Singer, songwriter. Jackson was born August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, to an African-American working-class family. His father, Joseph Jackson, had been a guitarist but had put aside his musical aspirations to provide for his family as a crane operator. Believing his sons had talent, he molded them into a musical group in the early 1960s. At first, the Jackson Family performers consisted of Michael's older brothers Tito, Jermaine, and Jackie. Michael joined his siblings when he was five, and emerged as the group's lead vocalist. He showed remarkable range and depth for such a young performer, impressing audiences with his ability to convey complex emotions. Older brother Marlon also became a member of the group, which evolved into the Jackson 5.
Behind the scenes, Joseph Jackson pushed his sons to succeed. He was also reportedly known to become violent with them. Michael and his brothers spent endless hours rehearsing and polishing up their act. At first, the Jackson 5 played local gigs and built a strong following. They recorded one single on their own, "Big Boy" with the b-side "You've Changed," but it failed to generate much interest.
The Jackson 5 moved on to working an opening act for such R&B artists as Gladys Knight and the Pips, James Brown, and Sam and Dave. Many of these performers were signed to the legendary Motown record label, and it has been reported that Gladys Knight may have been the one to tell Motown founder Berry Gordy about the Jackson 5. Impressed by the group, Gordy signed them to his label in 1968.
Relocating to Los Angeles, Michael and his brothers started work on their music and dancing with their father as their manager. They lived with Gordy and also with Supremes singer Diana Ross when they first arrived there. In August 1969, the Jackson 5 was introduced to the music industry at a special event, and later served as the opening act for the Supremes. Their first album, Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5, hit the charts in December of that year. It's first single, "I Want You Back," hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1970.
More chart-topping singles quickly followed, such as "ABC," "The Love You Save," and "I'll Be There." At the age of 13, Jackson launched a solo career in addition to his work with the Jackson 5. He made the charts in 1971 with "Got to Be There" from the album of the same name. His 1972 album, Ben, featured the eponymous ballad about a rat. The song became Jackson's first solo No. 1 single.
For several years, Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 maintained a busy tour and recording schedule, under the supervision of Berry Gordy and his Motown staff. Gordy wrote many of the songs recorded by the group and by Michael Jackson as a solo artist. The group became so popular that they even had their own self-titled cartoon show, which ran from 1971 to 1973.
Despite Jackson's individual achievements and the group's great success, there was trouble between the Jacksons and their record company. Tensions mounted between Gordy and Joseph Jackson over the management of his children's careers, and their level of participation in making their music. The Jacksons wanted more control over their recordings, which led to most of the Jacksons breaking ties with Motown in 1975. Jermaine Jackson remained with the label and continued to pursue a solo career, having previously released several albums none of which had matched the success of his younger brother Michael.
SOME TIME WITH: ROCK THE BELLS 2009 ARTISTS Salutations everybody this is Quentin M. Milroe, here to inform you, the reader, about the great time I had at Rock the Bells. In the midst of all the artists there (there were two stages) I got a chance to talk to a few folks. Some are up and comers, others are legends. So here is the rundown of individuals I spoke with along with their credentials.
NECRO: An individual whose one of the mainstays of the underground hip hop scene, it was an honor to talk to someone who clearly is one of the hardest working dudes in Hip Hop. His latest album entitled Death Rap is in stores now.
Quentin M. Milroe: What's good man. First of all how has Rock the Bells been treating you?
Necro: Mad love mad love.
Quentin M. Milroe: That's good man, real good. For years you've been on it with the rhymes and the boards too. You nasty on the boards! Just wanted to know do you have musical inspirations or favorite producers?
Necro: DJ Premier, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, Large Professor, you know.
Quentin M. Milroe: Yes sir, you named the kingpins right there. Yeah man so what you got going on right now?
Necro: Well I can't announce that yet.
Quentin M. Milroe: Oh okay that's cool. One last question. Who are some of your favorite live artists? Of all the live shows you ever been too, who are three of your favorites?
Necro: Live artists? Um, Slayer and Metallica.
Quentin M. Milroe: Oh okay yeah they go hard. Thank you for your time.
MICKEY FACTZ: A newcomer to the world of Hip Hop, Bronx native Mickey Factz has made quite an impact in a short amount of time. Gaining buzz with his series free mixtapes entitled The Leak, aswell his amazing freestyles all over the internet and an appearance on Rap City, Mickey Factz is making quite a name for himself.
Quentin M. Milroe: First of all how you doin' right now?
Mickey Factz: Good man, enjoying life, last year I was broke, this year I'm at Rock the Bells.
Quentin M. Milroe: Yeah man. I saw you on Rap City how was that?
Mickey Factz: Yeah that was with KRS. Yeah that was something I dreamed off for a very long time. Somebody I looked up too, withholding a legacy that's been started, is something I'm proud of.
Quentin M. Milroe: Cool cool. Is this your first time in Chicago?
Mickey Factz: Naw it's like my third or fourth time out here.
Quentin M. Milroe: How you like it?
Mickey Factz: Well, for the first time in a long time, I came out here and it's straight hot.
Quentin M. Milroe: Yeah, it's straight up sun today. Straight downsouth heat.
Mickey Factz: Yeah it's all good though it's all good.
Quentin M. Milroe: You got anything coming out, like any albums or anything like that?
Mickey Factz: Album's supposed to be droppin' later on this year, plus I got something going on with EA sports, I can't really speak too much about it...
Quentin M. Milroe: Right right.
Mickey Factz: It's gonna be crazy, comin' out probably October or November.
Quentin M. Milroe: Okay cool. Who are your three favorite live artists.
Mickey Factz: Chanel Monet, BOB...
Quentin M. Milroe: Aw yeah I saw BOB last year at Rock the Bells.
Mickey Factz: And I gotta say myself. If I had a band it would even be crazier, but I put on a pretty good live show.
KRS-ONE: What can I say about this man. He really does not need an introduction. MC, producer, author, over 20 years in the game, credentials for weeks, this is my interview with the icon, the legend, KRS-ONE.
KRS-ONE: Alright so what you sayin'?
Quentin M. Milroe: First of all man, it's an honor for me to do this interview.
KRS-ONE: No doubt.
Quentin M. Milroe: I've been liking you since I started listening to rap. Just two quick questions. First of all, where were you when you heard about Michael Jackson passing?
KRS-ONE: I was here, I was here in Chicago, I was on my way up to Chicago, on I-80West and the news came in. You know and anytime someone of popular stature, respect, and love even, passses, it's that hit, boom! Oh shit. What was that? You know you never thought Michael, death you know has no respect of people, kind of puts things into perspective.
Quentin M. Milroe: True indeed. You been in Chicago for a lot, and your live show is the best. What kind of preparation do you use?
KRS-ONE: Well you gotta use the right words, with your energy and stuff. I don't really ever go out there, I'm there now.
Quentin M. Milroe: Okay.
KRS-ONE: You know what it's like to give you a prime example, look at you hand, okay. Look at your palm, when you make a fist where does the palm go? Palm is still here but, it's gone, it's a fist. When you open your hand, where does the fist go? It's still here, but now you're with the palm, extended open hand, you're pointing, etc. But the fist is still here, you just chosen to manifest a certain thing. When I go on stage, right now, I'm on stage right now. I purposely stood there so the front row could see the side of my face. They're already getting prepped now, KRS is in their DNA, in the memory. So I just stand there first and communicate from the side of my head first. I'm rockin' the party right now, from the time the flyer comes, with my name on the flyer, you get hit in your head, 'oh shit', now when I come out there I use that energy to get the crowd stupid!
Quentin M. Milroe: Okay last question. The book, Temple of Hip Hop...
KRS: Gospel of Hip Hop is the book, available in September it's an 800 page book on the spiritual living of Hip Hop, uh it's too many people in urban areas that love God, that love spirituality. But are not apart of any specific church, temple, mosque, syangouge or any denomination, but they love God they love philosophical thought, and they want to be around people who are not afraid or ashamed to discuss...oh gotta go Buckshot's getting ready to go on, Temple of Hip Hop is like a think tank who could think beyond music, Hip Hop spiritual based. We're here today, you can go to...(KRS gets called to the stage) okay I gotta go.
Quentin M. Milroe: Thanks!
BILLY DANZE OF MOP
One half of the legendary rap duo MOP (along with Li'l Fame), Billy Danze has been in the game a little over 15 years. Known for their hardcore deliveries and energetic live shows, MOP are definitely Hip Hop mainstays. I had the privilege to have a few words with Billy Danze.
Quentin M. Milroe: First of all, how has Rock the Bells been treating you?
Billy Danze: Aw great, I mean this is first time we actually been on the bill, one of the guys that put us on is a good friend of ours. Main thing right now is that we're in Chi-town and Chi-town shows us tremendous love. And I am happy as fuck. And if I get another cold beer, I'll probably be lookin' for an apartment.
Quentin M. Milroe: Right right. Yeah man, that's good. You and Fame got anything new coming out?
Billy Danze: Well another MOP album coming out, after that my solo, Fame solo; first drop of the MOP album will be out soon.
Quentin M. Milroe: Okay cool cool. Oh one last question. Who are your favorite live performers?
Billy Danze: Bustah Rhymes, KRS-One, and I would have to say Cypress Hill.
Quentin M. Milroe: 'Ppreciate it man. Best luck on all your endeavors, peace.
GZA: As part of the legendary and iconic Wu-Tang Clan, the GZA has truly made his presence felt on both solo and group outings. He's been doing his thing for quite a while now, and it was a great honor to talk to this legendary lyricist.
Quentin M. Milroe: First question I wanna ask you, how has Rock the Bells been treating you so far?
GZA: It's only been about two hours since I been here...
Quentin M. Milroe: True indeed.
GZA: It's only been about two hours but it's aiight, they gave me a few drinks, couple bottles of water, a beer or two, backstage passes.
Quentin M. Milroe: Cool. In terms of live shows/performances, you put on one of the best. I just need your opinion on something, who you think are three artists or groups that put on a great live show besides Wu-Tang.
GZA: As far as Hip Hop?
Quentin M. Milroe: Hip hop, or any other type of music.
GZA: You know I listen to more music than attend shows I actually haven't had a chance to see a lot of shows. We usually get there late or get there when it's time to perform.
Quentin M. Milroe: Right.
GZA: So I really can't say since we tend to miss a lot of performances, but I will say that KRS-One gives a good performance since I seen him over the years. I mean it's plenty artists out there that put a lot into their show, some that probably don't put that much time; enough to even practice or write down the songs they're gonna do. I can't really say.
Quentin M. Milroe: Like I say, that's great. One last question though. You're one of the best lyricists ever to hold the mic, but, besides yourself, who are your favorite lyricists?
GZA: GZA, Genius and Allah Justice. Naw, but I have some many I can't really start naming.
Quentin M. Milroe: Cool cool I understand. Really appreciate this.
As we previously reported, Kanye recently confirmed to he was designing new Louis Vuitton shoes when a paparazzi member caught him coming out of a Louis Vuitton store. Now Kanye is giving everyone a sneak peak at "one of six designs" he did for "Louie."
LUDACRIS GOES HD!
Ludacris has teamed up with Monster Cable to re-release his new album, Theater Of The Mind, this time in high-definition stereo surround sound. Mixed by Monster's head honcho Noel Lee, the album reportedly will make listeners feel as if they are in the studio with Luda.
Don't get too hyped, in order to truely listen in HD, you will need at least a surround sound system. Monster also plans to make the CD compatible with Dolby so fans can experience the new HD in their headphones.
Luda's standard-D version of "Theater Of The Mind" is close to reaching gold-status. To date the 7th album from cris' has sold over 470,000 copies in only six weeks. The High-D version of Luda's new album should hit stores next month.
JERMAINE DUPRI GETS DROPPED FROM ISLAND RECORDS!
Jermaine Dupri has been booted out of his President spot over at Island Records Ubran Music, according to AHH. JD held the position for less than two years where he oversaw the label's entire urban music operations, reporting directly to the label chairman Antonio "L.A." reid and Steve Bartells (President of Island Music and COO of the Island Def Jam Music Group).
Jermaine has had other problems lately. Back in August, it was reported that he closed his Atlanta restaurant [more here]. Jermaine Dupri says he closed "Cafe Dupri" because “The economy has changed dramatically and people just aren’t eating out as much anymore."
In related news, Jermaine Dupri recently appeared on Bow Wow's new single "Roc The Mic". The new video for the single features JD and Bow Wow hitting the road in a classic car, so make sure you watch it now!
NOTORIOUS K.I.M.
Biggie's mom is upset over the relationship Notorious had with Lil Kim. In a recent interview, Mrs Wallace is upset at how BIG treated Kim saying “I would love to speak to Lil’ Kim, because I need to ask more about this love relationship because I really didn’t like the way he treated her and I’m praying that that’s not it,” she continued. “Only she can answer those questions. She’s a sweet girl and I didn’t think she deserved to be treated the way he treated her, if that’s the case.”
Lil Kim recently announced she didn't approve of the way she was portrayed in the new "Notorious" film. Talking about Big's mom and Faith Evans, Kim said “I’m very disappointed in Faith,” she added. “There’s nothing Faith or Ms. Wallace could do to stop me from reppin’ B.I.G. all day. I’m gonna always do that … It’s time for Ms. Wallace to be exposed.”
WEEZY FLIPS FROM RAP TO ROCK & ROLL!
Lil Wayne is reportedly working on a complete Rock album and Canadian rapper Drake says he's on it. "Wayne's coming out with a new album, it's a rock album," Drake told MuchMusic, continuing "a complete rock album. I have a song on there." Wayne will join Kanye West as artists who put out albums in a complete different genre. "It’s something different in just that whole 808's and Hearbreaks, just throwing individuals off," Drake says.
