Clipse Get a New Release Date

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Virginia-based rap group the Clipse have been battling their label, Jive Records, since their contract was picked up after the dissolution of Arista Records in 2003. The group finally made some headway this year and were set to release their sophomore album, Hell Hath No Fury, on Halloween but the project has been pushed back again. Group member Pusha T heard about the release date change while doing an interview with Rolling Stone and told the magazine, "I hate Jive with all my heart and all the passion and my soul."

The rapper isn't as down on the label anymore. He told MTV.com, "When I say things, I'm speaking from the emotional side of an artist. We do street rap where we feel that everything is dictated from the streets. And the hype and the buzz that you garner is something that can't be taken away from you. The record label, all they have to go by is what reads on paper. So it's like, as far as the Rolling Stone issue goes, it was a situation where it was a rough day. And I feel like my core audience -- the people who kept us relevant for all these years and the time on hiatus -- is waiting. So, you know, for them to say that s**t was pushed back, I was upset and I spazzed out."

The rapper added, "Jive hasn't denied us much, not really anything that we've asked for. But the time frame in which they do things sort of f***s up the situation. They'll do it, they just do it a little late. In all fairness, it has to be hard to put millions of dollars into a situation and to just go off what the streets is saying without any type of real gauge. But at the end of the day, record label people are not in the streets like that. They don't know the kids are like, 'Yo, I got the Clipse track "Mr. Me Too." This dude be trying to be like me all day long.' It turns into a trust thing. You have to trust the artists sometimes."

Hell Hath No Fury will now hit stores on December 5th.

The group was in Miami earlier this week shooting a video for their new single, "What It Do (Wamp, Wamp)" featuring Slim Thug.

Method Man is still down with Def Jam

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rumors have been circulating that rapper Method Man was dropped by his label, Def Jam Records, but a label publicist issued a statement this week that read, "Method Man is still part of the Def Jam family and he is currently on tour promoting his new CD."

The rumors began after the rapper's last album, 4:21: The Day After, sold just over 62,000 copies its first week in stores. The sales were the lowest first week showing of the rapper's solo career.

Method Man is currently touring in support of the new album and he will be on the road through November. Saigon, Masta Killa, and Inspectah Deck are opening for the rapper on his tour.

4:21: The Day After features guest appearances by Fat Joe and Styles P, with production by Dr. Dre, Scott Storch, and RZA.

Snoop Dogg to make guest appearance on 'Weeds'

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and actor Snoop Dogg will make a guest appearance on Showtime's hit show Weeds this Monday, October 2nd. MTV.com reports that in the episode, which airs at 10 p.m. ET, the rapper will play himself. He makes a deal with the show's stars and then records a song about marijuana.

In related news, Snoop Dogg will release a new album on November 21st, titled The Blue Carpet Treatment. The album will feature the production of Dr. Dre, the Neptunes, Rick Rock, and Timbaland with guest appearances by B-Real, Nate Dogg, Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder, the Game and Ice Cube.

8Ball to release new solo album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Memphis-based rapper 8Ball, of 8Ball & MJG, will release his sixth solo album, Light Up The Bomb, on October 31st. The album will feature guest appearances by MJG, Juvenile, Dirtbag, and Big Gipp. The first single from the project is "Time2HitDaClub."

In related news, 8Ball & MJG will release their eighth album, Pure American Pimpin', later this year. The album will feature guest appearances by Big Boi from OutKast, T.I., Juvenile, Jazze Pha, Lil Jon, Avant, and Floetry.

8Ball & MJG have been releasing classics since 1993 but the group often feels like they don't get the recognition they deserve -- especially from the media. 8Ball said:"I think some of the magazines man, you know I don't want to call no names or nothing, but they belittle 8Ball & MJG like we just ain't done nothing."

The rapper added that the group has a cult following and that they've enjoyed longevity unlike many of their peers. He said: "We got a cult following that a lot of cats that have been in our same position... you know they haven't seen the longevity that we have seen and you know I feel like you know that we don't get the just desserts we should from a lot of the magazines."

The group's last release was 2004's gold certified, Livin Legends.

Beanie Sigel to release mixtape

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Philadelphia-based rapper Beanie Sigel is working on an untitled mixtape which he plans to release through Def Jam Records but, according to the rapper, he is no longer signed to the label. Sigel told Fader magazine, "That's like a gift from me for leaving them. The deal with the mixtape is just me trying to build my brand up again. Because I am no longer under Def Jam, signed with Def Jam, or dealing with Def Jam or Roc-a-Fella at all. I got out of my contract."

Sigel decided to leave because of the poor promotion of his last album and because he doesn't want to pick a side between his two friends Jay-Z and Damon Dash.

Sigel is working on a new album with R&B producers Vidal & Dre. He explained, "I'm using Dre and Vidal to play the album because they don't sample. Everything gets played live, and even if there's something that I hear that I might want them to sample, they play it over. I'm like, 'Do what y'all do and let me worry about the hip hop part.'"

The mixtape is scheduled to hit stores early next year.

Sigel's first two gold-certified albums, 1999's The Truth and 2001's The Reason, were released on Roc-A-Fella Records. The rapper's last release, 2005's The B. Coming, was released on The Dame Dash Music Group label after Jay-Z and Dame Dash ended their Roc-A-Fella Records partnership.

Lupe Fiasco concert cancelled after shooting

The fatal shooting of a man outside a London venue on Saturday evening has prompted the cancellation of a concert by rapper Lupe Fiasco on Sept 25.

This evening's show at the Scala was pulled earlier on today following the death of an unnamed man, after he was shot outside the King's Cross venue on Saturday night.

The hotly tipped rap star, who has been a guest on Jay-Z's ongoing global tour, has been forced to cancel the gig, as police investigations continue.

A statement from Fiasco confirmed that the concert will not go ahead but announced plans for a rescheduled date in the U.K. capital next month.

It reads: "At present the Metropolitan Police risk assessment team will not allow the promoters to put this gig on. The show will be rescheduled to the Carling Islington Academy on 9th October 2006."

The man shot on Saturday night was confirmed dead in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Lil Wayne gets love from Kobe Bryant

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Lil Wayne is currently on the Up Close & Personal tour with Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Juelz Santana, and Dem Franchize Boyz. MTV.com reports that when the tour hits California this week, Lil Wayne will be wearing a special Los Angeles Lakers jersey which was a gift for Kobe Bryant.

Wayne explained, "When Kobe heard about the concert, he reached out to me 'cause he's a fan of my music and I'm a fan of his skills on the court. He said he wanted me to be the first to represent his new jersey, number 24, and I was with it!"

Bryant formerly wore Number 8.

In related news, Lil Wayne and Birdman will release their new album, Like Father Like Son, in October. The latest single from the project is "Stuntin' Like My Daddy."

Bumpy Knuckles calls out Rakim

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Bumpy Knuckles, who is also known as Freddie Foxxx, will release his new album, Amerikkkan Black Man, in February and the album contains the Rakim diss track, "The King is Down." Foxxx told MTV.com, "I will eat Rakim's ass alive on any record, any stage. When I finish with him, every bit of legendary status he had is gonna go out the window. I swear on everything I stand on, I will eat that n---a alive, bar by bar. I'll tell him to his muthaf---in'face."

The beef between the two rappers began in the mid-'80s when both rappers were based on Long Island and rapping with their respective crews -- Rakim with the Love Brothers and Foxxx with the Supreme Force.

According to Foxxx, he got angry after reading a recent interview Rakim did. Rakim allegedly said, "I never f---ing turned down a battle with that muthaf---er! Foxxx wasn't ferocious like that. Foxxx had two other cats that used to rhyme with him. They were a good group, but Foxxx wasn't ferocious like that baby pa."

Foxxx explained, "I read the article and it set me off. He said I'm 'not ferocious.'How dare he? His ego kicked in. I said I'm gonna let the world who he really is. People are only calling him a legend because of what he did with Eric B. Everything after that was wack. Nobody will say it to his face."

Foxxx also was quick to dismiss the notion that he's seeking publicity for his new album. The rapper said, "I'm too old to be chasing publicity. I don't need the publicity. I ain't no hater. But when I see he's so quick to always shoot me in the foot, enough is enough. Why would I want to get recognition on Rakim? He's nothing to me. Y'all see him differently than I do. On the song, I never called his name. We used to call him 'Pop'back in the day. I don't call him 'Rakim'on the record, I call him 'Pop.' "

Amerikkkan Black Man features guest appearances by Talib Kweli and John Cena with production by Alchemist, Pete Rock, DJ Scratch and DJ Premier.

