50 Cent breaks down recording with Justin Timberlake

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and mogul 50 Cent is preparing for the June release of his new solo album, Curtis. The rapper recently shared what it was like working with Justin Timberlake on "Ayo Technology," a Timbaland-produced song which will be included on the Curtis album. The rapper told MTV.com, "I actually wrote a lot of the portions that other artists are working with me on, (but) in Justin's case, I flew to Florida. He was on tour with Timbaland. Timbaland produced the beat in a studio/trailer, on the tour bus. We got the music, the first time. I wrote a first verse; I didn't want to finish without the content and chorus. We got together the second time and finished the song in Houston."

50 Cent also explained that for this album he decided to expand his circle as opposed to just working with Eminem, Dr. Dre, and G-Unit producers. He said, "This time I worked with Akon, with Mary J., Robin Thicke, Will.I.Am, Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, Kanye West. Me and Young Buck featuring Nicole from the Pussycat Dolls. The album, for me, was finding a space where I am content and comfortable with my career, where I can go off and create with other artists and experiment a little bit."

In addition to the lead track, "Straight To The Bank," 50 Cent recently leaked a Havoc-produced track, "Fully Loaded Clip." In the song, 50 Cent raps, "While Jay and Beyonce was 'mmwa, mmwa'kissin'/ I was cookin'1,000 grams in my kitchen/ While Nas was telling Kelis, 'I love you, boo'/ I was shining my nine/ You know how I do/ ... While Trina was telling Weezy, 'I love you, boo'/ She was just running game/ She told Buck that too."

As far as dealing with the pressure leading up to the release of the new album, 50 Cent feels like the quality of the music will speak for itself. He said, "I think CD sales have been down because of a lack of quality (in the albums) that have been released. It wasn't (as) good as the standards that they hold at Shady/Aftermath. Dr. Dre, Eminem and myself -- (we collect material until we've got) what we feel is the best possible music by the time I come out. That's my formula to selling to the hip-hop community."

Young Jeezy explains the formation of USDA

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Young Jeezy is gearing up for the release of the debut album, Cold Summer, from his group, USDA, which consist of the rapper, Slick Pulla and Blood Raw. Jeezy explains how the trio got their name. He said: "It was our clique. You know everybody was doing what they was doing but we was getting money so in my mind you know I just felt like we was United Streets Of D-Boys of America. It's just like that's what we was doing. Mentally, yo, we was always on the grind. That's what we does. We always out there making stuff happen you know either way, you know what I mean? So the end result, that's what you got. We ain't want to be called nothing we wasn't."

The rapper explained that the group's music is street music. He said: "USDA is pretty much what I was screaming from the beginning. And you know USDA was always me and Slick and Raw. I just want to do...They very well make good music, just you know real music. But I wanted to do something, you know what I mean, cause that's where we came from the whole mixtape movement, the whole mixtape era. It's like you know sometimes when you talk with the labels you know it's about numbers and not just having music, you know what I mean, like street music."

Cold Summer is scheduled to hit stores on May 22nd.

Kanye West added to Princess DI Tribute Concert

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Grammy Award winner Kanye West, Rod Stewart, and Lily Allen have been added to the lineup of the July 1st concert at Wembley Stadium in honor of the late Princess Diana. The show's lineup already includes Duran Duran, Elton John, Joss Stone and Pharrell Williams.

The Associated Press reports that the concert was planned by Prince William and Prince Harry to celebrate what would have been their mother's 46th birthday on July 1st. The event also marks the tenth anniversary of her death in Paris in August of 1997.

The concert will also feature a performance by the English National Ballet and songs by Andrew Lloyd Webber in honor of Diana's love of dancing and theater. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the charities that Diana supported while she was alive.

In related news, an inquest will begin in October to finally investigate the infamous crash that took the life of Princess Diana, her friend Dodi Fayed and their bodyguard. The trio were killed when their Mercedes crashed inside the Pont d'Alma tunnel in Paris while being chased by paparazzi.

Tony Yayo makes brief court appearance

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo, whose real name is Marvin Bernard, made a court appearance on Wednesday April 25th for his ongoing assault case. The rapper, who is out on bail, is accused of roughing up the 14-year-old son of The Game's manager Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond.

Yayo's court appearance was brief as the judge set the next court date for July 24th. Outside of the courtroom, the rapper's lawyer Scott Leemon told MTV.com, "After a thorough investigation, I steadfastly and adamantly state to you that Tony Yayo did not slap anyone. I am hopeful that when (authorities) complete their investigation, they will come to the same conclusion. Yayo, as a father, understands the allegations and would never do anything to harm a child."

In related news, Yayo's mother's home was riddled with bullets last week. No one was hurt and the authorities are currently investigating whether or not the incident is related to the rapper's assault case.

Cam’ron Apologizes For His Comments On 60 Minutes

Cam’ron has issued a statement explaining the anti-snitching stance he recently took during an appearance on CBS’s 60 Minutes. In an interview with reporter Anderson Cooper, the Harlem MC stated that he would never cooperate with police in an investigation, even if it meant turning in a serial killer that lived next door to him. Since the report aired last Sunday (April 22), a public outcry has arisen over what people see as a lack of respect for the law. Today, the rapper released the following statement through the 5W Public Relations firm.
“In 2005, I was a victim of a violent crime. I was shot multiple times without provocation by two armed men who attempted to carjack my vehicle. Although I was a crime victim, I didn’t feel like I could cooperate with the police investigation. Where I come from, once word gets out that you’ve cooperated with the police that only makes you a bigger target of criminal violence. That is a dark reality in so many neighborhoods like mine across America. I’m not saying its right, but its reality. And it’s not unfounded. There’s a harsh reality around violence and criminal justice in our inner cities.

“But my experience in no way justifies what I said. Looking back now, I can see how those comments could be viewed as offensive, especially to those who have suffered their own personal tragedies or to those who put their lives on the line to protect our citizens from crime. Please understand that I was expressing my own personal frustration at my own personal circumstances. I in no way was intending to be malicious or harmful. I apologize deeply for this error in judgment.”

Papoose hosts urbanworld order pt. 4

Free Downloadable Mixtape Offers Exclusive Music from Papoose and Other Recognized "Nu" Emcees From Across the Country

Los Angeles, CA- April 26th, 2007 – Brooklyn bred, rap artist Papoose, one of hip hop's rising stars, has joined forces with UrbanWorld Wireless in support of the company's digital music initiative to release a free, downloadable mixtape experience entitled UrbanWorld Order Part 4: "Nu Breed Alliance". The digitally produced mixtape, featured on MTV’s Mixtape Monday (http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/041607/) , includes ringtones by DJ Kay Slay, “The Drama King”, which can be purchased by texting 66555 and entering the appropriate code embedded in the soundtrack listing. “This is hi-tech pimpin’ at its finest!” says the mixtape’s producer, Tommy “2” Gunz. “This is the first mixtape that fully incorporates technology from production to its distribution.” UrbanWorld Order Part 4: “Nu Breed Alliance” is available for free download at www.urbanworldwireless.com/nbamixtape.

The “Nu Breed Alliance” mixtape features hot new artists, representing the “nu-age” of hip-hop, including Papoose, Stat Quo, Bump J and Jay Rock, who are rising “nu” leaders, dominating in their respective regions of the country. Following in the footsteps of Big Daddy Kane and comedian Mike Epps, Papoose hosts the fourth installment of the UrbanWorld Order mixtape series. The mixtape features Papoose’s smash hits “Nu Era” and “Hustle Hard”, along with a slew of other Papoose classics. In addition, listeners will appreciate exclusive sounds from cities across the nation including Bump J, a widely, respected rapper from Chicago; down south, ATL emcee, Stat Quo; and “nu” Jamaican dancehall DJ, Movado. “Nu Breed Alliance” offers the best of both coasts, as Papoose reps for the East and West Coast rapper, Jay Rock, secures his spot in the N.B.A. with L.A. street bangers “Lift Me Up” and “I’m Fresh”, featuring Yung Joc and E-40. Other “nu” emcees include Bay area’s Keak Da Sneak, producer Choir Boy from New Jersey and The Tykunz from Los Angeles.

Preview and download the 35-track mixtape, featuring original music, for free at www.urbanworldwireless.com/nbamixtape. The mixtape will be distributed on all major Internet outlets in the U.S and internationally. Ringtones are available on all major networks. Please see terms and conditions listed at www.myspace.com/nubreedalliance.

1. Bugle Boy Jeans” DJ Kay Slay Ringtone (text KS3 to 66555)
2. Stop Acting Hollywood”- DJ Kay Slay Ringtone (text KS4 to 66555)
3. Act Like You Know” – DJ Kay Slay Ringtone (text KS5 to 66555)
4. Hush – Choir Boy ft. Phenom Ringtone (text CB1 to 66555)
5. G500 - Tha Tykunz (Produced By Tommy) (text TG8 to 66555)
6. That Go - Keak Da Sneak –(KS2 to 66555)

Eminem in talks to purchase concert hall

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Eminem is currently in negotiations to purchase St. Andrews Hall, a popular concert venue in Detroit which was featured in his motion picture debut, 8 Mile. According to the Detroit News, Eminem and his manager, Paul Rosenberg, have been trying to work out a deal with Live Nation -- formerly Clear Channel Entertainment-- to purchase the 1,000-capacity venue. The duo would like the current management to stay on and run the day-to-day operations of the facility.

