Chris Brown - Album Cover (Exclusive)

Black Eyed Peas hold benefit concert

MEXICO CITY - Hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas put on a benefit concert in Mexico Friday night to raise money for local children who can't afford a decent education.

"It feels good to be able to help the youth because at one point in time we were teenagers that loved getting involved with the arts and there wasn't really that many programs in East L.A., where I'm from," Will.i.am, the band's front man, said at a news conference before the show at Mexico City's National Auditorium.

He added that his mother, a teacher at a California school with a large immigrant population, is proud of his charity work.

Proceeds from the concert will fund educational programs for some 1,500 children according to the group, which recorded such hit albums as "Elephunk" and "Monkey Business."

"Being in Mexico is special to all of us, being from Southern California," singer Fergie added. "They call Will a "blaxican" because he grew up with all Mexican friends and family. Taboo, of course, being of Mexican heritage. My great-grandmother is from Guanajuato (Mexico), and (Apl.de.ap) just loves the Spanish women, the Mexican women."

Band members said they hope to work with Latino artists such as Shakira, Mana, Joan Sebastian, Alejandro Fernandez, Molotov or Los Tigres del Norte in the future, but declined to discuss reported talks on a possible collaboration with the Mexican pop sensation RBD.

Timbaland Working With Jay-Z, Picturing A Chart Showdown With Dr. Dre

A few weeks ago, Timbaland was making predictions about the whole 50 Cent vs. Kanye West chart battle. Now that the numbers are in, he would like to see more Super Tuesdays — and he even has an idea about who he would want to be up against on record-store shelves.

"I gotta go against my daddy," he said Friday from the ABC studios in New York, where the super-producer is filming a guest spot for the soap opera "One Life to Live." "I call [Dr.] Dre my daddy. To make it be some talk, I gotta go against my big brother. He's my big brother. [Who are] the two quarterbacks? Peyton Manning and Eli? When they have to go against each other, it's like, 'Do I really wanna go against my big brother?' Dre is my mentor. That would drive people to the stores. Like, 'Oh snap, Tim and Dre!' That would be big. I asked Jay-Z who he would go against. He said, 'The only person I would go against is my other homeboy: my friend Eminem.' "

Tim says Jay has approached him about working on his American Gangster album (see "Jay-Z As The 'American Gangster': Does Hova's Life Compare To The '70s Drug Kingpin's Story?"). Jay is looking for a follow-up to the Pharrell-produced lead track, "Blue Magic."

"He wants me to do the next single," Tim said. "He just does it for fun. We talked about [his next album]. He says it's just a hobby, ain't nothing else to do. When a person tells you that, what you supposed to say? 'You crazy'? He said, 'I don't wait for nothing. I'm there. I'm doing it for the love of music.' What am I supposed to say? 'You wack for doing it'? ... Some people think Jay fell off. Or he's just over people's head. I think that's what it is. That's another thing: It could hurt him or it could make him be not the legend he is. That's the only thing I'm scared of for my friend."

Another friend Tim has studio visions for is Missy Elliott. He maintains that he will definitely be producing on her next album, just not the entire album.

"I probably won't do the whole thing 'cause I gotta get my own thing up and poppin'," he said, referring to his Mosley Music Group label. "I can't make [Missy's recording home] Atlantic [Records] money. Nothing personal. We had a time and a crazy run, but I gotta get my own indie label poppin'. I couldn't do the whole thing. I had to do partial and try to oversee it the best way I can for her. But I can't make Atlantic a ton of money and leave Mosley Music with nothing. That don't make logical sense. Missy is my sister, but I got a family: Nelly [Furtado], Keri [Hilson], One Republic. If I don't function, then they don't function and they can't get their careers off.

Hilson and One Republic were in tow at the "One Life" taping, where Tim and his artists will be performing. Tim said the next videos coming from his album Timbaland Presents: Shock Value (see "Timbaland Still In Shock Over Jay-Z, Madonna, Elton Collaborations") will be "Apologize," which features One Republic, and probably "Miscommunication," on which Keri (co-star of the Billboard smash "The Way I Are") makes another guest appearance. He's also thinking about releasing "One and Only" featuring Fall Out Boy.

"We shot the video for 'Apologize,' " he said. "The concept is me in the studio. I just wanted my part to be 'shoot me in the studio recording my part.' They got other stuff going on, but I left. I couldn't stay.

"These are all my people I'm putting out," he added about his label. "Up-and-coming stars that are gonna keep me laying low for a minute so I can chill out and take a vacation. I went on one for the first time in 15 years. I wanna take more. While they are working, I can chill out and collect the money. ... Well, not collect the money, just be involved as a daddy figure — 'Nah, do this. Change this' — like I used to be. I put my face out there and became this great star. Now I'm worldwide. From Africa to Israel. I gotta do a tour in Australia. I'm there."

Young Buck Presents: 'Straight Outta Cashville' Compilation

The Tennessee titan Young Buck ushers in a new brand of refreshing hip-hop with the release of "Young Buck Presents: Product Of The South" compilation featuring 615, Outlawz and more.

Hot off the heels of his recently released sophomore album, "Buck the World," Young Buck returns to the scene with the release of "Young Buck Presents: Product Of The South" compilation on his very own Cashville Records. The album features the mic-wielding of 615 and Outlawz, among others. More than just a musical force to be reckoned with, Buck will also be entering the world of clothing and jewelry by the end of year, illustrating the type of triple threat he is becoming. See below for more information on Buck's exciting new projects.

In addition to the Young Buck Presents: Product Of The South compilation, Young Buck is poised to expand his outreach beyond the rap game with the launch of his jewelry and apparel line, a line he's chosen to name David Brown Clothing. Check out the link below that features a teaser from Buck's upcoming line.

David Brown Clothing
www.davidbrownclothing.com

For more on Young Buck check out his official MySpace page
http://www.myspace.com/youngbuck

B.I.G. Lie in Notorious Murder Case

Los Angeles (E! Online) - What's the world coming to when one can't even trust the word of convicted killer?


Waymond Anderson, an inmate at California's Corcoran state prison and a key witness in the ongoing investigation into the 1997 slaying of the Notorious B.I.G., has given a deposition rescinding earlier testimony implicating two Los Angeles police officers in the slaying.

Anderson, a former R&B singer serving time for a separate murder case, now insists his lies were part of a larger scam to cash in on a wrongful-death settlement from the city.

"It was a lie and I'm ashamed of it," Anderson said in his Aug. 20 deposition. "I did what I had to do to survive."

In the deposition, Anderson claimed that he only fingered LAPD officers Rafael Perez and David Mack—the latter of whom is also currently serving time in a federal prison for stealing nearly $750,000 from a bank—as complicit in Biggie's murder after Anderson was promised between 5 and 10 percent of a settlement sought by the family of the slain rapper.

The family of the Bad Boy star, whose real name was Christopher Wallace, have filed suit against the city of Los Angeles, alleging that the LAPD, in particular Mack, were responsible for the artist's death on March 9, 1997. The rapper's mother, Voletta Wallace, and his widow, singer Faith Evans, filed the suit back in 2002.

"I don't know David Mack, I don't know Rafael Perez," Anderson said in his deposition, adding that the officers "had no involvement with the...murder."

(Perez earned a degree of infamy, and a prison sentence, as the lead figure in Los Angeles' Rampart police scandal.)

Previously, Anderson testified to having had several conversations with both officers, claiming they were somehow involved in facilitating and covering up the murder. In his new deposition, he claims he was offered up to $150,000, by Voletta Wallace via an inmate intermediary, for his cooperation in testifying against the officers.

Anderson said he was first approached to take part in the scheme by a fellow inmate in 2001 and that he was one of three prisoners recruited to lie in the scam. Eventually, he claims, one of the family's lawyers, Perry R. Sanders Jr., contacted him by phone and confirmed the terms of the deal, parroting that he would come into a financial windfall if he testified.

Sanders, for his part, told the Los Angeles Times that the new deposition and allegations of city scamming, are "100 percent, demonstrably false. This is wholesale, made-up-out-of-whole-cloth perjury."

"It goes way beyond denial," he said of the accusations. "They're demonstrably false and defamatory."

Jay-Z sponsors stadium?

Jay-Z is in the frame to sponsor his own stadium, as he confirms details of a new album.

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The rap mogul made his comeback to the world of hip hop earlier this year with Kingdom Come, and has now confirmed details a second release, entitled American Gangster.

He is also understood to in discussions about sponsoring a New Jersey arena, to the tune of $600,000, which would be branded by his Rocawear clothing range.

Hova has held talks with the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority (Njsea) over naming rights to the Meadowlands venue, currently owned by Continental Airlines.

Speaking about the bidding war, a spokesman for the Njsea said: "We're looking forward to presentations by bidders next week, and then we'll get into the process of evaluation.

