Remy Ma Speaks Out on Fat Joe

If Fat Joe has his way, former Terror Squad femcee Remy Ma won't be signing to G-Unit anytime soon. The self-proclaimed "free agent" is currently working on her next project, which she has yet to find a home for. But details of the split with the Terror Squad and Fat Joe were revisited during an interview with Miss jones of NY's Hot 97 radio station Wednesday morning. So BET.com caught up with Remy Ma for an exclusive interview to find out just how Fat Joe was blocking her hustle.

Last year, Remy was unhappy with monetary decisions made by Fat Joe and his Terror Squad label, so she asked to be released from his SRC/Universal imprint. But Joe only agreed to do so on certain conditions. "'I don't want you to sign with 50 Cent. You can't do a song with him. You can't record with Olivia, with Mobb Deep.' I can't even have a song produced by Havoc," Remy says of the agreement. "All these dudes - their government names are in my release contract that I can not work with them, from Sha Money to Whoo Kid. I could show you the paperwork where it says 'Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson.'"

Remy did not want to let contract provisions stand in the way of her release from the label, so she agreed to sign it. "My whole point was money wasn't right. Nobody wasn't gettin' treated right. I seen the path we were going over the years. It was a dead-end street. And he started feeling himself, like, 'I'm the Don. I'm the man, I don't need nobody'," Remy reveals.

According to Remy, history proves that female rappers who come out under male MCs and stay under them are cursed. "Look at every female rapper and who they came out under, and look at where they at now. I'm trying to break the mold. I refuse to be part of that pattern."

New Kanye Album Coming Sooner Than Expected

Kanye West's forthcoming album, "Graduation," is coming sooner than expected. The album, originally due in September, has been pushed slightly ahead to a late August release, according to Def Jam.

West leaked the news through a recently released, 25-track Internet mixtape called "Can't Tell Me Nothing," which features him rapping over such intriguing samples as Daft Punk's "Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger" and Peter Bjorn & John's indie hit "Young Folks."

"Can't Tell Me Nothing," the first single from "Graduation," was co-produced by West and DJ Toomp. A Hype Williams-directed video for the song debuted last Friday on West's Web site.


As previously reported, the new album will also include a collaboration with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin on the song "Homecoming."

Dipset, Bad Boy & Ruff Ryders Take Their Game To The Blacktop in Harlem Tournament

Harlem's legendary basketball tournament the "Kingdome Classic," boasting basketball teams comprised of street hoop stars and NBA athletes, will kick off next month.

The event, which was founded in 1985 and rejuvenated in 2004 by Harlem native Damon Dash, attracts up to 5000 people and is free of charge.

"Kingdome is one of the things that shaped me and molded me as a man because of its swagger," Dash told New York's Daily News. "I thought it would be something good, being that I'm from Harlem, that I can come back to Harlem and help the people out. That could be my little gift."

According to the Daily News, Sacramento Kings forward Ron Artest, Houston Rockets' guard Rafer Alston and New York Knicks forward David Lee are among the NBA stars expected to play. The tournament is sponsored by Dash's sneaker line Pro-Keds and will feature teams supported by Diddy's Bad Boy label, Jim Jones' Diplomats and DMX's Ruff Ryders.

"The atmosphere at the games is nuts," Lee explained. "You really get the feel that it's the coming together of the community in Harlem and the coming together of people who love basketball."

The "Kingdome Classic Tournament" will kick off on June 23rd and will last for ten weeks. The games will take place at courts on 115th St. and Lenox Ave.

Police Looking to Question Fat Joe In Double Homicide

Miami authorities are reportedly seeking to question Fat Joe who they believe witnessed the murder of two people in South Beach early Monday morning (May 28).

According to the Miami Herald, police claim that Fat Joe was in a rented black Cadillac Escalade with Lessli Paz and Joey Navarro which was parked outside of David's Cafe II just before 6 a.m.

A fight would then break out between the passengers in the vehicle and another man identified as Jermaine ''Wufgang'' Chamberline outside the Cuban eatery.

According to an arrest report released Tuesday, a fist fight took place before the actual shots were fired. "As the two groups began punching and kicking each other, [Chamberline] reached into his right-front pocket and pulled out a 9mm handgun."

