Sean came clean about the meaning behind Halls Of Fame: Memoirs Of A Detroit Player recently. The G.O.O.D. Music rapper spoke to Hypebeast about his sophomore drop, which features production from Kanye West, No I.D. and KeY Wane.
“I feel like anybody who does what they love to do or is trying to do with their lives that works hard, they’re trying to get to their own hall of fame in they own way, you feel me?” he said.

TMZ is reporting that rapper Gucci Mane, real name Radric Davis, lost $270,000 in a lawsuit filed by a Georgia based jewelry company. The company sued the rapper for stealing diamonds. A&A Diamonds filed a lawsuit against the rapper in Henry County, GA claiming they had loaned Gucci Mane a $130,000 pinky ring, and a diamond necklace and bracelet that totaled $110,000. The lawsuit stated that Gucci had 15 days to pay for the jewelry or return it, and he did neither. He only paid the company $40,000 of the money they claim he owed.

The staff at Gutta World highlights 10 releases this year that we are personally excited about. And no, we’re not counting on “Detox” either.

After so many colorful releases in 2011, Hip Hop fans have a lot to look forward to in 2012. No, we’re not actually basing our hopes on Dr. Dre’s Detox or Jay Electronica’s elusive debut, the mythical merger of Nas and DJ Premier or the long-delayed complete reunion of Goodie Mob. Like any fan, we would love if any or all of those released before we purchased new calendars, but there are a plethora of albums already underway that have a ton of promise in making this year musical.

Younger artists who had powerful impact in ’11 as well as some “golden era” alumni keeping the hardcore alive are slated to make bold statements with their music this year, and the Gutta World staff sat down and compiled 10 releases that we can count on, and why we think they’ll make 2012 all the more exciting.

The Ecology by Fashawn

Few debut albums in recent memory were as potent and honest as Fashawn’s 2009 debut Boy Meets World. The independent release, produced entirely by Exile, helped rush the forefront of a West Coast renaissance of music coming from young emcees with wisdom well beyond their years. Late this summer, when the Fresno DXnext alum announced that he was going to uphold the formula with Ex on the boards, the Gutta World staff rejoiced. Expect colorful sample-driven sounds and common-man themes as the Young Santiago helps expand his legacy as one of the more resonant voices of this time. As Common, Talib Kweli and Mos Def all began as independent artists in the ’90s before reaching mainstream stature, Fash is another poised to have that kind of impact.

Trouble Man by T.I.

2010′s No Mercy felt like a rushed T.I. album, as the Grand Hustle founder was quickly recording as a free man before serving for his latest (and hopefully last) felonious brush with the law. Given Tip’s track record for every-other-album being outstanding (see Paper Trail and King), the album sharing a name with the Marvin Gaye hit sounds audiobiographical and brutally honest before it even nears roll-out. Hopefully the man who made Atlantic Records relevant to Rap music can go in and delicately walk that line with a mainstream-friendly album that still carries plenty of trappings.

The Kolexion by Bumpy Knuckles & DJ Premier

Dating back to O.C.’s Jewelz, Bumpy Knuckles and DJ Premier share a musical chemistry that reflects their strong personal bonds. Two “kings of the underground sound,” these masons of the East Coast Hip Hop sound have teamed up for a March album that’s fully collaborative. Whereas 2000′s Industry Shakedown was a mosiac from the likes of Pete Rock, Diamond D and The Alchemist, The Kolexion is a project the fans have been asking for and brings Premier back to one of the fiercest emcees of the Gang Starr Foundation glory years. We anticipate a mosaic of wisdom and aggression.

Live From The Underground by Big K.R.I.T.

Few artists have the ability to appeal to the streets and the college campuses as well as Meridian, Mississippi’s Big K.R.I.T. With two mixtapes that easily could have been albums held in the highest regard, the Cinematic/Def Jam emcee, like J. Cole has the ability to make an album entirely by himself that could change the face of Hip Hop. Given K.R.I.T.’s history of working with icons that influenced him such as 8Ball & MJG, Devin The Dude and Ludacris, even if that’s not the case, the expectations for this are high. Plus, with Sha Money XL (who made classic albums with 50 Cent and Game as G-Unit Records’ former President) having a strong hand in the project, this is an album that could prove to be another Def Jam southern game-changer in the line of debuts from Ludacris, Young Jeezy and Rick Ross.

Good Kid In A Mad City by Kendrick Lamar

After making the “album of 2011″ (according to us, anyway), Compton, California’s Kendrick Lamar is expected to go right back and drop another one. Good Kid In A Mad City, as its known now anyway, finds Jay Rock’s lil’ homie dealing with rumors of an Aftermath deal, Tech N9ne, Game, and Drake working with him, as well as a whole different place than he was in just a year ago. We hope the supporting cast is as obscure as they were last time (GLC, RZA, J. Cole, Terrace Martin), but that one of the smartest 24 year-olds you’ll ever meet has more anthems that carry Hip Hop out of its stupor.