Drake recently signed a management deal with Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua (who manages Kanye) and Cortez Bryant (who manages Lil Wayne). Drake will be joining Lil Wayne (along with T-Pain, Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and other) on the 'I Am Music' tour when it hits Canada.
VIDEO VIXENS GET TV SHOW ON E!
E! has given the green light to a new series called "," that will focus on the women in rap music videos, better known as video vixens. The 30-minute show (being pushed as a "docu-soap") centers around aspiring and established female actresses who work for an agency that casts them into videos.
"Candy Girls" will air on Sunday nights at 10:30 following the premeire of the third season of 'Keeping Up WIth The Kardashians." E! ordered 8 episodes of the series that E! says "In order to reach the career pinnacle of appearing in 'A-list' music videos and gain access to the world of superstars, private jets and exclusive parties, you need to be able to play the game as well as you look."
WEEZY & CLEF HELP ESPN ROCK THE SUPERBOWL!
Lil Wayne and Wyclef Jean will help ESPN kick off their "Big Weekend" event during Super Bowl weekend. Wyclef will perform for the ESPN "The Magazine's NEXT" party on January 30th at 9 PM next to DJ Samantha Ronson (better known as the girl f*cking Lindsay Lohan) on the 1s & 2s. Sean Kingston will rock a free concert the next day, titled the "NEXT Day Tailgate" from around noon to 5pm joined by the University of South Florida Marching Band.
Lil Wayne, who already blogs for ESPN, will be reporting from the event's red carpet. Weezy recently appeared on ESPN's "Sportaphile" [watch here] show where he took on Skip Bayless in a debate over sports. Check out Lil Wayne's three-part appearance on ESPN.
JIM JONES THE NEW VP OF URBAN A&R OF KOCH RECORDS!
Friday, Koch Records announced the addition of Jim Jones to its executive team. Earning the position of Vice President of Urban A&R, Jones will oversee the signing and development of new talent on the label’s urban roster. Boasting the title of largest independent record label in the United States, Koch Records hopes to gain even more clout with the appointment of the Dipset rapper.
Jones said, “It feels good to know that the hard work has been recognized by the same people that have helped me get to this point in my career. They recognize that I'm not only an artist but a person that can smell talent and be able to mold a superstar.” Previously, in 2005 through 2007, Jim Jones held an executive job at Atlantic Records, before both parties agreed to cease the relationship over a year ago. In addition to his selection as VP of A&R, Jones is also prepping for the release of his album Pray IV Reign, dropping next month.
KANYE WEST POSES NUDE!
After pushing the boundaries of what is considered “Hip Hop” with his latest album, "808s & Heartbreak", Kanye West wants to push the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable. The rapper/producer now wants to bare it all in a nude photo shoot. Before Kanye takes it off for the camera, however, he wants to make sure he’s pleasing to the eye. "I definitely feel, like, in the next however many years, if I work out for two months, that I'll pose naked,” West told Vibe. West adds that he’s not necessarily looking for attention, but wants to challenge American and black culture norms. “I break every rule and mentality of hip-hop, of black culture, of American culture.” Though a potential nude spread from West would challenge norms, the star also knows it would dominate the headlines—more so than other celebrities who have done the same thing. "If [Bjork] wanted to pose naked, you'd (public and media) be like, 'Oh, that's Bjork.' But if I wanted to pose naked, people would draw all type of things into it.” If Kanye goes through with the photos, the Chicago representer will be following in the footsteps of several rappers. Big Daddy Kane jumped off the trend, posing with Madonna and Naomi Campbell. Ice-T followed suit several years
DR.DRE PISSED WITH SONG LEAK!
To add to the pressure on Dr. Dre with his highly anticipated album Detox expected to be released this year, earlier this week a track titled, “Could Have Been You” was leaked. The song was recorded during the Detox sessions and it was believed the song was meant to be on the album. Although Dre’s camp has not commented on the issues but sources state the legendary producer was not pleased with the un-mixed and un-mastered version hitting the net. “Could Have Been You” featured R. Kelly, 50 Cent and Slim the Mobster discussing a troubled unsuccessful relationship with a girl. On the hook Kelly sings, "The reason why you didn't get picked, 'cause you got your nose up your ass smelling your shit/ But tonight you met your match, 'cause I be smelling my shit too/ Now how you like that?" 50 opens the song chanting “It’s the D, R, E” and goes on to explain his own problems with woman. Although the song was leaked, due to the quality and the respect for Dre most websites have pulled it or did not post the track altogether. A song called “Crack A Bottle” by 50, Eminem and Dre was also released this week yet it is still unclear if this is a track for Detox or Eminem’s new project Relapse. No release date has been set for either album but Relapse is expected to be released this spring with Dre’s long awaited album following.
DEATH ROW RECORDS FINALLY DEAD!
After years of turbulence, Death Row Records is again being put on the auction block due to a Chapter 11 proceeding. Founded by Suge Knight and Dr. Dre in 1991, Death Row Records filed for Chapter 11 protection in 2006, and only months later a bankruptcy trustee was ordered to take over the label. After being taken over by the bankruptcy trustee, Death Row Records received several bids but all of them fell through. With the upcoming auction set for January 15, co-founder of Death Row Records, Lydia Harris spoke with Billboard regarding the label's recent misfortunes and why bidders have shied away from purchasing the label.
"Everybody wants to hide behind the fear of Suge Knight--the fear is something they are latching on to--but all them still do business with him," Harris told Billboard. "At the end of the day, he's still living, he made people a lot of money and opened doors for a lot of them. It isn't about them being scared. That's what people need to realize. These people still deal with Suge everyday. It's the money. It's the greed." In 2005, Harris received a $105 million settlement after battling Knight for a share of the label she says she and her now incarcerated husband Michael "Harry-O" Harris helped launch. Bidders have also expressed concern over the monetary value of the label as well; Koch Records backed out of a bid for Death Row two years ago, because it did not believe that the company was worth the $25 million bid they placed. The auction on January 15 will include a large number of Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg recordings that were not included in the previous auction.
Jay-Z was recently combined with Radiohead to create the "Jaydiohead" album. The new album from DJ Minty Fresh Beats combines Jay-Z's "Black" and "American Gangster" albums with multiple albums from Radiohead. In related news, Jay-Z was also recently combined with Coldplay to create the top mixtape of 2007 titled "Viva La Hova." Other mash-up's from Jigga include the "White" album (Jay-Z combined with The Beatles) and the official album "Collision Course," a mash up with Linkin Park. You can download the new "Jaydiohead" mixtape at jaydiohead.com
50 Cent & Busta Rhymes
50 Cent and Busta Rhymes, Vodka and Cognac
50 Cent and Busta Rhymes have made recent deals between the rappers management company, Viloator Management, and Drinks Americas will have the rappers market a Leyrat Cognac and Sparkling Vodka brands.
Drinks Americas previously signed a deal with Dr Dre to help develop and market a series of premium alcolhol and non-alcoholic beverages, marking the first equal partnership between a music and beverage company. In August, Drinks Americas revealed it would introduce Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Cognac plus a sparkling vodka around the release of Dr Dre's highly anticipated Detox album.
Kanye West's New Louis Vuitton Shoe
Kanye gave a sneak peak of his new Louis Vuitton sneakers to the paparazzi recently. Kanye was spotted leaving a Louis Vuitton store by TMZ cameras and said "I was just showing them my new Louis. I can't show you too much of that, though. These aren't coming out until June." [watch here] Kanye already has a rumored shoe coming out through Nike.
Kanye also commented on his infamous incident with the paparazzi at the LAX airport saying "That airport thing didn't really happen," he jokingly confessed. "It was an optical allusion. That didn't really happen." [watch here] Kanye says he will be focusing on "clothes" in 2009. As previously reported, Kanye stated he plans to step away from music to become a fashion intern.
DMX Home Foreclosed
No it's not more legal trouble, but it isn't good news. DMX's home in Cave Creek, Arizona has been foreclosed. SWAT team raids destroyed the carpets and left windows and doors blown out allowing things to be stollen. "I think people showed up, walked the house and took what they wanted," says Andrew Wheeler, who is in charge of selling the home. The things left at the house were thrown into the pool, leaving the only sign of DMX being an old magazine cover hanging out of a car window.
According to the realtor, the quad-motorcycles DMX was often seen riding on the property, were stolen, along with almost everything else, leaving behind a damaged shell of a once-glamorous home. X paid around $600,000 for the house in 2003 and the bank set the sale price for $429,000. DMX is currently in jail, waiting to be sentenced on animal cruelty, theft and drug convictions.
Dre's Son Died Of Accidental Drug Overdose
Dr Dre's son died of an accidental drug overdose. A toxicology report shows that Andre R. Young Jr. died of "morphine and heroin intoxication" according to Ed Winter, assistant chief of the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
As previously reported, Dre's 20 year-old son was found dead in August at the family's Woodland Hills home. Young's mother found him dead at 10:24 a.m on August 23rd. An initial autopsy was completed a few days later but the results were delayed pending the outcome of a "gamut of tests, including toxicology," Winter said.
A publicist for Dr Dre, Lori Earl, stated "Dr. Dre is mourning the loss of his son. Please respect his family's grief and privacy at this time."
Lil Wayne Talks Acting, Says There Is No One Like Him
Lil Wayne plans on acting more. In a new interview the New Orleans rapper talks about his role in the upcoming movie "Hurricane Season." Co-Starring Forest Whitaker, Isaiah Washinton and fellow rapper Bow Wow, "Hurricane Season' is the true story of a Lousianna basketball team during the Katrina hurricane.
Weezy goes on to talk about recording his "Lollipop" hit, recording with T-Pain and even where he was at when he heard Barack Obama was elected. "I just feel like I'm different," Wayne says, "theres not anyone that does what I do, you don't have anyone to compare it to." Weezy finishes by saying "therefore everytime it comes out, it's new, because no one else does it."
Beyonce Starts 09 At Number One
Beyonce will kick off 2009 with her fourth week at number one. Beyonce's "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" sold another 382,000 downloads last week, up more than 157%. T.I. dropped one spot to number 3 with his Rihanna-backed "Live Your Life" song, while Kanye stays at number 4 with "Heartless."
Beyonce, T.I. and Kanye's other singles ("If I Were A Boy" , "Love Lockdown" and "Whatever You Like") round out the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Beyonce's new album "I Am... Sasha Fierce" was 2008's 10th highest selling album with just over 1.46 million copies sold.
The much anticipated third studio album from T-Pain call "Thr33 Ringz" hits stores on November 11th but today the track list and album cover leaked (see below). T-Pain hopes to continue the success he had with his last album "Epiphany" last year. The first single from "Thr33 Ringz" is called "Can't Believe It" that features Lil Wayne has already achieved much success.
1. Welcome to Thr33 Ringz 2. Ringleader Man 3. Chopped N Skrewed (Feat. Ludacris) 4. Take a Ride (Skit) 5. Freeze (Feat. Chris Brown) 6. Blowing Up (Feat. Ciara) 7. Can’t Believe It (Feat. Lil Wayne) 8. It Ain’t Me (Feat. Akon & T.I.) 9. Feed the Lions (Skit) 10. Therapy (Feat. Kanye West) 11. Long Lap Dance 12. Reality Show (Feat. Musiq Soulchild, Raheem DeVaughn & Jay Lyriq) 13. Keep Going 14. Superstar Lady (Feat. Young Cash) 15. Change (Feat. Akon, Diddy & Mary J. Blige) 16. Digital (Feat. Tay Dizm) 17. Karaoke (Feat. DJ Khaled)
Deluxe Edition Bonus Tracks 18. Distorted 19. Sweet 20. Bad Side 21. Phantom
T.I. Parties With Franz Ferdinand and Chaka Khan
It's not a normal thing to see T.I. on the same bill as say Franz Ferdinand or Chaka Khan but they were all party of Diesel's 30th Anniversary "Rock'N'Roll Circus" this past Saturday (10/11) in Brookly, New York. Famous artists with periods in their names , N.E.R.D. and M.I.A. (who is visably pregnant) [watch here], took the stage to perform songs include M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes"
Getting back to TIP, T.I. had the most explosive performance, getting the crowd waving their hands and peforming five of his hit songs. Opening up "Bring Em Out" then going into "Swing Ya Rag," T.I. continued with "What You Know" before he fnished up with his current smash hit "Whatever You Like." Plus M.I.A. even jumped on stage to do the back vocals for "Swagga Like Us."
C-Murder Seeks Delay In Trial Because Of The Elections
C-Murder has filed papers in court today seeking a postponement of his murder trial, as it's set to start on October 14th. Jury selection started today but C-Murder wants to delay it due to the upcoming elections and the fact that the judge overseeing his trial, is seeking re-election.
C-Murder is charged with the January 12, 2002 shooting death of a 16-year-od male Steve Thomas inside of Club Platinum. C-Murder was convicted for the charges in 2003 and sentenced to life in prison but months later the ruling was overturned because prosecutors withheld key evidence and expunged the criminal records of key witnesses.
Lil Wayne Leads American Music Awards Nominations
The American Music Awards takes place on November 23rd at 8pm on ABC and it looks like Lil Wayne will lead the nominees as he is nominated for 3 awards including "Artist Of The Year," "Favorite Male Artist" plus "Favorite Album-Rap/Hip-Hop" for his "Tha Carter III." In that last category, Weezy goes up against Kanye West ("Graduation") and Jay-Z ("American Gangster"). Kanye West and Lil Wayne will also go against eachvother in the "Favorite Male Artist" category.
