Exclusive Video: Manolo Rose and Sonny Digital Take Over SOBs on MLK Day

Article by: Twitter; @lauderdale11

It was a showcase of up and comers on MLK Day, as the Diem Assembly rolled into SOBs in NYC, and HipHopShortstop was in the house to document the evening. 

The night was a showcase of hungry young rappers looking to claim their spot, but the show was stolen (once again) by NY's own Manolo Rose, who rolled out a set punctuated by the high energy performance of his breakout hit "Run Ricky Run." Flogged by his Fameschool crew, Manolo took shit to the next level as the familiar sound effect of gunshots and sirens rang thru SOB's. The groundbreaking track is already hard when you listen thru your headphones or the speakers on your car, but seeing it live is a completely different animal.

Manolo delivers the lyrics with a passion, hitting each line like its his last and making sure that everyone in attendance gets there moneys worth. Even as a reporter there to document the evening, it was hard not to find myself drifting toward the center of the stage towards the ensuing mayhem, of which there was plenty. By the 2nd round of "RUN," Rose had already surfed his way through the crowd, and then handed off the mic in favor of joining the action in the crowd which at times resembled more of a heavy metal moshpit than a rap concert. 

You can tell Manolo is enjoying every minute of the spotlight, and based on his performance of some of his other tracks, he intends on sticking around for the forseeable future. 

Manolo was followed by southern hip hop producer Sonny Digital, who is an up and comer in his own right with an already impressive portfolio of hits he created for stars like Drake, Young Thug, Rich Homie Quan, ILoveMakonnen, Future and more. Sonny played a set laced with some of his well known hits, and some of his personal favorites from other artists, which he talks about in our exclusive interview, which you can view here on HipHopShortStop.com. Sonny is on the verge of superstardom, and those in attendance at SOB's that night got to see why. 

Thanks to SOB's and Phil The Mayor for allowing Hip Hop ShortStop to cover another top notch event. SOB's is quickly becoming a top venue for up the next generation of hip hop stars and fans, and we look forward to returning in the near future.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: The 1994 Stanley Cup Championship New York Rangers.

Image Credit: NYDailyNew.com

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

We are back with yet another EXCLUSIVE interview! We'd first like to thank the very AMAZING staff at MAB Celebrity for letting us be apart of this event. If you love sports, you should definitely check out some of their upcoming shows. We have been attending various MAB shows throughout the years, and we were absolutely honored to have been apart of this historic event!

MAB-Celebrity does public signings throughout the United States, but not to worry. Don't live in the area and need something signed? MAB also does private signings. Check them out here for a list of upcoming private and public signings.

On October 25th, we arrived early and got to meet and greet with some of the 1994 Stanley Cup Championship winners, the New York Rangers.

We also met none other then "The Nature Boy" himself, Ric Flair! Woooooo! Although we were unable to interview Flair, it was great to meet such a humble down to earth guy, who seemed to be in very good spirits and happy to be there. Hulk Hogan also appeared at That 90's Show, however we were also unable to obtain and interview with him. Hogan was in great spirits and seemed very happy to be there.

Please check out our interview below. Jay Wells, Steve Larmer, Joe Kucor and Stephane Matteau, (better known as the Ranger who scored the game winning goal in the 1994 cup) discuss the current state of the Rangers, Madison Square Garden, Anthony Duclair, Gary Bettman and the two lockouts, as well as what it was like winning the 1994 cup and a lot more.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Joe Budden Takes Over SOBs New York City For The Album Release of EP 'Some Love Lost.'

Image Credit: XXLMag.com

by: Dana P. (E.I.C.)

Joe Budden put on one of the most authentic performances at SOBs this past Tuesday night, as everyone in the house came out to celebrate the release of his new EP titled, 'Some Love Lost.' The infamous SOB's in New York City, is also known as the venue where "legends are made." Emilio Rojas opened up the show, followed by R&B sensation EManny. Felicia Temple joined Emanny on the stage, and both brought up two lucky fans from the crowd for an intense little "lapdance session!" 

