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.

Remy Ma Shooting Victim Speaks From Hospital Bed

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Remy Ma is facing attempted murder charges after allegedly shooting her close friend during an argument early Saturday morning (July 14th). The victim is now telling her side of the story from her hospital bed at St. Vincent's Hospital in New York City.

23-year-old Makeda Barnes-Joseph told New York's Daily News that the rapper accused her of stealing $3,000 after they left a friend's birthday celebration at the Pizza Bar in New York City. Remy Ma got into the victim's car and questioned her about the missing money before shooting her twice in the stomach.

Barnes-Joseph told the paper, "All I heard was the gun go off. I couldn't believe she shot me! ...What hurts me is that when she shot me she went over and dumped the bag. She didn't even say, 'Oh, my God, I just shot her.'That's what hurt me so much."

After dumping the victim's bag in search of her money, Remy Me left the scene in a Cadillac Escalade which crashed a few blocks from the scene of the crime. The rapper left the SUV and fled the scene.

Remy Ma turned herself into police on Saturday evening and was released on Sunday (July 15th), after posting $250,000 bail. She is currently facing attempted murder, assault, and weapons charges.

The victim's father, Boris Barnes, is pleased with the charges. He said, "This is a premeditated action. She meant to kill my daughter."

The victim, who has been friends with the rapper for 10 years, still can't believe what happened. She said, "The fact she would think I would steal from her, it hurts me because I thought she was a friend of mine."

Meanwhile Remy Ma's manager Big Joe came to the rapper's defense. He said, "I don't see her as the kind of person who would shoot someone. Remy doesn't carry a gun. We have a criminal investigation that will soon turn into a lawsuit for millions of dollars."

Diddy flooded with job pleas

Diddy has been flooded with applications to be his new personal assistant after the rapper advertised the role on MySpace.


Over 10,000 offers have come in over the last four days after the singer invited applicants to post three-minute videos of themselves on YouTube.

Speaking on his MySpace page, he said: "Oh my God, what have I started? Earlier I put it out there to you the viewers, you the people that made me. A lot of people dream about getting into this industry and being somebody. Everybody needs a chance. Someone gave me a chance, that is what this whole thing is about, it's about empowerment.

"This is not a joke, I'm trying to give a chance to somebody who is out there to be my personal assistant to help me to be the best and maybe I can help them to be the best. That's what this thing is about, helping each other out."

As previously reported on NME.com, the singer posted a video of himself, inviting job-seekers to apply for the role.

'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' Salutes the Pioneers of Hip Hop Who've Reinvented the Sound and Look of the Genre on Monday, October 8 at 10PM

Hosted By Tracy Morgan The Fourth Annual Hip Hop Celebration Will Feature Tributes To Snoop Dogg, Whodini, Missy Elliot, Wild Style's 25th Anniversary and Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell For New Jack Swing

VH1 Searches For The Next Great Music Producer To Create The Official Score For This Year's 'VH1 Hip Hop Honors' With Online Contest 'The Score' Launching July 23 On HIPHOP.VH1.COM

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., July 13 /PRNewswire/ -- VH1 will once again honor the hip hop pioneers and legends that have made significant contributions to all aspects of pop culture with the fourth annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors." Hosted by Tracy Morgan, this year's honorees include Snoop Dogg, Whodini, Missy Elliot, Wild Style's 25th Anniversary and Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell for New Jack Swing.

Premiering on Monday, October 8 at 10 PM*, "VH1 Hip Hop Honors," will celebrate the players who broke new ground and pioneered the genre into a true cultural phenomenon. "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will be taped at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Thursday, October 4. 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. Generations of hip hop will bridge the gap for one exceptional night to set it off with the original style and flavor that sparked and inspired the evolution of the music. Additional performances and appearances will be announced shortly.

On July 23, VH1.com is launching "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." The creator will receive show credit and the opportunity to be mentored by an industry executive/producer during a session where the winning score will be professionally produced.

From July 23 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."

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

"VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blackjac Entertainment. Louis J. Horvitz will direct. Nelson George and Fab Five Freddie are consulting producers.

