Timbaland Presents: SHOCK VALUE

GROUNDBREAKING ARTIST/PRODUCER TIMBALAND GATHERS AN ELECTRIFYING LINEUP OF TALENT FOR FORTHCOMING SHOCK VALUE ALBUM

Featured Artists Include Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Nelly Furtado And More

New York, NY – Timbaland is already acknowledged as one of music’s most inventive and distinctive creators. Yet the artist/producer’s forthcoming album, just his second solo album, promises to shock the world. Timbaland Presents Shock Value (Mosley Music Group/Blackground/Interscope) is set for release March 27, 2007. The first single, “Give It To Me,” featuring Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, launches February 1.

“My mission is to blow up the boundaries and tear down the limits,” says Timbaland. “I’m taking my music outside of the box. I’m not getting away from what I’m known for; I’m just going to a place where it’s all about the music, not about the labels on the music. That’s why I call it Shock Value--from the artists to the production, it will shock the system.”

Timbaland is coming off producing the majority of the tracks, including the #1 “SexyBack,” on Timberlake’s #1 charting, multiplatinum FutureSex/LoveSounds album, which followed their work together on his previous smash Justified. He is also a special guest on Timberlake’s current 2007 FutureSex/LoveShow World Tour. Timbaland’s performance marks not only his first tour in many years and, his first world tour, but also the debut of some beats and original music from Shock Value.

Shock Value is sequenced like a movie, Timbaland reveals, with a non-stop flow that tells a story. With off-the-wall beats, raps, hooks, and his signature sound, the album fuses genres from rap and hip-hop to pop, punk pop and garage rock to South Asian influences. The album’s guest artists range from Jay-Z and Snoop Dogg to Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado; from The Hives, She Wants Revenge and Fall Out Boy to Elton John (on piano) and newer artists such as Sri Lankan hip-hopper M.I.A. and Keri Hilson (the latter signed, as is Furtado, to Timbaland’s Mosley Music Group, a joint venture with Interscope).

Timbaland’s enormous, critically acclaimed success as a producer has resulted in hits by Missy Elliott (“The Rain”), Aaliyah (“If Your Girl Only Knew”), Ginuwine (“Pony”), Jay-Z (“Big Pimpin’”), Nas (“You Won’t See Me Tonight”), Snoop Dogg (“Snoop Dogg [What’s My Name, Pt. 2]”), Ludacris (“Rollout [My Business]”), Furtado (“Promiscuous”) and many others. As a headliner, he teamed with Magoo for 1997’s groundbreaking Welcome To Our World, followed the next year by his solo debut, Tim’s Bio. Indecent Proposal (2001) and Under Construction, Pt. II (2002) were once again billed with Magoo.

The 38-date North American leg of the FutureSex/LoveShow World Tour, with opening act Pink, kicked off in San Diego, CA on January 8th and runs through March.

Forthcoming shows are as follows:

Date City Venue
Jan-27 St. Paul, MN Xcel Center
Jan-30 Toronto, ONT Air Canada
Jan-31 Montreal, QUE Bell Center
Feb-2 Washington, DC Verizon Center
Feb-3 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans
Feb-6 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
Feb-7 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Feb-18 Buffalo, NY HSBC
Feb-19 Columbus, OH Schottenstein/Nationwide
Feb-22 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times
Feb-24 Miami, FL American Airlines
Feb-25 Fort Lauderdale, FL BankAtlantic Center
Feb-27 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Mar-1 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
Mar-3 Bossier City, LA CenturyTel Center
Mar-4 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Mar-5 Dallas, TX American Airlines
Mar-8 Omaha, NE Qwest
Mar-1 Detroit, MI The Palace
Mar-12 Chicago, IL Allstate/United
Mar-13 Chicago, IL Allstate/United
Mar-15 Cincinnati, OH US Bank
Mar-16 Nashville, TN Gaylord Entertainment
Mar-18 Charlottesville, VA John Paul Jones Arena
Mar-19 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
Mar-21 Uniondale, NY Nassau Coliseum
Mar-24 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
Mar-26 Manchester, NH Verizon Center
Mar-27 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
Mar-29 East Rutherford, NJ Continental Airlines

*All dates are subject to change.

Clipse's Hell Hath No Fury Tour Dates

HELL HATH NO FURY TOUR

Subject to Change

2/25 BALTIMORE, DC @ SONAR

2/26 NEW YORK, NY @ BB KINGS

2/27 CAMBRIDGE, MA @ MIDDLE EAST

2/28 PHILADELPHIA, PA @ TROCADERO

3/1 OHIO (TBA)

3/2 CHICAGO, IL @ PARK WEST

3/3 MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ MYTH

3/5 BOLDER, CO @ GOTHIC

3/6 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO @ FOX

3/7 JACKSON HOLE @ MANGY MOOSE

3/8 SALT LAKE CITY, UT @ SUDES

3/10 TACOMA, WA @ TACOMA CENTER

3/11 VANCOUVER, BC @ NIGHTLIGHT LOUNGE

3/12 PORTLAND, OR @ BERBAITIS PAN

3/14 SAN JOSE, CA @ VINGOS

3/15 SAN FRANSCISCO, CA @ MEZZANIE

3/16 LOS ANEGLES, CA @ KEY CLUB

3/17 SAN DIEGO @ BELLY UP

3/18 PHOENIX, AZ @ CLUB HOUSE

3/19 ALBERQUERQUE, NM @ SUNSHINE THEATER

3/21 AUSTIN, TX @ EMO

3/23 MIAMI, FL @ I/0

3/24 ORLANDO, FL @ SOCIAL

3/25 ATLANTA, GA @ THE LOFT

3/26 ASHVILLE, NC @ ORANGE PEEL

3/27 CARBORO, NC @ CATS CRADLE

3/28 RICHMOND, VA (TBA)

3/29 BALTIMORE, MD (TBA)

Diddy + Snoop European Tour

DIDDY AND SNOOP DOGG SET EUROPEAN INVASION;
HIP-HOP ICONS JOIN UP FOR HISTORIC CO-HEADLINING TOUR;
NINE-COUNTRY TREK KICKS OFF IN MARCH 2007

Two icons of the hip-hop world, Diddy and Snoop Dogg, have unveiled
plans
for a major co-headlining European concert tour. The historic 18-city
trek will see the superstars sharing stages in nine countries across the
continent.
The Snoop/Diddy tour will kick off on March 12th at Oslo, Norway's
Spektrum, then travel across Europe through an April 2nd date at the
UK's
Nottingham Arena (see attached below). Along the way, the itinerary
will
make stops in Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Holland,
and
Ireland. Among the momentous tour's many highlights will be a pair of
two-night stands in Paris (on March 21st and 22nd) and Dublin (on March
31st and April 1st).
The shows will see Diddy performing tracks spanning his extraordinary
career, including material from his blockbuster new Bad Boy album,
"PRESS
PLAY." The hip-hop impresario's first solo collection in five years,
the
album recently made a stunning debut atop the Billboard 200, marking
Diddy's return to the #1 spot after nine years.
"PRESS PLAY" has already spawned two huge hit singles - "Come To Me,"
featuring Nicole Scherzinger from The Pussycat Dolls, and "Tell Me,"
featuring Christina Aguilera. Diddy's new single, "Last Night"
featuring
Keyshia Cole, has just arrived at multi-format radio outlets across the
country.
"THA BLUE CARPET TREATMENT" is Snoop Dogg's eighth solo album to date
and
has been well received by music critics as his best musical body of work
since his classic album debut in 1993. The Doggystyle/Geffen release
sees
the rapper, producer, actor, entrepreneur, coach, husband, and father
reconnecting with the man that put him in the game, production wizard
Dr.
Dre, with three songs from the dynamic duo. Producers who collaborated
on
"THA BLUE CARPET TREATMENT" include hitmakers Timbaland, Rick Rock and
The
Neptunes, among others; along with guest appearances by artists such as
D'Angelo, Stevie Wonder, Ice Cube, The Game, Nate Dogg, and Damian "Jr.
Gong" Marley. The album features two of the fastest growing records on
the singles chart, "That's That" featuring R&B crooner R. Kelly, and "I
Wanna Love You" with Akon.
Fans can expect to be treated to both classic hits, including the smash
singles "Gin & Juice" and "Drop it Like It's Hot," as well as new
material
from the legendary rapper. Snoop once again will be touring with his
dynamic band The Snoopadelics.

DIDDY * SNOOP DOGG
European Tour 2007
MARCH
12 Oslo, Norway Spektrum
13 Copenhagen, Denmark The Forum
14 Berlin, Germany Max Schmelling Halle
15 Stuttgart, Germany Schleyerhalle
16 Hamburg, Germany Sporthalle
17 Frankfurt, Germany Festhalle
18 Munich, Germany Olympiahalle
19 Zurich, Switzerland Hallenstadion
21 Paris, France Bercy
23 Dusseldorf, Germany Philipshalle
24 Brussels, Belgium Forest National
25 Amsterdam, Holland Heineken Music Hall
27 London, UK Wembley Arena
28 Cardiff, UK Cardiff International Arena
29 Manchester, UK MEN Arena
30 Glasgow, UK SECC (Hall 4)
31 Dublin, Ireland The Point

APRIL
1 Dublin, Ireland The Point
2 Nottingham, UK Nottingham Arena

Mystikal Released From Prison

New Orleans rapper Mystikal was released from a Louisiana Federal Prison in Louisiana last week, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

The rapper was sentenced to six-years in prison after pleading guilty to extortion and sexual battery charges, stemming from an incident in which he forced a woman to perform oral sex on camera, after he caught her writing $80,000 in bogus checks.