A source told the Detroit News, "Given his ties to the building and the venue's price, the building is a good investment for him."

Eminem earned many of his rap stripes during battles which were held in the building's basement, which has been dubbed "The Shelter."

T.I., Fat Joe, Common & Others address attack on Hip Hop

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Following Don Imus'firing for making racially derogatory comments about the Rutgers female basketball team, the focus has been shifted to rap music and its usage of derogatory words. Oprah Winfrey hosted a town hall meeting where she discussed the topic with several panelists, and Russell Simmons and the Hip Hop Summit Action Network have issued a call to voluntarily remove the words b***ch, ho, and n***er, from the clean versions of songs. Now rappers like T.I., Fat Joe, Snoop Dogg, and others are weighing in on the discussion.

T.I. told MTV.com, "I honestly feel it's a lot more important things (to worry about). If you want to fix America, you have to start at George Bush and work your way down -- you can't start at hip-hop and work your way up. Me, I got children and I'm with my children every day I can be there. They know if they call somebody out there a name, if they disrespect a woman, if they do anything to imitate a 50 Cent or a Snoop Dogg or a T.I. or what they see on MTV -- they can't blame that on hip-hop. They gonna have to deal with Daddy. (Some) parents let their children blame it on hip-hop. I think that's the beginning of the problem, personally. I think hip-hop is being used as the scapegoat."

Fat Joe weighed in, "I know that Don Imus did not disrespect those young ladies because of hip-hop music. I'm 99 percent sure that he doesn't even listen to hip-hop like that. Everybody who's taking on hip-hop music are the same people who are just looking for a moment or window of opportunity. This is their moment to say, 'F**k hip-hop.'I don't know how a 60-year-old white dude has any relation to hip-hop music. What we need to know is there is freedom of speech: That's the biggest thing. My kids listen to hip-hop, they love Dipset, they love gangsta rap. But they also do great in school."

The Terror Squad rapper added, "Being that I'm a father and I take great pride in having a relationship with my kids. They can listen to hip-hop and understand the difference between reality and entertainment. Some of these parents, if they don't want their kids to listen to hip-hop, tell them to listen to gospel (music). Play some other kind of music! It ain't like anybody is forcing people to listen to hip-hop."

Common, who was one of the guest on Oprah Winfrey's show that dealt with the topic, said, "Oprah said that she was really open to hearing what we had to say as voices in hip-hop and also (whether we are) willing to grow and show change. I can't speak for her, but maybe she didn't listen to hip-hop as much before, and she's entitled to that. We're all people -- we like what we like. The fact is, she's open enough to say, 'It may have been something I wasn't aware of all the way, but I'm going to give it a chance. I understand it's a voice of different people.'"

Snoop Dogg has been the poster child for reform because of his misogynistic lyrics and Winfrey and others have called him on his lyrics. The rapper has taken it all in stride. He said, "I'm a fan of Oprah. I love what she does. I feel like whatever they're saying about me, negative or positive, I appreciate it. I thank you, Oprah. I'm Snoop Dogg -- you can't (badmouth) me because I do so much right and I'm the person who represents me the best. Snoop Dogg is a father, he's a coach, he's a teacher. I'm a man, and I do make mistakes and I'm willing to listen and learn. But a lot of times, they don't know me, so they have to speak on what they feel. But it is what it is. I appreciate you, Oprah. I've never been on your show, so thank you for bringing my name up on your show. I'm sure that'll mean another million record sales. Thank you."

KRS-One Says new album was a way to say thank you to Juice Crew

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Legendary rapper KRS-One and super-producer Marley Marl will release a joint project, titled Hip Hop Lives, on May 22nd on Koch Records. The two men were once embroiled in the biggest hip hop beef of all time between KRS-One's Boogie Down Productions and Marley Marl's Juice Crew in the late '80s but they've since resolved their differences. The beef was ignited when BDP released the single, "South Bronx," in 1987 in response to Marley Marl and MC Shan's single, "The Bridge."

KRS-One explained that on the new album he expresses his thanks to Marley Marl and the Juice Crew because they allowed him to launch his career. He said: "I also wanted to thank Marley Marl openly. I said to him, 'I want to explicitly on the album thank you, thank Shan, thank Mr. Magic, for the start of my career.'"

The rapper added: "I want to say in recording, in a recording, 'Thank you Marley Marl, and if it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here. You are the greatest producer of all time.'That's it."

The first single from the project is "Kill A Rapper." The song focuses on the unsolved murder of several rap stars.

Beanie Sigel working on rock track with Eminem & Kid Rock

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Beanie Sigel is currently working on his new album, The Solution, which will include production from Dre & Vidal, Just Blaze, Little Harry and Little Alex with guest appearances by Mos Def, Scarface, Eminem, Kid Rock, and Jay-Z.

Sigel shared what he's cooking up with Eminem and Kid Rock. He told MTV.com, "It's a rock track I wanna do with Kid Rock and Eminem. It's called 'Rock Out With Your C--- Out.'I might have to get the Big Homie to pull a trump card or something. If I could pull it off, then that's good. Other than that, it's just getting Jay in here to do his features. I been gone for a minute so I just wanted to give them me on this album."

Sigel added that he'll also be releasing a mixtape. The rapper said, "Towards the end of this album, I'mma rap it up and do a mixtape that's gonna be relevant for the album, make fans thirsty for it. It's gonna be called The Halfway House, so look out for that."

The mixtape will be hosted either by Green Lantern or DJ Drama.

Sigel's last release was 2005's the B. Coming.

50 Cent's New Album, Curtis, Takes Hip-Hop to the Bank

Superstar Rapper's Third Album Includes Production From Dr. Dre, Eminem and Timbaland; Guests Include Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Akon and More

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 23 /PRNewswire/ -- On Curtis, his third major label album, rapper 50 Cent gives no quarter. As hard and brutally honest, yet musical and entertaining, as his first two albums -- each of them #1 Pop, #1 R&B/Hip-hop and at least seven times platinum -- 50 Cent (aka Curtis Jackson) tells it like it is on Curtis and makes the resulting controversy pay as he heads "Straight to the Bank," the title of the album's first street track.

Curtis (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope), releasing June 26, 2007, features guest appearances by Eminem, Akon, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke, and Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls.

Curtis continues 50 Cent's phenomenal rise from the mean streets. His official debut album, 2003's Get Rich Or Die Tryin', sold 872,000 units in the first four days of its release, making it the fastest-selling debut disc in the SoundScan era (since 1991). The album was the biggest seller of 2003 and is currently ten times platinum worldwide. Later that year, The New Breed, a DVD with a bonus CD including new songs, charted #2 Pop and #1 R&B/Hip-Hop. His second album, 2005's The Massacre, was the second biggest-selling album of the year and is now seven times platinum worldwide.

Since he first dropped his bombs on the music world, 50 has earned 11 Grammy nominations, from Best New Artist to Best Rap Album for each of his first two efforts. Attesting to his worldwide popularity, Get Rich Or Die Tryin' hit #2 in the U.K. and #1 in Australia while The Massacre went #1 in both those countries, #2 in Sweden, and is the biggest-selling rap album in India, where it has been certified double platinum, selling more than 2,000,000 copies.

Back in the U.S., 50 has scored three singles claiming the #1 spot across the charts -- R&B/Hip-hop, Rap, and Pop: "In Da Club," "Candy Shop" and "21 Questions" (featuring Nate Dogg). Three more went Top 3 across the board: "P.I.M.P.," "Just A Lil Bit" and "Disco Inferno." Yet another four were Rap Top 10s: "Wanksta," "Outta Control (Remix)," "Window Shopper" and "Best Friend." Four of the above have been certified digital gold: "In Da Club," "Candy Shop," "P.I.M.P." and "Disco Inferno."

From music to movies, videogames to books, a clothing line to footwear, 50 has taken street culture by storm. But as Curtis proves, and as he says in "Straight to the Bank," 50 Cent wants even more.

Source: Interscope Records

Hip-hop's Simmons wants to remove offensive words

By Daniel Trotta
Mon Apr 23, 2:27 PM ET



NEW YORK (Reuters) - Prominent U.S. hip-hop executive Russell Simmons on Monday recommended eliminating the words "bitch," "ho" and "nigger" from the recording industry, considering them "extreme curse words."



The call comes less than two weeks after radio personality Don Imus' nationally syndicated and televised radio show was canceled amid public outcry over Imus calling a women's basketball team "nappy-headed hos."

Simmons, co-founder of the Def Jam label and a driving force behind hip-hop's huge commercial success, called for voluntary restrictions on the words and setting up an industry watchdog to recommend guidelines for lyrical and visual standards.

"We recommend that the recording and broadcast industries voluntarily remove/bleep/delete the misogynistic words 'bitch' and 'ho' and the racially offensive word 'nigger'," Simmons and Benjamin Chavis, co-chairmen of the advocacy group Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, said in a statement.