Joey hit the stage performing for nearly an hour, as he started off with a few tracks off Some Love Lost, leading into classics as far back to Halfway House, Mood Muzik, and No Love Lost. While Joe refers to himself as "washed," we think he has hit legendary status by far and he is JUST getting started!

Joe took over The Angie Martinez Show on Power 105 this past Wednesday, and revealed this EP was just a warmup before he releases his new ALBUM! No date has been set. We will also soon see him alongside his fellow Slaughterhouse brothers, Yelawolf, and the founder of Shady Records himself, Eminem on the 15th anniversary album Shady XV which will be introduced with a cypher, titled "CXVPHER."

As we patiently wait for more to come from Joey, check out this video below! We got up close and personal for this full on therapy session from The Mood God!

Nasty Nas the Esco: ILLMATIC the Work – IILMATIC the Tour

Image Credit: consequenceofsound.net

It’s Illmatic Year! To celebrate the 20 year anniversary Nas first released the deluxe reissue of one of, if not the greatest contributions of art to our culture – the album Illmatic. Besides some small tweaks, it’s a typical re-release excluding the addition of the track “I’m a Villain." He also took off on a world tour to follow.

Although he’s been touring most of the year, this next stream of shows will mainly support the release of the albums’ behind the scenes documentary also titled Nas: Time is Illmatic. Which will first air October 1st at New York’s Tribeca Film Festival. 

The project which is vividly painted by words – full of some painful and some hopeful stories, still has a life of its own 20 years later. A quote from the trailer – “I gave you what the streets felt like, sounded like, tasted like” – Nas.

Image Credit: consequenceofsound.net

The tour kicks off this Thursday October 2nd at the Main Street Armory in Rochester, NY. The show will include the viewing of the documentary of course which features interviews with Nas' 'Illmatic' producers (Large Professor, Pete Rock, Q-Tip, L.E.S., and DJ Premier) and musical peers (including Pharerell Williams and Alicia Keys. 

Salute to the God, Nasty Nas! We’ll be keeping up with him and the rest of Time is Illmatic journey.

Tina Louise 

Twitter: @TinaLouiseMe

Edited by: Dana Pellotta; Owner/E.I.C.

Fabolous & friends LIVE at BB Kings New York City September 27th 2014

Image Credit: Instagram @HybridMusicEntertainment

Next Saturday September 27th, LIVE from New York at BB Kings, Fabolous will be taking over as he performs songs from his latest album, The Soul Tape 3, as well as some of his other smash hits! We will be in the building covering this event, so come say hi! 

Show starts at midnight. On the one's and two's will be none other then my favorite DJ, "The Prince of New York," Power105's own DJ Self! Tickets can be purchased at 

http://m.ticketmaster.com/event/00004CFCFD5121FF?brand=bbkingblues&camefrom=cfc_bbking_website or by calling the venue at 212-997-4144. 

Go get those tickets NOW, as this is going to be a SOLD OUT event! 

Dana Pellotta

Owner/Editor in Chief

Collaborations Hip-Hop Deserved

(Image: offthecorner.net)

Hip-hop music is a beautiful torture sometimes. As much as the genre makes people from around the world understand the struggles of people from different areas of the country, sometimes as hip-hop fans, we're robbed of the opportunity to get what we want from the artists we love. I know I know, I sound selfish because hip-hop has given us so much already. But hip-hop artist love giving fans teasers with collaborations that are so amazing that it makes us as fans fiend for more. So I started thinking about what collaboration I’ve always wanted to hear. And it’s unfortunate to think about it because they’ll likely never happen. But it’s still fun to think about who I want to see make an album together as a duo. So I came up with a short list. And I think hip-hop would have been both blessed and spoiled from these albums had they been created by these genius tandems.

