50 Cent Ex Is Trying to Get Rich

50 Cent has paid big money to support his son, Marquise. But the rapper never had an official arrangement with the boy's mother, Shaniqua Tompkins, and now he's taking the unusual step of making it formal, filing papers in Family Court here under his given name, Curtis Jackson.
One friend of 50 tells us he made the move after Tompkins started to get more demanding.

"It was just getting so out of hand," said the buddy. "It was driven by greed. He felt it was necessary to get a court order making clear just what his responsibility is. He took matters into his own hands. It's usually the woman who files. But he wants to do the right thing.

"50 has always provided for his kid. His son's mother is now making unreasonable demands, which seem to have no limits."

Tompkins lived with the hip-hop artist for four years, and the couple had Marquise during that time. They've been apart for five years, but Fitty (shown with Marquise, right) bought them a house in an upscale town on Long Island "so Marquise could be in a good school district," one pal tells us.

"He's paying a lot of child support. He takes on vacations. He just took him to L.A., where they saw Eminem together. He met Justin Timberlake and Timbaland in Miami. He took him to the NBA All-Star Game in Vegas. He sees his son very frequently. When he's on the road, he brings him out."

Tompkins has hired megalawyer Raoul Lionel Felder, and word is she will go for palimony. That could conceivably win her major assets from the star, whose hit album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" tells of the drive-by shooting he survived.

Felder would say only: "Ms. Tompkins is going to get more than fifty cents, I can tell you that."

The performer's spokeswoman, Cindi Berger, said, "Curtis puts his son's needs first. His son is well loved and taken care of. Anything else is a private family and legal matter."


-NYDailyNews

Ice Cube Trades Friday for Sunday

Ice Cube has signed on to star in the Screen Gems film “First Sunday,” which marks the feature directing debut of successful playwright, David E. Talbert.


The actor-rapper plays one of two men who botches an attempt to rob a church. They wind up taking its parishioners hostage, and those churchgoers slowly convert the robbers to see the error of their ways.


Production is scheduled to begin May 14 in Los Angeles and Baltimore. Screen Gems plans to put the film in theaters during the next Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.


Following in the footsteps of fellow playwright-turned-filmmaker Tyler Perry, Talbert is currently weighing offers to adapt several of his plays for the big screen, reports Variety. Like Perry, Talbert has written dozens of gospel-themed productions that have generated tremendous box office for the past 15 years. His latest, "Nick of Tyme," is currently on tour with Morris Chestnut in the lead.


Cube returns to theaters this spring with the Steve Carr-directed "Are We Done Yet?," a sequel to his hit comedy "Are We There Yet?" The rapper is also developing "Welcome Back, Kotter" at the Weinstein Co.

The Game and Young Jeezy to perform at Boost Mobile RockCorps Concert

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Game, Young Jeezy, Korn, Rise Against and Plus-44 are scheduled to perform at the upcoming Boost Mobile Rockcorps Concert on March 30th at Hollywood's Kodak Theater. MTV.com reports that concert was put together to honor 3,000 fans who volunteered their time for community service.

Interestingly enough, the event may turn into a beef session as Young Jeezy has aligned himself with The Game's nemesis, Young Buck. Last weekend Young Jeezy and Young Buck were kicked out of a party in Las Vegas during All Star weekend because Buck taunted The Game and the two crews almost came to blows.

A rumor surfaced that The Game has been attempting to get into contact with Young Jeezy since the incident to see where he stands in the ongoing beef between the G-Unit and their former protege.

Lloyd Banks, Young Hot Rod and Sha Money XL Bring Hot Beats and Rhymes to Ballers Everywhere in FreeStyle Street Basketball(TM)

Sierra Online, a division of Vivendi Games, has signed some of the hottest hip-hop artists and a renowned producer to create an exclusive in-game soundtrack for the highly anticipated PC game FreeStyle Street Basketball(TM). Lloyd Banks, Young Hot Rod and Sha Money XL have been drafted to lead the FreeStyle Street Basketball music team.

G-Unit's Lloyd Banks, whose debut album "Hunger for More" sold more than 3 million copies, is creating the official theme song for FreeStyle Street Basketball. His latest album, "Rotten Apple," is in stores now.

"I jumped at the chance to create an exclusive song for FreeStyle Street Basketball, especially since hip-hop has always been relevant in the street basketball culture," said Lloyd Banks. "I'm always playing video games so to have the opportunity to record the theme song for a game is crazy."

FreeStyle Street Basketball is a fast-paced massively multiplayer online PC basketball game where players meet on virtual courts to challenge each other in a dynamic pick-up game environment, featuring cutting-edge music, fashions and gravity defying basketball moves. The game's easy-to-learn controls allow players to master every move, from simple shots to crazy alleyoop dunks, using just four keys. Gamers can play 1-on-1, 2-on-2 or 3-on-3 street basketball online against people from around the country. The globally popular FreeStyle Street Basketball has more than 30 million players in Asia.

"G-Unit artists embody the spirit of street basketball so Lloyd Banks, Young Hot Rod, and Sha Money XL are a perfect fit for FreeStyle Street Basketball," said Ed Zobrist, President, Sierra Online. "We are excited to combine great artists with great gameplay."

New G-Unit member Young Hot Rod is creating a track exclusively for the game. His first single "Be Easy" featuring Mary J. Blige has heated up the airwaves and his debut album "Fast Lane" is scheduled to drop in early 2007. Famed producer Sha Money XL, whose producing credits include 50 Cent, Tupac and Lloyd Banks, is creating seven exclusive beats for FreeStyle Street Basketball and producing the Lloyd Banks and Young Hot Rod tracks. In addition to producing, Sha Money XL scored 50 Cent: Bulletproof as well as Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift.

FreeStyle Street Basketball will be free for a limited time while it's available for a public preview this spring. The game will be available on retail shelves and via digital distribution following the public preview. For more information on the game and to register for the public preview, visit www.FreeStyleStreetBasketball.com

Jay-Z denies Omillio Sparks the Keys to the ROC Kingdom...

