Cam'ron hits R. Kelly with copyright infringement lawsuit

Cam'ron is suing his former friend R. Kelly for allegedly infringing upon his copyright as cowriter of "Snake (Remix)." The original version of the song featuring Kelly and Big Tigger was included on the singer's 2003 album Chocolate Factory. Cam'ron was featured on the remix of the song and appeared in its video. The two men fell out shortly thereafter when Kelly failed to return the favor by appearing on Cam'ron's Purple Haze album.


Cam'ron told MTV.com at the time, "Me, I got beef with R. Kelly. The 'Snake' song, he asked me to fly to L.A. and do the video, I said fine, all in exchange for him to do a beat and hook on my album. There's no beat from Kelly, there's no hook from R. Kelly."

Cam'ron added, "The whole industry was sh**in' on you. Now everybody is back on the bandwagon, I'm jumping off. I still love his music, he's a great musician, but I can't do business with that man, 'cause that's bad business. I could have invoiced you and said, 'This is my fee.' That's what I'm gonna do now."

Slum Village Returns with a New Self-Titled Masterpiece and Inks Massive Deal with General Motors

Slum Village Returns with a New Self-Titled Masterpiece and Inks Massive Deal with General Motors

Detroit, MI--- Having severed ties with their former record company, Capitol Records, Slum Village (T-3 & Elzhi) has been anxious to return to the studio and release another musically masterful album and retain some control over its promotion. The new album will be released through the group’s home label; Barak Records.

The new album, Slum Village will be in stores October 25, 2005. The first single, “Ez Up”, features newcomer J. Isaacs, a singer from Minnesota. The video for the blazing hot single was directed by Mike Taylor (Boyz In Da Hood) and will be serviced to video outlets immediately.

Considered a “liquid association”, Slum Village is a group that is constantly changing and evolving. Slum Village will be including a DVD that will take a journey into their sometimes tumultuous, yet magical adventure in music. The group clears up rumors and questions about the numerous changes in the group’s membership as well as their label status. The DVD features a fascinating 30-minute interview, which answers all of their fans questions. The album features production by B.R. Gunna, Young RJ and B.R. Gunna whose album Dirty District Vol. 2 (2004) reached #55 on the Billboard Charts.

Realizing how respected Slum Village is throughout the entire music industry, Barak Records also just finalized a deal in which T-3 and Elzhi will be appearing in nationally televised spots for Chevrolet and there new line of 2006 Impala and HHR automobiles. The homegrown union will include an integrated campaign with a music video feel, using Slum’s “Ez Up” single; it will include an “Ez Up” Motor City remix and remixed lyrics. This deal is a very hip one for Chevrolet and one that will warrant intensive media coverage; radio spots will start airing in mid-October, with national TV spots running in early November, as Chevy and Slum Village bring the American Revolution home to Detroit. Further support for the album will be coming via the form of an exciting college tour currently being planned for the coming school semester. This will give Slum Village a unique opportunity to be seen by their largest fan base; college students.

In a unique partnership with Zingy (www.zingy.com) the new album will be available as a ring tone two weeks prior to its street date. This unique promotion is as cutting edge as the group itself. By fully tapping into to this new media, Slum Village will further solidify their intimate relationship with their fans.

Tracklisting and credits for Slum Village:


1.) Giant (produced by Young RJ, co-produced by Carl Broaden)
2.) Set It (produced by B.R. Gunna)
3.) Can I Be Me (produced by Young RJ & B.R. Gunna)
4.) Call Me f/Dwele (produced by Young RJ & B.R. Gunna)
5.) 05 (produced by Young RJ)
6.) 1, 2 (produced by Moss)
7.) Multiply f/Melanie Rutherford (produced by Young RJ & B.R. Gunna)
8.) 1-800-S-L-U-M (produced by Young RJ)
9.) Hear This f/Black Milk & Que D. (produced by B.R. Gunna)
10.) Def Do Us (produced by Young RJ)
11.) Hell Naw (produced by B.R. Gunna)
12.) Ez Up f/J. Isaac (produced by Young RJ & B.R. Gunna)
13.) Fantastic (produced by Young RJ & Carl Broaden)

R.Motions Heavy Rotation List:

Aiight people, I know i have been in a bit of a hiatus and you are all expecting that Frankie Krutches part 2....Dont worry I got yall. And Frank and I have got a huge FREE suprise for all yall when we drop part 2 of the interview. But until then just chill, relax, peep some good music, read some great reviews and post your comments as you please. And dont forget, post your name with your comments. Its fustrating when you dont have at least a name to address your answer to.


Well on to the deal at hand. I was sitting here peeping that Blast Boogie Presents: Select * from Exlusives Pt 1, and peeping the fire that T Boogie be throwing on the site and thought to myself....I should post up what I'm Rocking. Then i played devils advocate to myself and said..."who gives a eff what im listening to." but im like...nah...ima post up anyway...


so Here we go....


R.Motions Top Whatever in Heavy Rotation List

Note that this may be a single..or an album....or whatever...its just stuff im rocking right now......



Lil Kim Album
Lloyd Banks Advanced Album (uhm...some funny stuff there...really weird)
Big Noyd ft. Mobb Deep, Infamous Mobb, Illa Ghee - Money Rolls
Nature - For All Seasons
Memphis Bleek ft. Cory Gunz - You Aint Serious

And i know Dirty Gonna kill me for not rocking that Lil Brother, but i just skimmed it...i still have to sit down and vibe to it...although he gave it a great review. Oh you havent read it yet? click here

Lil Jon Sues Larry Flynt

Lil Jon Sues Larry Flynt Over Porno He Didn't Agree To Be In


Lil Jon filed a federal lawsuit on Monday in Atlanta seeking upwards of $30 million from Larry Flynt Productions for allegedly using his name and likeness without permission for the adult film "Phat Tuesday."

According to the rapper's lawsuit, LFP — which owns Hustler magazine and its empire of other print titles and films — acquired promotional onstage and backstage footage from another company, Category 5, which shot a February 2004 Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz concert in New Orleans. Before using this footage, Category 5 was supposed to clear it with TVT Records but did not, the suit says, and it asks for $75,000 in damages for that breach alone.

Hustler Video then used the footage for "Phat Tuesday," a movie about five women who go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras and, in between having sex with men and each other, attend a Lil Jon concert. On the cover of the DVD package, the rapper's likeness is used in a composite photograph with two of the film's actresses, with the words, "Featuring Lil Jon, King of Crunk." Jon was unaware of this usage until the video was released in February, his suit says.

Claiming breach of contract, false advertising, infringement of right to publicity and appropriation of name and likeness, Lil Jon's suit says he's been deprived of royalties, revenue and reputation. Had his name and likeness been properly licensed, he estimates he would have earned $500,000. Since a previous authorized video, "Lil Jon's American Sex Series," generated "significant income," he estimates that the income from a similar video, released while he was even more popular, "would have doubled."

This video, however, prevents him from releasing his own, he claims, since "Phat Tuesday" has "glutted the market." The rapper had planned to release "Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz Vivid Vegas Party" this year, which Vivid Video announced in January would be out by this summer. However, even though that film is completed, it has yet to come out, a rep for Vivid said. Lil Jon was also planning a follow-up for early 2006, called "Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz Nightclubbin'."

As far as his reputation, Lil Jon says his name and likeness are "valuable commodities, with significant secondary meaning and goodwill attached to them." That goodwill has been "tarnished significantly by being linked improperly to Hustler and Larry Flynt," and the suit estimates that the lost goodwill "is not less than $30 million."

