NEWS

When Rappers Break Up With Their Producers

Clipse can still rap their asses off, but there is something noticeably missing from the new Clipse Presents: The Re-Up Gang album, which dropped today. That something? Good beats. You see, we fucking love Pusha T and Malice over Neptunes production. But over Sleepwalkers (very apt name, btw) tracks? Eh…not so much.

Which got us thinking: this isn’t the first time a rap act has carved out a dope sound with a certain producer and then parted ways to dismal effect. After the jump, check out our compilation of those rappers and their respective before/after track records.

Johnny Cash Goes Hip-Hop On Remix Album

As if the ridiculous number of posthumous Biggie and Tupac albums wasn’t enough, country music icon Johnny Cash is now next in line for a makeover.

An upcoming compilation called Johnny Cash Remixed will feature production by Snoop Dogg’s supergroup QDT (including Teddy Riley and DJ Quik), along with Pete Rock and rockers like Alabama 3, the British band behind The Sopranos theme. Snoop has already paid tribute to Cash on his current single “My Medicine,” so it’s only right that he will be covering his biggest hit, “Walk The Line,” for the compilation, which is due out on October 14. Watch a video that shows how the album was made below.

Problem’s Remix Gets The Whole West Coast Toe Up

left to right: Problem, DJ Quik & Terrace Martin

You might not be familiar with Compton rapper Problem yet, but you’ve probably heard his words. This newcomer has been ghostwriting lyrics for a minute, including work for Snoop Dogg like “Neva Hav 2 Worry” from his latest album Ego Trippin’. But after his single “I’m Toe Up” (original dirty version: “I’m Fucked Up”) started banging on West Coast radio and in the Cali clubs, he recently signed a solo deal with Universal Republic.

To celebrate the signing, some of his big name homies hopped on the remix to his hit single—DJ Quik, Kurupt, Terrace Martin, Snoop Dogg and DJ Felli Fel all pop up on the track. Check out Problem’s myspace and listen to remix after the jump.

Snoop Dogg Likes Gadgets Almost As Much As Weed

We heard that Snoop loved video games, but we had no idea what a “gadget hound” he was. The fact that he has three cellphones isn’t all that shocking, it’s that they’re all different that’s puzzling. For us, the Pearl was hard enough to master, but Snoop rocks an iPhone, Blackberry, and Sidekick. Check out the interview and see what other gizmos the Doggfather covets.

[Switched]