MASTER P. ANNOUNCES HEALTH AWARENESS CONCERT IN HONOR OF TEENA MARIE

Rap mogul Master P. will host an event during Grammy week honoring late R&B singer Teena Marie, in hopes of raising awareness about health related issues, whether its diabetes, high blood pressure or obesity.
Master P. and his son Romeo are rallying celebrities to support Michelle Obama’s anti-obesity campaign via his Move With Music organization, which is dedicated to fighting child obesity.
According to reps for Master P., the mogul and his son will host an event on February 11th in Los Angeles, which is sponsored by ME Entertainment Network, RTC Media Group and Urban Born Foundation.
“We are taking the initiative to help fight child obesity by educating the next generation on how to eat right and exercise through music, dance and entertainment,” a rep for Master P. told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “We are connecting musicians and entertainers through concert events to bring awareness to this epidemic of childhood obesity and health issues.”
For more information go to: www.MoveWithMusic.org
Props to TheUrbanDaily.com (12.30.10)

LAURYN HILL PERFORMS INTIMATE GIG TO KICK OFF TOUR

Lauryn Hill — officially billed as Ms. Lauryn Hill — performed a sold-out concert at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn last night. Hill, who is somewhat notorious for showing up late to her own shows, did not go until after midnight, well after the 8 p.m. door time at the venue.
Needless to say, Hill’s tardiness upset many fans in attendance, all of whom made it out to the show despite harsh weather and patchy public transportation options following a severe blizzard in the New York area. But going on footage from the gig making the rounds today, the fans who waited it out — including Prince and Janelle Monae, both in town for a concert at Madison Square Garden tonight — were in for a treat.
Hill performed a 14-song set that included new arrangements for hits from her debut album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and her days with the Fugees, as well as an obscure Bob Marley cover at the top of the set.
One inspired performance, captured in the clip above, shows Hill and her band segueing a gorgeous rendition of the Flamingos classic “I Only Have Eyes For You” into the Fugees’  “Zealots,” which was built from a sample of the original Flamingos recording.
This show was the first of a tour of intimate venues mainly in the Northeast, but it was originally meant to be the second. A performance at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan was scheduled for Monday night, but had to be rescheduled due to the blizzard.
Props to RollingStone.com (12.30.10)

CORNEL WEST, RHYMEFEST TO LEAD EDUCATION FORUM IN CHICAGO

Since Kanye West-associated rapper Rhymefest announced intent to run for a Chicago alderman position, he has been a steady presence at political and community events to help gauge what the people in his community really think and need. His next appearance will be with the esteemed Dr. Cornel West at the Chicago Urban Education Forum. The event, which takes place on Jan. 6, will be an open forum where community leaders, organizations, adult educators, administrators, teachers and students can voice their opinions about education in Chicago's South Side neighborhood. The Chicago Public Schools, aka CPS, is in complete disarray. 80 percent of Chicago's schools didn't meet federal testing requirements this year, and improving that number will be difficult with a $245 million deficit in operating accounts looming. A $4.5 billion price tag was estimated for repairs on the city's decrepit school buildings. The forum hopes to start turning things in a more positive direction. "Attendees will leave the forum invigorated, with newfound knowledge and commitment to promote positive change in their institutions and communities," a rep for the Chicago Urban Education Forum told AllHipHop.com in a recent interview to preview the event.
Rhymefest, real name Che Smith, officially announced his candidacy for the city government position back in October 2010. At the time, he stressed the need to relate to those with little voice in city politics...
Props to TheBoomBox.com (12.29.10)

GAME ROBBED OF $75K, JEWELRY ON CHRISTMAS EVE

A Scrooge almost ruined Christmas for Compton, California rapper Game.
The rapper, born Jayceon Taylor, was robbed of $75,000 worth of jewelry and other items from his vehicle while he was shopping at the Westfield Topanga Mall in Canoga Park, California on December 24th.
"Tried 2 do last minute shoppin 4 da kids & valet stole a Louis Duffle out @avanterose 's car & we 2 chains & $75,000 short," Game tweeted early in the morning of December 25th.
The rapper and a friend parked their car with the valet in a Nordstrom department store, only to return to the vehicle to find that several pieces of jewelry worth almost $75,000 was stolen.
Game accused Topanga Mall's Nordstrom valet workers of being engaged in a criminal ring involving stealing.
Topanga Mall "Nordstroms" valet is janky as F**K !!! They gotta a lil stealing ring goin, PARKS YA OWN S**T from now on !
According to Game, the incident was on videotape, but police that responded told him that palm trees obscured the perpetrators from being seen.
Game also accused responding officers of being racist, after they patted him down and questioned him, despite being victimized...
Props to AllHipHop.com (12.29.10)

JAY ELECTRONICA LANDS NEW

Jay Electronica has yet to release his debut album, but a major endorsement deal has already materialized for the recent Roc Nation signee, who appears in a new ad for Mountain Dew.
The New Orleans emcee is featured in a new commercial for Mountain Dew's Code Red campaign "It's Different on the Mountain." In the video ad, Jay Elect presents a remixed version of his song 'The Announcement' on stage, before the footage wraps up with the tag line, "Hip Hop Is Different on the Mountain."
"This is the first time I've done something like this ... of this magnitude, this nature," Jay Electronica explained about the collaboration with Mountain Dew. "I'm pretty excited about it ... As artists, we come to a point where we conform so much, that when somebody is actually trying to learn who they are and express who they are as an individual and give their expression it's foreign." Check out Jay Electronica's Mountain Dew commercial after the jump.
Props to TheBoomBox.com (12.24.10)

WIKILEAKS FOUNDER JULIAN ASSANGE BUSTS RHYMES IN VIRAL VIDEO

Embattled Wikileaks CEO Julian Assange has gone Hip-Hop in a new viral video circulating on the Internet featuring him rapping.
Assange drops rhymes in a cameo appearance on episode five of the popular Australian political satire "Rap News." In the latest episode, titled "News World Order: War on Journalism."
The clip, which was recorded prior to Assange's website Wikileaks released 250,000 classified cables sent from U.S. Embassies all across the world, has already garnered over 400,000 views.
The Melbourne-based Rap News skits are produced by University researcher Giordano Nanni and English teacher Hugo Farrant.
"He was full of creative ideas for how to act and time the entrance, and he really enjoyed lampooning his own image," Farrant told the AFP.
Meanwhile Assange faces serious charges. He was recently jailed for nine days in Britain and is fighting extradition from Britain to Sweden, where he is being accused of sexual misconduct with two Swedish women.
Props to AllHipHop.com (12.24.10)

LAURYN HILL ANNOUNCES 2011 WINTER TOUR

Rapper/R&B star Lauryn Hill is heading out on a Winter tour starting next, playing a series of mid-sized venues possibly for the last time in her career.
The Grammy Award winning artist will hit the road on an X-date tour, which will kick off December 27th in New York, at the High Line Ballroom.
Hill is pegged for six-dates in New York, a pair in New Jersey, five dates down south (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia), the mid-West and Canada.
Lauryn Hill will hit the road with a live band, well aware that she "may never play venues of this size again," some of which she hasn't played since the Fugee days."
She will perform reworked version of classics from her catalog, including tracks off her hit 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
According to Hill, she is looking forward to "see her loyal supporters up close and personal again."
Props to AllHipHop.com (12.23.10)

RIHANNA TO RELEASE SIGNATURE PERFUME

Parlux Fragraces has announced that they will be releasing a signature perfume with Rihanna in 2011 called Reb'l Fleur.
Inspired by the "rebelle fleur" tattoo Rihanna has inscribed on her neck, which loosely translates to "rebellious flower," the fragrance was revealed at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes back in October, and will be launched in the United States in February of 2011, with an international campaign to follow.
According to the press release, Reb'l Fleur reflects both Rihanna's professional and personal life, and is "as much in tune with Barbados-born Rihanna's roots as it is with the glamour of her present life in New York City." The fragrance boasts notes of tuberose, violet, hibiscus, and coconut water (a nod to Rihanna's Carribbean roots), in a heel-shaped bottle which can be seen here.
Jessica Simpson, Paris Hilton and Queen Latifah all have fragrances with the Florida-based fragrance company. This will be Rihanna's debut perfume.
Props to TheBoomBox.com (12.23.10)

CHRIS BROWN FINISHES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COUNCELING

Chris Brown has completed the domestic violence counseling sessions he was required to take as part of his sentence for assaulting ex-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.
The singer confirmed that he'd finished the classes by posting a photo of his certificate of completion on Twitter. "I'm done with class," he wrote, later adding, "i have enough self respect and decency to be proud of accomplishing this DV class. Boyz run from [their] mistakes.. Men learn from them!!!"
At a Nov. 18 probation hearing, Brown was praised by Los Angeles Superior Court judge Patricia Schnegg for doing a "very commendable job" and being nearly finished with his domestic violence classes and community service.
"No one has done a better or more consistent job than you have, and I really want to commend you for taking responsibility and for actually working diligently to complete all the things the court has required of you," the judge said.
Brown's new single, "Yeah 3X," is currently at No. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Props to Billboard.com (12.22.10)

KELIS DISMISSES LAWSUIT

R&B singer Kelis has wasted no time in responding to a lawsuit filed by a talent agency that claims she stiffed them for over $11,000 in "goods and services."
Drive Talent Inc. claimed they helped Kelis during her appearances on a variety of shows, including Jimmy Fallon, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno  and others.
The company sued, claiming only paid a portion of the balance. Kelis completely dismissed the lawsuit and welcomed a courtroom battle over the $11,817.91 amount that is left on the bill.
"Drive Talent has been paid in full for services rendered for the assistance in production for various TV performances," a representative for Kelis told AllHipHop.com. "Any claims stating otherwise is clearly an effort to gain press attention."
Props to AllHipHop.com (12.22.10)

DJ CIPHA SOUNDS SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY FROM HOT 97

Popular morning show jock DJ Cipha Sounds has been suspended from New York radio station Hot 97 indefinitely, over on-air comments made about Haitians.
"Cipha made an immediate public apology and recognizes his insensitivity and the negative impact his comments have on all Haitians," said Alex Cameron, SVP/Market Manager of Emmis-New York. "He is committed to working with the Haitian community to make a difference and turn this negative incident into an opportunity for increased learning and awareness."
Hot 97 will also start working with local community leaders to help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in the Haitian community. Additionally, Hot 97 revealed that Cipha Sounds will immediately undertake "sensitivity training" focused on the Haitian community and the serious nature of the HIV/AIDS problem within the community.
Props to AllHipHop.com (12.22.10)

Rapper Eminem, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna have all landed at the top of the Social 50, a brand new chart being introduced by Billboard in its print and online editions, ranking the most popular artists on several prominent social networks.
The new Social 50 uses a formula that blends the artists' popularity based on their weekly addition of friends, fans and followers, based on song plays through MySpace.com, YouTube.com, Twitter.com and iLike.com.
According to Billboard, the data is collected by Next Big Sound, a company that tracks music being shared on the social networks.
The chart also uses a "unique metric that measures the ration of page views-to-fans/friend on YouTube.com and MySpace.com.
"The Social 50 provides a weekly snapshot of the artists with whom music fans engage with the most in the social arena, which in today's world is a significant validation of their investment in an act," said Billboard director of charts Silvio Pietroluongo. "The chart is a logical complement to Billboard's other popularity rankings."
Rihanna toped the chart by leading in new friends, fans and followers for the week, while Justin Bieber landed at #2, Eminem is sitting at #3, #4 is Lady Gaga and newcomer Nicki Minaj landed out the list at #5.
Props to AllHipHop.com (12.03.10)

Eminem snagged the most nominations for the 53rd annual Grammys, which were announced during an hour-long TV special on CBS Wednesday evening hosted by LL Cool J. The Detroit rapper is trailed by newcomer Bruno Mars, who scored a whopping seven nominations for his first trip to the awards show. Jay-Z, Lady Gaga and country trio Lady Antebellum are close behind with six nominations, while John Legend and B.o.B received five nods each, and Drake, Cee Lo Green and the Roots earned four nominations.
Hip-hop and R&B duets dominated the coveted Song of the Year category. Nominees in the category included B.o.B with Bruno Mars for 'Nothin' on You,' Eminem and Rihanna's 'Love the Way You Lie' and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' 'Empire State of Mind.' Cee Lo Green's 'Fuck You' and Lady Antebellum's 'Need You Now' rounded out the category.
Eminem and Rihanna's 'Love the Way You Lie' also picked up a nominations in the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best Rap Song categories, where they will face B.o.B & Bruno Mars' 'Nothin' on You' and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' 'Empire State of Mind' again ... in both categories. Em and Jay-Z, who co-headlined the epic Home and Home ballpark concerts in September, were nominated again in the Best Rap Song Category; Em for his track 'Not Afraid' and Jay-Z for 'On to the Next One' off 'Blueprint 3.' ...
Props to TheBoomBox.com (12.02.10)

PUBLIC ENEMY RAISED $75K TO DROP FAN-FUNDED ALBUM

Public Enemy announced recently that they've raised enough funds, via Dutch website SellaBand, to record and distribute their upcoming new release.
In a statement on the SellaBand website, the group revealed their excitement and thanked fans.
"We just received word that our fund raising campaign has completed," Public Enemy said. "This is truly a great moment for us and we owe it all to our fans on SellaBand -- our true 'Believers'."
Public Enemy originally aimed at raising $250,000 to drop a new record, but after the "recalculated" things, they dropped their goal to $75,000 for the recording, marketing and promotions costs for an entirely fan-funded release.
Details regarding the forthcoming release were unknown at press time.
But, by reaching their goal, the group has proven that alternate ways of getting their projects released are out there.
"We're over here in Europe killing shows. Moscow and Sofia are in our rear view mirrors and we've got a lot more on tap," P.E. said in their statement. "We're going to be celebrating this with our fans, so we hope to see you on our winding road. Thank You."    

Props to AllHipHop.com (11.02.10)

Iconic Peanuts cartoon character Charlie Brown has officially become a rapper. ABC is running commercials featuring Charlie Brown rapping  to a Hip-Hop beat promoting the special, "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." During the commercial, "Charlie B. and the Peanuts Posse" raps: "Raking leaves and rolling on a pumpkin/Trick or treat then get the party pumpin." "We just thought it was a great opportunity to really kind of do something different," Marla Provencio said. "We've had this franchise for a long, long time…How many times can you do the traditional straightforward sell?" The updated commercial for the special, which was released in 1966, is part of an update the Peanuts franchise. "We opted to do something that was relevant for our time, that would maybe bring in a whole different audience and would be just attention-getting," Provencio said. "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" airs tonight (October 29th) at 8:00 PM on ABC.

Props to AllHipHop.com (10.29.10)

Travie McCoy was arrested yesterday, October 27th, after allegedly spraying graffiti on the Berlin wall in Germany.
The rapper/pop star was taken into custody by Germany police after they spotted him tagging one of the last pieces of the historic landmark.
Before he was arrested, he posted the picture of the graffiti on his Twitter saying "Told you!!! Had to do it, blame it on the devil, everyone else does!"
He was released on 1,500 Euros bail and went to Amsterdam for a performance tonight.
Props to AllHipHop.com (10.28.10)

Rapper Method Man is one of a variety of actors featured in a new horror themed television show being executive produced by actor/comedian/musician, Jamie Foxx.  The TV horror series is titled Night Tales and will be hosted by actresses Stacy Dash and Denise Richards.
Foxx's No-Brainer Productions is producing 26 episodes of the series, which also counts NBA star Mitch Richmond as an executive producer.  The series, which is based on the 2008 BET flick Nite Tales: The Movie, is slated to be split across two seasons, according to Variety.
Foxx and company are planning on distributing Night Tales through a variety of platforms, including television, the Internet and comic books. In addition to Method Man, Tom Arnold and Jason Mewes star in separate episodes of Night Tales, which presently has no air date.

Props to AllHipHop.com (10.27.10)

Queens rapper 50 Cent and television host Chelsea Handler stirred up quite the commotion when they were spotted on what appeared to be a date at a restaurant in New Orleans at the top of the month. 50 Cent revealed to E! News that his dinner with Handler was strictly business and that the two discussed their work in movies.
“We actually was talking about a film project,” said 50 Cent. “Because I just did the Lionsgate deal I’ve been sitting with different people and talking about film projects and everything. I think she’s amazing."
Earlier in the month Handler also shed some light on her meeting with 50 Cent as well explaining that she “was with a bunch of friends in New Orleans, and he [50 Cent] was one of the friends that was there."
In the past year or so 50 Cent has spent a great deal of time working on his film career. He’ll star in, Things Fall Apart alongside veteran actor Ray Liotta when it’s released in 2011 and his film company Cheetah Films was recently given $200 million in funding to make 10 movies. 