God Forgives, I Don’t by Rick Ross

Few superstars have the ear for beats that Ricky Rozay possesses. Just as Teflon Don was one of the best-produced albums in recent years, we expect a refreshed (hopefully healthier) Rawss to make another gem. With the Maybach Music Group compilation and Wale’s sophomore LP being winners of 2011, this seems in the cards to one of the biggest voices and personalities in Rap since the 1980s. Moreover, like Drake and Lil Wayne, Rick’s guest-lists usually pack surprises that change lives, just ask Styles P.

R.A.P. Music by Killer Mike & El-P

Ten years ago, this collaboration would have sounded like a clunky April Fool’s joke. However, Company Flow-meets-Dungeon Family next year, as Brooklyn-meets-Adamsville. Mike Bigga and El-Producto have been at work on this album for years, and two of the smartest guys in Hip Hop music are expected to make joints that sound informed as well as experimental. Hopefully it puts each talent in front of audiences previously not exposed to their greatness. El-P’s track record with producing others’ albums (see Cage’s Hell’s Winter and Cannibal Ox’s The Cold Vein) is of the highest level. We are trying to get subs back in the trunk before this rolls out.

Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded by Nicki Minaj

The emcee with 2010′s “Verse of The Year” has proved herself to be one of Rap’s most animated lyricists since Busta Rhymes. While her debut, Pink Friday may have been guilty of trying to do too much, after strong appearances with Lil Wayne, Drake and Big Sean, Oneka is the one to watch in ’12. Mainstream Hip Hop fans should tune in to see this 2008 DXnext alum step in and give Lil Wayne a run for his millions as YMCM’s sharpest spitter.

The Make Believe Album by David Banner

2005 belonged to Houston. 2008 belonged to Detroit. 2012 may belong to Mississippi. The Magnolia State’s Hip Hop pioneer David Banner, along with K.R.I.T. may shake things up with brutal honesty over-top self-produced beats. After making ethery commentary on 2011′s “Swag” (an inclusion on The Make Believe Album), expect D.B. to come out vocally swinging. In late ’10, David brought out one of his strongest works to date in Death of A Pop Star. Now removed from the controls of SRC Records, this Rap veteran may do for ’12 what Killer Mike did for ’08.

Godfathers by Kool G. Rap & Necro

For years, Necro’s rhyme delivery has been compared to Kool G. Rap, and the Psycho Logical Records’ founder will proudly admit that the Juice Crew spitter is a deep influence. As not all G Rap works have sounded cohesive since Roots of Evil, hardcore Hip Hop fans can count on this merging of the musicians to sound grimier than New York in the 1970s. Meanwhile, this is a perfect vehicle for Necro to bring his brand of “Death Rap” and amazing sources for sounds back into the ears of common Hip Hop fans. As Riches, Royalty and Respect went under the radars of most, this is a perfect collaboration for two cult followed icons.

What albums are you most looking forward to in 2012?

J. Cole’s time on hip-hop’s sideline is almost over.

More than two years after being hand-picked by rap impresario Jay-Z as the first artist on the music mogul’s fledging Roc Nation imprint, the 26 year-old Cole hopes to repay his mentor’s faith in him when his long-awaited debut “Cole World: The Sideline Story” is released on September 27.

Thanks to the high-profile endorsement and several critically lauded free albums released online, Cole has established himself as a leading voice in a new generation of hip-hop talent that includes artists like Drake, Big Sean and Wale. The North Carolina-native told Reuters the album balances different styles and lyrical content that reflect his meticulous approach towards crafting music.

“Like some rappers have, on my debut I could have gone super commercial,” said Cole of the album, which features appearances by Drake, Missy Elliott, Trey Songz (who appears on the single “Can’t Get Enough”) and, of course, Jay-Z.

“I could have just filled the album with eight or nine potential singles and hope that some of them work. Or, I could have gone the other route and been super stubborn, using only the personal material and not even worry about selling any records. What I ended up doing was the perfect balance of both. I have a number of all of those styles; the personal, deep records that are almost tear-jerkers and the fun, carefree records and super lyrical songs.”

MENTORED BY JAY-Z

Cole began pursuing a career in hip-hop while attending college at St. John’s University in New York City. Eager to prove himself in 2007, he waited for Jay-Z outside a Manhattan studio for hours in hopes of passing a demo CD to the legendary Brooklyn emcee, who initially brushed him off.

But two years later, upon hearing the song “Lights Please” from Cole’s first mix tape “The Come Up,” Jay-Z made the young artist the centerpiece of his new Roc Nation venture, and Cole credits his boss for contributing to his growth as an artist.

“He gave me a long leash to try and figure this thing out, make mistakes along the way, do the right thing,” said Cole. “He was always there overseeing and looking over my project and giving me advice on what direction I could take.”

Cole said that for a six-month period, he would bring his mentor potential singles, play songs for him and try to prove his worth.

He said he learned not to wait before he had a full song to pitch, but to take Jay-Z ideas that could be fleshed out by working with the head man.


“You get advice just through conversation,” Cole said about their relationship. “It’s not always about music. It’s about personal stories that happened when he was coming up, like when he realized he was on another level, when his fan base changed and how he handled it.”

