According to report from TMZ, notable battle rapper Tsu Surf was arrested last week in New Jersey following a federal indictment that alleges his involvement with a suspected Rollin 60s Crips criminal enterprise.
The 52-page indictment charges Surf, whose real name is Rahjon Cox, with racketeering conspiracy and possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felony. Nine other people were charged in the indictment, facing a myriad of other charges including carjacking, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and more.
The feds also allege that Surf was involved in a 2017 shooting against a rival Crip member and claim the URL standout used his IG account in 2018 to facilitate an MDMA deal.
Surf was scheduled to appear in front of a federal judge on Friday, however, no information about the results of his hearing is currently available. TheSource.com will update this story when more details become available.
The Ultimate Rap League (URL) and Caffeine have announced their next event, Kings vs Queen 3, which will be broadcast live from Charlotte on the Caffeine platform on Saturday, April 30th at 3 p.m. ET.
A true display of some of the best emcees on the planet, Kings vs. Queens 3 will feature the biggest male vs. female matchups in battle rap history. The event will include head to head battles between some of the biggest names in the game, including:
Vlad Lyubovny, also known as DJ Vlad has been been the face of controversy lately as the interviewer has been getting confronted left and right from his interview series, Vlad TV.
New Jersey rapper, Tsu Surf recently confronted Vlad by stating that his show likely gets his guest indicted. This got a lot of people talking after drawing conclusions of their own from Surf’s claims. “You got a couple n*ggas indicted,” Surf began.
“Realistically, there is a such thing as bait. You’re a baiter. Of course, you wouldn’t say, ‘I got anybody indicted’ but you fish. You feel me? And some of my peers, some of the people that sat in this seat aren’t smart or witty enough to know when there is bait being swung their way, or when they are supposed to dip the bait. You know how they say it’s unknown CI’s? You didn’t do it but … hell yeah,” the rapper finished.
Vlad denied the claims and said that he has never cooperated with the police and never plans to.
As of recent, Vlad is now being called out by 50 Cent. If You know about the successful businessman that 50 cent is today then you know that his story hasn’t always been glitz and glam. The rapper experienced a traumatic shooting in the year 2000 that resulted in 50 being hit in the arms, hands, legs, and mouth.
In a recent episode of VladTV, Vlad titles his newest video, “Kal Dawson was in the car when 50 Cent Got Shot 9 Times, Kal Got Shot Also (Part 3).” It’s safe to say 50 Cent is not a fan of this video as the rapper posted the screenshot of the video to his Instagram with the caption, “I want this video taken down now!”
Now it is unclear of the accuracy of the story, but 50 did post the screenshot with the words “FRAUDULENT” over the photo. However, fans seem to be over the story as well. “Take Vlad down with the video,” one fan commented.
“Detective Vlad, back at it again,” another fan commented.
“Vlad I swear smh. He literally sells us our own trauma. Culture Vulture af,” another fan penned.
What do you think? Is DJ Vlad too controversial for HipHop?
Tsu Surf proves consistently that he more than whatever box you put him in: more than a battle rapper, commercial emcee, author, scholar, gamer, businessman, gang member, etc. Activates his circle of influence to protest in silence … well except to say ‘F*ck the police,’ ‘We not breaking our sh*t’ and ‘I love you and thank you’ to a little girl.
Where are the rappers?
Hip-Hop used to be the voice of the streets and the perspective that the world used to check for to understand what urban America is feeling … but not anymore.
To put it mildly, tweets have replaced feet and artists are more concerned with where the next dollar is coming from than thinking about liberating their own people. And while everyone doesn’t have to be a Kendrick Lamar or a J-Cole, emcees from a plethora of different experiences still can pop out and show support to the thousands of Black and brown bodies getting banged on my cops and wannabe vigilantes.
Think about it … just like there was a Public Enemy … there was also a Niggaz with Attitudes.
That is why, more so than names like Jay-Z, Nas, Snoop, and 50 Cent, a rapper like Tsu Surf matters.