A spokesperson for Larry Flynt Productions could not be reached for comment at press time.

— Jennifer Vineyard [MTV News]

Young Jeezy Explains Symbolism Of The Snowman

Jeezy leaning toward 'Trap Star' as next single.
Young Jeezy
Photo: Getty Images
It's right up there with the anti-snitching T-shirts as the must-have fashion item in the hip-hop community right now: a Young Jeezy Snowman shirt.

Earlier this year, Jeezy and Def Jam started giving out the shirts — which prominently feature Jeezy's Snowman logo across the chest — as promo items for the rapper's LP Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101. As Jeezy's popularity has grown, so has the fervor for the shirts. They've been heavily bootlegged but Jeezy says he's not angry at all.

"I got a clothing line, United Streets and D Boy Apparel, U.S.D.A.," he said. "By the time the line drops at the top of the winter, it's gonna be straight. I got a deal with Rocawear, we about to push the line. ... If the 'hood likes it, I love it."

Jeezy says wearing one of his tees is like having a ghetto pass.

"You gotta understand what it symbolizes," he explained. "It symbolizes a young hustler. If a cat goes and gets fresh, hits the club or goes to an event and he has a Snowman shirt on, it's almost like a white tee. You can throw on a white tee and G your way through the party. You might have a Snowman shirt on and it's all good. Everybody can't afford the Gucci and everything. It's the next best thing, the Snowman.

"Snowman is a cool dude," he continued. "He's a gangsta too. There's a Snowman in every 'hood, several Snowmen in the 'hood. You gotta be that dude to look up to with the car and the girl. Whatever you do, be the best at it, because that's what the Snowman is going to do."

Jeezy is still out promoting his debut LP. He says he's all booked up for the next several months but still has time to sneak in a few videos. Although nothing has been solidified, he's hoping that Def Jam shoots a video for Mariah Carey's "Shake It Off" remix, a track that features Jeezy and Jay-Z.

"When I got the call [from Mariah], I was like, 'I don't know if that's me,' " he remembered. "She was like, 'Nah, it's gonna be your type of beat.' I'm like, 'Oh, for real?' Then when Hov called he said, 'I'm gonna do it with you.' I was like, 'Dag, this is big.' But when I did it, I kept it me and kept it 'hood. At first I ain't think she was gonna like it but she called and said she loved it. From there it was a wrap. That's history."

As far as his own album is concerned, if the Snowman has his way he'll be shooting at least three more videos. He's leaning toward "Trap Star" as his next single but he and Def Jam have not officially decided yet. According to Jeezy, they have, however, agreed upon an imprint deal for his Corporate Thugs Entertainment record label.

"Jay-Z is doing a lot for that label," he said of El Presidente Hova. "Just knowing the streets and giving young people that leeway. I just got a label deal over there. I let him hear the music, he said it's hot and it was outta here. It was a done deal."

Jeezy's first artist is Slick Pulla.

Check out the feature "Young Jeezy: Putting His Mouth Where His Money Is" for more on the Snowman.

— Shaheem Reid [MTV News

M.O.P. FIRST FAMILY SALUTES THE ST. MARXMEN

NEW LONG-AWAITED STREET ALBUM

TO HIT STORES ON OCTOBER 18TH, 2005


NEW RELEASE FEATURES JAY Z, WYCLEF JEAN, ODB AND MORE

(September 28, 2005) ― New York, NY ― M.O.P. First Family returns to the streets with a new, hard-hitting street album titled Salutes The St. Marxmen. The new KOCH Records release from the First Family will be in stores on October 18th,, 2005.

Alan Grunblatt, General Manager and Executive Vice President of KOCH Records, explains, “Cliff Cultreri and I signed M.O.P. First Family to Relativity Records, where the group had the most success. We’ve been friends for a long time, so it’s a natural fit for KOCH to put out their next great release.”

M.O.P. First Family was formed by Laze Elliott, Billy Danze, & Lil Fame in the mid ‘90s, and they burst on the scene with their debut single, “How About Some Hardcore.” The group quickly earned a devoted following in New York City. Their first album, To The Death, was released in the spring of 1994 and delivered a slew of intense, gangsta tracks. Their songs embodied the underground, New York sound, and their name became synonymous with hardcore. M.O.P. First Family refused to deliver anything but the hardcore joints that won the group its fans, and critics quickly took notice as well. Other members of the St. Marxmen have been heard as well. Teflon appeared on the remix “Ante Up”. Foxx had a joint on the Bad s Boy II soundtrack, a compilation which sold over 2 million copies.

M.O.P. First Family Salutes The St. Marxmen is another dose of the New York underground flavor they are known for, delivering strong lyrics and slamming beats. Jay Z, Wyclef Jean, DJ Premier and the late ODB are featured on some of the hardest tracks they group has made. M.O.P. First Family spent the summer touring with Eminem and 50 Cent.

The track listing is:

1. Fliptro
2. Pain
3. Big Boy Game
4. MarxMen Skit
5. It’s Hard to Tell feat Foxx & Inf
6. Suicide feat Teflon
7. Hip Hop Cops feat Wyclef Jean
8. Pop Shots Remix feat. ODB (prod. by DJ Premier)
9. Classic Skit
10.Put in In The Air feat. Jay Z
11.Skit
12.Muddy Waters
13.Party Like a Rockstar
14.Skit
15.Instigator
16.Take a Minute
17.G Boy Stance

Notorious B.I.G., Marley 'Duet' on New Song

Notorious B.I.G., Marley 'Duet' on New Song
By Jonathan Cohen, Reuters



NEW YORK (Sept. 27) - Even in death, rapper Notorious B.I.G. continues to surprise.

The artist, a.k.a. Biggie Smalls, who died in a March 1997 shooting, "duets" with fellow deceased music legend Bob Marley on a new single, "Hold Ya Head," which was released Monday via AOL Music. It will also appear on "The Notorious B.I.G. Duets: The Final Chapter," due November 29 via Bad Boy.

"Hold Ya Head" includes a sample of Marley's "Johnny Was." The rest of the album is still coming together, although Bad Boy promises participation from "some of music's greatest vocalists and MCs" and "the industry's top producers."

The project will also include a DVD with previously unreleased Biggie performance footage, interviews and music videos.

Like fellow gunned-down rapper Tupac Shakur, Biggie remains the subject of fascination. Director Antoine Fuqua is planning a big-budget biopic about the rapper, which is expected to begin production early next year.

Last year, Bad Boy released an expanded, 10th anniversary edition of Biggie's debut, "Ready To Die," which featured the evergreen singles "Juicy," "One More Chance" and "Big Poppa."

Reuters/Billboard

The Kazaa Case in Australia

A Contrast With the U.S. Supreme Court's Decision in MGM v. Grokster
[P2P]

On September 5, 2005, after an 18-month trial, the Federal Court of Australia ruled that Kazaa violated Australian copyright law by authorizing users to infringe music companies' copyright in recordings. The case was brought by the Australian unit of Universal Music Group, part of Vivendi Universal SA, and other music-industry plaintiffs against Sharman Networks Ltd., which controls Kazaa, and other defendants. The Court ruled that Kazaa infringed the copyrights in the labels’ recordings by “authorizing the doing in Australia by Kazaa users of the infringing acts; in each case, without the license of the applicant who is the relevant copyright owner.”

