DMX Contemplates Name Change

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and actor DMX is prepping for the release of his new album, The Year Of The Dog, Again, and he's also contemplating a name change. He told MTV.com, "It's just the whole Dark Man thing. Because if you look at it, from a spiritual point of view, the Bible teaches us that we can speak things into existence... And Dark Man, you know, it may not be the best name for me."

The rapper, who hopes to become a preacher when his rap days are over, recently released a new single, "Lord Give Me A Sign," which was produced by Scott Storch. DMX explained, "The Scott Scorch thing... he charges $80,000 a beat, very expensive. We bought two (beats), and he gave me the beat (for 'Lord Give Me a Sign') for free. So it was ironic that the potentially biggest song on the album would be given to us for free. On every album, there's a gospel song or a prayer. The song's either a conversation with the Lord or just a reference to how much I love the Lord and what I'm willing to do... We got the beat, and I heard the beat, and I was like, 'Lord, give me a sign!'The beat created the song, and I just ran from there."

While DMX is hoping to make a spiritual change, he made it clear to us that he doesn't see himself as a role model: "No, I think it's my responsibility to tell them the truth. To be... I'm not gonna set them up for a downfall. 'Oh life is perfect, and you do the right thing and nothing bad will happen'-- nah, that's bulls--t."

The rapper added: "You give them the good, you give them the bad, and let them know regardless of what happens, get up and keep moving."

Beyonce's Upcoming Solo Album Celebrates her Birthday

By: Janine Coveney

Singer and actress Beyonce will celebrate her 25th birthday by releasing her second solo album titled B'Day on September 5th, a day after her actual birthdate. The new album will feature music co-written, arranged, and produced by Beyonce.

The first single will be "Deja Vu" featuring Jay-Z with co-production by Rodney Jerkins. Other co-producers on B'Day include Rich Harrison, The Neptunes, and Swizz Beatz.

Fans of the bootylicious singer will get a second helping of Beyonce music when the soundtrack to the Dreamgirls is released as a joint venture between Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records and Music World Music. Beyonce stars in the long-awaited screen musical along with Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Anika Noni Rose, and Jennifer Hudson. The film opens December 22nd.

Beyonce completed recording B'Day just three weeks after the wrap of Dreamgirls. The new album is the follow-up to her smash 2003 solo debut Dangerously In Love, which earned the Houston native five Grammy Awards.

Diddy Reprises "Raisin" On Abc

New York, New York - May 24, 2006) – Entertainment mogul, Sean "Diddy" Combs will join Phylicia Rashad, Audra McDonald and Sanaa Lathan in a small-screen version of the classic Lorraine Hansberry tale, "A Raisin in the Sun" to air on ABC Television in 2007.

Following a successful Broadway debut starring in the lead role of Walter Lee, Combs will serve as executive producer of the remake along with Sony Pictures producers, Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. The award winning record producer will also supervise the music soundtrack.

The Combs led 2004 "Raisin in the Sun" revival was a huge hit on Broadway, widely credited with attracting a diverse audience to Broadway and earning two Tony Awards.

Ruff Ryders CEO's in Best Life Magazine

Joaquin "Waah" Dean and Darrin "Dee" Dean, CEO's of Ruff Ryder Entertainment, one of the most recognized Hip Hop labels to date and home to superstars DMX and The Lox are featured in the June issue of
Best Life Magazine, an upscale lifestyle magazine formed by the creators of Men's Health. The full page story entitled, "Empires of the Sons" discusses the Ruff Ryder mantra of family business and why it's important to involve family in your professional success.

Wahh and Dee were positioned along side other successful business
families such as legendary racing champion, Mario Andretti and his sonwho is also a professional racer and Legendary Orioles Manager Cal Ripken Sr. and his sons Bill Ripken and Cal Ripken Jr.

Below is a snippet from the article.

A sense of understanding guides the entire family. "Anyone who wants ajob gets a shot, Waah says. "We put family members where they feel comfortable going, "he adds. The formula works. Since its beginning, Ruff Ryders has generated $1 billion in gross revenue from management and production, album sales, a clothing label, and a pet-food line called Game Dog. "It's a blessing to have something that everybody's interested in and can bring a whole family together," says Waah.

Raekwon signs with Dre, Cuban Linx II on Aftermath Records?

According to Raekwons people we can officially confirm that Chef Raekwon has inked a deal with Dr. Dres Aftermath Entertainment. While details are still sketchy, we can confirm that the papers were signed last week.
It was already known that Dr. Dre and Raekwon had worked together on the highly anticipated "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx" project, an initiative of Busta Rhymes who is also an Executive Producer of the record with RZA.

"Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II" will be a co-production between Aftermath and Wu-Tang. Whether this is the Wu Music Group or Wu-Tang Productions is not known yet.

