Judge Sets New Rules on Ja Rule's Bail

Los Angeles (E! Online) - This isn't the kind of diss Ja Rule is used to.

A New York judge has barred the "Put It On Me" emcee from ponying up thousands of dollars in bail on behalf of two codefendants in his weapons possession case.

Per published reports, State Supreme Court Justice Micki Sherer explained her decision to Ja Rule's camp at an indictment arraignment on Wednesday.

She noted the potential conflict of interest that could arise if the hip-hopster is allowed to foot the hefty bonds for Dennis Cherry, his road manager, and Mohamed Gamal, his limo driver, who were riding with him when he was pulled over in Manhattan on July 22 for speeding following a concert with Lil Wayne.

"[Ja Rule] has put himself in the position of perhaps controlling the outcome of the case. I think the potential for it is a big problem," she said.

At the time of the traffic stop, police ran the tags and found that the luxury 2004 Maybach—reportedly worth between $250,000 and $400,000—had no insurance and a suspended registration. Officers also caught the faint whiff of marijuana emanating from the car's interior.

While a search turned up none of the green stuff, New York's Finest did discover a loaded .40-caliber semiautomatic gun in the rear driver's side door. The trio were subsequently taken into custody and booked on the weapons charge.

At their arraignment in July, the 31-year-old rapper (born Jeffrey Atkins) not only plunked down $150,000 for his bond, but also paid for Cherry's and Gamal's bonds, which were set respectively at $150,000 and $20,000. He was able to do so by offering his $3.5 million house in Saddle River, New Jersey, as collateral.

All three men have pleaded not guilty. The judge's decision will ultimately force Cherry and Gamal to come up with their own money for the bonds.

Stacey Richman, Ja Rule's Yonkers-based attorney who has also represented the likes of Lil Wayne and DMX, could not be reached for comment.

This isn't the first time the multiplatinum-selling artist, who got his start collaborating with Jay-Z in the mid-90s, has been in trouble with the law.

In 2003, Ja Rule was busted outside a Toronto nightclub for assaulting a fan who mocked his feud with 50 Cent.

Two years later, the feds launched a probe into whether he and members of his label, The Inc., were involved in a fatal 2004 shooting at a New York club party the rap star had hosted.

Shyne Scheduled For Early Prison Release?

After nearly 7 years, former Bad Boy artist Shyne is expected to be released from prison this year on good behavior.

According to the New York Post's Page Six, the Brooklyn rapper (born Jamal Barrow), who has been incarcerated since 2001, will exit the jail confines a year earlier than his expected 2009 release date. He is currently serving a 10-year jail sentence at Woodbourne Correctional Facility stemming from a 1999 New York club shooting.

The rapper was part of a crew accompanying Sean "Diddy" Combs, his then girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, and bodyguard Anthony "Wolf" Jones when Diddy got into a beef with another club goer, Mathew "Scar" Allen. Three people were struck when shots rang out and while Diddy, Shyne and J-Lo were all arrested after leading police on a short chase, the charges only stuck to Shyne. Combs and Lopez were free and clear.

The Puffy protege was convicted after witness Cerise Myers testified that she saw him pull his gun and begin firing. The rapper spoke out to media outlets shortly after his conviction alleging that Diddy had convinced Myers to lie on the stand.

Shyne inked a $3 million dollar deal with Def Jam from behind bars in 2004 and released the album Godfather Buried Alive under the label but album sales were disappointing. No word on whether Shyne plans to return to rapping after his release.

Though slated to be released for good behavior, Shyne hasn't always been the model prisoner. In '05 he was thrown in the hole for two months after getting into an altercation with another inmate.

In related news, Shyne's father Dean Barrow was elected prime minister of Belize earlier this month, the first black person to hold that office, according to USA Today.

Young Jeezy Makes Fan's Dream Come True

Young Jeezy granted the wish of one lucky winner out of a pool of hopefuls last night (Feb. 26) in Atlanta for his "Make Your Dreams Come True" contest.

