T-Pain explains ditching Auto-tune

By The Music Scoop
JR Staff Writer

In 2005, T-Pain ushered in a new era in hip hop. At the time, hip hop needed something new. Jay-Z was retired and no rapper had truly stepped up. There were several new artists, but none really stood out among the rest.

But, late in the summer of 2005, T-Pain debuted his single, "I'm Sprung." The song quickly became a hit, thanks to his use of the auto-tune. It was not long before T-Pain was using the auto-tune on his hooks with other artists.

By 2007, T-Pain had risen the ranks and was recording with R. Kelly. On their collaborations, Kelly also used the auto-tune. On the mixtape level, Lil Wayne had taken over the rap game. In 2008, he released his comeback album, Tha Carter III, which featured Wayne's first chart-topper, "Lollipop," which only used the auto-tune.

Soon, everyone from Kanye West to Young Jeezy was using auto-tune. The machine had invaded every rap song on the radio. Throughout 2008, there were rumors of Jay-Z coming out with a new album, which he would name The Blueprint 3. When the album did not come, fans assumed the album was nothing more than a rumor. However, when the album came, it was led by Jay-Z's "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-tune)" single. The song was released as T-Pain prepared to release his new album.

Out of frustration, T-Pain dissed Jay-Z, but soon apologized. With his popularity drained, T-Pain decided to take time off. T-Pain came out of his hiatus for the DJ Khaled single, "All I Do is Win." However, T-Pain did not begin his more formal comeback until he performed the hook on DJ Khaled's 2011 single, "Welcome to my Hood." Now, T-Pain is preparing to release his fourth studio album and he announced the album would not feature auto-tune.

Now a six-year veteran in the game, T-Pain wants to do something different. Him ditching the auto-tune is not out of fear of a 2008 repeat. Instead, T-Pain is hoping to prove he can sing without the help of the machine and he is trying to evolve his sound. Each day, T-Pain is in the studio trying to make this happen.

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50 Cent says Ciara is Just a Friend

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Four years ago, rumors began to circulate about 50 Cent dating rising star, Ciara. Fresh out of a relationship with Bow Wow, rumors had Ciara paired with the older 50 Cent, or the much-older R. Kelly. Meanwhile, 50 Cent had just ended his high-profile relationship with Vivica A. Fox.

50 Cent and Ciara often made public appearances together, but denied having a relationship. In 2007, 50 Cent attempted to feud with Lil Wayne. At the time, Wayne wanted a collaboration with Ciara for Tha Carter III. 50 Cent reportedly forbade her from working with Lil Wayne.

While Ciara did not end up on the album, the "relationship" between 50 Cent and Ciara ended. The two stopped making public appearances and went their separate ways. Late in 2009, 50 Cent said he did not have a girlfriend because he did not trust women. Because he is so rich, 50 felt all women were scheming for his riches.

E! personality, Chelsea Handler said his comments were fueled because she turned him down. Following an appearance on her show, 50 Cent asked Handler out. Because she already had a boyfriend, she turned him down. However, when Handler replied to 50 Cent's statement, she said she was single and willing to begin dating 50 Cent. For nearly a year, the two engaged in a rumored relationship until Handler revealed how clingy 50 was back in January.

Sources close to Ciara say she was close to getting with 50 Cent, but the Chelsea Handler rumors kept them from getting together. Earlier this year, 50 Cent and Ciara had a very public argument on Twitter, which led to 50 saying he would not engage Ciara in a feud. The two have not had anything to say to or about each other in the time since then. Recently, 50 Cent broke this trend and said he and Ciara are only friends and they have not been anything more than friends.

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Lil Wayne's $5.6 million tax debt Released Online

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Back on top of his game, Lil Wayne is currently enjoying the success of his "6 Foot 7 Foot" hit. By the looks of things, nothing could spoil the rapper's fun. After spending most of 2010 in a jail cell, Lil Wayne intends to dominate 2011, making 2008 seem small in comparison.

With Tha Carter IV coming next month, Lil Wayne is raking in all kinds of cash. He also profits from his Young Money label, through stars, Drake and Nicki Minaj. Even with all of these sources of income, Lil Wayne could soon run into trouble. The rapper is facing tax issues.

Tax troubles have gotten the best of many black entertainers over the past few years. Ronald Isley and Wesley Snipes are among the people who have served, or are serving time, only naming a few. Rapper, Ja Rule is headed to prison after being $2 million in debt. Lil Wayne's debt, however, is much bigger than that of Ja Rule, as he owes a whopping $5.6 million to Uncle Sam.

Lil Wayne owes taxes on money made during the 2008-2009 period. This was the period in which he released Tha Carter III and expanded his Young Money roster.

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Lil Wayne spends time with the Family

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

In between recording music and prison sentences, it is very easy to forget Lil Wayne is a father. Over the past three years, Wayne has picked up several children. Throughout his career, he has had his daughter, Reginae. In 2004, he married her mother, Toya, but they were divorced by 2006.

Ever since his divorce from Toya, Lil Wayne has been running wild, having multiple children. The New Orleans rapper revealed the birth of his son following the release of Tha Carter III. He boasted of how he had his own Carter III to go along with his successful album.

Months after the birth of his son, news hit the internet about two other women being pregnant with Lil Wayne's children. Wayne soon confirmed these rumors. Recently, there were also rumors of Lil Wayne fathering another daughter, born in 2002. The Young Money boss has yet to give a direct response to those rumors.

While in the studio, Lil Wayne invited Reginae and Dwayne Carter III to spend some time with him. The pictures were uploaded to Twitter by Reginae. Despite all of the things said about Lil Wayne, he still makes time for his children. This time around, he was with his older children.

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