"These three words should be considered with the same objections to obscenity as 'extreme curse words'," it said.

Ho is slang for whore and commonly used in hip-hop music while nigger, a derogatory term for blacks, is among the most highly charged insults in American culture. The slur "nappy," used by Imus, describes the tightly curled hair of many African Americans.

CHANGING STANCE

Monday's statement changed course from another one by Simmons and Chavis dated April 13, a day after Imus' show was canceled, in which they said offensive references in hip-hop "may be uncomfortable for some to hear, but our job is not to silence or censor that expression."

The Imus controversy stoked a debate in the United States about how to deal with inflammatory words that are widely considered highly offensive but at the same time commonly and casually used in youth culture.

U.S. black leaders such as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have led the charge to suppress offensive words while many artists have argued for freedom of expression. New York City declared a symbolic moratorium on the so-called N-word in February.

"Our internal discussions with industry leaders are not about censorship. Our discussions are about the corporate social responsibility of the industry to voluntarily show respect to African Americans and other people of color, African American women and to all women in lyrics and images," the statement from Simmons and Chavis said on Monday.

The network recommended the formation of a Coalition on Broadcast Standards that would consist of leading executives from music, radio and television

CAM'RON'S '60 MINUTES' APPEARANCE: Did Killa Cam Kill Hip Hop?

By Min. Paul Scott

"Shots go off mothers cry, death since rise, homicide Black On Black crime needs to stop, Ya'll can't blame it on Hip Hop" ('The Industry') - Wyclef Jean
I could tell by the way the media were pumpin' up the Cam'ron 60 Minutes interview days prior to Sunday night's airing that this wasn't going to be one of Hip Hop's stellar moments.


With Hip Hop already under fire in the Don Imus aftermath, which was only eclipsed by the VA Tech murders, America needed a new bad guy; a Hip Hop Hitler to point to as the source of all of America's problems...Enter Cameron Giles.....


Let's face it. It was ill advised, (or for the less politically suave, down right dumb) for Cam to say that he wouldn't turn in a serial killer livin' in the crib next to his, while Ethel Lou in Topeka was still shook from the story about the Virginia Tech shooter.



Cam'ron


However, in reality it was a set up that stank to high heaven. White America needed a new mainstream poster child to blame for the deterioration of America's moral values and Cam'ron gave it to them, signed, sealed delivered and decorated with a golden eagle medallion.


Historically, America has always needed a black boogey man, a sacrificial lamb on whose back all the sins of the world could be placed.


If you look back at the Civil Rights Era, when Rev. Martin Luther King was leading his march to bring attention to racial/economic injustice in Memphis, the media focus was not on the smooth talkin' dude in the nice suit but on a gang of paid off ruffians called the Invaders who allegedly wrecked havoc on innocent bystanders. This served as evidence that segregation was indeed justified because Black folks were not quite civilized enough to eat a hot stack of pancakes at Howard Johnson's.


Things became increasingly worse in the late 80s as white folks went from trying to segregate a swimming pool to trying to segregate an entire ocean at Virginia Beach. The cause of the problem was not discrimination. No, according to the press, the real problem was that black college kids were shattering the plaster in Biff and Britney's summer cottage with their darn "ghetto" blasters...


During the early 90's, I remember how the video tape of Rodney King being brutalized by the LAPD was replaced by Reginald Denny getting a mediaeval beat down by a four man army of "street thugs." And no, the "rioters" in LA were not making political statements about systematic socio-economic inequalities, they were just monsters on a blood thirsty rampage fueled by NWA lyrics and St. Ides Malt Liquor.


Things have remained the same in the 21st century. Back in 2005, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the questions about broken levees and government coverups were drowned out by America's outrage over black thugz stealing wide screen TV sets from washed out department stores. And since they didn't have any electricity the thugz spent their afternoons target practicing at helicopters that were trying to deliver food and medical supplies to storm victims.


For those with long term memory disorders, they need only think back to last winter when the outrage over Michael "Kramer" Richards dropping all those N bombs quickly switched to a national debate over why Black folks call their homies the "N" word.


This brings us to the Imus "nappy headed ho" fiasco, where the news clips of a deranged looking cowboy who looked like he had one too many shots of Jack Daniels were replaced with clips of Snoop Dogg giving his deep intellectual insight into the various degrees of "ho-ism"


So that brings us up to 4/22/07 and the Cam interview, where the talking heads have just discovered that not only don't rappers "love dem ho's" they ain't got no love for the Po Po's either. What is odd is that they did not once mention that the genesis of the distrust of the police is not based on a rap lyric but rooted in decades of Jim Crow-isms, COINTELPRO and numerous cases of mistaken identity and driving while black. Did they once mention that the Sean Bell shooting was maybe just enough to make Black folks believe that the Officer Friendly from their kindergarten coloring books, wasn't so friendly after all?


Although Hip Hop has been pretty resilient over the years as it has been a consistent cheddar producing cash cow for phat cats from Park Ave to Rodeo Drive, based on the current political climate as Moe Dee told LL back in tha Day "this be the death blow."


Now, I am far from a Hip Hop apologist but I know a set up when I see one. And you can best believe that the "Hip Hop" question will be the source of endless political debates between now and the next election.


What America will never admit is that ultimately, Hip Hop is not the problem, racism is. And if you get rid of racism today, the "N" word and all things associated would be gone tomorrow.


To portray all Hip Hop artists as members of some Third Reich is ludicrous. Although some of the major record label owners may bear some resemblance to the evil master of propaganda, Adolf Hitler, "da 50 Cent" is not "der Fuhrer."

RZA: "Rappers are glorifying their hell."

RZA unleashes thoughts on ghetto glorification.

RZA is sick of hip-hop's singlemindedness, and released a statement blasting rappers who paint the ghetto as a good place to be. According to various news sources, RZA said, "Hip-hop is just unbalanced. Right now, rappers are glorifying their hell. How you gonna tell me it's cool to live in the ghetto? Who wants to live where you got rats, roaches, pissy elevators, shootings, killings, rapings, drug addicts, alcoholics, all in a four-block radius?

"Now, out of nine Wu-Tang members, seven are felons... We were the problem of our communities, but we never bragged about it. We kept moving on about life," he continued. "But right now, these hip-hoppers are stuck on one thing. They stuck on sex and violence and drugs and partying. Life is way more than that. Especially the day after the party ends. When you get the f**k up the next day, what you gonna do?"

Home of rapper's ma sprayed with bullets

BY OREN YANIV and MICHAEL WHITE
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS


A barrage of bullets riddled the Queens home of the mother of rap star Tony Yayo, recently arrested for assaulting a rival music mogul's 14-year-old son, cops said yesterday.

"I think they did it to send a message, but we are innocent people," said Yayo's 32-year-old sister, who did not want to be identified. "Either me or my daughter could have been dead."

Yayo, whose real name is Marvin Bernard, is a member of rap megastar 50 Cent's notorious G-Unit crew.

Yayo's sister and her 2-year-old daughter were upstairs when the fusillade pierced the home's front door and picture window Wednesday evening.

Bullet marks marred the ceilings and walls of the den.

Ballistic evidence recovered from the scene showed tha about 12 shots were fired from the street by a powerful weapon, authorities said, but it was unknown whether the shooter was on foot or in a car.

No witnesses had come forward as of last night.

"Is it safe for us to be here?" the rapper's mother asked her daughter yesterday afternoon as she got home, adding that she planned to sleep at a pal's house.

The case was referred to the NYPD's entertainment unit.

Yayo turned himself in to the authorities March 24 and was arraigned on misdemeanor charges of attacking the teen son of music industry rival Jimmy (Henchmen) Rosemond in Manhattan.

The rapper pleaded not guilty in Manhattan Criminal Court and was released on $5,000 bail.

Yayo's lawyer declined to comment yesterday.

Mase close to signing with SRC Records

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Last year rapper and ordained minister Mase announced that he was joining the roster of 50 Cent's G-Unit Records. Unfortunately Mase was still contractually obligated to Sean "Diddy" Combs'Bad Boy Records, and Combs and 50 Cent were unable to work out a deal. It appears that the G-Unit deal is dead, as SRC Records head honcho Steve Rifkind recently announced that he's close to finalizing a deal with the rapper.

Rifkind told XXL magazine, "We are closing the Mase deal. His album is crazy. We are doing a production and distribution deal with him. We don't have a date for the album yet, but it will be out by the end of the year. It's all brand new material."

SRC Records roster currently includes: Akon, David Banner, Pharoahe Monch, and the Wu-Tang Clan.

Before his retirement in 1999, Mase released two albums: 1997's quadruple-platinum Harlem World, and 1999's certified-gold Double Up. The rapper released his gold-certified comeback album, Welcome Back, in 2004.

Fabolous Hooks up with Swizz Beatz for New Single

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Brooklyn-based rapper Fabolous has released the second single and video from his forthcoming album, From Nothin'To Somethin', which is due out on June 12th. The single, "Return of the Hustle," was produced by Swizz Beatz. The new video is currently available exclusively at iTunes.