Jay Z is slated by former friend and label mate, Omillio Sparks aka "Baby Boy", for being denied a distribution deal for his hit single "It Ain't My Fault". Sparks could not obtain clearance from Jay-Z for a sample used from the hit single "Dirt Off Your Shoulders" from The Black Album which caused a major distribution deal to be pulled off the table. Omillio’s camp made numerous attempts to get clearance for the record from Jay Z and producer Lenny S. Sparks' team were unsuccessful in their request to obtain a mee ting and or a simple phone call with Jay -Z about the importance of his role and clearing that sample. Jay-Z had previously made statements to the media saying that Sparks would be the next artist from the ROC to go platinum but is now unavailable for comment. The song was scheduled to be the first single released from his solo album debuting in May of 2007. The album “Pay Back” has features with State Property’s Beanie Sigel, and Rocafella’s Peedi Peedi and Freeway. As a result of not receiving clearance, Sparks just recently leaked the new leading single, titled “I Came from Nothing”. "I came from nothing" is getting spins in multiple markets, and rave reviews by DJ's. Sp a rks will be shooting the video for the single next month, with confirmed video appearances by Cassidy, DTP’s Shereefa, the State Property Crew, and more.

In related news Sparks will be teaming up with Atlantic Records Detroit Artist- Al Fatz to do an official remix of the track.

Omillio Sparks aka Kenneth Johnson was signed to Rocafella records in the late 90’s by Damon Dash and Shawn Carter. Omillio Sparks wrote on seven songs on the State Property 1 album and six on State Property 2- writing his verses as well as the hooks. He also wrote the hook for Jay Z’s, I Just Wanna Love You off the Dynasty album and also had a verse on the single, As One, off of Jay Z’s, Blueprint 2: The Gift & The Curse. He’s also been featured on songs with Beanie Sigel, DMX, and many others. He’s laid verses to tracks produced by Kanye West, Just Blaze, Johnny J, and Black Keys and has starred in three movies, including State Property 1 and 2. Since leaving Rocafella records he has established a new independent label, Colossal Entertainment.

Common to perform at Duke after bad mouthing lacrosse team

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and actor Common is set to perform at Duke University's Last Day of Classes concert on April 25th. New York's Daily News reports that the rapper may get a cold reception because he dissed the Duke Lacrosse Team last year while performing at Emory University in Atlanta.

During the Emory concert, Common allegedly said, "F**k them damn n****s from Duke lacrosse. I really believe in my heart that those boys in Duke lacrosse did it -- that they raped a black princess."

LDOC chairwoman Beth Higgins said of his comments, "I had no idea because the concert at Emory was private." Likewise, many Duke students are similarly unaware.

Higgins looked into cancelling the show but the university's contract with Common is binding. She said, "After looking through the contract and talking to his agency, it just really wasn't possible. And it wasn't really something that we were seriously considering because (the contract is) legally binding.

Higgins added, "We're not actively seeking an apology. It's free speech. But we would like a statement from (his management) just so we know they recognize that to us it is a very grave situation."

Black Eyed Peas', Justin Timberlake's, Busta Rhymes' Grammy Award Nominated Engineer Ethan Willoughby Killed By Drunk Driver

Grammy nominated audio and mix engineer, Ethan Willoughby, was killed in a car accident on Sunday, February 18th, as a result of being hit by a drunk driver.

Born, December 12, 1976 in Evansville, Wisconsin, Ethan attended the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona, earning his degree in engineering and production education. After graduating in 1999, Ethan began his career in music training as an assistant under his mentor, famed mix engineer Dave Pensado, at The Enterprise Studio in North Hollywood, CA. While assisting Dave, Ethan worked on projects for Pink, Christina Aguilera, Brian McKnight, Jessica Simpson, Mya, Lionel Richie and Destiny's Child as well as embarking on his first collaboration with Justin Timberlake on Timberlake's debut album, Justified. Dave spoke of his friend and protege, Ethan, saying, "Of all the people I've known in the music business, Ethan had the purest love and enjoyment for what he did. Everyone he touched was better off for knowing him."

After two and a half years working under Dave Pensado, Ethan made his transition to lead engineer, quickly establishing himself as a true talent in the music industry. It was Ethan's work with will.i.am on Bob Marley's, Africa Unite (will.i.am remix), that led to his close relationship with the Black Eyed Peas and subsequent work on their projects. will.i.am stated, "Ethan was one of the few people I trusted with my music, to mix it and make it sound perfect. Most importantly he was one of the nicest, kindest people that God blessed us with." Ethan continued to build his credits working with such esteemed artists as, the Rolling Stones, Busta Rhymes, the Game, Fergie, Sergio Mendes, Macy Gray, John Legend, Kelis, Common, Justin Timberlake and many more.

Most recently, Ethan realized his life-long dream of being nominated for a Grammy before the age of 30, when he was recognized with the 2007 Album of the Year Grammy nomination for his engineering efforts on Justin Timberlake's multi-platinum Future, Sex, Love Sounds. Justin shared his sadness over the loss of his friend and collaborator: "I am deeply saddened by this loss... Ethan Willoughby was not only an amazing talent in the studio, but also an amazing person. We will all miss his presence and his love for music. We love you dearly, Ethan and we will carry on your love for what we hold so dear. A true gift to our industry... A loyal friend to me. See you in the next one, my man."

Ethan is survived by his wife, Stephanie Cooper-Willoughby; daughters, Ava and Mycheala; sister, Catherine; and parents, John and Barbara Willoughby.

A memorial will be held in honor of Ethan at Morning View Studios in Malibu, CA on Saturday, February 24th at 11 AM.

Our condolences goes out to his family.

Chamillionaire gets help from Snoop Dogg on new single

By: Janine Coveney

Grammy Award winning rapper Chamillionaire is set to release his sophomore album, Ultimate Victory, in April. The rapper recently released the first single from the project, "Not A Criminal" featuring Kelis. Chamillionaire explained that he actually has two versions of the song. He said: "I just released a single, called 'Not A Criminal'featuring Kelis. And I actually have another version of the same song featuring Busta and Snoop Dogg, so."

