said he believed Banks was not only punchline royalty, but one of the five best MC’s currently breathing air into microphones. Since everything Kanye seemingly does causes a firestorm of debate, TRACE caught up with Banks and got his reaction from the tweet retweeted around the world.

Banks, as always, was calm about that situation, but obviously thankful ‘Ye spoke on him in such a manner. Twitter’s new favorite user, 50, makes a brief appearance as well. Lloyd also goes on to clear the air that there was never beef with ‘Ye back when he and Curtis were competiting in 2007 with Curtis and Graduation. It really seems as if the Unit is making amends with everyone they have even had the slightest ill will towards back in the day.

Everyone except Ja Rule, Irv Gotti, Rick Ross, Nas and Fat Joe.

If you have been paying attention on Twitter the past few days (and even if you haven’t), the news of a Fabolous/Soulja Boy “beef” has been one of the dominant topics. After Loso had some bars poking fun at the recent Soulja Boy/Kat Stacks video – in which S.B. allegedly had cocaine on a dresser – Soulja took offense and had barrage of tweets directed at the Def Jam heavyweight. All in defense of his lil’ homie (Soulja) 50 Cent gets involved saying something violent is about to happen. Fast forward to the present and DJ Clue gets both artists on the airwaves to officially squash the beef.

Long live Hip-Hop.

Credit: RTNY

I’m probably the last person to catch on to this Willow Smith phenomenon, but Will and Jada’s baby was on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show earlier this morning talking about the reaction the song has gotten. And just to confirm the rumors of her signing to Roc Nation, she brought  her boss, Jay-Z, along with her. This is proof it’s all about who you know. Looks like J. Cole has a labelmate now.

Credit Mikey Fresh for the audio.

Download: Wiz Khalifa – Damn It Feels Good To Be A Taylor

Some new Wiz Khalifa dedicated to his Taylor Gang fam. Video directed by Bill Paladino.

via HHH

Quick facts:

1) I’m glad Ron Isley is out making music again. Crazy to think he was in there for three years though. Dude is the epitome of a living legend and there aren’t many of those left.

2) This is a remake of Burt Bacharach’s record (of The Carpenters) “They Long To Be Close To You.”

3) In a studio, Lauryn still sounds good.

4) This will be feautred on Mr. Big’s upcoming Def Jam album, Mr. I, which will also feature the likes of Rick Ross and T.I.

5) This is dope.

DL: Ron Isley feat. Lauryn Hill – “Close To You”

I remember when Wale tweeted about being in the studio with Waka and Roscoe Dash earlier this year sometime. At the time, I had no clue what to expect from that combination. Fast forward a few months later and it turns out to be the next single from Flocka’s debut album Flockaveli (which I am intrigued to list to; yes, intrigued). If “O Let’s Do It” and “Hard In Da Paint” count as the first two singles (which were monster records), this is a nice follow up with Waka going for the club sound. Yet and still, he’s not drifting too far away with what got him to where he is today.

If you’re unfamiliar with the record, it was also found on Wale’s latest mixtape More About Nothing. I was skeptical about this song until I heard it when I was out a few weeks ago and it definitely served its purpose. It’s for the party environment. Expect this to make its round this fall.

Whip it, whip it real hard.

A few months back, when Willow Smith, daughter of Will and Jada, debuted her Rihanna/Cassie-inspired haircut, the blogosphere understandably dropped its collective jaw. The question that seemed to be on everyone’s mind was, “Have her parents totally lost their minds?”

Not content with just showing off her shaved bouffant at red carpet premieres and Nobel Peace Prize concerts, Willow stepped in the booth to record her debut single, “Whip My Hair,” which, in my opinion, has her sounding much older than any nine-year-old really should. Fortunately, she keeps it squeaky clean and inoffensive as music from the Smith brood should.

Rumors abound that Willow may actually sign with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label. With brother Jaden ruling multiplex cinemas earlier this summer, it’s clear the Smith offspring are well on their way to dominating the entertainment industry just as their parents have.

Download: Willow Smith — “Whip My Hair”