"I'm optimistic that we'll be able to overachieve the current financial deal that we [had] with Continental."

Meanwhile, Jay-Z's upcoming album features all new music, set to soundtrack an accompanying film of the same name, which stars Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

American Gangster is due for release on November 6.

COMMON DAY IN CHI-TOWN: Chicago Rapper Honored by City & Power 92 Radio

Chicago radio station Power 92 and the City of Chicago recently proclaimed Sept. 20th as "Common Day" in Chicago.

The proclamation event took place at the historical Regal Theater in Chicago (scroll down for photos).


The event was hosted by Chicago radio host, Kendra G.


According to Kendra G., Common was very humbled by the whole experience and took time out to thank almost every person individual who helped him along the way.


Although Common has been representing for Chicago for almost 15 years he just recently started to receive commercial success.


His latest album "Finding Forever" debuted at number one on the billboard album charts.


Common is currently on a national tour.

The Game's Impersonating A Police Officer Charges Dropped

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Los Angeles-based rapper The Game got some good news on Thursday (September 20th). Reuters reports that a New York State Supreme Court judge dismissed charges against The Game stemming from a November arrest for allegedly impersonating a police office. Outside the courtroom, The Game said, "I love New York, but I hate the system. But, I hate every system."

The charges will be dismissed if The Game stays out of trouble for six months.

The Game allegedly got into a private car service and told the driver he was an undercover cop. He instructed the driver to run several lights causing the vehicle was pulled over by police.

In related news, The Game is still facing felony charges for allegedly pulling out a gun during a pick-up game in Los Angeles in February. If found guilty, the rapper could face up to five years behind bars.

Arizona Prosecutors Still Investigating Dmx

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper DMX isn't in the clear yet after an autopsy revealed that one of the burnt dog carcasses found on his property suffered serious bite wounds prior to its death. The Associated Press reports that a second carcass had significant trauma to the abdomen. A third carcass was burnt so badly that tests were inconclusive. Authorities discovered 12 distressed dogs and the burnt carcasses of three dogs when they raided the rapper's Cave Creek, Arizona home.

So far, no charges have been filed against DMX, but that may change. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio said, "Someone's going to have to pay for this. We have 12 dogs who were abused and three dogs buried in the yard -- someone's going to have to pay."

DMX's lawyer, Murray Richman, doesn't think there's a case against the rapper. DMX allegedly left the home and dogs in the care of a caretaker and hasn't been to Arizona in several months.

Richman explained, "How do you attribute activities to a person who has not been there, when they have knowledge that other persons have been? Is it because of the celebrity nature?"

Diddy Says 50 Cent & Jay-Z Helped Him With 'i Get Money' Remix Verse

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

50 Cent's "I Get Money (Remix)" featuring Diddy and Jay-Z has been getting quite a few spins. Diddy shared that it was all good when the three moguls came together to record the song. He told MTV.com, "Everybody put all the greasy, slick-talk to the side. And we all got in the studio and cooked up something real special for the people. That would've been impossible (for us to be dissing anyone) being that we all sat in the same room and everybody helped me out with my verse, to finish it up."

Diddy added, "It just wasn't that type of energy, you know what I'm saying? And the song ain't really taking shots at anybody to be honest. It's really just putting down your status in the game. Everything I said on there I did. I wasn't just ... on top of the Forbes list. I was on the cover of Forbes. You know, 10 years ago, before cats even knew what the magazine was."

The mogul also put to rest rumors that he and Elephant Man were involved in a physical confrontation. Diddy said, "Elephant Man's been in Jamaica. He was here and when I was here -- you see, I don't have problems like that, to be honest. That s**t right there, that be happening to other people. That s**t don't be happening to me. My house is all good and everybody sees the way I handle my problems, you know what I'm saying? You just kind of let it go. Everything don't need to be addressed. You kinda take that approach."

Detox Delayed Until 2008

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Dr. Dre revealed that he will be releasing Detox sometime in mid 2008. Dr. Dre initially wanted to release new material in 2004 but dissatisfaction has led to the album being delayed. It was even reported that the beats were eventually sold to rapper The Game. The reason behind this is apparently the attempt to make a perfect piece, worthy to be called his final. The plan is to devote his time as a producer once again, particularly working on Eminem's new album. "I think it's time to move on." He also hinted that his album will be released as soon as Eminem's record is dropped. "We'll be trying to get his thing done and work on a few things on my own project," Dre said.

New awards out to prove rap gives back

Dr. Dre Finally Addresses Game/50 Cent Beef

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Dr. Dre recently did an interview with GQ magazine for the publication's 50th anniversary. The producer, who has become increasingly more visible in recent weeks, finally shared his thoughts on the beef between his two proteges, The Game and 50 Cent.

Dre, who said he consciously didn't address the issue before publicly, told GQ, "This is something that's between labelmates. I've said, 'When you guys are ready to make some music, let's get down. Let's get in the studio.'All that other stuff, that's not for me. This is something they created, so it's something they have to handle. I don't feel like I have to choose a side."

He added, "I knew that this one wasn't gonna go away. I know these guys, and I know nobody is gonna back down."

Dre added that he even called and asked The Game not to diss 50 Cent during a New York interview, at the behest of Interscope chairman Jimmy Iovine.

Dr. Dre's new album, DeTox, is almost ready but no release date has been set.

Jay-Z Working On New Album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul Jay-Z saw an early version of Ridley Scott's new film, American Gangster, and he was inspired to record new music. MTV.com reports that the rapper was so moved by Denzel Washington's character that he decided to record a concept album of music inspired by the movie. The rapper said, "It was like I was watching the film and putting it on pause and giving a back story to the story....Watching that film, it brought back all these memories. It took me back to those emotions."

The album will not be the movie's official soundtrack as Def Jam Records will officially release an album featuring '70s era music from Bobby Womack and the Staple Singers as the movie's soundtrack.

Denzel Washington pushed for the Jay-Z project to be the official soundtrack but film producer Brian Grazer wanted an authentic '70s sound.

Jay-Z will release the album, American Gangster, on November 6th just four days after the movie is scheduled to hit theaters. The rapper will preview the project's first single, "Blue Magic," in the coming weeks. The song was produced by Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes.

A source at the New York Times who heard a few of the tracks from the project likened it to the sound Jay-Z utilized when he released The Blueprint in 2001.

Jay-Z's last release was 2006's Kingdom Come. The set has sold 1.6 million copies since its release.

Jay-Z Celebrates Kanye West's Growth, "'Big Brother' Is The Best Song He's Written Since 'Jesus Walks'"

With Kanye West emerging as the victor in the first week sales battle against 50 Cent, Jay-Z recently praised West for his success and discussed his collaboration with the G-Unit boss in a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly.

"It makes me proud as someone who's watched his growth from the beginning, when he came in as a hungry producer, to now he's a rock star," Hov said about Kanye. "I'm happy for him on that level. And I'm excited for creativity as well, because I think that's a win for that as well. You know, people mimic success. And in order to mimic that success, you have to put in a lot of work. You have to really care about the music."

Kanye and 50 released their third solo albums last week. According to Nielsen's SoundScan Kanye sold 957,000 CDs - the highest debut since 50 Cent released The Massacre in 2005, which sold 1.1 million. Meanwhile, 50 Cent's Curtis sold 691,000.

According to Jay, Kanye's love for music played a bigger role in the sales department than the publicity surrounding the rivalry with 50.

"It's pretty much how much [Kanye] cares about it," Hov emphasized. "It's not done for any other reason but to be the best music out at that specific time. You know, at times you could hear other people's music, and you hear, 'Okay, that's your girl single, that's the thug single'. It's none of that. Every single song he makes, he makes because he thinks it's the best record at that specific time. He may not think it next week, but that week, he thought that was the best record that he could make."

Graduation features a track titled "Big Brother," which Kanye dedicated to Jay-Z. Hov revealed that it's one of his favorite songs on the album.

"'Big Brother' is the best song he's written since 'Jesus Walks,' as far as structure, emotion, everything," Jay explained. "I think it's a fair portrayal from a little brother's perspective. You know, you've got your big brother and you want to go out with him, he's like, 'Nah, get back in the house!' Things like that, until you come of age."

"At Roc-A-Fella, we've always lived by tough love," Jay continued. "Everyone knows that. It's nothing given. Everyone has to work for theirs, and that's how you make strong individuals, by not carrying them. That's how you make a Kanye West. You make him fight for his position."

On Monday night (September 17), a remix to 50 Cent's "I Get Money," featuring Jay and Sean "Diddy" Combs, leaked onto the internet. Hov divulged to EW why and how the track came about.