The rapper added: "I seen Snoop and he was like, 'Fashizzle, dizzle, what's up?'You know what I'm saying? I'm a fan of Snoop and he was just so cool. He kept calling me nephew. he got on the record with Busta so that's real big."

Ultimate Victory also features guest appearances by Lil Wayne, Pimp C, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Slick Rick, and Devin The Dude.

Luda says expect the unexpected from disturbing Tha Peace

By: Janine Coveney

Now that he's establish himself as a musical powerhouse with two Grammy wins earlier this month, Ludacris is turning his attention to his Disturbing Tha Peace label, whose roster includes Shawnna, I-20, Lil Fate, Shareefa, Field Mob, and Bobby Valentino.

Backstage at the Grammy Awards. Ludacris said: "Next projects from the Disturbing Tha Peace camp, we have a lot of different artists coming out. We have a artist by the name of Bobby Valentino whose first album came out about two years ago so he has another album. It's called Special Occasion."

The rapper added: "We have new artists such as a guy by the name of Stef Jones coming out soon. We have different groups. You know we just as a label we have different genres of music so you can just expect the unexpected at all times."

Redman doesn't plan to count on Def Jam Records

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Redman is planning to release his new album, Red Gone Wild, in late March or early April. The first single from the project is "Put It Down" but according to the rapper that can change. He told MTV.com, "I don't know how everybody else does it, but Def Jam is working like whatever gets played on the radio is your single. It's just like, if I got a record that I ain't even want to be the single, but if the bi***es gets a certain amount of spins, that's my single (and) video. Another thing is they don't shoot videos off the bat no more. They wait till you get spins, then shoot. ... I know everybody is waiting to see, 'Let's see what Def Jam is going to do with Redman,'because other artists were complaining that the promotion was bulls**t. You know the routine."

The rapper added, "I'm not gonna be the last man standing. I'd look like a fool saying, 'Def Jam didn't do this for me, that for me.'I'm self-sufficient, self-owned. These last four years, I've been going on the road my damn self, shaking hands. Letting people know this is coming out."

Redman recently released a new mixtape, Live From The Bricks.

Redman's first three albums -- 1992's Whut? Thee Album, 1994's Dare Iz A Darkside, and 1996's Muddy Waters -- were all certified gold for sales of 500,000 copies each. The rapper's 1998 set, Doc's Da Name 2000, was certified platinum, and its follow-up, 2001's Malpractice, was certified gold.

Busta Rhymes rejects plea deal

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Busta Rhymes was offered a deal on Tuesday, February 20th, that would cover his two pending assault charges. Prosecutors offered Rhymes the option of spending six months behind bars, which he quickly rejected. The Associated Press reports that Manhattan Criminal Court Judge Tanya Kennedy then offered the rapper the option to plead guilty to third degree assault in exchange for a conditional discharge. Rhymes is currently considering the deal, which would require no jail time.

Rhymes is facing assault charges in two separate cases: The first for beating 39-year-old Edward Hatchett, his former driver, "with a closed fist about the head and neck" and kicking him in the ribs and torso during a dispute over back pay on December 26th at his Manhattan offices; and, the second for allegedly assaulting a fan who spit on his car following an August 12th performance at the AmsterJam Music Festival on Randall's Island.

Assistant District Attorney Harrison Schweiloch had offered Rhymes six months in jail to cover both assaults with orders of protection for the victims but Rhymes is leaning towards Judge Kennedy's offer, which would include five days of community service, two weeks of youth lectures, six months of anger management classes, and three years probation. In six months, the charges would be dropped, but if Rhymes failed to meet the requirements he could receive up to one year behind bars.

Rhymes is currently working on a new album, Before Hell Freezes Over, which he plans to release this summer.

Young Buck and The Game almost come to blows at Diddy's Party

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Young Buck and former G-Unit soldier The Game were almost involved in a physical confrontation early Saturday, February 17th, when both men showed up at an NBA All Star Weekend party with large entourages. Ballerstatus.net reports that Young Buck and approximately 30 associates went to The Ice House Lounge nightclub for a party which was being hosted by T.I. and Young Jeezy as part of Sean "Diddy" Combs'Las Vegas Takeover. About an hour later, The Game showed up at the same party with a large entourage in tow. Both parties settled in the VIP area but soon Young Buck began to taunt The Game.

When The Game gestured back, Young Buck and his people headed to the stage where they grabbed a mic and Young Buck began to rap a freestyle diss over the track to "Put You On To Game." The Game and his crew then attempted to come down to the stage area but were stopped by security.

A witness said, "Young Buck was really taunting The Game from upstairs, sitting on the railing of the VIP. Then he went downstairs and got on stage on the mic and taunted him some more. The Game stood up on the railing of the upstairs VIP. His people held his arm, so he wouldn't fall. It was crazy! His whole crew headed down the stairs. The stage was at the bottom of the stairs. Then we ran the hell out of there!"

Young Buck and Young Jeezy -- who happened to be hanging out with him and their crews -- were asked to leave the venue. After Young Buck was gone, The Game and his crew was allowed to leave the venue.

The beef between the two men stems back to January 2005 when 50 Cent kicked The Game out of the G-Unit.

Jim Jones Interview

Jim Jones Interview - Part 1

Jim Jones Interview - Part 2

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony gearing up for 'Strength & Loyalty'

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is gearing up for the release of their new album, Strength & Loyalty, on April 17th on Interscope Records. The set will be the group's first since signing with Swizz Beatz'Interscope-distributed label.

Group member Krayzie Bone, who won a Grammy Award earlier this month in the best rap performance by duo or group for "Ridin'" with Chamillionaire, provided an update as to what was going on with Bone. He said: "Yeah well right now we got three members in the group. Bizzy Bone is no longer in the group right now. But you know we still moving, know what I'm sayin'? One person don't make the group you know what I'm sayin'and we still Bone Thugs-N-Harmony. We still got the same music, even better if you ask me."