Three slugs would hit Navarro, 26, of Homestead, Florida who later died at the hospital. Paz, 25, of New York, died on the sidewalk of one gunshot wound.

When police arrived, they detained four men who claimed at first they were friends of the dead men but later refused to cooperate.

Chamberline would be arrested minutes later and would eventually confess to shooting Paz and Navarro. He would be charged with two counts of second-degree murder and one of carrying a concealed weapon by a convicted felon.

Police are still unclear if Fat Joe (born Jose Cartagena) was directly involved in the fight and how he slipped away from the scene. They claim they only want to talk to him as a possible witness.

Aimee Morris, a spokeswoman for Fat Joe, said she had not talked to the rapper and could not immediately comment. His whereabouts were not known Tuesday.

50 Cent's New Album, 'curtis,' Moves From June 26th to New Release Date September 4th

SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- 50 Cent's new album "curtis," which was previously scheduled to be released on June 26th, will now be released on September 4, 2007. With the album near completion and unable to make the original June date, a simultaneous worldwide release necessitated a push until September.

"I'm an international artist. My fans worldwide deserve to receive my album at the same time as my fans here in the US. Taking that into consideration moving the album to September was a necessary course of action," states 50 Cent.

50 Cent is by no means taking the summer off. His first major performance will be June 26th on the BET Awards. For the first time ever, BET will let the fans decide which song 50 Cent will perform on the show. Text BANK to 23898 to vote for "Straight to the Bank" or text PARK to 23898 to vote for "Amusement Park". Tune into the show to see the winning performance.

Source: Interscope

Florida rapper Plies gets real this summer

Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist Plies has announced details of his highly anticipated major label debut. Dubbed "THE REAL TESTAMENT," the Ft. Myers, FL-bred rapper's album is set to drop August 7th.

May 17th, marked the official launch of Plies' "The Real Testament Featured Verse" contest, hosted by the rapper himself on his website, www.pliesworld.com.

From now through June 15th, contestants will be able to register online and submit a verse to Plies' song, "Ain't Slippin'," produced by DJ Nasty. The winner will be chosen based on creativity, originality, and aesthetic value, and his or her verse will appear on "THE REAL TESTAMENT." The winning verse will be revealed on the track August 7th, when the album hits stores.

Plies has also announced details for the world premiere of his eagerly awaited music video, "Shawty," featuring T-Pain.

In ringtone news, the mastertone for "Shawty" is already rocketing up the charts. After only one week of availability, the ringtone debuted at #53 this week on Nielsen's Ringscan chart, selling more than 7,500 ringtones.

It's the 50 Cent AKA 'Curtis' Take Over on BET's Rap City

Rapper 50 Cent Guest Hosts a Week of RAP CITY, May 29 - June 2, 2007 @ 5 p.m./ET

NEW YORK, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Do not adjust your television sets, 50 Cent will be taking over as celebrity host for RAP CITY, beginning May 29, 2007 through June 2, 2007 @ 5 p.m./ET. In the midst of promoting his third album entitled, "Curtis" and getting ready for a ground-breaking performance at this year's BET AWARDS '07, multi-platinum recording artist 50 Cent breaks all the rules and creates history during his reign on RAP CITY this Black Music Month.

What exactly can RAP CITY viewers look forward to with Curtis in charge? Expect an all-star lineup of guests including G-UNIT star, Tony Yayo; the legendary lyricist KRS-One; hip-hop pioneer Marley Marl and well-renowned DJ Whoo Kid on the turntables. Of course it wouldn't be a RAP CITY show without the top rap videos in the country and a few surprises throughout the week. 50 Cent also sits down with political activist and BET correspondent, Jeff Johnson to discuss all the current "hot" topics affecting the nation of hip- hop. Touching topics, like the use of the "N-word," diversity in rap music, a variety of issues facing the hip-hop community, views on Master P and more- Jeff spares no question and 50 doesn't back down in response. Tune in to see 50 Cent unplugged ... only on BET.

Making its debut in 1989, RAP CITY, is the longest-running rap show in history, providing a full hour of music videos, guest DJ's and celebrity guest appearances. Airing Monday thru Friday at 5:00 pm/ ET, the show is an exclusive showcase for hip hop music videos and features interviews with the most highlighted rap stars of the moment along with memorable freestyles from artists. It's a "must-see" week of RAP CITY - tune in May 29th for the takeover!

