Timbaland teams up with Rockstar Video Games

By: Adrianne Stone

Timbaland has just joined forces with Rockstar Games video company to present a music mixer for the PSP system. The mixer, which has beat-making features and combines original music and rhythm games -- as well as challenge modes -- will be called "Beaterator" and will be in stores by summer.

"I've always been a huge fan of Rockstar and love playing their games," said Timbaland. "I'm thrilled to be partnering with them and making music for Beaterator. I cannot wait to get this in the hands of our fans!"

Meanwhile, his fans can get his next record, Shock Value, in their hands as early as April 3rd. The star-studded set features guest appearances from a wide array of artists, including Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Dr. Dre, Nelly Furtado, 50 Cent and others.

Mims had to prove himself outside NYC

By: Adrianne Stone

The New York-based track "This Is Why I'm Hot," from Shawn Mims'upcoming debut album, Music Is My Savior, is Number Two on the Billboard Hot 100, having dropped one place this week. The rapper climbed the charts unconventionally, by taking his songs outside of New York to clubs and radio stations rather than working it to local mixtape DJs, contests and radio stations. "I love (New York) to death," he told Billboard, "it runs through my veins. But I had to prove myself as a different MC. I had to show them that I could be heard in other markets.

Music Is My Savior, which arrives in stores on March 27th, is more than just a title to the 25-year-old. His mother died due to complications from his sister's birth when he was 13, just two years after his father had died. In his grief, he turned to the two turntables she had given him only a few weeks earlier.

"Playing music put me in a position where I had to go one way or the other. I could be the biggest negative person in he world, or I could turn around and turn it into something positive," he said. "This record is about that. You hear a lot of fun in there. I love all hip-hop -- I love listening to the struggles, talk about the 'hood, how it's hard where they come from. But what I don't hear enough of is the fun side of hip-hop. That's the other side to New York and I want to show the rest of the country that we know how to party."

Busta Rhymes Shoots in New Jersey

By: Adrianne Stone

When the New York City Police Department refused to allow Busta Rhymes to shoot scenes on location for his current film, Order of Redemption, last week, the production continued on without him with plans to add his scenes later. The Newark Star-Ledger reports that the rapper, born Trevor Smith, finally shot his scenes at the Riviera Hotel and on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Newark, New Jersey on Wednesday (March 14th).

The NYPD cited public safety concerns, but their decision was reportedly based on his lack of cooperation in the investigation of the shooting death of his bodyguard Israel Ramirez in 2006. Newark Mayor Cory Booker's spokeswoman, Lupe Todd, said her city had no problem with Busta shooting in their city, saying, "As far as we know, Busta Rhymes was acting accordingly and we thank him for his business."

Busta appears opposite Tom Berenger in the film, playing a villainous murderer who tries to get his life back on track after struggling with drug addiction and a family tragedy.

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Rapper Mike Jones stars in new film

LOS ANGELES, CA. -- Just below the Mason-Dixon Line, a culture, style, and form of music had been bubbling over for decades, battling to make its way to the forefront.

Breaking through the boundaries of finance, distribution, and geographic constraints, this movement became a powerful force, breathing new life into a musical phenomenon, which was thought to have reached its peak.

This culture, known as Southern Hip Hop, and its trials, tests, and triumphs are now chronicled in the new film "American Dream," which focuses on the life of one of Southern rap's greatest sons, Mike Jones.

The film will be released on May 8, 2007 as a compilation featuring Mike Jones' CD of the same name.

The film "American Dream," which is seen through the eyes of a young Mike Jones, highlights the climate of the late 1990's, when hip hop was finding a new voice during the aftermath of battles between East Coast and West Coast rap. At that time, Southern rap (or Dirty South Hip Hop) was on the verge of a breakthrough, after years of largely being ignored by major record labels and outlets. The movie, which details this struggle toward success against insurmountable odds, is not only the story of Mike Jones but is also an ode to southern rap and hip hop on a whole.

The film is Executive Produced by Mike Jones, Warner Brothers Records, Asylum Records and Ice Age Entertainment. Mike Jones brought together the combined production company talents of Tri Destined Films and Nexus Films to help bring his vision of this historic story to life.

Pushing for reality and authenticity, the production team created a unique mix of talents in the casting of this film. Taking a cue from Oscar Winning Director Steven Soderbergh's film "Bubble," "American Dream" showcases a wealth of local southern talent, some laypersons, some even playing themselves, giving the film a distinct accuracy. At the same time, the producers blended in Hollywood notables Clifton Powell ("Ray," "The Gospel"), Tamala Jones ("Daddy Day Care 2," "The Brothers," "Two Can Play that Game"), Hassan Johnson (HBO's "The Wire"), Datari Turner (MTV's "All You've Got," Creator - BET's "The Ultimate Hustler"), and a host of hip hop talents.