RZA has yet to confirm the rest of the details.

Vote to Recognize the Best of Hip-Hop Soul

Will it be Kanye or Ne-Yo? Mary J. or Keyshia? Hip-hop soul is the defining music of the day, but who’s defining the genre at its best? To celebrate Black Music Month in June, Rémy Martin 1738 will give America a chance to decide. Beginning May 9, anyone 21 or older can log onto www.1738.com, sample hundreds of songs, and vote to recognize the top artists and songs in hip-hop soul history. Daily updates will provide a running list of the leaders in each category, and the final results will be revealed on July 1.

The online poll is just one of many initiatives Rémy Martin 1738 is undertaking for Black Music Month. The brand will also co-host a national kick-off celebration in New York City with hot music magazine XXL, where the first Rémy Martin 1738 Award for Contributions to Black Music will be announced. And local promotions in cities around the country will take place throughout June; a calendar will be posted on 1738.com later this month.

Beanie Sigel shot during attempted robbery

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Philadelphia-based rapper Beanie Sigel was shot Thursday, May 25th during an attempted robbery on a South Philadelphia street. MTV.com reports that the rapper was shot in the arm during the incident, but he was able to flee and drive himself to the University Of Pennsylvania hospital, where he is listed in good condition. At approximately 7:10 a.m., Sigel was in his vehicle at 22nd and Sigel Street when five males in two separate cars approached the rapper. A bearded man in his thirties who was wearing jeans and Timberland boots allegedly opened fire, and one or two bullets struck Sigel in the upper right arm.

Sigel completed a federal prison term last August for illegal possession of a weapon, and in September he was acquitted of attempted murder.

The rapper's last release was 2005's The B. Coming.

Naughty By Nature Reunites

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Grammy Award-winning hip hop group Naughty By Nature is back together and working on a new album. They reunited earlier this month during a performance at B.B. King's Blues Club in New York City when former member and producer Kay Gee joined Treach and Vin Rock on stage. Vin Rock said, "The party anthems that we created with Kay Gee defined Naughty By Nature sound, so we're really happy to have him back with us." Treach added, "Looking back and seeing Kay there brought so many memories. It's good to know that he's back!"

Kay Gee left the group in 1999 to launch his own Divine Mill label, whose roster included Jaheim and Koffee Brown.

Naughty By Nature burst onto the hip-hop scene in 1991 with their huge hit "O.P.P.," taken from the self-titled debut album that was certified platinum for sales of a million copies. The group scored another huge hit in 1993 with "Hip Hop Hooray," from their second set 19 Naughty III, which was also certified platinum. The group's next two album's, 1995's Poverty's Paradise and 1999's 19 Naughty Nine: Nature's Fury, went gold on sales of 500,000 copies each.

The group's last release was 2002's Iicons. Kay Gee was not involved with the project.

Chamillionaire #1 on Billboard Hot 100 Chart!

NEW YORK, May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Houston's rapper and entrepreneur Chamillionaire is 3 for 3: He received a "Best New Artist" nomination for the 2006 BET Awards, his national debut album, The Sound Of Revenge, was Certified Platinum and his second hit single from "Ridin'," featuring Krayzie Bone, is the #1 Song on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart all in one week.

Within the last year Chamillionaire has become a prominent force on the music scene, his first hit single "Turn It Up," featuring Lil' Flip was top 10 at Crossover Radio. Not one to sit on his laurels, Chamillionaire's second single "Ridin'," was #1 at Crossover Radio for 6 consecutive weeks, while the video is in elite rotation on MTV 2 and heavy rotation on BET.

As if taking over radio and video airwaves wasn't enough, with the over 3.3 million profile views on MySpace, over 500,000 Digital Sales (out selling Nelly "Grillz," and T.I. "What You Know") and with 1.4 million Ringtone Sales, Chamillionaire's incredible success in the digital arena is commanding everyone's attention, proving that he is a force to be reckoned with.

The one-time regional rapper, who used to sell his mix-tapes out of the trunk of his car, has not only proven that he has arrived, but that he is here to stay. And if your still not a believer, check out USA Today which states, "Rapper ridin' hot on Shakira's heels," or his upcoming performance on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on June 23rd.

Source: Universal Motown

MTV Rolls Out a Brand New Season of 'Pimp My Ride'

NEW YORK, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- MTV announced today that the hit series "Pimp My Ride" will return for an all new season beginning Thursday, June 15th at 10pm ET/PT. For its new season, rap superstar and car enthusiast Xzibit and car customization specialist Mad Mike take aim on the biggest clunkers on the road. Joining them for this new season, and giving a new spin on car customization, is GAS - Galpin Auto Sports. Together Xzibit, Mad Mike and the crew at the shop will create unheard of, pimped out masterpieces in the all new season of "Pimp My Ride."