The Game Continues: The Highly Anticipated 'Doctor's Advocate' in Stores November 14th

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Multi-platinum Geffen recording artist The Game will release his highly anticipated sophomore album, Doctor's Advocate, on November 14, 2006. The Game's 2005 debut, The Documentary, which had a number of hit singles including "Hate It Or Love It," "How We Do," "Dreams" and "Put You On The Game," sold over five million copies worldwide.

The street single for Doctor's Advocate, "It's Okay (One Blood)" featuring Junior Reid, landed at radio stations in August and has quickly generated a firestorm of interest. The song cracked Billboard's Hot 100 chart, as well as its Hip-Hop and R&B Singles charts, and was added to regular rotation on 48 radio stations nationwide in its first week, making it the number one added urban single in the country. The video for "It's Okay (One Blood)," which follows The Game on a stroll through the grittier streets of Los Angeles, is receiving heavy airplay on MTV and BET.

The first official single for Doctor's Advocate is "Let's Ride (Strip Club)," is a collaboration between The Game and producer extraordinaire Scott Storch. A video for the new single is in the works and will air in October.

"Last time around I had to shock 'em. I had to let everyone know that I was the new force bringing back the West Coast, and that no one could ignore me. This time I had one thing in mind -- greatness. I think the world will feel my hunger," said The Game, whose birth name is Jayceon Taylor.

Since the release of The Documentary, the self-proclaimed face of Los Angeles has been busy with an array of other work -- releasing a series of ferocious mixtapes that captivated the rap music world; starring alongside Lorenz Tate, Meagan Good and Tyrese Gibson in the Rogue Pictures film, Waist Deep; and releasing new styles and colors and of his Hurricane sneaker line, made by 310 Motoring, for the fall season. As the buzz for Doctor's Advocate reaches a fever pitch, and if "It's Okay (One Blood)" is any indication, Jayceon Taylor may have the game in hand.

Source: Interscope Geffen A&M

Trick Daddy to release new album in December

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Miami-based rapper Trick Daddy will release his seventh album, Back By Thug Demand, on December 12th. The rapper recently released a song, "Breaker, Breaker," which some thought contained a subliminal diss of Miami man of the moment, Rick Ross.

Trick Daddy told MTV.com, "That's how I feel. That's how I represent. A lot of people try to make it seem like that song is about this person or that person. Listen, man. I'm the first person that told anybody that Rick Ross was good at what he do. ... And one thing about me: I don't sneak dis. So nothing was about Ross or nobody in particular. That was for anybody who didn't think that I ran this whole state, who didn't think I was the Dade County mayor. That was what that song was written about."

The first single from Back By Thug Demand is "Bet That" featuring Chamillionaire. The album will also feature guest appearances by 8Ball & MJG, Baby, Lil Wayne, Webbie, Young Buck and Young Dro.

In related news, Trick Daddy has formed his own label, Dunk Ryders. He's also working on a five-person group by the same name which will include three rappers, one female singer and a producer.

Jay-Z Joined Onstage By Nas And Beyonce Knowles

Jay-Z was joined onstage by Nas and Beyonce during his sell out show at at London Wembley Arena last night

It seems that the two rappers have well and truly ended their beef, as Nas performed songs alongside Jay-Z.
Nas performed three of his own tracks before joining the Roc-A-Fella headman on ‘If I Ruled The World.’

Later on in the set, Jay-Z welcomed his girlfriend Beyonce Knowles onstage before they performed ‘Crazy In Love’ together.

Elsewhere during the hit-laden set, the rapper aired the likes of ‘Girls Girls Girls’, ‘H to the Izzo’ and ‘Hard Knock Life’

Kevin Liles to release book on hip hop generation guide to success

Now, more than ever, this book's message of hope needs to be heard.

NEW YORK, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- His groundbreaking book, based on 10 Rules of Business, is the first and only one of its kind on the market to share the wisdom of success with America's urban youth. Since that time, this same demographic has faced the ongoing aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and, according to U.S. census data released last month, poverty levels are at a record high. Some 13 million children now live in extreme poverty, an increase of 22%. Never before has this country's young people been faced such economic hardship on such a massive scale.

Kevin Liles is the face of the new generation of business leaders. At 38 he is the youngest and highest ranking executive in the music industry today, offering a guiding voice on how make aspirations for a better life become reality, and he does it in a clear, concise way that resonates with young readers unlike any "how to" career guide on the market.

The thousands of email messages he received from readers after the book first hit, thanking him for teaching and inspiring them to "break their chains," is testimony to that. One woman in New Orleans, who heard Liles' speaking on the radio, even vowed to learn to read so that she could access his book.

The author, who is responsible for helping discover and direct the careers of Jay-Z, Ludacris, Ashanti, DMX, Ja Rule, Kanye West, LL Cool J, and many more stars, possesses all the necessary "street cred" to deliver this message. His phenomenal success is more than just a modern-day Cinderella story. It's a tribute to his incredible work ethic and unwavering belief that anyone, now matter how tough their circumstances, has a shot of making it in the business world if they do it right.

In his book he tells how he rose from intern to president of Def Jam records in only nine years. He describes the experience of his meteoric climb from an urban street kid with dreams of making it in hip hop to a top executive at a multi-billion dollar music company and demonstrates to readers how they, too, can attain their goals by applying a set of principles based on what he calls, "the hip hop way."

"Every real success story in hip hop comes down to the same thing: someone who finds the will, the focus and the drive to achieve," Liles writes. "It doesn't matter if you are male or female. It doesn't matter what race or religion you are. It doesn't even matter what hustle you choose." What does matter, he continues, is that you do not take "no" for an answer or abide the negativity of others. You empower yourself and make it happen.

Infused with street smarts and the fresh pulse of hip hop itself, Make It Happen embodies Liles' manifesto, "The only ghetto that can hold you down is the ghetto of the mind."

MAKE IT HAPPEN: THE HIP HOP GENERATION GUIDE TO SUCCESS by
Kevin Liles with Samantha Marshall
(Atria Books; October 2006; Trade Paperback; $13.00)

Notorious Big- Conspiracy? Ten Years later (Movie Trailer)

Click here for Video Link (Shout to AL on Videohavoc.com)

Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre hook up again

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Snoop Dogg will release his new album, The Blue Carpet Treatment, on November 21st and the set includes several songs produced by Dr. Dre. Billboard.com reports that the duo hasn't recorded together in over five years. One of the songs the duo worked on together is "Imagine," where they run through such hypothetical situations as imagining what it would be like if Tupac Shakur never died.

The last time Dr. Dre worked with Snoop Dogg was on Snoop's 2000 album, Tha Last Meal. At the time Snoop Dogg said: "I'm happy to be back in the lab with Dr. Dre, you know? It just feels good to be able to do what I do best and to be respected for it."

The Blue Carpet Treatment will also feature the production of the Neptunes, Rick Rock, and Timbaland with guest appearances by B-Real, Nate Dogg, Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Stevie Wonder, the Game and Ice Cube.

Infamous/G-Unit Hip Hop Artist Gail Gotti to Drop Mixtape

Infamous/G-Unit hip hop artist Gail Gotti is gearing up to release her anticipated 3rd hip hop mixtape, entitled "Indecent Proposal", due in stores Christmas Eve, December 24th.

The new mixtape will feature hip hop and rap music luminaries the likes of Daz & Kurupt, Mobb Deep, 40 Glocc, Sam Scarfo, Teena Marie, Tony Yayo, Spider Loc, The Lady Of Rage, Nyce, Lil Scrappy, Virginya Slim, Petey Pablo & 50 Cent.

Along with being one of the most respected female hip hop and rap artists to date, "The West Coast Empress" Gail Gotti has business ventures in Beauty, Clothing, and Entertainment with her own company Night-In-Gail Entertainment; making Gail Gotti a hip hop entrepreneur.

The beautiful west coast hip hop artist Gail Gotti, the former Death Row Records affiliate, has appeared on projects such as Eddie Griffin's Dysfunktionl Family soundtrack (Death Row Records), west coast rap legends The Boo Yaa Tribe's "West Koasta Nostra" album, Teena Marie's "Sapphire" album (Cash Money) & Daz Dillinger's "I Got Love In The Street's album .

"Indecent Proposal" from Gail Gotti of Infamous/G-Unit in stores Christmas Eve, make sure you watch for this one.

