Rihanna Covers The Fader For Their 100th Issue

Rihanna is featured on the second cover from The Fader this month. The Fader already unveiled a huge cover for their 100th issue, with Drake picking his teeth with a toothpick on the celebratory issue. However they've just now unveiled a second cover, with an equally big much bigger star- Rihanna. RiRi looks back at us as she takes her own photo for The Fader's new cover, rocking a baby pink outfit. In other photographs from Fader's shoot, Rihanna lounges while smoking on a blunt. Take a look at a few of the photos above. Read the full cover story here-- although don't expect much in the way of Q&A, as Rihanna apparently only granted them five questions to ask, via e-mail at that. You can scoop up your own copy of The Fader's 100th issue on October 27th.

Mase Hit With A Tax Lien

Mase was hit with a federal tax lien of $12,036.51. It's definitely a familiar story, at this point you could insert many a rapper name into this headline and the result would be similar. Today the latest hip-hop artist to be targeted by Uncle Sam is none other than pastor Mase. The Jasmine Brand reports that the documents were filed in Georgia which accuse the Harlem spitter of neglecting to pay his taxes for the year 2010, resulting in $12,036.51 tax lien. Mase hasn't been having the best of luck this past year, when it comes to finances. You may recall he was sued by a model when he used her photograph without her permission for one of his song's cover art, resulting in a $7,500 judgement. On top of that, he divorced his long-time wife, and so now he's supporting her with $6,000/month.

"Ordained" Cover Released By Z aka Zeus

"Ordained" Cover Released By Z aka Zeus Earlier in the week we recieved notice that artist Z aka Zeus is releasing a prequal to "The L" known as "Ordained"! Mainly self produced by Z under his beat alias "VI$A". With a geust production by fellow 615 producer SpaceBaby.Weve received the Ordained cover and its said itll b e released by the end of October! Check out the cover below and let us know what you think in the comments:

Kanye West Brings Out Jeezy & Kid Cudi For "808s & Heartbreak" Show, Experiences Technical Difficulties

Kanye West brought out Kid Cudi, Jeezy & Mr. Hudson for "808s & Heartbreak" show in L.A., but the performance was met with technical difficulties. Last night (Sept. 25), Kanye West performed 1 of 2 "808s & Heartbreak" shows at the Hollywood Bowl. It's been nearly 7 years since 'Ye released his 4th studio album, which is now hailed as one of the most game-changing hip-hop releases of the past decade. For his back to back shows in L.A., West wanted to perform the album front-to-back. He attempted to do just that on night 1, though, unfortunately, the performance proceeded more as a "dress rehearsal" than a seamless rendition of the album. TMZ reports that the first half of the show was a success, before 'Ye started running into some technical problems. They shared a recording of "See You In My Nightmares," during which Kanye repeatedly says, "stop the track." Apparently, before he restarted the song, he told the audience, "This is the best dress rehearsal I've ever had."

Jahlil Beats Says Drake & Meek Mill's Beef Might Not Be Over

Jahlil Beats say the Drake / Meek Mill beef might not be over. Though the beef between Drake and Meek Mill barely lasted a couple of weeks, it was by far the most sensational event to happen in hip-hop all year. It's now two months after Meek Mill's Twitter fingers ran wild, and we thought the beef was long over with. Not so fast, says Jahlil Beats, who produced Meek's one and only diss track, "Wanna Know." Jahlil was the latest guest on CBS Radio's Play.it podcast, and, of course, he was grilled about the beef in which he was an indirect participant. First off, he alluded that Drake may not have had the last word with "Back to Back." "I don't think it's over," said Jahlil, "I know Meek Mill. This is the first real beef in the social media age. Two top artists. Meek is coming off a number one album. Drake been accomplishing so much." He also detailed the recording process behind "Wanna Know" and his sampling of The Undertaker's theme music, which ended up getting him and Meek into some trouble with the WWE. "I just thought sampling something like that would be a movie. It was like the entrance. It came from left field. I don't think people would even imagine him coming back to a beat like that. I knew it would throw people off." Well, "Wanna Know" certainly threw off most of you HNHH users, and not in a good way. Do y'all really think Meek will come back with another diss record? Is it too late at this point? Hasn't he learned?? Or, perhaps, now that he's had some downtime, he can really bring that heat.

