Snoop Dogg & Five Others Arrested at London Airport

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Snoop Dogg was scheduled to perform in South Africa yesterday (Thursday, April 27th), but the rapper was still in London at press time after spending Wednesday night (April 26th) in jail following an arrest at Heathrow Airport. Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, and five members of his entourage were arrested and charged with violent disorder and affray. The Associated Press reports that police officers were called to the airport's Terminal 1 after members of the rapper's entourage threw bottles of whisky and argued with staff at a duty free shop after being refused entry to a first-class lounge. According to British authorities, after officers told the group they would not be allowed to board their flight, "a number of the group became abusive and pushed officers," resulting in seven of the officers receiving cuts, bruises, and other minor injuries.

Snoop Dogg is currently preparing for the June release of Tha Dogg Pound Gangsta Click's new album Cali Iz Active.

The Unsigned Heat Section is Open (Get on HHH Today)

Think you nice? Show us what you have. We've been getting numerous request from people who want to flex their skills in the unsigned heat section. Our old process for getting unsigned artists on the site required staff members to review all requests. Now, with our latest software development, we put the power in your hands so you can add your content on HHH today!

All you have to do is read the rules and then submit your content and you're up on HHH in a matter of seconds.

Here's the link...

Sign up to be on HHH and All Affiliate Sites

Ray Cash and Mobb Deep Hit the Road in May

Ray Cash joins Mobb Deep on tour in May.


5/3 Washington DC / 9:30 Club
5/4 Boston / Avalon
5/6 Miami / Radio One
5/7 Dallas / KBFB Car Show
5/8 Philly / TLA
5/9 Providence / Lupo's
5/10 Norfolk / Norva
5/11 Baltimore / Sonar
5/12 Cincinnati / Bogarts
5/13 Columbus / Newport Music Hall
5/14 Detroit / Saint Andrews Hall
5/16 Grand Rapids / Orbit Room
5/17 Chicago / House of Blues
5/18 Milwaukee / Rave
5/19 Minneapolis / First Avenue
5/22 Denver / Gothic
5/23 Albuquerque, NM / Sunshine Theatre
5/24 Las Vegas / House of Blues
5/24 San Diego / 4th & B
5/26 Phoenix / Celebrity Theatre
5/27 Los Angeles / TBA
5/29 San Francisco / Mezzanine
5/30 Portland / Roseland
5/31 Seattle / Showbox

Ray Cash
C.O.D. (Cash On Delivery)
Sony Urban Music
IN STORES JUNE 2006

Nelly settles lawsuit and pays $20K in damages

BRIDGEPORT, CT -- Nelly has agreed to pay $20,000 to a photographer who says he was roughed up by the hip-hop artist's bodyguard, according to the photographer's attorney. Freelance photographer Jerry Livingston, 39, was photographing a Nelly concert for Chocolate City News on April 12, 2005, when he said Nelly's bodyguard, Brian Jones, grabbed him by the arm, according to attorney Mark Arons.

Arons said Jones dragged Livingston to the side of the stage, threw him on the ground and pummeled him because he thought Livingston was videotaping the concert. Arons said Livingston sprained his knee and had neck and back pain.

The case was headed for a civil trial when the two sides reached the settlement, which included no admission of guilt on Nelly's part. Arons said Nelly's security company will pay Livingston $3,000. Livingston still has lawsuits pending against the city, the Arena at Harbor Yard, where the concert took place, and the company that manages the arena. Nelly's attorney did not return calls for comment.

The Online Mixtape Awards is Here!

R.I.P. Justo. Thanks to everyone involved with making the mixtape awards happen in '06.

Well, you may have seen him on MTV's mixtape mondays or purchased his mixtapes from onlines stores or maybe even wondered who's drop is over most of the HHH songs.....I'm talking about Superstar J. Please show your support and help him take home some awards that he rightfully deserves....

Vote for Superstar J in the following categories....

Vote Here for Rookie of the Year

Vote Here for Best New Mixtape DJ

Vote Here for BEST Mixtape DJ

Vist the online mixtape awards at themixtapeawardsonline.com

By the way, you can also catch Superstar J on the Allstar DJs section of the mixtape awards site.

Diddy Sets September Release Date for New Album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Sean "Diddy" Combs is currently working on what he is billing as his final album. MTV.com reports that Diddy will release the new album on September 19th. So far, the untitled album will feature guest appearances by Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Nas, and Will.I.Am.

Diddy said, "I'm taking from what I've learned from dance music, electroclash, techno, hip-hop, soul, and pop, and kind of fusing it together. It's like everything in hip-hop is so hardcore with guns and problems and beef, and nobody is being romantic -- not in a corny way, but just giving all of yourself. It's still going to have that gangster vibe to it, but it's a musical journey. It's going to feel good."

The mogul added, "We are going to bring a lot of high fashion, a lot of energy, a lot of sex, a lot of drugs, spirituality, good times. We're going to have something for the kids, but it's really an adult thing. It's definitely pornographic, orgasmic, gangster, to the point where your soul feels good. It's like a spiritual revolution. It's like being sanctified."

