The Eminem Blog

Speaking of NWA, most people have Dr Dre, Ice Cube and Compton legend Eazy E in mind. Less spoken about, but nevertheless a capital element of the world’s most dangerous group, DJ Yella gave NWA its spicy reggae-rap flavor.
Né Antoine Carraby, DJ Yella was born on December the 11th, 1967 in Compton, California. Man of many hats, DJ Yella has worked as a DJ, a producer and as a film director. Largely influenced by funk music, DJ Yella became a drummer.
DJ Yella started Djing at LA clubs. When the notorious Dr Dre crossed his road, both men became friends and formed the World Class Wreckin’ Cru in the early 80 s.
The World Class Wreckin Cru was composed of 3 original members, DJ Yella, Dr Dre and producer Cli-N-Tell.
The founding of the NWA group dropped an explosive bomb on to the world. A revolutionary rap group of young black men with an attitude and sense of pride was born.
DJ Yella played an important role in co-producing Eazy E s Eazy Duz It album and the three NWA album. Success followed and the album sold million copies.
Using the nickname Tha Kidd, DJ Yella also did some pornographic films.
As most readers would probably know a beef opposing Dr Dre and Ice Cube to Eazy E in which all three members went at each other with hard disses lead to the total split of the group in 1991.
DJ Yella, though, refused to get involved in any beef with his fellow Eazy E and remained loyal to him.
“The reason behind the breakup was simple: Egos started getting in the way. NWA started making too much money, so everyone wanted more money. Eazy made more money ’cause he owned the label NWA was on (Ruthless Records) and had other groups under him making money. But everyone didn’t see it that way.”
(DJ Yella)
DJ Yella wonders how such a huge friendship that existed between the NWA members suddenly turned into bitterness and anger:
“Dre and I was like brothers. We was tight, real tight. “Them first few years we was all like family. Even when Cube left, the rest of us was like family … When he left, we all talked about him, even Dre. That’s when all those albums came out. Then Dre left and did an album with Cube.
“I remember when Dre told me he was leaving NWA and invited me to leave with him. I told him I’d get back with him. To this day I haven’t gotten back with him to tell him no or yes. Eazy hadn’t cheated me out of anything; I can’t get mad at Eric just ’cause Dre’s mad at him. I just stayed neutral. I was still with Eazy, but I never was in the videos where he dissed Dre either.”
(DJ Yella)
DJ Yella went on producing many artists belonging to the Ruthless Records label. When Eazy E died, in 1995, DJ Yella gathered Eazy E s different songs and collaborations in order to release Eric Wright’s last album.
In 1996, Antoine Carraby released his first solo album entitled One Mo Nigga Ta Go.
DJ Yella vanished from the scene for several years and then decided to give his career another turn: he came back as a porn movie producers.
However, the music kept playing an important role in his life and he associated again with his former accomplice in crime MC Ren to work on a song called Bangin.
Surprisingly, DJ Yella would not participate to the NWA reunion in 2000, nor was he featured in the well known Hello song. However, DJ Yella collaborated with his former fellows Dr Dre and Mc Ren on a mixtape under the nickname Tha Kidd 5000.
DJ Yella currently owns his own adult movie company, DJ Yella Entertainment.
I always liked DJ Yella’s raspy voice and particular style. DJ Yella certainly enhanced and spiced up the rap game with his presence.
The introduction of a reggae sound into the NWA added to the musical richness of the tracks.
Check the Compton legend here.
Copyright2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

1.What motivated you to become a rapper?
The death of my oldest brother Andrew, he was an upcoming producer in the south Miami area. My brother was a major influence to me and I knew how bad he wanted success; so when he passed I knew I had to finish what he started.
2. What is the biggest challenge you ever had to face during your career?
Moving from Miami to Connecticut, I had such a big buzz in Miami with the group I was in I didn’t want to leave that not to mention my friends and family.
3. Sometimes, your music reflects the harshness of the hood, but it also contains the dimension that allows the listener to fly away mentally. That s the impression I had with your song Geni In The Sky. What inspired you to write that powerful song?
