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Watch The Throne Concert Review [EXCLUSIVE]

Mark Allwood — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:45:29 +0000

From the moment Jay-Z and Kanye West took the stage at Philips Arena — on identical cubes with images of vicious Rottweilers rising from both ends of the venue — there was an inescapable feeling that there was going to be something regal about this show. After all, it’s the Watch the Throne tour, and Kanye and Jay did not disappoint.

The dynamic duo kicked things off with “H.A.M.,” the first unofficial single from their joint “Watch the Throne” album. From there it was a dizzying, highly-entertaining, at times emotional 2 1/2 plus hour thrill ride of hit after hit. No special guests showed up at the concert, but Jay and Yay have so many hits between them that was a minor factor. The spectacular light and laser show and fiery pyrotechnics certainly helped.

There was also no way the two could perform all of their hits, and it was noticeable that Jay didn’t perform any songs from his classic debut “Reasonable Doubt” or his “American Gangster” album.

After warming up the receptive crowd a huge American flag was unfurled on the main stage as Jay-Z and Kanye appeared together to perform their smash hit “Otis.” For the rest of the night the two superstars alternated between their respective hits and songs from “Watch the Throne.” At one point Kanye even shed a tear while performing overly-Auto Tuned versions of “Heartless” and “Runaway.”

Raised in Chicago, a lot of fans might not realize that Kanye was actually born in Atlanta and his father still lives here. Jay made a point to announce to the crowd early in the show, referencing Yay, “He was born in ATL!”

Jay also proclaimed proudly later on in the evening: “ATL, you are now looking at the best of black excellence!”

One of the most poignant moments of the show was when the arena played Louis Armstrong’s “What A Wonderful World” and everyone sang along right before Jay and Yay went into “No Church in the Wild.” The only other moment that came close to that was when the two stars had everyone hold up a cell phone or lighter during “Made in America,” illuminating the entire arena.

Even if the crowd was expecting T.I. to come out for his verse on the “N*ggas in Paris” remix, they weren’t too disappointed since Jay commanded the sound man to “start that sh*t over” as Philips went nuts.

In the end Watch the Throne was an amazing show that lived up to all its hype. But should we expect anything less from two of hip hop’s greatest talents?

Check out some exclusive video from the show RIGHT HERE!

Here’s the partial set list from Friday night’s show:

H.A.M.
Who Gon Stop Me
Otis
Welcome to the Jungle
Gotta Have It
N—- What, N—- Who
Can’t Tell Me Nothing
Jesus Walks
Diamonds from Sierra Leone
Where I’m From
Public Service Announcement
You Don’t Know
Run This Town
Monster
Power
Murder to Excellence
New Day
Hard Knock Life
Izzo (H.O.V.A.)
Good Life
Empire State of Mind
Runaway
Heartless
Stronger
On to the Next One
Dirt Off Your Shoulder
Touch the Sky
All of the Lights
Big Pimpin’
Gold Digger
99 Problems
No Church in the Wild
Lift Off
N—– in Paris
Made in America
Encore
Why I Love You

Jay-Z & Kanye Record “Otis” [VIDEO]

Jay-Z & Kanye’s “Otis” Vehicle Will Be Up For Auction

Jay-Z And Kanye West “Watch The Throne” Documentary [VIDEO]

Listen To Jay-Z & Kanye West “Watch The Throne” Now!

Jay-Z & Kanye West’s “Watch The Throne” Breaks iTunes Sales Record

“Watch The Throne” Trailer [VIDEO]

Kevin Hart As Chocolate Droppa Freestyle To “Otis” [EXCLUSIVE VIDEO]

Kanye West And Russell Simmons Occupy Wall Street [VIDEO]

Big Boi Speaks On Crown Royal Venture, Album With Pill & Killa Mike [VIDEO]

Mark Allwood — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:45:40 +0000

Hip-Hop Wired caught up with Big Boi this week as he discussed his new endorsement deal with Crown Royal whisky, “The Crown Life.”

The hip hop legend and one half of OutKast also gave an update on the supergroup with him, Pill and Killer Mike as well as few more insights inside the world of the ATLien.

Peep the interview below:

Big Boi, Killer Mike & Pill At Crown Royal Black Event [PHOTOS]

Mark Allwood — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:37:07 +0000

Big Boi of the legendary group OutKast celebrated his Crown Royal Black partnership in true ATL fashion recently at Door 44 in Atlanta.

