Rap Artist Records Single About Latest Police Shooting

November 30, 2006 Bed-Stuy rap artist Papoose has released a street single about the killing of 23-year-old Sean Bell. Entitled 50 Shots, the track gives factual details pertaining to the November 25 shooting outside a Jamaica, Queens nightclub and addresses other police killings over the years. Since the shooting, community leaders, city officials and family members have held meetings, press conferences and rallies against police brutality and the use of excessive force.

Nas gets put in the hot seat by ex-girlfriend

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

While Nas should be concentrating on the upcoming release of his Def Jam Records debut, Hip Hop is Dead...The N, the rapper has been force to field questions about a new book by his ex-girlfriend, Carmen Bryan. The two have a 12-year-old daughter named Destiny.

New York's Daily News reports that Bryan's book, It's No Secret, shared the intimate details of her relationship with the rapper and her flings with Jay-Z and Allen Iverson.

Bryan accuses Nas of beating her, cheating on her, cutting her child support, and then inviting her for a threesome with Kelis just before he was scheduled to marry the singer.

Bryan shared that during one argument, Nas hit her with a closed fist and she "pulled out my pepper spray from my back pocket and sprayed Nas down like he was some rabid pit bull."

She also alleges that Nas turned down a date with Beyonce because of her breath. Nas allegedly said, "To be honest, I can't take her breath."

It's No Secret is in stores now.

Hip Hop Is Dead is due out on December 19th.

LL Cool J says he probably won't re-sign with Def Jam records

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop veteran LL Cool J is working on what may be his last album for Def Jam Records under his current deal. The album, Todd Smith Pt.2: Back To Cool, will hit stores on March 6th and will be executive produced by 50 Cent. LL Cool J explained his reluctance to re-sign with Def Jam. He told MTV.com, "How am I gonna re-sign with competition? I'm not a idiot. I can't depend on that man to promote my record while he's somewhere writing rhymes. ... I'm LL Cool J. I ain't doing that, B."

Cool J was referring to the fact that Jay-Z, who is president of Def Jam Records, has returned to the rap game. The rapper did share that for the right price, he may re-sign. He said, "I would rock with Def Jam if they wrote a big enough check. Me and Jay would be on that yacht like, 'Hov! Hov! Write that check, homie.'"

As for the new album, Cool J explained that he has something to prove. He said, "I'm absolutely going to pulverize these cats. It's going to be hysterical. It's like a Mama Said Knock You Out type of record or Mr. Smith type of record. It's a very good record. My last three records were R&B and more of me getting kinda into the emotional side of what I do. This is the aggressive side. Just ego. I'm getting into the party free, regardless. We unlocking the back door and sneaking 50 people in. This album, I'mma do a little street-corner joint. Smack them around, turn 'em upside down and shake the change out their pockets."

The rapper also explained how he and 50 Cent were able to develop a special chemistry. LL said, "We're from Queens. We're seven years apart in age. He knows what I'm into. We come from the same experience, so the music reflects that. And let's face it, 50 reminds me of a place I was in awhile ago. I have been running around on tours. I have been in the suites, and I haven't been on the blocks smelling like Guinness lately. It's fun to work with somebody who rekindles those flames and makes me hungry again. It's definitely working."

Foxy Brown gets the boot from Power 105.1 FM

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Foxy Brown was asked to leave New York's Power 105.1 FM morning show last week after she refused to answer questions about her status at Def Jam Records and her recent guilty plea to assaulting two Manhattan manicurists. The New York Post's Page Six reports that when asked if she was dropped by Def Jam Records, Brown would only say that she was "signed to Jay (Z)." Brown, who parted company with Def Jam Records a few years ago added, "See, what people don't know is that I initiated leaving Def Jam. They didn't drop me, they could never drop me. I am a multi-platinum artist."

As for the nail salon incident, Brown said, "I am not getting into what took place in the nail salon because it was an unfortunate incident that I learned from."

The morning show's hosts Egypt and Ashy Larry began to get annoyed with the rapper's refusal to answer questions. Egypt told Brown, "But you contacted me to talk about these things. This is your opportunity, your platform to set the record straight. You have to admit that people say you are hard to work with and have a bad attitude."

Brown told Ashy Larry, "I am not answering you. You are disrespectful." Then she told Egypt, "I told you when I called you what type of questions I wanted for my interview." Egypt responded by asking the troubled rapper to leave.