ABOUT BET

BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom, Inc. (NYSE:VIA) (NYSE:and) (NYSE:VIA.B) , is the leading provider of media and entertainment for African Americans and consumers of Black culture on a global basis. The primary BET cable network reaches more than 84 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. BET Digital Networks -- BET J, BET Gospel, and BET Hip-Hop -- are brands that combine to serve a broader and more diverse audience than the core network. BET.com is the number one internet destination for the target audiences. BET Mobile delivers music, gaming, and video content to the target audiences on wireless devices across virtually all service providers. BET Event Productions is a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe. BET International delivers BET content to the consumers of Black culture around the world. BET Networks inspires its audiences to make a difference in their lives and communities with a series of impactful pro-social initiatives under the Touch BET umbrella.

Visit us @ www.BET.com/pr

Source: BET Networks

50 Cent Is Laughing Straight To The Bank!

Word is the Warner Bros./Asylum is really gunning for 50. 50's contract is almost up at Interscope and world is Kevin Liles has throw a cool $95 mil/4 CD contract at him. There is no word on what 50 had to say about it but Fif only has 2 more cd's on his Interscope contract. With "Before I Self Destruct" already halfway done and his "Greatest Hits" album ready to drop in 08', things will get pretty interesting. 50 owns most of G-Unit Records,books, & clothing. Where ever this man goes, the execs will be screamin "balllinnnn", especially at Waner since that's Jim Jones label home.

Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank to release joint Album: Trio to call themselves TGT

Introducing LSG for a new generation. Just as Gerald Levert, Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill joined forces in 1997 to form a supergroup, so are current R&B crooners Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank.

TGT, as they are calling themselves, is currently working on a studio album, and plans to hold “American Idol”-style auditions to find a fourth member.

The trio is also set to hit the road this fall for The Shirts Off Tour, which is scheduled to touch down in such cities as New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami.


"With all the support our fans have given us individually over the years for our distinct signature styles, collectively we felt our fans deserved to hear great music in a way that they could never have imagined," Tyrese said, according to reports. "I've known these guys for years and they truly are like brothers, so it only felt right to come together as a trio to make history."


Calling the group "a dream come true," Ginuwine added: "Basically the world of R&B needed a change, and there were only a few chosen that could do it, R&B needed a pick up, R&B needed TGT."

A preview of TGT can be heard on the remix to Tank's current single "Please Don't Go."

Source: EURweb

Waitress Sues Jay-Z & 40/40 Club For Failure to Pay Wages

A former 40/40 waitress is sticking rapper Jay-Z and his club with a lawsuit claiming they were not paid legally required wages.

According to New York's Daily News, former 40/40 waitress Celeste Williams filed a proposed class-action lawsuit in Manhattan Federal Court yesterday on behalf of herself and other workers, accusing co-owners of the 25th Street nightspot, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Juan Perez, of taking a cut of workers' tips, "willfully failing and refusing to pay them at the legally required minimum wage" and overtime.

"I find that this is a rampant violation throughout New York City," Williams' lawyer Maimon Kirschenbaum, was quoted by the New York Post.

Kirschenbaum said other club employees have been reluctant to file similar claims out of fear of retaliation, but Williams' lawsuit estimates that over 100 staffers have been shortchanged by the club.

In response, club management claims that Williams only worked at 40/40 for four days in December 2005, and club spokesman Ron Berkowitz has told the press that while 40/40 has yet to be served with papers, the allegations against the club are false.

"That certainly is not true," Berkowitz told the Daily News. "Everyone makes the minimum wage at the club, 100%."

Williams is seeking unspecified damages in her suit.

Audio Download

Foxy Brown, Graph, Prinz-How We Get Down

Busta Rhymes Settles Lawsuit

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Busta Rhymes settled a lawsuit with a handyman, Melvin Smith, who claims the rapper and his bodyguard roughed him up when he attempted to get an autograph in 2005. The New York Post reports that Rhymes reached the settlement on Monday (May 21st), just one day before he was scheduled to appear before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Emily Jane Goodman in an attempt to have the $100,000 judgment against him thrown out.

