The Tiny-Toya Takeover

The Tiny-Toya Takeover

Words: Juwuan R.

Former Xscape singer Tameka "Tiny" Cottle and Lil' Wayne's ex-wife Antonia "Toya" Carter are set to star in a new BET reality series, the network announced this week. The show is based around the two women defining their purpose and building a brighter future for themselves as well as strive "to find inner-strength, peace and purpose" . Based in Atlanta, the new show follows the lives of the two women, who in addition to co-parenting two of Hip-Hop's biggest stars, also happen to be best friends. Both women are also seeking to be defined outside of the shadow of the men in their lives. The first Tiny and Toya 30-minute episode will debut at 10pm on June 30.

Nike LiveStrong '09

Nike LiveStrong '09

Words: Mike E.

Since the Lance Armstrong era began, Nike has rose Cancer awareness across the land with the Nike Livestrong bands that swept the nation. We have all seen them and we probably own one or two. But, new for 2009, Nike has decided to "kick" up the awareness just a tid bit. Nike will release the Nike Livestong series. The series will feature Air Force 1's, Prestos, and Dunks all in the black and yellow Livestrong colorway. All will be available on Nikesportswear.com.

Bow Wow Retires?

Bow Wow Retires?

Words: Kourtney D.

“I'm not really mad but it's kinda like I'm fed up,” Bow Wow proclaims. Bow Wow's Twitter posts addressing hopes of being dropped from Columbia Records left many confused. He now has made his unhappiness at Columbia very clear via his live video chat.
“I think Columbia's problem is that they don't know how to work with rappers. I'm being totally honest,” states Bow Wow as he continues to speak of how Columbia works “extremely well” with labelmates John Legend and Beyonce. Although he claims to be unhappy with his label and has been for the past five years, the rapper makes it clear that he is appreciative of Columbia and that he is not mad, but simply just “fed up.” Bow Wow also reveals that he is soon to headline his ninth arena tour.

A Skateboarders Street Dream

A Skateboarders Street Dream

Words: Reggie E.

Street Dreams is a skateboard movie thats about a young skater who will do anything to stand up for his dreams of becoming a pro skateboarder. It's based about a skater named Derrick Cabrera who faces obstacles of turning his dream into a reality. He faces his parents telling him to quit because he his failing in school, his girlfriend thinks he is a loser, and his best friend has become his rival because he is better than him. This should be a really great movie to see and it also has some big time pro skaters like Paul Rodriguez, Rob Dyrdek, Ryan Dunn, Terry Kennedy, and Ryan Sheckler in the Movie. The movie hits Theaters June 12th

Hellz Bellz Summer '09 "So Lolita" Collection!

Hellz Bellz Summer '09 "So Lolita" Collection!

Words:Kourtney D.
Just in time for the summer, Hellz Bellz brings the heat with its latest collection "So Lolita." The fun and fearless collection features must-have pieces such as the sophisticated "Hellz Naw" jacket, voluminous checkerboard bubble skirts, and of course the classic graphic-print Hellz tees. Proving to never disappoint, the daring prints and revamped silhouettes will vamp up any wardrobe. Check out the complete Summer '09 “So Lolita” look book at the new and improved Hellz Bellz site, www.hellz-bellz.com “So Lolita” is AVAILABLE NOW online at Karmaloop, 80's Purple, and Commonwealth!!!!

You Can Be a DJ Too

You Can Be a DJ Too

Words: Jazzii “TheVoice” Henderson

It was only a matter of time before the Guitar Hero phenomenon went Hip Hop. Activision is publishing a new music video game named DJ HERO. With gameplay similar the Guitar Hero, DJ HERO’s imput methods include a turntable controller, guitar controller, and a microphone. Players will feel like real DJs mixing tracks, and have a chance to mix rock and hip hop with the DJ vs. Guitar mode. Over 1000 and mixes have been licensed by Activison including Jay-z’s “Dirt off your shoulder” and “Hip Hop” by Dead Prez. The game will be released October 27th 2009 on PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii. This is definitely a game all hip hop heads should save room for one more in your collection.

The Evolution of Heels

The Evolution of Heels

Words: D'llisha D.