Wow! (Humbly said with raised eye brows ) I appreciate that Thank You, that’s actually a 3 year old record. Some how that’s the one song people seem to love by me. When I produced the track I had a positive idea for it, each verse was based off of some thing going on in my life. A bunch of mixed emotions carefully thought out and written I never thought once while writing the song that would’ve received this reaction from listeners.
4. Which artists have you collaborated with already?
I’ve recorded with Rick Ross, Pit Bull, Co-D Fendents and my west coast hommie from Ruff Ryder’s Kartoon. I’ve produced tracks for Rick Ross, Kartoon, JT Money, Jackie-O of G-Unit, currently working on some stuff for Cherri Denis of Bad boy Ent, Lady Luck and JR Writer of Dipset.
5. What are your thoughts about the current state of hip hop?
I don’t feel hip-hop is dead that’s just an expression being used by some. I feel the culture is evolving there’s a mixture from different ethnic groups that are being brought into hip-hop. So the state of hip-hop to me is evolution we’re witnessing the future.
6. Who do you respect in the rap game and why?
I respect any and all artist who stayed true to who they were and succeeded doing it. You can’t come out rhyming about saving the world and your next album you selling crack. That’s so fake!! lol
7. Which artist do you envision a collaboration with in the future? Honestly I’ll do a record with any one who wants to make music, I love this shit.
8. Define your musical style within a few words? Real, Humble, Hard.
9. Who are your biggest musical influences?
Besides my brother, I would say Luther Vandross, Dr. Dre, Timberland Big Daddy Kane, 2 Live Crew, Nas, Queen yep I said Queen. Lol that’s just a few there’s way to many to name.
10. Besides hip hop, what kind of music do you listen to?
(smiling) You really gone make me answer that ain’t you? (Giggling softly.) Well I’m real big on 80’s soft rock I like damn near all of it just to name a few: Queen, Tears for fears, Ah Hah, Simple mind, Metallica and Aero Smith. I listen to a lot of movie sound tracks as well to widen my creative mind for production, I love reggae. I pretty much listen to anything I just love music.
I just wanted to take this time thank you for the opportunity to share some of my thoughts with you and your readers, hopefully I’ve turned some of them into potential fans. Lol
I want to shout out my crew (The Core Click) we clicked up!!!!
My management both up north and down south ( KG Missing Link Ent. & The Funk MGMT) What up Kev & COX. Oh & my dude big Ern what up my nig?
My Hommie Young Lord lock up I’m still riding for you, you’ll be home soon brotha.
And all the fans & supporter I love you continue to support the movement.
Listen to Lord Raven’s music here.
Copyright2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

I am back home and happy: I just acquired my brand new issue of the UK’s best known hip hop mag, The Hip Hop Connection, and started enjoying a few articles, plus two free CDS. That’s something. At least for hip hop lovers like me…however, I came across an article entitled Should old school rappers be forced to retire? that kinda shocked me, or more precisely, some ideas that the article mentioned above conveyed.
It looks like a specific category of persons in the hip hop industry do think that the rap game is only a young man s game.
Little did you know about hip hop if you really think so- that’s my point-and I will give you some valid arguments to feed your reflection on this theme.
If it is totally true that a few old school rappers are incapable of renewing their themes and don t seem to evolve with their time, one should consider that many old school masters are very much needed to perfect the game.
Yes, it is true, Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come is probably one of the most annoying and distasteful album I recently heard. But talking about Jay-Z s recent lack of imagination doesn t allow people to talk about old school rappers as a whole.
Don t misunderstand me: I am not against new talents. As the passionate music journalist I actually am, I am always in search of new talents. I like to discover young, talented emcees in the jungle of the undiscovered. However, I am convinced that, as much talented as emcees from the new generations might be, they need to learn a lot of techniques from their predecessors. As well as old school rappers learnt from The Godfather of Soul, James Brown and from George Clinton, for instance, new school rappers need to learn from the giants in the rap game.
