Name	Uncle Murda
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Leonard Grant
Born	July 25, 1980
Alias	U.M
Genre	East Coast hip hop, Gangsta rap
Occupation	Rapper
Years active	2006–present
Label	GMG, Violator, ManHood ent, Future Green Entertainment
Associated acts	GMG,Tuneheadz, Akon, Busta Rhymes, Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, G-Unit, Capone-N-Noreaga, Noreaga, Maino, Raekwon, Jadakiss, The Lox, D-Block, Styles P
Url	firstdegreemurda.com

Leonard Grant, better known by his stage name, Uncle Murda, is an American rapper from the Pink Houses, Brooklyn section of East New York.

Biography

Musical career

In 2007, his Manager Hood ManHood ent. and DJ Green Lantern introduced Uncle Murda's music to Jay-Z. The Brooklyn born rapper/CEO signed Uncle Murda to Roc-A-Fella Records soon after. They started to promote him immediately by placing him on a track with popular label-mates Fabolous and Jay-Z for the song "Brooklyn" (Featured on From Nothin' to Somethin' album) and everything seemed to be going well for the rapper. However in late 2008 rumors that Uncle Murda left Def Jam came about. In an interview with DJ Vlad, Uncle Murda confirmed the rumors that he has split from Def Jam and Roc-A-Fella Records claiming everything went downhill since Jay-Z's departure. “I’m no longer with Def Jam,” he said. “Things didn’t work out over there once Jay-Z left it was like you know, they didn’t really know what to do with Uncle Murda after that.” Still very optimistic, the rapper goes on to say "I’m still relevant, I'm still that man".

On January 22, 2008, Uncle Murda was shot while in a parked car on Linden Blvd in East New York. Police suspected a man named 'NA" as the prime suspect, but he was released after Uncle Murda refused to cooperate with investigators (yet to be confirmed). Ironically, the shooting happened after the rapper released his mixtape entitled "Respect the Shooter". He discharged himself from the hospital less than 24 hours after he was admitted - with the bullet still embedded in his skull. Uncle Murda called the nationally syndicated Wendy Williams Experience radio show after the shooting and told her he was using "Hennessey and Newports" to cope with the pain". The crime remains unsolved by police and Uncle Murda continues to refuse to cooperate with investigators .

Controversy

Papoose

On June 4, 2007, Uncle Murda was allegedly assaulted by a member of Pappose's best friends, whose name was Nadith Gunasekara( yet to be confirmed) who goes by the name Road Chaude, entourage while attending T-Pain's album release party. Sources claim a member of Papoose's entourage punched Uncle Murda as he came out a NY club on 13th St. and 10th Ave. The alleged assault is said to have happened as an act of retaliation for a track by Uncle Murda which is believed to be dissing Papoose. Shortly after, Uncle Murda released a video on the internet dismissing the rumours. Uncle Murda confirmed that he did get into an altercation but claims no one laid a finger on him.

After releasing diss songs back and forth the two rappers with their managers decided to end the beef. On May 9, 2008, Papoose's DJ, DJ Kay Slay, announced that the two rappers squashed the beef on his radio show. Soon after, the two rappers appeared on the same song together for the remix of "Don't Take It There" also featuring Junior Reid, Tony Yayo, Jim Jones, and Sheek Louch.

Discography

Hard To Kill (2006)

Murda (2006)

Back On My Bullshit (2008)

Summer Time Shoot-outs (2009)

Singles

2007: "Bullet Bullet"

2007: "Run The City"

2007: "Hard to Kill"

2008: "Children's Story"

2008: "Still Run The City"

2009: "Murdera" (featuring Akon)

2009: "Gotta Have It" (featuring Busta Rhymes & Bun B)

2009: "D.O.A. (Street Mix)"

References

Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:African American rappers Category:Roc-A-Fella Records artists

Name	Waka Flocka Flame
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Juaquin Malphurs
Born	May 31, 1986Jamaica, Queens, New York
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Genre	Hip hop, Crunk, Gangsta rap
Years active	2008-present
Label	1017 Brick Squad, Warner Bros., Asylum, Mizay
Associated acts	1017 Brick Squad, Gucci Mane, Roscoe Dash

Juaquin Malphurs (born May 31, 1986), better known by his stage name Waka Flocka Flame, is an American rapper signed to 1017 Brick Squad and Warner Bros. He is a Southern hip hop artist best known for his crunk, gangsta sound and single "No Hands" along with his debut album, Flockaveli.

