Lil' Wayne Arraigned, Sued

Josh Grossberg

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Lil' Wayne's legal problems are multiplying.

While the New Orleans hip-hopster was being arraigned on drug charges in Atlanta Wednesday, he was also targeted in a lawsuit by a Miami jewelry company for allegedly failing to pay for his bling.

First the serious stuff.

The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, appeared for about 20 minutes of a three-hour preliminary hearing, enough time to plead not guilty to three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. The rapper was arrested in August 2006 after police, tipped off by a hotel employee, found marijuana and over 100 Xanax and hydrocodone pills in Wayne's room.

He is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 20, at which time the judge is expected to rule on a series of motions filed by his lawyer, William Head, seeking to have the case dismissed.

One of those is a petition challenging the legality of the hotel search; another is a request to inspect the evidence, such as the seized pill bottles, and have them dusted for fingerprints.

"We asked to examine the evidence so we can prove it has no connection to him," Head told E! Online. "Let's see what the fingerprints are."

Asked why it took a year for his client to face the music, Head lashed out at Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard.

"You get more federal money by showing you have a huge crime problem and you just charge anybody who crossed the Fulton County system," the attorney said. "The first prosecutor who got it said, 'I'm not going to put that in front of a grand jury,' and she never did.

"Then later, [Howard's] office files an accusation which is just a piped-up accusation and mails a notice to the address that came off Lil' Wayne's driver's license...but nobody asks him for an updated address."

As it turned out, the case notice was sent to the rapper's address in New Orleans, which was wiped out in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Unaware of the charges, the rapper missed a couple of court hearings and an arrest warrant was issued, leading to his collar in Boise, Idaho, earlier this month.

Consequently, the entertainer now faces a charge of being a fugitive in Idaho—a count that will be separately adjudicated in a Boise courtroom.

If that wasn't bad enough, Wayne is also facing gun and pot charges in New York after he was arrested following a concert at Manhattan's Beacon Theater.

And then there's his new civil action. Jack Sutton Fine Jewelry filed suit in Florida's Miami-Dade Circuit Court, alleging Lil' Wayne failed to make good on a $146,000 bill for a diamond ring and necklace purchased earlier this month.

"I've been doing business with him for at least 10 years," said owner Jack Sutton. "He's always been wonderful with paying me. He spent a lot of money with me. I thought we have a really good relationship. I don't know what happened."

The Who's Your Caddy? star agreed to pony up the dough in monthly installments and initially did, Sutton says, sending one check on Oct. 12 for $24,000 and another dated January 2008. But Sutton felt forced to take legal action once those payments stopped.

The rapper's civil attorney, Ron Sweeney, blamed the billing dispute on a "misunderstanding." Sweeney said that if Sutton's claim are true, the performer will pay up.

Lil' Wayne was also sued in August for $1 million by the family of a 17-year-old girl. According to court documents, the girl allegedly suffered a serious head injury after the Grammy-nominated rapper—or a member of his crew—threw wads of cash into the audience during a show, instigating a melee.

RUBY DEE & RZA IN 'AMERICAN GANGSTER': Legend and rising star featured in new film

Audiences are anxiously waiting the film "American Gangster" starring Academy Award winners Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.

The movie, opening this Friday, Nov. 2, chronicles the story of Frank Lucas, a 1970s heroin kingpin from Manhattan, and the detective sworn to take him down.

Directed by Ridley Scott, the mega-starred flick also features legendary actress Ruby Dee and rapper/composer RZA, who recently spoke with reporters about their roles in the film and the legacy of Lucas.

"I tried out like many other actors," RZA said of scoring a role in the highly anticipated film. "I tried out first for the character whose name is Jimmy. They liked my screen test, but they did not like the way that I was doing the character - he was more like a cokehead and I was doing more like a weed-head. But they called me back a couple of weeks [later] and told me I got the part, but a much bigger part. They told me I'd be doing the part of Moses Jones."

RZA's Moses Jones, a police officer working with Detective Richie Roberts (Crowe) on the case of drug lord Lucas.

"I learned a lot. I learned from Mr. Crow and the real police officers that were on the set making sure the lingo was right or the attitude was right," he said. "In some of the shots of the film, you see real police officers beside us. I grew up in New York City on the other side of the law. To get a chance to play a cop in the film is kind of ironic."

Another cast member calls New York home, too. Ruby Dee stars in the film as the Lucas matriarch, who is the recipient of much of the glitter gained by Lucas' drug trafficking. As Mama Lucas, Dee admits that she portrays a woman in deliberate denial.

"I think that she had a sense that [her son] was involved in something that wasn't quite right," she said. "She didn't want to acknowledge it. She wanted to believe that there was something more in store for [the family]. I think for a long time, she turned her eye. And there was no husband in the house. I think she was accommodating in the best way possible for a black woman at the time, and hoping - because he was personable and an intelligent man."

Dee continued that she was a witness to the benevolence of the "gangsters" of Harlem during that time.

"I lived in that period; I grew up in Harlem so it seems like something of that is in my consciousness. Thinking in terms of the Robin Hood agenda of those modern gangsters, as they mentioned in the film, on Thanksgiving they would come around with shopping bags with a turkey for the people. Some of them would ensure the maintenance of the building. There was a feeling of protection. If you needed something, you could go to the right person and they would help you out. It was so mixed up," she said.

RZA agreed, "It's a double edged sword. I respect how he treated his family, but at the same time, he was messing up so many other families."

It's that paradox that brings to the forefront the concern of telling these stories without glamorizing the crime. RZA spoke to that issue saying that telling the story is not really to blame. He himself admits to growing up watching movies "The Godfather" series and "Goodfellas" and becoming entranced with that way of life.

"You watch 'em and you become fascinated with the violence and the criminals," he said. "But a movie is a movie. It's based on a true story, but it's not a true story. For those who get inspired by the negative side, I hope they realize what happens in the end."

"It did tell the story of Frank's own impressions and having to accept the horror of racism at such a young age and then moving in the direction as a way to live his life," Ruby Dee said. "I did understand that. When he began to involve the family, [Mama Lucas] got afraid for the family and for him, because they did look up to him."

"American Gangster," also starring Armand Asante and Cuba Gooding Jr. opens this weekend, November 2, in theaters nationwide.

"When I take a look at this picture objectively, I'm horrified," Ruby Dee said. "It's such a sad, sad story. It's this broken life of a potentially brilliant young man."

KANYE WEST TO SHARE 'KANYE-ISMS' IN NEW BOOK: Rapper's literary debut due in early 2008

On the heels of 50 Cent's new scrapbook-like publication arriving in stores, his music rival Kanye West has announced that he will make his literary debut early next year with a book titled "Thank You and You're Welcome."


The rapper/producer describes his work as an "entertaining volume of 'Kanye-isms' -- the creative, humorous and insightful philosophies and anecdotes used in creating my path to success. It captures the same wit, playful irony and piercing insight found abundant in my lyrics."


Co-authored by Sakiya Sandifer, the book will be available for $10 and pre-orders are currently being filled via his Web site, www.kanyeunivercity.com.


"In 'Thank You And You're Welcome!' I deliver my personal message uncensored, without any five-second delay or media distortion," wrote West on his blog.


The artist's mother, Dr. Donda West, released a book titled "Raising Kanye: Life Lessons From The Mother of A Hip Hop Superstar," which reflects on the things she's learned by being his mother.

KELIS DROPPED FROM JIVE RECORDS: Singer forced to take her milkshake elsewhere

It's over for Kelis and Jive Records. Entertainment Weekly is reporting that the eclectic chanteuse has been dropped from her contract amid sluggish album sales.


The singer, who is married to rap artist Nas, released two albums for Jive: 2003's "Tasty," which spawned the hit "Milkshake" and sold 533,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan; and last year's "Kelis Was Here," which had numerous release date changes and has moved only 157,000 to date.


Kelis' manager told EW that she's currently working on an independent dance album with Cee-Lo, the former Goodie Mob member who gained international attention as one half of the duo Gnarls Barkley.

Kelis is also shopping a pop album helmed by songwriter Guy Chambers, who co-wrote hits like "Angel" for Robbie Williams. In the meantime, she is in talks to host a "Project Runway"-esque show for VH1 and is auditioning for various film and TV roles, reports Billboard.com.

More music from the late, great Tupac Shakur will be hitting the streets on December 4th

More music from the late, great Tupac Shakur will be hitting the streets on December 4th on Amaru / Universal. The Best of 2Pac, his 9th posthumous release will be a double CD featuring familiar bangers like 'So Many Tears', 'Brenda's Got A Baby', and 'Keep Ya Head Up.' The album will also feature two previously unreleased tracks and two new remixes including 'Dear Momma', now featuring Anthony Hamilton. Advances ready mid-November, please let me know if you can confirm a review for your site.



