Lupe Fiasco Gets Down With Coca-Cola On Tour

Soft-drink giant Coca-Cola has released a statement announcing a six-city, invitation only tour featuring Grammy award-winning artist Lupe Fiasco.

The “Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour,” which is aimed at teens ages 13-17, kicked off last night (July 17) at the Avalon in Hollywood.

The other dates are: The Electric Factory (Philadelphia, August 3), The Tabernacle (Atlanta, August 8), Park West (Chicago, August 17), LOVE (Washington DC, August 21) and the Filmore at Irving Plaza (New York City, August 29).

Yolanda White, assistant VP of African American Marketing at Coca-Cola, expressed excitement about the unique concert experience Fiasco and Coca-Cola have planned for their young audiences.

“Not only will each concert offer the teens an unforgettable musical experience, it will give each of them a taste of the Coke Side of Life-a moment in time that is refreshingly optimistic and uplifting,” White expressed to in a statement. And, by engaging an artist like Lupe Fiasco, they will be encouraged to live on the positive side of life.”

Tickets to the shows are free. However, they can only be obtained through partnering radio stations, retail outlets, and Coca-Cola street teams who will be frequenting teen “hot spots” in the tour cities.

Radio stations offering free tickets include: Power 106 (Los Angeles), Power 99 (Philadelphia), Hot 107.9 (Atlanta), WGCI (Chicago), WPGC Jams (Washington DC), and Hot 97 (New York City).

Also, select Boy and Girls clubs in those areas will receive tickets that allow deserving teen members to meet Lupe and attend the concert as VIPs.

Taking his status as role model very seriously, Fiasco hopes to inspire all his young fans who attend.

“I am looking forward to the ‘Coca-Cola Refresh Your Flow Tour.’ It’s a unique opportunity for me to bring a message of positivity and what it really means to be cool,” Lupe revealed. “I hope it will be an unforgettable experience for every teen who attends.”

Lupe Fiasco’s latest album, The Cool, was released in December 2007 and has been certified gold.

50 Cent Speaks On The Hip-Hop Industry, “I Feel Like I Got Something To Prove Again”

50 Cent has become vocal about his difficulty in marketing hip-hop within today’s music industry and it’s effects on making his final Interscope solo release, Before I Self Destruct.

In a video from ThisIs50.com, the G-Unit leader weighed in his opinions on the tough times most rap albums are experiencing and his need to regain the top spot he once held. “I feel like I got something to prove again, musically,” he said. “It feels like it’s not based on the actual music. It’s just a weird climate right now.”

Admitting that in the past record sales were based on how many plays a particular song received on the radio, 50 explained the industry is even more complex today.

“It doesn’t even go based on radio spins,” he explained. “Like it’s so confusing because I wanna say it’s radio spins and then it simplifies the situation. And it makes it about that and then it’s not about that. I mean it’s confusing because these people are appreciating the music I’m making now and I don’t see the same response, like according to the G-Unit album.”

Claiming the streets needed the album despite poor sales, he added that the recent trend in record sales has made him reconsider his marketing strategy for his next album.

“It makes me re-evaluate what I’m going to present for Before I Self Destruct,” he said. “I don’t want to go through the process of pushing the album back four and five times. Look how many times they pushed [Lil’] Wayne’s album back to build anticipation. Is that what it takes? Like I gotta make you think my album’s coming out for 10 months, straight?”

Continuing to show the industry’s shifting record sales, 50 concluded by comparing recent hit singles of the year by top artists whose album sales have had disappointing sales.

“Snoop [Dogg’s] album had the best radio airplay [with] “Sensual Seduction,” that’s a big record,” he explained. “Sales didn’t reflect that. That’s a case where radio spins didn’t mean anything. You know what I mean? Usher went with the “Love in the Club.” Same deal. Number one joint all across the board. Remix with Beyonce.”

Eminem Ready To Re-Up, "He's Been Quiet Too Long”

After a four-year hiatus, Eminem is finally back in the studio, readying his new album.