Props to HipHopDX.com (10.25.10)

BIG BOI / KERI HILSON ENCOURAGE STUDENTS IN CHICAGO

Atlanta natives Big Boi and Keri Hilson surprised 1000 high school students yesterday in Chicago, Illinois. The superstar rapper and singer, along with MTV News correspondent Tim Kash, spoke to the elated students as part of the Get Schooled National Challenge and Tour.  The purpose of the tour is to engage students and encourage them to improve their high school graduation rates, with the goal of increasing college completion rates. 
"Before I started doing music, I was actually going to school to study child psychology, but, when I was in 11th grade, we went platinum," Big Boi revealed. "But I still finished and graduated with honors…you need that."
During the Youth Summit, Big Boi, Keri Hilson and Tim Kash engaged students in a conversation about the challenges they face as students, while encouraging the students to achieve their educational goals. Keri Hilson also performed her newest single "Pretty Girl Rock" during the Youth Summit. 
"I juggled a lot in high school," said Keri Hilson, who revealed that that she was co-captain of her high school basketball team, in addition to participating in theater. "I had to learn balance," said Hilson. "I had to learn to prioritize my time. I think that is the key to making it through high school in life in general, is knowing what's important. attacking that and executing everything."

Props to AllHipHop.com (10.25.10)

RHYMEFEST RUNNING FOR OFFICE

Rapper Rhymefest has decided that he will be running for political office in his hometown of Chicago.
The renowned freestyler, who won a Grammy Award for co-writing Kanye West's "Jesus Walks," revealed to SOHH.com that he would be making a formal announcement around October 15. Rhymefest, born Che Smith, is specifically running for 20th Ward Alderman. The formal candidacy announcement is expected to be made this Thursday.
The announcement comes weeks after Wyclef Jean withdrew from the Presidential race in Haiti.

Props to HipHopDX.com (10.19.10)

2010 SOUL TRAIN AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED

Props to SoulTrain.Com (10.19.10)

MR.WEST REVEALS BANNED COVER ART

Although he's giving out weekly free songs via G.O.O.D Fridays, Chicago Hip Hop superstar Kanye West has kept a number of things mysterious about next month's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The Def Jam artist's fifth album may be coming November 22, 2010, but it was unclear what the art-inspired rapper's cover would look like.
Today, West tweeted what it will not look like. Kanye's intended cover featured a painting of what is believed to be a naked woman sitting on a naked man's lap. West indicated that the man, who is also holding a bottle, is supposed to be him. The woman, he called his "phoenix."
With West's label presumingly banning the cover, the rapper criticized retailers that would deem the content unsuitable, specifically Wal-Mart.
West also pointed to the popularity of nudity on album covers in the 1970s. Artists including John Lennon & Yoko Ono, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, The Scorpions and David Bowie have all used nudity or overly sexual themes on cover art.
Previously in Hip Hop, Ice-T's Home Invasion and The Coup's Party Music had banned covers.
Props to HipHopDX.com (10.18.2010)

T.I BACK TO JAIL FOR 11 MONTHS

T.I. is heading back to prison, after a federal judge revoked the rapper's probation and sentenced the rap star to 11 months in prison for possessing drugs in September in Los Angeles.
Judge Charles Pannell Jr. sentenced T.I. to the prison sentence, after the Atlanta native and his wife Tameka "Tiny" Cottle were caught in Los Angeles on September 1st, in possession of a controlled substance, which was later revealed to be ecstasy. The rapper asked the judge to sentence him to rehab for a drug addiction, but he was sentenced to the 11 months in prison, instead.
During an interview with CNN's Don Lemon, T.I. said: "The only thing that I can say, man, is that all people who have supported me, who were behind me, who believed in me, who were disappointed and were let down, I just offered my sincerest apologies, and I will dedicate my life no matter how long it takes to earn your trust back and to make you proud yet again," T.I. said.
The Grand Hustle CEO’s already delayed new album, King Uncaged, was scheduled to be released in the fourth quarter of 2010 but further postponement now seems likely.
Props to AllHipHop.com & HipHopDX.com (10.18.10)

Rapper T.I. tells us he has "every intention" of staying in contact with the suicidal man he talked off the ledge of a 22-story building in Atlanta yesterday...telling us he's determined to help the guy "get better." TMZ spoke with T.I. ... who tells us he first heard about the jumper on the radio and, "It summoned my heart, my spirit.  I said to myself ... I gotta help." T.I. says he then proceeded to go to the scene ... and explains, "I just asked the officer if there was anything I could do to help resolve this peacefully."
The cops told the jumper that T.I. wanted to talk to him ... but the jumper didn't believe it at first, so "to assure him that it was really me they recorded a video message on the cop's cell phone and took it up to him...15 minutes later the guy came down peacefully." T.I. says he told the man, "I want to speak to you, and that it's not that bad. I'm willing to do whatever it is to help the situation, but I can't do that unless you help me help you." ...
Props to TMZ.com (10.14.10)

LIL JON JOINS "CELEBRITY APPRENTICE"

Platinum selling artist Lil Jon will join the cast of NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” The show first premiered in 2004, and NBC describes it as “an engaging and fresh look at the changing face of corporate America. It will showcase what has turned out to be an incredible cast of candidates, all vying to become The Apprentice and all deserving of a fresh start to their careers.”
Lil Jon brings business savvy to the table courtesy of his endorsements with Oakley and Crunk! energy drink as well as his own Little Jonathan brand of wine. Lil Jon explained what made his brand so successful while recently speaking with Forbes.com.
“I definitely consider myself a walking brand,” Lil Jon said. “If I come on board with someone to support their brand, it’s family. I’m not just gonna take the sunglasses off when I walk off television. I’m gonna support the brand 24/7.”
Props to HipHopDx (10.13.10)

BET HIP HOP AWARD CYPHERS

The ever popular cyphers from the 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards aired last night (October 12) after they were taped on October 3 in Atlanta, Georgia. Among the highlights include the public welcome of latest G.O.O.D Music artist CyHi Da Prynce, joined by fellow summer signing Pusha T and the existing family of Common, Big Sean and label founder Kanye West.

Another thematic cypher took place in the form of father-and-son duos Reverend Run and Diggy Simmons, joined by Ice Cube and his son OMG. Cube and Run, both 1980s Hip Hop pioneers were joined by their sons, who have recently pursued the family trade, with Diggy signing to Atlantic Records.

Also involved were veterans such as Raekwon, Royce Da 5'9", and D12's Kuniva, all joined by buzzing younger acts including Yelawolf, Mickey Factz and Young Money's Tyga.

The 2010 BET Hip Hop Awards Cyphers are posted below:

Kanye West x Pusha T x Big Sean x CyHi Da Prynce x Common

Props to HipHopDx.com (10.13.10)

EMINEM GETS 5 NOMINATIONS AT AMA'S

The American Music Award nominations have just been announced and Eminem leads the race this year with five nominations.

Eminem is representing Hip-Hop in a big way this year with his five nominations, which is the most any Hip-Hop artist has been nominated for. Rapper B.O.B will be also representing Hip-Hop with his three nominations and Usher with the help of Nicki Minaj will have three as well.

You can vote for your favorites until Nov. 12. And make sure to watch the American Music Award show on Nov. 21 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Props to NeverEnoughNotes.co.uk & HipHopWired.com (10.12.10)

50 CENT TO ADOPT A RHINOCEROS?

Rap star 50 Cent may have the title of "Godfather" bestowed upon him, should he take up a South African Community group's offer to adopt a rhinoceros.

A community policing group called eBlockwatch is calling upon 50 Cent to become "Godfather" to a black rhino that was shot nine times by poachers. The black rhino, named Phila, had already survived two poaching attacks earlier in the year, prompting the organization to make the bizarre offer to 50 Cent.

"We want to ask him if he wants to become the godfather of our rhino so that he can create awareness worldwide about rhino poaching," said Andre Snyman of eBlockwatch. According to Snyman, he hopes that 50 Cent will adopt the rhino, which will be renamed "One Pound."
Props to AnimalPicturesArchive & AllHipHop.com (10.12.10)

PAP TEST WEEK: OCTOBER 25 - 30

Pap test for free and with no appointment necessary at participating clinics throughout Manitoba during Pap Test Week. Visit telleverywoman.ca to find a participating clinic in your neighborhood.

• 75% of men and women will be infected with HPV in their lifetime.
• HPV can cause abnormal changes on the cervix and cervical cancer.
• 1 in 4 women will have an abnormal Pap test in her lifetime.
• About 45 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year in Manitoba.
• 60% of women diagnosed with cervical cancer have not had a Pap test in five years or more.
• Regular Pap tests can prevent up to 80% of cervical cancer.

Props to TellEveryWoman.ca (10.08.10)

YOUNG MONEY UNVEILS NEW CREDIT CARD

After providing a glimpse of a black Young Money credit card in the most recent Source magazine, Mack Maine has provided even more information on the card, where it came from and what it will provide. During a recent interview with Karen Civil, Maine spoke on all of this.
"As far as the Young Money credit cards go, it is true. I don’t have a definite date yet, but I should have one soon before the end of the week. But it is true, so make sure the fans and the people that are interested sign up. It’s a pre-paid card. We’re not starting it out with each member having their own card just yet. It’s just pretty much a Young Money card and then we’ll branch out to like Nicki Minaj pink cards, maybe having Wayne and Drake cards being like the black cards. You know, just different levels of it. Maybe have Twist and Chuckee for the younger crowd. We’ll make sure each member has it as we learn the ropes," he said.
Maine also added that their business manager, Horace Madison, came up with the original idea before others added more details.
"It’s a lot of perks that’s going to come along with the card. You’ll get discounts to go online and shop at our website. So, you’ll get things like that. We’ve got different companies like Target and some others companies where you’ll be able to discounts as well when you use the card there."
Props to HipHopDX.com (10.06.10)

NICKI MINAJ SCOOPS THREE BET HIP HOP AWARDS

Rappers Nicki Minaj and Jay-Z were winners in multiple categories during the BET Awards, which took place tonight (October 2nd) at the Atlanta Civic Center, in Atlanta Georgia.
Thousands of industry executives, artists and fans gathered to celebrate the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards, which was hosted by comedian Mike Epps.
The 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards honored this year's top-selling artists, while introducing a crop of new rappers through the show's annual "Cipher."
Sean "Diddy" Combs and Rick Ross opened the show by performing a medley of hits, including Ross' anthem "B.M.F." and "MC Hammer." When Rick Ross finished the song "MC Hammer," the real MC Hammer appeared on the stage flanked by a group of dancers.
Hammer proved he hasn't lost his ability to move his feet, performing his hit single "2 Legit 2 Quit," which most of the audience knew, lyric-for-lyric.
Nicki Minaj took home awards in multiple categories, including Rookie of the Year, Made You Look Style Award, and Favorite by Fans.
"I didn't think I was going to win this award, but I probably have a million little Barbies on Twitter that probably voted for me and I love you guys very much for that," said Nicki Minaj, who thanked her mother, brothers and the Young Money family...
Props to AllHipHop.com (10.04.10)

B.o.B PERFORMS FOR OBAMA, MAKES HIS IPOD

President Obama recently revealed to Rolling Stone that he had Jay-Z, Nas and Lil' Wayne in his iPod. B.o.B. can now be added to that list. Last night Bobby Ray was in Washington, D.C. performing for the Gen44 Summit and had the opportunity to meet the United States' Commander-In-Chief.
The Atlanta native was understandably excited to play for Obama, telling XXL, "It went real well actually man, lotta energy in there,” he said. “On a scale of one to ten it would probably have to [rate it] at 44."
With the President's iPod being a topic of conversation of late, B.o.B. was pleased to find he had a place in it. “He got me in his iPod. I was like you got a real good iPod then. I made a presidential iPod,” he joked.
When asked what else was said during their brief meeting, Bobby Ray told XXL: “He congratulated me on all the success and said he was proud of everything that I was doing. We snapped a few pictures. It was a really good, really good day yesterday.”   
Props to HipHopDX.com (10.01.10)

NICK CANNON ACCEPTS SUGGESTED EMINEM CHARITY BOXING MATCH OFFER

A dated disagreement over Mariah Carey between Rap superstar Eminem and television personality/actor/musician Nick Cannon has come back into the limelight recently. Earlier this month, Cannon released a Slick Rick-inspired diss song, "The Warning," towards the Shady Records front-man. Now, a jovial Cannon has suggested a charity boxing match between R&B diva Carey's past and present lovers.
During a morning interview with New York's 92.3 NOW FM radio show, Nick Cannon was approached by co-hosts about a suggested boxing match with Em. "Man to man, you and Em are gonna box-off," said Nikki Hesse, the show's co-host who was attempting to reach the Detroit Rap super-star, before noting that a Facebook.com petition page has been created "to try and get [Nick Cannon] and Eminem in the ring, man-to-man," before Cannon interjected that it would be for charity.
"I think that's a good idea," responded Nick. "I've been sayin' that for like a year," acknowledging that he had heard a similar suggestion within Em's group, D12. "I'm wid it! Tell me where to show up! I'll be there...with bells on!"
Noting that dispute is both "silly" and "ridiculous," Cannon continued, "He says it's entertainment, so let's take this entertainment to another level. I feel like you was disrespectful, as a man, so let's meet man-to-man and do it old-school, just get back to a prize fight. Let's get it! In the ring!"
Props to HipHopDX.com (09.30.10)

LL, BEASTIE BOYS NOMINATED FOR ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME

Hip-Hop veterans LL Cool J and The Beastie Boys are two of the 14 artists up for possible induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011, officials have revealed.
This is the second year that LL Cool J has been nominated for an induction, which only eligible to artists who released their first album, or single before 1986.
LL's first release came in 1984, when he released his first single "I Need A Beat," which was created by legendary producer Rick Rubin and T-La Rock.
One year later, LL's classic album Radio was released on the Def Jam label, which was owned by Rubin and Russell Simmons.
Since then, LL has sold over 20 million records worldwide, fueled by hits like "I Need Love," "Jinglin' Baby," "Around the Way Girl," "Head Sprung," "I Can Love You Better" and others.
The Beastie Boys released their first album License to Ill in 1986, also for Def Jam, and since then, the group has released seven albums and sold in excess of 30 million copies worldwide.
"We believe our nominating committee has put forth a list of artists that truly represents the wide variety of music that defines rock and roll," Joel Peresman, president of the Hall, said in a statement...
Props to AllHipHop.com (09.29.10)

KANYE WEST BREAKS SILENCE ON PREZ OBAMA'S "JACKA**" REMARKS

From Yeezy's perspective, Obama's comment was playful and unintentional.
"When Obama called me 'jack*ss,' after the Taylor [Swift] incident, I thought that the person to be speaking off the record. Obama has way more important stuff to worry about than my public perception. He was trying to pass the healthcare bill. And if he said that to relate to the room or lighten the room up and the whole mood, then I'd be more than happy to be the butt of all of his jokes if it in the some way helps his overall mission. I'm a soldier of culture. I'm resilient. I'm sure I'll still beat him in basketball." (Karen Civil)
Obama's unauthorized remarks leaked on the Internet last September.
"I thought that was really inappropriate! You know? It's like, she's getting an award--what are you butting in? I hear you. I agree with you. The young lady seems like a perfectly nice person. She's getting her award. What's he doing up there? He's a jacka**. Now, now, all this stuff, I'm assuming all this stuff [laughs] come on guys, cut the president some slack. I got a lot of other stuff on my plate..." (YouTube)...
Props to HotNewHipHop.com (09.24.10)

J DILLA FOUNDATION LAUNCHES "SO FAR TO GO" INTERNATIONAL ART CONTEST

The J Dilla Foundation has announced "So Far To Go," a new international art contest thats designed to celebrate the life of the legendary producer, born James Dewitt Yancy.
The non-profit, which is run by J Dilla's mother Maureen "Ma Dukes" Yancy, has teamed with La Famiglia and 323East to create original designs to celebrate the life of J Dilla, who died on February 10th, 2006 from the incurable disease, Lupus.
Contestants can upload their original designs to the new website Art4Dilla.com, where users will vote for the winning design.
“The J Dilla Foundation seeks to be a staple in the movement for progressive music
education," Ma Dukes told AllHipHop.com.  "We also hope to be leaders in the efforts to enhance and develop arts programs in urban communities.”
The winner of the So Far To Go art contest will have his or her design produced as a poster, along with limited edition Giclee prints, signed by the winning artist and Ma Dukes herself.
Proceeds will be donated to the J Dilla Foundation and fund their ongoing programs.
Props to AllHipHop.com (09.22.10)

JA RULE WORKING ON COMEDY SITCOM

Ja Rule has recently announced that he has several television programs in the works that will be released to fans soon.
“We got a situation that we’re working with, where its Hip-Hop based and we are focusing on my new talent. Harry O, Montana, and Life,” Ja Rule told said in an interview.
In addition to the hip-hop based show, Ja Rule will be doing a reality TV show with his family involved.
“We are focusing on that with one show, and I am doing a show, a little something with my family, you know that’s kind of cool, so.”
In addition to the other reality TV shows, the Murder Inc. artist stated that he is also using his acting talent to partake in a written sitcom as well.
“I am doing a sitcom, a real written sitcom, so that not reality, we are doing the TV thing and we are having a good time, and the movie thing, so it working,” Ja Rule added.
Ja Rule has been in major features as an actor since 2001  according to IMDB.com, and has had roles in the movies, The Fast and the Furious, Scary Movie 3, The Cookout and Assault on Precinct 13 to name a few...
Props to AllHipHop.com (09.20.10)