Rich Homie Quan Being Investigated By Child Protective Services For Smoking In Front Of His Baby Boy

Rich Homie Quan is being investigated by Child Protective Services for allegedly smoking a blunt in front of his baby boy. Rich Homie Quan has made some rather questionable choices in his past prior to thinking them all the way through, like spitting bars about raping women, but what he’s making headlines for today should definitely count as another “doh” moment of his. TMZ reports that Child Protective Service and the Fulton County Police Department have teamed up to investigate Rich Homie Quan after he posted a clip on snapchat of himself puffing on what looks to be a blunt with his 1-year old baby boy sitting on his lap. Sources say that Child Protective Services wants to sit down with Quan and ask him a slew of questions, more specifically what was he smoking? They also reportedly want to know if this was a one-time situation or his standard operating procedure. If this were to go terribly South for Quan, he could face possible criminal charges, including endangering a child and reckless behavior.

Drake Speaks On Quentin Miller's Reference Tracks & Beating Meek Mill With "Back To Back"

Drake acknowledges Quentin Miller's reference tracks and details his process in putting a quick end to his beef with Meek Mill. With the FADER 100 issue, Drake has given his first interview since early 2014. As he hasn't spoken to the media during a time when the media wants him most, the new issue finally lets fans hear Drizzy touch on some controversial topics that have surrounded him for much of the summer. Even though he dealt with said controversies about as well as he could have, most of us still have a few tough questions that we want to direct at the "6 God." First -- we get that music is a collaborative process, but why the Quentin Miller-rapped reference tracks, which sounded much like what ended up on If You're Reading This Its Too Late? Drake's response: "I need, sometimes, individuals to spark an idea so that I can take off running. I don't mind that. And those recordings—they are what they are. And you can use your own judgment on what they mean to you." When asked about the context in which he asked for Miller's reference tracks, he responded, "There's not necessarily a context to them. And I don't know if I'm really here to even clarify it for you." Okay, well, truthfully, we didn't expect a straight answer... Drake went on to say that the ghostwriting accusations led to a necessary debate about what qualifies as authentic in hip-hop today and that he was happy to take the heat and be the impetus that drove that discussion. "If I have to be the vessel for this conversation to be brought up—you know, God forbid we start talking about writing and references and who takes what from where—I'm OK with it being me." He also talked about his state of mind soon after Meek Mill made the initial accusations and why he decided to come out of the gates with two consecutive diss tracks. "This is a discussion about music, and no one’s putting forth any music? Nobody told you that this was a bad idea, to engage in this and not have something?...I just didn't understand. I didn't understand because that's just not how we operate." He then spoke on how he knew "Back to Back" had to be the dagger in the short-lived beef. "I was like, 'I'm gonna probably just finish this.' And I know how I have to finish it. This has to literally become the song that people want to hear every single night, and it's gonna be tough to exist during this summer when everybody wants to hear [this] song that isn't necessarily in your favor." Think it's been a tough summer for Meek?

Stream Big Boi & Phantogram's Collaborative EP "Big Grams"

Stream Big Boi & Phantogram's new joint EP "Big Grams." The time has come. Big Boi’s & Phantogram’s new collaborative project, Big Grams, is officially out on iTunes. Deeper than your typical project, each of the 7 tracks on the project are intended to be paired with one of the seven deadly sins, which includes lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride. “The Seven Deadly Sins, also known as the Cardinal Sins, are the most severe, immortal acts that poor, fallen man can commit. WRATH, GREED, SLOTH, PRIDE, LUST, ENVY, and GLUTTONY are the transgressions that almost certainly guarantee the eternal doom of a soul.” However, what is these character flaws were celebrated, rather than condemned? That’s the idea and concept behind this new project from Big Grams. Lead by the previously heard “Fell In The Sun,” Lights On”, & “Goldmine Junkie” records, Big Grams features guest appearances from Skrillex & Run The Jewels.