"Despite the fact that the Kazaa website contains warnings against the sharing of copyright files, and an end-user license agreement under which users are made to agree not to infringe copyright, it has long been obvious that those measures are ineffective to prevent, or even substantially to curtail, copyright infringements by users,'' Judge Wilcox said in a summary of the decision. The court focused on the fact that Kazaa “had power … to prevent, or at least substantially reduce, the incidence of copyright file-sharing.” (Para. 411).

The court ordered the company to install filters to prevent future violations. Specifically, Judge Wilcox ordered that future versions of Kazaa software must have filters that exclude copyrighted works, and that Kazaa apply ``maximum pressure'' on existing users to upgrade to the filtered system, the summary said. Sharman Networks reported in a statement that they are “obviously disappointed with the decision.'' “We will appeal this decision vigorously and are confident that we will win on appeal.''

Contrast With U.S. Supreme Court Case

As reported in Digitalmusicnews and my previous blogs, on June 27, 2005, the Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, ruled against Grokster and Streamcast Networks, two widely distributed P2P services. "We hold that one who distributes a device with the object of promoting its use to infringe copyright, as shown by the clear expression or other affirmative steps taken to foster infringement, is liable for the resulting acts of infringement by third parties," Justice David H. Souter opined. Although the decision was a victory for the major record companies, and seriously threatens the existence of certain P2P companies including Grokster, it also confirmed that in the United States P2P services appear to be legal so long as not marketed and promoted in such a way as to encourage copyright infringement. The Opinion ruled that peer-to-peer services are liable but only if they actively promote the unlawful trading of files.

Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s reasoning, the ruling in Australia may have been different because the Kazaa website contained warnings against the sharing of copyright files, and an end-user license agreement under which users were made to agree not to infringe copyright. Therefore, it is not clear that Kazza manifested, in the U.S. Supreme Court’s language, a “clear expression or other affirmative steps taken to foster infringement.”

More importantly, the Australian court found copyright infringement based on the their finding that Kazaa “authorized” copying of copyrighted files by their users because it facilitated copying with knowledge that their subscriber were doing so without taking affirmative steps to stop it. The Australian court went far beyond the Supreme Court’s decision the U.S. The Supreme Court limited a P2P’s liability by creating a test that they cannot actively promote copying. The Australian court found that merely facilitating copying of unauthorized recordings was sufficient to establish liability.

Tupac Screenplay Being Produced As a Film

A screenplay written by slain rapper Tupac Shakur is being produced as a feature film.

"Live 2 Tell," a script Shakur wrote in 1995 about an inner-city black youth who becomes a drug kingpin and later goes straight, was acquired by Insomnia Media Group, which plans to begin production next March, company Chairman Bret Saxon and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Bowler said Tuesday.

Insomnia acquired the rights from Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, who will be a producer on the film, which has not yet been cast.

Tupac, who appeared in such films as "Poetic Justice," "Above the Rim" and "Gridlock'd," had written "Live 2 Tell" for himself to star in.

The rapper was gunned down on the Las Vegas Strip in 1996. His murder remains unsolved.

Other projects by Insomnia include an upcoming film biography of Napster creator Shawn Fanning and the tattoo-parlor reality TV show "Inked."

Sean Paul: 'Trinity' May Surprise Fans

By MARK LELINWALLA, Associated Press Writer

The ladies love dancing to Sean Paul's contagious dancehall grooves, while guys like him for making women move on the dance floor. After three years without dropping an album, the dancehall don is back with "The Trinity."

Paul talked to The Associated Press about his music, violence in Jamaica and why his album may surprise fans.

AP: "We Be Burnin'" is a smash single, but behind the groove is a message. Do you think that message gets buried?

Sean Paul: Dancehall music is perceived as party music, which it is because of the rhythm, but there are messages that do come through or a purpose of an artist saying something to the world. People usually don't get the messages because of the partying.

AP: Is making music for men and women something you always strive to do?

Sean Paul: I show I can rock it in a hardcore way, but the vibe is smooth. Dudes can appreciate the hard vibe on a song like "Gimme The Light," but it sounds so sweet that girls dance to it. Sometimes another artist can't get away with making songs like that.

AP: What do you say about the fellas that just play the wall at the club and don't get on the dance floor?

Sean Paul: I've seen dudes like that, but to tell you the truth I'm like that at times too. Maybe there's a new move people are doing and you're just not with it, but things like that are natural. There are times where I've hated dances that come out in Jamaica. After a couple months of everyone doing it though, I see myself swinging in the same way. People have too much pride sometimes. After a while, you have to let loose though. It's about socializing and vibing.

AP: Why is the album named "The Trinity?

Sean Paul: Because it's my third album, it took three years since "Dutty Rock" dropped for it to come out and it was all produced in the Third World. It has three moods: partying, addressing the critics/haters and a somber mood.

AP: Do you believe that this album completes the full circle?

Sean Paul: Yeah, because it's more on the dancehall vibe. I'm more reggae. "Dutty Rock" was "Dutty Rock." I did songs with Beyonce and Busta Rhymes and I felt like a rock star. So that was that vibe.

AP: Is that why you toned down the huge collaborations with this album?

Sean Paul: I'll tell you the main reason why — it's Jamaican vibe. I'm trying to spread the music to the five million people that know my work now, so they know who inspires me in the Jamaican vibe and who the young kids are coming up. It's like because of reggae music and because I took pride in my culture, I've been to places like Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Egypt twice, Dubai, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, all over the States, Canada and Europe. Some of these places have never even heard dancehall music before! Now, I've helped to change the game. I've made dancehall more popular around the world.

AP: We recently spoke to Damian Marley about the gang violence in Jamaica. What's your take on it?

Sean Paul: The politicians are there to control this so-called chicken-coop that they got. They try to keep their organizations, so they give kids guns and tell them, "You vote for me in this area." Any young kid could pick up a gun there, especially when you're in the ghetto and have to survive. I'm a peaceful person, but when someone drives bad around me, I get road rage and that's the same thing with them, except they have life rage. They grew up in the slum, in the ghetto. They have a zinc roof and when it rains, the water rushes down to the bedspread. I know kids that live like that. There's one outlet and that's dancehall music. There's not much to do. Kids don't have games, so they go out and socialize and that's what keeps us calm.

AP: Are you comfortable being labeled a dancehall artist?

Sean Paul: Definitely. The music I do is dancehall music, although reggae is evident on my album. Reggae is the father of our music and dancehall is something that came out of it, through economic situations in Jamaica happened where not everyone could be in a band and express themselves. (My) song "Never Gonna Be The Same" is reggae. ... A song called, "Time Rolls On," it's talking to the leaders of everything — government, gangs and religion — and it's saying as time rolls on, when will we ever live together? When will we ever care about each other? For thousands of years (politicians) told us, "Follow us, follow us, we're leaders and we're going to do the right thing." Then they lead us into war with each other, time and time again. The song asks questions like, "Muslims and Christian, Buddhist and Hindu, Rastafari and Jew — when will we ever share one God?" It's very conscious music, which I'm not known for. I'm known to rock the crowd. As I said though, this album shows growth and proves that I can talk about real life.

Pharrell's Got Naked Women...