A representative with the Federal Bureau of Prisons confirmed that the rapper, born Michael L. Tyler, was released from prison on Jan. 11, almost one-year after being denied parole.

On Jan. 19, 2006, the 36-year-old rapper went before the prison systems parole board, which denied his release.

Just seven days earlier, on Jan. 12, a judge had sentenced Mystikal to an additional year on two misdemeanor counts of failing to report almost $2 million in earnings from 1998-1999.

Mystikal was allowed to serve the misdemeanor tax sentence concurrently.

The rapper hit big with 2000's platinum selling album Let's Get Ready, which spawned the No. 1 singles "Danger" and "Shake Ya Ass."

The representative told us that the Desert Storm war veteran was labeled a "full term release, " but will be placed under court-ordered supervision in Middle Louisiana, or the district he resides in.

Consequence isn't worried about the numbers...

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Consequence has been signed to Elektra Records, Relativity Records, and Rawkus Records since making his debut on A Tribe Called Quest's 1996 album, Beats, Rhymes & Life. The rapper even took a day job in-between deals to make ends meet. Now he's finally set to release his debut solo album, Don't Quit Your Day Job, on March 6th. The album features guest appearances by Kanye West and John Legend.

Consequence recently explained that he isn't worried about the numbers. He said: "I just want people to feel it and people to love it, and embrace it. You know whatever the number, wherever we wind up number-wise that's just you know....we'll talk about that at the renegotiation for the second album (laughs)."

Three 6 Mafia to release new album in May

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Academy Award winners Three 6 Mafia are hard at work on a new album, titled Last 2 Walk, which will be released on May 1st. The album features guest appearances by Lupe Fiasco, Paris Hilton, and Justin Timberlake. The first single from the project is "Doe Boy Fresh" featuring Chamillionaire.

In related news, Three 6 Mafia is working on a film project and new reality show. The film project is the third installation in their Choices series, Choices III: The Return of Big Pat, which will be released by Warner Bros.

The television project is an MTV reality show which will be executive produced by Ashton Kutcher. The show is titled, Adventures In Hollywood, and will kick-off with the group and their friends leaving Memphis for Hollywood and greater fame.

It's expected to premiere later this year.

Mims to release debut album in April

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

New York-based rapper MIMS will release his debut album, Music Is My Savior, on April 3rd. The lead single from the project, "This Is Why I'm Hot," is a bona fide hit. In a released statement, the rapper explained why the song has a universal appeal, saying, "If you listen to the record, I've got a bit of everything in there. I'm showing love to all the different regions."

The rapper also shared what fans can expect from his debut project. He said, "As an artist I want people to expect the unexpected. Don't think for one minute that I am going to come this way all the time. You'll hear one record and go wild -- 'Wow. He did that?'I want people to listen to the album and expect the unexpected because this is only the beginning. It is going to get better than this."

MIMS'debut will include a reggae remix of "This Is Why I'm Hot" featuring Baby Cham and Junior Reid.

Diddy is singing on his new single

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is known for rapping on his albums and producing banging beats but on the mogul's new single, "Last Night" featuring Keyshia Cole, he's singing. The duo recently shot a video for the song in Los Angeles and it will be hitting urban video outlets in the coming weeks.

Diddy explained that it's important for him to evolve musically. He said: "Just, just, just evolving, you know evolving and wanting to put things down differently musically. Not follow what was out there so I was trying to make no southern hip hop because that was trendy."

Diddy added: "You know I wasn't trying to follow in the footsteps of anybody. I was just trying to just take all the musical inspirations that I've seen and heard over the years and just do the best I can as a producer."

Diddy's latest album, Press Play, has sold over 500,000 copies since it was released in October.

Snoop Dogg pleads not guilty to Baton Charge

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and actor Snoop Dogg entered a plea of not guilty to a felony charge of possessing a deadly weapon on Wednesday, January 24th. E Online! reports that the charges stem from an incident when the rapper, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, attempted to board a plane at Orange County's John Wayne airport while carrying a collapsible police baton.

After officers spotted the baton in his carry-on luggage, Snoop Dogg said that he was unaware that the baton was illegal and that he was using it as a prop in a new video.

The rapper wasn't arrested during the September 27th incident but several weeks later authorities decided to press charges and on November 6th, Snoop Dogg turned himself in. The rapper was later released on $150,000 bail and he faces up to three years in jail if found guilty.

Snoop Dogg, who wasn't present in court on Wednesday, January 24th, is due back in court on April 5th for a pretrial hearing.

Man implicated in death of Notorious B.I.G. by XXL Mag loses lawsuit

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Tyruss Himes, an aspiring rapper and friend of the late Tupac Shakur, has lost a lawsuit against Fox's KTTV-TV, which implicated him in the March 1997 murder of the Notorious B.I.G. and XXL magazine, which suggested that he put together the murder team. The Associated Press reports that the defamation lawsuit was thrown out by a Los Angeles judge on the grounds that Fox affiliate KTTV-TV and XXL stories were constitutionally protected free speech.

Himes, who allegedly lost a record deal because of the reports, lost the case because he failed to prove that the media outlets acted with malice and reckless disregard for the truth, which is the standard of proof in defamation cases.

Although Himes may still file an appeal, his lawyer, Arthur G. Lesmez, said, "We are appreciative of the time and effort the court put into reviewing the case. We're understandably disappointed in the decision and we're evaluating all of our options."

The Wu-Tang Clan to release '8 Diagrams' This Summer

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Wu-Tang Clan is back. The influential east coast group is working on their first album in six years, 8 Diagrams, which they plan to release this summer on SRC/Universal Records. Group co-founder RZA said in a released statement, "This is the perfect time for us to come back, the stars are aligned....It's like when we first started with Steve (Rifkind). We put out real hip-hop at a time when it was turning into pop or R&B. We brought the focus back to the music in its rawest form, without studio polish or radio hooks."

RZA added, "People want something that gives them an adrenaline rush. We're here to supply that fix. How could hip-hop be dead if Wu-Tang is forever? We're here to revive the spirit and the economics and bring in a wave of energy that has lately dissipated."

SRC Records is owned by Steve Rifkind, who signed the Wu-Tang Clan to his Loud Record label in the early '90s.

Rifkind added, "The energy is just like it was, and it's needed in our industry same as back then. Over the last few years, the group has developed a whole new fan base of 20-year-olds and even younger who've never even seen them play."

The Wu-Tang Clan consists of RZA, GZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, Inspectah Deck, Raekwon, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol'Dirty Bastard.

The new album will feature previously recorded material from the Ol' Dirty Bastard plus a tribute song, "Life Changes," dedicated to the late rapper.

Entertainment Icon Snoop Dogg Brings Snoop Bowl III to Miami on February 3rd

/PRNewswire/ -- Music icon, Snoop Dogg, announced today that Snoop Bowl III, presented by Amp'd Mobile, will be taking place on February 3rd, 2007 at the Orange Bowl Stadium in Miami, FL. The event is being produced by Jacksonville-based Axcess Sports & Entertainment.

Snoop Bowl III will feature the Snoop Dogg All-Stars, a youth football team from California coached by Snoop Dogg, against an all-star team from South Florida coached by Oakland Raider Zach Crockett, his brother, former Minnesota Viking, Henri Crockett and Green Bay Packer Al Harris. The game will be held the day before Super Bowl XLI, and is expected to draw in excess of 15,000 fans. The teams will be competing for the Snoop Bowl Trophy, which is being created by the world-renowned jeweler and silversmith Tiffany & Co., who also craft the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl trophy for the NFL.

Snoop Bowl II, held last year in Detroit, MI prior to Super Bowl XL was a huge success, drawing nearly 20,000 fans and raising over $50,000 for charities. In that game, the Snoop Dogg All-Stars came away with a 31-6 victory over the Detroit PAL All-Stars, in an event that was tabbed one of the "Top 5 Things To Do in Detroit" during Super Bowl week. In 2005, the Snoop Dogg All-Stars captured the inaugural Snoop Bowl in Jacksonville, FL in front of over 12,000 fans.

"This game is not only about working with the kids through football, and helping them learn all of the positive values that come with it, but it's a way for the kids to see a different part of the country and to meet their peers from other places who are just like them," commented Snoop Dogg. "This game is all about the kids and making sure they know that we care and want to see them succeed both on the field and off."

The Snoop Dogg All-Stars are made up of kids who participate in the Snoop Youth Football League, a football league comprised of 2,000 kids in the Los Angeles area funded by Snoop Dogg and corporate sponsors like Amp'd Mobile. Snoop Dogg founded the league in 2005 in order to provide at-risk youth an affordable way to play football. Kids who participate must maintain strict academic requirements to remain eligible and Coach Snoop even provides insurance to each participant free of cost.