Producing the film are Gregory Anderson, Greg Carter, Keith Paschall, and Veronica Nichols. Gregory Anderson (indie hits "Trois," "Pandora's Box," and "Motives"), whose screenplay is the basis for the #1 hit movie "Stomp the Yard" starring Chris Brown and NeYo, recently acquired the true story of the love affair between NFL Legend Andre Rison and hip hop legend Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez of TLC, which is coined the hip hop version of "A Star Is Born." It was announced on HBO's "Real Sports" that Gregory's company Tri Destined Studios / Tri Destined Films along with fellow owners ND Brown and Trey Haley and President of Tri Destined Television Ron De Shay (Producer, "American Idol") optioned the movie rights to the life story of world-renowned track coach Beverly Kearney.

Indie trailblazer Greg Carter and Nexus Films' upcoming project is the critically acclaimed film "Waters Rising," based on the story of Hurricane Katrina and the Desire Projects. Rap industry mainstay and film vet Keith Paschall is known for co-creating the hip hop staple "Rap City" and for producing music video hits for the likes of Britney Spears and Celine Dion. Tri Destined Studios Executive and Vice President Veronica Nichols ("Motives," "The Gospel") rounds out the producing team.

American Dream Trailer



The film is directed by Derrick "D Reck" Dixon, who is recognized for being on the front lines in helping southern hip hop thrive during the 90's indie music period. Derrick is noted for producing southern rap legend Fat Pat and for making the breakthrough underground movie and soundtrack "The Dirty Third." The film is Co-Directed by Trey Haley, President of Tri Destined Studios

"Busted," Mistah F.A.B. Threatened By Columbia Pictures Over Latest Video

After facing criticism in the media for his latest video for "Ghost Ride It," Mistah F.A.B. is now in trouble with Columbia Pictures.

The video, which the MTV Network considered banning, came under fire by several major news networks this past December after two people were killed in an incident linked to "ghost riding," a phenomenon that originated in the Bay Area involving hanging out of moving cars. True to its name, the video for "Ghost Ride It" prominently features footage of the Bay Area trend and now the rapper is facing having the clip ripped from airwaves completely.

"The video has been causing all kinds of controversy since the shooting of it," Mistah F.A.B. said. "The police in L.A. shut it down while we were filming it cuz I was actually ghost riding."

Apparently, Columbia Pictures, the studio that owns the rights to the Ghostbusters movie franchise, is threatening legal action because the video showcases the Ghostbusters car and logo, among other similarities. The company has demanded the video be pulled from all media outlets including television and the Internet. The unedited version of the video reportedly received over 600,000 views on YouTube before Columbia sent the rapper a cease and desist letter for the clip.

Seemingly surprised by the studio's reaction, Mistah F.A.B. defended the video, insisting that no harm was intended.

"MTV made us go back and forth with 52 edits [before airing it], and now the Columbia thing. It's a case of culture clash. Bay Area culture is about expression and originality and that's what this video is. It was supposed to be light-hearted and fun. I wanted to pay homage to the movie since I used the [Ghostbusters] sample."

F.A.B. is gearing up to release his independent album The Baydestrian, on May 15. He will then follow that up with his major label debut, Da Yellow Bus Rydah later this year on Atlantic Records.

Update: "Snoop Dogg Was Not Arrested In Sweden," Says Publicist

A spokesperson for Snoop Dogg released a statement (March 13) discounting reports that her client was arrested and charged in Sweden for suspected narcotic use.

As previously reported, Snoop, who is currently on a European tour with Diddy, was pulled over by police in Stockholm early Monday (March 12) after wrapping up a performance at the Globe Arena. Swedish authorities claimed that the Los Angeles bred rapper and an unidentified woman he was riding with showed signs of drug use, which is illegal in the country.

Snoop and his female companion were then detained at a police station and released nearly four hours later. During their detainment police questioned the pair and took body samples from them for laboratory testing. The results are due in two to three weeks and the rapper could face a fine if the tests confirm drug use.

"Contrary to erroneous press reports, Snoop Dogg was not arrested in Sweden," explained his publicist, Tracy Nguyen. "He was questioned and released with no charges filed. He is excited to continue his successful co-headlining European tour with Diddy."

In related news, Snoop is gearing up for the release of his compilation album titled The Big Squeeze. Set for release via Koch Records , the project features up-and-coming West Coast acts Western Union (Damani, Soopafly and Bad Lucc), The Warzone, Terrace Martin and Azuré . Sixteen of the compilation's tracks are produced by Snoop.

"I basically wanted to produce these tracks from up and coming West Coast acts," said Snoop via a statement. " I see a new West Coast and its right here -- and it's brought to you by the King of the West Coast."

The compilation's first single is "Hat 2 Tha Bacc," by Western Union. The Big Squeeze hits shelves on April 24.

MIMS - Music Is My Savior (In Stores 3/27/07)

Tracklisting complete with publishing details:

1. Intro
Produced by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas and Danny "Styles" Schofield for
BM Productions
Recorded by Danny "Styles" Schofield at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Mixed by Danny "Stems" Cheung and The Blackout Movement at Chalice
Recording Studios
Written by W. Thomas, D. Schofield, S. Mims
Published by The Blackout Legacy (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Shawn
Mims Publishing Designee

2. It's Alright
Produced by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas and Danny "Styles" Schofield for
BM Productions
Co-Produced by Dj Menace for ATM Productions
Recorded by Danny "Styles" Schofield at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Mixed by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Written by W. Thomas, D. Schofield, S. Mims, R. Charles
Published by The Blackout Legacy (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Shawn
Mims Publishing Designee, Unichappell Music (BMI)
Contains elements of "It's All Right" (R. Charles), Unichappell Music,
Inc. (BMI). All right reserved.