Rapper Z aka Zeus Prepares To Drop New Mixtape

Rapper Z aka Zeus Prepares To Drop New Mixtape Ltown nat¬¬ive Z aka Zeus prepares to drop a new mixtape "Ordained" a six song LP to be released to Itunes & Spotify following the release of banger "Powder"! With this¬¬ being the first release under the label "Official Vizion", Z makes a strong stance on the scene! Check out the tracklist below: 1. Southern Pimpin (Prod. By. VI$A) 2. South District (Prod. By. VI$A) 3. Puttin In Work ft.Crixus (Prod. By. VI$A) 4. Fa Real Tho (Prod. By. VI$A) 5. Powder (Prod. By. SpaceBaby) 6. Swish (Prod. By. VI$A)

Stream Fetty Wap’s Self-Titled Debut Album

Listen to Fetty Wap's self-titled debut album in its entirety before it drops officially on Friday. There’s no denying the success New Jersey sensation, Fetty Wap, has encountered over the course of this past year. From being a "one-hit" wonder with “Trap Queen” to owning multiple hits on the airwaves & charts (“My Way” & “679”), Fetty has rolled out one of the most impressive runs & come-ups in the industry’s history. So now after months of anticipating his debut album, the wait is finally over. Due out officially in about 24 hours (9/25), Fetty Wap’s self-titled debut album is now being streamed in its entirety ahead of time on NPR Music (see below). Laced with 20 records, many of which we’ve already heard, Fetty Wap will feature guest appearances from only his fellow Remy Boyz Monty & M80, leaving the big-name features for another time. The album will of course contain his chart-topping singles “Trap Queen,” “My Way,” & “679” to name just a few.

CeeLo Green Reveals Album Cover For “Heart Blanche”

Peep the cover art for CeeLo Green's upcoming album "Heart Blanche." With his upcoming album, Heart Blanche, set to arrive November 13, CeeLo Green decided to take to social media on Tuesday afternoon and reveal its album cover. Posted via Twitter, the cover art finds Cee Lo sitting in a chair covered from head to toe in flowers, while a little child sits next to him staring up at him in confusion. The album, which is led by the single “Music In My Soul,” will serve as CeeLo's first album since 2012’s CeeLo's Magic Moment. Cee Lo has reportedly been in the studio with Mark Ronson, Charlie Puth, Eg White, Wallpaper, and John Hill working on the album. Here’s what he had to say about it, “The album is entitled Heart Blanche to imply that this record is a renaissance, and the variety are vital signs of a healthy heart.” - CeeLo

The Game Advices Slim Jesus To Be Careful; Says "He's Gonna Get His Ass Smoked”

The Game opens up about the internet's Slim Jesus, says "he's gonna get his ass smoked." Slim Jesus, a scrawny 19-year old white rapper from Hamilton, Ohio, took the internet by storm a few weeks back when he released “Drill Time,” a video that finds him flaunting guns, promoting street violence, & even referencing killing people. Since the release of this awkward video (which you can watch here), Slim Jesus has been the topic of several conversations across the industry, and earlier this week The Game, someone who knows a thing or two ‘bout that lifestyle, was asked to his voice his opinion on the new rapper. Speaking briefly with Complex, The Game says he original thought Slim Jesus was cool & dope. He says "I thought it was dope. I was like, 'Shit, there's a White boy with fucking guns and he's ready to fucking kill shit." However, once The Game found out Slim Jesus wasn’t really about that lifestyle, as he explained to Vlad TV in a following interview, his opinion of him quickly changed. The Game says he worries that video might come back to haunt him. "I think that Slim Jesus either really better be fucking killing or he's gonna get his ass smoked," The Game says. "I worry about kids these days rapping about things that they're not really about." Later, The Game went on to say that Slim’s in a tricky situation that could turn south. The game advises when playing those type of games in the streets, lives could be lost, so tread lightly. "Sometimes I think it's sad because lives can be lost when playing those games," The Game says. "Be careful, Slim Jesus."

ASAP Rocky Is Releasing A Limited Edition Chain With Virgin Mega

ASAP Rocky is partnering with Virgin Mega to release a limited edition A.L.L.A. Access Chain, in anticipation of his "Worldwide" tour. ASAP Rocky and Tyler, The Creator's joint tour is definitely an affair fans will not want to miss, even more so when you throw Vince Staples and Danny Brown into the mix. If ever we needed to say 'lituation,' this would probably be it. In anticipation of the tour, which kicks off on September 19th in Lowell, MA, Rocky has teamed up with Virgin Mega for an limited edition chain. Virgin Mega basically partners with brands to bring users that exclusive shit, and their latest collaboration is the "A.L.L.A Access Chain." The chain's design pays homage to Rocky's NYC roots, with a version of the 1970 MTA subway token hanging from a bronze chain, as well as a 2015 version of the token. Each piece of jewlery was cast in bronze by Gabriel Urist. The chains will set you back $95 a piece, and in order to cop one, you need to download the Virgin Mega app and begin waiting in a virtual line. Downloading the app reserves you a spot in line, and at 4 PM on September 25th, fans will have one hour to improve their spot in the virtual line in the hope of copping a chain. You can improve your spot in the line by answering questions about the rapper, engaging with other fans in line, and engaging with Virgin Mega's DJ. One lucky winner will also get tickets to the tour, at the show of his/her choice.