This season Xzibit and Mad Mike, with some help from the guys at GAS, will take things to a whole new level. Accomplishing things that have never been done before, in this season of "Pimp My Ride" viewers will witness a 1988 Cadillac Limo hooked up with a 50" plasma screen movie theater, a 1995 Mitsubishi Galant with its own white fur chaise lounge, and a 1976 ice cream truck that is destined to go out of business remodeled with some 2006 technology.

In anticipation of the new season, MTV will schedule two 4-hour blocks of "Pimp My Ride" episodes, each block airing on consecutive Sundays in June, for a total of 8 hours of programming. The first block airs on June 4th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm. The second block airs on June 11th from 10:00am - 2:00pm.

MTV.com lends its support to "Pimp My Ride" by launching the Pimp My Ride/Lincoln Mark LT Sweepstakes. Each week MTV.com users will come to the "Pimp My Ride" website and vote for one item featured on that week's episode to be added to the Mark LT. The following week, Overdrive will feature a package showing the installation of the part that was voted on that week. At the end of the season the Mark LT will be given away to one lucky winner!

Overdrive will also offer viewers access to a segment of outtakes and deleted scenes. Full episodes will be available on MTV On Demand starting July 7th.

In addition, fans with mobile devices will be able to access features including the "Pimp My Ride" trailer, weekly outtakes from current season, "best of" clips from previous seasons and "Pimp My Ride" graphics available as downloadable wallpapers on mobile.mtv.com.

Rick Hurvitz and Bruce Beresford-Redman are executive producers for "Pimp My Ride." Larry Hochberg is supervising producer. Beth Greenwald is creative executive for MTV.

E-40, Hieroglyphics, and Too Short Take Control of Rap City

Set your Tivo to Stunna! The Bay continues its renaissance with a weeklong takeover of BET's Rap City. "Hyphy is the like the rebirth of hip-hop," the show's host, Madd Links exclaimed. BET captured three days of footage in the Bay Area to document this pop culture movement. Hyphy, which originated in Oakland, has hit the national scene and enticed mainstream media to document the phenomenon. Everyday next week at 5 PM EST you'll get a new installment of the show chronicling the past, present, and future of the Bay. Yee yee!
The series opens on Monday 5/29 with Too Short - a pioneering Oakland rapper who went from slanging tapes on the corner to platinum sales - and concludes on Saturday 6/3 with the Bay Area's Top 10 Countdown.
The full schedule is as follows:
Monday 5/29/06 - Too Short: A Day in the Life

Tuesday 5/30/06 - Hyphy: A subculture of Hip Hop
Wednesday 5/31/06 - E-40: His second wind
Thursday 6/01/06 - Hieroglyphics & Davey D: The Past, Present, & Future
Friday 6/02/06 - Bay Area: The Road Map
Saturday 6/03/06 - Top 10 Countdown

For more info, check out BET.com

Ben Gordon and Juelz Santana Ready to Pop First SodaShop on 125th

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 22, 2006--H3Enterprises, Inc. (OTC: "HTRE") has announced that Ben Gordon of the Chicago Bulls and HarlemHipHop sensation Juelz Santana have agreed to be principal partners in HTRE's flagship HipHopSodaShop store on 125th Street in Harlem. Further details about the new location will be announced at a Press Conference that will take place Thursday in Manhattan.

Last week Gordon officially joined TeamH3 when he launched his new White Tea based Energy Drink "BG7" before the media in Chicago. "BG7" is being produced and marketed by HTRE and is expected to hit the shelves in time for the busy summer season. Juelz signed on with HTRE in February and performed at the HipHopSodaShop booth to kick off the National Basketball Players Association party during NBA All Star Weekend. Juelz recently appeared on BET's 106th and Park to talk about his new SodaShop coming to 125th (to view video visit hiphopsodashop.com).

"It's time for every one of us to start giving back," said Gordon, who grew up in Mount Vernon, NY. "HTRE is all about investing in our own culture and in our own communities, keeping everything healthy and affordable. The store on 125th alone will create about one hundred new jobs where people can feel good about going to work each day. We're setting up scholarship programs and computer giveaways to make equal educational opportunity our top priority. I've also obtained the exclusive SodaShop rights to Chicago from H3 and look forward to working with my teammates on the Bulls to bring good health, great entertainment, and economic empowerment to all the communities across the Windy City."

The 125th partnership was made possible by HarlemHoopHero and H3's Director of Corporate Communications, Adrian Walton, who has a long time friendship with the two rising stars. "I may buy into the store myself if they let me," said Walton. "Everything is taking off in Harlem and HTRE will definitely be a big part of it. We're in the process of putting partnerships like this together all over the USA, hooking up the biggest stars in the NBA with the baddest rappers around to get our SodaShops popping everywhere. It's time to get the party started so just keep watching America. You're about to find out what H3Teamwork is all about."