Biography

Early life and career

Juaquin Malphurs was born in Queens, New York City in 1986. His family eventually settled in Riverdale, Georgia. He is the son of Debra Antney, Gucci Mane's former manager and CEO of So Icey/Mizay Entertainment. The name "Waka" was given to him by his cousin, after the Muppets character Fozzie Bear's catch phrase, "Waka Waka". The name "Flocka Flame" was given to him by rapper Gucci Mane.

2009-present: Flockaveli

Waka Flocka Flame came to fame with his breakthrough single "O Let's Do It" in 2009. Waka Flocka Flame is a member of the 1017 Brick Squad with Gucci Mane, OJ Da Juiceman, Frenchie, and Wooh Da Kid. On January 19, 2010, Malphurs was shot and robbed at a car wash in Atlanta. The bullet went through his right arm. He is currently preparing his debut album and multiple mixtapes with Brick Squad. His debut single is called "O Let's Do It", which peaked at #62 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album, Flockaveli was released on October 5, 2010. He was featured on Lil Jon's album Crunk Rock on the track "Throw It Up, Pt. 2 (Remix)". The album debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200. He was named the eighth hottest MC of 2010 by MTV. Waka started a rap super-group named Desperados which features Nipsey Hussle, Maino, Wiz Khalifa, Uncle Murda and Ra Diggs.

Gucci Mane fired Debra Antney as his manager. Despite rumors, there is no animosity between the two rappers due to this event. In a MTV interview, both Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame affirmed that their relationship is in good standing even though they no longer speak. In early September however, Gucci Mane was shown at Flocka's Flockaveli listening party supporting his artist.

Discography

Studio Albums

Singles

Featured Singles

Mixtapes

2009: Lebron Flocka James (with DJ Teknikz)

2009: Shootin The Breeze Cookin That Fire (with DJ Cannon, DJ Banyon, & DJ Dyce)

2009: Salute Me Or Shoot Me (with Trap-A-Holics & DJ Ace)

2009: Salute Me Or Shoot Me 2 (with Trap-A-Holics & DJ Ace)

2009: Salute Me Or Shoot Me 2.5 (with Trap-A-Holics & DJ Ace)

2010: Lebron Flocka James 2 (with Trap-A-Holics)

2010: Shootin The Breeze Cookin That Fire 2 (with DJ Cannon, DJ Banyon, DJ Effect, DJ Dyce, & Memph 10)

References

External links

Waka Flocka Flame Official Website

Category:1986 births Category:Living people Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:African American rappers Category:American shooting survivors Category:People from Clayton County, Georgia Category:People from Queens Category:Rappers from Atlanta, Georgia Category:Warner Bros. Records artists

Name	Tony Yayo
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Marvin Bernard
Alias
Origin	New York City, New York, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper songwriter
Years active	1999–present
Label	G-Unit/Interscope (2003–2009)G-Unit/EMI (2010–present)
Associated acts	G-Unit, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks
Url	www.tonyyayo.com

Marvin Bernard (born on March 31, 1979),

Music career

G-Unit

G-Unit boss 50 Cent was granted his own record label, "G-Unit Records" by Interscope after releasing his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin'. Soon after the group had established their own record label, G-Unit Records, G-Unit released their first official group album Beg for Mercy in November 2003, which went on to be certified 2x Platinum in the United States. The album was released whilst Tony Yayo was in prison serving time, but Yayo still featured on the album. The second G-Unit album was released in July, 2008 and went on to sell 102,000 copies in the first week.

Solo career

Though his appearances on mixtapes announced his return on the street level, it was not until the release of "So Seductive" that his return received wide recognition. In August 2005, Tony Yayo released his debut, Thoughts of a Predicate Felon.

Tony Yayo has confirmed that work is in progress for his second studio album. No official name for the album has been decided yet. The first single is "Pass the Patron", which features 50 Cent. The album will be released with G-Unit Records/EMI who will both promote and distribute the album.

Labels

In 2003 Tony Yayo was signed to Interscope Records, where he released his debut album Thoughts of a Predicate Felon. In 2009, he was later dropped from Interscope Records. After being dropped by Interscope Records it was announced EMI Label Services has signed a deal with 50 Cent’s label, G-Unit Records, in which EMI will distribute and promote releases on the G-Unit roster in North America including Tony Yayo's untitled second album. Lloyd Banks announced this on Friday, August 13, 2010 on MTV News.

