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February 29, 2008

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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/29/2008 | 0 comments

  • February 27, 2008

    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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/27/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/27/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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."


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/27/2008 | 0 comments

  • February 26, 2008

    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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/26/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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."


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/26/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/26/2008 | 0 comments

  • February 24, 2008

    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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/24/2008 | 0 comments

  • Jay-Z's clothing line sparks legal storm



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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/24/2008 | 0 comments

  • February 22, 2008

    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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/22/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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."


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/22/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/22/2008 | 0 comments

  • February 21, 2008

    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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/21/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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."


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/21/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/21/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/21/2008 | 0 comments

  • 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.


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  • February 20, 2008

    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.


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  • February 19, 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!"


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  • 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


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  • 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


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  • February 17, 2008

    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-old songbird from Glendale, Arizona, continues to charm with her live appearances.

    Sparks, the daughter of former pro football player Phillippi Sparks, performed the national anthem before a hometown crowd—and more than 97 million at-home viewers—at Glendale's University of Phoenix Stadium on Super Bowl Sunday, and she's scheduled to take the stage this weekend in New Orleans as part of NBA All-Star Weekend.

    Her big-game credentials in place, Sparks will also head off on tour fresh from being named Outstanding New Artist Thursday at the 39th NAACP Image Awards.

    Keys, a four-time winner at the Image Awards and a pregame performer at the Super Bowl, scored two Grammys on Sunday, Best R&B Vocal Performance and Song for "No One," to go along with the other nine she's scooped up over the years.


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  • February 16, 2008

    DAVE MAYS SINGS HIS REDEMPTION SONG: And it begins with an ode to Ray Benzino

    Dave Mays has been hated on a great deal ever since The Source magazine took off back in the early 90s.

    It was nearing the end of the 'Black Power' phase of Hip-Hop music and here comes this white guy with a highly successful Hip-Hop publication.

    Then there were the slew of artists who did not like the way albums were graded in the magazines well read rating system. And of course there's Mr. Mays' relationship with former Almighty RSO/Made Men leader Ray Benzino.

    The Roxbury, Massachusetts reared man of Puerto Rican descent merged with a middle class Jewish cat and the rest was history. Though Benzino is not constantly in the press, when he is it tends to make waves. He tends to rub some folks the wrong way. But Mays is quick to come to the defense of his brother from another mother.

    "First of all, anyone who is critical of him I can guarantee has never met him or had a conversation with him," Mays began. "Any person who comes across with the opinion you've just shared has never met the man. It would be hard for anyone to disagree with me when I say any person that judges someone that they have never spoken to or have never met is a fool. If people are going to make judgments based upon things they read in the media, I will reiterate, they are foolish."

    People have been making snap decisions about things that they've read in the media since the beginning of printed media. The Source magazine has swayed many impressionable Hip-Hoppers with its sometimes seemingly biased stances on politics, the music industry and artists against which the publication may have allegedly had an ax to grind. So, for Mr. Mays to then speak down upon an individual that makes a decision based information published in a non-Mays/Benzino publication is a curious one to say the least. Is he calling some of his former readership fools? That's likely not the case, but one could read that between the lines. But Mays' says his homeboy is a genius and is, in fact, the brain trust of all their combined endeavors.

    "Here's what I can say and I'll say it to the day I die, the man is a genius, he's brilliant and he's been a critical person to our generation. He and I are going to accomplish things beyond anyone's imagination over the next 20 years. It's very ignorant for people from the outside to look at us and see the white guy from Harvard and assume (I'm) the brains of the operation. I think it's a little sad and it speaks to the issue of stereotypes and race and even the conflict within the African-American community regarding their own race and identities. The success that I've had with The Source and with Hip-Hop Weekly and Monsta, it's because of him. He's the driving force, he's the visionary, he's the strategist."

    That is certainly news to us. In the past Benzino has seemingly come off as a bit of a loose cannon in his encounters with some of the most beloved rap artists while at the Source, but Mays says he's actually a real laid back, almost reclusive type of person. In essence, Benzino may not talk a whole lot, but when he does speak it's with fire and passion. Characteristics that may bruise the oft-times swelled egos that dwell in the Hip-Hop industry.

    "He and I are all about change," added Mays. "Look what we've done over the past 20 years. He and I have given careers to and empowered hundreds of people. Hundreds of people have careers because of what we've been able to accomplish. Their lives have been enriched because of us. There's many, many things that we have done for this culture and that's nothing compared to the things that we're going to do. "

    That road to the future Mays spoke of? The first brick on that road was laid with the introduction of Hip-Hop Weekly.

    "During our time of struggle to maintain control of the Source, we knew that we might lose. We did decide we would start a new magazine if that happened, but we didn't know what and that's how the idea was initially formulated for Hip-Hop Weekly. We were ousted in January of 2006 and in March of 2006 Benzino called me and woke me up in the middle of the night and was like 'Dave, I've got it!' He explained to me the concept, I agreed. I stayed up until 6 o'clock in the morning running business models and projections for it and came up with a much more efficient way of building a magazine than what we had with The Source. The same thing happened with Monsta, that was Ray's idea. He came up with the concept a few months ago."

    Though the road to the future is already being paved, Mays tells EURweb that there was a brief moment when he and Benzino considered bailing The Source out of its continued financial situation, but that fell through. Lucky for Dave, Benzino had another trick up his sleeve.

    "A few months ago, when The Source was in the middle of bankruptcy, an attempt was made to try and regain control of it, but that didn't happen so we moved forward with the idea for Monsta. We love Hip-Hop Weekly, but Monsta is truly where are heart is at. He came up with the name and general concept for it and we've been putting it together ever since."

    As anyone in the magazine publishing industry can tell you, the life of a publisher is tenuous filled with the highs of great weekly circulation numbers, to the lows of low advertising revenue. Our Lee Bailey asked Mays, with the Internet giving readers information instantly, how can a print publication hope to compete?

    "The internet is a monstrous thing and it is reshaping the world as we know it. There's a lot of hysteria going on and people get very caught up in this hysteria and get carried away with things. Paper goods and printed materials will be around, certainly, for our life times. I don't see them disappearing. They're changing. Just as everything else is changing. What you have is a snuffing out. Print media has more competition than it had in the past so the weaker magazines are going under. By the same token you can go to the newsstand now and pick up GQ magazine and see a big, healthy, 300 page magazine sitting out there on that newsstand making a lot of money."