"If these city kids didn't have the SYFL, most of them wouldn't be able to play football," says Johnny Borda, Senior Director of Production at Amp'd Mobile. "Most of the leagues for kids this age are expensive and located in the suburbs, so city kids with working parents don't have a chance to play. The SYFL gives these kids a chance and that is all a kid needs. Amp'd Mobile is proud to support such a worthwhile cause."

Proceeds from Snoop Bowl III will benefit the Snoop Youth Football League, a 501c3 non-profit foundation aimed at building character in under-served youth through athletics, academic and leadership programs.

Tickets are on sale at the Orange Bowl stadium, as well as by calling 877-877-7677 or logging on to www.ticketfusion.com and are $10 each.

Source: Geffen Records

Lil Wayne hit with lawsuit after missing show

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Cash Money rapper Lil Wayne may have to pay up after missing a show in Tampa, Florida. The Associated Press reports that on January 19th, Nunoise Entertainment and Jahfari Promotions filed a lawsuit in Miami-Dade County Circuit Court asking for the rapper to make up the performance or cover over $45,000 in costs associated with the missed show.

Lil Wayne has already returned the $15,000 deposit that he was given for the October show but declined to make up the missed show.

According to the promoters, they lost over $200,000 due to the cancellation.

In related news, Lil Wayne, who is the self-proclaimed best rapper alive, is working on a new album, Tha Carter III.

Diddy, Pharrell Williams, Mos Def & Others perform for Sundance Crowd

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The rappers are in full effect at this year's Sundance Film Festival, which is being held in Park City, Utah from Thursday, January 18th through Sunday, January 28th. On Saturday night, January 20th, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Pharrell Williams, and Mos Def performed at the Tao nightclub. During Diddy and Williams'set, former Roc-A-Fella Records CEO Damon Dash made a brief appearance on stage, to the delight of the crowd.

On Monday night, January 22nd, Akon was scheduled to perform at Tao at a party hosted by Nelly and the St. Lunatics. Nas was also rumored to be performing later in the week.

Nick Cannon, who was at the film festival in his capacity as an actor to promote his new movie, Weapons, told MTV.com that he was just enjoying his first trip to Park City. He said, "Man, I love it. It's an experience, and I understand all the prestige that goes along with it. I'm just embracing it and enjoying it."

Kanye West Working On New Album, "Graduation"

CHICAGO, IL (01.22.07) -- Kanye West is hard at work on his next album, "Graduation," tentatively due in late 2007 via Def Jam.

The artist tells Billboard the likely first single from the album will be "Homecoming" featuring Coldplay's Chris Martin, who recently guested on a track from Jay-Z's comeback album, "Kingdom Come."

One collaborator from West's 2005 album "Late Registration" who will be returning for "Graduation" is multi-instrumentalist Jon Brion. "We'll be working together again on the new project," West promises.

"Jon wasn't just a producer -- he was such a good friend and a great person to bounce ideas off of in the studio. It was the whole experience." West has also been busy behind the boards, having recently produced tracks for Nas' "Hip-Hop Is Dead" and the Game's "Doctor's Advocate." And, as previously reported, the artist will soon be featured in an HBO series "loosely based" on his life. "Curb Your Enthusiasm" mastermind Larry Charles will executive produce.

Diddy Dissed at Golden Globe After Party

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is known for throwing lavish parties and being a special guest at some of the biggest bashes in the world. Last weekend following the Golden Globe Awards, Combs'juice card was allegedly denied at the door of the CAA Golden Globe After Party at the Sunset Tower. New York Post's Page Six reports that when Diddy and entourage got to the door, he was told he wasn't on the list and turned away.

What happened next is up for debate. According to one witness, Diddy became "verbally abusive and started yelling at security," and hotel owner Jeff Klein "kindly asked Puffy to leave." Combs then allegedly shouted, "What are you going to do -- call the police?" Klein said, "Yes!" Combs shouted back, "Just try it -- I'll spend the rest of my life hunting you down!"

A representative for Diddy denied that there was an altercation. The rep said, "Sean never said those things. He respects people's wishes and left. He went to Prince's party instead."

According to a source, Diddy wasn't on the list because of an incident which happened at an Oscar party a few years ago when he got into it with an assistant for CAA co-chief Bryan Lourd, "He showed up uninvited and threw a fit when he wasn't let in. He wasn't invited then, either."

The same source maintains that there has been a ban of Diddy by CAA and that he is now banned from the Sunset Tower, but a rep for the agency said, "There is no ban on Puffy officially or unofficially. He just wasn't invited."

Rocawear Removes "Dog Fur" Jackets From Sales Racks

A representative for Jay-Z's Rocawear clothing line recently responded to accusations of using raccoon-dog fur on one of its coats.
As previously reported, an investigation by the Humane Society of the United States, found that the "Hunter" jacket advertised on the company's website, contained real fur from a raccoon dog and was promoted as fake fur.

The Humane Society claimed that the dog, which is indigenous to Asia, is skinned alive to obtain the fur for the coats.

"We were not aware that our product included raccoon-dog materials," the Rocawear rep explained in a statement. "We have immediately instructed all manufacturers and licensees that no product can be produced using this fur. In addition we have removed those items from our Website."

Diddy's Sean John clothing line was also accused of using fur from the same type of dog on their hooded snorkel jackets in a similar investigation by the Humane Society. Sean John removed the jackets from all Macy's retail stores as a result of the claim.

Koch Records to release eagerly anticipated new album from Prodigy of Mobb Deep

RETURN OF THE MAC TO BE RELEASED ON MARCH 27TH, 2007

ALBUM TEAMS PRODIGY UP WITH PRODUCER EXTRAORDINAIRE, THE ALCHEMIST

( January 18, 2007 ) New York , NY KOCH Records announces the eagerly-anticipated release of Return of the Mac, a new album from Mobb Deeps Prodigy. This release will be followed in late 2007 by H.N.I.C. 2, the follow up to Prodigys Gold solo album, H.N.I.C., which spawned the hit, Keep It Thoro.

Return of the Mac teams Prodigy up once again with noted producer and Eminem DJ, The Alchemist, who produced every song on the album. The Alchemist most recently assembled The Re-Up Mixtape with Eminem.

Prodigy is one half of the musical force that rap fans have to come to know and love as Mobb Deep. For the past 14 years, Prodigy (along with partner Havoc) has released a string of unforgettable albums including acclaimed classics like The Infamous, Hell On Earth and Amerikaz Nightmare and many more. To date, Mobb Deep has sold over 4 millions records.

Return Of The Mac has been buzzed about for quite some time and is eagerly anticipated by the groups fan base and fans of the duos hardcore brand of NY hip-hop.

Prodigy comments Alchemist and I put this CD together to get people ready for my new solo album H.N.I.C.2. Im bout to turn it up hot with H.N.I.C.2. I decided to ride with KOCH Records cause I got a lot of sh*t to do and say, and I know KOCH won't hold me back or censor my sh*t plus the entire company will push the CDs to the maximum because they truly love and respect my music. Were all very excited about the whole thing.

Stuck On You will be the first National radio single and a video will also be lensed for it shortly.

Two underground videos for Return of the Mac have already been shot and are available for viewing:

Check out Mac 10 Handles at http://youtube.com/watch?v=kZLuFIADKYg, and New York Sh*t at http://youtube.com/watch?v=twV7FRiJkOM&mode=related&search.

The video for Mac 10 Handle was recently named by the Village Voice as the #2 Best Rap Video of 2006.

A Tentative Track listing for Return of the Mac:

1. Intro
2. Return of the Mac
3. Mac 10 Handles
4. Raining Guns and Shanks
5. The Rotten Apple
6. Words From Majesty
7. Take It From The Top
8. Intermission
9. 7th Heaven
10. Bang On Em
11. Nickel and a Nail
12. Legends
13. Stop Fronting
14. Stuck On You

DJ Drama, DJ Don Cannon Released From Jail

Both DJ Drama and DJ Don Cannon have been released from the Fulton County Jail, where they were held overnight on Tuesday (January 16) on racketeering charges.
The two DJ's were freed on a $100,000 signature bond this afternoon (January 17).

They are set for a second appearance at the Fulton County Court on January 24.

The raid on the Aphillates Music Group’s offices in Atlanta were apparently the result of a partnership with a nationwide joint vice task force working to stop the sale of pirated music.

DJ Drama, born Tyree Simmons and Donald “Don” Cannon, were arrested on felony charges under the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

In a May 2006 report posted on the RIAA’s website, Atlanta was named one of 12 “Piracy ‘Hot Spot’ cities last year, along with Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Providence, San Diego and San Francisco.

The report stated that in 2007, the RIAA would “step up law enforcement training and commit additional investigative resources in all of the cities.”

Meanwhile members of the Mixtape and Internet communities continue to show their support for DJ Drama and Don Cannon, who have become champion for a much debated cause.

A petition supporting the DJ's has received over 200 signatures, since it was started around 11:00 am Wednesday morning.