The rapper added: "The first single we have is with Akon, it's called 'I Tried.'We got Chamillionaire on the album. We got Mariah Carey on the album. We got Yolanda Adams on the album, you know what I'm sayin'? There's a lot of people on the album. This is really our first time ever doing collaboration."

Kim Mathers says Eminem is still on drugs

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

In August of 2005, Eminem pulled out of the European leg of the Anger Management tour so that he could enter rehab and deal with a sleeping pill dependency. According to his ex-wife, however, the rapper is still heavily involved with drugs. Kim Mathers told Detroit's WKQI 95.5's Mojo In The Morning that she had to force her children to visit Eminem and that he wasn't taking care of Hailie Jade or Kim's other children and was still on drugs.

Eminem issued the following statement on Friday, February 16th, "It's a shame that I've moved on and Kim hasn't. Her ongoing press campaign is doing nothing but harm to the children, and for that I feel truly sorry. For their sake I wish she would stop."

According to Kim Mathers, the rap star also sent her a text message saying he couldn't believe she was going on air to discuss the relationship. She responded, "I'm like 'hello, have you listened to any of your songs?'"

During the interview Mathers also said that she doesn't think Eminem is capable of loving women and that she's worried about his drug use. She explained, "The 'When I'm Gone'video. Me and Hailie were supposed to be in that and lets just say I found some things on the video set that probably shouldn't have been there and that's why we weren't in the actual video."

Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, Akon & Others get down with Al Gore

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Snoop Dogg, Pharrell Williams, John Legend, Akon, and the Black Eyed Peas are some of the acts who have agreed to take part in a series of international concerts being put together by former vice-president Al Gore that are aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues particularly global warming. MTV.com reports that the concerts will take place on July 7th in seven cities: London; Shanghai, China; Sydney, Australia; Johannesburg, South Africa; and cities to be determined in Brazil, Japan and the United States.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fall Out Boy, Kelly Clarkson, John Mayer, the Foo Fighters, AFI, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, Bon Jovi, Paolo Nutini, Melissa Etheridge, Damien Rice, Corinne Bailey Rae, Duran Duran, Snow Patrol, Enrique Iglesias, Maná, Keane, Korn, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Bloc Party are some of the artists scheduled to participate. Additional performers will be announced later.

Al Gore, Cameron Diaz, Pharrell Williams, and concert organizer Kevin Wall announced the concert on Thursday, February 15th, at the California Science Center.

Talib Kweli reunites with Hi-Tek for new single

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Talib Kweli hooked back up with his Reflection Eternal partner, Hi-Tek, for the latest single and video, "More Or Less," from his forthcoming album, Eardrum. The album will be Kweli's first since inking a label deal with the Warner Music Group for his Blacksmith label.

Eardrum will feature guest spots by Jean Grae, Norah Jones, Strong Arm Steady, UGK, and Kanye West and production by Hi-Tek and Kwame.

Kweli's last release, 2004's Beautiful Struggle, was released on Geffen Records.

Reflection Eternal released their debut album, Train of Thought, in 2000.

50 Cent and Irv Gotti stare each other down at Universal Party

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

50 Cent and Irv Gotti still haven't gotten past their beef. The New York Post Page Six reports that the two ended up at a Grammy viewing party thrown by Universal Music chairman Doug Morris at the Palm restaurant in Los Angeles. The two rivals allegedly stared each other down before Gotti decided to make an early evening of it and leave. A spy told the paper, "It was like the Cold War."

Gotti recently signed a new distribution deal with Universal Music, and 50 Cent and G Unit Records are signed to Interscope Records which is also a part of the Universal Music Group. According to an insider, the new bad blood was created right after Gotti signed his deal. The source said, "Irv started bad-mouthing 50 Cent, saying he was going to outsell him and that 50 was nothing. Irv even went so far as to say he was going to be the next president of Universal. It all got back to 50 -- and other executives at Universal -- and no one is happy with him right now. Especially 50."

Gotti's lawyer, Jerry Lefcourt, denied that Gotti made an comments. He said, "He has never said anything about 50 -- it's just somebody bringing up old stuff."

Robin Thicke "Evolves" to #1

Santa Monica, CA – Grammy Award-winner writer/producer Robin Thicke’s album has anchored at the #1 spot as the biggest selling R&B album for a second straight week. Bolstered by the success of the #1 hit “Lost Without U,” the album sits at #6 this week on the Top 200 Album chart and remains the #1 most played song ever at the Urban Adult Contemporary format. “Lost Without U” currently sits at #1 on the R&B Singles Chart, #25 on Billboard’s Hot 100, and is the most requested video on both MTV and VH1.



A self-taught musician, Robin’s talents as a producer/songwriter can be heard on albums by Usher, Christina Aguilera and Mary J. Blige. He has recently toured with Keyshia Cole, India Arie and John Legend and he’ll continue to tour throughout the summer. For dates and venues check out robinthicke.com and myspace.com/robinthicke.



“The Evolution of Robin Thicke” has been certified gold, and is nominated for a Soul Train Award for Best Soul/R&B Album. A limited edition version of the album is in stores now, and includes ringtones for every song, cell phone wallpaper, and an autographed poster. A special edition of the album with three previously unreleased songs is also available on iTunes.

Prodigy says new album is just a mixtape being treated as an album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Mobb Deep's Prodigy will release an independent album, Return of The Mac, on March 27th. The album will be released through Koch Records, although the rapper is signed to 50 Cent's G-Unit Records as one-half of Mobb Deep. Prodigy will release his official sophomore album, H.N.I.C. 2, later this year.

Prodigy explained that Return Of The Mac is really a mixtape. He said: "Just getting people ready for H.N.I.C. 2, you know what I'm sayin', but Return Of The Mac, it's just like a concept, you know what I'm sayin', mixtape basically. You know what I'm sayin'? At the end of the day, it's getting treated like an album, you know what I'm sayin', but when we made it was just like a concept mixtape you know what I mean?"

The lead single from the new project is "Stuck On You." The album was produced by Alchemist and only features one guest appearance.