Pharrell's Got Naked Women, Fireballs, And, Oh Yeah, Gwen Stefani For Clip

Rapper/producer being watched in 'Can I Have It Like That' video.
Gwen Stefani and Pharrell Williams
Photo: Getty Images








Pharrell's next video, "Can I Have It Like That," has so much action in it — thanks to helicopters, Learjets, boat races, fireballs and naked women — that it's supposed to look more like a movie trailer than a video. And that movie would



Shot over the weekend with director Paul Hunter and guest star Gwen Stefani, the concept behind the clip is that not only are we watching Pharrell, but so is some secret organization — the FBI, the CIA, the NSA, who knows? The group is tapping his phones, taking shots of him with telephoto lenses and recording Pharrell with voice satellite discs so that the video actually becomes part of the organization's surveillance of him.

The camera angles add to the paranoia, according to the treatment, always moving left to right, or circling as someone walks by. Throughout this, Pharrell acts as if he knows someone's watching — but he doesn't care. He talks on his cell to a mysterious woman, but doesn't hide his conversation (she's later revealed as Stefani).

While he's not exactly trying to outrun them, they're in hot pursuit everywhere he goes, whether it be an exclusive boat party with his bodyguards in tow or to an even more exclusive party in his penthouse, where naked women painted like exotic animals step out of wallpaper matching their patterns. No matter — he eventually makes his escape, with a helicopter taking him away.

The song will be included on Pharrell's solo debut, In My Mind, which is slated for release on November 15.

— Jennifer Vineyard [MTV News]

D'Angelo Says He's 'Fine' After Car Accident

Singer suffered bruised ribs and contusions in Hummer crash.

Photo: Frank Micelotta/Getty Images


According to R&B crooner D'Angelo, he's recovering at home following last week's car accident, and he can't wait to return to the studio to finish his forthcoming record.

"I banged up my ribs, but other than that, I'm fine," the Grammy Award-winning singer told The Associated Press on Monday night from his home in Midlothian, Virginia. The singer sustained bruised ribs and some contusions, according to his attorney and business advisor, L. Londell McMillan.

D'Angelo said he was released from Richmond's Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center on Friday, just days after the September 19 accident along Virginia's Route 711 (see "Singer D'Angelo Seriously Injured In Car Crash").

McMillan issued a statement yesterday afternoon assuring fans that D'Angelo, born Michael Eugene Archer, was doing well and "is anxious to finish the recording of his soul masterpiece that the world has patiently awaited."

The singer's last album, Voodoo, was released in 2000.

The news of D'Angelo's release from the hospital's Intensive Care Unit comes after comments made Monday morning by Sergeant Kevin Barrick, a Virginia State Police spokesperson, who explained that the musician was still being treated for injuries characterized as "critical" in a press release issued over the weekend.

Calls to Virginia State Police for comment were not returned by press time.

D'Angelo was rushed by Med-Flight helicopter to VCU Medical Center soon after last week's accident, a single-car crash that took place just before 8 p.m. on September 19. Barrick said D'Angelo's 2003 Hummer was headed east on Route 711 in Virginia's Powhatan County when it ran off the road and slammed into a fence before overturning.

Barrick said D'Angelo, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the vehicle. Another person inside the Hummer, Lynne Sellers, also sustained significant injuries; she was taken by ambulance to VCU Medical Center, where she was treated and released days later.

Police investigating the wreck are still unsure who was operating the vehicle when it crashed; according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Hummer is registered to D'Angelo's brother, who lives in New York.

D'Angelo told the AP that Sellers was at the wheel when the Hummer skidded off the highway. Beyond that, he said, "I don't really remember anything" about the crash.

Two weeks ago, D'Angelo was handed a suspended prison sentence after being convicted of cocaine possession. In April, the singer was fined $250 and given a 90-day suspended jail term after pleading guilty in Virginia District Court to charges of marijuana possession and driving under the influence of alcohol (see "D'Angelo Pleads Guilty To Charges Of DUI, Drug Possession"); his driver's license was revoked for one year.

— Chris Harris [MTV News]

Redman Commits To...

Redman Commits To 'True Crime,' Gives Players A 'Security' Check

Rapper will appear in video game and contribute three songs to its soundtrack.
Redman
Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images
Redman is ready for a life of "True Crime." The rapper has signed on to be the featured artist in Activision's upcoming "True Crime: New York City," the sequel to last year's "True Crime: Streets of L.A."

Due in November, the game will feature the debut of "Rush the Security" — a song from Red's upcoming album, Red Gone Wild (due November 8) — along with two other original songs, according to an Activision spokesperson. The rapper will also be immortalized in pixels as an unlockable character who rewards players when they reach certain levels.

Activision music exec Tim Riley said in a statement that Redman fit in with the eclectic group of artists on the soundtrack, which is aimed at capturing the spirit of New York. Among the 80 songs in the game are tracks by the Ramones, Jay-Z, Fat Joe, My Chemical Romance, A Tribe Called Quest, the Bravery, Bob Dylan and the Velvet Underground.

"As an East Coast artist who paid his dues performing in the clubs of New York City, Redman's inspired rhymes bring the gritty realism of the city to life in our game," Riley said. "His bold lyrics and hard-edged funk beats capture the vibes of the city from Washington Heights to Harlem and all the way down to Battery Park."

Last year's "True Crime: Streets of L.A." featured songs from Snoop Dogg, Westside Connection, Alice in Chains, Static-X, the Donnas, the Distillers, Killswitch Engage, Warren G and Jayo Felony (see "Snoop Dogg Pops Up On ESPN, Video Game, Knoc-Turn'Al Single").

— Gil Kaufman [MTV News]

Beanie Sigel Acquitted In Attempted-Murder Trial

'I think the jury flat-out didn't believe the victim and the eyewitness,' rapper's attorney says.
Beanie Sigel outside the courthouse on Monday
Photo: Jeff Fusco/Getty Images
Beanie Sigel was relieved of a major legal burden Monday afternoon: After two days of deliberation, a Philadelphia jury acquitted him of all charges in his attempted-murder trial.

Sigel was alleged to have shot Terrence Speller in 2003. In 2004, during his first attempted murder trial, a jury could not come up with verdict after five days of deliberation and a mistrial was declared (see "Beanie Sigel's Attempted-Murder Retrial Begins In Philadelphia").

Sigel, who was released from prison early this year after serving just over a year on federal weapons charges (see "Beanie Sigel Released From Prison"), began his retrial on attempted murder charges a week ago.

"It was pretty much the same testimony as last time, except in this case, they introduced the evidence of the firearm that he was arrested with that resulted in the federal case," Sigel's attorney Fortunato N. Perri Jr. said Monday. "It's a great victory for me — but especially for him. It gives him the opportunity to get his life back together, get his career back on track. I'm happy for him. The introduction of the gun was done by the prosecutor to show that he had access to weapons and had the ability to handle semi-automatic weapons. It was very damaging testimony. I was very concerned when that ruling was made, to allow that into the case.

"I think the jury flat-out didn't believe the victim and the eyewitness," he added. "They thought they were lying, that they put a story together, to ultimately end up in a payday for themselves. We have a lawsuit filed by the victim now, so I think the jurors saw right through the lies and the deception of the victim and the eyewitness."

Since his release from prison, Sigel has kept a relatively low profile. He appears in the Young Jeezy video "Soul Survivor" and recorded a remix of the Sheek Louch street anthem "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" with the LOX and Fabolous. Sigel has also been working on material for his own upcoming album.

Beanie hasn't seen his last day in court. He goes to trial again in about a month to face assault charges. He's alleged to have punched a man in the face (see "Beanie Sigel Buys Some More Time").