Letoya gets boost from Houston Hip Hop Stars

By: Janine Coveney

LeToya says she had to include some serious hometown hip-hop flavor on her first solo album, LeToya. Houston rap stars Paul Wall, Bun-B, Slim Thug, Mike Jones, Killa Kyelon, and Rick Ross all make appearances on the new album.

The singer and songwriter says that she definitely wanted to give the new project a little bit of "chopped & screwed" flavor. She adds that she had watched most of these artists develop their careers, and they had supported her while she was coming up with Destiny's Child.

LeToya told us: "I come up listening to them and seeing them around town doing their thing. They've been on their grind, some of them, 16 years old, selling their albums out of the trunk and performing around town and just being like local super stars. But I'm so proud of them 'cause they've done so well and now they've made this screwed & chopped thing like an international kinda thing. And they had also watched me and watched some of the things I been through, so, you know, a lot of them were like brothers to me. Like, 'Hey, man, we gon'get on it, sis! We gon'get on it!' And they did."

LeToya was expected to attend the Music Of Black Origin, or MOBO, Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in London Wednesday night.

Three 6 Mafia gets reality Show

MTV cameras will shadow members of Memphis rap group Three 6 Mafia as they attempt to expand their Hollywood presence in the wake of an Academy Award.

“Adventures in Hollyhood,” to be co-executive produced by actor Ashton Kutcher, will be set in Los Angeles and follow the group as they attempt to “establish themselves as Hollywood players.”

The act’s crossover profile has skyrocketed since picking up a best original song Oscar for "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp," their track from the soundtrack to “Hustle & Flow.” On Monday, Three 6 Mafia performed on the pilot episode of NBC’s “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.”

Dave Mays, Benzino's New Magazine Hits Newstands In October

Founders of The Source Magazine, David Mays and Ray Benzino, are ready to make a return to the hip-hop print media industry with the launch of their newest venture, a tabloid of sorts called Hip Hop Weekly (HHW).

The new magazine, which is scheduled to hit newsstand in October, will boast an all-star cast journalism and media personalities, including Wendy Williams and Star & Buc Wild, both of which will have their own columns, and former Vibe Editor-In-Chief, Mimi Valdés, who will serve as the Executive Vice President and Editor-In-Chief.

"With HHW's revolutionary format, we're better equipped to document this culture as it happens. Readers can depend on us for insight, criticism, and perspective on how hip-hop influences the world," said Valdés. "Our entire team, both business and editorial, is filled with passionate fans that understand the hip-hop lifestyle. Believe me, that's going to make all the difference."

HHW will cover everything from film, TV, music, fashion, sports and celebrity news. And will report weekly events and issues surrounding the hip-hop community, right as they happen.

"This is a great day for our team up at Hip Hop Weekly and for hip-hop as a whole," said Ray Benzino, Chief Brand Executive of Hip Hop Global Media, the holding company that is backing the launch of Hip Hop Weekly. "I want the readers to know that they can expect something incredible. It only makes sense, considering that between myself, Dave, Mimi, Wendy and Star, the years of experience we have -- stretching from the street side to the corporate side to magazines to radio to TV -- is incomparable. We will continue to give the people what they desire, and that's the realness, which they will now be able to get every week in our new magazine."

"Hip-hop culture and its celebrities are making news every day, so there is a need for a magazine that can keep up with the much faster pace of news and information flow in the multi-media, internet-driven world that we are living in today. Hip Hop Weekly's innovative format coincides with the evolving nature of advertising, which is rapidly moving toward a quicker, constantly changing, and more creative approach. Hip Hop Weekly is simply a more timely and more engaging way to serve today's hip-hop consumer," added Mays.

Hip Hop Weekly's first issue hits newsstands October 16.

Styles P excited that his album is finally coming out

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Lox member and D-Block co-CEO Styles P is pleased that his sophomore album, Time Is Money, finally has an official release date. The project, which was initially scheduled to hit stores in February of 2005, is due out on November 14th.

The rapper will be shooting a video for the remix of 'Who Want A Problem" in the coming weeks. Styles P told MTV.com, "I got my partners on the remix. So I'm gonna go with that one. I probably added a couple of more songs to the album from the version that was supposed to come out last year and took some songs off. I been working on the album for years. When I found a big, big song, I put it on there. I got, like, three albums done. Most likely I'm going to let some songs go to the underground and keep some in the stash."

The rapper added, "I just want to get it out, man. I'll push the album from there. I just want the opportunity. I know it's a lot of loyal and dedicated fans who have been waiting."

Time Is Money will feature guest appearances from Akon, Gerald Levert, Jagged Edge, J -Hood, Mario Winans, Floetry's Marsha Ambrosius, Rashad, Talib Kweli and The Lox with production by Swizz Beatz, Akon, and Scott Storch

Styles P plans to release two mix tapes before the album, one with DJ Clue and the other with southern mix tape king, DJ Drama.

In related news, the Lox are also working on the third group project. No release date has been set for the project.

Eminem returns with new mixtape

Eminem will release a selection of new music next month, completely dismissing suggestions he is retiring from the music business.


The rapper is understood to have recorded a mixtape with emerging DJ Whoo Kid, who has been linked with new material from both Michael Jackson and 50 Cent in recent months. MO< Titled The Re-Up, the mix includes a number of songs from Eminem, including a new single, and is dedicated to his best friend, Proof, who was killed earlier this year.

Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Obie Trice, G-Unit, and Proof also appear on the recordings, which are headed by Eminem's "Things Need To Change," which concerns the death of the slain D12 star.

DMX says Jay-Z is a sucker for love

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper DMX left Def Jam Records earlier this year because he felt he would eventually bump heads with his friend Jay-Z who was named Def Jam president in late 2004. But now DMX is going a step further and agreeing with Cam'ron's criticism that Jay-Z is losing his edge because he wears flip flops.

DMX told Vibe magazine, "The flip-flops -- he's just not the same. It's Beyonce. He's a sucker for love. Thugs don't do flip flops. Yo, no matter how much vacation I'm on -- we been to St. Thomas, Bahamas, all the little islands -- I don't wear no flip-flops. I'm never that comfortable, not even in my own house."

Jay-Z plans to release his comeback set, Kingdom Come, in November.

New Site, Videohavoc.com and New Podcast Episode

Start promoting yourself today on Videohavoc.com! Handle ya business, especially if you're unsigned and want additional exposure!

Also check the latest podcast Sit Back & Take Notes Pt. 7.

So what's next for HipHopHavoc? Stay tuned....

Jim Jones to release 3rd solo set in November

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Diplomats' Jim Jones will release his third solo album, Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product Of My Environment), on November 7th on Diplomat/Koch Records. The rapper recently released the first single and video from the project, "We Fly High."

Jones said in a released statement, "Biggie said a long time ago, 'More money, more problems,'and now I truly understand what he was talking about. I named the album Hustler's P.O.M.E. because it's just my definition of being a hustler. When you are coming up on the streets you got to hustle to survive or else you'll be left out in this cold world. That's all we got and that's what my music depicts. It depicts stories of everybody comin'up. Sometime it's hopeless, but you got to stay focused. I know we all got felonies and can't get no jobs, so we on the street corners doing the daily, and that's what we call hustlin'."

The rapper will be releasing a remix of "We Fly High" featuring Diddy, T.I., Baby, Lil Kim, and Jermaine Dupri, in the coming weeks.

When we spoke with Jones, he shared how surprised he was that "We Fly High" took off at radio before the video was even released. He said: "Very much, very, very, much surprised but you know it's a blessing. We here man. I'm happy to be from New York."

Jones also shared that he's enjoying his day job as Director of A&R for the Warner Music Group. He said: "To be an executive feels good man. I'm playing both sides of the fence. Congratulations to Warner Brothers Music Group in all their endeavors this year. Everything under the line from Atlantic to Asylum to Warner, I've been having a ball man."

Hustler's P.O.M.E. features guest appearances by Cam'ron, Juelz Santana, Hell Rell, Jha Jha, Max B, Lil Wayne, Stack Bundles, and R&B singer Rell.

Jay-Z makes it Official

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Def Jam president Jay-Z, who is currently on a European tour, will release his new album, Kingdom Come, on November 21st. After months of speculations, the rapper came clean. He told Entertainment Weekly, "It was the worst retirement, maybe, in history. I believed it for two years." The rapper's last release was 2003's The Black Album, but by late last year, reports began to surface that he was working on a comeback set.

