Lil Wayne Pleased To Be Named Hottest MC

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

On Sunday (July 29th), Lil Wayne learned that he topped MTV2's list of the Hottest MCs in the Game. The rapper told MTV.com, "I saw the preview (of the show), and if I'm lying, I'm flying: I was like, 'Who won?'... I'm glad I won. Yaaa dig! Don't stop believing in me. They say I'm the Hottest MC in the Game. If you label me that, I will live up to it. Trust me."

Wayne also explained how he developed his style. The rapper said, "Man, when everybody was gone. Everybody had left (Cash Money Records), (I) had studio time. I walk in there, just me and the engineer with beats. That's how you gotta find yourself. 'Cause I know I can't do a song like "Back That Azz Up." That's (Juvenile's) style. I can't do no "Cash Money Millionaire," that's Baby. ... What can I do for me? "Straight off the block" (a verse from "Tha Block Is Hot"). That's how."

The rapper added, "I found myself at 14, though. My first solo album, (Tha Block Is Hot,) I was 14. Fortunately. ... You gotta find yourself in life, period. Once you know who you are, man ... I always tell people the only thing that makes my raps good is 'cause I rap about what I am. I got "reality rap." I already tested it, man, my truth is so damn good, why would I ever lie? This is my real truth. (When) I leave (this interview), you can follow me with a camera; I do whatever I want."

Lil Wayne plans to release his new album, Tha Carter, Vol. 3, next year. The rapper recently released a mixtape, Da Drought 3.

Akon Shows Up In Malta, Has A Game Plan For Paris

By: Janine Coveney

Senegalese-born hip-hop star Akon surprised fans in the tiny Mediterranean country of Malta on Saturday (July 28th), showing up at the open center for illegal immigrants in Marsa with the American ambassador there. Akon had performed at the nearby Granaries in Floriana at the Isle Of MTV Festival on Thursday.

Akon encouraged the many African immigrants, saying that the Maltese need to "come out of their shell" regarding immigration problems and adding, "We are all one people at the end of the day. Africans helped build this side of the world 300 years ago when we were taken but nobody helped build Africa. Now we need to help build that side of the world."

The singer, who lives in Atlanta, is the founder of the Konfidence Foundation, a non-profit that is dedicated to charitable projects in Senegal and other parts of Africa.

Meanwhile, Akon continues to be a force in pop music. He reportedly wants to take on the music career of newly sprung hotel heiress Paris Hilton, according to an interview with TeenMusic.com. "In my mind I was thinking now Paris Hilton is an official convict, I think I'm gonna get with her and put a record out," said the artist, who himself spent time in prison and called his first album Konvicted.

He added: "I would definitely sign her to my label 'cause she's a character. You give her the cutest record, something that's just for women, an anthem; I think it will be outta here!"

Ne-Yo Kicks Off Mcdonald's Live Series

By: Janine Coveney

Singer and songwriter Ne-Yo helped McDonald's launch its free concert series yesterday with a performance at in the parking lot at the franchise location in Venice Beach, California. McDonald's Live will present nine more free concerts by up and coming artists at restaurants across the country.

"It wasn't that long ago that I was a new artist myself, trying to get that big break," said Ne-Yo. "McDonald's is giving the artists on the McDonald's Live tour the opportunity to really stand out, build a stronger fan base and most importantly, gain more exposure for their music."

Newcomer Kenna also helped kick off the series with a July 26th show in New York City. Other artists slated for upcoming shows include bilingual songstress Kat DeLuna, alternative rock band Single File, and R&B artist Kevin Michael. For a full list of artists, visit the tour website at mcdlive.com.

Ne-Yo is currently on the urban chart at Number One with Fabolous on "Make Me Better," while "Do You" is climbing at Number 11. Meanwhile, urban AC stations are playing the singles "Do You" and "Leaving Tonight" featuring Jennifer Hudson.