South Bronx…South South Bronx…

One of my favorite lyricists of all time is Boricua legend Big Punisher from the Terror Squad. The man’s bars and lyrics were out of this world, and verse for verse Pun could match anyone in my opinion. Every bar Pun spit in his debut album Capital Punishment was delivered with the precision of a surgeon. Anyone who got on a track with Pun knew it was survival of the illest. He had the perfect flow, and his breath control for a man of his size were only matched by that of the late great Notorious B.I.G. Pun was the co-leader of TS along side fellow Bronx Native Fat Joe. People don’t ever seem to rate Joe highly when it comes to best MC’s ever out of New York, but if you go back and listen to Jealous Ones Envy and Don Cartegena, it’s evident Fat Joe’s rhyme ability can’t be questioned. Between Joe’s gritty NYC style, and Puns penchant for destroying any beat he got on, a collaboration album between the two would have been special for NYC and hip-hop in general. Unfortunately the rap game lost Big Pun in 2000, and the dream I had of this happening ended then. But I think had these two done an album together, that collaboration would have been special.

Straight From The 213…

“And Imma snatch your ass from the backside and show you how Death Row pull off that hoopride/ Now you might not understand me/Cause I’m a rob you in Compton and blast you in Miami” – Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. The 1990’s run that Death Row records had with its core three rappers of Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg is legendary. Snoop was a young upstart with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove to the rap world. Dr. Dre was a young veteran that knew how to get the best out of every artist he ever worked with. Whenever Snoop and Dre were in the studio together it was instant magic. From Nothing But A G Thang to Still D.R.E., the two west coast legends never let fans down when they worked together. I wish we could get a Dre and Snoop album, and since both rappers are still in the studio, it’s always a possibility. But at this point I think it’s more of a pipe dream. Dre has been teasing us with a new solo album for the better part of a decade, and Snoop isn’t the Snoop of old. I would still listen to an album with those two on it, but it’s anyone’s guess what it would actually sound like now. Missed opportunity in the 90’s for both Death Row and hip-hops fans in general.

It’s Panero and Kiss...Two-Thirds of A Brick…

Is there a better tag-team partnership in rap more fun to listen to than Stylez P and Jadakiss from the LOX? The sheer brashness, bravado, grit, and bars that come when these two get on a track together is jaw dropping. You remember the “Fiesta” remix freestyle they put out in the early 2000’s? I still listen to that regularly. To be honest I listen to all the LOX stuff regularly, but there’s nothing better than listening to Kiss and Stylez go back and forth. Every time I listen to Banned From TV I can’t help but think why on Earth did these two never put out any material together as just a duo. Maybe they never did it out of respect for Sheek Louch. Or maybe they just never thought about a Kiss and Stylez album. I know I have been thinking about it for years, and if they dropped that album tomorrow I would be the first to cop it. C’mon LOX, give us a new LOX album and then hit us with the Kiss and Stylez album. We’re here waiting.

From Marcy To Hollywood And Back Again…Back Again…

“It doesn’t matter if I was never signed to the Roc/ because me and Jay we were both signed to the Block” – Sauce Money. Why did Jay-Z never see it fit to sign Sauce Money to Roc-A-Fella records I don’t know, but early in his career, Jay and Sauce Money were absolutely lights out when they jumped on a track together. They’ve both said they are really close friends, and during Jay’s first two albums Sauce Money was there for all of the recordings. Sauce Money is even featured on Jigga’s classic debut album Reasonable Doubt. And I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the best track from Reasonable Doubt was “Bring it on” featuring Sauce Money and Jaz-O. Sauce said the reason the track came out so legendary was because each rapper knew they had to outdo the other or at least try to keep up, and that’s what fueled their bars. That track is my favorite from Reasonable Doubt, and that was the genesis of my thought that Jay and Sauce Money needed an album together. But between Jay building Roc-A-Fella, and his obsession to make Memphis Bleek the next great rapper, Jay lost sight of his partnership with Sauce Money. It’s unfortunate because I think Sauce would have been the best rapper on Roc-A-Fella after Hov himself. I have no idea if they would have ever done an album together, but we would have had more Jay and Sauce money records. What could have been. “Sigh”