Prodigy explained: "Basically there's a song on there called 'Seven Heaven.'On that it features my man Un from Far Rockaway. You know he was like the only feature on there. It just happen naturally like that. It was nothing that we planned. Everything was just natural. That's one of the crazy ones on there.'

Wu-Tang Affiliate Killed in Shooting

Dante Cunningham, also known as Doc Doom from the Wu-Tang affiliated group “Almighty Black Knights” was shot and killed in Compton two nights ago on (Feb 11).

Doc who appeared on a couple of Wu-Tang Clan releases such as RZA Presents Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm was recently just released from Prison and had plans to return to the studio with his group as well as contributing to the upcoming Bobby Digital album due in the 4th quarter.

No word as of yet to the motive behind the shootings but we will try to keep you posted. Our condolences to his friends and family.

50 Cent and Cam'ron begin War

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

After getting into an argument on the Angie Martinez's Show on WQHT-FM earlier this month, the battle between 50 Cent and Cam'ron officially began on Friday, February 9th, when 50 Cent had several men dressed in black deliver roses and a black box containing a CD and DVD to several radio stations across the country.

The box contained his new diss track, "Cam'ron Funeral Music," and the DVD contained a music video of 50 Cent and the G-Unit mocking Cam'ron and flashing some high caliber guns.

During the adlibs of the song, 50 Cent says he won't destroy Dip Set but there are gonna be changes, including making Jimmy Jones the leader, Juelz Santana the capo. Cam'ron he said should be demoted to soldier.

Cam'ron released an untitled response song late Friday and he was expected to shoot a video for the song over the weekend. On the record, Cam'ron says 50 Cent looks like a gorilla with buck teeth.

2007, The Return of the MadFace Invasion

Onyx is a hardcore rap group consisted of Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr and Sonee Seeza-also known as the Afficial Nasty Niggaz or Da MadFace Invasion.
They only took one month to go Platinum with their first album “Bacdafucup”, which was released in 1993.

Today, we are in 2007 and onyx is still alive, with their newest project, Yung Onyx.
Onyx is ready to hit the score again; with their unique style and hardcore rap on your face.
But that's not all; they got a clothing line coming out this year.
The ‘Madface’ clothing line will consist of jeans, hoodies, T-shirts, hats and accessories in lines for men, women and children.

It's true that the fans have been waiting for so long and their last album was not really what they had been waiting for, from a group like Onyx.
But the front man, Sticky Fingaz, apologised for the whole let down and the group promise to the old fans and the new generation to bring back the real hardcore rap they’ve been missing so much.
As Fredro Starr said himself, "History Repeats It Self".


Yung onyx website:
http://yungonyx.com/

MadFace Clothing website:
http://madfaceclothing.tripod.com/

Lyfe Jennings, Yung Joc chosen for Rockport Campaign

By: Janine Coveney

Singer-songwriter Lyfe Jennings and rapper Yung Joc are among a quartet of young urban stars tapped by footwear maker Rockport for its new ad campaign to promote its Established 1971 collection. The ad campaign will launch for spring 2007 in select magazines, and will also feature The Wire actor Wood Harris and MTV television personality Coltrane Curtis.

The promotional material will be shot in Miami, focusing on the distinct fashion style of each celebrity. They will also be participating in various Rockport Established 1971 events in designated local markets.

Dr. Dre Signs Deal With New Line Cinema

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip-hop super-producer Dr. Dre has signed a multi-year production deal with New Line Cinema for his newly formed Crucial Films company. Daily Variety reports that Dr. Dre and his partner, Phillip Atwell, will focus on developing dark comedies. Dr. Dre will also play a major role on the musical side of the projects.

Dr. Dre, whose real name is Andre Young, said, "This is a natural switch for me, since I've directed a lot of music videos. And I eventually want to get into directing."

New Line producer Toby Emmerich added, "Everything Dre has worked on becomes a hit, and one of the reasons for that is he never put his name on anything he doesn't really believe in."

Dr. Dre has appeared in several movies including: Set It Off, Training Day, and The Wash. The producer has also composed music for The Wash, A Man Apart, Bad Boys II, Natural Born Killers, and Set It Off.

Dr. Dre is also working on a new album, titled DeTox.

Jadakiss pleads not guilty to gun, drug charges in NY

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Jadakiss, the rapper who wrote controversial lyrics about President Bush and the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on New York, has been indicted on gun and drug charges.

Using his real name of Jason Phillips, Jadakiss entered a not guilty plea Thursday to charges of possessing a loaded handgun and marijuana.

He was arrested Oct. 7 with three other men in his native Yonkers. Police said they stopped the car he was in after smelling marijuana and then found the gun.

The rapper's lawyer, Clement Patti, said, "I have yet to see or hear of any evidence connecting my client to possessing this weapon." He said Jadakiss was in the back seat and did not know there was a gun in the front console.

Jadakiss' most recent album was "Kiss of Death," and he had a hit single, "U Make Me Wanna," featuring Mariah Carey. His 2004 song "Why" included lyrics asking "Why did Bush knock down the towers?" He said later it meant the president had failed to stop terrorism.

If convicted on the gun charge in Westchester County Court, the maximum sentence Jadakiss would face is 16 months to seven years in prison. The law was toughened in November to provide a minimum sentence of 3 1/2 years.

Two of the other arrested men face similar charges. No indictment of the fourth was announced.

New Young Buck Album In March

Originally due in late November, rapper Young Buck’s sophomore album, "Buck the World," is back on track for a March 20 release via G-Unit/Interscope. Buck, who told Billboard.com just a few weeks before the planned Nov. 28 release date that "When everything is feeling right, then I’ll release it," says he feels the world is now ready for the album.

"I think I created a masterpiece here," the Tennessee native said in a statement. "I put my heart in it and I think my fans are gonna love it."

"Buck the World," which was co-executive produced by 50 Cent and Sha Money XL, features production from superstars like Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, Hi-Tek and Jazze Pha. T.I., Young Jeezy, Pimp C, Snoop Dogg, Trick Daddy, Lyfe Jennings, Trey Songz, Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington and Buck’s G-Unit brethren make guest appearances.