Legal issues

Felony jail time

Along with 50 Cent, Yayo was arrested on December 31, 2002 for weapons possession. When police discovered that Yayo had an outstanding warrant for a previous such charge, Yayo was sentenced for bail jumping and spent all of 2003 in prison. Yayo served time in the Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility and was paroled on January 8, 2004. The next day, he was arrested for possessing a forged passport and served time in federal prison until May 25, 2004. When Yayo was incarcerated, G-Unit began a campaign called "Free Yayo".

Assault charge

On March 24, 2007, Tony Yayo was arrested for allegedly assaulting the 14 year-old son of The Game's manager, Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond. Tony Yayo and 50 Cent were accused of approaching the child, with members of their entourage, and pushing him against a nearby wall. This was when Tony Yayo reportedly slapped the boy several times and said "Fuck Czar Entertainment". Tony Yayo has pleaded "not guilty" and 50 Cent has since proven his innocence with video footage showing him at his Connecticut mansion at the time of the alleged incident.

Tony Yayo made his first court appearance on the morning of April 25, 2007 in New York. The case was adjourned to July 24. Tony Yayo's Lawyer has expressed his belief that Yayo is innocent and commented on the situation in an interview with MTV:

On April 18, 2007, the house of Tony Yayo’s mother was "sprayed with bullets". The attack is believed to be in connection with Tony Yayo’s recent arrest.

On July 24, 2007, Tony Yayo attended a court hearing regarding his alleged assault. The prosecution offered him a nine-month prison sentence if he pleaded guilty which he rejected.

Discography

Thoughts of a Predicate Felon (2005)

The Yayo Rampage (2011)

Filmography

{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%;" border="2" cellpadding="4" background: #f9f9f9; |- align="center" ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role |- |Morning Glory |Himself |In production |- |- |S.W.A.T.: Fire Fight |Harold Finkle |In production |}

References

External links

ThisisYayo.com

Official website

Category:1978 births Category:Living people Category:2000s rappers Category:American people of Haitian descent Category:Dumout Records artists Category:G-Unit members Category:G-Unit Records artists Category:People from Queens Category:Rappers from New York City

Name	Joell Ortiz
Background	solo_singer
Born	July 6, 1980 (age 30)
Origin	Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper
Years active	1999 - present
Label	SRC Records, Universal Motown
Associated acts	Slaughterhouse, Immortal Technique, Big Noyd, Ras Kass, Battles
Url	www.joellortiz.com

Joell Ortiz (born July 6, 1980) is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York.

Biography

Joell Ortiz is an American rapper of Puerto Rican descent. Ortiz grew up in the Cooper Park Houses in the East Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, New York formerly signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment record label. He was featured in the Unsigned Hype column of the March 2004 issue of The Source Magazine and was also selected as Chairman's Choice in XXL Magazine. During the same time Joell also went on to win the 2004 EA Sports Battle which earned his song Mean Business a spot on the NBA Live 2005 soundtrack. The same year he was offered a contract to Jermaine Dupri's So So Def label. The deal quickly went sour which caused Joell to start beef with Jermaine. Joell has since collaborated with KRS-One and Kool G. Rap.

Joell released his street album called "" April 24, 2007 on Koch Records. The album was recorded while Joell was trying to get signed and going through some tough times personally. Even though he was signed to Aftermath Entertainment, Dr. Dre allowed him to release the street album on Koch Records. The Brick features productions from Showbiz, The Alchemist, Domingo, Ho Chi from Killahertz Productions, Lil’ Fame of M.O.P., Novel, and Moss, among others. Guest spots include Big Daddy Kane, Styles P, Big Noyd, M.O.P, Akon, Immortal Technique, Grafh, Ras Kass, Stimuli, and Novel.

Music career

The Brick (Bodega Chronicles)

Though signed to Aftermath, Ortiz released an album titled The Brick (Bodega Chronicles) April 24, 2007 on Koch Records. The Brick features production by Showbiz, Street Radio, and The Alchemist, among others. Guest artists include rappers Big Daddy Kane, Styles P, Big Noyd, Akon, Immortal Technique, Grafh, and Ras Kass.

Departure from Aftermath and joining Slaughterhouse

Ortiz parted ways with Aftermath Entertainment on April 15, 2008.

Joe Budden reached out to Crooked I, Royce Da 5'9", Joell Ortiz, and Nino Bless for a track titled "Slaughterhouse" on his digital release, Halfway House. Based on the reception of the track, they decided to form a super-group, minus Nino Bless, and named it after the first song they made together. The album features production from Alchemist, DJ Khalil, Mr. Porter, Streetrunner, plus guest appearances from Pharoahe Monch, K-Young, and The New Royales. In 2010 the group signed to Shady Records and left E1 Entertainment.