Ne-Yo says he's really happy that fans have embraced the material on his sophomore set Because Of You despite his efforts to branch out: "I definitely kept in mind that I do have a sound now, so I did songs within the realm of that sound. And the rest of the album is where I decided to do a little experimentation. And in experimenting, it's either gonna go really good or really bad. There's normally no middle ground. And by the grace of God, it went really good, you know, people are really accepting it."

USHER AND TAMEKA'S WEDDING IS CANCELED!

As reported, Usher and Tameka Foster were supposed to have jumped the broom today, but now the wedding has been called off.
It was scheduled for Saturday afternoon at record executive LA Reid's home in New York's Hamptons.


A source told People magazine that the 70 to 100 guests who were expected at the wedding are being advised that the event will not take place as originally planned.


In a statement to the Associated Press, publicist Patti Webster said, "It was announced today that the wedding ceremony for Usher Raymond IV and Tameka Foster was canceled. No additional information will be given regarding the circumstances of the cancellation, but we hope the privacy of this matter will be respected."


Earlier this week, blogs sites and the National Enquirer reported that Tameka Foster has a history of arrests:


"Tameka is an ex-con whose first lover was gunned down in a drug-related execution-style shooting." Poor Usher has no idea who he's marrying," Tameka's half sister Valencia Foster told The Enquirer. " He's a wonderful guy - but Tameka is giving him a big-time snow job." The scene for deception was set at a "getting to know the in-laws" dinner in Tameka's hometown of Oakland, Calif., on July 7 as the couple finalized plans for a July 28 wedding. Valencia, 49, explained that Usher led a prayer before dinner, then turned to her and said: "'You know all the family secrets - tell me about them.' Before I could say a word, Tameka kicked me so hard under the table she almost put a hole in my leg," Valencia said." Then she pulled me aside and whispered: 'Don't tell him anything.' "Tameka, fleeing from a troubled home life, moved in with Valencia when she was 11. "She arrived with $14 in food stamps in her purse," recalled Valencia. "She turned out to be a nightmare. "By 14, she had become involved with a married drug dealer five years older than her, Valencia says. "I banned him from the house – but four years later she was pregnant with his baby when his car was ambushed and he was riddled with bullets. Tameka missed being with him in the car by minutes." -- The National Enquirer


This was to have been the first marriage for the R&B singer and actor, 28 (real name: Usher Raymond), and the second for Foster, 37, a stylist who has worked with Lauryn Hill and Toni Braxton – as well as with Usher.


The couple, who became engaged earlier this year, first became a serious item a year and a half ago, Foster has said.


In January, the couple announced they were expecting their first child together, due the fall. Foster has three other children from a previous marriage, to Noontime Music cofounder Ryan Glover.

Jay-Z May Be Leaving Def Jam Records

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Jay-Z may be thinking about jumping ship. The rapper's contract as president of Def Jam Records will be up soon and according to insiders he's been in negotiations to join Rick Rubin at Columbia Records, which also happens to be the recording home of Jay-Z's girlfriend Beyonce.

An insider told New York's Daily News that the move may have been prompted by the hiring of Jermaine Dupri to be the president of Island Records'urban music division in February. The source said, "There isn't room for two kings at one label. Why would Island bring in another power-hitter urban guy?"

Dupri's girlfriend, Janet Jackson, recently followed Dupri over to Island Records.

Jay-Z would be joining Rick Rubin at Columbia Records. The two have worked together in the past on the rapper's hit, "99 Problems." Rubin has been shaking up Columbia's A& R staff. An insider told the paper, "He's creating a super group of staff. So it would make sense that he would want Jay on his side."

If Jay-Z leaves Def Jam Records, he would retain full ownership of all of his masters except 1996's Reasonable Doubt.

MOTHER OF ALLEGED ASSAULT VICTIM SPEAKS OUT: Accuses Tony Yayo of Bad Pattern of Behavior

G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo rejected a prosecutor's deal in a Manhattan courtroom earlier this week that would have sent him to jail for nine months if he plead guilty to assaulting the 14-year-old son of Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond.

Now the boy's mother, Cynthia Reid, is speaking out against what she calls Yayo's pattern of behavior.