When we spoke with Diddy, he explained the void he fills in hip hop: "You know, I'm not afraid to have fun. As a rap artist, I'm not afraid to smile, I'm not afraid to dance. I mean, that's the void I fill, is just having a good time. And with hip-hop, you need balance."

Diddy's last two albums were 2001's The Saga Continues, which peaked at Number Two on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and P. Diddy amp; Bad Boy Records Present... We Invented The Remix, which debuted at Number One on the Billboard 200 in 2002.

Diddy's best selling effort was his 1997 Grammy Award-winning set No Way Out, which was released under the Puff Daddy amp; the Family moniker. It's sold over seven million copies since it was released.

Diddy's platinum solo effort, Forever, came out in 1999.

Ludacris still upset over his 'Oprah' appearance

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and actor Ludacris visited The Oprah Winfrey Show to promote his Academy Award-winning movie Crash, but the rapper wasn't happy with Winfrey's rule that she doesn't promote rap and rappers. Ludacris told GQ magazine, "She edited out a lot of my comments while keeping her own in." He added, "Of course, it's her show, but we were doing a show on racial discrimination, and she gave me a hard time as a rapper when I came on there as an actor. I don't see why people like Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle, who I am huge fans of, it's OK for them to go on Oprah. They speak the same language as I do, but they do it through comedy, so I guess that's acceptable."

One thing Winfrey doesn't have to worry about is Ludacris turning the situation into a big deal. The rapper might take a shot at the talk-show host through his music in the future, but for now he's continuing to record his new album Release Therapy and focusing on being a businessman.

The rapper explained why it's so important to be professional: "I'm a businessman first. You gotta let business come before music a lot of the times because, you know, it's all about being a good person. Your ego can't be bigger than yourself and the things that you're trying to do. So I feel as if it's real important to be businesslike, especially with the pictures, with anything I do and have a lot of input in, so it's all about, you know, being real businesslike."

New Podcast Section added to HHH and Affiliate Sites!

Enjoy the new Podcast Section!

Check it out at Hip Hop Havoc Podcast. The main navigation link on HipHophavoc and the affiliate sites were also updated with the new the "Podcast" navigation Tab. You can also locate the podcast section at bottom 3rd of the main page on HHH and the Affiliate sites.

Also, don't forget to explore the latest addition to the HIP HOP HAVOC Family....

MidWest Havoc

....Stay tuned for the next HHH Podcast Episode!!!!

X-Clan Launched Foundation in Honor of Professor X

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Socially-conscious hip hop group X-Clan and the Blackwatch Movement have come together to announce the formation of the X-Clan Foundation in honor of Professor X, who died last month. The new foundation will be dedicated to raising money for programs to uplift young people and support them in becoming the best they can be. X-Clan's Brother J said, "I am proud of the evolution of X-Clan for this new millennium beyond the music. The collaboration of CORE and the X-Clan Foundation allows us to address self-destruction issues in our youth on a national and international scale." The X-Clan Foundation was formed as a project of CORE Concepts (Communities Organizing To Reach Excellent Concepts).

A portion of proceeds from The X-Clan Foundation will go towards the family and burial costs of Professor X, whose real name was Lumumba Carson.

Boot Camp Click Working on New Album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The original Boot Camp Click, which includes Buckshot, Smif-N-Wesson, Sean Price, Rock, and Originoo Gunn Clapaz, are all back in the studio working on a new album called The Last Stand. The album, which comes out July 18th, will feature the production of Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, Large Professor, Da Beatminerz, Coptic, Ill Mind, SIC Beats, and Marco Polo.

The Boot Camp Click will head to Europe this week for a 17-city tour that opens in Lille, France, on Wednesday (April 19th).

Sean Price is also putting the finishing touches on his second solo album, Jesus Price Superstar, which is due in September.

Global Artists Coalition and Converse

GLOBAL ARTISTS COALITION AND CONVERSE BRING
RARE HIP-HOP ARTIFACTS, INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCES AND A SNEAKER PAINTING
COMPETITION TO NEW YORK CITY

Hip-Hop Legend Bobbito Garcia and Hot 97 DJ Raqiyah to Host Landmark
Free Event at Webster Hall on April 21

New York, NY April 11, 2006 Global Artists Coalition and Converse in
conjunction with Footlocker and Foot Action will bring their popular
sneaker-painting competition, a landmark exhibit of rare hip-hop
handbills and urban photography, and several innovative performances to
New York City, to raise awareness of hip-hops past and spotlight its
creative future.

The one-day event, titled the Converse All Star Hip-Hop Tribute, will
take place on Friday, April 21 at Webster Hall in New York City, between
2 pm and 9 pm. Hot 97 DJ Raqiyah will host from 2 pm 5 pm. Hip-hop
legend Bobbito Garcia, host of ESPN 2s Its The Shoes and columnist for
Vibe, will MC from 5pm 8 pm.

The free display will reflect the recent national interest in original
artifacts from raps early years and present a unique hip hop-based arts
activity that will engage youths and artists of all ages and encourage
them to express their creativity. In addition, several unique artistic
presentations will be offered.

The event will consist of:

The Converse Sneaker Art Battle, which offers emerging artists the
opportunity to show off their graffiti and illustrative art skills by
tagging a classic white Pro Leather shoe, similar to the ones once worn
by Julius Irving, with their own inspired creations. Participants
pieces will be judged and considered for a special limited-edition
athletic shoe from Converse.