    Money, not the socio-political galvanization of the Hip-Hop youth or the worldview of our favorite MCs, but money is the bottom line with any publication.

    "The one category in the print business for the past five years is the celebrity weekly format. There are about 8 magazines: Us Weekly, People, Life & Style, Star Magazine, etc. You go to any supermarket in America and you see those magazines plastered up by the checkout counter. Well, guess what? All of those magazines are selling anywhere from half a million to 2 million copies a week, making tens millions of dollars. They're all covering the same set of white celebrities. They all ignore the fact that we are a multi-cultural society."

    That's why Monsta, his new monthly mag and Hip-Hop Weekly have stepped up to kick in the proverbial door of the unclaimed advertising dollars of companies that are dying to market to urban minded readers. That's money that People, Us Weekly and others of that orientation will never see.

    During the mid-90s The Source took some very controversial political stances and sparked the imaginations of many would be Hip-Hop activists. Mays tells EURweb that Monsta will be that vehicle from here on out. Both Hip Hop Weekly and Monsta are on newsstands now.


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  • February 15, 2008

    GEORGE DANIELS CONFIRMS R. KELLY RUMORS: Chicago music veteran says singer 'crossed the line' with daughter

    Chicago-based music retailer and industry veteran George Daniels has confirmed rumors that he and his wife, Regina Daniels, have severed all ties with 41-year-old entertainer R. Kelly because of a sexual relationship the singer had with their daughter, Maxine.

    Regina Daniels, the singer's longtime publicist, released a statement in November announcing she had quit her post with the R&B crooner, explaining only that a line had been crossed. Now, music retailer George Daniels is speaking out about the situation, confirming rumors about what led to the bad blood.

    "He crossed the line with my daughter," Daniels said during an interview with Los Angeles radio station KJLH. "It didn't get to the extreme of that [sex tape] video or else I wouldn't be here, if you know what I'm talking about."


    Maxine, who was 21 when the relationship occurred, is still in college at Northern Illinois University and "doing very well," Daniels tells KJLH's morning show host Guy Black. Though his daughter was of legal age, he says Kelly still took advantage of her.

    "When you're 21, and if you've been there already like I've been many years ago, you're still 15 to 16 mentally. You're vulnerable," Daniels explained.

    Daniels said he and his wife would hear rumors about her daughter and Kelly having relations, and it took a while for his daughter to come clean and admit it. When she finally did, Daniels said he immediately confronted Kelly.

    "He denied it. He lied to me to my face," Daniels said.

    "The reason that I'm talking abut this, it's not just for me, it's not for my wife, it's not for my daughter, but it's for the public, "Daniels added. "It's for other fathers and mothers because it doesn't have to be a superstar, it could be the dude on the corner. There are guys who sit around and give your child a couple of bucks to go to school and then wait until they get a little older, then they set that trap. See, so I'm doing this really for everyone."


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  • February 14, 2008

    DJ Khaled Inks Deal W/ Def Jam

    Miami, producer and radio personality DJ Khaled recently partnered with Def Jam for his We The Best Music imprint.

    Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group, Antonio "L.A." Reid, made the official announcement yesterday (Feb. 13), according to a press release.

    Though still down with Fat Joe's Terror Squad, Khaled said he's happy to be with Def Jam.

    "I'm proud to be a member of the Def Jam family. Def Jam has been and still is one of the most important institutions in hip-hop and music as a whole," Khaled said via a statement. "I am extremely honored and excited to be a partner with them in We The Best Music. I look forward to creating great music and continuing the success."

    Khaled's latest album, We The Best released on Koch Records in June of '07, included appearances from Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Akon, T.I. Lil' Wayne, Fat Joe, Cool & Dre, Juelz Santana, Beanie Sigel, and The Game. The album, which featured the smash single "We Takin' Over," debuted at No. 8 on Billboard charts.

    Rapper Ace will be the first artist to release under the new agreement. No word yet on his debut date or any other projects to come.


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  • Jim Jones & Ciara Honored W/ Hip-Hop Summit Action Awards

    Russell Simmons, Dr. Benjamin Chavis and their Hip Hop Summit Action Network will honor Snoop Dogg, Ciara, Doug E. Fresh, Chris Lighty, Jim Jones and Capital Management president Mellody Hobson at this year's 5th annual Action Awards celebration.

    The awards -- recognizing the outstanding corporate and artistic contributions of hip-hop icons, as well as their dedication and commitment to community service and empowerment -- will be presented at an exclusive fundraising dinner on February 25 in New York City.

    Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, chairman and president/CEO, respectively, of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) made the announcement via a statement yesterday (Feb. 13).

    "HSAN holds the Action Awards to celebrate the importance of people taking action to give back to our communities," Simmons said. "Snoop, Ciara, Doug E., Chris, Jim, and Mellody represent the best of hip-hop and all have uniquely and effectively given back their time, money and energy to help improve the quality of life of all people. HSAN, therefore, is proud to honor each of them with the 2008 Action Award."

    BET ExecutiveVice President of Entertainment and Music Programming, Stephen Hill, and Disturbing Tha Peace Records' CEO, Chaka Zulu will serve as the events co-chairs.Lighty, CEO of Violator Management, sponsors annual community events and serves as a board member for the G-Unity Foundation, a 50 Cent project that provides grants to non-profit organizations that help out low-income neighborhoods.

    Dipset rep Jim Jones supports community programs in NYC schools; Doug E. Fresh has participated as the co-moderator with Chavis in many Hip-Hop Summit financial literacy Summits around the country; Snoop coaches the Snoop Youth Football League working with young inner city boys; and Ciara works with The VH1 Save The Music Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to restore music education programs in schools.

    Hobson, president of one of the largest African-American owned investment firms in the world gives her time to the Ariel Education Initiative and ArielCommunityAcademy in the south side of Chicago where they teach financial literacy to students from pre-K to 8th grade.

