RAPPER DA GRIN DIES AFTER CAR CRASH

The rapper known as Da Grin gave up the ghost at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) yesterday. According to a statement written by the deceased's father, Da Grin (real names Olaitan Olaonipekun) passed away at 6pm.

By the time the news of his death started spreading around, fans, friends and families started trooping to the hospital to confirm the sad news. Some of the artistes who were at the hospital were; DJ Zeez, Banky W, Sasha, a teary eyed Olu Maintain, his producer Sossick and his close friend and collaborator YQ who visibly displayed his grief at the passing away of his friend.

On April 14, Da Grin was admitted to LUTH after having a ghastly motor accident opposite Alakara Police station. After undergoing surgery and being in coma for a few days, the rapper was said to have regained consciousness, moved out of the ICU ward and recovering.

Da Grin was just recently nominated in three categories at the upcoming Hip Hop World Awards 2010. The categories were Artiste of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Rap Album for his sophomore album- Chief Executive Omota.

SKP RECORDS SIGNS STYL PLUS, WAJE & AZADUS

In a move to position the record label as one of the front runners in the industry. The likes of Azadus, Styl Plus & Waje are now signed artistes on SKP records.

The CEO of the record label, Sam kargbo took out time to express his deepest love for Nigerian artists and the music industry as a whole, “I love Nigeria with a passion and I am ready to contribute my own quota to make the country work. Our artistes are going through lots of challenges to get their music out there. The stress of doing everything themselves is having its toll on them, SKP records is ready to help the artiste succeed”, he said.

Speaking on the reason why he signed Styl Plus & Azadus to the label. Sam Kargbo said that he believed that an artist who made a hit a few years back can still make another hit if everything is right. “who said an artist that had a popular hit at a time cannot replicate such? He or she can even do better if everything is right. The record label can create a favorable environment for the artiste to perform. For the fact that God does not take away talents from humans, any talented artiste in his or her right frame of mind can still come up with hit or hits” he assured. Before the recent signing of Styl Plus, Azadus & Waje, X project were the only artistes on the label.

TALK IS CHEAP 11

Talk is cheap but time is money, I have been quite busy putting my money where my mouth is plus I have developed a new habit of listening twice as much as I talk. so please bear with me

MUSIC TALK

Modenine’s album “da vinci mode” is now in stores.

Eldee’s album “is it your money vol 1” is also available now.

Big lo has got 3 new singles out, “money identity featuring Flavour, hustler, & in this life.

Bracket recently dropped a remix of their single “all my people” featuring Timaya.

Talking of remixes, jahborne also dropped “maga(remix)” and is still on his anti maga no need pay campaign.

Kelly hansome just released another single “catch me if you can” off his highly anticipated sophomore album “names of noise makers”. He takes shots at Keke, MI, & 2shotz on this one.

VIDEO TALK

Stingomania records artist Baba nee recently released the video to his 9ice diss “twice as 9ice”. (I am really feeling Baba nee, dude sounds like he has great potential)

Speaking of 9ice, he finally got something right as the video for his hit single “gbamu gbamu” turned out better than expected.

Tuface also released the video for his hit single “implication”.

Sound sultan’s 2010 video featuring MI is another video you should watch.

YQ’s “i like girls” and Sauce kid’s “under g” videos might make your day even though they didn’t make mine.

For those interested in Jim iyke, he has a new video called “born to do it” featuring Puffy T.

IN THE NEWS

Kelly hansome is having major problems with his label, kennis music. Keke & D1 are yet to comment on the issue but based on kelly’s story, its another tale of been ripped off. i will keep you updated on that.

P square won 1 million dollars at the KORA awards as African artiste of the year.

Speaking of awards, HHWA just released the nominees for their 2010 edition.

I heard that the reason why Kel is so eager to get off her deal with capital records is because storm records has offered her a lucrative multi million naira record deal.

HHWA CRITERIA FOR NOMINATION

1.Only music materials released in the Nigerian market between December 2008 and November 2009 are eligible for nomination.