"I just wanted to show that we're not enemies," he explained. "[50 Cent] called me to ask for the remix, and I told him he couldn't put the remix out until the first week came. I didn't want it to affect any type of numbers. [Laughs] So as you see, it came out the 17th, when the SoundScan cycle is finished. So just to show, I'm still competing! We're not enemies, we're just competing.

Snoop Dogg dodges jail time on weapons charges

Hell Rell and Duke Da God Arrested In Ohio

According to their publicist, Hell Rell and Duke Da God were arrested today (Sept. 20) in Grove City, Ohio on weed possession charges while on a promo tour for Hell Rell's new album "For The Hell Of It".

Reports say that the two were arrested in a Blockbuster video location. Employees had accused them of stealing and when police showed up they found marijuana on Duke and proceeded to arrest both men.

Through their publicist, Hell Rell and Duke Da God blame racial profiling for the arrest.

50 Cent Graciously Accepts Defeat

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul 50 Cent did an about-face and graciously accepted his defeat to Kanye West. The rapper told the Associated Press, "I am very excited to have participated in one of the biggest album release weeks in the last two years. Collectively, we have sold hundreds of thousands of units in our debut week. This marks a great moment for hip-hop music, one that will go down in history."

West's Graduation sold 957,000 copies its first week in stores to beat 50 Cent's Curtis, which moved 691,000 copies.

West celebrated at GQ magazine's 50th anniversary party on Tuesday night (September 18th). He said, "To be a champion, you've got to take out a champion. It feels overwhelming. Everyone is coming up to me and telling me how proud they are of me."

The rapper added, "My music is really inspirational and I really made it for the people. I really understood that in this Internet age people are their own superstars ... the best bet that we had was to make a soundtrack to their own lives......With all the negativity that the press tries to put on me, this perception that they try to create of me being a really bad person, for so many fans to go out and say, 'We still want to buy Kanye's album,'means a lot to me.' This is a really pivotal moment for me, emotionally."

Saigon and Mobb Deep Fight....

Kanye West crushes 50 Cent in sales showdown

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Kanye West sold almost a million copies of his latest album during its first week in U.S. stores, winning a much-hyped sales race with rival rapper 50 Cent and providing the ailing record industry with a rare piece of good news.

According to sales data issued on Tuesday by tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan, West's "Graduation" sold 957,000 copies during the six days ended September 16, while 50 Cent's "Curtis" trailed with 691,000. West also bested 50 Cent in the U.K.

West's tally is the largest for any album since 50 Cent's previous release "The Massacre," which opened to 1.1 million units in March 2005 and spent six weeks at No. 1. It surpasses the 860,000-unit bow of West's previous album, "Late Registration," which spent two weeks at No. 1 in 2005.

Based on first-day sales, pundits had expected West's latest album to sell more than 750,000 copies for the week.

The rivalry between the rappers -- which both said was more of a marketing invention than a reality -- rekindled faded memories of a time when excited music fans would swamp record stores to snap up new albums.

The music industry has been in a tailspin for the better part of a decade, ravaged by piracy, and it's rare for albums to debut with such hefty numbers. In fact, for several weeks this year, the top seller sold less than 100,000 copies. Overall album sales so far this year are off about 15 percent from the year-ago period, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

"I am very excited to have participated in one of the biggest album release weeks in the last two years," said 50 Cent, who will forever have to live down a promise that he would retire if West beat him.

"Collectively, we have sold hundreds of thousands of units in our debut week. This marks a great moment for hip hop music, one that will go down in history."

Until last week, the largest sales week of 2007 had belonged to rock band Linkin Park's "Minutes to Midnight," which opened to 623,000 units. The biggest week of 2006 went to country combo Rascal Flatts' "Me and My Gang," with 722,000.

Both West and 50 Cent -- whose real name is Curtis Jackson -- are signed to the world's biggest record company Universal Music Group, which is owned by French media concern Vivendi

Damon Dash Brings Infamous Harlem Drug Lord, Nicky Barnes, To The Big Screen

Hip-hop mogul Damon Dash has partnered with Magnolia Films to bring the true life story of notorious drug kingpin Nicky Barnes to the big screen with Mr.Untouchable

The documentary, which will be released in theatres on October 19, traces the rise and fall of the infamous Harlem drug lord during the heroin epidemic of the 1970's. The film's name derives from the headline "Mister Untouchable" that accompanied Barnes' photo when he appeared on the cover of The New York Times Magazine in 1977, followed by the sub-text that read "This is Nicky Barnes. New York police say he's the biggest drug dealer in Harlem. But can they prove it?"

The movie, directed by Marc Levin (Whiteboyz, Brooklyn Babylon, Slam), features music by DJ Hi Tek. The flick also offers commentary from Barnes, his ex-wife, Thelma Grant, former members of his crime organization, "The Council," reporters, attorneys and officers from various law enforcement agencies who worked to convict Barnes.

Mr. Untouchable opens in theatres on October 19.

Ja Rule Puts His Foot In His Mouth

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Ja Rule is currently doing press for his forthcoming album, The Mirror, which hits stores in November. The album features guest appearances by The Game and Lil Wayne. The latest single from the project is "Uh Oh" featuring Lil Wayne.

During an interview with Complex, Ja Rule was asked about the upcoming Congressional hearing to discuss the profanity in rap. The rapper countered that the unchecked homosexuality on television was a bigger problem. He said, "Let's talk about all these f**king shows that they have on MTV that is promoting homosexuality, that my kids can't watch this s**t. Dating shows that's showing two guys or two girls in mid-afternoon. Let's talk about s**t like that! If that's not f**king up America, I don't know what is."

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) issued a statement in response to Ja Rule's comments. It read, "No fair-minded person can look at Ja Rule's interview with Complex magazine and believe for one second that his children could be more harmed by what they might see on television than by the vulgarity and prejudice that comes out of their father's mouth. Now that media have seen Ja Rule's intolerance unmasked by his own words, they have a responsibility not to provide in the future a platform for his ugly, vulgar displays of prejudice."

Ja Rule has had his share of issues in the past when it comes to lyrics and profanity. In 2001 and 2002 while performing at Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica, the rapper was warned by authorities about using profanity. He was very apologetic at the time. The rapper said: "I think last year it was even rumored that I was locked up so, I mean, I've heard a lot about it. I didn't know it was such a big of a problem. I think I tried to keep profanity down last year as much as I could. I mean, this is hip-hop and one slips out here and there every now and again, and I'm sorry if I offended anybody, but you know it's not done purposely and I'm sorry."

50 CENT SAYS THE SALES RACE AIN’T OVER YET: Rapper concedes first round battle to Kanye, but claims the war rages on

Rapper 50 Cent says it’s still too early to tell who’ll win in his race with Kanye West to sell the most copies of their new albums.


Despite being outsold by West 2 to 1 on Tuesday’s first day of release, and West’s “Graduation” album pulling into a six-figure lead over 50’s “Curtis” by week’s end based on projections, 50 says he’s still confident that he may emerge victorious in the long run.

"[The sales] can't be considered [any one way] anyway because it's just a few days out," he tells Billboard. "I guess [the music industry] would consider me to be a hip-hop favorite because of my sales history, and people like to root for the underdog."


According to data projected from representatives at the four major labels, "Graduation" (Def Jam) leads with 781,000 units, followed by "Curtis" (Interscope) with 603,000.

As previously reported, 50 Cent visited New York’s Hot 97 radio station and expressed frustration about a number of issues regarding the hyped rivalry with West. He said if the Chicago rapper outsells him, he would begin to go round for round, matching his G-Unit releases with Def Jam’s.

"The [fans that aren't supporting me now] are the same people that supported me in the past," says 50 Cent. "The impression I gave them was so strong that they have different standards for me. When my music comes out, if it was someone else's record, it would be a hit because it spun 3,500 times. But they're looking for the hottest music out at the time from 50 Cent, so if it's not that, then they show me resistance until I deliver. I've only been in the music business for four years and I'm already receiving some backlash. That's amazing, isn't it?"

50 Cent said he’s also upset with BET's "106 & Park" and organizers of the MTV Video Music Awards. On the former, he was upstaged by Jay-Z during an intended showdown with West, and on the latter, he says he received considerably less screen time than Kanye.

At BET on Tuesday, 50 claims he was blindsided by the Jay-Z appearance, and could’ve matched the moment with his own big surprise guest had he been informed ahead of time.

"Every time I do a show, the plans change," he said. "Now, either I'm going to know exactly what I'm doing on the show or I'm not going to go. Usually if you have a TV show and you do two songs, it's not optional for you to do two records, and another one off your album. If I knew I could've brought a special guest, I would've brought Eminem ... but that [show] is not what I needed."