    This year's six Action Award recipients will join the ranks of previous honorees, Sean "Diddy" Combs, Jay-Z, Mary J. Blige, Ludacris and The Ludacris Foundation, Kanye West, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Nelly, Destiny's Child, Jermaine Dupri, Chrysler Financial, Debra L. Lee and BET, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., Pepsi-Cola North America President Dawn Hudson, Tommy Hilfiger and MTV's "Choose or Lose" Campaign and Steve Stoute.


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  • 50 Cent Gets Child Support Payments Cut.

    50 Cent may make millions, but that doesn't mean you can take him for a ride. The rapper was furious when Shaniqua Tomkins, baby mama of his 10-year-old son, Marquis Jackson, kept asking him for more money, so he took Tomkins to court to let a judge decide how much he should pay in child support. Tomkins asked for $50,000 a month and was granted $25,000 a month while the court went through her and Marquis' expenses. A ruling was handed down earlier this week: Tomkins will now receive a paltry $6,700 a month in support from Fitty. The rapper's lawyer, Brett Kimmel, said, "My client and I are very happy with the ruling. "


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  • February 13, 2008

    LENNY KRAVITZ HOSPITALIZED WITH BRONCHITIS: Rocker sidelined in midst of publicity tour for new album

    Timing couldn't have been worse for Lenny Kravitz. The rocker is currently sidelined by a nasty case of bronchitis that has temporarily shut down the rigorous promotional blitz for his new album, "It's Time For a Love Revolution."

    Kravitz, 43, was taken to a Miami hospital Monday morning after suffering from a series of severe respiratory tract infections in tandem with the flu since mid-January. Over the weeks, the illness evolved into bronchitis.

    "Due to extreme dehydration and fatigue, doctors were unable to control it with outpatient treatment and advised the singer to check into the hospital. He was taken this morning to the emergency room at Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami for immediate treatment," his rep said in a statement.

    Kravitz managed to make his scheduled performances last week on the "Late Show with David Letterman" and "Live with Regis and Kelly." However, his current condition has forced him to postpone a promotional trip to Europe.


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  • The Game Sentenced To 60 Days, Reporting To Jail Next Week

    After pleading no contest to a felony gun charge of possession of a firearm in a school zone, The Game was sentenced to spend 60 days behind bars on Feb. 11.

    As previously reported by, the Compton-bred MC opted to take a plea agreement rather than take his case to trial on the charges of making criminal threats, possessing a firearm in a school zone and exhibiting a firearm in the presence of an officer. The charges all resulted from an altercation during a pick up basketball game.

    The rapper reveals in the premiere edition of hip-hop mag MONSTA that he believed he would have to do a four month bid in connection with the plea deal. But according to TMZ, the rapper was sentenced yesterday to only 60 days jail time, three years probation and 150 hours of community service. The rapper was charged for possession of a firearm in a school zone because the other two were dropped as part of the plea agreement.

    The rapper said he was more than ready to face his punishment, having told MONSTA, "The crazy part about this is that I've had guns before in my life," he explained. "But this time I didn't have a gun. And because one person said I had a gun and coaxed his homies into saying that I had a gun, I'm in a predicament where I'm asking, do I want to spend another million dollars to fight this trial so who knows what jury's gonna come in and say I'm guilty? Or do I want to save my money, go sit down for four months and accept this felony they're trying to give me for no reason?"

    Game now has until March 3 to turn himself in for his sentence. According to the Los Angeles Times he is expected to go in as early as next week.


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  • February 12, 2008

    NAS WEARS 'N**GER' T-SHIRT TO GRAMMYS: Rapper talks about decision to plug new album in such a bold manner

    Nas and his wife Kelis caused a few heads to turn on the Grammy red carpet Sunday when folks caught a glimpse of their t-shirts emblazoned with the word, "n**ger."

    The racial epithet is also the name of Nas' upcoming album, which has been pushed back several times by Def Jam and has already caused controversy.

    Explaining his album title to CNN, Nas said of the word: "It's all the experiences we go through every day, of all ethnicities, black, white, indifferent.
    "We've all at some point felt discriminated on, whether its in Dominican Republic, whether its in China, whether its in Iraq with soldiers getting their heads blown off for reasons we don't know why. The meaning of the word is supposed to be ignorant.

    "So no longer are Black people still n**gers, it's also me and you. I want people to think about what I'm thinking about today."


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  • February 11, 2008

    Timbaland Phones In Mobile Album

    Heavyweight producer Timbaland is bringing his newest sounds to audiences via telephone, creating a new "mobile album" available to Verizon wireless V Cast subscribers.

    The Virginia hit maker, who recently buried the hatchet with rival Scott Storch, has been elected as Verizon's mobile producer in residence, a responsibility that will call for him to produce one song per month for the cell phone provider, creating magic in the studio with a different artist each month.

    Tim's studio experience will be captured on film, creating making-of footage that will be available on Timbaland's channel for V Cast subscribers. For Timbo, the new deal offers him the opportunity to reach even more listeners, while also making history.

    "Every place don't get a CD [but] everybody has a mobile phone," Timbaland said in an interview with Billboard.com. "Just producing a mobile album has never been done. I'm the first to ever do it."

    Unlike traditional albums, V Cast subscribers will be able to access the new mobile tracks just days after they are produced, in the form of full-length download, ringtone and ringback. All Timbaland mobile tracks are accessible only via V Cast and Verizon, and fans can look forward to a mobile compilation album at the end of the year.

    The new Verizon deal will call for Timbaland to cover some familiar ground, pairing him with artists from Interscope Records, the label that released his Grammy-nominated Shock Value and distributes his Mosley Music imprint. Interscope will also determine if songs will be worked to radio during the exclusive period, or more broadly distributed afterward.

    "How I prepare for [the new album] is, I just do it, like any other album," Timbaland told Billboard. "The only difference is it's immediate... "I'm just going to have fun with it. I'll just do what comes in mind."

    In related news, Tim's last album Shock Value has been nominated for five awards at this Sunday's (Feb. 10) 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Timbaland has also been nominated for Producer of the Year.


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  • Jay-Z Heads New Advertising Company W/ Steve Stoute

    Multi-faceted rap mogul Jay-Z is about to add one more job title to his resume as he becomes co-chairman of a new business venture.