"My ultimate dream would be for me to provide a wheelchair accessible van for my son, Davon Jenkins," Tamara Jenkins-Wilson wrote in her submission. "Davon is 13 years old and has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair. It is hard for me to provide this for him as we are a military family and I am unable to work, as I have to take care of him. My husband is currently serving in Iraq so I physically lift him in and out of our vehicle when we need to go to appointments and such. Thanks so much for the opportunity."

Jeezy flew members of the Jenkins-Wilson family from North Carolina and treated the guests to dinner along with his own family, before unveiling the grand gift. [Watch here]

Jenkins-Wilson cried as Jeezy handed her the keys to the maroon, wheelchair equipped Dodge Caravan. The rapper also outfitted the family in apparel from his clothing line 8732.

Jeezy's still untitled new project is said to be coming soon.

Jim Jones & Snoop Dogg Ask Critics To Look Past Rap Image At HSAN Awards

The stars came out for the 5th Annual Hip Hop Summit Action Awards celebration earlier this week. Jim Jones, Ciara and Snoop Dogg were among the honorees on Monday (Feb. 25) for their positive community contributions.

"A lot of you know me for things [that are] not politically correct ... but I have a family and a child," Jones said as he accepted his award, according to New York's Daily News. "I don't do [those things] unless I'm trying to get that dollar. You shouldn't judge a book by its cover; treat it like a novel and read it. It may be a best seller."

Ciara read her acceptance speech from a BlackBerry. "I'm short on sleep, so I'm not going to rely on this memory stick," the singer said, tapping the side of her head. Instead she whipped out her phone. "I'm going to use this one!"

Super producer Pharrell introduced Snoop Dogg and defended the rapper against his recent legal troubles.

"People criticize Snoop," he said. "The next time they start attacking a legend, even if it's because he smokes, I say, 'So what?' Willie Nelson smokes a lot of pot, and people only talk about the good he does, like Farm Aid. When they come down on Snoop [for drugs], remind everyone about all the positive things he does."

When Snoop took the stage, he joked, "I don't have a BlackBerry, so I used paper. I woulda wrote mine on a Zig-Zag [rolling paper], but I have too much to say."

The rapper talked about his inner-city youth footbal program saying he's enrolled 2,500 kids.

"It's a better alternative than gangs, because it's the right kind of aggression these kids are working out." He went on to say, "My No. 1 mission when I made it was to always keep one foot in the 'hood. When you fall, you always fall back to the 'hood, so if you keep one foot planted there, you don't fall that far."

Diddy Brings Broadway Classic To TV

Monday night (Feb. 25th) marked the premiere of television's second incarnation of Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin In The Sun," this time starring entertainment mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs.

Combs reprised his role as Walter Lee alongside Tony award-winning actresses Phylicia Rashad and Audra McDonald, as well as the Tony nominated Sanaa Lathan. All four actors were part of the 2004 Broadway version that marked Combs theatrical debut.

Despite previous roles in Monster's Ball and Made, Combs received mixed reviews for his Broadway performance; however, both he and his co-stars say the televised version of "A Raisin in the Sun" will reflect his growth as an actor.

"It was more about experience and an understanding of how to completely engulf yourself and become a character and really give yourself up to the role," Combs told the Associated Press. "It was almost like what was going on in the house, that struggle to be heard. I wanted to make sure my character was heard."

"What I saw was a natural progression that comes with the doing of it, with the working of it," Phylicia Rashad said. "He is a very disciplined professional."

Set in Chicago, "A Raisin in the Sun," tells the story of the Younger family, mother Lena (Rashad) her daughter Beneatha (Lathan), son Walter Lee (Combs) and his wife (McDonald) and their struggle over how to spend a $10,000 insurance check.

The 1959 play was the first drama by a black woman produced on Broadway and starred Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, Diana Sands and Louis Gossett, Jr., who reunited in 1961 to create a film version. "Raisin" was also adapted for telefilm in 1989 with Danny Glover and Ester Rolle as Walter Lee and Lena.