Fans, fellow DJs, journalists, and even record label executives have all come forth to share their opinions and voice endorsement.

Mike Jones' Highly Anticipated New Album -- "The American Dream" -- Due in April

Best-Selling Houston Rapper's First Single, "Mr. Jones," Out Now

BURBANK, CA -- (Market Wire - Jan 16, 2007) -- Rap superstar Mike Jones will release a new album, titled "The American Dream," in April on Swishahouse/Asylum/Warner Bros. Records. Fans of the Houston-born MC have been eagerly awaiting new music ever since Jones took the hip-hop world by storm in 2005 with his double-platinum, chart-topping debut "Who is Mike Jones?"

The album's addictive first single, "Mr. Jones," which was produced by Myke Diesel (Master P., Lil Romeo), features a shuffling synth and drum groove and Jones' confident rap: "You haters hate but they don't really wanna see the steel / Had a million in my bank before Asylum brought the deal / Before I came out they said the streets wouldn't feel / The s**t that I'm spittin', the s**t that's real."

The track will also appear in Jones' feature film debut, also titled "The American Dream," which is scheduled to come out shortly after the album is released. Executive produced by Jones, Warner Bros., and Asylum, the film, which Jones co-directed with Derrick Dixon (2004's "Survival of the Illest"), is loosely based on the rapper's life, depicting his rise from humble beginnings in Houston to hip-hop luminary.

After years of underground success, Jones broke through on a national level thanks to savvy self-promotion and the drowsy smash hit anthem "Still Tippin'," which featured fellow H-Towners Slim Thug and Paul Wall. Jones followed it up with "Back Then," which cracked the Top Ten on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks chart, scored heavy rotation on BET and MTV, and led to the double-platinum certification of "Who is Mike Jones?" With his gregarious personality, knack for self-promotion (his T-shirts emblazoned with "Who is Mike Jones?" and his actual cell phone number are legend), and guest star turns (Ying Yang Twins' "Badd," T-Pain's "I'm N Luv (Wit A Stripper)"), Jones became one of the first artists to break out of the Houston hip-hop scene in years.

In addition to filming "The American Dream" last fall, Jones also appeared on the Anger Management Tour, was featured on the Fox TV show "Prison Break," and opened a thriving club in the Houston Metro area called Ice Age, which has attracted celebrities such as Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut, Meagan Good, Chingy, and Tracy McGrady.

DJ Drama Arrested In Atlanta Mixtape Raid

Aphilliate Music Group partner Don Cannon, 17 others also taken into custody Tuesday.

January 16 might go down as a day of infamy on the mixtape circuit. In a major development in the Recording Industry Association of America's quest to stop what they believe to be the bootlegging of music, the Atlanta office of mixtape king DJ Drama's Aphilliate Music Group was raided Tuesday by police.

Drama (real name Tyree Simmons) and Aphilliate partner Donald "Don" Cannon were taken into custody along with 17 other individuals Tuesday. Police seized over 50,000 mixtapes in the raid, according to reports from Atlanta's Fox affiliate, WAGA.

In addition to housing the day-to-day operations of the Aphilliate Music Group — the collective, which also includes DJ Sense, recently inked a distribution deal through Asylum Records, while Drama also has a solo record deal through Grand Hustle/ Atlantic — the downtown Atlanta offices also served as a studio.

Arrests and raids due to the distribution of what authorities consider bootleg CDs is nothing new. A sprinkling of mom-and-pop stores throughout the country have been shut down in recent years, but this is the first time that the crackdown has hit a name as big as Drama, arguably the current top mixtape DJ. His Gangsta Grillz series has become a street staple and a promotional tool for emerging artists.

And while authorities have come down on Drama — who is also T.I.'s main DJ — the Philadelphia-born industry hustler does not generally put out mixtapes with just a smattering of exclusive songs from different artists on each disc. Drama actually works closely with several artists and will put a Gangsta Grillz CD with music specifically recorded by one artist for the particular disc. His releases may be best described as street albums, rather than mixtapes.

Some mixtape DJs do get complaints from labels and artists about their material hitting the streets, but Drama has not previously encountered that problem. When music from T.I.'s King album leaked online last year, Tip and Drama collected the tracks to release as a mixtape, which featured early versions of songs including "Live in the Sky." And artists such as Young Jeezy — who launched his career with the help of Gangsta Grillz: Trap or Die — Styles P, Lil Jon, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne and Nelly have all made music specifically for Drama to put on Gangsta Grillz.


Although he is best known for his mixtapes, Don Cannon has been getting props lately for his production. He was the mastermind behind one of the biggest club bangers of 2005, Young Jeezy's "Go Crazy." Last year, he popped up again on Jeezy's The Inspiration LP with the track "Mr. 17.5."

An officer at Atlanta's Fulton County Jail confirmed that DJ Drama and Don Cannon are in custody, with charges still pending. Representatives for the DJs could not be reached for comment at press time.

Diddy searches for new gen of Bad Boys...Making of the Band Pt. 4

Candidates Can Post Their Videos On-line Viewers Can Also Visit Makingtheband.mtv.com To Vote For their Favorites & Help Select The Finalists

Auditions To Be Held in Los Angeles, Houston, Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit and New York City Beginning January 17th

New York, NY January 16, 2007 - MTV: Music Television and Sean "Diddy" Combs today announced open call auditions for MTV's hit returning series "Making the Band 4" to kick off on January 17th in Los Angeles. And for the first time ever candidates who are unable to make the open calls can post their audition videos on-line via makingtheband.MTV.com allowing viewers the opportunity to vote for their favorite "Making The Band 4" candidates. The series is scheduled to premiere in Q2 '07 and will chronicle Diddy as he sets out to form an all new boy band.

In the last season of "Making the Band 3," Diddy created the successful all girl band 'Danity Kane' whose album debuted at number one. The show documented the journey of Aubrey, D. Woods, Aundrea, Dawn and Shannon as they recorded their first album together under the guidance and expertise of Diddy. 'Danity Kane' is scheduled to go on tour with Christina Aguilera. Now Diddy is about to do it all again with "Making The Band 4!"


Starting January 13th aspiring superstars can log onto http://makingtheband.mtv.com and upload their singing audition for the world to see. Viewers will have until January 27th to vote for their favorites. 25 candidates will be selected to move on to Round Two, where they'll upload a dance audition. Round Two voting concludes on February 6th. Producers will reward 3 finalists with the opportunity to audition in person for Diddy.




Open call audition dates and locations include:

LOS ANGELES:
DATE: Wednesday 1/17 - Open Call
TIME: Line forms at 6 am, Open call begins promptly at 8 am
LOCATION: KNITTING FACTORY
7021 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

HOUSTON
DATE: Saturday 1/20
TIME: Line forms at 7 am, Open call begins promptly at 10 am
LOCATION: MERIDIAN
1503 Chartres St.
Houston, TX 77003

ORLANDO
DATE: Tuesday 1/23
TIME: Line forms at 7 am, Open call begins promptly at 10 am
LOCATION: CLUB PARIS
122 W. Church St.
Orlando, FL 32801

ATLANTA
DATE: Saturday 1/27
TIME: Line forms at 7 am, Open call begins promptly at 10 am
LOCATION: VERVE LOUNGE
511 Peachtree St. NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

CHICAGO
DATE: Tuesday 1/30
TIME: Line forms at 7 am, Open call begins promptly at 10 am
LOCATION: CLUB 720
720 North Wells St.
Chicago, IL 60622

DETROIT
DATE: Saturday 2/3
TIME: Line forms at 7 am, Open call begins promptly at 10 am
LOCATION: PLAN B
205 W. Congress
Detroit, MI 48226



NEW YORK
DATE: Tuesday 2/6
TIME: Line forms at 7 am, Open call begins promptly at 10 am
LOCATION: BLVD
199 Bowery (at Spring St)
New York, NY 10002

The first installment of "Making the Band," a real-life drama and breakthrough concept in music and television, chronicled the private and public moments of O-Town's five band members (Ashley Parker Angel, Erik-Michael Estrada, Dan Miller, Trevor Penick and Jacob Underwood) as they ascended into pop stardom. In the second installment of the series "Making the Band 2" Diddy was successful when he developed the hip-hop group 'Da Band' whose album "Too Hot For TV" went gold.

The last season of "Making The Band 3" ranked #1 in its time period among P12-34 versus cable competition and reached over 63 million total viewers in premieres and repeats.

Sean "Diddy" Combs, Ted Iredell and Perry Dance will serve as executive producers. Jacquelyn French is the executive in charge of production for MTV and Francesca Spero is Producer for Bad Boy Entertainment.

Nas says Firm Reunion is a possibility

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Nas recently reunited with members of his late '90s super group, The Firm, during performances in New York City and Philadelphia. The group initially consisted of Nas, Foxy Brown, AZ, and Cormega, who was later replaced by Nature, and they released their debut, The Album, in 1997. Nas told MTV.com, "It's been years since I seen Foxy Brown and the rest of the Firm. AZ is always around, but the rest of them, it's hard to get to. But this time around, man, I think they felt it was cool. ... For whatever reason, I felt like reaching out, and they was cool. They responded, so I was happy about that. To bring them back on the set, I just saw them that day. I ain't see them in years. But I saw them that day and we knocked it out."