THE BEST OF 2PAC - PT. 1: THUG
So Many Tears
Trapped
California Love - ORIGINAL MIX
How Do U Want It
I Ain’t Mad At Cha
2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted
Hail Mary
Changes
Unconditional Love
Resist The Temptation – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
Dear Mama featuring Anthony Hamilton – NEW MIX
TRACKLISTING SUBJECT TO CHANGE




THE BEST OF 2PAC - PT. 2: LIFE
Definition of a Thug Nigga
Brenda’s Got A Baby
Keep Ya Head Up
When I Get Free
Until The End Of Time - RP REMIX
Never Call You Bitch Again
They Don’t Give A Fuck About Us
Still Ballin - NITTY REMIX
Ghetto Gospel
Dopefiend’s Diner – PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED
Thugz Mansion ACOUSTIC REMIX – NEW REMIX
TRACKLISTING SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Tupac
The Best Of 2PAC (Double Disc)
In Stores 12/4
Amaru / Universal

Pre -Order The Best Of 2PAC THUG CD Here:www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000XQ1YOC/ref=pd_luc_mri/102-3939450-5083368

Pre-Order The Best Of 2PAC LIFE CD Here: www.amazon.com/Best-2Pac-Part-2-Life-2pac/dp/B000XQ1YOW/ref=sr_1_5/102-3939450-5083368

Akon Show Canceled After Stage Collapses

CLIFFORD HARRIS - AKA T.I. - FREED FROM JAIL: But he's still under custody ... at home

T. I. is out of jail, but he's still under arrest. House arrest. The rapper, whose real name is Clifford Harris, posted a $3 million bond Friday and was allowed to leave federal court. He'll be confined to his home to await trial on weapons charges.

"I want to thank all the fans for their support," Harris said as he left the courthouse. "Due to the severity of the situation, I can't say much more." Before hopping into a black sport utility vehicle, he added, "I want to get all of this behind me."


U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman agreed to the bond over government objections so long as Harris follows certain conditions, including remaining in a home except for medical appointments and court appearancesm reports the AP.


Harris, 27, also was required to surrender his passport, not own any guns and stay away from witnesses and informants in the case. The only people who will be allowed to live with him are his girlfriend and children. Visitors must be approved by the court.


Baverman sternly warned him against violating conditions of his bond. The judge said that if Harris gets into any trouble or violates the terms of his release, "a number of very bad things will happen." That includes his bond being revoked and any sentence he receives later being potentially increased.


Harris told Baverman he understood the conditions. A status conference in the case is set for Nov. 5.


He was arrested by federal authorities on October 13 for allegedly buying unregistered machine guns and silencers. Harris faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count

CLIPSE INK DEAL WITH RICK RUBIN AT SONY/COLUMBIA RECORDS

Platinum-selling rap duo the Clipse have inked a deal with Rick Rubin at Sony/Columbia Records. The move cements Columbia 's commitment to a growing urban music roster that includes global phenoms Beyoncé, Prince and Three 6 Mafia. Under the legendary auspices of Rubin, who personally sanctioned the deal, and the fittingly-named A&R rep Hip-Hop--think Jay-Z, Kanye West, —the Clipse are poised to deliver a lethal dose of their ironic, intoxicating mix of metaphor and message.


"I been a fan of the Clipse since I first heard them," asserts Hip-Hop. "And I ain't a fan of too many things. Every song they come with it, lyrically. They were on a real short list when I got to Sony; I was going all the way to make this happen. We trying to be more of an artist-friendly company, and focus on artists we really love. I liked them three years ago, I liked them yesterday, and I feel like they can be a group with a future."



The Clipse, brothers Pusha T and Malice, first assaulted radio in 2002 with their platinum debut, Lord Willin'. In late 2006, they dropped the devilishly dark, critically vaunted Hell Hath No Fury. And all the while they stayed grindin' on the mixtape circuit, churning out volumes of the heralded We Got It 4 Cheap series. But now, the takeover is official. Their multimillion-dollar, 5-year contract with Columbia is rare given the stingy state of the industry. And it accommodates not only forthcoming Clipse albums, but also solo efforts from each brother, and collective recordings with co-conspiratorial MCs Ab-Liva and Sandman. Together, the foursome comprises the Re-Up Gang. In fact, a Re-Up release is first on the slate, aimed for March '08. The Clipse will follow come summer.



"There were several deals on the table, but only one label stepped up to the plate; that was Rick Rubin and Hip-Hop," confirms group manager Tony Draper, who along with attorney Tim Mandelbaum structured the contract. "The Clipse are in a position now where you have to establish them with their own lane, give them the opportunity to build their own entity. Hip-Hop and Rick saw the movement before we ever sold a record for Sony. They didn't make a single commitment, they made the whole commitment."



That commitment, germinated from mutual respect, was consummated in the boardroom; the Re-Up Gang will enjoy 50/50 profit sharing with Columbia for the RE-UP GANG , and will retain ownership of their masters come the deal's conclusion. And with business properly handled, the Clipse can focus on their art, not their arithmetic. From Malice: "The key thing about our music, and what I'm most proud of, is the integrity. We really sit down and try to come up with good verses that'll provide some kind of food for thought. It's passionate music—deep, heartfelt, and authentic to what we do. It's very personal, and there's a connection between us and our fans. If you like the Clipse, it's because you've taken time to delve into what it is we do."



Says Pusha T about the relationship with Sony: "The Clipse represent everything that we've all known Rick Rubin to represent: hip-hop in its purest form. To know that the head guy is a creative guy as well, that makes me feel good. I come from being surrounded by creativity. And I felt like in going forward, I wanted to be able to put out as much music as I wanted to. That was my goal. That's been the one thing that's hindered the Clipse. And Sony's allowing us to do that."

JAY-Z IS AN 'AMERICAN GANGSTER': Rapper Tapes VH1's Storytellers to Promote New CD

NEW YORK -- Jay-Z, treated fans to an intimate performance Wednesday night while taping an upcoming episode of VH1 Storytellers at Steiner Studios in Brooklyn, New York.

Along with a full band, he performed several tracks from the album "American Gangster," inspired by the upcoming Denzel Washington-Russell Crowe flick of the same name.


"I was watching the movie and I was pulling emotions from the film," the 37-year-old rapper told the crowd, which included girlfriend Beyonce.


Among the new songs he previewed were "Pray," "Dreamin'," "Party Life," and another about addiction.


The exclusive performance, "VH1 Storytellers: Jay-Z: Life of an American Gangster," will premiere Thursday, November 8 at 9:00 PM. (*all times ET/PT)


Following in "Storytellers" format, viewers will get a unique opportunity to hear the inspiration and stories behind each song.

Jay-Z, Lil Wayne Talk About Their First Joint Together; Jay Goes All American At NYC Gig

NEW YORK — The Mike Jordan of rap says he's coming through in the clutch with his American Gangster album, much like he's done time and time again.

"That's my thing," Jay-Z smiled on Wednesday night at Steiner Studios in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Jay was there to tape an episode of "VH1 Storytellers," and before showtime, he was scribing some last-minute additions to his November 6 release, including a track called "American Dreaming" that samples Marvin Gaye vocals, and "Hello Brooklyn," which features Lil Wayne.

"I'm the fourth-quarter man," he added. "At the end of the album, I stand up stronger. I made '[I Just Wanna Love U] Give It 2 Me' at the very end of the [recording of The Dynasty: Roc La Familia]. 'PSA' was the last record [I wrote for] The Black Album. I believe in finishing up strong."

"Hello Brooklyn" is the tag-team combination that has been talked about by hip-hop fans for the past year or so, as it features Weezy F. Baby, MTV News' Hottest MC in the Game. What compounds the excitement even more is that the two haven't exactly had the fondest of words for each other in the recent past. Jay described "Hello Brooklyn" as not being a back-and-forth lyrical exercise — like, say "Renegade" or "Black Republican" — but more of a conceptual song.

"[Wayne's camp] sent the record and it was done," Jay elaborated. "So it wasn't like a collaboration thing. It was done already. Gee [Roberson] and [Kyambo] 'Hip Hop' [Joshua], who came from Roc-A-Fella and went on to do great things — I'm very proud of them — manage Wayne. That whole thing came through them. It's more of a great record than a lyrical slugfest. It's more a creative, great record than two guys spitting. 'Success' [another American Gangster track] is more of what people wanna look at when you judge that type of [collaborative] stuff. It's me and Nas going at it."

Wayne said "Hello Brooklyn" was actually made for his delayed album, Tha Carter, Vol. 3. "It was produced by my homeboy Big D a long time ago," he said. "Jay heard the song some type of way, and when he heard it, he said, 'Ask the homie if I can get this.' When I was asked the question, I told them it wasn't even a question — he's got it. Everybody in the world knows how I feel about Jay. ... He's the king, utmost respect.