NICKI MINAJ, CIARA TAPPED TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR URBAN LEAGUE

Nicki Minaj and Ciara have teamed with the Urban League of Hudson County, New Jersey to take part in the Urban Vibe 2010 Benefit concert.
The charity concert's goal is raise money and awareness for the New Jersey Urban League, which improves the quality of lives for residents in New Jersey's Urban community.
The event, which will take place at the Prudential Center in  Newark, New Jersey, will be hosted by 106 & Parks' hosts Terrance J. and Rocsi, and New York radio personality Dahved Levy.
Artists like Machel Montano and Reggae artist Shaggy will also hit the stage.
"Our mission is to empower, promote self-sufficiency, and advance the cause of opportunity for our diverse constituency," Elnora Watson, President and CEO of ULOHC, told AllHipHop.com.
"Through collaboration, outreach, information and technology, the ULOHC has developed services that help level the economic playing field," Watson noted.
ULOHC was founded in 1971 under the mission of empowering residents and improving the quality of life in urban communities.
The Urban Vibe 2010 Benefit Concert will be held on Thursday, October 28th.
Props to AllHipHop.com (09.17.10)

J.COLE TALKS BEING LABELMATES WITH WILLOW SMITH, OCTOBER MIXTAPE

Shade 45 radio personality Angela Yee recently caught up with RocNation artist J.Cole at the Eminem/Jay-Z show at Yankee Stadium and spoke to Cole about his new labelmate Willow Smith, his upcoming mixtape, and more.
“I haven’t met her, but I did just get a phone call that the family wants to meet me,” said J. Cole. “Cause I got so many raps shouting out Will Smith. I don’t know if you really notice I shout him out on ‘Who Dat,’ ‘A Star Is Born’…That’s just cause I got a high respect for him and even his family right now they got a perfect life. So I can’t wait to meet little Willow.”
J. Cole was somewhat reluctant to speak on his new mixtape, but did reveal that it will be released in early October.
“Really when I decided to do the mixtape it was on some spur of the moment,” J. Cole explained. “I had just did the song and I’m like ‘Damn I got all this music fuck it let’s just put out a mixtape.’ And now it’s like we putting together mixtapes like this is in the album, but that’s what today’s game is. I’m calling it a mixtape for the sake of calling it a mixtape, but it’s really an album in a sense.”
As far as the release date for a studio album J. Cole explained that a solid date is still up in the air.
“I don’t really have a definite date. I could say some shit, but it probably wouldn’t be right,” said Cole
Props to HipHopDX.com (09.16.10)

EMINEM WINS BEST MALE ARTIST AND BEST HIP HOP VIDEO AT VMAs

After Eminem's performance opening the VMAs with Rihanna, the legendary rapper quickly exited the building and missed a couple of big wins. Rather than performers thanking their fans onstage, the refrain of the night became "Eminem had to take a plane to New York to perform with Jay-Z." In addition to "Best Male Artist," Em walked away with the award for "Best Hip-Hop Video" for 'Not Afraid,' his lead single off the multi-platinum 'Recovery' album.
'Not Afraid' has been a massive success and reintroduced a more mature Eminem to fans all over the world. After an official release on May 3, the single shot to the top of the charts and previewed the success of 'Recovery,' which has spent seven non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Top 200 albums chart since its release.
We previewed the video with some exclusive behind-the-scenes footage back in August and it's been a YouTube favorite since its official release. 'Not Afraid' tackles Em's positive attitude towards life after a series of tumultuous years struggling with drug and alcohol addiction.
"As I got sober I started rediscovering things about myself that I think I'd forgotten for so long or suppressed through my addiction," Eminem told The BoomBox at the time. "So, the whole theme of the record is that, as a person, I'm feeling better than I've ever felt."
Props to TheBoomBox.com (09.13.10)

With a deep understanding of people, events, and situations Faith Evans has eclipsed the thresholds of rhythm and blues. She’s earned only the highest acclaim and admiration within her 15 years in the game, but with volumes of humility you could never get her to admit such. One of the original soul singers from the golden era of 90s music before the populated discovery of YouTube songbirds, Faith stood as the 1st lady of Bad Boy and carried her polished style with her wherever she roamed.
Faith has acquired the ability to act anyway that she so chooses, whether in or outside of the booth. This is namely because she values being an individual with a personal life first, and an artist second. A professional at all times she never looses her cool over the sensational aspects of the industry; instead she continues to nurture fans with her gifts. The singer was recently arrested on DUI, but she is back. After five years of being MIA, she’s back and making her musical rounds. Her new album Something About Faith promises to spoil listeners with inspiring ballads and monster pumping up-tempo selections...
Props to AllHipHop.com (09.07.10)

SNOOP DOGG TALKS BEING FIRST 'ROCK BAND' RAPPER

Even though he has been in the hip-hop game for nearly 20 years, Snoop Dogg still manages to tear down barriers and break records this deep into his career. Now, he has set yet another precedent in hip-hop history, becoming the first rapper to provide downloadable content for "Rock Band," the video game that allows you to jump onstage with your favorite performer.
"I do it all, man," Snoop told MTV News' Sway at last month's Rock The Bells Tour kickoff. "I got some downloadable content with classic songs from Doggystyle, songs like 'Drop It Like It's Hot.' You'll be able to play along to the Snoop Dogg groove in a dramatic fashion, so you can feel like you're a member of the Snoopadelics."
In addition to "Drop It Like It's Hot," the eight-song pack contains the smash singles "Beautiful," "Sensual Seduction" and "Who Am I (What's My Name)?," as well as deeper cuts like "Ridin' in My Chevy," "Snoop's Upside Ya Head," "Tha Shiznit" and "That's Tha Homie." The package will be available for $13.49 (or 1,080 Microsoft Points, if that's your game) and will also be available for individual purchase...
Props to MTV.com (09.07.10)

CHA$HIS PREPS NEW LP 'SHADY LOYELTY 1st'

Chicago raised rapper, Ca$his, an artist signed to Eminem’s Shady Records, is coming back with new found outlook on the game.
He is planning to drop a new street album called Shady Loyalty 1st before his first official release for Shady.
“I finished the Shady street LP and it’s just called Shady Loyalty First.  I love the project it’s 12 tracks of undeniable fire,” Ca$his told AllHipHop.com.  “Young Buk from Psycho Drama, Mitchy Slick, and production from Rikanatti, Frank Dukes, Young De of Homeland Security. Everyone needs to check for the single. Its like a real Shady Records anthem for 2010 through 2011.”
A number of rappers are still on Shady Records after several artists including Stat Quo and Bobby Creekwater were let go, with their masters.
While Ca$his is back again working hard on his music, he struggled for a few years going through personal issues.
Of his favorite records, a song about his daughter Miana, whose mom passed away is his favorite...
Props to AllHipHop.com (09.03.10)

NICKI MINAJ TO KICK OFF VMAs WITH PRE-SHOW PERFORMANCE

Nicki Minaj has been tapped to perform her hit 'Your Love' during the MTV Video Music Awards pre-show. In addition to kicking off the big show, Minaj is also launching a Twitter contest to give 10 lucky fans a chance to win a front-row seat to her performance.
"I am truly honored to be a part of this year's VMAs. Just yesterday I was an underground female rapper. See, Barbz? Dreams do come true," Minaj said in a statement.
This year comedian Chelsea Handler will act as ringmaster of the big show, which will feature performances by Kanye West, Drake, Eminem, Justin Bieber, B.o.B, Usher and more. Minaj will take the stage again later in the evening as a presenter. Trey Songz, Ke$ha, Ne-Yo and Justin Timberlake will also grace the stage at some point to present their peers with moonmen.
The 27th annual MTV Video Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, Sept. 12, at 9PM ET. The pre-show kicks off at 8PM.
Props to TheBoomBox.com (09.03.10)

XZIBIT LANDS APPEARANCE IN NEW T.V DRAMA 'DETROIT 1-8-7'

Rapper/TV personality Xzibit will be featured in an episode of ABC's new crime drama, Detroit 1-8-7, the network has announced.
According to a press release, Xzibit has signed on to star in an episode of the new series, which is slated to premiere September 21st.
In the episode starring Xzibit, the rapper will play a "hustler" turned businessman named Russell Pitts, who is now in the business of producing Hip-Hop artists.
Detroit 1-8-7 started shooting in July in Detroit, according to the series' producers.
The drama stars Michael Imperioli (Detective Louis Fitch), Aisha Hinds (Lt. Maureen Mason), James McDaniel (Sgt. Jesse Longford) and others.
The executive producer of the show, Jason Richman, stressed they would be using artists and local talent in the show and extended an invitation to one of the world's most famous rappers, Eminem...
Props to AllHipHop.com (08.31.10)

RIHANNA TO RELEASE NEW SINGLE IN 10 DAYS

Less than a year after dropping her fourth album, Rihanna is prepping the release of a new single off her upcoming fifth release. The Bajan beauty, who is currently catching some sun rays courtesy of a two-week vacation in Hawaii, tweeted the news to Los Angeles radio personality and television host, Ryan Seacrest. "Soon!" she wrote, answering his inquiry about new music. "In less than 10 dayz ima send u sumn special, and ur gonna play it OVER and OVER, like I'm the only girl in the world!"
Although she gave no information on what the single will be called, celebrity news site Ace Showbiz, reported that the track is titled 'Only Girl,' and will hit U.K. radio stations Tuesday (Aug. 31) before making its way stateside. Unlike her previous release 'Rated R' this currently untitled album is said to be more upbeat record, and will drop in November.
Since declaring a Twitter takeover of her page last week Rih Rih has been busy posting away pics and tweets to the delight of her 1.2 million plus followers. Reps for the 21-year-old have yet to substantiate any of the information she tweeted, so weíll just have to wait and see if she drops anymore jewels of information on her upcoming release...
Props to TheBoomBox.com (08.31.10)

HIP HOP MOGUL RUSSELL SIMMONS SUPPORTS GROUND ZERO MOSQUE

Def Jam co-founder/Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons has thrown in his support for a controversial mosque being built near the site of the 9/11 terror attack in Manhattan in 2001.
Simmons has placed a series of religious symbols on the panes of his Liberty St. penthouse, which spells out the word "Co-Exist."
Other messages in the windows of Simmons' home include "It's the Law" and "USA is Free."
The $100 million mosque, which is just two blocks away from ground zero, has been a lighting rod for controversy.
"This is compelling for Russell because he lives here and he's always involved with issues of people getting along," Simmons' associate Glen Friedman told the New York Post.
Simmons' Liberty St. pad was one of several building destroyed and rebuilt after the 9-11 disaster.
"If your blaming Muslims for the attack on 9/11 then you need to change your mind," Simmons said about the controversy surrounding the mosque. Did we blame Christians for the first world trade attack? It creates a cycle of negativity."
Manhattan's community board voted 29-1 in favor of the mosque, which is being built by the Cordoba Intiative.
Props to AllHipHop.com (08.25.10)

WYCLEF URGES HAITIAN COUNTRYMEN TO BE PATIENT DURING ELECTION DISPUTE

Rapper Wyclef Jean will appeal a ruling by Haiti's provisional electoral body (CEP), that barred him from running for President of Haiti in the November elections.
Wyclef's team of lawyers will appear in court in  today (August 23rd) to try and have the decision overturned which disqualified him from the race, on the basis of his lack of citizenship in the country, although a reason was not cited.
The law claims that a person must have residency in Haiti for five consecutive years.
The rapper will claim that he meets all residency requirements, since outgoing President Rene Preval appointed him as roving ambassador in 2007, allowing him to travel and live outside of Haiti.
"Our Lawyers are appealing the decision of the CEP," Wyclef Jean tweeted. "We have met all the requirements set by the laws. And the law must be Respected."
Props to AllHipHop.com (08.23.10)

WYCLEF URGES HAITIAN COUNTRYMEN TO BE PATIENT DURING ELECTION DISPUTE

Rapper Wyclef Jean will appeal a ruling by Haiti's provisional electoral body (CEP), that barred him from running for President of Haiti in the November elections.
Wyclef's team of lawyers will appear in court in  today (August 23rd) to try and have the decision overturned which disqualified him from the race, on the basis of his lack of citizenship in the country, although a reason was not cited.
The law claims that a person must have residency in Haiti for five consecutive years.
The rapper will claim that he meets all residency requirements, since outgoing President Rene Preval appointed him as roving ambassador in 2007, allowing him to travel and live outside of Haiti.
"Our Lawyers are appealing the decision of the CEP," Wyclef Jean tweeted. "We have met all the requirements set by the laws. And the law must be Respected."
Props to AllHipHop.com (08.23.10)

SWIZZ BEATZ SPEAKS ON POWER REMIX

Swizz recently opened up about the "Power" remix featuring himself, Jay Z and John Legend which recently took the internet by storm. He also spoke about the importance of input from legendary artists and producers that weren't featured on the track such as Mos Def, Pharrell, and Q-tip.
"'Ye was trying to put it out the best way possible, to give it to the people," Swizz explained of the delay that followed; the remix arrived a bit later than what Yeezy promised. "And then the day before, the last day, before the remix dropped, it just felt like the song needed to change up. I heard it changing up on something different, something that was already on the beat. And I was trying to explain it, but I didn't want to go in too much because [Kanye] was writing his verse. But it sparked an idea. - MTV"
Props to TheSource.com (08.23.10)

TUNE IN FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN BLACK EYED PEAS TICKETS!

The E.N.D (The Energy Never Dies) album is the 5th studio album by the American group, The Black Eyed Peas. It was released in June 09' on Interscope Records, has sold 2.6M copies domestically and 4M outside the U.S.
Throughout a tough touring climate, the Black Eyed Peas continue to sellout shows for their world tour. By the end of June 10', the tour has grossed $47.7M and drawn 740,000 fans to 54 shows, including 53 sellouts. With more shows in North American, the E.N.D will rank as one of the most successful tours of this year.
"It's going to be the biggest tour, production-wise, that we've ever done. We're actually planing for that now, which we've never done before -- actually plan for a tour. It's usually just learn the songs by performing at festivals and that's our show. But now we're stepping it up. We had some visuals before, but now we are going to have a lot more, and we're really excited about that."
Website | MySpace | Facebook | Twitter | TICKETMASTER (08.12.10)

JAY-Z 'EMPIRE' SPOOF PULLED FROM YOUTUBE

An Internet spoof version of "Empire State of Mind" that relocates the song to the South Wales city of Newport has been pulled from YouTube.
The video and reworked version of the song, "Newport (Ymerodraeth State of Mind)," has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times since it became a viral hit last month.
The parody of the duet by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys was filmed by M-J Delaney and features rapper Alex Warren and singer Terema Wainwright. The Welsh take on the song got huge media coverage in the U.K.
However, EMI Music Publishing moved to get the song taken down from YouTube. The publisher represents four of the seven writers on the song.
"When a song is created based wholly on any of our writers' works, those writers need to grant their permission," said an EMI Music Publishing statement. "If that permission isn't granted, then we ask the service in question to remove the song."
Some YouTube users have uploaded the track again since the takedown, but it is likely any such uploads will soon be pulled. However, there are live versions of the song as well a reply from the Welsh group Goldie Lookin Chain.
Props to Billboard.com (08.11.10)

BET'S MUSIC DOCUMENTARY ABOUT WOMEN IN HIP HOP

"My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women In Hip-hop" is the first ever music documentary dedicated to the role that women have played and are still playing in the music industry.
A role that has been highly deliberated through out the years of Hip-hop's becoming, BET will now unveil it in a special documentary that airs August 30. 
Featuring in-depth interviews with music executives, journalists and artists, including prominent female figures such as MC Lyte, Missy Elliott and Eve, this documentary explores how rap music has affected female MCs of the past and present. The documentary will examine the differences in what both genders face as artists in marketing, promotion and economics. It will also explain the truths about the industry of Hip-hop and how women are affected by it, and why some refuse to talk about it.
"This is a story that could not be told by one voice. It required a chorus. And although this story is comprehensive, it is still likely one of many truths about the role of women in hip-hop," said Stephen Hill, President of Music Programming and Specials...
Props to TheSouce.com (08.11.10)

MAN SUED FOR IMPERSONATION DRAKE'S MANAGER AND BOOKING FAKE SHOWS

A man from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is being sued for posing as the manager of Lil Wayne and Drake to dupe promoters out of thousands of dollars.
According to a complaint filed by Eagles Entertainment Inc. in Milwaukee County Court, the defendant, Joey Turner Jr. (aka Jo Flowroshus), impersonated Cortez Bryant to book Canadian rapper Drake.
Turner allegedly contacted Eagles Entertainment and misrepresented himself, by claiming that he was Cortez Bryant
He told Eagle Entertainment that Drake's asking fee was $90,000 and collected a $9,000 deposit, for a show that was supposed to take place September 1st in Milwaukee Wisconsin.
"In making his statements said defendant knew that said statements and misrepresentations of defendant were in fact false and intentionally fraudulent," lawyers for Eagles Entertainment said in the lawsuit.
In February, Drake addressed a string of organized, fake bookings that were concentrated in the South. In all instances, a man posed as Cortez Bryant and took deposits for phony shows...
Props to AllHipHop.com (08.10.10)