View A Complete List Of The Nominee's - Click Here The American Music Awards takes place on November 23rd at 8pm on ABC and it looks like Lil Wayne will lead the nominees as he is nominated for 3 awards including "Artist Of The Year," "Favorite Male Artist" plus "Favorite Album-Rap/Hip-Hop" for his "Tha Carter III." In that last category, Weezy goes up against Kanye West ("Graduation") and Jay-Z ("American Gangster"). Kanye West and Lil Wayne will also go against eachvother in the "Favorite Male Artist" category.
Joey Says You Cant Compare Wayne To Anyone
Although Fat Joe is busy working on his next new album, he took time out to talk to MTV News recently about another rapper's new album... Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter IV." Fat Joe told MTV “Lil Wayne, don’t bet against him right now!” continuing “Don’t bet against this guy ever right now. He calls me in the middle of the night: ‘Come to the studio.’ I get there, this nigga pressed play, and everything he played was super-duper phenomenal, number-one [smash]. He’s singing, ‘So I went to get her in my spaceship.’ Craziest thing you ever heard in your life.”
Joe ignored the comparisons to Jay-Z saying Lil Wayne will be in a class of his own with this new album. “They compared him a lot to Jay-Z, and you could see where he was influenced, but after this next album — I’m not saying he’s the best rapper of all time, [but] you can’t compare him to any rapper in the world. Because no rapper has done what he’s about to do. That’s crazy! He’s a rock star, man. Hit mania!”
In related news, meaning news that JOE wants you to KNOW (thats why you see rappers talking about other rappers that are currently "hot) is Joey's new album "Nino Dubs DeLuca" doesn't have a release date but it will feature Akon, Ron Brownz and Infamous.
DJ AM Becomes Jay-Zs DJ
As I'm sure everyone knows by now, DJ AM and Travis Barker were the two sole survivors of a plane crash that killed 4 people including Barker's assitant and security gaurd. Now after weeks in the hospital, DJ AM is coming back HARD. AM has been tapped to perform with Jay-Z in Hollywood this Wednesday night. DJ AM will be on the 1s & 2s for Jigga at the event marking the reopening of the Palladium Theater.
Wait, the news gets better...DJ AM's publicist, Jenni Weinman, also said that DJ AM will be Jay-Z's new DJ on his upcoming tour. Only 2 dates so far are scheduled for the tour (10/16-Houston, TX & 10/25-Charlottesville, VA). Calling Jay-Z "the greatest rapper in the world," AM described becoming Jiggas DJ as "the biggest thing that's happened in my career."
Tomorrow's show with Jay-Z at the Palladium Theater will be DJ AM's first since the plane crash. To help AM deal with it, his friends are throwing him a party. Mark Ronson, Steve Aoki, Mix Master Mike and other DJs are hosting a party for DJ AM Tuesday night (October 14), the proceeds of which will benefit the families of the accident's victims.
Aubrey O Day and D Woods kicked out of Danity Kane
Making the Band Live Finale was last night which we were told would find out the fate of Danity Kane.
Not short into the program you find out that Diddy kicks Aubrey O'Day and D. Woods out of Danity Kane. He says its because they were hard to work with and it showed them getting into a small arguement. Aubrey kept asking why she didnt have any communication with Bad Boy. Diddy than did what he always talks about and displayed total BITCHASSNESS and started cuttin contracts. Kicking Aubrey out than quickly firing D. Woods after.
But will this exit be for real? Or are they going to fix it or replace them?
After declaring, “I am not the bad guy,” Diddy was a bit non-committal. “If there was a situation where the Aubrey that I signed ever showed up, I don’t know what the future could hold,” he said in a live interview with MTV’s Sway. “That young lady that was in front of me, that wasn’t really respectful of me and respectful of everybody else, I didn’t have any interest of going forward and working with that person.”
O'Day arrived to the live show (Woods didnt show at all) and started talking about how she had left the building after hearing what Diddy had said about her. “This isn’t about me. This is about life. We’re all trying our best everyday. I know how many people are out there – people are criticizing you at your job, your friends are calling you things, people are telling you you’re something you’re not – and you fight those struggles every day to just prove who you are.”
Her confrontation (via satellite) with Diddy was also odd, as he told her she was heading to a cold and lonely place because of her attitude, and all she had to say back to him was a complimented about his “I Heart Michelle Obama” t-shirt.
Diddy than hinted that Making the Band is coming back for another season. Who knows if it will be with DK or not though. D. Woods will move on to work with her other group, The Girls Club, whereas the future is currently unclear for Aubrey.
Suge Knight Witness Goes Missing
The supposed girlfriend of Suge Knight who was alledgedly kicked and punched and left naked on the side of the road by Suge is missing.
TMZ has reported that the Las Vegas PD went to re-interview the victem, but their was no one of that name living in the apartment building where she claimed to live.
Even if she doesn't turn up, the D.A. can still go on with the case.
Baby Sued For A Cool 275,000
It looks like Bryan "Birdman" Williams (otherwise known as Baby) is being sued with accusations of fraud, breach of contract and money paid with no return. TMZ is reporting that promoter Jose Fernadez has filed the lawsuit against baby after paying over a quarter million dollards for a concert in November of last year that never took place. The show has been rescheduled twice and the suit reads "As a direct and proximate result of the the breach of contract, Plaintiffs have been damaged in a sum in excess of $275,000." Fernandez also says that Baby's promise to bring additional performers like Lil Wayne was a total lie.
In related news, Baby's financial seems great. He was recently photographed giving Lil Wayne a briefcase containing one million dollars as a surprize at Lil Waynes birthday party in Miami, Florida.
Kanye West Unveils Details Of New Album
Details about Kanye's new album "808's and Heartbreak" have now been unveiled. Kanye selected a few journalists and guests to attend a listening session, including getting Italian artist Vanessa Beecroft to set the stage for the guests. "After waiting in a loading area with an open bar and a DJ, we walked up a driveway illuminated by florescent lights to a darkened room where approximately forty nude women, most of them wearing face-obscuring masks seemingly made of faux lamb's wool, stood in the middle -- black girls in the front, white girls in the back," a Fader journalist wrote. "Mos Def sat down front-and-center, Michael Rapaport talked excitedly to the security guards, Will.i.am watched from one end of the U the audience formed around the women, Rick Ross watched from the other end."
Fader says there are only a few guests on Kanye's album, incluing the only rap verses coming from Young Jeezy on "Amazing" and a duet with Lil Wayne. More importantly Fader says what the album "West delivered a monologue about how this album is about the freedom to do what you want to do and that he used Auto-Tune because it is the most fun thing ever."
Kanye said "If I wanna rap, I'll rap," he said. "If I wanna sing, I'll sing. I told Jay, L.A Reid and everyone at my label that I needed to put this out right now, I'll have another album in June, but this has to come out right now. The way these songs connect with you, God uses me as a vessel- he puts me through pain so that I can go through it, and create..."
The album was put together in three weeks in the area code of 808 (hence the title), it will hit stores on November 25th.
Rick Ross Signs Memorabilia Deal, Remixes T.I.
Rick Ross continues to be a hustler as the rapper has signed an exclusive agreement with Hollywood Collectibles to offer fans the chance to buy personalized memorabilia, that’s right, Rick Ross memorabilia. The deal will bring custom framed autographed photos but will end up with sports jerseys, hats and concert-used items autographed by the Miami rapper. Currently, the company's custom framed photos will start at around $149.
In related news, Ricky Ross continues to do remixes of every song that comes out. This time he decided to remix T.I.'s "Live Your Life." [listen here] Like the original, the remix also features Rihanna, just Rick Ross is added.
Weezy Signs British R&B Star
British R&B artist Jay Sean announced last night that he just signed a deal with Lil Wayne's Cash Money Records. During a trip to Miami, Jay signed the deal with Cash Money and met Wayne and the rest of the family. As a result of the deal, Cash Money has exclusive rights to Sean's new album "My Own Way" for the United States. "My Own Way" will be released in the US during the spring of 2009.
"It's always been a dream for me to sign to an American label," Jay wrote in his blog. "And it's great to be accepted by the best in the game." Jay Sean has collabs with Weezy in the works and Wayne will also be droppin ga verse on the remix of his single "Tonight."
The Game Talks Life After The Math
The Game plans to release a DVD called "Life After The Math" next week. The DVD will feature Game's problems after his rise to success in hip-hop plus a lot of rare never-before-seen material from artists like Snoop Dogg, Kanye West and Katt Williams, not to mention Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. Produced by Black Wall Street, the DVD is expected to give fans a different way to look at the controversial rapper.
50 Cent To Host Hustler Reality Show
These days 50 Cent puts his name on and sells just about everything. From clothes to watches to even water, 50 has proved that he is the ultimate hustler. MTV is planning a new show called “50 Cent: The Money and the Power,” that 50 will host. Contestants will compete against eachother in a series of challenges and the winner will get seed money for their idea from 50. In the show the 14 contestants will share a house in "Camp Curtis" (a warehouse in Brooklyn) and will be judged by not only 50 but guests like LL Cool J, Danity Kane’s Aubrey O’Day, Lloyd Banks, and Hot 97’s Miss Info. G-Unit member Tony Yayo will serve as Fif’s “Underboss” on the show on the show that premieres on Thursday, November 6th at 10PM.
“If I was just my image,” 50 said in a statement. “I wouldn’t have made this much money.” 50 was recognized by Forbes as a big entrepreneur who manages a record company, clothing company, radio shows, stakes in Glaceau Vitaminwater and neeted around $100 million in profits alone.
Jay Z Uncle Murda diss track to Fat Joe and Khaled surfices
Thisis50.com leaked a major diss track that was given to them from DJ Kay Slay. The track is a Jay Z featuring Uncle Murda track produced by Pharell. Jay Z ends up going off on Fat Joe DJ Khaled and the whole Terror Squad. "Your off beat DJ if he anything he play // sound familiar holla to pharrell say "blam" // now im gonna have to diss you joe// you can get a smack for that matter fact the gat will blow natural//" However within a few hours of the track leaking people in the industry were already airing their opinions on it. Jus Blaze weighed in on the track on his blog themegatrondon2.com proclaiming that the track was recorded around the Blueprint 2 era and that it was 6-7 years old. “So for some reason people think this "new" Jay/Uncle Murda thing is a Fat Joe Khaled dis. It’s not. really.. It’s also like 8000 years old and somehow dude got his hands on it and put a verse on it. Now that I recall, it’s Blueprint 2 era.. I was going to use this verse for the S.Carter Remix CD but we couldn’t get the Pro Tools in time. The illest Rap Nerd moment was Sadat coming back in and doign the hook for us. Ahh the Good ‘Ol Days. Anyway I really have nothing to do with any of this, but it’s funny to see a 6 or 7 year old record that I wtinessed being made come back as a "new dis record" Or maybe Jay was just psychic and new that Khaled would be big one day and and decided to set away a dis verse just in case.. 6 or 7 years in advance. Uhh.. yeah Don’t fall for the Okeydoke folks.. Yours Truly, King Bongo Beat.(Jus Blaze)“
DJ Quik says Dr Dre has 400 songs for Detox
West Coast producer DJ Quik who recently did the mixing for Snoop Dogg's Ego Trippin and Murs Murs for President.
DJ Quik spoke about working with West Coast legend Dr. Dre in a recent Loud.com interview. “Nobody gets to say this, I’m gonna snitch. The man is getting piano lessons from Burt Bacharach and he’s reinterpreting [Frederic] Chopin symphony stuff. It’s crazy, he’s lost his mind. He’s got like 400 records. As a matter of a fact I was there for like four hours, and I think I only heard maybe 60 songs.” Honoring Dre’s work ethic, Quik continued, “This man’s got like six or seven Detox records if he wants, it’s just crazy.” Quik than confirmed the latest rumor that Snoop Dogg is back in the studio with Dre “Another cool thing too that some of y'all don’t know, Snoop is now back in the studio with Dr. Dre. It’s about to crazy!”
50 Cent unveils Before I Self Destruct Movie Trailer
50 Cent's new album and movie with the same name "Before i Self Destruct" is set to drop on December 9th.
Promising an action packed flick, the "Before I Self Destruct" trailer [watch here] hit the internet today, and shows a corn rowed Fifty pulling triggers. The trailer also debuted Fifty's newest single "Get Up" [listen here], a Scott Storch produced track, which you can listen to here.
And Fifty has a lot more on the line than with previous movies he has starred in, as "Before I Self Destruct" marks the rappers first step into the world of directing. Fifty is also not the only star in the line up, and the movie will feature Clifton Powell(Pinky in the Friday Series), video vixen Angel Lola Love as well as Treach from Naughty by Nature.
T.I. works with King and gets Political
The self proclaimed King himself T.I. will get a chance to at least work with King. As he becomes a guest editor for the mens magazine 'King' for the November issue. "It's only right that King would indeed have a King as editor in chief," T.I. said in a statement. "I guess this is, indeed, my magazine. Understand that. ... Keep it pimpin'."