H3Enterprises is the owner, creator, licensor, and franchiser of HipHopSodaShops, H3Raps, H3WhiteTea, H3CyberSports, H3'sWorldSeries of CyberSports, H3Players.com, and "BG7" White Tea Energy Blast.
Safe Harbor: Certain information included herein may contain statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to plans for future expansion and other business development activities. Such forward-looking information is subject to changes and variations which are not reasonably predictable and which could significantly affect future results.

Three 6 Mafia Set to Perform Live at 'Friday Night Smackdown!

Oscar-Winning Hip-Hop Ensemble's Performance to Air on World Wrestling Entertainment(R)'s 'Friday Night SmackDown!' Friday, May 26 on UPN

WWE: Wreckless Intent - Featuring Three 6 Mafia's 'Some Bodies Gonna Get It' - in Stores Tuesday, May 23

NEW YORK, May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records recording artists Three 6 Mafia -- the first hip-hop ensemble to ever win an Oscar -- will perform live at the WWE(R)'s "Friday Night SmackDown!" event in Bakersfield, California, on Tuesday, May 23. Three 6 Mafia's performance will air on WWE's "Friday Night SmackDown!" on Friday, May 26 on UPN (check local listings).

"It's goin' down in Bakersfield! Three 6 Mafia performs live at 'SmackDown!,'" said Juicy J, one of the leaders of the Memphis rap collective. "We want everybody to come out and party with us! It's gonna be a blast!"

This special appearance by Three 6 Mafia will be filmed on the same day -- May 23 -- that WWE: Wreckless Intent -- the new CD compilation of WWE Superstar theme music performed by some of the biggest and hottest rock, alternative and hip-hop artists -- arrives in stores.

WWE: Wreckless Intent includes "Some Bodies Gonna Get It" (as associated with the WWE talent Mark Henry(TM)), the first new music from Three 6 Mafia since "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp" (from Craig Brewster's "Hustle & Flow") took home the Academy Award for the Best Achievement In Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song).

WWE: Wreckless Intent is comprised of WWE Superstars' entrance themes heard during WWE's weekly television shows -- "RAW(R)," which can be seen every Monday night "live" on the USA Network at 9PM ET, and "Friday Night SmackDown," which can be seen every Friday night at 8PM ET on the UPN Network. As well, there are monthly Pay Per View programs and specials throughout the year in which these themes can be heard on a worldwide basis.

Tracks on WWE: Wreckless Intent will be integrated into all aspects of World Wrestling Entertainment programming including syndicated television, Pay-Per-View, online initiatives, consumer products and live events including "WrestleMania," "RAW," and "SmackDown!" TV in the month of April.

WWE: Wreckless Intent is being released in conjunction with the "WrestleMania(R) 22" DVD.

World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. is an integrated media and entertainment company, principally engaged in the development, production and marketing of television programming, pay-per-view programming and live events, and the licensing and sale of branded consumer products featuring the highly successful World Wrestling Entertainment brand. WWE is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in London, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto. WWE is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol WWE.

Founded by Vincent and Linda McMahon, World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. has been involved in the sports entertainment business for more than 20 years, developing into one of the most popular forms of entertainment today.

Trademarks: The names of all World Wrestling Entertainment televised and live programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans and wrestling moves and all World Wrestling Entertainment logos are trademarks which are the exclusive property of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

DMX involved in Child Support Battle

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper DMX might be taking a heavy financial hit soon as a woman in Buffalo, New York, is seeking an additional $10,000 a month in child support. Vibe.com reports that Davita Oden is already receiving $5,000 a month from the rapper per a temporary support agreement, and now she's requesting a $10,000 a month increase. Oden is the mother of four-year-old Jada, who was proven to be DMX's daughter through a paternity test. Oden's lawyer, Suzanne Kimberly Bracker, said, "DMX did the DNA test. He admitted paternity, then he tried to deny it."

DMX and his wife, Tashera Simmons, have three children. Mrs. Simmons hasn't gone on the record in regards to her husband's extra-marital activities.

The rapper is also facing another paternity claim from a Maryland woman.

DMX's new album, Year Of The Dog, Again, is due August 1st.