3. This Is Why I'm Hot
Produced, Recorded and Mixed by The Blackout Movement
Written by S. Mims, W. Thomas, T. Simons, D. Schofield, C. Lundy, L.
Haywood
Published by Shawn Mims Publishing Designee, The Blackout Legacy
(ASCAP),
Muzikil State Of Mindz (ASCAP) and Schofield's (ASCAP), Curwin Music
(BMI), Irving Music Inc. (BMI)
Contains interpolations from the composition "I Wanna Do Something
Freaky To You" written by L. Haywood published by Irving Music, Inc.
(BMI) Used by permission. All rights reserved.

4. Girlfriends Fav MC feat. J. Holiday
Produced by Twizz and D. Baker for TooTwizzlin/Getosoul Productions
Recorded by Twizz at 2wizlin' Studios, Pasadena, CA
Mixed by Danny "Stems" Cheung and The Blackout Movement at Chalice
Recording Studios
Written by T. Bailey Jr., D. Baker, S. Mims
Published by Oh So Twizzted Musik (ASCAP), SoundIsGeto (BMI), Shawn Mims
Publishing Designee

5. Where I Belong
Produced by Ty Fyffe for Tybu Entertainment
Recorded by Frankie "Whispers" Zagr for Music Factory Recording Studio.
Vocals: Cito Crandle for Tybu Entertainment. Mixed by Danny "Stems"
Cheung and The Blackout Movement at Chalice Recording Studios
Written by T. Fyffe, S. Mims, J. Asher, P. Jabara
Published by Shugar Diamond Music (BMI), Shawn Mims Publishing Designee,
Big Duck Music (BMI),EMI Sosaha Music (BMI)
Contains samples from the composition "Eternal Love" written by Jay
Asher and Paul Jabara and published by Big Duck Music (BMI) and EMI
Sosaha Music (BMI) obo itself and Olga Music (BMI). Used by permission.
All rights reserved.
This track contains a sample of the recording "Eternal Love" as
performed by Stephanie Mills. (P) 1983 The Island Def Jam Music Group.
Courtesy of The Island Def Jam Music Group under license from Universal
Music Enterprises. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

6. Cop It
Produced by Thomas Simons for Muzikil (Muzikil State Of Mindz)
Recorded by The Blackout Movement at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Mixed by Danny "Stems" Cheung and The Blackout Movement at Chalice
Recording Studios
Written by T. Simons, S. Mims
Published by Muzikil State Of Mindz (ASCAP), Shawn Mims Publishing
Designee

7. Big Black Train
Produced by Twizz and D. Baker for TooTwizzlin/Getosoul Productions
Recorded and Mixed by Twizz and D. Baker at 2wizlin' Studios, Pasadena,
CA and SoundisGeto Studios, Independence, MO
Written by T. Bailey Jr., D. Baker, S. Mims
Published by Oh So Twizzted Musik (ASCAP), SoundIsGeto (BMI), Shawn Mims
Publishing Designee

8. They Don't Wanna Play featuring Bun B and Seed
Produced by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas, Danny "Styles" Schofield for BM
Productions and Thomas Simons for Muzikil Productions
Recorded and Mixed by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas at BlackOut Studios,
Miami, FL
Written by W. Thomas, D. Schofield, T. Simons, S. Mims
Published by The Blackout Legacy (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Muzikil
State Of Mindz (ASCAP), Shawn Mims Publishing Designee
Bun B. appears courtesy of Rap-A-Lot Records

9. Like This
Produced by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas and Danny "Styles" Schofield for
BM Productions
Recorded by Danny "Styles" Schofield at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Mixed by Danny "Stems" Cheung and The Blackout Movement at Chalice
Recording Studios
Written by W. Thomas, D. Schofield, S. Mims
Published by The Blackout Legacy (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Shawn
Mims Publishing Designee

10. Just Like That
Produced by The Vault Productions
Recorded by The Vault Productions
Mixed by The Blackout Movement at Larrabee North Studios
Written by S. Mims, B. Yearwood
Published by Shawn Mims Publishing Designee, Brendan Yearwood Publishing
Designee (BMI)

11. Without You feat. LeToya Luckett
Produced by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas, Danny "Styles" Schofield for BM
Productions and Thomas Simons for Muzikil Productions
Recorded by Danny "Styles" Schofield at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Mixed by Danny "Stems" Cheung and The Blackout Movement at Chalice
Recording Studios
Written by W. Thomas, D. Schofield, T. Simons, S. Mims
Published by The Blackout Legacy (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Muzikil
State Of Mindz (ASCAP), Shawn Mims Publishing Designee

12. Superman
Produced by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas and Danny "Styles" Schofield for
BM Productions
Recorded by Danny "Styles" Schofield at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Mixed by Danny "Stems" Cheung and The Blackout Movement at Chalice
Recording Studios
Written by W. Thomas, D. Schofield, S. Mims
Published by The Blackout Legacy (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Shawn
Mims Publishing Designee