The last solo album the Grammy award-winning rapper dropped was 2004’s Encore and now Em’s about to give fans another, according to Entertainment Weekly.

"Em is excited," Dr. Dre protégé Bishop Lamont, told the celeb media outlet. “He's been quiet too long, and he's got a lot to get off his chest."

Including the devastating death of partner Proof, who was shot in 2006.

"He went through what he had to go through, and now he's been able to take all the pain and stress and put it out in his music," Lamont said.

In related news, Em made news for allegedly beating down a guy in a strip club bathroom. Shady is being sued for allegedly assaulting a man nearly two years ago in the bathroom of a strip club.

As previously reported, Miad Jarbou, filed a $25,000 lawsuit almost a month ago claiming he was assaulted 2006 at Cheetah’s On the Strip Gentleman’s Club on Eight Mile Road.

As of press time there’s no release date yet and the project is yet to be titled.

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MARIAH, NELLY, NAS TO SING FOR SAMSUNG: Artists to perform at second annual free concert series

Mariah Carey, Nelly and Nas are among the artists tapped to perform as part of the second annual Samsung AT&T Summer Krush, a free summer concert series designed to highlight Samsung's music-centric BlackJack II mobile phone.

The concert series kicks off July 31 in Los Angeles with an approximately 35-minute performance by Carey at the Hollywood & Highland Center. Portions of the concert will broadcast later that evening on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Rapper Nelly is scheduled to perform Aug. 19 at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, while Nas will perform at Webster Hall in New York on Aug. 27.

Other artists on the bill include Gavin Rossdale and LeAnn Rimes. A limited number of free tickets will be available through radio promotions, artist fan clubs, street teams and online registration at www.samsungsummerkrush.com

Nas Embarks On Tour, Album in Store Today

Multi-platinum Def Jam recording artist Nas will embark on a 21-date summer tour in support of his untitled ninth studio album.

The Jones Experience summer tour will kick off July 22 in Montreal, Canada, seven days after the highly anticipated and controversial album hits stores.

Produced by Guerilla Union, the entity behind the Rock the Bells and Paid Dues Festivals, the tour will bring Nas to various small clubs across North America, in what Nas described as “a big show in an intimate venue.”

Nas will be joined on the tour by Talib Kweli, who still touring in support of last year’s Eardrum, radio personality and producer DJ Green Lantern, who contributed to the new Untitled project and newcomer Jay Electronica.

The Jones Experience runs through Labor Day weekend and coincides with Nas’ appearances on the Rock the Bells Festival’s previously announced ten-date run.

“I truly appreciate all the fans that have supported me over the years, and this is my way of giving back,” Nas told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “My album drops on July 15 and I hope to take the movement from the stores to the stage.”

The second release on Nas’ Def Jam imprint The Jones Experience, the untitled album features production and appearances from a variety of artists and musicians, including Busta Rhymes, Mark Ronson, the Dapkings, DJ Toomp, Stic.Man, Stargate and Cool & Dre.

Nas’ untitled album landed in stores today (July 15).

Tour dates are listed below:

