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.