The Game catches heat from video vixens

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Game's latest album, The Doctor's Advocate, is a hit with fans. The album is Number One in the country after selling more than 385,000 copies its first week in stores. Two people who did not purchase the album, however, were Melyssa Ford and Vida Guerra. The Game dissed the two women on the song, "Wouldn't Get Far?" The rapper accuses the former video vixens of being broke and sleeping around on the Kanye West-produced song. On the track, The Game says of Ford, "She a video vixen, but behind closed doors/She do whatever it take to get to the Grammy Awards."

Guerra plans to reply via a diss track and Ford told the New York Post, "I am really confused and saddened that he decided to include my name on a record that disparages the characters of women who have worked hard in the industry to make successful careers for themselves."

Ford also shared that she was upset with her friend Kanye West for producing and appearing on the song.

The model added, "Nobody understands why I am on this record. I am the blueprint for this industry because I have respect for myself."

Akon locks down top of singles chart

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Senegalese singer and producer Akon has taken over the top two slots on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Billboard.com reports that Akon's "I Wanna Love You" featuring Snoop Dogg jumped from Number 17 to Number One last week, while the singer's collaboration with Eminem, "Smack That," held strong at Number Two for the second consecutive week.

Akon's latest album, Konvicted, has benefited from the success of the singles. The album debuted at Number Two on the Billboard 200 albums chart after selling more 284,000 copies its first week in stores.

In related news, one of the singer's goals is to educate people about his African homeland through his music. Akon shared that he is often disappointed to find out how ignorant Americans -- especially African Americans -- are when it comes to Africa: "Like everybody go by what they see on TV, what the history book tell 'em and they never even ever actually been there themselves to experience it. They don't even know how much Africa has evolved since then. They still living in the days of 1801, 1830, 1900s, not even knowing that Africa is just so much as modern as it is out here, you just never visit the areas that was like that."

Beyonce Seeks Dancers for 2007 World Tour

Five U.S. Cities Hosting Auditions in December for Superstar's 2007 On-Stage Spectacular

NEW YORK, Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Pop icon Beyonce is looking for the hottest and best dancers on the planet for her upcoming world tour.

Five U.S. cities -- Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, New York, and Chicago -- will host open call auditions, at specific locations TBA, beginning in December:

December 6 & 7 Los Angeles Alley Kat (1455 Gordon)
December 9 Atlanta Dance 101
January 6 Houston location TBA
January 11 & 12 New York location TBA
January 27 Chicago location TBA

Dancers may be male or female, of all nationalities, but must be at least 18 years old.

For more information on Beyonce's 2007 World Tour Dance Auditions, please visit:

www.beyonce.com
www.beyonceonline.com
www.beyonceknowles.net
www.musicworldringtones.com
www.columbiarecords.com

Source: Music World Music/Sony Urban Music/Columbia Records

Lil Scrappy releases first episode of online show

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Atlanta-based rapper Lil Scrappy released the first episode of his new online show, G's Up TV, on Tuesday, November 21st. The 12 episode weekly series will feature the rapper recounting his life in a documentary style setting. The rapper said in a released statement, "G's Up TV is the other side of me -- not just doing the rap thing. It'll help people understand what I'm about, beyond my music career -- the real Scrappy."

In addition to the autobiographical stories, the series will include skits such as Lil Scrappy holding a cognac tasting with Lil Jon and an attempt to break into the master tape vault at a secret location. Several of the rapper's friends make cameos in the series including Lil Jon, Three 6 Mafia, Young Buck, Jaime Kennedy, Stu Stone, Young Dro, and Jessi Malay.

Fans can catch the latest episode at gsup.tv.

In related news, Lil Scrappy will release his new album, Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live, on December 5th. The album will feature guest appearances by Lil' Jon, 50 Cent, Bohagon, Mase, and Young Dro, with production by Jazze Pha, Sha Money XL, and Shondrae.

Ghostface and EPMD added to Rock The Bells Tour

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Ghostface Killah, EPMD and Pharoahe Monch are the latest additions to the North American leg of the first annual Rock The Bells World Tour. The tour, headlined by Redman and Raekwon, will also feature Keith Murray, DJ Kool, and Supernatural.