    According to the New York Times, the ex-president of Def Jam, owner of the 40/40 sports bar franchise and soon-to-be hotel investor will join forces with fellow entrepreneur Steve Stoute to open Translation Advertising in New York, which will help marketers connect with multicultural consumers.

    Jay-Z said the venture is "part of the natural growth" of his music career.

    "As an artist, you make music," he said. "And if you see people who don't know how to market your music, you get involved in it."

    The ad agency's parent company, Translation Consultation and Brand Imaging, has already worked for high-profile advertisers including General Motors, Hewlett-Packard, McDonald's and Reebok. Stoute sold Translation Consultation last fall for an estimated $10 million to $15 million.

    "You know his story," said Stoute of his new business partner. "He came from nothing and turned it into something before our eyes."

    And as Stoute said: "He left his day job at Def Jam; he has to do something."

    In related news, Jigga is rumored to be starting his own label - "Carter Music Group" - with Lyor Cohen, the head of Warner Music Group. There has also been speculation about a possible deal with Apple Inc. in which Jay-Z would co-found a label with the tech giant.


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  • Bun B Reacts To Pimp C's Death, Considers Banning Syrup Talk On New CD

    In the wake of Pimp C's death, UGK partner in rhyme Bun B is among the first in the rap community to speak out on the use of "Sizzurp," an illegal beverage often referenced in Southern rap songs.

    As previously reported, Pimp C's passing was due to complications from sleep apnea as well as an accidental overdose of prescription-strength codeine, one of the main ingredients in "Sizzurp."

    In an interview with Fox 26 in Houston, Bun B said he was dismayed to find out syrup played a role in Pimp C's death, but noted it's a reality of his environment.

    "It was sad, but it's a definitely real thing living in Houston, Texas," he said. "Being a person that affiliates with the common man on the street, we all know that in Houston, Texas we have a problem now with the cough syrup epidemic. And while it wasn't solely the cause of his death, we have to be very real about the consequences to some of these things."

    "Pimp C did have a prescription for it, but you have to be very careful when you get prescriptions for certain things because sometimes you can tend to go a little too far with some of these things," he added. "They have very strong, addictive qualities - pills and syrups and what not."

    The bottle found in Pimp C's hotel reportedly had no prescription label.

    UGK often rhymed about drinking "Sizzurp," but Bun B said they were starting to walk a different path.

    "We had been taking down, toning down the content of certain things in the music lately," he said. "My new album of course probably won't have any references to cough syrup in it.

    "Sizzurp" is apparently behind the deaths of at least three hip-hop artists - DJ Screw, who died of a heart attack in 2000 from a codeine overdose, Big Moe, who died of a heart attack in 2003, and now Pimp C, whose real name is Chad Butler. Bun B said the problem is part of a larger epidemic.

    "In Houston, on the streets, there is an epidemic with the people sipping the cough syrup, and it's something that needs to be addressed," he said. "It's a little bit more than in music. I think it's going to start affecting the personal lives of a lot of artists, and people in the Houston rap scene."

    "To anyone out there thinking about sipping syrup or currently abusing syrup, you may want to take a very good look at yourself, a long look at yourself," he said.

    In related news, after 15 years on the rap circuit, UGK has scored its first Grammy Award nomination for "Int'l Players (I Choose You)" featuring Outkast and produced by Three 6 Mafia.

    "It was bittersweet to say the least, but this is all due to Chad and his blessed talents," Bun B said. "He was a very talented young man, had a very, strong clear vision of where he wanted to go musically, and this Grammy was something that he had always said that we would one day be able to get - which I wasn't really sure about it myself, but I had all the confidence In the world in him."

    "So we stuck at it, we kept moving forward, he kept bringing all the talent he possessed, putting it into the music, and we ended up coming up with this great song," he said. "The powers that be acknowledged it and we have a Grammy nomination now, and it's all due to Chad."


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/11/2008 | 0 comments

  • February 10, 2008

    50 Cent Speaks On Alleged Rift W/ Young Buck, ''It's Not What People Think It Is''

    50 Cent recently appeared on Kay Slay's Streetsweeper Radio show on Sirius Shade 45 and spoke on Young Buck's noticeable absence from the latest G-Unit mixtape.

    "Return of the Bodysnatchers Vol. 1," dropped this week and is currently available for free download on 50's website Thisis50.com. The new release sparked controversy because, while Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks appear alongside 50 Cent on the mixtape cover, G-Unit member Young Buck is nowhere to be seen.

    Buck's absence from the cover and most of the mixtape songs have only fueled rumors of trouble brewing between the Cashville representer, but 50 rebutted those claims.

    "It looks crazy because he just ain't there, then you come back and see the tape and he ain't there, but it's not what people think it is," 50 told Kay Slay. [Listen Here]

    According to 50, scheduling conflicts are to blame from both Buck's absence from the G-Unit international tour and the "Return of the Bodysnatchers Vol.1" mixtape.

    "It felt like there was nothing out there, so we went in and recorded it in one weekend, the 'Return of the Bodysnatchers,'" 50 explained. "There's been a lot of speculation because Buck is just on that one joint, that wasn't recorded during the process of making this tape, that joint was something we did awhile back."

    "During the actual international tour, Buck was scheduled to go on the 'Young Rich Tour' - the tour Sha Money was putting together for him and Rich Boy - and I didn't know that didn't actually materialize while I was overseas," he added. "[And] that's why they didn't see Buck overseas with us. He was in Nashville while we was in New York the weekend we decided to put the tape together."

    Buck recently reacted to his exclusion from the mixtape and international tour during a Super Bowl week visit to Phoenix, Arizona radio station Power 98.3, once again addressing the growing distance between himself and G-Unit.

    "It makes me feel like 'What's going on?' When you see a video, everybody's there, and no Buck," he said. "Or you see your man moving overseas on tour with the camp, G-Unit. Or you go to ThisIs50.com and you see G-Unit pictures that's there without Buck's face. And then there's no communication, so I don't really understand why a lot of things is what it is. I don't have time to figure out why. So I'm just moving on, getting my money, man. With all respect to 50 Cent, 50 Cent put me in the position I'm in right now to give my music to the world." [Watch Video Here]

    Buck's appearance at a recent Lil' Wayne concert in Chattanooga, Tennessee led audience members to believe he plans to jump ship from G-Unit and re-join Cash Money Records, however reps for Buck have disputed those reports stating that the rapper remains on the G-Unit label.