"We always intended to work with Tip on a bigger level," King's regular Editor In Chief, Jermaine Hall said. "He had done [the fashion section] Tag for us in the past and other sections of the magazine and always did a really good job. He was always thorough with it. So when we started the discussion for this issue, we saw he was taking it seriously. He really wanted to run the magazine for an issue. That was the deciding factor." The King issue with Reagan Gomez-Preston, the co-star from Tip's current video Whatever you Like [watch video], as the cover girl — has a political theme. Besides his guest editing, some of T.I.'s thoughts show up in print, such as a dream collaboration with T-Pain and blunders made by President Bush over the past eight years. One of the mag's highlights is a roundtable discussion moderated by the Parker Report's Erik Parker. Tip and other notables, such as Kevin Powell and Yung Berg, discuss a myriad of topics, including voting. "When I'm speaking to young people," T.I. said, "and they say, 'Who you voting for?' I say, 'Well, what you think's wrong with the country? What problems do you need to be fixed? OK, then cut your PlayStation off and turn to CNN and listen to these people. Listen to each of the candidates' platforms, and whoever you think is speaking passionately and intelligently and will do the things you think need changed, that's who you vote for.' It ain't as easy as saying, 'T.I., OK, tell me who to vote for.' "
"I got a phone call on my cell from Tip saying, 'Yo, I'm at the roundtable,' " Hall recalled. " 'I'm gonna hit this point, that point. What else do you need me to take care of for the issue?' It was his suggestion to grab Reagan for the cover. He went far and beyond really doing his job for the magazine. It reminded me when Bono had the guest-editor spot for Vanity Fair — dude went in. It was very important for me with this issue to be able to really reach the 18-, 19-, 20-, 21-year-olds, those people who weren't so politically aware in the past. With his reach and influence, it was really a no-brainer."
Lil Kim sued for 2.5 Million by Record Company
Just months after Lil Kim was last sued for failure to complete a book she is now getting sued again. Again for not deliverying content, this time its stated as "failure to deliver content". Seems Kim might need to do what her name spells out and Keep It Moving, get off her fat ass and do some work.
The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan’s State Supreme Court on Tuesday by Brookland Media, who say they spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on recordings, equipment and advance payments.
The suit says Lil' Kim, whose real name is Kimberly Denise Jones, tried to change the contract after signing and halted recording until Brookland agreed to her terms, reports the Associated Press.
Brookland wants the court to declare the contract valid and bar Lil' Kim from recording for another company.
Scarface calls Mccain a F'n Racist Redneck
As it gets closer to November 4th, Election Day, more and more rappers are getting political and talking and giving their opinions.
O.G. geto boy himself Scarface recently had an interview with Rolling Out TV [WATCH VIDEO HERE] discussing politics with endorsing Obama and tearing apart Mccain (or as we call him Mccant or Mcsame).
"I think Barack Obama has the right idea," he said. "I think he played his campaign very well. He didn't lean his meter 'either or,' he came right in dead center, and that's politics."
But than Face starts talking about Mccant and he doesnt hold back.
"If you've never in your life seen a nigga-hatin' motherf*cker that just hates niggas, look at that f*ckin pink ass white boy," Face bluntly states.
"At least he's real with himself. The whole time they had their debate, you know that motherfuckin' peckerwood would not look that nigga in his eyes. And that right there showed me the respect he had for niggas. John McCain man, I respect that."
"You fucking racist red neck piece of shit white boy, short arm no top-lip movin' brown teeth motherfucker. I love you dude."
Wu-Tang To Be On BET Awards
It wasn't too long ago Wu-Tang was having some problems as the group disagreed over production and songs for their new album but it seems they have worked that out as the New York group will appear at this years BET Hip-Hop Awards. This years awards will feature a tribute to "Iconic Woman In Hip-Hop," although no names have been given yet for this tribute.
Jadakiss will MC the eventby announcing the festivities as they take place while DJ Drama will be on the 1's & 2's. The 2008 BET Hip-Hop Awards take place in Atlanta, Georgia and will be hosted by Katt Williams. Airing on Thursday, October 23rd at 8pm on BET, the awards will also feature Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Common, Ludacris and T-Pain.
Ice Cube Dedicates Song & Video To Victims
Ice Cube is no stranger to sharing thes spotlight and in his new video "Why Me" [watch here] he shares camera time with dozens of victims of violent crimes. The video from his new album "Raw Foootage" finds cube dedicating lines of the song to senseless crimes.
The video for "Why Me" was release in September but it began to get headlines after the mother of Jamiel Shaw (a 17-year-old who was shot to death outside his home) pushed for legal and harder penalties to illegal immigrant gang members. For his part, Cube says the video isn't related to the legal battle "It ain't really a commentary on that," Cube says. "You've got a person being killed by a person he don't know for a reason he don't know ... Who cares if it was an immigrant or if it was a taxpaying citizen?"
Nelly Returns To TV, Finishes Tour
Although his new album, Brass Knuckles, continues to go down on the charts and is no where close to having a chance at being anything but a flop, Nelly is doing well in other aspects of entertainment.
Nelly will return to television with his recurring role on the CBS: CSI New York show tomorrow (October 7th). The St. Louis and head Lunitic will be playing a club owner who also serves as an informant for the CSI team. Make sure you check it out as it airs at 10pm on tonight.
In related news, Nelly will be wrapping up his 'Brass Knuckles' tour tonight in Minneapolis at club Myth. Listen to Nelly ft. Gucci Mane and R.Kelly in "U Can Get It" or Nelly featuring T.I. and LL Cool J in "Hold Up"
Lil Jon Finds A New Home, Plans New Album In 2009
Although its body is laying cold in the morge with a toe tag and funeral arrangements have already been made, Crunk Music isn't dead, according to Universal Republic. They announced today that they signed the Crunk King Lil Jon to a major label deal that will have Lil Jon as a producer and artist delivering solo albums plus even an A&R for the entire company.
“Lil Jon is a larger than life figure who casts a giant shadow over every facet of the entertainment business,” Universal Republic CEO Monte Lipman said. “His name is synonymous with brand-building and we want him plugged into multiple Universal Republic platforms for maximum results. I view him as our Urban Music Czar!" Lil Jon's very-long-delayed follow up to his 2005 Crunk Juice is set to release sometime early in 2009.
As everyone knows, Lil Jon was previously signed to TVT Records where he put out many albums including "Kings Of Crunk' and "Put Yo Hood Up," too bad TVT filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, although it's a good thing for the "YAAAAA" man as he became a free agent able to sign deals like the one mentioned above.
Jim Jones Makes His Own SLU, Talks Sh*t About T.I.
Jim Jones is pissed he wasn't on "Swagger Like Us" from T.I. Jones thinks it was on purpose, “I really do think it was deliberate; maybe in my sick twisted mind I’m a little crazy. People know who set the precedent as far as fashion in this industry and people know who damn near changed the world as far as fashion...in the past five years I stepped in and gave them a taste of what rock and roll looks like from my side. I guess people would say from an urban side, and it seemed to catch on like wildfire, to the point that people was going to stores and asking for that Jim Jones look.”
Jones is making his own version of the track called "Jackin Swagger From Us" that will feature Lil Wayne and Juelz Santana. Jones went on to talk about T.I. (who he has beef with) saying “I don’t feel like he possesses any swag. Not like that. It’s fabricated. They’re watching other people, then they try and do it. You know people that dress like T.I.? You know people that go out and say let me get a T.I. outfit or do you know people who say, 'Yo, you’re looking like Jim Jones?' Which one? Lemme hear it! When the bitches want to fuck you and the niggas want be like you, who got the swag? Niggas with money and fame always going to look like they doing something ’cause they got the camera in front of them. But the cool dudes always stick out no matter where they at.”
Previously this week, Clinton Sparks talked to T.I. [watch here], filled him in on the Jim Jones comments and TIP said “Well you know what, that's very funny that either one of you should mention that because my clothing line Akoo will be in stores in November and I believe there will be quite a few people going out to get it. So hopefully, I can step my swag up a little bit. Maybe I can meet his standards. I ain't trippin' over that, man.”
Beyonce And Mos Def Release Cadillac Records In December
The highly anticipated movie starring Jay-Z's girl, better known as Beyonce Knowles, and rapper Mos Def, will hit theatres on December 5th. Called "Cadillac Records," the movie is the story of legendary Chicago record label Chess Records, home to a number of artists include Etta James (played by Beyonce) and Chuck Berry (played by Mos Def). Set in Chicago in the 1950's the movie also details the story of Muddy Waters, Howlin Wolf, Litter Walter and founders of Chess Records, Leonard and Phil Ches.
Besides the two music stars rounding out the cast will be Garielle Union (Bad Boys II, Martin's under cover cop sister), Emmanuelle-Chriqui (Entourage, E's girlfriend Sloan), Eamonn Walker (Lord Of War, Crazy African Leader), Tammy Blanchard (Stealing Harvard, Noreen Plummer) and of course Cedric The Entertainer.
Darnell Martin (known for his television directing on "Law & Order," "Greys Anatomy," "OZ," "ER" etc ) wrote and will direct the film while Beyonce will executive produce. Beyonce will also produce the films soundtrack that features classic Chess Records recordings plus new material from Beyoncé herself, plus Mos Def, Buddy Guy, Raphael Saddiq, Solange, and Q-Tip.
Cadillac Records hits theatres on December 5th while it's soundtrack hits stores on December 2nd.
50 Cent Says Get Up With His First Official Single From New Album
50 Cent's new album "Before I Self Destruct" is not scheduled to hit stores untill December 9th but his first single hit the internet just now! "Get Up" [listen here] is produced by Scott Storch and 50 said via his website, with the single people should "prepare for total domination."
So will this song help boost 50 and his new album back to the sales ranks he saw with "Get Rich Or Die Tryin" and help compete with his friends rumored albums (Eminem & Dr Dre)? No one knows yet but time will tell.
Kanye Debuts Love Lockdown Video On Ellen Show
Mr. West visted the Ellen DeGeneres show yesterday and opened up about the way he looks at life since his mother, Donda West, died last November from complications following a cosmetic-surgery procedure. Kanye says the new outlook on life is what made him decide to work with MTV again, after he said he would never do so following the 2007 Video Music Awards. "Well, a lot of things changed and, you know, with my mom passing ... one of her goals was, she really supported me and she always wanted me to be the best that I could be and not get hung up on the small things," Kanye told Ellen. "So, with her not being here to try and talk me into doing things, I ... just try do things she would want me to do," Kanye continued. Ellen even commented on Kanye's mom (who she actually met), saying "She was amazing. ... She was just lovely, and you were as close to her as I am with my mom."
Things did get more positive when Kanye started talking about fashion. West praised Ellen for her wardrove choices saying "You have really great style," and even admitted that he would "completely wear" her outfits. Kanye gave advice to viewers who don't know how to find their own style, saying "Seriously, [DeGeneres] is one of the people you should look at whenever you're trying to figure out how to put together an outfit — especially for guys."
The main reason for Kanye's visit to Ellen's show was to debut his new video which DeGeneres called "brilliant." Kanye West let Ellen debut his new video for "Love Lockdown" [watch here] on the show and her website. "Love Lockdown" is the first single from his new album 808s and Heartbreak, due in stores on November 25th.
Rick Ross Admits He Was A Correctional Officer
Rick Ross has finally given up the denial and is admitting to in fact being a Florida correctional officer for 18 months. Pictures first surfaced showing Ross in a correctional officer uniform then TheSmokingGun published actual documents proving that "William Leonard Roberts" (Rick Ross's real name) was in fact an officer. At first Rick Ross denied it telling AllHipHop that the photos were simply doctored, "Online hackers put my face when I was a teenager in high school on other peoples' body."
NOW Rick Ross has given up denying it. In the recent issue of Don Diva magazine, Rick Ross says "Yes, it's me." continuing "I never tried to hide my past. I put my name inside my CDs. My company has my [Social Security number]. I could've put a company name...I done been up and I done been down and that's what makes me what I am. I never ratted on a nigga. I never prosecuted a nigga. I never locked up a nigga, that's first and foremost. I always felt that me being the nigga that I am, I never owed a nigga an explanation. When I'm making my music and I'm talking about blow, it's because I did it. When I say that I'm rich off cocaine, it's because I did it. Those are the street principals that apply."
Jay-Z Cancels Show, Releases New Song
As we reported yesterday, Jay-Z planned to do a second free Obama concert last night but he ended up cancelling the show because he had throat problems. Organizers first tried to stall, saying Jay-Z was just late, but they eventually had to announce Jigga wasn't coming. Yesterday was the last day for eligible voters to register so organizers feel like it was a huge opportunity missed, although they should be greatful for the free show Jay-Z did the day before. Also scheduled to perform at the free show were Wyclef Jean and Rick Ross but the entire event ended up being cancelled after backlash from fans after Jay-Z pulled out.
In related news, Jay-Z recently put out a new song called "Lick A Shot For Obama" [listen here] The song is actualy an interlude from Green Lantern's upcoming "Yes We Can" mixtape, so make sure you check it out now!
R. Kelly Wins 3.4 Million, Ne-Yo Gets 700k
R. Kelly won another court case, this time it resulted in him getting close to $3.4 million dollars. A judge today awarded the R&B singer the money for unpaid touring fees. R Kelly's company filled paperwork in Los Angeles requesting a judge to review and confirm the money he was granted from an arbitrator last month.
In R. Kelly tour related news, Ne-Yo was recently given $700,320 last month when he sued the same company R. Kelly is waiting payment from. Ne-Yo claimed he was the opening act for R. Kelly and when he was kicked off, he wasn't paid for his work.
Barack Obama was raised by a single mother and his grandparents. They didn't have much money, but they taught him values from the Kansas heartland where they grew up. He took out loans to put himself through school. After college, he worked for Christian churches in Chicago, helping communities devastated when steel plants closed. Obama turned down lucrative job offers after law school to return to Chicago, leading a successful voter registration drive. He joined a small law firm, taught constitutional law and, guided by his Christian faith, stayed active in his community. Obama and his wife Michelle are proud parents of two daughters, Sasha and Malia.
Early Years Barack Obama was born in Hawaii on August 4th, 1961. His father, Barack Obama Sr., was born and raised in a small village in Kenya, where he grew up herding goats with his own father, who was a domestic servant to the British.