Ice Cube hosts controversial "Listen N Learn" Mixtape, "Niggaz with Gunz"

Mixtape Series Uses the Influence of Hip-Hop to Educate About the
Perils of Black-On-Black Crime

LOS ANGELES, CA – (May 16, 2006) – Ice Cube continues to push the envelope as the host of "Niggaz With Gunz", the fourth installment of executive producer Mike Johns’ “Listen N Learn” mixtape series. The new mixtape pays tribute to controversial Civil Rights leader, who authored the book “Negroes With Guns”, which was published in 1962. Williams (1925-1996) is best known for his militant leadership of the Civil Rights Movement in the South, where he urged Blacks to arm themselves in the name of self-defense against the Ku Klux Klan. Williams refused to be bound by the doctrine of non-violence and formed a path to end Jim Crow segregation.

“Niggaz With Gunz” is the first mixtape Ice Cube has ever hosted and features new and exclusive remixed music from his “Laugh Now Cry Later” album, set to be released on June 6, 2006. The mixtape, which was featured on MTV’s “Mixtape Mondays”, includes remixes of “Why We Thugs”, featuring new artist Black Rose from Chicago, and “Chrome & Paint”, with newcomer LA producer Tommy Gunz. In addition, the mixtape debuts exclusive, original music made available as ringtones from three unsigned emerging artists – Swing from Chicago, Illinois; Spaide R.I.P.P.E.R. from St. Louis, Missouri; Choir Boy of Newark, New Jersey, and motivational speaker Mac McGee from Chicago. “Niggaz With Gunz” also includes compelling music from Tupac, Mobb Deep, & Baby Sham’s “Ghetto Stories”, detailing the plague of guns and violence affecting Black communities around the world.

“Today’s generation does not want to be preached to -- hip-hop used correctly is a good method to educate our youth,” says Mike Johns, executive producer. Gun violence is a steady problem in the Black community, and Ice Cube urges listeners to “put the gun away and use your brain”. In a celebration of Black Music Month in June, UrbanWorld Wireless will be the first to debut the mixtape on its website www.urbanworldwireless.com, before it ultimately hits the streets on May 22, 2006. UrbanWorld sees this as an opportunity to help eradicate violence against Blacks, not only in the US, but in Jamaica and beyond. The company will donate a portion of the ringtone revenue generated from the mixtape to support the Darfur region of Sudan, in Northern Africa, which due to the extensive violence, rape and killings has been named the first genocide of the 21st century.

Big Tigger’s 5th Annual Celebrity Classic

Big Tigger, co-host of BET’s 106th & Park and BET Style and host of the internationally syndicated radio program, “Live In the Den with Big Tigger” receives an A-list of celebrity support for Big Tigger’s 5th Annual Celebrity Classic to be held Thursday, June 15th- Sunday, June 18th in Washington, DC. The annual event presented by Big Tigger’s Street Corner Foundation Inc. is designed to raise funds for and heighten public awareness of HIV/AIDS.

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 17, 2006 -- Big Tigger, co-host of BET’s 106th & Park and BET Style and host of the internationally syndicated radio program, “Live In the Den with Big Tigger” receives an A-list of celebrity support for Big Tigger’s 5th Annual Celebrity Classic to be held Thursday, June 15th- Sunday, June 18th in Washington, DC. The annual event presented by Big Tigger’s Street Corner Foundation Inc. is designed to raise funds for and heighten public awareness of HIV/AIDS.

A highlight of the celebrity weekend is the popular All Star Celebrity Basketball Game held Saturday June 17 in Washington D.C. Celebrities such as Angel Conwell (Actress), Anthony Anderson (Actor), Anthony Henry (Cowboys), Antonio Daniels (Wizards), Anwan “Big G” Glover (Actor), Avant (R&B), Big Tigger (BET), Brian McKnight (R&B), Carl Payne (Actor), Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets), Champ Bailey (Broncos), Chucky Thompson (Producer), Clifton Powell (Actor), Clinton Portis (Redskins), Cousin Jeff (BET), Darren Sharper (Vikings), Daron (112), Deon Grant (Jaguars), EJ Henderson (Vikings), Floetry (R&B), Gary Payton (Heat), Gilbert Arenas (Wizards), Hill Harper (Actor), Hydeia Broadbent (HIV/AIDS Activist), Jamie Sharper (Seahawks), Jason Campbell (Redskins), Jerry Porter (Raiders), Jurnee Smollett (Actress), Kenyon Martin (Nuggets), Kerry Rhodes (Jets), Larry Hughes (Wizards), Lil’ Mo (R&B), Lyfe (R&B), Melyssa Ford (BET Personality), Mike (112), Mike Phillips (Saxophonist), Q Quinnes Parker (112), Ray J (R&B/BET), Reggie Bush (USC/NFL), Rockmond Dunbar (Actor), Shamba Mitchell (Boxer), Shawne Merriman (Chargers), Slim (112), Steve Francis – (Knicks), Steve Harvey (Actor/Radio), Tank (R&B), Terrell Owens (Eagles), Toccara Jones (Actress/Model), Tommy Davidson (Comedienne), Victor Hobson (Jets), Vivica A. Fox (Actress), Warren Sapp (Raiders)

In its fifth season, Big Tigger’s 5th Annual Celebrity Classic will include supporting events such as Youth Sports Festival, Celebrity Panel Discussion, Cocktail Party & Silent Auction, Pre Party Testing Initiative, Sponsors VIP Luncheon, WPGC Block party and host celebrity parties.

