LiL B's "I'm Gay" Album Receives Death Threats and Praise from Lupe

Lupe Fiasco was spotted on Twitter giving praise to LiL B's "I'm Gay" album. Meanwhile, The Young Turks Network reported that upon announcing the title of the new album, he received death threats from his fans!

Here's the deal- Lupe stated in a tweet (today), "I actually think callin his album "I'm Gay" is GENIUS & Revolutionary, the cover is Genius, some brave sh@t...AND he spittin REAL sh@t...I actually think callin his album "I'm Gay" is GENIUS & Revolutionary, the cover is Genius, some brave sh@t...AND he spittin REAL sh@t."

Well, to put it all in perspective, the California native might just be expressing his liberal views on life and hip-hop. And what has it done? Yup, you guessed it: controversy to 3rd degree.


MTV reports that the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defemation criticized LiL B's album title. Maybe, just maybe they did that because- you guessed it- he's not gay! Via MTV, LiL B clears the record:
 "I'm very gay but I love women. I'm not attracted to men in anyway. I've never been attracted to a man in my life. But yes, I am gay. I'm so happy. I'm a gay heterosexual male."

This has to be our most eyebrow raising blog of the month! Okay, the death threats were inappropriate, but it's reasonable to see why gays would find this offensive.  In other words, it's easy to perceive that LiL B is simply using a alternative sexual orientation as a means to bring attention to himself.  So if you hate Kanye because of his class clown tactics, you probably won't like LiL B- same thing, different approach.

If you want to say it's revolutionary, I would have to say in what way, especially considering that gays leading defamation organization opposed this expression. Oh, don't forget Lupe has a new album out too and just recently made the national press for calling Obama a terrorist. With that said, the only sense I can make out of any of this is: controversy sells.

Jill Scott Tops the Billboard Charts

 What can we say here at ABL- Jill Scott is simply on fire and we're not ashamed to do three blogs on her in one month!

 Jill Scott's fourth studio LP has placed her in what was previously uncharted territory: The Light of the Sun is number one on the Billboard charts. In her first week, consumers purchased 135,000 copies. Without question, Scott is deserving of this kind of reward- after all, she's a hard worker and nothing short of a trend setter.

While we're speaking of accomplishments, the single So in Love made Time Magazine's 2011 best of summer music list. So in Love also has the number one spot on Urban Adult Radio. Is this what it takes to finally have a performance at the BET Awards (Pun intended BET)? At anyrate, it's good to see Jilly from Philly shine and throw another award next to the three Grammys she has.

Mixtape Friday: Rapsody- Thank H.E.R. Now

North Carolina's brightest female emcee, Rapsody is back with a new street album.With production from 9th Wonder and Khrysis, you'd be a fool not to download this one.

Then again, if you feel Nicki Menaj is the best female emcee out, this one may not be for you.  You know the deal-click on the album cover to listen or download.

DMX: The Dog is Back?

Here's the deal- DMX, according to several sources, will be released from incarceration on July 13th. Moreover, he's already discussing a new reality show named "X-tended Family." The 40 year old emcee, hopefully, will stay out of trouble this time around- after all, he has 10 children to feed. Meanwhile his Ex is about to cash in on a upcoming "tell all" book.

Did I mention he doesn't like Drake or Jay-Z?

As you can imagine, many are wondering will his new album, "Redemption of the Beast," (release date TBA) resurrect X back to the days where he was considered one of the greatest emcees of his era. Only time will tell. In the jail house interview with Vibe Magazine, X was asked about the state of hip-hop. Here was his answer and I think he hit the bulls eye:

The name of the game is ‘Get In Where You Fit In, BUT Fit In.’ And for some people fitting in is blending in and doing what everyone else’s doing. For others, fitting in is just knocking niggas out the way. And that’s me. That’s how I’m going be at it. I’ve got my fanbase. -Vibe Magazine

Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton land the 10 Spot on Billboard's R&B Charts

 Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton slid into Billboard's Hip-Hop and R&B's top ten (landing at number 10, up one from last week) with her new single, So in Love.  This is a good sign for Scott- her album was just released two days ago. And don't forget  Scott is the headliner at the Budweiser Superfest.  Who's opening up for her? How about Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition, Doug E. Fresh, and Jazzy Jeff on the turntables.  The tour kicks off July 26th and all you have to do is click here to check the locations.

