Ya Heard: Jay says ‘Blueprint 3’ on the way

Dennis Winn/Columnist
Published: August 14, 2008

"Here is the test to find whether your mission on Earth is finished: if you're alive, it isn't."

—Richard Bach

While making an appearance at Kanye West's Glow in the Dark Tour, the Jigga man revealed he's begun recording "Blueprint 3."

Jay said, "I have three records, but I don't want to talk about them yet. They may not make the album. But there's one joint that's undeniable. You'll know it when you hear it."

Virginia's best-known producer, Timbaland, told MTV, "[Jay-Z] wants me to do the whole thing this time around. I'mma make it a classic, too. You better believe it. It'll be a monster! I always say this: You get a first single from me, I'mma get you up to gold. And it's hard to get you up to gold in this day [and age]."

That statement led many to believe Tim was producing the whole album. Jay responded when he appeared on Shade 45's morning show. "That was a little premature," he said. "It's business. I gotta make the best product; it doesn't depend on anyone's feelings, we're in there to do a job. We gotta put our feelings aside." (Translation: Timbo, pump the brakes.)

The "Blueprint 3" album represents Jay's 11th solo album and his last contrac-tual obligation to Def Jam Records—making way to begin work on his $100 million-plus recording deal with concert-series company Live Nation.

In the deal, Live Nation provides $5 million annually for the first five years (covering overhead costs of Jay's new label, Roc Nation), another $25 million for Jay's external acquisitions, investments, and sponsorships, $10 million per album for the three-album deal and another $20 million for rights, like publishing and licensing. … Whew, take a breath with me.

Now after doing the math on all of that, the streets have been buzzing about a deal-breaking rift between the two parties. Jay attempted to dispel those rumors. "That's silly," he said. "The numbers are public. I just went out on two tours and made a ton of money. I mean, c'mon."

I don't know, that sounded a little shaky to me, but hey, the man said it's all good.

"Will he ever fall off? Nooo." Nevertheless, Jay-Z continues to solidify his legacy as, if not the greatest emcee of all time, then, definitely the most important.

KANYE EXPANDS EMPIRE

Kanye West's KW Foods, LLC, has gotten rights to develop 10 Fatburger restaurants in the Chicago area. Crain Business reported the first of these will be a 2,352-square-foot, 74-seat restaurant located at 15110 S. La Grange Rd.

Who knew right? Kanye has obviously been paying attention to his "big brother" and is wisely turning his riches into wealth. While not on the same scale as Jay-Z's 40/40 sports bars popping up in major cities across the country, Kanye's Fatburgers seem to be another surefire path to more fat pockets.

KW Foods, LLC, follows the growing trend of hip-hop artists turning music into solid side hustles. It used to be the norm to invest hip-hop dollars into products like alcohol, rims or grills, however, artists are beginning to realize the benefits of investing in stable markets.

Last year, 50 Cent was reported to have made $400 million, as a 10-percent owner of Vitamin-Water, when Coca-Cola bought the popular beverage for an estimated $4 billion in cash. Sean "Diddy" Combs has been very successful in the fashion industry with his Sean Jean line and best-selling fragrances.

It looks like hip-hop's affiliation with corporate America is rubbing off in a good way.

BEATS ON THE SOUTHERN STREETS

The third annual Ozone Awards (better known as the Southern Street Grammy) went to Houston last weekend. The show was solid, despite moments like Mike Jones and Trae throwing blows backstage or a rumored scuffle between the crews of Rick Ross and DJ Vlad.

One of the best moments came when Bun B, Too Short, Eightball, David Banner, Big Boi, Lil' Boosie and others performed verses of the late Pimp C. Pimp C, one half of UGK, passed away in his sleep late last year, and his colleagues made sure his presence was still felt in his home state.

Some notable winners include:

Best rap album: Rick Ross, "Trilla"

Best rap artist: Lil Wayne

Best R&B artist: Chris Brow

Best rap group: UGK

Best lyricist: Lil Wayne

Living Legend Award: J Prince

WHAT?!?

Check this story out: A Wisconsin man, by the name of Ryan Domencio, received felony charges after brutally beating a man who made negative remarks about the late, great Tupac Shakur.

Milwaukee radio station WTMJ reported that a man was sitting at a bar when a Tupac song played on the jukebox, whereupon, the man express his dislike for the deceased star. The 28-year-old Domencio overheard the comments, and insisted the man retract his words. This ex-change led Domencio to hit the man with a glass, and then proceed to pummel him.

Now, verbal arguments such as this take place everyday. There were obviously other factors that led to the assault … like the fact the incident happened at a bar, maybe?

Anyway, the story is still worth hearing. R.I.P Pac!!!

HIP HOP TRIVIA

Name all the members of the legendary Geto Boys.

Be the fourth person to send me an e-mail with the correct answer and receive two free AMC movie tickets courtesy of the Potomac News and Manassas Journal Messenger. … Until next week, peace!

Dennis Winn can be reached at 703-200-4928 or .