The Hip Hop Report
Episode 31: YEAR END RAP UP 2007

Video Transcript:

HIP HOP REPORT
Episode #31: YEAR END RAP UP 2007


Coming up on this episode of the Hip Hop Report…we’ll take a look back at 2007 and those who scored big in the world of hip hop. We’ll also highlight some of the biggest news stories in rap and pay tribute to the late Pimp C of UGK all that and more coming up next on the Hip Hop Report.

2007 got off to a good start in February when Ludacris, T.I., Chamillionaire, and Krayzie Bone all picked up Grammy’s. Luda, T.I., Kanye West and 50 Cent are amongst the few that managed to achieve platinum album status despite this year’s declining rap sales.

A lot of newcomers to the rap game also had a glowing year. Hurricane Chris’ debut A Bay Bay became everyone’s guilty pleasure and the Shop Boys had ya Partyin’ Like A Rock Star. T-Pain appeared on the music charts at least a dozen times for his own songs as well as guest appearances on other people’s hit records. He’s also been named the ring tone king of 2007 with over 2.5 million ring tones sold. Soulja Boy is another rapper who made some noise with his debut Crank That Soulja Boy. That song set off a dance craze and the video received over 23 million views on the Internet. Whoa! Let’s check it out!

MUSIC VIDEO: CRANK THAT SOULJA BOY – SOULJA BOY

We’re recappin and rappin up 2007….Grandmaster Flash and The Furious 5 made hip hop history this year by becoming the first hip hop group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Also making history this year was Jay Z. His American Gangster CD debut at #1 making it his 10th album to debut at #1, tying with Rock and Roll legend Elvis Presley.

2007 also came with some controversial drama as well….
Radio Shock Jock Don Imus caused quit a stir when he made racial remarks about the Rutger’s University Women’s Basketball team. He was temporarily fired and community leaders and public figures started coming down on rap music, calling for rappers to clean up their lyrics.

In 2007 we also witnessed a playful battle with 2 of rap’s icons:

Tremendous hype surrounded the releases of 50 Cent and Kanye’s latest albums. The two-mega rap stars faced off on September 11th to see who would achieve the highest CD sales in its first week. 50 threatened to retire if his rival won the friendly competition. Kanye took home the win with 957,000 copies and the top spot on Billboard’s Top 200 charts while 50 came in at 691,000 sales and landed the #2 spot on the charts. If 50 really plans to retire after his defeat will his forthcoming CD “Before I Self Destruct” be his last? We’ll shall see…..

Atlanta rapper T.I. ‘s year started out with a bang! He picked up a couple of Grammy’s, his CD T.I. vs. TIP went platinum and he appeared along side Academy Award winning actors Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in the blockbuster film American Gangster. Unfortunately, things turned sour when he was arrested on federal gun charges hours before he was scheduled to perform at the BET Hip Hop Awards. T.I. is currently on house arrest awaiting trial. Reportedly, he’s staying productive by working on his next album Paper Trail scheduled to drop September 2008.

UGK tribute

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Houston rapper Chad Pimp C Butler. On December 4rd, 2007 Pimp C of rap duo UGK was found dead in a Los Angeles Hotel room. At press time, no details as to cause of his death but some speculate it may be of natural causes. UGK aka Underground Kings consisted of Pimp C and Bun B. The two met up in high school and signed with Jive Records in 1992. They’ve released 8 albums and help cement a place in hip hop for southern rap music. Their latest self-titled double CD debuted at #1 on the album pop chart making it their highest career achievement to date. Earlier this year, Pimp C released a solo album titled Pimpalation that sold over 200k copies. Reportedly, he was in Los Angeles working on his forthcoming solo album. Lets check out the latest videos from UGK on the hip hop report.

MUSIC VIDEO: INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS - UGK
MUSIC VIDEO: THE GAME BELONGS TO ME - UGK

RIP Pimp C



Hot projects to look for in 2008: All release dates subject to change.

Ja Rule’s – The Mirror – January 2008
Eve’s - Here I Am January 2008
Lil Wayne’s - The Carter III Feb 2008
Snoop’s Ego Trippin – March 2008
50 Cent’s – Before I Self Destruct March 2008
T.I.’s – Paper Trail – September 2008


Rumor is super producin’ icon Dr. Dre is finally gonna release his long awaited and highly anticipated “Detox” album which he says will be his last album. We’ll we’re waiting….

Be sure to check us out on the web at www.hiphopreport.net

That’s it for this episode of the hip hop report. Join us in 2008 for more news, more drama and all things hip hop Peace.