Emmy winner Paris Qualles ("Tuskeegee Airmen") adapted the script for Monday's ABC version from Hansberry's unpublished screenplay "Raisin," which was not used for the 1961 film.

"Lorraine Hansberry is one of those playwrights that sits in the company of August Wilson or Tennessee Williams," director Kenny Leon told the AP. " 'Raisin in the Sun' is a specific story about this African American family but has a universal appeal for all Americans."

Both the director and his cast maintained a connection with the play's original cast. Leon consulted the late Lloyd Richards, the play's first Broadway director, while Combs says he invited Poitier, the original Walter Lee, to lunch to "get his permission."

"It's like if somebody came and did Scarface. They should at least put in a courtesy call (to Al Pacino)," said Combs. "So I called him up and he was honored and he told me to do it my way."

In addition to Combs acting duties, he also executive produced "Raisin" alongside Oscar-winning "Chicago" producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron.

Pete Rock To NY Rappers - "Stop Bickering"

Legendary producer and rapper Pete Rock returns to record stores next week with his new album NY's Finest, his first in four years. caught up with the hip-hop icon to discuss his upcoming disc, why New York rappers need to stop hating the South and working with Jim Jones and D-Block.

For NY's Finest, Pete Rock unites with featured artists including Raekwon, Masta Killa, Papoose, Redman, Styles P, Sheek Louch and Jim Jones, resulting in some collaborations he admits were surprising.

"My music with the Dipset, people look at like 'Word? It should be interesting to hear what it sounds like,'" Pete Rock told. "Certain people have their opinions about Pete Rock and Jim Jones, but I think it's interesting we work together."

"Working with Styles P and Sheek Louch -- this is what the rap generation is today, if it ain't real I don't really want to deal with it, ," he said about his work with the D-Block emcees. "Those cats have some realness with them and a story that's real that I'd like to bring out of them. mixing with the new cats means bringing them out of their realm and doing something different with me."

Like Pete Rock, most artists featured on NY's Finest hail from New York, but Pete denies regional prejudice, even pointing to one of his tracks, "Til I Retire," where he decries the heavy bashing Southern hip-hop has endured.

"In rap media you hear people complaining about the South, then you hear people complain about New York," he explained. "I'm in New York, so I hear the South beef, I'm like 'you all need to stop that and just get on your grind and do your music and stop sitting there bickering about who's wack, who's this, who's that."

Common Shines Spotlight On Up & Coming Rappers W/ New Music Contest

With the help of Chicago emcee Common, luxury vehicle line, Lincoln, is stepping up its urban marketing game with a "Lincoln Spotlight" music contest in search of talented rappers.

The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 and an opening slot for Common at a performance in 2008.

As previously reported, Lincoln inked a one-year marketing deal with Common last fall in an effort to reach a younger, hipper audience.

To be seriously considered for the contest, aspiring lyricists must create a song that embraces at least one of Lincoln's four "brand truths": advancing the American dream, being proud of where you came from, doing more and daring more, and exploring what it means to "reach higher."

Contestants will have the chance to work it out through an original song and video based on one of several pre-made tracks available through www.lincolnlounge.com.

Contestants will be judged on originality, verbal technique and visual sophistication; songs must be free of profanity and hate language.

Online visitors will be able to vote for their favorite entries, with the grand prize winner determined by Common and a panel of music insiders.

"Music continues to play a rewarding and unique role in our culture," said Tom Grill, Lincoln Brand Manager. "The Lincoln Spotlight provides an outstanding platform to celebrate music and at the same time to allow us to shine a spotlight on many talented, yet undiscovered individuals, and to build a community of fans and supporters much like the phenomenon of other viewer-voted reality talent contests."

The deadline for entries is March 17 at 5 p.m. From there the pack will be whittled down to 25, then progressively down to the Top 5, until the grand prize winner is announced on Tuesday, May 6 at noon.