The tour began on Tuesday, November 21st in Washington, DC, and wraps on December 22nd in Anaheim, California.

In related news, Ghostface Killah will release his new album, More Fish, on December 12th.

50 Cent taps Rich Harrison for new album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper 50 Cent is headed back to the studio to work on his next album and he reached out to producer Rich Harrison to helm the project. What's surprising about his choice is that Harrison is best known for his work on such R&B hits as Amerie's "1 Thing" and Beyonce's "Crazy In Love," not as a hip hop producer. Harrison told MTV.com, "I'd wanted to do some more hip-hop stuff, but someone's got to trust it. Someone's got to believe."

In addition to his upcoming work with 50 Cent, Harrison is also scheduled to work with Usher and Missy Elliott.

He's also in the process of launching his own Maryland-based label, Richcraft Records, in conjunction with Atlantic Records. Harrison explained, "There's been some really successful labels, but most of them are rap-based. I really want to bring back the LaFace model. Rap just took over the world, dude. It's so prevalent, and from a label standpoint so much cheaper to make. The business model is just easier. But R&B has been practically watered down by pop. There used to be black music, but that doesn't exist today like it used to do."

So far, the label's roster includes former Roc-A-Fella artist Young Steff and Jaiden James.

Rick Ross already working on new album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Miami-based rapper Rick Ross plans to release one more single, "Get Away" featuring Mario Winans, from his gold-certified album, Port Of Miami. But the rapper has already begun work on two other projects including a group album with his crew, the Carol City Cartel, and his own sophomore album, Triller.

Ross is hoping to release Triller soon and he shared his wish list of collaborators. He told MTV.com, "Dr. Dre, you know what I'm talking about? Jay-Z, Pharrell, R. Kelly. It's gonna be legendary. I'm going back in."

Nas Planning to take the high road

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Nas is scheduled to release his new album, Hip Hop Is Dead...The N, on December 19th and fans are wondering if he will fire any shots at 50 Cent or the Diplomats especially in light of the fact that Jay-Z recently released a response to Jim Jones and his album includes a response to Cam'ron on the song, "Dig A Hole."

Both Cam'ron and Jones have publicly taken shots at Nas, and 50 Cent included a dis track, "Piggy Bank," on his last album, The Massacre.

Nas told MTV.com, "I'm trying to uplift the unity. You listen to Cam'ron's dis, that was just pieces of 'Ether'put together. You have to make a certain amount of albums to be in the ring with me. You can't have one album or two albums or went platinum one time, or you may have performed in front of 6,000 people once in your life. You have to be somebody in my weight class. You can't fight like that. That's not really a battle."

Nas added, "But there are spankings I can do. Lyrical, verbal assaults I can do on some of you clowns. But the take on this album is more of a unity thing. I don't really know if I'm gonna let some of those records fly where I do answer a thing or two. Maybe, maybe not."

Hip Hop Is Dead features guest appearances by The Game, Jay-Z, and Kanye West with production by Dr. Dre, Will.I.Am, Kanye West, and L.E.S.

MTv2 to Air $2 Bill Concert featuring The Game

Viewers can watch the concert on demand now on MTV2.com

New York, New York - November 22nd, 2006L MTV2 will air a $2 Bill concert featuring West Coast hip-hop MC, The Game, on Sunday, November 26th, at 8pm ET/PT. The concert, which was shot at The Music Box at Fonda Theater in Los Angeles, features The Game performing live versions of hits such as "It's Okay (One Blood)," "Let's Ride," "How We do," and "Hate It Or Love It," as well as, special guest appearances by Nas, Xzibit and more.
In addition, The Game fans will have access to the concert online at MTV2.com with additional bonus performances to be added after the November 26th MTV2 on-air premiere.
The Game’s sophomore album, Doctor’s Advocate, hit stores on November 14th and will debut at #1 on Billboard.

MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 130 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services – MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 150 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.

Jay Kicks of H City Clothing Line signed a one year endorsement deal with VAN shoes

Jay Kicks of H City Clothing Line signed a one year endorsement deal with VAN shoes.His top 3 choices where Vans,Puma and Pony. Jay Kicks who has been named the Sneaker King of the Midwest has been in talks with many sneaker companies to wear there brand. Sneaker companies pay hundreds of athletes to wear their brands. While they don't star in commercials or sponsor a specific model, they provide the manufacturers priceless advertising during televised games.Companies cannot make deals with athletes while they are in college. So nowdays companies have turned to rappers and people with any fame to help market there brand.