For up-to-the-minute and archival press information including releases and photographs, visit VH1's press-only Web site at www.vh1.com/press

* All times ET/PT

Remy Ma Pleads Not Guilty To Attempted Murder Charges

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Former Terror Squad member Remy Ma is free after posting $250,000 bail on Sunday (July 15th). The rapper allegedly got into an altercation with a female friend, Makeda Barnes-Joseph, after leaving New York's Pizza bar early Saturday morning (July 14th). According to the Associated Press, Remy Ma and Barnes-Joseph got into a violent altercation after the rapper accused Barnes-Joseph of stealing $2,000 from her purse. Barnes-Joseph, who is currently in stable condition, was allegedly the last person to hold the rapper's purse in the nightclub. Ma allegedly shot the victim twice in the midsection then jumped into a Cadillac Escalade which crashed three blocks from the scene.

The SUV was registered to Ma, who turned herself in to authorities on Saturday night. The rapper was charged with attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

The rapper's lawyer, Scott Leemon, said, "I ask everyone to keep an open mind. Things are not always as they seem."

Remy Ma was discovered by the late Big Pun. She released her debut album, There's Something About Remy, in 2006 through Terror Squad/SRC/Universal Records. The set was a commercial disappointment and Ma parted ways with the Terror Squad and SRC/Universal.

Remy Ma shared in the past that she isn't interested in being anybody but Remy Ma. She said: "Everybody used to tell me, 'You got to be the next Kim. You got to be the next Foxy. You got to be the next Eve.'I just felt like why I want to be the next them when I can be the first me."

The rapper added: "Like I'mma do me and I'mma do it how I want. It may take longer or I may have to go through extra obstacles to get what I want but I'mma do it the way I want."

New 50 Cent album pushed back another week

NEW YORK (Billboard) - 50 Cent's new album, "Curtis," has been pushed back another week, from September 4 to September 11, according to Interscope, which declined to give a reason for the move.


"Curtis" originally was slated for a June 26 release but was pushed back in late May.

Two singles from the project have met with little success on radio. "Amusement Park" peaked at No. 36 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and is No. 57 in its ninth week there, while "Straight to the Bank" peaked at No. 30 and has since fallen off the chart.

Another new song, "I Get Money," debuted in early July at No. 75.

"Curtis," which is the follow-up to 2005's "The Massacre," features production from Dr. Dre, Eminem and Timbaland, plus guest turns by Eminem, Akon, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls.

Rapper Remy Ma arrested in NY weekend shooting

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Female rapper Remy Ma was arrested on attempted murder charges in the weekend shooting of another woman in a nightclub district of Manhattan, police said on Sunday.

The Grammy-nominated rapper, whose real name is Remy Smith, turned herself in on Saturday and was also charged with assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

The victim suffered a gunshot wound and was hospitalized in stable condition. The shooting occurred in New York's meatpacking district, a popular nightlife area near Greenwich Village.

The shooting followed a dispute after Smith and her companions left a nightspot. Local media reported the women were friends, and the victim identified Smith as having shot her.

Smith, 26, a Bronx native and resident of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, won the 2005 BET award for best female hip-hop artist and was nominated for a Grammy in 2004 when she performed with Terror Squad for "Lean Back." Her solo hits have included "Conceited" and "Feels So Good."

Prince gives away new album

Keyshia Cole Calls on Missy; Missy Calls on Kim (Video Footage)

Talib Kweli Sets August Release Date For 'eardrum'

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Talib Kweli signed a imprint deal with the Warner Music Group for his own label, Blacksmith Music, in 2005. The rapper was scheduled to release his first project under the deal, Eardrum, last year but the set has been delayed several times. The album is now set to hit stores on August 21st.

The latest single from the project is "Hot Thing" which was produced by the Black Eyed Peas'Will.I.Am. The album features guest appearances by Norah Jones, UGK, KRS-One, Strong Arm Steady, Jean Grae, Musiq Soulchild, and Justin Timberlake.

The album features production by Pete Rock, Madlib, Kanye West and Hi-Tek. Kweli and Hi-Tek released a gold-certified album in 2000 as Reflection Eternal. The duo later quietly fell out and did not record together for several years.

Hi-Tek explained his side of the dispute which began as a beef between Hi-Tek and the duo's label, Rawkus Records. He said: "Kweli had to make a choice whether he wanted to, you know, keep dealing with Rawkus or ride with me, and he chose to roll with Rawkus. That's how I looked at it then, but I spoke to Kweli recently and he said that wasn't the case or whatever."

Hi-Tek added: "I think we've both grown, but I don't think neither one of us has reached the success that we should have if we would have just stayed together, worked together, as far as business and personal."