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  • Snoop's "Ego" trip moves up on calendar

    NEW YORK (Billboard) - With the video for "Sensual Seduction" as its lead-in, Snoop Dogg's new album, "Ego Trippin'," has been bumped to a March 11 release by Interscope, which originally planned to put it out in May.


    Beyond "Seduction," which is No. 8 this week on the Billboard Hot 100, the 20-track album goes retro on "Hollywood Nights," which showcases swanky piano, fat horns and the cartoonish chorus "Those Hollywood nights/they drive me crazy."

    Opener "Press Play" samples the Isley Brothers' "Atlantis." On "Never Have to Worry," Snoop recounts his life story over a lush background of piano, saxophone and bass; and "Make It Good" admonishes men who are scared of commitment.


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  • P Diddy flies Natassia Malthe to NYC for romantic weekend


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  • Kanye Preps Grammys Tribute to His Mother


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  • February 09, 2008

    50 CENT WANTS ASHANTI FOR G-UNIT?

    The New York Daily News' Rush & Malloy column reported Wednesday that 50 Cent is trying to convince Ashanti to leave Irv Gotti's operation at The Inc. and become a part of his stable of artists at G-Unit.

    According to the paper, the R&B songstress has been upset with Gotti for saying in various interviews that they had a sexual encounter.

    "She was pissed," says the source, "And now 50 Cent is trying to get her to be a part of G-Unit."


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  • ARE JAY-Z AND LYOR COEN PLOTTING A NEW LABEL?: Rumor has it that the two are looking to launch Carter Music Group

    Warner Music Group boss Lyor Cohen says he has not spoken with Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter about partnering to launch a new record label, but adds he would love to re-team with the rapper he once signed to Island Def/Jam.

    "I would be honored and privileged to work with him again," Cohen, a former Def Jam exec, tells the New York Daily News. "Bringing Jay-Z to the Warner Music Group would be a privilege and a coup. I'd do it in a heartbeat."

    A source told the newspaper that Jay-Z left his post as Def Jam CEO in December because the job took too much time away from his other ventures.

    "The reason Jay left Def Jam was less about money than about freedom," the source said. "He didn't want to come to the office every day. And he had so many outside projects - his chain of 40/40 clubs and the hotel he's building in Chelsea. But he wouldn't mind having a small label for the talent he discovers. He might just put out three or four records a year. He'd let somebody else do the heavy lifting."


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  • MARY J. BLIGE AND JAY-Z ANNOUNCE TOUR: Artists to mount 25-date co-headlining jaunt through North America

    Jay-Z and his Grammy-winning "Can't Knock the Hustle" partner Mary J. Blige will co-headline a 25-date, North American outing dubbed the "Mary J. Blige & Jay-Z: Heart of the City" tour.

    The Live Nation and Haymon Events produced trek kicks off on March 22 at Miami's American Airlines Arena and will hit cities along the eastern seaboard as well as New Orleans, Houston, Las Vegas and Oakland.

    The "Mary J. Blige & Jay-Z: Heart of the City" tour is the pinnacle of Mary and Jay's long-time collaboration which began in 1996 with the their hit single "Can't Knock The Hustle."

    Tickets go on sale for the first shows beginning Feb. 15th and are available through http://www.livenation.com. Confirmed dates are listed below. More dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

    MARY J. BLIGE & JAY-Z: HEART OF THE CITY TOUR

    DATE CITY VENUE
    March 22 Miami, FL American Airlines Arena
    March 26 Baltimore, MD 1st Mariner Arena
    March 27 Uniondale, NY Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
    March 28 East Rutherford, NJ Izod Center
    March 30 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
    April 2 Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
    April 3 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden
    April 5 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum
    April 6 Washington, DC Verizon Center
    April 16 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl


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  • February 07, 2008

    The Game Cops Plea Deal In Assault Case, Headed To Jail For 4 Months

    Rather than fight the felony gun charges that he was hit with last year, platinum rapper The Game has opted to face the music in a Los Angeles jail.

    As previously reported, the West Coast rapper (born Jayceon Taylor) is being accused of making criminal threats, possessing a firearm in a school zone, and exhibiting a firearm in the presence of an officer after allegedly getting into a fight during a pick-up game of basketball.

    The alleged incident went down at South L.A.'s Rita Walters Educational Learning Complex on February 24 of last year. The Game pled not guilty to all charges in September and was looking at five years if convicted.

    Now The Game has changed his mind, opting to save his money instead of fight the case. In the debut issue of new hip-hop magazine MONSTA, Game says that he's copping to guilt in court, even though he's really innocent.

    "The crazy part about this is that I've had guns before in my life," he explained. "But this time I didn't have a gun. And because one person said I had a gun and coaxed his homies into saying that I had a gun, I'm in a predicament where I'm asking, Do I want to spend another million dollars to fight this trial so who knows what jury's gonna come in and say I'm guilty? Or do I want to save my money, go sit down for four months and accept this felony they're trying to give me for no reason?"

    Game reveals the news of his four month bid in the premiere issue of MONSTA magazine, a new venture from the former Source magazine owners Dave Mays and Raymond "Benzino" Scott.

    Benzino recently told in an earlier interview, that MONSTA is poised to crush the competition.

    "We're coming right after The Source, XXL, Vibe and Complex," he told exclusively. "I don't even know if [Complex] is selling that many magazines, but them too. Give us one year and believe me we'll be knocking The Source, XXL, Vibe and all of the other mags out the box."

    The debut issue of MONSTA hits newsstands on February 12.


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  • Jay-Z's 40/40 Club's Got 99 Problems, Ex-Employees Complain Of Club Practices

    After experiencing a wide array of mishaps at his New York locale, Jay-Z's newly opened Las Vegas 40/40 Club has seen several setbacks and massive lay-offs, and the former employees are speaking out.