 2. Artistes cannot submit music materials created by other people except for materials to which they have copyright.
 3. All music materials must fall into Pop, HipHop, Urban Contemporary, R&B, Reggae, Dance Hall and Soul.
 4. Songs and albums in the popular categories are screened for popularity around the country and not in particular centers or states.
 5. Nigerian born artistes are not qualified for the African artiste of the year category.
 6. No music materials that endorse/encourage fraud, alcohol abuse, narcotics and wanton sex are eligible for nomination, except if said songs have radio-edited versions.
 7. The screening committee/panel of judges can nullify any category that is not competitive in the year under review.
 8. Best Music Video of the year goes to the video director.
9. Artistes with no full, released album in year under review will not be considered for Artiste of the year category.
 10.  Non Nigerian creators (including artistes, producers and music video directors) are not eligible for nomination except in African artiste of the year category.
 11.  The board of judges shall decide on the recipients of the HipHop World Awards Hall Of Fame.
 12.   All eligible music materials are considered fairly regardless of who submitted or not.
 13.   Only creators credited on music works shall be considered as right owners.
 14.   The ‘Headie Plaque’ remains the property of HipHop World Awards. It is not transferable at any point. The judges have a right to withdraw an award at any time.
 15.  Each participant on every collaboration shall be awarded.

NOMINEES FOR HIPHOP WORLD AWARDS 2010

NOMINEES FOR HIP HOP WORLD AWARDS 2010
As released by the screening committee on Tuesday April 6, 2010 during a breakfast event attended by Banky W, MI, Dagrin, Emem Ema, Sherry Eromosele, Kelvin Orifa, Jesse Jagz, Iceprince Zamani, Bayo Omisore and others…
Only music materials released into the Nigerian market between December 2008 and November 2009 are eligible for nomination for Hip-Hop World Awards 2010.

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Best album (solo or group) in year under review, that meets judges’ requirements of excellence (in every realms: songwriting, production, rendition and promotion) and acceptability (sales, popularity)
C.E.O
Artiste: DAGRIN
MUSHIN 2 MO’HITS
Artiste: WANDE COAL
UN-DAREY-TED
Artiste: DAREY
DANGER
Artiste: PSQUARE
LEAST EXPECTED
Artiste: BRACKET

ARTISTE OF THE YEAR
Most critically and commercially adjudged artiste in the year under review. Overall most successful artiste for the year under review.
WANDE COAL
Album Title:                            Mushin 2 Mo’Hits
TERRY G
Album Title:                            Ginjah Ur Swaggah – Season 1
DAREY
Album Title:                            Un.Darey.Ted
BRACKET
Album Title:                            Least Expected
DAGRIN
Album Title:                            C.E.O

SONG OF THE YEAR
Most popular song from an album in year under review. Decided by voting
“YORI YORI”
Artiste: Bracket
 “KOKOROKO”
Artiste: Kefee
 “YOU BAD”
Artiste: Wande Coal
 “FREE MADNESS Pt. 2”
Artiste:  Terry G
 “ALANTA”
Artiste:  Art Quake

RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Best single recording (on-air only or released) by artiste or group in year under review. Originality and production very essential
“STRONG TING”
Artiste – Banky W
 “I LOVE U”
Artiste – P-Square
 “HEAVEN PLEASE”
Artiste – Timi Dakolo
 “KEEPER OF MY DREAMS”
Artiste – Lara George

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
The individual responsible for producing the most acclaimed songs/album in the year under review. His CV for the year includes top notch tracks and production credits no one can fault.
TEE-Y MIX
Album/Song Title – “More”, “Love Truly
Artiste(s) – Darey Art Alade, Iyanya
COBHAMS
Album/Song Title – “Strong Ting”, “No Stars”
Artiste(s) – Banky W, Darey Art Alade
DON JAZZY
Album/Song Title – “Banana’s”, “U Bad”
Artiste(s) – Wande Coal
SOSSICK
Album/Song Title – “Everyday”, “Igboro”
Artiste(s) – Dagrin
DOKTA FRABZ
Album/Song Title – “Thank God”, “Ako Mi Ti Poju”
Artiste(s) – Dagrin, Naeto C
BEST MUSIC VIDEO (AWARD GOES TO DIRECTOR)
Best conceptualised, best edited, best picture, best directed and most exciting video in year under review as voted by fans and decided by the jury.
JUDE OKOYE
Music Video Title – “DANGER”
Artiste – P Square
 WUDI AWA
Music Video Title – “Kokoroko”
Artiste – Keffe
CLARENCE PETERS
Music Video Title – “Finest”
Artiste – Knight House Ft. Sauce Kid & Teeto
BOBBY BOULDERS
Music Video Title – Ako Mi Ti Poju
Artiste – Naeto C
MEX
Music Video Title – “Safe”
Artiste – M.I