High heels hold a sexy stylish look that makes women feel more confident, sexy and allow men adore them to. Women wear heels because they are thought to be sexy and change the way a woman presents herself. Heels allow a woman to look taller and they also give the impression of a slimmer body in many cases. High heels started as just a simple black shoe available to women in the business field.They were designed by Andre Perugia, who began designing shoes in 1906. As time progressed, high heels began being known as a trendy accessory to increase the look of an outfit. Heels and stilettos now have platform styles, pump looks, and wedge effects.The styles of high heels in today's time are saw in several different colors, fatuous designs, and heights that may be unheard of. Designers like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Giuseppe Zanotti, Christian Louboutin, Sergio Rossi, and Chole, have all stepped outside of the box when it comes to their designs. With many new fashions this summer, designers are sure to capture eyes, by releasing more trendy shoe designs to come.

Jay-Z Airs Out AutoTune

Jay-Z Airs Out Auto-Tune

Words: Izeko F.

Shawn Carter says that the people have spoken and wanted the death of Autotune, the vocoder software made by Antares Audio Technologies recently made popular by T-Pain. Jigga claims to have put the soundtrack to the feelings of the people, and not just aimlessly launched an attack against the sound. All this comes after the release of his newest track D.O.A. Death of Autotune. Jay-z is now an independent artist after leaving Def Jam and striking a deal with Live Nation to launch his new Roc Nation label. He paid Def Jam 5.4 million dollars for the rights to The Blueprint 3, which he owed Def Jam as the last album of his contract.

The Blueprint 3 will drop September 11, 2009, a historic date. For those that remember that’s same day The Blueprint dropped back in 2001. Rest In Peace to all those lost in the tragedy of 9/11/01. Jay-Z gives Kanye a pass to use Autotune and says it’s because he doesn't use it as a crutch. Jigga says the concept came about after Kanye stated the track (D.O.A. produced by Kanye West and his mentor No I.D.) went against everything Jay-Z would have to go against everything on the track. Kanye said no autotune or anything. Jay-Z says his hair is him not conforming also, and that he generally doesn't cut his hair during the album making process. And also the girls like it. Mr. Carter will throw a show for The Blueprint 3's promotion and donate the proceeds to charity. When asked about the current state of hip hop he didn’t say much. However, Jay-Z likes Soulja Boy Tellem!

Shawn Carter goes on to say “He makes records that are fun!” Also “He's 17-18 years old, he can't talk about selling drugs.”Though Jigga did say that he can't listen to a Soulja Boy album, he does however like Turn My Swag On. Jay says "I can sing that record." He also likes Drake, and thinks that youngsters like Drake show that the game will be ok in the future. Specifically he likes, Successful from Drake’s So Far Gone mixtape, he says there’s honesty in the record. Jay says about the line “I know success is coming I just hope that I alive for it. That’s clever.” We now await more music from the icon Jay-Z and we are anxious as children on Christmas Eve for September to get our hands on The Blueprint 3!

Music Reviews

Kid Famous: 365 Days Later
Words: Tatiana R.
From January 2008 to January 2009 Toronto’s represented rapper The Kid Famous has kept everything he’s recorded to make, 365 Days Later. “I Don’t ghostwrite for Jay-Z, although I could, says upcoming rapper Kid Famous, out of Toronto. A compilation of freestyles, dubs, exclusives and features, Kid Famous puts on for his city on 55 tracks. 365 Days Later is a combination of everything he’s recorded from January 2008 to January 2009. His mother even appears on the mixtape, sound familiar? Stayed tuned to CultureShockMag for that. What sounds like Peedi Crakk & Beanie Sigel make an appearance as well (straight comedy). He comes in with a bang on, I’m the Shit, “I’m the shit and fly on top of it.” He brings back the gift of freestyle as well as his single, Ain’t No Use that talks about the stereotypes of rappers. A mix of originality, a punch of skill and bang of drive and great promo is quite obvious. It’s right to say, Kid Famous is destined for fame check out why.