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

Suspect Arrested In Stack Bundles Murder Case

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Stack Bundles, whose real name was Rayquon Elliott, was shot in killed in the lobby of his Far Rockaway, Queens building on June 11th. Police have a man in custody, Lee Woods, who has been fingered as the trigger man in the shooting. A source told New York's Daily News, "Woods is bad, just bad. He killed Rayquon for a dumb-a-s robbery."

Woods was initially arrested for his role in the ambush of two police officers on Monday (July 9th). Woods was allegedly driving a stolen BMW when two officers approached the vehicle in Brooklyn. The two other men in the BMW, Dexter Bostick and Robert Ellis, allegedly opened fire on the two police officers.

According to Woods, he wasn't in the car when the shots were fired at the cops. He said, "I'm telling you, I didn't do anything. I sat in the car and I chilled with them for a while. Then I said, 'I'm going home.'I got in my car and I left. They got in their car. I don't know what happened after that."

Assistant District Attorney Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi has another theory on what happened. She told the paper, "They were met within seconds by a hail of bullets. The defendant acted in concert with two individuals responsible for nothing less than the attempted execution of two uniformed police officers."

Woods hasn't formally been charged in relation to the Stack Bundles murder but he's currently facing two counts of attempted first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault on a police officer, weapons possession and other charges in relation to the ambush of the police officers.

Max B Out On Bail

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Byrd Gang's Max B, who real name is Charles Wingate, is a free man for now after serving eight months behind bars while awaiting trial on murder charges. The rapper was freed on Tuesday (July 10th) and was greeted by the Diplomats' Jim Jones and Freekey Zeekey. The rapper is currently in the recording studio working on his debut album.

Max B's conspiracy murder charges stem from an incident last year involving his girlfriend and an associate. According to the authorities, Max B, his girlfriend and stripper Gina Marie Conway, and second man Kelvin Leerdam conspired to rob David Taylor and Allan "Jay" Plowden after Conway told them that the men had flashed large wads of cash and drove expensive cars.

Taylor and Plowden were staying in two separate rooms at the Holiday Inn in Fort Lee when Conway knocked on Plowden's door at 4 a.m. Leerdam, who was waiting out of sight, pushed his way into the room and ordered him to call Taylor, who was shot and killed as he entered the room. After tying up Plowden, they allegedly left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

According to Max B's lawyer, the evidence against him is mostly hearsay and the rapper was not in New Jersey at the time of the shooting. But authorities tell a different story, and they claim that cell phone calls between the parties before and after the crime link Max B to the murder.

The rapper's bail was initially set at $2 million.

KANYE WEST TRIES TO MAKE NICE WITH EVEL KNIEVEL: Both agree to settle lawsuit with mediation

A mediator has been called in to settle a 2006 lawsuit filed against Kanye West by Evel Knievel, the famous daredevil who didn’t appreciate being spoofed by the rapper in his video for “Touch the Sky.

The clip features Kanye as “Evel Kanyevel,” who attempts to jump a rocket-powered motorcycle over a canyon. It spoof’s Evel Knievel’s failure to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho in 1974, the lawsuit stated.

After soaring about 1,000 feet, Knievel wound up landing about 20 feet from the river on the rocky south bank. He sustained only scrapes and bruises. Kanyevel, however, crashes to the bottom of the canyon in flames.

Knievel, 68, claimed infringement on his trademarked name and likeness. He also claimed the "vulgar and offensive" images depicted in the video damage his reputation. West's attorneys argued the video amounted to satire, covered under the First Amendment.

The lawsuit also names Roc-A-Fella Records, video director Chris Milk and AOL, the Internet division of Time Warner Inc., for its distribution.
Knievel and West will share mediation expenses.

Busta Rhymes Wants His Day In Court

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Busta Rhymes was in Manhattan Criminal Court on Tuesday (July 10th) for a hearing in relation to his two assault cases. The Associated Press reports that Assistant District Attorney Harrison Schweiloch offered the rapper the same plea deal he did in May. Rhymes would serve one year behind bars to satisfy his two assault cases as well as a driving under the influence case and a driving with a suspended license case.

The rapper rejected the deal for the second time. His lawyer, Scott Leemon, said, "It's the same offer that the prosecutor made at the last court appearance and it's one which Busta adamantly rejects."