Ne-Yo Arrested in a Hurry

Los Angeles (E! Online) - When Ne-Yo gets going, it's the sky—and apparently not the speed—that's the limit.

The 28-year-old hip-hop star was arrested early Tuesday in Atlanta after Cobb County police clocked his Range Rover going more than 100 mph.

Police spokeswoman Cassie Reece said Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer Smith, was booked on charges of reckless driving and driving without a license and released later that day on a $1,300 bond.

He's due in court Mar. 25 to answer to the charges.

Ne-Yo, whose sophomore album Because of You won the Grammy this year for Best Contemporary R&B Album, has a home in Atlanta.

The rapper-songwriter is currently embroiled in a lawsuit against the tour promoter behind R Kelly's recent Double Up Tour, from which Ne-Yo was booted after only two shows.

The Arkansas native claims that he was attracting more ticket buyers and better reviews than Kelly, and that Georgia-based Rowe Entertainment unceremoniously dropped him at the behest of Kelly's people—a charge the R&B star's rep has adamantly denied.

"Ne-Yo may think blaming the situation on R. Kelly will improve his chances of collecting from the promoter, but if he does, he is sadly mistaken," publicist Alan Mayer told E! Online last month. "Anyone remotely familiar with R. Kelly knows he is confident enough in his own abilities to be happy to share the stage with enormously talented people-the more talented, the better."

But Ne-Yo is sticking to his story, although apparently he's saving his rage for the road these days.

"Me personally? I've let it go," he told MTV News' Website recently. "I'm not the hold-a-grudge guy. I'm not gonna see R. Kelly in the street and run up on him and swing on him. I'm not gonna do a dis record about R. Kelly. It was what it was. It happened. For whatever reason, he, I don't know, I guess felt threatened by me and kicked me off tour. Life goes on.

"I don't have a problem with the man. It's apparent he has a problem with me—he kicked me off tour."

While not holding a grudge, Ne-Yo has also been busy prepping for his follow-up to Because of You and fielding songwriting requests from Usher and Janet Jackson, among others.

Jay-Z's clothing line sparks legal storm

Jadakiss Talks Roc-A-Fella Debut, Blames ''Ringtone, Tight Pants Wearing'' Rappers For Ruining The Game

D-Block rapper Jadakiss recently revealed his feelings on Jay-Z's departure from Def Jam, his disenchantment with the state of the hip-hop industry and details about his upcoming Roc-A-Fella debut.

Jada said he inked with the Roc to switch it up a bit.

"A change of pace," he said in an interview with The Come Up DVD. "The people like change. The fans like change. Not too dramatic but y'know, they like to see new sh*t and hear new sh*t and see new sh*t. It aint no different though. Different machine maybe but we've yet to see." [Watch Video Below]

The Yonkers emcee said he has about 7 or 8 songs in the can, but the album's not yet finished. He's holding out for some major production collabos.

"I still gotta holla at Kanye, Just Blaze, maybe Pharell, hopefully Dr. Dre, Toomp ... whoever got the f*cking heat man, Timbaland, Storch," he said. "I don't discriminate. If it's hot, let's have it."

Kiss is still toying with titles for the new disc, but said he's seriously considering Kiss My Ass.

"Nas is dropping n*gger, why I can't drop Kiss My Ass," he asked? "I think I might keep my sh*t. Kiss My Ass coming soon."

This will be the first solo album the rapper has released since 2004's Kiss of Death. When asked how the game has changed in those four years Jada held no punches.

"n*gga's is garbage," he said. "The game is f*cked up ... a bunch of ring tone, tight-pants-wearing motherf*ckers. I'm just doin' me. The music is f*cking garbage, man. Kanye came out with hot music. He sold records. T.I., same thing. Alicia Keys, same sh*t. If your sh*t was hot and you had a machine, you sold records."

And for those whose number were lacking ...

"Don't blame nobody, just make better music, *ssholes," Jada said. "It's a business at the end of the day, so you can be mad at who ever but you gotta be mad at yourself. Either the music wasn't right or you didn't handle your business. It's as simple as that."