"It is reprehensible that rap artist Tony Yayo continues to deny responsibility for assaulting, harassing and endangering the welfare of my 14-year-old son whom he senselessly battered in March," said Reid. "It was blatant and vicious and illustrates Yayo's negligence while proving that he considers himself above the law. It is also indicative of a larger pattern of behavior by entertainers that do not hold themselves accountable for being peaceful, respectful, and law abiding citizens. I am certain that justice will be served when Tony Yayo stands before a Judge next month. In the meantime, however, I will continue to mobilize the community to support my son who has suffered irreparable damage both physically and mentally from this horrendous assault."

Yayo, born Marvin Bernard, was charged in March with assault, harassment and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly smacking James Rosemond on a Manhattan street. Yayo was released on $5,000 bail, has denied the charges. Yayo's attorney Scott Leemon told The Associated Press. "It's not even a good offer for a guilty person, and Tony denies the allegations absolutely."

The case is postponed until September to allow Leemon to subpoena e-mails between Rosemond's Czar Entertainment and 5W Public Relations, a New York based PR firm. Czar Entertainment is a management company co-founded by Rosemond.

Chamillionaire Brushes Off 50 Cent's Comments

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Chamillionaire was recently at the receiving end of some negative comments by 50 Cent. The Houston rapper is keeping his forthcoming album free of profanity, which didn't sit well with the G-Unit general. 50 Cent told Spin magazine, "Let him (Chamillionaire) go sell gospel records, if he's so f***in'righteous. I can write around the curses if I want to, but you can't tell me to write around the curses."

In the past, Chamillionaire has used negative comments and negative press to his advantage. The rapper explained: "When I first came out I was so mad, I was opening magazines and they were saying stuff about me. I was like, 'Don't they know I got a purpose? I'm not cursing, smoking, drinking, killing everybody on these records and they're trying to bash me.'And I was so mad at them."

The rapper added: "But then again, if they wouldn't have done that then I wouldn't have worked as hard as I did to get to where I'm at. You know I was mad, everyday I was waking up like, 'Nah I'mma show them.'"

In related news, Chamillionaire recently made the Mixtape Messiah 3 and the Mixtape Messiah DVD available for free download at his website.

The rapper will release his new album, Ultimate Victory, on September 18th. The latest single from the project is "Hip Hop Police" featuring Slick Rick. The album will also feature guest appearances by Lil Wayne, Krayzie Bone, Pimp C, Lloyd, Famous and Devin the Dude.

VH1 Searches for the Next Great Music Producer to Create the Official Score for This Year's 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors'

'THE SCORE' Launches Today At HIPHOP.VH1.COM

Winner To Receive A Studio Session with Ahmir '?uestlove' Thompson From The Roots And A Trip to NYC To Attend The 2007 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors'

NEW YORK, July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Today VH1 launches "THE SCORE," an online search to find the best, undiscovered hip hop producer in the country. VH1 will give one lucky producer the opportunity to heat up VH1's fourth annual hip hop celebration by awarding him or her with the opportunity to create and produce the official score of the annual, televised event. The winning score will be used during the broadcast of "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" on October 8 at 10 p.m.*.

Through August 20, contestants can post their 60-second beats for consideration at http://hiphop.vh1.com/. See site for official rules and guidelines. Three finalists will be selected by a panel of music industry judges. Viewers will then decide through online voting who has what it takes to create and produce this year's official score to "VH1 Hip Hop Honors." The winner will receive show credit, the opportunity to be mentored by Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson from The Roots during a session where the winning score will be professionally produced and a trip to NYC to attend the taping of the fourth annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" celebration in New York in October.

Additionally, in early September, VH1.com will launch a dedicated "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" web site with honoree profiles, exclusive online content and more.

Hosted by Tracy Morgan, this year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors," will pay tribute to Snoop Dogg, WHODINI, Missy Elliott, Wild Style's 25th Anniversary and Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell for New Jack Swing. The VH1-created awards special honors hip hop's pioneers and luminaries who have transformed this musical genre into a cultural phenomenon. The music and influence of each of the honorees will be recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today's hottest new talent.