A reader of XXL( shame on him) implied that Nas was a dinosaur and that he should live with it. It was meant: he can fuck off with his old themes and should stop saying that hip hop is dead, because he is not very open minded towards the current evolution of the rap game!
My point is: if you are incapable of valuating geniuses like Nas and respect their criticism of hip hop, I am not sure that you really have the maturity needed to fully get their point and to understand where those people come from. As a consequence, you will probably also lack a clear vision of the current rap game too.
Nas has been acclaimed for his great, researched lyricism. His first album, Illmatic, should be a model of inspiration for any emcee who wants to make some real hip hop. Nasir Jones deserves respect for his amazing skills and for always reminding African Americans of their African roots.
How can you stab an amazing lyricist like Nas when you are so far under his radar? First sit down, listen to his music and learn from him. Then you might be entitled to constructive criticism towards him.
I doubt that the game would be the same without Dr Dre. Are you going to tell Dr Dre that he is too old to rap or to produce any track? Just shut up!
Newcomers might bring loads of creativity and new themes in their music, but I doubt that any of them will ever make the same dope ass beats that are so typical to his music.
Yes, the rap game needs to renew itself with a new breed of inventive and skilled emcees, but it would be nothing without the giants that made the game.
If you don’t pay respect to people like Grandmaster Flash who initiated the very beginnings of hip hop, I am not really sure that you will be capable of appreciating the most contemporary forms of rap music to the fullest.
All those people made the game. They are the pioneers. Don t prompt to put their Cds in the trash, rather learn from their accumulated knowledge and wisdom over the years!
Copyright2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

A good dose of confidence, a marvelous flow delivery, some soft female vocals in the background that are married with some good drum beats and keyboard sounds: Scitso invites you into his world. Are you ready to follow him? Follow Me is a well written track that reflects Scitso s enthusiasm for his art. I loved it.
Introduced by some rapid piano notes, The Greatest will lead you into a humorous but nevertheless passionate atmosphere during which the listener will understand what makes an artist: the struggle, the rough times, the personality, hard work and a strong minded spirit combined with talent and mastery.
The Crack House draws a very dramatic musical background built on gunshots and symphonic violin sounds. It points out a problem that is so typical to a sick society.
Did your appetite just increase for more Scitso music?
Check Scitso here.
Copyright 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Less known in the mainstream’s eye, Detroit DJ King David is nevertheless an interesting character on the Detroit scene. DJ King David has done a lot of mixtapes and collaborated with the greatest, including DJ Butter, The Streetlordz, Eminem and D12.
DJ King David fully represents the spirit of the streets of Detroit.
Schoolcraft And 6 Mile is built on harpsichord sounds, a track in which King David spits with force, telling the D the way it is. This song will make you discover the admirable fighter this artist actually is. DJ King David leaves no place for fakeness in the game.
Schoolcraft and 6 Mile is taken out of the Detroit Streets Volume VI.
Wanna Fuck You is an underground track I have been listening to for several years. The underground track, a song that is taken out of Strike s The Free World mixtape. It makes Eminem, Dina Rae , DJ King David and Strike shine. The luscious song is based on a rapid rhythm and has a good lyrical structure.
DJ King David truly deserves more attention from the public for his hard work. Check him out here.
Copyright © 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Haven t heard anything new from the Iron Fist leaders, but i hope that Proof s posthumous album will be out tomorrow…I can’t wait!

Los Angeles, CA (March 6, 2007) – Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) announced today the signing of multi-GRAMMY award winner, Academy Award winner, multi-platinum artist/songwriter/producer, Eminem, to an exclusive, worldwide administration agreement.
The deal encompasses tracks on Eminem’s multi-platinum greatest hits collection Curtain Call; the latest Shady Records offering, Eminem Presents: The Re-Up; songs co-written on 50 Cent’s – The Massacre; as well as the huge hit “Smack That” produced by Akon featuring Eminem; and new songs to be written by Eminem. The deal also includes a joint venture with Eminem’s publishing company, Shady Music Publishing, allowing Eminem and manager Paul Rosenberg to sign other writers and artists.