LoKey Throwback: X Clan- Return From Mecca

With one Google search of the keyword "X Clan," one can discover a revelation: X Clan dropped an album in 2007.  Return from Mecca dropped on the independent label, Suburban Noize Records. Do we have to explain why it got no publicity? Of course not. But let it be known that so called "conscious" rap music is still being manufactured.

The hard cold facts is that major labels are very reluctant, at best, to financially support these types of emcees. Thus, many of these acts are forced to go independent. The unfortunate kick back is it limits the number of  people that will hear what they have to offer to the hip-hop genre. Thats why this blog is here- to shine light not only on hip-hop in general, but to give respect and admiration for artists who strive to be different and communicate a well rounded message as opposed to what is "popular" in today's hip-hop market. Enjoy the track Voodoo from X Clan and reminisce on the Golden Age of hip-hop where groups like X Clan could be heard on radio stations all across America.

New Leak: KooL Keith's Single for New Album

 

Kool Keith is back with a new single entitled "The Game is Free." We've always loved Kool Keith- after all he's independent and original.  But he clearly lost us on this single for his upcoming "Love and Danger" album featuring Keith Murray, Mr. Sche, Megabone, The I.M.O & more. We hope this isn't an indicator of what the album will be like.

Planet Zoron: Episode 2

New Leak: Kanye West's "Momas Boyfriend" from New Album

This new leak from Kanye is rumored to be on his new album dropping November 16th. No pop artists on the hook, no overkill synths- just a dope sample, dope drums and a smooth flow.

Jill Scott's New LP: The Light of the Sun

Jill Scott's new album, The Light of the Sun, is set for a June 21st release. After a divorce and a short relationship which made her a single parent, this album is loaded with rich, emotionally driven music. Yet in still, songs like "Another Time" still possesses the spoken word/ hip-hop flavor that lured many of her fans to her throne.

 Scott's words aren't wasteful, and she doesn't sound like the type to cry in public. She's honest and heartfelt, but she also comes off as a better version of a regular woman. -NPR Music

Features include Anthony Hamilton, Paul Waul, Doug E. Fresh, Eve and the A Group. For a limited time, you can listen to the entire album on NPR Music. Click here to check it out.

Elzhi's Second Video From Elmatic: It Ain't Hard to Tell

Indie Hip Hop Meets The Cartoon World: Planet Zoron

Planet Zoron is a  hip-hop based cartoon featuring independent artists, Leaf Qwembi, Oplex, MNTLPLX, Dei Major, and Yelseaux. You can only find it exclusively here and at Planet Zoron. 

Mixtape Fridays: White Man Can Jump

DJ BChenk presents "White Man Can Jump." You know what this means: you will be listening to white emcees on this one.  Can white men really jump on this project? Listen to find out.

Download Mixtape Free | LiveMixtapes.com Mixtape Player

Tech N9NE: It Pays to Buy the Clean Version

If our goal is to be the heart and soul of indie Hip-Hop, we have to keep our ear to the streets.  Moreover, we have to show you independent artists who are sucessful- who created their own fan base- and now reap the benefits of not having big brother in their pocket.

Well, I was checking out Tech N9NE's new album "All 6's and 7's," and noticed that Hip-Hop's most successful independent artist has an incentive for you to purchase the clean copy at Wal-Mart: By it at Wal-Mart and you get $10 worth of credit at Tech N9NE's label Strange Music's store. Point being is this is the first time I've scene this kind of deal in the industry (at least with Wal-Mart) and one thing to keep in mind is Tech has a lot of young fans. Thus, purchasing the clean copy keeps him "cool" with the parents. Simply put- he's paying you to buy his new LP.