*All times ET/PT

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in 90 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul and VSPOT, VH1's broadband channel. Connect with VH1 at www.VH1.com.

VH1 is a registered trademark of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom International Inc. MTV Networks also operates and offers joint ventures, licensing agreements and syndication deals whereby its programming can be seen worldwide.

Contact: Erica Cantwell

212-846-3683

Source: VH1

CONTACT: Erica Cantwell for VH1, +1-212-846-3683

Web site: http://www.vh1.com/
http://hiphop.vh1.com/

Rick Ross Gives Back To His Community In A Major Way

(Miami-FL) July 24, 2007-With the youth of his community in mind, multi-platinum hip-hop artist Rick Ross (Slip N' Slide Records/Def Jam Recordings) is adamant about giving back to his community. The 1st Annual Rick Ross Be Out Day, presented by Magic Johnson BURGER KING® restaurants and powered by Rick Ross Charities Inc. and Sessoms PR, will be held on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 at Miami Carol City Senior High School located at 3422 NW 187th Street, Miami Gardens, FL from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

"Rick Ross Be Out Day," is designed to encourage and prepare students for the upcoming school year by supplying them with school supplies – backpacks, pencils, pens, etc. Sponsored giveaways (while supplies last) are also a pivotal part of the extravaganza. The Miami-based rapper, and Carol City, Florida native, aims to give back to Miami's youth. He is particularly dedicated to those children and students who may be less fortunate and whose families may not be able to afford the necessary school supplies. This act of giving will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst in their preparation for academic success.

Stephanie Stanford, Marketing Manager of Magic Johnson BURGER KING® restaurants says,
"Teaming up with Rick Ross Charities, Inc. is a wonderful opportunity for us to give back to the community. We specifically chose to locate our restaurants in communities where we could bring value by providing job opportunities and dining choices that otherwise might not be available. The community has supported us all the way, so we are excited to participate in the 1st Annual Rick Ross Be Out Day. We know that children can be anything they want to be in life. They just have to put their minds to it, and with help from Rick Ross and Magic Johnson anything is possible. So please come out to the event. There will be so many surprises, and best of all it will be a chance to see children laughing, playing, and just being kids."

"Rick Ross Be Out Day," will be hosted by WEDR 99 Jamz's DJ Khaled, with an anticipated attendance well over 1500. There will be activities and numerous giveaways for the kids in an atmosphere that signals fun and safety. Also, confirmed are surprise celebrity guests which will add to the excitement of the day.

"This day is for the kids, says Rick Ross, I want to give back to my city, it's all about the kids, they need to know that if they stay in school, work hard and stay focused, they can be anything they want to be, and they will succeed."

Rick Ross attributes his music and entertainment industry success to perseverance and to the belief that he could make his dreams come true. Rick Ross is committed to serving the community and encouraging today's youth to reach unparalleled success.

Support for this event has been overwhelming with several companies coming on board in its first year. Additional participating sponsors include: Slip N' Slide Records, Poe Boy Music Group, Media Point LLC, Dirty Royalty, The Source Magazine, SpazOut Entertainment-A.D., Wing Stop, Wal-Mart, Kellogg's, WEDR 99 Jamz, Converse, 24hourhiphop.com, The City of Miami Gardens, Miami-Dade County, Commissioner Barbara Jordan's Office, Motion Graphics, Chris Parsons-The Pixel Pusher, Kraft Foods-Oreo Cookie Brand, Boogie Trick Records, The Urban League of Greater Miami, Crazy Buzz Entertainment, Boss Radio 104.4 FM, Vibez Radio, Boogie Trick Records and The Souse Man.

Rick Ross is committed to serving the community and encouraging the youth of today to reach unparalleled success. Sponsors for the event will have the opportunity to help give back to local Miami area students. For media inquires and information on how to become involved with this event or to become a sponsor, please contact Melissa Sessoms at sessomspr@gmail.com or (305) 420-6261

Please also visit www.rickrosscharitiesinc.org/sponsorship for detailed information about the event.