Barack's mother, Ann Dunham, grew up in small-town Kansas. Her father worked on oil rigs during the Depression, and then signed up for World War II after Pearl Harbor, where he marched across Europe in Patton's army. Her mother went to work on a bomber assembly line, and after the war, they studied on the G.I. Bill, bought a house through the Federal Housing Program, and moved west to Hawaii.
It was there, at the University of Hawaii, where Barack's parents met. His mother was a student there, and his father had won a scholarship that allowed him to leave Kenya and pursue his dreams in America.
Barack's father eventually returned to Kenya, and Barack grew up with his mother in Hawaii, and for a few years in Indonesia. Later, he moved to New York, where he graduated from Columbia University in 1983.
The College Years Remembering the values of empathy and service that his mother taught him, Barack put law school and corporate life on hold after college and moved to Chicago in 1985, where he became a community organizer with a church-based group seeking to improve living conditions in poor neighborhoods plagued with crime and high unemployment.
The group had some success, but Barack had come to realize that in order to truly improve the lives of people in that community and other communities, it would take not just a change at the local level, but a change in our laws and in our politics.
He went on to earn his law degree from Harvard in 1991, where he became the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review. Soon after, he returned to Chicago to practice as a civil rights lawyer and teach constitutional law. Finally, his advocacy work led him to run for the Illinois State Senate, where he served for eight years. In 2004, he became the third African American since Reconstruction to be elected to the U.S. Senate.
Political Career It has been the rich and varied experiences of Barack Obama's life - growing up in different places with people who had differing ideas - that have animated his political journey. Amid the partisanship and bickering of today's public debate, he still believes in the ability to unite people around a politics of purpose - a politics that puts solving the challenges of everyday Americans ahead of partisan calculation and political gain.
In the Illinois State Senate, this meant working with both Democrats and Republicans to help working families get ahead by creating programs like the state Earned Income Tax Credit, which in three years provided over $100 million in tax cuts to families across the state. He also pushed through an expansion of early childhood education, and after a number of inmates on death row were found innocent, Senator Obama worked with law enforcement officials to require the videotaping of interrogations and confessions in all capital cases.
In the U.S. Senate, he has focused on tackling the challenges of a globalized, 21st century world with fresh thinking and a politics that no longer settles for the lowest common denominator. His first law was passed with Republican Tom Coburn, a measure to rebuild trust in government by allowing every American to go online and see how and where every dime of their tax dollars is spent. He has also been the lead voice in championing ethics reform that would root out Jack Abramoff-style corruption in Congress.
As a member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Senator Obama has fought to help Illinois veterans get the disability pay they were promised, while working to prepare the VA for the return of the thousands of veterans who will need care after Iraq and Afghanistan. Recognizing the terrorist threat posed by weapons of mass destruction, he traveled to Russia with Republican Dick Lugar to begin a new generation of non-proliferation efforts designed to find and secure deadly weapons around the world. And knowing the threat we face to our economy and our security from America's addiction to oil, he's working to bring auto companies, unions, farmers, businesses and politicians of both parties together to promote the greater use of alternative fuels and higher fuel standards in our cars.
Whether it's the poverty exposed by Katrina, the genocide in Darfur, or the role of faith in our politics, Barack Obama continues to speak out on the issues that will define America in the 21st century. But above all his accomplishments and experiences, he is most proud and grateful for his family. His wife, Michelle, and his two daughters, Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, live on Chicago's South Side.
D12 And Fans Celebrate Proof Birthday With Free 2 Disc Mixtape
Yesterday fans of Deshaun Holton, better known as Proof from D12. celebrated his birthday. RapBasement got together with DJ Assassin to create free Proof mixtape entitled “Proof – Mayor Of Detroit.” The double disc compilation features many unheard songs & versus from the late rapper along with audio clips from interviews, home video footage and live shows. D12 members, along with other friends of Proof, add even more of a personal touch by telling stories about Proof and expressing how much he meant to them.
Lil Wayne To Be On New Fall Out Boy Album
MTV is reporting Lil Wayne will be on the new album from the rock group Fall Out Boy. "We got Wayne and Debbie Harry cameos done" Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy told MTV News. Wentz went on to say "I just think the record is going to be diverse," continuing "It goes all the way between [Blondie and Wayne]."
Pete Wentz did also mention a big name hip hop producer that will be included for Fall Out Boy's new album. "Pharrell produced a track too" he added when speaking about their new projet.
T.I. Prepares Book Line, Autobiography And New Movie
T.I. will become the next rapper with a line of books. TIP recently revealed to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he plans to release a line of non-fiction books. One of the many books the Atlanta rapper plans to put out will be an autobiography that he plans to later make into a movie. "We'’re working on it now," T.I. told the paper, "We're [also] working on a few different types of books. All nonfiction."
In related news, T.I. recently released his sixth solo album called "Paper Trail" this past Tuesday (9/30). The new album features fellow rapper slash actor Ludacris and many more. "Paper Trail" is expected to sell close to 500,000 copies in it's first week of release. T.I. is currently filming a new crime movie called "Bone Dee" that also features Chris Brown and Idris Elba.
Eminems New Book
Eminem will have a new book coming out on October 21st called "The Way I am." According to Paul Rosenberg, Eminem's Manager, the first printing of the book will include a DVD with Eminem's personally shot video footage and unreleased interviews.
The lyrics sheets we mentioned before will be detachable while the cover is a "red acetate film that slides over the book print," you might have seen this with Jay-Z's "Kingdom Come" CD. The red jacket masks the collage of Eminem's handwritten lyrics on top of the photo underneath.
Sarah Palin Scares Diddy
Diddy continues to voice his thoughts via his video blog, the latest of which [watch here] he is all about the Republican VP nominee Sarah Palin. Getting all Blair Witch on us, Diddy's in a dark room with a flashlight talking before he cuts to an interview with Palin where she seems to not be able to answer the easiest questions. "Boys and girls, boys and girls. Did you hear her," he asked the camera. "I'm scared. She scares me. She scares me. I'm hiding under the covers. She's worse than the boogeyman."
Diddy continues by saying "Sarah Palin, you scare me. You could become the president of the United States ." Diddy finishes by saying "Did you hear the answer to that question? Did you hear? [Republican presidential nominee] John McCain is 72. Sarah Palin could be the president. Boys and girls vote. Please. Please, I beg you. I'm not coming out the covers."
iTunes to Stay Open
iTunes was threatening to shut down with a court hearing coming up that would raise the royalty rate, causing iTunes to raise prices, something they have always said they would never do. Well, the Copyright Royalty Board ruled against raising the fee, so iTunes will stay open!
The proposed raise was from 9 cents per song to 15. An iTunes spokesman said that raise would cause iTunes to operate in a negative financial state and they weren't going to ever do that.
50 Cent Records New Dre Produced Songs At Eminems House
50 Cent recently spent time with Eminem to record new songs for his upcoming album. 50 Cent told Blender "Dre sent over a bunch of beats, and we're just going through them all, picking out who wants what." 50, who was speaking from Eminem's house in Detroit (where he was staying the night, finished by saying "We already finished one joint"--the Slim Shady-starring "Norman Bates Motel"--"and just started vocals on another. It's gonna blow you away, I guarantee."
Chamillionaire Says Unity Is Making Houston Artists Lazy
Chamillionaire recently talked to XXL Magazine about the situation in Houston . After competition between himself, Paul Wall, Slim Thug and Mike Jones helped get them all major deals and blow Houston up, it seems Cham thinks now thet their are all cool, its actually hurting them. "I feel like [the unity right now] has got us a little bit lazy. Everywhere I go, they like, 'What happened to Houston ?' And that's a problem for me."
Chamillionaire says "It makes me look weak if everywhere I'm going, they think that just everybody from Texas fell off. It's easy to put out an album and put out a hit, but after that, what do you do?" After pausing for a minute, Cham expressed his frustration saying "Maybe they're right. Maybe Texas is dead."
Chamillionaire recently put out the 4th edition in his Mixtape Messiah series and now is working on his highly anticipated third album with Universal. When talking about his new album Cham says "I want to help everybody else and motivate them to be like, 'Look man, we need to get up off of our you-know-whats and go out there and get it."
Kanye West TV Show Too Hardcore For HBO
Kanye West has had a rumored show coming to HBO for a while now but one of its producers Larry Charles says for now, it seems like HBO is changing their mind. "It was really good, but ... I think it was too hardcore for HBO." Charles went on to say "People gave it a very good response and it seems to be on the shelf right now. The management has shifted at HBO so we're waiting to see."
Charles did give us a little insight into what the show actually is. He says it's Kanye's version of Larry Davids "Curb Your Enthusiam" (a hit currently on HBO). "What Kanye West said to me the first time, he said, 'I'm the black Larry David.' That's the first thing he said to me. So it's like a Kanye-and-'Curb' show, it's kind of improvised about the situations and stuff."
Larry Charles, who has been involved with many hit shows including Seinfeld, says of Kanye "He's so much funnier than people realize," Charles continued. "Even the whole being-full-of-himself stuff is a joke to him and he likes to play that of being like, you know, Kanye. And he's kind of a brilliant guy actually."
DJ AM Doing Good Says Hilton Sisters
DJ AM is back home after his involvement in the plane crash with Travis Barker that killed four. AM suffered second and third degree burns in the accident. Now his friends are coming forward to talk about AM. Nicky Hilton told US Magazine that she saw him two days ago and "he looks just fine" while her sister, Paris, told Ryan Seacrest "I feel like God really did save him" going on to say "He's just so lucky to be alive."
AM recently was seen in the public as he attended the memorial service for Travis Barker's assistant Chris Baker who was killed in the crash.
Jay-Z To Go On Broadway?
The New York Post is reporting that Jay-Z is showing interest in being involved with a musical based on the life and music of Fela Kuti, an iconic African composer and human rights activist. ?uestlove of The Roots who recommended the show to Jigga, has special interest in the event as it features music with drum beats. As far as what exactly Jay-Z might do, no one knows yet.
Celebs like Alicia Keys, Toni Morrison, Lue Reed, Fiona Apple, Charlize Theron, Paul McCartney, plus of course Beyonce, have all shown interest in the musical. "Fela Kuti’s band is the best band I’ve ever seen,” McCartney said in a statement. “When Fela and his band eventually began to play, after a long, crazy build-up, I just couldn’t stop weeping with joy. It was a very moving experience.”
T.I. Holds Top Spot On Two Charts
.I. remains on top of the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs charts with "Whatever You Like." This marks the second straight week and fifth total week T.I. has held the top spot. TIP also has two other songs on the charts that include "Ready For Whatever" at 57 and "Live Your Life" at number 80. As we reported yesterday. T.I.'s new album "Paper Trail" is expected to sell over 500,000 copies in its first week of sales.
As for the rest of the chart, Pink holds the number 2 spot with "So What" but Kanye is right behind her with "Love Lockdown" while Rihanna comes in number 4 with "Disturbia." M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" moved up from 6 to 5, Katy Perry's "Hot N Cold" jumped 3 spots to number 6. T-Pain traded spots with Ne-Yo The show was set to end on September 21st but due to being so well received it has been extended and sold out through October 5th, when it might shift stages to Broadway.
Diddy Employee Stalks Pharrell
The new TV show "I want to work for Diddy" might have more problems on it's hand then it thinks. Apparently an employee of Diddy, and want-to-be music start, stole Pharrell Williams contact from Diddy and has since sent multiple emails begging the super producer to work with him. A source close to the incident says... “A Sean John employee got his hands on Pharrell Williams' e-mail address somehow. He e-mailed Pharrell so many times asking if they could work together, but Pharrell had no idea who the person writing to him was."
We heard that the employee has since been "disciplined" over the matter and it seems business is going as usual. Diddy of course had no idea any of this was going on.
Ludacris Designs His Own Hat
Ludacris has already taken over the music industry, he's got his own restaurants, and he's currently working on his acting career, but Luda isn't stopping there. Luda will become the first southern artist to release his own limited edition New Era fitted hat. Luda personally designed the new hat for New Era's Capture The Flag line.
The hat will feature Luda 's hometown Atlanta Braves "A" along with red piping, his "Disturbing Tha Peace" logo plus the "Just Gettign Started" logo on the back. Only 200 of the hats will be available for $125 on October 17th. Fabolous, Cam'ron, Fat Joe and The Game have also designed hats.
Register To Vote, See Jay-Z For Free
Jay-Z is joining Barack Obama's "Obama For America" campaign by headlining concerts in Detroit and Miami to encourage voter registration. The show in Detroit will be this Saturday (10/4) and the deadline for voter registration in Michigan is on Monday (10/6). Anyone who registers to vote will receive a free ticket to the Jay-Z show at 7PM at the Cobo Arena.
Jigga will also headline another similar type event in Miami . Jay-Z is set to headline a free concert on Sunday (10/5) for people who register to vote, as the deadline for registration is also on Monday for Florida.
The Game Ordered To Anger Management
The Game will have to attend 36 anger management courses over the next five months, a judge ruled today. Charged with criminal battery, the sentence comes from an altercation between The Game and his cousin Robert “Kirky” Kirkwood at a funeral for Kirkwood ’s sister. Games cousin says Game promised to pay half the $14,000 funeral bill and the two got into a fight over it.
When this story first broke The Game said not only did he offer to pay for the casket and flowers but his cousin and family wanted him to pay for everything. “They aint never been a real family,” The Game said after the incident. “I already know what their motivation is and it’s money. It’s really not my obligation and I felt like they were trying to play me.”
Big Boi Lands Deal With Coca-Cola
As Big Boi prepares his solo album, "Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty," he isn't missing a chance to make other moves in business. Big Boi recently signed a deal with Coca-Cola for their "Full Throttle" energy drink. Big's campaign will help relaunch the drink complete with a new look.