"The song has a sample on there that says, 'Hello Brooklyn,' " Wayne added. "I made it so that I'm talking to a woman and the woman has the traits of the actual place [where the song is set]. I say, 'She love B.I.G. but she like Tupac, and every time I say, "Jay-Z," she say, "It's the Roc." ' Me not being from Brooklyn, I think it's cool because you always wanna know what an outsider thinks of your place."

Just like Wayne called Jay a "king," Hov proved that he is the reigning king of BK when he was treated like royalty at his hometown show on Wednesday night. He had plenty to share during his "Storytellers" set, during which he performed seven songs from his new album and told the story behind them for an audience that featured Beyoncé, Beanie Sigel and L.A. Reid. Songs included "Blue Magic," during which a female audience member came out of the stands and did the Wop with Jay, and "Party Life," for which Hov specifically requested red lighting, because the song reminds him of old-school house-parties. "Hola Hovito, cooler than zee-ro, bee-low/ Fresh one blade, no chemo," he rapped. "Art with no easel, please there's no equal/ Your boy's off the wall, these other n---as is Tito."

"The band is great," he said earlier in the night of his accompanying musicians. "I went to Puff and snatched up a couple of his people 'cause he ... and Snoop [recently] went on an international tour. I know him, he's like a drill sergeant. He put them through the wringer. So I knew they would be ready. I didn't have to do much. I just let them hear the songs, and they learned the songs in one day."

Jay and his band, which he dubbed "The Roc Boys" on Wednesday night, will be going to several major cities at the start of November for a promo run. Next year, probably in the spring, he wants to do a full tour, hopefully with his roster of Roc-A-Fellas.

"We're slowly getting our legs to make another run," Jigga said, before rattling off the label's recent and upcoming releases. "First Kanye, then my record, then Free and Beans. [Memphis] Bleek's got a smoker out there. We're gearing up for Tru-Life at the beginning of the year, and [to] make that Dynasty 2 [album]."

It looks like one person will be added to Jay's dynasty soon: The LOX's Jadakiss is apparently on the way to Roc-A-Fella/ Def Jam by way of Ruff Ryders. "It's not done," Jay said of the deal. But, he added, "It's about 90 percent [complete]."

Source: MTV News

50 Cent vs. Nas

50 Cent has weighed into the debate over the controversial new Nas album, insisting N--ger is a "stupid name."

The rap superstar becomes the latest music industry figure to speak out about the follow-up to last year's Hip Hop Is Dead.

Earlier this month, Nas announced plans to call the record N--ga, before claiming he had decided to change it to N--ger.

However, neither title appear to have impressed Fiddy, who has now dismissed both his hip-hop rival and the upcoming release.



"Nas sucks. It's nonsense, man. That's a stupid name. It doesn't make sense. Why would you title it that?" he questioned.

"You helped him out because you asked me [about it], and people who are interested in me would like to hear the answer. But other than that, there's nothing interesting in that. It's just for shock value," insisted 50, who says Nas is just trying to sell more records.

N--ger is provisionally scheduled for release in December.

DIDDY SIPS ON VODKA DEAL: Mogul signs on to develop Ciroc brand for 50/50 profit share

NOOSE FOUND AROUND NECK OF TUPAC STATUE: Act is one of several attacks to have taken place at Shakur Center in Stone Mountain

A noose was discovered around the neck of a bronze statue of late rapper Tupac Shakur, which sits in the Peace Garden inside of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts in Stone Mountain, Georgia.


Vandals have also defaced the building and later further damaged the statue with "handbills of garbled rants that include references to 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina as well as vague threats against various record companies and rappers," read a statement from The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF).


The attacks, which all took place between the early hours of Saturday, Oct. 20 and 2 a.m. Monday Oct. 22, are currently being investigated as hate crimes by the De Kalb County Sheriff's Office.


"We thank everyone for their prayers and support. Although our hearts are temporarily in pain, our spirits have already forgiven the perpetrators," said Tupac's mother and TASF founder, Afeni Shakur. "Hate comes in all colors and genders, therefore we will use this act of hate and ignorance to bring our community together and to pray for the healing of those who harbor such feelings. With God's guidance, the work of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts and Peace Garden will continue to positively impact and transform our community."


The Foundation is currently raising money to construct a fence around the parameters of the Center to prevent these types of incidents from occurring again.

Meanwhile, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts will kick off its 2nd Bi-Annual Film Screening with a re-dedication service of the Peace Garden on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. Following the service will be a film screening and panels from film industry experts. Both events are free to the public.

Donations can be sent to TASF, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 or at http://www.tasf.org and http://www.2PACLegacy.com.

Freeway Back In Business With New Album

Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Originally due Oct. 9, Philadelphia rapper Freeway's long-in-the-works sophomore album, "Free At Last," will now arrive Nov. 20 via Roc-A-Fella.

The disc was co-executive produced by Jay-Z and 50 Cent; Jay-Z guests on the track "Rocafella Billionaires," which has been at radio since July.

Additional contributions will be heard from Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, Paul Wall, Busta Rhymes, Rick Ross, Scarface and Too $hort, with production supplied by Dame Grease, Cool & Dre, J.R. Rotem and Don Cannon.

"The album is soulful. I think it's gonna be another classic," Freeway tells Billboard.com. "I didn't fall into what people thought I was going to do or what everyone else is doing. If you're a fan, you'll love it."

Freeway's album arrives ahead of the Dec. 11 release "The Solution," the new album from his State Property colleague Beanie Sigel.

LIL' WAYNE BLOWS OFF HIGH SCHOOL GIG: Rapper leaves students hanging at rescheduled show

Lil' Wayne disappointed some high school students in North Carolina over the weekend when he failed to show up for a scheduled concert.


The show at New Hanover High School had actually been rescheduled to Sunday night after the first concert a month ago was cancelled by the School Board over safety concerns.


Wayne's concert promoter filed a breach of contract lawsuit over the cancellation, but an agreement was reached allowing the rapper to perform only if security was increased.

After all of that, Lil' Wayne was still a no show Sunday night. According to TMZ, rumor has it that the artist blew off the gig because the 4,000 seat auditorium was sparsely filled. So far, no refunds have been given to fans, according to wwaytv.com.

JAY-Z TO TOUR BEHIND 'GANGSTER': Def Jam pres to launch five-day outing in November.

Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter will launch a five-city tour to promote his new album "American Gangster," recorded as a lyrical companion piece to the upcoming Denzel Washington film of the same name.


"American Gangster Live" is scheduled to kick off at the House of Blues in Los Angeles on Nov. 6, the same day the "American Gangster" CD is released and four days after the film arrives in theaters.


The brief tour will then move to Chicago on Nov. 7th, Baltimore on the 9th, New York on the 11th and Philadelphia on Nov. 12th.


The film stars Washington as real life 1970s Harlem drug kingpin Frank Lucas The cast also includes Russell Crowe, Cuba Gooding Jr., Common, the RZA and jailed rapper T.I.

Music Icon THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. To Have Wax Figure Unveiled By His Mother

MUSIC ICON THE NOTORIOUS B.I.G. TO HAVE WAX FIGURE UNVEILED BY HIS MOTHER, MS. VOLETTA WALLACE, AT MADAME TUSSAUDS NEW YORK


Members of the Brooklyn High School of the Arts' choir will perform songs in honor of Biggie

In a moving tribute to her son, Ms. Voletta Wallace will unveil a wax figure of the legendary Biggie Smalls (born: Christopher Wallace) on Thursday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. at Madame Tussauds New York, 234 West 42nd St. (b/w 7th & 8th Aves.), Manhattan. After the figure is unveiled, 23 high school students from Brooklyn - where Biggie was born and raised - will honor him by singing "I'll Be Missing You," a tribute song released shortly after Biggie's death, and gospel song, "I'll Fly Away." The students are members of the Brooklyn High School of the Arts' choir.

Biggie's figure dons a white three-piece suit, white hat and white shoes and is standing with one hand in its pocket and the other hand resting on a gold and wood cane. Madame Tussauds' studio artists studied hundreds of photos and hours of video footage of Biggie to create the figure and to ensure that they captured Biggie's spirit and demeanor, as well as his physical likeness.

Biggie is largely recognized by the music community as one of the greatest rap artists of all time. His influence on and absence from the hip hop community can still be felt today - more than 10 years after his tragic death.

Madame Tussauds visitors will be able to take photos with and even hug Biggie's figure, which will be housed in its own room on the attraction's ninth floor. As guests approach the figure, they can use parts of their body to break moving multi-colored light beams to trigger clips of Biggie's songs to play.