During the hearing Judge Larry Stephen denied a motion by the prosecution to consolidate the two assault cases. The rapper will have two separate trials for the assault charges which stem from an incident last August when Rhymes allegedly assaulted a fan who spit on his car and an incident last December when Rhymes allegedly assaulted his former driver Eddie Hatchett during a dispute over back pay.

Rhymes is due back in court on September 5th which is when Judge Stephen will set trial dates.

Judge Stephen will also be holding a hearing to determine if statements made by Rhymes during his DUI and driving with a suspended license arrests can be used against him at trial.

TI KING OF BILLBOARD: New CD Sets Record; rapper also says 'N-Word' not dead

Rapper T.I. could claim to be more than just the King of the South after grabbing the number one spot on the Billboard 200 with the debut of his latest CD.

Entitled “T.I. vs. TIP,” his latest compilation sold 468,000 copies. That’s the biggest first-week sales for any rapper so far in 2007, according to Nielsen’s SoundScan.

Guest performers on his CD include Jay-Z, Eminem, Wyclef Jean and Busta Rhymes.

Singer Kelly’s Roland’s sophomore effort, Ms. Kelly, landed at no. 6 with 82,000 discs sold. Her album features guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Tank and Eve.

In other T.I. news ...

The NAACP held a burial for the 'N-word' during it’s national convention in Detroit earlier this week, but T.I., says that word and other derogatory terms won’t die so easily.

In the August issue of Penthouse magazine on sale now, T.I. was asked about the controversy surrounding rappers using words like bitch and ho.

“Unless you take the bitches, niggas and ho’s out of the neighborhoods that these rappers come from,” the rapper declared, “you’re not going to be able to take it out of their music.”

DIDDY'S EX SPEAKS OUT: Kim Porter issues statement about breakup

*It was short and to the point, but at least she's speaking out for the record. In a statement sent to EUR, via her rep, Marvet Britto, Kim Porter says ...

"After ten years, I have decided to end my on-again/off-again relationship with Sean Diddy' Combs.

"In ending this relationship, I made a decision that was in the best interest of myself, Sean and our family. I look forward to moving on with my life and my career, and wish him prosperity, health and happiness in life and in love. We will remain friends and committed parents to our children."

At this point, no one knows what really prompted the couple, who've been together for the past 10 years or so, to call it quits.

Of course there's been speculation that the split was due to Diddy's relationship with British actress Sienna Miller, but a rep for the rap mogul told People that "there is literally nothing between them," while a rep for the actress said that "reports of Sienna being linked with P. Diddy are categorically untrue."

The former couple have a son together, nine-year-old Christian, as well as twin daughters, born last December. Diddy has another son, 13-year-old Justin, from a previous relationship with stylist Misa Hylton Brim.

The news of their break-up, which broke Tuesday, came on the heels of a report in last week's New York Post that Kim had moved out of the New York City apartment she shared with Diddy and bought a home in Beverly Hills.

New UGK album official track list!

GK's long awaited double album UGK (Underground Kingz) is dropping 8/7/07 and it's stacked with featured artists from Outkast to Dizzee Rascal to Talib Kweli to Big Daddy Kane and more. Check out the track listing below!

www.the-ugks.com


DISC 1:



1. Swishas And Dosha
2. Int'l Players Anthem (I Choose You) featuring OutKast
3. Chrome Plated Woman
4. Life Is 2009 featuring Too $hort
5. The Game Belongs To Me
6. Like That (Remix)
7. Gravy
8. Underground Kingz
9. Grind Hard featuring Young T.O.E. and DJ B-Do
10. Take Tha Hood Back featuring Slim Thug, Vicious and Middle Fingaz
11. Quit Hatin' The South featuring Charlie Wilson and Willie D
12. Heaven
13. Trill N****** Don't Die featuring Z-Ro



DISC 2:



1. How Long Can It Last featuring Charlie Wilson
2. Still Ridin' Dirty featuring Scarface
3. Stop-N-Go featuring Jazze Pha
4. Cocaine featuring Rick Ross
5. Two Type Of B****** featuring Dizzee Rascal and Pimpin' Ken
6. Real Women featuring Talib Kweli and Raheem DeVaughn
7. Candy
8. Tell Me How Ya Feel
9. Shattered Dreams
10. Like That
11. Next Up featuring Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap
12. Living This Life
13. Outro

Bonus Track: Int'l Players Anthem featuring Three 6 Mafia (Chopped & Screwed)

Bonus Track: Int'l Players Anthem featuring Three 6 Mafia

Prince Plays 3 Shows in His Hometown

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Prince thrilled his hometown fans with three shows over 12 hours, only stopping when police shut him down early Sunday.