Yelawolf Announces New Album Title

Yelawolf reveals the title to his third studio album in a new Facebook post. Not even five months removed from his Love Story LP, and Yelawolf is already turning his focus onto his next album. Jumping on Facebook today, Yelawolf decided to open up to his fans about his current state of mind and in the process he ended up revealing the title to his third studio album, Trail By Fire. Here’s what Yelawolf had to say on FB, "It’s been a crazy week. So much energy around me at all times. I’ve found peace and quite for most of my life at grave yards .. My Maw Maw used to take me .. We would just walk around and read stones … I write a lot of records here .. Today I wrote a record for @leebrice and I here .. Called “Violin” … We’re supposed to be in the studio this evening .. Time to push all aside and get these ideas recorded .. Songs are like a passing speck of dust in the wind … If you don’t grab it and contain it .. It’ll be gone forever. With all my growth .. I can say returning to my roots has been the greatest blessing. Sharing that with what hip hop brought to my life … I’m forever grateful .. ” Trial By Fire ” will be the title for my next album … Sharing this with you all today … Right now …. Cause who knows really … But I’m mentally ready to begin the next album … And the journey starts today. @shadyrecords INTERSCOPE ‪#‎slumerican @fefedobsonofficial @kleversworld @bonesowens @spidysmith @jdotjones @rosenberg" - Yelawolf No word yet as for when Trail By Fire will arrive, but it looks like it’s definitely in the works. We’ll keep you posted as more on this story unfolds. Who's excited?

Drake Opened A Restaurant In Toronto

Drake now owns a restaurant called "Fring's". Drake held a pretty exclusive event last night, but it had nothing to do with his recent project with Future -- in fact, it had nothing to do with music whatsoever. Drake's party in Toronto was to celebrate the opening of his new restaurant with celebrity chef, Susur Lee. It's called Fring's, and it's located in the heart of downtown at 455 King St. W. Outside of those key points, we don't really know too much about the new business, as it was a pretty exclusive event. Much like his last few projects, Drizzy is keeping things on the down-low until things officially start up, so no menu details for the time being.

Lupe Fiasco Rants Against Complex

Lupe Fiasco calls out Complex for throwing his name in an article he apparently didn't want to be associated with. Lupe Fiasco goes on impassioned twitter rants every now and then, and last night, Complex happened to be at the center of one. The cause of the lengthy twitter speech was an article Complex wrote about "real" hip-hop fans not appreciating What A Time To Be Alive, and their incessant need to claim that so-and-so is "real rap" while so-and-so is not. Lupe Fiasco's name was thrown into the mix, a candidate for "real" hip-hop, and thus he was pitted against the likes of Drake and Future, whom the Complex writer was ostensibly defending. Lupe Fiasco caught wind of the article, and didn't appreciate that his name was mentioned. In response to the article link, Lupe wrote, "Keep Lupe name out that fuckshit...don't make SLR you clowns...FOH." He continued, "If niggas don't like that shit then they don't fucking like it..stop caping for a backstage pass I fuck with both dem niggaz. Learn not to intercede on behalf of niggaz who don't give two shits about you @ComplexMag and stop using REAL MC's names in vain for likes." He eventually targeted the writer himself, writing, "Don't mention our names with bullshit Angel you aint did enough in rap to muddy the names of niggaz who keep it alive." He added, "Your article was distasteful and unnecessary and it was fucking wack. Speak your peace but don't involve us bitch."

Photos: Meek Mill & Nicki Minaj For GQ Magazine

Meek Mill shares photographs from his photoshoot with Nicki Minaj for GQ magazine. Yesterday a black and white teaser video surfaced for GQ's photoshoot with Meek Mill and Nicki Minaj, their first magazine spread as a couple. Today Meek Mill has started to share photographs from the shoot on his Instagram, all of which were shot by famed photographer Ellen Von Unwerth. Unwerth captures Omeeka during a night out on the town-- which includes riding in a limo and finger lickin' while counting fresh stacks of cash. Take a look at the series of photographs above. The full spread will be in GQ's October issue. On a related note, as I was scrolling Instagram for these photos, I noticed a large amount of diamond emojis in the comment section-- users are spamming Meek with the symbol of Drake and Future's What A Time to Be Alive. Fun.