David Renzer, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group states, “Eminem is an icon for millions of music fans around the globe. His success as a writer and producer for both his own records as well as other artists continues to grow. We are honored that Eminem and his representatives have chosen Universal Music Publishing Group as their new home.”
As an artist, Eminem has received nine GRAMMY awards, including three for Best Rap Album (The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP, The Eminem Show); three for Best Rap Solo Performance (“My Name Is,” “The Real Slim Shady,” and “Lose Yourself”); one for Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group (“Forgot About Dre”); one for Best Rap Song (“Lose Yourself”); and one for Best Short Form Music Video (“Without Me”), which also earned him an Oscar. Eminem has released seven multi-platinum albums – six of which have reigned as the Billboard No. 1 Album, including 1999’s The Slim Shady LP, 2000’s Marshall Mathers LP, 2002’s The Eminem Show, 2004’s Encore, and 2005’s Curtain Call – The Hits. He has also has had a total of sixteen different songs in the Top 10 of various Billboard Charts, bringing him fifty-three Top 10 chart positions.
Marshall B. Mathers III, a.k.a. Eminem, a.k.a. Slim Shady, has made a name for himself as a rapper, record producer and actor. Mathers got his big break when his talents were discovered by pioneer rapper and producer Dr. Dre, who signed him to his Aftermath Entertainment label, becoming a crossover sensation with his debut single “My Name Is” and simultaneously earning respect for his technical and lyrical ability.
Eminem is noted for his ability to change his vocal pace and style multiple times within one song without losing the beat, and has been widely praised for his skill in alliteration and assonance. Mathers is also infamous for the controversy surrounding many of his lyrics.
The most recent release from Aftermath was a greatest hits album from Eminem called Curtain Call: The Hits in 2005, a compilation covering many of his previous commercial hit songs, in addition to three new tracks. Mathers has taken a focused interest in producing and writing with fellow Aftermath artists as well as 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records artists and rappers under his Shady Records label.
Most recently, on December 5, 2006, Shady Records released Eminem Presents The Re-Up, an album compiled in mixtape format that features Shady Records artists. Having sold over 70 million albums, Eminem is the best selling music artist of the decade so far.
About Universal Music Publishing Group With 47 offices in 41 countries worldwide, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) is part of the Universal Music Group. Owning or administering more than 1 million copyrights, UMPG’s writers and catalogs include: U2, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, 50 Cent, Dave Grohl, Prince, Mariah Carey, Jack Johnson, Ludacris, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Ice Cube, Ciara, Mary J. Blige, Wolfmother, Eminem, The Corrs, Brian McKnight, Beastie Boys, DMX, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Paul Simon, and the catalogue of Henry Mancini, among many others. For more information, visit: www.umusicpub.com.
# # #
UMPG Contact: Heather Brown, Dir. of Marketing and Communications
Ph: (310) 235-4870/ E-mail: heather.brown@umusic.com

Promoter seeks €1.5m over ‘exhausted’ star’s no-show
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
By Ann O’Loughlin
Superstar rapper Eminem will have to give evidence explaining the circumstances behind the cancellation of his sell-out gig at Slane in 2005.
A High Court judge in Dublin yesterday issued a request for the rapper to give testimony under oath.
The judge said that Eminem’s evidence was important and “possibly crucial” to a civil action before the High Court, with concert promoter MCD looking for €1.5m after three insurance companies failed to pay up when the rapper pulled out of his Slane gig.
Now Eminem will have to give evidence to a judge of the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan.
The testimony can then be used in the Irish action and read in to the record of the court.
The 80,000 tickets for the Slane Castle concert were sold out within an hour but, with just weeks to go to the September 17, 2005 gig , Eminem cancelled.
The gig was scheduled as part of Eminem’s ‘Anger Management’ European tour but was cancelled due to what his manager described as the rapper’s ” exhaustion”.
Mr Justice Peter Kelly yesterday issued the letter of request to the US District Court of the Eastern District of Michigan for the examination on oath of the star, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III.