NEW MJ ALBUM TO INCLUBE TRACKS BY WILL.I.AM, TEDDY RILEY & RODNEY JENKINS

With the recent news that an all-new Michael Jackson album featuring 10 unreleased tracks is set to drop this November, more insight into the anticipated project has surfaced.
According to the late King of Pop’s Estate administrator John Branca, the upcoming collection is set to feature an all-star roster of producers.
“We are finishing up the album as we speak,” Branca tells VIBE. “There will be some will.i.am, Teddy Riley and Rodney Jerkins songs. We don’t want to put 10 unrelated songs together. We want to put together an album that fits well.”
While Branca, Jackson’s longtime lawyer, would not give any specifics on the tracks, he says that the legendary performer was very hands-on during the recording process.“Some of the songs Mike were working on by himself. Michael always over-recorded. A song like 'Billie Jean' was supposed to be on the Off The Wall album, but for whatever reason his team didn’t think it was strong enough. So there’s plenty of good new material for this upcoming project.”
Props to TheVibe.com (08.10.10)

KANYE WEST TO DROP NEW SINGLE IN 3 WEEKS, ALBUM COMING IN NOVEMBER

On Friday afternoon (August 7), Kanye West took to Ustream for the first time to talk to his fans and take their questions. During the 25-minute session, ‘Ye said that his album will be released in November, not September as previously believed. He also announced that his next single would drop within the next three weeks.
Broadcasting live from Korea shortly before making his way to the airport, West, after taking a few minutes to acclimate himself with the technology, began the interview by answering the question that was on everyone’s mind. “Am I allowed to say when the album’s gonna drop yet?” he asked to an associate off-camera, before turning back to the screen and confirming it will be, “sometime in November.”
‘Ye disclosed that his next single will either be “Lost in the World” or “All of the Lights” (of which he played a short clip) and that it should be dropping within the next three weeks. He then touched on everything from his “All Falls Down” video to being in the studio with RZA, Pete Rock and Q-Tip.
Props to XXLMag.com (08.09.10)

MICHAEL JACKSON VIDEO GAME DETAILS REVEALED

WireImage Since Michael Jackson unexpected death in June of 2009, fans have only been treated to a few unreleased tracks from the late King of Pop. But soon, they'll be able to see what it was like to be in MJ's shoes. Ubisoft, which previously announced the release of a Michael Jackson video game, has unveiled some of the details about 'Michael Jackson: The Experience,' slated for release this November.
The game -- available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Wii and Nintendo DS -- features unique motion technology that projects an image of gamers onto the screen as they attempt to mimic Jackson's signature dance moves. 'Your goal is to dance like Michael,' says Ubisoft's Tony Key. 'Do what the guy on the screen is doing and you're there. It'll score you based on the quality of your performance.'
Players will also be able to test their mic skills on the Xbox, PS3 and Wii editions, where they can sing karaoke to some of MJ's greatest hits. The Nintendo DS and PSP versions will be akin to music video game Elite Beat Agents, where users tap out rhythms on their screens to keep the beat of the tune, and will include a series of mini-games and quizzes...
Props to TheBoomBox.com (08.09.10)

MMA FIGHTER RAMPAGE JACKSON CHALLANGES RAPPER GAME TO CAGE FIGHT

Quinton “Rampage” Jackson has officially challenged Compton, California rapper Game to a cage fight. 
The challenge comes after remarks Game made about Rampage, after he lost a recent fight to Rashad “Sugar” Evans, just days after the premiere of the movie The A-Team, which stars Rampage as "B.A. Baracus."
“If the Game had my role I would have stopped being a fan of A-Team,” Rampage told BBC’s 1Xtra. “After the movie, I had a fight and I lost my fight. The Game did an interview cause he was trying to hit the road and said he would be a better B.A. Go on YouTube right now.
Game made the comments in a recent interview with AllHipHop.com.
"When he had that UFC fight against Rashad Evans and he lost, I felt like that was me [winning]," Game told AllHipHop.com. "Don't you know ni**a? I play [B.A. Baracus] better than you! I pity the fool! I went in there [the audition] and I killed the Mr. T role on my screen test."
After these comments Rampage fired back challenging Game to a sparring match after the apparent disrespect...
Props to AllHipHop.com (08.06.10)

WILL.I.AM AGAINST NEW MICHAEL JACKSON ALBUM, WINS BMI AWARD

Recent reports have confirmed that a Michael Jackson album will release at the end of the year. The album will include unreleased material that the late musician had not yet finished, and will be compiled by brothers Jackie and Marlon. According to Billboard, Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am is no thrilled about the idea.
"I don't think that should ever come out," he said. "That's bad. He was a perfectionist and he wouldn't have wanted it that way. How you gonna release Michael Jackson when Michael Jackson ain't here to bless it?"
He went on to call the move distasteful, even with the public demand for Michael Jackson's music. "What's wrong with what he already contributed to the world...You don't disrespect someone when they're gone…How much can you suck from his energy?…Freaking parasites!"...
Props to HipHopDX.com (08.06.10)

RIHANNA LANDS ROLE IN 'BATTLESHIP' MOVIE

Rihanna is ready for her close-up. The Barbadian singer, who was nominated this year for an Emmy for acting in the 'Saturday Night Live' skit 'Shy Ronnie,' is ready to make her big-screen debut, signing on to star in Universal's 'Battleship,' directed by Peter Berg ('Hancock') and co-starring Alexander Skarsgard ('True Blood') and Taylor Kitsch ('Friday Night Lights').
Though it is unclear what role Rihanna will play, 'Battleship,' based on the Hasbro board game, will be a live-action flick that stars Kitsch, as a naval officer, and his brother (Skarsgard), who lead a ship to fight against a superior force across the seas, in the skies and on land. The film, written by Jon Hoeber and Erich Hoeber ('Whiteout'), is currently set for release on May 25, 2012.
Like with Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys, Rihanna's transition into movies comes after years of success as a musician. Releasing her debut album, 'Music of the Sun,' in 2005, the now 22-year-old hit her career stride in 2007 with the release of her third album, 'Good Girl Gone Bad,' which spawned eight singles that all charted in the top 20 positions of the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved platinum status in more than a dozen countries...
Props to TheBoomBox.com (08.05.10)

LIL'WAYNE SAYS HE WANTS TO WORK WITH TECH N9NE, ANDRE 3000

Last week, Lil Wayne called in to Funkmaster Flex's radio show live from Rikers Island prison. The two talked about Wayne's experiences behind bars and the amount of support he's received from fans and family. The New Orleans rapper said that even after over a decade and a half in the game, the support he's gotten from his Young Money has been astounding.
"[The amount of support I've been receiving has] been more than amazing," he said. "I promise, I can't explain the love and support I've been getting from my fans. I never it was like...the way it is, and I've been doing this for what, 16 years now. I never knew it is what it is. I promise, man, it's breathtaking."
Wayne also told Flex that he only listens to sports in jail given that he only ever listened to his own music. Despite his current situation, it hasn't stopped him from planning who he wants to record with when he's released in November. He says that after he's out, he hopes to get in the studio with the likes of Andre 3000, Tech N9ne and of course, himself.
"I'll be very honest with you, I don't listen to know music on Rikers," he explained. "All I listen to all day, if I am listening to anything, it's sports...but that's just because of the simple fact that I never listen any other music but my own. Since I'm not able to do that up in here, I don't listen to anything. I don't listen to nothing but my sports...I am a sports fanatic
Props to HipHopDX.com (08.05.10)

SNOOP DOGG, THE SITUATION PARTNER WITH SERIOUS PIMP CLOTHING

As previously reported, Snoop Dogg and his spiritual adviser Bishop Don "Magic" Juan recently partnered with clothing and sunglasses company Serious Pimp, and have now announced the addition of a third entertainment icon to the fold.
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, best known for his abdominal "situation" and his role as a partying twenty-something on MTV's 'Jersey Shore,' said that he was excited about his company, MPS Entertainment, collaborating with Snoop, who was named president of Serious Pimp back in May.
"I'm very excited to unveil my Serious Pimp clothing line to the public," The Situation explained. "My company, MPS Entertainment, has worked very closely with Serious Pimp to develop a line that captures the style and confidence that is my trademark. Being 'The Situation' means that confidence cannot be bought and certainly cannot be thrown away. The new clothing line embodies the look of a Serious Pimp; it looks good and feels great on you."
Serious Pimp was founded in 1999, by Mixed Martial Arts enthusiast Damian Kutzner, in an attempt to combine hip-hop style with "MMA attitude." Kutzner said in a statement that The Situation's "swagger" fits perfectly with Serious Pimp's esthetic...
Props to TheBoomBox.com (08.03.10)

COMMON DISCUSSES "FREED SLAVE" TV ROLE AND I USED TO LOVE H.E.R 2010

Versatile emcee Common is defying normal Hollywood expectations by taking a leading TV series role while still nurturing a growing movie career.
Common will star in AMC’s “Hell on Wheels” as biracial freed slave Elam, who struggles to find identity while working on a U.S. transcontinental railroad in the 1860s.
Even with successful movies this year in Date Night and Just Wright, Common was drawn to the complexity and emotional challenge of the role.
“The writing of the show was such quality and the character had so much depth to it. This is one of the best characters I’ve come across regarding reading any script in my life,” Common revealed to Beats, Boxing and Mayhem. “To play a freed slave to represent that time was a challenge to me as an actor. Whether it’s TV or not I just want to be a part of quality things. And being on AMC the season doesn’t last as long so I’ll still be able to do films and tour. That made it even a better situation.”
The concept of a “tragic mulatto” is a stereotypical portrayal of biracial people created in the 19^th century by white American authors. Notable traits include despair and suicidal feelings due to being ostracized from black and white communities...
Props to AllHipHop.com (08.03.10)

N.O.R.E ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM 'S.U.P.E.R T.H.U.G'

New York Rapper N.O.R.E. has announced that he has a new album coming out entitled S.U.P.E.R. T.H.U.G. The rapper made the announcement about the album’s concept using a small flip cam in Queens, NY.  N.O.R.E. described his new hit song the “NutCracker” as they debuted the song that night on Funk Flex’s show.
“You see me, you see me?  On my joint. This is my hood,” N.O.R.E. joked.  “I’m in Left Rack City, in New York City when I drop my new album.  I’m in my hood. No security.”
Following this summers earlier release, The War Report 2, a collaboration between Capone and Noreaga, this will be the eighth solo album by the Queensbridge based rapper.
“Not only did I drop my record when I was in New York City, but we in LeFrack City [in New York].”
It had been rumored that the newest title of his album would be called N.O.R.E. Pt 2: Born Again, but this recent viral video has confirmed the new title.
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.30.10)

TUPAC, TYSON DOCUMENTARY TO AIR ON ESPN

ESPN Films has announced that they will be airing a documentary about the night legendary West Coast rapper Tupac Shakir was gunned down in Las Vegas in 1996, after attending a Mike Tyson fight.
The film, 'One Night in Vegas,' will be included in the new season of their '30 For 30' series, which also includes documentaries on sports heroes from Steve Nash and Martina Navratilova to the late George Steinbrenner, Some of the series' clips were shot by filmmakers Ron Shelton, John Singleton and Alex Gibney.
'One Night in Vegas' centers around the events of Sept. 7, 1996, when Tupac was shot and killed in Vegas, after attending the Mike Tyson vs. Bruce Seldon boxing match, which Tyson won in the first round.Tyson and Tupac were friends, as Tyson has revealed in interviews, and were planning to attend an after-party together that evening, to celebrate Tyson's victory.
Unfortunately, Pac never made it to the party, as an unknown assailant fired 13 rounds at his vehicle at close range, hitting him twice and puncturing his lung.
Props to TheBoomBox.com (07.30.10)

DIDDY TALKS AMERICAN IDOL RUMORS ON LOPEZ TONIGHT

On an episode of Lopez Tonight that aired yesterday (July 28), Hip Hop entrepreneur/rapper Diddy spoke on possibly replacing former judge Simon Cowell on the talent competition American Idol.
Diddy explained that he initially wasn’t interested in the position, but once he heard how much Simon Cowell made while serving as a judge on the show his thoughts changed somewhat.
“At first when people were asking me if I was interested in the job I was like no…that’s not my style,” Diddy explained. “But once I heard what Simon makes…[I] would love the job. I’ve got six kids. If I would get the same check Simon gets…we would have a ball.”
A number of celebrities have been considered for Cowell’s position including Elton John, Shania Twain, Justin Timberlake, and more.
Various reports have suggested that former American Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe may return to the show this season and if he does he may possibly replace all the judges.
Props to HipHopDX.com (07.29.10)

KID CUDI "MR.RAGER" PUSHED BACK

The raging will have to wait a little longer. Kid Cudi’s new album has been delayed.
The “Day ‘N’ Nite” rapper’s sophomore effort Man on the Moon 2: The Legend of Mr. Rager has a revised release date of September 28, Rap-Up.com has learned. That’s two weeks later than its original September 14 date. Hip-hop heavyweights Young Jeezy and T.I. are also set to drop albums that day.
Cudi’s mentor Kanye West has claimed September 14 as his release date, ending the likelihood of a joint release with his fellow G.O.O.D. Music artists.
Kanye assists his protégé on Mr. Rager’s lead offering “Erase Me,” a Jim Jonsin production...
Props to Rap-Up.com (07.29.10)

Looks like Kanye West is trying to make a few friend requests.
Yesterday, Kanye visited the Facebook offices in Palo Alto, California and gave the computer wiz's there a few samplings from his upcoming (tentatively titled) album, Good *ss Job. Of course, the Facebook employees being the geniuses they are, were smart enough to video tape his acapella performances of "Chain Heavy", "Lost In The World", and "Mama's Boyfrined.
Standing on a table, and without a microphone, Kanye West took over the half-populated room like a student council presidential candidate wanting to be heard in the lunch room. But what he had to say was even more important. Watch all three videos, beginning with the one below, and let us know which bars were the hottest.
Props to GlobalGrind.com (07.28.10)

COMMON LANDS ROLE AS FREED SLAVE IN "HELL ON WHEELES"

Chicago rap star/actor Common will add another credit to his resume when he stars in his first TV lead role for AMC as a freed slave in series Hell on Wheels.
According to reports, the rapper will play the role of “Elam,” a freed slave who is heading west to seek work building the Transcontinental Railroad.
The rapper will play a black/white man attempting to find his place in the world as the fabled railroad system is built.
"Common brings a layered intensity to a very complex role," said Joel Stillerman, senior vice president of AMC's programming, production and digital content. "This part required someone who can transcend the stereotypes of the period and bring the character to life in a truly unique way, and he brings that. We are thrilled to have him join our cast."
The actual Transcontinental Railroad was built between 1863-1869 and was the second highest priority for Abraham Lincoln’s administration, behind the question of slavery in the South...
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.28.10)

FIRST RAP SHOW IN BRANSON FEATURING
NELLY RUNS INTO TROUBLE WITH CITY

The first rap show to ever be held in the resort town of Branson, Missouri has encountered problems from city officials, over a concert featuring St. Louis artist Nelly.
Concert promoter Paul Dunn originally wanted to hold a concert featuring Nelly in the parking lot of The Grand Palace, which is undergoing renovations inside.
The parking lot of the venue can hold about 6,000 people, while the inside of The Grand Palace can house 4,000.
According to the Springfield’s News-Leader, city Planning Director Jim Lawson denied the application citing several concerns, including noise, parking and crowd control.
Lawson also claimed that Dunn began promoting the event prior to submitting an application for the concert, which is scheduled for August 21st.
Dunn, who will attempt to appeal the denial tonight, claimed that Lawson asked for un updated application, which was then used against him.
"The following day that update and resubmit was used against me in a press release stating we announced this event and start of ticket sales before applying," Dunn’s appeal letter to the board reads..."
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.27.10)

DEAD PREZ, PHAROAHE MONCH TO HEADLINE BLACK AUGUST PROJECT

Here's some good news for fans of real, lyrical and often militant hip-hop on the East Coast. Dead Prez, Pharoahe Monch and Sadat X are headlining this year's annual Black August Project concert in New York City. The event, which is now in its thirteenth year, is produced by the Malcolm X Grassroots movement and strives to promote human rights while raising awareness of political prisoners who are unjustly incarcerated all over the globe.
The event always features many collaborations and cross-pollination amongst acts. In the past, performers such as Mos Def, Fat Joe, Talib Kweli, EPMD and the legendary Roots have bodied the stage and performed with one another. For Dead Prez, the performance comes after their recent DJ Drama-helmed 'Revolutionary But Gangsta Grillz' mixtape to celebrate their 10-year anniversary in the game. As for Monch, his latest salvo entitled 'W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)' is slated for release in September. He's been popping-up for a few guest performances lately, and we can definitely confirm that Pharoahe's new material is worth seeking out.
This year's Black August Project concert event takes place on August 13 at the Highline Ballroom in Manhattan. If you're in the area and interested in attending, you can grab tickets over here.
Props to TheBoomBox.com (07.27.10)