Life’s A Bitch And Then You Die…

Last but definitely not least on my list of dream album collaborations is the legendary Nasir Jones, and the legendarily underappreciated AZ. Is there anything in rap history more calming and insightful than listening to Nas and AZ on a track together. It’s poetry listening to those two. There are no punch lines, no happy raps, no non-sense Tom Foolery when those two get together. The masses become more intelligent when listening to these two MC’s together. They don’t try to outdo each other, nor does it ever seem as if either is trying to be great on the track; it just comes out that way. It’s two brothers on the same track with the intelligence of Harvard Professors. An album with Nas and AZ seemed like nothing more than mere formality in the 90’s. I was sure it was coming sooner than later, and I’m pretty sure the hip-hop world thought so as well. But 20 years after Nas’ debut classic illmatic, there’s still no album. And at this point it’s safe to say hip-hop will never see anything more than random collaborations between the two lyrical titans. Maybe it wasn’t meant to be, and maybe as intelligent as these two are they knew their combined talents would not mesh for an entire album. We needed and still need more from these two, but since it may never happen, we must just enjoy the few records they’ve given us.

Those are the albums that I would have loved to see. Luckily I was able to get a Royce Da 5’9 and Eminem album in my lifetime and for that I’m grateful. I’m not holding my breath for any of the duo’s above (not counting Pun because that’s an impossibility) but who knows. Maybe, just maybe hip-hop can get one of these albums in these rappers lifetimes. Fingers crossed.

By: Frantz Paul

Angie Martinez Moves Up The Dial To Take The Power 105.1 Mic For The First Time

Angie Martinez Moves Up The Dial To Take The Power 105.1 Mic For The First Time

Image Credit: Angie Martinez's Instagram (angiemartinez)

'The Voice of New York' has officially readjusted her radio dial to her new home at New York's rising Hip Hop and R&B station Power 105.1 FM. Legendary radio personality, Angie Martinez, is back on the mic keeping it real with the city as she kicked off her first day on the air in her2pm to 6pm time slot on July 17.

The former Hot 97.1 FM voice-jockey shook fans by surprise when she announced  back in June that she would be resigning from the station after being a huge contributor to the success of Hot 97 for over 15 years. Just a day after she resigned from Hot 97, Angie announced that she would be taking her talents to the rival station by joining their powerhouse lineup. With there being a long-history of competition between Hot 97 and Power 105, Angie's decision to join the Power 105 team was met by many opinions and critiques.

Despite what critics had to say, Angie stands strongly by her decision which she views as the next phase in her life. When the Extra correspondent sat down with Power 105's hit morning show The Breakfast Club on June 24, she held nothing back when she told the trio exactly why she made the drastic station change.

"This company offers so much opportunity for growth, and I want to be on in different cities. I wanted to grow, I wanted to be able to have new challenges, see new things... It was time."

Angie Martinez celebrated her new found glory by posting this photo of  her new radio home just minutes before going on air.

Angie's Instagram caption read:

Feels like the first day of school! Going live in 15 mins on @power1051#Day1

Angie kicked off her first day at Power 105 with one hell of a start. Besides spinning hits after hits, the radio personality received well wishing calls from Hip Hop game changers like Diddy, Alicia Keys, and Jay Z  just to name a few.

Power 105 and the Clear Channel Media family seem to be a great fit for Angie. And as she settles down at her transitioning station, we hope that she'll continue to bring New York (and now The Beat 103.5 Miami) nothing but the best. 

-Brittany C. Jackson

MORE on Carmelo Anthony...

Carmelo Anthony is a joke. Do a quick Twitter search. He shoots too much. He holds the ball for too long. He never wins. Knicks' fans know all this. You could hear their collective groan in Cleveland when he re-signed. Yet, as of writing this, he's the highest paid player in the league. Why?

Because he should be. Last year, Melo turned 30. He had a career high in minutes played for a bad Knicks team. He's largely injury free. He averaged 27 points and 8 rebounds. He shot over 40% from 3 point range and almost 85% from the stripe. And in a league full of stars that sit back and watch the other team score on defense, he had 1.2 steals and almost a block a game.

So what? Stats aren't everything, right? The guy's a bum, and you know it. New York won't win with him. Metric stats say Lebron is worth about 15 more wins a year than Melo. Oh, sorry, that was more stats. Why should you give him a chance?