Hip-hop historian Curtis Sherrods rare hip-hop handbills. Part of the
worlds largest collection, the objet d'arts promoted legendary
old-school parties during the late 70s and early 80s, and were
previously shown at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum.

Photojournalist Jamel Shabazzs gritty snapshots of the emerging hip-hop
scene from 1980-1989 before it became what is todays
multi-million-dollar multinational industry. The photos are from his
critically-praised books Back in the Day and A Time Before Crack.

A special performance by Bam the Liquid Robot, whose hip-hop dance
routines are enthusiastically acclaimed for their passionate virtuosity
and stylistic flair. Known for his work in movies, commercials and with
superstar artists, Bam has been called the next level by Vibe magazine.

The vocal innovation of Kid Lucky and his freewheeling and funky oral
orchestra. Perhaps the preeminent beat box artist in the world today,
Doug E. Fresh has said, Kid Lucky is doing something I wish I would have
thought of.

The trailblazing ensemble Asa Yaa. Boasting musicians, dancers and
singers, and glorifying the connection between African culture and
modern African-American art, this Brooklyn-based company has toured the
world to great acclaim.

Previously the Converse All Star Hip-Hop Tribute drew over 2,500
visitors in Miami, Los Angeles and Washington, DC.

S.M.A.C.K. THE ALBUM: VOLUME 1 ON MAY 23RD, 2006

KOCH RECORDS TO RELEASE

S.M.A.C.K. THE ALBUM: VOLUME 1 ON MAY 23RD, 2006



FULL AUDIO CD AND DVD FEATURES YOUNG JEEZY, E-40, BUN B, B.G., BLEU DAVINCI, JUVENILE, DMX,

KEITH MURRAY, AND MORE



SMACK White Entertainment, the brand behind the highly successful SMACK DVD Magazine series, and KOCH Records, announce the release of S.M.A.C.K. The Album: Volume 1, a 2-disc CD/DVD on May 23rd, 2006. SMACK, which stands for Streets, Music, Arts, Culture & Knowledge, was recently named “Best DVD Magazine” at the 2005 Mixtape Awards in New York. SMACK continues to hold the street DVD magazine crown selling over 750,000 copies with no major label support.



S.M.A.C.K. The Album: Volume 1 features a full-length CD with tracks from the most respected rappers in the game and those buzzing on the underground circuit. The audio portion boasts a full roster that features tracks from DMX, B.G., PNC feat. Juvenile, Mddl Fngz feat. Bun B, a reunion track with Redman, Eric Sermon & Keith Murray, Maino, Bleu DaVinci and more. This release also includes the next, full-length DVD installment of the groundbreaking and award winning SMACK DVD Magazine. The DVD portion includes exclusive videos, performances and controversial interviews from Paul Wall, Mike Jones, E-40, Murder Inc. and Funkmaster Flex with an exclusive video for every artist featured on the audio CD.



After three years and 10 volumes, SMACK has single handedly taken the Hip-Hop DVD magazine format to what it is today. CEO and Director Troy “SMACK” Mitchell knows the streets – and has built a project by and for the streets. With exclusive interviews, performances, freestyles and THE INFAMOUS SMACK BATTLE to close out every edition, the SMACK movement has built an astounding fan base since its debut in 2002 as the first DVD magazine of its kind. SMACK has been the brand ahead of the trends, showcasing every level of the hood. A SMACK print magazine and a documentary video series is also currently in the works.


About SMACK DVD MAGAZINE

Established in 2002, the SMACK DVD Magazine series boasts 10 titles and over 750,000 units sold. SMACK DVD MAGAZINE has proven to be a tremendous promotional vehicle via its trademark coverage of hip-hop beef, exclusive interviews, freestyles, street videos and battles.

Suspect In Proof Slaying Turns Himself In

A suspect in the slaying of D12 rapper Proof turned himself in Wednesday afternoon (April 12).

Mario Etheridge, a 28-year-old bouncer at the CCC Club, where the shooting occurred, is now in custody, according to the Detroit Police Department.

Authorities have not released any more details but said Tuesday that several witnesses had pointed to Etheridge and that once police started to make contact, he turned himself in. A warrant is currently being filed for his arrest.

Police said Wednesday that evidence indicates Proof shot first and then suffered a gunshot wound to the head around 4:30 a.m. Tuesday (see "Details In Proof Shooting Emerge As Police, Second Victim's Family Speak Out"). He was pronounced dead on arrival at St. John Holy Cross Hospital

Another victim, 35-year-old Detroit resident Keith Bender Jr., also sustained a gunshot to the head and remains in critical condition at St. John Hospital and Medical Center.

Outside the precinct where Etheridge is being held, his lawyer, Randall Upshaw, said that his client "has done nothing wrong, and I'm confident the facts will come out."

Upshaw said Etheridge is cousins with Bender, and added that the latter is on life support and has suffered brain damage. He said the focus of the investigation should be on Proof, not Etheridge.