Big Boi's second single from his new album apparently isn't doing very well and rumor has it this could push the release date for the much anticipated album back even more.
Meth And Red Are Still High On Tour
Method Man and Red Man are back. Red & Meth are hitting the road to headline a new tour called "Still High" in the United States and Canada . "Still High" kicks off on today (10/1) in Nova Scotia before hitting cities like Detroit, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Denver and Norfolk, ending in November.
Termanology, who joins Red & Meth on the tour, says “I’ve been listening to Method Man and Redman my whole life and it’s an honor to tour with them." Termanology finished by saying “I look forward to tearing it down for the fans.”
Possible Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Track List
DefSounds released a possible track list for Jigga's new Blueprint 3 album.
The rumored track list includes features from Eminem, Scarface, Nas, Andre 3000, Young Jeezy and Coldplay's Chris Martin. Rumor has it all the tracks are produced by Kanye West with the exceptions noted in the list. Real? Only time will tell. CHECK IT OUT BELOW!
UPDATE: An exec close to Jay Z said that none of these songs except Swagga Like Us remix will be on the album. 01. Wake Up New York (Intro) 02. Most Kings 03. Hades (Lucifer Pt. II) 04. Eternal Jewels ( ft. Jay Electronica) [prod. by Jay Electronica] 05. Blueprint 3 06. Lucy (ft. Chris Martin) 07. The Audacity of Dope 08. S.L.U. Pt. 2 ( ft. Nas , Andre 3000, and Young Jeezy) 09. Election Night (We believe in Obama) 10. Just Memories 11. Apostate ( ft. Eminem ) [prod. by Eminem] 12. Oasis 13. My Brothers Keeper ( ft. Scarface ) 14. Brooklyn Lost 15. Weeds & Concrete 16. Without Rain
Janet Jackson Released From Hospital
Janet Jackson is out of the hospital after only two-hours. Her rep for the Royal Victoria Hospital confirmed that Jermaine Dupri's girl was treated and released from the hospital last night after she had "fallen ill" during a soundcheck.
No other information is available, still but Janet is due to perform tomorrow night in Boston for her next tour stop. Only time will tell how JD's woman handles everything.
BUSTA’S BACK ON HIS BULLSHIT
Busta Rhymes was out on the town last night and got interviewed by a TMZ cameraman, who by the way seem to be everywhere (if I was a celebrity I would move to Montana ). Anyway back to the story, Busta talked about loving the title of his new album (B.O.M.B. or "Back On My Bullshit" as Busta says) plus his new single "Arab Money" [listen here]. Busta joked with the crowd then picked up some chicks before leaving.
Jadakiss Prepares To Kiss My Ass
Jadakiss is still “a few joints away” from fnishing his new album, Kiss My Ass. In a huge ironic twist, Jada's label, Def Jam/Roc-A-Fella are actually trying to push the album out as soon as possible. “They rolling the ball a little quicker than me,” Kiss told XXLmag.com about his Roc-A-Fella debut. That’s why it’s going down [like that.] “I still got my mixtape I got to finish, then the album,” he added.
Jadakiss will have Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne (“Death Wish”) on the album plus he's working on stuff with Ghostface and Raekwon. No release for the album has been given out.
Travis Barker Released From Hospital
Travis Barker has been released from the Georgia hospital he was at after he survived the deadly plane crash he was in last week that killed four people. People magazine says Travis spent nine days at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center and has been cleared to leave. “Travis is in good condition and was discharged this morning,” Burn Center spokesperson Beth Frits told People. “He has left Augusta .”
As we reported last week, DJ AM was previously released from the same hospital after getting burns on his face and arm.
New Death Row Lawsuit Emerges
Venture capitalist Ron Goldberg officially filed suit Tuesday (September 30) against several former business partners, alleging they conspired with new Death Row owners Global Music Group to cut him out of the winning June $24 million dollar bid. In the lawsuit, Goldberg claims that several investors he recruited, including the financing institution MicroBanc, LLC, conspired with other “unknown parties” to close the deal without his knowledge.
P. Miller Sued By Pepe Jeans; Counter-Sues
P. Miller and his newly launched P. Miller Designs have become the targets of a lawsuit from Pepe Jeans, who alleges the mogul is committing trademark infringement. Pepe’s lawsuit centers on Miller’s logo which encompasses the letter “P” encircled with wings. According to P. Miller, formerly Master P, the US Patent and Trademark Office has his first use date recorded in public record as April 1, 2003, while Pepe’s registered mark falls on June 1, 2003. “I went to the website of PepeJeans.com and couldn’t find a circled-P anywhere, on their clothing, or the brand advertising within the site,” Miller explained to AllHipHop.com. “I’m the future of affordable fashion and big brands will always hate me, but they shouldn’t throw stones if they live in a glass house!”
Since he’s revamped his image from gangsta rapper to community-conscious businessman, Miller further argues he’s become the target for frivolous lawsuits. “I make clothes for underprivileged and underserved families. P. Miller designs is about diversity. We cater to the African-American and Latino customer,” Miller elaborated. “I’m doing something positive for the community and I’m giving back. What are they (Pepe) doing? Hating? I thought this kind of thing only happened in the rap game. I put out a charitable rap album last year, made no money on it, tried to send a message to the kids about taking profanity out of their music, and because it came through Wal-Mart I was targeted with a lawsuit.” Despite the lawsuit coming just as Miller has finalized a partnership with Wal-Mart to carry his brand, he plans to not only fight the allegations but will also counter-sue on the ground of malicious interference with his company. “I’m the brand of the community. I sell jeans for $20 and t-shirts for $10. People don’t buy my clothes for the logo. They buy them because it’s high-fashion at an affordable price,” Miller reasoned. “I guess they didn’t do their homework. I am also filing a countersuit against Nitin, Arun, Milan Shah and Pepe Jeans London, LLC for tortious interference with my business and future business with Wal-Mart. And since they saw fit to go after my retailer, I will return the favor and file suit against several of their retailers like Macy’s, Dr. Jay’s, Nordstrom, and Eastbay.” At press time, Pepe Jeans has not released any public comments on their pending lawsuit.
Rapper Buckshot Dances Out Of NY Hospital
Duck Down Co-CEO and rapper Buckshot was released from a New York area hospital after an eight-day. The rapper was hospitalized after suffering a series of seizures last week, when he returned home from a three-week tour of Europe . According to representatives for the rapper, he suffered nine seizures in one day, which doctors believe was brought on by physical exhaustion and dehydration. Buckshot has made a full recovery and even left the hospital in good spirits, by reportedly doing the "Macarena" dance upon his discharge. "I want to thank all the fans who called and wrote emails extending their well wishes and prayers," Buckshot said. "All the support helped me recover that much quicker." Now, Buckshot will head back to work, as he prepares a group project with KRS-One, a new third album with producer 9th Wonder and a fourth studio album from his own group, Black Moon.
United Nations Present Jay-Z with Humanitarian Award
Earlier this week Jay-Z’s philanthropic efforts were recognized in a private New York ceremony, as the mogul received a special humanitarian award from the United Nations. The esteemed distinction was bestowed by actor and host Michael Douglas for the rapper’s extensive work over the past two years raising funds and organizing awareness of the world water crisis. According to reports, a child dies every 15 seconds from not having adequate drinking water. In 2006, Jay embarked on a worldwide tour to bring awareness to the water epidemic. The effort culminated with a MTV diary chronicling the tour and the mogul creating over 1,000 water pumps in African communities. Now a staple contributor to social issues in his veteran Hip-Hop years, Jay reasons that as a worldwide human family people have to stop looking to others for community responsibility and take initiative to combat societal issues. “If you bring awareness to young people, they’re going to see and want to be involved,” Jay-Z stated. “I’m not a politician; I’m just a regular person with a heart. If you see a problem like that and do nothing about it, there’s something wrong with you.” At press time Jay-Z is prepping his final Def Jam and eleventh studio album Blueprint 3 for a December 2 release.
Lil Scrappy Returns With Of 'Silence & Secrecy'
Atlanta rapper Lil Scrappy and his group G’$ Up have teamed up with Philadelphia-based record label Good Hands Records to release a new album titled Silence and Secrecy (Black Rag Gang). The album is the first official release on Scrappy’s own record label, G’$ Up Records. Silence and Secrecy features appearances by former Crime Mob member Diamond, Atlanta native Jo Dolla and Memphis rappers/producers SMG. "SMG have their own sound. Memphis has it's own sound, Atlanta has it's own sound, when you put them together, that s**t is bomb, it's gonna explode,” Lil Scrappy promised. “That's what this Lil Scrappy & G'$ Up is on.” "We are beyond excited to be working with Scrappy on Silence and Secrecy, added Good Hands Records president DJ Truth. "This is the start of a huge 2009 for Scrappy."
BET Cancels Rap City
BET network has confirmed plans to cancel its long-running Hip-Hop series Rap City, effective by the end of this month. Created by broadcasting veteran Alvin Jones in 1989, the video series chronicled Hip-Hop’s growing video music market, competing directly with Yo! MTV Raps. The fledgling series was able to distinguish itself from its larger MTV competitor by not just focusing on mainstream rappers, but also championing videos and interviews from underground and up and coming artists. Originally hosted by “The Mayor of Rap City” Chris Thomas for its first several years, Rap City’s “golden age” was 1994-1999, when the program was hosted by the colorful and knowledgeable duo of Joe Clair and Leslie Segar AKA Big Lez. In 1999, the two hour slot was repackaged as Rap City: Tha Basement and christened with new host Big Tigger. Tigger’s run birthed the popular Freestyle Booth session, where MCs would feature their best rhymes or freestyles following their interviews. After completing their verses, many times with Tigger joining in, the MC(s) would traditionally sign the booh’s wall. These freestyle sessions produced memorable performances from artists such as Ludacris, The Roots, Killer Mike, Chamillionaire, Jay-Z, Jadakiss, Obie Trice, Xzibit, Cassidy and numerous others. Since Tigger’s 2005 departure, the show failed to establish a concise direction, running through a myriad of hosts and focusing on commercial artists, which failed to showcase Hip-Hop’s diverse talent pool as done years before. Consequently, the show was reduced to a one hour time slot as rating suffered.The final Rap City episode will commence on October 29, making it the longest running Hip-Hop program at 19 years. At press time, the show is scheduled to be replaced by The Deal, an hour long video series hosted by DJ Diamond Kutz on November 10.
Jay-Z and Rocawear Launch Cologne
Jay-Z and Rocawear have launched their first cologne brand entitled 9IX.
The cologne, which is described as having a fresh woody aromatic scent, with a sexy modern sensuality, is the first released by Rocawear which was founded in 1999.
The fragrance is expected to be available at retail soon with prices starting at $50. 9IX is currently available at the Rocawear website.
In other news, Jay-Z will release his new album "Blueprint 3" December 2nd.
Jim Jones Sounds Off On Jay-Z and T.I.
In a recent interview with Complex Magazine, Jim Jones says Jay-Z and T.I. don't have swagger and talks about his remake of "Swagger Like Us."
The original version of "Swagger Like Us" features Jay-Z, T.I., Lil' Wayne and Kanye West and appears on T.I.'s new album "Paper Trail."
Complex asked Jones what he thought of Jay-Z and T.I.'s swagger and he had this to say.
On T.I.
"I don’t feel like he possesses any swag. Not like that. It’s fabricated. They’re watching other people, then they try and do it. You know people that dress like T.I.? You know people that go out and say let me get a T.I. outfit or do you know people who say “yo, you’re looking like Jim Jones?” Which one? Lemme hear it! When the b*tches want to f*ck you and the n*ggas want be like you, who got the swag? N*ggas with money and fame always going to look like they doing something ’cause they got the camera in front of them. But the cool dudes always stick out no matter where they at."
On Jay-Z:
"...look at the Vibe cover. Tell me who Jay-Z looks like in there? Did you see the picture of him? With the Louis Vuitton scarf and all that. Who did that resemble? You can say it. But he did it wrong; he had a Gucci belt with a Louis Vuitton scarf. Who does that? You smell me? That’s like wearing one Nike and one Puma; how you going to get away with that? But I didn’t take the song as a shot, because I don’t feel like none [besides Weezy] of them possess any swag."
Jones remake of "Swagger Like Us" called "Jackin' Swagger From Us" featuring new verses from Lil' Wayne and Juelz Santana along with a reworked hook from M.I.A. is expected to appear on Jones new album "Pray For Rain."
Comedy Central To Premiere "Chocolate News"
Comedy Central will premiere a new sketch magazine series called "Chocolate News" starring David Alan Grier on October 15th at 10:30 p.m.
"Chocolate News" will take on a variety of contemporary topics from a decidedly African-American perspective and everyone and everything is fair game. The series stars David Alan Grier who, in addition to serving as the in-studio host, will also portray multiple characters within the series' investigative reports, which will be presented by a cast of three correspondents.
The debut episode features a story on platinum-selling rap artist Phat Man (portrayed by Grier) with a politically incorrect music video PSA promoting the “No Child Left Behind” act. The episode includes the recurring segment, "Can I Flow?" in which Grier presents a topical comedic editorial/rant. This episode’s “Can I Flow” focuses on the death of Hip Hop and Rap as Grier argues, “we should have seen the signs when Ice Cube went from “Kill at Will” to “Are We There Yet?” Also featured is a report on Poet Laureate Maya Angelou (played by Grier) reciting a poem she has composed to celebrate Obama’s nomination. The poem begins innocently enough and then takes a decidedly “Chocolate News” twist with lines such as, “You have a mocha choke hold on the American Dream...“
Other reports scheduled to be presented by Grier this season include: unmasking the shocking news that the super group KISS was originally black; “Fat Black Momma Syndrome,” an investigation into the recent trend in Hollywood films of excessive “fat black mama” characters; “Vitahood,” a report on Thelonias, founder of the “Jackie Robinson Empowerment Agency” who has devised a way to get drug addicts healthy by mixing vitamins in their illegal drugs; and “Tranny Wreck,” a report on Candelabra, a cross-dressing transsexual who was once an aspiring NBA player but now spends his time competing in transgender beauty pageants.