As for as a reunion album, Nas said, "I don't know. I wanted to start off with the show and see where it went from there, to tell you the truth. Foxy's dope. 'Mega is dope, so who knows."

Nas is still promoting his latest album, Hip Hop Is Dead, but the rapper is already working on a new album. He explained, "I don't know how to characterize it. It's just gonna be ... I'm not gonna play around."

RZA working on new Bobby digital project

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Wu-Tang Clan's RZA released the soundtrack for Spike TV's animated series, Afro Samurai, today (January 16th). The project features guest appearances by Talib Kweli, Big Daddy Kane, Q-Tip, Stone Mecca, and GZA.

The producer and rapper is also busy working on a new Bobby Digital album. He explained that he decided to do the album as a vehicle to give some of his up-and-coming proteges a platform. He said: "I got a little homies with me, you know what I mean, that need to be in the hip hop game right now, you know what I mean? And it's hard to break them in, you know what I mean?"

The rapper added: "And so I went, you know, to get a deal for them. When I went to get a deal for 'em it was like, 'Yo you know they new and this and that. You know you could do a Bobby album. You know you could put them on that. It would put them out and break them through and you could go from there.'"

RZA subsequently released two solo sets under the name Bobby Digital, RZA As Bobby Digital in 1998 and Digital Bullet in 2001.

NORE hooks up with rap legend D-NICE

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper NORE is back in the studio working on a new rap album, titled Global Warming. MTV.com reports that he's recording in Miami and he's hired a new A&R, DJ EFN, to assist with the project. The rapper recently leaked a song from the project, titled "My Name Is N.O.," which samples the beat from D-Nice's "Call Me D-Nice."

NORE explained, "I just spoke to D-Nice and he's actually going to give me the original beat, the reel, to it (for the remix). And he gave me confirmation he's gonna get on the remix for me. That's one of the most hardcore records to come out in hip-hop ever, period. I used to see D-Nice and say, 'I'mma redo your record,'and I finally got the opportunity to do it."

NORE has also re-united with his partner Capone and the duo recently recorded a song, "Greenlight" featuring Final Chapter. A reunion project is allegedly in the works to coincide with the 10 year anniversary of their 1997 classic debut, The War Report.

NORE's last release was reggaeton album, Nore A La Familia, last year.

Jim Jones' We Fly High: 6th Week In Top 10

Jim Jones enjoys week 6 in the top 10 of the Hot 100 singles chart with We Fly High at no. 8.

Top 10 Singles on the Hot 100

1. Beyonce - Irreplaceable
2. Akon - I Wanna Love You f/Snoop Dogg
3. Fergie - Fergalicious
4. Akon - Smack That f/Eminem
5. Nelly Furtado - Say It Right
6. Justin Timberlake - My Love feat. T.I.
7. The Fray - How To Save a Life
8. Jim Jones - We Fly High
9. My Chemical Romance - Welcome to the Black Parade
10. All-American Rejects - It Ends Tonight

Three Six Mafia's Doe Boy Fresh featuring Chamillionaire debuted at no. 85

Superstar Rapper Snoop Dogg Reaches Out to Troubled Youth in 'Bigg Snoop Dogg's Youth Authority: California'

Music icon Snoop Dogg has joined up with documentary director Gabriel London, Oscar nominated filmmaker Jonathan Stack and Spike TV to make a candid show on youth crime and prison entitled "Bigg Snoop Dogg's Youth Authority: California." The idea for the revealing special was created by Snoop Dogg in an effort to help troubled kids and offer a way out of gang life.

Snoop himself spent time inside California's notorious "Youth Authority," which in recent years has come under court order for abusing and failing to rehabilitate youth. In "Bigg Snoop Dogg's Youth Authority: California," Snoop Dogg tells of his own life experiences with gang life and selling drugs. The stories serve as a reminder as to why his voice is so important for the kids to hear. By telling what he has learned, and encouraging them to make different choices, Snoop serves as a credible voice to a serious subject matter that is too often times ignored. The show interweaves Snoop's past stories and experiences from over a decade ago, with trials and tribulations of youth today, who remain caught in the streets-to-prison cycle.

Snoop's reasons for creating the show are explained while the rapper is driving through his old Long Beach neighborhood. "Can we have peace? That's what I am feeling like as I get older. I feel like I gotta go back and do it because there's a youngster out there -- and I can help him," says Snoop.

To drive the point home, Snoop gathered some of his old friends from Long Beach to participate in what director Gabriel London calls "the story swapping shoot." London says "after spending six months filming on and off with Snoop, this was our moment to connect and for us to hear first hand where it all began." What was to be a two hour conversation turned into a lively four hour session that became the basis of the film, taking the viewer on Snoop's path from childhood days to the dark evolution towards drug dealing and eventually prison before turning his life around.

This show is Snoop's attempt to break the cycle that leads to over 10,000 youth being locked up in California alone. During one touching moment in the program Snoop meets a 12 year old who they call "Lil' Tookie," named after famous crip founder, Stanley "Tookie" Williams. Lil' Tookie who has a talent for dancing (or "krumping") is shown getting embraced by Snoop, who encourages him to stay on the right path. He asks Lil' Tookie if he has ever been to jail. Once the youngster shakes his head no, Snoop says, "You're too cool for jail. Jail ain't for cool people, I went to jail, it ain't for me. Since you've never been, don't go. That's my advice to you."

Tune into Spike TV on Tuesday, January 16th at 11:00pm ET/PT to watch Bigg Snoop Dogg's Youth Authority: California.

Source: Spike TV

Three 6 Mafia Takes Tinseltown by Storm in the New MTV Series 'Adventures In HollyHood'

As the first hip-hop group ever to win an Oscar for Best Song, a music career defined by multi-platinum success, and recognized by millions of loyal fans across the globe, some may say hip-hop super group Three 6 Mafia has accomplished it all. However, it is only the beginning for this hip-hop powerhouse as MTV follows them on their biggest adventure yet -- Hollywood, CA. Leaving the comforts of their Memphis home behind, Juicy J, DJ Paul, and their entourage of friends hit the road to conquer Tinseltown and try to become major Hollywood players in the new comedic-reality series, "Adventures In HollyHood" premiering March 14th at 10:30pm ET/PT.

The series begins as Three 6 Mafia and their entourage pack their bags in their hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, and head west to Hollywood, California. Along with maintaining their success as multi-platinum hip-hop artists, finishing their anticipated follow-up album, and keeping true to themselves and their southern ways, the group tries to make the most of their fame by pursuing everything that Hollywood has to offer. The guys have set out however, to make sure the fame and fortune don't go to their heads as they put the "hood" into Hollywood ... Three 6-style. Audiences will be introduced to the following cast of characters never before seen on television: Juicy J and DJ Paul, the Oscar-winning members of Three 6 Mafia; Big Treice, their personal assistant; Computer, their internet consultant; and finally Project Pat, Three 6 Mafia's rap protege and underground hip-hop superstar.

In addition, fans will be able to experience a completely un-televised side of Three 6 Mafia and their adventures as they visit http://www.hollyhood.mtv.com/, along with MTV Mobile services, MTV VOD and more. On these platforms MTV will showcase completely original content including the comedic Cooking With Three 6 Mafia, as they showoff their hilarious down-home culinary skills. Fans will also be able to watch as the guys face new 'firsts' in Hollywood, as well as showcase the new music from their forthcoming album, "Last 2 Walk," due in Spring 2007. At http://www.hollyhood.mtv.com/, visitors will also be able to watch the premiere and finale episodes of "Adventures In HollyHood," as well as read cast bios, see photos, preview Three 6 Mafia's new album, and much more.

Three 6 Mafia's beginnings date back to the early '90s, as their underground mix tapes quickly made a name for themselves on the streets and in the clubs of Memphis, TN. The group made their proper debut in 1995 with the album entitled "Mystic Stylez." In the years since, the group has left a trail of gold and platinum records, exploding out of the local Memphis scene, and carrying their inventive southern, hip-hop sound to the masses around the world. Together DJ Paul and Juicy J have remained at the core of the group, not only as acclaimed rappers themselves, but also as renowned music producers, lending their skills to some of rap's elite including Mike Jones, Ludacris and the Ying Yang Twins. However, it was Sunday, March 5, 2006 when the rap ensemble truly secured its place in hip-hop history when, in a surprise upset, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences awarded "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp," from acclaimed MTV Film "Hustle & Flow," the Oscar for Best Achievement In Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song). Propelled to a new level of success, now Three 6 Mafia takes on Hollywood with their own MTV series, "Adventures In HollyHood," and gears up for the anticipated release of their next album "Last 2 Walk," in Spring 2007 on Hypnotize Minds/Columbia Records.

For more information about MTV's "Adventures In HollyHood," visit http://www.hollyhood.mtv.com/.

Rod Aissa, Kevin Lee and Melanie Graham are executive producers. Ashton Kutcher, Jason Goldberg and Karey Burke are executive producers for Katalyst Films. Aaron Rosenberg and Three 6 Mafia are co-executive producers. "Adventures In HollyHood" is developed by Rod Aissa, Aaron Rosenberg, and Three 6 Mafia. Lois Curren is EVP, MTV Series Entertainment & Programming.