One hip-hop artist who did handle his business, according to Jada is Jay-Z. And Kiss is not mad about the mogul's departure from Def Jam.

"He tried his hand for a few years, he raped the budget, he got however much they was paying him and he stepped down," Jada said. "He got his masters, he doin' his thing. 40/40's in Vegas and all that, hotels, he good."

Jada said he's trying to release his new disc in May around Memorial Day, which happens to be the rapper's birthday.

Kevin Liles Addresses Jay-Z/Warner Rumors

Since Jay-Z stepped down from his position as president of Def Jam in December 2007, there has been a lot of speculation about the mogul's next move. The most recent rumor has Hov going to Warner Music Group. In this exclusive interview discusses the possibility with Kevin Liles, Warner's Executive Vice President.

As previously reported, an industry insider told New York's Daily News that Jay-Z is in talks to start his own label with the head of Warner Music Group, Lyor Cohen. In early 2004 both Cohen and Liles left Island Def Jam and took top positions at Warner.

When asked if Jay-Z would be following suit, Liles would neither confirm nor deny the rumor. "Jay is going to do Jay. I wish him the best of luck in whatever he decides to do. We always gonna be together so it is what it is," Liles answered cryptically.

Lyor Cohen originally signed Jay-Z to Def Jam in 1997 and Liles was instrumental in his success. Cohen has previously said, "I would be honored and privileged to work with him again. Bringing Jay-Z to the Warner Music Group would be a privilege and a coup. I'd do it in a heartbeat."

Akon Concert Erupts In Violence, 8 People Arrested

A free Akon concert went terribly wrong Wednesday (Feb. 20), after a fire alarm set off panic among thousands of fans at a Danish mall.

According to Reuters reports, some 3,000 people gathered at the Fields mall outside Copenhagen to attend a free performance by the R&B singer. A number of concertgoers responded violently after police attempted to evacuate the building during a fire alarm.

"It was a free concert and we knew that many people would come, but there were a lot of people there, more than we had expected," Fields director Jens Geppel told Reuters.

While a large amount of fans arrived hours before the scheduled event, Geppel said many were turned away due to space limitations. Some 1,000 fans were allowed to enter a concert area of the mall for the performance, while others were only permitted to watch the show from a distance. When the mall fire alarm (which later proved to be false) interrupted Akon's third song, police attempted to evacuate the disappointed crowd and were met with protests and physical attacks. Several dozen concertgoers threw bottles and rocks at the authorities.

While no serious injuries were reported, emergency services were summoned to the scene to treat fans injured during the confusion. Eight people were arrested during the melee.

"It's a pity that not everyone got to see the concert," Geppel said, promising plans to investigate how things went wrong.

The confrontation in Denmark follows what has been termed as a mini-riot at a Valentine's Day dead prez concert at Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington last week. That incident spawned conflicting reports over dp's role in quelling the crowd, who reacted to police arresting a man in the audience by throwing rocks and shouting protests.

Concerts have been banned at Evergreen following the melee, which resulted in thousands of dollars worth of damage to four police vehicles.

VH1 SHIFTS FOCUS OF 'I LOVE NEW YORK': Season three to follow her shenanigans with fiancé as she tries to pursue film career

*You knew it was coming. VH1 is bringing back Tiffany "New York" Pollard, but not for the same ol' love search followed in the two previous seasons of her hit reality series, "I Love New York."

Because she is still engaged to season two winner George (Tailor Made) Weisgerber, the new show will focus on the couple's relationship and her attempts to become an actress in Los Angeles, reports the New York Daily News.

Titled "New York Loves Hollywood," producers are "currently trying to cast established industry people in Hollywood to be on the show with her," a source tells the paper's Gatecrasher column.