A remix of Joell Ortiz' "Hip Hop" featuring Jadakiss and Saigon appeared on a fictitious urban radio station in the popular video game GTA IV.

Signing with SRC/Universal Motown and Free Agent

Ortiz started to have problems with E1 Entertainment and wanted to leave the label, but E1 would not let him. After almost a year, Ortiz finally left the label on November 5, 2010. In August 2010 Ortiz signed a deal with Steve Rifkind's label SRC Records and Universal Motown.

In an October 31, 2010 interview on Conspiracy Worldwide Radio, Joell Ortiz discussed his relationship with Eminem and the flood of record labels that have flocked to sign him after his Free Agent album is released. He also spoke of Eminem's excitement at working with him.

Discography

Studio albums

(2007)

Free Agent (2011)

EP's

Farewell Summer EP (2010)

Collaboration albums

2009: Slaughterhouse (with Slaughterhouse)

Mixtapes

Who The Fuck Is Joell Ortiz? (2004)

The Re-Up (2008)

Covers The Classics (2009)

Road Kill (2009)

Defying The Predictable (w/Novel) (2010)

Music Videos

2007 Hip Hop

2007 Brooklyn Dir: Rik Cordero

2007 Stomp (Smif-N-Wessun feat. Rock & Joell Ortiz)

2007 Ups and Downs

2007 Dear God 125 (parts 1-4)

2007 Latino

2007 'Stomp (Smif-N-Wessun feat. Joell Ortiz) Dir: Rik Cordero

2008 Memories Dir: Rik Cordero

2008 Black Spartans (Emperor Chi feat. Saigon & Joell Ortiz) Dir: PicturePerfect

2008 Good Times (feat. Dante Hawkins) Dir: Carl Allegard

2008 Shootin (Duo Live feat. Billionz, Joell Ortiz, Red Cafe & M.O.P.) Dir: James Wade

2008 Can't You Tell?/Ghetto Dir: Wraithe & Mike H

2008 Letter to Obama (feat. Dante Hawkins) Dir: The Sharpshooter

2008 Once Upon A Time (Remix) Sincere & Natty (feat Joell Ortiz) Dir: Carl Allegard

2008 Modern Day Slavery (feat. Immortal Technique) Dir: Carl Allegard

2008 Move On (with Slaughterhouse)

2009 The One (with Slaughterhouse) Dir: Rik Cordero

2009 Watchin Me (D.O.E. feat. Joell Ortiz) Dir: Rob Alphonse

2009 So Much More (feat. Novel & Papoose) Dir: John Colombo

2009 Leyendecker

2009 Piano Lessons (Colin Munroe feat. Joell Ortiz)

2009 Never Sleep (feat. Mr. Probz) Dir: Wraithe

2009 Block Royal Dir: The ICU

2009 Microphone (with Slaughterhouse)

2009 Food For Thought Dir: Court Dunn

2009 How To Change (feat. The Kickdrums) Dir: Rik Cordero

2010 Call Me (feat. Novel)

2010 Nissan Honda Chevy (feat. Jim Jones)

2010 Project Boy Dir: The ICU

2010 We Don't Believe You (feat. Joe Budden & Novel)

2010 Night Train (feat. Novel) Dir: Derek Pike

References

http://www.champmag.com/2010/12/17/video-joell-ortiz-talks-life-after-free-agents-w-champ-mag/

External links

Official website

Official Twitter

Category:1978 births Category:Living people Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:Aftermath Entertainment artists Category:African American rappers Category:Hispanic and Latino American rappers Category:People from Brooklyn Category:Rappers from New York City

Name	Beanie Sigel
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Dwight Grant
Alias
Born	March 06, 1974
Origin	South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Genre	Hip hop
Years active	1994–present
Associated acts	Scarface, Freeway, Raekwon, Young Gunz, The Roots, State Property, The Lox, 50 Cent, G-Unit
Label	Roc-A-Fella Records (1998–2009), G-Unit Records (2009–present)

Dwight Grant (born on March 6, 1974), also known as Beanie Sigel, is an American rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is in talks with 50 Cent to sign with G-Unit Records and had formed a close association with rappers Jay-Z, Freeway and other former and current artists on the Roc-A-Fella roster. His stage name comes from a street in South Philadelphia, the rapper's former stomping grounds where he worked alongside Senior Durham in the projects. He has sold more than two million albums worldwide.