But the judge refused an application to provide a guarantee that the testimony, when it is raised in the High Court here, will be heard in private.
The letter of request will go to the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and from there to the US Secretary of State before being transferred to the US court.
Mr Justice Kelly said it appeared that Eminem was not prepared to come to Ireland and be the subject of examination for the civil action before the High Court.
The judge said he had been asked to give a guarantee that Eminem’s testimony over his state of health would be in private.
The judge said it would be inappropriate and there was also a constitutional mandate that justice be administered in public.
To give such a guarantee would open the door to cases where a witness who found a matter to be personally embarrassing could apply for the public to be excluded from court.
Eminem’s testimony would be read into the record when it was opened in the proceedings, he said. The only guarantee the court could give was that the testimony would remain confidential until put in evidence.
The High Court action has been brought by MCD Productions Ltd against three London-based insurance companies – Liberty Syndicate Management Ltd, trading as Liberty Syndicates LIB44722 at Lloyds, Brit Insurance Ltd and Markel International Ltd.
In its claim before the Commercial Court, MCD says it was involved in the promotion of a concert to be performed by Eminem at Slane.. MCD says the sum of €1.5m is the maximum amount it can pursue the insurance companies for under the terms of an insurance contract. Alternatively, it is seeking damages for alleged breach of contract.
It says it entered into a contract with the defendant companies under which they agreed to indemnify it up to a stated limit should the gig be necessarily cancelled or relocated.

He puts his breath and passion into his rhyming art and his bright nickname will make you want to know more about the emcee from Ottawa, Canada.
The Light s raps will illuminate your space and transport you into a universe where genuine love for hip hop really matters.
Piston is a song that reflects a lot of enthusiasm. Based on light violins sounds and swinging drum beats, the song reveals an incredible and explosive lyricist. Have a look at what The Light can do:
« Watch it go back and forth like a piston/
Rhythm hitting the drum ripping the time is now to listen I’m spitting/
Tipping the scale shifting the world with a vision/
The decision’s set, impact rap collision/
BOOM! Explosive lyricist/
Augment the flow so it never diminishes/
My intent manifest leaving a dent/
My life in music has always been time well spent/
The precision when I hit the music sets us apart/
The art of the gift, The Light is bringing you from the dark/
Woes of foes increase as I spit the flows/
Sure don’t like nobody better than them that’s for sure/
Hating on me cause my aura’s brighter than theirs/
Asking for my raps like I’m gonna give ‘em my spares/
Fuck ‘em, focus my motives to keep the flow explosive
Corrosive when I spit acidic it closes in on you it encroaches/
Implosive is the thoughts in the mind when I spit its supported/
I keep my calm by being focused on my chosen lotus/ … »
Guitar sounds introduce Road Traveled. The Light’s song reveals the charms of a good narrator. You will get caught in the middle of his emotional story that enlightens a soul that is dedicated to the music.
I enjoyed the tender poetic ballad of a visionary lyricist.
Check The Light here.
Copyright © 2007 by Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved

Let me start by saying this was an interview of a lifetime, as a journalist and on a personal level. If this was my last interview, I would be totally satisfied. Sullee was above and beyond anything, I could have ever expected. I only hope, I am given another chance to interview him again, in his career! Recently, VH1 and Ego Trip released a new reality series “The (White) Rapper Show.” Although there were many mixed feelings about the show, because the title implies race issues. However, their mission is to discover the next great white rapper. From the first show, Serch and Prince Paul narrowed it down to the top 10 rappers that would compete. Ten rappers from all different backgrounds, compete for the grand prize of $100,000. Week after week, Serch and Prince Paul narrows it down to the best, of the best. All ten were good, but one was exceptional. A talented 22-year-old emcee, hailing from Boston–Sullee! From the start of the show, Sullee came prepared to show the world what he is made of. Sullee is an incredibally gifted writer. He is able to paint pictures of his childhood, with his lyrics. He has creative and powerful lyrical skills, his flow is remarkable and clearly undeniable to anyone who listens. For being so young, only 22, he has more talent, than most who have spent a lifetime in the business. I can only hope you enjoy his interview as much as I did! ~Donna Kshir
1.) Tell me a bit about yourself and your background?