The first single off the album is "I Know You Want Me," featuring and produced by Jazze Pha. The follow-up track is intended to be "Get Buck," which ships to U.S. radio outlets Feb. 26.

"Buck the World" follows 2005’s "Straight Outta Cashville," which debuted at No. 3 on The Billboard 200.

As previously reported, Buck recently opened a clothing store (Cashville Clothing) and a restaurant (Cashville Chicken & Waffles) in his hometown of Nashville. He’s also been giving back to the neighborhood through the G-Unity Foundation, recently surprising the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee with a $15,000 donation for their Extreme Game Room Makeover.

Beyonce leads Soul Train Music Award Nominations

By: Janine Coveney

Singing, songwriting diva Beyonce leads the nominations for the 21st annual Soul Train Music Awards with a total of three. She's in the running for best R&B single, female, for "Irreplaceable," best female album for B'Day, and the best video award named for Michael Jackson, also for "Irreplaceable."

Double nominees include Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Chris Brown, Gnarls Barkley, Ne-Yo, Young Joc, Jagged Edge, and the Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley.

Special honorees for the Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievement, the Stevie Wonder Award For Outstanding Career Achievement in Songwriting, and the Sammy Davis Jr. Award For Entertainer of the Year will be announced at a later date.

The 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards will be co-hosted by singer LeToya and R&B star Omarion on March 10th at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena. The special will be broadcast via syndication between March 17th and March 24th via Tribune Entertainment.

The complete list of 2007 Soul Train Music Award nominees is as follows:

Best R&B/Soul Single, Female

"Irreplaceable," Beyonce
"Take Me As I Am," Mary J. Blige
"Love," Keyshia Cole
"Torn," LeToya
Best R&B/Soul Single, Male
"4 Minutes," Avant
"Yo (Excuse Me Miss)," Chris Brown
"Save Room," John Legend
"Sexy Love," Ne-Yo

Best R&B/Soul Single, Group, Band or Duo

"Crazy," Gnarls Barkley
"Just Came Here to Chill," The Isley Brothers Featuring Ronald Isley
"Good Luck Charm," Jagged Edge
"Stickwitchu," The Pussycat Dolls Featuring Avant

Best R&B/Soul Album, Female

B'Day, Beyonce
The Breakthrough, Mary J. Blige
Testimony: Vol. I, Life & Relationship, India.Arie
The Makings of Me, Monica

Best R&B/Soul Album, Male

Chris Brown, Chris Brown
Unpredictable, Jamie Foxx
Once Again, John Legend
The Evolution of Robin Thicke, Robin Thicke

Best R&B/Soul Album, Group, Band or Duo

Danity Kane, Danity Kane
St. Elsewhere, Gnarls Barkley
Baby Makin'Music, The Isley Brothers Featuring Ronald Isley
Jagged Edge, Jagged Edge

Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist

"Gotcha," Lupe Fiasco
"Sexy Love," Ne-Yo
"Hustlin'," Rick Ross
"It's Goin'Down," Yung Joc

The Michael Jackson Award For Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video
"Irreplaceable," Beyonce
"I Love My Chick," Busta Rhymes featuring Will.I.Am & Kelis
"Show Me What You Got," Jay-Z
"We Fly High," Jim Jones

Best R&B/Soul or Rap Dance Cut

"Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It," Dem Franchize Boyz Featuring Lil Peanut & Charlay
"Give It Up to Me," Sean Paul
"Chicken Noodle Soup," Webstar & Young B Featuring The Voice of Harlem
"It's Goin' Down," Yung Joc

Best Gospel Album

Paved the Way, The Caravans
Songs from the Storm, Volume I, Kirk Franklin
Singing the Old Time Way, Volume II, Bishop G.E. Patterson & Congregation
The Struggle is Over, Youth for Christ

R. Kelly Suffers Burst Appendix

(CBS) MIAMI Singer R. Kelly was unable to see the Super Bowl this weekend because of a serious health problem.

Kelly was in Miami on Sunday for the big game when his appendix ruptured. He was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery and missed the game.

As of Wednesday, Kelly was still hospitalized in good condition.

He will miss a status hearing at the Criminal Courthouse in Chicago in a criminal case against him.

In that case, Kelly is accused in a 14-count indictment of having sex with an underage girl and videotaping it. He is awaiting trial.

Swizz Beatz says new album is all about fun

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Super producer Swizz Beatz will release his new album, One Man Band Man, on March 6th. The first single from the project is unconventional and titled, "It's Me B**ches." The song is only two minutes long and features the same verse twice.

Beatz explained how he came up with the song. He said, "When I did it, I was just in my vibe. I was drinking a little bit, celebrating ...and I was just like, 'It's me, b**ches.'I was just having fun, then I was like, 'Turn on the mic.'I felt the vibe like when I do songs. I go in there and try to feed off my vibe at that moment, because it comes and it leaves. So I just caught my vibe. And we usually sell the song to somebody else or give that vibe to somebody else, but with this song, I just felt like I needed to keep it for myself because it was so much me."

The producer added, "Artists like to follow rules -- I don't know who wrote them -- but I'll be like, 'Yo, that's the hook.'But a rapper or somebody else will probably say, 'Oh, it needs more to it. You can't just say (that) on the hook. What about radio?'I didn't really care about radio. I just cared about making something that felt hot. I didn't make the song extra long. I repeated the verses twice so people could get familiar with it, sing along with it and have fun with it. I'm not trying to be the best lyricist, the most lyrical. But I know I got one thing: making people feel good when they hear music."

One Man Band Man will also feature a collaboration with Coldplay.

Plans are in the works to shoot a simple video with Benny Boom for "It's Me B**tches." Beatz plan to shoot more elaborate videos for the projects next two singles, "Big Money" and "Take a Picture." He's hoping to shoot the video for "Take A Picture" in Dubai.