MTV.com reports that the new album will feature production from Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Kanye West, and Dr. Dre. The album will also feature a collaboration with Coldplay's Chris Martin.

The first single from the project is "Show Me What You Got." A video for the song will be shot in the coming weeks.

AKON SCORES BIG WITH NEW SINGLE “SMACK THAT”

“Smack That,” Featuring Eminem is the #1 Most Added at Rhythmic And Crossover Radio

New Album Konvicted In Stores November 21st.

(September 15, 2006 New York, NY) - Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/producer Akon scores big with his new single, “Smack That,” featuring Eminem with the #1 Most Added song at Rhythmic and Crossover this week at radio. In addition to the #1 status, on Akon’s myspace page (myspace.com/akon), “Smack That” has been listened to over 1 million times in just two weeks. His sophomore release, Konvicted, is set to be in stores on November 21.

Konvicted, almost entirely produced by Akon, features guest appearances by aforementioned Eminem (Em produced “Smack That”), Akon’s artist T-Pain, Snoop Dogg and Styles P.

Akon scored unprecedented success, both here and abroad, with his multi-format smash hit singles “Locked Up” and “Lonely” off of his multi-platinum debut release of Trouble in 2004. “Lonely” stayed on the Billboard “Hot 100” chart for 3 months and was the #1 song in the UK along with his album (it also scored well in territories as diverse as Japan and Australia). “Locked Up” was a Top 5 single throughout the world.

The talented singer/songwriter/producer established himself as the premiere production and writing wizard over the past couple of years. He has produced, written, and/or appeared on hit songs for Young Jeezy (“Soul Survivor” was also written by Akon), Elton John, R. Kelly, Gwen Stefani, Beenie Man and T-Pain.

With the success of a multi-platinum record under his belt and with his artist T-Pain on Jive Records, Akon recently secured a label deal through Interscope Records called Konlive Records where one of his acts will include Chilli from super girl group, TLC. His 1st release on Konlive is due early 2007.

Not one to put all of his eggs in the music basket, the Senegalese-born star, has also established a diamond supply and mining company called Aliaune that supplies diamonds to dealers across the world. He is also working on his clothing line as well as a movie project based on his own inspirational story.

AUDIO: AKON: Smack That feat. Eminem

"Konvicted" IN STORES NOVEMBER 21
SRC/UNIVERSAL
www.myspace.com/akon

FAT JOE AND TERROR SQUAD TEAM WITH EMI’s IMPERIAL AND VIRGIN RECORDS FOR FAT JOE’S NEW ALBUM ME, MYSELF & I.

NEW YORK, September 15, 2006- Virgin Records and Imperial Records, the urban label development unit of EMI’s Caroline distribution, are scheduled to release Terror Squads’ new album from hip-hop icon Fat Joe, Me, Myself & I. The album, slated for November 14, 2006 release, will be marketed and distributed with an innovative mix of indie and major label partners within EMI Music, tapping Imperial’s marketing and promotion expertise, with the powerhouse backing of Virgin Records for mainstream distribution and marketing

Me, Myself & Iis Fat Joe’s seventh album and his first in conjunction with EMI, who will also release the album under license worldwide. Fat Joe’s records as a solo artist and with Terror Squad have sold more than 4 million records worldwide. He also launched the career of his protégé, Big Pun, whose debut record; Capitol Punishmentsold in excess of 1.5million copies, making Big Pun the first Latin rapper to sell over one million units.

Fat Joe’s album marks the first project for Imperial, the newly-formed, urban indie label and marketing unit of Caroline Distribution. Urban music veteran Neil Levine, who was tapped by EMI earlier this year to run Imperial, will spearhead the marketing and promotion efforts for the album. The unit’s name was inspired by Imperial Records, an EMI label which operated in the 1950’s and featured artists such as Fats Domino on its roster.

Fat Joe The Don, AKA Joe Cartagena, has ridiculous street credentials, critical acclaim and commercial success with numerous albums and smash singles: albums, Represent, Don Cartagena, Jealous Ones Envy, Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.), Loyalty, and All Or Nothing. Some of his singles include “What’s Love (featuring Ashanti),” “We Thuggin,’” featuring R. Kelly and “Get It Poppin,’” featuring Nelly. Other singles include “Lean Back” (Terror Squad), which earned a Grammy® nomination for best performance by a rap group or duo, “Let Me Take You Home,” “Firewater” and numerous collaborations with other multi-platinum artists such as P. Diddy, Raekwon. Foxxy Brown, Eminem, KRS-One, LL Cool J and many others. Fat Joe is also a founding member of the legendary Diggin’ In The Crates Crew with Big L and Lord Finesse. Fat Joe has been a mentor to many of today’s most notable MCs such as (Remy Ma) and the innovative Hip Hop trend setter was recently the first rapper to ever host New York City’s Puerto Rican Parade.

Imperial will work closely with Terror Squad Entertainment and Virgin Records on the marketing and promotion of the album, which includes appearances from some of the hottest MCs in hip hop right now, including The Game and Lil' Wayne. The album features such heavy hitting producers as Grammy® award winning, multiplatinum hit maker Scott Storch, DJ Khaled, The Runners, LV and Nujersy Devil. The album’s first single, “Make It Rain” is produced by Storch.

Fat Joe said: “Terror Squad Entertainment is so happy to be in the independent world right now and we’re going to do amazing things. We are excited to be working with Neil Levine, Imperial, Caroline and the Virgin and EMI family. I am so happy to be in control of my career.”

Lee Trink, GM and EVP of Virgin Records said: "Fat Joe is one of the most beloved and respected hip-hop icons in music today. It's rare to have an artist who is so credible in the streets and so successful in the mainstream. We are proud to welcome him to the Virgin Records family."

GM and Senior VP of Imperial Records Neil Levine said: “I am very happy about the opportunity to be able to help launch such an important project with Terror Squad, Caroline and Virgin Records. I think this will be a major album to set the tone for the type of quality music that Imperial is going to stand behind and an important front runner as an example of the great working relationship that Imperial, Caroline and Virgin, EMI will have with each other.”

About Imperial
Imperial Records, a full service label group began operations in June of this year when entrepreneur, Neil Levine joined Caroline (EMI Music’s independent distribution division) to establish a unit focused on the independent urban music market. Neil Levine had previously served as Worldwide General Manager of Rykodisc, the independent label group recently acquired by Warner Music Group. Levine has also previously served as head of TVT Records’ Urban division, where he helped launch the careers of multi-platinum artist Lil’ Jon and the Eastside Boyz. Prior to that Levine founded his own independent label, Penalty Recordings, launching the careers of Noreaga (Nore), David Banner and the award winning producers, The Neptunes.


About Caroline Distribution
Caroline Distribution, founded in 1983 as a unit of Virgin records, has become one of the largest, third party distribution companies in the United States for the independent music sectors. Caroline became a part of EMI when EMI acquired Virgin in the early 90’s and among the labels Caroline distributes include Century Media, Arts & Crafts, DFA, Definitive Jux, Stones Throw and others.

Lil Kim Joins Performers on Stage at the 3rd Annual 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' Premiering Tuesday, October 17 at 9 PM

Diddy, Fat Joe, Lil Jon, Da Brat, Remy Ma, Q-Tip, Xzibit, Talib Kweli, Common, George Clinton, The Roots, Young Jeezy, Erykah Badu, KRS-One and Honorees Ice Cube, Wu-Tang Clan, MC Lyte, Rakim and Beastie Boys

Ice T Hosts With Appearances by Outkast and Mike Epps

NEW YORK, Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Lil Kim joins the line-up of performers at the 3rd annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" premiering Tuesday, October 17 at 9PM*. She will honor MC Lyte with a performance of "Lyte As A Rock."

"MC Lyte is at the top of the list when you talk about Hip Hop pioneers. She paved the way for myself and many of today's greatest MC's. I'm honored to have the opportunity to show my respect and how she influenced me," said Lil Kim in a statement.

Hosted by Ice T, "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" pays homage to the hip hop pioneers and luminaries who transformed the genre into a true cultural phenomenon. The music and influence of each of the honorees will be recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today's hottest new talent. This year's celebration will honor Ice Cube, Wu-Tang Clan, Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, Rakim, Beastie Boys and Eazy E. With the exception of Russell Simmons, Afrika Bambaataa and Eazy E, all the honorees are set to take the stage and showcase their legendary talent, along with Lil Kim, Diddy, Fat Joe, Lil Jon, Da Brat, Xzibit, Talib Kweli, Remy Ma, Q-Tip, Common, The Roots, George Clinton, Young Jeezy, Erykah Badu and KRS-One. With appearances by Outkast and Mike Epps. Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson of the Roots will be this year's musical director. Additional performances and appearances will be announced shortly.

