THE CLIPSE PRESENT THE RE-UP GANG': CD is set for Aug 5 release

NEW YORK, NY - Platinum-selling rappers the Clipse have partnered with KOCH Records for a special release: "The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang," which will be released on August 5th, 2008.

The Re-Up Gang, formed in 2004, is a larger ensemble encompassing the Clipse and collaborative Philly MCs Ab-Liva and Sandman.

This fearsome foursome has been recording together since the Clipse's platinum debut "Lord Willin'," and is responsible for the celebrated "We Got it 4 Cheap" mixtape series.

But "The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang" is a standalone album featuring 9 new songs, including a single produced by Scott Storch, plus 3 unreleased remixes of tracks from "We Got it 4 Cheap vol. 3."

Says Pusha T, one half of the Clipse: "Everything happens for a reason. We put out the 'We Got it 4 Cheap' series on our own for the streets and that helped keep us visible and build the Re-Up name as an entity. This time, [our manager] Tony Draper got with [KOCH General Manager] Alan Grunblatt to put together an official album with new music and let KOCH Records do what they do best. This release gives us something fresh in the marketplace to reward Re-Up fans while we continue to work on the Clipse album." The Clipse recently signed a groundbreaking 5-year 50/50 deal at Sony/ Columbia Records, entitling the Clipse to ownership of their masters.

Grunblatt says, "Tony Draper and I have worked together since the days of Suave House and Relativity Records. KOCH loves the Clipse and are thrilled to be working with the Re-Up Gang."

In the meantime, keep an ear open for Scott Storch's single, "Fast Life," which impacts next week. With its infectious hand claps and retro synth effects, "Fast Life" is an inevitable summer sizzler. Not lost amidst the dancefloor-destined drums are the quartet's lyrical acumen and gleaming metaphor game. "Fast Life" has the irrepressible collective energy of a prior Clipse-flavored hit, "What Happened to that Boy." Expect an accompanying video for the track come early July.

Additionally, three prime cuts from Volume 3 of "We Got it 4 Cheap" have been remixed and re-issued specifically for this project. "The Clipse Present the Re-Up Gang" arrives August 5. And keep the pot boiling for the Clipse's full-length album on Sony, due in November.

RUSSELL SIMMONS EXPLAINS CUSTODY AGREEMENT: Also, Kimora Lee puts L.A. house on market for $7.75 million

*Russell Simmons says he's happy to pay $20,000 per month for each of his two children in a divorce agreement with his former wife, Kimora Lee Simmons.

The amount was made public last week with the reporting of his child custody arrangement regarding 8-year-old Ming and 5-year-old Aoki Lee. Kimora won sole custody of the girls, while Russell gets his daughters one week out of every eight, plus extra time for summer vacations and holidays, according to court documents.

As previously reported, the monthly $20,000 per child ends when each reaches the age of 19 1/2, or until the daughter is emancipated, married, becomes self-supporting, joins the armed forces or stops living with their mother.

Russell is also required to buy or lease a car valued at $60,000 or more for the girls once every 24 months.

In a letter addressed to critics, Simmons defends his child support ruling and explains the reasons he thinks it's appropriate. He stated the following:

Friends of mine have forwarded me gossip online about my custody agreement details with Kimora. The fact is, we’ve had a pretty good partnership at sharing the girls in the past.

There have been a few bumps in the road, and those bumps have led us to negotiate a minimum amount of time I’m guaranteed to see my kids. That deal is as follows: I have the girls one full week out of every eight, half of the summer, half of all the holidays, a full week at Christmas, and half of Spring Break.

Like in all good partnerships, contracts are meant to protect the partners but are usually not the only way the partners work together. If I show up in L.A., where she now lives, unannounced, I can call up Kimora and she will most likely send them right over. The same goes for when she comes to New York.

We have always had a school in New York and a school with the same curriculum in L.A., so when the girls are with me in New York, we can spend quality time together. I can get up with them, take them to school and just be together. Kimora consults with me about doctors or schools for the girls, but she’s always had final say in those areas. If we had an argument about a school, guess who’s going to win?

But there are other stipulations in our agreement where we have to make final decisions together. Anything having to do with business decisions pertaining to my kids cannot be done without my consent. I’ve also seen a lot about people reading into the supervised visits stipulation. Kimora travels with a security guard and a nanny.

In the past, she’s gotten really nervous that I never travel with security, so if it makes her more comfortable to have her security and a nanny with us when I’m with my kids, that’s OK with me. Finally, I want to say Kimora is an excellent mother and is doing a great job with them. My kids are studying a couple of foreign languages, they travel around the world, they practice yoga, ballet, swimming, karate and piano, among other things...sometimes I think they do too much, but I trust in Kimora on this because she IS a good mother.

Regarding the money, my kids live a tremendous life. They do have lots of security, nannies, educators, special programs, travel, chefs, on and on. Their mother manages all of those luxuries and I’m happy to provide for that.

With great love all things are possible.
Russell Simmons


In other Simmons news, Kimora has just put her Beverly Hills home on the market for $7.75 million, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The 6,000-square-foot, guard-gated, country-style home has five-bedrooms, eight-bathrooms, and a private courtyard entry with a sitting area and a fireplace. It also has a two-story entranceway, a formal living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, a bar and a new gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances.

There are dark hardwood floors, a spacious master bedroom suite and leaded-glass windows. Outside, there is a swimming pool and room for a tennis court.

Jay-Z answers his critics at Glastonbury

WHAT COMMON 'WANTS': Rapper's pursuit brings him to more action in 'Wanted.'

Modestly, Common said that though his part had few words, he was quite honored to be in the cast. He explained that he understands that a career grounded on small significant roles is a good basis for longevity in Hollywood

“I am a new actor and I know I have to take things in steps,” he said. “I knew my role didn’t have a lot of lines to say, but I feel you’ve got to be the best with the role that you’re given and be present regardless and bring what you can to that role. You’ve got to be humble enough to take on certain roles at certain times and know that you’ll have opportunities to have leads in movies as you keep taking these steps.”

Furthermore, at times it’s even more difficult to have a silent role than one with a lot of dialog, and Common felt that that challenge helped him work on his craft.

“You have to be able to say things without speaking. When somebody looks at that screen they need to see, whether the character is speaking or not, that this character is alive, that there’s something going on,” he said. “Whatever dialog they do give you, or if they add or take away, you’ve got to be the core of that character and let that character be alive. That’s what I strive to do. It is a challenge at times, but I love the challenge.”

Common clearly was up for the challenge and passed with flying colors. Even after he’d finished his parts in the film and was hanging in Chicago to promote his album, he was called back for more face time in front of the camera.

“They called me back to do more. They wanted to put me in more scenes. I felt honored. I was grateful,” he said. “I knew this was something good, so any camera time – I was excited.”

In the film, Freeman stars as the group’s leader, Sloan. Sloan is a wise and enigmatic teacher, as was Freeman to Common on the set. Impressed by Freeman’s iconic status, Common admitted that he was a little awestruck by the Oscar-winning actor.

“I looked over at Morgan Freeman and said, ‘Man, that’s Morgan Freeman.’ This is an incredible actor and I’m in a scene with him,” Common recalled. “It’s a blessing to be in his presence. He did come over and give me some acting wisdom. When he did that, I got chills.”

Though Common’s acting career is building right along with his love of the art, the lyricist said that he’s still quite in love with hip hop. It just happens that around 2000 he found himself disenchanted with the industry, which led to his affair with acting.

“I was looking for a new way to express myself. I love music, but I felt I had creative energy that I wanted to express in new ways,” he said. “At that time, hip hop was feeling a little limited to me, so decided to take an acting class. From the first day I went, I just loved it.”

Common would take classes whenever he had the opportunity between studio time and touring. He got his first chance to perform in front of cameras on an episode of the TV show ‘Girlfriends’ and got even more excited about acting.

“My first film was ‘Smokin’ Aces,’ and when I got that chance, it was over. I was building a career in this.”

Construction continues. Up next for Common is a role in the fourth of the “Terminator” film series called “Terminator Salvation,” expected in theaters next summer.