13. This Is Why I'm Hot (Blackout Remix) feat. Cham and Junior Reid
Produced, Recorded and Mixed by The Blackout Movement
Written by S. Mims, W. Thomas, T. Simons, D. Schofield, D. Pickering, R.
Price, W. Riley
Published by Shawn Mims Publishing Designee, The Blackout Legacy
(ASCAP),
Muzikil State Of Mindz (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Universal Polygram
In'tl, Greensleeves, Roynet
Cham appears courtesy of MadHouse/Atlantic Recording Corporation
Junior Reid appears courtesy of Jr. Records/1 Blood Management
Contains samples of the composition "No No No" written by Dawn Pickering
and Rodney Price and published by Universal Music publishing o/b/o
Gunsmoke Music Publishing and Water-House Music Ltd. All rights
reserved.
Contains samples of the recording "No No No" as performed by Dawn Penn,
courtesy of Greensleeves. All rights reserved.
Contains samples from "Stalag 17" written by Winston Riley published by
Roynet Music (ASCAP) / Westbury Music / Prophesy Music Publishing
performed by Winston Riley Courtesy of Techinques Records by arrangement
with The Royalty Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

14. Doctor Doctor
Produced by Kobayashi
Recorded by The Blackout Movement at Studio Atlantis
Mixed by Danny "Stems" Cheung & The BlackOut Movement at Chalice
Recording Studios
Written by F. Joseph, S. Mims, R. Fripp, M. Giles, G. Lake, I. McDonald,
P. Sinfield.
Published by K Yashi Music Publishing (SESAC), Shawn Mims Publishing
Designee, Careers BMG Music (BMI). Contains material sampled from:
Moonchild - performed by King Crimson. Taken from the album: In the
Court of the Crimson King. Appears courtesy of DGM Ltd. on behalf of
King Crimson.

15. Don't Cry (Outro) feat. Purple Popcorn
Produced by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas and Danny "Styles" Schofield for
BM Productions
Recorded by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Mixed by Danny "Styles" Schofield at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Vocals: Danny "Styles" Schofield
Guitar: Brandon "Bizzy" Hollemon
Written by W. Thomas, D. Schofield, S. Mims
Published by The Blackout Legacy (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Shawn
Mims Publishing Designee

BONUS TRACK

16. I Did You Wrong
Produced by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas and Danny "Styles" Schofield for
BM Productions
Recorded by Danny "Styles" Schofield at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Mixed by Winston "BlackOut" Thomas at BlackOut Studios, Miami, FL
Written by W. Thomas, D. Schofield, S. Mims
Published by The Blackout Legacy (ASCAP), Schofield's (ASCAP), Shawn
Mims Publishing Designee

Snoop Dogg held overnight by Swedish police

Stockholm, March 12: Rapper Snoop Dogg was held by Swedish police overnight on suspicion of using illegal narcotics, but was released Monday after questioning and drug tests, a police spokesman said.

The artist was heading to a party after a concert in the Swedish capital when police stopped the car he was riding in around 1:30 am (0600 IST), said Matts Brannlund, of the Stockholm police. He said Snoop Dogg and a female companion showed signs of drug use and were taken to a police station.

"He was deemed to be under the influence of narcotics," Brannlund said.

A small amount of narcotics was also found in the car, but Brannlund could not specify which kind of drug and said it was unclear whether it belonged to Snoop Dogg.

"He underwent some tests that will now be sent away for analysis," Brannlund said. "In two to three weeks, we'll know if he was on something."

Snoop Dogg was released shortly after 5 am (0930 IST), but could face a fine if his drug test comes back positive, Brannlund said.

In Sweden, which has some of the strictest narcotics laws in Europe, minor drug offenses are punished with fines.

Snoop Dogg, who performed with P Diddy in Stockholm's globe arena late yesterday, was the latest international artist to get in trouble with the law following a gig in Sweden.

Babyshambles front man Pete Doherty was fined in southern Sweden after traces of cocaine were found in his blood following a concert at the Hultsfred Music Festival in June 2006.

Bureau Report

BUSTA BANNED FROM NY FILM SET: NYPD alerts production crew citing public safety concerns

Busta Rhymes, born Trevor Smith, was all set to begin shooting his new film “Order of Redemption” in Manhattan Saturday during its first day of production when the New York Police Department, citing security concerns, stepped in to block his participation.


"The production agreed that Busta Rhymes would not be participating in the scenes shot here after the Police Department raised public safety concerns," said Julianne Cho, associate commissioner with the Mayor's Office of Film, Theatre & Broadcasting.


The exact nature of the security concerns were not disclosed by the NYPD, who happens to have an existing beef with Rhymes after he refused to cooperate with an investigation into the shooting death of his bodyguard Israel Ramirez last year. His murder is still unsolved.


"This is tremendously unfair to Busta, who has been nothing but professional during this project," director Jeff Celentano said in a statement. "This is a bigger loss for the city of New York."

"Order of Redemption," which shot in midtown Saturday without Rhymes, is a crime drama starring Academy Award nominee Tom Berenger. According to the AP, the film will continue to shoot in New York City for 14 nonconsecutive days into early April.