Music career

State Property (2002-2003)

In 2002, Sigel and much of the Roc roster starred in a Dame Dash-produced movie entitled State Property. Its release coincided with the creation and promotion of State Property, a group of artists signed to Roc-A-Fella that hailed from Philadelphia and organized by Sigel and Freeway. Its members included Peedi Crakk, the Young Gunz, Oschino and Omilio Sparks. Their first collaboration was for the movie's soundtrack, an eponymous release that featured the original "Roc the Mic" by Sigel and Freeway. They followed up with 2003's The Chain Gang Vol. 2, featuring the single "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" by the Young Gunz; the record was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group.

The B. Coming (2005)

In 2005 Sigel finished his 3rd album, The B. Coming, and shot multiple videos, directed by Joe Briscella, before he had to start he got arrested. During this time, Jay-Z ascended to the Presidency of Def Jam Records, causing former business partners Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke to split off and form the Dame Dash Music Group. Sigel's B. Coming was released on DDMG and Def Jam rather than Roc-A-Fella, but contained production from a slew of Roc/Jay-Z-affiliated producers including Chad West, The Neptunes, Just Blaze, Boola and Buckwild. Artists from both sides of the split were present on the record, from State Property members to Cam'ron and Jay-Z; the record spawned Sigel a hit with "Feel it in the Air," sold 131,000 copies in its first week.

Advertising his friendship with the incarcerated Beanie, Dash publicly claimed the artist was leaving the roster with him; during the sentence, State Property was thrown into turmoil, eventually choosing to remain at Roc-A-Fella—apparently against Sigel's wishes. Upon his release, Beanie called the loyalty of his group into question and stated that he was signing with Dame and Biggs courtesy of a stronger casual relationship with the pair than with Jay-Z:

Soon after, he clarified his comments, saying he simply didn't want to be involved in the conflict and electing to re-open talks with Roc-A-Fella instead of moving to DDMG.

The Solution (2007)

On May 22, 2007 Sigel released his first album after re-signing with Roc-A-Fella Records entitled The Solution.

The Closure (2009-present)

Beanie Sigel stated he was working on his sixth studio album The Closure The album will be released in 2010 or 2011.

Other ventures

Acting career

Beanie Sigel first appeared in the documentary "Backstage" but his first main role was in the hood movie "State Property" which spawned a sequel "State Property 2". Sigel released a DVD shortly after his third solo release "The B. Coming" entitled "The B. Coming of Beanie Sigel"in the year of 2005. Sigel also auditioned for the lead role of the 2009 film "Notorious"

Controversy

Jadakiss

The new millennium also saw various Roc artists, including Sigel, engage in a conflict with artists from Ruff Ryders. Beanie was a forerunner of the beef, publicly decrying Jadakiss, the rest of the L.O.X. and DMX. While Sigel and Jadakiss both denied any violent intent, they continued to send shots back and forth until Beanie put out a freestyle over Jada's hit "Put Ya Hands Up".

Personal life

Beanie Sigel practises the Islamic faith along with Freeway.

Friendship with Scarface

Conversely, Sigel cultivated a friendship with southern rapper Scarface. Having first appeared together on "This Can't Be Life" with Jay-Z from Dynasty, the two would go on to collaborate on Sigel's first two records, Scarface's The Fix, and later on Sigel's 2007 album The Solution.

Legal issues

In 2004, Sigel was found guilty of federal weapons charges and sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison.

Discography

Official studio albums

The Truth (2000)

The Reason (2001)

The B. Coming (2005)

The Solution (2007)

The Closure (2011)

Official Independent albums

The Broad Street Bully (2009)

Official collaboration albums

State Property OST (with State Property) (2002)

The Chain Gang Vol. 2 (with State Property) (2003)

The Roc Boys (with Freeway) (2010)

Filmography

{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;" |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" !align="center"|Film !align="center"|Year |- |Backstage |2000 |- |Brown Sugar |rowspan="3"|2002 |- |State Property |- |Paper Soldiers |- |Death of a Dynasty |2003 |- |Fade to Black |2004 |- |State Property 2 |2005 |- |Beef IV |2007 |- |}

References

External links

Beanie Sigel page at Roc-A-Fella Records

Official The Playpen Myspace

Official Beanie Sigel Myspace

MTV News

Category:African American musicians Category:Culture of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Category:American rappers Category:African American rappers Category:Living people Category:People from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Category:1974 births Category:American shooting survivors Category:State Property members Category:Def Jam Recordings artists Category:Rappers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Category:American Sunni Muslims Category:African American Muslims Category:American prisoners and detainees