    According to Las Vegas Weekly, since its December 30th opening in 2007, an estimated 100 or more staff members of the club have been reportedly escorted off of the property or have voluntarily resigned from their posts.

    Many former employees have gone public with their their complaints. Using MySpace and TMZ ex-employees have claimed that the club's policies include: on-the-spot, mid-shift terminations without investigations, threats, degrading treatment, use of the n-word by management, and a complete lack of preparedness.

    Operating partner of the 40/40 club Desiree Perez (aka Desiree Gonzalez) - wife of co-owner Juan Perez - is rumored to be responsible for the firings, but declined to comment on the matter. However, club manager Ramon Mata did weigh in on the controversy surrounding the newly opened night spot.

    "As with all new businesses, you find out in your first few days of operations what staffing levels are needed," he said. "We adjusted accordingly and followed all rules and regulations in terms of employees that were let go."

    The firings allegedly started before the club even opened its doors, with a manager being dismissed because of questionable operating procedures. Of the original 10 managers hired at the club, only two are still employed.

    Staff members complained that the first time they had a chance to work with the cash-register system at the club was only an hour before the doors opened. Bartenders, cocktail servers and managers also complained of a "no comp" policy that required them to pay for spills and breakage.

    In addition, 55 of 90 security personnel were let go at closing on December 31. Other stories include bartenders being over staffed and fired without investigation for instances that were not properly investigated.

    These are just the latest issues for the 40/40 franchise.

    As previously reported by, the club's new year's eve celebration was in jeopardy due to a failed inspection, but the venue was able to obtain the proper permits and licenses to ensure that the club opened on time as planned.

    The New York club has also been mired in controversy since its opening. A former waitress filed a lawsuit against the club for allegedly failing to pay her wages, an off-duty cadet was stabbed, and a New Jersey man was charged with raping a 21 year-old woman at the club only a short time after it opened for business.


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  • Pimp C Death Attributed To Accidental Overdose

    The L.A. County Coroner has determined that Pimp C's death was due to complications stemming from sleep apnea and an accidental overdose of prescibed codeine.

    Despite previous reports that Pimp C died of natural causes, according to TMZ, the Port Arthur rapper had a pre-existing sleeping disorder that made it hard for him to breathe. Combined with his codeine consumption, it proved to be deadly.

    Assistant Chief Coroner Ed Winter explained Pimp C's death to The Houston Chronicle; "[With] sleep apnea, you stop breathing. Coupled with a medication that suppresses your respiratory abilities, you end up with an accidental death."

    Pimp C (born Chad Butler) who was one half of seminal Southern rap group UGK, along with Bun B, often rhymed about drinking "Sizzurp" - an illegal beverage whose main ingredient includes codeine. In 2000, rap innovator DJ Screw, also died from a heart attack attributed to a codeine overdose and last year Houston rapper Big Moe, 33, died of a heart attack which many believed to be connected to drink.

    Pimp C died last year on December 4 at only 33 years-old. He was found dead in his bed at the Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood.


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  • February 06, 2008

    50 CENT DENIES CURSING OUT PARIS HILTON: Rapper's DJ says she was not kicked off the stage in tears as reported.

    A DJ for 50 Cent is denying reports that the rapper made Paris Hilton cry at a pre-Super Bowl concert last weekend by yelling at her to "get the f*** off the stage."

    The New York Post's Page Six first reported that 50 gave the celebutante a shout out during his performance at a venue in Scottsdale. The column claimed she tried to jump on stage to dance when 50 Cent's reported response caused her to climb back down and shed tears.

    50 Cent associate DJ Whoo Kid said the rapper did give Hilton a shout out, but the rest of the story is completely false.

    "It's no way we would kick Paris Hilton off the stage on her birthday," Whoo Kid told MTV.com. "We ain't that heartless. I know 50 hates Ja Rule and Fat Joe, but he ain't that heartless to throw Paris Hilton ... off the stage. ... Somebody called me and asked me if Paris got kicked off. I was like, 'Huh?' She was dancing the whole time. She was having a good time. We hung with her afterwards. ... We kick her off her own stage and she's hanging with us? I guess people wanna hear, '50 threw Paris Hilton off the stage.'"

    On Monday, video footage of 50 kicking somebody offstage during one of his shows surfaced on the Internet. The clip also shows a woman who appears to be Hilton in the front row of the concert partying at the time somebody is supposed to have gotten rudely dismissed, MTV reports.

    That footage, according to Whoo Kid, was actually taken during the Sundance Film Festival, not Super Bowl weekend, and 50 booted a security guard from the stage during the performance.

    "Paris was there too," Whoo Kid explained. "She was at the front of the stage also. But nah, we kicked a security ni**a off. That's some security guy that kept jumping on the stage, picking sh** up off the stage, pushing people back while we're performing. This di**head, we didn't even know him. Either he's security or works for the club, he keeps getting on the stage. ... But the video looks so generic, you can't tell. He got on the stage three, four times while we were performing. 50 got so pissed off, he said, 'Get the f*** off my stage.' Then I played 'Wanksta.'"


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  • BRANDY'S MOM SUES KIM KARDASHIAN: Mama Norwood claims son's ex charged over $120,000 on her credit card without permission

    Kim Kardashian may have thought she was done with the Norwoods after severing ties with ex-boyfriend Ray J following their infamous sex tape. But the drama continues on with a lawsuit filed Monday against the socialite by Ray J's mother.

    Sonja Norwood is suing Kardashian and her siblings Khloe, Kourtney and Robert Jr. alleging they ran up more than $120,000 in charges on her American Express card in 2006 and 2007.

    In the lawsuit, Norwood says Kardashian had only been authorized in 2004 to make one purchase on the card in Kim's then-capacity as a stylist for her daughter Brandy. Norwood claims Kardashian made extra unauthorized purchases and passed on the credit card number to her siblings, who also made unauthorized purchases – including items bought at their two family-owned clothing stores, Dash and Smooch.

    The suit claims in 2006, the Kardashian siblings amassed $62,793.83 in unauthorized charges. And, in 2007, they spent another $57,841.82 on the card, totaling $120,635.65.

    Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian has come forward to deny Norwood's allegations, telling People magazine that she and her family members made all of their purchases with Mrs. Norwood's permission.