Tyga Hit With Tax Lien

Tyga has a lot of people looking for cash from him these days. The bills have been piling up for Tyga recently, with his former landlord forcing the rapper to cough up $70,000 in rent he claims he's owed, and a promoter looking for $100k. Tyga just got another knock on his door, and this time its from the State of California, who report that the rapper still owes tax money from 2009, 2010, and 2011. His owings only come up to $19,124.98, which we assume he'll be able to afford, but buying Ferrari's for Kiley Jenner isn't exactly the cheapest lifestyle either. Then again, she might be able to help out with the bills. In the midst of all the legal drama, Tyga managed to put out his Fuk Wat They Talkin' Bout mixtape.

Noah "40" Shebib Calls Drake "The Best To Ever Do This"

Noah "40" Shebib calls Drake the GOAT. Of course, OVO co-founder Noah "40" Shebib loves Drake, the man alongside whom he gained all of his wealth and prestige. But the Toronto producer has just awarded Drizzy with the highest praise imaginable, calling him "the best to ever do this" and saying that "there's no else" who can compare.

Slim Jesus Was The Surprise Guest At Chief Keef's "Bang 3 Hologram Fest"

"Drill Time" rapper Slim Jesus was the surprise guest at Chief Keef's "Bang 3 Hologram Fest." Unfortunately, the event was shut down right after he was announced. The name Slim Jesus continues to proliferate in the weeks following the release of his controversial "Drill Time" music video, which now has almost 6 million views on YouTube. Yesterday (Sept. 18), Jesus released his second track and video, "Buck Buck" (already approaching 200K). He also happened to be scheduled as the surprise guest at Chief Keef's "Bang 3 Hologram Fest" later that night. Jesus hinted at his surprise appearance in the afternoon before the show.

Lil Mouse Disses Slim Jesus With "Kill Time"

Lil Mouse disses Slim Jesus with "Kill Time." In the past few years, a number of teenage rappers from Chicago have gone viral thanks to breakout music videos filled with violent paraphernalia. The latest is "Drill Time" rapper Slim Jesus -- wait, Jesus isn't from Chicago, he's from Hamilton, Ohio. But he does make drill music that is clearly indebted to the genre created by young Chicago rappers. Jesus' breakout hit, "Drill Time," has caused some controversy and it has prompted other rappers to respond with diss tracks. The latest diss record aimed at Jesus comes from an artist who broke out in similar viral fashion about three years ago -- Lil Mouse. Mouse was 13 years old when Lil Wayne remixed one of his tracks, "Get Smoked," and included it on his 2012 mixtape Dedication 4. Mouse is now 16, two years younger than Jesus. Soon after "Drill Time" started to blow up, Jesus became the target of a few diss records over the same "Drill Time" beat, such as this and this -- which have both circulated quickly as they've ridden the hype of Jesus' original. Mouse's new track, which he's called "Kill Time," is certainly the most high-profile diss we've heard thus far. "Kill Time" also comes soon after Slim Jesus has received a cosign from Chief Keef, who selected the Ohio rapper to be a surprise guest at last night's "Bang 3 Hologram Fest." As has been Sosa's luck of late, the show was shut down and Jesus never got to perform. Lil Bibby has also come out in support of Jesus. In response to much of the controversy around "Drill Time," Slim Jesus has said that he doesn't actually partake in the violent activities he raps about. He does plan to continue making drill music, though, as that's the music that he enjoys listening to and that inspires him. Unlike Bibby and Sosa, Lil Mouse isn't cool with that.