YOUNG BUCK SAYS 50 CENT IS TRYING TO DESTROY HIS CAREER

Nashville, Tennessee rapper Young Buck recently took aim at 50 Cent, revealing the Queens-rapper is still feuding with him and attempting to destroy his career. Young Buck was once a member of 50 Cent’s G-Unit collective. Under his tenure with 50’s G-Unit Records, the rapper was featured on the hit album Beg for Mercy, while his follow-up, Welcome to Cashville went platinum. But Young Buck was unceremoniously kicked out of G-Unit for allegedly being disloyal to the group in April of 2008.
50 Cent has been at odds with the Nashville rapper ever since.
According to Young Buck, 50 Cent is blackballing him from the rap game and preventing him from working with other artists, due to his contractual obligation to G-Unit.
"His reaction, being so harsh, is to basically stall me out to a position where I lose everything, to where my numbers drop," Young Buck told the Nashville Scene in a new interview. "Because if you don't have a new product out, then you can't go get the big dollar for your shows. [He wants] to pretty much destroy my life from a silent-sided way of doing things. That's his angle, and my contracts allow him to be able to do that."
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.23.10)

GUCCI MANE TALKS NEW ALBUM, 1017 BRICK SQUAD

In a recent interview with Yahoo! Music, Gucci Mane spoke on the concept behind his new album, his take on music sales, and compared his Brick Squad 1017 group to that of a certain famous 1990’s record label.
After dropping his major label debut The State vs. Radic Davis last winter, the Atlanta rapper is set to release his sophomore effort The Appeal: Georgia’s Most Wanted next month. Stating that the album is nearly 80% done, he explained, “It's actually the sequel to The State vs. Radric Davis, my last album. It's just about second chances, about never giving up.”
While The State vs. Radric Davis has sold favorably well for 2009-10 numbers, Gucci Mane theorized that the overall decline of album sales may actually be beneficial for fans and artists alike. "People aren't selling as many records as they were selling in the '90s, but [that’s] great for the fans. The artists that you love, they got to do more now.
continuing, he said, "Me, I love to work anyway. Of course, I'd love to sell a trillion CDs, but at the end of the day, I love making music the most. The more I do it the better I get. It’s not making me stale; it's making me fresher."
Props to HipHopDX.com (07.23.10

LUPE FANS LAUNCH FOR THE RELEASE OF 'LASERS' ALBUM

In February, Chi-Town rapper Lupe Fiasco announced that he had submitted the final version of his third full-length album 'Lasers,' to Atlantic Records. Since then, Lupe's fans have played the waiting game, amidst rumors that the LP was set to drop in early Spring. That tentative release has come and gone, and now Lupe's fans have decided to take matters into their own hands.
On July 13, Lupe explained to impatient fans via Twitter that the delay was solely the fault of his label, Atlantic Records. "'Lasers' is out of my hands guys and gals... It's done and that's all I can tell you...when they drop it...when they drop it...they drop it...so drop it..." he wrote. "Really appreciate the extra extra effort you guys are putting out to get Lasers released...not fallen on deaf ears up at HQ!"Some of this "extra effort" Lupe referred to now includes a petition that his fans have launched in order to get Atlantic Records to drop the highly-anticipated record. The grammatical errors in 'The Release of The Lasers Album' petition doesn't do much for its' credibility, but so far, the appeal has amassed more than 1,600 signatures...
Props to TheBoomBox.com (07.22.10)

JOE BUDDEN SAYS SLAUGHTERHOUSE/SHADY RECORDS DEAL IS "JUST ABOUT DONE"

Slaughterhouse's Joe Budden has said a label move to Eminem's Shady Records is nearing completion. Budden said his rap crew is now in the middle of negotiations.
"Naturally we want to be there," Budden said about heading to Shady Records. "I think we'll fit in. There's negotiating but I really don't want to talk about it because everybody's been through so much when you promise things and they're presented to you and they don't go through for whatever reason. I think it's done enough for us to go ahead and say it's just about done...Ultimately, Joe Budden wants to be unsigned. I don't want to be signed to anyone. I don't want to have any contractual obligations anywhere. I want to have Slaughterhouse riding with Eminem and everybody over there and I just want to be [unsigned.]"...
Props to SOHH.com (07.22.10)

B.o.B ANNOUNCES FIRST HEADLINING TOUR; HITS #1 IN UK

Atlanta rapper B.oB. Has announced his first major headlining tour will start this August on the “Shootin’ For Stars" tour.
B.o.B. will hit the road from August to November, when he finished up his current tour of Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
The tour announcement comes amidst a busy schedule for B.o.B., who has dates lined up with The Black Eyed Peas (August 1st), Lollapalooza (August 6th) and the 5th Annual Summer Spirit Festival (August 7th) and other one-off dates.
"I just want to show people that there are endless possibilities of what you can do," B.o.B said in a statement. "You don't just have to be a rapper, you don't just have to be a trapper; you can be anything you want to be and whatever you do, just love it and it will show."
B.o.B. is riding the success of his debut album B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, which hit #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart when it was released in April.
Additionally, B.o.B.’s latest single “Airplanes” featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore, is currently #1 in the U.K. Tour dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.20.10)

RAEKWON TALKS NEW SOLO ALBUM, "SHAOLIN VS. WU-TANG"

Wu Tang rapper Raekwon had a great 2009, with the release of his critically acclaimed, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx 2. Now following the early 2010 release of the group Wu Massacre album,The Chef is preparing to release his next solo album, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang.
The Wu Tang rapper caught up with Vibe to discuss the quick turnaround in dropping another solo album so soon after the release of OB4CL2.
“Right now, being that everyone respected what I did on the last album, I don’t want to have people feeling that I’m going to be away again for a long period of time. For me, I try to stay hands-on with my hardcore base of fans and let them know, ‘Yo, I’m not going to be doing those disappearing acts like that anymore.”
As Raekwon continued to speak on Shaolin vs. Wu Tang he announced the features you can expect on the album.
“Method Man, Ghostface, Inspectah Deck, and GZA all appear on the album. At the same time I got some other guys involved like [The Roots’] Black Thought—I love his talent. I think that when it comes to him delivering what level I wanted to go he was the perfect man. I also have DeVaughn who sounds like Mayfield over a Shaolin track.”...
Props to DefSounds.com (07.20.10)

Ludacris is known for hits such as 'My Chick Bad' and 'How Low,' but his work to help others hasn't been overlooked. The Atlanta native was recently awarded the Humanitarian Award from the non-profit Developing Options, which aims to transform poverty-stricken urban communities for the better, for his work in the Los Angeles community.
Ludacris received the award this past weekend during a star-studded three-day event in Los Angeles. Football legend Jim Brown lead a free youth sports clinic and while Ludacris performanced at L.A.'s Club Nokia for the Developing Options Diabetes Awareness & Healthy Living Celebrity Benefit Concert. "We just raised ALOT of $ for Diabetes tonight," he tweeted. "Thank everyone who came out tonight at Nokia Live in L.A. to support a very worthy cause."
Luda is no stranger to doing charitable work, having launched The Ludacris Foundation back in 2000 to get teenagers involved in creative arts. He has served as a spokesman for Act Against AIDS, filming a public service announcement to spur conversation about the prevention of contracting HIV...
Props to TheBoomBox.com (07.19.10)

50 CENT MIGHT NOT RELEASE "BLACK MAGIC"

50 Cent may end up shelving what was going to be his upcoming solo album, Black Magic. The G-Unit general revealed to Rolling Stone Brasil that his writing took things into a different artistic direction.
"I've written the album, Black Magic, but I'm not sure if it'll be my next album," explained Fif. "Since I've made it back to America, after recording in the UK and different territories while I was on the road, I started writing material that don't quite fit that concept, that album. Black Magic had a specific vibe to it, a different style of music and I was playing with different song structures, music from different genres like rock music-- since I got back, I've been writing some things that don't quite fit that because so many producers were accumulating material to send me more ideas so when I got back, I was kinda bombarded with a whole lot of production."
50 likened the change of heart to Eminem's change from Relapse 2 to Recovery. "To give you an example, Eminem's Recovery album. He had Relapse and Relapse 2 and I recorded for him on part two but because I was on tour with him during Recovery, we didn't get a chance to work together on that album but he re-wrote the album
Props to HipHopDX.com (07.19.10)

IRS FORM SPECIAL UNIT TO TRACK RAPPERS,
ATHLETES INCOME, LIL'WAYNE OWES $1.5M

After gaining the attention of fans earlier this week with a heart felt letter from behind bars, incarcerated New Orleans rapper Lil' Wayne is making headlines in a less favorable way.
Apparently the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is after Lil' Wayne’s fortunes, seeking over $1.13 million dollars in back taxes for the years 2004, 2005 and 2007.
The IRS filed and a lien against his One Family Foundation this past June in Dade County Florida courts, as the lien maintains the same address as his charitable organization.
This is the second tax lien filed against Wayne in the last 2 years as in 2008 he paid off a tax debt of $977,840
Representatives for Lil' Wayne could not be reached for comments at the time of press release.
Multiple sources confirmed with AllHipHop.com that the IRS has a special unit that tails and tracks the artists, as one of the methods used to keep a tab on their earnings.
The “issue management team” was formed in 2007 and its goal is to get unclaimed tax money from athletes and entertainers in the United States and foreigners who come to tour the country...
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.16.10)

DJ HERO TO FEATURE EMINEM, DR.DRE, MORE

Video game publisher Activision is prepping the October release of the sequel to their hit music game DJ Hero, and the makers aren't holding back when it comes to the music. From hip-hop heavyweights like Eminem, Dr. Dre and LL Cool J, to pop chart toppers like Lady Gaga and Rihanna, to even techno luminaries  Deadmau5 and David Guetta, they've enlisted over 100 of today's hottest artists to provide music for the game's soundtrack.
"With DJ Hero 2, we wanted to create the ultimate party experience of 2010, and that meant not only revamping and adding social and multiplayer game modes, including full microphone support, and all-new levels of creative freedom, but also mixing and mashing hits from over 100 of the biggest and most popular artists on the planet," said FreeStyleGames Music Director Dan Neil. "We can’t wait to drop details on which of these artists' hottest tracks, as well as how we’ve mixed them together exclusively for the game, later this year.
Props to HipHopDX.com (07.16.10)

HEATH LEDGER DIRECTED RAP VIDEO HITS ITUNES

Actor Heath Ledge was certainly stretching into new territory prior to his gruesome overdose in January 2008. In addition to his final role as The Joker in 'The Dark Knight,' Ledger was working to open a restaurant in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn (it's now thriving) and getting behind the camera for some interesting directorial projects. Since that time, it was rumored that Ledger even directed a rap video for his friend N'FA. Well, the video is real and has just been officially released on iTunes.
The fellow Australian-born rapper originally thought it would be distasteful to officially release the video, which was conceived in Ledger's garage in 2007, but feels enough time has passed and the public deserves to view the actor's colorful vision.
"Friends and his family said it needed to be seen," said N'FA in the Miami New Times. "Heath loved it ... Heath loved the song, and wanted to make a video that artistically married itself to the energy of the track, to indulge listeners and viewers alike..."
Props to TheBoomBox.com (07.15.10)

BAN ON DRIVING WHILE USING HAND HELD CELLPHONES TAKES EFFECT TODAY

The province's ban on using hand-held cellphones while driving takes effect on July 15.
The amendments to the Highway Traffic Act include banning talking on a hand-held cellphone or texting while driving. They also prohibit smoking in a vehicle when a child under the age of 16 is present.
"We are increasing safety on our roads and promoting healthier living for children. And, as of tomorrow, those measures will be backed up with fines," said Steve Ashton, the province's minister of transportation.
Fines for people caught in violation of the new amendments are $199.80.
RCMP said there are no plans at the moment to have targeted enforcement of the ban. Winnipeg police, however, have asked their officers to pay special attention to people using phones while on the road during the next few days.
Police said they'll be looking for people on their cellphones who are driving poorly.
"That's what we want we want to stop--the bad behaviour," said Sgt. Doug Safioles of the Winnipeg police's central traffic unit.
Drivers caught talking on hand-held cell phones will not lose merits on their license and will only be required to pay the fine. Even if you're not texting or talking on the phone while driving, people can still be ticketed just for holding the phone in their hands while behind the wheel...
Props to CTV.com (07.15.10)

LUDICRIS TO STAR IN NEW "FAST & FURIOUS" MOVIE

No need to adjust your rear view mirrors. Ludacris has signed up to re-join the Fast and Furious cast and star in the latest installment of the popular film franchise, Fast 5.
The rapper/actor recently confirmed his involvement in the movie on his Twitter account. “Just landed in Puerto Rico,” he wrote. “Shooting for Fast & Furious 5 is about to be underway…”
The action flick will also star Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Paul Walker and Tego Calderon, among others, and is set to hit theaters on June 10, 2011 according to imdb.com.
Luda originally appeared in the 2003’s 2 Fast 2 Furious as race host Tej.
Props to XXLMag.com (07.14.10)

LIL'WAYNE WRITES TO FANS FROM JAIL

Lil Wayne recently took to the pen and pad to talk to his fans about life behind bars. In his latest letter, Weezy F. wrote about his daily routine on lockdown. He also says his time in prison has afforded him the opportunity to better hone his lyrics, saying "...there’s no word that I can think of that properly defines them."
"I wake up around 11AM,” he wrote. "Have some coffee. Call my kids, and my wonderful mother. I then shower up. Read fan mail. Have lunch. Back on the phone. Read a book or write some thoughts down. Have dinner. Phone. Pushups. Then I listen to ESPN on the radio. Read the bible, then sleep. That’s my day."
He added that, "I’ve been writing and let me be the first to tell you that the lyrics that I’m writing are… well there’s no word that I can think of that properly defines them. Amazing would be too typical and perfect would be unfair..."
Props to HipHopDX.com (07.14.10)

FAT JOE JOINS DIDDY'S DREAM TEAM

Fat Joe is the latest addition to Diddy's ever-growing crew -- the Dream Team -- which last recruited Busta Rhymes in early June. Diddy declared his new acquisition on Saturday (July 10) to his Twitter nation, writing, "Fat Joe the newest member of the Supreme Team!!!! Lets Go!!!!"
The Dream Team -- currently consisting of Fabolous, Red Cafe, Rick Ross and DJ Khaled -- has already undergone a name change in its few months of existence, after being forced to surrender the Supreme Team to another group.
And although the names on the list keep growing, Diddy and his Dream Team-mates have not revealed any plans to release a collaborative album in the near future. As of now, several group members will release solo projects in July. Busta Rhymes is expected to drop 'E.L.E. 2' -- the sequel to his 1998 album 'E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) -- while Diddy and Rick Ross will release 'Last Train to Paris' and 'Teflon Don,' respectively.
Props to TheBoomBox.com (07.13.10)/p>

RAP STAR MISSY ELLIOT URGED TO CANCEL PERFORMANCE IN ISRAEL

Hip-Hop star Missy Elliott is facing pressure to scrap a planned gig in Israel slated to take place this week.
Missy Elliott is slated to hit the stage at Gane HaTaarucha in Tel Aviv on Thursday, July 15th, for her first ever performance in Israel. But her appearance has prompted Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East, to create an online boycott of her proposed performance, due to the ongoing land dispute between the Israeli’s and the Palestinians.
According to sources, the proposed boycott is not working well, as ticket sales are almost completely sold out. The bill also features popular Israeli funk/rap band, Hadag Nahash.
A number of prominent artists have canceled performances in Israel in recent months, including Carlos Santana, Bono/U2, Gil-Scott Heron, The Pixies and Elvis Costello, in support of a Palestinian boycott against the country.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel was established in 2004, to protest the Israeli’s occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
A number of artists have also ignored calls to avoid performing in Israel, including Paul McCartney, Leonard Cohen and Madonna.
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.13.10)

SLAUGHTERHOUSE, RAEKWON, KORUPT, OTHERS
TO FEATURE ON TRAVIS BARKER'S ALBUM

Travis Barker continues to solidify his place in the Hip Hop community, as the drummer/producer has added Slaughterhouse, Raekwon and Kurupt to the billing of his currently-untitled solo album.
"I'm producing and making all the music and then I'm getting all my favorite rappers and vocalist to be a part of it so it's been a dream come true," said Barker in an interview with TheBoomBox.com
"It's been amazing. Everyone from like RZA, and Raekwon to Tom Morello from Rage Against the Machine, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Swizz Beatz, Slaughterhouse. It's crazy. It's been really really fun. We just got Kurupt on a song, so I've been working my butt off. I can't wait for everyone to hear it." Barker's album hits stores this September.
Props to HipHopDX.com (07.12.10)