The Minneapolis native first performed Saturday at a department store to promote his new cologne, cramming nine songs into a 45-minute set. He then played that night at the Target Center arena. He capped the night with a return to First Avenue, the club he made famous in the movie "Purple Rain."

"Minneapolis, I am home," the Purple One declared after the first song at the department store.

Minnesota's governor and the Minneapolis mayor issued proclamations honoring Prince, and fans flew in from all over the country to see the performer.

After the Target Center, Prince waited until nearly 2:45 a.m. before starting the First Avenue show, the first time he had played at the club since 1987. The city lets music play until 4 a.m.

He was 15 songs and 70 minutes into a 24-song set when he announced from the stage: "The authorities say we gotta go. We always listen to the authorities. I promise I'll be back."

AMC Industries Set to Add Finishing Touches to H3's St. Pete HipHopSodaShop

H3's President and CEO Dr. Ben Chavis Coordinates Comprehensive Contract With Outback Steakhouse "Finisher"


NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 10, 2007 -- H3Enterprises, Inc. (Other OTC:HTRE.PK - News) has announced the closing of a contract with AMC Industries that will utilize AMC's unparalleled experience in furnishing, equipping, and "finishing" restaurants of all kinds, including the world renowned Outback Steakhouse and Carraba's chains.


The Tampa Bay-based specialists have joined forces with H3Enterprises to build and furnish all tables, chairs, booths, and equipment, as well as all ceiling, floor, and wall finishes for H3's first HipHopSodaShop to be opened early in the fall of this year. The St. Petersburg HipHopSodaShop is being developed in association with Tampa Bay's Super Bowl hero, Warren Sapp.

AMC has been directly involved in the furnishing and finishing of over one thousand five hundred restaurants across the United States and throughout the world, with the majority of their work currently being done in conjunction with Outback Steakhouse, Inc., one of the most successful restaurant companies in the world.

H3's President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis stated, "I am pleased to announce that H3 has completed our negotiations with AMC Industries, one of the most respected and accomplished commerical interior design and restaurant furnishing companies in the world. We are now in a full expedited state of getting our first HipHopSodaShop ready to open and having AMC to work with us is a very positive development."

H3Enterprises is the first publicly traded company devoted to the Hip Hop culture and community. For more information please visit www.h3inc.com, www.hiphopsodashop.com, or call 877 H3 HIPHOP or 212 385 8039.

Safe Harbor: Certain information included herein may contain statements that are forward-looking, such as statements relating to plans for future expansion and other business development activities. Such forward-looking information is subject to changes and variations which are not reasonably predictable and which could significantly affect future results.

Kool G Rap Sets September Release Date For New Album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Kool G Rap is back with a new album, Half A Klip, which he will release on September 11th through Latchkey Recordings and Chinga Chang Records. The album will feature production by DJ Premier, Marley Marl, and Domingo.

Kool G Rap and his former partner DJ Polo released their first album, Road To Riches, in 1989, and subsequently released the albums, Wanted: Dead Or Alive in 1990 and Live And Let Die in 1992, before parting ways.

Kool G Rap continued to record and released three solo albums, 1995's 4,5,6, 1998's Roots Of Evil, and 2002's The Giancana Story.

Foxy Brown Pulls Disappearing Act

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Foxy Brown has been in the headlines because of her legal woes but now, according to the rapper's attorney and friends, she's disappeared. Brown's lawyer, State Sen. Jack Sampson, told Page Six, "We're all trying to find Foxy. She's probably getting some much needed rest. She's been given authorization to travel and she could be working on her album. She is trying to get her album done. Depending on whom she's working with, she could be anywhere."

The rapper was last spotted boarding a flight to London on June 29th at John F. Kennedy Airport. She allegedly held the flight up an hour so members of her entourage could make the flight.

A passenger on the flight said, "She was trying to hold up the show because some of her entourage was late. She got off the plane, then on, then off again. We're sitting there for an hour and then the pilot comes on and said we'd be waiting a little longer for some people. Then another hour went by and they had to refuel....The flight attendants said it was some of the most atrocious behavior they ever saw."