Chief Keef Hologram Concert Cancelled Yet Again

L.A. venue cancels Chief Keef's "Bang 3 Hologram Fest"; Keef moves the concert to the parking lot next-door. See what happens next on FilmOn.com. Chief Keef continues to fail in his attempts to host a hologram concert. Due to outstanding warrants in Chicago, he's banned from performing in his hometown. Those stipulations apparently extend to virtual Sosa, too, and, in July, an attempted hologram performance in Hammond, Indiana, just outside of Chicago, was shut down minutes after it began. We thought Sosa's hologram would finally be able to hold an uninterrupted performance in L.A. at his "Bang 3 Hologram Fest," which was scheduled to take place tonight (Sept. 18) at the Henry Fonda Theater. The concert was also supposed to mark the official release of disc 2 to Keef's new Bang 3 album. Unfortunately, it has just been announced that tonight's show is a no-go. Apparently an altercation took place at the venue during rehearsal, which caused AEG, the company that owns the Henry Fonda Theater, to call off the entire concert. Grant Zimmerman, an A&R at FilmOn TV, the company to which Keef is signed, told HipHopDX his account of what went down. "Security tried to attack a staff member for drinking the Fonda's water during an official walk-through for the event. Unfortunately the Fondas tried to stop us from throwing an amazing event due to a lack of professionalism on their end, but the show will go on." Sound plausible? FilmOn's CEO, Alki David, has also released a statement regarding the cancellation of his event: "AEG and the Fonda Theater have continued the shameful cycle of blaming hip-hop and the artistic expression of urban youth for their own corporate malfeasance." In his statement, he also likened the actions of AEG and the Fonda Theater to those of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who spoke out against the possibility of a Keef concert in Chicago, and to the Madison Square Garden events division, who refused to partner with David and Keef to host a benefit concert for the family of slain one-year-old Dillan Harris, who was killed during the same incident that killed Glo Gang rapper Capo. Like Zimmerman, who blamed the Fonda family, Keef has spoken out against the theater's namesake, the late actor Henry Fonda, as well as his daughter, Academy Award-winning 77-year-old actress Jane Fonda.

Drake & Future Reveal Mixtape Title, Artwork & Release Date

Drake & Future's "What A Time To Be Alive" is out Sunday on iTunes. The world has been patiently waiting for news of Drake and Future's joint mixtape, and while the two have been hinting at the release over the last few days, official word has finally made its way out. Drake has shared the artwork for the project on Instagram, captioning it "WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE available at 8pm EST, Sunday on ITunes @future 💎". The cover features a collection of diamonds, something the two rappers have been hinting at through emojis over the last couple of days. Drizzy also announced a special FBG-assisted episode of OVO Radio would be airing at 6 PM Sunday night. Metro Boomin and DJ Esco will be participating in the broadcast, and we assume Future and Drake will at least stop by.

Drake Confirms Mixtape With Future Is On The Way

Drake & Future's joint mixtape looks to be the real deal and coming soon. Update: Drake has officially announced the mixtape. After weeks of rumors & speculations, which included a fake countdown that turned out to be one big troll job on Friday night, Drake has finally confirmed the news that what we've all been waiting to hear, that his mixtape with Future is indeed on the way. While performing down in ATL Friday night for the Music Midtown Festival, Drake reportedly confirmed to the crowd during his set that he and Future have a joint project on the way. He says "take a break from Views now it's back to that, and me and Future got a tape before that." Later, Drizzy added that “Sunday were making a motherf*ckin movie,” ultimately leaving us to presume that in two days our wishes will come true and this tape will finally be here. Guess we’ll have to play the waiting game for two more days to find out, but at least we know it's actually coming.

Migos Announce Departure From 300 Ent

Migos announce their departure from 300. Migos dropped off their new mixtape today, Back to the Bando, which arrives just a couple of months after their debut album, Yung Rich Nation. Perhaps the trio were newly re-energized after the release of their debut, or perhaps they just wanted to put out some more music for the fans, whatever the case, the new mixtape also comes with an announcement. Migos are no longer with the independent label 300 Ent, so they announced on twitter this afternoon. Migos initially linked with the Lyor Cohen-founded label back in June of 2014, so the relationship hasn't lasted too long. They're still repping Quality Control though, and they teased a big announcement on the way. What do you think it could be?

T.I. No Longer With Columbia Records

T.I. has "exited his deal with Columbia Records." Last weekend, T.I. surprised fans with a brand new 5-track EP out of the blue titled Da Nic’. However, what most of us failed to notice was it was released independently through Empire Distribution because Tip is no longer a member of Columbia Records, the home of his latest album Paperwork. Speaking with HitsDoubleDaily in a recent interview, Tip confirmed his departure from Columbia and said he’s currently looking for his next move. He says, "Having just exited my deal at Columbia, I was a rogue artist, busting creativity, just waiting to put music in the marketplace, so while I’m sorting out my next situation, I’m blessed enough to be able to control my destiny and put music out as quickly as I want to, and was able to release a Tip album, which I had wanted to do for a long time." No word yet as for what he’s going to do for his next album The Dime Trap, but maybe that’s what’s causing the delay? Look for The Dime Trap to drop before the year’s end (hopefully).