SIGT HIP HOP STOP W/RON GRANT I A Busy Week for P. Diddy, Big Sean and Jhene Aiko are Twenty88, New Royce da 5’9” Mix Tape, Lord Jamar Goes At Jaden Smith on VladTV, New Tracks from Big K.R.I.T., Petition In Honor Of ATCQ

by Ron Grant • April 1, 2016

It’s been a pretty big week for the Hip Hop news cycle, from major mix tapes to continued drama between young emcees to the reunion of one of Hip Hop’s most coveted record labels of all time. As we wind down March and step into spring, here are this past weeks’ most talked about news items, live and in living color.

DIDDY STARTS HARLEM CHARTER SCHOOL, READIES BAD BOY REUNION SHOW

Diddy, or Puffy, whatever you call him these days, is known for venturing into uncharted territory. Be it fashion, reality television or alcohol. So his launching of the Capital Preparatory Harlem Charter School should really come as no surprise. The new Harlem School will be run by author, educator and speaker Dr. Steve Perry. But even bigger on the music front is that Diddy announced a one-night Bad Boy Records Reunion concert on May 20 at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn in celebration of what would have been the 44th birthday of The Notorious B.I.G. The show will feature Lil Kim, Faith Evans, French Montana and Jay Z.

BIG SEAN AND JHENE AIKO DROPPING NEW EP TWENTY88

The duo is known as TWENTY88, which is also the title of their new EP. Their self-titled collaborative debut drops today is said to feature Sean and Aiko’s signature transparent, honest lyrics as well as some sultriness and musical experimentation. It’s said to be a concept album focusing on the trials of a relationship gone bad. They even released the album track list yesterday. Both artists have been relatively quiet lately, but this new project should get them back in the headlines.

**ROYCE DA 5’9” RELEASES TABERNACLE: TRUST THE SHOOTER MIX TAPE**

In preparation for the new album Layers dropping on tax day, Royce hit us with the powerful mix tape this week that by no means disappoints on the lyrical tip. And why would it? He is one fourth of bar-heavy super group Slaughterhouse, after all. April 15 is shaping up to be a good day for fans of super lyrical Hip Hop. You can stream Tabernacle: Trust The Shooter right now.

LORD JAMAR TALKS JADEN SMITH ON VLADTV

The Brand Nubian emcee isn’t one to mince words, especially when he’s on VladTV. So when Vlad let him know about Jaden Smith being the new face of a Louis Vuitton women’s wear, Jamar let us know what his thoughts were. In no uncertain terms. Would you agree with his sentiments? Check out the video of their discussion below.

BIG K.R.I.T. DROPS TWO NEW SONGS

K.R.I.T.’s music is unapologetic in its southern roots, and wholly honest. And he dropped two new tracks this week. Possibly in preparation for a new album? We’re not sure yet. But “Sticks & Stones” and “So Bad” are both dripping with his signature southern drawl in the lyrics and on the beats. Hopefully we can get another full-length project from him very soon.

PETITION TO NAME QUEENS, NY STREET AFTER ATCQ

Many Hip Hop heads are still reeling from the death of Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor last week from complications with diabetes. But a group of fans has taken to the net and recently started a Change.org petition to name a stretch of Linden Blvd in Queens after the group he co-founded, A Tribe Called Quest. The petition is calling on City Council members and already has over half of the 5,000 signatures needed. And if anyone in Hip Hop is deserving of the honor, it’s Phife.