Charlie Fettah, John-C & Big Stomp Heatbag Records / Rezofficial Music
Winnipeg's Most put on a flawless performance up in the Streetz studio to impress the best of 'em. Be sure to catch their interview on "The Word" with Winnipeg Jules on Streetz 1047.
T.I.'S RELEASED FROM JAIL AND WILL BE IN A HALFWAY HOUSE IN ATL
According to a well-placed source, rapper T.I., who is serving a 12 month and a day bid on gun possession charges, will be released to an Atlanta halfway house to serve out the remainder of his sentence after the New Year. This is good news to the legions of fans of the wordsmith widely considered the best rapper of his generation. T.I. is expected to be released to the halfway house before his scheduled May 26 release date — maybe in February or March 2010. Unlike the strict prison rules that T.I. must now adhere to, the halfway house rules will be more relaxed. T.I. will most likely be allowed to leave the halfway house during the day to work at his Grand Hustle offices or even to marry his sweetheart Tameka “Tiny” Cottle!
There are rarely any quality, high-profile releases hitting the marketplace in the last few days before Christmas, but this year is a little different. Eminem's Relapse: Refill, a seven song bonus disc that acts as a sorta-sequel to Em's comeback album Relapse, which was released earlier in 2009. Slim Shady is taking the playful route with the promotion of Relapse: Refill, as he has debuted a pair of video clips where he masquerades as "Shady Claus." In the first video, titled "Bathroom," Em is dressed in a Santa suit and standing in front of a medicine cabinet that opens to reveal dozens of bottles of pills. In the second, called "Living Room," Shady Claus comes town the chimney to flatten some boxes, crush a few ornaments and leave copies of Relapse: Refill and "DJ Hero: Renegade Edition" (which also features original Eminem tracks) under the Christmas tree. It's a pretty amusing piece of video.
Snoop Dogg's return to soap opera "One Life to Live" has been highlighted with the release of its promotional photos. The rapper will visit the Llanview for the second time on February 24 episode, again playing himself and performing "I Wanna Rock", a song from his new album. "As I said when I was here last time, I've been a fan of 'One Life to Live' since I was a baby because my momma always had it on," said Snoop. "It's cool to come back and hang with Bo Buchanan and the people in Llanview and 'rock out with them.'" In return, Executive Producer Frank Valentini said, "Snoop Dogg's desire to return to 'One Life to Live' is a tremendous show of support for our show. His unique contributions to the entertainment industry are vast as a performer, innovator and businessman and we are honored to have him back to perform and act on OLTL. We also welcome the opportunity to once again air his remixed theme song." Snoop wrote the theme song for the series when he first appeared for two episodes in 2008. The theme song will be remixed for the second appearance. Snoop himself had shot his part on December 10 at a New York City-based studio.
Streetz 1047's own Josh Ranville helped out for a great cause this morning!
He assisted during the Pancake Breakfast at the Manitoba Metis Friendship Centre for Operation Christmas Child.
How Fun! Watch him here...
(12.17.09)
500 ACCIDENTALLY GET LIL WAYNE'S DELAYED REBIRTH ALBUM!
Somebody at Amazon might be getting a pink slip this Xmas. According to Reuters, Lil Wayne's oft-delayed Rebirth album was accidentally shipped to 500 Amazon customers this week despite the fact that the rapper's label had changed the album's release date. Last week, Wayne's label (Cash Money/Universal) announced to retailers and rap news outlets that Rebirth would not be hitting stores on December 21st but on February 2nd, 2010. Unfortunately, someone at Amazon didn't get that message and 500 customers who had pre-ordered Rebirth got their copies of the album in their mailboxes this week. Amazon has not yet released a comment on the mishap. Lil Wayne's camp has also chosen not to comment on the mix-up. Sources close to Wayne's camp believe that new material will be added to the official version of Rebirth that will be released in February. Adding insult to injury, Wayne received a February 9th sentencing for his New York gun case when he appeared in court yesterday (December 15). As reported earlier, Wayne plead gui lty in October to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. The charge stemmed from a 2007 traffic stop of his tour bus. His plea deal calls for a year in jail.
The province is changing the way it calculates base fines for speeding. Starting in the new year, speeders will be charged a fine of $7.70 for every kilometre per hour they travel above the posted limit. Currently, fines are slotted into ranges of speed with set fines. "The change will make every ticket better reflect the actual offence and provide greater incentive for individuals to slow down," Attorney General Andrew Swan said today. Motorists must appear in court for a fine to be assessed for "extreme" cases of speeding; the threshold for an "extreme" case is now dropping to 100 km/h over the limit, down from 120 km/h. Also starting in January, the court cost portion of tickets will increase to 45 per cent from 35 per cent of the fine to better reflect the expense of administering these tickets by the courts, officials said.