The CCC Club is located along Detroit's East Eight Mile Road. A makeshift memorial was set up there Tuesday to pay tribute to Proof, a founding member of D12 (see "Proof: 'Eminem's Best Friend' And A Vital Member Of Detroit's Hip-Hop Scene").

— Corey Moss, with additional reporting by Shaheem Reid (MTV News)

Nas and Rakim plan to work on an album together

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Nas and Rakim are currently working on new albums, and it looks like the two super rappers will collaborate in the near future. MTV.com reports that they decided to work together while doing a recent interview. Rakim said, "Me and Nas, we been talking about this for a long time. Our people around us been talking about it and the whole world (has been talking about it), but it's about time, man. We gotta do a joint together, man. We gotta do a joint." Nas agreed and the two exchanged numbers.

Rakim added, "Hopefully we'll find the right chemistry and right track -- because you know (Nas) as well as me, we not going to do it if don't make sense. (It's gotta be) on and poppin'. I just wanted to get that out of the way, because it's (been) a long time coming."

Rakim is currently working on a new album called The Seventh Seal, which he will release himself. The rapper is hoping to distribute the project through a major label.

The veteran rapper explained his decision to release the project independently. He said, "I just wanted to feel free with the way I like doing what I do. It's hard to do an album where Rakim is pleased, the label is pleased and the world is pleased. I figured (going the independent route), I could do it because I know what the world wants. Hopefully, I'll be able to give it to them."

Nas and Rakim have worked together in the past. The two were featured on Alicia Keys's "Streets Of New York," but the song was never officially released commercially.

D12's Proof Shot And Killed At Detroit Club

Proof, a member of Eminem-fronted Detroit-based hip-hop sextet D12, was killed early Tuesday morning outside a Detroit nightclub, in a shooting that left another man in critical condition.

According to NBC News affiliate WDIV, Proof (whose real name is DeShaun Holton) suffered a gunshot wound to the head at the CCC Club on East Eight Mile Road, near Gratiot Avenue. By the time police arrived, the club had been cleared out, but several witnesses have come forward to discuss the incident with investigators. A spokesperson for the Detroit police would not discuss the shooting, as the 32-year-old rapper's next of kin have yet to be notified of his murder.

Both victims (the other man's name has not been released) were transported to area hospitals; Proof was rushed to St. John Holy Cross Hospital, while the second victim, who is 35 and also sustained a gunshot to the head, was taken to St. John Hospital, where he's listed as being in critical condition. Proof, was pronounced dead on arrival.

Proof, Em's longtime friend, appeared in the film "8 Mile" as Lil' Tic; he also served as Eminem's best man back in January, when the rapper remarried his wife Kim Mathers (see "Eminem Remarries Ex-Wife Kim Mathers"). Eminem filed for divorce last week.

Police are searching for the suspected gunman; a description has not been made available. Detectives have asked that anyone with any information on the shooting come forward.

MTV News will have more on this breaking news throughout the day as the story continues to develop.

— Chris Harris (MTV News)

HipHopHavoc.com on iTunes and TIVO

What!!! Due to the overwhelming requests from the fans, we finally expanded the site to iTUNES and TIVO. So get your iPods and remote controls out and get busy! We want to thank all of you for pushing us to raise the bars "once again" on the hip hop audio scene. Stay tuned for more because we strive to break new ground so we can provide more entertainment options for you.

Direct iTUNES link to the HHH Podcast episodes:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=137052848&s=143441


On that note, we'll close this post out with the HipHopHavoc Anthem....

HipHopHavoc.com - Online Swagger Jackers

LL Cool J Readies his 12th album - April 11th

LL COOL J RELEASES TODD SMITH
LL COOL J READIES HIS 12TH DEF JAM RELEASE ON APRIL 11th


(New York, NY, April 7, 2006): Due to overwhelming demand, the 12th album by LL Cool J, TODD SMITH, is now scheduled to be released 2 week earlier on April 11th.

TODD SMITH is jump started by the undeniable smash "Control Myself," featuring the multi-platinum and multi-talented superstar, Jennifer Lopez. Produced by Jermaine Dupri, the bass driven track shows yet another dimension of LL's versatility. The album, mostly recorded in Miami and New York features several tracks from Timabaland, Pharell, Scott Storch and Trackmasters. LL Cool J's 12th album features 12 stars; including; Mary J. Blige, Mary Mary, Teairra Mari, Freeway and Juelz Santana.

Most recently, LL Cool J has a takes a starring turn in the Paramount Picture comedy, Last Holiday. This fall he will launch 2 signature clothing lines, the high end line; Todd Smith and the active wear line; TS.

LL is more than a hip-hop artist. He is more than an actor. LL Cool J, James Todd Smith, is an icon in his own day. He encompasses the qualities of a true star, while never sacrificing his credibility in any field that he has entered. Whether it is music, Hollywood, television, politics or publishing, LL Cool J has opened his own doors and created opportunities for countless others.

LL will be embarking on a nationwide tour this spring in support of TODD SMITH.

Selling over 20 million albums world wide, LL has won and been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards, New York Music Awards and Soul Train Awards including the Soul Train Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003. Additional honors include a Billboard Music Award, The Patrick Lippard Award by Rock the Vote and the NAACP Image "Favorite Hero" Award. Add to that - a nomination for an American Music Award and the 1997 MTV Video Vanguard Award, which honors lifetime achievement in music videos.

