Mike Jones Films Feature Film in Houston From August 28th to September 15th

New Album, "The American Dream," in the Works

BURBANK, CA -- (Market Wire - Aug 30, 2006) -- Mike Jones refused to be left behind, overlooked or outdone by his fellow rap counterparts. In just a little over one year, Houston's multi-platinum selling rap star Mike Jones went from fledgling rapper releasing his debut CD to a household name with the success of "Who Is Mike Jones?" Now, in conjunction with Asylum Records and Warner Bros. Records he is set to start production on "American Dream," his debut film off his newly created film production company of the same name, from August 28th - September 15th in Houston, Texas.

The film, co-executive produced by Asylum Records and Warner Bros. Records, will chronicle Mike's real life rise to fame as an aspiring rapper from the streets who finds his path in life through music.

Mike Jones assembled an amazing collective to help realize his "American Dream." He enlisted Producer Gregory Anderson, who is best known for the independently produced "Trios" (Rain Forest Films), a film ranked #34 on the Top 500 Film Distributors by Hollywood Reporter (August 2001), and was one of the Top 50 highest grossing Independent Films of that year. Mike also armed himself with Producer Keith Paschall, a veteran with over 15 years experience in television and recording. Keith cut his teeth at Black Entertainment Television, moving up as co-creator and Supervising Producer of Rap City. In 1998 Keith founded Geneva Films with noted Director Billie Woodruff, producing and creating videos for such popular artists as Britney Spears and Celine Dion. Finally, Mike brought on Industry Indie staple Derrick Dixon as Director. Derrick Dixon is noted for amassing record-breaking sales with the underground movie and soundtrack for "The Dirty Third."

"American Dream" - A Feature Film

Distributor: Asylum Records and Warner Bros. Records
Executive Producers: Mike Jones, Warner Bros. Records, Asylum Records,
and Ice Age Entertainment
Co-Executive Producers: Denise A. Williams, Chonita Floyd, and Todd
Moscowitz
Producers: Gregory Anderson, Greg Carter, Keith Paschall
Director: Derrick Dixon
Writers: Derrick Dixon, Chris Johnson, Mike Jones
Casting Director: Rashad El Amin
Executive Consultant: Trey Haley, ND Brown
Asst. Director: Bryan Bentham
Start Date: August 28th, 2006
Location: Houston, Texas

Jones is concurrently in the studio putting the finishing touches on his sophomore CD, "The American Dream." He also has recently opened a night club in Houston called Club Iceage.

Eminem: The Real Slim Shoemaker

By Josh Grossberg

Semi-retired as a rapper, Eminem has decided to try his hand as a cobbler.


The hip-hop superstar is joining forces with Nike to create a limited-edition line of Air Max sneakers that to be auctioned off for charity.


Eminem will design eight different shoes in the series, from the Air Max '87 to Air Max 360. Nike will manufacture just 64 pairs, which will be numbered and then autographed by the rapper. Bids will be accepted beginning Thursday at NikeTowns in London, Berlin and Paris, and via eBay on Sept. 12.


"Who wouldn't want to design their own line of Nikes?" the Real Slim Shady said in a post on his Website. "And to do it for charity makes it that much better."


Money raised from the sale of the Eminem-branded kicks will benefit his Marshall Mathers Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofits that assist troubled youth in southeast Michigan, and ninemillion.org, a global initiative to create education and sports programs for children living in refugee camps around the world.


"We're always looking for new ways to try to raise money and awareness for the foundation, so when Nike approached us we jumped at the chance," said Eminem.


Aside from his shoe duties, the 33-year-old Detroit native, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, has been busy helping out some buddies. He produced protege Obie Trice's latest CD, Second Round's on Me, which debuted at number eight on the album charts last week.


He also had a star turn in the new video for R&B singer Akron's "Smack That"--a title he apparently took a little too seriously.


According to sources, Eminem had a confrontation with Kendra Wilkinson, one of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner's trio of girlfriends and a costar of E!'s The Girls Next Door. (E! Online is a division of E! Networks.) Wilkinson played Em's love interest in the clip.


Apparently, an on-set prank by Eminem led to a blow-up between the two. In any case, the rapper apologized for his outburst and made amends by sending flowers to Wilkinson at the Playboy Mansion.


Maybe next time he'll include some Nikes.

New Nas album pushed back to November

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Nas is still working on his Def Jam debut, Hip-Hop Is Dead... The N, and has now set a tentative November release date for the project. The rapper told MTV.com, "It's totally a blessing, man. We're gonna stomp them, man. I think a few people gonna ride with me. Everywhere I go, they're talking about the album. It's gonna be crazy. It's another level straight up."

Nas is currently working with producers Will.I.Am, DJ Premier, Scott Storch, Pharrell Williams, and Salaam Remi and he recorded a duet with The Game. He explained, "We got a crazy joint. I was thinking about just putting that out as a single. That's how crazy it is."

The rapper has leaked a song from the project titled, "Where Ya'll At?"

Akon to release 'Konvicted' in december

By: Janine Coveney

Singer and rapper Akon is putting the finishing touches on his sophomore album, titled Konvicted, due December 12th. The Senegalese-born artist's first single from the set is "Smack That" featuring Eminem. Other guests on the new album include Snoop Dogg and Styles P.

Konvicted is the follow-up to Akon's multi-platinum 2005 debut Trouble, which featured the singles "Locked Up" and "Lonely." Last November the singer released Trouble: Deluxe Edition, including a second bonus disc featuring never-before-released remixes.

Akon has also become a sought-after songwriter and producer. He did the first-ever approved remix for an India.Arie song, "I Am Not My Hair," and also worked on Young Jeezy's "Soul Survivor," which he wrote and remixed.

Akon is also working on a movie about his life, which shows how the singer overcame a prison stint to becoming a recording artist, which he felt was his only career option as a convicted felon. He said: "I got locked up, was a convicted felon, couldn't really get a regular steady job, the only way I could really make it without getting into something crazy was basically through music. And that was crazy because that was actually what kept me going through all this time and trouble I was going through and that was my way of venting it out."

Hot 97 jock suspended for two weeks after dissing Beyonce’s Mom

The latest Hot 97 drama with Miss Jones occurred last Friday during an encounter with Beyonce and her mother, Tina, which resulted in the host being suspended for the next two weeks.

A longtime critic of the singer, Jones was asked by management to leave work early to avoid any confrontation with the Knowleses, who were visiting another radio station in the same building to promote Beyonce’s upcoming album, “B’Day.” But a time mixup caused Jones and the Knowles camp to come face to face in the hallway.

In a nutshell, Beyonce shook Jones’ hand and tried to give her a Hollywood kiss on the cheek. Jones, in the words of one of the jocks, gave Beyonce “the Heisman” and said she doesn’t do kisses. Beyonce accepted it and moved past Jones, but her mother wasn’t able to hold her tongue.

According to Envy, Tina said: “I just wanna thank you for talking about me and my daughter everyday while you’re on the air. It just boosts her ratings.”

Jones reportedly fired back: “Actually you should thank M.A.C. makeup for hiding all that oldness you have on your face. Now you look like the joker.”

Hot 97 responded by promptly handing Jones a two-week suspension.

Mac Dre remains may be moved after theft of tombstone

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The family of late rapper Mac Dre, whose real name was Andre Hicks, is considering moving his remains from Oakland to Vallejo, California, after the rapper's 50-pound tombstone was stolen last week from the Oakland Mountain View Cemetery. The discovery was made after a fan was unable to locate the rapper's grave.

The late rapper's uncle Bernard Hicks told Oakland's The Argus, "We just think it's some kind of fan. Some crazed fan who put it in their house. They said it was taken and they didn't have no suspects, that's all we know right now."

There's a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the thieves but, according to Hicks, the family will not prosecute if the tombstone is returned. He said, "There will be no trouble, no going to the police, we just want the headstone returned."

Mac Dre was killed in a drive-by shooting in Kansas City in November of 2004. He was riding in a van traveling north on Highway 71 when another vehicle pulled up on the driver's side and began firing into the vehicle. The van swerved across the highway median and down an embankment. Hicks was thrown from the vehicle, but police believe he died from the gunshot wounds. The van's driver survived the incident and was able to walk for help.

Hicks had been recording since the late '80s as Mac Dre and was linked to a Vallejo, California, gang called the Romper Room Gang. The gang was suspected in a string of bank and business robberies in the Vallejo area. The rapper was eventually hit with conspiracy to commit bank robbery charges in 1991 after he and several associates were arrested while preparing to rob a bank.

The rapper was released from prison in 1996 and resumed his recording career.

Papoose inks $1.5 Million Deal

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Brooklyn-based underground rapper Papoose has finally signed with a major label after making a name for himself on the mixtape circuit for over two years. According to Violator Management's website, the rapper has signed a $1.5 million deal with Jive Records. No additional details were available at press time.

Papoose was featured on the remix to Busta Rhymes'"Touch It," as well as Joe's latest single, "Where You At?"

Papoose is also featured on several songs on DJ Kay Slay and Greg Street's new album, The Champions - The North Meets The South.