A $100,000 judgment against the rapper was entered when he failed to show up to court but, according to Rhymes, he was never served and was unaware that he needed to be in court.

According to an affidavit submitted by Rhymes, the process servers went to the home of his ex-girlfriend in Baldwin, Long Island. In the legal filing, the rapper wrote, "While I own the property, I have no access to it. I was required (by court order) to provide this home for the mother of my three children, from whom I am estranged and with whom I have been embroiled in child-custody proceedings for over two years."

Rhymes also alleged that he never met Smith but he still reached an undisclosed settlement. According to Smith, Rhymes and his bodyguard Troy Green assaulted him for no reason when he attempted to get an autograph at a sandwich shop near City Hall. Smith suffered a cut above his eye which required four stitches, and he was left with several black-and-blue marks after the incident.

Master P responds to 50 Cent's diss

By: Janine Coveney

As has become his practice prior to the release of his solo albums, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson recently dissed one of his fellow rappers. At the press conference for this year's BET Award nominees last week, 50 Cent was asked his thoughts on Master P's decision to clean up his lyrics. 50 Cent said: "Well Master P doesn't sell CDs anymore. You can tell him I said it. Cameras is rolling right? Curtis June 26th."

Master P recently responded to 50 Cent's comments in an open letter that read in part, "Curtis Jackson's comment motivated me. There are a lot of immature people in the world. Oprah Winfrey is absolutely right, we need to grow up and be responsible for our own actions. I paid for Curtis'first rap tour through the South. He was such a humble guy at the time. Most artists'mission is to sell records. My mission is to help save and change lives."

The No Limit founder added, "There are four things that differentiate me from artists like Curtis Jackson. One, I can honestly admit that I was once part of the problem. Two, I don't want my son to grow up and be like me. I want him to be better and do better, and that is why he is taking the time to pursue a college degree. Three, money don't make me, I make money. My goal is to educate our people in building generational wealth and knowing how important it is to own real estate. Four, I'm a true entrepreneur; my boss is God not Jimmy Iovine. From one brother to another, if you misunderstand my purpose you could always pick up the phone or talk to me in person. I'm trying to be part of the solution not the problem."

Master P also took a shot at BET before sharing that he was hoping to full his friends together in effort to make rap more positive. He said, "I'm reaching out to my friends Shaquille O'Neal, Will Smith, Russell Simmons, Queen Latifah, Derek Anderson, Charles Barkley, Emmitt Smith, Beyonce, and Reverend Run to help contribute to this positive movement. I am not asking any other hip hop or gangsta rap artist change what they do; that's how they make their money. Furthermore, I am not a preacher; I'm just telling the world what I'm doing and the changes that I am making because it's something I want to do. If that's sending mixed signals to people then they need to deal with their own conscience first."

Streetball is coming to a court near you!

PRESENTED BY MOUNTAIN DEW


Former Stars of ESPN's "Streetball" Hit The Road For The Only Player-Owned Streetball Tour Kicking Off June 1


Los Angeles, California - May 17, 2007 - Streetball is bigger and better than ever and coming to a court near you! The trash-talking. The sizzling one-on-one face-offs. The crazy dunks. Streeball has been rejuvenated, the excitement is back, and fans can get closer than ever to the action this year with the launch of the 30-city arena Ball4Real Streetball Tour. Presented by Mountain Dew, the tour features top stars made famous on ESPN's "Streetball," the best streetball players in the world. The tour kicks off on June 1, 2007 in Seattle, WA at the Key Arena and culminates in the ultimate showdown at the world famous Madison Square Garden in New York City on August 25, 2007.

Brought to you by the masterminds and basketball talent behind the previous years' AND 1 Mixtape Tour, the electrifying Ball4Real Streetball Tour is nothing but real: the members of this tour are not just players in the game. They own the game. Lisa Fusco - former GM of the AND 1 Mixtape Tour - and the game's hottest streetball players founded and own Streetball Entertainment and the Ball4Real Tour, which means they answer to no one but the game and the fans of the game. It doesn't get any more real than that!