7.19 - Rock The Bells Festival - First Midwest Bank Amphitheater - Chicago, IL
7.20 - Rock The Bells Festival - Arrow Hall - Toronto, ON
7.22 - The Jones Experience - Metropolis - Montreal, QB
7.24 - The Jones Experience - Higher Ground - Burlington, VT
7.25 - The Jones Experience - Toad's Place - New Haven, CT
7.26 - Rock The Bells Festival - Comcast Center - Boston, MA
7.27 - Rock The Bells Festival - Merriweather Post Pavillion - Washington, DC
7.29 - The Jones Experience - Amos' Southend - Charlotte, NC
7.30 - The Jones Experience - Music Farm - Charleston, SC
7.31 - The Jones Experience - Center Stage - Atlanta, GA
8.01 - The Jones Experience - House of Blues - New Orleans, LA
8.08 - The Jones Experience - House of Blues - Las Vegas, NV
8.10 - The Jones Experience - House of Blues - San Diego, CA
8.14 - The Jones Experience - New Oasis - Reno, NV
8.15 - The Jones Experience - Senator Theatre - Chico, CA
8.16 - Rock The Bells Festival - Shoreline Amphitheater - San Francisco, CA
8.22 - The Jones Experience - Harry O's - Park City, UT
8.23 - Rock The Bells Festival - Fiddler's Green Amphitheater - Denver, CO
8.24 - The Jones Experience - Emo's - Austin, TX
8.25 - The Jones Experience - Warehouse Live - Houston, TX
8.26 - The Jones Experience - House of Blues - Dallas, TX
8.28 - The Jones Experience - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
8.29 - The Jones Experience - Chene Park - Detroit, MI
8.30 - The Jones Experience - Canopy Club - Champaign, IL
9.03 - The Jones Experience - The Pageant - St. Louis, MO
9.04 - The Jones Experience - The Rave - Milwaukee, WI
9.05 - The Jones Experience - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
9.06 - Rock The Bells Festival - The Gorge Amphitheater - Quincy, WA

50 Cent’s Lawyer In Jeopardy, Ex Pushes To Remove Him From Child Custody Case

The war between 50 Cent and mother of his preteen son Shaniqua Tompkins wages on. Now, she wants his lawyer booted from the case.

Tompkins says Fif’s attorney Bret Kimmel actually gave her some legal advice in the past, before their current custody battle began, so he’s privy to her strategy. Her lawyer plans to ask a Manhattan judge today to remove Kimmel from the case due to conflict of interest, according to TMZ.

Tompkins will also set out to keep Fif from collecting insurance money on the house she once publicly said he burned down. 50 denied the allegation and shot back with a $20 million defamation suit against Tompkins, currently pending.

Lil’ Wayne Fight W/ Local N.O. Rapper “Just A Rumor,” Lil’ Dee Clears the Air

Addressing the reports that he knuckled up with superstar Lil’ Wayne last week, up and coming Southern rapper Lil’ Dee has denied all allegations of the incident ever occurring.

Recently reported Ya Heard, inside sources claimed Weezy and Dee had a physical altercation at Club Dream in New Orleans last Thursday before Weezy was arrested for second-degree assault and possession of a firearm.

In a video released this morning, Dee set the record straight.

“It’s just a rumor, it’s false,” he said. “I never met Wayne a day in my life. If I was any of these other artists though, I woulda took that rumor and ran with it just to try and get on and get publicity.”

Rather than feeding off of the coverage he’s been receiving, Dee affirmed wanting to be known for his own achievements and paid his respect to Weezy’s leadership for other Orleans rappers.

“I don’t want no publicity off nobody else, especially if it’s negative,” he continued. “Wayne paving the road for artists like me, coming straight outta New Orleans, you know what I’m saying.”

He also mentioned selling over 15,000 copies of his mixtape and reaffirmed his own growing fan base as being reason enough not to need the negative publicity.

Mobb Deep Sues Former Manager Over Mixtapes

Decorated Queensbridge duo Mobb Deep is suing their former personal manager and several record labels for alleged violations of their copyrighted songs.

The lawsuit, filed July 9, details several unapproved Mobb albums and songs that were released by Purfek Storm Inc, Streetcore and Big Brother Music: Mobb Deep The Infamous Archives (2007), Mobb Deep The Mix Tape Before 9/11 (2004), and the Purfek Storm Mixtape series.

The group’s former manager and Purfek Storm, Inc CEO Norman Bell was named as a primary defendant in the lawsuit.

Bell managed Mobb Deep from May 2004 through November 2007.

As their former manger Mobb Deep alleges Bell has breached the fiduciary duty and loyalty of his contract.

The Mobb also claims that Bell and other parties plotted to release the copyrighted material by “forging the signatures of the plaintiffs (Mobb Deep) on a written agreement with the distributor for the record, in order to induce the distributor to commercially release, distribute, promote and advertise records of the offending recording(s), all without the knowledge of or consent of plaintiffs, and without any authority granted by plaintiffs to do so.”