From Nothin'To Somethin' also features guest appearances by Ne-Yo and production by Jazze Pha, Timbaland, Just Blaze, and Steve Morales.

The first single from the project was "Diamonds" featuring Young Jeezy

Fabolous'last release was 2004's gold certified, Real Talk, which was released via Atlantic Records.

Dame Dash Sues Accountant for $3.5 Million

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Roc-A-Fella Records co-founder Dame Dash has filed a multi-million lawsuit against his former accountant for allegedly filing several years of erroneous tax returns on his behalf. New York's Daily News reports that Dash hit Barry Klarberg and his company, Loring Ward, with a $3.5 million lawsuit in Manhattan Supreme Court.

In the lawsuit, Dash accuses Klarberg of messing up New York and New Jersey income tax returns for 2000 and 2001 and miscalculating what Dash owed in 2005. The lawsuit also alleges that Klarberg failed to tell Dash how much he profited from the sale of one of his companies.

In the past two years, Dash was bought out of Roc-A-Fella Records and Rocawear clothing.

Klarberg, who wrote Winning Tax Strategies and Planning for Athletes and Entertainers, has handled the finances of many celebrities including Justin Timberlake and former hockey star Mark Messier.

50 Cent Ordered To Pay $15 K A Month In Child Support

Earlier this week 50 Cent was been ordered to make some pretty hefty child support payments to the mother of his 10-year-old son.

According to New York Post reports, this past Monday (April 16) 50, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, was told he'd be required to immediately pay $10,000 for the support of his son Marquise Diamond Jackson. Suffolk County Support Magistrate Aletha V. Fields-Ferraro also awarded $15,000 in monthly expenses to Shaniqua Tompkins, 50's former girlfriend and mother to Marquise.

Four friends accompanied 50 to court Monday, where he reportedly caused a commotion over not receiving VIP treatment and being required to go through metal detectors.

As we previously reported, 50 filed papers with Family Court in February, seeking to arrange an official agreement with Tompkins. Prior to Fields-Ferraro's decision, the two lacked a specific arrangement, and sources speculated that 50 filed with Family Court in order to avoid overzealous demands from Tompkins.

50 and Tompkins next court meeting is scheduled for June 11.

Jim Jones launchs dipskate team

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Diplomat Records co-CEO Jim Jones recently announced that he is sponsoring DipSkate, a Freestyle Rolling team headed by Calvin Sayles and Ramelle Knight. Freestyle Rolling is a new extreme sport which is also referred to as aggressive skating and it blends skating, music, and fashion together.

Jones became interest in the sport after viewing a documentary, Know Difference, on it by Chris and Courtney Brown. The rapper said in a released statement, "When I got the opportunity to see (The Brown Brothers') tape, and they told me how the skaters feel when it comes to the Diplomats, I was honored. They feel like we're the realest thing out there, and they love everything that we're doing, so it was a beautiful opportunity."

Ramelle Knight added, "Jim respects the hustle, the same as we do. He sees what we do is real, and we're going to take it as far as we can, like he is with his projects. We're all grinding out here. We are bringing music and skating together to build a union that will make an even stronger team. It is a revolution that will be much appreciated."

Know Difference will be released internationally this fall.

Mannie Fresh to executive produce new Juvenile Album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Producer Mannie Fresh recently inked a production deal with Def Jam Records to produce songs for artist on the label's roster as well as to release his own album later this year. Before Fresh can get into his own project, he's agreed to executive produce Juvenile's next album. Fresh told MTV.com, "Most of the tracks is gonna be mine, the rest is gonna be me putting him with the right producers, making sure the fans get what they wanna hear from Juvenile. It kinda started off slow. Me and dude haven't been working like that. If it was, it was one session, then he went his way, I went my way. We gotta grow back into each other and get that comfort zone. But the chemistry is there. My thing is we gonna keep recording until we get the songs we want. The chemistry is still there."

Fresh and Juvenile always maintained a relationship even after Juvenile left Cash Money Records in 2001. Fresh explained what it was like when they first hooked back up to work on the rapper's 2003 project, Juvie The Great. He said: "It's kinda like I had to come to terms with dude. In order for this album to be a success, I mean, dude, we got to let bygones be bygones if you want it to be a classic album. It's all on you, you know. I mean in my heart, I could never be mad at nobody regardless of what you do."

Fresh will also be working with former Cash Money Millionaire B.G. on his new album. The producer said, "B.G., we're working it out to work on his album as well. I'm hoping me, him, Juvie could all get in the studio and do something as well. We don't even have to call it the Hot Boys. We just do what people know we can do."

As for his new solo album, Fresh said, "I don't want to call it a compilation, but it's a chance for me to work with everybody I wanted to work with and put a project together. I'm actually signed as an act to Def Jam. And on top of that, I get to do whatever I want outside of that. It's not an exclusive deal, I'm just exclusively signed to Def Jam. They understand the hustle of the game, my daily activities."

The producer added, "It's gonna consist of a lot of cats. Akon, Tyrese, T.I., Jay-Z, Nas. It's gonna be something crazy. Cats I never really worked with, so I'm gonna get a chance to give them my music and let them do their thing creatively over what I'm doing. And I'm looking for some new talent as well to showcase. It's not just gonna be all established artists."

Fresh was one-half of the Big Tymers, which included rapper Baby, a.k.a. Birdman. The group's last release, 2003's Big Money Heavyweight, was certified gold for sales of 500,000 copies, while the Big Tymers'two previous releases, 2002's Hood Rich and 2000's I Got That Work, were both certified platinum for sales of 1 million copies. The group released its debut album, How You Luv That, in 1998.

Fresh released his solo album, The Mind of Mannie Fresh, in 2004 on Cash Money Records.

Musiq says he wants to make a rap album one day

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Musiq Soulchild is still promoting his latest album and Atlantic Records debut, Luvanmusiq, but the singer recently shared that he wants to do a rap project in the future. The singer told MTV.com, "I've always been a fan of hip-hop and I wanted to be a valid contributor to hip-hop music ... I don't know, I might do a rap record later on in my career, once I get my chops up. What I'm listening to is a lot of hip-hop music, like J Dilla and Black Milk. Lupe Fiasco, Game, Nas, Jay-Z. Definitely, I would like to work with any of those dudes.

Musiq added, "I'm doing a lot of homework on it because, like I said, I want to be a valid contributor to the legacy (of) hip-hop music, even to the extent of putting out a rap record. But I don't wanna be one of those artists that crosses over to hip-hop just to say I did it. You have a lot of people that live and breathe it, and I don't wanna disrespect the craft. If I'm gonna do it, I want to do the work just as much as anybody else."

The latest single from Luvanmusiq is "Buddy."

Jordan's divorce 'most expensive' ever among famous

Add one more accomplishment to the long list owned by former NBA star Michael Jordan. The basketball legend’s split last December from his wife of 17 years, Juanita, has given him a cushy spot atop Forbes.com’s tally of "The 10 Most Expensive Celebrity Divorces."

Jordan’s ex could possibly "get more than $150 million in a settlement, making their divorce the most expensive in entertainment history," Forbes said. The magazine compiled the list by researching divorces of the last 25 years.


MJ was followed closely by singer Neil Diamond, whose 1995 divorce from Marcia Murphey cost him an estimated $150 million and landed him in second place on Forbes.com’s list.

Steven Spielberg comes in third for paying his ex-wife Amy Irving an estimated $100 million, which was then half his fortune, when they divorced in 1989. The Oscar-winning director is now worth $3 billion.

Also making the list are estimated settlements between Harrison Ford and Melissa Mathison ($85 million); Kevin Costner and Cindy Silva ($80 million); Paul McCartney and Heather Mills, whose divorce could cost him more than $60 million; James Cameron and Linda Hamilton ($50 million); Michael and Diandra Douglas ($45 million and two homes); Lionel and Diane Richie ($20 million); and Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall ($15 to $25 million).

Lil Romeo to play hoops for USC Trojans

17-old rapper/actor Lil Romeo, the son of rap mogul Master P, has pledged to hang up the mic for several years and commit to playing basketball for the University of Southern California.


The 6-foot junior athlete at Beverly Hills High averaged 13.9 points and 5.6 assists per game, and reportedly impressed coaches last summer at the ABCD Camp in New Jersey. On Friday, Romeo and his best friend Demar Derozan visited the USC campus and told Coach Tim Floyd that they plan to play for the squad after they graduate next year.

Proud papa P, born Percy Miller, tells FOXSports.com of Romeo’s announcement: "It's great for him. USC is a great school and I felt like he made a great decision."


P coaches his son and Derozan on the P. Miller Ballers in the spring and summer. The founder of No Limit Records said his boy will focus solely on school and basketball for the next few years.

"He can be polishing up his film career at USC," Master P said. "When he's finished after four years at 21 or 22 years old, he'll hopefully be able to take either basketball to the next level or Hollywood to the next level. This is what it's all about. I'm just glad he has the opportunity to do both."


Derozan, meanwhile, is 6-foot-6, 215 pounds and ranks 46th nationally in Scout.com's list of the top junior players in the country.

Janet Jackson sued for 120 Million?