Fellow ATLlien rappers Killer Mike (aka Mike Bigga) and Pill were on hand to celebrate and perform with Sir Licious Left Foot to a packed crowd in Midtown.

The three ATL heavyweights announced recently that they have begun recording an album together.

CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS HERE!

One Teen To Plead Guilty To Murdering Bobby Tillman

Mark Allwood — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:25:46 +0000

One of the teens involved in the vicious assault that killed 18-year-old Bobby Tillman at a Douglasville house party last November has agreed to plead guilty to murdering him, reports the AJC.com.

Emanuel Boykins, the 18-year-old who threw the first punch that started the random, fatal attack on Tillman, has agreed to plead guilty to felony murder.

The other three defendants charged with Tillman’s beating death have until 5 pm Wednesday (June to decide if they will plead guilty as well. If they don’t, Douglas County will press ahead with death penalty cases against the men.

When Boykins pleads guilty to felony murder on June 29, the malice murder charge will reportedly be dropped.

Boykins and the three other defendants — 18-year-old Quantez Devonta Mallory and Tracen Lamar Franklin and Horace Damon Coleman, both 19 — had initially proclaimed their innocence, saying in a television interview that someone else killed Tillman. The accused even sent condolences to Tillman’s family in the interview.

Read the full story here.

Georgia Ranked Among Top 5 States For Film, TV Production

Mark Allwood — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 19:56:10 +0000

Georgia is now considered one of the top five states in the country for film and TV production with more than 274 projects shot in the state since July 2010, reports the AJC.com.

TV shows shot in Georgia include BET’s “The Game,” MTV’s “Teen Wolf,” the Discovery Channel’s “Auction Kings” and AMC’s critically-acclaimed hit shot “The Walking Dead,” which is currently filming its second season in metro Atlanta. “The Walking Dead” is also set in Atlanta.

Movies filmed in the Georgia are premiering throughout the summer and fall. They include this weekend’s “X-Men: First Class” to October’s remake of “Footloose.”

Other Georgia-based films slated to be released include “The Change-Up” starring Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman and “Wanderlust” with Jennifer Anniston and Paul Rudd.

The economic impact of the filming is estimated at $2.1 billion.

Read the full story here.

Tupac’s Godfather, Former Black Panther Geronimo Pratt, Dies Of Heart Attack

Mark Allwood — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 17:07:02 +0000

Elmer “Geronimo” Pratt aka Geronimo ji-Jaga died of a heart attack yesterday in his home in Tanzania.

The former high-ranking member of the Black Panther party and godfather of Tupac Shakur was unjustly incarcerated for 27 years after being falsely convicted of the kidnap and murder of Caroline Olsen on a Santa Monica, California tennis court in 1968.

Even though the husband of the victim that survived the robbery pointed out another man as the attacker, a judge ruled that the jury was not informed.

Pratt served his time, and eight years of that time he was in solitary confinement. He was freed in 1997.

Stuart Hanlon, a San Francisco attorney who helped overturn Pratt’s murder conviction said to The Times,
“Geronimo was a powerful leader. For that reason he was targeted.”

Atlanta’s Own Goodie Mob Gives The “Dirty South” Its Name [THROWBACK THURSDAY]

Mark Allwood — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 20:15:54 +0000

Atlanta is considered a hotbed of hip hop these days, but that wasn’t the case in 1995. ATL’s own Dungeon Family crew would change that forever.

Consisting of OutKast, Goodie Mob, Cool Breeze, Witchdoctor, producers Organized Noize and others, the Dungeon Family put real Atlanta hip hop on the map. Before Cee-Lo blew up with Gnarls Barkley and the song “F*ck You,” the SW ATL native was an integral member of Goodie Mob, along with Big Gipp, T-Mo and Khujo.

Not only did the Dungeon Family redefine Southern hip hop forever, Goodie Mob actually gave the South its name with its 1995 hit single “Dirty South” from the group’s critically-acclaimed debut album, Soul Food.

The song’s intro is a skit of a house raid by the controversial Red Dog drug police unit, which was recently disbanded.