Danity Kane's Album Races to the Top of the Charts

Danity Kane's newly released self-titled debut is the fastest selling album in the U.S., with 90,000 CD's sold on its first day in stores.

To the surprise of music industry watchers, the album is competing successfully with new offerings from proven popular artists such as Outkast and Christina Aguilera. Despite a lack of radio play, fans of the Bad Boy Records R&B group buzzed the singers' single online, making "Show Stopper" one of the most streamed songs on MySpace, with almost five and a half million plays. The full length album is currently the top seller on iTunes.

"Many people wrote off these girls as just a 'made-for-TV' group, but I believed in their talent from the beginning", wrote Sean "Diddy" Combs, in a statement released to the press. "The fans have spoken, and with their love and support, Danity Kane's dream is coming true. He added, "Sometimes word of mouth is better than radio and video play. This is the best kind of success, one that comes straight from the people."
Diddy formed the all female group over the last two years on the MTV's reality show, Making the Band 3.

More details surface about Busta Rhymes Arrest

By: Dave Ankers

More details have surfaced about Busta Rhymes'assault arrest last weekend. Rhymes was arrested by New York City police officers after a show on Randall's Island on Saturday (August 19th), for allegedly beating up a man on the street a week earlier.

Nineteen-year-old Roberto Lebron claims he was casually spitting into the street on Sixth Avenue in Manhattan at 4 a.m. on August 12th, when Rhymes'Maybach drove by, and he accidentally hit the car. He says Rhymes stepped out of the car and said "Homie, did you just spit on my car?" Lebron says he replied, "Sorry, I didn't mean to. We're big fans of yours." He says that at that point a member of Rhymes'entourage hit him in the face and knocked him down, and while he was down Rhymes kicked him in the face. He also reportedly threw Lebron's sneakers down the street.

Afterwards, Lebron was treated for a concussion, as well as lacerations and abrasions.

After Rhymes was arrested, police also questioned him about the February shooting death of one of his bodyguards outside one of his video shoots. Rhymes declined to answer, referring them to his lawyer.

New HHH Search Tool, New Podcast Release, and more

Once again, we're trying to deliver based on feedback from all of you...now there's a HipHopHavoc search engine on the site. There's another ?????HAVOC site in the making as you read this...we hope to launch shortly so stay tuned for that. Last but not least....if you haven't noticed yet...The lastest podcast release "SIT BACK AND TAKE NOTES PT. 5" is out so cop that!!!

Like we said earlier...stay tuned for more and thanks for your support!!!

Foxy Weasels Out of Court

Did Foxy Brown really pull a Naomi Campbell? So far, the hip-hop diva has yet to confirm or deny--let alone acknowledge--such accusations.


Brown, who appears to be boosting her street cred one lawsuit at a time, failed to show at a court hearing in Jersey City Wednesday to answer two criminal complaints filed by her former personal assistant.


The rapper, whose real name is Inga Marchand, faces two complaints from onetime assistant Rasheeda Ellis, who claims the Def Jam artist not only stiffed Ellis out of a week's pay but harassed her via phone calls and unwelcome visits to her subsequent workplace.


According to police reports, Ellis claims that the Chyna Doll performer dropped in on Ellis' Jersey City business, threatening her with "physical harm." Ellis told police that following calls and emails from the rapper, she began to "fear for her own safety."


While Brown was a no-show at the court date, her lawyer, Brian Neary, did appear, defending his MIA client's behavior and successfully lobbying for a probable cause hearing regarding the incident.


"We don't even know what the details of the complaint are," he said outside the courthouse, according to the New Jersey Star-Ledger. "We want [Ellis] on the stand to detail the accusations. We can't just have someone walk in and sign a complaint and drag someone through the mud.


"The courtroom is too serious of a place," he said.


Though apparently not serious enough for Brown to show, an absence which didn't go unnoticed by the judge. While Judge Cynthia D. Jackson acquiesced to the request for the probable cause hearing, she warned that Brown had better be at the courthouse or be prepared for a legal smackdown.


Maybe it's time to log on to Google Maps. Last month, Brown also failed to show at a preliminary hearing in the trial. Not that it mattered. Ellis did show--but at the wrong courthouse. Jackson rescheduled that hearing for this week.


Ellis did make it to the right courthouse this time, and told the judge she was planning on representing herself in the case.


As for Brown's absence, it's possible she simply had too many dates to keep track of.


The 26-year-old has been embroiled for the past two years in a misdemeanor assault case brought by a Manhattan nail salon owner who claims the platinum-selling rapper attacked two manicurists over a discrepancy in her bill.

Man pleads guilty in Babyface extortion

INDIANAPOLIS - A man claiming to be Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds' illegitimate son will spend six months in a halfway house after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor intimidation charge for trying to extort $9 million from the Grammy-winning musician.

John Travis Clark, 24, also was sentenced to six months probation as part of the plea agreement filed Thursday in Marion Superior Court.

Clark, who has already spent 98 days in jail since his arrest in May, was charged this spring after he contacted an attorney for the singer and threatened to go public with his story.

He offered to "keep his mouth shut" in exchange for $20 million, according to court documents.

Clark later lowered his demand to $9 million and met with attorney William Briggs at an Indianapolis restaurant on May 19.

During the meeting, Clark read and signed a fake but detailed 8-page nondisclosure statement the attorney had drawn up. He then accepted a bogus check for $9 million and was arrested as he left.

Clark will get credit toward his sentence for the three months he's spent in jail awaiting a trial.

"I want to make it emphatically clear that John Clark is not my son," Edmonds, who did not attend the hearing, said in a statement. "John Travis Clark sought to ruin my reputation by broadcasting his lies to the entire country, which would not only destroy my family but would resonate loudly in the music industry."

Edmonds' hits as a singer include "Whip Appeal" and "Change the World." He has also written hits for Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Bobby Brown and others.

DMX Cancels USO Tour to Persian Gulf

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Earl Simmons, who performs as rapper DMX, cancelled a week-long tour to entertain troops in Kuwait and Iraq. He offered no explanation.


Simmons was scheduled to depart on his tour Aug. 22, but delayed his departure until Aug 23. His representative agreed to add a day to the original schedule. However, on Aug. 23, he failed to appear on time for his flight to Kuwait.

"We are extremely disappointed that DMX decided not to complete the tour he asked us to arrange for him," said John Hanson, USO senior vice president for marketing and communications. "When we announced this tour, troops were extremely excited about the possibility of seeing a performer they admired. We understand their disappointment."

The USO and the military worked on an extremely tight schedule to make it possible for DMX to travel when it was convenient to him. "Typically, it takes up to 45 days to arrange transportation, housing, production assistance and country clearances for entertainment tours," Hanson said. "This tour was put together in just under two weeks, because we know how much service men and women appreciate his performances. Mr. Simmons let a lot of people down."

The USO listens to the troops and does its best to provide the kinds of music and entertainment they request. Celebrities who have performed on USO tours over the last few years include 50 Cent, Toby Keith, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Jessica Simpson, Shinedown, Chely Wright, Shaggy, Drowning Pool, Lil' Mo, La Mafia and Ludacris.

Entertainers on USO tours volunteer their time to perform and meet with U.S. service members around the world. "We will continue to provide quality entertainment to the people who defend us daily around the world in some remote and often dangerous places," said Hanson. "Fortunately, most performers honor their obligation to perform once they make the commitment."

Common, RZA, T.I. to Star in 'American Gangster'

By: Dave Ankers

Common, RZA and T.I. will all appear in a new crime drama film, American Gangster, alongside Oscar winning actors Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The film, to be directed by Ridley Scott, who also directed Black Hawk Down, Blade Runner, Alien, Thelma & Louise, and Gladiator, is filming now and expected to be released in 2007.

The film follows the story of a drug kingpin (Washington) who smuggles heroin into the U.S. in the coffins of dead soldiers returning from Vietnam. He is caught by a law enforcement agent (Russell Crowe) and turns informant, and they then work together to catch crooked cops and international criminals. The three rappers all play supporting roles.

Lupe Fiasco Gets Breakout Status on AOL

By: Janine Coveney

Chicago-based rapper Lupe Fiasco has been tapped as one of AOLMusic.com's list of Breaker artists for this season. As part of the program, Fiasco will be make an appearance on the in-studio performance series AOL Sessions, He'll also be profiled on AIM Music Interviews, be featured in song and music video debuts, and get heavy rotation on the Internet site's streaming radio service.

The rapper will release his debut album, Food & Liquor, on September 19th. The set is co-executive produced by Jay-Z and features the production of Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Three 6 Mafia, and Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park. Grammy winner Jill Scott also makes an appearance.

The first single from the project was "Kick, Push." This week Fiasco debuted the video for the new Neptunes-produced single called "I Gotcha" featuring Pharrell.

Jay-Z lays out global 'Water For Life' Tour Dates

By: Janine Coveney

Hip-hop artists and record executive Jay-Z revealed his complete world tour itinerary this week. His seven-week world tour to spread awareness of the world's water crisis kicks off September 9th in Krakow, Poland, and will run through October 28th in Melbourne, Australia. MTV cameras will also be along for the ride, to film the documentary Diary Of Jay-Z: Water For Life, which is set to air November 24th on the network.