Peep This:
1-900-DAMN-HES-NICE(Call 05)
A Kid Tryin’ Make It

Lil Wayne: New Orleans Nightmare 2K9
Words by J. Flex Anderson
As always, Weezy F. Baby is cranking out only the best songs for everybody. This mixtape shows the fans JUST how far he has come as an artist. The diversification of the different genres on this mixtape makes it an enjoyment for everyone. “Every Girl” and “ I Got That” are tracks that'll have the ladies wanting Weezy F. Baby, while street bangers such as “ I’m So Official” and “ Don’t Go Uptown”, will have license plates rattling all year long. Wayne also steps out of his comfort zone with, “Renaissance Rap”, which displays Wayne flowing to an A Tribe Called Quest-influenced beat. On the slowed down, R&B track “My Girl”, closer to the end of the mixtape, Wayne takes his shot at singing without autotune, and it wasn’t a bad shot at all. It takes a minute to get used to him singing, but eventually, fans will want to keep the song on repeat. He even manages to hit Prince-type high notes! Good job, Weezy, we can definitely see why you're THE New Orleans Nightmare! 4 Out Of 5

Eighty81.com X Don Cannon Presents: Cool Guys Always Finish First!
Words: Tatiana R.
When one thinks of “Cool,” a fly mixtape to go along with the thought would be Eighty81.com’s newest mixtape, “Cool Guys Always Finish First.” Hosted by DJ Don Cannon, it celebrates the cool guys that you always looked up to as a kid. Young Chris, Curren$y, and Ohio’s own Al Fatz and Ray Cash drop off exclusives for the listeners. The flow of the mixtape is obvious a smooth ride through the Midwest to Philly to New Orleans. New talents such as Monkey Wrench and Theo give a new wave to the word Cool music. The opening, Dumb Down, by Fly Union starts the mixtape off with a bang, while, Ray Cash plays with the auto-tune a bit on Midwest Swang.

4 Out of 5

Peep This: Fantasy- ChristianMornin-
Monkey Wrench Curren$y ft. Boo- Rooftop

Ryan Leslie: Self Titled

Words: Mike E.
By now, every music producer has turned into an artist. Timbaland, Ron Browz, Swizz Beatz, and the list can go on and on. However, one of the geniuses of the game finally dropped their first full fledged album. 30 year old, Harlem born, Anthony Ryan Leslie, a.k.a. Ryan Leslie released his self titled debut album Ryan Leslie. Many Hip Hop and R&B crooners have been waiting a long time for this highly anticipated album. Since 2000 Leslie has been producing some of the hottest songs to date, like “I Luv U” by Cheri Dennis. But, his own album showed an even more obnoxious side to his creativity. The album has the classic Soul and R&B feel with each track leading to an incredible story of a man’s pursuit of a young lady, but the lyrical approach is what sets this album apart from any of today’s big boys. Tracks like “I.R.I.N.A.” and “Quicksand” swiftly show how Leslie’s musical and lyrical talent makes him the epitome of brilliance. The entire album is produced by Ryan Leslie and the Next Selection crew. Leslie features of course long time friends Cassie and Fabolous on the track “Addiction”. Overall, the Ryan Leslie album should easily be atop this year’s best.

5 out of 5

THURS JUN 4.09

HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF



Words: D'llisha D.
With much talk about the new trend of wearing Harem pants, one remembers the late trend of the 80s fashion. Harem pants are a new trend that celebrities have been spotted wearing this summer. Most are a very light cotton fabric that is incredibly suitable for summer and come in a variety of colorful shades. The Harem pants may be compared to the late great rapper, MC Hammer. Harem pants were a big trend that the California native sported back in his career as an entertainer. Daring individuals would most likely be seen wearing these comfortable, affordable pants. However, many are still waiting for the trend to spread.Another fashionable trend that may be recognized from the past is the oversized Dolman-sleeve tops for women. Many stores have been open to the new fashion of this trendy piece. The tops come in different colors, lengths, as well as designs. The tops are known to be a 2009 version of the late "Missy Elliot Trash Bag" trend. Missy Elliot changed the face of fashion when she appeared in the Supa Dupa Fly video back in 1997. This trend has returned in a very fashion forward way and is expected to stick around for a while.

THURS JUN 4.09

CONVERSE CO STAR

Words:Mike E.
After being out of the shoe game for a good while, Converse is on the verge of a comeback. Converse has released the new Converse Co Star which comes in five colorways, royal blue, red, yellow, black, and green. The Co Star still gives the classic Converse feel while giving shoeholics something to thirst after. The Converse Co Star is available at select dealers Nationwide.

THURS JUN 4.09

ORISUE GET FAMILIAR



Words: Juwuan R.
The jeans you see before you are the product of Orisue. Everyone is going back to the straightlegged dark type jeans. There are a lot of celebrities rocking Orisue and they’re sure to start making an impact similar to the likes of True Religion and the originals, Levis. Although they’re not as cheap as Levis, you’re still sure to turn heads. $80-95 dollars isn’t that much when you’re trying to look fresh!