President and CEO, Dr. Ben Chavis, Sets Date of September 25, 2007 for Opening of First HipHopSodaShop

H3 Enterprises, Inc. President and CEO, Dr. Ben Chavis, Sets Date of September 25, 2007 for Opening of First HipHopSodaShop
Tuesday July 24, 11:42 am ET

Highlights of H3 Weekly Teleconference Documents Company Progress

NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 24, 2007 -- H3 Enterprises, Inc. (Other OTC:HTRE.PK - News) President and CEO, Dr. Ben Chavis, announced that Tuesday, September 25, 2007, is the date that has been set to open H3's first HipHopSodaShop in St. Petersburg, Florida. Dr. Chavis made the announcements yesterday during a live worldwide Internet TV broadcast that covered H3's weekly progress report.

Other highlights of the H3 teleconference and web broadcast included updates on AMC Industries being retained to provide the furnishings and finishings for the HipHopSodaShops; the successful test marketing of H3's joint venture partner POP N GO's popcorn machine in Dr. Chavis and Russell Simmons' offices in New York City which will lead to hundreds of new jobs being created in area neighborhoods.

Details of H3's development and establishment of the new H3 Players Video Gaming League with the experience and acquired assistance of Jordan Edelson, Cheo Vidal and their eSportsTV web site were discussed and fully analyzed as was the redesign of H3inc.com (http://h3inc.com/) and HipHopSodaShop.com (http://hiphopsodashop.com/) with Jacob Leshaa and Jared Weiss respectively.

In addition, Dr. Chavis announced initial discussions between one of the nation's top 100 beverage companies, Meridian Beverage Company, based in Chicago, IL, and H3 concerning the development and expansion of an H3 Beverage Division inclusive of BG7 and other H3 energy drinks, bottled water products, and other healthy white tea beverage products.

"I have personally discussed with Jason Maples, President and CEO of Meridian Beverage Company, his desire to explore a joint venture relationship with H3 Enterprises. Meridian has already established solid distribution networks throughout Wal Mart, IGA Supermarkets, Pilot Truck Stops, and other mega-giants in the beverage and energy drink markets. I am pleased to report that our missions are similar and our core values in the market place exactly the same. Thus, we will work together in a mutually beneficial manner," stated Dr. Chavis.

Ja Rule, Lil Wayne arrested on Gun Charges

Jim Jones Discusses Beef With Cam'ron

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Diplomats'Jim Jones recently addressed the ongoing beef that he's had with Diplomats founder Cam'ron. On the set of the video for the remix of Yung Berg's "Sexy Lady," Jones finally opened up about what's been going on. He told MTV.com, "We going through our little differences and things like that. When you come up in this game, loyal to a (fault), you look to certain people to always take care of you above and beyond, because you'd do the same thing for them. And, of course, there's a lot of money at stake here. And no matter what anyone tells you, when money comes into play, people do change in certain ways and things like that. Because we didn't grow up with this type of money we playing with now, so it's only (normal) that you're gonna change in some aspect. But for us, loyalty is everything, and when you break that code of honor a little bit, it tends to make the water rough."

Jones added, "I opted to go back to the dock and start building my own boat. So I could go out and fish for myself, you know what I mean? There's still a fleet of Diplomat boats and when the time comes we'll all get on it and we'll go out and fish again. But right now, I'm my own fisherman... There was a little disruption going on in there, but it's still Diplomats by all means."

Jones has launched his own Byrd Gang label through Asylum Records and will be releasing projects by the late Stack Bundles and Max B in the coming months.

The rapper also made it clear that the beef with Cam'ron is an internal family issue. He said, "It's about two brothers feuding, and brothers do feud, you can't take that (away). I know brothers that go through it tremendously, even scrap. You know the media always look for something to pick on. The Diplomats been running for a hell of a long time. We going on 11 years right now, and yes, I know if you seen me and Cam, wherever you seen Cam, you seen Jim Jones and things like that. But like I said, everybody gets older and sometimes best friends do grow apart as the time goes on, but you never know what could happen. We might just pop up together and slap fire out of one of you. So don't ever forget that. What I can do, what me and Cam could do, toward each other, you punks can't do."