No arrests have been made in the February 2006 slaying of Ramirez outside a Brooklyn recording studio.

50 Cent planning to release two solo albums

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul 50 Cent is currently working on his third solo album, Before I Self Destruct, which he plans to release in June. So far the album features Justin Timberlake and tracks from Timberland and Rich Harrison. 50 Cent recently revealed to Blender that he plans to release another solo album of original material by February 2008.

The rapper signed a five album deal with Interscope Records which includes a greatest hits set so he would contractually be done by next February. He told Blender, "We'll see if they give me $100 million dollars (to re-sign)."

Next up from 50 Cent's G-Unit Records is Young Buck's Buck The World which hits stores on March 20th. The latest single from the project is "Get Buck."

Redman Contest + Tracklisting

REDMAN AND DEF JAM PRESENTS...
Create a "Red Gone Wild" TV spot and win a chance to watch it on TV!

Contest winner will also receive a brand new 15 inch MacBook Pro and an
exclusive limited Red Gone Wild customized X-BOX 360!

HOW TO ENTER:

log on to>>
http://www.defjam.com/site/promo/contest/redman_tv/redman_tv.php?d1=

1. Download assets from above link

2. Create a :15 second TV spot using the following guidelines:
-MUST use assets provided (including album cover)
-TV spot MUST include artist name / album name / release date / single
title

3. Submit your TV spot link
-Please host your submission via YouTube or another 3rd party site
(winner must submit mini-dv by March 20, 2007)


REDMAN
"Red Gone Wild - Thee Album"
Def Jam Recordings
March 27, 2007

AUDIO: "Put It Down"

http://www6.islanddefjam.com/www2/av_system/go.wax?link=5jC9b30I5N7oG4s5j1jYABE7-84058

http://www6.islanddefjam.com/www2/av_system/go.wax?link=357qu2pzrvpQ6Dc5X3IaB4AA-84059

http://www6.islanddefjam.com/www2/av_system/go.rm?link=7018266BIZ4581T8w84P441B-84060

-"Put It Down," first single impacts at Urban radio on Feb. 26th,
produced by Timbaland

-Other collaborators on new album include Erick Sermon, Scott Storch,
Rockwilder, Method Man (of the Wu-Tang Clan), Erick Sermon and Keith
Murray (of Def Squad), Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Biz Markie

-Redman to attend South By Southwest in Austin, March 14-17th

After a six year break that has won him success and worldwide
recognition in major feature films, network and cable television in the
U.S. and U.K., video games, cartoons, and of course mix tapes - chronic
Def Jam Recordings core artist Redman gets right back in the game where
he belongs.

RED GONE WILD - THEE ALBUM, with productions by Erick Sermon, Scott
Storch, Timbaland, Rockwilder, and special appearances by Red's cousin
Method Man (of the Wu-Tang Clan), Erick Sermon and Keith Murray (with
whom Redman performs in the group Def Squad), Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and
Biz Markie, will arrive in stores March 27th. The release follows
Redman's two-day visit to the legendary South By Southwest Music
Conference & Festival in Austin, Texas, March 16 & 17th.

The album launches with its first single pick, "Put It Down" produced by
Timbaland, which ships to radio on Monday (Feb. 19th) and impacts at
Urban radio formats on Feb. 26th. Production details of the "Put It
Down" video and its premiere date will be announced in the weeks ahead.
Early buzz on the album began weeks ago when the album's cutting-edge,
anime-inspired artwork leaked to the internet.

RED GONE WILD - THEE ALBUM is the long-awaited follow-up to Redman's
last album, the RIAA gold Malpractice (released May 2001), featuring the
singles "Let's Get Dirty (I Can't Get in Da Club)," "Smash Sumthin',"
and "Diggy Doc." That same year, Redman joined Method Man for one of the
all-time great stoner comedy movies How High (which led to his
co-hosting the High Times "Stony Awards" last year), and writer-director
Lawrence Page's Statistic: The Movie. In 2002, Christina Aguilera
enlisted Redman to join her on one of his biggest career moves, the
worldwide #1 single "Dirrty," subsequently nominated for a Grammy and
three MTV VMAs.

Over the next few years, Redman kept busy on a number of high-profile
projects, starting on tv with "Stung," which he co-hosted with Method
Man, which evolved into their FOX sitcom together, "Method & Red."
Redman was a character in video game ("True Crime: New York City"),
appeared in an episode of the British version of MTV's "Cribs," and was
a rapping voice-over in two episodes of Nickelodeon's animated series
"The Fairly OddParents" (entitled "School's Out: The Musical").

Last year, Redman jumped into the mixtape ring with Volume 2 of the Ill
At Will series, entitled BC4: Straight Outta Lo-Cash, presented by his
Gilla House crew and featuring Red's collaborators Govmattic, Saukrates,
Icarus, and Melanie. One track, "Da Banger," featured Jay-Z and R Kelly
in the mix.