“I’m doing more work and I’m looking to do a lot more roles. I want to have a career as an actor,” he said, suggesting that one day, reporters will sit with a young actor and ask about him.

“I want us to be able to sit here and say, ‘You know he’s one of the great actors of our time. How does that feel working with him?’”

“Wanted” opens nationwide this weekend. For more on the film, check out the official website at www.wantedmovie.com.

Event: NYC: Red, White & Green - proceeds to Obama

07.03.08
NYC: Red, White & Green - proceeds to Obama
@ Knitting Factory (NYC)

On Thursday July 3rd, Move Forward Music presents the Red, White & Green Party, a historic hip-hop kick-off to Independence Day weekend at the Knitting Factory with live performances and part of the proceeds going toward the Barack Obama campaign. Headlining the show is veteran Def Squad rapper, Keith Murray, joined by New Jersey upstart, James Watts and Ivy League graduate and June 2008 Source Unsigned Hype MC Homeboy Sandman. HOT 97's funnyman DJ Peter Rosenberg will be hosting and holding down turntable duties.
With many hit albums, Keith Murray continues to deliver pure rhyme ingenuity. Armed with an extensive and eccentric vocabulary, sandpapery vocal chords and an edgy attitude, Murray exploded on the hip-hop scene with his Gold-certified debut disc The Most Beautifullest Thing in This World. Catapulted by the LP's dual smashes--the lead single title cut and its follow-up "Get Lifted"--Keith rapidly established himself as one of hip-hop's most distinctive voices under the sure-handed tutelage and guidance of fellow Def Squad lyrical sharpshooter, Redman, and producer extraordinaire, Erick Sermon. Still grinding out a successful career, Keith Murray appears for a rare live performance to let fans know he's still not only relevant, but as radical as he ever was.
In an era where hip-hop is often bogged down by negativity, the Red, White & Green Party offers a positive and patriotic, yet still fun, start to Independence Day weekend, while at the same time raising money and building excitement for the first black Presidential candidate in U.S. history! On July 3rd, don't miss the chance to help move hip-hop in a positive direction and help put an African-American in the White House!!!


Event Information:
Thursday, July 03, 2008
8:00 PM - 1:00 AM
All Ages
cover: $12.00 | $10 in Advance/Part of Proceeds Donated to Barack Obama
music: Hip Hop

Contact Email:
moveforwardmusic@gmail.com


Venue Information:
Knitting Factory (NYC)
74 Leonard St
New York, NY
212-219-3132
http://www.knittingfactory.com/

KANYE ORDERED TO SETTLE MOM'S MORTAGE: Illinois company demands more than $600Gz plus interest on Donda's condo

A court has ordered Kanye West to pay off the $600,000 mortgage on his late mother's condo in Illinois.

When Dr. Donda West died in November from complications following plastic surgery, she left behind a mortgage that has since ballooned due to unpaid fees and interest.

The mortgage company filed a claim against her estate, which Kanye and his business manager Shawn Gee took control of earlier this month.

The rapper inherited less than $250,000 of assets from his mother, who did not have a will at the time of her death.

Jay-Z Eyes NY Yankees, Looks To Invest In Baseball Franchise

Jay-Z may be expanding his already vast investment portfolio with a stake in baseball. The mogul is looking into buying shares into the New York Yankees.

The former Def Jam president has already made sports his business as a shareholder in the New Jersey Nets basketball team as well as his 40/40 sports club franchise - with locations in Manhattan, Atlantic City, Vegas, Tokyo and Macau. His other assets include his recent $150 million deal with Live Nation and his new advertising company with Steve Stoute, among other business ventures.

Jay had previously been in talks to invest in the London-based soccer team Arsenal Football Club but that fell through in '05.

"I had invested in the Nets, and they (Arsenal bosses) asked me if I was interested in investing. But I get that from time to time," Jay told London's Time Out magazine. "Someone told me yesterday that someone else had a piece of the New York Yankees, 'We wanna talk to you, yadda yadda yadda.' I mean, I love the Yankees so I'm in the middle of following that through, but sometimes it comes to be nothing. That (Arsenal) was one of the times it came to nothing."

As previously reported, Jay represented the Nets at this year's NBA Draft Lottery.

In related news Jay-Z is set to perform during this weekend's Glastonbury Festival in the UK. The event is expected to draw crowds of up to 175,000 people.

D-Block ''Prepares For Glory,'' Group Disc Coming This Summer

Jadakiss, Styles P and Sheek Louch have gathered together their D-Block brethren for an official album set to drop in August.

Along with The LOX, the disc entitled Prepare for Glory, will showcase the talents of D-Block artists Trav, Straws, A.P., T.Y., Bucky, Bully, Don D. and Large Amount.

Former D-Block standout J-Hood will not be featured on the CD.

As previously reported, D-Block has severed ties with the Yonkers emcee after a public falling out.

"It's over," Sheek said in an exclusive interview with earlier this year. "He can't come back to me, he can't come back to D-Block, The Lox, nothing. Nobody wants to deal with him. They just don't respect his moves."

50 Cent -- who's had a very public rivalry with D-Block, exchanging insults with the group on wax, even when J-Hood was a part of the click -- brought the former D-Block member on stage with him for a surprise appearance at a Bronx concert last year while the diss track "f*ck D-Block" played.

Prepare for Glory hits shelves on August 19th via indie label Babygrande Records.

Kanye West rails against Bonnaroo criticism

By JAKE COYLE, AP Entertainment Writer

NEW YORK (AP) — Kanye West defended himself from criticism over his delayed performance at Bonnaroo, saying on his blog that the flak he's taken has left him "the most offended I've ever been."

West's performance at the Tennessee festival was scheduled for 2:45 a.m. in the early morning of June 15. West didn't take the stage until 4:25 a.m., angering much of the crowd who had stayed up late to see the rapper perform.

The delay was caused by problems setting up West's elaborate stage set, which included an interplanetary landscape of a wavy black platform and a video screen above. Pearl Jam, who had performed on the main stage earlier that evening, also went an hour over its scheduled time. While waiting for West's concert to begin, many in the crowd pelted the stage with glow sticks and beer.

At the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, which traditionally has favored jam bands, West's delayed show became a kind of rallying point, leading to "Kanye sucks" chants and criticism from pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, who played later the same day.

Writing Tuesday on his blog at http://www.kanyeuniversity.com in almost all caps, West said he was offended that anyone would think he doesn't care about his fans and blamed the delay on festival organizers.

"This Bonnaroo thing is the worst insult I've ever had in my life," West wrote. "This is the most offended I've ever been ... this is the maddest I ever will be."

West was critical of the festival for not releasing a statement in his defense. The morning after the show, The Associated Press asked festival spokesman Ken Weinstein about the delay. Weinstein said it was simply a matter of unloading the Pearl Jam stage after its set (which went until about 1:15 a.m.) and loading the West stage.

Following his performance, West's publicist didn't reply to a request from The AP for West's take on the criticism.

In his blog posting, West said he and the festival organizers (Bonnaroo is put on by Superfly Productions and AC Entertainment) went back and forth for a month on how his stage could fit at the festival. He said it was clear he was "dealing with ... idiots who didn't really have the capacity to really put on this show properly."

Weinstein on Wednesday relayed a statement on behalf of the festival that did not specifically address West's complaints but read: "Our world-class event production team strives to accommodate the needs of every performer."

West also blamed thrown bottles for malfunctions with his "Jane screen." (In the concept concert, Jane is the HAL-like disembodied female robotic voice of his spaceship.) But the stage crew appeared to be having difficulty with the screen well before anything was thrown from the crowd.

West's set was originally scheduled for 8:15 p.m. the night of June 14, but the rapper requested it be moved later in the evening so it was sufficiently dark for his "glow-in-the-dark" performance. But because of the late start, midway through his performance the morning light began to show — revealing a substantially thinned-out audience.

"It broke my heart that I couldn't give these fans `Stronger' in its greatest form," said West, referring to his hit song. "I'm sorry to everyone that I didn't have the ability 2 give the performance I wanted to. I'm sorry."

