NEWS: JAY Z Issues Statement On Barney’s Racial Profiling Controversy

jayzJAY Z has remained quiet on the ongoing investigation concerning Barney’s New York which is accused of allegedly racial profiling customers.  The public has been patiently waiting to see if Hov would address the matter and break his silence especially since no announcement to cancel his upcoming collaborative holiday collection with the retail giant had been issued.  However, the hip hop mogul finally took to his Life+Times website to release an official statement and confirm that his plans with Barney’s will be moving forward.  Check out JAY Z’s statement below.

In the past several weeks two separate investigations were launched as a result of the wrongful detention of Trayon Christian and Kayla Phillips. My team has been privy to the status of the Barneys third party consultant investigation. In continuing our research, we also contacted the New York State Attorney General’s office for the status of their investigation into both Barneys and Macy’s. Those findings are not yet available.

While I await the findings of the Attorney General’s Office, I have agreed to move forward with the launch of BNY SCC collection under the condition that I have a leadership role and seat on a council specifically convened to deal with the issue of racial profiling. I am in a unique position to use my voice to affect change to this disturbing issue. The easy position would have been to walk away and leave policy making to others hoping that someone addresses the problem. I will not leave the outcome to others. I will take this into my own hands with full power to recommend, review and revise policies and guidelines moving forward. I am choosing to take this head on.

As I previously stated, the collaboration with Barneys has always been about giving and The Shawn Carter Foundation. From this collection, the Foundation will receive not only 25% of sales, it will now receive the additional 75% of Barneys’ sales, totalling 100% of all sales from BNY SCC. Along with 100% of sales from the collaboration, the Foundation will receive an additional 10% of all retail sales from Barneys New York stores nationwide and Barneys.com on November 20th.  – Shawn “JAY Z” Carter

ARTWORK: Alchemist & Evidence (Step Brothers) – Lord Steppington | Tracklist

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The Alchemist and Evidence gear up to finally release their anticipated collaborative project entitled Lord Steppington.  The Step Brothers have made mention of the album in year’s past and have now decided to bless fans with its release on January 14 courtesy of Rhymesayers Entertainment.  Take a look as the official artwork was unveiled today along with a new song titled “Ron Carter” which will not be showcased on the album.  For all the details, check out the tracklist information provided and be on the look out for the LP’s first single and music video which is set to drop on November 19.

1.) “More Wins”
2.) “Dr. Kimble”
3.) “Byron G” f/ Domo Genesis & The Whooliganz (produced by Evidence)
4.) “Legendary Mesh”
5.) “No Hesitation” f/ Styles P
6.) “Swimteam Rastas”
7.) “Mums In The Garage” f/ Action Bronson
8.) “See The Rich Man Play” f/ Roc Marciano
9.) “Banging Sound” f/ Fashawn
10.) “Step Masters”
11.) “Tomorrow” f/ Rakka Iriscience & Blu
12.) “Draw Something” f/ Oh No
13.) “Buzzing Away”
14.) “Just Step”

PHOTO: Rihanna Chiefs A Blunt w/ Snoop Dogg

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The Doggfather recently crossed paths with pop singer Rihanna a few days ago while out in the Dominican Republic and decided to let her partake in a smoke session.  Riri partied the night away with best friend Melissa Ford as Snoop Dogg  hit the stage to showcase his skills for his fans out in Punta Cana.  Taking to her Instagram, Rihanna uploaded some photos of herself chiefing on what appears to be a blunt for all of her followers to see.  The singer is currently on the final leg of her Diamonds world tour.

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NEWS: Yeezus Tour Pop-Shop Now Open In Los Angeles

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Kim Kardashian took to her Instagram today and posted some exterior photos of Kanye West’s new Yeezus tour inspired pop-up shop.  The Chicago bred emcee’s temporary Los Angeles based clothing spot is actually located adjacent to the Kardashian’s DASH store.  Fans can also grab some of the merchandise from Pac Sun which recently began selling three different T-shirt options.  However, Yeezy enthusiasts now have the option of grabbing whatever they’d like from the collection at 8422 Melrose Avenue.