Dipset hack Tru Life’s myspace page

In an effort to retaliate for being dressed up in a Borat style spandex one-piece thing on the cover of Tru Life's new mixtape, somebody in the Dipset camp has hacked into the Roc La Familia rappers Myspace page. The culprit has replaced all of Lizzy's pics with various Jim Jones images including the one you see below. All of the music was removed and replaced with the Jim Jones and Jay-Z Brooklyn remix. It'll probably be fixed at some point this weekend. Here are some screenshots for posterity. I guess this is the kickoff for rap beef in 2007.

NORE takes the stand during Triple Murder Trial

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper NORE was in court on Wednesday, January 10th, but unlike past visits he was there simply as a witness on behalf of his friend and former roadie, Darryl Henderson, who is facing the death penalty if found guilty of a gruesome triple murder. The Associated Press reports that Henderson and two associates are accused of stabbing and cutting the throats of three people just a few blocks from Yankee Stadium in 2002. The three men allegedly stole 30 kilograms of cocaine with an estimated value of $500,000. Henderson and his friends were members of the Murder Unit, an aspiring rap group and allegedly a gang which sold cocaine and marijuana in the Bronx.

While on the stand, NORE -- whose real name is Victor Santiago -- said he was unaware that Henderson and the others had criminal records and that while on tour they mostly threw wild parties. NORE said, "I don't want to see him go to jail, no." The rapper added that he met the men in 1998 and had no idea about their criminal activities.

Defense lawyer David E. Patton denied that the Murder Unit was a gang but he did admit that Henderson sold drugs in the past. Patton added, "Frankly, given the predicament Darryl is in right now, Murder Unit may well be the worst name in the history of names."

NORE explained that the whole Murder Unit was just part of marketing the group because hardcore acts sell. He said, "Hardcore hip hop tends to sell more records. It's about selling an image."

The rapper added that he was only trying to help the men achieve their dreams. He said, "The torch was handed to me to do it for somebody else. He's my man. They're trying to make it something that it's not. I believe he's innocent."

NORE also testified that Henderson was never at the center of any of the violence which occurred while they were on tour.

Lil Flip gets some help from 'Wire' Star for New Video

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Houston-based rapper Lil Flip recently released the first video -- "Ghetto Mindstate" featuring Lyfe Jennings -- from his forthcoming album, I Need Mine. The rapper was able to recruit one of the stars of HBO's popular series, The Wire, to make a guest appearance in the clip.

Tristan Wilds, who plays Michael Lee on the show, turned out for the video, which is Lil Flip's first since leaving Sony Records for Asylum/Warner Records last year.

Lil'Flip released his debut album, The Leprechaun, in 2000. The rapper's next two releases -- 2002's Undaground Legend and 2004's U Gotta Feel Me -- were both certified platinum for sales of one million copies.

Common says "initially" he wanted to be in 'Freedom Writers'

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and aspiring actor Common collaborated with Will.I.Am for the lead single, "A Dream," from the Freedom Writers soundtrack, which hit stores on Tuesday, January 9th. The film is based on the true story of a teacher who is able to inspire her class of at-risk students to learn tolerance, apply themselves, and pursue education beyond high school. The cast includes Hillary Swank, Mario, Patrick Dempsey, and Scott Glenn.

Common explained that initially he was hoping to land a role in the film. He said: "I met with the director. This was at the time when my agent had sent me the script and I was potentially wanting to act in it too. But I met with them and they talk to me about doing some music for it. I was trying to ease my way into acting in the movie but they was like, 'Nah we want you to do music.'"

The rapper added: "I was cool with it. I was happy with it 'cause my mother is a teacher and I knew that this movie was really trying, was really working to get across a good message."

Common will make his big screen debut in Smoking Aces which opens on January 26th. The rapper will play a bodyguard in the film, which also stars Alicia Keys, Jeremy Piven, and Ben Affleck.

Kanye West Gets A New HBO TV Show!!

BREAKING NEWS:

Kanye West has confirmed that he is working with Borat director Larry Charles and producer Rick Rubin to produce an untitled television series for HBO. West clarified the television show's subject matter and denied that is was reality series. “I wouldn’t do something as cliché as a reality show,” West said in a statement. “At least give me the credit for being more creative than that.” West said that he has been developing the pilot for the past two years with Charles and Rubin, who co-founded Def Jam with Russell Simmons in 1984. “It’s a situational half-hour comedy," West said. "It’s fictional, and loosely based on my life." Charles has served as an executive producer for hit HBO shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and Entourage, while Rubin is well known for his pioneering work with artists like Run-DMC, The Beastie Boys, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Slayer and others. At last year's Prime Time Emmy Awards, HBO earned the most Emmy Awards out of any television network with 26, and West hopes to achieve similar success with his television series. "Maybe this will give me the opportunity to spazz out at the Emmys one day,” West quipped.



CONSEQUENCE

DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB

IN-STORES MARCH 6th

Check out this CONSEQUENCE Mini Movie titled: “Scarred 4 Life”: Check it out



Check out this CONSEQUENCE Mini Movie titled: “Scarred 4 Life”:

SONY PICTURES' "STOMP THE YARD" NOW IN THEATRES!

(January 12, 2007)- New York, NY "Stomp The Yard," a major motion picture simulating the black college experience in Atlanta, Gerogia, is now playing at a movie theatre near you, just in time for the Martin Luther King holiday.

Synopsis: A young man finds that the moves he learned on the street may help him make a better life for himself in this youth-oriented musical drama. DJ Williams (Columbus Short) is a 19-year-old growing up in Los Angeles; while DJ is at heart a good kid and a gifted street dancer, he runs with a dangerous crowd, and one night an underground dance competition turns into a brawl and DJ ends up in jail. DJ's younger brother has already died a violent death, and his mother, hoping to put him back on the straight and narrow, sends DJ off to Truth University, a historically African-American college in Atlanta. At first, DJ feels like a misfit at Truth, but when he gets a chance to show off his dancing skills, he attracts the attention of two campus fraternities. Greek life is a major presence at Truth, and each year the fraternities take part in a "stepping" competition, in which the members show off their synchronized dance moves. DJ joins the ONO house, and is eager to help them take the championship away from their campus rivals, but in time he also comes to understand the brotherhood and community service that's a key part of his fraternity's background. DJ also has more on his mind than dancing and studying when he meets April (Meagan Good), a beautiful coed. Produced under the title Steppin', Stomp the Yard also stars Ne-Yo, Brian J. White, and Jermaine Williams. (Courtesy of Mark Deming, All Movie Guide)

Snoop Dogg hour-long special coming to Spike TV

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Snoop Dogg has teamed up with director Gabriel London to shoot a documentary about his early years and the harsh realities of juvenile detention facilities. The New York Post reports that Big Snoop Dogg's Youth Authority: California will air on Spike TV on January 16th at 11 p.m.

The hour long special will follow the rapper as he returns to the streets of Long Beach and the California juvenile facility called the "Youth Authority" where he spent some time during his teenage years. The rapper will also visit the location where he was jumped into the Crips. "Jumped in" is a phrase used to explain the gang initiation process in which the new member is beaten up by current gang members.

The rapper is hoping "to use the stories of kids still caught up in what Snoop once lived" to bring attention to the harsh realities of juvenile facilities.

In related news, Snoop Dogg is due in court this Thursday, January 11th, to respond to drug and weapons charges stemming from a November arrest outside of NBC's Burbank studios. After performing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Burbank police executed a search warrant and placed him under arrest. The arresting officers found marijuana, cocaine, a firearm and a false compartment in his car. The rapper was released on $60,000 bail.

50 Cent is feeling the pressure

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul 50 Cent has been hearing it from the naysayers that his G-Unit empire is on the decline. He told MTV.com, "I heard them talking on the radio about G-Unit is over, because they seeing some of the artists having difficulties. What you're seeing is the music business. Nothing just works in the music business. There's no company that has had a higher success rate than G-Unit since I showed up. I've accomplished what took people 10 years to do in business, in three....One project doesn't work and G-Unit is over?"

The rapper added, "What about 50? Put that pressure on me. Cause I'mma smash their head as soon as I come back."

50 Cent is working on his new album, Before I Self Destruct, which he hopes to release this spring. So far, the rapper has recorded with J.R. Rotem, Rich Harrison, and Timbaland. He explained that working with Timbaland was so expensive that he feels pressure to use the music they created. The rapper said, "I don't live in Florida, so I have to go to Florida to work with Timbaland. I feel like I'm paying airfare for my entourage, I'm paying hotel fare for my entourage, I'm paying studio time. I'm in there with Timbaland like, 'I need to make a f***ing hit.'I feel obligated under those circumstances. My intentions are to go there and make the record. But if they mail the music to my house, I might listen and go, 'I don't know if that's the record.'But after I came there, I want to make something." G-Unit Records will be releasing projects by Young Buck and Hot Rod before 50 Cent's album but the rapper is confident. 50 said, "I feel like this year is my year. And there's absolutely no competition. I'm gonna dominate again. It might seem unfair, but I'm gonna do what I came to do."

