Episode #118

Posted in Blog, Updates by mrjellybeanz | Tags: mr jelly beanz, mrjellybeanz Mini-Episode till the next full show next week! Featuring music from Big Tone, HISD, Little Brother and more! Get at us anytime at facebook.com/hoodhype or twitter.com/hoodhype!

Nelly Confirms Guest Artists P. Diddy, Akon and Plies on Upcoming Album

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Exclusive SoJones Interview with Nelly

“The only dudes moving units is Em, Pimp Juice and us” – Jay-Z “Excuse Me Miss”

You know you’re doing something right when a legend in the game calls you out for being on the same level as him. Cornell Haynes, Jr. aka “Pimp Juice” but better known as Nelly, has certainly been doing something right for the first ten years of the millennium.

The rapper from St. Louis became one of the most popular and best selling artists of his time off the strength of catchy hooks and sing song rhymes. His debut album, Country Grammar, was certified 9x platinum by the RIAA as of April, 2004 and featured countless hits like “E.I.” and “Ride Wit Me”. He followed it up with the 6x platinum Nellyville, the platinum Da Derrty Versions: The Reinvention, and the 5x platinum Sweat and Suit.

After a four year hiatus from music he returned in 2008 to a mild reception with Brass Knuckles. However if history tells us anything about Nelly we should never count him out. He looks to prove that out with his highly anticipated album, Nelly 5.0, to be released later this year. In SoJones’ exclusive interview, the man himself confirms that collaborations with P. Diddy, Akon and Plies will be featured on Nelly 5.0.

The music accolades seem like quite enough, but not for the St. Louis star as he parlayed his music career into a marketing platform to become one of hip hop’s most successful businessmen: his energy drink Pimp Juice, his co-ownership in the Charlotte Bobcats and of course his most successful non-music venture, womenswear line Apple Bottoms.

He’s also done endorsements for some of the most popular and famous brands in the world including Nike, Reebok, Got Milk, and the Ford Motor Company.

But it’s not all about money with Nelly. The rapper known for making big hits is also known for having a big heart. He founded the non-profit organization 4Sho4Kids Foundation, dedicated to improving the life of children born with developmental disabilities.  He also turned a personal tragedy into a nationwide bone marrow drive via Jes Us 4 Jackie.

For 2010 Nelly has been gearing up for a big year for himself and his projects. As of late he’s been on a store appearance tour around the US to promote his charities and the pre-fall and fall collections for Apple Bottoms.

He’s confirmed the juniors line he co-founded in 2002 is continuing its expansion into the lifestyle brand formula with Apple Bottoms bedding, optical wear and new fragrances.  See the SoJones video above for more on all things Nelly.

Episode #117

Posted in Blog, Updates by mrjellybeanz | Tags: mr jelly beanz, mrjellybeanz Were finally back at it with some giveaways, having a good time and as always spinning some GREAT music!

Rodrick Rainey Presents: Style 101 With Wiz Khalifa

Posted in Blog, Featured, Updates by mrjellybeanz | Tags: mr jelly beanz, mrjellybeanz

SoJones founder, Rodrick Rainey got the chance to interview one of hip hop’s biggest names: Wiz Khalifa.  The rapper, who just released his mixtape “Kush and Orange Juice” last April, shared his views of style down to the details.  Turns out that the Pittsburgh-Pennsylvania rapper isn’t too picky when it comes to clothes, he shops basically anywhere.

“A lot of boutique would be like ‘Yo Wiz, come through, shop here and get some clothes’, so sometimes they just give me sh*t”

Aside from the perks of being a popular rapper, Wiz also highlighted some of the labels near and dear to himself such as The Hundreds, Crooks and Castles, Upper Playground, Juggernaut, Motivation, Time Bomb and surprisingly many more.  And despite his hip appearance, Wiz is apparently the classic one when it comes to kicks:

“My favorite shoes of all time is Chuck’s of course.”

Wiz Khalifa is not only about shoes, he’s also a tattoo guy and right on his left leg peeks a Mutant Ninja Turtle.

“It’s Donatello, man.  That’s the brain of the operation, dude.”

Check the video for the full interview. Meanwhile, in recent Wiz Khalifa news, the star stated that he was working on a new album but he had not yet decided on a label to distribute it and is weighing his options. Wiz will also be performing at the 2010 Rock the Bells festival, along with fellow famous faces in hip hop: Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, A Tribe Called Quest, Rakim, KRS-One, Jedi Mind Tricks and Slick Rick.

And to pull a true Wiz Khalifa style, here are SoJones’ recommendations from some of the rapper’s favorite brands, all available at Karmaloop:

Crooks & Castles Chain C Cap, $44

Upper Playground Estevan Oriol LA Fingers Tee, $24

Crooks and Castles Banger Fit Beretta Pants, $79

Nike Jordan Retro 1 Hi, $104