BEST R ‘N’ B SINGLE
Best R&B single in year under review (by single individual or group)
 “STRONG TING”
Artiste(s) – Banky W
 “NEVER FELT A LOVE”
Artiste(s) – Femi
 “I LOVE YOU”
Artiste(s) – P-Square
 “NO STARS”
Artiste(s) – Darey Art Alade
 “OVERKILLIN”
Artiste(s) – Djinee

BEST POP SINGLE
Best pop single in year under review (by single individual or group)
 “YORI YORI”
Artiste(s) – Bracket
 “U BAD”
Artiste(s) – Wande Coal
 “KOKOROKO”
Artiste(s) – Keffe
 “DANGER”
Artiste(s) – P-Square
 “HOTTER THAN FIRE”
Artiste(s) – Dr. Pat and Sheyman

BEST R ‘N’ B/ POP ALBUM
Best R&B or pop album in year under review (by single individual or group)

MUSHIN 2 MO’HITS
Artiste- Wande Coal
DANGER
Artiste- P-Square
LEAST EXPECTED
Artiste- Bracket
UN.DAREY.TED
Artiste – Darey Art Alade

BEST RAP SINGLE
Best single released on-air recording of a rap song
“AKO MI TI POJU”
Artiste(s) – Naeto C
 “OWO ATI SWAGGER”
Artiste(s) – Catiair
 “FINEST”
Artiste(s) – Knight House ft. Sauce Kid & Teeto
 “SAMPLE Remix”
Artiste(s) – Terry Tha Rapman Ft. Stereo Man & Pherowshuz
 “SOMEBODY WANTS TO DIE”
Artiste(s) – M.I

BEST RAP ALBUM
Best album by a rap artiste or group in year under review
CEO
Artiste – Dagrin
DAT IBO BOY
Artiste – Ill Bliss
MORE THAN RAP MUSIC
Artiste – Cartiair
THE INVESTMENT
Artiste – Kel

LYRICIST ON THE ROLL  
Rap Artiste with best lyrical depth and performance on a single song or album
 M.I
Song Title – Somebody’s Wants To Die
MODENINE
Song Title – Bad Man
OD
Song Title – Got To Love Me 
PHEROWSHUZ
Song Title – Sample Remix (Featured by Terry Tha Rapman)

BEST COLLABO
Best R&B, Pop or hip hop collaborative track (including cameos) in year under review
“KOKOROKO”
Artistes – Kefee Ft. Timaya
 “FINEST”
Artistes – Knight House Ft. Sauce Kid & Teeto
 “AIYE PO GAN”
Artistes – Ill Bliss Ft. Terry G
 “SAMPLE Remix”
Artistes – Terry Tha Rapman Ft. Stereo Man & Pherowshuz
Producer – Pherowshuz

BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (MALE)
Single male artiste with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album
 DARE ART ALADE
Song Title – “NO STARS”
BANKY W
Song Title – “STRONG TING”
WANDE COAL
Song Title – “BANANA”
GT THE GUITARMAN
Song Title – “KINIMATISE”
TIMI DAKOLO
Song Title – “HEAVEN PLEASE”
BEST VOCAL PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)
Single female act with most outstanding vocal performance on a single song or album
 IBIYEMI
Song Title – “DON’T LEAVE ME”
KEFEE
Song Title – “KOKOROKO”
LARA GEORGE
Song Title – “KEEPER OF MY DREAMS”
WAJE
Song Title – “Kolo”
EVA
Song Title – “NO CRY”

BEST STREET HOP
The most popular street-hop single in year under review
“FREE MADNESS Pt. 2”
Artiste(s) – Terry G
“IGBORO TI DARU”
Artiste(s) – Klever J Ft. Eedris Abdul Kareem
“FILE BE”
Artiste(s) – Jaywon
“ALANTA”
Artiste(s) – Art Quake
“ONE BY ONE”
Artiste(s) – Side One

NEXT RATED
Most promising upcoming officially unreleased act in the year under review
 GENERAL PYPE
Song Title – “CHAMPION”
MO CHEDDAH
Song Title – “IF YOU WANT ME”
JESSE JAGZ
Song Title – “WETIN DEY”
D’PRINCE
Song Title – “OMOBA”
SKUKI
Song Title – “BANGER”

HIPHOP WORLD REVELATION OF THE YEAR
Best New artiste in the year under review
WANDE COAL
KEL
DJINEE
ILL BLISS
OMAWUMI

HIP HOP WORLD HALL OF FAME
Non competitive category
To be announced.