Presented by the Street Corner Foundation, Inc. the goal of the celebrity weekend is to distribute a minimum $50,000 worth of grants and donations to deserving grassroots charitable organizations including Pediatric AIDS/HIV Care and Metro TeenAIDS. Generous sponsors of Big Tigger’s 5th Annual Celebrity Classic include AUDI/Volkswagen, American Airlines, BET Rap It Up, Brand Jordan, Head Gear, Hpnotiq, Vitamin Water, New Era Cap, Amerigroup Corporation, NABB and Downtown Locker Room.

Busta Rhymes, Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott Top '06 BET AWARDS List With Four Nominations Each

Comedian Daman Wayans to Host His First-Ever BET AWARDS Show Televising Live From Los Angeles's Famed Shrine Auditorium on Tuesday, June 27

Featured Performers Include Mary J. Blige, T.I., Mariah Carey and Kanye West

Songstress Chaka Khan to Receive BET Lifetime Achievement Award; World-Renown Actor and Activist Harry Belafonte Set for BET Humanitarian Award

LOS ANGELES, May 16 /PRNewswire/ -- As the countdown officially begins to the most legendary night in Black entertainment, it's the legendary superstars who will be heard from loud and clear. Hip-Hop giants Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliott, R&B diva Mary J. Blige and Oscar-winning actor Jamie Foxx -- all legends in their own right -- earned a phenomenal four nominations each for the 2006 BET AWARDS, which televise live on Tuesday, June 27 from its new location at the Shrine Auditorium at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT (tape delayed to the Pacific and Mountain Time Zones). Nominations were announced today in Hollywood.

BET's annual salute to superlative performance in music, television, film and sports promises 15 intensely competitive categories, including a brand new category recognizing innovation and originality in R&B music. This year's crowning recognitions will go to individuals whose names are synonymous with greatness as R&B icon Chaka Khan receives the BET Lifetime Achievement Award and actor/singer/activist Harry Belafonte is honored with the BET Humanitarian Award.

Actor and comedian Damon Wayans, multi-talented member of the famed Wayans family of Hollywood achievers, steps forward to host his first-ever BET AWARDS show. Add performers like Mary J. Blige, T.I., Mariah Carey and Kanye West, and the stage is set for an explosive night under the Western sky.

"BET Awards is the best awards show on television, period. No qualifier. And here are three great reasons why: Number One, our host is Damon Wayans. He's been making people laugh for 20 years," said Reginald Hudlin, BET President of Entertainment. "Number Two is Lifetime Achievement honoree Chaka Khan. Her voice sounds like she swallowed Jimmy Hendrix's guitar. Third is Humanitarian Award recipient Harry Belafonte, an award I'm very proud to be associated with. Harry is the first music artist to receive a platinum record. Harry popularized the concept of world music before there was even the phrase. And most importantly, his efforts on behalf of human rights and civil rights are unmatched by any other artist. People forget that Dr. King's famous letter from the Birmingham jail was addressed to Harry Belafonte."

Even as a first-time host, Wayans still promises to keep the show flowing with his special brand of brash, irreverent, "Hell No, Homey Don't Play That" humor first unveiled in the ground-breaking sketch comedy series In Living Color. Now the star, creator and executive producer of the hit ABC sitcom My Wife and Kids, earned his stripes and is ready to stake his claim on the awards show circuit.

"Damon is a fierce stand-up comedian with a biting sense of humor that will keep everyone in the audience on their toes," said Stephen Hill, BET Executive Vice President for Music and Entertainment Programming. "The BET Awards is known for bringing the heat. And with the performers we have lined up and the left-of-center elements planned, the heat shall be 'broughten' again. You know how we do."

Busta Rhymes, who was one of the artists announcing the nominations along with Ne-Yo, 3-6 Mafia and Keyshia Cole, earned nods for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Best Duet and Video of the Year and is up for the Viewer's Choice Award. Jamie Foxx, whose recent solo album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's R&B charts, is up for Best Male R&B Artist, Best Duet/collaboration (with Kanye West), Best Actor and Video of the Year (with Kanye West).

And as for the ladies, Mary J. Blige's nominations include: Best Female R&B Artist, Best Duet/Collaboration (with Busta Rhymes) and two nods for Video of the Year. Missy Elliott, also received two nominations for Video of the Year to go along with her nods for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Best Duet/Collaboration (with Busta Rhymes).