THURS JUN 4.09

LOUIS VUITTON GETS PERSONAL

Words:D'Llisha D.
Just when you thought Louis Vuitton put a hault on traffic with the Stephen Sprouse bags, another mouth dropping edition is now open to customers. Louis Vuitton has been allowing customers to personalize items as small as wallets for a while. However, to turn up the heat for the summer, the designer is now allowing you to put your own twist to the Speedy 30 or Keepall Bandoulière 55 bags. You will now be able to add your initials to the signatures by placing an order, as well as choose from 114 different colors and your choice of a stripe to add originality to your signature. Now one may think, "won't this paint fade being in the sunlight?" The answer is NO! The monogram service adds a special coat to the canvas of the bag AFTER the initials have been placed on it. For now, the monograms can only be done in selected boutiques and will not be available on the designers website. The wait time varies from 6-8 weeks as well. The fashionable bags bump up from about $700.00 to about $1,000.00 once the initials have been added to the Speedy. Let's see which celebs break these pricy bags out first.

THURS JUN 4.09

CANADA SAYS NO NAS

Words:Izeko F.
Fans in Canada maybe infuriated with Queens Bridge native Nas. It appears that God’s Son did not show for a scheduled performance. Nas spoke about the issue; apparently the business end of thing was not properly handled. Nas stated that the show’s promoters did not have the right amount of money. Nas says “Now I don't usually leave my crib unless all the business is handled first. But I love my fans in Canada so I said cool.” So to the Canadians that love Nasir Jones the rapper isn’t to blame.

THURS JUN 4.09

XBOX 720..... VERY FUTURISTIC

Words: Reggie E.

Expecting to drop 2011-2012 is the xbox 720. New designs have leaked onto the web and from the looks of it new design is very futuristic. Microsoft is trying to figure out ways how they can maintain being the top gaming system and also find new ways in expanding the life span to 6 to 7 years for the game system. Maybe they can also fix the gliches that came with the Xbox 360 like the rings of death that caused people to live with out their system for weeks.

THURS JUN 4.09

REMY PROCLAIMS ALBUM RELEASE

Words:D'Llisha D.

We’ve all been wondering how Remy Martin has been doing since the late conviction of being charged 2-counts of assault and facing nearly eight years of jail time. “The NY queen” knows the fans have been missing her and recently released a phone recording of her doing a couple of bars on her jail time. She also proclaimed that she will be putting out an album soon entitled, Punisher. While knowing many of the fans are thirsty for her to drop a song, she quenched everyone’s thirst by releasing the song entitled, “i'm a queen.” Remy went on before the song saying: “Yo, it’s been like a year, I been sittin’ in the pin. Though I can’t record, I get it in with my pen. Or either i’m on he phone, puttin’ in my pin. 08045, that’s my vin, they call me inmate smith, but i’m still so rare, ill be home in a minute, the appeals all in” New album “Punisher” coming soon..

THURS JUN 04.09

PROJECT NATAL..... Could it challenge Wii?

Words: Itoro U.

Microsoft announced "Project Natal," a hands-free motion-sensitive controller system that could potentially challenge Nintendo’s Wii. Announced during Microsoft's annual E3 press conference, Project Natal seems to be geared toward allowing users to control games, movies, and anything else on their Xbox system with their hands alone, and without touching any hardware.

thurs jun 4.09

Words: Flex Anderson

The two newest up-and-comers of the hip hop game, Kid Cudi and Asher Roth, have announced that they will be hitting the road together for their first headliner tour called The Great Hangover. They will be joined by rappers B.O.B., fellow Motown group Pac Div, and 88 Keys. The tour will begin July 14th in Boston, Massachusetts and will end in Washington, D.C. The cities that they will be performing at include New York, Mariaville (New York), Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Norfolk, and Baltimore. Tickets start at $25.00 so you should hurry up and cop one because they’re gonna sell fast!-Flex Anderson

Week 6.1.09

Canada Says NO to Nas

Words:Izeko F.

Fans in Canada maybe infuriated with Queens Bridge native Nas. It appears that God’s Son did not show for a scheduled performance. Nas spoke about the issue; apparently the business end of thing was not properly handled. Nas stated that the show’s promoters did not have the right amount of money. Nas says “Now I don't usually leave my crib unless all the business is handled first. But I love my fans in Canada so I said cool.” So to the Canadians that love Nasir Jones the rapper isn’t to blame.