Past honorees include Run DMC, Sugarhill Gang, KRS-One, DJ Kool Herc, DJ Hollywood, Public Enemy, Rock Steady Crew, Tupac Shakur, The Graffiti Movement, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Ice T, Notorious B.I.G., Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Salt -N- Pepa, and the film Boyz N The Hood with performances by Kid Rock, Nas, Anthrax, MC Hammer, Kanye West, Nelly, T.I., En Vogue, Ludacris, Chic, Doug E. Fresh, Faith Evans, Ciara, The Roots, Pete Rock and Biz Markie.

Beginning September 15, VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel at http://vspot.vh1.com/ will launch a dedicated Hip Hop channel with extensive on-demand music playlists from this year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" honorees. The channel will be programmed with additional content throughout September and October and will include honoree profiles and exclusive programming and performances from the on-air broadcast of the show. A dedicated "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" blog and will launch later this month on http://www.vh1.com/ .

"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is sponsored by T-Mobile, USA, Chevrolet, Taco Bell(R) Corp, Jergens(R) Shea Butter and Warner Bros. Pictures: Blood Diamond.

This year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will be executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blacjac Entertainment. Co-executive producers are Nelson George and Fab 5 Freddy. Louis J. Horvitz will direct.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 88 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic and VH1 Soul. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com .

Fat Joe Enjoying Indie Life

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Fat Joe severed ties with Atlantic Records earlier this year and signed an independent deal for his Terror Squad Records with Imperial/EMI. The rapper told MTV.com, "Fat Joe is signed to Fat Joe. I have a distribution deal for my label. I'm independent. I'm very happy with that."

The rapper recently shot two videos with some high profile cameos. First the rapper shot the video for "No Drama" which featured cameos by Ron Artest, the LOX and the Diplomats but he has since decided on a new single, "Make It Rain" featuring Lil Wayne.

Joe broke down the "Make It Rain" video. He said, "The 'Make it Rain'video starts off raining, you see the blue Phantom (Rolls Royce) door open, and DJ Khaled is standing there with an umbrella. I walk up to the camera, slow motion. Next thing you know, 'Cr-cr-cr-crack! Cr-cr-cr-crack! Cr-cr-cr-crack!'I start rappin'under the umbrella, and Khaled is standing there getting soaked in the rain -- like 'Joe's the boss! Loyalty!'-- while I'm just killing it."

The rapper added, "Then we got the green screen. Weezy (Lil Wayne) comes down, you see a forklift, money drizzling. A pallet of money, $10 million! Weezy's on top of a mountain of money. Puff came by. Puffy was making it rain, doing his dance. Then Ricky Ross came through. Scott Storch was - I forget, man. Chris Robinson shot the video. Too much love."

Fat Joe's new album, Me, Myself, & I, hits stores on November 14th. The album features a guest appearance by The Game.

Tupac Remembered Ten Years After His Death

Tupac Amaru Shakur has been called a poet and a thug. He was neither and both of those things, an artist who struggled to find his voice and tenuous place in the world. Most rappers who rhyme about guns and sex don't turn around and spin beautiful pieces celebrating the importance of mothers as Tupac did.

Tupac was shot in Las Vegas on Sept. 7, 1996; he died 10 years ago.
His death at 25 guaranteed a life for his legend that shows no sign of burning out.

There might have been better rappers, but no rapper has had the influence on the game that Tupac has had. Tupac is Hip Hop Elvis Presley, In that we mean people still feel he is alive and well.

Ten years later, we continue to dissect Tupac's music. We debate his legacy. We wonder what kind of music he would have produced had his life not been cut short. His murder, still unsolved, continues to prompt questions: Who shot him? Why? Did rap culture contribute to his death? A few conspirasts still float the theory that Tupac is still alive.
Tupac's death, which has inspired movies, conspiracy theories, investigations, documentaries and Web sites. They have, so far, proved nothing, other than a key suspect, who also is now dead.

We don't know who pulled the trigger as Tupac sat in a car on the busy Las Vegas Strip on Friday, Sept. 7, 1996. His art may never escape the shadow of the mystery.

50 Cent and the G-Unity Foundation Give Grant to the Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- With a $70,000 grant, 50 Cent and the G-Unity Foundation made it possible for 50 kids from the Jamaica, Queens and surrounding areas, to attend the Summer Stars Camp for the Performing Arts in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. 50 Cent specifically chose this camp because it provides deserving youth with an opportunity to explore and develop their creative abilities. The camp offers small group programs in improvisational acting, blues performance, dance, musical theater/choral singing, set design, juggling, drumming and music video production.

On August 26th, 50 Cent visited Summer Stars Camp where he spent some one on one time with campers and delivered a motivational speech encouraging the youth.

"These kids performed a great show for me. It was exciting and rewarding to interact with them and give them an opportunity to showcase their talent."

The G-Unity Foundation is a public foundation that provides grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for low-income and underserved communities. Recent grants were appointed to Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, 92nd Y, New York Restoration Project, and Project Hope.

More information about the foundation and their grant history can be found by visiting their website at http://gunityfoundation.org/successes-history06.html

Boyz N Da Hood add new member

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Atlanta-based rap outfit, Boyz N Da Hood, had been a member short since Young Jeezy left the group last year. Rumors quickly began to surface that he would be replaced by either T.I., Rick Ross, or Lil'Wayne but those reports ended up being false. Group founder and creator Block explained why the process has been so difficult to MTV.com. He said, "When I first did Boyz, it was built on me grabbing new artists, spring boarding their career, and they branch off. The whole movement was Big Gee, Jodie Breeze, Duke and Young Jeezy."

Block added, "Jeezy is up now, he's gone. I was gonna sign Rick Ross; Rick Ross couldn't sign with me. To keep it all the way real, it was paperwork, politics. Same thing with Lil Wayne; Wayne couldn't sign with me."

So Block has decided on adding newcomer Zo to the fold. He said, "So Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, T.I. are all honorary members of Boyz N Da Hood. But the official new member is Zo. Zo is in the group. He's gonna take it to another level then drop his solo album, Welcome to the Zoo. ... The new group album in February is called Back in the Chevy. Yung Joc is on there. Ice Cube is on the single."

Boyz N Da Hood released their self-titled debut in 2005.

Beyonce, Ciara, Missy Elliot to help Nigeria celebrate

By: Janine Coveney

Beyonce and Jay-Z, as well as Ciara, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot and En Vogue are among the American acts lined up to perform at a two-day African festival to celebrate the independence of Nigeria from British rule. The first annual This Day Music Festival, set for October 7th and 8th in Lagos, will feature American acts as well as African artists.

"This is the biggest event to be hosted in Africa and easily the number one music event anywhere in the world this year," organizer Ola Joshua told Nigeria's This Day newspaper. "With Nigeria's return to good international standing, a reform-based and growing economy, things are certainly looking better in Nigeria and we believe it's time to showcase Nigeria to the world especially as we mark our 46th year of Independence."

Is Hov coming back?

Word is Jay-Z is stepping back into the game. Prepping the release of a new single in October and will follow-up with his comeback album on November 14.

It's reported that Jigga's new single, "Show Me What You Got," will be released some time in October. Other rumors are that Hype Williams will be directing the video.

Rolling Stone Magazine recently reported that the LP would be dropping on November 14.

Diddy to change his name in the U.K, pay damages to other 'Diddy'

Rapper, actor, music mogul, and fashion designer Sean "Diddy" Combs will no longer be able to go by the name "Diddy" in the U.K., after settling a lawsuit brought by a British music producer who already used that name. Combs had been sued by Richard "Diddy" Dearlove, who has been using the name since 1992.

Last year Combs, who has also been known as "Puff Daddy" and "P Diddy," dropped the "P" and began releasing music under the name "Diddy," at which point Dearlove took spent about three months unsuccessfully pleading with Combs to change the name, after which he sued.

In addition to having to use another name, Combs also will pay Dearlove damages and court expenses of about $200,000, although a final exact figure has yet to be named by the court.

"I'm really happy and relieved," Dearlove told the Guardian newspaper.

Dearlove is best known for a remix of Blondie's "Atomic."