A $120 million lawsuit has been filed against Janet Jackson over claims that her two bodyguards grabbed him and choked him.


Leonard Salati says the alleged assault occurred at Club Marquee in February 2004. According to the lawsuit, Salati attempted to slip Jackson a note when her security team suddenly went into attack mode.

Jackson’s lawyers had attempted to have the case thrown out, but Justice Rolando Acosta decided to move forward based on a discrepancy over the amount of bodyguards assigned to Jackson that night.

According to sohh.com and other sites, Jackson’s camp says she only had one bodyguard with her and boyfriend producer Jermaine Dupri. However, reps for Club Marquee say she had three.

The judge reportedly said: "Not withstanding [the] counsel's valiant effort to shield Ms Jackson [the law grants] no exemptions based on celebrity status."

Rick Ross prepares for his highly anticipated sophomore release "Trilla"

Some would decide to relax after a year of phenomenal success, enjoying the fruits of their labor, but multi-talented rapper Rick Ross is just getting started. With several projects in tow, 2007 will be the year for The Boss, as he prepares for his highly anticipated, sophomore release, "Trilla," via Def Jam/Slip N' Slide while managed by E-Class Management.

What may have seemed to many, like an overnight success, his journey has been 12 years in the making; his hard work and dedication has surely paid off. Mr. Ross equates his success to putting God first, never giving up and maintaining his grind. For years, he distributed his own mixtapes, in addition to serving as a ghostwriter for several well-known recording artists while staying true to the game.

"It's crazy, when I finally broke through, cats were like, "Is that?.... naaaww.. it can't be" But yeah it was me, the same dude they have been hearing and hearing about for years," says the superstar.

The truth of the matter is, Rick Ross has arrived and he is here to stay.

Made famous for his smash hit Hustlin', while just this past year his debut, "Port of Miami," which is now certified platinum, held down the Bill Board Charts for several weeks at # 1. Superseding all expectations, the mastertone for the hit "Hustlin" broke all music industry records by reaching platinum status a week prior to his album release in August 2006.

Rick Ross is engaged in preparing for his sophomore effort "Trilla," which will add the the fire and further propel "The Movement."
"Miami is on fire and we are not going to stop until we reach the top, we have put in endless hours in the studio, promoting and honing our craft. 2007 is the year of the "Trilla," says Poe Boy Entertainment, Vice President, Alex "Gucci Pucci" Bethune.

"Trilla," expected to be a classic, is a conglomeration of music's finest and will undoubtedly set the stage for Hip-Hop and will raise the bar several notches.

Please also stay tuned for M.I.Yayo a documentary about, the most notorious drug king-pins in Miami, in which Rick Ross makes his executive producing debut. This movie will also be released the same day as "Trilla."

Common announces star-studded guest list for new album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Common will release his new album, Finding Forever, on July 10th and he recently announced that the set will feature collaborations with D'Angelo, Kanye West, the late J Dilla, Will.I.Am, Bilal, Dwele, and UK pop singer Lily Allen. Common told Billboard.com, "I want to leave a mark on this earth. By making music and saying what I have to say in my music is one of the ways I will exist forever."

The first single from the project is "The People," which was produced by Kanye West.

Trey Songz is back: He's Representing with 'Trey Day' Out June 12

There are entertainers who sing for their people and then there are singers who speak for their generation. Stevie spoke for hearts and souls; Marvin crooned for his country; Fela sent the rhythm of Africa abroad; Curtis gave the ghetto a voice.

Artists come a dime a dozen, but a spokesman for the masses who's been bestowed with a voice from the heavens, once every generation. With Songbook/Atlantic Records R&B blessing Trey Songz, the first generation to come of age in the 21st century has one they can claim as their own.

The anointment of the Petersburgh, Virginia inspiration will be solidified with his second collection, the emotional joyride entitled "TREY DAY."

Spanning a sonic spectrum, the album bathes in waves of chord colors (reminiscent of Jodeci's "DIARY OF A MAD BAND"), with Trey's pen painting so vividly it could pass for a crayon. Much of this lush production comes courtesy of some of the best producers in the business. To note a few: Dre and Vidal, Danjahandz, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Troy Taylor, who signed Trey to his Songbook Entertainment imprint in 2003 and produced the lion's share of his 2005 debut, "I GOTTA MAKE IT."

However, while the score for "TREY DAY" is fittingly grandiose, the source of its strength is its author. Trey Songz's vocals have never been more mint. The innovation and lyricism displayed on his sophomore effort belies his 22 years of age. "I'm just taking my music to another level," he offers with an 'I'm just doing my job' tone. "I'm challenging myself vocally, and as a songwriter and an arranger, I'm trying to become an all-around artist."

The evolution can be witnessed firsthand on the lead single, "Wonder Woman." Over the heart- pumping drum track and brain-twisting futuristic sounds of Timbaland protégé Danjahandz, Trey flexes the scribe within. He opens with a riptide rap verse that could put many an MC to shame, then teams with the album's A&R director, Nokio of Dru Hill fame, to express his need for that special lady. "My Wonder Woman is just a strong woman," says Trey. "The modern day woman is independent, doing her own thing, not depending on a man for anything. So the whole basis is if you're invincible, let me see."

"The boy is a star," praises Nokio of Trey. "Many times he'll go in [the studio], write a record and record himself. He doesn't wait for an engineer or anything. His work ethic is crazy and then there's the feeling he puts behind his singing… it's just rare to work with an artist that can do it all."


One thing that Trey does better than any young R&B artist today is to create songs that resonate with fans regardless of gender, race, age, or residency. His music soars above categorization. You'll be hard-pressed to find many who can't relate to the gorgeous "Last Time." With production by R&B sure-shot Bryan-Michael Cox, Trey documents the challenges of monogamy and the complexities of infidelity in one final episode with his female on the side. The song is beautiful. It's ugly. It's common. It's special. It's human.

While Trey has a gift to express the thoughts and experiences of most, he basks in the opportunity to speak for the fellas. There hasn't been a song since Usher's stratospheric single "Burn" that has given the world a clearer inside view of the male mind than Trey's "Store Run."
From atop Dre and Vidal's instrument cornucopia, Trey tells the tale of a sex-capade that almost took an irresponsible turn until he came to his senses and raced to the store for prophylactics. It's a story for the guys and a message for the world.

The creativity on this album doesn't end until the last track does. "Stereo" is a perfect example. It speaks directly to the tech-age of today. "Imagine Trey's the stereo and the girl's just sitting there listening to it," explains the track's producer, Troy Taylor. "Trey starts singing to her and the speaker moves as if it's his mouth." Trey seduces: Turn me up don't turn me down/Promise that you'll love it/Now put your hands on the radio/Don't be afraid to touch it/Imagine I was there (baby) pullin' on your hair. Even cyber-fantasies get fulfilled.

It's simple. Trey is at his best because for the first time we receive him in his entirety, as he makes a major leap forward from his debut. "I used 'I GOTTA MAKE IT' as a staircase to achieve," he says. In the wake of the release of his first album, Trey found himself reaching into the mainstream at the same time that the underground was feasting on his mixtape releases. And Warner Music Group Executive Vice President Kevin Liles took notice. "On the new project, Kevin came in and he really got who I am as an artist," tells Trey. "Kevin always said 'I don't see "I Gotta Go" in the clubs. I see "I Gotta Go" on stage and then I see this guy in the clubs, poppin' bottles and throwing money. It's not matching.' So he said the image is gonna match the songs this time."

The result is a gift for all. Everyone's a winner. The world will be able to enjoy the complete experience of Trey Songz, the future of R&B. "This album, though he's a little older from the first album, is who he is," states Taylor. "He's soulful. He's street. He's hip-hop. He's sexual. He's diverse."

So Trey's reign begins. The people of today are ready for their representation (over 400,000 of them are his Myspace friends!). They've actually been ready since day one. Just like Trey speaks up for them, they've reciprocated. "Before my first album came out, the fans on my website were calling the release date, "Trey Day." So I decided this time it's gonna be "TREY DAY" for real. The first album was an introduction and this is the arrival."



source: Atlantic Records

The Game says he's still cool with Young Buck

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Game is slowing down a little bit to spend some more time with his son Harlem and for the forthcoming birth of his second son, King Justice, later this month. The rapper told MTV.com that he's taking a break from the industry but he will continue to release mixtape material from time to time.

Fans can expect to see The Game in Nas'new video for their duet, "Hustlers." The rapper explained that after talking with Nas he's decided to adopt a new name. The Game said, "I'm changing my street name: I'm killing Hurricane and I'm just gonna run with the Murda Game. Like I said, I talked to Nas at the 'Hustlers'video shoot, and we was talking about his career and where he's been, talking about (Nas'aliases) Escobar and Nasty Nas. And I said, 'I had heard some s**t from back in the day when you was Nasty Nas. It was so raw, uncut, so street.'I was like, 'I need one of them aliases.'He was like, 'Well, if I'm Nasty Nas, then you Murda Game because you murder n***as.'That's what it is: Out with the Hurricane, in with Murda Game. I got that from a don, man. A king gave me that, so I had to run with it."