"As far as the VMAs were concerned, Kanye received the upper hand. I ain't going to front," he continues. "He had four looks -- his song "Stronger," his new record "Good Life," he had a performance with Soulja Boy, "Crank Dat," and then he came out with me. So I feel like Def Jam is doing a better job of promoting the CD than Interscope. Interscope is just relying on my base and the actual music. I was on the VMAs for one minute and 20 seconds. I should've just stayed home."

The BET Hip Hop Awards 2007 -- Style. Substance. Swagger.

T.I. LEADS THE PACK WITH 9 NODS AS BET HIP HOP AWARDS RETURNS FOR A NIGHT OF HIP-HOP HOTNESS ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17 AT 8 P.M., ET/PT

Katt Williams Returns As Host

Nelly, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Common, Among Others, Scheduled To Perform

KRS-One Will Receive The 'I Am Hip Hop' Icon Award

NEW YORK, Sept. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- BET Networks today announced the nominees for the annual BET Hip Hop Awards 2007, paying homage to urban music artists at the top of their game. If you thought last year's show was unbeatable, then hold on to your seats because BET is back in "hotlanta" with veteran host actor/comedian Katt Williams, who is sure to deliver a high energy show filled with hot performances by the best in the business! The BET Hip Hop Awards 2007 will take place on Saturday, October 13 at Atlanta's Civic Center, and premiere on the network Wednesday, October 17 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Nelly, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Common are scheduled to perform. Additional presenters and performers to be announced shortly.

ATL native T.I. leads all Hip Hop Awards nominees with nine nods. T.I. is up for possible honors in the Best Collabo, Best Live Performance, Lyricist of the Year, MVP, Track of the Year, CD of the Year, Hustler of the Year, Best Ringbone and Viewer's Choice categories.

"We are so glad to be back in Atlanta once again for this year's version of what, in its debut, became the single hottest show in hip-hop," says Stephen Hill, Executive Vice President, Entertainment Programming, Music and Talent. "We're at a crucial point in the life of this music; its messages and language have been scrutinized more this year than any other time in its history. I hope all hip-hop critics and fans will watch this show that will show all sides of the genre proudly and authentically. Love it. Hate it. The 'BET Hip Hop Awards 2007' will have style, substance and swagger." Other artists with multiple nods include Lil' Wayne with seven, Kanye West with six, Common with five, Jay-Z with four, Ludacris and 50 Cent with three, and Diddy and UGK with two. Also, the legendary hip hop artist KRS-One, known for his political and socially conscious raps, will be honored with the "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Award.

For the second year in a row, BET also adds an international twist to the Hip Hop Awards by partnering with British music entities MTV Base and 1 Xtra BBC to create a special award around the British urban music scene. Five established hip-hop artists from the United Kingdom will battle for recognition by British hip-hop fans as Best UK Hip-Hop Artist. This category allows BET International to spotlight British hip-hop, and the winner will be announced in the UK on October 1 via radio and MTV BASE News.

Additionally, this year BET viewers and BET Digital users will have an opportunity to enter the BET Hip Hop Awards Hot 16 Challenge, judged by hip- hop mogul Jermaine Dupri. The winners will become VIP's at specified BET Hip Hop Awards events. The contest prizes include: A trip to The BET Hip Hop Awards 2007 for the winner and their entourage, a walk down the red carpet, party passes to the SoSoDef/BET Digital Pre-party and tickets to the Hip Hop Awards show. Log onto www.bet.com/hot16 for more information.

Elevating the star presence at the Atlanta Civic Center is red-hot host, comedian/actor Katt Williams. Although hosting an awards show - particularly one with this caliber of talent - is no easy gig, Katt says he's up for the challenge. Perhaps best known for his scene-stealing turn as Money Mike in "Friday After Next" and his HBO stand-up comedy special "The Pimp Chronicles, Part 1," Williams will lace the historic event with his edgy, brash and hilarious flavor.

Last year's inaugural The BET Hip Hop Awards 2007 drew an impressive 2.93 rating, which translated into 3.64 million viewers (2.44 million households) according to Nielsen Media Research. The show featured massive hip-hop stars Diddy, Busta Rhymes, Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Chamillionaire, Yung Joc, Keyshia Cole, Remy Ma, Rick Ross and the dirty south's own Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, T.I. and Young Jeezy, among others. Additionally, it honored one of the hip- hop world's pioneering figures, Grand Master Flash, with the "I Am Hip Hop" Icon Award.

The BET Hip Hop Awards 2007 is sponsored by General Motors and Alltel Wireless.

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

The following is a complete list of The BET Hip Hop Awards 2007 nominees and categories:

BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO
50 Cent I Get Money
Chamillioinaire f/ Slick Rick Hip Hop Police
Common The People
Ludacris f/ Mary J. Blige Runaway Love
UGK f/ Outkast International Players Anthem
Kanye West Stronger

BEST COLLABO
Birdman & Lil' Wayne Stuntin' Like My Daddy
Diddy f/ Keyshia Cole Last Night
DJ Khaled f/ Akon, T.I., We Takin' Over
Rick Ross, Fat Joe, and Lil' Wayne
Fabolous f/ Ne-Yo Make Me Better
UGK f/ Outkast International Players Anthem

BEST LIVE PERFORMANCE
Common
Lil' Wayne
T.I.
Ludacris
Kanye West

BEST MOVIE
Gridiron Gang
Idlewild
Shottas
Smokin' Aces
Stomp the Yard

BEST DANCE
2 Step
Aunt Jackie
Chicken Noodle Soup
Crank Dat Soulja Boy
Pop, Lock, & Drop It

LYRICIST OF THE YEAR
Common
Lil' Wayne
Jay-Z
T.I.
Kanye West

VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Bryan Barber
Benny Boom
F. Gary Gray
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Mannie Fresh
Polow Da Don
Swizz Beatz
Timbaland
Kanye West

MVP
Common
Lil' Wayne
Jay-Z
T.I.
Kanye West

TRACK OF THE YEAR
A Bay Bay (Hurricane Chris) Hurricane Chris
(produced by Phunk Dawg)
Big Things Poppin' (Do It) T.I. (produced by Mannie Fresh)
Can't Tell Me Nothing (Kanye West) Kanye West (produced by Kanye West
and DJ Toomp)
I Get Money (50 Cent) (produced by Apex)
Party Like A Rockstar (Shop Boyz) Shop Boyz (produced by Pit)

CD OF THE YEAR
Common Finding Forever
Jay-Z Kingdom Come
Ludacris Release Therapy
Nas Hip Hop Is Dead
T.I. T.I. vs. T.I.P.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Hurricane Chris
Lil Boosie
MIMS
Plies
Rich Boy

DJ OF THE YEAR
DJ Drama
DJ Enuff
DJ Irie
DJ Khaled
Tony Neal

HUSTLER OF THE YEAR
50 Cent
Diddy
Lil' Wayne
T.I.
Jay-Z

BEST UK HIP HOP ACT
Dizzie Rascal
JME
Kano
Klashnekoff
Lethal B
Wiley

BEST RINGTONE
Crime Mob f/ Lil Scrappy Rock Yo Hips
Hurricane Chris A Bay Bay
MIMS This Is Why I'm Hot
Rich Boy f/ Polow Da Don Throw Some Ds
T.I. Big Things Poppin' (Do It)

THE ALLTEL PEOPLE'S CHAMP (VIEWER'S CHOICE)
Birdman & Lil' Wayne Stuntin' Like My Daddy
DJ Khaled f/ Akon, T.I., Rick Ross, We Takin' Over
Fat Joe and Lil' Wayne
Lil Boosie f/ Foxx and Webbie Wipe Me Down
MIMS This Is Why I'm Hot

50 Cent Blames Label For Album Woes

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

G-Unit founder 50 Cent is running second to Kanye West so far in their head-to-head competition but the official tally on the two albums will be announced early next week. 50 Cent has already started to make excuses in case he loses the battle. He told New York's WQHT-FM's Angie Martinez, "To be honest the process of selling this record hasn't been fun. I'm happy with the performance, but I'm not happy with the set up. We had conference calls and after we created this plan, nobody actually had a plan."

The rapper also shared that he may be leaving Interscope Records after fulfilling his contractual obligations with his next album. 50 Cent explained, "It was the label. They're dropping the ball all over the place. I'll release my next album and then I'm a free agent."

Prior to the showdown between 50 Cent's Curtis and West's Graduation, 50 Cent vowed to retire if West beat him now he's vowed to go to war. He said, "Hypothetically, if I came in under Kanye West, I would release a new album every time Def Jam had a priority. I would release a record versus every one of their top priorities."

Currently West is projected to sell between 650,000-750,000 copies while 50 Cent is projected to sell between 500,000-600,000 copies. West moved 437,000 copies of Graduation its first day in stores to jump out in front.