Lil Wayne Still Rolling as Visionary Force behind "Shooter"

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 2006--Never let it be said that Cash Money hip hop superstar Lil Wayne doesn't know how to keep it coming. Still basking in the platinum-plus success of his '05 masterpiece Tha Carter II, and fresh off a 2006 VMA nomination for MTV2 Artist Of The Year, the New Orleans superstar finds himself on one of the biggest urban tours of the year (rolling with Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, and Dem Franchize Boys) as he continues to garner multi-platform acclaim as the visionary force behind the never-ending buzz surrounding his single "Shooter."

The song, produced by Robin Thicke, (yes, son of TV Talk Show ringer Alan Thicke), and culled from Tha Carter II, has been christened by magazines such as The Village Voice as 'song of the year,' thanks to - as the Voice puts it - 'Lil Wayne's 'breathlessly fierce whine' and ability to take tracks and 'toy with them like a bored cat does with a mouse.' That's exactly what Wayne does with Thicke's original offering from his all-but-forgotten disc, "Oh Shooter," laying his Midas touch to it in a wondrous piece of rhymes-manship that none other than the New York Times called a genre-defying 'cross-under' promotion genius.

Premier video outlets such as MTV 2, MTV Jams (where it was jam of the week), BET and TRL (where it was selected as a 'First Look') embraced the song, with the single becoming an online and digital phenomenon, as well. But it's been the steady drum of adulation from hip hop tastemakers and culture-watchers saluting Wayne for his ability to transform 'Shooter's' easy lope into a stinging anthem - 'stop being rapper-racist' he declares - that has made it a timeless classic.

Lil Wayne will be performing live this week on the Up Close And Personal Tour in Charlotte, NC on September 10, and Columbus Ohio on September 13, with the nearly-sold out trek running until October 8. The acclaimed jauggernaut caps a year that has seen Lil Wayne launch two previous smash singles, "Fireman," and "Hustler Musik," steal the show as a featured performer on All That Rocks (MTV's inaugural awards show at which nominated Wayne as Sucker Free MC Of The Year).

T.I., YOUNG JEEZY, FABOULOUS, AND OTHERS TO PERFORM AT BOOST MOBILE ROCKCORPS CONCERT IN NYC!!

T.I., PANIC! AT THE DISCO, YOUNG JEEZY, TAKING BACK SUNDAY, FABOLOUS,
DON OMAR AND OTHERS TO PERFORM AT BOOST MOBILE ROCKCORPS CONCERT AT
NYC'S RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL

http://www.boostmobilerockcorps.com/

Today's Top Hip-Hop & Rock Artists to Perform Exclusively for 5,000
Local Youth Volunteers

New York, NY- Boost Mobile RockCorps (BMRC), the national youth
volunteerism movement that motivates young people to get involved and
help their communities, today announced that recording artists T.I.,
Panic! At the Disco, Young Jeezy, Taking Back Sunday, Fabolous, Don Omar
and others will perform at this year's New York City concert event on
September 23 at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. The event will be
hosted by Nick Cannon. The concert is in recognition of the 5,000
hard-working local youth who volunteered four hours of community service
through BMRC to earn tickets to this ultra-exclusive event.

RockCorps, an organization harnessing the power of music to inspire
volunteerism, and Boost Mobile, a wireless telecommunications brand
dedicated to boosting the lives of today's youth, have partnered to
continue the youth movement for social change. Combining the power of
music, community and volunteerism, Boost Mobile RockCorps will offer
entrance to this summer's most popular concerts for which the only way
in is to earn tickets by contributing four hours of volunteer service.

BMRC volunteers work on a range of service projects in partnership with
local non-profit organizations, including school and playground
renovations, environmental initiatives, food distribution and more.
Leading up to the NYC concert, the BMRC program made stops this summer
in Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Detroit, Los
Angeles, and Washington, D.C. By the end of the 2006 tour, BMRC
volunteers will have contributed approximately 40,000 hours of community
service and transformed close to 125 project sites in eight cities
across the country.

People interested in participating at any of the upcoming BMRC events
are encouraged to log onto www.boostmobilerockcorps.com or call
888-ROCK-889 for more information and to register for membership. Boost
Mobile RockCorps members will be notified of opportunities in their area
to volunteer and asked to commit four hours to a specific event or
ongoing cause.

About RockCorps
RockCorps is an organization that harnesses the power of music to
inspire volunteerism. Based on the early work of The Greenbucks
Foundation, RockCorps was founded in 2003 to affect social change and
act as the bridge between communities in need and the young adults who
want to make them better. RockCorps' goals are to introduce volunteerism
to teens and young adults, motivate people to volunteer in their
community and launch a national movement. The company has formulated a
unique blend of music, community and volunteerism to expose young people
to simple ways they can proactively contribute to the greater good. The
program employs music as an incentive to entice and then funnel
volunteers through established non-profit organizations. By completing
four hours of community service, each participant receives a ticket to a
signature RockCorps event which features performances by some of the
hottest names in music. Experience shows that after volunteering once
with RockCorps, young people are twice as likely to do it again.

About Boost Mobile
Based in Irvine, California, Boost Mobile is a lifestyle-based
telecommunications brand focused on offering premium Pay-As-You-Go
wireless phones and services to the youth market. Boost Mobile is
dedicated to boosting the lives of today's young people by contributing
to youth development programs. Boost's community relations efforts,
which include Boost Mobile RockCorps, Boost Mobile Ahead of the Game
youth basketball camps, support to Big Brothers Big Sisters and
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and more, are helping young
people enhance their lifestyle and status, and build stronger
connections and greater independence. Experience Boost on the Web at
www.boostmobile.com

50 Cent arrested in New York

Rapper 50 Cent was arrested in New York on Friday for driving dangerously in an uninsured Lamborghini through midtown Manhattan, police and witnesses said.
The recording artist, whose given name is Curtis Jackson, was pulled over by an unmarked patrol car. At first he refused a police order to get out of the car, instead making a call on his cell phone, tourist Ian Parvess said.

"Eventually the cops opened the door. ... He just got out of the car and put his hands on the car and they put the cuffs on him," Parvess, who videotaped the arrest, told Reuters.

A police spokesman said he was cited for making an unsafe lane change, driving with an expired permit, driving without insurance and driving without a vehicle registration.

He was due to be released as soon the summonses could be written, the spokesman said.

Fiddy vs. Diddy

50 Cent has recorded a new mixtape featuring a damning verbal assault on Diddy.

The rapper throws a number of unfounded allegations at his rival about the death of Notorious B.I.G. on one of the tracks, which is entitled "Hip Hop."

It features on a mixtape put together by Fiddy and DJ Whoo Kid called Hip Hop Is Dead: G-Unit Radio Part 22, which was leaked earlier this week.

Hip Hop Is Dead is the title of the imminent comeback album from Nas, although it is the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy who comes in for the most stick.

During the course of "Hip Hop," 50 raps:

"Who shot Biggie Smalls?/[If) we don't get them, they gonna kill us all/Man, Puffy know who hit that n*gga man, that n*gga's soft/He's scared them boys from the west side gonna break him off/I guess this means I won't be invited to [Diddy's] White Parties in the Hamptons/I don't give a f*ck, I don't wanna hang out with your punk ass, no way."

Hip Hop Is Dead, which features 17 tracks, also stars G-Unit's Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, as well as 40 Glocc, Jazze Pha, and Mobb Deep's Prodigy.

Xzibit gets help from The Game, T Pain, DJ Quick, & others on new album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and actor Xzibit will release his new album, Full Circle, on October 17th. The set will be released through Koch Records. MTV.com reports that the album will feature guest appearances by The Game, DJ Quik, T-Pain, Daz Dillinger, Kurupt, King Tee, and Donell Rawlings with production by Keith Shocklee, Rick Rock, and Jellyroll.

Xzibit said, "I took a strong stand to get away from Sony Records. I sold two million records on Loud, which was one-tenth of the size of Sony 2000's Loud release Restless has been certified platinum by the RIAA. Going over to Sony, they can only push my records to gold 500,000 shipped. And I'm not going to sit here and believe it was the music. It was the people behind the music."

The rapper added, "So I refused to put another record on there and that's where 'Pimp My Ride,'film and television and everything came from. I'm going to show you that I can do something else. We had to pull some strings to get off of Sony ... so I'm taking this as an opportunity to not let music run me. I run the music. I reorganized, rearranged some things -- and man, it is so much better."

The first single from the project is "Concentrate."