— Shaheem Reid, with reporting by Chris Harris

Bone Thugs Rapper Layzie Bone's Finger Nearly Bitten Off

Irate fan attacks him in hotel room after show is canceled.
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's Layzie Bone
Photo: Fresh Coast Magazine.com



In one of the more bizarre accounts of artist/fan interactions, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's Layzie Bone almost lost a finger on Saturday when an irate fan tried to bite it off during a scuffle.


Krayzie and Wish Bone were in Palm Springs, California, to perform at a club and before they could even get to the venue, the show was canceled. Bone's camp said police intervened, fearing gang violence, but a spokesperson for the police said that was not the case and that if the show was canceled it was because the promoter did not obtain the proper permits from the city.

In any event, Bone Thugs visited another local club, Havana, and then headed back to their hotel, a Holiday Inn Express in Cathedral City, where the madness occurred.

According to the Bone camp, Layzie and his wife were in one of the rooms with some friends and invited some fans up to mingle. There was an undisclosed amount of men and women in the room when one of the men attacked Layzie, apparently disgruntled because of the show's cancellation. The distraught man was able to bite down on one of the rapper's fingers and pierced the skin all the way to the bone. The man was then held by Layzie's friends until police arrived. Police said the attacker was not arrested because Layzie Bone refused to press charges or even cooperate with authorities.

Bone was rushed to a hospital, where doctors were able to save his appendage. The fleet-mouthed rapper's finger was stitched up and Layzie is said to be resting in Hawaii with his wife. Despite suffering extreme pain, Layzie is expected to meet up with his group in two weeks to continue recording a new album.

Bizzy Bone left the group earlier this year, but for the past several weeks the remaining three members have recorded 25 songs with Swizz Beatz and are close to signing with the producer's Full Surface record label.

Bone Thugs have also received beats from Three 6 Mafia, Big Boi and Kanye West, among others. There is still no word on when the album will be in stores or even completed. Meanwhile, Bizzy drops the solo LP Speaking in Tongues this week on indie label 845 Entertainment.

— Shaheem Reid [MTV News]

New Jay-Z Protégé, K-Ruger, Dies Suddenly

Up-and-coming Houston rapper and one of Jay-Z's newest artist, K-Ruger, passed away earlier this week.

Details surrounding his death have yet to be revealed. Str8Lace Records president Demetrius Peterson shared that the rapper's death was a shock and unexpected.


While he had been working the Houston underground via countless mixtape appearances, K-Ruger entered the national stage after becoming one of the first artists Jay-Z signed upon taking on the job of president of Def Jam.


K-Ruger's publicist tells how, just last week, he expressed excited about forthcoming albums with distributors. The young rapper was looking forward to working with Hov, who reportedly called him "a breath of fresh air for hip-hop." In a bizarre twist of fate, K-Ruger had rapped about how many great rappers and DJs like Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., DJ Screw and Eazy-E weren't truly appreciated until their death.

Jay-Z Is Living it up!

Rap mogul Jay-Z has just moved into a penthouse apartment in New York City's exclusive Time Warner Center. The New York Post reports that the mogul is paying $40,000 a month to rent the condo, which has four bedrooms, six bathrooms, and one of the few private terraces in the building.


The condo also comes with full hotel amenities including room service, linens, twice-daily maid service, and a health club with pool located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which sits 30 floors below the unit.

Jay-Z can also keep a watchful eye over his girlfriend Beyonce Knowles's apartment with the help of a telescope from his terrace

THE FUGEES ARE IN THE LAB

You all know by now that the Fugees are reunited, but what’s up with a new album? Calm down, true believer – the Fugees have been working hard in the lab for the past two months and just leaked a song the public called “Be Easy”. On the song, all 3 trade verses, with Lauryn spitting a more spoken word type of flow and Pras and Wyclef utilizing a more traditional flow. Ms. Hill had been recording material for a new solo album, but those plans currently seem to be on hold with the group hard at work on their reunion album. Most recently, they rocked the stage at the BET Awards a few weeks back. The album has yet to be named and there’s no word on who they’re working with, but it is currently scheduled to drop on December 27th. We'll keep you posted as things develop.

BIGGIE RETURNS WITH “DUETS”

The Notorious B.I.G. may be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten – especially due to new material still being released. First up is a long rumored duets album set to drop from Bad Boy in late November. Called The Notorious B.I.G. Duets: The Final Chapter, the album is slated to pair classic Biggie rhymes with work by artists both old and new. The first single, called “Hold Ya Hand”, pairs Biggie with fellow deceased legend Bob Marley. The single was produced by mixtape giant Clinton Sparks and was released this past Monday on AOL Music.

The rest of the album is still being worked on, but Bad Boy promises that the album will have some of the music’s best vocalists, MCs, and producers. The album will come with a DVD of previously unreleased Biggie performance footage and interviews, along with some music videos. In addition, production is set to begin early next year on a big-budget biopic about the slain rapper. Training Day director Antoine Fuqua is in charge of the project.

The Game says he's finally ready to get over beef w/ 50 cent

The Game has finally decided to let his on-again, off-again beef with his former mentor 50 Cent rest. During a visit to BET's 106 & Park last week to debut his new video, "Put You On The Game," the rapper explained that he was moving on. The Game said, "I think that Dre (Dr. Dre) and Em (Eminem), the role that they've played in all this is kinda stand in the back and let these two idiots figure it out. I'm definitely embarrassed by what's been going on."


The Game added, "But sometimes when you're backed against that wall, it's five against one. I just felt obligated to put my hands up and began to defend myself. I definitely want to apologize to my fans, and Dr. Dre, and Interscope, and Aftermath. Like I said, I'm working on it."

The rapper will be heading into the studio soon to begin work on the follow-up to his double platinum debut, The Documentary. The rapper hopes to record with Gwen Stefani, Just Blaze, Kanye West, and Cool & Dre. The Game is hoping to release the new album next spring.

Hip Hop pays homage to its most influential stars

The stars were out in New York City on Thursday (September 22nd) as hip hop's biggest stars turned out to pay homage to some its most influential pioneers at VH1's second annual Hip Hop Honors show. The show was taped on Thursday and will air on VH1 on Monday, September 26th, at 9:00pm ET.

This year's show was hosted by Russell Simmons and Reverend Run and featured tributes to the late Notorious B.I.G., Big Daddy Kane, Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Ice-T, and the 1991 film Boyz N The Hood.


Snoop Dogg paid homage to fellow West Coast icon Ice-T. Snoop was joined by Ice-T for a rendition of the classic, "Colors."

Nelly and Ciara showed their love for LL Cool J by performing his hit, "Doin It."

Salt-N-Pepa, who hadn't performed together in six years, were joined by En Vogue for their first ever performance of their Number One platinum collaboration "Whatta Man."

Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five showcased the art of deejaying with guest appearance by Biz Markie and Jazzy Jeff. Fat Joe also hit the stage in support of his fellow Bronx legends.

Big Daddy Kane definitely proved that he still has a lot left in the tank. After Black Thought, T.I., and a break dancing Common paid homage to the hip-hop vet, he took the stage for the one of the evening's best performances as he was still able to perform his intricate dance steps with the help of his original dancer Big Scoob.

Kanye West performed his hit, "Golddiger," before returning for the show's finale which was a tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G. by Faith Evans, Ludacris, Lil' Cease, and DJ Enuff. Diddy and the late rapper's mother, Voletta Wallace, were on hand for the festivities as were B.I.G.'s two children.