Also real is the philanthropic mission of Streetball Entertainment, which will give back in every city along the tour, with top players stopping in at local YMCAs and community centers, engaging in various forms of community outreach. Ball4Real will play in the biggest and best venues in the country, but will pay homage to the streets where all the players got their start by offering fans arena-level play at playground prices, with lower level tickets ranging from $10-$30. This same community spirit informs the Block Party, a free event in conjunction with the tour featuring a live DJ, a car show, food, prizes, merchandise, interactive activities, and much more. But most importantly great streetball action with local hotshots competing against the streetballers for a shot at the big game and ultimately a $100,000 Ball4Real contract.


Inside world-class arenas thousands of fans can see their favorite players formerly on ESPN's "Streetball" as part of the revolutionary, brand new, player-owned Streetball Entertainment Ball4Real Tour. Players include AO, Main Event, Spyda, 50, ½ Man ½ Amazing, Shane the Dribbling Machine, Circus, Special FX, I'll Be Right Back, Killa Kirby, High Octane, Pharmacist, Coach Steve Burtt and Mr. 720 (formerly Air Up There), who performed the first-ever 720º dunk during a game in Houston last season

Ball4Real Streetball Tour is presented by Mountain Dew in partnership with Greyhound, Stephon Marbury's Starbury sneakers, AEG Live, Steve & Barry's, Old Spice, and Spalding. Streetball Entertainment is revamping streetball and taking it to the next level through the formation of Streetball Entertainment and the Ball4Real Streetball Tour, coming to a city near you this summer!


For All Press Inquiries please reach out to: MarketingandPress@gmail.com


Be sure to visit the official home page and myspace for any additional info:

www.ball4real.com
www.myspace.com/ball4realtour

Check out some exclusive footage from Ball 4 Real:

Ball 4 Real World Tour Spot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufsbEDgrnHU

Ball 4 Real coming to a City Near you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpeBX4lPt0g

Ball 4 Real: Spyda Searches for a new tour name:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkNWOlXKiNs


Ball 4Real Streetball Tour 2007:



June 1 Key Arena Seattle, WA

June 6 Orleans Arena Las Vegas, NV

June 8 Arco Arena Sacramento, CA

June 10 Cox Arena San Diego, CA

June 15 Oracle Arena Oakland, CA

June 16 Home Depot Center Los Angeles, CA

June 20 Pepsi Coliseum Denver, CO

June 23 Ford Center Oklahoma City, OK

June 25 American Airlines Center Dallas, TX

June 27 Toyota Center Houston, TX

June 29 Superdome Arena New Orleans, LA

July 1 FedEx Forum Memphis, TN

July 6 Scottrade Center St. Louis, MO

July 7 United Center Chicago, IL

July 11 Cobo Arena Detroit, MI

July 13 BJCC Arena Birmingham, AL

July 15 Phillips Arena Atlanta, GA

July 18 Veteran's Memorial Arena Jacksonville, FL

July 21 American Airlines Center Miami, FL

July 25 Bobcats Arena Charlotte, NC

July 27 Colonial Center Columbia, SC

July 29 Verizon Center Washington, D.C.

Aug 1 Constant Center Norfolk, VA

Aug 4 US Bank Arena Cincinnati, OH

Aug 8 Wolstein Arena Cleveland, OH

Aug 11 HSBC Arena Buffalo, NY

Aug 15 Verizon Wireless Arena Manchester, NH

Aug 19 Wachovia Center Philadelphia, PA

Aug 25 Madison Square Garden New York, NY

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony make it back to the top of the charts

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony completed their comeback last week when their latest album, Strength & Loyalty, entered the Billboard 200 albums chart at Number Two after selling 119,000 copies its first week in stores. The album was the group's first major label release in five years and their first without former member Bizzy Bone.

The group's Krayzie Bone explained what it was like creating the new album without Bizzy Bone. He said: "This time around, you know there was no drama making the album, this time around. You know what I'm sayin', like no drama whatsoever. We was all in the same place, at the same time, vibing, you know what I'm sayin'?"

The rapper added: "The whole vibe was like laid back so that's why everybody was able to concentrate, you know what I'm sayin'? So it was like this album was by far like one of the most stress free albums we done had."

The latest single from the set is "Lil Love" featuring Mariah Carey and Bow Wow. The song was produced by Jermaine Dupri.