West concluded by saying his elaborate stage cuts his payday in half and leaves him icing his knees.

"Call me what you want," he said, "but never say I didn't give my all!"

DMX ARRESTED IN MIAMI FOR SUSPENDED LICENSE: Rapper in custody for the third time since May

Rapper DMX has been arrested yet again – this time in Miami for driving without a valid driver's license.

Police nabbed the 37-year-old on an arrest warrant at about 1:30 p.m. Monday and brought him to Turner Guilford Correctional Center where bail was set at $500.

This latest arrest is his third since early May, when he was taken into custody for driving 114 miles per hour on an Arizona freeway back in January. Three days later, he was charged with suspicion of drug possession and animal cruelty after his home in Arizona was raided by police.

Remy Ma's Shooting Victim Sues Rapper For $10 Mil

Imprisoned rapper Remy Ma continues to face an uphill battle against shooting victim Makeda Barnes-Joseph, as the woman has re-filed a lawsuit against her, her label and the pizza shop for $10 million.

The suit claims Remy's former label, Universal Music and Sure Shot Recordings received "financial profit and economic benefit from the unlawful, violent, and anti-social conduct" of the rapper.

Barnes-Joesph also seeks compensation from downtown Manhattan restaurant, Pizza Bar, for continuing to serve the Bronx-bred rapper alcohol after she was already intoxicated. Remy and the victim were partying at the restaurant before the shooting occurred.

In addition the suit claims that Barnes-Joesph "suffered and still suffers great physical and mental pain and has been emotionally damaged," due to her altercation with Remy and has yet to return to work stating that the "injuries inflicted upon her by [Remy] are permanent in nature."

Filed in the Bronx, New York, over the weekend, the suit's focus on suing Universal and Sure Shot is based on the belief that they profited from the publicity of her trial. Barnes-Joesph expects to also reap the benefits of any additional gains.

"Any and all financial profit and economic benefit which the [defendants] gained and continues to gain from their promotion and publicizing of the shooting of [Makeda] is gained at [her] detriment and therby entitles [her] to damages from the [defendants] in an amount no less that the total amount of any and all monetary profit earned," the statement reads.

No word yet from either Remy's lawyers or representatives from Universal, Sure Shot or the Pizza Bar.

As previously reported by, Barnes-Joesph originally hit Remy with an $80 million lawsuit last January, but decided to drop it in until the verdict in the case was announced.

The Game & Young Buck Join Forces On New Mixtape

Former G-Unit members The Game and Young Buck have decided to squash any prior beefs and team up, as the two are set to release a joint mixtape.

According to Billboard, the untitled collaboration is set to drop in July and will be hosted by DJ Skee, Nu Jerzey Devil and Haze.

As previously reported, The Game recently sided with Buck in his war with 50 Cent, recording his own version of Buck's diss record to the G-Unit General. On the song, the Compton rapper continues to throw shots at G-Unit and alleges that 50 was responsible for the fire that destroyed the Long Island mansion where his baby mama lived.

In addition to their mixtape together, Buck will also appear on a remix for the West Coast rapper's Keyshia Cole assisted single, "Games Pain." With L.A.X. nearly a month away from dropping, Game is applying a similar technique he used for his "One Blood" remix, by recruiting various artists to contribute to regional remixes of the song. Buck and Bun B will show-up on the Southern remix, Jadakiss and Fat Joe on the New York recording, and E-40 and Ice Cube will be on the West Coast version.

In other Buck news, Buck has teamed up with Cash Money Records rapper All $tar to create the group Starbucks. They have an upcoming mixtape entitled "Starbuck's: B.O.A.T. (Based On A True Story)," set for a June 24th release via grindhardonline.com.

Both Game and Buck were dropped from G-Unit by 50 via the radio. Game was kicked out in March 2005 once 50 went on-air and explained how he wrote the hit singles from the Compton rapper's debut album and Buck was dropped last April due to internal conflicts.

Ice-T Continues War W/ Soulja Boy, Kanye West Chooses Sides

Veteran gangsta rapperIce-T has released another video aimed at Soulja Boy in response to the Southern rapper's YouTube clip, making no apologies for starting the beef with the 17 year-old hip-hopper.

In his latest video, Ice-T explains that his original comments were made only after being asked his feelings on the state of hip-hop and on Soulja Boy.

Ice-T admits that as a rap legend he shouldn't have talked down to the teen but says he still believes Soulja Boy's music is garbage.

"Hip-Hop has to last forever and it ain't gonna last with you doing that superman bullsh*t man," Ice-T said. "That sh*t is whack, trust me." [Watch Below]

He goes on to say Soulja Boy never should've responded.

"When I dissed you, there's no ramifications you know," he said. "You can't hurt my career cause I'm caked out, there's nothing you can do to hurt me."

The beef began after Ice-T blamed Soulja Boy for being responsible for the death of hip-hop.

Soulja Boy then made his own video response questioning Ice-T's career choices.

"This n*gga Ice-T old as f*ck!" Soulja Boy said as he laughed into his web cam. "This n*gga old enough to be my great grandfather. I Wikipedia'ed this n*gga, he was born in 1958. [He] claims he's from the West Coast, n*gga you were born in New Jersey, dawg. Who is Ice-T, dawg? How you gonna make a song called ["Cop Killer"] and 35 years later your ass playing the police on TV, 'Law and Order'. This ain't no beef."

Despite the criticism from Ice-T, hip-hop megastar Kanye West spoke out on his blog in support of Soulja Boy.

"Soulja boy is fresh ass hell and is actually the true meaning of what hip hop is supposed to be," he wrote. "He came from the hood, made his own beats, made up a new saying, new sound and a new dance with one song. He had all of America rapping this summer. If that ain't hip-hop then what is? N*ggas always talk about the golden age but for a 13 year-old kid, this is the golden age!!! Keep this sh*t fresh and original.... ain't no f*ckin' rules to this sh*t and that's what real hip hop is to me."

50 Cent's Baby Momma Seeks Restraining Order, Contact W/ Son At Stake

Things are continuing to heat up between 50 Cent and his ex, Shaniqua Tompkins, as she is reportedly heading to court this morning in hopes of receiving a temporary restraining order against the rapper.

According to TMZ, Tompkins' motivation for seeking the order is based on alleged threats made against her from associates of the G-Unit head. If the request is approved, 50 will not only be restricted from direct contact with Tompkins, but also from his 11 year-old son who he has yet to speak with since a fire destroyed their Long Island home.

The decision marks the latest action from either side as previously reported 50 is suing Tompkins for defamation. In the suit, the rapper claims she has been fueling fire to allegations that he deliberately had the Long Island home burned down, purposely endangering the lives of both his son and former girlfriend.

"There comes a point where you can no longer sit on your hands and listen to her spread these falsehoods," 50's lawyer Brett Kimmel told. "Besides hurting his reputation, they have a damaging impact on their son."

The battle between the two began prior to the home's destruction, as 50 petitioned the court for an eviction of Tompkins and his son Marquise from the million-dollar house last April.

KANYE TO PERFORM FOR 'NIKE + HUMAN RACE': It's the world's largest one day running event.

BEAVERTON, Ore. -- Music takes center stage on the heels of the official registration opening for the Nike+ Human Race, the world's biggest one-day running event taking place on August 31, 2008.

The race brings together the power of sport and music to inspire and connect runners from every corner of the planet. Participants in this unprecedented event will experience an exclusive music performance by some of today's top artists in each of the 25 designated race cities.

In Los Angeles, nine-time Grammy Award winning artist Kanye West will headline the run's post race concert for the grand finale of the 25-city Nike+ Human Race. Runners will take to the streets passing the city's most famous landmarks before ending at the LA Coliseum to see West take the stage.

"I'm hitting the stage in Los Angeles for the Nike+ Human Race, Nike's dopest 10k run ever. This race is bringing together hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world to run and listen to some great music while serving a higher cause, and I'm excited to perform in L.A. as part of the grand finale," said West.

West's performance will bring to a close, an unprecedented day of races and activities around the globe starting in Taipei, ending in LA and including cities across Europe, Asia and North and South America.