WHEN: Thursday, October 25

TIME: 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Madame Tussauds New York
234 West 42nd Street (b/w 7th & 8th Aves.)
Manhattan

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R. KELLY NATIONAL TOUR DATES CONFIRMED: Nine-Week 'Double Up' Tour Begins Nov. 14 Thru Jan. 13

CHICAGO -- On the heels of his latest No. 1 album "Double Up"-and 10 new chapters of his Grammy-nominated video saga "Trapped in the Closet"-R&B superstar and Jive recording artist R. Kelly has announced a nine-week national "Double Up" Tour that will begin on November 14th in Columbus, Georgia.

The tour, presented by the Atlanta-based concert promotion firm Rowe Entertainment Inc., helmed by industry veteran Leonard Rowe is one of the most ambitious and anticipated R&B arena tours of the past decade.

Joining Kelly on the bill will be R&B stars, platinum-selling songstress, Keyshia Cole, Grammy nominee/multi-platinum artist, Ne-Yo, and J. Holiday whose recently released Music Line/Capitol Records debut ("Back Of My Lac") has spawned the first hit single "Bed" which is currently seated at the #1 position on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.

Official tour dates are listed below. Advance tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster by visiting www.ticketron.com

Kelly's last tour, the Spring 2006 "Light It Up" Tour, featured Kelly (a.k.a. Mr. Show Biz) on stage for nearly two hours with a live band and three back-up singers in what the New York Times called a "hugely entertaining and totally unpredictable stroll through his career." Kelly played to near sell-out audiences in 43 cities, before bringing down the curtain before what the Sacramento Bee described as a "nearly delirious Mother's Day crowd" in Sacramento's Memorial Auditorium.

A true musical icon and winner of numerous Grammy, Billboard, Soul Train, and American Music awards, R. Kelly has sold well over 40 million albums worldwide since his first release some 15 years ago. He has co-directed all of his music videos since the classic "Down Low (Nobody Has to Know)" and was nominated for a 2005 Grammy for "Trapped in the Closet (Chapters 1-5)."

Advance tickets can be purchased through TicketMaster by visiting www.ticketron.com.


TOUR INTINERARY:

Wed Nov 14 Columbus, GA Columbus Civic Center
Thurs Nov 15 Atlanta Phillips Arena
Fri Nov 16 Greensboro Greensboro Coliseum
Sat Nov 17 Birmingham BJCC
Sun Nov 18 Charlotte Bobcat Arena


Wed Nov 21 Philadelphia Wachovia Center
Thurs Nov 22 Newark Prudential Center
Fri Nov 23 New York Nassau Coliseum
Sat Nov 24 Baltimore 1st Mariner
Sun Nov 25 Wash DC Verizon Center


Thurs Nov 29 Little Rock Alltel Arena
Fri Nov 30 New Orleans New Orleans Arena
Sat Dec 1 Dallas American Airlines Arena
Sun Dec 2 Houston Toyota Center


Thurs Dec 6 Minneapolis Target Center
Fri Dec 7 Kansas City Sprint Center
Sat Dec 8 Indianapolis Conseco Fieldhouse
Sun Dec 9 Memphis Fed Ex Forum


Thurs Dec 13 Las Vegas Mandalay Bay
Fri Dec 14 Los Angeles Staples Center
Sat Dec 15 Oakland Oakland Arena (Oracle)
Sun Dec 16 Sacramento ARCO Arena


Thurs Dec 20 Chicago United Center
Fri Dec 21 Chicago United Center
Sat Dec 22 Detroit Joe Louis Arena
Sun Dec 23 Detroit Joe Louis Arena


Thurs Dec 27 Charleston North Charleston Coliseum
Fri Dec 28 Orlando Amway
Sat Dec 29 Columbia Colonial Center
Sun Dec 30 Jacksonville Veteran Memorial


Mon Dec 31 Miami American Airlines Arena
Fri Jan 4 Cleveland Wolstein Center
Sat Jan 5 Louisville Kentucky Expo Center
Sun Jan 6 St Louis Scottrade


Wed Jan 9 Savannah Savannah Civic Center
Thurs Jan 10 Greenville Bi-Lo Center
Fri Jan 11 Richmond Richmond Coliseum
Sun Jan 13 Hampton Hampton Coliseum

WU-TANG CLAN CANCELS 2007 TOUR: Plus, Ghostface Killah vents frustration over group's album release

It looks as if the Wu-Tang Clan has scrapped plans to launch a fall/winter reunion tour behind their upcoming reunion album "8 Diagrams," reports Live Daily.


News of the cancellation came in the form of an offhand remark included in a solo-tour announcement for Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah, who is currently in the midst of his own batch of shows.


"While the Wu-Tang Clan's tour has been canceled until spring 2008, Ghostface will be performing on stages throughout the country," reads a message posted at the group's Web site.

Ghostface, meanwhile, appears to be on the outs with his Staten Island-based collective. In an interview with MTV News, the rapper said he's not sure if he'll participate in a Wu-Tang Clan tour, should one ever get off the ground.

As for his participation on "8 Diagrams," Ghostface said: "I got on some of them. A few of them. ... N---as better pay my f---ing money. Matter of fact, they can keep the money--just get me out of their life right now. They can keep that money, it's all good now. I don't even wanna talk about it no more."

Ghostface also says he's upset with Wu-Tang's decision to push back the "8 Diagrams" release date from Nov. 13 to Dec. 4, the same day his new solo set, "The Big Dough Rehab," is due in stores.

"I had December 4 for the longest," he told MTV. "But the Wu album, brothers was kinda late on doing whatever they were doing and pushed it back ... on my date. ... I'm not [mad at] all the members. It's not based on the members, but the hierarchy at Wu-Tang Clan is on some bullsh--. They trying to f--- around and make me push my album back and doing all this."


As previously reported, Ghostface is about to travel the country with Rakim and Brother Ali as part of the 19-city Hip Hop Live Tour, where all three will perform in front of a 10-piece backing band named The Rhythm Roots Allstars. The three rappers will each perform separate sets during the outing, which kicks off Oct. 29 in West Hollywood, CA.


Here is the tour itinerary:

October 2007
29 - West Hollywood, CA - House of Blues
30 - San Diego, CA - 4th & B
31 - Long Beach, CA - The Vault 350

November 2007
1 - Santa Cruz, CA - The Catalyst
2 - San Francisco, CA - Mezzanine
3 - Portland, OR - Roseland Theatre
4 - Seattle, WA - The Showbox
7 - Park City, UT - Harry O's
8 - Denver, CO - Ogden Theater
9 - Aspen, CO - Belly Up
10 - Kansas City, MO - Beaumont Club
11 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue
12 - Chicago, IL - House of Blues
13 - Bloomington, IN - Bluebird Nightclub
15 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place
16 - New York, NY - Nokia Theatre
17 - Baltimore, MD - Sonar
18 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
21 - Philadelphia, PA – Trocadero

T.I. UPDATE: Rapper stays put; so far bond denied

ATLANTA - T.I.'s lawyers asked a federal judge Friday to release the rapper on $2.2 million bond and allow him to have monitored home confinement while he awaits trial on weapons charges.

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Defense attorney Ed Garland proposed putting a person in T.I.'s home 24 hours a day to monitor activities there.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Baverman said he will reserve his ruling on the singer's bond request until Oct. 26, when T.I.'s lawyers are expected to present a home monitor who must be approved by the court, pretrial services officials and prosecutors.

T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, would also have to submit to electronic monitoring. Only those on a preapproved list of visitors would be able to enter the home. Harris would surrender his passport and his right to drive, and would submit to random searches of the home and random drug screening.

Several record company executives, including some from Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group, were seated in the courtroom. Officials said they were prepared to offer signature bond on Harris' behalf in excess of $1 million.

Prosecutors countered that because of Harris' criminal history and because he was arrested while allegedly trying to buy machine guns and silencers, he poses a flight risk and danger to the community.

Harris was indicted by a federal grand jury Wednesday on weapons charges, including possession of machine guns.

His indictment followed his arrest last Saturday for allegedly possessing unregistered machine guns and silencers and of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.

Harris, 27, faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count.

Nas stands by the title for his new album despite criticism

R.I.P. La La Brown & Koo-Laid

The young lady that was found is La La Brown from Lyfe Jennings Single
S.E.X and a up and coming producer from Milwaukee by the name of Koo-
Laid

SATURDAY, Oct. 20, 2007, 11:31 a.m.
By Annysa Johnson

Autopsies were being conducted this morning on a couple found fatally
shot late Friday at a music studio on the city's northwest side,
Milwaukee Police Capt. Michael D. Young said.

The 22-year-old man and his 21-year-old girlfriend were found inside the
Loud Enough production studio, at 5514 W. Lisbon Ave., around 9:30 p.m.
by the man's brother who could not reach him and had gone to check on
him.

Police believe the couple had been dead at least a day.