Week of 6.1.09

Thank You and You're Welcome Finally In Stores!

Words:Jazzii “TheVoice” Henderson
One of hip hop’s most influential artists, Kanye West has a new venture with his new self-help book entitled “Thank You and You’re Welcome.” West teamed up with long time friend, marketer/philosopher J. Sakiya Sandifer for the book’s creation. West is excited about the new project despite the media’s opinion of his character. My book is a guide to creating then celebrating your moment!" says Kanye. Written for those “non-readers,” the book is meant to give witty quotes and philosophies to inspire those in need of the “kanye-isms.” You may purchase the book at kanyeuniversecity.com.

Orisue...Get Familiar

Words: Juwuan R.

The jeans you see before you are the product of Orisue. Everyone is going back to the straightlegged dark type jeans. There are a lot of celebrities rocking Orisue and they’re sure to start making an impact similar to the likes of True Religion and the originals, Levis. Although they’re not as cheap as Levis, you’re still sure to turn heads. $80-95 dollars isn’t that much when you’re trying to look fresh!

Remy Proclaims Album Release
Words:D'Llisha D.

We’ve all been wondering how Remy Martin has been doing since the late conviction of being charged 2-counts of assault and facing nearly eight years of jail time. “The NY queen” knows the fans have been missing her and recently released a phone recording of her doing a couple of bars on her jail time. She also proclaimed that she will be putting out an album soon entitled, Punisher. While knowing many of the fans are thirsty for her to drop a song, she quenched everyone’s thirst by releasing the song entitled, “i'm a queen.” Remy went on before the song saying: “Yo, it’s been like a year, I been sittin’ in the pin. Though I can’t record, I get it in with my pen. Or either i’m on he phone, puttin’ in my pin. 08045, that’s my vin, they call me inmate smith, but i’m still so rare, ill be home in a minute, the appeals all in” New album “Punisher” coming soon..

xBox 720, Very Futuristic

Words: Reggie E.
Expecting to drop 2011-2012 is the xbox 720. New designs have leaked onto the web and from the looks of it new design is very futuristic. Microsoft is trying to figure out ways how they can maintain being the top gaming system and also find new ways in expanding the life span to 6 to 7 years for the game system. Maybe they can also fix the gliches that came with the Xbox 360 like the rings of death that caused people to live with out their system for weeks.

Louis Vuitton Gets Personal

Words:D'Llisha D.

Just when you thought Louis Vuitton put a hault on traffic with the Stephen Sprouse bags, another mouth dropping edition is now open to customers. Louis Vuitton has been allowing customers to personalize items as small as wallets for a while. However, to turn up the heat for the summer, the designer is now allowing you to put your own twist to the Speedy 30 or Keepall Bandoulière 55 bags. You will now be able to add your initials to the signatures by placing an order, as well as choose from 114 different colors and your choice of a stripe to add originality to your signature. Now one may think, "won't this paint fade being in the sunlight?" The answer is NO! The monogram service adds a special coat to the canvas of the bag AFTER the initials have been placed on it. For now, the monograms can only be done in selected boutiques and will not be available on the designers website. The wait time varies from 6-8 weeks as well. The fashionable bags bump up from about $700.00 to about $1,000.00 once the initials have been added to the Speedy. Let's see which celebs break these pricy bags out first.

Converse Co Star

Words:Mike E.

After being out of the shoe game for a good while, Converse is on the verge of a comeback. Converse has released the new Converse Co Star which comes in five colorways, royal blue, red, yellow, black, and green. The Co Star still gives the classic Converse feel while giving shoeholics something to thirst after. The Converse Co Star is available at select dealers Nationwide.

Week of 6.1.09 Music

Nas Requests: No Spousal Support From Kelis

Words:Juwuan R.
Who knew one of hip hop’s hottest couples would call it quits so soon? Queens’-bred lyricist Nas has filed a response for Kelis's request for divorce and has asked the court to deny the singer any sort of spousal support. The claim was filed in Los Angeles court on Wednesday. Kelis filed for divorce last month, claiming irreconcilable differences. To make matters worse, she’s pregnant with the couple’s first child. Kelis is due in July. Both parents want joint custody of the unborn child. Nas and Kelis tied the knot in 2003, but didn't go public until 2005, according to People magazine.