Eminem Isn't Sure When He'll Release A New Album

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Eminem hasn't released a solo album since 2004's Encore and he isn't sure when he'll release another solo album. The rapper is reportedly "in limbo" and "debating" when and if he'll release a new album. Eminem told WQHT-FM's Angie Martinez, "I'm always working, I'm always in the studio. It feels good right now, the energy of the label. For a while, I don't wanna go back to the negative stuff. ... Going through some personal things, coming out of those personal things, it feels good."

Eminem is working on projects for artists on his Shady Record label whose roster includes: Stat Quo, Cashis, D12, and Obie Trice.

The rapper has also recently produced and appeared on songs by T.I. and 50 Cent.

Eminem release a compilation project, The Re-Up, last year.

50 Cent, Lil' Kim, sued over royalties

NEW YORK - A record producer has sued rappers 50 Cent and Lil' Kim and two record companies for $2 million, claiming they failed to pay him royalties on a song that sold 2 million copies.


Carlos Evans says in papers filed in Manhattan's state Supreme Court he contracted with Rotten Apple Records in January 2003 to produce, engineer and mix a rap track called "Magic Stick" to be performed by 50 Cent and Lil' Kim.

Evans, of Staten Island, says he was to get a $7,500 advance and royalties for working on the song. His court papers say that he was paid the advance and nothing else and that his requests for a royalties audit have been ignored.

Evans, 36, said Thursday the song track first was intended for 50 Cent's breakout album, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," but instead became a track on Lil' Kim's 2003 album, "La Bella Mafia," which was recorded and distributed by Atlantic Records.

The "Magic Stick" single hit No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the compact disc album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America, Evans said.

"It was one of the hottest tracks on that album, and I didn't collect my royalties," said Evans, who calls himself "Phantom of the Beat" and says he has worked for rap acts Busta Rhymes, Wu-Tang Clan and Ghostface Killah.

Rotten Apple Records lawyer Theodore Sedlmayr, speaking for the company and 50 Cent, said the late royalty problems arose because Evans put a large sample of someone else's music in "Magic Stick" and the segment had to be licensed and paid for.

"Atlantic is trying to get it straightened out," Sedlmayr said. "If after the accounting Mr. Evans is entitled to anything, he'll get it then."

A spokeswoman for Atlantic said Thursday that the company doesn't comment on pending litigation.

Evans' lawsuit, filed Wednesday, seeks $1 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.

DIDDY’S AD FOR NEW FRAGRANCE BANNED FROM MTV: Mogul says he refuses to edit racy spot

Even MTV had to put its foot down on the new ad for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' fragrance Unforgivable.

The commercial reportedly shows Diddy getting too cozy with Jessica Gomez - first in a stairwell, then inside of a hotel room. During the encounter, Diddy hikes up her skirt and places his hands underneath, reports the New York Post.

Another scene shows a woman holding Gomez's breast and pulling down her underwear, according to the newspaper.

MTV has reportedly sent Diddy a list of edits to make before the network can air the spot. So far, he has refused to change one frame, reports the Post.

This isn't the first time Diddy's "Unforgivable" ad campaign has been deemed too sexually explicit. Last year, print ads for the fragrance were judged as too hot for city bus stops.

Nas Planning To Release New Album Later This Year

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Nas has been in the recording studio working on a new album but he's still enjoying the success of his last album, Hip Hop is Dead. He told MTV.com, "I was on the Virgin Islands on New Year's Day, I got the news I had another Number One album. I think I made some heads turn. I did my thing: no radio. Not much radio spins. Now I wanna have fun with the radio. I'll still try to reach for a higher ground and come sometime in December."

Nas also explained why a third single was never released from the project although fans were anticipating videos for "Hustlers" featuring The Game and "Black Republican" featuring Jay-Z. The rapper said, "Yeah, man, I like to just put it out there that we shot a video for 'Hustlers.'These guys still got the video, actually. The guy who shot the video, (R.) Malcolm Jones, is a different type of cat, man. I don't know what's going on with it, but they took too long. They been needing time. Then Spike Lee was set to (direct) 'Black Republican,'but me and Spike couldn't come up with the perfect idea, so we let it ride as one of them tracks that was just there. (Hip Hop Is Dead) to me was gonna be shot like Thriller. But sometimes I feel like I don't wanna do that. I don't wanna hog up the radio waves, hog up the video waves. I let everybody else eat, 'cause I'm eating. Been eating for so many years. I ain't hogging it up. That's basically it."

Nas promises that he won't have the same problem with the new album. He said, "People think (the videos) didn't happen 'cause it couldn't happen, and that's f***ed up 'cause I leave a lot of my listeners out there and they be fighting for me. I don't wanna feel like I'm leaving them out there. Just 'cause I'm in the cut, I don't want them to feel like I don't give a f**k. Everybody else is doing as many videos as they want to. When it came to me, I was cool with it. I have a lot of real n***as out here that's behind me and f**k with me. I'm so in love with them real n***as, I don't see nobody else. But I need to push my s**t. It's important. It's the norm."

Nas also wouldn't reveal the title of the new album. He said, "I can't reveal it yet. But if you remember, the original name for Hip Hop Is Dead was N***a. It was ahead of its time. (When the news leaked,) Def Jam immediately went out there and said I was being facetious. But that was the name of my album. I don't be out there with everybody. But I want them to know I'm heavily involved. That's why I do the titles I do. Hip Hop Is Dead was a great substitute. It was perfect timing for that joint."

FOXY BROWN IS NOT PREGNANT: News comes from her manager while announcing change for album release date

Despite telling the New York Post last month that she is pregnant and would be getting married in September, Foxy Brown is, in fact, not with child, her manager Chaz Williams said Wednesday.


In a statement announcing the changed release date for Brown’s album “Brooklyn’s Don Diva” from Dec. 4 to Nov. 20, Williams added: "And to the pregnancy rumors, this is the official statement: She is not pregnant."


In addition to the artist’s own pregnancy announcement in August, her defense lawyers also told the court that Brown was three months pregnant. Brown didn’t address the rumored pregnancy in Williams’ statement, but she did comment on her recent sentence to a year in prison for probation violation.


"This is just a temporary situation," she said. "I made my bed and have no problem lying in it. My will is steady. What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger."


The rapper, born Inga Marchand, was able to finish work on "Brooklyn Don Diva" before she was sentenced last week. The Koch/Black Hand Entertainment project’s first single will be "Don't Surrender" featuring Graf.

REMY MA SENDS HOMIES TO HANDLE POTENTIAL WITNESS?: TMZ claims rapper tried to intimidate man who may testify in assault case

TMZ.com is reporting that Remy Ma is now facing even more charges after allegedly getting some muscled men to rough up the boyfriend of a potential witness in her earlier assault case.


According to the Web site, Remy was at the Players Club in the Bronx on Aug. 19 when she spotted the boyfriend of a possible witness in an earlier case -- in which she was charged with attempted murder -- and allegedly ordered her people to send him a message by fracturing his face.


Manhattan DA spokesman Edison Alban tells TMZ that Remy, whose last name is Smith, is now facing additional charges of gang assault, tampering with a witness, intimidating a victim and third-degree assault.


She was released on $250,000 bail and ordered to hand over her passport. Her next court date is Sept. 20 to review her bail privileges.

BET NEWS Presents HIP HOP vs. AMERICA, a Powerful 3-Part Special Addressing the Current State of Hip-Hop

Kanye thrashes 50 Cent in first-day sales race

By Geoff Mayfield

LOS ANGELES (Billboard) - Kanye West looks set to win the closely watched duel with rival rapper 50 Cent for the No. 1 slot on next week's U.S. pop album chart, according to preliminary sales data issued Wednesday.


West's "Graduation" sold an estimated 437,000 copies during its first day of release Tuesday, ahead of 310,000 for 50 Cent's "Curtis" and 107,000 for country star Kenny Chesney's "Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates," according to a new "Building Chart" devised by tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan.

The Building Chart gives an early look at how the race is shaping up for SoundScan's final charts, which post projected national sales each Wednesday morning, extrapolated from a panel of merchants representing more than 90% of the U.S. music market.

Some pundits project West will surpass 750,000 copies for the week, breaking the 2007 record of 623,000 copies held by rock band Linkin Park's "Minutes to Midnight." But West did better with his last album, 2005's "Late Registration," which debuted with 860,000 copies. 50 Cent also will fall far short of the 1.1 million start for his last album, 2005's "The Massacre."

Kanye: MTV exploited Britney for ratings

NEW YORK - Kanye West blames MTV for Britney Spears' less than stellar performance at the Video Music Awards.

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"Man, they were just trying to get ratings, and they knew she wasn't ready and they exploited her," the 29-year-old rapper said Tuesday on Sirius Satellite Radio's "The Morning Mash Up."