Aside from his musical career, LL has made a mark on Hollywood. He starred in blockbuster hits such as S.W.A.T. with Samuel L. Jackson and Deliver Us From Eva. LL has also appeared in movies such as Deep Blue Sea with Samuel L. Jackson and Any Given Sunday with Al Pacino. He was honored in 2003 as ShoWests Male Star of Tomorrow. Aside from the big screen, LL starred in his own hit television series In The House and released a best selling autobiography in 1997. LL's second book release is the children's book And The Winner Is, through Scholastic.

LL Cool J was the first artist to be released on the legendary Def Jam record label, the first hip hop artist to amass nine consecutive platinum plus albums and seven gold singles and he is the first hip hop artist to go acoustic on "MTV Unplugged."

T.I. Reigns At #1 As King

Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist T.I. has made a triumphant #1 debut on the Billboard 200 album chart with his new album, "KING." Passing the half million mark with a SoundScan first-week sales total of 521,702, "KING" reigns as far and away the biggest debut thus far in 2006. In addition to its #1 debut on the Billboard 200, "KING" is #1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, #1 on the Top Rap Albums chart, #1 on iTunes, and #1 on the Top Digital albums chart.

With this impressive debut, T.I. joins an elite circle of hip-hop artists who have sold over 500K in their first week of release, among them Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Nelly, Eminem, and Kanye West. This also marks the biggest first-week sales for an Atlantic artist in the 15-year history of the SoundScan retail tracking system. In addition, Atlantic ranks as the #1 label in the music industry this week, according to SoundScan, garnering 11.96% of the current marketshare, nearly double that of the #2-ranked label.

It has been week of extraordinary career milestones for T.I., who also made his acclaimed acting debut with the nationwide premiere last Friday of "ATL." The Overbrook/Warner Bros. Pictures film was the #1 live action opener of the weekend, ranking as the #3 film overall. Fellow hip-hop artist and actor Will Smith, one of the producers of "ATL," commented: "T.I. is a gifted talent with the rare ability to move from music to film effortlessly. His natural charm and instinct for the camera will serve him well as he journeys toward a great career in film."

T.I. has earned widespread raves for his portrayal of the character Rashad. The Los Angeles Daily News proclaimed T.I. to be "a force of nature, a performer equally believable whether he's chillin' or illin'"; the New York Daily News stated that the film "features an impressive first-time performance by the rapper Tip Harris... Harris lends real gravity to (his) character," while The New York Times hails his portrayal as "smoldering." Daily Variety described T.I. as "an actor of charismatic reserve," and the Hollywood Reporter noted that he "makes a promising debut in a role with considerable depth and charm."

"From the day exactly three years ago that we signed T.I., we knew he had what it takes to become a bona fide superstar," said Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman. "Since then, his career has been on an exponential rise, as he has made his mark as an artist, writer, label chief, entrepreneur, and now actor. T.I. is a true renaissance man who has only begun to reveal the depth and range of his many talents. Congratulations to T.I. and everyone at Atlantic for an extraordinary job. And thank you to our friends at Warner Bros. Pictures for joining us for a fantastic roll-out campaign on behalf of both 'ATL' and 'KING.'"

"T.I. is the truth," said Atlantic President Julie Greenwald. "The huge debut of 'KING' represents the culmination of months of hard work by both T.I. and the Atlantic staff. The emergence of T.I. as a hip-hop superstar is a defining moment not only in his career, but in the life of the new Atlantic Records. We are thrilled and proud to have this brilliant, charismatic artist as a member of our family, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for this amazing talent."

"KING" features the current smash single, "What You Know," which has leapt to #1 at mainstream Urban radio and the top 15 at CHR/Rhythmic outlets nationwide. Its companion video is the #1 most-played clip on BET as well as being in "Big Ten" rotation on MTV and among the "Elite 8" at MTV2. The video was directed by veteran hip-hop video director and Atlanta native Chris Robinson - who also directed "ATL."

In the online world, "What You Know" has been streamed more than one million times on MySpace, where the song is the #1-ranked stream and T.I. is the #1 overall artist. "What You Know" is also the #1 ringtone in the country. Both the full song and its ringtone were available exclusively as Sprint downloads for two weeks prior to the March 28th release of "KING."

T.I. jumped into the hip-hop mainstream with 2003's RIAA gold certified "TRAP MUZIK," his Grand Hustle/Atlantic debut. Next up from the self-proclaimed "King of the South" was 2004's "URBAN LEGEND." The acclaimed album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #7 on the Billboard 200, was certified RIAA platinum, and spawned such smash hits as "Bring Em Out" and the Grammy-nominated "U Don't Know Me."

T.I.'s impressive #1 debut is the latest in a series of top-charting successes for Atlantic Records thus far in 2006. Just three weeks ago, the label scored with the top two albums in the country, as Juvenile's label debut, "REALITY CHECK" (UTP/Atlantic) entered the Billboard 200 at #1 and James Blunt's breakthrough premiere, "BACK TO BEDLAM," climbed to the #2 spot. On the singles front, Atlantic has landed two #1 singles on Billboard's Hot 100 within the past month - James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" and Sean Paul's "Temperature."