Scarface recording but isn't sure if hell release an album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Former Geto Boys frontman Scarface is itching to put out a solo project but he just isn't sure how he'll do it, now that he's a free agent. Scarface told MTV.com, "I wanna do an album bad as hell and I'm in the studio recording. When and where and how? The world may never know. But I look forward to it, though. I look forward to doing it with Rap-A-Lot. We'll see how it turns out."

Scarface has kept busy by producing for other acts like UGK. He explained, "When (Bun B and Pimp C) called me and asked me to do some stuff on their new album, as far as production is concerned, I was honored. I heard some of (the album) and it's incredible."

Scarface may also finally release some material from his rock side project, Sick Ass Psycho Bastards.

The rapper's last release was 2002's The Fix which was released on Def Jam Records.

DJ Khaled releases first single from 'We The Best'

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Terror Squad's DJ Khaled will release his sophomore album, We The Best, in June. The deejay recently released the first single from the project, "We Takin'Over" featuring Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, Baby, Rick Ross, T.I., and Akon. Khaled told MTV.com, "This record, nothing sounds like it, it sounds real big."

"We Takin'Over" was produced by Danjahands and Khaled knew immediately that he wanted Akon on it. He explained, "I said, 'I gotta put Akon on the chorus to make it into a movie.'This record is gonna change the game, man. When I got it to Akon, the minute I gave it to him, he said 'Khaled, congratulations, you got "TRL" now.'He was in Africa, Europe, I had to go find him. I had somebody hand him a phone in Africa, like, 'Khaled wants to talk to you.'When he was in Europe, somebody handed him a phone, like, 'Khaled needs you.'It's probably going to be one of the biggest records in '07."

Khaled also shared that he has some tricks up his sleeve. He said, "I got a record for New York City that's gonna sound so big and feel so big. It's gonna remind you of something. I don't wanna give away the surprise, but it's coming. When I was out promoting my last album, I started on this one. In this game you have to stay relevant and be in these people's faces. Fans want music. I'm making good music. This album has big records. We the best!"

Fabolous talks about shooting and new album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Fabolous was shot in the thigh outside of Justin's Restaurant in October and now the rapper is finally discussing the incident. He told MTV.com, "It was a life threatening experience, so I took it as that. Even when I got my truck back (after the shooting), I looked at (one of the shots) in the windshield -- it was high enough to be a head shot. I looked at that as being more dangerous than the leg thing. My leg was better in a week and a half. I was back regular, like it never even happened. Even the hole didn't look nothing much (more serious) than a cigarette burn. The bullet didn't hit no bone. I'm a skinny dude ... I don't have a bunch of meat for it to really run through and be a flesh wound. For it to be a flesh wound, I was like, 'Wow.'"

Fabolous added, "It was a good thing that it happened towards the end of the year. It happened in October, and I had two months to really think about what was going on. I didn't have my structure around me right. Once that thing happened, I had to get a structure within my life and make sure I get this s**t moving right. I had a lot of things that wasn't moving right. Everything was moving on spur of the moment. Anybody who's in a leadership position or a boss position, you need to have some structure. You need to have certain people who ... make the whole clock keep running smoothly. I look back at the shooting like if s**t would have been structured right, maybe none of it would have been happening."

Following the shooting, Def Jam Records decide to move the release of Fabolous'new album, From Nothing To Something, up but the album wasn't competed in time.

The set will now be released on March 27th. Fabolous has so far leaked two songs from the set, "Return of the Hustle" featuring Swizz Beatz and "Diamonds on My Damn Chain" featuring Lil Wayne.

The official lead single from the project is "Make Me Better" featuring Ne-Yo. Fabolous explained, "You want a girl that completes you and makes you better. You don't want a girl who brings more arguments and more bills. ... You want a girl who, when you're walking around with your tie crooked, she fixes your tie. .... That's the kind of (woman) I'm looking for. Whether she's a celebrity or non-celebrity don't really matter. You just need somebody you can connect with."

The song was produced by Timbaland but the two weren't in the studio at the same time. Fabolous explained, "I never got to actually hook up with Tim. But I was in Miami working for two and a half months. So I would see him out, see him around. I seen him in (Miami hot spot) the Forge a couple of times, and a couple of his records would come on and I'd be like, 'This is what I need.'He'd be laughing and say, 'All right.'He definitely knows I respect his work. (When I went to record 'Make Me Better') Ne-Yo came in and attacked them strings. He already had a vision. When I came in, all I had to do was put the spice on the s**t and it was ready. It was smash already to me."

C-Murder set to release new album next month

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper C-Murder is hoping to revive his rap career after spending several years in jail for a 2002 murder conviction which was later overturned. The rapper will release his new album, Screamin'4 Vengeance, on March 20th. The first single from the project is "Posted On Tha Block" featuring Snoop Dogg.

The video for the song was directed by Estevan Oriol and, since C-Murder is currently under a gag order, he wasn't allowed to appear in the video except through still photographs.

The rapper said in a released statement, "A lot of people want to know what's going on with me and what my personal feelings are as far as what I've been through the last five years. I expressed it on 'Posted On Tha Block.'The public's getting a basic picture of what I've been through, how I feel and what's going on in my mind from that song."

Screamin' 4 Vengeance will feature guest appearances by Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, LeToya, and Pimp C.

Eminem's ex-wife, Kim Mathers, speaks about infidelity

Kim Mathers, 32, had an exclusive interview with "20/20's" JuJu Chang to set the record straight about her preceived image and her near 20-year relationship with rap star Eminem "Marshall Mathers".

"Money is great, but it doesn't make your husband stay at home with you," said Mathers. "Or sleep in the same bed with you … Him being on the road and on tour … that was like the big one. I mean … constant infidelities, all the time," she said.

After starting off in a relationship (on again and off again) since the age of 13, (Eminem, 15) Kim Mathers stated that Eminem and herself vowed to always protect each other no matter what. When he didn't have a place to stay she would walk the street with him until she knew he had somewhere to live and he would be there for her.

The problems actually didn't began until after the rapper found stardom.

Kim says she found out about his affairs not only by word of mouth but also by walking in on him a few times.

"He would constantly try to belittle me and make me think, like, I should be grateful, basically, that he was with me," said Kim Mathers.