50 CENT MUST PAY PHOTOGRAPHER IN ASSAULT CASE: Court rules against rapper in jewelry shop beatdown.

A judge has ordered 50 Cent to pay an undisclosed sum to a man who says he was roughed up by the rapper's security team outside of a jewelry shop in New York.

Jim Alcorn, currently the New York Post's deputy photo assignment editor, was a photographer for the newspaper when he filed the lawsuit against Fitty in 2003.

Alcorn claimed he was trying to snap photos of the rap star, who'd just bought an $18,000 watch, when he was knocked down to the ground by 50's muscle crew. Alcorn was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for injuries to his neck and jaw.

"A settlement was reached and all parties are satisfied," said Alcorn's lawyer, Sanford Rubenstein, according to the New York Post. A rep for 50 said, "It's a legal issue that's been settled."

DJ Don Cannon Preps Mixtapes; Debut Album

The Philly-born, Atlanta-based producer will start compiling songs for the project in May 2008, he says, with an expected January 2009 release.

“I’m just gonna lock it in, like on some Dr. Dre s***: no showers, no food, just music,” jokes Cannon. “I’m gonna do half the album in Atlanta; do a couple of joints in Philly to capture that back home feeling. And I’m gonna do the rest of the album in LA.”

Fans can expect appearances by T.I., Lil’ Wayne, Ludacris and Young Jeezy, with whom Cannon scored the 2005 summer hit “Go Crazy.”
Cannon will also use the album to showcase up-and-coming talent, including Aphilliates Music Group artists Willie The Kid and Detroit Red.

“I’m gonna do an A-Town record with all the cats who are hot in Atlanta right now: Rocko, P$C, etc.,” Cannon tells WOTSMAG.com. “Then I’m gonna do a Philly record later this year with all the hot artists in Philly. I got a couple other hot song concepts too.”

Starting next Tuesday (Feb 19), Cannon will make several digital releases available in preparation for the as-yet-untitled album, which will also be released and largely marketed online.

The first will be an independent compilation album entitled Don Cannon Instrumental Anthems 1.0, a collection of the placed tracks, including Fabolous’s “Jokes on You” and “The Art of Storytellin’ Part 4” from DJ Drama’s Gangsta Grillz The Album.

One week later, Cannon will release the companion album to Instrumental Anthems, Don Cannon Hip-Hop Anthems 1.0 featuring the completed songs as they were released.

Both albums will be available as free downloads, joining his current internet hit, American Legend, which features remixes of eleven songs from Jay-Z’s American Gangster.

Don Cannon is currently in the studio with The Game, Ludacris, Willie The Kid, Slim Thug and is in negotiations to produce tracks for Jeezy’s third album as well as Rocko, Slick Pulla, and Big Kuntry’s major label debuts.

Whodini gives 10 reasons why they have been successful for 25years and beyond

In 1982 WHODINI, pronounced like the famed magician Harry Houdini, stepped on the scene with their first single, Magic's Wand, an intro song dedicated to Mr. Magic the first DJ in New York to play hip hop on the airwaves. WHODINI members Jalil "The Master Rapper" Hutchins, John "Ecstasy" Fletcher and Grandmaster Dee (DJ) created a formula of positive lyrical content enjoyable for all ages and accompanied with never before heard beats.

When we asked the group how does it feel to be out on the road in celebration of 25 years of highs and low while maintaining the grind they replied? "We would like to say “ONE LOVE” to everyone for the over whelming support of our anniversary tour and supporting our music over the years. We have visited Florida, and Houston during the tour and now we stop in hot Atlanta to personally say thank you, it’s a great honor to still be in the game and embraced by so many of our fans, retail, DJ’s, radio and media. And once again our biggest honor is seeing our fans continuously come out to see us perform week after week”. WOTSMAG caught up with them and asked them to give us 10 reasons why they are still successful and this is what they had to say:
1. Love
2. respect
3. Communication
4. knowing that you are not always right
5. Being honest and not cheating each other
6. And don't sleep with your best boy's girl (Wow)
7. faith
8. Confidence
9. Respect
10. Recognize that nobody is greater then the next!
Well said fellas I commend you! A far cry from whats being promoted in our rap albums now.