THE SCENE BACKSTAGE:
LL Cool J on being honored by Nelly and Ciara:"I'm very thankful and appreciative and all I can say is, 'Wow.' So to see Nelly and Ciara out there performing my music and serenading me with my own music, I mean come on man. I mean you know can you imagine, you know, being in your basement and rapping and then one day twenty years later you have superstar artists singing your music to you. It's crazy. I'm thankful."

Voletta Wallace on her son the late Notorious B.I.G.: "All I can say is he paved the way for many. He was honest in his lyrics. He told beautiful stories and I don't know if any followed him. But I knew they loved him, they loved his music and I'm sure that's why he was so loved."

Common on break dancing during Big Daddy Kane tribute: "With the break dancing you know it's something I love to do. That's how I got into hip-hop really so I still do it. My mother just called me the other day like, 'You need to stop break dancing. You getting too old for that.' I'm like, 'Nah man I still got it, you dig?' That's why I did it man. I loved doing it."

The show's producer Fab 5 Freddy explained the mission behind the show: "I mean I was fortunate enough to have been exposed to and came up around artists that were true leaders. That's what this show is a reflection of. It's kind of putting people up there that curved out these roads that many artists follow. That's the mission and the important thing about what we do in Hip Honors."

Paul Wall is the Billboard 200 Champ!

Paul Wall continued Houston's takeover of the rap charts this week when his debut album, The People's Champ, debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200 albums chart. The set sold more than 176,000 copies its first week in stores, to edge out Kanye West's Late Registration for the Number One spot.


The People's Champ features guest appearances by Freeway, Screwed Up Click, Bun-B, T.I., and Lil' Wayne. The latest single from the project is "Sittin' Sideways" featuring Big Pokey.

Earlier this year, Paul Wall's frequent collaborators and fellow Houston-based rappers Mike Jones and Slim Thug debuted in the Top Five of the Billboard 200 albums chart with their respective major label debuts, Who Is Mike Jones? (at Number Three) and Already Platinum (at Number Two).

50 Cent Sticking to formula as he prepare's 'Get Rich' Soundtrack

50 Cent is currently putting the finishing touches on the soundtrack to his motion picture debut, Get Rich Or Die Tryin', which hits theaters in November. The rapper explained to MTV.com that he doesn't plan on switching things up to much. He said, "I'm kinda going left a little bit, but not too far from where my audience already embraced me. Anything that changes too fast is no good. You shouldn't expect me to come to you with my next album totally different from what you already know. In the history of music, there hasn't been an artist that's successful -- I did my research, so trust me -- that put out an album that was themed with a split personality or more than one type of personality."


The rapper added, "Ask Nelly about Sweat and Suit. There's been a few -- Tracey Lee's (Many Faces), Cassidy's Spilt Personality -- none of those projects work because the general public typecasts. So when you give them something that isn't what they want, they'll be like, 'No, that isn't want I wanted. I don't care what you feel like today.'"

50 Cent recently leaked a single, "Hustla's Ambition," from the soundtrack, but the official lead single is "Window Shopper." The Get Rich Or Die Tryin' soundtrack is due out on November 1st.

Select * From Exclusives Part 1[Mixtape]

Buy the Blast Boogie - Select * From Exclusives Pt1 Cover for $5.00 and receive a free mixtape download with the same title.

Blast Boogie Presents: Select * From Exclusives PT1

HipHopHavoc.com brings you the latest music available on the net. This Blast Boogie: Select * From Exclusives Mixtape Cover is being sold for only $5.00 and it includes a free music download.

The track listing is as follows:

• 01 - Intro


• 02 - Remy Martin - I'm Conceited (Prod. by Scott Storch)


• 03 - Frankie Krutches - DJ’s Don't Luv Me


• 04 - Lil' Kim - Spell Check (Snippet)


• 05 - Smif n Wessun - Toolz of the Trade


• 06 - 50 Cent - Hustlers Ambition


• 07 - Lenox Ave Boyz - Toe Wop


• 08 - Redman - Rush The Security


• 09 - Dilated Peoples - Back Again


• 10 - B Legit ft jadakiss styles clyde carson - Block 4 life


• 11 - Nas - Death Aniversary


• 12 - Juelz Santana ft CamRon - Murda Murda (welcome to my damn block)


• 13 - Gravy ft Co Reed - Bang


• 14 - Young Buck ft M.O.P - Thats my word


• 15 - Lil Wayne - Fireman


• 16 - Stack Bundles ft The Game - In my Six Four


• 17 - Fabolous - Back Atcha


• 18 - Pharrell ft Gwen Stefani - can i have it


• 19 - Kanye West - Apologize


• 20 - Lloyd Banks - If you aint holdin

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Jay-Z promises to call out disrespectful rappers

Jay-Z may be the president of Def Jam Records but his rapping days don't appear to be behind him as he's agreed to headline New York City radio station Power 105 FM's annual Power House concert, which is scheduled for October 27th at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. While visiting the radio station yesterday (Thursday, September 15th), Jay-Z shared that he might use the opportunity to air out rappers who have been disrespectful in recent months. The mogul said, "I got a lot of records. I'm getting the itch. I need to see the people. It's time for a good show in New York City...I gotta flip on some people."


Jay-Z wouldn't specifically name who he might victimize but he explained that some rappers are "hard-headed" and that "not too many people make it out of the figure-four leg lock. I gotta put 'em in the choke hold, the Boston crab. I gotta smash a couple of people...Everybody better make up and be my friend."

Jay-Z's performance is being billed as "Jay-Z & Friends" and will feature several surprise guests.

MTV.com reports that the rapper is also scheduled to headline Power 99 in Philadelphia's Power House show the next day (October 28th).

DAMIAN MARLEY SAYS NO TO JAY-Z

Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley released his latest album, Welcome To Jamrock, on Tuesday (September 13th) on Universal Motown Records. Marley was at the center of a bidding war earlier this year and he explained why he decided against signing with Jay-Z's Def Jam Records. Marley said: "Really because to really try to have the family all in one place, you know what I mean? It's like I'd love to really work with Jay-Z to that point but it would have kinda separated me from the rest of my family unit, so I wanted it to be together under one umbrella, you know?"


Welcome To Jamrock was produced by Marley and his older brother Stephen Marley and features guest appearances by Nas, Bobby Brown, and Black Thought of the Roots. Marley explained how the Nas collaboration came together. He said: "Big respect for Nas, you know what I mean, from long, long time. When we were putting together the track, actually building the beat and stuff like that, we were just hearing Nas. It feel like a Nas track, so we reach out and you don't know, he bless us with a verse so we give thanks."

VIVICA A. FOX SLAMS 50 CENT!

Vivica A. Fox is still mad at 50 Cent for the way he dumped her -- but she's also angry at the media for the way they handled the break-up. Vivica talks about the issue on today's (Thursday, September 15th) episode of The Tyra Banks Show. She says it's 50 Cent's fault that the press portrayed her as the bad guy in the break-up, saying, "He was like, 'She's exploiting me, she's trying to use me to get publicity.' ...But, you know, I just considered that ghetto love. It was his way of dealing with the break-up."


Vivica says that her way of dealing with the break-up was to listen to India.Arie's song "Strength, Courage & Wisdom," over and over again: "That was a song I listened to almost every day because I needed strength, courage, and wisdom to never let that happen to me again." Vivica even had the words "Strength, Courage & Wisdom" tattooed to her arm. (She has 13 tattoos in total.)