Eminem used words to get at Kim Mathers by using it in one of his raps after he pistol-whipped a man he claims was kissing her.The rapper was given a weapons charge for the incident. To overcome the humiliation from the rap he wrote, Kim Mathers ran to cocaine which landed her in and out rehab and court.

"I had low self-esteem," she said. "I just really wanted attention and love from somebody."

Kim Mathers admitted to having her share of affairs.

In 2000, Kim slit her wrists which landed her in the hospital after Eminem stated he wouldn't perfrom the song in their hometown. The rapper performed the song anyways with blow-up dolls where he choked them and threw them into the crowd.

The incident drove her to the end,"I made it home," she said, "and I went upstairs in my bathroom and I slit my wrists and ended up in the hospital."

"I am not trying to bash Marshall or make him look bad, [I] just, you know, want people to know, I am a person, too,"said Mathers. "I am trying to move forward with my life," stated Kim Mathers.

After ending two marriages with the rapper currently Kim Mathers is launching a career in interior design and focusing on raising her two daughters along with a niece and nephew.

Will Smith to bring daughter into acting also

Will Smith gives up on rap riches,leverages acting future by Clayton Brown.

In the Pursuit of Happyness critics thought that Will Smith’s son Jaden was spectacular and now will Smith is opting for some more nepotism.In his latest film “I am Legend” he gets his daughter involved.

In the movie, Smith plays the last man on Earth uninfected by swarming vampires. The bridge scene, complete with helicopters and ferries, is a flashback of everyone attempting to evacuate Manhattan by getting past a military barricade onto an East River barge. Smith is running for his life with his wife, Sallie Richardson-Whitfield, and their daughter, played by Smith’s real-life daughter Willow.

The Oscar-nominated actor and rapper Will Smith has been in New York City to shoot scenes for his new movie, I Am Legend. Last Thursday night, Smith and over 1000 crew members were assembled under the Brooklyn Bridge to shoot a scene when the temperature dropped to eleven degrees. A source told the New York Post’s Page Six, “So he grabs the microphone from the first assistant director and breaks out into a spontaneous rap, leading into a quick rendition of his hit ‘Summertime.’”


The source added, “More than 1,000 extras sang along at the chorus. It was a pretty great moment — everyone was definitely warmed up by it.”
Smith explained how he selects his film roles. He said: “What I really try to accomplish with the roles is, you know, I’m trying to find the number-one answer — the film that does both things. The film that is a crowd-pleaser, and it can garner some kind of critical acclaim. Which is, I mean, it’s rare to hit that mark, but there are some films that do it, and that’s really what I look for. But more than anything, I want to do different types of films. I enjoy being able to go from Ali to Men In Black II. That kind of range just… The actors that I admire most have that kind of range.”


As for the music industry, Smith explained how the industry has changed. He said: “Rap music in general I think right now is almost in a renaissance period. After the downloading that hit the industry so hard, it sort of relieved the pressure of having to sell 10 million records, ’cause you ain’t gonna sell ten million records. You know, so it sort of relieved that pressure and allowed people to move back to the purity of the artistry

Diddy hit with lawsuit over name again

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Sean "Diddy" Combs and London-based producer Richard "Diddy" Dearlove have been battling over the usage of the name in the United Kingdom. Last year the two men reached an agreement which required Combs to pay damages and litigation fees and barred him from using the name Diddy in the United Kingdom.

The Associated Press reports that Dearlove hit Combs with another lawsuit on February 1st in London's High Court for allegedly breaching the original agreement which was struck on September 5th, 2006 in the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

According to Dearlove, Combs has violated the agreement by still using the "Diddy" moniker on his myspace.com/diddy page and his YouTube channel. The mogul was able to redirect users who visited his Diddy.com in England to another site that does not use the name Diddy but has been unable to do the same with his myspace page.

Dearlove's lawyer Iain Purvis said, "We want him either to use a neutral name like P. Diddy or to shut them down. It may be tough for him, but that is just unfortunate. He has made his bed, he should lie in it."

Dearlove is seeking an injunction to stop the usage of the name Diddy on myspace.com and YouTube. He may also seek damages.

Dearlove has produced hits for Blondie and Dolly Parton under the name Diddy.

The Game pleads not guilty to charges of impersonating an officer

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Game entered a plea of not guilty to charges of impersonating a police officer in a New York court yesterday (January 30th). The charges stem from an incident which occurred lat November when The Game allegedly jumped into a cab with two associates at 56th Street and Seventh Avenue in New York City, flashed a badge and ordered the cab driver to run through red lights because he needed to be somewhere quickly. The cab driver was pulled over for running lights by the real police several blocks later.

The Game's lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, told the New York Post that The Game is the real victim because he is constantly harassed by the hip hop police. Lichtman said, "The police are harassing him. They don't even have a witness -- no supporting deposition. It will be a slam-dunk acquittal or dismissal, it's up to the D.A. They offered us time served today and I didn't even lift my head to respond. It's an embarrassment for them. The cops follow him from the moment he lands to the moment he leaves. A limo driver freaked out, that's it. They are harassing him, but there will be some harassment going the other way at the trial."

The Game has previously issued a statement explaining that he knew he was being followed by the hip hop police and that the whole incident was a ploy to humiliate him.

The rapper will release his new single, "Wouldn't Get Far," from his latest album, Doctor's Advocate.

Jay-Z catches heat fro teaming up with Barclays Bank

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Jay-Z, real estate developer Bruce Ratner, and the other members of the investment group which purchased the New Jersey Nets for $400 million in 2004 have come under fire for agreeing to name the new downtown Brooklyn Arena after Barclays Bank. The bank's founding family allegedly was involved in the slave trade and had controversial dealings with South Africa in the 1980s.

TMZ reports that Barclays has agreed to pay $400 million over 20 years for the naming rights of the new arena, which is slated to open 2009-2010.

The investment group has responded to the allegations, but a representative for Barclays explained that its slave trading past should be viewed in its historical context and that the bank has also committed $2.5 million for enhancing basketball throughout Brooklyn.