Eminem Files 4 Divorce Again?

Less than three months after exchanging “til-death-do-us-parts” for the second time with Kimberley Anne Mathers, rapper Eminem has decided to pull the plug on the marriage.

In court papers filed this morning in Macomb County Circuit Court in Mt. Clemens, a lawyer for Em — who goes in the filing by his legal name, Marshall B. Mathers III — cites as reasons for the divorce “a breakdown in the marriage relationship to the extent that the objects of matrimony have been destroyed.”

The filing shows the couple had a pre-nuptial agreement, but did not include details. Also mentioned in the filing is the fact that Kimberley Anne Mathers is not pregnant. Em also asserts that he and Kim are “fit and proper persons to have joint legal and physical custody” of their 10-year-old daughter, Hailie, who was the subject of a bitter custody dispute in 2001 when the couple divorced for the first time.

The couple's second marriage took place at Meadowbrook Hall in Rochester Hills on Jan. 14.

The divorce case is slated to be heard by Chief Circuit Judge Antonio Viviano.


Source- Detroit Free Press

Game's Next Street Single Track "One Blood"

Being that Czar Entertainment is home to the Game, one would have thought complications could arise when the company’s CEO, Jimmy Rosemond, had to settle a lawsuit over the Original Fifty Cent DVD with Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson.
However, both Rosemond and 50 made sure that didn’t happen.

“Every time we got on the phone we had to set our differences aside because when it came down to Game, it wasn’t about the lawsuit and when it came down to the lawsuit, it wasn’t about Game, so we had to put those things aside and deal with the issues at hand," Rosemond told Vibe.com. “That’s the making of true businessmen on his side and on my side, where we can have good dialect that isn’t screaming or yelling. That’s what it is about.”

In related news, Rosemond told Vibe.com that he’s happy about how hip hop music is moving back to mic skills instead of East coast, West coast issues. Rosemond also says the transition will be evident when Game’s second album drops.

“I think what you’re going to see is how lyrical this guy is for a West coast rapper,” says Rosemond about Game. “He’s about to change the game of how West coast rap is perceived. Now we’re moving into a realm where it’s not even about West coast or East coast…it’s going to be about who’s nice.

“I’m so happy to be a part of a turn in hip hop history, where we’re getting back to who’s the nicest.”

He later revealed that the Game has a street record entitled, "One Blood", that fans should look out for soon.

“I don’t know how much radio play it’s going to get, but it’s a hell of a street record,” says Rosemond about "One Blood". “People are going to really have to step aside and let this kid shine the way he deserves to shine.”

Although Rosemond says Game’s desired album release date of June 6 - or 6-6-06 - doesn’t look realistic because of outstanding deadlines still remaining, it’s still Czar’s target date to reach.

Gnarls Barkley

Gnarls Barkley
Makes chart history as the first artist to top the UK singles chart on download sales only

New York, NY -- Gnarls Barkley made music history this weekend when their debut single 'Crazy' topped the UK singles chart on download sales alone.

The single, taken from their upcoming album 'St. Elsewhere' set for release May 9th on Downtown/Atlantic is set to be one of the biggest hits of 2006.

Warner Bros UK, the group's UK label opted to make 'Crazy' available as a download three weeks ahead of its physical release due to phenomenal public demand following significant airplay. With consumers embracing a musical culture in which they can access digital files for portable media players immediately, this represents a progressive move that both satisfies consumer demand as wel as offering a legitimate alternative to illegal downloading. Consisting of former Goodie Mob member Cee-Lo and notorious Gorilliaz/'The Grey Album' producer Danger Mouse, Gnarls Barkley are undoubtedly 2006's hottest emerging artist. The Los Angeles Times writes, "...Grammy-nominated producer Danger Mouse and soul dynamo Cee-Lo Green-are being eyeballed as one of the year's most intriguing new arrivals." They will make their US debut at Coachella on April 30th followed by a performance at this summer's Lollapalooza festival in August.

www.gnarlsbarkley.com
www.myspace.com/gnarlsbarkley

Check out this video of BBC's news item on
Gnarls Barkely's history making week!


Peep the single: Click here

ANNOUNCING THE WEST COAST TAKEOVER!

SNOOP DOGG AND THA DOGG POUND SHAKE THA WORLD!



THA DOGG POUND: NEW CALI IZ ACTIVE ALBUM DROPPIN' ON JUNE 27th!



APPEARANCES FROM SNOOP DOGG, DAZ DILLINGER, KURUPT, RBX, BAD AZZ, B-REAL, BUSTA RHYMES, DAVID BANNER, PAUL WALL AND MANY MORE



THA DOGG POUND SET TO TOUR WITH ICE CUBE THIS SUMMER!



(April 4, 2006) – Los Angeles, CA- It was over ten years ago that Tha Dogg Pound laced the music world with their multiplatinum-selling debut album, Dogg Food. With Bigg Snoop Dogg again at the helm along with Daz Dillinger and Kurupt a.k.a. Young Gotti, the bangin' and much-anticipated new disc CALI IZ ACTIVE is re-energizing the Golden State music movement and galvanizing the West Coast.