The Crip understands his circumference of influences and activates them on multiple levels, tapping into points of commerce responsibly, why also taking it to the pavements, and being accessible in times of protest with the people.
What makes him even more unique, a gentleman usually associated with violence (in 2019 he was infamously shot in his stomach and almost died), he organized a silent protest in his community to bring awareness and move in solidarity with various victims that found themselves murdered at the hands of police.
Moving through the hood, walking peacefully on the pavement, you can hear the trail of activist (some who had never marched before in their lives) chanting:
“No justice, no peace. F*ck these racist @ss police!”
As they walked through the streets, he reminded people that the goal was to honor and not disrespect, build, and not destroy.
“When it is time to walk, we gonna walk you did?” Surf informed. “And we not breaking sh*t, it’s ours.”
Like a Pied Piper, this former college basketball star and English major, organized his protest so that at one point the walked over a chalked list of deceased names retroactively dating from 2020 with the recent name of Texas rapper and DJ Screw affiliate Big Floyd (known to the world as George Floyd) back to the 1955 death of Emmett Till.
Once passing by white allies that signs that read “Black Lives Matter,” he offered gratitude for their support. What makes this so powerful, giving the world a glimpse into this gangsta rapper’s heart is how he melted in front of the little tousled-hair blonde toddler. The Wave says to the little girl, “I love you. Thank you.” Beneath her mask, you can’t tell but it seemed she had to smile.
In a rare moment of humanity, two worlds seemingly remote —find intersection. THAT IS THE MAGIC OF REAL ARTISTS … THE ABILITY TO CONNECT WITH EVERYONE.
Tsu Surf is dropping his long-anticipated project MSYKM on June 10th. The album is sure to be another hood banger as the features include G Herbo, Mozzy, Jim Jones, Benny the Butcher, Lady London, Justin Love, Dave East, Guodon, Earthquake Jones and BBY HNDRXX.
The complete that the “Regular Day” rapper submitted with the instructions to say their name is as follows:
There are two people you never want to go back and forth with in an argument: Philadelphia’s own Gillie da King and Newark’s hometown hero Tsu Surf. Yoooo…. this is basically battle cap at its finest. Yes, we meant battle cap over battle rap… we know what we are saying.
Both got the best cap up game this side of the Atlantic. Both of them have a fanbase that seems to be ride or die and would definitely be a big-ticket draw. Both of them have ‘vernacular that is spectacular!’ People who know that battle rap competitions are never won strictly based on bars have to wonder, who would actually beat in a face-to-face battle contest.
Gillie da King believes that he would. Surf is not even sure that Gillie can rap anymore.
The two took to IG Live to voice their slick sh*t opinions of the other and sheer comedy ensued.
Gillie kicks it off.
[GTK] You said you don’t think that I can rap anymore.
[TS] I don’t even know if you can rap, bro…
[GTK] It’s like riding a bike man.
[TS] It’s not. It is a new year.
[GTK]For me it is. I don’t know for you n*ggas it might not be like riding a bike. But for me, my mouthpiece is unbelievable.
[TS] I know… you selling it. Every n*gga like you… (pointing in the camera)
[GTK] Let me tell you something. If SMACK… got the racks…
[TS] I just beat a Philly n*gga. Philly looks terrible.
Gillie shrivels up his face in what seems to be disgust.
[GTK] My n* gga… let me just tell you something.
[TS] Philly looks terrible and I love Philly…
[GTK]Let me just tell you something my n*gga… Let’s keep it all the way real. You ain’t really beat a Philly n*gga until you beat me… I AM PHILLY. I embody everything that a Philly n*gga is…
[TS] Respect.
[GTK]We the slickest talking n*ggas. We ‘a f*ck your b*tch. We talk that sh*t. We wear that sh*t. We got our own muthaf*ckin’ slang. And we the home of the spitters. Plus a n*gga Jada Kiss from New York (who is known New York legend… Top Five Dead or Alive)…
[TS] Legend…
[GTK]Said ‘If you give me eight Philly n*ggas, I’d go to war.’ He didn’t say New York n*ggas. He said Philly n*ggas.