In London, runners will be treated to an exclusive performance by world-renowned American DJ, songwriter, musician and singer Moby in the city's famed Wembley Stadium. Other all-star artists confirmed to play at the Nike+ Human Race include chart-topping rock band All-American Rejects in NY; hometown favorite Fall Out Boy in Chicago; R&B songstress Kelly Rowland in Paris; dance-electro-pop duo The Pinker Tones in Madrid, Turkish pop sensation Kenan Dogulu in Istanbul; the Fantastic Four in Munich; Beijing-based singing duo Yu Quan in Shanghai and American rock band Boy Likes Girl in Singapore.

Beyond running and music, the Nike+ Human Race is also an opportunity to give back. Participants will be able to run for a worthy cause and support the three official Nike+ Human Race charitable partners: the Lance Armstrong Foundation -- uniting people in the fight against cancer; WWF -- the global conservation organization addressing the causes and impacts of climate change; and the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign -- bringing sport and education to refugee youth. Together, Nike and runners will raise funds to donate at least USD $3 million to the Nike+ Human Race charities. Money will be raised via givebacks from registration fees, a percentage of Nike+ Human Race t-shirt sales and a donation of USD $1 million from Nike.

The Nike+ Human Race will also feature an online pledge tool so individual runners can donate additional funds to the cause of their choice and invite friends and family to contribute on their behalf.

"As a committed runner and a cancer survivor, I'm proud to be participating in the Nike+ Human Race," Lance Armstrong said. "The race offers the best of both worlds by bringing together a global community to run together and support worthy causes like the Lance Armstrong Foundation, the UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org and WWF in our combined efforts to have a positive impact on the world."

Other Nike athletes will also be joining the movement to run with the world and for a cause. Like Lance Armstrong, they will serve as honorary athlete ambassadors for the charities and join in Human Race activities. Six-time marathon winner and current NY Marathon Champion, Paula Radcliffe and middle distance runner Kara Goucher will be running to support WWF, while marathoner Meb Keflezighi will be representing ninemillion.org.

Nikeplus.com will be the official destination for the Nike+ Human Race and for all pre-race training needs. Here, runners can create a personal profile page or stay motivated by sampling and downloading the latest in Nike+ Sport Music offerings. Sport Music offers runners the best in original Training Run and Coaching Mixes designed specifically for treadmill and road runs. Beginning June 15, runners will also be able to visit Race City pages covering local race info and news, Training pages for information and links to in-city training runs, events with official race partners including 24Hour Fitness and Starbucks and Nike+ Coach training. Gear pages covering the latest in Nike performance training gear and Nike+ product will also be offered.

For more information on the Nike+ Human Race and a complete listing of race cities, visit nikeplus.com.

About Nike+ Human Race
On 08.31.08, Nike hosts a run like no other before with the Nike+ Human Race -- the World's Largest One Day Running Event. Nike's first global race will take place over the course of one day, with a goal of one million runners, across 25 cities and featuring 25 top musical acts. The 10k event celebrates runners and their sport, offering participants across the globe the chance to run and compete together in an unprecedented race experience. Spanning multiple continents, Nike+ Human Race cities will include LA, New York, London, Madrid, Paris, Istanbul, Melbourne, Shanghai, Sao Paulo and Vancouver among others. Following races in each city, participants will be treated to an exclusive music concert featuring one of today's top artists. Participants will be able to run for a cause as a portion of funds raised will be donated to three Nike+ Human Race beneficiaries: WWF, the global conservation organization, Lance Armstrong Foundation and UN refugee agency's ninemillion.org campaign. The race will be open to anyone, anywhere. Runners outside of the 25 race day cities can join by logging into nikeplus.com. With the help of Nike+ and the Nike+ SportBand, every city and every road can become a race-day course. For more information, visit nikeplus.com.

About Nike
NIKE, Inc. based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world's leading designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan Holdings Incorporated, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit http://www.nikebiz.com/.

Suspects In T.I. Associate's Murder Jailed

Two Cincinnati brothers have been arrested and indicted for the 2006 murder of T.I.'s close friend and personal assistant, Philant Johnson.

According to Cincinnati's The Enquirer, new details have emerged explaining how after Hosea and Padron Thomas had issues with the Atlanta rapper and his entourage at a late night party and performance on May 2, 2006, their anger eventually turned into an altercation and violence.

Charged with murder and felonious assault of Tip's assistant Philant Johnson, the brothers were also accused of wounding three others that night. Described as a shoot-out by Cincinnati Homicide Detective Tim Gormly, he claims the incident began with the brothers not being allowed to meet T.I.

"T.I. and his group were in the VIP area," he said. "The suspects wanted to get in the VIP area and weren't allowed to."

After being turned down from entering, Gormly says one of the brothers was struck in the head with a bottle and the two were later taunted as the rapper's entourage threw money from the stage.

"It was just a total accumulation of everything that happened that night," he said.

After leaving the club, the entourage left in two vans that were followed by the Thomas brothers in SUVs. Shortly afterwards, gunfire from both vehicles was exchanged that killed Johnson and injured T.I. due to shattered glass.

Both brothers have criminal backgrounds including rape, robbery, drug possession and trafficking convictions. Charged with murder and seven counts of felonious assault for each member inside T.I.'s vehicles, the two men are also being hit with weapons charges and tampering with evidence.

Explaining why the case took over two years to complete, Gormly claims he "had trouble identifying the suspected due to [the shooting] happening in a moving car and there weren't a whole lot of witnesses that saw the actual shooting."

More than just an assistant, T.I. paid homage to his friend shortly after the incident when he dedicated his '06 video "Living in the Sky" to Johnson.

50 Cent Files Defamation Suit & Asked to Change His Name

50 Cent Responds To Young Buck Diss,Prepares Legal Action Against Taco Bell

LIL WAYNE, T-PAIN CONSIDER JOINT CD: Artists think about full album follow-up to current single 'Got Money

Lil Wayne and T-Pain may join forces to record a duet album on the heels of their single "Got Money," which is No. 45 this week on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"They've been speaking on it," Cash Money head Ron "Slim" Williams tells Billboard of the album. "I wanted to get past 'Tha Carter III.' Now we can sit down and get to the business of different collaborations. I just want to make sure that we have a good record."

"Tha Carter III," Wayne's new album from Cash Money/Universal, sold 1 million copies in its first week of release. It's the first album to break the million-copy mark in its first week since 50 Cent's "The Massacre" (1.14 million) in 2005.

The set also has as the 14th biggest sales week of all time, and it's already the No. 3 bestseller of the year just one week out, trailing Mariah Carey's nine-week-old "E=MC2" by just 17,000 copies. (Jack Johnson's "Sleep Through the Static" is No. 1 with 1.2 million in sales to date.)

The Game Goes R&B Heavy On ''L.A.X.,'' Links W/ Ne-Yo For 2 Tracks

After several delays in the release of his album, West Coast rapper The Game has released more details on what to expect from his new CD, L.A.X.

The Compton California native will drop his third studio album at the end of July. As previously reported L.A.X. was originally slated for a June 24th release which would've pit the Game against his rival G-Unit's T.O.S. (Terminate On Site). Each album has since been scheduled for separate release dates in July.

The first single off L.A.X. "Game's Pain" features Keyshia Cole and climbed up the charts, peaking at #1 on BET's "106 & Park." The track was produced by Knobody and Dahoud.

Game also paired with Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker for the street single, "Dope Boys." On the hip- hop side, he partnered with Lil' Wayne on the track "My Life" which was produced by Cool & Dre and with Chicago natives Kanye West and Common for "Angel."

On the R&B tip, Ne-Yo appears on both "Camera Phone," another Cool & Dre production, as well as J.R. Rotem's "A Thug and a Gentleman." "Let Us Live" with R&B songbird Chrissette Michelle and "Put Ya Hands Up" with Busta Rhymes were both produced by Scott Storch.

Aside from these collabos, fans can also expect appearances from Raekwon, Bilal, Raheem DeVaughn, Nottz, Irv Gotti, DJ Toomp and Hi-Tek.

L.A.X. hits stores on July 22nd.