R.I.P La La Brown and Koo-Laid

Lyfe Jennings ft. La La Brown - S.E.X.

BEANIE SIGEL'S RENTAL CAR DISPUTE RESOLVED: Rapper was charged with keeping vehicle way past due date.

Beanie Sigel caught a break on Thursday when prosecutors withdrew charges that he kept a rental car long after the due date had expired, reports the Associated Press.


Sigel, whose real name is Dwight Grant, rented a 2007 Nissan Altima from Payless Car Rental in July, but failed to return it by the Aug. 13 due date or contact the rental company, police said. Payless, which continued to charge his credit card, reported the car stolen on Sept. 6.


The automobile was mysteriously returned to Payless on Oct. 5 just as detectives were arriving at his suburban Philly home to arrest him, police said. By then, the vehicle had racked up $5,000 in late fees.


At the preliminary hearing Thursday, Sigel's attorney said all outstanding fees were paid and prosecutors decided to withdraw all charges, including theft and receiving stolen property.


"This essentially was a misunderstanding between the two parties," said Sigel's attorney Fortunato N. Perri Jr.

TUPAC BODYGUARD SAYS HE WAS UNDERCOVER FBI: Kevin Hackie breaks news during screening of new DVD about rapper's murder

A former bodyguard for Tupac Shakur admitted Tuesday that he was actually an undercover FBI agent at the time of his employment, and not an informant as previously reported.


Kevin Hackie made the claim during a Q&A segment that followed a screening of the new documentary "Tupac: Assassination - Conspiracy or Revenge?" in Los Angeles.


Hackie, who was employed as Tupac's bodyguard and part of the security detail for Death Row Records from 1992-1996, made the revelation in response to an alleged Los Angeles Police Department officer who was in the crowd and defended the department's investigation into Tupac's murder.


In 2004, Hackie stated in a filed declaration that he had "personal knowledge" about Notorious B.I.G.'s murder and that people within Death Row offered $25,000 dollars to a law enforcement officer to carry out the slaying.

"Tupac Assassination - Conspiracy or Revenge?," available on DVD Oct. 23, examines alleged shortcomings of the Los Angeles Police Dept. in the murder investigation. The DVD also introduces new facts about the rapper's murder.

Hackie claimed that former officer David Mack and a number of LAPD officers worked as "covert agents" for Death Row Records and that Shakur was murdered because Death Row CEO Marion "Suge" Knight allegedly owed Shakur millions in unpaid royalties.

Rap mogul Sean Diddy Combs has met and talked with the man he allegedly punched in the face

T.I.'S TINY IS REPORTEDLY PREGNANT: Blogger Sandra Rose quotes source who confirms she's carrying their second child

As if they don't have enough on their plate, Atlanta-based blogger Sandra Rose says a source close to former Xscape singer Tameka "Tiny" Cottle has confirmed that she and her boyfriend, T.I., are expecting their second child together.


In addition to her reported pregnancy, Tiny also has to deal with her arrest Saturday on drug charges. She was nabbed for possession of marijuana and Ecstasy while her boyfriend was being arrested on federal gun charges. T.I. remains behind bars pending his next court date on Friday.


Rose also said that the ATF raid on T.I.'s home was traumatizing for several kids who were reportedly at the residence in College Park at the time.


"ATF agents simultaneously broke down the front door while smashing out windows in the back of the house and tossing stun grenades into the house," wrote Rose. "King, 3, was in a downstairs room playing at the time of the raid. The other children had just left the home to go to acting class. I'm told T.I.'s 15-year-old nephew ran out the back door and was tackled and stomped by ATF agents."

Cassidy Raps It Up On MTV

After 8 weeks of rap battling madness through his mobile phone, Cassidy's B.A.R.S. finale airs tomorrow, Wednesday, October 17th at 9AM on MTV's "Sucker Free"!

DON'T MISS IT!!

Cassidy had over 200,000 fan drop their best 16 bars, and over 290,000 minutes spent on Cassidy's voice messaging line! Cassidy is also the first and ONLY major artist to host a battle of this magnitude through SayNow!

The winner will record a track in the studio with Cassidy!

Prodigy Of Mobb Deep Gets 3 1/2 Years In Prison!

Prodigy, one half of the rap group Mobb Deep, will serve three-and-a-half years in prison after pleading guilty to a 2006 weapons charge.

According to the New York Daily News, the rapper was indicted on one count of gun possession at Manhattan Supreme Court in New York.

The charge stems from his October 2006 arrest after NYPD pulled over his Chevy Suburban for making an illegal U-turn and found an unlicensed .22 pistol inside of his vehicle.

The 32-year-old, born Albert Johnson, initially claimed he had no knowledge of the weapon, which was located in a compartment between his driver's seat and the front passenger seat, where hip-hop producer The Alchemist was sitting, reports the Daily News.

But midway through the trial, Prodigy confessed to owning the gun and struck a deal with prosecutors. The agreement limited his jail term to just three-and-a-half years instead of the usual 15 – the sentence normally given to felons like Prodigy who are facing their third weapons charge.



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Nas To Name New Album “Nigga”

On Friday night at New York’s Roseland Ballroom, Nas announced the title of his next album: He said it will be called Nigga and released in December. A source close to the project confirmed the name on Saturday.

Nas has said he’d planned to use that title for his last LP before he changed it to Hip-Hop Is Dead. If the December date holds firm, Nas will have a very busy winter. On November 6 he’s releasing his Greatest Hits LP. A video for one of the two new songs on the project, “Surviving the Times,” will be shot soon. Last week, super producer Jermaine Dupri — who has already completed tracks for Jay-Z’s American Gangster — told MTV News he would love to be involved in Nas’ upcoming new LP.

Nas headlined the last stop of the Sneaker Pimps Tour on Friday, where newcomers such as Mista Mal as well as legends EPMD and Slick Rick had sets. Even Jeru Da Damaja showed up and rocked the mic.

Nas kept fans antsy by not going on until well after 1 a.m., but they left visibly — and audibly — pleased.

He opened with “Hip-Hop Is Dead,” then went into his catalog for records such as “One Love” and “Hate Me Now.” God’s Son ended with “Made You Look,” during which he surprised the fans by jumping into the crowd. Once among the people, he began jumping up and down and inciting the people to jump with him. One of Nas’ security guards dove into the audience after him, pulling him back to the stage, where he stood none the worse for wear.

“He touched my hand and gave me positive energy,” one woman said as the house lights came on.

Besides phat rhymes, spectators saw some of the most exclusive kicks you can hope to get, as sneakers from all over the world were displayed. There was also a pit for professional skaters who sailed up and down ramps. Still, most of the skaters had to put their boards down when the acts came on, especially Nas.

Rapper T.I. arrested on firearms charges before hip-hop awards

SNOOP DOGG ORDERED TO PICK UP TRASH: Rapper punished for trying to carry baton through airport security in the O.C.

Lil Wayne appears in Georgia court

ATLANTA - A lawyer for Lil Wayne says his client missed a court date, leading to his arrest last weekend, because the summons was sent to an old address and the hip-hop star didn't get it.

The 25-year-old rapper, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., appeared in court Thursday after being arrested at his concert in Boise, Idaho.

Lawyer William Head said a notice to appear in court was sent to Carters' New Orleans residence, which did not exist after Hurricane Katrina.

"All they did was take his address off his driver's license," Head said. "So he never got it."

Carter was arrested in Atlanta on suspicion of drug possession and was released on bond in August 2006. Carter was later informed that the case had been dismissed, but it wasn't, Head said.

Carter is expected to appear again in court Oct. 31.

The rapper's "Tha Carter II" album, released in 2005, has sold about 2 million copies. He recently was voted "Hottest MC in the Game" by an MTV panel

Jim Jones Signs to Columbia Records and Retains Joint Partnership With KOCH Records

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - October 11, 2007) - Rapper and entrepreneur Jim Jones has signed a new deal with Columbia Records. This new deal is a partnership of sorts with KOCH Records. KOCH will still be involved in marketing and radio promotion for Jones, and participate in revenue streams, while Columbia will oversee all aspects of his campaigns.

Jones will have the best of both worlds as the #1 Indie label and one of the most historic major labels team up with him on his upcoming album.

Jones has recorded three albums for KOCH Records: "On My Way to Church" (2004), "Harlem: Diary of a Summer" (2005), and "Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment)" (2006). "Hustler's P.O.M.E." recently was certified Gold, and spawned his smash hit, "We Fly High."

KOCH Records President Bob Frank states, "Jim Jones is a superstar and this arrangement positions him in such a way as to maximize the strengths of the #1 Independent KOCH Records and the most storied and historic label in the history of the record business, Columbia Records."

"We are thrilled to join forces with KOCH Records on behalf of Jim Jones. We believe in his artistry and are excited about the future," said Steve Barnett of Columbia Records.