The network made a "bad move" by having the troubled pop star open Sunday's event in Las Vegas, said West, who feels he should have kicked off the show with "Stronger," the first single from his new album, "Graduation."

"They exploited her, they played me and I really don't mess with MTV," he said.

Spears, 25, looked unprepared while performing her new song, "Gimme More," to a bewildered audience of her music industry peers. She seemed nervous and, at times, stopped singing altogether.

In a praise-filled statement released Tuesday afternoon, MTV said it "... has a long and collaborative relationship with Kanye and we hope and look forward to continuing that meaningful relationship."

West said he wanted to perform "Stronger" on the show's main stage — where R&B hotshot Chris Brown wowed the crowd with Michael Jackson-esque dance moves — but complied when he was asked to host a suite party.

West said it was a blow to the ego when Justin Timberlake, who also hosted a suite party, ended up "on the big stage" to give the closing performance with Timbaland and Nelly Furtado.

"Those are the big things, and you know what I do man, I really made the song `Stronger,' you know, for stadiums," he said.

West — who threw a tantrum backstage after losing all five categories for which he was nominated — said he has bonded with 50 Cent over what they view as disrespectful behavior from MTV.

"So why do you have me do `Stronger' in a suite, but you end the show with Justin?" he said. "I looked at 50 like, yo, we need to help each other as much as possible."

50 Cent has said he'd stop making solo records if West's new album outsells his "Curtis" CD in their first week out. Both albums were released Tuesday.

Third album not the charm for 50 Cent

NEW YORK - If you want a sense of how stressful it's been for 50 Cent to release his third album, just look at the CD cover. Whereas his first two albums featured portraits that exuded confidence and authority — a rippling torso coupled with a menacing glare — 50's new album out Tuesday, "Curtis," shows a seemingly frustrated 50, hands on his head, an extreme close-up accenting his furrowed brow.


"This has been such an unpleasant process," 50 admits during an interview, a bit wearily.

At times, it's been a downright unfriendly process as well. First he had to deal with a lackluster response to the album's first singles, including the "Candy Shop" sound-alike "Amusement Park" that drew yawns from radio. Then his record label, Interscope, pushed back the release date from summer to fall amid battles over promotion.

Finally, there have been whispers — getting louder by the day — that the streets are growing tired of their favorite bullet-scarred, tough-talking antihero. A direct challenge from critical darling Kanye West, whose album "Graduation" also drops Tuesday, only served to fuel rumors that the mighty 50's global empire is vulnerable.

Still, despite all the setbacks, 50 isn't about to cede his position as rap's reigning sales king, to Kanye or anyone else. When asked if he's suffering from a backlash of sorts, he readily acknowledges it — and just as easily dismisses it.

"That's exactly what I'm experiencing. Like right now, they're anti-Beyonce," he says of hip-hop's fickle fans. "But we don't have a replacement for Beyonce. ... and we don't have a replacement for 50 Cent. Until they can find an artist that builds the same consistency ... they better stick with what they got before they be stuck with nothin'!"

Given 50's past spectacular success, it's hard to fault his bravado. He debuted in 2003 with "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," which sold a stunning seven million copies. Two years later, his "Massacre" sold 1.1 million the first week alone, and went on to sell approximately five million.

His victories didn't stop at records. The charismatic New York rapper launched a G-Unit record label, which had top selling debuts from entourage members like Lloyd Banks, and G-Unit clothes, which have adorned everything from baby tees to backpacks. He also became a mogul with deals like a Vitamin Water endorsement and street lit book franchise, and starred in several movies, including his own autobiographical flick.

"He's transcended just rap or hip-hop," says Stephen Hill, an executive vice president at BET. "He's a businessman, he's head of a G-unit brand ... He's incredibly smart as well as being incredibly connected to the street."

But the run-up to "Curtis" hinted at his first possible stumble. This spring, the singles began to hit radio — but they did not become instant hits, or hits at all. "Straight to the Bank" and "Amusement Park" never resonated with fans and were considered disappointments — though in 50's eyes, they were still successes.

"It's tough, because when I release records that they would consider a hit record for another artist ... for me they go, 'it was a lukewarm response,'" says the rapper as he sits in a huge Manhattan loft that serves as a showcase for his G-Unit apparel.

"In the history of entertainment, they build entertainers in order to destroy them, I think they were giving me resistance period."

Yet later, in the rare admission of a misstep, he says: "I guess it's just timing. ... I had the records, I just launched the wrong ones at the wrong time."

The single "I Get Money" is turning out to be the right single at the right time. The street anthem has garnered a huge buzz, even if it hasn't been a massive radio hit yet.

"This is the song that has connected, this is the first song that he's put out that has gotten the reaction that he expects from a 50 record," says Hill. "If you've been in a club when it gets on, if you're not headed to the dance floor please get out of the way, because there will be a stampede."

50 is looking for a similar reaction in record stores. To that end, the album is jam-packed with mainstream pop artists, a first for him, including collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Robin Thicke, Mary J. Blige and even Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls. Looking at those names on a 50 Cent disc, some might wonder whether the man whose trademark is gritty anthems punctuated by the sound of gunshots had gone too pop.

50 understands the concern, but says such fears are unfounded given the presence of such songs as "My Gun Go Off," "I Still Kill" and "Fully Loaded Clip."

"If you went just by the features you would think this is a total different record, you would think it was an R&B record, but ... it still has the aggressive content you would expect from a 50 Cent record, it's just done from a different context," he explains. "Creatively I'm in a space where I'm secure enough to try something different."

While it may be a creative departure, in many ways it's commercially calculated. When he talks about his collaboration with Thicke, rather than discuss it musically, he plays up reaching a different commercial audience that's actually buying records. Ever the businessman, 50 strategizes about the dwindling recording industry and how he's adjusting to an imploding market: "I don't think I can ever actually, legitimately have expectations of selling 12 million records again, and that window is closing as we go," he says with a chuckle.

But as long as he continues to put out records, he still expects to be king.

"I think I'll be on the roof based on whatever the possibilities are based on the consistency of the material I've delivered from the past up until this point," he says. "There ain't nobody else (for me to) actually compete with."

Jr Writer Inks Deal With Koch Records

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

The Diplomats JR Writer has signed a million dollar multi-album deal with Babygrande Records. Writer will release his first album under the deal, Writer's Block 5, on November 20th.

Babygrande Records said in a statement on their website, "JR is an incredible artist. At 23, he has already accomplished so much and we will work closely with him to continue his success. His last album sold over 100,000 copies and if Koch distribution can deliver again, we know we can."

Writer released his debut album, History In The Making, last year on Koch Records.

Babygrande's roster also includes: NORE, Ice Water, 40 Cal, Canibus, Gillie Da Kid, Hi-Tek, Brand Nubian's Lord Jamar,Sa-Ra and Un Kasa.

CHRIS BROWN GETS CANDID IN GIANT MAGAZINE: Singer talks about abusive stepdad; crush on Ciara; advice from MiJac and more

You saw his show-stopping performance at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards. Now, get up close and personal with singer Chris Brown through a candid interview in Giant Magazine.


The artist, who graces the publication's Sept. 2007 cover, opens up about childhood family drama, his early crush on Ciara, his desire to fill Michael Jackson's shoes and the pressure to stay on top.


Below are excerpts from Laura Checkoway's exclusive conversation with Brown, entitled: "Most Likely to Succeed."


ON HIS ABUSIVE STEPFATHER "(I told my mother) 'I just want you to know that I love you, but I'm gonna take a baseball bat one day while you are at work, and I'm gonna kill him.' He used to hit my mom...He made me terrified all the time, terrified like I had to pee on myself. I remember one night he made her nose bleed. I was crying and thinking, 'I'm just gonna go crazy on him one day...' I hate him to this day."

ON HIS CRUSH ON CIARA "When Ciara came out, I looooved her. This was before her and Bow Wow and before anybody knew me at all. I met her at a show and was just really intrigued. I remember talking to her like, 'Yo, I'm attracted to you and all that.' But I was too young for her. I didn't get the time of day!"

ON THE PRESSURES OF SUCCESS "With a second album, there's a lot of pressure to maintain status. It's like if you're popular in high school, you gotta keep it up - keep the fresh gear on, keep saying the right things. The whole music industry is like high school. I guess prom was the Grammys."

ON MICHAEL JACKSON "Michael Jackson sold twenty-five million albums, so I wanna get to at least twelve. Michael (Jackson) said to me, 'being able to dance and sing; that's rare. Nobody can do it - only you, me and a couple of others. Keep working and dream big.' Michael Jackson told me to dream big!"