I am 22 my name is Bobby Sullivan… I am from the South end of Boston then moved to Medford then Hingham all in MA…. I like cartoons (haha)… metal, hip hop, and R & B is what I listen to..
2.) What or who motivated you to become a rapper?
When I was young I always wanted to be in music, but hip hop always was callin’ my name… but my cousin told me when I was young that he thought I could do it and I always looked up to him he was a big hip hop influence in my life…
3.) Making it in the music business is a lot of hard work. What’s the biggest challenge you had to face?
I think being in the music business is hard enough.. the biggest challenge is probably just hearing everyone tell you, you will not make it and having to just go ahead anyway…
4.) Which artist, were you most pleased to work with and why? Joe Budden because he is one of my favorite artists…
5.) What motivated you to collaborate with each other?
We met through a mutual friend.
6.) Which artist haven’t you collaborated with yet, that you envision to work with in a close future and why? I would love to work with DMX, he is one of my favorite of all time..
7.) Which accomplishment are you the most proud of?
I am proud to have had a song on national radio and being able to stand out on The (White) Rapper Show…
8.) As a rapper, is there one rapper you pattern yourself after or do you have your own style?
I would say I have my own style, but you can definitely hear Joe Budden, DMX, Em, and lately a little Papoose (haha) he’s nice right now…
9.) What is your thoughts on the underground Hip Hop scene? It depends who it is.. I’m a huge Reef the lost cause fan, but for the most part I just need to hear the music… I dont care whether its underground or not.
10.) What is your thoughts on today’s mainstream Hip Hop artists and where do you see them taking Hip Hop, in the near future? I dont see todays artists for the most part bringing hip hop anywhere… I see it getting more and more dumbed down and honestly its loosing a lot of its ferocity… I love like 95 grimey Wu Tang sh*t… (hahahaha)
11.) If you could thank one person, for helping get you where you are today…Who would it be and why?
My father … he is the only one who ALWAYS believed in me!
12.) What motivated you to take part in the White Rapper Show?
I was told about it and I decided that it would be a great platform to show my skills.
13.) What is one valuable asset you walked away with, from The (White) Rapper Show? My Integrity, most definitely!
14.) After your experience, would you encourage others to take part in the second season of the White Rapper Show and why? Yea, but I would also tell them don’t let them play you because there is no coming back from that… look at John Brown, he is the Ghetto Revival kid that got a dildo in his face.. he can’t ever get away from that…
15.) I found you have creative and powerful lyrical skills, your flow is remarkable and clearly undeniable to anyone who listens. Would you agree with that statement and why? I would have to agree with that because if I dont believe in myself who’s gonna believe in me,(hahahaha) but thank you.
16.) Where do you see yourself in five years?
Hopefully selling records and touring… I love doing shows.
17.) If I had to describe myself, I would say. I’m a leader not a follower. How would you best describe yourself?
I’m the flyest whiteboy ever!!!! (hahaha)
18.) How much time daily, do you spend in the studio and what does an average day consist of… and do you have any projects in the works for 2007?
An average day for me is a whole bunch of myspace talking back and forth with fans then working out and then going to the studio or just writing by myself… I have a few projects coming out… 2 mixtapes (American Psyco, The Frustration of Middle America) and my album should be out soon too.
19.) In the beginning, as a journalist it was hard to have my talents recognized. Have you ever experienced that and how?
Always… people always want you to prove yourself and its funny because now I just tell them if they wanna hear me spit watch the show. (hahaha)
20.) If you could invite anyone to dinner tonight–dead or alive–who would it be and why?
If I could invite anyone to dinner it would have to be Steven Colbert, he is my dude. (hahaha)
For more information on Sullee, visit his my space account.
Copyright 2007 by Donna Kshir and Isabelle Esling
All Rights Reserved