Meanwhile, Tech shows the importance of being able to brand your style and immediately recognize and market to the people who fit that brand.  His cult like following has allowed him to drop 13 LPs all by himself. His fans are super loyal and of course, he's super paid! If you like Tech, his new album dropped today.  Like we always say, support independent Hip-Hop. Check out the single, "He's a Mental Giant below."

Mobb Deep Gearing up for New LP

It's rather cool to see the resurgence of the old-school hip-hop acts and Mobb Deep's Prodigy says that "it's time to feed the streets." Meanwhile, he confirmed that they have a collab with Rick Ross on their soon to be released LP. In addition, their is a talk of a Mobb Deep and Nas Album. According to HipHopDX.com, the two entities felt the energy that was shared in the Dog Shit single. Hip-Hop fans will definitely be waiting for that one. Anyway, here's Prodigy speaking on the subject.

Tags: MTV Shows

Mixtape Friday: Killer Mike- Bang x 3

Killer Mike's transition from the Outkast click has been smooth thanks to TI.  So without further due, click on the mixtape cover and check out his lastest mixtape.

Bahamadia Announces New Album

Fresh off the press, Bahamadia has announced she will be releasing her fourth album entitled "Here." This would be her first release since 2006. We should also add that their are rumors of her collaborating with DJ Premier on this project- how sweet would that be! In addition, the soul lady of rap has confirmed that their will be collaborations with Foreign Exchange and UK producers Ty and Drew according to DJPremierBlog.com. She also admits that she's considering a tribute to Guru on this project.  Either way, it all goes down independent on her B-Girls label.

Detroit Strikes Back: Elzhi presents Elmatic

If one has listened to Slum Village, one must know about the rapid firing, lyrical word play master, Elzhi. With all the Detroit swagger one emcee could have, Elzhi stood out as the most thorough emcee of the click.  But what is Elzhi to do after legal biz goes sour and the group folds? With a chip on his shoulder, Elzhi decided to link up with one of Detroit's best bands, Will Sessions.  The two entities embarked  on one of the most difficult task to date in hip-hop: Recreating Nas' Illmatic album in the package of a mixtape.

As soon as you click play on the first track on Elmatic, it's clear that Elzhi studied and prepared himself to take on the responsibility of adding on to the Illmatic legacy; at the same time, he shocked the world by mimicking Nas flow, but inserting his own lyrics- the lyrics, ironically, match Nas- often pound for pound.  Released on May 10th and approved by Nas himself, this indi release is creating a stir.  It is Hip-Hop DX's most discussed mixtape and weighs in at 4.92 out of their 5 star weighting and is ranked number 4 on their hottest mixtape list. Meanwhile, Def Sounds Hip-Hop and News gave the project a 8.1 with a 9 in the lyrics category!  Now it is certain that Elzhi is back, and we can't wait to see what's in store for the future for one of Detroit's hottest emcee.

Del the Funky Homosapien: More Product, Same Price

One cool and innovative way for an artist to gain the attention of his fans who already has a following but hasn't had mainstream success in quite sometime is to do something that is rarely done in the Hip-Hop industry: Drop a triple disc.

Indeed, the California native and Hieroglyphics pioneer, Del the Funky Homosapien is back with a new album, The Golden Era, that dropped last April.  Even more interesting, the triple disc is loaded with a whooping 34 tracks-and it's only $12.33 for the album (amazon mp3)! Let's face it- that's hard to turn down if you know how talented Del is. The album includes The Golden Error, a brand new album as well as Automatik Statik and Funk Man. The latter two, according to his label The Council, are available "physically" for the first time. If you ask us at ABL, that is to cool- but what else is Ice Cube's cousin supposed to do!

Lastly, we honor Del because Del and his crew found out that the indi route has better perks and benefits. He built his name by dropping independent albums with the Hiero crew. The rest was history. It's good to see you shining Del. Props from ABL.