JAY-Z, BLACK EYED PEAS RAKES IN TENS IN MILLIONS IN TOUR MONEY

The Black Eyed Peas and Jay-Z are among the top grossing touring acts in the world, according to new data released in Pollstar’s Mid Year Business Analysis.
The Top 100 Tours list is based on data surrounding a variety of artists and venues’ ticket sales during the first six month’s of 2010.
The Black Eyed Peas and Jay-Z are the only Hip-Hop acts on the entire list.
So far The Black Eyed Peas have pulled in $29.5 million, placing them at #6 on the chart, while Jay-Z is sitting comfortably at #12, with $22.5 million earned so far.
The rappers placed far above veterans like Elton John, Billy Joel and Eric Clapton.
So far, Bon Jovi is sitting at #1, by earning $52 million dollars in the past six months.
Other artists to make the list include Alicia Keys, who earned $11.7 million to take the #27th spot, while Mariah Carey has earned $9.1 million, placing her at #36.
On the worldwide ticket sales level, AC/DC is the highest earning band in the world, raking in $177.5 million, while The Black Eyed Peas are #5 in the world, with at total of $48.4 million earned...
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.12.10)

DR.DRE HONORED AT 2010 ASCAP AWARDS

ASCAP is a membership association of more than 380,000 U.S. composers, songwriters, lyricists, and music publishers of every kind of music. Through agreements with affiliated international societies, ASCAP also represents hundreds of thousands of music creators worldwide. ASCAP is the only U.S. performing rights organization created and controlled by composers, songwriters and music publishers, with a Board of Directors elected by and from the membership.
At the 23rd annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Awards of 2010, Dr. Dre was honored with a Founders award. Big ups to Andre Romelle Young, one of the legendary California native music producer and record executives. Peep the homage...
Props to TheSource.com (07.08.10)

RAPPER DMC BESTOWS 'JAM MASTER' TITLE UPON DJ SCRATCH

Legendary DJ Scratch has revealed to AllHipHop.com that he will change his well known moniker to DJ Jam Master Scratch, with the support of founding Run-DMC member, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels. As DJ Scratch, the veteran turntablist/producer has worked with EPMD, DMX, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and 50 Cent.
In 1988 Run-DMC helped Scratch gain entry into the music business as the DJ for their “Run’s House World Tour.” In 1988 on the tour, Scratch befriended Jam Master Jay, who recommended him to rap group EPMD. Scratch has been with EPMD ever since, in addition to becoming a world renowned battle DJ and producer.
At 8:00 PM, Jam Master Scratch will air footage of DMC proclaiming him the next official “Jam Master.”
“I dropped so many tears about this,” Jam Master Scratch told AllHipHop.com. “Me being recognized for my 22 years of work by a king [DMC], is my ‘Lifetime Achievement Award.’”
Jam Master Jay was gunned down in his Hollis, Queens recording studio on October 30, 2002. The legendary DJ’s murder still remains unsolved...
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.08.10)

ELAM FAMILY ANNOUNCES MEMORIAL SERVICE PLANS FOR GURU

On Sunday July 18, the Elam Family will celebrate the life and legacy of Keith "Guru" Elam. The Gang Starr founder died this April 19 due to complications from cancer. In a statement released by the family to HipHopDX and other media sites, the family stated that this is a memorial for family, friends and invited guests, and will take place at the University of Massachusetts Boston campus.
The family has launched a site called GuruTributes.com to allow loved ones and fans to share tributes to the Jazzmatazz maker, as well as to provide those unable to attend the July 18 ceremony with video.
Those wishing to attend are asking to do so via the site, as space is limited, and accommodations are going to be first come, first served.
Tributes for Guru have already taken place from artists such as Doo Woop, Jeru The Damaja and Lil Dap of Group Home.
Props to HipHopDX.com (07.07.10)

RAPPER PAUL WALL SUPPORTS SOLDIERS
WITH 4th USO TOUR, PREPS NEW ALBUM

Rapper Paul Wall will head overseas this August to take part in his fourth USO tour to support troops serving in the Middle East. During the tour, the Houston-based artist will perform songs from his latest release, Heart of A Champion, which lands in stores this Tuesday (July 13th).
"Its an honor to go perform for our troops, and as an entertainer its also my obligation to entertain our soldiers at war,” Paul Wall told AllHipHop.com. “Its an incredible experience being in the Middle East. And with my new album coming out Tuesday, I'm really excited to be able to have the USO tour piggy back the release. I can't wait to go perform some of my new music to the troops.” During the tour, Paul Wall will be joined by Power 106’s DJ E-Man and morning show host Big Boy, both of Los Angeles.
Heart of a Champion was produced by Beanz-N-Kornbread and Travis Barker, who is in the group Expensive Taste, along with Paul Wall and Skinhead Rob. Guests on the album include Raekwon, Bun B., Jim Jones, Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Devin the Dude and others.  Paul Wall will tour the Middle East from August 2nd - August 9th.
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.07.10)

TI ALBUM PUSHBACK 'NOT CONFIRMED," REP SAYS

Over the weekend amazon.com changed the release date of T.I.’s upcoming album, King Uncaged, from August 17 to September 28. Yet it looks like the popular online superstore updated their files a little too soon.
When contacted by XXLMag.com, a rep for Atlantic Records said that no new dates have been confirmed at this time. Tip is currently finishing up his seventh studio effort, recently hitting the studio with Kid Rock, Lady Gaga and Eminem.
In related news, Tip will appear on cable network Fuse tonight (July 6) at 8 p.m. EST for an interview with renowned hip-hop journalist Toure. During the 30-minute sit-down, titled T.I.: On the Record With Fuse, the King of the South will discuss how he was treated in jail, his rights as an American citizen and his definition of keeping it real.
Also, XXL's July issue, featuring T.I. on the cover, hits newsstands nationwide today. In our in-depth story, weinvestigate the rumors that the ATL giant snitched in order to receive a better sentence. Be sure to pick up a copy now. —Elan Mancini
Props to XXLMag.com (07.06.10)

GUINESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER GREEN ARROW: THE ART OF FREESTYLING

DJ Green Arrow is currently the Guinness Record holder for a Rap Marathon, by rapping for 8 hours and 45 minutes, tripling his own record set in 2007. The record-setting marathon session placed Green Arrow in the company of legendary freestylers like Supernatural, Ruffstylz, D.O. M-80 and Twista, all of whom have held the record at one point or another. AllHipHop.com sat down to talk to Green Arrow about his upbringing, influences and how one “trains” to freestyle for dozens of hours. Check out this interesting piece.
AllHipHop.com: Where did you get the idea to attempt a world record? Have you tried before?
Green Arrow: The first time I ever heard of anyone getting a Guinness record was when I heard that Twista (then known as Tung Twista) had broken the record for the fastest rap. Incidentally, he has long since been defeated, and this year I am attempting to break the current record, which is 921 syllables in one minute (I'm training for 1300). I have long believed that if you want to be good at music, you have to do it for 9 hours a day. 
Props to AllHipHop.com (07.06.10)

FREEKEY ZEKEY CLAIMS RESPONSIBILITY FOR DIPSET REUNION

Dipset's Freekey Zekey has laid claim to being responsible for reuniting Dipset.
"I done grabbed up Killa, snatched up Juelz, called Jim, we all sat down and I said enough of the bullshit; what's happening?" said Zekey in and interview with radio personality Mr. Peter Parker.
"We got big money, big business, big opportunities right now and I'm not stopping until everybody sit down right here and put everything out on the table," continued Zekey. "I [was] sitting there and letting them know it was way bigger than this, what are [they] arguing over, nobody took a dirty Subway sandwich and smacked somebody's mom's with it...I can never give up on my family. It's 2010, time to get it in. Dipset wins again..." The reunion has already borne fruit, as the first track from the reunited crew, "Salute," has leaked.
Props to HipHopDX.com (07.05.10)

EMINEM'S 'RECOVERY' TO REACH PLATINUM STATUS IS SECOND WEEK

Grammy-winning rapper Eminem's Recovery album is reportedly en route to sell up to 340,000 copies in its first-week in sales. Based on one-day estimates, Em's new album will reach platinum status after just 14 days in stores.
Eminem will easily hold onto the #1 spot Tuesday, as the album experiences far less decay than the typical high-volume, second-week decline, with a likely fall-off of just around 55%. Shady will lead as many as six UMG titles into the Top 10--a nice housewarming present for incoming co-CEO Lucian Grainge. That said, it's always difficult to know how things will trend during a holiday weekend, however, especially one that most people spend outside. With that caveat, here's how things are trending going into the long weekend: Eminem (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope) 320-340k Drake (Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown) 115-125k * The-Dream  (Def Jam/IDJ) 55-60k (HITS Daily Double.
Props to SOHH.com (07.05.10)

NICKI MINAJ 'YOUR LOVE' TOPS BILLBOARD RAP SONGS CHART

The Harajuku Barbie’s got her first No. 1 single.
“Your Love" – the second single from rapper/singer Nicki Minaj’s upcoming untitled debut album — rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Rap Songs chart Wednesday. The song — which samples the Annie Lennox hit “No More I Love Yous" — is the first single from a female rapper to top the Rap Songs chart in seven years.
Impressive, considering the last single to do that was “Magic Stick” — a 50 Cent single, which ironically featured Minaj’s new nemesis Lil Kim. That song topped the Rap Songs chart for five weeks in the Summer of 2003. Minaj is also the first female artist to top the rap chart unaccompanied since 2002. In addition, the song has peaked at No. 26 Billboard Hot 100.
Despite a lackluster reception for her lead single "Massive Attack,” Nicki has received mostly positive reviews for her singing and rapping flexibility on “Your Love.”
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (07.02.10)

CHRIS BROWN: BET BOSS DEFENDS BROWN

A BET Awards official has defended CHRIS BROWN's controversial performance at the ceremony - insisting the star's onstage tears were not "fake".
The Kiss Kiss hitmaker, who has struggled to make a comeback since his infamous fight with Rihanna last year (09), hit headlines with his Michael Jackson tribute at last Sunday's (27Jun10) show in Los Angeles.
Brown danced to the King of Pop's hits but faltered during his rendition of Man in the Mirror as tears streamed down his face.
Subsequent online gossip accused the singer of faking the moment to win over the crowd, but Stephen Hill, BET's Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Music Programming, is adamant the speculation is untrue.
Props to ContactMusic.com (07.02.10)

EMINEM LANDS MASSIVE FIRST WEEK SALES, #1 ON THREE CHARTS

Eminem’s sixth album Recovery sold over 741,000 copies in its opening week, giving the rapper the best selling album since 2008.
According to Billboard, Recovery is Eminem’s sixth straight #1 album  putting the rapper second to Jay-Z for the most chart-toppers.
Recovery is the follow-up to Eminem’s 2009 album Relapse, which moved 608,000 copies during its first week on the shelves.
On the digital side, Recovery proved to be a big seller as well.
The album moved another 255,000 copies, given it the second biggest opening week in digital sales history, with Coldplay’s Viva La Vida or Death And All His Friends, which debuted with 288,000 downloads in 2008.
Eminem’s single “Love the Way You Lie” with Rihanna is also sitting at #1 on the Digital Songs charts this week, after selling 338,000 downloads of the song.
Recovery is also the #1 album in the United Kingdom, after selling over 140,000 copies last week.
Props to AllHipHop.com (06.30.10)

GAME: HUMAN NATURE

In the midst of that pounding New York concrete heat, Game greets me with a firm handshake outside of his Midtown hotel. Two months prior to the release of his R.E.D. album, The Compton Rap star exudes nothing but confidence. We jump into a black Mercedes Benz van, en route for a series of events that may seem extraordinary to most of us, but are just a day in the life to Aftermath's middle child. Vh1's Hip Hop Honors' taping is just the beginning of my hours with Jayceon Taylor, but it's quickly apparent that he will not leave New York City without making it just a little bit hotter.
It's apparent that Game both enjoys and underplays his stardom. En route to our second destination, the platinum star in white tee, jeans and a tucked-in chain watches an anxious group of students in elegant attire cross 8th Avenue. Bringing his window down, Game yells, "Be careful tonight!" to the teens. They react with glares and eyerolls, unaware that celebrity cautions them...
Props to HipHopXD.com (06.30.10)

DR.DRE AND TIMBALAND TEAM UP FOR HP PROMOTION

From Shaunta to Game more recently Hayes, it seems the degrees of separation between Dr.Dre and Timbaland is getting smaller and smaller. Mumblings of a collaboration between the two legendary producers will likely only grow louder after both made an appearance at a Culver City, California high school Wednesday night.
The pair were on hand as part of a promotional event for Hewlett-Packard, which has endorsement deals with both Dr.Dre and Timbaland. A notoriously reclusive Dr. Dre played the role of emcee for Timbaland, who performed a handful of songs from his most recent album, Shock Value 2. In addition to a free, catered , HP also donated $10,000 worth of computer equipment to the school.
"We should be so lucky," said Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records Chairman Jimmy Iovine, in regards to a Dre and Timbaland collaboration. "I can only get them so close. The rest is up to them."
Props to HipHopDX.com (06.24.10)

MASTER P. LINKS MAGIC JOHNSON FOR FREE BASKETBALL CAMP

Percy “Master P.” Miller and his son Romeo will sponsor a free basketball camp for over 1,000 children, who will get to meet special NBA superstar guests Earvin “Magic” Johnson and Mark Jackson.
Miller, Romeo, Rashad McCants and Urban Born Founder Johnel Langerston are hosting the Game of Life Basketball Camp for children ages 7-16.
The NBA stars will teach the campers the importance of offense, defense, teamwork, motivation and education, all while improving their health and mental well being.
Miller, who attended the University of Texas on a basketball scholarship, turned into one of the most successful mogul’s in Hip-Hop, after a knee injury sidelined him permanently.
"This will be an experience that these kids will remember for the rest of their lives. My basketball coach help save my life, hopefully I can do the same for this generation," Miller told AllHipHop.com.
In addition to the camp, Miller will host a free celebrity basketball game featuring Megan Good, Ray J., Anthony Anderson, Jalen Rose, Ray J. and others...
Props to AllHipHop.com (06.23.10)

TRAE THA TRUTH TO HOLD 3RD ANNUAL TRAE DAY

Houston rapper Trae Tha Truth is set to host his 3rd annual “Trae Day” on July 22.
Aimed as a free community event, “Trae Day” will include face painting, pony rides, train rides and school supplies for kids. Booths will also be available for free HIV testing, immunizations and blood and glucose level screenings.
As last year was blemished by shootings that proceeded the days events, Trae and his non-profit group Angels By Nature/A Better Neighborhood will emphasize the moniker “Stop Teen Violence” throughout the day.
To cap off the festivities, a handful of Hip Hop stars are set to perform, including Lupe Fiasco, Young Buck, Yo Gotti and Waka Flocka. DJ Khaled, Sirius’ Angela Yee and comedian Lil Duval will handle hosting duties for the performances.
The 3rd annual “Trae Day” will take place at the old International Ballroom in Houston, Texas. Trae’s latest album The Incredible Truth is still set for a 2010 release, with features from Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Lupe Fiasco and Game...
Props to HipHopDX.com (06.23.10)

DRAKE SCOOPS TWO MUCH MUSIC AWARDS, PREPS 'TONIGHT SHOW' APPEARANCE

Drake won two awards last night during the MuchMusic Video Awards in his hometown of Toronto, Canada.
The rapper, who was nominated for a total of seven awards, took home two last night, one for Hip-Hop Video of the Year and another for Cinematography of the Year.
Sixteen-year-old singing sensation Justin Bieber topped all artists with three wins in the UR Fave New Artist category, UR Fave Video and International Video of the Year.
Other winners included The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, Belly and Snoop Dogg and K’Naan.
In related news, Drake is slated to make a high profile appearance this Wednesday (June 23rd) on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
The rapper’s album Thank Me Later was released last Tuesday (June 15th) and is projected to sell almost 450,000 copies during the first week in stores.
Props to AllHipHop.com (06.22.10)

LUDACRIS TO HONOR SAFE SEX AT 'LIVE LARGE' AWARDS

Chart topping rapper Ludacris will host Trojan's "Live Large" Awards tonight (June 18th) in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ludacris, who was recently named spokesman for Trojan's Magnum condom line, will be joined by Fonzworth Bentley, who will co-host the event, while DJ Kid Capri will provide the sounds.
The "Live Large" Awards will honor celebrities, athletes, community activists and medical researchers who live responsibly and encourage their communities to practice safe sex.
This year, Ludacris will honor Jermaine Dupri, Brian Michael Cox and  Atlanta City councilman Kwanza Hall.
The "Live Large" Awards are a part of the Magnum Live Large Project, a marketing campaign created by The Celebrity Agency (TCA)...
Props to AllHipHop.com (06.21.10)

LOS ANGELES TEACHER USES HIP HOP TO TEACH ALGEBRA

Los Angeles math teacher LaMar Queen has been using Hip Hop to help his students memorize steps in solving algebra problems, and improve their grades, according to the Associated Press.
"It gets stuck in your head," says Cindy Martinez, a 14-year-old student whose math grade has improved from a C- to a B, thanks to Queen's method.
Queen, 26, has won a national award for his approach, and now shows teachers and parents how to utilize his method.
"Math is a bad word in a lot of households," says Queen. "But if we put it in a form that kids enjoy, they'll learn."
"Rap is what the kids respond to," he adds. "They don't have a problem memorizing the songs at all."
The origins of Queen's raps came after students told him his class was boring. The students added that he looked like rapper Kanye West, and challenged him to rap...
Props to HipHopDX.com (06.21.10)