The pride of Newark, Redman (Reggie Noble) broke into the pro ranks when
EPMD's Erick Sermon "discovered" him in a New York club, and premiered
Red's witty freestyle and hard, P-funk-influenced beats on EPMD's third
Def Jam album, 1990's Business As Usual. Redman was quickly signed to
the label and his debut was released in 1992. Whut? Thee Album made #1
on the R&B chart and was certified gold after a string of hit single
tracks: "Blow Your Mind," "How To Roll a Blunt," "Time 4 Sum Aksion,"
"Tonight's Da Night," "Rated R," and "I'm a Bad." This early success led
hip hop magazine The Source to name Redman the Rap Artist of the Year
for 1993.

1994 brought Dare Iz A Darkside, the first of four more Def Jam albums
over the next seven years. It was another gold #1 R&B seller (#13 on the
pop side) whose singles included "Rockafella," "Can't Wait," and "A
Million & 1 Buddah Spots." Muddy Waters followed in 1996, again breaking
the gold #1 R&B seller (and moving to #12 pop) with "It's Like That (My
Big Brother)," "Whateva Man," "Smoke Buddah," "Pick It Up," and "Yesh
Yesh Y'all" released as singles.

The enigmatically-titled Doc's Da Name 2000 was released in 1998 and
became Redman's first platinum album (#1 R&B, #11 pop), spinning off the
singles "Da Goodness" b/w "I Don't Kare," and "I'll Bee Dat" b/w "Well
All Rite Cha." He went public with Def Squad on 1998's RIAA gold El Niño
(#1 R&B, #2 pop), and then collaborat¬ed with Method Man on 1999's RIAA
platinum Blackout! (#1 R&B, #4 pop). Malpractice arrived in 2001.

Over the past decade and a half, in addition to all the above mentioned
artists, Redman has also worked across the spectrum with such names as
2Pac, Canibus, Cypress Hill, De La Soul, D'Angelo, Gorillaz, Dru Hill,
Jodeci, Beverley Knight, KRS-One, LL Cool J, Me'shell Ndegeocello, The
Oak Ridge Boys, The Offspring, Scarface, A Tribe Called Quest, Conway
Twitty, and Wyclef Jean. To name a few!

Red Gone Wild (Thee Album)
Tracklisting:
1. Fire feat. E3
2. Bak Inda Buildin
3. Put It Down
4. Gimme One
5. F**k Ur Opinion (skit)
6. Sumtn 4 Urrbody feat. Blam, Runt Dog, Ready Roc, Icadon, and
Saukrates
7. How U Like Dat feat. Gov Mattic
8. Freestyle Freestyle
9. Walk In Gutta feat. Erick Sermon, Keith Murray, Biz Markie
10. WutchooGonnaDo featg. Melanie Rutherford
11. Dis Iz Brick City feat. Ready Roc
12. Rite Now
13. Blow Treez feat. Ready Roc & Method Man
14. Pimp Nutz
15. Mr. Ice Cream (skit)
16. Hold Dis Blaow!
17. Get 'em feat. Saukrates & Icadon
18. Merry Jane feat. Snoop Dogg & Nate Dogg
19. Gilla House Check
20. No Mo Soopaman Luva (skit)
21. Soopaman Luva 6 feat. E3, Hurrican G & Melanie Rutherford
22. Soopaman Luva 6 1/2 feat. Hurrican G & Melanie Rutherford
23. Suicide

Will Smith to produce film about Rags-To-Riches Chef

Jeff Henderson, the one-time convicted felon who is now the executive chef at the Café Bellagio in Las Vegas, will have his story turned into a feature film by Will Smith, it was announced Wednesday.


The actor will produce a movie based on Henderson’s memoir "Cooked: From the Streets to the Stove, From Cocaine to Foie Gras," which was optioned by Columbia Pictures. It is unclear if Smith will also star in the picture.


Henderson, who recently told his story on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” learned his way around the kitchen while in prison for dealing crack cocaine. The film “Cooked,” will chronicle “Chef Jeff’s” life transformation.


Smith will produce with James Lassiter, his production partner in Overbrook Entertainment, and with Todd Black and Jason Blumenthal of production company Escape Artists. The foursome also produced "The Pursuit of Happyness," another rags-to-riches story which earned Smith a best actor Oscar nomination and has grossed nearly $288 million worldwide.


Lassiter praised Henderson as "truly inspiring." He added, "After meeting him, I knew we had to turn his story into a movie."

Timbaland reaches out to Britney

Timbaland has seen enough of the disturbing roller-coaster ride that is Britney Spears.

The super-producer behind the success of her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake has gone public with his concerns for her well-being.


"I feel her pain, it really bothers me," the 34-year-old artist says in Entertainment Weekly’s March 16 issue. "I'm the type of person who tries to save the world. I just want to take her away, go overseas, and work (it) out."
Timbaland says he wants Timberlake to be a part of Britney’s musical rehab.
"I asked Justin, 'How would you feel about me working with Britney?' I had to ask him that," Timbaland told the magazine. "I said, 'Would you do it with me?'"

According to Timbaland, Timberlake said he would, but added: "She's just gotta be serious."

Spears, 25, is currently at Promises Malibu drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in California. The rocky road leading to her residence there included two abandoned stays at rehab facilities and an impromptu trip to a hair salon where she shaved herself bald.

"I just want to hold her hand," Timbaland says. "I want her to be in my camp, to be around Justin. I need Justin to talk to her. Help her, please!"

