Posted 7/18/11 3:28 pm EST by MTV News in Birthdays, Interviews, Music News, Things That Aren't Hip-Hop ... But Are
Today we celebrate the born day of iconic leader and one-time South African President Nelson Mandela who turned 93 years old today. The former President celebrated his big day with family and friends as the country also acknowledged the anti-apartheid leaders birthday with a number of tributes. Read More...
Posted 6/16/11 9:10 am EST by D.L. Chandler in Birthdays
If not for a fateful night on September 13, 1996, today the hip hop world would no doubt be celebrating the 40th birthday of venerable rapper, poet and actor Tupac “2Pac” Shakur. Although his death shook the globe, his legacy and towering influence still permeates through the entire span of hip hop music and culture to this very day. Read More...
Posted 12/29/10 7:01 pm EST by MTV News in Birthdays, Music News
By D.L. Chandler
As one half of the legendary and influential Texas hip hop duo UGK , Pimp C’s lasting legacy as a rapper and producer lives on through his partner Bun B’s music and a host of fitting tributes recorded by Bun and other notable acts since the rapper’s unfortunate death.
The rapper born Chad Lamont Butler would have been 37 years old today, if not for the colorful MC’s accidental overdose of promethazine and codeine – also known as “drank.” Authorities found the Port Arthur, Texas star in a Los Angeles hotel on December 4, 2007. The brutally honest Pimpin’ Chad shared openly through his music and in interviews about his partying lifestyle and the consumption of the concoction was extremely popular at the time. Read More...
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...
Posted 12/8/10 7:00 am EST by Hillary Crosley in Birthdays
Soccer moms still may need to organize a pep rally — get it? — but RapFix is ringing in Nicki Minaj's birthday with (virtual) gifts from her fans.
We asked the Barbz and KenBarbz (not Barbies, we learned this yesterday courtesy of @Ranoey, Thanks ma'am!) via @MTVRapFix what they'd like to give Ms. Minaj for her birthday and here are a few of the best responses.
"We'd go visit her grandmother's grave. I don't know if she's been there lately but with all her recent success it would be good to go there," said @TeamMinajPink. "Maybe a lifetime supply of cranberries and almonds? Lol."
"The only idea I have in mind would be to give her a 'Regeey Bear,' a teddy dressed nicely, looking like he could be Regis," said Ranoey. Read More...
Posted 12/3/10 1:43 pm EST by Hillary Crosley in Birthdays
Happy birthday Trina!
Friday (December 3) marks the born day of the Miami-based rapper, born Katrina Laverne Taylor, who's reached 34 years old. We remember our first glimpse of Trina, it was Trick Daddy's "Nann N---a" video around 1998 and we wondered who exactly was this femcee trading bars with Florida's homegrown MC.
Fast forward more than 10 years later, and as other female MCs fall by the wayside, Ms. Taylor's remained relatively stable. With guest appearances on tracks like Yo Gotti's "5 Star Remix" and Ludacris' "My Chick Bad (Remix)," she's kept her name and lyrics in the mix of hip-hop's whirlwind.
This year, she released her Amazin' LP featuring the lead single "Million Dollar Girl" with Diddy and Keri Hilson.
In June, MTV News caught up with the Diamond Princess, and Lil Wayne ex-boo, to ask for her thoughts on the Lil' Kim vs. Nicki Minaj beef — before Kim's "Black Friday" hit the web months later. Read More...
Posted 11/18/10 10:30 am EST by Hillary Crosley in Birthdays
By Hillary Crosley, with reporting by Sway Calloway
Happy birthday Fabolous!
Born on November 18, today is Fab's 33rd birthday. Who knew, considering the MC, born John David Jackson, looks just like he did when his single "Can't Deny It" featuring Nate Dogg dropped in 2001. Now, Fab's all grown up and one of the few rappers who've mastered the delicate balance between street and mainstream records as well as albums and mixtapes. He's also a monster in terms of social networking, so much so the MC stopped by "RapFix Live" and shared that he's preparing a book ... of his tweets.
"Did you know that Twitter talked to me about doing a coffee table book of all my trending topics?" Loso asked before expressing his hesitation. "I'm just not sure about it because some of them were like joking on other people and I don't know if they want that brought back to the light like that." Read More...
Posted 10/20/10 6:45 pm EST by Hillary Crosley in Birthdays
Today (October 20) is Snoop Dogg's 39th brithday. Who says hip-hop is a young man's game?
The MC, who began as Dr. Dre's scrappy-yet-laid back protege and learned to craft bars under the guidance of veteran (and E. Badu's baby's daddy) D.O.C., came into the world and gave Long Beach, California more attention that the sun-drenched city had ever seen before. Westside!
One of our favorite moments with the Dogg? His VMA performance amid 1993 murder charges, which were later dismissed, where the MC finished his live rendition of his hit "Murder Was The Case" with a jarringly simple plea.
"I'm innocent,I'm innocent," said Snoop sincerely, touting curly ringlets, a blue plaid jacket and matching pants. The rapper was flanked by a full gospel choir, over-sized cross and a black casket.
Maybe it's because that's phrase is all too common in hip-hop (no shots), or maybe it was Snoop's honesty, but that quote stuck with us. And though the first few years after that incident were rocky for the West Coast icon, Snoop took that brush with the law seriously and has never been caught by the long arm of the law for more than small charges since.
Last year, Snoop proved with his two companion LPs Malice N Wonderland and More Malice that there's never enough of the Dogg and we agree. And because it's his day, we're posting two clips of Big Snoop; so from RapFix to you at home, enjoy not only "I Wanna Rock" but also Kid Cudi's "That Tree" featuring Tha Boss Dogg.
Unlike many other rappers, Snoop has been able to balance his street-cred with Katy Perry candy-filled pop anthems like "California Gurls." *salute*
What's your favorite Snoop song? Tweet us at @MTVRapFix or tell us in a comment below!
Posted 10/11/10 5:45 pm EST by Hillary Crosley in Birthdays
Love Nicki Minaj? Then you have to salute Brooklyn's own MC Lyte. Born on October 10, yesterday marks the birthday of one of hip-hop's foremost female MCs.
Born Lana Michele Moorer, Lyte began her career in 1986 and gained critical and commercial acclaim in 1988 with her LP Lyte as a Rock, which featured the crossover hit (and my theme song) "Paper Thin." Lyte's other hits include "Cha Cha Cha", "Poor Georgie", "Ruffneck" and "Cold Rock a Party."
Unlike the femcees of the late 1990s and early 2000s, Lyte was never a sex kitten rapper. Instead the BK MC traded bars with the best of them and told stories where listeners could envision her lyrics, for example, we felt the frustration she described on "Poor Georgie."
Lyte went on to release seven albums, star in television shows like UPN's "Half & Half" and do voice-over work for VH1's Hip-Hop Honors as well as the BET Awards.
In 2006, MC Lyte was one of the honorees herself on VH1's annual award show "Hip Hop Honors." The veteran MC was joined by fellow female rappers Da Brat, Remy Ma, and Lil' Kim as they performed her cuts "Cha Cha Cha," "Lyte as a Rock," "Paper-Thin" and "Ruffneck."
Here are some random facts we learned about Lyte from the Internets...
She is an honorary member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc and she's related to rapper Charles Hamilton. The young MC is her cousin. Who knew?