Today, more than twenty years later WHODINI has become sample sources for recording artist like Kid Rock, Snoop Dogg, MF Doom, Dre Dre, Wil Smith, San Quinn, Scarface, Tu Pac, Bone Thugs' N Harmony, Alana Davis, Lil Jon while their music has appeared on movie soundtracks like Cursed, Old School Next Friday, Blood Diamond, El Cantante, Scooby-Doo, BAPS, Trick or Treat, Drumline, The Wood, and The Jewel of the Nile. As we look back on their Magic Carpet Ride of gold and platinum hits including "Big Mouth", "The Haunted House of Rock", "Freaks Come Out At Night", "Friends", "One Love", "Funky Beat", and "Five minutes of Funk".

WHODINI was recharged as an honoree at the 4th annual Vh1 Hip Hop Honors in October, 2007 for their enormous contribution to the history and development of hip-hop music. On Monday February 11th, 2008 we cordially invite hip-hop lovers in Atlanta and around the world to join the celebration. Call in to your local radio station and request your favorite WHODINI song. Dig deep in your music collection, pull out your favorite WHODINI songs, lace your CD changer, and ride out reminiscing on the good times and the movement of hip hop legends, WHODINI.

TVT Filing Chapter 11; Staff Fired

New York based independent record label TVT Records terminated the majority of their employees today, sources revealed to WOTSMAG.com.

TVT, which is home to major recording stars like Lil Jon & The Eastside Boyz, Pitbull, Ying Yang Twins, The Polyphonic Spree and others, is expected to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this week.

TVT Records was founded by its current President, Steve Gottlieb, who launched the
Pitbull accused TVT Records of not properly promoting the album and placed most of the blame on Gottlieb.

"I'm out here working like a slave, doing things that other artists don't even know how to do," Pitbull said. "A label's there to further and promote your career, but it feels like they just keep holding me back."

TVT Records was also embroiled in a legal battle over early recordings by Cash Money Click, which featured Ja Rule.

While an initial ruling awarded TVT Records $132 million dollars in damages, the figure was soon voided to zero on appeal.

The status of TVT Records' other businesses, including TVT Music Publishing, is not known as of press time.

Eminem Releases Tell-All Book

Eminem is set to prove his mother isn't the only author in the family as he plans to publish his memoirs this fall.

According to UK based media outlet, New Music Express (NME) Em, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, is set to publish his autobiography entitled Eminem: The Way I Am via Orion Books this October. In addition to Eminem's written introduction and narrative, the book will also feature never before published photographs, as well as the rapper's journal notes, hand-drawn sketches and lyrics.

"Everyone has their own take on Eminem," Ian Preece of Orion Books said via statement. "Because of where he is from, people think they know where he is at, what kind of person he really is. This book cuts through all that and gets to the source. It has an edge. It'll be one of the books of the year."

The book follows on the heels of My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem, a tell-all published by Eminem's mother Debbie Nelson. In that book, which is already available in the UK, Nelson claims her son has battled depression for years. Nelson's troubled relationship with her son has been documented in his music as well as in legal actions, thanks to a $7 million defamation suit Nelson once filed.

Eminem: The Way I Am is expected to hit bookstore shelves on October 16th, 2008.

Nas' N*gger Album In Jeopardy, ''We'll Have To See,'' Says L.A. Reid

Nas has stirred up controversy with the title of his upcoming album, n*gger. Amid speculation about the album's future, caught up with Island Def Jam chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid to discuss the status of the Queensbridge emcee's upcoming release.

As previously reported, Nas and his wife Kelis hit the Grammy red carpet wearing t-shirts emblazoned with the title of his forthcoming album, n*gger. Though Nas seems confident that his controversial title will fly, Reid is not so sure. When asked if the new Nas album will be released with the n-word title, Reid replied with, "We'll have to see."