"Jim Jones is the real deal," added Hip Hop of Columbia Records. "He has been in the game for a minute and is one of the best."

H3 Enterprises President and CEO Dr. Benjamin Chavis Announces Signing of Tampa Bay Lease for HipHopSodaShop

NEW YORK, NY--(MARKET WIRE)--Oct 11, 2007 -- H3 Enterprises, Inc (Other OTC:HTRE.PK - News) President and CEO, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, announced today the signing of a Lease Agreement between Alexander Reid Land Development, LLC and H3 Enterprises, Inc. effective October 10, 2007, for a fully furnished, 11,000 square foot restaurant and entertainment facility located in Tampa at 1241 E. Fowler Avenue, less than a mile from the University of South Florida.

"We are keeping our commitment to open our first HipHopSodaShop in the Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg area," explained Dr. Chavis. "We also signed a Letter of Understanding between H3 Enterprises, Inc. and E&E Global Enterprises, LLC to manage and operate the Tampa Bay HipHopSodaShop," Dr. Chavis further stated. The principals of E&E Global Enterprises, LLC are Eric Von Billington of Tampa and Eric Green of St. Petersburg.

Details of H3's latest business developments will be discussed in depth on a national telephone conference call that can be viewed worldwide at www.H3inc.com on Monday, October 15, 2007 at 11 AM EDT. To join in on the conference call dial: 1-218-339-7800 with Participant Access Code: 178920.

COMMON FINDS NEW 'GROUND' FOR THE PEOPLE: Rapper launches foundation to empower urban youth

Rapper Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn in Chicago, has announced the launch of The Common Ground Foundation, Inc., an effort dedicated to the empowerment and development of urban youth through education.


"I always believed that if we started with the youth then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom," says the socially conscious emcee, who stars opposite Denzel Washington in the upcoming film, "American Gangster."

Additionally, The Common Ground Foundation supports and focuses on AIDS/HIV prevention programs targeted towards youth and young adults, reaching beyond our national borders to serve communities throughout Africa.

Common also recently wrapped filming on "Wanted" with co-stars Morgan Freeman and Angelina Jolie, and David Ayer's "The Night Watchman" starring Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker.

PROMOTER SUES DIDDY FOR $5M: Lawsuit claims mogul sent three bodyguards to beat him up

For the second time in less than a week, a lawsuit has been filed against Sean "Diddy" Combs.


The latest claim comes from James Waldon, a 27-year-old hip hop promoter who claims Diddy had three of his bodyguards beat him up in a New York City nightclub.

Waldon says he was at The Box nightspot on Manhattan's Lower East Side to support one of the music groups he is promoting when he noticed Diddy walk inside. Later, as Diddy was preparing to leave, Waldon said he stepped to the entertainer and invited him to stay for his group's performance.


At that point, court papers say, "Combs gestured at (a bodyguard) to forcibly remove Mr. Waldon from close proximity to Combs," which triggered the assault.


According to the lawsuit, one bodyguard punched him in the mouth, knocking him backward onto a table, and two others began hitting and kicking him continuously. Waldon said he rolled off the table and was chased around the club by the bodyguards before escaping. The beating left him with numerous injuries, including mouth and teeth problems, according to court papers.

The lawsuit against Diddy comes days after former Bad Boy Entertainment consultant James Sabatino sued him for $19 million, claiming he is owed for the use of audio recordings and video footage of the late Notorious B.I.G.


After the rapper was murdered in 1997, Diddy agreed to purchase the music and video footage from Sabatino for $200,000, the lawsuit states. Diddy gave Sabatino a check for $25,000 and promised the rest of the balance in 60 days, but Sabatino has yet to see the rest of the money, according to court papers.

Bobby Brown denies having heart attack

LOS ANGELES - Bobby Brown denied Wednesday that he had a mild heart attack, something his attorney said earlier he had suffered this week in Los Angeles.


The 38-year-old singer told Associated Press Radio that he is feeling fine and went to the hospital just for a checkup.

"None of it's true," Brown said. "I went in for a checkup. The doc gave me a clean bill of health."

His account differed from that of his Atlanta attorney, Phaedra Parks, who earlier in the day told The Associated Press that Brown had severe chest pains Tuesday night and was taken to two hospitals.

"This morning they did diagnose him as suffering from a mild heart attack ... they attributed to stress and diet," Parks said, noting that she had spoken with him.

She said Brown was released Wednesday morning from a hospital in good condition.

Parks could not be reached for comment after Brown made his statements. She did not immediately respond to a telephone and an e-mail message.

Brown, who has a performance scheduled Saturday in Los Angeles, said that the reports about him having a heart attack gave him a "jolt" and that he felt he had to speak out.

"I did go to the hospital ... to just get a checkup, get everything tested out so that I could go on this tour, and everything is fine," Brown said.

"I don't know where the heart attack thing came from," Brown said. "I got my heart and everything checked out earlier this morning, and I'm just fine."

Brown lives in Southern California. He is the former husband of singer Whitney Houston and is seeking custody of their teenage daughter.

Timberlake, Beyonce among American Music Award nominees

Lil' Wayne's Boise Bust

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Lil' Wayne's got another big headache on his hands.


The hip-hopster was busted Friday following a concert in Boise, Idaho, by local police acting on a felony warrant issued in Atlanta. The Lights Out emcee, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., was wanted after failing to show up for two court hearings over a 2005 marijuana-possession charge.

Wayne was booked into the Ada County Jail on the charge of "being a fugitive to Idaho." After spending the night, he was released on $10,000 bond.

A rep for the rapper calls the whole incident a clerical mix-up and said Wayne will take care of his legal responsibility.

"One of the best things about Lil' Wayne is he takes his business very seriously. He's never missed a concert or a hearing," his Bronx-based attorney, Stacey Richman, tells E! Online.

Boise Police Department spokeswoman Lynn Hightower says authorities there first learned about the outstanding warrant shortly before Lil' Wayne got to town. Undercover officers took him into custody without incident at approximately 10 p.m., after his gig at Qwest Arena.

The rapper initially wasn't eligible for bond and was expected to be locked up until Idaho officials could extradite him to Georgia. However, his bond status was changed, though Hightower couldn't say why.

The 25-year-old performer was arrested in Atlanta in August of last year after getting caught with marijuana and over 100 Xanax and Hydrocodone pills. A grand jury eventually indicted him on three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

When he failed to show up for two court appearances this past August, the judge issued a warrant for Wayne's arrest and he was declared a fugitive—unbeknownst to the rapper.

"When we learned about why he was arrested, we were quite shocked because when he was originally arrested, his counsel told him his case was dismissed," says Richman. "But then it seemed that the case was reactivated by the Fulton County District Attorney's Office a full year later and we had no notice."

Richman said that the last hearing she was aware of in the case was in November 2006 and that she had not been informed about the August dates. She says she explained the situation to the judge and prosecutors and promised that the Grammy nominee would appear later this week in Fulton County Criminal Court. Richman says the judge then reversed himself and allowed Lil' Wayne to post bail so he could perform in Oregon on Saturday night.

"It was the judge's direction that he be released so he could make his show," says Richman.

That was welcome news for jail officials. Richman says one deputy told her the lockup had been overwhelmed with angry phone calls from fans and concert promoters asking about the status of Saturday's concert and pleading for the entertainer's release.

"We did receive several phone calls from fans...and by all accounts that were directly involved with him were nothing courteous," a jail spokeswoman says.

Despite all the behind-the-scenes wrangling, however, Wayne wasn't released until 7 p.m. Saturday and was unable to make it to the Gods of Hip-Hop Comedy Tour stop at the University of Oregon in Eugene.

While Wayne works out his Atlanta rap sheet, he also has some courting to do in the Big Apple.

The New Orleans native was nailed on drug and weapons charges following a July show at the Beacon Theater. That case is pending.

Lil' Wayne, who's up for three BET Hip-Hop Awards this month, including Hip-Hop MVP of the Year and Hip-Hop CD of the Year, was also slapped with a $1 million civil suit from a 17-year-old girl who claims she suffered a serious head injury after the rapper or a member of his crew threw wads of cash into the audience during a concert, instigating a melee.

Kanye West becomes jewelery designer

Kanye West has become a jewelery designer. The rapper-producer is working with Graduation cover artist Takashi Murakami on a jewelery collection.

West debuted a prototype piece from the collection at fashion designer Givenchy's show on Wednesday (October 3) in New York. He was sporting a huge gold Manga-style diamond-studded pendant around his neck.

Shedding more light on the pieces in his forthcoming collection, West told Women's Wear Daily: "They'll be more accessible, they won't be all diamonds."

No release date for the items have yet been announced.