[TS] I’m from Jersey so… that don’t matter. I’m the best to come from here ever. ME! I’m the best to come from here.
Gillie tells a story about meeting Reed Dollaz and then Surf explains to Gillie that he is not able to step into the battle rap industry and swim with the sharks.
[GTK]Cut SMACK out… I’ll pay you and I set it up.
[TS] Alright. We can do that in Philly. I will come to Philly. You couldn’t beat me in your living room.
[GTK]We could battle in your apartment in Harlem, I don’t give a f*ck.
[TS] I live in New Jersey.
[GTK]I don’t give a f*ck if we battle in Orange New Jersey. Hackensack…
[TS] I’m a phone call away. (Shoots him the peace sign)
[GTK]You will never beat me in a battle.
[TS] I don’t even know if you can rap.
[GTK]And I am not even a battle rapper, but the way I deliver my sh*t. N*gga… 3-0.
[TS] I am one of the best n*ggas to battle ever.
[GTK]No. You one of the best n*ggas talking to one of them n*ggas that never did sh*t… Ain’t never had no money… Running around with baggy jerseys on. All the n*ggas you battle got on fake jewelry.
[TS] That’s not true. Hitman Holla is on TV.
[GTK]Man… all the n*ggas you battle got fake jewelry, man.
[TS] This is a 60K (lifts up his iced out S medallion).
[GTK]All them n*ggas get up there with the bootleg Canal kit.
[TS] I can’t speak for everybody.
[GTK]So let me just tell you something. If you battling with fake jewelry, he lost already. He don’t even know who he is.
[TS] So what happens when you pull up and you sh*t real and my sh*t real? Now what we talking about?
[GTK]I’m gonna show you that you really are a bootleg version of a real n*gga!
Laughter ensues between the two and they end with Surf throwing up his middle finger and saying “F*ck you, bye.”
Imagine the real rap that would go on between the two of them if they battled. Do you think that Surf has what it takes to beat the King of Philly or would Gillie give the young boah that million dollaz worth of game?
We don’t know but someone needs to tell the Philly old head to put that bread up and let’s get this poppin’. We are mobbin’ to get that tick’ for sure.
One of the prize alumni from the emcee battle culture is Philadelphia rapper, Meek Mill. But recently, Mill has spoken out to dispell that rumor.
On an interview, entitled, Charlamagne Tha God and Meek Mill: A Conversation Between Champions, the Grammy-nominated artist distanced himself from the rap contest culture.
He kept all the way tall.
He said, “I been doing his sh*t for a long time. I am a real vet in this sh*t. came from the Philly era of having to stand on the corner… I am not a battle rapper… when people say that it makes me mad a little bit… I was only battling people… when you seen me on corners because that’s what was going on…. People were rapping on the corners…. and once we got to studios… you ain’t seen me rapping on the corners no more.”
After joining the battle crew The Goonies, battler Ace Amin seems to be the voice of a new class of artists that are contributing substantially to the advance of battle rap as its own profitable industry and has exploded on the battle rap scene over the last year. He feels like there is nothing wrong if someone calls him a battle rapper.
“He doesn’t want the label, so I get that,” Amin shares. “I just don’t understand the stigma that comes from the label.”
“It’s just a bad term, in the commercial Hip-Hop world. Its been so boxed in.” He offers. “Like if you a bttle rapper that’s all you are good for. Nobody likes the term. Especially since it has been a painted narrative that battle rappers can’t make music.”
He would know. Even as he has had a successful release of his Seven 25 album and Blood Cuzzinsmixtape, people are hardpressed to include him in the mainstream conversation, being shocked that his art has garnered over 5 million streams in a month on Spotify, Apple and YouTube according to label/ distributors Empire Records.