As far as the Diplomats'beefs with Jay-Z, Nas and 50 Cent, Jones shared that he'd be willing to work with anybody except Jay-Z. The rapper explained, "I would love to do a song with Fif. I told people I'm a businessman. At the end of the day, you never say never because you don't make your decisions, God does. I know there's a lot of grudges, I know there's a lot of gripes out there. There's probably one person I wouldn't do a song with, and that's probably Jay(-Z). I really ain't got no taste for that right there. That's not my side of the fence and that's not my speed. ... (However, if you other MCs) want to lock it, holler at me. We could lock in together, we could do a song dissing each other, we could do a song that's getting money, we could do whatever. I'm with it. You can bring your crew, I can bring my crew, we'll lock in the studio. That goes for 50, that goes for Nas, that goes for anybody."

50 Cent sues over 'Shoot the Rapper'

NEW YORK - Rapper 50 Cent sued an Internet advertising company for $1 million Friday, claiming it illegally used his image in a game where the player pretends to shoot him.

The game, called "Shoot the Rapper," shows 50 Cent walking back and forth in an ad across the top of a Web page while the viewer is encouraged to shoot him by aiming and clicking with the mouse, court papers say.

A successful shot results in a misty cloud of red, and the viewer is then directed to another Web page where the ad firm's client sells goods and services, according to the lawsuit.

The rapper's lawyer, Peter Raymond, says the game doesn't use 50 Cent's name, but "it looks like him, and there's no doubt the character is intended to be him."

The lawsuit names Traffix Inc. of Pearl River, N.Y., as the defendant. A lawyer for the company, Ezio Scaldaferri, said he had not been served with the papers and could not comment.

The rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson, is a well-known victim of gun violence, Raymond said. He said the advertising company is using 50 Cent's likeness without his permission and suggesting that he endorses the game.

"For all those reasons, he is personally offended," the lawyer said.

Raymond said the rapper learned about the ad after one of his management people saw the it on a MySpace page.

The rapper's lawsuit asks at least $1 million in actual damages, a permanent injunction against the use of his image without permission, and unspecified punitive damages.

KOCH Records to Release Highly-Anticipated Album From DJ Envy and Red Cafe

"The Co-Op" Will Be Released on September 25th, 2007 and Features Fabolous, Nina Sky, Sheek Louch, Styles P, Remy Ma, Paul Wall and Many More

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - July 19, 2007) - KOCH Records is pleased to announce the release of a new collaboration album, "The Co-Op," by acclaimed mix tape guru/HOT 97/Sirius Radio personality, DJ Envy and esteemed lyricist Red Café. The album will be released on September 25th, 2007 and features guest appearances from some of the biggest names in hip-hop including Fabolous, Fat Joe, Styles P and Sheek Louch, Paul Wall, Nina Sky and many more.

The 1st pair of singles off the new album will be "Dolla Bill" which features Fabolous and JD and "Things You Do" featuring Nina Sky.

DJ Envy is a two-time Just-O Mix Tape Award recipient and one of New York's leading mix tape DJs. Since starting his career in the early 2000s, he has steadily climbed the ranks of the hip-hop world, becoming known for featuring the hottest tracks and exclusives on his mix tapes by some of the best in the game including Jay-Z, Cam'ron, and The LOX. He has also produced vigorous tracks for artists such as DMX, Foxy Brown, Ja Rule, Fabolous, Petey Pablo, and Juvenile.

Mainstream music listeners are just now getting a taste of Red Café, the man who underground audiences have heralded as a legend for almost a decade now. Red had laid down tracks with the some of the best; from 50 Cent to LL Cool J, and when he wasn't crafting his distinctive flow, he was spreading his talent around, penning memorable songs for others.