Diddy accused of losing his cool

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Sean "Diddy" Combs is in hot water after his friend and Making The Band co-star Laurie Ann Gibson filed a criminal complaint against the mogul on May 11th. New York's Daily News reports that Gibson accused Combs of menacing her with a chair during an argument they had during the April 25th taping of the latest season of Making The Band.

According to Gibson, she, Combs, and Michael Bivins were involved in a heated debate about the lackluster dance performance of the contestants when the two men started cursing at her and Bivins allegedly grabbed her while Combs threatened her with a chair. She broke free but Bivins allegedly grabbed her again. Before Gibson left the set, Combs allegedly fired her and ordered MTV to cut off the cameras.

Combs has denied the allegations and stated that the shenanigans were part of the theatrics of the TV show. Combs'lawyer Benjamin Brafman said, "This is just another example of a false accusation by someone trying to take advantage of Sean's success and celebrity status."

Gibson's lawyer, Peter Toumbekis, said, "She is the inspiration for the contestants, and she has worked with Sean Combs for more than 10 years. That's why this was so unexpected."

The New York Police Department investigated the allegation, found no criminality and closed the case but they're still attempting to get the footage of the incident from MTV.

The latest season of Making The Band features Diddy, Michael Bivins, and others trying to put together an all male band. The network hasn't announced when the show will premiere.

Lil Kim Fundraiser postponed

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Lil Kim was scheduled to perform at the House of Blues on Myrtle Beach next Saturday (May 26th), during National Black Bike Weekend. The performance would have been the second half of her two-part part fundraising drive for her nonprofit, the Lil Kim Cares Foundation. Allhiphop.com reports that organizers have decided to postpone the event.

The rapper's rep issued a statement that read, "Lil Kim would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her partnering organizations: Motorcyclists Who Care and Krupt Mob, a Motorcyclists club from Queens for their support and understanding. She would also like to thank wonderful companies like Suzuki for their generosity towards the fund-raiser. Through the Lil Kim Cares Foundation, Kim will continue to raise funds and awareness for National programs that assist with issues of homelessness, HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness, transitional living, child neglect and violence against women in the impoverished neighborhoods throughout the country."

The first part of Lil Kim's fundraising drive was an online auction which ended on May 3rd.

Method Man Arrested In New York On Marijuana Charges

The Wu-Tang’s own Method Man was arrested in New York on Thursday (May 17) when police discovered nearly 30 grams of marijuana in his possession during a traffic stop.

The rapper (real name: Clifford Smith) was reportedly stopped at around 10 p.m. near the toll booths on Hamilton Ave., as he attempted to enter the Battery Tunnel in Brooklyn.

Police spotted expired tags on Meth’s 2005 Lincoln Navigator, so they pulled him over. When the rapper rolled down his window, a cloud of marijuana smoke poured out of the vehicle, which prompted a thorough search of the vehicle.

“It was like something out of ‘Cheech and Chong.’ He rolls down the window and the smoke would choke a horse,” a source told the New York Daily News.

The arresting officer also said that he noticed two “blunts” and a plastic bag with more marijuana in plain view.

Method Man was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle under the influence and driving an uninspected motor vehicle.

He was booked and released Friday morning (May 18).

In other Method Man news, the rapper is currently in the lab working on a new album with his Wu-Tang brethren titled 8 Diagrams.

Rappers join initiative to promote good health among black Americans

Wyclef Jean, Doug E. Fresh and others are contributing to a new campaign designed to bring awareness to the hazards of obesity within the black community.


The "50 Million Pound Challenge," led by Dr. Ian Smith of VH-1's “Celebrity Fit Club” and sponsored by State Farm Insurance, is a tour designed to help African Americans shed those unhealthy pounds, take control of their personal well-being, and fight off weight-related diseases that affect the black community.


"No matter who you are or where you come from, we all need to take time to take care of our health," said Wyclef Jean. "The Challenge is giving us a great opportunity to look out for our health and look out for each other. It's helping us make the choices we know we need to make. We all have the power to lead healthier, longer lives. Let's not waste a moment. We owe it to our loved ones. We owe it to ourselves. If we pull together, we can make a tremendous difference."


Also joining the effort is comedian/radio personality Steve Harvey and old school rapper Biz Markie.