DIDDY ACKNOWLEDGES HIS ATLANTA CHILD: Mogul says he's taking legal responsibility now that DNA tests confirm paternity

Sean "Diddy" Combs says he is ready to be a "committed father" to his fifth child after DNA tests were conducted that prove his paternity, reports the New York Daily News.


"At first, I wasn't sure if this was my child," he said of his 15-month-old daughter Chance, who lives with her mother in Atlanta. "Now that it has become clear she is, I will take care of her for the rest of her life."


Over the past year, Diddy repeatedly denied that he had fathered a baby with Atlanta woman Sarah Chapman. The Bad Boy founder says he was merely waiting until DNA tests on the child were completed before admitting to anything.

According to sources, Diddy has worked out visitation and child support terms with Chapman, and has also been trying to get back with his ex-girlfriend Kim Porter, who left him in part because Diddy had tried to keep the Atlanta baby a secret.

Diddy, 37, and Porter, 36, welcomed daughters Jessie James and D'Lila Star last December. They also have a son, Christian, 8. Diddy has a 13-year-old son, Justin, with ex-girlfriend Misa Hylton-Brim.

Did Nas Steal Wordsmith's "As the Art Fades Away" For his Greatest Hits Album??? You be the Judge…

Wordsmith Issued Statement,

It has been brought to Wordsmith's attention that Nas released a track last Friday called "Surviving the Game/Times" that closely resembles his track, "As the Art Fades Away," Produced by Strada. Word is a huge Nas fan, so he is sad to see something like this is possible and he doesn't want to jump to conclusions either. Word debated over even speaking on this issue because he is not trying to build his career off of someone else's fame and he prides himself on that. Wordsmith had this to say:

I wrote my track "As the Art Fades Away" in 2006, as an unofficial version that I actually recently re-recorded for my debut album "The Next Level Experience" on Saturday, October 6th until I heard about this. My in house producer Strada made this beat a year ago and I am here to just state the facts and not attack Nas, so I just ask that everyone judges this fairly. No producer is going start a track the exact same way and no producer is going use the same sounds, loops, rhythems, etc. to create a track. My version starts off with a sample of my own voice saying "The pop rap charts make the art fade away" followed by "That's the whole tragic point my friend." Now, whoever produced Nas's version, and I heard its Chris Webber, which sounds rather odd to me, would not start there track off with the same sample unless they heard it somewhere else first. To me they strung the sample out from there, so it would sound different, but the piano, horn, and baseline are exactly the same way my producer laid his.

Two, my producer used "What Would I do" as the hook part of my song and I Chose to fill it in by saying Imagine if certain rappers never did what they did, how would the game be. Nas's version uses the same concept, but the producer uses a different section of the song where its says,"What Would I do," from the Wiz and just looped the hook. I have never officially released this track and it can only be heard on my myspace page. I put it out last year because I felt the game really needed it, but I like I said I have re-recorded it with no samples and a female singing on the hook, so it is radio ready to be dropped as my first official single on December 1st. I still filed it with ASCAP last year and anybody can look up my name at ascap.com to see I registered it last year along with the BDS. Furthermore, Nas has the same concept as me and I just want to say this again, no two rappers are going write about the same thing when they hear a beat and no two producers are going to produce a beat the same exact way. With that said, that's what makes music unique; the fact that any musician has the creative freedom to create something special from scratch, that's what keeps music fresh. I don't really know what else to say, but that I am disappointed in one of our greats, but at the same time, I do not know Nas or Chris Webber for that matter, so I can't really say what happened. I do know the Wiz movie has been out there since Nas and I were kids and millions of producers could of sampled it, but my Producer Strada had the idea first, so that tells me something, but until the facts come out I am just speculating.

Finally, please don't look at this as I am complaining because I am not, I just felt the need to speak on it because so many great people have come to my defense, so I would like to thank everyone out there for that and I even would like to think any haters as well because we all have a job to do. So what I have done is post links to both tracks below, please check them out and leave your comments. Thanks for everyone's time and lets not make this a bash session, but a good old fashioned challenge to Nas and the fans. Let us know who has the better track because my official version of "As the Art Fades Away" will drop on December 1st followed by the Video on MTV and BET, so look out for me, PEACE!!!

FOXY BROWN LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE: FreeFoxyBrown.com will allow fans to communicate with jailed rapper.

Foxy Brown has launched a new Web site, FreeFoxyBrown.com, that is designed to keep fans updated with her latest news, as well as allow folks to send messages to the rapper while she's on lockdown at Rikers Island.


"I devoted my career to building an affinity with my fans who have supported me unflinchingly and no barbed wire fence or prison wall will stop that," Brown said in a statement. "I am in great spirits and very focused, and needed a forum to communicate to the people."


Foxy, born Inga Marchand, was personally involved in crafting the Web site, which also allows fans to hear new tracks from her upcoming CD, "Brookyn's Don Diva," due Nov. 20 from KOCH Records/Black Hand Entertainment. Visitors are immediately welcomed with the track "We Don't Surrender," featuring Grafh.

The artist was given a one-year prison sentence after she violated probation for assaulting two nail salon workers in 2004.

R. KELLY BEGINS U.S. TOUR NEXT MONTH: J. Holiday, Ne-Yo tag along as supporting acts

With no start date for his child pornography trial in sight, R. Kelly has laid the groundwork for an upcoming tour to promote his most recent studio album, "Double Up," which entered The Billboard 200 at No. 1 in June.

Fellow R&B crooners J. Holiday and Ne-Yo are booked as opening acts for the tour, which is scheduled to hit 39 dates across the United States beginning Nov. 14 at the Columbus Civic Center in Columbus, Ga., and wrapping Jan. 12 at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Va. [See full schedule below.]

Washington, D.C.-based vocalist J. Holiday will support his new album "Back of My Lac'" which was released Tuesday (Oct. 2) via Music Line/Capitol. Ne-Yo, who will plug his Def Jam set "Because of You," is currently on tour through early November in Los Angeles (Wiltern Theatre); Orlando, Fla. (University of Central Florida); Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (Mid-Hudson Civic Center); Huntington, W.Va. (Big Sandy Superstore Arena); and Pine Bluff, Ark. (University of Arkansas).

According to Billboard, the artist had to get special permission from the judge in his case to travel out of state.

Here are his upcoming U.S. tour dates:

Nov. 14: Columbus, Ga. (Columbus Civic Center)
Nov. 15: Atlanta (Phillips Arena)
Nov. 16: Greensboro, N.C. (Greensboro Coliseum)
Nov. 17: Birmingham, Ala. (BJCC Arena)
Nov. 18: Charlotte, N.C. (Bobcat Arena)
Nov. 21: Philadelphia (Wachovia Center)
Nov. 22: Newark, N.J. (Prudential Center)
Nov. 23: Uniondale, N.Y. (Nassau Coliseum)
Nov. 24: Baltimore (1st Mariner Arena)
Nov. 25: Washington D.C. (Verizon Center)
Nov. 29: Little Rock, Ark. (Alltel Arena)
Nov. 30: New Orleans (New Orleans Arena)
Dec. 1: Dallas (American Airlines Arena)
Dec. 2: Houston (Toyota Center)
Dec. 6: Minneapolis (Target Center)
Dec. 7: Kansas City, Mo. (Sprint Center)
Dec. 8: Indianapolis (Conseco Fieldhouse)
Dec. 9: Memphis, Tenn. (Fed Ex Forum)
Dec. 13: Las Vegas (Mandalay Bay)
Dec. 14: Los Angeles (Staples Center)
Dec. 15: Oakland, Calif. (Oakland Arena)
Dec. 16: Sacramento, Calif. (Arco Arena)
Dec. 19: Denver (Pepsi Center)
Dec. 21: St. Louis (Scottrade Center)
Dec. 22: Chicago (United Center)
Dec. 23: Detroit (Joe Louis Arena)
Dec. 27: Charleston, S.C. (North Charleston Coliseum)
Dec. 28: Orlando, Fla. (TD Waterhouse Arena)
Dec. 29: Columbia, S.C (Colonial Center)
Dec. 30: Jacksonville, Fla. (Veteran Memorial Arena)
Dec. 31: Miami (American Airlines Arena)
Jan. 3: Louisville, Ky. (Kentucky Expo Center)
Jan. 4: Cleveland (Wolstein Center)
Jan. 5: Buffalo, N.Y. (HSBC Arena)
Jan. 6: Dayton, Ohio (Nutter Center)
Jan. 9: Savannah, Ga. (Civic Center)
Jan. 10: Greenville, S.C. (Bi Lo Center)
Jan. 11: Richmond, Va. (Richmond Coliseum)
Jan. 12: Hampton, Va. (Hampton Coliseum)

Hip-hop stars rally for Jena Six

NEW YORK - When the latest call for a protest over Jena Six came, it wasn't led by Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson, but rapper-actor Mos Def.