Another witness added, "(Brown) finally got on with her group and traded her first-class seat for a business-class seat so she could sit next to one of her people. It was an overbooked flight, so 400 people have to be inconvenienced? Some of them missed their connecting flights."

American Airlines wouldn't confirm if Brown was indeed on the flight.

In related news, Brown, who is currently on probation for assaulting two manicurists in 2004, still has some legal issues. The rapper, whose real name is Inga Marchand, is facing battery and resisting arrest charges in Florida. Her trial is set to start September 24th.

Ja Rule Working On New Album, Discusses G-Unit Beef

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Ja Rule is back in the studio and working on a new album. The rapper recently leaked a new single, "Uh Oh" featuring Lil Wayne and Merc Montana. Ja Rule's career hasn't been the same since 2003 when his beef with 50 Cent began to play out in the media. As 50 Cent's popularity began to rise, Ja Rule's career appeared to slow down.

At the time, Ja Rule was concerned that the situation was getting out of hand. He said: "You know, outside of, you know, homeboy making his records or whatever, there's really been no talk from me about it or any records made by me about it. It's been all media hype. All the stations, they always want to ask me about it. They always want to ask him about it. They always want to prolong it instead of just letting it die, and now the kids are involved. You got the kids running around, 'I'm down with Murder Inc.!' 'I'm down with these n--gas!'"

Four years removed from the beef, Ja Rule still can't understand how it all went down. He told WQHT-FM's Angie Martinez, "It's a tough thing to grasp because you don't understand it at the moment. I know people don't like me because this guy says to not like me. Are you serious? At first it's like a joke. And then, you go outside and people are screaming, 'Yo, G-Unit!'So, it has trickled down as a more serious thing."

The rapper added, "Either you sit back and crumble and you say, I don't want the people scrutinizing me, or you go hard. I wasn't really mad at it. I just knew that I had to come through it."

The Roots, Brandi Carlile to headline VH1 tours

NEW YORK (Billboard) - VH1 is preparing to announce two multi-artist tours, Billboard has learned.



The first is based on the cable music channel's annual Hip Hop Honors awards show, which debuted in 2004. The inaugural edition of the Hip Hop Honors tour will feature the Roots and still-to-be-announced special guests. The Roots have never been honorees of the awards show, but have acted as the event's house band.

The tour will cover 15 markets, kicking off September 13 in San Francisco and wrapping October 5 at New York's Nokia Theatre, just before the third edition of the awards.

VH1 is also about to unveil its second You Oughta Know tour, featuring acts that the channel previously has deemed You Oughta Know artists. Following closely on the heels of the first YOK tour -- which took place this past spring and was headlined by Mat Kearney, with special guests the Feeling and Rocco DeLuca & the Burden -- the second version will feature a couple of VH1's female YOK artists taking charge.

The 32-market run will be led by Brandi Carlile with new buzz band A Fine Frenzy (aka Alison Sudol) in the opening slot. The tour launches September 6 in Eugene, Ore. A ticket presale for both tours starts July 11 at tours.vh1.com. The general public on-sale date is July 13.

Reuters/Billboard

Ashanti Says She's Having A Big Year

By: Janine Coveney

R&B/pop singer Ashanti and rapper Nelly have never publicly acknowledged their on-again, off-again romance, but the pair finally decided to work together. Nelly makes a guest appearance on Ashanti's new single "Switch," which previews her upcoming solo album The Declaration, due in October.

The last year and a half has been rough on the Long Island, New York-born Ashanti, whose cousin was killed in an African traffic accident in April 2006 while accompanying her on tour. She also waged a court battle against a former producer for releasing early recordings before the suits were dropped.

Recently, Ashanti explained that 2007 is already off to a good start: "It's just a big year for me, I feel really, really excited about the album, coming in October. The single, we just picked the single, we're very, very excited about it -- Universal, Sylvia Rhone --so it's a wonderful thing, it's a good thing."

The Declaration will feature production and songwriting from Jermaine Dupri, Polow Da Don, L.T. Hutton, and Babyface, among others.

Dj Premier Officially Launches Label

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Gang Starr's DJ Premier will officially launch his new label, Year Round, with the release of a new album by NYG'z titled Welcome to G-Dom. The album is slated to hit stores on September 12th and will feature guest appearances by M.O.P.'s Lil'Fame, Royal Flush, Guru and others with production by DJ Premier, Thorotracks, and Emile.