The Core DJs Retreat VI One of the Best Things to Happen to the DJ since Technics

Miami, Fl- The largest DJ coalition in the world is bringing their 6th Retreat back to South Florida. The Core DJs three-day event will kick off Thursday March 15th and run through the weekend ending with a bang Sunday March 18th.

To jumpstart the weekend Trick Daddy, DJ Khaled and Rick Ross will host the Welcome to Miami Party at Mansion Nightclub on South Beach. Of the many events during the weekend, some of the mini highlights are the movie screening of the new Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah movie, The Hip Hop Project, various listening suites Presented by Def Jam, Warner Bros, Capitol and Bad Boy Records and the Core DJs Retreat Awards Show and After Party which will honor : Uncle Luke, Trick Daddy, Trina, Sean Prez, Adam Favors, Ted Lucas, James T, Magic Mike, Felix Sama, Teddy T, The 2 Live Crew, E-Class, Lady D, Waggy T, Jerry Rushin, DJ Greo, DJ Khaled, DJ Irie, Bigg D, Big Will, DJ Laz, DJ Suicide, Derrick Baker, Jim Jonsin, Doc Fresh, Amazing Chico, J.T. Money, Boogie Trick, P-Man Sam, Cedric Hollywood, Freestyle Steve, Grandmaster Caz and pay special Tribute to the late DJ Uncle Al.

Thursday, March 15, 2007 10am - 9pm Registration & Hospitality Suite Co-Sponsored by Corporate Thugz Entertainment

12pm 3pm "Luxury and Technology Suite"

4pm 6pm Bruce Willis & Queen Latifah Presents The Hip-Hop Project Movie Screening Presented by Hustle Entertainment Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

8pm 10pm Disturbing Tha Peace Listening Suite Featuring Shareefa, Small World, Brolic, Serius Jones, Willy NorthPole, Bobby Valentino Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

10pm 2am Welcome to Miami Party Hosted by Trick Daddy, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled & Celebrating DJ Affects Bday @ Club Mansion 1235 Washington Avenue, South Beach

2am 5am Welcome to Miami Party Continues @ CoCos Hosted by Jive Records Coco's, 1430 NW 119th Street

Friday, March 16, 2007 10am - 7pm Registration & Hospitality Suite Co-Sponsored by Corporate Thugz Entertainment

10am 12pm The Core DJs Drop Lounge featuring artists from Universal Motown, Interscope, A&M Records & Geffen Records Free Serato Giveaways (Must be present to win) Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

12:30pm 2:30pm Warner Brothers Records Listening Suite Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

3:30pm 5:30pm Bad Boy Entertainment Listening Suite Featuring Eight Ball & MJG, Yung Joc & Boyz in da hood Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

6pm 8pm Def Jam "We are Hip-Hop" Listening Session Hosted by Crystal Isaacs, Young Sav and Steve-O Featuring Fabolous Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

10pm 2am Atlantic Throw'd Down Hosted by Trey Songz & DJ Drama Featuring Eight Ball & MJG, Paul Wall, Twista, Yola, Plies, Flo-Rida & B.O.B @ SoBe Live 1203 Washington Avenue, South Beach

2am 5am Polo Grounds Music Presents The Polo Grounds Lounge Hosted by Lil Jon, Mr. Colipark, Cool & Dre, Pitbull & Smitty Introducing Hurricane & C Ride Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

Saturday, March 17, 2007 10am - 1pm Registration & Hospitality Suite Co-Sponsored Corporate Thugz Entertainment

11am 1pm VP Records Presents Dancehall Draft Picks Movie Screening AMC CoCo Walk, 3015 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove

1:30pm 3:30pm Capital Records Listening Suite Featuring Mims Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

3:30pm 5:30pm Core Album Listening Suite Presented by F.U.P Records & The Core DJs Allhiphop.com Breeding Ground New Artist Showcase Featuring B Simms, Van Hollyhood, Kev Samples, PM, C Ride, Thorobread, Beefe Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

6:30pm 8:30pm Universal Republic Featuring Tum Tum, Baby Boy Da Prince, Black Jak Open only to Core DJs Retreat VI Participants

9pm 2am The Core DJs Retreat VI Awards Show & After Party @ Area 51 (formerly club Metropolis)

About the Core DJs and The Core DJs Retreat

Tony Neal, CEO of The CORE DJ's, founded the organization in December of 2003. Tonys purpose for organizing a DJ coalition was to empower and educate the core of the music industry, the DJs. Today, some of the most influential DJs are members of The Core DJs including, Big Tigger - Live in the Den Syndicated Radio Show/BET, DJ Irie Miami Heat DJ/WEDR 99 Jamz, Charles Dixon Music Choice, Clinton Sparks - WBOT/Boston, MA - WERG/Baltimore, MD - WZMX/Hartford, CT/Sirius Shade 45/Smash Squad, The Baka Boyz Syndicated Radio Show and more. The Core DJs Retreat is an exclusive retreat for DJs that provide a direct outlet for networking and learning new industry trends. The Core DJs have organized successful retreats in Chicago, IL (Aug 04), Miami Beach, FL (Feb 05), St. Louis, MO (Aug 05), Houston, TX (March 06) and Atlanta, GA (Aug 06).