Big Boi from OutKast is featured on the song while Cool Breeze does the hook. Now considered a hip hop legend, Big wasn’t even old enough to drink when “Dirty South” dropped: “…year older / now I’m almost legal…”

Goodie Mob – Dirty South by PeteRock

RELATED: DJ Drama Interviews Goodie Mob

Thrashers Leaving Atlanta For Canada

Mark Allwood — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:30:34 +0000

It’s official. As expected, the Atlanta Thrashers are packing their bags and moving to Winnipeg, Canada.

True North Sports and Entertainment, the Canadian group that has been negotiating to buy the NHL hockey team since mid-May, made the announcement at a news conference today in Winnipeg, reports the AJC.com.

The Thrashers began play as an expansion team in 1999 in then-new Philips Arena. The team also had the most diverse lineup in the NHL, but the team also lost millions of dollars every year and struggled to fill seats in Phillips despite having a noticeable contingent of passionate fans.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman told reporters that he regretted seeing Atlanta lose its second NHL franchise. The Flames left Atlanta for Calgary in 1980.

The agreement must now be approved by the NHL Board of Governors, which is scheduled to meet on June 21. A 75-percent vote is required to ratify a change of ownership and a 50-percent vote is required to approve a franchise relocation.

Atlanta Spirit — which owns the Thrashers and Hawks — has been trying to sell the Thrashers for years. The company claims that they tried to keep the team in Atlanta but failed to find a buyer willing to keep the team in Atlanta.

Read the full story at the AJC.com.

Settlement Reached In Eddie Long Sexual Misconduct Case [VIDEO]

Mark Allwood — Thu, 26 May 2011 19:35:36 +0000

An attorney involved in the sexual misconduct lawsuits against New Birth Missionary Baptist Church pastor Bishop Eddie Long told the AJC.com that the parties involved have settled the matter.

Barbara Marschalk, who represents New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and LongFellows Youth Academy, told the AJC that she expects the lawsuits to be dismissed by close of business tomorrow (May 27).

B.J. Bernstein — the attorney representing the four men who sued Long, New Birth and LongFellows — also confirmed to the AJC that the lawsuits had been settled.

Our sister station Praise 102.5 has exclusively obtained a resolution statement from Eddie Long’s spokesman, Art Franklin:

Read the full story here.

Laywer: Settlement Reached in Bishop Eddie Long Case: MyFoxATLANTA.com

Bishop Eddie Long – “No Hands” [SPOOF]

Bishop Eddie Long Introduces New Dance To His Church [VIDEO]

Lawyers Meet With Judge In Eddie Long Case

Fox 5 Releases More Footage Of Eddie Long Accuser [VIDEO]

Bishop Eddie Long’s 4th Accuser, Spencer LeGrande, Speaks [VIDEO]

Bishop Eddie Long: “I’m Gonna Fight” [VIDEO & PHOTOS]

4th Lawsuit Filed Against Bishop Eddie Long [UPDATE]

Lawyer Of Bishop Eddie Long’s Accusers Speaks [AUDIO]

See The Legal Documents Filed Against Bishop Eddie Long

Lawyer Of Bishop Eddie Long’s Accusers Speaks [AUDIO]

White-Gloved Thieves Hit Bishop Eddie Long’s Office

SWAT Team Stops Riot At DeKalb Youth Detention Center [VIDEO]

Mark Allwood — Thu, 26 May 2011 17:20:13 +0000

Photo courtesy of WSB-TV

A SWAT team had to be called in Wednesday night to quell a riot that broke out at the DeKalb Regional Youth Detention Center, reports the AJC. com.

The county police SWAT team showed up at the south DeKalb facility, located on Clifton Springs Road, at around 10:15 pm and was inside for about 45 minutes before restoring order.

Five staff members and an unknown number of youth sustained minor injuries during the melee, which was contained to one unit.

The reasons for the disturbance are unknown.

Read the full story at the AJC.com.

DJ Scream Goes Mobile [TECHNOLOGY]

Mark Allwood — Wed, 25 May 2011 21:01:51 +0000

Our very own DJ SCeram and IAmGWoods worked together to release the DJ Scream mobile app for iPhone today!

Scan the below code with the “Scream Scanner” to open up exclusive tracks with in the app.

Includes free downloads, classic mixtape discography’s, exclusive photos, videos, and allows users to navigate DJ Scream’s website and our very own website, HotSpotAtl.com within the app.

Registered users are automatically eligible for special contests and text updates. This app is currently available for iPhone, iPad and iTouch.