Jay-Z’s advice for dealing with fame should be particularly useful to Cole, who’s own celebrity status is on the rise.

Earlier this month, he had his first brush with the tabloids when rumours began to swirl that he recorded a sex tape with fellow Roc Nation artist Rihanna while serving as an opening act on the singer’s Loud tour. Cole quickly denied there was any tape.

Even with the new found attention and pressure of high expectations, Cole is confident his debut will satisfy both his fans and his critics.

“I just want to win for everybody,” he said. “I want to win for myself, I want to win for my fans, I want to win for Jay-Z and the label and my management. Even more than myself, I want everybody else — the fans and the people I’m in business with — to be rewarded. I want them to know that they were right and they were dealing with something special.”

★★★★★
Big Sean maybe new to a lot of people, but he has actually been around for a cool minute. Sean met Kanye West at a radio station in 2005 and left him his demo tape. Dropping mixtapes and remixes paid off as Kanye signed the Detroit native to his G.O.O.D Music record label in 2007. Four years later, the 23 year old dropped his debut album Finally Famous: The Album.

There are two things that can sum up the project: One, is the over packed guest appearances. Features from Chris Brown to Lupe Fiasco to Kanye West to Wiz Khalifa to Rick Ross is a little much. And the second being, he is in the Drake/Wiz Khalifa catalogue…a rapper singing. Not that it is a bad thing. But at times, it’s easy to forget who you are listening to.

But there’s no need to worry because the album has a lot to offer. From fresh beats to clever lyrics, the album is fitting for the summer. The lead single My Last, featuring Chris Brown, could be the song the people will recognize but there are plenty of other good ones as well. Marvin Gaye & Chardonnay, featuring Kanye West and Roscoe Dash, is one that will bang in the clubs for sure. Memories (Part II), featuring John Legend, is a cool track that has Sean reminisce about his past. While Livin This Dream has Sean talking about his flashy life with some assistance from The-Dream. Celebrity, featuring Dwele, might be the smoothest track of them all. This in part has to do with Chicago producer No I.D. as he is responsible for producing half of the album. Others include The Neptunes, The Legendary Traxters, Mike Dean, Tricky Stewart, Boi-1da, and Exile just to name a few. Needless to say, there are plenty of beats to choose from. This alone makes the album a great listen.

However, there are some negative spots on the album as well. Songs like I Do It, Dance(A$$), and High are either forced or flat out corny. But thankfully, it’s only a small list. With a boost from top beatmakers and a major league guest lineup, the album is solid. It’s rare that a new artist gets this much for his debut album. But Sean takes advantage of it and delivers. Only question now is: What will be in stores for his next album? But being in a roster like G.O.O.D Music, there’s no need to worry.

Standout Tracks: “My Last”, “Livin This Life”, “Celebrity”

On Tuesday night (June 7), the Hip-Hop industry gathered to get a preview of the highly anticipated Big Sean album Finally Famous. The night was filled with compliments words of advice for the rapper and of course G.O.O.D. Music.

The event was held in the Highline Room at the Standard Hotel, with many big names in the game in attendance including Swizz Beatz, DJ Khaled, Pusha T, Joe Budden, Kid Cudi, and Kanye West.

The event started off with Sean taking the stage and speaking to everyone about the album and about his journey. He thanked everyone from his friends and family to his fans for all their support. As he was delivering his speech he became teary-eyed.

“I’m not no bitch or nothing, man; this is a real moment,” said Sean as he collected himself.

Sean began to play Finally Famous in its entirety, occasionally rapping along with the songs. From the reviews that have been coming in since Tuesday, some songs really stand out from the rest. All and all the feedback has been mostly positive.

After the album ended, G.O.O.D Music founder Kanye West, who showed up late, gave an excuse for his tardiness. “I apologize I was a little bit late, I had a throne to watch.”

West went on to talk about Sean and his amazing journey. “I believe Sean’s story is one of the most amazing ever, because he literally got signed off a freestyle,” said Yeezy.

“To now, and I say it all the time, having the potential to be one of the biggest artists in the world. I feel like he can be like what Beyonce is to R&B, that he can be that to rap music. As far as G.O.O.D. Music go, the swag is just all the way up, this is what we do to the fullest!”

Finally Famous will be in stores on June 28 and below is the official tracklist:

Intro
“I Do It”
“My Last” (ft. Chris Brown)
“Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”
“Wait for Me” (ft. Lupe Fiasco)
“Marvin & Chardonnay” (ft. Kanye West & Roscoe Dash)
“Dance (A$$)”
“Get It (DT)” (ft. Pharrell)
“Memories, Part 2″ (ft. John Legend)
“High” (ft. Wiz Khalifa & Chiddy Bang)
“Live This Life” (ft. The-Dream)
“So Much More”
“What Goes Around” [Bonus]
“Celebrity” (ft. Dwele) [Bonus]
“My House” [Bonus]
“100 Keys” (ft. Rick Ross & Pusha T) [Bonus]