“We just came back together and made a classic Dogg Pound gangsta album,” says Daz Dillinger. “Some of the original G sounds with a new twist, new millennium G shit!” adds Kurupt.



Doggy Style Records in conjunction with KOCH Records will release Tha Dogg Pound's new album,

CALI IZ ACTIVE on June 27, 2006. The CD follows Snoop's Welcome to Tha Chuuch – Da Album, which contained the Dogg Pound heater, “Real Soon.”



This summer, Tha Dogg Pound will open for Ice Cube in a national tour which is set to kick off on April 20th in Anaheim, CA and run through June. The West Coast bill is sure to be one of the hottest tickets around.



Besides Daz and Kurupt spittin' fire on the mic, the new album features Tha Dogg Pound family (Snoop Dogg, RBX, Soopafly, and Bad Azz). Also appearing are B-Real, Busta Rhymes, David Banner, Paul Wall and producing legends Battlecat, Fredwreck, The Alchemist, Jazzy Fay and Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs. “A lot of people came together to make this Dogg Pound record the biggest and best it can be, and with Snoop's leadership we can never go wrong,” says Kurupt.



“I'm like the quarterback,” says Snoop Dogg, “putting the team together, gluing it together. I'm the one that puts everything in the proper perspective. Get everyone thinking alike, moving alike, loving alike. Let everybody know that it's built on love first. If we love each first, the music will kick right in.”



Tha Dogg Pound album's long list of hardcore cuts will be strong contenders for heavy national radio rotation-- like the first single, the Battlecat-produced and soon-to-be classic, “Cali Iz Active,” producer Ryan Leslie's contribution “Heavyweights,” and “Dogg Pound Gangstaz” produced by The Alchemist.



“I'm letting everybody know that the West Coast is definitely making a strong comeback,” says Snoop Dogg. “Tha Dogg Pound sound is fresh and fly. It's a beautiful thing for me to be able to work with them, and when we drop this album it's gonna shake the whole game up! Chuuch.”

KOCH RECORDS & TERROR SQUAD PARTNER UP TO RELEASE

DJ KHALED’S EXPLOSIVE DEBUT ALBUM, LISTENNN…THE ALBUM

ON JUNE 6TH, 2006



NEW SINGLE, “HOLLA AT ME” FEAT. LIL’ WAYNE, FAT JOE, PITTBULL, RICK ROSS & PAUL WALL ALREADY ON FIRE AT URBAN RADIO



VIDEO FOR “HOLLA AT ME” WILL WORLD PREMIERE ON MTV2’S MAKES THE VIDEO APRIL 11th @ 10am & 5pm (Eastern Time)



DJ KHALED SET TO APPEAR ON MTV’S DIRECT EFFECT ON APRIL 3RD



LISTENNN…THE ALBUM WILL FEATURE APPEARANCES FROM

TRICK DADDY, FAT JOE, LIL’ WAYNE, PAUL WALL, PITBULL,

RICK ROSS, CHRISTINA MILIAN, THE GAME, TWISTA, SMITTY,

JUELZ SANTANA, AKON, NAS, FABOLOUS, AND MUCH MORE



April 3, 2006 — New York, NY —DJ Khaled, Miami’s DJ extraordinaire (who has the #1 rated radio show in South Florida on WEDR/99 Jamz) is not just one of the most recognizable voices on Urban radio, he’s also a much-sought after record producer best known for cooking up tracks for Young Jeezy, Trick Daddy, Pitbull and of course, The Terror Squad. On June 6th, he’ll get his chance to shine with the release of his debut album, Listennn…The Album. Khaled was featured on the cover of the March 2006 issue of Ozone Magazine and will soon be seen on television in a multi-million dollar nationwide Pepsi campaign.



Khaled’s debut album is set to feature a who’s-who of the hip hop world including Trick Daddy,

Fat Joe, Lil’ Wayne, Paul Wall, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Christina Milian, The Game, Twista, Smitty,

Juelz Santana, Akon, Nas, Fabolous and many more super-star artists yet to be announced.



DJ Khaled comments, “My album is a classic!!!! It’s bringing unity back into hip hop!!!! I worked my whole life for this. I promise you I'm the future of hip hop!! I rep the people!”



Fat Joe adds, “DJ Khaled is the #1 DJ on Planet Earth. His album is so incredible, and he takes so much pride and has so much passion when it comes to music and deejaying. The album is a classic. Lots of people have love for Khaled. We liked what KOCH Records has been doing and we thought it was the right fit to put out Khaled’s album.”



Although Listennnn…The Album is slated for a June 6th release, the first single, “Holla At Me,” is close to 1,000 spins at Urban Radio. The incendiary track features Lil’ Wayne, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Pitbull & Paul Wall.



The video, shot on location in Miami, was directed by R. Malcolm Jones (Cassidy, Fat Joe, Eightball & MJG) and will World Premiere on MTV2’s Makes The Video on April 11th at 10am & 5:00pm (Eastern Time).



Prior to the World Premiere of the video, you can catch Khaled on MTV’s DFX tonight, April 3rd, at 7:00 PM.

50 Helps Mary J. Blige Relive Her Most Embarrassing Moment

Mary J. Blige has had her share of mishaps with love, but as she's matured, she hasn't been afraid to talk about it or even make fun of it.