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HIP HOP SUPPORTS KATRINA VICTIMS

We all know about the chaos and destruction caused by Hurricane Katrina, and I’m sure you’ve heard about the outpouring of support and financial aid provided by many celebrities. But the support of the Hip Hop community has seemingly been under-reported in mainstream media. While mainstream media outlets jumped all over the Kanye West controversy, many of those in the Hip Hop culture have stepped to the forefront of efforts to help the poor, impoverished, and displaced people of the regions effected. The day after the hurricane, both Jay-Z and Diddy both pledged 1 million dollars of their own money to go to relief. Producer and DJ Clinton Sparks launched his “Dare To Care” campaign which has him D-Jaying at various cubs and events with all proceeds going to hurricane victims. David Banner, Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West, Common, Master P, Young Jeezy, Juvenile, Lil’ Jon, Fat Joe, Eminem, Jermaine Dupri, Dallas Austin, Mos Def and T.I. are just some of the many Hip Hop superstars who have contributed significantly to the relief effort. In fact, T.I. went a step further and actually called people out. He was quoted as saying "I called everybody's bluff who be talking all that ballin' crap, popping all them bottles in the club ... talking about how much girls and jewelry and cars they got. Let's see how much money they've got for a good cause. Basically, I told everybody to put their money where their mouths are, and if you ain't got no money to give to the cause, I don't want to hear that stuff no more." And though many try to vilify them, many of today’s brightest young Black NBA Stars held an All-Star basketball game to provide money as well. Among those who participated were Ron Artest, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Stephon Marbury. If there were a moral to this story, it would be to not believe everything you hear or read about our Hip Hop and NBA stars, because they were some of the first to step up to try and make things right. If you would like to do your part, you can check out David Banner’s Heal The Hood Foundation at Healthehood.com.

JAY-Z TO LAUNCH DEF JAM LEFT?

Jay-Z has been making moves since becoming president of Def Jam! Besides signing new artists and releasing albums, he’s trying to expand his company. He’s already started Roc La Familia, a label dedicated to the World Music genre. He currently has Houston’s Aztek and New York rapper Tru Life signed to that label, and may be trying to sign London’s Lady Sov. But now, it seems Jigga is trying to rep for all the REAL Hip Hop heads by launching Def Jam Left, a label dedicated to supporting artists who may not be Top 40 artists or necessarily mainstream. Jigga intends for the label to be artist-driven, and not pressured by 1st week Soundscan sales. And he already has a target for the 1st act he wants signed – the legendary Hip Hop band The Roots! In Billboard magazine, Jay-Z was quoted as saying "I'm talking to the Roots right now. I'm confident to put out there that we might make this happen. The label would probably begin at the top of the year, but I hope to have the Roots signed by the time they get off their international tour." How big would THAT be? Dirty Backpacks has a few suggestions as to who else he could sign – Ras Kass, Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, Skillz and AZ wouldn’t be a bad line-up, now would it?

Laura Bush says Kanye West's comments were disgusting

Earlier this month during a live hurricane relief broadcast on NBC, rapper Kanye West accused President Bush of not caring about black people. First Lady Laura Bush responded to the rapper's comments during a radio interview on Thursday (September 8th). The First Lady said, "I think all of those remarks are disgusting, to be perfectly frank, because of course President Bush cares about everyone in our country. And I know that. I mean, I'm the person who lives with him. I know what he's like, and I know what he thinks, and I know how he cares about people."


While rappers such as Jay-Z, David Banner, Nelly, and others have backed West's statement. New Orleans resident Master P thinks that the comments weren't made at the right time. He told allhiphop.com, "I think that if Kanye West (felt) like that, he needed to wait, 'cause I got people in my community dying right now. I got kids lost, I got parents lost, I got people got nowhere to go back to right now, so we need the government. We gon' need the president."

Master P, who started his own relief organization, Team Rescue, added, "We from New Orleans, we feel the pain, we feel the anger. This what we going through. This is not a game for us. This is not a joke, this is not about money. This is not about selling records."

West, for his part, has attempted to clarify and offer an explanation for his statements. During the BET S.O.S. Telethon on Friday (September 9th), the rapper said, "I just let my heart speak for itself without thinking about my image or how it's gonna hurt me financially. I felt the world needed to hear from me...I just do it and I say what I really feel."

O.C and Casual Making Appearances at CMJ 2005

(Brooklyn, NY September 13, 2005) – Hieroglyphics Imperium labelmates Casual and O.C.will be performing and doing meet-and-greets for this year’s CMJ Music Marathon in New York City on September 14th and 15th. This year marks the first time both artists’ will perform at a CMJ function.

The first appearances will be a mini “meet and greet” at the Fat Beats Record Store on Wednesday, September 14th at 5pm. Fans will be able to meet the artists face-to-face and ask them to autograph album covers. Fat Beats Records is located at 406 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor between West 8th and 9th Streets.

For those who can’t make it to Fat Beats, they can catch Casual and O.C. performing later that night at The Lions’ Den along with El Da Sensei, Doujah Rze, Kaze, Forge & Amen, K-Hill, and Raydar Ellis. The Lion’s Den is located at 212 Sullivan Street. Doors open at 10:30 and the show starts at 9pm. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Fat Beats Records.

Both Casual and OC have albums dropping this fall. Casual Presents Smash Rockwell came out last Tuesday and is receiving rave reviews. OC’s album Smoke & Mirrors comes out on November 1st. Come and see them both live and direct at this year’s CMJ events!

Biggie's Mom Says Diddy and Lil' Kim Exploited her Son

Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late Notorious B.I.G., will release her memoir, Biggie: Voletta Wallace Remembers Her Son, on October 25th. The rapper's former label boss, Sean "Diddy" Combs, and former protege Lil' Kim are two people whom the late rapper's mother accuses of exploiting her son to further their careers. New York's Daily News printed several excerpts from the book which include Wallace saying, "I'm glad my son does not have to witness that the very people that he thought he could ride and die with wouldn't think twice about using his mother...I'm glad he's not here to see how they have used his image and his name."


Wallace said of Combs, "I believe Sean loved my son -- after he was dead. I used to tell Christopher all the time not to trust Sean."

Wallace accuses Lil' Kim, who allegedly had an intimate relationship with Biggie, of pilfering items from her New Jersey home after she let the rapper use it for a photo shoot. Wallace said, "The first picture I saw was Kim wearing my son's mink coat, holding his chain and wearing his hat. I was shocked. I felt violated."

Wallace added, "I read the entire article and learned that not only was Kim wearing things belonging to my son, but she claimed that the home belonged to her as well. This experience helped me draw my own opinions about Kim. And they weren't good."

50 Cent says he's responsible for Kanye West's success

Kanye West isn't signed to 50 Cent's G-Unit Records or affiliated with the rapper, but 50 still feels like he played a role in West's success. 50 Cent told MTV.com, "I feel like Kanye West is successful because of me. After 50 Cent, (hip-hop fans) was looking for something non-confrontational, and they went after first thing that came along. That was Kanye West, and his record took off."

50 Cent also attempted to offered some constructive criticism. He said, "(West) puts together witty phrases and he's a great talent as a producer, but I still don't know who Kanye West is when I listen to him. By listening to the record, I don't know who he is -- I know he's been in a car accident, that's what I know."