Jay-Z's tour will take him through most of Western Europe, as well as Slovakia, Turkey, Greece, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, Thailand, South Africa, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Australia.

"In the beginning, when I was going out on a world tour, I was going out to play music," the Def Jam president announced earlier this month. "But I said to myself, I can't go to these places I've been and not go out and see the people that have been touched by my music for over 10 years. From that morphed, 'Well, I'm not just going to go over there and rap to them.'I'm going to help and see what I can do in these areas."

Scott Storch Facing Baby Mama Drama

Super producer Scott Storch was recently named in a paternity suit filed by his on again, off again girlfriend Dalene "Dae" Jennifer Daniel.

According to the Miami Herald, Daniel’s attorney Jason Setchen recently filed court documents naming Storch as the child’s father and requesting custody and child support. Daniel gave birth to Jalen Scott Storch, now 4 months old, on April 16. In her financial affidavit, the 29-year-old woman says she is unemployed, has no funds in the bank and lists her only assets as an ‘03 Pontiac Grand Am and an ‘04 Chevrolet Monte Carlo with a combined value of $21,000.

Hip-Hop Superstar DMX to Entertain Troops in the Persian Gulf on USO Tour

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Rapper DMX will soon embark on his first USO tour to perform for troops stationed in the Persian Gulf region. The raspy-voiced rap superstar also will meet and greet service members.

Currently starring in his own reality show, "Soul of a Man," DMX recently released "Year of the Dog ... Again," his first full-length album in three years and the sixth solo release for the Yonkers, N.Y., native. The album made its debut at No. 2 on Billboard's Top 200.

With more than 20 million copies sold in his career, DMX's commercial success as an entertainer is unquestioned. The first artist to have his first five albums debut consecutively at No. 1, he also has experienced success as an actor, starring opposite Steven Segal in "Exit Wounds" and with Jet Li in "Cradle to the Grave." His latest effort, "Last Hour," will feature Michael Madsen and Paul Sorvino.

This tour continues the USO's tradition of bringing entertainment to troops stationed far from home. Celebrities who have recently made trips for the USO include Gary Sinise, Master P, Lil' Romeo, Shinedown, La Mafia, Toby Keith and Pryde.

USO tours are sponsored by AT&T, Inc., the official telecommunications sponsor of USO entertainment tours.

About the USO: For more than 65 years, the USO (United Service Organizations) has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. The USO is supported by Worldwide Strategic Partners AT&T Inc., BAE Systems North America, Clear Channel Communications, The Coca-Cola Company, Military Channel, S & K Sales Co. and TriWest Healthcare Alliance. Other corporate donors, including the United Way and Combined Federal Campaign (CFC-0600), have joined thousands of individual donors to support the USO. For more information on the USO, please visit our Web site at http://www.uso.org

Snoop Dogg Scheduled to Release Highly Anticipated New LP

Multi-Platinum, Award Winning Rapper Snoop Dogg Scheduled to Release Highly Anticipated New LP 'Tha Blue Carpet Treatment' November 2006
Video to First Single, 'Vato' Off His Eighth Solo Effort Set to Spearhead Black/Brown Unity Movement

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-Platinum, Award Winning rapper Snoop Dogg is set to release his eighth solo LP, "Tha Blue Carpet Treatment," this November through Doggystyle/Geffen. "Tha Blue Carpet Treatment" is one of the most highly anticipated new albums of the year and will continue to solidify this hip-hop icon as one of the most influential musical entertainers of today.

Throughout each record on the forthcoming release, Snoop takes it back to the basics ... back to the 'hood, showcasing the original gangsta sound that made this Long Beach rapper an instant household name when he made his debut in 1992 on Dr. Dre's hit song "Deep Cover" and the classic album "The Chronic." After releasing a string of hit records on his last effort that carried a more commercial sound, such as the #1 mega-hit "Drop It Like It's Hot" featuring Pharrell, the rapper decided this time around to bring back Snoop Dogg, the O.G., for his fans. Producers who collaborated on "Tha Blue Carpet Treatment" include hit makers Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Rick Rock, Pharrell, among others; along with guest appearances by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ice Cube, The Game, Brandy, R. Kelly and MC Eight.

The premiere single, produced by Pharrell, titled "Vato," featuring B Real from Cypress Hill is a gritty street record that tells an everyday story from the rough LA streets that only the Dogg himself can tell. The video for the single, which was directed by Phillip Atwell, plays like a short cinematic film with an important underlying message: the need for black and brown unity, especially in the wake of violence in recent months in Los Angeles. With Snoop starring as an O.G. and B Real as a Latino gang member, the video also boasts guest appearances by rap veteran Kid Frost and Oscar nominated actor Edward James Olmos to bring attention to an unfortunate, but real issue that continues to plague communities today. Through this groundbreaking video, Snoop is looking to leverage his street credibility and knowledge to launch a much needed push for unity.

"It's about time we start to fight for each other rather than fighting against each other. I have homies from all cultural backgrounds and love all of my brothers, black and brown. There is nothing that can stop us from creating a better future for ourselves, for our families and generations to come if we all came together," says Snoop Dogg.

This is not the superstar's first attempt to bring forth social awareness to important issues. Last year, he held a peace summit dubbed "Protect the West" to end all feuds between rap artists from the West Coast. Snoop also participated in rallies to save Stanley "Tookie" Williams, an ex-gang member on death row who spearheaded the truce between the "Bloods" and "Crips."

The highly anticipated world premiere of "Vato" will make its video debut at the end of this month on "BET's Access Granted."

Source: Geffen Records

Usher to debut on Broadway in "Chicago"

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Award-winning R&B singer Usher, making his Broadway debut on Tuesday in the long-running musical "Chicago," described the role as the most challenging thing he has ever done.

After selling millions of albums worldwide, acting in television series and movies and winning five Grammy awards, the 27-year-old told Reuters a Broadway role was a "natural progression" in his career.

He plays the character of devious lawyer Billy Flynn -- Richard Gere's part in the 2002 movie -- until October 1.

"I don't know if you can win a Tony for a few months on Broadway but, hey, why not, wishful thinking," he chuckled.

"It is more challenging than anything that I have ever done, and I am yet to even begin it," he said.

Usher, whose full name is Usher Raymond, joins a list of stars who have appeared on Broadway this year that includes Julia Roberts ("Three Days of Rain"), Denzel Washington ("Julius Caesar") and Christina Applegate ("Sweet Charity").

Usher was discovered in a talent competition at 13 and has since released five albums. He has also appeared on television shows and films such as the thriller "The Faculty," high school comedy "She's All That," and romantic comedy "In The Mix."

The current Broadway production of "Chicago," which won six 1997 Tony awards, has featured a number of stars since it opened in November 1996. Among the actors to play Billy Flynn have been George Hamilton, Taye Diggs and Billy Zane.

"This character is a well-rounded guy. He is always in control, always knows exactly what he wants and he loves his women," Usher said.

Kelis is disappointed with Jive's handling of her album

Eclectic R&B artist Kelis is upset with her record label Jive for including the track “F*** them B*tches” on her upcoming album against her wishes.

"I just did [the song] to get it out of my system," the singer explains to the New York Daily News. "I did not want it on the album. It's just not a statement I want to make right now."
The 26-year-old Harlem chanteuse and wife of rapper Nas feels Jive is treating her like a naïve newcomer by going against her creative decisions

"My label is constantly trying to take control of me," she says. "I'm not a new artist. I've been working hard to create my persona and have longevity and they went against my wishes."

A born again Christian, Kelis says many folks are misunderstanding the message behind “Bossy,” the first single from the new album “Kelis Was Here,” due Aug. 29.

"A lot of people think being bossy means bossing somebody around," she says. "But it's about being in control in your life. I'm fighting to be my own woman."

The statement is underscored by Kelis’ decision to sever ties with former producers The Neptunes, which produced her biggest hit “Milkshake.” In her decision to avoid them for her new album in favor of such beatmakers as Scott Storch, will.i.am, Raphael Saadiq and Linda Perry, Kelis said she no longer wanted to be perceived as the Neptunes’ puppet.

The singer, born Kelis Rogers, says her album title is “about leaving a mark; it's about letting people know someone was here before you."

Q3/Q4 Interscope Releases

Fergie "The Dutchess" 9/19

Robin Thicke "The Evolution of Robin Thicke" 10/3

Lloyd Banks "Rotten Apple" 10/10

Styles P "Time Is Money" 10/17

Young Buck "Buck The World" 10/24

The Game "Dr's Advocate" 11/7

Warner Bros. Records/Asylum Announce New Home for LiL Flip

New Album I Need Mine In Stores This Fall
New York, NY - Warner Bros. Records/Asylum are pleased to announce that platinum-selling recording artist Lil Flip, a.k.a. “The Freestyle King,” has penned a deal with the label and is set to release his forthcoming album, I Need Mine, this Fall.

During the label transition, I Need Mine, was leaked to the public, because of this the CD will feature new songs for the Asylum/Warner Bros. Records release.

"Flip is one of the most innovative rappers who has earned national respect and attention," says Chairman & CEO Tom Whalley. "We are excited that he has joined the Warner Bros. family."