Tracklisting for "The Co-Op": (Subject to change)
1. Intro - DJ Envy, Red Cafe
2. Dolla Bill - JD, Fabolous
3. Things You Do - Nina Sky
4. Buck Buck - Sheek Louch
5. G Move - Uncle Murda, Styles P
6. What It Do - Remy Ma
7. Ghetto Children - Mr. Easy
8. Jeep Shit - Fabolous, Paul Wall
9. We Really Do This - Mims, Currency
10. I Know - Fabolous
11. Murderer

For more on DJ Envy and Red Café, go to: www.MySpace.com/DJenvy or www.MySpace.com/RedCafe

50 Cent Says Nas Needs To Put Down The Books

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

50 Cent has been taking jabs at Nas for several years. The two men were once friends when 50 Cent was signed to the Trackmasters'Columbia-distributed label and Nas took him out on 1999's Nastradamus tour. 50 Cent recently shared his thoughts on Nas when asked if there were any really intelligent rappers.

50 Cent told XXL, "You have different kinds of people. You have people that are extremely book-smart that lack common sense, so they don't know what's going to affect their audience.... For instance, Nas is a really smart guy. He reads books constantly. We were around him on the Nastradamus tour. He was almost weirder than me 'cause we would go to breakfast and he'd be there reading a book."

The rapper added, "Conceptually, I think that's what made him drift away from what his initial audience enjoys from him and why he's not hot right now."

50 Cent will release his new album, Curtis, on September 11th.

RAY J MOVES ON TO LIL KIM? Word has it he treated rapper to a $20,000 shopping spree in Beverly Hills.

If a recent report from In Touch Weekly is to be believed, Ray J has turned all of his amorous attention away from Whitney Houston and toward Lil Kim.

According to the magazine, Brandy’s little bro gave the rapper $20,000 several weeks ago to spend as she pleased at the Louis Vuitton store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

"They've been spending a lot of time together,” the magazine quotes a source as saying.

In Touch also claims that Ray J threw a surprise birthday party for the Brooklyn MC at Los Angeles nightclub Les Deux.

The two first met in 2001 after she appeared in his racy video for “Wait A Minute.”

MTV Dinner Date With Justin Timberlake(Video Clip)

H3 Enterprises, Inc. President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis Sends Message to Shareholders and Investors

Dr. Ben to Inaugurate Weekly H3 Shareholders Telephone Conference Calls Beginning Monday, July 23, 2007


NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 20, 2007 -- H3 Enterprises, Inc. (Other OTC:HTRE.PK - News) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, today issued the following message to H3's shareholders and investors:

I am pleased to report directly to all H3 Enterprises shareholders, employees, investors, and everyone else who has taken the time to get involved in our emerging young company, that we have made significant and measurable progress in the restructuring, growth and market awareness of our fledgling organization. Over the last six weeks our financing activities, our tangible assets and net worth, as well as the market value of a share in "HTRE" has increased exponentially.

We are reaffirming the mission of H3 Enterprises to become a global leader in the economic development and empowerment of people and communities through investments and entrepreneurship. I am personally committed to lead H3 forward to become the most profitable, community conscious brand in the world. As the first publicly traded Hip-Hop company, we have expanded our outreach to a broad diversity of supporters among artists, athletes and other professionals as well as grassroots leaders in many communities across America and internationally.

On a weekly basis, beginning Monday, July 23, 2007 at 11 a.m. EDT, I will conduct a telephone conference call for all H3 shareholders and investors. We are redesigning our www.H3inc.com and www.HipHopSodaShop.com websites respectively to provide daily updates on our progress. Monday's telephone conference call-in information will be posted on www.H3inc.com and www.HipHopSodaShop.com.

We are retaining the best available design, furnishing, and construction expediters to help us to be ready to have our formal opening of our first HipHopSodaShop in St. Petersburg, Florida in the early fall of this year.

I am confident that we now have the right team of professionals to move H3 forward. I am eager to share more details during the conference call.