In related news, Xzibit has landed a role in the new movie, Gridiron Gang, which opens on September 15th. The film will also star Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Xzibit's previous screen credits include 8 Mile, Derailed, and The Wash.

50 Cent Negotiating With Apple For Branded Line Of Home Computers

Rap star 50 Cent is entering the world of technology and is currently in negotiations with Apple's CEO Steve Jobs to produce a line of affordable home computers to inner-city residents.

According to a recent article in Forbes, 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson and his high powered manager Chris Lighty of Violator management, are negotiating the branding deal with the computer /software giant.

"I'm creating a foundation that will be around for a long time, because fame can come and go or get lost in the lifestyle and the splurging," Fifty Cent explained to Forbes. "I never got into it for the music. I got into it for the business."

"He [Jobs] is setting a new standard in the music business," Lighty added. "Let's just say we get each other."

The company hopes to close the gap between sales in iPods, which have earned over $3 billion verse $2 billion from software and personal home computer sales.

Behind Jobs' leadership and the runaway success of the iPod and iTunes, Apple controls over 80% of the digital music market.

Additionally, Apple has sold over 1 billion songs over the past five years. The company started selling music videos and television shows which have sold over 15 million copies since October of 2005.

50 Cent, who is plans on releasing his untitled third album by Christmas, ranked among the Top 10 earning celebrity entertainers in Forbes' recently released Forbes Celebrity Power 100 List.

The rapper earned almost $41 million dollars, mostly from record sales and branding deals that include a clothing line, a line of sneakers, a video game and his G-Unit line of clothing, which was launched in partnership with Marc Ecko in July 2003.

50 Cent ranked #8 in the Top Ten, behind Howard Stern, Steven Spielberg, Tiger Woods, rock group U2, Oprah Winfrey, The Rolling Stones and Tom Cruise, who topped the list by earning over $67 million in 2005.

Fat Joe explains the split with Atlantic Records

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Bronx-based rapper Fat Joe has officially severed ties with his label, Atlantic Records. The rapper told Billboard.com, "No hard feelings, but they weren't feeling what I was asking for. I've always been an artist to them, and they didn't understand me asking for my own imprint. But one man's trash is another man's treasure."

Fat Joe will release his next album, Me, Myself, & I, on November 14th through Virgin Records and Imperial Records. The latter is the new urban label development unit of Caroline Distribution.

Fat Joe's last release for Atlantic, 2005's All Or Nothing, failed to reach the goal mark. The set sold 293,000 copies according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Me, Myself & I will feature guest appearances by The Game and Lil Wayne with production by Scott Storch, Runners, DJ Khaled, and Cool & Dre.

The first single from the new album is Clap & Revolve."

Ludacris excited about Pimp C, Beanie Sigel & C Murder Collabo

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and actor Ludacris will release his new album, Release Therapy, on September 26th. The album features guest appearances by R. Kelly, Mary J. Blige, Pimp C, Beanie Sigel, C-Murder, and Pharrell Williams.

Ludacris is especially excited about the song, "Do Your Time." Luda told MTV.com, "It's me, Pimp C, Beanie Sigel and C-Murder talking about people that's locked up. Classic. It was incredible because anybody I do a record with, I'm automatically a fan of myself. With that being said, to be able to get all three of them on the same record -- and everybody knows their history, what's gone on in their lives over the last five years -- it's going to be one of those songs that's gonna hit you. It's already certified just by saying the names that's on there."

The rapper added, "I got C-Murder to rap on the record. I'm talking about as soon as he touched down from prison. So I thank each and every one of them for doing that, man. Pimp just got out, Beanie and C-Murder. So it's a classic song, believe that."

The first single from Release Therapy is "Money Maker" featuring Pharrell Williams.

View scenes+interview footage from 50 Cent: Bulletproof for PSP

50 Cent: Bulletproof is set to be released for PSP on September 29th on Vivendi Universal games. View scenes and interview footage with 50 Cent and the producers of the game by clicking on the links below. The game has been revamped for release on PSP and features new game play and features such as:



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

Video Interview with Game Producers – Lighting the Scene

Video Interview with 50 Cent – Video Game

Video Trailer – 50 Visits Doctor

"Diddy" to be double daddy

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Hip-hop impresario Sean "Diddy" Combs is making room for two more in his posse.


The music producer, fashion mogul and restaurateur is expecting twins with his longtime girlfriend, former model Kim Porter, his spokeswoman said on Tuesday.

"They are having twins, and they are thrilled," said Combs' publicist, who declined to be named. She had no further information on the twins' gender, whether they are fraternal or identical, or when they are due.

Combs and Porter already have an 8-year-old son, Christian, and Combs has a 12-year-old son, Justin, with stylist Misa Hilton-Brim. The rapper's New York City restaurant Justin's is named for his older child.

News that Porter and the 36-year-old head of Bad Boy Entertainment are expecting twins was first reported by Us Weekly magazine on its Web site.

Rocawear launches new men's line

Rocawear is launching a new men's line this fall, hoping to reach an older, broader audience. In the biggest marketing splurge in its seven-year history, the company is spending $2 million to promote its brand, especially the new "Custom Fit" label, a slimmed down version of the big baggy silhouettes that have been a hallmark of hip hop attire for the past decade.

The line, to be sold in specialty and department stores, minimizes the big logos of the past and includes sporty striped polo shirts, jackets and a number of jeans styles priced from $69 to $89. Jackets, pants and shirts are cut slimmer than its signature, full-cut styles.

Rocawear hopes to target men who didn't wear urban brands in the past and might have been turned off by their extreme looks. The line is also aimed at 30-something men who grew up with hip hop but are now defecting to other brands as they seek more mature looks.

Mr. Carter, the 35-year-old Grammy Award-winning rapper is also chief executive of Def Jam Recordings and part owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team, is a walking advertisement for the new slim silhouette. "Once I hit 30, I can't wear jeans showing my underpants anymore," he says.

Over the past five years, department stores expanded hip hop collections and now consider urbanwear a key category for menswear that attracts trendy men of all ages. Lately, the urban clothing market became overcrowded with an array of small fashion collections by hip hop artists. Many of them, including a line from rap star Snoop Dogg, have since failed.

Retailers say the remaining top brands will need to appeal to a broader audience if they want to survive and grow. "All urban companies have had to start looking outside themselves," says Theresa Scott, executive vice president at Rocawear, a closely held company that says its sales are more than $500 million, including licensed products such as watches and sunglasses.

LL & 50 Cent Got Beef With Jigga??

LL Cool J & 50 Cent made news during an interview with MTV News' John Norris at the vma's in which they talked about the new LL Cool J record, which 50 is executive producing.

LL said he's siding with Fif because he's unhappy with the way Def Jam, the label he's been with for his entire career, is handling its projects.

He said the company's music "gotta be a lot better." He also said that Def Jam has a fairly new staff that is running things differently from the old regime, and singled out the promotion department.

LL was heard taking Def Jam President/ CEO Jay-Z to task during the VMAs. "I think Def Jam needs to be a better promoter of hip-hop," the rapper reportedly griped. "I think Jay-Z does a very good job ... of promoting Jay-Z."

"It gives me an opportunity to be with new minds," LL told Norris of working with 50. Cool J also noted his fellow Queens, New York, native had his "best interest at heart" and he brings "creativity" and "fresh energy" to the studio.

"I'm excited personally," 50 said, noting that he and LL knocked out six songs in just three or four days.

Nas Takes a Jab at 50 Cent

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Ludacris and Bobby Valentino performed at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Wednesday night (August 30th) as part of a Cingular Wireless event in front of 10,000 fans. MTV.com reports that after Ludacris performed a 90-minute set, he invited Pharrell Williams out to perform with him. Later he brought out Nas, who joined him for a performance of "Virgo," as well as his hit, "Made You Look."

During his performance of "Made You Look," Nas substituted the word 5-0 (a reference to the police) with 50, so he rapped 'This ain't Fifty, it's Nas yo."

The jab is the latest in a long line of back and forth between the two men who were friends at one point. On his last album, 2005's The Massacre, 50 Cent called Nas a "sucker for love" on the song, "Piggy Bank."

In the past, 50 Cent shared his thoughts on his detractors. He said: "If you're saying you don't like me but you like my music, what you really mean is somebody told you something about me that made you feel like you shouldn't like me. But you like my music, you know, and it don't matter to me -- just tell somebody about it so they can decide whether they hate me or they love me. As long as it's an issue, I'm relevant."