We are excited to be a part of the Warner Bros. Records/Asylum organization. They both understand what we are trying to accomplish with Flip’s career and I believe they are the best companies to execute our goals. One look at Asylum’s success and overall embracement of the Houston hip hop culture and Warner’s relentless dedication to their artists illustrates their competency and expertise to continue what Lil Flip started,” says Flip’s Manager and entertainment lawyer, Sandy Lal of King Pin Entertainment Group.

The Houston born and bred rapper started his career in 2001 with the release of Leprechan, a CD that moved more than 100,000 units before Flip signed with a major label. He quickly caught the attention of Loud Records and went on to sell 500,000 copies of Leprechan, earning himself a gold plaque for his initial release.

In 2002, Loud closed its doors and Flip was moved to its parent company, Columbia Records (known now as Sony Urban). On Columbia, Flip released the platinum-selling Underground Legend spawning the hip-hop hits “U See It,” and “The Way We Ball.”

Flip took his success to the mainstream in 2004 with the release of his Top 5 charting platinum-plus CD, U Gotta Feel Me, that gave us the chart-topping summer smashes “Sunshine,” and the Pac Man spin-off “Game Over.”

“We held out on releasing this album on Sony because the set up was never right and I felt that my fans deserved the best from me. I’ve written and recorded a bunch of songs that I’m sure my fans will love and now that I am with Warner Bros. Records/Asylum I am confident that I am in the right place to take my career to the next level,” says Lil Flip.

A teenage Flip was discovered by DJ Screw and was knighted the “Freestyle King” by Screw for his ability to drop rhymes quicker than most of his counterparts. Soon after that, Flip started his own label at the age of sixteen (16) with a partner and caught the attention of the nation. Staying true to his lessons with DJ Screw, Flip has released more than 10 mixtapes over the past five years selling tens of thousands of them each independently. Some people are born for success. Flip is one of them.

LIL WAYNE AND BIRDMAN Pair Up For Historic Release

New Album LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON In-Stores This Fall
New York, NY - Talk about your hip-hop summits; Cash Money/Universal Records' reigning hip-hop icons Lil Wayne and Birdman are gearing up to release their first studio album together, Like Father Like Son, which is scheduled to hit stores this fall, and includes the first single “Stuntin’ Like My Daddy.”

"There's nothing like spittin' off the same page," claimed the duo, who between them, have sold more than 7 million albums. The new disc is set to feature guest appearances by a host of stellar hip-hop artists including Fat Joe, Lil Jon, T-Pain and Rick Ross, as well as showcasing the talent of production masters Swizz Beats and Scott Storch, among others. Birdman and Lil Wayne have often appeared on each other’s solo releases, but never before have they released a full-length album together. Their Like Father Like Son collaboration marks yet another historical milestone proffered by the prolific Cash Money imprint, the New Orleans hip-hop empire which launched in 1991 and is responsible for a diverse array of best selling artists.

Most recently, Lil Wayne garnered platinum-plus status for his across-the-board smash album Tha Carter II, his fifth solo album (and second platinum release). Lil Wayne recently was honored with an MTV “Sucker Free MC Of The Year” nomination, with viewers ultimately voting to crown the winner.

The tireless star also recently wrapped production on the video for his latest single, “Shooter” featuring Robin Thicke. The New York Times recently raved about Lil Wayne's performance with Thicke (son of TV entertainer Alan Thicke) on 'The Tonight show With Jay Leno," citing Wayne's penchant for mixing it up with the crooner and his song "Oh Shooter," as genre-defying 'cross-under' promotion genius.

Hip-hop mogul/artist Birdman is coming off his pivotal 2005 release, Fast Money, his second solo effort, featuring the radio staples “Get Your Shine On” and “Neck Of The Woods,” both of which featured Lil Wayne. Birdman’s signature rap style and on-point business acumen has made him a legend both behind the microphone and behind the scenes, as him and his brother Ronald "Slim" Williams have guided Cash Money from a start-up hip-hop imprint more than 15 years ago, to a 30 million-plus selling global empire known around the globe.

The enterprising mogul has managed to stay true to the principles of the street while nurturing a myriad of successful commercial endeavors, including a successful footwear collection in a venture with Lugz, narrating a popular video game, Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition from Rockstar Games, and making his feature film debut in the 2005 movie Beauty Shop.

Like Father Like Son kicks off yet another chapter in the amazing Cash Money story, and will cement Baby and Lil Wayne’s position as bona fide cross-cultural superstars, to be reckoned with.

Birdman, along with his brother Cash Money Records co-CEO Ronald “Slim” Williams, is also donating $3000 on behalf of their charity Cash Money For Kids to the Morningside Park Soccer Program in Miami. The donation will go directly to the children’s soccer program for new equipment. “We always believe in giving back to the community, and we want to make sure the kids have recreational outlets that may help them stay out of trouble.” states Ronald “Slim” Williams. Bryan “Birdman” Williams says, “It’s important for young kids to be able to play safe and have fun. Hopefully this will help the children of Morningside Park enjoy their day a little more.”

The Cash Money Records CEOs have a history of giving back to their community. Each year including last year, they have held their Annual Turkey Give Away for needy families in their native city of New Orleans. Displaced after Hurricane Katrina, the Williams brothers have adopted Miami as their new home base.

C-Murder Sees More Confinement

By Josh Grossberg

The rapper formerly known as C-Murder is in the house...again.


The gangsta star, whose real name is Corey Miller, was ordered back into home confinement Thursday, two days after a Louisiana appeals court rescinded a lower court's ruling granting his release from house arrest while he awaits a retrial in the shooting death of a teenage boy.


Under orders from appellate court, U.S. District Court Judge Martha Sassone issued a one-page order reinstating the rapper's confinement, complete with an electronic monitoring device,


"Corey Miller is to be placed on complete home incarceration and is further ordered that he is not allowed to leave his residence at any time" excepting a court date scheduled for later this month, said Sassone, per the New Orleans Times-Picayune.


Sassone initially revoked Miller's house arrest at a July 13 hearing, giving him free rein to cruise around Jefferson and Orleans parishes between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., but barred him from drinking alcohol, going to bars or hosting visitors at his residence.


Her decision to ditch the electronic monitoring angered Jefferson Parish prosecutors, who argued that the hip-hopster should have been sent back to prison for supposedly violating the terms of his house arrest by going out to a restaurant in May and going off the grid for brief periods on 13 other occasions.


They appealed Sassone's order, asserting that Miller, 35, was still a threat to public safety.


In overturning Sassone's ruling, the three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit wrote that Sassone did not abuse her position in dismissing the Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office's arguments, stating prosecutors failed to present adequate evidence of Miller's violations. However, the panel said she erred by removing C-Murder from the program without first hearing prosecutors' reasons for opposing her order.


In 2003, a jury convicted Miller on second-degree murder charges for allegedly gunning down a 16-year-old boy during scuffle outside the Platinum Club, a Jefferson Parish nightspot, on Jan. 12, 2002.


Sassone later threw out the conviction and mandatory life sentence and ordered a new trial following a revelation that prosecutors withheld key information about witnesses they called to implicate the emcee.


While once again restricting Miller's movements, Sasone kept in place his $500,000 bond. Separately Thursday, the judge also reimposed a gag order on all parties barring them from talking about the case.


A date for the trial has not yet been scheduled.


Faced with mounting legal problems, Miller changed his rap moniker from C-Murder to C Miller in 2005. He hails from a family of rap royalty that includes brothers Vyshonn "Silkk the Shocker" Miller, Percy "Master P" Miller and nephew Romeo.

Busta Ryhmes Arrested!!!! Police Say It's There Way For Getting Back At Him

Rap star Busta Rhymes was being grilled by cops last night about the unsolved murder of his bodyguard after being busted for assaulting a man at a Randalls Island concert, a police source said.
Rhymes, whose real name is Trevor Smith, was arrested at about 8 p.m. as he and his entourage tried to flee the East River island.

At least two members of Rhymes' crew were also taken into custody.

Cops said Rhymes, 34, was being investigated for assaulting a concert-goer identified as Roberto Lebron, who may have spat on Rhymes' car after the rapper's 5 p.m. performance at the Heineken AmsterJam Festival that also featured Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, LL Cool J and the Foo Fighters.

A police source said Rhymes tried to bolt off the island after getting a tip he was about to be arrested. Cops quickly headed him off at the pass at about 8 p.m., the source said.

The rapper and actor was questioned for a few hours last night at the 13th Precinct stationhouse on E. 21st St. near Second Ave. before leaving with his entourage.

Details of the assault were sketchy.

But the incident offered detectives a golden opportunity to interview Rhymes about the Feb. 5 slaying of his bodyguard, Israel Ramirez, a source said.

"I don't know if this is normally something he would even be arrested for," said a police source. "But his bouncer was killed and he didn't want to cooperate.

"This is our way of dealing with it."

Ramirez, 29, the father of three sons, was gunned down during a video shoot of Rhymes' "Touch It (Remix)" at a recording studio in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

The victim's family and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly have criticized Rhymes for refusing to cooperate with detectives investigating the shooting. Police believe Rhymes has been stonewalling them because he's adhering to the rap industry's "stop-snitching" mantra.