Young Jeezy Arrested For DUI

Georgia rapper Young Jeezy was arrested early this morning in Atlanta for driving under the influence and speeding.

According to TMZ, the rapper (real name Jay Jenkins) was stopped for speeding and was arrested on a slew of charges, including DUI, reckless driving, speeding, having no tags or proof of insurance and driving with an open container.

Jeezy was released this morning on bail and is due back in court on July 17th.

A source close to Jeezy told TMZ the rapper had just taken his brand new white corvette to the car wash and the temporary plates had fallen off which lead to his being pulled over. The source added that Jeezy claims the open container belonged to another passenger.

In related news, Jeezy was recently implicated in the Black Mafia Family (BMF) cocaine conspiracy according to Creative Loafing. A witness in the case testified that Jeezy received kilos of cocaine from BMF. No charges have resulted from these claims and it is uncertain if any will.

Lil' Wayne Officially Breaks A Millie, Debuts At No. 1

Despite intentional leaks and controversies with mixtape djs, New Orleans rapper Lil' Wayne has sold over one million albums in his opening week.

According to Billboard, Tha Carter III will officially debut on Nielsen's SoundScan tomorrow morning just over the million mark; the first album to do so since 50 Cent's 2005 project, The Massacre.

Universal Motown president Syliva Rhone was one of the few who believed the rapper could reach the one million mark. She credited this probability to Weezy's ever-growing fanbase and the rapper's constant guest appearances translating to loyal consumers eager to buy the album.

"Over the last three years, Lil' Wayne has addressed his fanbase through tours of clubs and arenas, going into markets three and four times, appeared on other artists' records and made plenty of mix tapes," she told Variety last week. "He nurtured the fanbase, and it grew. Go to [his] show and you see an audience that is 50 percent black and 50 percent white and mostly male. I think this record will start to increase the female audience."

In addition to physical sales, Wayne set records on digital services like iTunes, ringtones, and MySpace plays, which totaled 130 million last Friday alone.

As previously reported by, the self-proclaimed "Greatest Rapper Alive" was in line to out-sell both Mariah Carey and Usher's latest albums total first week sales combined just a day after his album dropped. Carey's E=MC2 and Usher's Here I Stand sold 463,000 and 433,000 respectively.

Before Tha Carter III hit stores last week, speculation of the release not performing well grew as various djs including DJ Chuck T intentionally leaked the album due to controversial comments made against them.

The Massacre was the last album to have reached the one million mark in a week's time span. Released in March 2005, it sold approximately 1.14 million copies in only four days.

Young Buck Declares His Independence, "f*ck G-Unit"

Performing alone on stage to his previous hits like "Shorty Wanna Ride," the former G-Unit rapper appeared to surprise fans after an audience member screamed "G-Unit, n*gga!" as he quickly responded to the shout-out.

"F*ck G-Unit, n*gga, I'm gonna give you what you really wanna hear, 'cause Florida n*ggas wanna really know what the f*ck really be going on with Buck," Buck replied.

Rather than going in to his next song, Buck decided to speak for nearly two minutes explaining the controversy that began immediately following his royalty check statements he made against 50 Cent earlier this year.

"When I made the statement, 'I ain't ever seen no royalty check,' I didn't say that sh*t saying that the n*gga 50 done took money from me or none of that whole sh*t. Or that the n*gga owe - I said it 'cause it's real," he affirmed. "And when I say sh*t, I mean the sh*t. He took it in a different way. I guess the n*gga felt like I'm airing out family business or whatever."

Instead of stopping there, Buck continued to air out the head of G-Unit by comparing his street credibility to his own.

"He feel like he got a whole lot 'til the n*gga hit rock bottom and he got to crawl his a** back up," he said. "The difference between me and a motherf*cking 50 Cent is that I could hit the gutter-[and] I can get back in the streets. He couldn't go back-[or] do the same."

Before preparing to perform "Stay Fly," Buck promised the crowd that he was only going to focus on himself and if anyone does business with the Cashville star, it better be sincere and not just a handshake.

KANYE WEST DEALS WITH UNRULY FAN AT CONCERT: Rapper stops Glow tour's Minneapolis show after object thrown on stage

Kanye West took matters into his own hands Tuesday night after an object was thrown on stage during his Glow in the Dark tour stop in Minneapolis.

The rapper was in the middle of performing when an unspecified object was hurled onto the stage. According to People magazine, the MC stopped the show cold and addressed the unknown culprit.

"Whoever thought that was a good idea, I'm not gonna curse at you – that's a really bad idea," he said. "It really throws me off to have some [stuff] thrown on the stage. You can see I'm trying to do something different here."

"If anybody knows who did it, point them out," West asked the crowd. The lights quickly came on and audience members pointed to two stunned fans. Minutes later, the accused were escorted out of the show as the crowd cheered.

SNOOP DOGG'S WIFE BUSTED FOR DUI: Shante Broadus jailed early Saturday in Orange County, Calif.

A mug shot of Snoop Dogg's wife Shante Broadus is not something one would expect to ever see, but there it was all over the Internet Saturday night after she was popped hours earlier for suspicion of DUI.

"Boss Lady," as she is known, was driving alone when she was stopped by police at about 12:15 a.m. Saturday in Fullerton, California, which is located south of Los Angeles in the O.C.

The 32-year-old was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol, taken to jail and given a citation, reports the Associated Press. She was later released and will soon make an appearance before a judge.

Broadus and Snoop Dogg — whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr. — were married in 1997 and have three children.

Plies On Track To Sell 250K In First Week, Surprises Fans In Home State

While not expected to compete with Lil' Wayne's first week sales, Fort Myers, Florida rapper Plies looks to sell between 150,000 and 250,000 in his opening week with his sophomore release Definition of Real.

According to the Fort Myers News Press, executives from Atlantic Records analyzed the rapper's sales and are banking on his follow-up to The Real Testament, which sold 90,000 in its first week, to easily outsell it.

"This is a big day for hip-hop," Atlantic's National Urban Sales Director James Rhode said. Other big releases that came out on Tuesday include Lil' Wayne, N.E.R.D. and Tyga.

Making a special surprise visit to his hometown's Best Buy on the release of his album, the southern rapper was greeted with super star status as close to 500 fans waited hours before meeting Plies.

"The city of Fort Myers has an amazing spirit each time I come home," he said.

Opting out of releasing his album in heavily marketed cities like New York and Los Angeles, Plies received support from Atlantic Records officials as he has continued to support his home state.

"Hometown releases have become a tradition in hip-hop," Warner Music Group market leader Paul Giovanis said.

Despite carrying parental guidance warnings on his past two albums, Plies' fan base proved to be very young as a 14 year-old Fort Myer resident claimed to have supported the rapper since his first mixtape three years ago and waited nearly seven hours.

Jay-Z Sued For $88 Million

TIMBALAND AND FIANCÉE MARRY IN SWEATSUITS: Newlyweds planning a more formal affair on June 22 in Aruba

Timbaland married his longtime girlfriend Monique Idlett Tuesday (June 10) during an informal ceremony in his home state of Virginia, reports Us Weekly.

The couple, who were married by a family pastor while dressed in sweatsuits, said they plan on having a more traditional wedding ceremony in Aruba on June 22nd.

The super producer proposed to his record exec bride during her baby shower last year. Timbaland also became a father last year with the birth of their daughter, Reign.

GRANDMASTER FLASH WRITES TELL-ALL: Hip hop pioneer discusses his own rise, fall and rise in 'My Life, My Beats.'

Grandmaster Flash details his life story – from his violent family life to his drug addiction to creating turntable techniques that have come to define hip hop – in a new autobiography titled " The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats."

"This whole book was scary for me," Flash tells the New York Daily News. "We as human beings, we don't willingly display our skeletons, our pains, our hurts - not the deep, deep, deep ones."

The Broadway Books effort, which hit stores this week, also includes the volatile relationship Flash had with Sylvia Robinson, who signed his group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to their first record deal with her label Sugar Hill Records.