But Math Hoffa, battle rapper and host of the web series and podcast, Math Hoffa’s Expert Opinion, understands also stating, “It’s natural for him to feel like that since his success came from making music.”
Math continues by comparing the Philly rap star to an athletic phenomenon, “That’s like calling Jordan a baseball player. Yeah, he did it but that’s not what he’s known for.”
Amin ultimately agrees with the vets. “If its not something he wants to be know as then that’s his right.”
Guess battlers will have to point to others as their shining glory.
Despite what people might say, rap music has more than one frequency.
It is not just boom bap, nor is it rat-a-tat-tat of gun spray. That’s there, no question.
It is a landscape to celebrate your hood, your gang, your style and your name. But there are various levels of engagement that have evolved in the genre. There are the socially conscious emcees that have shaped the rap genius of Kendrick Lamar. There are the politically focused rappers that stand in the lineage of Chuck D and Dead Prez. But then you also have those emotional artists that pour out their hearts in ballads echoing the historic lineage of LL Cool J’s “I Need Love.” Do we need more of them? Is the Hip-Hop community due for a classic rap ballad, amidst all the high-energy joints pumping through your radio? Absolutely. Just check the history.
One example of the many times that speak to a sensitive side of rap comes from the Academy- Award winning Common.
Almost two decades ago, Common laced the ladies with a dedication in the sweet serenade, “The Light.” On his 2000 album, Like Water for Chocolate, he showed the millennium that what manhood looked like over a dope sample and track. Producer Jay Dee as essential to the groove as Common is as a lyricist, think about all the babies rocking to Hip-Hop now that were conceived off this one.
There have been others between then and now. But one that makes us take note is Kendrick Lamar. Recently, songs like “Love” featuring Zacari has softened the tone of trap and mumble rap music. This joint, complete with banging drums and a snare cracking in the back, reminds you that even the most explosive of emcees can connect with his most romantic side. But that was 2017.
Earlier this year, while a pure Hip-Hop song, it has all the vibe of one rap ballad. Teyana Taylor stepped into 2019 with her much needed offering. Her smokey vocals beckon the ache of LaTonya and Nicki who were in desperate search of lyrics to put in context how she feels about her man. But not just a desperate plea for attention, this song has girth. She recruited Ghostface Killah, Method Man and Raekwon to give brothers a voice, making this song one of the top rap ballads ever… without shorty even trying.
But every rap ballad doesn’t have to be a tale of undying love and insatiable sex… does it?
Where are the soul songs about love lost or regret? Hood joints that have a bop, with a dash of real urban love- with a narrative that Tondalaya and Rasheed can clearly relate to? Where is the 2019 “Song Cry?”
Perhaps, Newark native Tsu Surf is answering the call.
In his new song (one that is bubbling all over), “What Changed” featuring Cascio, you hear a love sick Surf riding the beat like a seasoned emcee and pouring out all the insecurities associated with fame, females and the fatality of a relationship that once was believed to be teflon. Contrary to Lamar’s “Love,” this song projects vulnerability. The question posed from someone that can’t change their position, but still wants one level of commitment from the object of his desire. Reflection and imagination is all that the protagonist in the song has to define his relationship, and he is still left with questions.
Beautifully written… even between his efforts to say he ain’t trying to check for this “bird” that he can’t give a “ring”to (shout out to The Eagles), he still can’t deny how he feels.
Hood poetry at its best.
So the answer…
Does Hip-Hop due for a classic rap ballad? Absolutely. It is as in need of a classic rap ballad, as it is in need of lyrical integrity, heart and substance. And that is for one reason… ONE BIG ASS REASON…
Those who love the culture are whole people with a myriad of feelings and emotions. Let the music reflect how diverse we are as a community, and let the show that hard rocks actually have hearts.
Tsu Surf has only been out for a couple of days, but the pressure is on. The Newark, NJ native was released from prison on Monday, August. He posted a tweet to give fans knowledge of his anticipated release.
Prior to his stint in jail, Surf was last seen introducing featherweight boxer and fellow Newark native, Shakur Stevenson. After his release, the order was business was to ink a publishing deal.