Police suspect the shooting was sparked by a fight involving rap star Tony Yayo, a member of 50 Cent's posse.

Detectives believe the killer fled the scene by jumping into a car with Yayo, who has also refused to cooperate with the investigation.

A secret tape recording of the argument preceding the shooting indicates Rhymes witnessed the slaying and contains the voice of the gunman calling the rap star a "bitch" before pulling the trigger.

The Game's Manager Says Rapper's Relationship With Dre "Stronger" Than Ever

The last time we reported on The Game, reports had just surfaced that the Compton emcee officially left Dr. Dre's Aftermath Records.


Now, Chuck Taylor is three months away from releasing his sophomore album, The Doctor's Advocate, on his own imprint Black Wall Street/Geffen. According Jimmy Rosemond, Game's manager and head of Czar Entertainment, Game is still working closely with Dre. In fact, their relationship "is way stronger now than it was before."

"If you look at the history and that's what people tend not to do a lot of times... is game on Geffen? Has he left Aftermath? You just gotta look at the history of Dr. Dre and when you look at the history of Dr. Dre you'll see that every artist that Dr. Dre had, there was a time where he allowed them to blossom and move on," Rosemond said. "This isn't Game leaving Aftermath. This isn't 50 [Cent] making him leave or so on and so forth. This is strictly the history of Dre allowing his artist to blossom. And what it is, it's just a Black Wall Street/Geffen thing. It's his opportunity to shine on his own."

Since reports surfaced that 50 wrote several songs on Game's The Documentary, heads began doubting whether or not he could succeed on his own. But ask Rosemond and he'll tell you The Doctor's Advocate will meet and perhaps even exceed expectations.

"Hip-Hop wasn't built on safety. Hip-Hop was built on being who you are, being what the streets was talking about, all of those elements and put them together in rhyming on a hot ass beat," Rosemond explained. "And what hip-hop needs I believe this brother is about to bring back. There's no issues that's not talked about or rapped about and he's not afraid to talk about it. And he's not afraid of going against the establishment as we may know it today."

"And that's where my respect comes for the kid at. We took our time to do this album so that after this I can move on and do other things with Czar. But I knew with all odds against this kid, he would need our help to make sure that it's right. And that's what good management do. I can't only be with the kid when everything is cool and we stuck with him when everything wasn't cool. At the end of the day, he got a record coming out that's gon be fire and it ain't even gonna be about East Coast and West Coast. It's gon be about who can rap and who can't. He's gonna be the benchmark for that and I confidently say that."

Game's The Doctor's Advocate is slated to hit stores November 7th.

Snoop Dogg Shoots New Video

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Snoop Dogg recently shot a video for "Vato" featuring B. Real, the first single from his forthcoming album, The Blue Carpet Treatment, which hits stores on October 19th. MTV.com reports that the underlying message of the new video is black and brown unity.

Snoop Dogg explained, "People believe what they see, so if we put a video out and show us working together and being friends and being cool ... people will look at that and feel it's cool. But it's not an act. B Real been my homie. It's only right for us to have a video that brings those worlds together. Black is black, brown is brown, but if we put those two together, there's nothing that can stop us."

The video, which was directed by Phil Atwell, also features a cameo from Academy Award-nominated actor Edward James Olmos.

As far as the new album, Snoop Dogg is returning to his gangsta rap roots. The rapper explained, "I went right back to the 'hood.'I took it back to the basics. I've been making a lot of pop songs, lot of R&B songs. Songs that may have made my fans feel like I wavered from what I was naturally accustomed to doing. But I'm an entertainer and I entertain people and that's what I was feeling at the time. But right now, I'm feeling like going right back to the 'hood. This record is really 'hood, really gangsta. I don't really have too many clean records on my album 'cause I wasn't giving a f**k."

The new album will feature guest appearances by Young Jeezy, E-40, Stevie Wonder, R. Kelly, Pharrell Williams, B. Real and Ne-Yo with production by Timbaland, the Neptunes, Dr. Dre, Frequency, Battlecat and Supafly.

Diddy Laughs Off Cassie Critics

By: Janine Coveney

Bad Boy label head Sean "Diddy" Combs is letting the criticism of his new vocalist Cassie roll off his back and hopes she's doing the same. "I'm going to be with her until she gets it right," he told MTV.com.

The 19-year old "Me & U" singer has been roasted by music fans about her recent performances on MTV's TRL and BET's 106th & Park, as well as about a racy early version of her video that was leaked to the Internet. Some listeners also didn't appreciate some off-the-cuff comments Cassie made last week on New York radio station Hot 97 about the sexiness of certain male R&B stars. The grumbling even sparked an online petition urging Bad Boy to drop the singer from its roster.

Meanwhile, her debut album, Cassie, landed at Number Four on the Billboard Top 200 this week with sales of more than 100,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"She had her first television performance, and she had an all right performance," Diddy stated. "You could hear the nervousness in her voice. And to be honest, I kind of smiled at it, because it made me really appreciate what I really love about her: She's a regular person. And we, as artists, we sometimes get nervous. I told her it's like riding a bike: You're gonna fall down, you got to keep on getting on it.

"I'm with her through her development, and I have no question on her ability, on her singing ability," Diddy added. "It just made me appreciate that she got nervous, and it was kind of cute to me, to be honest."

The entertainment mogul stressed that Cassie's success has literally happened overnight. "It's just so huge, and sometimes everybody handles it differently. So I'm quite sure she'll get over it. She's going to have to."

Jay-Z Reaches Out To The Runners

After producing hits for DJ Khaled, Lil' Wayne and Rick Ross, the likes of Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, Ludacris and Trick Daddy are now requesting beats from production duo, The Runners. In this exclusive, Dru discusses switching up their style and working with A-list artists.
With successful placements like Weezy's "Money On My Mind" and Ross' "Hustlin," the Runners have helped popularized screwed up choruses. But the Orlando pair isn't sweating copy cats, promising that their next production will be entirely different than the sound that has helped them break through.

"When I really sat back and I thought about it, it was flattering. They're going to where we've already been. They're just gonna keep following to where we going to and that's just part of the music business right now," one half of The Runners, Dru said. "If they want the real tracks, they're gonna have to come to the real runners."

In addition to work with the aforementioned artists, that new sound is soon to be featured on new projects by Young Dro and Fat Joe. Furthermore, Def Jam A&R Shakir Stewart requested a track for what appears to be Hov's next solo project.

"Jay requested a track from us now, so we're working on getting a track to him and we're probably gonna try to do a face to face real soon," Dru revealed. "I submitted a track to Shakir at Def Jam and it was supposedly for Jay. I think everybody kinda knows what's going on, cause I read articles that the Neptunes were signed on to work on the album and what not. But it was a request for Jay. It could be a remix that he's putting out on someone else's album. I'm not sure if it's for his album or not."

Look for the Runners to add CEO to their resume. The duo recently launched Track and Field Entertainment and is presently talking to labels for distribution. Dope tracks aside, the track masters' stock has risen thanks to their management, Disturbing Tha Peace's DJ Nasty and Terror Squad's DJ Khaled.

"I was doing all the management for the Runners to begin with and then we hooked up with DJ Nasty and he wasn't really a manager, he was just kind of shopping our tracks at the time. I sold 'Hustlin' on my own. After that pretty much every manager in the business came to us," Dru explained. "And Nasty had always been doing fair business with the Runners from day one and he came to us and then he brought Khaled with him. It was just a good trusting situation and that was like our biggest issue. So we went with people we knew were really hard workers and had great relationships with artists, which was Nasty and Khaled."

Busta Rhymes under fire from family of slain bodyguard

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The sister of Busta Rhymes'slain bodyguard has called the rapper out for allegedly using her brother's death to generate publicity for his latest album, The Big Bang. The bodyguard, Israel Ramirez, was killed on the set of Rhymes'"Touch It (Remix)" in February. Rhymes was allegedly nearby when Ramirez was shot but he has been unwilling to cooperate with the police investigation.

Sonia Rodriguez told the New York Post, "I understand the code of the streets, but they're probably just very afraid for themselves and their families...I find it kind of nauseating -- especially when he's talking about how he cared for my brother. He doesn't give two diddlies about my brother. At this point, I honestly believe Busta is using my brother's death as a publicity stunt -- and I'm angry."

Rodriguez says she hadn't heard from the rapper since the Fourth of July when he called to check in with the family and he promised to set up a scholarship fund for Ramirez's children.

Rodriguez added, "He's really got a lot to do to prove me wrong, and talking to the cops about what happened that night would be a big step."

According to police, many of the witnesses have been unwilling to cooperate with the investigation. A source told the paper, "Some people are afraid because they fear they could be next."

Diddy's longtime girlfriend maybe pregnant

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs may be a father again soon. The New York Post reports that Diddy's longtime girlfriend Kim Porter may be pregnant. According to the paper, Porter, who already has a nine-year-old son, Christian, with Combs, did not drink any alcohol and went to bed early often during the family's recent vacation.

Combs has another son, 12-year-old Justin, from a previous relationship with fashion stylist Misa Hylton Brimm. Porter also has an older son, Quincy, from a previous relationship with '80s R&B singer Al B Sure.