50 CENT ABORTS SHOW AMID SINKING STAGE: Rapper makes it rain, then escapes before money hungry fans do him in.

50 Cent avoided a possible catastrophe at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas Saturday night.


The rapper was forced to cut his poolside performance short when the stage, holding attached lights and electrical equipment, started to give way toward the water.


"Back up," he yelled during the performance. "You're going to get electrocuted."


The stage became compromised when 50's hype man began making it rain, causing fans to jump into the pool and lean against the fragile stage in an attempt to grab the tossed money.

In the mad dash for cash, folks either didn't hear or didn't pay attention to 50's warning, so the rapper decided to flee for his own safety before the stage completely crumbled. No one was injured.

Timbaland Talks about 50's rivalry with Kanye

Kanye West Graduates at the Joint in Las Vegas

50 Cent Shows His Hometown Some Love

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rap mogul 50 Cent is showing some love to his hometown, New York City. The rapper has hooked up with New York's WQHT-FM for a four-day 5 Borough Tour. Billboard.com reports that the tour will kick off on September 13th in Manhattan and wrap on September 16th in Queens.

Tickets for the concert are available for $50 via Ticketmaster and Hot97.com. The venues will be announced in the coming days and the tour will be hosted by various WQHT-FM on air personalities including: Funkmaster Flex, Angie Martinez, DJ Enuff, Mister Cee, Bobby Konders, Jabba, DJ Envy, Cipha Sounds, and others.

50 Cent 5 Borough Tour:
September 13th - Manhattan
September 14th - Staten Island
September 15th - Brooklyn
September 16th - Bronx
September 16th - Queens

In related news, 50 Cent will release his new album, Curtis, on September 11th. The album features guest appearances by Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, Akon, and Eminem.

Soulja Boy Hits Number One

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Seventeen-year-old rapper and snap music artist Soulja Boy is king of the hill this week. His debut single, "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," grabbed the Number One spot on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Billboard.com reports that the song was able to climb to Number One because of 144,000 digital downloads.

Soulja Boy will release his debut album, Souljaboytellem.com, on October 2nd on Collipark Music/Interscope Records.

The rapper is also slated to perform at this weekend's MTV Video Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday (September 9th). The show will air live on MTV at 8 p.m. ET.

Congress To Hold Hearing On Hip Hop And Media Depiction Of Black Women

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip Hop will be on the frontlines again later this month when a congressional hearing is convened on September 25th. Variety reports that the hearing, which hasn't been officially announced, will be titled From Imus to Industry: The Business of Stereotypes and Degradation. The content of hip hop videos and lyrics is one of the topics that will be discussed.

Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, said, "I want to engage not just the music industry but the entertainment industry at large to be part of a solution....I want to talk to executives at these conglomerates who've never taken a public position on what they produce. But it's been surprisingly very difficult to get them to commit to appearing."

So far, Philippe Dauman of Viacom, Doug Morris of Universal Music Group, Edgar Bronfman Jr. of Warner Music Group and rapper Master P are scheduled to appear as witnesses, but the list is still being finalized.

Rush added, "I respect the First Amendment, but rights without responsibility is anarchy, and that's much of what we have now. It's time for responsible people to stand up and accept responsibility."

Timbaland Hoping For Britney Comeback

Rapper Foxy Brown gets 1 year in jail

NEW YORK - Foxy Brown was sentenced to one year in jail Friday for violating probation stemming from a fight with two manicurists in a New York City salon.

Criminal Court Judge Melissa Jackson sentenced the rapper at a probation hearing for Brown, 28.

"I'm not going to give you any more chances," the judge told Brown. "I hope you turn your life around and never again have to stand in a court of law."

Brown was also indicted in Brooklyn Friday on charges that she smacked a neighbor with a cell phone.

Brown, whose real name is Inga Marchand, was on three years probation for assaulting two manicurists at a Manhattan nail salon in August 2004.

Just before her hearing began, Brown, in handcuffs and wearing an elegant gray pantsuit, asked the judge for yet another chance at freedom and promised to straighten out her life.

"I'm willing to do whatever I need to do to change," Brown told the judge. She said she had made a lot of mistakes before Jackson jailed her. "I realize that's not where I want to be. It's humbled me in ways I never imagined."

Jackson replied, "Ms. Marchand, it's too little, too late. I'm glad you're learning something; that's a positive."

Jackson rejected a deal in which Brown would have gone to jail for nine months in exchange for a misdemeanor guilty plea. The judge had said the defendant knew she would face a year in jail if she violated probation.

A Probation Department lawyer, Matilda Leo, read four violations the Probation Department filed against Brown. She said Brown had twice left New York without telling the court or Probation Department; that she had changed her address from Brooklyn to Mahwah, N.J., without permission; and that she had failed to tell the court she had received seven traffic summonses in New Jersey.

MORE DIRT ON DIDDY’S DADDY DRAMA

NY Daily News claims mogul tried to sneak hush money to alleged secret babymama in Atlanta.

Several months ago, Sean “Diddy” Combs denied a story in the New York Daily News that he had fathered a baby with an Atlanta woman, but as reported yesterday, the mogul’s ex-girlfriend Kim Porter says the baby does exist and is one of the reasons she left the relationship.


As reported yesterday, Porter told Essence magazine that Diddy’s alleged secret lovechild “was definitely part of” her decision to bounce with their kids to a new condo in Los Angeles.


According to the Daily News, Diddy was trying desperately “to keep Porter in the dark about the other pregnancy while she herself was pregnant with the couple's twins. Word was he paid the other mother a million dollars in hush money.”


Refusing to tolerate anymore drama, Porter decided to end their 12-year on-and-off again relationship with the Bad Boy founder and move with their sons and 6-month-old twin daughters to Los Angeles.

She tells Essence that she rounded up her homegirls to help move out the cars and all of the furniture from his house.

"I did have my little party-packing crew, yes, I did,” she says in Essence. “I wanted to be dramatic. I wanted him to know I wasn't breaking up with him for two weeks or maybe leaving for two days. If I pack up everything — twins and all — it means I'm out."

Busta Rhymes Has To Wait Until November For Trial

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Rapper Busta Rhymes will get his day in court. Earlier this year, the rapper rejected a plea deal that would have called for him to serve a year behind bars for two assault charges, a DUI charge, and a driving with a suspended license charge. Billboard.com reports that during a hearing on Wednesday (September 5th) the rapper's trial was pushed back to November because the prosecution and defense teams were not ready to begin. A judge set a November 7th hearing date to set a new trial date.

Rhymes will have two separate trials for the assault charges which stem from an incident in August of 2006 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 was charged with DUI and driving with a suspended license following two separate traffic stops.

In related news, Rhymes is currently working on a new album, Before Hell Freezes Over, which he hopes to release this fall. The rapper recently released the first single from the project, "Watch Ya Mouth" featuring Swizz Beatz.

The rapper explained how he views each of his albums as a universe, with each song serving as a world: "You can create a song and it has a story line to it from beginning to end that is so captivating that that world is covered already. A(n) album is like a universe to me with many worlds."

HALLE 'BEYOND EXCITED' ABOUT BABY: Actress confirms pregnancy with boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry

"Yes, I am three months pregnant," Halle Berry wrote in an e-mail to TV show “Access Hollywood” Tuesday, confirming reports of her condition that broke earlier in the day.

The Oscar-winning actress and her model boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry, 31, are expecting their first child sometime in March, and the 41-year-old film star said she couldn’t be happier.

"Gabriel and I are beyond excited, and I've waited a long time for this moment in life,” she said. “Now the next ... months will be the longest of my life!"


According to TMZ.com, Berry’s pregnancy caused Lionsgate to postpone production on her next film “Tulia,” which was to begin shooting in October with co-star Billy Bob Thornton.

Photo: 50 cent and LL Cool J arrive for the Fourth Annual Fashion Rocks Concert

The Game Heads To Trial On Gun Charges, Faces 5 Years Behind Bars

L.A. rapper The Game was ordered to stand trial on three felony charges stemming from an incident in February when he allegedly brandished a gun during a basketball game.

The Game, whose real name is Jayceon Taylor, has been charged on counts of making criminal threats, possession of a firearm in a school zone and exhibiting a firearm on the grounds of a facility for minors.

Tuesday a Superior Court commissioner ordered him to be arraigned on September 25.

As previously reported, the charges stem from an incident on February 24, when, according to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office, the rapper got into an altercation with an opposing player during a basketball game at the Rita Walters Educational Learning Complex in South L.A.

After allegedly punching the man, Game went to his red Escalade to retrieve a gun, then threatened to shoot.

The Game is currently free on $50,000 bail. If convicted, the rapper could be sentenced to more than five years in prison.