We will utilize the magnificent talents and innate goodness within some our greatest artists, athletes and entertainers to help lift lives out of poverty and to fulfill the aspirations of the entire Hip-Hop generation. We will educate our people about the benefits and power of investment, and about the tremendous economic opportunities that lie ahead for all who are serious about making a positive difference in improving the quality of life for all people.

During the last six weeks, we have presented the mission and opportunities of H3 to supporters in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Kansas City, St. Louis, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Newark, Miami, and in St. Petersburg, FL. Millions of people more have been reached with our message via national and international print, TV, cable, radio and Internet media. Our business model and plans have engendered considerable interests and support from a broad array of industry leaders in music and entertainment, new media, video gaming, technology, fashion, retail and business development.

The immediate priority is to complete, furnish and open the St. Pete HipHopSodaShop. I can honestly report that we have identified and removed the prior impediments that had caused delays in completing the St. Pete site. We will now accomplish more in St. Pete during the next two months than was attempted in the last seven months. Success through hard work and excellence in professional performance and effectiveness is our company mantra.

Our guiding core principles are quality service, integrity, and empowerment through investment.

Lastly, as a shareholder myself, I take this opportunity to personally thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support and encouragement. Our best days truly lie before us. We are on the move and are headed in the right direction at the right time. Our Company's potential to make a real difference both economically and socially is truly limitless. We are totally committed to upgrading our ability to share all material information with you in the most timely way, and will always utilize the best possible medium at our disposal to guarantee our best possible performance in that arena.

Kool Herc's Former Building Declared Birthplace Of Hip Hop

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop has an official birthplace:1520 Sedgwick Avenue, the home of DJ Kool Herc in the '70s. Senator Chuck Schumer and Congressman Jose Serrano will join other public officials and fans at the site on Monday (July 23rd) to celebrate New York State's formal recognition of the building as the birthplace of hip-hop. The event will also double as a rally to keep the building as affordable Mitchell-Lama housing as there've been talks that the building's owner want to buy out of the affordable housing program in order to rent the building's units at market rate.

Although the building is less than 50 years old, it has been labeled as having "exceptional importance" and may one day be considered a national historic landmark.

Hip hop grew out of the parties that Kool Herc threw in the building's community room. The rap legend explained how it all started. He said:"It started in 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, parallel to the Major Deegan Highway, coming straight from Yankee Stadium. It started from 25 cents for ladies, 50 cents for fellas. And all I ask you for was don't disrespect the party. That's what kept it going."

Herc added: "I resurrected something that was... been killed by the gangs from a place called The Puzzle, The Tunnel on the Grand Concourse, and it deaded the party scene."

50 Cent No Longer Impressed By George Bush

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Multi-millionaire hip hop mogul 50 Cent has spoken highly of President George Bush in the past. During a 2005 interview with GQ, he said, "I wanna meet George Bush, just shake his hand and tell him how much of me I see in him." The President's approval rating has taken a significant hit since 2005 and his approval rating has dropped below 30%.

Fittingly, 50 Cent is no longer in a rush to meet and shake the President's hand. During a recent interview with New York Magazine, the rapper said, "George Bush has a talent: He has less compassion than the average human. By all means, I don't aspire to be like George Bush."

In related news, 50 Cent will release his new album, Curtis, on September 11th. The latest single from the project is "I Get Money."

Mike Jones Hooks Up With Alex Thomas For Online Comedy Series

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Houston-based rapper Mike Jones will release his sophomore album, The American Dream, later this year. But in the meantime, the rapper has launched a five episode online comedy series, The American Hater, starring comedian Alex Thomas as Money Stacks, King of the Traps. The first episode of the show is currently available on Youtube.

The American Dream will feature guest appearances by Trey Songz, T.I., Bobby Brown, Pimp C, Latoya Luckett, Snoop Dogg and Lil'Mo. The rapper is also working on a autobiographical film, also titled The American Dream, which he will release in conjunction with the album.

The latest single and video from the project is "My '64" featuring Snoop Dogg and Bun B.