In related news, Diddy's vacation was spoiled when an $11 million diamond necklace was stolen from the mogul's villa in Ibiza. A source told Britain's The Sun, "He was livid when he found the necklace had been stolen. He loves being extravagant and his collection of flash jewelry is his prized possession."

Combs left the island on Sunday, August 13th, but he is still hopeful that the necklace will turn up.

In related news, Diddy will release his new album, Press Play, on October 3rd. The mogul recently released the lead single, "Come To Me" featuring Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls, on the project.

Lil Wayne arrested on drug charges

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Cash Money Records president and rapper Lil Wayne was arrested early Monday, August 14th, near Atlantic Station in midtown Atlanta. The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that the rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, was hit with several drug charges including possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. He was released from Fulton County Jail after posting $11,000 bail. The rapper will be notified as to when he must appear in court.

Lil Wayne and Cash Money Records co-CEO Baby aka Birdman will release their new album, Like Father, Like Son, on September 26th. The first single from the project is "Stuntin Like My Daddy."

The 23 year-old rapper is also working on a new album, Tha Carter III.

50 Cent: Bulletproof comes to PSP

The ultimate 50 Cent experience. His Music. His Videos. His Game. Now Portable.

Run the streets of New York as 50 Cent and G Unit as you seek revenge against those who shot you and left you for dead. Shoot, punch and throw enemies through 16 different levels featuring all new gameplay, 36 new counterkill moves and a wide variety of firearms and melee weapons. Compete or cooperate in 5 different multiplayer modes for up to 4 players and customize your character with real world G-Unit clothing. Watch the exclusive G-Unit documentary available only on the PSP, or any of the 16 music videos or kick back and listen to over 160+ tracks of Classic, Current and Exclusive Music & Score.

The Definitive 50 Cent Experience – Now Portable

• Exclusive G-Unit Edition Documentary available only on the PSP

• Over 160+ tracks of classic, current & exclusive music and score from 50 Cent and G-Unit records artists

• 16 music videos from 50 Cent

• Customizable music and video playlists for in-game or just listening/viewing


All New Gameplay!

• Top down arcade style hack ‘n slash

• 36 all new counterkill moves and a large variety of melee and firearms


Multiplayer

• 5 modes of multiplayer for up to 4 players

• Play as 50 Cent, G-Unit, McVicar (played by Eminem), Grizz (played by Dr. Dre) and more, up to 16 characters to choose from

Customize your character by purchasing real world G-Unit clothing

Camron Working on Killa Season 2

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Diplomats' Cam'ron, who is also known as Killa Cam, is hard at work on a new movie and soundtrack. The rapper released the movie Killa Season straight-to-DVD this spring, and in May he released the soundtrack. MTV.com reports that Cam'ron has already begun to shoot scenes for the sequel, which picks up right where the first film left off.

As far as the soundtrack, Cam'ron has already leaked a single, "Weekend Girl," and plans are in the works to shoot a video for the song.

The rapper is hoping to release the Killa Season 2 movie and soundtrack in December.

In related news, The Diplomats' Jim Jones will release his third solo album, Bright Lights, Big City, this fall. The latest single from the project is "We Fly High."

Diddy’s 11 million dollar necklace swiped

P Diddy has had a 11 MILLION necklace stolen in Ibiza.

He was staying in a luxury villa on the dance isle when thieves struck and snatched one of the singer’s favourite pieces from his collection of bling.

A source said: “He was livid when he found out the necklace had been stolen. He loves being extravagant and his collection of flash jewellery is his prized possession.

“It’s a trademark for rappers, it’s a status symbol. He will feel lost without it.”

P Diddy, 36, left the Spanish island on Sunday evening, after staying in the hills away from San Antonio.

He is still hoping the jewellery turns up.

T.I. finally does a song with Jay-Z

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Atlanta-based rapper T.I., who is working on a new album, T.I. vs. T.I.P., has always wanted to record a song with Jay-Z, especially after he sampled the rapper for his monster 2004 hit, "Bring 'Em Out." The rapper's dream has come true, but not according to him. The two rappers are featured on Mary J. Blige's new song, "Turn Out The Lights."

T.I. told MTV.com, "It's a song I did with Mary. I think Jay did a verse on there as well. I haven't heard it, but I'm sure it's quite a banger. It's definitely going to be one for the books. I haven't heard it since I did it. It's a song about a man and a woman in some form or fashion. I don't really remember."

But according to T.I. the collaboration with Jay-Z "don't count" because the two rappers weren't in the studio at the same time.

In related news, T.I. will release a new single and video, "Live In The Sky" featuring Jamie Foxx, in the coming weeks.

Kelis: Album Tracklisting

Check out the tracklisting below from Kelis Was Here to include production from Shondrae Crawford, Will.I.Am, Raphael Saadiq, Sean Garrett, Scott Storch, Knobody, Cee-Lo, Dr.Luke, and Damon Elliot! Album in stores August 22!

Kelis Was Here OFFICIAL TRACKLISTING:
1. Intro
2. Bossy feat. Too $hort
3. What's That Right There
4. Till The Wheels Fall Off
5. Living Proof
6. Blindfold Me [feat Nas]
7. Goodbyes
8. Trilogy
9. Circus
10. Weekend feat. Will.I.Am
11. Like You
12. Ah Shit feat. Smoke
13. Lil Star
14. I Don't Think So
15. Handful
16. Appreciate Me
17. Have A Nice Day
18. Fuck Them Bitches

X-Clan Returns With New Studio LP And Tour Dates With Jurassic 5 And Damien Marley

“We have to adjust and balance the quality of music we listen to. Constant negative input leads to negative living, support positive music.” Brother J



With the tragic passing of hip-hop cultural leader Professor X in March 2006, the message of X-Clan and the Blackwatch Movement is being carried forward by his protégé, Brother J, X-Clan’s co-founder and spokesman.



Making its debut in 1990 with, To The East Blackwards, and with there 1992 sophomore effort, Xodus, (both of which are considered classics and peaked at #11 on the Hiphop charts) X-Clan was at the forefront of Hiphop’s cultural movement. With hits like “Funkin' Lesson,” “Heed The Word of the Brother” and “Raise The Flag,” X-Clan secured Hiphop as their vehicle to deliver and advance the science and math of upliftment, popularizing the ideas of Malcolm X, Sonny Carson, Huey Newton and Clarence 13X, while keeping dance floors packed.



Led by Brother J, the Clan’s founder and original lead MC, X-Clan are ready again to move your mind, body and spirit like back in the day, as one of the most powerful and influential hip hop crews Hiphop has ever witnessed, have returned after nearly a decade-long hiatus. Moving forward, Brother J, Ultraman Ra Hanna, ACL, DJ FatJack, Kumu M. Haynes and Master China will carry forward the message into the next generation of X-Clan with the release of Return From Mecca, which will be released on 10-31-06 and finds the group reforming their groundbreaking tradition of displaying ancestral wisdom, culture and a signature lyrical style that appeals to all generations of Hip-Hop. Joining X-Clan on their celebrated return are a bevy of high-profile collaborators; among them Jurassic 5’s Chali 2NA, KRS-One, Jacoby Shaddix of pap Roach, RBX, Abstract Rude and YZ (as of press time, X-Clan is also in the studio putting the finishing touches on a still unnamed track with Damian Marley which will make the LP). In addition, there are also a bevy of buzz worthy West Coast producers chipping in production, including the legendary DJ Quik, DJ Khalil, Jake One and Bean One. X-Clan’s new LP also marks the group’s debut for hip-hop and underground tastemakers Suburban Noize Records.



In addition, X-Clan has already embarked on a two-month tour supporting Jurassic 5. The tour launched on July 18 in Seattle, WA and will hit key major markets across the U.S. before wrapping up in Las Vegas, NV on September 13. “I knew from the time I stepped into the booth with Charlie 2na that it was destiny for the X-Clan and Jurassic 5 to come together,” says X-Clan’s Brother J. “If you study Hiphop you wonder who carries the torch of the legendary Hiphop crews, when you see the J5 show the realization is clear. It is an honor to travel with a group that has maintained quality with consistency from the underground to major label status.”



The tour dates, which follow appearances by X-Clan at the Def Poetry Jam, the Legends of Hip Hop Concert and a 17-date tour with Grammy-winning reggae star Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley --will be surrounded by an intense buzz by X-Clan fans eagerly awaiting the band’s new studio effort Return From Mecca, which will drop on 10-31-06.