While the money was no small factor, let's ask Melo why he stayed:

"This organization has supported me and in return, I want to stay and build here with this city and my team," he posted to his website. "In the end, I am a New York Knick at heart."

Tacky? Maybe. After the fact? Definitely. But, for a couple of minutes,  in a league where stars chase money and championships, can we agree to stop hating on Melo? At least until he holds the ball for fifteen seconds only to miss a jumper.

By:: Josh Henderson

RIP to the Angie Martinez Show. Angie resigns from Hot 97!

(Angie Martinez, Miss Info, and myself at Beacon Theatre NYC, for the the Tribecca Film Festival with Nas, "Time Is Illmatic.")

It's a sad day for hip hop lovers in the NJ/NYC tri state area. Earlier today, Hot97 was posting on social media to tune in for a "big announcement." Angie Martinez, "the voice of New York," announced that she is resigning from Hot97. Minutes later, Ang posted THIS Instagram, Twitter & Facebook. 

No word on who her replacement will be. However, there are rumors stating that Angie will be going to New Yorks OTHER hip hop radio station, Power 105. After Angie posted her resignation on Twitter, the OFFICIAL Power 105 Twitter account, replied to her tweet with a smiley face! 

Listening to The Angie Martinez Show earlier today, I could definitely hear how emotional everyone was, especially DJ Enuff, who was crying PRETTY badly. Ang has been part of the Hot97 family for over 20 years! 

It should be interesting to see how this plays out. I really can't see Angie working at Power 105. Since she starred on VH1 reality show "This Is Hot97," I'm sure she (amongst others that were on the show) have received some TV offers. 

RIP to The Angie Martinez Show. That radio station will not be the same, and as far as a replacement for her show, there simply can be NO replacement. 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Cheif)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Bizzaro Zaun!

Back once again, with yet ANOTHER exclusive interview! I recently got a chance to sit down with none other then "Bizzaro Zaun." If you are a Mike Francesa fan, you probably know who he is. If not, let me tell you a little bit about him. Bizzaro Zaun is the man behind the infamous YouTube Mike Francesa mock videos. 

With a wig, fat suit, SUNGLASSES, and even Francesa's voice and accent down pat, he has got this impersonation to the T!

If you haven't seen his videos, take a look at his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/WaitUhSeckin

And when you're done, check out my interview with him as we talk about HOW and WHEN he came up with this brilliant idea. We also discuss Francesa Con, his favorite sports, and more!

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW with Hot97 Heavy Hitter, DJ Wallah!

I'm BACK, with yet another exclusive interview! I had a chance to sit down with Hot97 Heavy Hitter, DJ Wallah. If you listen to Hot97, live in the New York/NewJersey tri state area, and you're about that "Vamp Life," then you know EXACTLY who Wallah is!

Wallah is a local New York/New Jersey/Philly club DJ, as well as a DJ for the #1 hip hop & R&B radio station, Hot97. You can usually hear him on the radio from 2-4am, on the weekends, as well as some Sunday mornings. 

We got a chance to talk about his love for music growing up, how he became a DJ, how he became a Hot97 Heavy Hitter....as well as some of his hobby's, DJ's he idolizes, and MORE!

Check it out! Hope you guys enjoy! 

By:: Dana P. (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)

New York City radio station, Hot 97, scores it's own VH1 reality show

New York City's number one hip hop radio station, has landed their own reality show! On March 31st, "This is Hot 97" will premiere on VH1.

Check out the preview here.

I was SHOCKED to hear this today, but it was long overdue! Most of reality TV, especially on VH1, is based and filmed here in the New York/New Jersey area. Not only can Hot97 be heard WORLDWIDE, listeners can now see the radio station TELEVISED across the world! 

It is becoming more and more noticeable, that New York really is the birth of real hip hop. This is GREAT for New York hip hop artists, and those involved in the industry. I'm sure the ratings will be through the roof! 

Look out for all your favorite Hot97 radio personalities and DJs to be on the show, such as Angie Martinez, Ebro, Peter Rosenberg, Cipha Sounds, Funkmaster Flex, Drewski, DJ Enuff, and more! 

By:: Dana Pelotta (Blog Owner/Editor in Chief)