[What's your opinion of Nas' album title? Take our survery here]

According to Reid, the album, which was originally slated for a December 2007 release will drop sometime this spring. "Hopefully we'll get it in April or May," he told exclusively. "Something like that, somewhere around there. It's getting there, we're getting close."

"Expect Nas to educate us without preaching to us," Reid continued. "Expect him to give a point of view that maybe the world hasn't thought about. Expect him to really enlighten us."

In addition to the highly anticipated release from Nas, Reid is looking forward to all of the Island Def Jam releases scheduled for 2008. "We have Mariah, we have Janet which comes out at the end of February," he says with enthusiasm. "We have a Ludacris album coming up. Lionel Richie, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross. We have a lot!"

Kanye West Tour Dates

Kanye West may soon be lighting up a city near you, as tickets for his "Glow In The Dark" tour went on sale Feb. 14.

As previously reported, West recently announced the all star cast going on tour with him including his Island/Def Jam label mate Rihanna, Pharrell's group N.E.R.D. and Lupe Fiasco.

At Sunday's Grammy Award show, Kanye took home four statues including Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance for "Stronger," Best Rap Song for "Good Life," and Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group for his collabo with Common on "Southside."

To date Kanye's album Graduation is certified double platinum and the video for his "Flashing Lights" single recently premiered.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

Glow In The Dark Tour Dates

4/16/2008 - Key Arena - Seattle, WA

4/18/2008 - ARCO Arena - Sacramento, CA

4/19/2008 - HP Pavilion At San Jose - San Jose, CA

4/20/2008 - San Diego Sports Arena - San Diego, CA

4/21/2008 - Nokia Theatre LA Live - Los Angeles, CA

4/27/2008 - Pepsi Center - Denver, CO

5/01/2008 - Superpages Center - Dallas, TX

5/02/2008 - Woodlands Pavilion - Woodlands, TX

5/04/2008 - Arena at Gwinnett Center - Atlanta, GA

5/22/2008 - Palace of Auburn Hills - Auburn Hills, MI

5/23/2008 - United Center - Chicago, IL

Hot Boys reunion In New Orleans cancelled after shooting outside venue

Police have no suspects or motive; victims' injuries are reportedly not life-theatening.

By Shaheem Reid


NEW ORLEANS — The Hot Boys reunion at the club Dream here on Sunday night — featuring Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile and Mannie Fresh — was over before it could even get started: Two 24-year-old women and a 26-year-old man were shot outside the venue by an unknown gunman at around 12:57 a.m. on Monday (February 18).

According to police, the victims were standing on the sidewalk and began running when they heard gunshots. The three were quickly taken to a local hospital, where their injuries were said to be not life-threatening; the venue was closed and the event canceled.

At press time, local police said they have no suspects or motive in the shooting.

None of the MCs had arrived at the venue by the time of the shooting. MTV News caught up with Wayne not long after the incident. He seemed optimistic that the Hot Boys reunion could be rescheduled, saying that it's "only a phone call away."

The reunion was planned to be a cap on this year's NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans; it would have been the first time in several years that the group had performed. Mannie Fresh was scheduled to take the place of original member Turk, who is currently incarcerated, and a number of MCs — including Rick Ross, Baby and DJ Khaled, along with a host of NBA players — were expected to attend.

-MTV News

Sparks to Fly on Alicia Keys' Tour

Los Angeles (E! Online) - Alicia Keys wants to follow no one but Jordin Sparks.

The reigning American Idol champion has signed on to open for Keys on the platinum-selling chanteuse's upcoming As I Am tour, in support of the Grammy-winning album of the same name.

Their two-month North American road trip kicks off Apr. 19 in Hampton, Virginia, and will touch down in 25 major U.S. cities, Toronto and Montreal before winding up June 18 at New York's Madison Square Garden.

Although Sparks' self-titled first album fizzled on impact, selling a disappointing 119,000 copies its first week out to give her the weakest chart debut for an Idol winner (10th place), the 18-year-o