5 REASONS DADDY SHOWKEY WILL WIN CELEBRITY GUS

That all the contestants of the celebrity gulder ultimate search have made their way into the jungle is no longer news. The debate about who will win the show has begun. Here are five reasons why I think Daddy Showkey will win.

1. HE IS FROM AJEGUNLE

Ajegunle has always been the hardest hood in Nigeria long before I go dye knew how to pronounce area. Simply put, it is the gulliest borough in the whole of Nigeria. For someone that comes from there, living and surviving in GUS’s jungle will be a piece of cake.

2. HE NEEDS THE MONEY THE MOST

No disrespect, but daddy showkey is not in the pay bracket of all the other contestants (that’s not to say that he is broke, although he might be). Believe it or not, money is a great motivator; it makes you do the impossible at times. So be prepared to see the dreadlocked singer outdo the competition.

3. A WIN COULD GET HIS CAREER BACK ON TRACK

With a career sicker than our leader, any exposure at this point in time will be a blessing and GUS might just be the silver lining in Daddy showkey’s cloudy career. An album titled “live from the jungle” with guest appearances from co-contestants Obesere, Weird mc, Dare art alade & Muma gee and skits by princess might just bring him back into the game.

4. HE IS THE REALEST

Let’s not forget that the show is a reality show (even though it isn’t as real as it should be) and calls for a lot of realness. One thing we can be sure of is that daddy showkey will go out there, tell it like it is and do it the way it is supposed to be done. The audience and the producers will really appreciate his realness as this will give the show some much needed credibility.

5. THE OTHER CONTESTANTS ARE PRETTY SOFT

Although I may not go as far as calling all the other contestants a bunch of pussies, it is pretty glaring to see that they are no match for Daddy showkey, the man has too much street sense and is physically fit. I don’t see Obesere outrunning him or Dare art alade outthinking him.

5 PEOPLE I WOULD LOVE TO SEE ON CELEBRITY GUS

1. DON JAZZY – I would like to see what the audience will think of him since he doesn’t talk much and acts like he has a speech problem. I hope his co contestants will understand sign language. Won’t his walking stick be confiscated as a weapon? How will he cope without his underlings around him?

2. MI – The chocolate city MC wouldn’t last long on the show as he will be shown the door real fast when they get to vertically challenging tasks like jumping up and plucking fruits. The little man won’t make it to the screen unless they are casting for a leprechaun.

3. DA GRIN – This one will be a really tough one for the producers because I don’t think that Da grin can complete a sentence in queens English. That edition will have to come with subtitles or be limited to the west.

4. MUNACHI ABI – The wannabe rapper would finally have the chance to get some street cred or jungle cred as the case may be. I am really curious like everyone else to see what she looks like without make up and see what insect bites will do to that beautiful skin of hers.

5.  TERRY G – How long can Terry G stay off the ginjah? I believe we will finally get the answer to that question if this were to happen. The producers must be prepared to see an uncoordinated individual running stark naked around the jungle. How is that for reality?

MAYE HUNTA'S EKAETE GETS BANNED

The controversial and hilarious hit song (and the video), Ekaette, sung by Nigerian returnee Maye Hunta, has been banned by the National Broadcasting commission (NBC) with effect from today, according to information contained in a memo obtained by NEXT.

The document, which was signed by the commission's zonal director, Ojone Otonoku, said the song and its video were banned because "of its graphic description of sexual scenes and expression not presented with fact and discretion. Stations are therefore requested to immediately stop further broadcast of this musical and air only a broadcast version (if any)..."

However, reacting in a telephone chat, the singer defended his lyrics and concept. "If you listen through to the song it is very clean," he said. "I don't know what exactly they are getting at. For me I just feel that what will be will be they can ban it on radio and on TV but the fans are the people who are going to decide."