Make sure you download the Hot 107.9 app today to hear DJ Scream live Monday nights at 9pm!

T.I. Beyond The Trail Documentary [TRAILER]

Mark Allwood — Wed, 25 May 2011 19:45:17 +0000

There’s a new documentary based on the days after T.I. was arrested on gun charges, entitled Beyond The Trail, that is coming soon.

The film is directed by T.I.’s personal videographer/photographer Brandon “BI” Robinson.

A release date for the documentary has not been announced.

SOURCE

T.I. Gets A September 29th Release Date

T.I. Should Have Been On His Honeymoon When He Was Arrested

Tiny Speaks About Her Prison Episode With T.I. [EXCLUSIVE]

T.I. Sentenced To 11 Months In Prison, Says He “Screwed Up” [EXCLUSIVE]

T.I. & Tiny Caught Engaging In Sex Act In Prison

T.I. Speaks For First Time Since Sentence [EXCLUSIVE]

Former Hot Boys Rapper B.G. Indicted On Gun Charges

Mark Allwood — Fri, 20 May 2011 22:00:03 +0000

New Orleans rapper B.G. has been indicted by a federal grand jury on gun and conspiracy charges.

U.S. Attorney Jim Letten said the former Hot Boy faces two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.

If convicted, B.G., real name Christopher Dorsey, could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the gun charges and up to 20 years and a $250,000 fine on the conspiracy charge.

The charges stem from a 2009 traffic stop, where officers recovered three guns. Two of the guns were reported stolen.

Read the full story at Hip Hop Wired.

Gucci Mane Moved To Fulton County Jail, Lawyer Says He’s Not Guilty [EXCLUSIVE]

Mark Allwood — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:00:08 +0000

We reported last week that while Gucci Mane’s bail is only $5,000, the wealthy Atlanta rapper had yet to post bail and remains incarcerated in the DeKalb County Jail.

Sgt. Adrian Bell of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office explained to Hot 107.9 that Gucci (born Radric Delantic Davis) was still locked up because “he has a probation violation and he has to go to Fulton County to answer those charges.”

According to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, Gucci was officially moved from DeKalb County to the Fulton County Jail today. There’s still no word about if and when Gucci will be able to post bail in Fulton.

“He has to have a probation hearing in Fulton County before bond is set,” said Tracy Flanagan, Public Affairs Information Officer for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

Meanwhile, Hip Hop Wired is reporting that Gucci’s lawyer is denying the accusations that the rapper pushed a woman from his moving Hummer and that Gucci intends to plead not guilty to charges next Tuesday.

Yesterday (April 19), the Brick Squad CEO was formally charged with battery, reckless conduct and disorderly conduct by DeKalb County prosecutors.

Georgia One Step Closer To Sunday Liquor Sales

Mark Allwood — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:00:58 +0000

A House panel quickly passed its own version of legislation Wednesday allowing local voters to approve Sunday beer, wine and liquor sales at stores.

House sponsors said they didn’t want to wait on the Senate, which has for years been reluctant to consider Sunday sales bills, to act.

A Senate committee approved similar legislation last week. But initial talk of putting it to a full Senate vote this week evaporated.

So the House Regulated Industries Committee approved Sunday sales legislation with no opposition Wednesday.

House Regulated Industries Chairman Roger Williams, R-Dalton, said he will push for a vote of the full House on the legislation, House Bill 69, rather than wait for the Senate to act on the issue.

When he was governor, Christian conservative Sonny Perdue threatened to veto Sunday sales legislation, and no bill got far because of it. But Perdue left office in January, and current Gov. Nathan Deal, while not a drinker, has said he would sign a Sunday sales bill because it would give local voters the chance to decide the issue.

Williams said he was happy “we have a governor now who is open-minded about it.”

When the issue came before a Senate committee, no one spoke out in opposition to the bill. But Wednesday morning, Ray Newman of the Georgia Baptist Convention asked the committee to vote down the proposal.

“We have continued to see encroachment on the Lord’s day,” he said. “This is something that needs to stop at this point.”

But Rep. Billy Mitchell, D-Stone Mountain, a member of the committee, said Georgians have waited long enough to vote on the issue.

“I believe the majority of Georgians want the right for their voices to be heard,” he said.

READ MORE HERE

What do you think? Should liquor sales be allowed on Sunday in Georgia? Leave your thoughts in the comments box below!