Mobb Deep names ten claims against the offending parties which include: copyright infringement, trademark counterfeiting, false designation/advertising, and trademark dilution.

Some of the tracks in question include: “Backwards,” “In the Long Run,” “QB Meets Southside,” and “Getting Moved On.”

Mobb Deep has released eight albums since 1993. They have one platinum and four gold albums.

Their last album, Blood Money, was released on G-Unit Records in 2006.

Busta Rhymes Recruited To Prevent Gun Crimes In UK

Despite his recent run-ins with the law, Busta Rhymes has been recruited to help stop an increase in gun and knife crime in London.

The Independent reports the rapper will spread his nonviolent message on September 26, when he travels overseas to perform in concert at Royal Albert Hall.

The need to curb violence among youth is a universal concern, according to Rhymes.

"I want to do something productive that will help convince kids on both sides of the Atlantic to stop killing each other," the rapper said. "We are seeing a generation of children who are lost and in need of support. Their families are breaking down around them. They're turning to gangs and violence. We need to tell them that is not the right answer."

Rhymes’ international stage show will be organized by Orange RockCorps, a social enterprise.

The organization’s co-founder, Stephen Greene, praised the rapper as an inspirational performer who had "proved his commitment to volunteering over many years."

London Mayor Boris Johnson echoed Greene’s support as he applauded Orange RockCorps’ efforts to hold the concert as well as Rhymes’ willingness to help, by saying the show would be a "a great example of how music can have a profoundly positive effect on society".

Despite his good intentions, Rhymes’ appearance has raised concerns over whether or not his criminal record will prevent him from entering the country.

The rapper was fined $100,000 after beating up a fan who spat at his car two years ago. Two months later, Rhymes appeared in court amid accusations of possessing weapons and keeping a machete in his car.

He was later cleared of the charges. In March, Rhymes was fined $1,250 in addition to receiving three years’ three years' probation and 10 days' community service for assaulting his former driver.

The New York native isn’t the first entertainer who was in danger of being denied entry into Britain.

Snoop Dogg, Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, Islamic preacher Yusuf al-Qaradawi and domestic mogul Martha Stewart have all been denied entry into Britain.

Rapper David Banner Talks Jesse Jackson

Days after the Rev. Jesse Jackson apologized for making negative comments about Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama, rapper David Banner is weighing in on the controversy.

Banner, who drew headlines during the Imus scandal for his scathing comments about Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, also rapped about Jackson on the track “So Special.”

Rev. Jesse Jackson came under fire since making what he called "crude and hurtful" remarks about Obama on Sunday (July 6) after an interview with a Fox News correspondent.

The former Democratic presidential contender, who was not aware that his microphone was still on while talking to UnitedHealth Group executive Dr. Reed V. Tuckson, whispered "See, Barack's been talking down to black people…I want to cut his nuts off" to Tuckson who was also being interviewed on Fox News.

News of the incident dominated morning talk shows and other media outlets since it became public.

"He didn’t literally mean that he wanted to cut Barack’s balls off. So we just need to quit it and move on," David Banner told. “This is one of the most important elections in history and we should focus on what’s right and what’s wrong. We’re gonna mess around and let the same thing happen with the last two elections and then we as American people are gonna be sitting up looking stupid with high ass gas prices again and our troops still at war."

On Wednesday (July 9), Jackson apologized for his remarks as well as any hurt or harm the comments caused the Obama campaign.

Although a spokesman for the campaign relayed that the Illinois senator accepted Jackson’s apology, Jackson’s son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., of Illinois was less forgiving as he publicly voiced his outrage and disappointment over his father’s remarks about Obama by calling them "reckless statements."

While the elder Jackson’s comments may have come as a shock, Banner was quick to point out the importance of looking at the bigger picture.

“I think the thing that we should focus on more is the disconnect between young black people and old black people. And the truth, when it comes down to it, is about what’s right and what’s wrong,” said Banner.

While criticism is regularly thrown at leaders such as Jackson and the Rev. Al Sharpton, Banner points out that representation must exist for the current generation of voters.