Chamillionaire Wins MTV's Best Rap Video!

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 1, 2006--It's not just a hip-hop story anymore! Music's biggest debut artist of 2006, Houston rapper and entrepreneur Chamillionaire, emerged victorious last night at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards' most competitive, buzzed about category, beating out proven legends including 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, and others for Best Rap Video of the year honors for the groundbreaking video "Ridin," featuring Krayzie Bone. Propelled from his major label platinum-plus debut smash album, The Sound Of Revenge, the song became the year's most popular multi-format anthem, establishing the underground trailblazer as a mainstream music force. The explosive single had great success at radio, and literally transformed the digital music landscape with the savvy Chamillionaire becoming a groundbreaking ringtone artist by selling over 3 million ringtones of "Ridin." An eloquent and grateful Chamillionaire accepted the award last night in New York's Radio City Music Hall, telling the star-studded audience the award "made my year."

And what a year it's been, with the versatile wordsmith going from Houston underground rhyme prodigy - literally selling mix-tapes from the back of his trunk - to mainstream hip-hop gatekeeper, with his first hit single "Turn It Up," featuring Lil' Flip opening the door, and the explosive phenomenon of "Ridin," breaking it down. Brilliantly balancing the year's most impressive multi-threat entertainment arsenal, the visionary artist has attracted a worldwide following, locking down more than 3 million viewers on MySpace, over 550,000 Digital Sales (out selling Nelly "Grillz," and T.I. "What You Know") and now - with MTV's coronation - taking his success story to a level many established superstars have yet to reach. Chamillionaire has also garnered acclaim for his bold stance against the alleged law enforcement practice of racial profiling, with the acclaimed "Ridin'" also becoming an unofficial protest song that has helped initiate a dialogue about the controversial practice.

Method Man, "The Indie Route Is The Best Route Right Now"

With his fourth solo album, 4:21: The Day After, hitting stores, Method Man spoke on the state of hip-hop and his preferences on independent labels versus major companies.
After releasing albums via major labels for well over a decade, Method Man has since himself gone from a priority to an act fighting for his company's support. In fact, independence is looking pretty good to Mef these days.

"The indie route is the best route right now, all you need is distribution. You don't necessarily need the record companies anymore," Mef said. "That's why I root for the underdog. I'd love to see more independents doing shit, for the simple fact that I'm tired of getting raped." [Watch]

He may be turned off by majors, but Mef isn't part of the "hip-hop is dead" bandwagon like most veteran artists. He just thinks some key emcees aren't given a voice.

"What do I think of the state of NY hip-hop? Well NY hip-hop, I mean it's still here just the right motherfuckers just ain't being heard, and like I said, the media is playing a big part in that, cause they poppin all that shit like we ain't significant anymore, but a lot of it has to do with the music," he explained. "There's this new production going on now and It's like either you get with it or get lost. It's like NY always had its own sound and shit, you know niggas is stubborn, 'we ain't trying to do that, let them do that, that's they thing, we ain't trying to do what they do, that's they thing, let them do that, we gonna do us.' It all comes back around though, they gonna want the grimy shit again."

Method Man's 4:21: The Day After is in stores now.

50 Cent could face assault charges and lawsuit

NEW YORK, NY (09.01.06) -- 50 Cent is being sued for three counts of assault and battery by two female fans, which claim he assaulted them at a concert in 2004.

The incident took place when 50 cent, 31, was doing a concert in Hippodrome in Springfield. He was hit with a water bottle, which provoked him to jump into the crowd and try to find the culprits. Along the way, Donna DeJesus, 25, claimed she got punched in the face by the rapper and Taneka Nesbitt, 27, got pushed down by him. Nesbitt fell to the ground, which caused her to injury her knee. She had to go for surgery to fix the injury, reports ap.

Officers and security took 50 Cent back to the stage. Once on stage, 50 Cent was able to finish his performance. Even though he couldn’t find them, the two people responsible for the water stunt were arrested and charged. The women are asking for $25,000 or more each in the suit. They claim hospital expenses of more than $3,000, more than $4,000 in physical therapy costs, $3,000 for MRI scans and other tests, and $800 in doctor bills, reports MTV. In 2005, 50 Cent agreed to an agreement, which involved probation, drug testing for two years, anger management program, and anti-violence public service announcement, to remain out of jail.

Lil' Kim sports prison suit at MTV awards show

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Rap diva Lil' Kim made a triumphant return to the music world on Thursday after nearly a year in prison, appearing at the MTV Video Music Awards in an orange jumpsuit and flanked by men dressed as prison guards.



The rapper, whose real name is Kimberly Jones, was released from prison last month after serving time for perjury in a case involving a shootout between rival rappers in 2001 in New York. She was jailed last September and released in July.

"The girl is back," Lil' Kim told a cheering crowd at New York's Radio City Music Hall, after stripping off a mock prison jumpsuit to reveal a glamorous black and gold pantsuit.

Lil' Kim presented the first award of the night, for best male video, to British singer James Blunt for his hit song "You're Beautiful."

"Y'all know I've been around a lot of girls for the past year so it makes me so excited to introduce the award for best male (video)," the diminutive hip hop star said, making light of her time in prison.

"You can't keep a good bitch down," she added

Mike Jones Begins Production on First Feature Film

Mike Jones commenced filming in Houston this week for what will be his first feature-length movie. The project, titled American Dream, will chronicle the rapper’s rise from local underground artist to a platinum-selling national star. The movie, which shares its name with Jones’ upcoming sophomore album, will be co-written and directed by indie filmmaker Derrick Dixon, and executive produced by Mike himself along with Asylum Records and Warner Bros Records. Filming will take place throughout Houston until September 15. In related news, Mike Jones recently opened a nightclub in Houston called Club Iceage.

Obie Trice proud to be standing on his own two feet

By: Gary Graff

Obie Trice's latest album, Second Round's On Me, debuted at Number Eight on the Billboard 200 albums chart last week after selling 74,000 copies. The mark was a significant drop off from the rapper's 2003 debut Cheers, which sold 250,000 copies its first week out.

While the sales may be a little slow, Trice can find solace in the fact that he was able to complete his sophomore set with minimal help from Eminem on the creative side. The rapper explained: "You know, I kind of put the album together myself, too. So, you know, I brought it to Eminem's attention later on and he just mixed and mastered the album. You know, I took some of his, you know, a lot of his beats but kinda did it on my own. I was up underneath him like I was on Cheers."

The rapper added: "You want to always stay busy, stay working, you know what I'm sayin'? Not just when you're in the studio with Eminem. You know he's already established. You want to really just want to continue to stay on the grind and stay doing what you got to do. And show him like, 'Hey damn, you know, I don't really have to guide Obie. He can do his own thing and get it done.'"

The first single from the new album is "Snitch" and the set features guest appearances by Eminem, Trick Trick, Akon, 50 Cent, Nate Dogg, and Trey Songz, with the production of Alchemist, Fredwreck, JR Rotem, Eminem, and 9th Wonder.

Beyonce's Dad: Someone is Trying to Sabotage the B'Day Album

Beyonce's new album, B'Day has sparked a firestorm of controversy and rumors months before its September 5th release date, spurring Beyonce's father to release a letter to dispel what he believes are "planned distractions" aimed to sabotage the singer's success.

"It is apparent that there is a consistent plan by some to create chaos around Beyonce's B'Day album," wrote Beyonce's dad, Matthew Knowles in a statement sent to Vibe.com. "Unfortunately, what it shows is that anyone can go on the internet and create rumors, and the media in some cases will pick up these stories and run with them, which influence the consumer’s perception."

Knowles directly address the rumor that he plans, as her manager, to postpone the release of his daughter's album, which she recorded without his oversight. He also calls false reports that Beyonce's "Ring the Alarm" single is about Rihanna's relationship with Jay-Z, and that pre-sales of B'Day were set to compete with the self-titled album from Letoya, a former Destiny's Child member and rumored Beyonce rival.
In a rare show of artist awareness for net-based petitions, Knowles also complains, "2,500 responses for a petition on the internet go online with a petition regarding 'Deja Vu', and it's national news? Think about that for a minute - 140 million records sold versus 2500 responses about a video. Does that really equate to a major concern? The answer is 'No!'"

Knowles added, "And just for the record - Beyonce’s success or failure for me is not based on the number of records she sells. For me it's based on how proud I am that she is a genuine good person, ...that she has grown to be such a leader, and lastly, [that] she has the confidence not to be bothered by these planned distractions."