"Chocolate News" is executive produced by David Alan Grier, Robert Morton, Fax Bahr and Adam Small and independent production and management studio Generate's Peter Aronson and Jordan Levin.
Beyonce Releases Statement In Regards To New Album
Beyonce has released a statement through her label Columbia Records addressing the rumors swirling around her new album being delayed.
"I wanted to address my fans about my upcoming album.
I have worked on this album for close to one year. I have taken the time so I can create my sound. Something that says who I am at this stage in my life. I have poured my heart and soul into it. It is my baby. It is the most time I have spent on any project since my first records as a member of Destiny’s Child when I was 15 years old. I have recorded over 70 songs and have created a sound that reveals all of me. I am in a different place right now and I wanted people to see the many sides of me. The music is upbeat for the dance, fun side and it is reflective, passionate and serious for the personal side. I have taken risks here. I am not afraid and my music will explain it all. There is no label or tag on my sound. It’s me and I am so excited to share it with the world on November 18.
Love,
Beyoncé"
The still untitled new album is due in stores November 18th. The album features two lead singles titled "If I Were A Boy" and "Single Ladies" respectively, both of which are due to impact radio October 7th.
B.G. Talks Hot Boys Reunion
B.G. recently spoke to StreetCred.com about the much talked about and rumored Hot Boys reunion.
When asked about the possibility of the Boys getting back together, B.G. had this to say:
"My album that’s coming out in November “Too Hood to be Hollywood ”, the first single is featuring Lil Wayne, Juve, and Trey Songz. We were supposed to be shooting a video for it, but the hurricanes put a stop to that for the moment. So I’m getting a new date for that. We got a Hot Boyz reunion planned, we are waiting on Turk to come home. But we have a couple of songs that exist already. As for the song “Ya Heard Me”, it’s featuring Wayne and Juve, I have that on my album. I mean the streets want it and have been asking for it. We are a legendary group and I feel like a lot of these things that came out have been Hot Boys imitations. So we are going to come back out and make it happen again."
Young Jeezy Calls Phelps The Jeezy Of Swimming
In a recent interview with RollingStone, Young Jeezy gives props to Olympics world record holder Michael Phelps calling him "the Young Jeezy of the swim world."
"I’m a big fan of Michael Phelps!" Jeezy said. "He’s a great success. I like what he’s doing. He’s like the Young Jeezy of the swim world. I love it!"
And when the interviewer told Jeezy that Phelps used the rapper's song "Go Getta" as inspiration, Jeezy had a few other suggestions for him.
"“Soul Survivor,” “And Then What” and “Put On.” But really all my music is inspirational, motivational music. You just gotta listen to the words and get what you can get out of it."
Jeezy goes on to say that he has reached to Phelps people and he may perform for the Olympic swimmer in his hometown of Baltimore .
Young Jeezy's new album, "The Recession", hits stores Sept. 2.
Phelps recently set the record for most gold medals won at a single Olympics with eight.
Common Talks Movies; Working Less With Kanye
In a recent interview with MTV.com, Common talks about his deep love for acting and working less with Kanye on his new album "Universal Mind Control."
"I love acting," Common told MTV News. "I'm so new to it. I can do acting when I'm 70-something. Obviously, I say, 'Man, I wanna do hip-hop music like a jazz musician. I wanna be, like, 50-something doing hip-hop.' But man, I know I can act till I'm 70. And I have so much room to grow. I'm like, 'Man, I wanna do it.' "
The rapper/actor goes on to say that acting is enjoyable because when there is down time "you go and drink wine on the river in Prague ."
And when asked about his choice to work less with Kanye and more with Pharrell Williams on his new album, Common said that the change "came real natural" and that when he makes albums he likes to focus on one or two producers.
"I feel like me and 'Ye, we always gonna make music together," Common said. "It's a good change of pace for us. On the same token, you wanna keep people on their toes. I don't wanna be predictable."
"Universal Mind Control" is due in stores November 11 and Common will next appear in "Terminator: Salvation" hitting theaters summer 2009.
Promoters Angry At Lil' Wayne For Missing Show
Promoters in Nassau , Bahamas have issued a press release saying Lil' Wayne no-showed their concert Saturday night (September 27) even after requesting more money to perform.
Wayne, along with Reggae artist Buju Banton, were originally scheduled to perform Friday night (September 26) but according to the press release, promoters Red City Entertainment were having sound and lighting issues and asked both performers to switch the date to Saturday. Both artists are said to have agreed.
The following is a portion of the press release:
"During the day on Saturday, Lil Wayne’s management requested additional monies, separate from the original $210,000 fee, to secure Wayne to perform at the concert. Red City Entertainment agreed and provided the funds needed late Saturday afternoon.
We proceeded with the concert scheduled as planned. That evening, Red City Entertainment was informed Lil Wayne was on the way to the venue and set to perform after 2:00am. At no time was Red City Entertainment notified that Lil Wayne would NOT perform. We continued through the night to inform our hosts DJ Pencil and Empress that Wayne was coming because that is what we were being told by his management. Unable to locate him, we sent our team members to the Atlantis to discover he was partying at the nightclub there all night....even with all the issues, haters and sabotage attempts, we never imagined Lil Wayne would actually party all night at the Atlantis and not follow through with his promise to perform. "
Bow Wow Encourages Youth To Get Out and Vote
Bow Wow is launching the "Walk Across America" initiative to encourage voting in the up-coming Presidential election.
According to PRWeb, Bow Wow will launch the campaign October 1st in Atlanta , GA encouraging voter participation in the up-coming Presidential election and the overall political process.
"It's important for the youth to participate because we're tomorrow's leaders. We need to make sure that our voices are heard and have a say in the decisions that will affect our lives and our country for years to come," says Bow Wow in a press release.
The "Walk Across America" initiative will see the rapper and others travel by foot and bus through cities such as Philadelphia, PA, Washington, D.C. and New York City. Stops at colleges and radio stations will be included in each city's itinerary.
Bow Wow is working with two non-partisan organizations, Black Youth Vote and Declare Yourself, to handle actual voter registration in each city.
In other news, Bow Wow is wrapping up work on his sixth album "New Jack City Pt. II" due in stores this December.
Former Roc-A-Fella artist Peedi Crakk is going at Jay-Z in the video for his new song "Sweet Dreams (Jay-Z)."
The song is expected to appear on Peedi's new album "A Night In The Life" due March 2009 on Amalgam Digital. The album was originally titled "Camel Face Hunting Season" which was perceived to be a direct shot at Jay-Z.
Crakk has been very critical of his time at Roc-A-Fella under Jay-Z's leadership.
Watch the video for "Sweet Dreams (Jay-Z)" below:
UNK To Release Sophomore Album November 4th
UNK will release his sophomore album "Second Season" November 4th on KOCH Records.
The album is the follow-up to his debut album "Beat'n Down Yo Block" which featured the hit singles "Walk It Out" and "2 Step."
The first single from "Second Season" is a song called "Show Out" produced by DJ Montay.
"Show Out" was the #1 most added at urban and rhythmic radio this week.
KOCH Record’s President Bob Frank states, “UNK has delivered another great album filled with hits! We are thrilled to be partners with Big Oomp and UNK and look forward to working this project throughout 2009.”
UNK adds, “Second Season highlights the best beat makers in the country: Top Quality Productions, home of Big Oomp Records. We brought you the first album Beat’n Down Yo Block and its hits “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.” I’m back with my sophomore album Second Season. This album represents the world tour I’ve just come back from. I’ve been inspired by my fans and this record is for my fans.”
Q-Tip To Release New Album on Election Day
A Tribe Called Quest member Q-Tip will release his new solo album "The Renaissance" November 4th (election day in the US ).
The legendary MC has also taken the unique approach of putting the album's tracklisting on the cover as opposed to the back of the CD where the majority of tracklistings are printed.
Paper Trail is ATL born rapper T.I.'s sixth studio album from Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records. Paper Trail is scheduled to be released on Sept. 30, 2008 in North America. TI was originally set to release the album in early August and then early September, before settling on the September 30th release date. TI's Paper Trail album is scheduled to feature 14 tracks which TI wrote while locked down at his home under house arrest after being arrest for gun posession charges. The album's title comes from T.I.'s decision to write down his lyrics on paper, for the first time since his first album, instead of hitting the studio and coming up with rhymes off the top of his head.
Confirmed guests on TI's Paper Trail album are set to include: Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz, Rihanna, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Fall Out Boy and John Legend. Production is set to feature: DJ Troomp, Scott Storch, Kanye West, Swizz Beatz, Drumma Boy, Just Blaze and J.R. Rotem.
To date there have already been 3 singles released off Paper Trail before it's even been released. These singles, in order, are: No Matter What, Whatever You Like and Swagga' Like Us, the underground hit featuring Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. It's said that a music video for Swagga Like Us' is scheduled to appear in September or October. A song or music video is scheduled to be released every week, for 6 or 7 weeks, leading up to the release of Paper Trail, in what is known as the Countdown To Paper Trail.
Paper Trail is set to be one of the biggest hip-hop albums of 2008 and is predicted to sell around 400,000 copies in its first week of release. Whatever You Like sold 205,000 digital downloads in its first week.
T.I. is scheduled to start serving his one year sentence in jail at the end of 2008 or in early 2009.
JAY-Z IS SIGNING JANET JACKSON, BEYONCE & 50 CENT
According to reports, Jay-Z is setting himself up to cement his status as one of the best businessmen in the game. Rumor has it that Jay is looking to create a super roster by signing Janet Jackson, Beyonce, and possible 50 Cent.
"Jay-Z approached 50 Cent [whose contract ends with Interscope in December] earlier this year and now he's talking to Janet [Jackson] and Jermaine Dupri..." a senior record executive allegedly told Mediatakeout.com. "It seems like a difficult task to get so many big artists under one roof, but I wouldn't put anything past [Jay-Z]." "[Jay-Z] is probably the only person in music that could put together the financing to make [signing] talent of that caliber possible," the source continued.
LUDACRIS’ ATLANTA HOUSE GOES UP IN FLAMES
A fire broke out at rapper/actor Ludacris’ home just South of Atlanta Wednesday night. According to Fulton County Fire Department spokesman Gregory Chambers, the fire was first reported by a neighbor, even before the alarm system at the home was triggered. Authorities arrived at the scene on DeMooney Road near College Park around 11:30pm and were able to put out the fire within 30 minutes. The fire, described by authorities as a “significant fire,” destroyed the residence’s pool house, but did not affect the main structure on the property. Ludacris was in New York at the time of the fire, where he is scheduled to host a private “screening” for his forthcoming album Theater of the Mind, which hits stores November 11.
KANYE HITS COMEDY CENTRAL
Kanye West has shot a half-hour pilot for Comedy Central called “Alligator Boots.” Described as “hip-hop meets the Muppets,” the project is being produced by Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Carolla’s Jackhole Productions, the production company behind Comedy Central’s “Crank Yankers.” The show, which is under consideration for the network’s 2009 schedule, would feature music produced and performed by West and rapper Rhymefest. Watch a preview below.
I WILL NOT LOSE
Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z and Iconix Brand Group, owner of Rocawear Clothing, are being sued in federal court on copyright infringement charges. The case was filed last Thursday (September 18) in Georgia Northern District Court by I Will Not Lose, LLC, a company claiming that Iconix Brand Group and Jay-Z, adopted the exact same “I Will Not Lose” trademark.
I Will Not Lose, LLC (www.iwillnotlose.net) CEO Reggie Tucker alleges in the lawsuit that his company trademarked the brand first and were subsequently ignored throughout 2007 after attempts were made to settle the matter out of court.
DR. DRE DETOX SINGLE IN NOVEMBER AND ALBUM IN DECEMBER!
Although albums from Jay-Z, Kanye West, 50 Cent and even Eminem are expected this year, the highest anticipated album of all seems to be Dr. Dre's "Detox." Bishop Lamont, the only other artist on Dre's Aftermath label besides Eminem (as Lamont says), recently released a video [watch here] where he says Dre is turning the album in soon, with a single coming in November and the album in December.
Dre previously told USA Today back in July that he was "shooting for a November or December release." Dre went on to talk about the album saying "We have an entirely new thing going with the drums that's incredible, and we're still developing that." Jay-Z, Lil Wayne and Nas are just some rappers who have been rumored to be on the album.
LEFT EYE IS BACK
'Left Eye' Lopes of TLC will have her last solo album released on November 11th on Mass Appeal Entertainment. The 12-song album called "Eye-Legacy" features Miss Elliot, Chamillionaire, Lil Mama, and Bobby Valentino. Missy Elliot is featured on the first single "Let's Just Do It" while the entire album will feature unreleased material from Lopes.
BUSTA CAN PLAY IN THE UK
Busta Rhymes has now been cleared to enter the UK. After being detained for serveral hours at London City Airport because of "unresolved convictions," a local court just issued an order giving Busta the right to enter the country.
TONY YAYO IS HELPING THE POLICE
G-Unit soldier Tony Yayo will host a special live edition of MTV's new show "Busted" next month from their studio in Times Square. "Busted" is the newest reality-type show that MTV has came up with to replace music related programs. Like FOX's "Cops," the show captures police officers corning criminals.