Soul Train to honr Jermaine Dupri

ATLANTA, GA - Grammy Award winning producer, Jermaine "JD" Dupri is starting off 2007 with a host of honors. First up, Dupri will receive the Quincy Jones Lifetime Achievement Award at the 21st Annual Soul Train Music Awards being taped in Pasadena, CA on March 10, 2007.

Then one month later, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will present honor JD with his sixth award as Songwriter of the Year Award during the 24th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards.

The invitation-only awards celebration will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California and will honor the songwriters and publishers of ASCAP's most performed songs of 2006. As this year's Pop Songwriter recipient, JD proves he is still one of the most influential songwriters and producers of his generation.

In 2005, JD won a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Song for "We Belong Together" which also won Song of the Year at the 23rd Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards. Also in 2005, JD received the prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award in recognition of his groundbreaking achievements and was named Songwriter of the Year at the ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards in 2005 and 2006 for songs by artists Bow Wow, Mariah Carey, and Usher. JD will share this year's Pop Songwriter of the Year honors with his protégé singer/songwriter, Johnta Austin.

As CEO of So So Def Recordings, JD has helmed the release of dozens of platinum and gold albums. He's also crafted platinum albums for himself and has become one of only a few producers in music history to garner four positions in the Top 10 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart at one time and the top three spots on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts.

Receiving these esteemed honors from Soul Train and ASCAP come on the heels of JD being appointed president of Island Records Urban Music, a new division of the Island Def Jam Music Group. JD will oversee Island's Urban Music operation and lend his production services to the whole stable of music labels under parent company Universal Music Group.

Book on Dr. Dre's life in the works

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

A book detailing Dr. Dre's development as a producer, written by Jake Brown, is due later this month. Dr. Dre: In The Studio chronicles Dre's early attraction to music as a child, his high school and teenage years with The World Class Wrecking Crew through his work with Eminem and 50 Cent.

The book will also detail Dr. Dre's relationships with N.W.A., Suge Knight, Snoop Dogg, The Game, and others as well as the writing and production techniques used to create such classic albums as Straight Outta Compton and The Chronic.

Brown's previous books include: 50 Cent: No Holds Barred, Suge Knight - The Rise, Fall and Rise of Death Row Records, and Ready to Die: The Story of Biggie Smalls - Notorious BIG.

Dr. Dre: In The Studio will be published by Colossus Books, a subsidiary of Amber Communications Group, Inc.

L.A. Reid hosts fund-raiser for Obama

Sen. Barack Obama may be a rock star in the Democratic party, but he's a groupie when it comes to Beyoncé (r.). Monday night, Island Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid threw a fund-raiser for Obama at his upper East Side home. Just as he did two weeks ago at a Hollywood party that drew Steven Spielberg, Jennifer Aniston and Eddie Murphy, Obama worked his magic on a crowd that included designer Tommy Hilfiger, singer Babyface Edmonds, Island Urban president (and Janet Jackson beau) Jermaine Dupri, Universal Music honcho Doug Morris and record execs Steve Bartels, Sylvia Rhone and Andre Harrell. Each paid $2,300 for sushi cones, pomegranate margaritas and Obama's vision of the future.

"He spoke for about 20 minutes, never mentioning Hillary Clinton," one guest tells us. "He was very impressive. People formed a circle around him. He shook everybody's hand and asked what they did."

One lady needed no introduction. Feasting his eyes on Beyoncé, the candidate said: "I never do this, but can I ask for your autograph?" The admiration seemed mutual as they posed for a photo. "I want a copy of that picture!" said Obama.

Naturally, he was also cordial to her boyfriend, Jay-Z, who laid his money down despite having had dinner a few nights earlier with Bill Clinton. Obama asked the rapper/ Def Jam CEO/co-owner of the Nets how his basketball team is doing.

The candidate also took questions from guests. Among them was Benny Medina, who asked if he had a running mate in mind.

"Are you available?" Obama asked Mariah Carey's manager. "Can you pass the FBI background check?"

"Absolutely not," said Medina.

Despite Obama's brazen invasion of Hillary Country, some well-known African-Americans are still doing their own background checks on the primary rivals.

"This is not the year to give anybody the election," Queen Latifah told us at Monday's premiere of her affecting HBO movie, "Life Support," "I'm a woman. And I'm an African-American. It's an exciting race, but we need to scrutinize everybody. Let 'em earn my vote."

Mariah moves film crew to tears

*Some crew members on the Nashville set of Mariah Carey’s upcoming film “Tennessee” were reportedly moved to tears during a scene in which the Grammy-winner performs a song she co-wrote with country legend, Willie Nelson.


In the film, Carey stars as an aspiring country singer who escapes her controlling husband in New Mexico and moves to the country music capital, Nashville, with two brothers.


According to director Aaron Woodley, Carey and the crew hit the honky-tonk club Second Fiddle last week to shoot her performance of “Right To Dream,” a song co-written by Nelson and performed in the scene with Nelson’s harmonica player, Mickey Raphael.

"People were weeping on the crew when she sang it," director Woodley told The Tennessean. "It's very moving, especially in the context of the film and her character."