Premier said in a released statement, "NYG'z is bringin'the definition of a duo back to the front line of Hip-Hop. Not only is it street, but they represent the true meaning of what it is to make a real album. Be on the lookout for NYG'z street album, Welcome To G-Dom, and my first all DJ Premier produced LP with the NYG'z, Pros & Cons. You heard the first Jeru The Damaga LP and the Group Home LP; need I say more?"

The producer added, "It's like feeding someone a new drug. As you keep on feedin' 'em, they're gonna want more and more. I'm definitely a pusher. I push music that you should be hearing. I have no choice but to be that way."

Diddy's Longtime Girlfriend Kim Porter Moves Out Of His Apartment

By: Nick Tsolkas

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs's longtime girlfriend, Kim Porter moved out of his apartment and she isn't going back, a source tells Page Six. "Kim is in Louisiana filming a movie right now, and when it's done she's moving to L.A.," the insider said. Porter has already bought a home in Beverly Hills for her and her four children - three of whom, Christian, 10, and twins D'Lila and Jessie, 7 months, are Diddy's. "She is focusing on her career as a model and actress and raising her children," our source said. "They are the best of friends, but they just can't be together right now."

Young Jeezy Is The Only Guest Vocalist On New Kanye West Album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and producer Kanye West will release his third album, Graduation, in August. The first single and video from the project is "Can't Tell Me Nothing." The rapper is currently working on a remix which will feature Young Jeezy and new vocals.

As for Graduation, West told MTV.com, "I don't have any rappers on my album. Not just because I'm trying to make a statement of being an MC -- I want people to get into my album and zone out. You never asked Marvin Gaye, 'You have such and such doing a background track?'I do have an ad-lib from (Young) Jeezy. That's because he has that line, 'Hey Snowman, can I get an ad-lib?' So I asked for an ad-lib. Where the rappers do appear is on the remixes."

West recently released second single and video, "Stronger."

50 Cent Explains Mistake At Bet Awards

By: Barbara Sharnak

50 Cent was caught losing his place in a song, at Tuesday's (June 26) BET Awards. After skipping the first verse of his new single "Amusement Park," the rapper walked through the audience acknowledging fans while the track played. He has now admitted that he "just wasn't concentrating."

Fans discussed the odd performance on Internet blogs, prompting the rapper to make an appearance on BET's 106 and Park to explain that a production error had thrown him off. "Everything doesn't quite happen the way you practice it. You see, I was hit by the aerialist and I was wibbly-wobbling coming down. Twenty five feet in the air, man, you fall ... can't nobody help me with that, you know what I mean? Then by the time you get down, you try and regroup to fight, you got the pyro going off, the music starts, we four bars into the song, you know -- I just wasn't concentrating."

After the interview, he made up for the performance by taking the 106 stage and running through "Amusement Park" smoothly.

His new album Curtis is being released on September 4th.

Dipset Member Hell Rell to Release Long-Awaited Debut Album "For The Hell Of It"

Via Diplomat Records/KOCH Records on Tuesday, September 11, 2007

New Album to Feature Jim Jones, Cam'ron, Juelz Santana and the Rest of the Dipset Movement Plus Young Dro and Styles P

NEW YORK, NY -- (Market Wire - Jul 02, 2007) -- Diplomat member #### Rell is set to release his eagerly-anticipated debut "For The #### Of It" on September 11, 2007 through Diplomat Records/KOCH Records.

"I Shall Proceed" will be the first single from "For The #### Of It." The track is shipping to radio now. To preview new music, click on www.MySpace.com/HellRell.

About the new album, #### Rell comments, "Dipset is back. We back at it like a crack addict. 'I Shall Proceed' will get it started!"

A video for "I Shall Proceed" is already in pre-production and will be directed by Dale "Rage" Resteghini (who also directed "We Fly High" for Jim Jones).

Refering to himself as the "hardest out, hungriest out," "Rugger" Rell gained notoriety on the underground mixtape circuit, releasing favorites like "Streets Wanna Know" (2005), "New Gun In Town" (2006) and also co-starred in Cam'ron's controversial 'hood flick, "Killa Season."

Rell was also prominently featured in the "Get 'Em Daddy Remix" and "The Best Out" videos, both Dipset favorites.