He has proven that he can sustain success in both battle rap as well as commercial rap with the release of the Newark follow-up Seven 25 earlier this year. The project featuring Beanie Sigel, Mozzy, Tokyo Jetz and more.
The most important question right now is will Tsu Surf step back in to team up with Tay Roc this weekend. Of course, Cakelyfe Chess won’t be happy about this seeming that he had to take Surf’s place after he went to jail. Many will be asking if Surf is even poised to battle after having less time to prepare than his opponents. Overall, battle rap fans want to see a show. Chess is ready to put on for the Bronx. The duo, known as Gunz N Cake will battle Loaded Hollows (Loaded Lux & Hollow Da Don).
Chess and Tay Roc have been going heavy on the promotion for the battle, leaving many on the edge of their seats in anticipation. If you’re heading down to Charlotte, NC for Summer Impact this weekend, make sure you have your umbrella. According to Chess, you can meet Gunz N Cake in the storm.
Early this morning a mysterious tweet crept up on twitter from his official account. The tweet while cryptic, gave hope to millions of fans anxious about his release.
If this is true, and we are pretty sure that The Wave is not one to play with his fans in a malicious way, the remainder of August should be lit.
This weekend, he and his GunTitles partner, Tay Roc, will link and give a classic against the mega group Loaded Hollows, Loaded Lux and Hollow da Don at URL’s “Summer Impact” card in Charlotte, NC. Earlier it was announced that Cave Gang/ CakeLyfe member Chess was going to be his replacement, forming another battle rap group called GunzNCake.
The rap world was spun on its head in disbelief last week when emerging artists and The Source Magazine‘s most recent Unsigned Hype inductee, Tsu Surf has arrested again on weapon related charges. More unbelievable is that the hit happened exactly a year to date from the day an attempted assassination on him life was thwarted.
Surf in a unicorn. He is one of the few battle rappers to have his feet successfully planted in both words: Commercial Rap and Battle Rap. However, his achilles heel is the cold hard streets of Newark and all of the alluring trimmings that he just can’t seem to shake. This street life paralleled all of the success that is hovering over his star. This is unfortunate… Not only because his career is at stake (this summer promises to be a breakthrough one for him)… But also for the people connected to him.
Case in point… He has a mixtape with Sacramento rapper Mozzy that is set to drop this summer… Surely, him being on lock will affect the promotion of the joint. But more immediately, it will affect his partner in the super group Gun Titles, Tay Roc. The two of them were billed to battle against another Loaded Hollows (Loaded Lux and Hollow Da Don) at the upcoming rap event, Summer Impact. This concert has been called the event of the decade for the premier rap league in the industry. However, with this recent arrest… things seem to be up in the air as The Wave is not available to rhyme.
But all is not lost… SMACK WHITE, owner of The Ultimate Rap League, states that they are doing everything that they can to make sure that fans still get the performance of a lifetime… even if it is not with Tsu Surf. In fact, on social media, he is reminding people why Tay Roc should not be counted out.
URL has announced that Chess, a member of Tay Roc’s Cave Gang, will step in as a substitute. They will form the new group, GunzNCake.
It makes sense… He is hungry. He has been hanging out with both Surf and Roc all summer… And has had a few good showings over his last few battles.
Chess says “People thought it was over for me… but nah… Can’t no old nigga gonna talk to me?”
Some were rooting for Ave or Chef Trez. If The Source could have weighed in… we wanted Brizz to do double duty and kill a bunch of Mt. Rushmore Vets in one single execution.
Regardless of what you feel about CHESS, understand this:
Roc needed a partner for one of the most historic matches in Battle Rap, and could’ve called ANYBODY….and he called someone who HE believes will be the perfect partner in the place of Surf for Loaded Hollows
2HRS OF SILENCE FOR GEORGE FLOYD 
2 HRS OF SILENCE FOR GEORGE FLOYD 
(@Th3Saga)