The Game also weighed in on his recent mixtape diss song, "Body Bags." The rapper and Young Buck had reached an understanding but some fans thought the Game was also dissing Young Buck on the song. The rapper clarified, "Me and Buck are still good. A lot of people thought in the 'Body Bags'song, when I say that line "F**k the whole G-Unit, who lied to Buck?" that I'm dissing him. I'm not dissin'Buck. I meant, why ain't nobody tell him ... why n***as don't keep it real over there (at G-Unit)? Why you don't tell your artists you're not gonna take care of him, that you're self-motivated? I'm just speaking on 50 Cent. All 50 cares about is himself, he don't care about Buck, he don't care about (Tony) Yayo, he don't care about (Lloyd) Banks. He didn't give a f**k about me. (Former G-Unit Records President) Sha Money -- him and Sha Money ain't really talking. 50 says they cool, but they ain't really cool."

The Game released "Body Bags" after Tony Yayo was arrested for allegedly assaulting his manager, Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond's son. The rapper said, "I ain't got too much to say about that situation. I hope Jimmy's son is all right and I hope (Yayo) gets whatever he deserves from God and whatever else punishment he deserves. Hitting kids ain't cool. But you know, Jimmy is making all the right decisions. That whole thing they're doing with Reverend Al Sharpton, instead of taking it to the streets, I think that's the right way. You gotta take action against cats like that. You can't let anybody get away with that. It's a travesty that he would belittle himself to do that. It's just not cool."

Snoop Says Rappers And Imus Are 'Two Separate Things'

Snoop Dogg has issued a new warning: Don't dare to compare his lyrics — or any other MC's — to syndicated radio host Don Imus' recent racially inflammatory comments about the black women on the Rutgers University women's basketball team. Imus called them "nappy-headed ho's," among other insults.

Admittedly, Snoop and some of his peers have called women "b----es" and "ho's" in their lyrics, but as the Dogg put it Tuesday afternoon (April 10), there is no parallel to what Imus said.

"It's a completely different scenario," said Snoop, barking over the phone from a hotel room in L.A. "[Rappers] are not talking about no collegiate basketball girls who have made it to the next level in education and sports. We're talking about ho's that's in the 'hood that ain't doing sh--, that's trying to get a n---a for his money. These are two separate things. First of all, we ain't no old-ass white men that sit up on MSNBC [which announced Wednesday it would drop its simulcast of Imus' radio show] going hard on black girls. We are rappers that have these songs coming from our minds and our souls that are relevant to what we feel. I will not let them mutha----as say we in the same league as him."

Snoop did say, though, that the media needs to treat Imus as it treats some MCs (or football players, even).

"Kick him off the air forever," he said. "Ban him like they did [Adam] 'Pacman' Jones. They kicked him out the [National Football] League for the whole season [for numerous violations of the NFL's personal-conduct policy, including multiple arrests], but this punk gets to get on the air and call black women 'nappy-headed ho's.' "

At the time of this interview, Snoop's arraignment on felony charges (possession of a firearm and sale or transportation of marijuana) was looming, but on Wednesday afternoon (April 11), he pleaded no contest to the charges and was sentenced to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service; a three-year prison sentence was suspended. "Snoop accepts full responsibility for these matters," his attorney, Donald Etra, said in a statement. "He understands that, while he has every reason to seek security and protection, he cannot have a gun in his own vehicle, and he must only employ licensed security personnel. By the same token, although Snoop possesses a medical marijuana certificate, he recognizes, he cannot possess more marijuana than permitted by that law." The charges stem from Snoop's October arrest at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California (see "Snoop Dogg Arrested For Drug, Gun Possession At Airport").

Amid all this, he's promoting a new album as well: a compilation called Snoop Dogg Presents: The Big Squeeze that is geared toward giving some shine to upcoming artists as well as seasoned vets. It's due April 24 on Koch.

"I produced the whole album," the Dogg explained. "I'm trying to give some light to these West Coast artists out here. Some of them are rivals, so I brought them all together so they could move forward. I call it The Big Squeeze because I'm finnin' to squeeze the game by the neck. It's a parade of the artists that I felt was my starters. As opposed to grabbing everybody from the West Coast, I grabbed the ones I thought were best at the time.

"We'll be dropping The [Big] Squeeze 2 in like three months just to make sure it's more and more talent that's coming," he added. "As opposed to calling in Pharrell and Timbaland and Scott Storch, all my high-powered friends, I said, 'Let me do it on my own and show them that if I'm willing to make the sacrifice, maybe they will too.' ... I just wanted to give them a shot. Do a record with them, people know they official ... then they got me whenever they need me. If they wanna do a [record] deal with me, then come on. If not, then they on their own. I'm not trying to lock anybody down."

You may even get to see some of these artists on the stage with Snoop soon. He and Diddy are bringing their tour to the U.S. after a run of several weeks across the world (see "Snoop Dogg Barred From Entering U.K., Cancels Dates With Diddy"). The West Coast King is also focusing on an adults-only cartoon movie to accompany his album Tha Blue Carpet Treatment.

The Big Squeeze track list, according to Snoop Dogg's reps:

1. "The Big Squeeze Intro" - Snoop Dogg
2. "Killaz" - Warzone, Westurn Union and Snoop Dogg
3. "We Came to Bang Out" - Dogg Pound, Soopafly and Snoop Dogg
4. "Shackled Up" - Warzone
5. "We Go Hard" - Katt Williams, Soopafly, Kurupt and Snoop Dogg
6. "Hat 2 Da Bac" - Westurn Union and Snoop Dogg
7. "Pop Pop Bang!" - Kurupt, Kam and Snoop Dogg
8. "31 Flavaz" - Kurupt and Snoop Dogg
9. "All About Damani" - Damani and Snoop Dogg
10. "Like Rock Stars" - Bad Lucc, Damani, JT the Bigga Figga, Chuck and Snoop Dogg
11. "Spend Some Time" - Ricky Harris, Chuck, Kurupt, Soopafly and Snoop Dogg
12. "F---in' Is Good for U" - Damani, JT the Bigga Figga, Kurupt, Soopafly and Snoop Dogg
13. "Get Your Body Moving" - MC Eiht, Kam, Chuck
14. "Get Closer" - Azure and Snoop Dogg
15. "Can U Get Away?" - Goldie Loc, Ray J and Snoop Dogg
16. "U In Trouble" - Kurupt and Snoop Dogg
17. "Lean on Me" - JT the Bigga Figga
18. "Let's Get This Party Started" - Azure and Snoop Dogg
19. "Be Thankful" - Terrace Martin, J. Black

T.I. may be hit with lawsuit by Duke University

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

T.I. left some of his fans wanting more on Saturday, April 7th, at Duke University's Cameron Rocks Concert. Duke University's The Chronicle reports that the rapper showed up late for his performance and cut his set short after only 40 minutes. T.I. was allegedly paid $70,000 for a one hour performance. According to the paper, the rapper was late because he attended an unrelated dinner at P.F. Chang's China Bistro while 3,000 students waited. The school is considering legal action against the rapper.

T.I., who is currently working on his new album, T.I. v T.I.P., is scheduled to perform at Cornell University on May 4th.

Lox new album coming soon

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The LOX, which is made up of Jadakiss, Styles P, and Sheek Louch, have been busy recording a new album. The group may change the title of the album, which was initially Live, Suffer, Celebrate, because the new material is moving in another direction. Styles P told MTV.com, "The LOX joint is coming out soon. We working every day. We got some fire! We saw Dame Grease for tracks, 'bout to get up with Swizz Beatz, a couple of young boys. We're picking fire beats. We got a bunch of crazy stuff."

Styles is also working on a new solo album, Five Star General, which will be his first independent release. The rapper explained, "It feels good to have your life in your own hands. My career has been in other people's hands for so long, now it finally feels great to be on my own. I'm good, I made a fair deal. I'm not locked into anything long-term. But I like Koch. I know the dudes there, I like the workers. That's somewhere I wanted to be. I like their integrity, I like how they work, they know the music."

The Lox were signed to Bad Boy Entertainment in 1996 by Sean "Diddy" Combs. The group released their platinum debut album, Money, Power, & Respect, in 1998, and they wrote several hits for Combs, including his biggest, "All About The Benjamins."

The group fell out with Combs in 1999 and the Lox's production company, Ruff Ryders, paid Combs approximately $3 million to buy out their contract. The Lox subsequently released a gold album, We Are The Streets, on Interscope Records in 2000.

Lil Wayne says 'Tha Carter 3' won't hit stores until the end of the year

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Lil Wayne recently shared some bad news for fans that were expecting his new album, Tha Carter Vol. 3, this summer. The rapper has decided that he won't release the project until the end of the year. Wayne told MTV.com, "I'm trying to drop my album at, like, the end of the year. I'm a bouncing-around artist, on everybody's track, whatever the style is, I'm on it. I'm being there for them now, and I'mma do me at the end of the year. So next year will be my whole year. But this year, I want to devote to those people, do their videos, come out, do shows with them. These songs are their singles, so if I'm not available, why even make it a single?"