Over the years, #### Rells also appeared on many of Dipset's releases, including: "Diplomatic Immunity 1 and 2," "DukeDaGod Presents: More Than Music 1 and 2," "Dipset The Movement Moves On," Jim Jones's "Harlem: Diary of a Summer" & "Hustler's P.O.M.E.," Cam'ron's "Killa Season," also J.R. Writer's "History in the Making."

Dipset has sold over 3 million albums collectively. This Harlem-bred crew has been heralded by many as a modern-day Wu-tang Clan; in recent years, Dipset has become synonymous with street culture, leading the trends in rap music, hip hop slang and urban fashion.

LAURYN HILL’S OAKLAND GIG A MESS: Critic says: “Calling it a fiasco would be an insult to fiascos everywhere

After finally taking the stage some 2 ½ hours after the starting time of her Wednesday performance at Oakland’s Paramount Theatre, Lauryn Hill proceeded to frustrate ticket holders to the point that several dozen demanded refunds.

“Those were the smart ones - the rest of us remained in our seats and watched what amounted to a two-hour train wreck,” wrote Jim Harrington of the San Jose Mercury News. “How bad was this concert? Well, calling it a fiasco would be an insult to fiascos everywhere.”


Here’s how Harrington saw things:


“Once Hill finally made her appearance, fronting a solid 14-piece band that deserved far better than this, things began to quickly unravel. She opened with a jammed-out, improvised number that featured almost no real lyrics and zapped whatever little wind remained in the crowd's sails.


The 32-year-old vocalist then turned to 1998's landmark "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" - a work that, amazingly, still stands as her most recent studio effort - for a garbled version of "Lost Ones." Her voice was terrible, so harsh, strained and unlike what one hears on the masterful "Miseducation" CD. She also sounded like she's out of shape, huffing and puffing like a weekend warrior after only a few songs.

But it wasn't just her voice that was shaky. Hill stumbled about the stage and, at one point, actually fell flat on her back - which brought into question exactly what the singer had been doing backstage during the long delay.

Of course, Hill would find that question ludicrous. She blamed her stage fall on her high heels and, later in the show, took the time to assure the crowd that she was sober. Assuming she was telling the truth then that's one less excuse Hill has for her terrible outing, which included shoddy and uninspired vocal performances on such formerly great "Miseducation" tunes as "To Zion" and "Final Hour."

The singer had somewhat better luck with the material from her old band, the Fugees. Her voice was brittle and weak on "How Many Mics," but she finally started to get in the swing of things with "Fu-Gee-La" and "Ready or Not." By that time, however, the once-capacity crowd had dwindled down to half a house. Those who left early missed Hill's new song, "Lose Myself," which is featured on the "Surf's Up" soundtrack. It's a pretty good tune, but the singer wrecked it in concert by stretching it out far beyond its recommended dosage.

In all, Hill didn't manage to provide one good reason why locals should remain in her fan camp. I'd like to tell you different, but that would clearly be a "miseducation" of the readers.

Lauryn Hill to finally release new album?

Lauryn Hill is getting close to finally releasing a new album, according to reports.

Hill is set to release a new song, "Lose Myself," which is featured on the soundtrack of forthcoming animated film Surf's Up.

Representatives have said that the singer has gone back into the studio with the goal of making a new album.

The album is said to feature material from her vaults and the new material which will "probably" feature some collaborations.

Hill has not released any new studio material since 1998's The Miseductaion Of Lauryn Hill. She released the album MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 in 2002.

The Fugees reunited briefly initially in 2004, but despite a new album to be rumored, member Pras said this year that the reunion was "straight dead" and that Hill had "some issues she needs to deal with," reports MTV News.

Hill will also play a number of live dates across the world, including a sole U.K. date on July 7.

Mos Def To Star In And Produce New Film

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper and actor Mos Def is taking a more active role with his film projects. Variety reports that the actor will not only star in the new movie, Bobby Zero, but he will also serve as executive producer. The movie will detail the life of a social satirist who gives up his artistic ambitions to work for an advertising agency.

The project is being written and directed by Markus and Mason Canter, whose previous credits include Chasing The Horizon.

The film will be produced by Effie Brown's Duly Noted production company which is also producing Bury Me Standing, a new project starring Mos Def and Alfre Woodard.

Production is scheduled to begin on Bury Me Standing in August.