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David Banner Talks Big K.R.I.T. Collaboration

Posted 12/9/10 9:22 pm EST by in RapFix Live

By Hillary Crosley, with reporting by Sway Calloway

On Thursday (December 9), Mississippi native David Banner stopped by our office with North Carolina producer 9th Wonder for "RapFix Live" to discuss their upcoming collaborative LP Death of a Pop Star. The album hits shelves on December 21 and Banner also talked a bit about one of his fellow Mississippi MC-producers.

"Just so ya'll know, K.R.I.T. was in the studio when I was mixing Death of a Popstar," David Banner said, before discussing when, and if, he would record with the up-and-coming artist. "Me and K.R.I.T. have sent a couple records back and forth to each other, but the thing that I wanted Krit to do was to really stand on his own. "

Big K.R.I.T., a native of Meridian, Mississippi, released the breakout K.R.I.T. Wuz Here mixtape earlier this year that garnered the attention of the music industry. Within months, the young MC was signed to Def Jam and traveling the country on the Smoker's Club Tour with Curren$y, Wiz Khalifa and Smoke DZA. Now K.R.I.T. is prepping his follow-up mixtape Return of Forever as well as his as-yet-untitled debut album. Naturally, our "RapFix Live" fans wanted to know why the two Mississippi artists hadn't collaborated yet and Banner said there was a method to his movements — or lack thereof. Read More...

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Michael Jackson And Akon's 'Hold My Hand' Video: Critics Weigh In

Posted 12/9/10 7:42 pm EST by in Music News

By Erika Ramirez

It’s still hard to accept that Michael Jackson is gone.

But fortunately, with the upcoming release of Michael on December 14 we will have a bit more to enjoy from the King of Pop.

On Thursday (December 9), Michael Jackson’s camp debuted the first visuals from the forthcoming posthumous album with track, "Hold My Hand." The track features none other than Konvict artist-producer-label owner, Akon. But you already knew that.

Directed by Mark Pellington, the video showcases a diverse cast of real MJ fans and visualizes the biggest issue he’s always stood for, unity. Through out the video, Pellington adds images and performances shots of Jackson and Akon belting his lines.

"The video is a tribute to all that Michael stands for — life, in all its permutations ... love, and its power ... A video of memory, healing and joy," said the director on MichealJackson.com, the official site for the late star.

"Hold My Hand" definitely left many nostalgic for Michael Jackson’s legacy, so RapFix turned to a few experts for their thoughts on the video and Akon's contribution.

"Michael Jackson's posthumous video 'Hold My Hand' makes you forget the string of dreadful and seemingly rushed tracks that were recently leaked from the estate of the King of Pop," Keith Murphy, Senior Editor of VIBE magazine, said. "Even if you can't get past the somewhat pedestrian, easy listening track, which features omnipresent producer Akon, the images of a smiling, dancing MJ is enough to make the most jaded music critic reach for a box of Kleenex." Read More...

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Watch David Banner, 9th Wonder And T.I. On 'RapFix Live' Now!

Posted 12/9/10 4:03 pm EST by in RapFix Live

It's time for "RapFix Live" and we've got rapper-producer-actor David Banner and producer 9th Wonder here! The show will stream live here on RapFix as well as MTV.com at 4 p.m. ET and we want your questions for the gentleman!

Today's chat with MTV News' own Sway will cover the duo's upcoming mixtape Death of a Pop Star, hitting fans hot hands on December 21. The LP features production from the former Little Brother star and rhymes from Banner; Ludacris and Estelle also lend their talents to the project.

The Mississippi native, born Lavell Crump, who produced songs like Lil Wayne's "La La" and T.I.'s breakout hit "Rubberband Man," spoke to MTV earlier this year about the collaboration. Read More...

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Lil Wayne's Daughter Reginae Celebrates Birthday With Diggy Simmons

Posted 12/9/10 1:44 pm EST by in Birthdays

By Vanessa Denis

It wasn't an episode of MTV’s "Sweet 16" but Lil Wayne's daughter Reginae Carter celebrated her 12th birthday with special guests and even an enviable date in young MC Diggy Simmons. Reginae is Lil’ Wayne’s oldest daughter, born to Weezy and his ex-wife Toya. The MC was present to celebrate with his little girl along with his own mother, Ms. Cita.

Lil Wayne wasn't the only star sharing in his little girl's moment. Reginae is also in the burgeoning music group called the OMG Girlz, which boasts four members including Reginae, Basha, Lourdes and one of T.I.'s children, Zonnique. Three Girlz stopped by the shindig along with Nivea, singer and mother to one of Lil Wayne's newest sons. Cash Money head Baby was also present with his daughter, baring gifts for Reginae.

The party, no doubt organized the tween's mother Toya, celebrated family unity. Read More...

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Rick Ross' 'B.M.F.' Is MTV's #4 Song Of The Year: A RapFix Salute

Posted 12/9/10 12:33 pm EST by in Music News

In May, Rick Ross breezed back into our lives with The Albert Anastasia EP: The Prequel to Teflon Don and "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)." The ode to street legends Big Meech and Larry Hoover checks in at #4 on MTV News' Top Songs of 2010 list.

Earlier this year, I was still riding high from Ross' "Maybauch Music" remixes, crafted by the talented Justice League and their love for musician Dexter Wansel. I was also enjoying the Bawse's personal touches on pop singles like Rihanna's "Rude Boy" — Ricky will throw a verse on anything and that's why I love him.

As the weather warmed and people began to take to the streets, it was almost impossible to escape the MC's "B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)."

From Brooklyn, N.Y.'s Fulton Avenue, San Francisco's hills, Miami's South Beach and Atlanta's club scene, Ross' hit was literally everywhere. Subway riders even accosted fellow passengers with the cut, from headphones turned up much too loud, of course. But what took the cake? Two friends of mine married this year and as the coupled walked into their reception ... Ross' "B.M.F." blared through the venue's speakers. No, I'm not joking. Why didn't you think of that, right? Read More...

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Raekwon Releases New Single 'Butter Knives'

Posted 12/9/10 11:24 am EST by in Music News

By D.L. Chandler

Tapping into hip-hop’s fountain of youth is no small feat — but it's something the Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon the Chef has mastered at the ripe age of 40. The veteran MC announced the title of his forthcoming LP, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, and followed the news by releasing the track "Butter Knives" on Wednesday (December 8).

In the typical relentless style that is Wu, "Butter Knives" echoes the feel of Rae's critically acclaimed 2009 album Only Built 4 Cuban Links... Pt. II. Produced by Bronze Nazareth, The Chef’s lyrical assault on the beat is readily evident.

"Who give a f--k if he’s a swordsman I’m a gunman, I run from nothing, chain came from rim days of pumpin'," spits Lex Diamonds. "YSL with velour on, draws is colorful/I do this forever n---- raw style." Read More...

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