Jay Kicks has been a name buzzin in the Hip Hop world of lately."A lot has been going on for me lately, I just found out today Im going to be in Dec. edition of Fly Girl Magazine feat. Buffy the Body,Vida Guerra,Flavor Flav, the Jan. edition of Free Agent Magazine and the Dec. edition Yo Raps Magazine(Germany)" Jay Kicks said. Jay has had numerous magazine articles and has been all over the internet for a while now even all the way in the United Kingdom, so this shoe deal should really make Jay Kicks blossom."I have been a fan of Vans since I was young" Jay Kicks said.

Timbaland set to release new album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Super producer Timbaland is working on a new album, Timbaland Presents Shock Value, which will feature some of his high-powered friends. The producer told MTV.com, "I'm not just hip-hop. My mission is to take over top-40 radio -- what they call popular music, different genres of music -- and reach all types of people."

The album will feature guest appearances by Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, She Wants Revenge, the Hives, Fall Out Boys, Björk, and Elton John.

The first single from the project is "Give It To Me" featuring Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. The song is already causing quite a buzz as Timberlake, Furtado, and Timbaland send some subliminal jabs at the peers without naming names.

On the song, Timberlake sings, "I saw you tryin'to act cute on TV, 'Just let me clear the air'/ We missed you on the charts last week/ Damn, that's right, you wasn't there/ Now if sexy never left, then why is everybody on my s**t?/ Don't hate on me just because you didn't come up with it."

Timberlake insist the line wasn't a jab at Janet Jackson and infamous Super Bowl incident.

Timbaland's album is scheduled to hit stores in March.

Nas signs Tre Williams to ILL WILL Records

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

R&B singer Tre Williams is the latest signee to Nas'Ill Will Records. Williams is featured on the Kanye West-produced song "Let There Be Light," from Nas'forthcoming album, Hip Hop is Dead....The N, which is due out on December 19th.

Williams has also recorded with Petey Pablo, J-Hood, Styles P, and Papoose in the past. No release date has been set for the R&B singer's project.

Ill Will Records roster also includes the Bravehearts and Nayshawn.

Clipse and Papoose to perform at 10th annual mixtape awards

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Clipse and Papoose are scheduled to perform at the 10th annual Justo Mixtape Awards which are scheduled for December 7th at the Apollo Theater in New York City.

Justo Faison, who founded the award show in 1995 to recognize the mixtape community, died in a car accident in Virginia in May 2005.

Past winners include DJ Kay Slay, DJ Clue, Lloyd Banks, and Papoose.

In related news, the Clipse will release their new album, Hell Hath No Fury, on November 28th. The latest single from the project is "What It Do (Wamp, Wamp)" featuring Slim Thug.

Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror Screens Nationwide in a Special Sneak Preview

Xenon Pictures Presents Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror in a Special Sneak Preview Nationwide on November 19 in After Dark's HorrorFest: 8 Films to Die For

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Xenon Pictures and After Dark are proud to announce Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror as the special ninth film in HorrorFest: 8 Films to Die For. HorrorFest is a weekend of horror films that are considered too graphic or too disturbing for general audiences, but this latest star-studded addition is sure to have audiences screaming at both its horror and its humor, bringing "hood-riffic" color to this promising frightfest. As a special sneak preview, Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror will screen in 35 markets and in over 500 theaters on Sunday, November 19 at 10 PM, before its general release in early 2007.

Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror showcases an all-star cast, including international recording and film star Snoop Dogg, horror flick favorite Danny Trejo (The Devil's Rejects; From Dusk Till Dawn), Anson Mount (In Her Shoes; City by the Sea), Playmate Brande Roderick, Lin Shaye (There's Something About Mary), "Mad TV's" Aries Spears, Noel Gugliemi (Training Day; The Fast and the Furious), "The Game's" Pooch Hall, former WCW champion Diamond Dallas Page, Jason Alexander of "Seinfeld" fame, and Star Wars' Billy Dee Williams. Also starring are Detroit Piston Tayshaun Prince, Ghostbusters' Ernie Hudson, rap phenomenon Method Man, "One Tree Hill's" Daniella Alonso, Los Angeles Laker Lamar Odom, and NFL stars Teyo Johnson, Justin Fargas, and Glenn Cadrez.

Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror is a place where revenge is a dish served cold ... in a 40-ouncer. Follow the Hound of Hell (Snoop Dogg) through three terrifying tales from this nefarious neighborhood and its depraved denizens, including a tagger who finds out that not all gangstas die hard; the spoiled heir to a Texan oil dynasty who murders for money but can't pay to stay alive; and a major rap star that discovers he's got a few skeletons in his dressing room ... and they're kicking down the door. This bone-chilling, gut-bursting (literally) anthology proves, once and for all, "It AIN'T all good in da 'hood!"

Directed by Academy Award(R) nominee Stacy Title, Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror was written by Jonathan McHugh, Tim Sullivan, Chris Kobin, and Jacob Hair. Martin Shore of Social Capital and Christopher Tuffin of Bloodworks, as well as Ted Chung, McHugh, and Sullivan, served as producers. Martin Shore, with Gordon Steel and John Baca of The Steel Company, served as executive producers in addition to Snoop Dogg. Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror also features an exciting blend of live action horror and gore-filled anime sequences created by Japan's Madhouse (Animatrix, Tokyo Godfather, Vampire Hunter D) under the supervision of Academy Award(R) winner John Gaeta (The Matrix trilogy).

Xenon Pictures is also proud to offer a Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror sweepstakes on www.jumpcut.com/, where contestants can use anime clips to create a new trailer for the film. The top two creators of the coolest anime trailers for the film will walk away with $250 CASH and their video will appear on the official Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror website, in addition to its placement as a bonus feature on the upcoming DVD release! Think you're the Top Dogg? Prove it!

The film has been rated R for "pervasive strong violence & gore, sexuality, nudity & language".

To find out more about HorrorFest and Snoop Dogg's Hood of Horror, please click on the following link: www.horrorfestonline.com/ * Please include the rating in any film coverage.

To visit the official film website and to view the teaser-trailer, please click on the following link: http://www.snoopshoodofhorror.com/ * Please include the rating in any film coverage.

Xenon Pictures, Inc., established in 1986 and based in Santa Monica, CA, is the leading distributor of Urban, Spanish-language, and alternative programming in the United States.

ON THE WEB: www.xenonpictures.com

Source: Xenon Pictures

IRV Gotti bounces back

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Inc. Records CEO Irv Gotti is ready to take over the world again after he was acquitted of federal money laundering charges earlier this year. Gotti is back in business with Universal Records and he's shooting his own reality show. Gotti told the New York Post's Cindy Adams, "Listen, no matter what I went through, I kept Ja Rule, Ashanti, all my acts. I now have a joint venture with Universal, the same company that kicked me out when those accusations came down. They even gave me back my masters. I sold 20 million albums. I produced J. Lo's two biggest hits, 'I'm Real,'13 weeks on the charts, and 'Ain't It Funny,'11 weeks. Now I own all my stuff and I split with Universal. Doug Morris gave me the deal. He's grooming me to be president of Universal. And Tobey Maguire and I bonded over poker, so next up I'll produce movies."

As for the new reality show, Gotti explained that it would be a one shot deal. He said, "I'll be taping this reality thing -- there's no name yet -- for six months. I told them it's a one-shot deal. I own a piece of it. I'm executive producer, so I OK the final cut. They're tracking my success back from the days I mixed tapes in my house and sold them for 10 bucks apiece to friends. They'll also include scenes from Crack House, my two-floor SoHo studio."

Gotti also expects some of his famous friends to end up in some of the episodes. He said, "Some friends like Jay-Z, Damon Dash, Russell Simmons will probably be on it. Hey, Russell saw my canary-yellow diamond chain and said, 'With each link, you could feed a village in Africa or . . . you could get a lot of (a phrase indicating a kitty cat)."

Jay-Z shares man of the year honors with Will Ferrell and DiCaprio

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul Jay-Z and actors Will Ferrell and Leonardo DiCaprio were recently named GQ Men Of The Year and GQ magazine will release three separate covers honoring the men. According to published reports, the Men Of The Year issue will hit newsstands on November 21st, the same day that Jay-Z's new album, Kingdom Come, is scheduled to hit stores.