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NEWS: Action Bronson Announces ‘Blue Chips 2’ Mixtape Release Date

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At the top of the month, Action Bronson took to Twitter to deliver the news that his upcoming collaborative mixtape with producer Party Supplies, Blue Chips 2, would be released the first day in November.  As a result, most fans were somewhat puzzled at the announcement and at first all they could really do was cross their fingers and patiently wait.  However, fans no longer need to wait in anticipation as Bronsolini took to Twitter again today and officially dropped the news that fans can expect the project on November 1

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NEWS: Future Sues Drake For $1.5M After Getting Kicked Off Tour

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Aubrey is in his feelings with the undisputed auto-tune champ Future after the rapper-singer made some questionable remarks to Billboard (the comments have since been removed) during an interview about Drake’s recent Nothing Was The Same LP.  At one point Future stated to Billboard, “Drake made an album that is full of hits but it doesn’t grab you. They’re not possessive; they don’t make you feel the way I do.”  It looks like Drake wasn’t happy with what he read as Future’s comments have now landed him off Drizzy’s upcoming “Would You Like A Tour?” which is set to begin on Friday in Pittsburgh.  Obviously not happy about losing his lucrative spot on the music tour, Future has countered the YMCMB rapper by suing him for $1.5 million.  The auto-tune champ has since been replaced by songstress Jhené Aiko who took to Instagram to announce the news to her fans but quickly removed the posting following it’s initial appearance.

NEWS: Kanye West To Appear On Jimmy Kimmel Live

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Jimmy Kimmel and Kanye West are set to hash out their public feud tonight on his show Jimmy Kimmel Live.  Viewers will recall that this all stems from Kimmel’s spoof of Kanye West’s intimate interview with Zane Lowe of BBC.  After the segment finished and made its rounds on the internet, West fired back at Kimmel with a massive twitter rant which also included some pretty hilarious memes.  Jimmy eventually addressed Wests’ Twitter rant and explained to viewers that the two had just finished speaking on the phone.  With a condescending tone and punchline attitude to match, Kimmel attempted to downplay West’s comments with his witty humor and painted Kanye out to viewers as being the one who was upset about the situation.  Tonight, it’s recommended you tune in to catch the talk show as Jimmy Kimmel took to Twitter yesterday to announce Yeezus will be joining him for a one-on-one interview.

NEWS: Curren$y Announces ‘The Stage’ w/ Smoke DZA & Harry Fraud

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Jet Life head honcho Curren$y took to Twitter over the weekend and gave all his fans the heads up on an upcoming collaborative mixtape set to release soon with Smoke DZA and Harry Fraud.  Spitta clarified the project will be titled The Stage and will boast production strictly from New York producer Harry Fraud.  This will be the first time Curren$y and Harlem native Smoke DZA release a full mixtape together.

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Joaquin Phoenix Reveals He Didn’t Produce Pusha T’s “King Push”

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It’s no secret that as of late actor Joaquin Phoenix’s name has bee making its rounds throughout the world of Hip Hop after it was announced he was behind the production for Pusha T’s “King Push.”  According to XXL, the Hip Hop publication reports the claim is false and that the credit actually belongs to a young producer who has yet to be identified.  Take a look at the official statement allegedly issued to XXL from Phoenix.

http://vimeo.com/75602188

NEWS: Dom Kennedy – Get Home Safely | Album Tracklist

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Fans can rejoice as Dom Kennedy’s latest offering with Get Home Safely is set to be released on October 15.  As the release date approaches in just a few weeks, the Leimert Park native decided to released the official tracklist to his new album via Instagram for his fans to check out.  Listeners can expect to hear 16 new songs with a few features from artists Skeme, Krondon, Teeflii and Nipsey Hussle.  An added bonus track includes also includes a feature from Taylor Gang signee Ty Dolla $ign.