"She did do some things that in today's world would probably get her head chopped off," says Flash, whose real name is Joseph Saddler, "but she did rule with an iron fist and we were under fear with her - although we did make some great records."

Lil' Wayne Projected To Follow Kanye West's 950K 1st Week Sales

Despite Tha Carter III leaking on the Internet over a week ago, New Orleans, Louisiana rapper Lil' Wayne is expected to sell between 850,000 and 950,000 albums in his first week sales.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the album is set to surpass both of 2008's highest-selling first week albums, Mariah Carey's E=MC2 and Usher's Here I Stand which sold 463,000 and 433,000.

Executive VP of sales for Universal Motown Republic Group Pat Monaco explained the unexpected number of albums sold and why the leaking is helping rather than hurting Weezy's prospected totals.

"The sales the first few hours were exceeding the rate that the Kanye album sold a year ago," he said. "[Tha Carter III] was one of these records that, because it was so highly anticipated, with the leaks and everything, it caused more people to go out at eight in the morning to buy the CD."

With first week sales looking to possibly beat both Carey and Usher's albums combined, Monaco also explained the impact bootlegging unfinished recordings on mixtapes and Lil' Wayne's non-stop recording habit had on the album.

"[We] were like putting a traditional set-up and street date on a guy that was just nontraditional," he affirmed. "It changed dates, changed titles, changed songs, changed the people that were working on it. But sonically, the record bears out."

If the reports hold true and Lil' Wayne is able to pass Carey, Tha Carter III will not only be the biggest album of the year but will also regain the top spot for a hip-hop artist since Kanye West last September.

As previously reported by, Tha Carter III was intentionally leaked by various mixtape djs including DJ Chuck T due to negative statements made against them by Weezy.

50 CENT ORDERED NOT TO SELL NY MANSION: Judge tells rapper he can not dispose of property destroyed last month by fire.

A New York judge on Tuesday ordered 50 Cent not to sell the property where a fire destroyed his $2.4 million home and where his ex-girlfriend, Shaniqua Tompkins, lived with their son.

State Supreme Court Justice Carol Edmead also ordered Tompkins to pay the rapper $4,500 in rent by Friday for staying in the house during its final month, lawyers for both sides said, according to Reuters.

Edmead has also ordered 50, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, to put insurance proceeds in a trust account pending the outcome of his dispute with Tompkins over the home.

Tompkins sued 50 for half of his estate based on an oral agreement the two made early in their 10-year relationship, said Tompkins' lawyer, Paul Catsandonis. Tompkins was living in the Long Island home with their 10-year-old son until a fire broke out in the early hours of May 30. Police said they were investigating the fire as suspicious.

Tompkins escaped through a window and six people, including children, were treated for smoke inhalation, Catsandonis said.

"I think it speaks volumes about Mr. Jackson" that he would compel Tompkins to pay the rent, Catsandonis said, calling it an "undue hardship." But 50 Cent's lawyer, Brett Kimmel, said Tompkins has repeatedly ignored court orders to pay the rapper, and that paying rent was a condition of her continuing to live in the house.

"My client is not the one who started a lawsuit for $50 million," Kimmel said.

The two are due back in court on July 15.

MISSY ELLIOTT ORGANIZING HER 'BLOCK PARTY': Rapper's next album due in August

Missy Elliott's first album in three years is finally on the horizon. Tentatively titled "Block Party," the Atlantic project will arrive in August with two of the tracks - "Ching-a-Ling" and "Shake Your Pom Pom" - having already sold a combined 296,000 copies digitally.

According to Billboard, "Block Party" also features the drum-heavy "Hip-Hop Don't Die"; the sensual "Milk & Cookies," on which Elliot lightheartedly harmonizes about her capabilities in the bedroom; and first single "Best Best."

The album is Elliott's seventh and will be promoted with the artist hosting a couple of block parties around the July 4 and Labor Day weekends. The CD will be preceded with the mid-summer release "Fanomenal," which was titled by fans in an online vote and will include exclusive tracks and videos.

The four-time Grammy winner sat down with Billboard to talk about her new projects, the state of hip-hop, and her lack of interest in digital downloads and ringtones.



YOU RECENTLY HELD A CONTEST WHERE YOUR FANS WERE ABLE TO SUBMIT TITLES FOR THE UPCOMING ALBUM. HAVE YOU CHOSEN ONE YET?

• I actually chose two. I'm releasing a preview to the album in the summer titled "Fanomenal." When I saw all the people that entered the contest, I was overwhelmed. So I'm dedicating that one to my fans because they've rolled with me since day one. I'm still up in the air about the name for the actual album, but for now it's "Block Party." The reason for that is because there are a lot of dance joints on there. It's one of those albums you can play out in the streets.


LAST WE CHECKED, YOU WERE EIGHT SONGS IN ON THE ALBUM. HOW FAR ALONG ARE YOU WITH IT NOW?

• It's pretty much done. I probably have one more song to do. I want to keep the album short and sweet. I don't want one of those albums where you have 20 tracks but only two joints rock.


WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT FROM IT?

• This album is probably more musical and melodic than my previous ones. A lot of my albums are really hip-hop-driven, with tinges of other music genres. But this album is hip-hop, with a sort of U.K. hip-hop sound to it.


CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE INFLUENCE OF GO-GO ON THE NEW SONGS?

• I love go-go. It has somewhat of an African twist to it with the drums. Something about it feels really good. I have friends that live in (Washington) D.C. and back in the day I didn't understand that music at all. It sounded like a bunch of trash cans. It wasn't until I went to see the D.C.-based group Rare Essence at a club. I tell you, I've been to a trillion clubs, but none like a go-go club. People are in there dirty dancing. It was hot. It's a whole different ballgame. Ever since then, I've been wanting to do a go-go record. Go-go's been around for so long but it's never made it across the country or across the world even. The world hasn't had a chance to see D.C. people get off on their music. That's why I did the track "Shake Your Pom Pom," which is most definitely go-go-esque.


WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SONGS ON THE ALBUM SO FAR?

• "Best, Best." I love that one. It's not your typical R&B record. It's more like club R&B with a U.K. hip-hop sound to it. It's a feel-good record, but at the same time super sexy. It reminds me of when I did "Hot Boyz." It's got that same feeling. "Hip-Hop Don't Die" is another one of my favorites. I love it because I just went in on that record. I don't think I've ever made a record that deep. It was straight rapping, like old-school hip-hop. I'm usually more comical than that. Plus, it makes sense considering the state of hip-hop.


WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT STATE OF HIP-HOP?

• Well, if anyone knows me, they'd know I try not to listen to the radio or watch TV. I've been doing that since my very first album. I think you can be easily influenced by other music, and before you know it you start doing records that sound like someone else just because you think it's music that's working. I hear a lot of great songs. And then I hear some that aren't so original and creative. Back in the day artists had their own styles. You couldn't say Heavy D sounded like Rakim, or Salt-N-Pepa sounded like MC Lyte, or Big Daddy Kane sounded like Erick Sermon. These days, people try to follow a formula because they see it's worked for others. But that keeps them from being original and creative, (or) at least not as original and creative as it used to be before.


HOW DO YOU KEEP UP WITH THE TIMES, CONSIDERING PEOPLE DON'T BUY PHYSICAL ALBUMS ANYMORE?

• That's a whole other ballgame. I was listening to Chico DeBarge the other day and started to wonder what happened to people who wanted to get the track list and the credits and the lyrics to songs. We don't have those longevity artists anymore because they cater to the times, focus on ringtones and don't put efforts into making a great full album. I think people might want to buy albums again if artists stop catering to the times and start making music that makes people want to go out and buy them again. But, it might be a while before that happens since things are so accessible with computers and downloading.

LIL WAYNE WON'T SUE OVER LEAKS: Cash Money says lawsuit against mixtape king DJ Empire 'isn't worth it.'

Lil Wayne's record company announced they would not take legal action against DJ Empire, who released a four-part mixtape series of the rapper's leaked material.

Last week, the artist put the DJ and entire mixtape industry on blast for taking money out of his pocket, but the head of his label, Cash Money's Ron "Slim" Williams, tells Billboard: "It'll cost more for me to sue him and it's not worth it."