Mos Def sent out a viral video urging students to walk out of classrooms nationwide this week in protest of the prosecution of six black teens — initially charged with attempted murder — in the beating a white classmate in Jena, La.

And Mos Def is not the only member of the hip-hop community speaking out in this racially charged case. When Mos Def — known as a politically and socially conscious rapper — traveled to Jena for a march on the town last month, as he spoke to the media, legendary UGK rapper Bun B was at his side. Hip-hop soul singer Lyfe Jennings was also in attendance, and rappers like Ice Cube and T.I. have lent support, moral and financial, for the protests.

"I don't know what motivated the prosecutors to do what they did but what's definitely evident to anybody who looks at the case is that he placed a bigger (punishment) upon the black man than he did upon anybody else was involved," Jennings said.

Perhaps it's because they mirror the faces of rap — young black males — that it has resonated with the hip-hop community. Or maybe it reflects a growing political awareness in a genre that's been criticized for glorifying negativity. But it is clear that the Jena Six case has struck a chord.

"Right now with the situation going on with Jena Six, I got to pay my respects to them. When I was in high school there was a lot of fighting going on; I ain't never really seen nobody get the type of punishment they got, where the dude is trying to throw the book at them," says 17-year-old rapper Soulja Boy, who has the No. 1 song in the country with "Crank Dat (Soulja Boy)."

"I feel like that's not right, so I gotta send my respects out to those young dudes, and I hope everything go well with them and their families."

The teens, known as the Jena Six, were charged with attempted second-degree murder for allegedly beating a white student bloody and unconscious following months of mounting racial tensions after three white students hung nooses from a tree on school grounds. The charges have since been reduced for four of them. The sixth was booked as a juvenile on sealed charges.

One student, Mychal Bell, was convicted on a reduced charge of aggravated second-degree battery by an all-white jury and faced up to 22 years in prison. An appeals court later threw out the conviction, saying he was 16 at the time and should not have been tried as an adult on that charge. He stayed in jail for months while the case worked its way through the legal system. He was freed on bail last month.

The case has garnered national attention and drawn protests from thousands, including civil rights activists such as Jesse Jackson. David Bowie donated to the teens' defense fund, and rocker John Mellencamp has even written a song about it.

But the voices of protest were particularly strong among the hip-hop set. While hip-hop had been a voice of social activism in its earlier days, with groups like Public Enemy leading the charge, in recent years, its leading stars have been more identified with championing materialism and violence than making political or social statements.

But the hip-hop community has been more vocal about the Jena Six case, from its stars to its blogs, which have posted frequent updates about the teens' fate.

The always outspoken Mississippi rapper David Banner wasn't at last month's protest — instead, he went on a radio tour to promote his album so he could let listeners know about the case.

"I thought it would have been more powerful for me to get on the radio and talk about it, and drive people there and let people know what's going on than actually being there," said Banner. "We wanna be there to show face, but if you're actually more powerful at the capacity that you are, then you should do what you do."

Banner says he became involved because "it's so close to home.

"No. 2, there's a Jena Six that goes on in Mississippi every month — or every two months," he continued. "See that's the thing. America has a tendency to try to make things — single out things — as if this is a one-time occurrence. ... We have to stop acting like stuff don't exist."

Bakari Kitwana, an author whose books include "The Hip-Hop Generation" and "Why White Kids Love Hip-Hop," says the rap community has gotten more politically active in recent years, especially after Hurricane Katrina.

"What's different about this moment in terms of hip-hop and political activism is that ... we're to the point where grass roots activists and hip-hop artists are talking with each other about political change," said Kitwana.

The walkout that Mos Def endorsed was planned and executed as a collaborative effort among artists Talib Kweli, M1 of Dead Prez, Common and the activist groups the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Sankofa Community Empowerment, Change the Game and the National Hip Hop Political Convention.

"We will continue with these acts of civil protest until Mychal Bell's freedom, not only — but safety, is secured," Mos Def had said in a video last month publicizing the walkout.

Still, many of hip-hop's most famous names have still not lent their voices to the protest, and Kitwana said a larger examination of unequal treatment by the criminal justice system might better serve all involved.

"If 50 Cent came out on that question — `Why are we targeting Black and Latino communities for more policing than the other communities?' — that would be profound,'" said Kitwana.

Charges against Jadakiss being dropped

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. - Prosecutors are dropping a drug-and-gun case against Jadakiss, a year after the rapper's arrest.

His lawyer said it was "a travesty that the case went this far."

The Westchester County district attorney's office asked a judge last week to dismiss the charges against the rapper, whose real name is Jason Phillips, and a co-defendant, Kristian Smith.

Phillips, Smith and Darnell Frazier were arrested last October in Yonkers, the rapper's hometown, and indicted in February. Police claimed they smelled marijuana coming from the men's car and then found a gun inside.

A jury last month acquitted Frazier after DNA tests didn't link any of the three to the gun.

Jadakiss' attorney, Clement Patti, said the 32-year-old rapper "has had this cloud over his head for a year, affecting his career."

The dismissal becomes official after the prosecutor's motion is granted by the judge.

ONE HELLAVA YACHT PARTY: Lil Wayne celebrates his 25th Birthday in Miami

Miami, FL - Not since last month's MTV Awards were hip-hop's royalty all in the same room at once, wait ... did we say room? These "ballers" were all aboard the five million dollar Biscayne Lady. This luxury yacht features three grand levels, a 45-foot beam and 8-foot ceilings.

On Friday, September 28, Miami sizzled even more during Lil Wayne's "Black and White Baller's Bash."

The award winning rapper celebrated his 25th Birthday with his loyal and royal rap cronies, T.I., Diddy, Baby, Rick Ross, Juelz Santana and Slim Thug.

Hot celebrities Solange Knowles, Kyla Pratt, Letoya Luckett, Angie Martinez, Cool & Dre and Danity Kane's D-Woods enjoyed the exhilarating mixes by celebrity DJ, DJ Khaled.

Special VIP guest included, Sylvia Rhone, Dave Mays and Finesse Mitchell from Saturday Night Live. Let's just say, this party was no shipwreck!

Once aboard the 111' luxury yacht the 300 guests indulged in imported cigars that were hand rolled by request, casino games with lavish prizes such as relaxing cruise for two. Eye-candy was a must for this affair. Twenty of Miami's most beautiful models dressed in 1930's attire were onboard to enhance the Harlem Renaissance themed event, where all guest wore black and white.

Upon returning to shore, all guests were invited to keep the party going at Club 66 in Miami Beach.

Wu-Tang 8 Diagrams Release Date Moved!

The legendary Hip-Hop group, Wu-Tang Clan, has recently cleared the first ever Beatles sample for their upcoming Album, 8 Diagrams.

The group was originally scheduled for a November 13th release but due to the magnitude of the sample and the History being made, 8 Diagrams will now impact on December 4th.

Rapper Eve's new album delayed again, to 2008

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Rapper Eve's fourth album, originally due in August and then bumped to October, has now been pushed back until 2008.

A spokesperson for her Geffen Records label had no comment on the reason for the delay of "Here I Am."

The first single from the project, "Tambourine," stalled at No. 17 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. A new track, "Give It to Me" featuring Sean Paul, has yet to chart, although it has been at radio for several weeks.

"Here I Am" is Eve's first album since 2002's "Eve-olution," which debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 with 123,000 copies. It marked a big drop from the No. 4, 162,000-unit start for "Scorpion" the previous year.

Reuters/Billboard

BET HIP HOP AWARDS UPDATE: Soulja Boy to 'Crank Dat' and Phonte From Little Brother set for Show

Soulja Boy is calling all "Crank Dat" dancers to showcase their moves with him during this year's BET Hip Hop Awards.

Lucky fans will have the opportunity to have their video renditions of the "Crank Dat" dance air via video wall and serve as the back drop during Soulja Boy's performance by logging on to www.bet.com/contests.

Several winners will be chosen and all entries must be submitted before October 7, 2007.

Little Brother...Isn't that the group that was telling anyone who would listen, "BET wouldn't play (their) video because their music was 'too intelligent'?" "I'm not sure how all that confusion started," says Stephen Hill, Executive Vice President of Music & Talent. "I was surprised when the accusation came up. The Little Brother CD was one of my personal favorites and Phonte's flow is crazy. When it came time to put together ciphers for this year's BET Hip-Hop Awards, I personally requested that he be involved.
We're very glad that he accepted. And, of course, he ripped it."

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. Hosted by Katt Williams- Nelly, Lil' Wayne , Kanye West,T.I., Soulja Boy, Common, Wyclef Jean, Keyshia Cole, Cassidy, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Premiere, Joell Ortiz, Kardinal Offishall, Klashnekoff, Lil' Mama, Phonte, Ras Kass, Flow and Status Quo are scheduled perform/appear. Additional presenters and performers to be announced shortly.