“We need to agree on who our leaders are gonna be. When we go through a generation without representation, who’s representing our generation that comes from our generation? Who is speaking out and pushing for policies for our generation?” Banner asked. “We complain about Jesse Jackson and people like that, but who are we gonna put in those positions? Who’s gonna step up to the forefront and take responsibility?”

Banner’s encouragement for fans to become active on issues affecting them is voiced on "So Long," a song off his forthcoming album The Greatest Story Ever Told, which hits stores Tuesday (July 15).

Pimp C Honored At Ozone Awards

50 CENT SAYS BEING AWAY FROM SON IS HARD: Rapper opens up about toll of current custody battle

Rapper 50 Cent says the most difficult part of his public feud with ex-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins is not being able to see his 11-year old son Marquis. It's "the toughest, because he's my motivation," he tells MTV.com.

Tompkins’ has a restraining order against 50 and refuses to let the rapper see his son. Tompkins also has sued the entertainer for $50 million dollars, claiming he started what authorities call a "suspicious" fire that destroyed the Long Island home where she lived with Marquis.

Fifty has denied masterminding the blaze and filed a $20 million defamation lawsuit against his ex, as well as visitation petition in June.

"I'd like to be able to just see my baby," said 50, adding that Marquis will not be able to travel with him on the road this year.

"In the summertime, for the first two years I was successful, my son has traveled with us on those tours," said the artist, who turned 33 on Sunday. "This summer, when he's free, it's, like, no communication. It's tough."

The hip hop star, born Curtis Jackson, also explained why he's been so hesitant to discuss his custody situation in depth.

"My son at some point will have the opportunity to see [what Shaniqua and I are saying about each other]," he told MTV. "She's still his mother, and I'm still his father, regardless. He's gonna love both of us."

The NY State Supreme Court will hear arguments on July 15 regarding the insurance proceeds on the destroyed home. Suffolk County Family Court commences proceedings on July 17 to hear arguments for 50’s visitation rights.

THE GAME LASHES OUT AGAINST HIS FAMILY: Rapper is interviewed about fight with cousin at recent funeral

The Game appeared on Phoenix radio station Power 98.3 to discuss – or rather vent about – the money-related fight that broke out at his cousin's funeral. [Scroll down to hear interview.]

The rapper reportedly promised to pay for half of his cousin's burial costs, but failed to do so. Another cousin, Robert "Kirky" Kirkwood, told TMZ.com that he asked Game about the money when the rapper showed up to speak at the funeral. And that's when the fight broke out.

Game told Power 98.3's "The Nutz In The Morning" that he offered to pay only for the casket and flowers, but it wasn't enough for Kirky, who, according to Game, brought gang members to the funeral to back him when he asked for more money.

It was Kirky, says Game, who threw the first punch.

Lil Wayne Arrested Again?

Nate Dogg Charged With Stalking

Nate Dogg is in some deep doo-doo.

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Los Angeles prosecutors have slapped the hip-hopster with felony stalking charges stemming from his arrest last month for threatening his estranged wife.

The 38-year-old Grammy-nominated performer, born Nathaniel Dwayne Hale, was collared on June 23 after California Highway Patrol received a 911 call from his missus, identified only as Latoya C. in court documents, claiming he threatened her life and was chasing her on Interstate 405.

Dogg is set to be arraigned on July 16 on two felony counts of making criminal threats, one felony count of stalking and one misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended license from a previous DUI.

"[Hale made a] credible threat with the intent that she be placed in reasonable fear for her safety and the safety of her immediate family," the complaint reads.

His attorney, Mark Geragos, was not immediately available for comment.

Dogg, who's best known for his guest appearances on hit albums by the likes of 50 Cent, Eminem and his cousin Snoop Dogg, has had run-ins with the law before. He was sentenced to probation in March for attacking an ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend two years ago.