Instead, Williams says Cash Money is negotiating with DJ Empire.

"Wayne has spoken to him, so I don't know what's going on with that," says Williams. "I think Empire said he has more music to put out. Most DJs are just local, so they're not making that much money anyway."

For his part, DJ Empire told XXL this week that Wayne was aware of his multi-part "The Drought Is Over" mixtape series, and even participated in one, so he doesn't understand the attack.

Wayne's "Tha Carter III" album is due out tomorrow (June 10). A video for the next single, "Got Money" featuring T-Pain, will be shot within the next two weeks, according to Williams. The track is already No. 13 on the Hot 100.

Wayne will sell downloads of his Universal Motown album directly to fans via his Web site, social network pages and official blog using the Musicane widget -- a viral player with embedded commerce capability. The Musicane widget will be posted on all of his official sites offering fans a chance to buy the entire album and/or individual songs directly from his page. See the Musicane widget on Lil Wayne's website www.lilwayne-online.com

Lil' Wayne Recruits Fans To Sell New Album On The Net

Lil' Wayne has partnered with media distribution and social shopping company Musicane to sell his new album Tha Carter III, digitally. With the deal, fans will be able to sell the album on their own websites or purchase the highly anticipated album directly from Wayne's website, blog and social network pages.

The deal will allow fans to buy either the entire CD or individual songs from any of the rapper's official sites through the Musicane widget - an embedded viral player. Fans can also stream previews of Tha Carter III, interviews, and upcoming merchandise, among other products from the widget.

Fans will be able to profit along with Weezy as the Musicane technology will allow users to post the Lil' Wayne widgets on their own networks, like MySpace and Facebook. With this two-way ability, fans will not only help support Weezy but have the opportunity to make a share at the same time.

Speaking on their decision to complete the deal with Wayne, Musicane president Vikramaditya Jain felt the rapper was a shoe-in for the way of the future.

"Lil Wayne is a natural fit to help further this movement not just because of his stature in the music world but more for his bold attitude toward change," he said in a statement. "He knows that the new model for the flow of music distribution is rooted in empowering the fans, not the traditional gate keepers that tend to slow everything down."

As previously reported, with the eruption of Wayne's comments last week against mixtape DJs creating a lot of backlash in the mixtape community, Tha Carter III was intentionally leaked on the net by DJ Chuck T.

Weezy's Tha Carter III is set for release on June 10.

Lil Flip Not Involved In Car Accident, Say Close Associates

While Lil' Flip's record label BCD Music Group claims the Houston, Texas rapper was involved in a serious car crash earlier this week, some close to Flip, including his booking manager and his attorney, claim the early reports were false.

A rep for BCD Music Group told yesterday that the southern rapper was recovering from injuries to both his wrist and shoulder. Flip's booking manager, Golden Child, debunked these rumors.

"We're good, man," GC told. "I don't know where those rumors came from. [Flip] has a show tonight in Tulsa. We're headed there now."

also got in touch with Flip's attorney Sandy Lal to shed light on the car accident rumors.

"Flip was not involved in any accident," he said. "He's very healthy and preparing to work on his next album."

Lal did not offer more details on where the rumors began or who contacted Flip's record label with the made-up story.

Reps for BCD Music have not returned emails to and Lil' Flip was unavailable for comment at press time

Flip's upcoming album Holla Back, is slated to hit shelves on July 29th.

Lil' Flip Recovering From Car Crash

Houston, Texas rapper Lil' Flip is recovering from a car crash that totaled his ride and injured his wrist and shoulder.

A label rep for Flip at BCD Music Group told that the "freestyle king" had missed a meeting they'd set up earlier this week, then he got the email with the bad news. But, he said the southern rapper is doing a lot better.

"He's doing fine," the rep said. "He has since been released from the hospital. His injuries were to his wrist and shoulder. He's wearing a neck brace just as a precaution. We are always concerned about our artist and friends here at BCD. This is always tough news to get."

Tongues were wagging in forums a couple of months ago about "how hard" Lil' Flip had "fallen off." But amidst the naysayers, Flip has been back in the studio and is about to drop another disc.

Peedi Crakk Readies "Camel Face Hunting Season," Signs W/ Indie

Peedi Crakk recently signed with Amalgam Digital, joining Lil' Kim and Joe Budden at the independent label.

"Yup. I'm back! And I feel unstoppable," Peedi said via a press release. "My flow is advanced and as an artist, I'm getting better, especially without the claws of Roc-A-Fella digging at my back."

The former Roc-A-Fella artist was ousted from Jay-Z's old label earlier this year after he'd been held to a contract and not allowed to put out a debut album, according to Peedi.

"I've been a free agent for the past three months and now signing with the Amalgam Digital label for my first project I feel even more unstoppable," the rapper said. "They are providing exactly what Peedi always needed -- proper promotion and distribution."

During the height of his discontent with the Roc, he put out a diss track titled "Sorry," that began circulating last summer, expressing his anger with Jay over his debut project continually being put on hold. But he said earlier this year that that song would be the last of its kind.

"At the time I was upset but now I'm not worried about that anymore," Peedi told back in January. "You won't hear no new diss records. I'm past that."

However, Peedi's debut album on Amalgam is titled Camel Face Hunting Season.

Camel Face Hunting Season begins September '08. The first single off the album, "More Towels," is produced by Vinny Idol.

The Game, Young Jeezy to Host Shows on Satellite Radio

Busta Rhymes Hits The Road W/ Linkin Park, New Album Set For July Release

After two years since his Aftermath debut, The Big Bang, Busta Rhymes has an upcoming album Blessed on deck, and he's announced plans to perform alongside Linkin Park on the rock-based tour "Projekt Revolution."

According to Billboard, the rapper (born Trevor Smith) was thrilled to be included to share the center stage with the rock band so fans could experience their newly collaborated single, "We Made It" - one of Busta's new singles from his upcoming album.

"It made perfect sense for us to be on the tour together, so we could perform ['We Made It'] and bring it to life for people every night," he told Billboard.

Rhymes will tour with Linkin Park through 24 U.S. cities, beginning July 16th in Boston and concluding on August 24th in Houston. Although the overall theme of the tour will be rock-based, Rhymes plans on using "Projekt Revolution" to let the audiences hear new records from Blessed and give rock fans a taste of hip-hop.

"I'm really one that loves the traditional sense of hip-hop," Rhymes said of his stage performance. "I like microphones and turntables."

Along with LP, Busta will also be sharing the stage with other rock acts including Chris Cornell, the Bravery, and Ashes Divide.

Aside from the tour, Rhymes is planning on making more on-screen appearances as he will appear in the upcoming film, Order of Redemption alongside actors Armand Assante and Tom Berenger, as a vicious gang leader and drug dealer.

As previously reported, the Flipmode general plans to turn up the heat on his eighth studio album with a variety of artists ranging from Akon, Common, T.I. and Pharrell. With the radio still buzzing over his popular club banger 'Don't Touch Me Now (Throw Da Water On 'Em), Rhymes looks to hit big with his highly anticipated follow-up.

Blessed is set to hit stores on July 1st.

Jay-Z Replacement Confirmed, Shakir Stewart Named New EVP Of Def Jam

Def Jam officially announced Jay-Z's successor at the label, naming Shakir Stewart as the new executive vice president of the label.

Stewart, a 1996 Morehouse graduate, got on with Def Jam in 2004. Since then he's worked his way up the company ladder, holding positions of vice president and then senior vice president of A&R.

He is credited with signing Young Jeezy and Rick Ross, among others to Def Jam, and before then, he inked Beyonce during his stint at Hitco Publishing where he was senior vice president and general manager since 1999. He also is responsible for signing Ciara while serving as an A&R consultant for LaFace Records.

His new senior postion, which had been open since Jigga stepped down late last year, will have Shakir taking on overall responsibility for the day to day activities of the Def Jam label, including pulling in and guiding new talent, overseeing producers and directing the label's brand recognition.

"The bold young management style that Shakir has established at Def Jam is one of the major reasons behind the label's success today," Antonio "L.A." Reid said in a statement. The Chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group added, "from his solid roots in music publishing, he has grown to master the world of hip-hop and urban music."