Slim Thug and Boss Hogg Outlawz to release new album, Serve & Collect on Koch Records on Feb. 27th, 2007

New York , NY KOCH Records is proud to announce the release of Serve & Collect, the new album by Slim Thug and Boss Hogg Outlawz on February 27th, 2007. Serve & Collect features Slim Thug on 12 new songs.

One of Houston s most popular underground hip hop labels, Slim Thugs Boss Hogg Outlawz is back with the release of its independent album, Serve & Collect. This album features Slim Thug, original Boyz N Blue members, PJ Tha Rap Hustla, Sir Daily, Chris Ward and Killa Kyleon. Also on the album are newcomers J-Dawg, Young Black and the R& B Tunes of Rob Smallz.

Slim Thug made a name for himself on the numerous mixtapes he was featured on for Swishahouse Records in his native Houston , TX . Slim then formed his own label, Boss Hogg Outlawz, and has continued to release highly successful mixtapes. Slim Thugs debut album, Already Platinum, debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts, and has sold over 500,000 copies. The album features the hit singles "Like a Boss, "Three Kings, "I Ain't Heard Of That, and "Incredible Feeling."

The tracklisting for Serve & Collect is:

1. Recognize A Playa feat. PJ, Chris Ward, Slim Thug, Sir Daily
2. Back 2 Front feat. Killa Kyleon, Slim Thug, Sir Daily
3. Boss Hoggin Slim Thug
4. Cheatin Rob Smallz feat. Slim Thug
5. Side To Side Killa Kyleon, Slim Thug, Sir Daily
6. Pockets Full of Paper PJ feat. Slim Thug
7. Give It Up Slim Thug, PJ, Chris Ward
8. Im A G Slim Thug, PJ, Young Black, Chris Ward
9. Heat On My Side Killa Kyleon, J Dawg, PJ
10. Straight Outta Texas Sir Daily, PJ, J Dawg
11. For The Gs Chris Ward, Black, PJ, Slim Thug
12. Keep It Real Chris Ward
13. Im A Hogg Slim Thug, Sir Daily, PJ, Chris Ward
14. Ridin 4s J Dawg feat. Slim Thug
15. Wood Wheel Sir Daily
16. Got To Get It Slim Thug, PJ, B Chris, Young Black, Chris Ward
17. Plan To See Killa Kyleon

Slim Thug Presents Boss Hogg Outlawz:

Recognize A Playa

http://boss.streamos.com/wmedia/kochent/slimthug/recognizeaplaya.wax
http://boss.streamos.com/real/kochent/slimthug/recognizeaplaya.smi

Grandmaster Flash & Furious Five elected to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop legends Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five were elected into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Monday, January 8th. The Ronettes, Van Halen, R.E.M., and Patti Smith will also be inducted as part of the class of 2007 on March 12th at the annual ceremony at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Grandmaster Flash explained how the group has impacted rapper and deejays. He said: "What you're looking at is like two templates that intertwined to become the ground breaking force of hip-hop. Let me explain. Whenever you see two or more emcees split a sentence up back and forth as if one person was saying it, it's called switch overs. That set the whole tone to how emcees would rap."

Flash added: "If you see anybody doing any type of trickery on the turntables, cutting, scratching, whatever you want to call it, I'm the first deejay that created that."

Beyonce dance audition draws hundreds in Houston

By: Janine Coveney

Hundreds of dancing hopefuls showed up over the weekend as Beyonce held another in a series of auditions in her home town of Houston. Dancers were put through their paces Saturday at a Houston studio, performing choreographed routines to such Beyonce hits as "Deja Vu" in front of choreographer Frank Gaston and several cameras.

Houston is the third location in the cross-country search to fill 40 slots for Beyonce's upcoming worldwide tour. Previous dance auditions have been held in Atlanta and Los Angeles, and the audition process will continue in New York and Chicago.

Beyonce and Gaston will review the tapes and choose 30 finalists from each city. Finalists will be sent to New York or Los Angeles to compete for the final positions.

Competition is bound to be fierce, since open calls for such a high profile artist tour are rare. The chosen dancers will earn between $1,500 to $3,000 a week and get extensive exposure.

Beyonce utilized the open-call audition process to formulate her current all-female touring band.

Tour dates have not yet been announced.

Busta Rhymes ordered to pay fan $100,000

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Busta Rhymes and his bodyguard Troy Green were ordered to pay an autograph seeking fan $100,000 for allegedly assaulting him when he asked for an autograph.

Smith, a handyman, approached Rhymes for an autograph outside of Corner Gourmet II deli near City Hall. Rhymes and Green allegedly beat up Smith, causing a cut on his eye that required four stitches.

Smith's lawyer explained, "My client was not aggressive in seeking the autograph. Melvin went in to get an autograph and got a knuckle sandwich instead."

Rhymes has an extensive history of aggressive behavior. In 2004, the rapper pleaded no contest to charges that he allegedly grabbed and shoved a fan named Celine Giguere who touched his face after a performance in Fall River, Massachusetts, in December 2002. Rhymes was placed on unsupervised probation for six months, and he was also ordered to pay $300 in court costs and a $21 fee for unsupervised probation. The case was automatically dismissed after the six-month period.

Last year, Rhymes was charged with assault charges for allegedly getting into it with a fan who spit on his Maybach.

Rhymes was also arrested and charged with assault last week for allegedly beating up a former employee who was seeking back pay.

Wyclef Jean named roving ambassador for Haiti

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Former Fugees member Wyclef Jean has been diligently working to bring stability to his native Haiti. The rapper founded the Yele Haiti Foundation to help uplift the country's children through art programs and economic empowerment and he was recently instrumental in the release of a kidnap victim. Jean was rewarded for his hard work by Haiti's president, Rene Preval, on Wednesday, January 3rd, when he was appointed roving ambassador for Haiti.

Foreign Affairs Minister Renald Clerisme told Reuters, "We wish we could have several Wyclefs as roving ambassadors because the country could have gained so much."

In his new role, Jean will continue to lobby in Washington, DC for the passage of a trade bill that will create textile manufacturing jobs in Haiti. He will also attempt to promote the country abroad.

Jean will accompany Preval on a three-day tour of Jamaica in the coming weeks.

50 Cent turning books into movies, dissing Ludacris

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Last week 50 Cent launched his G-Unit Books with the release of three novels, The Ski Mask Way, Death Before Dishonor and Baby Brother. A screenplay for Ski Mask Way has already been written, and plans are in the works to shoot the movie next summer. 50 Cent told the New York Post, "The novels are the harsh realities in certain situations. And the actual honest content in the music and the books are a spin-off of that reality. That's what hip-hop about them is. In The Ski Mask Way particularly, there's a character named Seven that's based on me. And there's a portion where he's incarcerated and has to make decisions about his life and how things spin out of control. I've been in a similar space, but I was able to hold on and not spin out of control."

50 Cent is also working on another book project with author Robert Greene called 50 Laws of Power, an urban version of Greene's cult hit book The 48 Laws of Power.

In addition to all of the aforementioned projects, the rapper plans to launch his own line of condoms, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit HIV awareness.

In related news, 50 Cent is known for taking shots at fellow rappers, and recently dissed Ludacris for not standing up for himself on the Oprah Winfrey Show. The talk show host verbally attacked Ludacris when he visited her show last year to promote the movie Crash. During an interview with Howard Stern, 50 Cent said, "What's her name? Ludacris, he spent his time on the show in a fetal position."

Busta Rhymes released on $3,500 Bail

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Busta Rhymes was arraigned on Thursday, January 4th, in Manhattan Criminal Court. New York Newsday reports that Judge Neil Ross set bail at $3,500 for the third-degree assault charge. Rhymes posted bail and is due back in court on February 20th.

The charges stem from an incident which occurred on December 26th. A former driver for the rapper accused him of beating him up when he demanded pay for 19 days worth of back invoices. The driver, Eddie Hatchett, said that he went to Rhymes'downtown office on December 26th to see about getting paid but the rapper got angry and attacked him. According to Hatchett, he suffered several facial lacerations due to Rhymes and his bodyguards.

Rhymes'lawyer Robert Kalina said, "I can tell you, judge, my client is innocent, and I rarely say this in a courtroom."

Rhymes is also facing assault charges for allegedly beating up a man who spit on his Maybach last August.

The rapper is currently working on a new album, Before Hell Freezes Over, which he plans to release in April. The rapper told MTV.com, "You're gonna get your traditional Busta Rhymes-and-Pharrell collabo," he said. "My man Focus from the Aftermath crew; Dr. Dre; the late, great Jay Dilla got work on the album. It's gonna be great -- look forward to the new bang-out."

Lupe Fiasco working on new album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Chicago-based rapper Lupe Fiasco is currently working on his sophomore album, The Cool, which he hopes to release this summer. Fiasco's debut album, Food & Liquor, was released last year but has sold a disappointing 255,000 copies since its release, due to bootlegging.