Police link rap lyrics to rise in violence

Usher wants a baby boy

TALIB KWELI MARKS CAREER MILESTONE WITH #2 DEBUT ON BILLBOARD'S TOP 200 CHART WITH EARDRUM

New Album Features Guest Appearances by Kanye West, Norah Jones, Justin Timberlake, will.i.am, KRS-ONE, and UGK. Production by Just Blaze, Kwame, Madlib, Hi-Tek and Pete Rock

New York, NY -Blacksmith Music/Warner Bros. Records artist Talib Kweli has just scored his highest debut ever-- #2 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart with his sixth album, EARDRUM, which arrived in stores nationwide on August 21st. The album also debuted at #1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop chart and #1 on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap charts.

Kweli's new video for single "Hot Thing" is causing a stir among television outlets for its creative and innovative video concept. "Hot Thing" made its video world premiere on BET's Rap City on August 16th and appeared as a New Joint on BET's 106th & Park on August 22nd. "Hot Thing" is also in rotation on MTV2's Sucker Free Countdown, MTV Jams, VH1 Soul, and FUSE among others.

With his career defining album, EARDRUM, The Brooklyn MC mixes hard hitting beats with inventive rhymes that serve to not only entertain, but also to educate. From start to finish EARDRUM delivers career-defining work from Kweli that showcases his advanced lyricism and knack for picking beats that resonate long after the song ends. EARDRUM shows Kweli's versatility ranging from "Hot Thing" produced by and featuring will.i.am to the alluring strings of "Soon the New Day" featuring the sultry vocals of Grammy Award winning jazz artist, Norah Jones to the brassy horns of "Country Cousins" which feature the underground kings of the south, UGK. Other guests on the album include: Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, KRS-ONE, Musiq Soulchild, and Blacksmith artists Jean Grae and Strong Arm Steady.

Critics are already beating to the sound of Talib Kweli's EARDRUM:

" Kweli is one of hip-hops finest lyricists and most socially conscious rappers."

USA Today

"Talib Kweli is one of only a few rappers pushing an ambitious formula [with contemplative rhymes set to radio-friendly music]." Wall Street Journal

"Kweli delivers his most accessible CD yet- his raspy cadence playing off vintage -soul samples and explosive horns, and trembling bass lines." Entertainment Weekly

"EAR DRUM is Talib's most socially cohesive endeavor to date featuring notable tracks including the bluesy "Country Cousins" featuring UGK and the Just Blaze track "Hostile Gospel." XXL

Eardrum On iTunes:

http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=261634389&s=143441

LUDACRIS SET TO CELEBRATE B-DAY IN 'VEGAS: Star Filled Birthday Bash on Friday to Kick Off MTV VMA Weekend.

LAS VEGAS -- On Friday, September 7th at 7pm, Grammy Award-winning musician/actor Chris "Ludacris" Bridges will celebrate his 30th birthday with a private gathering of friends at an exclusive event presented by XM Radio and being held at Cafe Martorano in the fabulous Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.

Joining him on this auspicious occasion will be celebrity guests including LeBron James, Quincy Jones, Joe Pesci, 50 Cent, Gnarls Barkley, recording songstress Ciara, Music Executive Kevin Liles, Island Def Jam Records President LA Reid, award-winning producer Timbaland and actress Gabrielle Union to name a few.

Chris "Ludacris" Bridges has amassed many accomplishments throughout the fields of Music, Film, Television and Business.

In 1995, along with partners Chaka Zulu and Jeff Dixon, he started the record label DISTURBING THA PEACE as a co-venture with Def Jam Records.

As a multi-platinum artist, he has garnered numerous awards including MTV's VMA, BET Awards, Billboard Awards and in 2006 won two Grammys for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Single.

His label DTP has also introduced several impressive artists in both the
R&B and Hip-Hop Music genres. Additionally, Ludacris hosts his own weekly
XM Radio show with the new season of "Ludacris' Open Mic" premiering on
Saturday, September 8th at 6 p.m. [ET] on XM's uncut hip-hop channel, "RAW"
(XM 66).

In his acting career, his roles in such feature films as the Oscar winning CRASH and HUSTLE AND FLOW have been critically-acclaimed garnering him an Image Award Nomination as well as wins for at both the Screen Actors Guild and Critics Choice Awards. His foundation LUDACRIS FOUNDATION continues to supply money and support to various children's charities throughout the country.

T-Pain Says Britney Spears Was Very Professional During Recording Sessions

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Singer-songwriter T-Pain recently shared what it was like to hook up with Britney Spears in the studio. The two label mates hooked up a few months ago in the studio around the time Spears had her head-shaving incident. Pain told MTV.com that Spears showed up with "a wig and cowboy hat on." The singer added, "She came in there, shook my hand and went right into the booth. She was smiling the whole time. In an hour we had a song. I sang it first and she sung over what I did ... in key and everything! Then did a whole 'nother song. She was about her business."

After the session, Pain explained that the paparazzi weren't too interested in him. He said, "I came out the studio and ... across the street (were) people with cameras on top of the building and waiting for her to come outside. I come out, they are like, 'Oh, oh ... stop.'I was like, 'What about me? I got hits.'"

Pain and Spears completed three songs during their sessions: "Cold as Fire," "Boyfriend" and "One of a Kind."

Many of T-Pain's hits feature the singer using an Auto-Tune audio-processor effect on his voice which has prompted some criticism that he may be hiding his vocal limitations. The singer was quick to deny those allegations. He said, "Look who's using it now. Chris Brown is using it. Jamie Foxx, Lionel Richie. It's so many people that can sing (who are using it). What's to hide? It's nothing to hide. To me, sounding good ain't important -- it's song content and feeling. You don't have to be able to sing. A lot of people are paying attention to looks and sound. In the old school, you barely had to sing at all. You just have to talk on your intro, go through and scream and you got a song."

Snoop Dogg Will Host Mtv Europe Awards

By: Barbara Sharnak

Rapper Snoop Dogg will host the MTV Europe Awards, the network announced yesterday. The November 1st ceremony will take place in Munich, Germany and feature musical guests Mika and the Foo Fighters. More acts are expected to be confirmed as the date draws closer and the nominees will be decided upon by the public and announced in late September.

In late April, Snoop was denied entry into Australia, where he was set to co-host the MTV Australia Video Music Awards, due to his extensive criminal history.

In March, Snoop and fellow rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs were forced to scrap a tour of Britain after authorities denied Snoop a visa.

Last year's awards took place in Copenhagen.

Fans can vote for this years nominees at www.mtvema.com.

50 Cent Says He'd Like To See Hillary Clinton In The White House

By: Yves Erwin Salomon

Hip hop mogul 50 Cent is gearing up for the September 11th release of his third solo album, Curtis. The rapper recently expressed his support for Hillary Clinton during an interview with Rap-Up. The rapper said, "I'd like to see Hillary Clinton be president. It would be nice to see a woman be the actual president and ... this is a way for us to have Bill Clinton be president again, and he did a great job during his term."

The rapper wasn't so supportive when it came to President Bush but he did explain that the two shared some similarities. He said, "Me and George Bush were both actually born on July 6, he's just a little older than me. And he does have a talent: He has less compassion than a regular human being."

50 Cent added, "Me and George Bush are so different. ... I actually go to war, when I go to war. Bush just sends (people) to war. When I took a trip to Iraq -- 'cause I went to perform for the soldiers in Iraq -- they had the same vehicles that I ride around in New York."

In related news, 50 Cent has recorded a remix of his latest single, "I Get Money," which features Jay-Z and Diddy.

50 Cent, Akon And Souljah Boy Added To Vma Performers Line-Up

By: Adrianne Stone

Akon, 50 Cent and Souljah Boy have been added to the line-up of performers at this year's MTV Video Music Awards. They will be joining Kanye West, Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, and Rihanna on the yearly award show.

The Video Music Awards airs live from Las Vegas on Sunday, September 9th, at 9 p.m.

Sean Kingston To Portray Notorious B.I.G. On Screen

By: Janine Coveney

"Beautiful Girls" sensation Sean Kingston has reportedly been tapped to play slain rap icon the Notorious B.I.G. in the planned film about his life. The 17-year-old singer-songwriter was chosen for the role after years of private and open-call auditions around the country.

"When I first heard about that movie, it was through management," Kingston was quoted by MTV.com. "They told me (and) I auditioned for it and I met with the director. I nailed it and he gave me a shot now at being in the movie."

Biggie's mother Voletta Wallace and the rapper's former managers, Wayne Barrow and Mark Pitts, reportedly played a key part in the casting and were looking to sign an unknown for the coveted role.

The Notorious B.I.G. was shot to death in March 1997 after leaving a Los Angeles party.

Kingston's self-titled debut CD was released earlier this month. "Beautiful Girls" spent four weeks at Number One on the pop chart before falling to Number Five. His second single "Me Love" is currently gaining ground.