"The past four years have been an unforgettable experience for me," Stewart said. "Having the opportunity to work with a brilliant music man such as L.A. Reid, along with the most amazing team in the music business, has afforded me the knowledge and inspiration to take the next step in my career and continue to amplify and expand Def Jam's stellar reputation in the industry."

Twista Sends Message to Father Pfleger Regarding Recent Comments

Hip-Hop Icon, Twista, is speaking out against Father Pfleger's recent comments regarding Senator Hillary Clinton, remarking on Pfleger's hypocrisy. A little less than one year ago, Pfleger used funds raised his Chicago church to erect billboards across the city criticizing rap lyrics, specifically targeting Twista among other rappers.

Pfleger also contacted McDonalds and saw to it that the rapper was removed from a McDonald's tour that he was originally contracted to participate in. Twista has released the following message for Pfleger.

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Just last summer Father Pfleger said my words was trash to the community and I didn't deserve to be on the McDonalds tour. It's crazy how the tables turned in just under a year. Father Pfleger's own words and opinions of Mrs. Clinton came In the worst way and now he expects for the world and his church to give him a full acceptance. Do you think its right that he apologizes and gets away with his words? Did he really lose anything? I lost a multi million dollar contract, he embarrassed and disgraced my name in public by his billboards calling my music trash. He even went as far as getting Bill O'Reily to get on TV to diss me as well, and not once did he ever call me or even ask me my opinion of my views and music.
All it took was the young generation to expose him of his true colors, big shout out to Youtube.com, for putting him on blast. Mr. Pfleger is in a much stronger position than I am. I represent the streets and hip-hop while he is a representative of God and I feel like he should have been a little more careful of his words too. I don't look for any apologies from him, McDonalds, or even little Bill O'Reily. I keep it street and 100 by saying 'LOOK WHO'S CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK'. "

Jim Jones' Bodyguard Busted For Brawling W/ Cops At Summer Jam

A man identified as Harlem rapper Jim Jones' bodyguard was hauled off to jail last night, after a dispute between officers and members of the rapper's entourage became physical.

As previously reported, Jones surprised audiences last night when he closed out New York radio station, Hot 97's annual Summer Jam concert, hosted at Giants Stadium. Jones followed the event headliner, Kanye West, performing his smash single "We Fly High (Ballin)," among his newer material.

Just moments after he wrapped the show around 10:30 p.m. some members of the Byrd Gang capo's camp got into it with cops backstage, according to local New Jersey paper, The Record.

State Police Capt. Al Della Fave said the group was "trying to incite a riot" by making references to the Sean Bell case.

Della Fave told reporters that Charles Chandler, 26, of Brooklyn, N.Y., grabbed Trooper Jafca Mandziuk's head and face with both hands before another trooper jumped in. Chandler was then arrested

Cops also nabbed six others in unrelated incidents including possession of marijuana, possession of a controlled deadly substance, three charges of improper behavior and one for trespassing.

All in all though, cops said the event, which attracted an estimated 44,000 people, went pretty smoothly.

"This wasn't too bad considering the amount of people that attended," Della Fave said.

Plies Blesses Home State with Free Concert

Plies will celebrate the release of his latest project, Definition of Real, with a MySpace sponsored concert in Orlando, Florida this weekend.

Entry is free, but concert-goers have to bring a printed copy of their MySpace page with the Fort Myers, FL based rapper in their "Top 8."

Hosted by DJ Nasty the show will be held at the Voyage Nightclub, Saturday, June 7. According to Plies' virtual flyer, doors open at 9 p.m. and the show will begin immediately after.

Less than a year after the self-proclaimed goon's debut release, The Real Testament, Plies is already dropping his sophomore set.

"To be able to turn around two albums in a ten month frame, first and foremost I do understand how much of a blessing it is to have such success on The Real Testament," he told. "To have a certified gold album in this climate definitely speaks volumes."

Visit Plies' MySpace Events page to RSVP and get more information here.

The rapper is also working on a female clothing line and a reality dating show based on his two-part single, entitled "Bust It Baby."

The new album, Definition of Real, hits shelves June 10.

50'S BABY MAMA: 'TELL HIM TO CALL HIS SON!': Shaniqua says rapper has yet to check on his 10-year-old after house burns down

Amid a throng of reporters, 50 Cent's ex-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins continued accusing the rapper of masterminding the fire that destroyed his Long Island home, where she stayed with two of her children - including the rapper's 10-year-old son, Marquise.

The $2.4 million mansion has been at the center of a nasty legal battle between the two parties. The rap star has been trying to evict her from the house. She, in turn, countersued in Manhattan Supreme Court claiming she's entitled to half of 50's fortune. The blaze ignited just days after Tompkins' boyfriend and two of his friends got into a fight with 50's bodyguard at the Manhattan office of Tompkins' lawyer.

Saturday, Tompkins returned to the scorched Dix Hills pad to retrieve some items – and reporters were there waiting.

"Tell him to call his son!" Tompkins screamed at the press gathered outside the house. "He didn't even attempt to call his son to see how he was doing. A good father would do that!"

Kanye Takes Sole Control Of His Mothers Estate, While His Cousin Lobbies Legislators

$1 MILLION RAP BATTLE COMING THIS SUMMER: World Series of Hip Hop to be judged by pioneers of the movement

New York, NY - The World Series of Hip Hop has released some of the names of judges who will oversee the championship matches of this year's multi-million dollar tournament, scheduled for August 5-9, 2008 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA.

Rappers and dancers from all corners of the world are expected to converge on Atlanta this summer for the opportunity to be judged by some of hip hop's pioneers.

The tournament's championship matches will be aired live on pay-per-view Saturday August 9, 2008 at 7 p.m. EDT and will be hosted by radio personality and legendary female rapper Monie Love, New York City DJ and MTV host Cipha Sounds and nationally syndicated radio talk show host Wendy Williams.

The judges who will decide who wins the Million Dollar Grand Prizes include: DMC of Run DMC, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Yo-Yo, Dougie Fresh, Roxanne Shante, Slick Rick and Keith Murry.

"We want to make sure the judges are so official, that their decision as to who is the better rapper is beyond reproach. And the list is still not done," said Furqaan Clover the events organizer.

Lil' Wayne Faces Backlash For DJ Diss, Carter III Intentionally Leaked

Lil' Wayne's highly anticipated forthcoming studio album, Tha Carter III, was leaked over the internet, last night. And the DJ openly responsible for the act, DJ Chuck T, is vehemently lashing back at Weezy for the comments he made against mixtape DJs earlier this week.

In a statement explaining his act of vengence, DJ Chuck T wrote, "Lil' Wayne said f*ck mixtape DJ's...so now i'm about to show that boy the meaning of bootleg," he explained. "I'll be damned if I let [anyone] get away with saying f*ck me without him facing some type of repercussions, including Lil' Wayne."

As previously reported, Lil' Wayne, shocked the mixtape world in an interview with Foundation magazine, where Weezy, who has had success with his Dedication and The Drought series mixtapes, cursed out and discredited the entire mixtape DJ fraternity. Appalled by the self-proclaimed "best rapper alive" comments, Chuck T, a resident Dirty South DJ, decided to take a stand against Wayne.

"I see the b*tchassness of a lot of mixtape DJs right now," Chuck said. "DJs love to talk sh*t about each other and bash each other for no reason, but are scared as hell to stand up for themselves when someone talks sh*t about the group as a collective. I figure I'll do what I've been doing since day one and [stand] on my own."

"I gave [Wayne] a pass when he kissed another man because that sh*t didn't affect me," he continued. "He's not sliding on this one. Don't buy the new Lil' Wayne album. Download it for free!"

The irate DJ also issued an apology to his friends and associates at Wayne's record label Cash Money/Universal Records.

"I would sincerely like to apologize to all my friends and business associates at Universal and Cash Money Records for any problems this may cause," he explained. "If you never want to deal with me again then I totally understand. No hard feelings."

Tha Carter III is scheduled for release on June 10.