The Year 2007 has come to an end and with all the events
that occurred in the world of Hip-Hop, it’s no wonder why the eyes of the real
world is always on us. Hip-Hop artists colliding with the law was excessive
throughout the course of the year. The passing of musical legends, talented
athletes, and influential mothers, the birth of newborns, and Hip-Hop making a
heavy crossover into major Hollywood films, this year alone has had some
interesting and depressing news that we soon won’t forget, let’s review the
year of 2007 in 24hourhiphop.com’s
year end On the Clock Report.

 

Kanye West vs. 50
Cent

Quite possibly the most controversial news that occurred
within 2007 was the album battle sales between Kanye West and 50 Cent.
Between both their albums being pushed back and finally reaching a release date
in September, they went head to head in a first time all out soundscan battle
with claims of definite arrogance and respective defeats. 50 Cent even made
claims of forced resignation if Kanye was to outsell him, obviously that never
happened. Kanye West overcame 50 and was crowned victor of the album sales battle;
Graduation outsold Curtis as the end of the week results were tallied that following
morning. Even with his victory over 50, Kanye still had to make a scene with
MTV when they refused to allow him to headline the 2007 awards show.

At the end of the day, these publicity stunts will always
get a rise out of fans and spectators. My thoughts, this was all a waste of
time that we didn’t need to be a part of, Kanye’s ranting and raving and 50’s
threats of retirement that obviously went unheard.

 

Vick and X

Two names that we definitely were disappointed with towards
the end of 2007, Michael Vick and DMX. 
One was an all star quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons with the highest rushing yards of that season,
while the other was a platinum selling rapper that was once part of the Ruff Ryders. What they have in common,
dogfighting addictions. Vick currently is serving a 23 month sentence for
criminal conspiracy of felonious dogfighting while under suspension from the NFL. X, however, has yet to be charged
with animal cruelty, but is has recently signed to Bodog Music and is currently working on his next album, Walk with Me Now, Fly with Me Later.

Bottomline, Vick is all fucked up, that’s just being real.
The judge was lenient with that 23 month sentence, he was facing 5 years. DMX
amazed me with It’s Dark and Hell is Hot
and Flesh of my Flesh, after that
disappointment fell into play through the course of six albums. I’ll just wait
until he amazes me again at the same time stay out of jail as well. I can’t
help but wonder if he enjoys getting arrested.

 

Trick Daddy Biggest
Free Agent of 2007

Upon his release from Slip N Slide towards the end of 2007,
word spread across the industry like wildfire and most labels were on the hunt
for the Mayor of Dade County. Rumors circulated that he was to sign to G-Unit,
even if DJ Khaled’s major influence in Trick Daddy music, for that moment he
still held a slight consideration. There were even other rumors that he was to
sign to Cash Money, none of that ever occurred. However with the influence of
fellow Miami brethren, Rick Ross,
sources say T Double D was able to land a deal with legendary label Def Jam, at press time Trick is
currently in the works of his next studio album, Welcome to the Thug Country.

The Mayor definitely has his hands full for 2008, and it is
really a good look for Miami. Big ups to Rick Ross for brokering the deal
between Trick and Def Jam. Hopefully, we finally get a chance to hear a Ross
and Trick track, a new anthem for the 2008.

 

T.I.P. in 2007

The undisputed King of South has quite possibly had the
wildest year in 2007. With the release of T.I.
Vs. T.I.P. and the issues he addresses in that album, to the release of
biopic American Gangster; T.I. has
also had his problems he’s had to deal with over the course of the year. His
scuffle with Chaka Zulu that
occurred in West Hollywood made things worse for the moment with fellow Atlanta
rapper Ludacris, not only did that
fight make headlines, but he had to formally apologize for the incident. You
would think that would be the end of his problems, but in October, he was
arrested for possession of firearms and purchasing guns from a federal agent.
Currently he is still under house arrest and awaiting trial.

T.I. is seriously, for lack of a better phrase, under fire
or in other words, deep shit. Within having a good year and a bad year, his
role in American Gangster might open the possibility of more roles to come,
however his situation with the law might postpone his future plans.

 

Akon’s Troubles

So Akon was in the news due to indecent acts on stage with a
minor and the bodily harm of a fan. Even when he apologizes in a public song,
they’re still reminding him of his faults, they even charged him with the
bodyslamming incident in upstate New York. What else will fall into his lap? It
makes no sense. Currently, he has pleaded not guilty and awaiting trial.

I put no blame on Akon, fans on both ends probably enjoyed
the concert going experience, regardless of the situations at hand. At the end
of the day, he still apologized for his wrongdoings.

 

Industry Baby Daddies

Congratulations go out to both Timbaland and Usher as
they welcomed their newborn babies into the world as they also tied the knot.
Mega producer Timbo married his longtime publicist Monique Idlett whom he popped the question to during their baby
shower in October. R&B sensation Usher married his longtime girlfriend and
hairstylist Tameka Foster.

Timbaland has conquered a lot this past year including Top
40 radio, much props to Timbo for his many achievements. Usher is currently
working on his next album for an early 2008 release and I think he even has a
Timbo produced track on there somewhere. 24hourhiphop.com sends our extra
congrats to the both of them




Why do all the good
die young?

Boyz II Men once said, “It’s
so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.”The
end of 2007 bought so many tears to so many people. We remember the people
we’ve lost for all the good memories they’ve given us. And we will always
remember Dr. Donda West, Chad “Pimp C” Butler, and Sean Taylor. They will remain legends
and legends never die.

24hourhiphop.com sends our deepest condolences to all the
families of the legends we’ve lost through the battle of life. Lest We Never
Forget.

  

 


24hourhiphop.com: We
the Best

24hourhiphop.com
reigned over the 2007 like a light over the industry. We came, we saw, we
conquered. You got first exclusive interviews from up and coming artists,
exclusive interviews from industry artists and producers, in depth album &
mixtape reviews, pivotal On the Clock
Reports that gave ya’ll the truth, up to date fashion trends, and the
finest females in our unique Ice Cream
Parlor section. Oh, and let me not forget the “You hear it here first” music downloads that you can’t get
anywhere else. We get the exclusive tracks and videos when ya’ll were itching
for something new to bump in your trunk. In 2008, we takin’ over the world and
the web.

Mad props to Big
Chuck, Ryan, Jay Carter, Karima Latifah, myself Zenn,
for keeping the fans focused on us and keeping them informed on the realest.
2008 is our year, let’s do this!

Be on the lookout for more in depth On the Clock Reports, as
I will always bring you the realest, especially in the 2008. All I ask is:
Leave more damn comments!