    "We have her signature on all items," Kardashian told the magazine.

    Sonja Norwood's lawsuit seeks the return of the money plus 10 percent interest.


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  • OPRAH, TIGER, JAY-Z AMONG HIGHEST PAID BLACK STARS: Forbes.com releases new list of the 10 richest

    It's no surprise that Oprah Winfrey tops a new Forbes list that ranks the highest paid African American celebrities in the U.S.

    The talk show host, whose overall net worth is $2.5 billion, pocketed $260 million between June 2006 and June 2007, according to the financial publication. Her revenues come from a number of successful enterprises, including her daytime talk show, magazine, satellite radio channel, Broadway show and newly-announced cable network slated to debut late next year.

    Tiger Woods ranks second on the list with $100 million banked within the list's June 2006 to June 2007 time frame, which is more than any athlete in history. At the rate he's going, Forbes estimates that Woods will become the world's first sports billionaire within a decade.

    Rounding out the top 10 are rap mogul Jay-Z with $83 million made between June 2006 and June 2007, rapper 50 Cent ($33 million), Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant ($33 million), Miami Heat center Shaquille O'Neal ($32 million), NBA legend Michael Jordan ($31 million), actor Will Smith ($31 million), singer Beyonce ($27 million) and Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James ($27 million).


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  • KANYE ENTERS GOOGLE TERRITORY WITH NEW VENTURE: Rapper launches new Internet search engine that comes with goodies

    Kanye West has teamed with Prodege LLC to launch www.searchwithkanyewest.com , a fan-oriented search engine that rewards users with artist merchandise and prizes.

    The site is powered by Google and Ask, meaning users will continue to receive the same results they presently receive from other top search engines. Every search on Kanye's engine, however, comes with digital dollars called Swag Bucks which can be redeemed for Kanye prizes, including: autographed CDs, MP3 downloads, clothing, exclusive Kanye West merchandise and consumer electronics.

    “Being one of the top music artists of his generation, Kanye has a large and dedicated fan base,” said Prodege VP of Marketing, Ron Leshem. “This is the perfect way for fans to support Kanye, while also earning a chance to win some amazing prizes for themselves.”

    Fans can increase their likelihood of earning top prizes by downloading the Kanye West toolbar at: www.searchwithkanyewest.com


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  • February 04, 2008

    50 CENT MAKES PARIS HILTON CRY: Rapper embarrasses socialite at Super Bowl event; plus G-Unit head tossed from Arizona mall

    Another rapper has run into drama in Arizona. On the heels of Lil Wayne's felony arrest on gun charges earlier this month, 50 Cent was recently kicked out of a mall in Scottsdale because members of his crew were allegedly packing heat.


    Later that same day, 50 Cent was back in the headlines for reportedly reducing Paris Hilton to tears during a pre-Super Bowl event.

    According to the New York Post's Page Six, Hilton was hosting a party in Scottsdale for 944 magazine, where 50 Cent was one of the headliners. After 50 Cent said her name in one of his songs, Hilton tried to join the rapper onstage to dance, only to be met with 50 barking at her to "Get the f*** off the stage."

    Witnesses said the outburst prompted Hilton to start crying, which was captured on film by photographers at the event.


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  • Lil Wayne taking his time with next album

    By Mariel Concepcion

    NEW YORK (Billboard) - Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" has been delayed numerous times in the past six months, but in his first interview since his recent arrest on felony drugs and weapons charges in Arizona, the rapper promises the new album will be worth the wait.


    "It's one of those albums people are really waiting on, so I made it so that whatever is on it will stick with you forever," he told Billboard of the project, which has been plagued with leaks. "I'm taking my time with it. And I'm giving artists I respect and people I want to do songs with -- not songs the label fixed -- an opportunity to collaborate."

    Although Wayne was happy to discuss "Tha Carter III," which is expected in March or April via Cash Money/Universal, he didn't want to talk about the events in Arizona, where he has been ordered to return for a February 12 hearing. "I've got nothing to say about that," he replied when asked about the arrest.

    The new album's official single, "Lollipop," features Static. Other guests on the set include Hurricane Chris, Corey Gunz, Tyga, Jibbs, Shanell, Kidd Kidd, Mack Maine and Lil Mama. Jim Jonsin, the Alchemist and Cool and Dre contributed as producers.

    Wayne has released six albums and made more than 40 guest appearances since 1999 -- 17 of those collaborations in the last two years -- not to mention the massive amount of mixtapes and leaked tracks that routinely appear online.

    "I've found out that I love doing music for others," he said. "You're making history when you're making music with somebody else, for somebody else. Plus, I find that when I do that, it doesn't get leaked. And when it does, it doesn't do what it does when it's one of my songs. I get a real joy. And it's another reason why I was able to wait so long to put another album out -- because these features keep me eating and making money."


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  • February 03, 2008

    Akon involved in Michael Jackson Super Bowl ad

    SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - It's supposed to be top secret — but Akon is giving out a tidbit of information about the rumored ad that Michael Jackson is doing for the Super Bowl.

    "We just did a commercial — it's a Pepsi commercial. He actually involved me in it so I feel like I'm a part of that process," Akon told The Associated Press on Friday at Maxim's pre-Super Bowl bash.

    Jackson is releasing a 25th anniversary edition of his best-selling album "Thriller" on Feb. 12, featuring acts like Akon, Kanye West and Fergie on remix editions of that historic disc's songs.

    "It's really more so Mike picking a lot of the acts that he liked and admired today, and kind of getting them the big songs that they like and reinventing it like it was their own," he explained. "Everyone has their own taste of how that would have been."

    It's been reported that an ad for the CD will be featured during the Super Bowl. But while Akon did confirm a commercial does exist, he was closed-mouthed when asked how to describe it.

    "Oh, he might kill me," Akon laughed about Jackson. "But it's gonna be funny. You're going to love it. He's not even in it. But it's crazy. I want to tell you so bad!"

    Akon was a surprise performer with singer-rapper T-Pain at the Maxim event, one of dozens of soirees happening in the Phoenix area for Super Bowl week. But Akon, best known for songs like "I Wanna Love You" and "Don't Matter," wasn't planning on taking part in the party madness.