Other artists receiving multiple nominations included: Kanye West, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown each with three; Anthony Hamilton, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Ciara, Keyshia Cole, Lloyd Banks, Mariah Carey, Mary Mary, Papoose, Rah Digga, Slim Thug and T.I. each scored two apiece.

Last year's BET AWARDS was the most-watched program in the network's 26- year history with an amazing 6.6 million viewers tuning in to catch the excitement. BET has again teamed with Cossette Productions, famed producers of the GRAMMY Awards(R) and the five previous record-setting BET AWARDS shows, to handle production of the telecast.

To heat things up and cool things down, BET will be all over the pre- and post-award show happenings with a special edition of 106 & PARK: LIVE FROM THE RED CARPET, beginning at 6 p.m. ET/5 p.m. CT. Hosts Tigger and Julissa Bermudez will no doubt capture all the excitement from fashion to who's escorting whom at the summer's most anticipated awards show. The energy will continue post the awards when BET News brings you THE BLACK CARPET LOUNGE live and hosted by Toure' beginning at 11 p.m. ET/10 p.m. CT. There will be a non- stop parade of celebrity interviews and featured highlights from the show.

BET online audience will have the opportunity to really be a part of the show as virtual members of the BET AWARDS 06 voting academy by logging onto http://www.bet.com/ to vote for their favorite performer in the Viewers' Choice poll. The actual voting takes place real time during the telecast. Fans can also select the BET Ultimate Fan by casting votes for 10 previously selected video entries for the individual who best shows off their enthusiasm for the BET AWARDS 06. The lucky winner receives an all-expense trip for two to this year's show plus $2,500 in spending money and an opportunity to co-present the Viewers' Choice Award.

Encore telecasts of the 2006 BET AWARDS are set for:
Friday, June 30th @ 7:30 p.m. ET/PT
Tuesday, July 4th @ 7:30 p.m. ET/PT
Sunday, July 9th @ 7:30 p.m. ET/PT

BET will also offer up other tasty appetizers to tantalize the palette before the show including:

* Exclusive '06 BET AWARDS content available on BET.com's broadband
product BET on Blast, including artist interviews, honoree profiles and
behind-the-scenes access, plus a live video stream of the exciting BET
Awards red carpet arrivals.

* A new category called the BET J Cool Like That Award, named for BET's
newly re-launched sister network (formerly BET Jazz) which offers adult-
oriented fare for sophisticated tastes.

* BET Awards interactivity "on-the-go" for BET Mobile customers with
mobile fan clubs for cellular phone users.

The following is a complete list of the 2006 BET AWARDS nominees and categories:

Best Female Hip Hop

Missy Elliott
Lil' Kim
Remy Ma
Shawnna
Trina

Best Male Hip Hop

50 Cent
Busta Rhymes
Common
T.I.
Kanye West

Best Collaboration (Song Title)

Beyonce f/ Slim Thug (Check on It-Pink Panther)
Bow Wow f/Ciara (Like You)
Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX (Touch It - Remix)
Jamie Foxx f/ Ludacris (Unpredicatble)
Kanye West f/Jamie Foxx (Gold Digger)

Best Female R&B

Beyonce
Mary J. Blige
Mariah Carey
Keyshia Cole
India.Arie

Best Male R&B

Chris Brown
Jamie Foxx
Anthony Hamilton
Ne-Yo
Prince

Best Group

Black Eyed Peas
Destiny's Child
Floetry
Mary Mary
Three 6 Mafia

Best New Artist

Chris Brown
Chamillionaire
Ne-Yo
Rihanna
Paul Wall

Best Gospel Artist

Yolanda Adams
Kirk Franklin
Mary Mary
Smokie Norful
CeCe Winans

Video of the Year (Song Title)

Beyonce f/ Slim Thug (Check on It)
Mary J. Blige (Be Without You)
Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX (Touch It - Remix)
Missy Elliott f/Ciara (Lose Control)
R. Kelly (Trapped In the Closet)
Kanye West f/Jamie Foxx (Gold Digger)

Best Actress

Tichina Arnold
Taraji P. Henson
Thandie Newton
Queen Latifah
Alfre Woodard

Best Actor

Chris Bridges (Ludacris)
Don Cheadle
Jamie Foxx
Terrence Howard
Denzel Washington

Female Athlete of the Year (Sport)

Laila Ali (Boxing)
Chamique Holdsclaw (Basketball)
Lisa Leslie (Basketball)
Sheryl Swoopes (Basketball)
Venus Williams (Tennis)

Male Athlete of the Year (Sport)

Kobe Bryant (Basketball)
LeBron James (Basketball)
Shaquille O'Neal (Basketball)
Tiger Woods (Golf)
Vince Young (Football)