The Challenge has traveled to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Miami, Memphis, Cleveland, Houston, Detroit, Milwaukee, Atlanta, St. Louis, Chicago, New York, Oakland and New Orleans. Find out more information at www.50millionpounds.com

Foxy Brown-Hell On Wheels: Woman runs to police after rapper nearly ran her over in a crosswalk-allegedly

A woman says she was pushing her baby in a stroller Wednesday evening in Brooklyn when a silver Range Rover, driven by rapper Foxy Brown, came out of nowhere and nearly ran them down.


The woman, who says she was crossing at the intersection of Underhill Ave. and Prospect Place, told the New York Daily News: "I jumped back, pulling the stroller, and yelled at the driver, 'You should watch where you're going! She cursed at me and proceeded to drive down Prospect Place.


"I called the police, but they said that they couldn't do anything because she didn't actually hit me."

Brown, born Inga Marchand, is not even supposed to be behind a wheel. Her license is currently suspended after she failed to respond to repeated summonses, the paper reports.

MIMS Earns Virgin Mobile USA Award

'This is Why I'm Hot' is Virgin's 50 Millionth Ringtone Sold

Billboard Ringmasters No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 and iTunes No. 1 Top Track Has Sold Nearly 2 MILLION Ringtones

NEW YORK, May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Capitol Records breakthrough artist MIMS has been honored by Virgin Mobile with a special award for having sold the 50-millionth ringtone purchased through Virgin Mobile.

The song that reached the milestone threshold was, of course, MIMS's unquenchable Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 smash "This is Why I'm Hot," which is itself RIAA platinum-certified for sales approaching 2 million ringtones, having topped the Billboard Ringmasters chart for nine consecutive weeks. The song has since then refused to cool off, maintaining the No. 2 spot for an additional four weeks, where it resides on the current Ringmasters chart.

MIMS's single has also taken the national No. 1 position in Canada and Japan. "This is Why I'm Hot" made the fourth-greatest advance to the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 position in chart history to date, by moving from No. 32 to No. 1 in its sixth week. It held at the chart summit for two consecutive weeks. "This is Why I'm Hot" remains top 20 on the Hot 100, months after its No. 1 peak in March.

MIMS's Capitol Records debut, MUSIC IS MY SAVIOR, released March 27, 2007, debuted on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at No. 2, and on the Billboard national Top 200 album sales chart at No. 4.

Washington Heights, New York-born MIMS began DJ-ing in his early teens, and at age 20, appeared in Baby Blue Soundcrew's Much Music Awards Best Video nominee "Love Em All." Last year, his independent release of "This is Why I'm Hot" attracted local New York radio play, and a Capitol Records deal.

Young Jeezy plans to make a fan's dream come true

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Young Jeezy recently released the third single, "Dreamin'" featuring Keyshia Cole, from his platinum sophomore album, The Inspiration. The rapper has decided to launch the Make Your Dreams Come True contest in conjunction with the new single. He's asking fans to submit their dreams directly to him at his website, youngjeezy.com by June 21st. On July 23rd, he will announce the winner and fulfill that person's dream.

Jeezy said in a released statement, "Sometimes I look at my life and I'm amazed at how far I've come. If it wasn't for certain people supporting me, I don't think I'd be able to accomplish what I have...that's why I'm doing this for my fans. They're the ones who helped to make Young Jeezy number one and it's important that I give back to them. I wanted to do more than just say 'thank you,'I wanted to show them how thankful I am that they're helping me realize my dreams. For me, this whole contest, and even my career will make me feel like I've accomplished a lot if I can help someone else realize their dreams too."

In addition to the contest, Young Jeezy recently launched his Eighty Seven Thirty Two (8732) clothing line through Rocawear. The rapper will also release the debut album from his group, USDA, on May 22nd. The album, Young Jeezy Presents USDA: Cold Summer "The Authorized Mixtape," will feature Jeezy and his two proteges Blood Raw and Slick Pulla.

The rapper explained that he attempted to break the new group while touring. He said: "It's the best way to go city to city and get everybody out there to really like your music, you know what I mean, and deal with the type of movement you got going on. So you know to me it's just a plus. You know I like to be on the road anyway so it's just a grind, you know?"