The rapper has a plan to avoid the same pitfalls. He told MTV.com, "The timing is gonna be pop, pop, pop. There's gonna be a lot of setup and a lot of preproduction on this album, so it's gonna be in pieces. But the pieces won't come together, seriously, until like three weeks before it comes out. We'll probably record everything in, like, a week. So we're just gonna get it all together, map it out, have it done to a T, and then go and record. Then fresh from the studio, fresh to mastering ... so it eliminates a lot of time and error that was surrounding my debut."

As for the content of the new album, Fiasco plans to keep the production in house, with the exception of a track or two from Kanye West, and he plans to stay away from high-profiled guest appearances.

Fiasco explained, "I got the title, and I work top down....This album is gonna be a bit more streamlined and a little bit more focused, I guess you could say....Not a concept album. But I been wrestling with how to make the concept about what I want to make the album about fit but still have enough room where it's just not a full-on story about somebody else. Where you still get all the -- what I think are -- necessary ingredients to do a good, good album."

Jay-Z will be moving soon

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rap mogul Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter has been living in a 4,800-square-foot Time Warner Center luxury condo in New York City that he's been renting for $40,000 a month since September 2005. The New York Post reports that the condo is currently for sale and under contract. The unit, which includes four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, 12-foot ceilings, a library, and a formal dining room is expected to sell for $27 million.

As for Jay-Z, he purchased a $6.85 million Tribeca penthouse on Hudson Street in downtown New York in 2004 but he's been living in the condo uptown while his place is being renovated.

If Jay-Z gets stuck between pads, he may crash with his girlfriend Beyonce at her luxury apartment at One Beacon Court. But the rapper is slated to go on a major tour this spring which may keep him on the road for the next few months.

Paul Wall Creates Custom Vehicle Grills and Wheels

Rapper Paul is taking his penchant for making grills to the next level.
The Houston rapper has teamed with Zenetti, a global trendsetter in designer automotive accessories, to create a signature line of vehicle grills and wheels encrusted with cubic zirconium stones.

The items will be available for coupes, SUVs, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnums, Chargers and Cadillac Escalades.

"The front end grills will be iced out with crystals, and they will be compatible with Chargers, 300M's, Magnums, and Escalades," Paul Wall said. "The wheels are called the Masquerade. They will have crystallized iced out plates that cover the chrome base. One of the best things about the wheels is that the face plates will be removable so that you can ride on chrome or skate on 'ice'!"

Noted for its sophisticated styling and cutting edge concepts, Zenetti specializes in custom wheels for luxury sedans, sports cars and SUVs as well as body styling kits and vehicle grills

Like the grills, the rims wheels will be available for coupes, SUVs, Chrysler 300, Dodge Magnums, Chargers and Cadillac Escalades. Size will range from 19 to 26 inches.

The Zennetti alliance comes on the heels of Wall's recent Grammy nomination for Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Grillz," with Nelly, Ali and Gipp.

The rapper, who joined filmmaker Raquel Cepeda this past summer on a trip to Freetown, Sierra Leone with a contingency from the United Nations and VH1 to raise awareness of conflict diamonds, will donate a portion of the profits from the sales of the grills to humanitarian efforts in Sierra Leone and other war impoverished countries affected by the diamond trade.

Paul Wall hopes the effort will help the damage caused in part by the illicit smuggling and mining of diamonds.

The rapper's experience will be captured in the documentary, Bling: A Planet Rock, which will hit theaters in early 2007.

The grills and wheels as well as the documentary are slated to be released the first quarter of this year.

Nelly and Ashanti are not engaged

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Superstars Nelly and Ashanti were rumored to have become engaged over the Christmas holiday, but the duo - who have tried their best to keep their relationship under wraps -- are not yet set for marriage. The rapper's representatives at Universal Records have issued a statement denying the rumors.

Nelly is currently working on his fifth album, which will be the follow-up to 2004's simultaneous releases, Sweat and Suit. Nelly reissued the project as one disc in 2005 as Sweatsuit.

While some artists refuse to say what songs or albums are their favorites, Nelly has always been clear that his favorite album was his 2000 debut set, Country Grammar. The rapper explained: "Well, it's different because the first album, Country Grammar, was the introduction, you know what I'm sayin'? It was the introduction, and Nellyville was more or less my project, as in...just explaining who I am and what I'm going through. This second project feels a little better, but Country Grammar is the biggest project that I'll ever do because that was the first."

In related news, Ashanti is also in the studio working on a new album. The project will be released through The Inc. Records but, unlike previous efforts, Irv Gotti hasn't been involved creatively.

The Clipse tapped to headline Seagram's Gin Tour

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Clipse have been tapped to headline this year's Seagram's Gin Tour, which kicks off in April. According to the tour's promoters, AR Marketing, opening acts haven't been locked in yet but Alabama rapper Rich Boy is slated to make appearances on select dates.

The Clipse released their oft-delayed sophomore album, Hell Hath No Fury, in November. The latest single and video from the project is "Wamp Wamp" featuring Slim Thug.

Busta Rhymes Accused Of Assault, Police Plan Charges Against Rapper

Police are planning to charge Hip-Hop star Busta Rhymes with assault charges, after the rapper allegedly assaulted a driver who was seeking back pay, the day after Christmas (Dec. 26).

Busta Rhymes, born Trevor Smith, allegedly assaulted Eddie Hatchett, 39, in Rhymes' office on W. Broadway in Manhattan, when Hatchett attempted to collect money Rhymes allegedly owed him.

The rapper, 34, allegedly struck Hatchett multiple times, causing a laceration on the man's face.

The following day (Dec. 27), Hatchett reported the incident to police.

According to The New York Post, police will charge Busta with a misdemeanor charge of third-degree assault, when he reenters the United States tomorrow (Jan. 2).

Rhymes' lawyer Robert Kalina has agreed that Rhymes will surrender to authorities for questioning about the assault, when he returns from his travels abroad.

"I'm just an average Joe trying to support my family," Hatchett said.

The charges are the latest for Busta Rhymes, who is already facing assault charges and harassment for allegedly punching and kicking a man who spit on his Maybach as the rapper's entourage drove by in midtown Manhattan in August of 2006.

The rapper declined a plea bargain that would have allowed him to serve six months for the assault.

In Feb. 2005, Rhymes' bodyguard was shot and killed on the video set for his "Touch It (Remix)" single, taken from his critically acclaimed album The Big Bang.

Police are still seeking to question Rhymes about his knowledge of the shooting and murder, but police say the rapper refuses to cooperate.

50 Cent Caught Driving Reckless Again...

50 Cent continues to rack up traffic violations with the New York City police. Last week the rapper's faulty driving skills caused cops to hand him a citation.

According to the New York's Daily News, the rapper (born Curtis Jackson) was pulled over in Harlem last Thursday (December 28) for making a wrong turn. A crowd of onlookers watched as the hip-hop star was ticketed and given a handshake, then let go.

50 wasn't as lucky with a previous traffic stop; in September police stopped his Lamborghini for changing lanes erratically, then cuffed him and placed him under arrest because he was driving without plates, proof of insurance, vehicle registration and had an expired license.

50 Cent, Nikki Turner and K. Elliott Visit Borders(R) in Manhattan for Book Signings and G-Unit Books Launch

Who: Rapper and The New York Times best-selling author, 50 Cent.
Essence magazine best-selling authors, Nikki Turner and K.
Elliott, will join 50 Cent.

What: 50 Cent, Nikki Turner and K. Elliott sign copies of G-Unit
Books.

When: Thursday, Jan. 4 at 6 p.m.

Where: Borders-Columbus Circle
Time Warner Building
10 Columbus Circle (Celebrity Level)
New York, New York 10019
(212) 823-9775

Why: Committed to enriching lives through entertainment and
knowledge, Borders offers customers the opportunity to meet
their favorite authors and musicians in a friendly and
welcoming atmosphere. In addition to meeting authors Nikki
Turner and K. Elliott, this event allows fans of rapper 50
Cent the chance to meet the artist in an intimate bookstore
setting.

This event serves as the official bookstore launch of 50
Cent's G-Unit Books imprint, a joint venture with MTV/Pocket
Books. G-Unit Books will publish hip-hop novellas.

The Game's manager hoping to make a difference in Jamaica

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Game's manager Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond, Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, and boxing champ Bernard Hopkins visited Jamaica last month to get an up close and personal look at what was going on in the small Caribbean country. Following the trip, Rosemond has pledged his efforts to help Upliftment Jamaica, an organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness amongst youth, in hopes of empowering a bright future for them and their homeland.

Rosemond, who is of Haitian decent, said in a released statement, "People need to be mindful of the other side of Jamaica besides the vacation resorts. As a successful person of Caribbean descent, I take it upon myself to get involved with programs such as 'Upliftment Jamaica'to help bring awareness to the impoverished conditions in Jamaica."

Rosemond is also involved with Wyclef Jean's Yele Haiti organization which is hard at work in Haiti.

New Podcast release and Featured videos on the frontpage

Check the latest Podcast "On Anotha Level Pt. 5" for the latest bangers. Also peep the "Featured Videos" section towards the bottom of the main page(frontpage) for the latest Hip Hop & R&B videos(New and Old)

-HHH Staff