FORMER MURDER INC. ARTIST LLOYD LINKS WITH G-UNIT'S LLOYD BANKS

A variety of rappers have called upon R*B crooner Lloyd to help deliver them hit singles this Summer, including G-Unit member Lloyd Banks.
Lloyd, whose vocals are heard on 2009’s smash single “Bedrock,” is featured on four new singles that will drop this summer: Nipsey Hu$$le’s “Feeling Myself,” Chamillionaire’s “Make a Movie” featuring Twista, “Go, Go, Go” by newcomer J. Futuristic and Lloyd Banks’ “Any Girl.”
According to Lloyd, he would have never been able to work with an artist like Lloyd Banks, due to the ongoing feud between 50 Cent’s G-Unit and Irv Gotti’s Murder Inc. collective of artists.
“There was no hesitation on my part because we never had direct issues,” Lloyd told AllHipHop.com of his collaboration with Lloyd Banks. “We met for the first time in the studio and everything just clicked. It felt like it was our 10th song together.” ...
Props to AllHipHop.com (06.17.10)

MASE HELPED EVE TURN FROM STRIPPING TO RAPPING

In an episode of VH1’s Behind The Music, rapper Eve revealed that a fellow rapper helped her make the move from stripping to rapping.
The artist that intervened in her life was none other than former Bad Boy artist Mase. Eve spoke on their first encounter at a strip club she worked at.
"He came into the club and looked at me and literally was like, 'What's your name?' And I gave him every stripper name under the sun!," Eve explained during the hour long docu-series. "I was like, 'I'm Ginger, I'm Sassy!' He was like, 'Why don't you go get dressed, let's go just talk.' And we did, we talked throughout the night. He was like, 'You're really talented. What are you doing? You know you're not supposed to be here.”
On the episode of Behind The Music, which premiered on June 14, Eve also spoke on her problems with drinking, struggle with depression, music career, and more.
The episode of Behind The Music featuring Eve will re-air on Thursday, June 17 at 5 p.m.
Props to HipHopDX.com (06.17.10)

EXCLUSIVE: RAMPAGE JACKSON RESPONDS TO THE GAME, OFFERS BATTLE

The Game has had no shortage of feuds with fellow hip-hop stars, most notably a long-running battle with 50 Cent, but feuding is par for the course in the rap game and is as much about selling records as it is about actual personal disagreements.
But he may find himself having to back his latest outburst up with more than a quick freestyle diss should he bump into Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson any time soon. Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jackson, who was also the first fighter to unify the UFC and PRIDE FC title belts, was a target of The Game in a recent interview and has now challenged The Game to back his words up.
Yesterday The Game told AllHipHop.com that Jackson “couldn't f*** with me. No disrespect to Rampage, but my dude Rashad Evans whupped that ass. When he had that UFC fight against Rashad Evans and he lost, I felt like that was me [winning]...
Props to FightersOnlyMagazine.co.uk (06.14.10)

“Fela!,” the Broadway musical that Jay- Z helped produce, won three Tony Awards at last night’s (June 13th) televised ceremony. The play received 11 nominations in total, including a nod for Best Musical and Best Leading Actor in a Musical. In addition to Jay-Z,  Will and Jada Pinkett Smith also served as producers of the critically acclaimed musical. The three categories in which “Fela!” won in were for Best Sound Design of a Musical, Best Choreography, and Best Costume Design of a Musical.
“Fela!” is a musical based on the events in the life of Nigerian composer and activist Fela Anikulapo Kuti. The play depicts Kuti as the target of 1,000 soldiers determined to put an end to his public performances at a legendary nightclub. “Fela!”  opened on Broadway on November 23, 2009, after it's 2008 off Broadway run ended. Both Jay-Z and Beyonce as well as Will and Jada Pinkett Smith were present at last night’s Tony Award ceremony.
Props to AllHipHop.com (06.14.10)

LAWSUIT FILED OVER DRAKE'S 'BEST I EVER HAD'

DJ Absolut is suing for money that he feels is owed to him for Drake's hit single, "Best I Ever Had." The single catapulted Drake to success but Absolut says he wasn't compensated properly.
According to the deejay, he didn't even realize that his beat had been used for one of the biggest singles of 2009. Once he found out, he allegedly called Kia Shine to let him know about the song. This comes according to a lawsuit that was filed in Queens Supreme Court recently.
According to Absolut, Shine agreed to pay him 20% of all proceeds that came from the beat in 2008, something that hasn't happened with this track. Absolut says Shine secretly set up a deal to get 25% interest of the song's copyright last September.
In a recent New York Daily News article, Absolut's lawyer Brian Levy notes that they have tried to get Kia Shine to respond but have not been able to reach him...
Props to HipHopDX.com (06.07.10)

SARA STOKES FILES LAWSUIT AGAINST T-PAIN OVER JENNIFER HUDSON SONG

T-Pain has been hit with a lawsuit by songwriter/former MTV reality star Sara Stokes, who claims the producer cheated her out of royalties for song they co-authored for R&B singer Jennifer Hudson.
Stokes rose to fame after being featured on Making The Band 2 and as a member of Diddy’s group Da Band, which released one album, Too Hot For TV (2003).
Saramony Entertainment filed the lawsuit on Friday (June 4th) in Missouri Eastern District Court, claiming she produced and co-wrote two songs with T-Pain, including Hudson’s tune “What’s Wrong (Go Away),” from the Grammy Award winning album Jennifer Hudson. 
Stokes, claims that although Hudson’s album went Gold, she has received no producer, songwriter or performer credits for her role in created “What’s Wrong (Go Away).” ...
Props to AllHipHop.com (06.07.10)

EMINEM HITS EUROPE TO PROMOTE 'RECOVERY' NEW VIDEO

Detroit rapper Eminem took to his Twitter page earlier this week and made key announcements about his upcoming album Recovery.  In addition to revealing the album artwork via a tweet, Eminem also revealed that the video for his new single “Not Afraid” is set to debut this weekend, on Saturday, June 5th. The rapper shot portions of the “Not Afraid” video on location in downtown, Newark, New Jersey earlier this month.
Eminem is currently in Paris, where he kicked off the European promotional tour for his upcoming album Recovery. Today, the rapper will appear on Sky Rock Radio at 9:00 PM (UK time) in addition to performing at September on the Canal.
On June 4th, Eminem will appear on BBC’s Live Lounge, capped by a performance on the Friday Night with Jonathan Ross show at 10:35 PM.
Props to AllHipHop.com (06.02.10)

IN THIS WEEK'S SALE WRAP

Hip-Hop duo Nas and Damian Marley's Distant Relatives leads the way this week at No. 5 as Glee: The Music tops the chart with 135,800 sold albums. According to Nielsen SoundScan, the duo's new collaboration album has sold 57,500 records after a week in stores.
R&B singer Usher's Raymond V. Raymond dropped one slot this week landing at No. 8 with 40,800 sold units. After two months in stores, Usher's latest effort sits at 721,200 sold records.
Grand Hustle rapper B.o.B.'s Adventures of Bobby Ray also took a one-notch drop to No. 14 with 22,700. With a month to his name, Bobby Ray's debut album has shelled out 170,500 pieces to date.
Iconic rap duo Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek's Revolutions Per Minute also opened up the charts for the first time this week at No. 18. With seven days in the books, the pair's long-awaited album has sold 21,100 records to date...
Props to SOHH.com (06.02.10)

NAS REMAKES AC/DC TRACK WITH CARLOS SANTAN

Rapper Nas has teamed with guitar legend Carlos Santana on a remake of AC/DC’s classic track “Back in Black.”
Other artists featured on Santana’s upcoming album include Chris Cornell, who remakes “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zepplin and Joe Cocker, who takes on Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.”
Ray Manzarek of The Doors covers the group’s song “Riders on the Storm” and Nas is will be featured on the updated version of “Back in Black.”
"I paid special attention to the groove so the females would get completely aroused," Santana told Rolling Stones in an interview.
Props to AllHipHop.com (05.31.10)

ALICIA KEYS PREGNANT & ENGAGED TO MARRY SWIZZ BEATZ

Alicia Keys — Grammy-winning songbird and alleged homewrecker — is expecting her first child with fiance Swizz Beats, a newly-divorced anteater DJ and producer who reportedly began dating the “Un-Thinkable” star while his relationship with his now ex-wife, R&B singer Mashonda, was still ongoing. “Un-Thinkable” indeed!
Mashonda claims Swizz admitted that he was having an affair with Alicia after she found documentation of their trysts in various hotels back in 2008.
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (05.31.10)

JAMAICA'S MINISTER OF TOURISM CRITICIZES DRAKE/MAVADO VIDEO

A video featuring Canadian rapper Drake and Jamaican dancehall artist Mavado has drawn criticism from the country’s Minister of Tourism.
The country’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett spoke out against the pair’s video for “Find Your Love.”
In the video, Drake falls in love with a native woman (Maliah Michel), who is in love with a gangster on the island named “Puffy” who is played by Mavado Drake is eventually confronted by Mavado and Puffy’s henchmen and the video ends with Michel presumably kidnap and shoot the rapper.
"We just have to say that care has to be taken by all, including our creative artistes, in portraying images of our destination and people," Bartlett told the Jamaican Gleaner. "Gun culture, while not unique to Jamaica, is not enhancing (the island's image)."
Props to AllHipHop.com (05.18.10)

JAY Z GREATEST HITS ALBUM VOLUME 1 JUNE 2010

His career is rhyme spans the better part of a 15 years and next month some of Jay-Z’s biggest hits will be available in the form of a Greatest Hits compilation.

The Grammy-winnng rapper will reportedly be dropping his album hits catalogue next month with the release of The Hits Collection Volume 1. The compilation project is expected to arrive in stores June 29. While details are still developing, the first volume will reportedly feature tracks from Hov’s Blueprint III and Black Album LPs.
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (05.17.10)

IT'S BEEN 13 YEARS - REST IN PEACE NOTORIOUS B.I.G

March 9, 1997, Biggie Smalls was gunned down in an SUV by a mystery assailant in a Chevy Impala while leaving a Soul Train Music Awards after-party. Thirteen years ago, he wasn't only the great Notorious B.I.G.—he was also a 24 year-old named Christopher Wallace, gone way, way too soon.

An article on AllHipHop poses the question "What if Biggie Smalls Had Lived?" Just skimming the comments of the article provides a taste of the various arguments regarding whether or not Biggie and Tupac would have still been considered as legendary as they are today, had they survived. Whichever side you're on, the lyrical genius, clever wordplay, spitfire flow, undeniable swagger, and enduring influence of the one Christopher Wallace is impossible to deny—everyone from Jay-Z to Nas, Weezy, Eminem, Usher, even Ratatat, owes something to Biggie.

The #ripbig hashtag is already dominating Twitter feeds, with fans sharing their favorite memories and songs of the prolific rapper, while artists, media sites, and blogs have begun compiling their tributes.  MTV revisits the ongoing investigation into the iconic rapper's murder.  Diddy is throwing a "Biggie Day" party in honor of his late friend. "We're trying to make March 9th a national hip holiday," he told MTV News.  Prefix Mag launched a new section called "Sights & Sounds" today, where illustrators reinterpret a song into a piece of artwork; in honor of the B.I.G. SOHH.com compiles the tweets of Diddy, Talib Kweli, Swizz Beatz and others paying homage to the rapper. Biggie and Tupac, the documentary investigating the deaths of the two artists and their East Coast/West Coast rivalry, can be streamed in its entirety over at SnagFilms.

So today we remember the notorious rapper and pay homage. Rest in Peace Biggie.
Props to ThisIsLavie.com and read more at TheAtlantic.com (03.09.10)

J-KWON'S FOUND!

One day after going public with the story, Gracie Productions says that J-Kwon finally got in touch with them and he is doing well.  Although J-Kwon declined making a statement himself,  Dorian Washington, co-CEO of Gracie and CEO of D.Wash Management released the following statement:
“I am very happy to let everyone know that I personally spoke with J-Kwon today, and he is okay. He’d like to send a sincere apology to his friends and everyone who showed concern this week. He was taking some time to himself as he sometimes does, not realizing that people would start to worry after a while. A few days out of touch versus a month is quite a difference. Right now he just wants to keep doing what he’s doing, and will be more available for those who care about him. We thank you again for your outreach, and we are relieved to know he’ll be alright.”
Props to TheUrbanDaily.com (03.04.10)

DON KING WEIGHS IN ON RAPPER DRAKE STEPPING IN THE RING!

Rapper Drake will step in the boxing ring this weekend, with undefeated super lightweight champion Devon Alexander "The Great."  Drake will walk Alexander to the ring this Saturday (March 6) at the Mohegan Sun during Alexander's fight against Juan Urango. The Canadian-born rap star will perform his hit single "Forever" before the fight, which will be televised live on HBO. The 23-year-old's met in Las Vegas where Alexander was training for the upcoming bout. "Naturally I'm a big fan of Drake's," Alexander said in a statement. "He's a really nice guy and I like the 'Forever' lyric. I'm looking forward to hearing it as an added bit of motivation while I'm walking into the ring to face Juan Urango on Saturday night at Mohegan Sun." Even fight promoter Don King was looking forward to Drake's performance.  "I've always loved music and Drake is one of the hottest artist's in the world today," King said. "We've got the best young boxer in Devon Alexander and this sparkling young singer Drake. It's going to be something special on Saturday night." Fans can catch Drake's performance during the Devon Alexander vs. Juan Urango bout this Saturday starting at 9:00 PM EST
Props to AllHipHop.com (03.04.10)

J-KWON'S MISSING!

According to label reps for J-Kwon, the 24-year-old rapper has been missing for a month and they are asking fans to help locate him. J-Kwon was gearing up to release a new self-titled album this month, but he has not been heard from in over 30 days. "If anyone has seen J-Kwon or has access to him, please let him know we are worried about him, and to please let us know everything is ok." said Gracie Productions CEO/President Tony Bucher.
J-Kwon, born Jarrell Jones, is best known for his 2004 Top 10 hit “Tipsy” from his album HoodHop, which was released on So So Def/Arista in 2004. It is not known if family members have filed a missing persons report with police as of press time.
Props to AllHipHop.com (03.03.10)

DIDDY'S WIFE GETS ARRESTED!

P Diddy is not married, but that is not what Cemelia Green thinks. Green thought the house that she had wandered up to was the rap stars, and announced herself as the wife of the artist formerly known as ‘Puff Daddy’.
It was a maintenance guy who decided to take action and dial 911. Green managed to elude capture until she decided to meander into a local police station, where she proceeded to ask for directions to P Diddy’s ‘crib’.
Not thinking anything about the events a couple of weeks before, cops told Green to politely walk away because she wasn’t privy to that information.  It was a few hours later when Green was arrested after she was found wandering behind the house. An investigation revealed that a sliding glass door had been broken. There she was arrested for trespassing and criminal mischief, but was bailed later for $5000.
Props to AllHipHop.com and eCanadaNow.com (03.03.10)

LIL WAYNE AVOIDS SENTENCING AGAIN!

The universe really doesn’t want Lil Wayne to go to jail: Lil Wayne’s already delayed trip to the Big House on gun charges in a gun case abruptly got put off again today because of a fire in the Manhattan courthouse where he was due to be sentenced. Weezy will return to court for sentencing on Wednesday afternoon. Wayne flew to New York from his home in Miami Tuesday morning, ready to turn himself in for the .40-cal Springfield Armory semiautomatic confiscated from his tour bus outside the Beacon Theater two years ago. The platinum-selling Grammy winner is expected to spend between 8 months and 12 months on NYC’s notorious Rikers Island.
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (03.02.10)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. DRE!

TRAVIS BARKER HAS MAJOR HIP-HOP ARTISTS JUMPIN' ON HIS SOLO PROJECT!

ADAM BEACH TO STAR AS TOMMY PRINCE IN NEW FLICK!