LIL WAYNE RETURNS TO BILLBOARD 200 SUMMIT: 'Carter III' scoots up despite 25% drop in sales

Sales of Lil Wayne's new platinum CD "Tha Carter III" dipped 25% this week, but it still managed to climb back onto the top of Billboard's album chart, moving 156,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

The Cash Money/Universal project has now sold 1.68 million in its four weeks on the street.

Meanwhile, G-Unit's sophomore set, "T.O.S. (Terminate on Sight)" (G-Unit/Interscope) debuts at No. 4 with 102,000, following No. 2 "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends" from Coldplay and Disney's "Camp Rock" at No. 3.

John Mayer's "Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live in Los Angeles" debuts this week at No. 5 with 75,000.

Elsewhere on the Billboard 200, rapper Tech N9ne scores his highest charting album and best sales week ever as "Killer" (Strange Music/Fontana) debuts at No. 12 with 36,000

PRODUCERS OF B.I.G. DOCUMENTARY SUED: Former rapper wants $5 million for footage used without his permission.

A man featured in the documentary "Notorious B.I.G.: Bigger Than Life" is suing its producers for $5 million alleging they included footage of him battling the rapper without permission.

William Troy McCune, a rapper during the 80s and 90s, says he is featured "throughout the video and is a dominant feature in the extras portion,” according to the complaint. “The use of the photograph, image, and likeness of the Plaintiff, in the video by the Defendants, jointly and severally, and acting in active concert was unauthorized.”

Other defendants named in the suit include director Peter Spirer, co-producer Dream Hampton, Rugged Entertainment, and Aslan Productions.

SNOOP GOES BOLLYWOOD FOR NEW VIDEO: Rapper teams with Indian star for theme song of new movie

After tackling country music in his latest single, "My Medicine," the rapper is about to get his Bollywood on by teaming with Indian superstar Akshay Kumar to film a music video for the theme song of his new movie, "Singh Is Kinng."

According to the New York Post's Page Six, the pair will get together next month to produce the clip.

Kumar, who has starred in more than 80 Indian films, is best known for his Khiladi series, in which he plays an Indian version of James Bond.

In "Singh Is Kinng," he'll play a dangerous underworld gangster.

KANYE WEST HEADED TO ANGER MANAGEMENT?: Sun-Times columnist heard rapper's camp made decision for his own good

Chicago Sun-Times columnist Bill Zwecker says the team behind Kanye West has suggested he take anger management classes to become more attractive to potential advertisers.

"A West insider tells me the entertainer’s own management team dreamed up the idea, for two reasons: to help his personal psychological well-being and relationship with friends — and to aid him in snaring lucrative endorsement deals," Zwecker wrote in Thursday's edition.

He said two major corporations (a cosmetics/fragrance firm and an automotive manufacturer) have shown interest in the rapper/producer as a spokesman, but they’re worried about “how easy he’ll be to work with.”

The source tells Zwecker: “Not only has Kanye estranged himself from some pretty important people in the music business, but his temper has driven away a number of longtime friends.”

EMINEM SUED FOR BATHROOM BEATDOWN: Rapper accused of sucker-punching man while standing at urinal

A man is suing Eminem for more than $25,000 claiming the rapper sucker-punched him at a bathroom urinal two years ago at a Detroit strip club.

According to reports, Miad Jarbou filed a lawsuit Thursday in Oakland Circuit Court accusing Em of assault and battery on July 13, 2006. Jarbou claims to have been in the restroom when the rap star walked in with a large man he took to be a bodyguard.

According to Jarbou, a friend he was with said: "Hey Eminem, what's up man?" and the bodyguard standing near the door told him to "Shut the f*** up, man! Don't say another word." Jarbou then responded: "Hey, man, my friend ain't starting trouble. It's just cool to see Eminem."

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, allegedly stepped back from a urinal and "without warning or provocation ... drove his fist in a violent punching manner" into Jarbou's face, knocking him to the ground. Eminem and his bodyguard then left the men's room, according to the complaint.

Jarbou says he's "undergone physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, ongoing serious injuries requiring medical treatment" and "embarrassment, humiliation, medical expenses, wage loss and other economic and non-economic" damages.