BET J Cool Like That

Eric Benet
Anthony Hamilton
Heather Headley
Kindred the Family Soul

BET.com Viewers' Choice (Song Title)

Chris Brown - Yo (Excuse Me Miss)
Busta Rhymes (Touch It)
Mariah Carey (Don't Forget About Us)
Keyshia Cole (Love)
Ne-Yo (So Sick)
T.I. (What You Know)

Source: BET (Black Entertainment Television)

YO GOTTI TAKES IT BACK 2 DA BASICS

New York, NY - As one of the five epicenters of Southern hip hop,
Memphis has always had a thriving underground capable of producing major
platinum superstars such as 8Ball & MJG, 3-6 Mafia and Project Pat. All of the
above-mentioned artists at one point dominated the citys underground
rap scene before going on to become national superstars. Next up to bat is
Yo Gotti, Memphis current underground rap kingpin. On May 23, 2006, TVT
Records will release Back 2 Da Basics. His sophomore TVT release is a
return to the same hardcore street flavor that his die-hard fans have come to
know and love. Back 2 Da Basics hosts a lineup of guest appearances from Lil
Wayne, Baby, La Chat, Jazze Pha, Bun B & 8 Ball.

The albums standout single, Gangsta Party featuring 8Ball & MJG and
Bun B has garnered radio play throughout the South and video play on BET and
MTV2. He has performed on Showtime at the Apollo (aired March 18 and re-airs
July 22).

Back 2 Da Basics offers fans a gritty insiders view into the real
streets of Memphis as seen through the eyes of Yo Gotti. Nowhere is this
viewpoint more intense than on Full Time, used in the MTV Films Hustle & Flow
movie - with a thunderous bass and intoxicating beat that espouses
Gottis formula to success - hustle full time. The one thing that you have to
understand is that when you create a fan base off of street product the
last thing you wanna do is disrespect them by changing because of the record
companies and stuff like that, proclaims Gotti. Other exceptional
tracks that speak to his core fan base are, U A Gangsta Rite?, We Gonna Be
Alright and 25 to Life, where Gotti details a friends plight facing
a quarter of a century behind bars. Another highlight is the gritty I
Got Them where Yo Gotti trades street tales with Lil Wayne & Baby.
Back 2 Da Basics is one of the many upcoming releases from TVT Records.
Upcoming releases for 2006 are: CRUNK ROCK, the new album from the King
of Crunk Lil Jon, EL MARIEL the sophomore album from gold-selling emcee
Pitbull and DA MUZICIANZ self-titled debut from a trio whose quest is to keep
people dancing.

KOCH RECORDS TO RELEASE S.M.A.C.K. THE ALBUM: VOLUME 1 ON JUNE 6TH, 2006

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

(May 15, 2006)— New York, NY — 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 June 6th, 2006. SMACK, which stands for Streets, Music, Arts, Culture & Knowledge, was recently named ÒBest 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 ÒSMACKÓ 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.

50 Cent Producing Tupac's New Album?

Word is 50 says he'd like to executive produce 2Pac's new album and make sure 2Pac is promoted correctly. 50 also says he's concerned about the direction of 2Pac's material from his last effort. "I mean look at his last album. You can say there was no single and if it was it wasn't released in time and not only that, but it was probably released quietly, where absolutely no one heard about it. How do they expect to make money by doing that if the marketing isn't on point," asked 50.

According to 50, he feels 2Pac is deserving of better production and promotion then on some of his recent efforts and feels the only way that can happen is if he can be the overseer of his music projects. "2Pac has so many potential hits and he deserves better than what he's getting. I mean his posthumous albums are okay decent albums, but they can be better if you ask me. I'm a pac fan and I still listen to 2pac until this day. In fact I can listen to 3 2Pac albums straight without skipping a track."

...

2Pac who's untitled new album, which is stated to be his last released posthumous album is scheduled to be released in the Fall of this year, which marks his 10th year anniversary of his passing and is anticipated to be the best posthumous album to date. But the G-Unit general is not so sure that they can do an exceeding job that he is so promising to put forth if it was released under his direction and denies it will be his last. It's like every pac album that comes out with is his last. "That's just a promotional tactic that the people in charge of his music use for people to pick up his albums and they shouldn't have to go through all that because we all know pac was a workaholic and that there is no way that the last of his material are anywhere near. 50 Cent also said passionately and annoyed, "I feel the people running his material are not necessarily heading his work in the proper direction". 2Pac had an album come out some years ago and they only put out one single out of about an album filled with 30 songs and that single had Nas on it. To me that was the worst thing they could've done. Like why would they put Nas on a pac single and then worse make a video for it also as the lead single. It seems like the people in charge don't even listen to his music. That right there was a turn off to plenty of people. They missed the ball on