    "At every big event, it's always the same excitement," Akon said. "Right now I'm so focused ... about trying to take over, I don't focus on the party side."


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  • February 02, 2008

    Remy Ma Ready To Go Back To Work, "But The Cops Have Been Shutting Down My Shows"

    In this exclusive Remy Ma opens up about the strain that her criminal charges are putting on her career and her upcoming "Martin" inspired single.

    Remy Ma appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court(Jan. 31) to set a trial date for her assault case. While Remy's lawyer, Ivan Fisher, called out sick for the last two court appearances, he was able to make it out this morning (Jan. 31). During the short proceeding Judge R. Uviller set a temporary trial date for February 25.

    As previously reported, the judge denied Remy request to travel to Europe for a 5-City tour. The Bronx-bred rapper was looking forward to going overseas because she has had trouble booking US shows since her legal woes began.

    "I haven't been performing lately because the cops have been shutting down my shows," she told exclusively.

    The police consider Remy to be a security risk and have prevented her from performing at Hammerstein Ballroom and the Nokia Theatre in New York City.

    "[They say], 'If she comes in here we're going to close the whole event down.'"

    "Most of the shows and stuff that I do I have to do without promoting it," she said. "Promotion is what brings the people so it's really hard. That's why I needed my passport so I can go overseas. I had a whole European tour set up but they denied that. I just want this trial to be over so I can get back to working."

    Since she hasn't been performing as of late, Remy has had plenty of time to prepare to shoot the video for her upcoming single.

    "I have this song called 'Martin.' I did the theme song to the TV show so it's kinda cool. I just been doing the dance moves. I'm in the dance studio getting my Ciara on," she says with a laugh.

    Though she is excited about her new moves, Remy expresses concern about releasing new music while standing trial.

    "I don't want it to get the wrong press with all of the lies and craziness that's going on," she explained. "You're gonna see in the end and then everyone gonna be like, 'Remy was right we shoulda listened to her.'"


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/02/2008 | 0 comments

  • February 01, 2008

    Fat Joe In Fat Debt, Owes New Jersey $145,000 In Back Taxes

    Fat Joe is slated to release his eighth solo album this year, a testament to an unusually lengthy rap career. His money, though, may not be so long.

    According to internet reports, the real Elephant in the Room might be the near $150,000 deep Joey Crack is in to the tax man.

    According to official state documents the rapper (born Joseph Cartagena) owes the IRS $70,000 while his company Terror Squad Productions is back $70,494.52 in taxes.

    According to Fat Joe though, he's good for it. Just earlier this month he made an appearance on BET's "Rap City" where he announced that his long-standing beef with mogul 50 Cent has amassed him millions.

    "Since I've been beefing with 50 Cent I've become so much richer in my life, so much more millions and keep dropping hit records."

    The Elephant in the Room will feature appearances from Diddy, Rick Ross, Fabolous and production from Scott Storch, Cool & Dre, DJ Khaled, Nate "Danja" Hills and The Runners. The project is expected to be released in March 11.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/01/2008 | 1 comments

  • Prodigy Bids Farewell, G-Unit Hosts Sendoff Concert In NYC

    Mobb Deep MC Prodigy will bid farewell to the free world during a sendoff party and concert next Wednesday (Feb. 6) at B.B. King's Blues Club & Grill in New York City.

    Dubbed the "All Star QB + G-Unit Tribute to Prodigy," the party will feature P performing his latest solo release, H.N.I.C. 2, in its entirety. Unnamed special guests are also scheduled to appear.

    Prodigy (born Albert Johnson) is preparing to do a three-and-a-half-year bid for weapons charges after being caught with a loaded, unregistered .22-caliber gun in his $150,000 bulletproof SUV in 2006.

    He was originally scheduled to report to prison in January, but was granted a five-week extension, reportedly to give his doctors time to assemble his medical records in light of the fact that he suffers from sickle cell disease.

    Although Prodigy is not yet behind bars, he shot the video for "Real Power Is People" from a jail cell at the Queens House of Detention.

    The rapper's all-ages sendoff show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $20.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/01/2008 | 0 comments

  • Update: Beanie Sigel & Freeway Still Signed To Roc-A-Fella, Says Manager

    Despite allegations by former Roc-A-Fella artist Peedi Crakk, Def Jam has not dropped Beanie Sigel and Freeway from its roster.

    According to Peedi, he was called into a Philly studio along with State Property cohorts Beanie Sigel and Freeway and told by a Def Jam A&R that they'd been dropped.

    But Beanie Sigel's manager, Mark Byers, told Billboard that Beanie and Freeway still call Roc-A-Fella home.

    "Beans and Freeway didn't get dropped," Byers said. "I just got off the phone with L.A. Reid talking about the next video for 'Rain' featuring Raheem DeVaughn that we're about to release. We're re-launching Beanie's project and releasing a 'Rain' remix with State Property."

    Roc-A-Fella is an imprint on Def Jam that began to dissolve when founders Jay-Z, Damon Dash and Kareem Burke went their separate ways in 2004. Jay-Z later took the position of president of Def Jam, and Roc-A-Fella artists have complained about getting little attention under Jay's watch.

    In related news, the entire State Property camp, including Beanie Sigel, Freeway, Oschino and Sparks, the Young Gunz and Peedi Crakk, are currently preparing a reunion album to be released later this year. According to Billboard it will most likely be released by this summer.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/01/2008 | 0 comments

  • R. Kelly sued after missing concert for court

    A Minneapolis concert promoter is suing R. Kelly for missing a scheduled performance at the Target Center, even though his absence occurred because he was ordered to appear in court that day under threat of arrest.

    TMZ.com is reporting that Nevada-based promoter Royalty Records has filed the lawsuit in Atlanta District Court seeking the return of their $120,000 payment to Kelly, plus unspecified damages.

    Royalty claims that Kelly took the payment, but "never intended" to perform at the Dec. 20, 2007 show, which had been pushed back from its original scheduled date of Dec. 6.

    The concert was part of his Double Up tour with former opening act Ne-Yo and Keyshia Cole, among others.


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    posted by HipHopHavoc at 2/01/2008 | 0 comments