Actor Adam Beach will star in a new movie about Canadian aboriginal war hero, Tommy Prince.  Beach, a Manitoba-born aboriginal film and TV star, will be in Winnipeg on Thursday to make the formal announcement, alongside Prince's relatives and Manitoba native leaders.
"I am so honoured to play this First Nation military hero. He provided a positive role model for all First Nation people, including me," Beach said in a statement.  Beach, who is originally from Dog Creek First Nation, appeared in "Windtalkers" with Nicholas Cage and "Joe Dirt" with David Spade, as well as numerous other Movies and TV shows.
Tommy Prince, from Manitoba's Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, was a hero of both the Second World War and the Korean War.  According to Bay Film Studios, the movie will be a "true account of Canada's most highly decorated First Nations soldier."
Props to CBC.ca and the Winnipeg Free Press. (02.10.10)

Looks like Lil Wayne won’t be going to jail… yet. Young Money President Mack Maine took to his twitter earlier today to announce that the Hip Hop hardest working man’s sentencing date has been postponed.  “Extension till march 2nd!!!!! Thanx for da prayers LOVE y’all…and Wayne said thanx for da prayers too..YM!!!”
And y'all think you got somethin' on Weezy? Think again...
CashMoney chiefs Ronald "Slim" Williams and his brother Brian (a.k.a. Baby, a.k.a. The Birdman) enlisted David Rousseau to shoot NINE videos for Lil Wayne during Friday, Saturday and parts of Sunday. The director said he and his crew started setting up for the production around 9 a.m. Friday and nine videos later, the last camera stopped rolling at around 8 a.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.
Props to 24HourHipHop.Com and MTV.com. (02.09.10)

DRAKE LAUNCHES ECO-FRIENDLY "HOME AWAY FROM HOME" TOUR

Grammy nominated Canadian rapper Drake has announced his first ever North American solo tour with the launch of “The Away From Home Tour.” Drake will hit the road for 25 dates with fellow Canadian rapper K-Os and New York City based synth-pop band, Francis & The Lights.  The 25-date tour will kick off on April 5 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois and will wind down May 8 in Plymouth, New Hampshire at a private location.  Drake has teamed with Reverb, a non-profit environmental organization, to make the tour eco-friendly , by “greening” the tour using biodiesel fuel in his tour bus, in addition to using biodegradable and recycled products on his tour bus and backstage.  Drake will play a variety of festivals on the tour, including the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and The Bamboozle festival.  The tour is Drake’s first official tour since wrapping up the Lil Wayne headlined, Young Money Presents: The America’s Most Wanted Music Festival.
Props to AllHipHop.com (02.08.10)

Pioneering Hip-Hop group Whodini is in the studio with hopes of releasing new music this summer, according to group member Grand Master Dee. Whodini's second release Escape (1984) contained tracks like “The Freaks Come Out at Night,” “Big Mouth” and “Friends.”  “I don't want to leak too much out yet, but we're trying to put a single out at least by the summer,” Grandmaster Dee revealed. “For now we're just sharing the road with [Big Daddy] Kane, Doug [E. Fresh], Slick [Rick] and Salt-n-Pepa, doing what we do.” According to Grandmaster Dee, the Hip-Hop scene is bigger now than it ever has been. “I look at the scene like hip-hop is bigger than ever right now, but everybody's doing the same thing,” Grandmaster Dee stated. “There's not a lot of people being different. That's not knocking them; like I always say, they do what they do and we do what we do. But if you're not out here in fifteen years, still eating, then you know you done something wrong!” No release date is available for Whodini’s upcoming single or album.
Props to AllHipHop.com (02.08.10)

"I'M SCORING A MOVIE BIGGER THAN AVATAR!" -SWIZZ BEATZ

Swizz Beatz is coming off the heels of producing the epic charity song "Haiti Mon Amour (Stranded)" for Jay-Z, Rihanna and U2's Bono and The Edge, but he said he has something even bigger up his sleeve. James Cameron, look out! Swizz has an upcoming film project he said will knock Avatar right off its box-office throne. "It's so major," Swizz told MTV News. "It gives me chills. Just ... I can't [reveal more details]. That one is so big. I need the ink to dry."
Swizz was confident enough to predict that the movie would be a colossal blockbuster. "I'm working on scoring a movie bigger than Avatar, " he said of Cameron's epic, which became the highest-grossing movie of all time last week. "It's life-changing to the world. The message is life-changing. The concept is life-changing. The sound is gonna be life-changing. This is another thing that put me in a zone to step my whole game up. I can't be involved in these major projects with a sound that's not justifying why I'm on those projects."
Swizz said this project is part of his plan to use a more "worldly sound" in his production.
Props to MTV.com (02.03.10)

SHAWTY LO WALKS FOR DIABETES

Atlanta artist Shawty Lo and his foundation L.O.L.O (Loving Our Little Ones) will again be participating in the American Diabetes Association’s Step Out and Walk campaign this year. This is the second year that Shawty Lo has participated in the event, which is one of the American Diabetes Association’s biggest fundraisers.
This year, the rapper, who is a diabetic, will be featured in the public service announcements for the cause as well.
“It was a great walk last year. It was a good look, so I’m here and I’m ready to do it again,” an enthusiastic Shawty Lo told AllHipHop.com. “I’m doing great now. I found out I was a diabetic in 2001; I just had a hard time to coping with it. Like I was in denial like ‘I ain’t no diabetic.’ It took time getting used to stuff like getting on a new diet and watching my sugar and stuff like that. Once I got the hang of it, it was no problem, good exercise and you’re fine.”
Props tp AllHipHop.com (02.03.10)

IT'S A 'BATTLE OF THE SEXES'!

Ludacris is waging an all-out war with the opposite sex. The Atlanta rapper has challenged some of female rap’s biggest stars to a battle on his new album. Lil’ Kim, Eve, Trina, and Nicki Minaj are among those getting in the ring with the Grammy winner on his seventh studio album Battles of the Sexes, due March 16. Previously planned as a joint album with femcee Shawnna, the set will also include appearances from Ne-Yo, Ciara, Flo Rida and Plies.
“There’s never really been an album with a male rapper and a female rapper together going head-to-head on different issues, mostly relationship issues,” Ludacris told Rap-Up last year. Bangladesh, Swizz Beatz and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League have all contributed to the project.  “How Low,” the first single off the follow-up to 2008’s Theater of the Mind, is already No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. A video directed by Dave Myers debuted last week.
Props to the Rap-Up.com (01.25.10)

DIDDY GIVES HIS 16 YEAR OLD SON A $360K MAYBACH FOR HIS BIRTHDAY!

And now for a story that will make you wish your parents were rich: Diddy’s son Justin Dior turned Sweet 16 in style over the weekend, as cameras for MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen captured the curly-topped teen receiving a car worth hundreds of thousands of dollars and a check during his birthday party in the Big Apple. Justin — who is still learning to drive — is now the proud owner of a brand-new silver Maybach — valued at $360,000.
The teen received the wheels at a lavish bash at M2 Ultralounge in NYC on Saturday night. Cameras from MTV’s My Super Sweet Sixteen rolled as guests, like Jersey Shore stars Paul “Pauly D” Delvecchio, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi, Fabolous, Juelz Santana, and Lil’ Kim rubbed elbows with Diddy’s oldest son.
Diddy, 40, also gave his son a $10,000 check to open a bank account. Instead, Justin is donating the figure to Haitian earthquake relief.
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (01.25.10)

RELIEF FOR HAITI WITH CDI COLLEGE AND STREETZ 104.7

This Friday January 22nd Streetz FM will be at CDI College 280 Main Street between 2 and 5pm collecting donations for the Red Cross' Haiti Relief Fund. We encourage you to come down and make a donation.  We'll be giving tax receipts for any donation of $10.00 or more.
If, you can't make it down to CDI College this Friday, and you want to make a donation you can donate anytime Monday-Friday between 8:30am -4:30pm at Streetz 104.7 1507 Inkster Blvd or call 772-8255. CDI College is also accepting donations at 280 Main Street Monday-Friday between 8am and 6:30pm. 
If you would like to make a donation right now click here.

USHER LETS TEENS DIRECT HIS LATEST MUSIC VIDEO!

The R&B superstar has teamed up with got noise? From Body by Milk to give 20 lucky teenagers the chance to direct a video for “More” from his new album Raymond vs. Raymond.

The clips were shot last month in Los Angeles and the aspiring directors coordinated all aspects of production from concept to creation. Watch both videos below and vote for your favorite HERE
Props to the TheUrbanDaily.com (01.19.10)

U2, HOVA AND SWIZZ TEAM UP FOR HAITI RELIEF

U2, Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz are among the latest celebrities to come together in an effort to raise money for Haiti following the devastating earthquake that struck a week ago. The three are joining forces for an as-yet-untitled Beatz-produced charity song that is expected to be sold on iTunes.
"Last night we wrote a song ... Bono got a call from a producer, Swizz. He and Jay-Z wanted to do something for Haiti," U2's The Edge said on Saturday (Jan. 16) on the Dave Fanning radio show on 2FM. "So, Bono came up with the phrase on the phone, and last night we were here, we wrote a song - finished, recorded, and sent it back to them. So, that might be the next thing you hear from us!"
Swizz Beatz also confirmed the collaboration, posting on his official Twitter page over the weekend: "Me, Bono, Hova have something to say about Haiti. Stay tuned. I told you I was working on something amazing for Haiti. They need us!
Props to Billboard.com (01.19.10)

WE HONOR MLK DAY WITH SOME OF HIS QUOTES

Martin Luther King Jr. quotes on love, justice, and human purpose changed the way America – and the world – thought about race and demonstrated the power of nonviolence to overcome even the most entrenched prejudices.
• Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.
• I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. That is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant. –Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, Dec. 10, 1964
• Let no man pull you low enough to hate him.
• Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars... Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.
• I submit that an individual who breaks a law that conscience tells him is unjust, and who willingly accepts the penalty of imprisonment in order to arouse the conscience of the community over its injustice, is in reality expressing the highest respect for the law.
• When you are right you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative.
• Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. –letter from Birmingham jail, April 16, 1963
• The good neighbor looks beyond the external accidents and discerns those inner qualities that make all men human and, therefore, brothers. –"Strength to Love"
• I submit to you that if a man hasn't discovered something he will die for, he isn't fit to live.
• The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. –"Strength to Love"
Props to CSMonitor.Com (01.18.10)

R.I.P. SOUL LEGEND, TEDDY PENDERGRASS

On Wednesday January 13th at 9:59 PM Soul music legend Teddy DeReese Pendergrass died at the age of 59.  The singer’s son, Teddy Pendergrass II, says his father died Wednesday at Bryn Mawr Hospital.
The voice behind hits like “Love TKO” underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had “a difficult recovery.”
Pendergrass’s career began when he was a drummer for The Cadillacs, which soon merged with Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes. Months later the group signed with Gamble & Huff on the then CBS subsidiary Philadelphia International Records in 1972. The Blue Notes had hits such as “I Miss You,” “Bad Luck,” “Wake Up Everybody,” the two million seller “If You Don’t Know Me By Now” and many more.
Props to TheUrbanDaily.com (01.18.10)

WYCLEF JEAN USES HIS TWITTER TO
HELP OUT IN HAITIAN RELIEF

Wyclef Jean is one of Haiti's most famous sons, and his tweeting about the earthquake there has been a galvanizing force on the Web.
Jean is most famously a member of the now-defunct Fugees. Publicist Leslie Chasky says he arrived Wednesday in Haiti and is focusing on his family, his Haitian charity and responding to the disaster.
Several of the most popular topics on Twitter referred to a tweet from the singer urging people to send a text to the charity, Yele, to donate $5 toward relief. The number is 501501.
Hundreds are passing his message on by the minute, and it appears the Yele Web site has crashed under the traffic. A Yele spokeswoman isn't immediately commenting.
Props to the Newser.com (01.13.10)

DIRECTOR OF JAY-Z VIDEO SQUASHES ILLUMINATI & FREEMASONRY RUMORS

Award winning UK-based director Sam Brown is the man behind the controversial video for Jay-Z’s “On To The Next One.”The clip’s abstract imagery has fueled rumors of Jay-Z’s involvement in Freemasonry and his alleged association with the Illuminati.   Vibe Magazine spoke with Brown about the imagery in the video and he claims that it’s much ado about nothing.
Is Jay-Z Down With The Devil?
“There is imagery in this video that is drawn from all over the place,” Brown said.  “None of it is owned by any one culture or belief system. You can connect anything if you try hard enough, and make it mean anything you want it to.”.
One Percenters Break Down The Jay-Z KKK Illuminati Theory
Brown goes on to state that Jay did not come up with the imagery himself. “All the imagery was thought up by me and was a response to the track itself. For those interested, the idea is actually about a funeral for old imagery and ideas, hence all the gothic and oppressive stuff,” Brown added. “I was also trying to contradict the excess of hip-hop videos by making something brutally simple and claustrophobic.”
Props to Conspirazzi.com (01.13.10)

BEYONCE IS TAKING A WELL DESERVED SIX MONTH HIATUS THIS YEAR

The Diva herself will complete her 11-month Sasha Fierce World Tour in Trinidad and Tobago next month and she’s revealed she won’t go back to work again until mid-2010.
“It’s definitely time to take a break, to recharge my batteries. I’d like to take about six months and not go into the studio. I need to just live life, to be inspired by things again. I’m going to do random things. I want to go to restaurants, maybe take a class and see some movies and Broadway shows.”
Beyonce admits she will struggle to stay away from the studio: “It will be the hardest thing in the world for me to make myself not do an album and shoot a video and turn it in and say, ‘I’m ready!’ I already have all these melodies and ideas in my head. I have to tell myself, ‘Sit down! Sit down.’”
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (01.12.10)

PRECIOUS IS RAKING IN THE NODS!

Precious, the critically-acclaimed tearjerker of an illiterate and abused Harlem teen who finds hope in a classroom, topped the nominees for the 41st annual NAACP Image Awards on Wednesday.
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire earned a leading eight nominations at a press conference Wednesday, with nods for director Lee Daniels, star Gabourey Sidibe and supporting actors Mariah Carey, Mo’Nique, Paula Patton, and Lenny Kravitz.
The Image Awards honoring diversity in the arts will be presented Feb. 26 and broadcast live on Fox.
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (01.07.10)

KEYSHIA COLE IS PREGO AND ENGAGED!

Keyshia Cole has announced her pregnancy and pending engagement to Cleveland Calvaliers player Daniel “Boobie” Gibson, a rep for the star confirmed to Us Magazine on Wednesday.
“I can confirm she is engaged and has an incredible ring,” her rep tells Us.
The rep tells the tab Boobie popped the question on New Year’s Eve, adding that it was “an absolute surprise. When he asked her to marry him, she was flabbergasted. He presented her with the ring and her mouth dropped in amazement. It’s too beautiful for words.”
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (01.07.10)

CHRIS BROWN UPSET OVER VIBE MAGAZINE COVER

R&B singer Chris Brown has expressed how he was disappointed in the cover of VIBE Magazine's re-launch issue which featured him and Drake. According to Brown, VIBE also breached an agreement they made in writing.
"I think with the whole VIBE and the rebirth, I think it is a rebirth of me and showing people the new side of me, the music side, the talent and just the changed person," Brown told reporter Renada Romain. "I think with the actual VIBE cover, it was never supposed to be talked about like the cover they made. That wasn't what we discussed -- the shirt is actually just a plain black shirt and they stamped 'R U Still Down' on it, so the cover was supposed to be the rebirth cover of VIBE and the rebirth of Chris Brown. It was never supposed to be 'Everybody Hates Chris, Everybody Loves Drake' like, the type of thing like that. I kinda felt a certain way when they did it like that and they kinda told me one thing and they got it in writing, one thing, but then they did it another way...I appreciate any cover, I just don't appreciate them using my situation..." (Renda Romain)
Props to SOHH.com (01.05.10)

SHAQ'S MISTRESS CHARGING HIM FOR STALKING!

Vanessa Lopez, one of Shaquille O’Neal’s former Buss It Babies, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Tuesday, accusing the sports star of stalking and harassment.
According to this KTLA report, Vanessa — who is represented by celebrity legal eagle Gloria Allred — claims she and Shaq began having an affair five years ago. Everything was fine until four months ago, when the Mexican vamp told the married dad that she may be pregnant. In Shaq’s defense, Vanessa has a history of bedding hoopsters. In 2007, she accused Orlando Magic star JJ Redick of harassment. In 2006, Delonte West called the police on Vanessa after she refused to leave his Orlando hotel room.
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (01.05.10)

LIL' WAYNE VOICES JESUS IN A NEW T-PAIN CARTOON

Adult Swim has confirmed that Lil’ Wayne is indeed playing Jesus in the upcoming one-hour special, “Return Of Freaknik”, however he isn’t exactly playing the son of God.
Weezy’s been tapped to provide the voice of Jesus in T-Pain’s upcoming Adult Swim cartoon, “Freaknik.”  The cartoon, which execs from Adult Swim and Cartoon Network premiered clips from at T-Pain’s Christmas party, stars T-Pain as the Ghost of Spring Break who brings the legendary Freaknik party back to Atlanta.
Joining Weezy F Baby and T-Pain on the show are Andy Samberg of “Saturday Night Live,” Rick Ross and David Banner.
“Freaknik” premieres in March on Adult Swim.
Props to TheUrbanDaily.com (01.04.10)

BOW WOW CAUGHT HOWLIN' ABOUT DRIVING DRUNK ON TWITTER

Lucky for Bow Wow, confessions made on Twitter won’t hold up in court. The rap star has apologized to fans after admitting to drunk driving on his Twitter page last week.  Cash Money’s own Bow Weezy celebrated New Year’s Eve with a few bottle of bubbly at Miami hotspot Fontainebleu and then posted few drunk Tweets from behind the wheel.
“Face numb im whippin the lambo [Lamborghini]. Tipsy as f*k. Just left [the club] @livmiami,” he wrote.  “Im f**ked up!!! Ohhhh damn. Y i drive the lambo. Chris [Brown] might have to drive after next spot,” Bow Wow later added.
[We should have known Beat Down Brown had something to do with this....]
After sobering up, Bow Wow deleted the the incriminating comments and apologized to his followers for the remarks:
“Apologize for that tweet,” he said. “It was stupid and immature. not a way i want to kick my #2010 year off. i got too much good stuff lined up. my bad.”
Props to HipHop.PopCrunch.com (01.04.10)