The artist, real name Olumayowa Adekunle Odejimi, also denied prior knowledge of the ban citing the April Fool's day as a major reason at first. "They haven't written to tell me; what happened was that I saw it on the net when some guy tagged me in a note then a friend of mine who works at a radio station called me to say the song has been banned, and I am like ‘Wahala' they just want to give me more publicity," he said, laughing.

He also added that plans are in a works for a sequel because ‘'fans are loving it..NBC are just a bunch of people who have issues. I mean I listen to the radio and hear foreign songs that are worse than mine. My song is about things that happens and have happened and so I all I did was just to bring it to the fore. I am not moved. I want to believe it is true, although I thought it was April Fool at first. Funny enough, normally NBC pick a list of songs but this time around it's just my song they picked. Bad belle people!"

Other Nigerian songs that have been banned by the NBC include Femi Kuti's Bang Bang Bang, Idrees Abdulkareem's Jaga Jaga, Konga's Baby Konga, Tuface's Enter the Place video and Dbanj's Suddenly. The NBC ban on Ekaette comes five months after its October release.

9NN - THE FAUX NEWS REPORT (PT 2)

From 9jahiphop news network, we bring to you the latest hiphop news in Nigeria.

9ICE WAVES THE WHITE FLAG

Alapomeji records CEO “9ice” has finished recording his most unexpected collabo which will be the first single off his forthcoming “versus” album. The song which was produced by ID cabasa features his arch nemesis “isolate” & fierce rival “baba nee”. The song which was previously titled “ota aje” was meant to be a diss track until 9ice decided to wave the white flag and renamed the track “unbelievable”.

P SQUARE PLOTS REVENGE

Fans of super boy group P square will have a lot to smile about before the third quarter of the year as the dangerous twins have finalized arrangements to release a compilation album of their greatest misses tentatively titled “revenge of the fallen”. J martins speaking on behalf of the group shed more light on the details of the album, “P square is out to prove a point by releasing into the market all the songs that were previously termed flops or misses by their critics”. The album will include songs like danger, more than a friend, break it, gimme dat, danger (remix) & 2 brand new singles.

DON JAZZY TAKES BEEF TO A NEW LEVEL

Head honcho of mo hits records “Don Jazzy” is reportedly in talks with Kennis music to buy out Kelly hansome’s contract. If he succeeds, then Mr. maga might find himself on the mo hits roster before the year ends and consequently will never be able to release any musical work in Nigeria until he has fulfilled his contractual obligation to mo hits records. Keke & D1 could not be reached to confirm the story.

NICO GRAVITY IN BIDDING WAR

Nico gravity’s groundbreaking single “I wan finish timaya” has sparked a bidding war between three record labels. Storm records have signified their interest in signing the budding artist while questionmark entertainment & kennis music have also been rumored to be preparing an offer.

TUFACE FORMS SUPER GROUP

In the quest to re-establish himself, hypertek records franchise artist “Tuface” has teamed up with “Djinee” & “Dare art alade” to form a super group. Although no name has been chosen for the super group yet, an untitled album is already in the works. Ace producer Cobhams asuquo will produce the bulk of the album while J sleek, Dekumzy, OJB, & TY mix will all lend a helping hand. Sources close to the trio claim that Tjoe will be marketing the album.

TIMAYA TURNED DOWN GULDER ULTIMATE SEARCH

It has been revealed that dancehall act “Timaya” turned down the chance to be on the celebrity Gulder ultimate search. Speaking to our reporter, the egberi papa 1 of bayelsa explained his actions. “It is not about the money, I am done with that kind of lifestyle. Now that God has blessed me, I see no reason why I should go and live in the jungle even if it is for fun or entertainment”.

EDDY MONTANA WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE

Ex remedies member “Eddy Montana” has been canvassing to be included on the special edition of who wants to be a millionaire (who deserves to be a millionaire). The details of his failed attempts came to light in a report submitted by the anchor Frank edohor to the producers of the show. Frank claims that Eddy has been stalking and hounding him for several weeks to be included on the show and refused to stop even after been told that it couldn’t be done. Frank is threatening to call the police.

STAR TAKES OVER STAR HOST

The marketers of star lager beer have declared their interest in sponsoring and taking over soundcity’s star host programme. In the revamped edition, Gbenga adeyinka the 1^st will be the anchor and only past winners of star quest will have the privilege of picking their favorite videos. Expect to see KC presh on the big screen.