JURASSIC 5 – “Feedback Tour” 2006 w/ X-Clan



Aug. 16 New York, NY Irving Plaza

Aug. 19 Hartford, CT Webster Theatre

Aug. 22 Burlington, VT Higher Ground

Aug. 24 Buffalo Town Ballroom

Aug. 25 Cleveland House Of Blues

Aug. 26 Detroit St. Andrews Hall

Aug. 28 Cincinnati Bogarts

Aug. 30 St. Louis The Pageant

Aug. 31 Indianapolis The Vogue

Sep. 1 Chicago House Of Blues

Sep. 2 Milwaukee The Eagles Club

Sep. 4 Minneapolis 1st Ave

Sep. 5 Lawrence, KS Granada Theatre

Sep. 8 Aspen The Belly Up

Sep. 10 Boulder Fox Theatre

Sep. 11 Salt Lake City Depot

Sep. 13 Las Vegas House Of Blues



Tracklisting and Credits for X Clan’s Return To Mecca:




1.) Intro (produced by DJ Fat Jack)

2.) Aragorn (produced by Quazedelic)

3.) 3rd Eye f/Tri State of One Session (produced by DJ Khalil)

4.) Hovercraft

5.) Why You Doin That (produced by Bean One)

6.) Voodoo f/RBX & Quazedelic (produced by DJ Khalil)

7.) Weapon X (Produced by Ultraman “Ra Hanna”)

8.) Mecca f/Jah Orah (produced by Quazedelic)

9.) Speak The Truth f/KRS-One (produced by Jake One)

10.) Self Destruct (produced by J Thrill)

11.) Positrons (produced by Quazedelic)

12.) Prison f/Christian Scott (produced by Proh Mic)

13.) Atonement f/Jah Orah (produced by DJ Fat Jack)

14.) Funky For You f/Chali 2NA (produced by Quazedelic)

15.) Verbal Pimpin (produced by DJ Quik)

16.) Trump Card f/Hannah B (produced by ACL/Fat Jack/P-Nice)

17.) To The East f/YZ & Abstract Rude (produced by DJ Fat Jack)

18.) Space People f/Quazedelic (produced by Quazedelic)

19.) America f/ Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach (produced by P. Shevlin)

Three 6 Mafia enjoying post-Oscar attention

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Memphis-based rap trio Three 6 Mafia won more than an Oscar for best original song ("It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp," from 2005's "Hustle & Flow") at the 78th Academy Awards in March. The act also took home a golden new lease on its career.


The group's latest feat is a just-signed three-year production deal with Warner Bros. Under the joint venture, Warner Bros. will market, distribute and promote artists and other ventures (films, videogames) on Three 6 Mafia's label, Hypnotize Minds Productions. Now a duo (member Crunchy Black exited to pursue a solo career), the act will also produce records for such Warner Bros. artists as Mike Jones, Lil' Scrappy and Trillville.

The Warner deal won't affect Three 6's relationship with Sony BMG, which distributes the group's artist releases.

"This deal is big for us because it gives us the opportunity to grab new talent and work them through Warner Bros.' heavy duty machine," says Three 6 member Jordan "Juicy J" Houston, who wrote "Pimp" with bandmate Paul "DJ Paul" Beauregard and Cedric "Frayser Boy" Coleman. "(Warner Bros.) has a good formula, they understand the South sound, and they know how to market and break records over there," Houston adds.

Meanwhile, the Academy Awards gave the group's ninth album, 2005's "Most Known Unknown" (Hypnotize Minds/Columbia) a dramatic boost. Initially sold on the strength of lead single "Stay Fly," the album bowed at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and has shifted 913,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan -- 224,000 of which came after the Oscar win. All prior albums (excluding 2003's "Da Unbreakables") have pushed less than 500,000 units.

"(The Oscar) let people know we could write a good song for a movie," Houston says. "We've been working for over 15-16 years and it's like the hard work is paying off. People actually want us to act in their movies (in addition to) doing music."

Now the group finds itself developing projects by artists who, frankly, might previously have thought twice before collaborating with Three 6 Mafia ( Paris Hilton, Justin Timberlake).

In addition to recording tracks for the soundtrack to Sylvester Stallone's upcoming "Rocky 6," Houston and Beauregard have met with numerous TV and movie companies (Columbia Pictures, Paramount, 21st Century Fox), and their feature film "The Streets of Memphis" is in the works. They recently finished the script for "Choices III: The Return of Big Pat" -- the third installment in their DVD series "Choices," which will be distributed through Warner Bros. -- and will be appearing in episodes of HBO's "Entourage," VH1's "Flavor of Love" and E's "Girls Next Door."

Three 6 Mafia is only the second rap act to win an Academy Award. In 2002, Eminem won in the best song category for "Lose Yourself," from his film debut, "8 Mile."

Reuters/Billboard

Kanye West Engaged

The six-time Grammy-winning rapper-producer has popped the question to his girlfriend, Alexis, People reported Friday on its Website.

Details are sketchy. The "Jesus Walks" emcee reportedly proposed during a recent two-week-long overseas vacation, but it's not known exactly where or when the knee-bending went down, or when the betrotheds will tie the knot..

Likewise, the future Mrs. West is a something of a mystery. We don't know her last name, age or occupation.

Calls to West's publicist were not immediately returned.

But, per People, West and his fiancée rekindled her romance with the hip-hopster after two years apart.

The couple previously dated for several years, with Alexis reportedly by his side prior to the 2002 near-fatal car wreck that left the rapper with a wired jaw. In a 2004 interview with Blender, the College Dropout artist announced he had split from his lady love in August of that year.

"The thing is, I always had a girlfriend," he told the magazine. "Now it's like some property opening up on the beach that no one could get into until now."

Guess the ladies should consider that beach re-closed.

While it's unknown when the two reconnected, it couldn't have been too long ago.

As recently as April, West was dating 24-year-old MTV assistant-turned-model Brooke Crittenden, whom, he told Rolling Stone, he had been with for more than a year.

"I don't think we've ever been apart longer than seven days," she told the New York Daily News. "I trust him. He's got so much going on, but he never makes me feel like number two."

Prior to coupling with Crittenden, West was linked in the gossip pages with the likes of American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino and even the recently married Pamela Anderson, though neither pairing was ever confirmed.

Jay-Z Sued For $600k

The interior designer for Jay-Z's 40/40 Club in Manhattan has slapped the rapper with a $600,000 lawsuit for violating an agreement with his design firm.

According to the New York Post, Ilan Waisbod, founder of New York based Studio Gaia, filed the lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court last week.

The suit alleges that Hov failed to honor an agreement with Studio Gaia, by using similar interiors applied in the Manhattan 40/40 club in his 40/40 Club in Atlantic City and planning to use them in other clubs set to be built in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Singapore.

Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Macy Gray & Others Turn up on 'IDLEWILD' Album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

OutKast will release their new album, Idlewild, on August 22nd and their feature film, also called Idlewild, on August 25th. Billboard.com reports that the Idlewild album will feature guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Macy Gray, Lil Wayne, Sleepy Brown, Killer Mike, Scar, Khujo Goodie, Janelle Monae, and others.

The first single from the project is "Mighty-O" which will be followed by a Big Boi solo track, "Morris Brown" featuring Scar, Sleepy Brown, and the Morris Brown College Band.

The Idlewild track listing includes: "Intro," "Mighty- O," "Peaches" featuring Sleepy Brown & Scar, "Idlewild Blue (Don'tchu Worry 'Bout Me)," "Infatuation (Interlude)," "N2U" featuring Khujo Goodie, "Morris Brown" featuring Scar & Sleepy Brown, "Chronomentrophobia," "The Train" featuring Scar & Sleepy Brown, "Life Is Like A Musical," "No Bootleg DVDs (Interlude)," "Hollywood Divorce" featuring Lil'Wayne & Snoop Dogg, "Zora (Interlude)," "Call The Law" featuring Janelle Monae, "Bamboo & Cross (Interlude)," "BuggFace," "Makes No Sense At All," "In Your Dreams" featuring Killer Mike & Janelle Monae, "PJ & Rooster," "Mutron Angel" featuring Whild Peach, "Greatest Show On Earth" featuring Macy Gray, "You're Beautiful (Interlude)," "When I Look In Your Eyes," "Dyin' To Live," and "A Bad Note."

Rakim and CL Smooth Perform at Annual Peace Concert

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rakim, CL Smooth, Nice & Smooth and several local acts participated in the annual Peace Boston concert at the City Hall Plaza. The concert had additional significance this year as gun-related crimes have been on the rise in Boston this summer. Prior to the concert, Rakim told the Boston Globe, "It's we the people. Conscious people have to do something. I mean, we've got Bloods and Crips in New York! That's ridiculous, that's 1979. But you know where they get it from? They get it from television, and from rap records. It's a deep situation. It's going to take brothers like me... our generation, to start change. Because it's senseless. We have to show them the right way."

At the concert, several people echoed the rapper's sentiments. Tina Giaccarini of Roxbury, Boston told the Boston Herald, "There's shootings every night. It's nice to see the positive instead of the negative."

Lamary Taylor of Cambridge, Massachusetts, added, "I'm out here with my family watching these old-school rappers. I want my kids to experience the good music instead of that garbage rap that's out now."

The concert was just one of the events in the Peace Boston 2006 Hip Hop Showcase. The weeklong series, which was endorsed and put together by Boston's Mayor Thomas Menino, will also feature a Hip Hop Roundtable, an educational forum, and break dancing performances.

Young Dro's Hard Work Paying Off

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Atlanta-based rapper Young Dro will release his debut album, Best Thang Smokin', on August 29th. The lead single from the album, "Shoulder Lean," has been bubbling on the underground for over a year, but now the song is making a run at the Top Ten. "Shoulder Lean" was Number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart last week.