Isn't Tony Yayo supposed to be true Gangsta in rap, or at least G-Unit? I don't think it's Gangsta to host a show where police try to bust criminals. Either way, check out the Tony Yayo "Busted" show from 7-10pm ET on October 4th.
USHER LADIES ONLY TOUR
Usher is preparing to go on a tour that is set up for "ladies only." Today the R&B singer announced the dates, cities and venues for the tour sponsored by Sony Ericsson. The tour will start in Atlantic City on November 3rd and end in Dallas on the 25th.
“I’m so looking forward to getting out there and doing what I do best…up close and personal. I have a long-term partnership with Sony Ericsson that started back in March this year,” said Usher via a statement. “This tour is the next phase in our relationship - and I am delighted to have them out on the road with me as the headline sponsor of the 'One Night Stand Ladies Only' tour.”
November 2 Atlantic City Borgata Event Center
November 3 New York Hammerstein Ballroom
November 4 Washington, DC Warner Theatre
November 5 Philadelphia Electric Factory
November 7 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand Theatre at Foxwoods
November 8 Toronto, ON Kool Haus
November 10 Atlanta, GA The Tabernacle
November 12 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
November 13 Chicago, IL House of Blues
November 18 San Francisco, CA The Warfield
November 21 Las Vegas, NV The Pearl
November 24 Houston, TX House of Blues
November 25 Dallas, TX House of Blues
50 CENT IS A HATER
According to PR-Inside 50 Cent says that marrying Beyonce made Jigga famous. "I'm a big fan of Jay-Z, but outside of the States and Hip Hop circles, no one really knew who he was until he married Beyonce." When asked about Jay-Z's estimated worth of $1 billion dollars, 50 says "I don't believe he's worth that much! It's all been exaggerated. I'm comfortable. I don't want for anything so I'm not in a race."
In related news, 50 Cent was recently given his own day and a key to the city of Bridgeport, Connecticut. 50 not only lives in the state but also recently filmed the movie "Righteous Kill" there. October 12th will officially be Curtis Jackson Day and 50 says "I’d probably just have a nice picnic! But everybody should have a block party - with just my music being played!
AKON PLANS ON HIS FREEDOM
Akon is preparing to release his new album called 'Freedom' on November 25th. Previously titled "Acquitted," the new album from the R&B star will feature fellow singer T-Pain plus Lil Wayne will also make an appearance on a track called "I'm So Paid." The first single from Akon's third studio album "Right Now (Na Na Na)" is currently available on iTunes.
SEAN KINGSTON LOSES HIS $500,000 CHAIN!
Sean Kingston lost his $500,000 64 Crayon chain. Kingston was in New York when he had his sister FedEx his chain to him. The only thing is is that when he went to go pick it up the package was empty. But that’s not it tell me why Kingston sister only insured the chain for $500. I guess theres no getting that back.
WHOS MAKING TH BIG BUCKS
Beyonce has landed at the #2 spot on Forbes' annual "Worlds Best-Paid Music Stars" list. The former Destiny's Child singer comes in second, raking in $80 million during the 12-month period, thanks to her endorsement deals with L'Oreal, American Express and Armani.
Justin Timberlake comes in fourth with earnings of $44 million. Rounding out the top five is Madonna, who took home $40 million during the year.
WHAT WOMAN WILL DO
A woman who sued Diddy and Vibe after the magazine published a topless picture of her at a Hampton's party has had her $3 million lawsuit thrown out. According to The New York Daily News, Maria Dominquez slapped Diddy and the mag with a $3 million lawsuit claiming they invaded her privacy when they ran her bare breasted photo, with the caption "Mermaids gone wild" in the November 2006 issue of Vibe. "When that picture came out, she wasn't too happy about it, that's for sure," said Dominguez's lawyer, Albert Maimon. Justice Doris Ling-Cohan, the judge who threw the case out, said that Dominguez's expectation of privacy was forfeited when she decided to take off her shirt at Diddy's 2003 East Hampton White Party. "Sean Combs and his renowned annual White Party are subjects of tremendous public interest, attracting the steady attention of the public and many news organizations," Ling-Cohan wrote. In the suit, however, Dominguez claimed that she was not told she was going to be photographed and did not give permission for her pic to be published. But Vibe maintained that they did not need permission because it was a "newsworthy" event. The judge apparently agreed. "If you need to call Mr. Gorbachev to ask permission, you'll never get anyting published," said David Korzenki, one of Vibe's lawyers. "When you come to a party and you dress provocatively and you see a swarm of photographers there, you would know what you're getting yourself into," said Jonathan Davis, a lawyer for Diddy.
BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT
50 Cent has just announced that he will be releasing a movie with the same name as his new album "Before I Self Destruct." But in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the rapper says that he will be cutting Interscope out of the movie's profits. "It's not 'Purple Rain'," 50 said about the movie. Instead, he says that the flick is "... inspired by the actual music" and shows the harsh realities of "urban life" in a new way. "I showed characters under pressure in scenarios where they felt like there were no other options, even though there were," he added. "There are always options. People just usually start to see them while being incarcerated-for not seeing them in the first place." 50 said the movie will hit theatres around the same time as his new album (which will serve as his last under his current contract with Interscope) on December 9th. But Fif says that he is not using any of the songs from "Before I Self Destruct" in the movie because he doesn't want the label's hand in his cookie jar. "Then Interscope would automaticall have the rights to it, when they had absolutely no ownership of the actual material," he said. Instead, 50 opted to write a separate score and get unsigned talent to record the vocals. By Erin T. McMillon OF YA RAPS
BIG BOI DROPS MANAGER, RUMORED TO BE JOINING GRAND HUSTLE
Big Boi, of OutKast fame, has reportedly decided to cut ties with Family Tree Entertainment, his long time manager. According to reports, Big Boi has decided part ways from Family Tree (which is run by Blue Williams), leaving his branding and career in the hands of T.I.'s manager Jason Geter. Although the reports have yet to be confirmed by either party, word on the street is that Williams had no idea this was taking place and is said to be "on his way back to the ATL to get sh*t straight." In other Big Boi news, the rapper is set to release his new CD, "Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son Of Chico Dusty" on October 28. The 16-track album features "Something's Gotta Give" with Mary J. Blige and "Royal Flush" with Andre 3000 and Raekwon.
DID DMX OVER DOSE?
Reports from TMZ say that rapper DMX was rushed to a Florida hospital Monday, the 23rd for allegedly collapsing in an undisclosed location. Could it be that his collapsing was due to the fact that he was intoxicated. Come on now X didn’t you just come from court earlier this month where you plead guilty to drug charges.
"Swagger Like Us" was produced by Kanye West and features a sample of M.I.A.'s ubiquitous "Paper Planes," where she declares "No one on the corner got swagger like us." Kanye, who compares his swagger to singer Mick Jagger, starts off with punchlines aplenty: "I know I got it first/ I'm Christopher Columbus, y'all just the Pilgrims/ How it feel to wake up and be the sh--and the urine?/ Nah-na-na, trying to get that Kobe number, one over Jordan."
Jay follows -- "You can pay for school, but you can't buy class" -- Weezy bats third and Tip is the cleanup hitter. T.I. raps about his real-life controversies and how he doesn't worry about other rappers. "Sell a lot of records, I respect it and salute that/ But spitting real life on hot beats, I'm the truth at/ When you kick it like me, no exaggeration necessary."
Kanye commented about the track on his blog: "I already know what you [gonna] say ... we need Jeezy also ... I know ... I'm sure that's gonna be the official remix".
"I really appreciate it, man," Tip said humbly about the support he's gotten from his peers. "It's definitely an honor, man, to be among the elite in the game. To have as much respect from them as they have for me is also a privilege. I just wanna live up to all the expectations."by Shaheem Reid of MTV
BURNED FROM THE WAIST DOWN!
Travis Barker and DJ AM survived a deadly plane crash outside of Columbia, SC last night. The newly formed group, also known as TRVSDJAM, just got done performing a concert when they tried to leave the area right before midnight.
The plane crashed just after take off, reportedly hitting some lights on the runway and crashing through a gate. Four people were killed including Chris Barker (Travis Barker's assistant), the pilot & co-pilot, plus another passenger. Travis Barker and DJ AM reportedly survived by jumping out of the plane door almost immediately after it stopped. Travis Barker was burned from the waist down and DJ AM suffered burns to his face. Both artists were taken to a top burn center in Augusta, GA.
Travis Barker and DJ AM recently were the house band for the MTV Video Music Awards, both artists have solo albums due out later this year. The two artists recently released a new mixtape and video called "Fix Your Face."-Written by Jason of Rap Basement
WEEZY PARTIES IN THE BAHAMAS!
Lil Wayne is heading to the Bahamas to celebrate his 26th birthday. Wayne will be co-headling a party that will feature Bahamian artists like Daddy Whites, Golden Child, and Bobo Ken. Weezy will hold a pre-party on the 25th prior to the main concert and event on the 26th.Then Weezy will have a seperate birthday party on the 27th at the Marley Resort in Cable Beach.
50'S BLOOD ON THE SAND
Curtis is working on another video game, but it may never come out. 50's "Blood On The Sand" was set to be released November 4th, but the game's manufacturer, Vivendi, has reportedly suffered major losses in staff. So 50 what you gone do now?
Salt-N-Pepa
Having written a book about her experiences as one half of the 90s rap group Salt-N-Pepa, Pepa is now saying the duo may be bring their story to the silver screen.
"It's a story that needs to be told," Pep told WENN. "It's that girl-next-door story people would identify with it. It would make a great movie-very juicy."
Salt-N-Pepa rose to mainstream fame in the early 90s with their hits "Let's Talk About Sex" and "Shoop."
The duo parted ways in 2001, but enjoyed a recent reunion documented on their VH1 reality show "The Salt 'N' Pepa Show."
Pep said that she has even thought about the movie's casting and wants to see Meagan Good play her.
"Meagan Good could play me in my younger years. She reminds me of (myself)," Pep said. - By Erin T. McMillon of Yo Rap
NE-YO,FABOLOUS & JAMIE FOXX - SHES GOT HER OWN
Ne-Yo is back with the remix to “Miss Independence”. Video features Eve, Estelle, Jill Marie Jones, Keyshia Cole and more. They even brought out the inner sexy in Teyana Taylor. I’m glad he’s bringin’ Independent Women back in Style. Watch the video below.
BERG'S SIDE!
Yung Berg finally tells his side of the story about the beef between him and Trick Trick. A couple weeks ago Yung Berg got into a fight with the Trick Trick and his crew in a club. During the fight Berg's Transformer chain came up missing. A day later video's of Trick Trick wearing the chain popped up all over the internet. Trick Trick went on the radio and told jockey's that it wasnt him. Ever since no one heard Berg's side of the story until now. Watch the video below.
SWAGGER LIKE PUFF!
Can you imagine what it must be like to be Diddy? You can buy stores and get a show on MTV that basically amounts to making a television channel pick someone to work for you. You can have a rap career without being a rapper, and you can put a video out that, over the course of four minutes, not only convinces us that we wouldn't be against "Swagger Like Us" having a Puff verse, but is also really entertaining. Then you can put it on the internet yesterday and already have over 66,000 views.
RUN-DMC NOMINATED FOR ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME
RollingStone.com reports that the legendary Hip-Hop trio Run-DMC are beging nominated for the 2009 Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.If Run-DMC were voted in they would be only the second Hip-Hop group ever to be inducted to the Hall with the first being Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five in 2008.
The 2009 ceremony will be held April 4th at Cleveland's Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio which is the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
NEW RICK ROSS & PLIES ALBUM
Ted Lucas told MTV that although Plies still has his recent gold album "Definition Of Real" in the promotion cycle, he feels the rapper is ready to release more music.
"December 16, Plies ain't gonna let you down...Plies is a hard worker. There's no need to hold him back. I heard the album, heard the music, and I feel he's ready. You gotta feed the fans. When you got a fanbase and you're growing and they like your music, give them what they want. Before, you had albums come out by, like, Michael Jackson — people be on that album for two years. Now, the way the business is, we have to make sure the fans are happy and continue to grow."
The first single from Plies up-coming album "Da Realist" is "Pants Hang Low" produced by Mannie Fresh.
Lucas also went on to talk about the new album "Deeper Than Rap" from platinum Slip-N-Slide act Rick Ross.
"When he says 'deeper than rap,' he's not joking," Lucas said. "I already knew he was ahead of his class five years ago. Now he's ready to spread it and show people what he can do — giving people good music. People ain't seen nothing yet. Ross is always in the studio putting in good work, and the music is incredible. They gonna be riding with Deeper Than Rap." "Deeper Than Rap" is due in stores early 2009.
JANET JACKSON LEAVES DEF JAM
Rodney Jerkins reveals that Janet Jackson has been released from Def Jam. According to Rodney, this is something she wanted and pushed for as she didn’t feel as though her album “Discipline” was pushed correctly. Although, the album debuted at #1, it sold less than her previous albums “20 Y.O” and “Damita Jo” did in their first week.
LUDACRIS INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME
Atlanta rapper Ludacris was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.According to The Associated Press, Luda was the first rapper to ever be inducted into the hall.
“And just to think 10 years ago I was trying to put pizzas through the oven at Pizza Hut to make sure I didn't get fired,” Ludacris said in a speech at the Georgia World Congress Centre. “Now the only way I'll get fired is if I fire myself, so that's a beautiful thing right now for sure.”
Luda will be releasing his latest album titled Theatre Of The Mind next month.
R.I.P. MICHEAL JACKSON
NECRO: An individual whose one of the mainstays of the underground hip hop scene, it was an honor to talk to someone who clearly is one of the hardest working dudes in Hip Hop. His latest album entitled Death Rap is in stores now. 
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