GQ described Jay-Z as a "renaissance mogul," Ferrell as "seriously funny," and DiCaprio as the "leading man."

Kingdom Come features production from Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Kanye West, and Dr. Dre. The album will also feature a collaboration with Coldplay's Chris Martin.

Nucci Reyo & The Union host a Turkey Drive for 250 Poverty-Stricken Newark Residents

WHO: Rapper, Nucci Reyo & the Union aka "The Underdogs" use the spirit of giving to raise awareness on the poverty crisis in New Jersey. Nucci Reyo is a New Jersey native, managed by New York DJ Absolut of Hot 97FM. Special Invited Guests include Mayor Cory Booker.

WHAT: New Jersey Rapper Nucci Reyo & The Union aka "The Underdogs" host a Turkey Drive for 250 poverty-stricken Newark residents. (* Families have been pre-selected by Open Door Ministries.*)

WHERE: Open Door Ministries church; 92 West Peddie Street.

WHEN: Saturday, November 18th , 12pm-2pm

WHY: According to the 2005 U.S . Census released this past August, Camden and Newark, two of New Jersey's biggest cities, are among the poorest in the Nation. Newark, the largest city in New Jersey, reportedly has a median household income of $30,665 nationally. Only six large cities in the U.S. have lower incomes than Newark. In an effort to shine a light on New Jersey's poverty crisis as well as show appreciation to New Jersey fans, underground rapper Nucci Reyo & The Union aka " The Underdogs" along with their record label The Union Label are hosting a Turkey Drive for families in need. The group has teamed up with Open Door Ministries, a local Newark church, who has pre-selected 250 families who will receive turkeys the day of the event. Turkeys will also be delivered to The Harmony House and Another Chance, two local charity organizations in Newark. Note: This event is not a self-promotion stunt, it is an opportunity to demonstrate that artists and leaders in the hip-hop community realize they have a responsibility to give back to the many, poor urban cities who use their pennies to make hip-hop a multi-million dollar industry.

Diary of JAY-Z: Water for Life

President and CEO of Def Jam Records Shawn "JAY-Z" Carter Takes Viewers on a Journey to Engage, Educate and Empower Young People to Make a Difference

NEW YORK, NY - November 10, 2006 - MTV: Music Television today announced that "Diary of JAY-Z: Water for Life" will premiere on November 19 at 2:00pm EST on MTV2 and will air on MTV on November 24 at 9:00am EST. The 30-minute special came about through a unique collaboration between JAY-Z, the United Nations and MTV.

Announced in August, the documentary follows JAY-Z on his recent international GLOBAL EXPRESS TOUR as he traveled to several regions around the globe affected by the world water crisis. MTV’s cameras followed JAY-Z on his personal learning journey as he met children and families who suffer daily and count among the more than one billion people worldwide who do not have access to safe drinking water. JAY-Z also visited locations where sustainable, environmentally-friendly solutions are in place or being developed to bring fresh water to devastated communities.

In support of “Diary of JAY-Z: Water for Life,” the think.mtv.com website offers a comprehensive resource to educate young people about the world’s water crisis and provide additional information. Individuals can log on at any time to learn how they can help through donating their time, money and raising awareness.

50 Cent European Tour Knocks Box Office Figures out of the Arenas

NEW YORK, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- While the majority of multi-platinum hip-hop recording artists still play theatres and clubs in Europe, 50 Cent will wrap up a successful international tour in Europe tonight in Chemnitz, Germany performing in front of a huge sold-out arena audience.

Chemnitz Arena, which holds 7,000 people, is but one of the many dates on 50 Cent's tour that began in August 2005. In Scandinavia alone, 50 sold out two nights in Helsinki's 12,000-plus-seat Hartwall Areena and Stockholm's 8,000-seat Hovet. The rapper who has sold over 22 million albums worldwide also sold out all 6,500 seats for the grand opening of Belgrade's Arena.

According to Violator Management's Chris Lighty, the architect of 50 Cent's international tour has proven his currency in the global market, as one of the most valued recording, performing and brand building artists in the world.

Lighty noted, as an interesting aside, that the audience makeup of a 50 Cent show -- whether in Dublin or Rome -- ranges from a fan base of men, women, children, mothers with their sons and husbands, all putting their hands up in the air for 65 minutes of non-stop hit singles.

Source: The Catalyst Group