Dro told MTV.com of the single's chart position, "It's a relief. Finally. It's a nice experience."

The rapper is signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle label and the two have been friends since their early teens. Young Dro explained, "I knew him since I was 13. He respected my flow, I respect his. He tried to get me a record deal before he got his."

As for his debut project, Dro said, "The project is wonderful. You got Jazze Pha on there, Nitty, the Runners. It features T.I., Slim Thug -- there ain't too many people on there because I can pretty much hold it down myself. You gonna buy my sh** 'cause I'm on there."

The rapper added, "The one with me and Slim Thug, it's some real playa stuff going on in there. The one with me and Tip is called 'My Girl Got a Girlfriend.'We collaborated on things that go on behind closed doors. It's a freaky-ass song."

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Star's Mother Files $11 Mill Defamation Lawsuit Against Hot 97

Hannah Hightower, the mother of former Power 105.1 "Star & Bucwild Morning Show" host Star has filed a multi-million dollar defamation lawsuit against the owners of Hot 97 for comments made about her by radio host Miss Jones.

According to The NY Post the lawsuit against Hot 97 owner Emmis Radio was filed yesterday in Manhattan federal court. The $11 million suit claims Hightower was defamed during a tirade Miss Jones made against her son Star, whose real name is Troi Torain, who was a DJ at rival station Power 105.1 at that time. Jones is quoted in the lawsuit as saying, "Your white mom was nothing but a prostitute that your dad turned out," and "got knocked up by the blackest, blackest, blackest n****r."

Hightower's lawsuit is not the only court case related to the on-air battle between Hot 97 and Power 105.1 morning show hosts. Yesterday Torain filed a $55 million defamation lawsuit against Queens city councilman John Liu, for comments Liu made about him in May at a press conference Liu helped organize to call for Star's termination from Power 105.1.

Torain is also facing a separate lawsuit filed by former morning show co-host Keysha Whitaker, who was known on the show as Prozac Girl.

Diddy Hits New Heights with St.Tropez Party

Given that he has hosted literally dozens of showbiz parties over the last few years, one might think the novelty would start to wear off for rap mogul Diddy. The hip-hop impresario was literally jumping for joy after his latest soiree in the Riviera resort of St Tropez attracted a roll-call of his glamorous friends, though.

TheNew York native was photographed (pictured above) bouncing high into the air as he tried out a trampoline on Nikki beach. His moment of high-flying fun came after the 36-year-old had welcomed a who's-who of his A-list pals to a lavish bash on the board the Lady Joy, a luxury yacht he is currently renting for £250,000 a week.

Ivana Trump and her daughterIvanka were among the guests seen partying long into the night, along with the Duchess of York and her elder daughter Princess Beatrice. Spanish bombshell Penelope Cruz was also seen working up a sweat on the dancefloor, as was hotel heiress Paris Hilton, who was accompanied by her former beau Stavros Niarchos.

The man at the centre of everyone's attention confessed that, despite being one of the music industry's biggest names, he's still not above the occasional attack of the nerves. Having already made his mark as a rapper, producer, actor and designer, he has now recorded a new album on which he sings for the first time. "You can’t believe how nervous I was, " he said. "It was like jumping off a cliff into the ocean. But you know what? I found the water invigorating."

T.I. To Star Opposite Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe In 'American Gangster'

RapperT.I. continues to further his acting career, adding the film American Gangster to his resume.

The Atlanta-bred MC has signed on to star in American Gangster opposite veterans Denzel Washington andRussell Crowe in the movie, which is being directed by Ridley Scott (Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, Thelma & Louise, Hannibal).

American Gangster tells the story of a 1970's drug lord who smuggles heroin intoHarlem inside of Vietnam soldiers coffins. T.I. has signed on to play the nephew of Denzel Washington's character Frank Lucas, while Crowe will star in the film as Detective Richie Roberts.

The Wu-Tang Clan's RZA is also attached to the movie, which was written by Steven Zaillian.

American Gangster is slated to hit theaters in 2007.

The Clipse have no problems with Foxy Brown

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Clipse will release their new album, Hell Hath No Fury, on October 31st. The lead single from the project is "Mr. Me Too" featuring Pharrell Williams. The next single and video from the project will be "Wamp Wamp." The song has been the source of some controversy as the track was initially created for Foxy Brown.

But according to The Clipse's Pusha, once Brown suffered her hearing loss, the beat became the group's. He told MTV.com, "Then Foxy's hearing problem kicked in. After that happened, Pharrell and Jay-Z had a conversation -- I wasn't there -- they basically said she was counted out. We liked the beat. It was passed over."

Brown successfully underwent surgery to restore her hearing and according to Pusha, "Jay-Z supposedly came like, 'Oh, she's back. Let's get that beat back.'That's where all the discrepancy came from."

The Clipse's Malice added, "With us, it ain't no controversy. We followed the same protocol we would with any other beat. We hear it, we like it, we get it from Pharrell. We ain't go behind nobody's back to get this beat. When we get a beat, it's never contingent on 'maybe this or that.'"

The rapper added, "I don't even sit down and write like that. If a track is mine, I do my thing to it. I don't write and wait and see. ... Maybe it's an issue with Pharrell and his people. As far as I'm concerned, it's ours. We got the record; there's nothing to talk about. I ain't got no problem with nobody. I'm great. The best thing that came out of all this is that she got her hearing back."

Lloyd Banks gets ready!

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

G-Unit's Lloyd Banks will release his new album, The Rotten Apple, on September 19th. The set features guest appearances by 50 Cent, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, Mobb Deep, Spider Loc, Timbaland, Scarface, Rakim, 8Ball, and Musiq Soulchild.

When we spoke with Banks, he shared that he was more comfortable while recording his sophomore album then he was when he recorded his double platinum 2004 debut, Hunger For More. The rapper explained how the first time around he felt compelled to stick to the game plan. He said: "Listen man I'm doing what I know they want to hear. Bottom-line, I'm not doing anything different. This is what they want to hear. On you second album, your creative, your edge is a lot more higher."

The rapper added: "You know I just want people to grow with me, you know, 'cause the records are gonna change up."

The latest single from The Rotten Apple is "Hands Up" featuring 50 Cent.

Diddy enlists Outkast, Kayne, Christina for new album

Outkast, Kanye West, and Christina Aguilera will all appear on the new Diddy album, according to reports.


Diddy is scheduled to release a new album later this year, his first since 2001's The Saga Continues.

Apparently the allstar cast will not only feature Big Boi, Andre 3000, West, and Aguilera, but also Nicole Schrezinger of Pussycat Dolls and Havoc from Mobb Deep.

The album, entitled Press Play, will be preceded by a single called "Come To Me."

Ruben Studdard's new R&B album due out

NEW YORK - Ruben Studdard returns to R&B with his third album, set for release Sept. 26. The album's title, "The Return," signifies his coming back to the mainstream after recording the 2004 gospel album, "I Need an Angel," Studdard said in a statement released Monday by J Records.


"I've had people ask me where I've been in the past few years so I thought calling it `The Return' made sense," said Studdard, who won Fox's "American Idol" talent competition in May 2003.

"The first track on the new record is `The Return of the Velvet Teddy Bear,' so I just shortened it and made it the title of my CD," the 27-year-old singer said. "With `The Return,' I'm letting all the people who've followed me from `American Idol' until now know that basically I'm back."

His debut album, "Soulful," was released in 2003.

MTV announced the nominees for the VMA’s

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Christina Aguilera: “Ain’t No Other Man”
Madonna: “Hung Up”
Panic! at the Disco: “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”
Red Hot Chili Peppers: “Dani California”
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: “Hips Don’t Lie”
BEST MALE VIDEO
Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX: “Touch It Remix”
James Blunt: “You’re Beautiful”
Kanye West f/ Jamie Foxx: “Gold Digger”
Nick Lachey: “What’s Left Of Me”
T.I.: “What You Know”

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Christina Aguilera: “Ain’t No Other Man”
Kelly Clarkson: “Because of You”
Madonna: “Hung Up”
Nelly Furtado f/ Timbaland: “Promiscuous”
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: “Hips Don’t Lie”

BEST R&B VIDEO
Beyonce f/ Slim Thug: “Check on It”
Chris Brown: “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)”
Jamie Foxx f/ Ludacris: “Unpredictable”
Mariah Carey: “Shake It Off”
Mary J. Blige: “Be Without You”

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO
Black Eyed Peas: “My Humps”
Common: “Testify”
Daddy Yankee: “Rompe”
Kanye West f/ Jamie Foxx: “Gold Digger”
Three 6 Mafia: “Stay Fly”

BEST DANCE VIDEO
Madonna: “Hung Up”
Nelly Furtado f/ Timbaland: “Promiscuous”
Pussycat Dolls f/ Snoop Dogg: “Buttons”
Sean Paul: “Temperature”
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: “Hips Don’t Lie”

BEST NEW ARTIST IN A VIDEO
Angels and Airwaves: “The Adventure”
Avenged Sevenfold: “Bat Country”
Chris Brown f/ Juelz Santana, “Run It!”
James Blunt: “You’re Beautiful”
Panic! at the Disco: “I Write Sins Not Tragedies”
Rihanna: “S.O.S.”