As far as the new album, Lil Wayne may have Kanye West on board as executive producer. The two are currently under the same management umbrella. The rapper explained, "I can't clarify it because it's still in the air. But I can say it's way more than (producing) two songs. But you never know. The new move is definitely a blessing. A new opportunity. Of course I'm gonna use it as much as I can."

The project will also feature production from Just Blaze and former Cash Money in-house producer Mannie Fresh. The producer explained why he was okay with re-uniting with Lil Wayne. Fresh said, "We been talking about it. I told him what my restrictions are. I said, 'As long as it's you, I'm fine with it. I don't have no problems with it. As long as it's paid for and all the paperwork is done, I'm cool with it.'Because just as much as I'm a part of (Wayne), he's a part of me. I don't see nothing wrong with it. I had bad business with one person in that equation, Baby. That shouldn't stop me and Wayne from doing something."

In related news, Lil Wayne is also due to release a duet album with Juelz Santana, titled Can't Feel My Face, but the duo hasn't gotten a big enough offer for the project yet so they'll be releasing a mixtape in the meantime. Wayne explained, "Juelz just called me and said, 'Since we waiting for somebody to come to the table with the right money, we have so much material, we should drop a mixtape.'So that's what we gonna do, drop a mixtape first. Then probably try to get some big names to do some beats and the album will drop. The mixtape will come by the end of the month. The album, we have to schedule it right. See what a company wants to do. Our plan was to do the whole album ourselves like some starving artists and present it to a company."

Lil Flip Storms SoundScan Charts

New York, NY -- Lil' Flip's highly anticipated I Need Mine comeback album is a commercial smash.

The Houston rapper's first Warner Bros./Asylum album entered the SoundScan Top Rap Albums chart at #4 Rap, the Top R&B Album at #8 and is #14 in sales on the Top Albums chart.

SoundScan charts represent album sales in the U.S.

Backing up the lofty chart positioning, acclaim has been flowing for Flip and I Need Mine.

New York Times says, "[Flip]'s back to being a genial charmer," while Billboard magazine wrote that I Need Mine is, "a stronger-than-expected collection with several hit- sounding singles ('Busta Clip,' 'Starched and Clean') and some genuinely melodic moments, like the acoustic-flavored 'Find My Way' and 'Single Mother.'"

The Boston Globe says, "Flip still slings slang with fluidity and spits with overflowing confidence."

Part of Flip's appeal -- which led to the platinum-plus success of his two previous national albums, 2002's Undaground Legend and 2004's U Gotta Feel Me -- is that he is able to present his street appeal on commercially viable music. The trend continues on I Need Mine.

"This CD is the best example of where I am right now," Flip declares. "I've got records for the ladies. I've got street records, club records. I'm really proud of the album because I'm bringing everything I've got and I guarantee that the fans won't be disappointed."

50 Cent and Cam'ron Rename Albums

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rappers 50 Cent and Cam'ron have been involved in a war of words since February when the two men got into a heated conversation on the Angie Martinez Show on New York's WQHT-FM. 50 Cent struck first by releasing a diss track, titled, "Cam'ron Funeral Music," and the Dip Set rapper released a response, titled "Cuurtis." Since then, 50 Cent has taken another stab at Cam'ron on the video of Young Buck's "Hold On." Cam'ron has retaliated by releasing "Cuurtis Part II."

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson III, has since decided to rename his album Curtis. It was initially scheduled to be titled Before I Self Destruct. In response, Cam'ron has decided to re-title his forthcoming album, Courtesy Curtis. The set was initially titled Killa Season II.

Curtis is due out June 19th. Courtesy Cuurtis is expected to hit stores in July.

'Pimp My Ride' Drives in Virtual Territory: MTV Debuts 'Virtual Pimp My Ride.'

NEW YORK -- "Pimp My Ride" fans can now sport some of the coolest virtual vehicles with the debut of Virtual Pimp My Ride (available for free download here ).

The first virtual world inspired by the Southern California car culture of Van Nuys, California, Virtual Pimp My Ride debuts tomorrow along with the season premiere of MTV's "Pimp My Ride" at 9PM ET/PT.


With the help of rap superstar and host Xzibit, and car customization specialist Mad Mike and his crazy car makeover team at Galpin Auto Sports, MTV also announced the kick-off of the "Virtual Pimp My Ride Car Show-Off Contest." The winner will walk away with not only the most tricked out virtual vehicle, but a real, brand new, tricked out car.


The first car "show-off" will be held on April 19th, at 9:30pm EDT at the virtual Galpin Auto Sports show-off lot and will continue every other week until the May 24th finale -- where the winner will be crowned. Every other week members from the "Pimp My Ride" cast will come in-world to meet fans and judge the various "show-offs" to find the hottest pimp'd out virtual ride.


Fans will be able to purchase starter vehicles using MTV dollars, head to the Galpin Auto Sports virtual garages and begin customizing everything from their paint job and hoods, to tricked out tires and rims. Brand new racing tracks and customized car challenges will be unveiled throughout the season. Virtual Pimp Ride will extend car culture further into MTV's current virtual world, Virtual Laguna Beach/Virtual Hills, with additional annex Galpin Auto Sports garages, so fans are never too far away.


Virtual Pimp My Ride debuts on Thursday, April 5th, the same night as the on-air premiere of the new season of "Pimp My Ride" at 9PM ET/PT. An in-world premiere party will take place at 9:30 PM ET complete with special cast appearances.


Virtual Pimp My Ride represents the evolution of MTV Networks' virtual worlds and will extend car culture further into MTVN's current virtual worlds. Virtual Pimp My Ride is the third virtual world experience from MTV Networks to be hosted on Makena Technologies' "there.com" platform.


MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. MTV Networks, with more than 100 channels worldwide, owns and operates the following television programming services - MTV: MUSIC TELEVISION, MTV2, VH1, mtvU, NICKELODEON, NICK at NITE, COMEDY CENTRAL, TV LAND, SPIKE TV, CMT, NOGGIN, VH1 CLASSIC, LOGO, MTVN INTERNATIONAL and THE DIGITAL SUITE FROM MTV NETWORKS, a package of 13 digital services, all of these networks trademarks of MTV Networks. MTV Networks connects with its audiences through its robust consumer products businesses and its more than 95 interactive properties worldwide, including online, broadband, wireless and interactive television services and also has licensing agreements, joint ventures, and syndication deals whereby all of its programming services can be seen worldwide.


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source: MTV Networks

Outlawz to headline 'Tupac Still Breathing Tour'

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Outlawz are currently finalizing a deal to join the roster of Young Buck's newly formed Cashville Records. The group will kick of their Tupac Is Still Breathing tour on May 3rd at the Marina Club in Manama, Bahrain. DJ Domination and rapper Young Blaze will open for the Outlawz, who were mentored by the late Tupac Shakur.

Group member Kastro explained how the group came together. He said: "Basically we came together...I am Pac's cousin, you know what I mean? Me and him grew up together. Me, him, and Khadafi grew up together since we was babies, you know what I'm sayin'? Khadafi from Jersey. He grew up with Noble, Fatal, and Napoleon, so as we got older, you know, we crossed paths from time to time then we ended up linking up, like, six years ago, ever since then it been on."

Group member E.D.I. explained why the group's sound has been compared to their mentor's music. He said: "If you listen to the Outlawz, most people tell us, 'Man, y'all don't really sound like 2Pac. Y'all one of the few people that ain't biting off 2Pac, that ain't trying to do songs like 2Pac.'We're all about originality, man. 2Pac was our mentor, but above all of that he was a family member. He was our family so, you know what I mean, if it's an influence there, or if you hear a resemblance, it's strictly hereditary man."

The Outlawz is currently made up of E.D.I., Noble, and Kastro. Napoleon and Fatal are currently pursing solo careers and Khadafi was murdered shortly after Shakur in 1996.

Infamous Films Announces H.N.I.C. Feature Film Production

Infamous Films announced today that film producer/rapper/actor - Prodigy, one-half of the multi-platinum hip-hop group Mobb Deep, will star and Executive Produce his next indie-film "H.N.I.C". In addition to Prodigy, the film will star Hassan Johnson (HBO's The Wire), J.D. Williams (HBO's The Wire), Davetta Sherwood (The Young and The Restless), Rick Gonzalez (Coach Carter), among others.

The film is described as a genre-bending story, though the exact story and the details are being kept under wraps. Production is scheduled for Spring 2007.

Current Projects for Prodigy include the mixtape album "Return of The Mac", the feature film "Murda Muzik", which he executive produced and "A Talent For Trouble" (Hassan Johnson, Roman Rivera, Mekhi Phifer, Abel Ferrara) which Prodigy also starred in and produced. "H.N.I.C." the movie re-unites Prodigy with Marvis Johnson, the director of "A Talent For Trouble"

Also slated for 2007 is Prodigy's upcoming solo album "H.N.I.C. Part 2".

Prodigy is managed by PurfekStorm Management CEO Norman "Storm" Bell in the company's New York office.