50 Cent reissued his sophomore set, The Massacre, this week, and he's putting the finishing touches on the soundtrack to his new movie, Get Rich Or Die Tryin', but he plans to take a strategic break in the coming months. 50 said, "My next album, I don't know (when it'll come out). You think (the people) need a break? I may have to give them a break. I want to see what they do if I sit down for a minute. When I say 'sit down,' I don't mean I won't be active -- I'll leave the U.S. for a little while. I'll go outside the country and start developing my base outside the country a little more while they think I'm at home chillin' -- then I'll come back and finish them off."

As for the soundtrack, which is due out in November along with the movie, the rapper said, "The music is great. I feel they should anticipate the soundtrack like they should anticipate the next 50 Cent album. I got great performances from each one of the artists: Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, Mobb Deep, Olivia, M.O.P. I was able to let them work, and while they're recording their albums, I took my favorite records from them, like, 'Oh, that's hot. Let me put that on my soundtrack.' I took my favorite records."

Jay-Z denies reports that he's engaged to beyonce

Def Jam Records president Jay-Z was in London this week to accept the GQ International Man Of The Year award and rumors began to circulate that he had given his girlfriend, Beyonce Knowles, an engagement ring for her 24th birthday, which was last Sunday (September 4th). When questioned by New York's Daily News, the rapper said the rumors were untrue. There's no telling when the world will find out if Jay-Z and Beyonce decide to take the plunge, since the couple has been adamant about keeping their relationship private.


However, Jay-Z was very forthcoming about Kanye West's recent remark that "George Bush doesn't care about black people." The mogul, who supports West 100 percent, explained that ultimately the buck stops with the President. He said, "When you're the Commander-In-Chief, you're responsible. Maybe it's the mayor or the governor to blame. But when you are the boss, it comes down on you."

Clinton Sparks Launches "Dare to Care"

Clinton Sparks Launches "Dare to Care" Campaign for Victims of Hurricane Katrina

Boston, MA—September 7, 2005—In response to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, Award-winning radio show host/DJ, producer and entrepreneur, DJ Clinton Sparks, has launched "Dare to Care", a campaign created to support the relief for the thousands of people young and old who are displaced without food, shelter, or electricity - and untold numbers were killed in the fierce storm that left a path of destruction across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, & Florida in recent weeks.

Clinton dares top party promoters across the country to step up and coordinate events where he will donate his legendary DJ sets free of charge in exchange for 100% of each event's proceeds being donated to the victims of one of the most devastating and destructive storms in the history of our country. Clinton will also bring celebrity friends to each venue along with giveaways donated by several popular lifestyle companies.

Five promoters in any city in the United States who can provide the biggest and best turnout will be chosen to host a "Dare to Care" Event. The promoters chosen and their parties will be promoted locally and nationally through radio, print & television media, and 100% of the proceeds from these events will be donated in their names to the various charitable organizations such as The American Red Cross, AmeriCares, United Way, & The Salvation Army. He also hopes to team with other leading DJs to start the first hip-hop fundraiser of its kind.

"Dare to Care" is a groundbreaking relief effort designed to prove DJs, promoters and club goers can all party for a cause. Do not miss out on a great opportunity to help those who are in dire need while working with one of the most respected and sought-after DJs in the world. For more information regarding the "Dare to Care" campaign, please send all event proposals to getfamiliar@clintonsparks.com


*photo used courtesy of http://www.thesituation.co.uk/

Daz Dillinger - Interview (Audio UP!!!!)

What can we say. Dirty Backpack's always on his grind and always comes correct. Peep his interview with the legendary artist named Daz. Read as they discuss Daz's new album, the Dogg Pound and tons more. Oh and we know you are all probably thinking to yourselves, "Where the Hell is the Audio?" well its coming! Don't act crazy...you know HipHopHavoc ALWAYS brings you them hot exclusives and things no other site is doing but will do in a couple of months....bunch of haters and biters...ha.....

peep the interview


AUDIO IS NOW UP.....YOU KNOW HOW WE DO....

Fat Joe says 50 Cent Provoked Him

Fans watching last Sunday night's MTV Video Music Awards may have thought that Fat Joe instigated the incident with 50 Cent. But according to Fat Joe, he was provoked by 50 Cent, who was running through the crowd shaking hands with people just before Fat Joe was to announce the evening's reggaeton performers. Fat Joe told MTV, "He's up in the stands waving at me. Then he's walking around, and when I'm waiting to introduce the reggaeton dudes, he gets on the stage. I'm thinking, 'OK, we're about to fight.' I'm like, 'We're about to get it on right here at the VMAs?'"

Joe added, "I had no intentions of going to the VMAs and starting no drama...I come to these events to have a good time. I never had any type of incidents before. But at a certain point, what do you do?"


As Fat Joe was introducing the evening's reggaeton performers, he said, "I feel safe with all the police protection, courtesy of G-Unit." The remark caused 50 Cent and the G-Unit to begin shouting profanities at the rapper.

Later, after performing a medley including "Disco Inferno," Outta Control" featuring Mobb Deep, and "So Seductive" with Tony Yayo, 50 shouted several obscenities while on-air at Fat Joe, such as "F*** Joe," "Fat Joe's a p***y," and others which were bleeped out.

Fat Joe explained, "I said what I said because there's only so much you can take. This guy is jumping on stage and nobody said anything to him. He did 'Piggy Bank,' I made my record ('My 44') and said I'm out of it. I'm done. Then you have Tony Yayo trying to dis me every chance he gets. 50 is making music videos about me. What am I supposed to do? I have to defend myself. I was trying not to pay them no mind, until he jumped on the stage."

50 Cent had no comment after the incident, but the G-Unit's Tony Yayo denied that 50 Cent was trying to provoke Fat Joe. According to Yayo, 50 Cent simply went into the crowd to show his fans love.

More Hurricane Relief donation info courtesy of BBK+Paul Wall

As quoted from the e-mail we received from BBK/Paul Wall Camp
"Hello,

As all of you know hurricane Katrina ravaged and destroyed the great
city of New Orleans. Paul Wall and I discussed what exactly could we as
a community do. Well we thought we would reach out to you our friends in
the industry. What we are trying to do is get any extra clothing, can
goods, diapers, water anything you can spare and we will take it to the
Astrodome and have a big drop off from the music industry. Below is the
address where you can send anything to help with the cause. Than you for
your time and thank you in advance.

Address

Attn bbk and paul wall
12436 fm 1960 W. Pmb 113
Houston, tx 77065

Thanks everyone!
Bbk"

Hurrican 2005 Relief....let's do our part to help!

While I can go on and on about how f*cked up the media is by focusing on looting...forget it...I'll stop here....

All I can say is let's walk the walk instead of just talking about it....HHH contributed to the Hurricane 2005 Relief fund so please help out by contributing as well. Every donation counts(big or small)! Thank you...

Here are legit places to contact if you are interested in donating or providing housing to the victims of Hurricane Katrina..

Help Contribute money to help victims from Hurricane Katrina(Red Cross)
https://www2.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp

Offer Housing to Hurricane Katrina victims(HurricaneHousing.org)
http://www.hurricanehousing.org/

Hurricane 2005 Relief

While we have unpleasant feelings toward this situation (media coverage, etc)....we feel that is more effective to walk the walk instead of talking about what's right or wrong....

HHH contributed to the Hurricane Relief Fund and we'd like you to help out as well. It doesn't matter how much you donate, every cent counts so don't be discouraged.

Help the Victims of Hurricane Katrina by donating money to the Relief Fund...

https://www2.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp (Red Cross)

Provide Housing for Victims of Hurricane Katrina....
http://www.hurricanehousing.org/