Recently, she was in Long Beach, California, filming the clip for "Enough Crying" with director Hype Williams and guest star 50 Cent and simultaneously reliving a very uncomfortable event from her love life.

"The video is [about] something that happened a long time ago, and it was a very embarrassing moment when I thought I was getting married," she explained in between shooting. "I was engaged to [Jodeci singer K-Ci], and I actually went on a talk show overseas and that person had just done that talk show about a week before me. I was telling the interviewer that I was getting married, and the week before he was saying that it was a rumor. He wasn't marrying me. It was a disaster that really embarrassed me."

MJB said she definitely wanted to share the horrific moment with her fans, and that incident is what the song is about.

"I'm saying, 'I'm getting on with my life. I'm gonna go ahead and do my work,' " she said.

In the video, after she leaves the interview, she goes to a photo shoot.

"I leave the interview and I'm kind of upset, but I'm still kind of going through my photo shoot," Blige said. "It ends up being one of the most amazing photo shoots because of all of the anger and depression and the fact that I choose to just move on with my life and be a superstar."

When you have superstar friends like 50 Cent, who needs a casting agent? All Blige had to do was call him, and he agreed to act in the video.

"I got a phone call from Mary when I was actually in Bangkok, I was touring out there," 50 said. "Me, her and [Blige's husband] Kendu have a good relationship, and she just worked with me on Mobb Deep's new album, Blood Money. So we got a chance to communicate back and forth for those reasons, and the idea of me being in the video came up. I was like, 'I'd love to.' "

"Me and my husband took him as a friend," Blige added. "He's someone we know we could talk to and call on if we have a question about something we can't answer because, quite frankly, 50 is very intelligent and we really appreciate his expertise, and we really appreciate his opinions and the advice he's given us."

In the video, 50 didn't have to change his name too much, but he did have to switch professions.

"Well, I'm actually playing C.J. — you know, short for Curtis Jackson," he said. "He's an R&B singer, and he's aggressive. When he's questioned by the guy interviewing them, he kind of loses his cool."

"I don't want to give it away," Blige said. "It's real comical, what he does to the interviewer. I'm just glad he's here. I love 50. I'm so happy. He's so supportive of Mary J. Blige, and I'm very supportive of 50. He's just gonna make the video that much better than what it already is."

Blige said she's still solidifying her tour plans for this year, but it looks like she'll be going on the road this summer by herself.

"The tour is definitely happening now in July," she said. "I believe that's the tour. Who's going out? It will probably just be me. ... We're trying to get the right package. We don't have a name for the tour yet."

"Enough Crying" will hit the air this week.

News Courtesy of MTV News

T.I. Pulling for Number One Film and Album Next Week

By: Gary Graff

It's a big day for Atlanta rapper T.I., as his first feature film, ATL, opens in theaters nationwide. T.I. (real name Clifford "Tip" Harris) stars as Rashad, an aspiring comic artist and high school roller skating champ who's helping to raise his younger brother after their parents'death in an automobile crash. With a new album, King, also out this week, T.I. told us he'd love to have the Number One film and album in the country next week: "I'm looking forward to giving it a hell of a shot. I think I have a hell of a shot to pull it off. I don't think nobody else has ever been set up, in a way, for it. Nobody in my position, in my genre of music has ever been set up in a way to make that happen."

T.I. said he understands there's stiff competition, however:"Tim McGraw come out and if I sell 400 and he sells 401, he's Number One. It doesn't matter, you know, it's still competition out there now. It's not an easy win. And Ice Age 2 is what the movie's going up against. It's gonna definitely be an underdog story -- Cinderella story, rather."

Eminem and Jennifer Lopez have both had the top film and album in the same week.

ATL was directed by Chris Robinson, who's directed several of T.I.'s videos -- including the clip for King's first single, "What You Know," which also appears in the film.

Black Rob Gets Seven Years for Grand Larceny Conviction

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Black Rob was sentenced yesterday (Thursday, March 30th) to the maximum of seven years behind bars. The rapper and the District Attorney's office in New York City reached a deal in November which would have allowed him to serve two-to-six years in exchange for a guilty plea, but that deal was voided when the rapper failed to turn himself in on January 24th to begin serving the prison time. MTV.com reports that the rapper was picked up on a fugitive warrant on February 24th.

Black Rob pled guilty on November 15th to criminal possession of stolen property in relation to a 2004 incident where he was caught stealing a purse from a room at the On The Ave Hotel in New York City.

The rapper released his second album, The Black Rob Report , last October. His 2000 debut album, Life Story, was certified platinum and featured the hit "Whoa."

Las Vegas becoming a Rap-Free Zone?

Las Vegas, Nevada, could become a rap-free zone if officials at the state's Gaming Control Board get their way.

The group managed to halt a recent Snoop Dogg performance in the city after pressuring casino owners to get involved with a new Sin City clean-up campaign.

In February, after a police officer was murdered by a local rapper, the city sheriff's department deemed the banning of rap performances a "legitimate crime-prevention strategy".

The Nevada State Gaming Control Board has now issued a warning to casino operators that rap acts are "serious threats to the community."