About Prodigy
Born in Hempstead, New York, on Long Island, Prodigy makes up one half of the duo Mobb Deep. Prodigy spent years making a name for himself alongside partner Havoc on albums such as "The Infamous" 1995, and "Hell on Earth" in 1996, before releasing his platinum debut solo album, "H.N.I.C.", on Loud Records in late 2000. In this album, Prodigy teamed up with a roster of outside producers such as the Alchemist and Rockwilder, trying to prove his own without Havoc's production to carry him. Even though Havoc did appear on two tracks, Prodigy undoubtedly proved himself to be a visionary solo artist, even going as far as to produce a couple songs himself. The album captured the hearts of both critics and fans alike, as he had with his work in Mobb Deep, dropping harsh reality-based rhymes about the darker side of urban life with an unbalanced and sedate flow.

The group left Loud Records, Mobb Deep then signed with Jive Records under a unique deal that gave the duo its own imprint, Infamous Records, and released "Amerika'z Nightmare". The duo was not happy with Jive, and was let go at its request. The duo took a hiatus afterward and came back in 2006, signing to 50 Cent's Interscope/Universal-distributed G-Unit imprint.

In March 2007, Prodigy released an unofficial mixtape "The Return of the Mac" which was produced entirely by The Alchemist (D.J. for Eminem) on the independent label Koch Records. The mixtape single and mixtape video is called "Mac 10 Handle," and it shows Prodigy once again reverting to his trademark braids that he had prior to the release of Mobb Deep's 2004 "Amerika'z Nightmare" album from the short fade he had from 2004 to 2006. After selling over six million records in the US alone; Prodigy will release his highly anticipated sophomore album "H.N.I.C. Part 2" in 2007.

50 Cent Says Young Buck May Be Out, Violator Says He In

50 Cent sparked controversy when he appeared on the "Miss Jones in the Morning" show on Hot 97 yesterday (Apr. 4) and spoke candidly about his relationship with various artists on his G-Unit label, confirming that R&B singer Olivia had been dropped and that other artists on the label may not have his full support.
"I made sacrifices constantly for the entire G-Unit [roster]. At this point, they gotta do they thing now. It's their second album, everybody. If they don't deliver, then they don't actually work," 50 Cent said.

50 Cent also revealed that Young Buck, who released his critically acclaimed album Buck The World on Mar. 27 and moved over 140,000 copies during its first week, may be out of the G-Unit collective.

50 Cent said that he was considering booting the G-Unit member from the collective, due to his attempt to make peace with two of 50 Cent's rap enemies - Jadakiss and The Game.

"In a prior interview on the Angie Martinez show he [Young Buck] made references to being his own man and his decisions to try and make friends with people who I have issues with and I hold him in the same space that I hold Game in," 50 Cent said. "If I got issues with somebody and we down with each other, you got issues with them. Since then, The Game has released a record and dissed him again. That just shows you."

Prior to being released from G-Unit, The Game attempted to mend beefs with a variety of 50 Cent's detractors, including Jadakiss, Fat Joe and Nas.

Due to his actions, 50 Cent booted The Game from the collective in Mar. of 2005 and sparked one of the most infamous feuds in Hip-Hop history.

Last month, Young Buck revealed that he and various rappers agreed not to disrespect each other in their music, as a starting point to ease tensions in the rap community.

Any agreement between Young Buck and The Game has been shattered since a Mar. 20 incident involving G-Unit member Tony Yayo and the 14-year-old son of The Game's manager, Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond, owner of Czar Entertainment.

On the recently released track "Body Bags," The Game disses the entire G-Unit collective and addresses the incident, in which Yayo allegedly backhanded the 14-year-old for wearing a Czar Entertainment t-shirt.

Yayo was arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault and will appear in court on Apr. 25.

During the interview, 50 Cent denied all involvement in the incident involving Rosemond's son and claimed the publicity surrounding the assault was an ongoing part of The Game and Rosemond's 'G-Unot' campaign.

"He didn't hit the kid," 50 Cent said in defense of Yayo. "I don't even know if he was there. It's the same group that put together the 'G-Unot' campaign. Why would you ban 50 if I am not involved in the actual situation? It's showing that it's from the same camp, with the same intentions. When it comes to civil, you don't have to worry about G-Unit. You have to worry about the J-J-J-J-J-Jew Unit. When the lawyers come out, we gonna see what it is."

50 Cent's manager and Violator CEO Chris Lighty denied that Young Buck was out of G-Unit and said "it was just a late April fools joke. 50 Cent has a twisted sense of humor," Lighty said.

Funkmaster Flex "Pimps Ford's Ride," Designs Limited Edition SUV

Funkmaster Flex and the Ford Motor Company will unveil a limited edition line of their Ford Expedition customized by the infamous deejay/personality this fall.

Dubbed the 'Ford Expedition Funkmaster Flex Edition,' the exclusive SUV's will include a 3d Carbon body kit with custom front/rear fascia and side skirts, stitched logo headrests with Flex's logo and a dash plaque signed by Flex, among other special modifications.

Flex and Ford joined forces in 2005 to customize vehicles which cater to car enthusiasts. To date, Flex has customized over 15 vehicles for Ford.

"Once Ford and I finished the concept Expedition, we knew we had something serious! It was poppin'!" Flex explained via a statement. "We then started showing it at auto shows, to dealers and to my fans and realized we hit on some themes that we could turn into a limited-edition production ride."

"Funkmaster Flex is finding ways to connect with new customers," stated Barry Engle, General Manager of Ford Division Marketing. "He is a perfect fit for the Ford brand because he brings so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. He knows what customers want and he can really deliver."

In related news, Flex's new reality TV series, "Castrol Syntec Car Wars," premiered on ESPN yesterday (April 1). The show centers on four contestants who face off in a six-week competition to customize their rides.

THE GAME JUMPS INTO TONY YAYO MESS: New track “Body Bags” released in response to assault on his manager’s 14-year-old son.

So much for Rev. Al Sharpton’s desired peaceful sit down among all warring parties caught in the ripple effect of Tony Yayo’s alleged assault against the 14-year-old son of music executive Jimmy “Henchmen” Rosemond.


Rosemond also manages The Game, who used to roll with G-Unit until a massive falling out. The Compton rapper is speaking out against the alleged actions of his former G-Unit homie Yayo in a new track called “Body Bags.”


Released via his Myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/thegame), the song uses Sly & Robbie’s infamous line from “World a Reggae” (“Out in the streets, they call it murder”) as Game takes aim at both Yayo and G-Unit general 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson.


Using Jim Jones-like background words to punctuate the lines, Game raps: “What kind of b*tch n*gga put his hands on kids (Homo!)/Pull up that black van on his (No!)/We don’t do the kid slappin’; we do the kid snatchin’/Eyewitness news, it’s been a kidnappin’. …Nah, we don’t get down like that/But 50’s mama we’ll put you in the ground like that (Curtis!).

Toward 50 Cent, Game says: “It’s on now, better call Dr. Ben and Russell/Set up a peace treaty, or go get some muscle/Call them Lighty brothers, call all your little flunkies/Call the snitch hotline and get the G-Unit monkeys/Call the cops, I’m still a hundred miles and runnin’/Then call God, and tell him that yo’ ass is comin’.”

Click below to listen...

The Game - Body Bags

DJ Drama Finally Speaks, "The Mixtape Game Needs To Change, People Need To Learn From This"

After remaining tight-lipped following his recent arrest on racketeering charges, DJ Drama has finally broken his silence and is telling his side of the story.
DJ Drama (born Tyree Simmons) has kept a relatively low profile since his "Gangsta Grillz" office was raided by both the Georgia police department and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on January 16. But the Atlanta-based DJ is now speaking out about the incident in which 81,000 CDs were confiscated as evidence, along with cars, cash and frozen assets.

"A lot of the impact is still up in the air because people are waiting to see what comes of our situation. But, I try to look at everything in a positive manner. The mixtape game needs to change for the better. People need to learn from this," Drama said in a recent interview with Billboard.com.

The incident has created quite a bit of uneasiness in the DJ community, with the majority of DJ's sympathizing with "The iPod King" and wondering if they may in fact be next. Since his arrest, several theories have surfaced that attempt to explain the RIAA's calculated investigation of Drama, one that includes him being targeted for withholding his company's address on his CD packaging. But like most of the rumors surrounding the incident, Drama denies this as well.

"It was just never something I did. I don't have bar codes on my mixtapes, because that's not what the tapes are for. None of the products that were in Best Buy, FYE or Target came from DJ Drama."

Citing mixtapes' influence and longevity as a staple in breaking new hip-hop artists and as a vehicle to getting new music to the public, Drama doesn't see the mixtape industry going anywhere anytime soon, but acknowledges that some changes must be made.

"There's going to have to be some agreement between labels and artists that makes everyone comfortable. Even if the labels figure out a way of working directly with the DJs to get the mixtapes done by offering an upfront fee that makes sense on their end and on ours. It could create a system that makes mixtapes comfortably buyable," he says.

"I've heard the 'mixtape martyr' term, but I don't go backward, I go forward. Not just where does DJ Drama go, but where does the mixtape game go from here? People need to realize how important mixtapes are to hip-hop and the music business. Just look at the careers of people like 50 Cent, Young Jeezy, DJ Clue, and Jay-Z. There are people in very powerful industry positions that owe a lot to mixtapes."