Lil Wayne will drop one more album before heading to The Big House. The 27-year-old Grammy winner — real name Dwayne Carter — was sentenced to a year in prison today after he pleaded guilty to felony gun charges in Manhattan Criminal Court earlier this year.
He is free on bail and will head to jail on Feb. 9. Wayne’s new album, Rebirth, premieres Feb. 1.
Police in New York City discovered a loaded 9-mm handgun on Wayne’ tour bus when he was headlining a show in Manhattan in July 2007. Officials pulled over the bus near Columbus Circle after claiming they saw and smelled marijuana smoke wafting from a door.
It's time to get your Hip Hop on. Winnipeggers will have a new place to go on the FM dial with Monday's launch of Streetz 104.7. The station will offer Aboriginal Hip Hop/urban music with a 40 per cent commitment to aboriginal content. "It's been a crazy morning. It's great to see the announcers and watch their faces light up," said CEO David McLeod. "Our DJ J-Boogie has had 70 hits on his Facebook page. It's constant and immediate feedback." The morning show, Rise Up, will be hosted by Miss Melissa and J-Boogie while Sadie holds down the afternoon slot and Elie drives The Ride each night. Winnipeg Jules will deliver the issues that matter to Winnipeg youth with The Word while Josh hosts the All Night Party each weekend. DJ Jeremy Harper will broadcast in his Native tongue, Oji Cree. McLeod says there's a huge appetite for ubran music among Winnipeg's aboriginal youth. "When we did our research, we had a number of focus groups and Hip Hop/urban music is clearly the choice among young aboriginal people," said McLeod. "We pride ourselves on being local, Canadian and aboriginal. There's a trend all over the world and Streetz recognizes that. As far as we know, Streetz is the only station in Canada of this kind. We're very excited. There were some naysayers early on when we started talking about this station and we think we're going to prove them wrong."
Kid Cudi reportedly punched a concertgoer at a tour stop in Vancouver, British Columbia, over the weekend. The incident occurred after an audience member threw a wallet onstage, nearly striking the rapper during his performance.
Cudi pitched the wallet back into the audience and then jumped into the crowd, punching a fan in the head.
According to an interview with TMZ, Cudi's victim does not plan to press charges. The fan, Michael Sharpe, told the website that "the guy he was supposed to punch was standing four feet to the left."
"I'm not upset, I'm not going to be that person," Sharpe said. "I just want to meet him and be like 'I'm the guy you punched.' I'm not going to press charges."
The performance was part of Kid Cudi's supporting slot on Lady Gaga's Monster Ball tour.
Eminem has scored the coveted position of top-selling artist of the decade, moving 32.2 million copies of his controversial albums between Jan. 2000 and Nov. 1, 2009, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Em’s overall album sales can be largely attributed to both 2000’s The Marshall Mathers LP and 2002’s The Eminem Show.
NAS ORDERED TO PAY KELIS ONE BILLION GAB-JILLION DOLLARS A MONTH IN SUPPORT!
JUST KIDDING...
A judge in Los Angeles thinks Nas can afford to pay a little more in monthly support to his soon-to-be ex-wife Kelis, and the estranged couple’s infant son, Knight.
In April, Kelis, whose full name is Kelis Rogers, filed for divorce from the rapper after four years of marriage. The two have spent the past several months arguing over support payments.
On Wednesday, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge David Cunningham III ordered the legendary lyricist to increase his monthly child and spousal payments to $51,101. Nas has been paying nearly $40,000 a month to support Kelis and young Knight since the baby’s birth in July.
One of the 10 alleged mistresses of golfer Tiger Woods reportedly called on the Tiger's wife Elin to ask for an apology for causing heartbreak to her and family. Jaimee Grubbs, one of Tiger's alleged mistresses, called Elin Woods and asked for an apology for causing heartbreak and pain to her and the family. Rachel Uchitel, another alleged mistress, also spoke to media yesterday and said she had been 'demonized' by the media. Jamie Jungers, another alleged mistress, spoke publicly about the pain of seeing photographs of Woods with his wife when she visited his house. The confessions are being revealed at the same time the couple said they would stay together for the sake of their children. The Woods scandal has erupted in the media and questions have surfaced around whether the golfer would be able to keep his lucrative sponsorship deals. Porn star Holly Sampson said she too was involved in an affair with Tiger, but nobody listened, Mail online reports. Woods is golf's first billionaire, with an estimated 90 per cent of his income coming from endorsements. As of yesterday, a total of 10 alleged mistresses have been uncovered by the media, the latest linking the golfer to another porn star, Veronica Siwik-Daniels, who uses the name Joslyn James.
Tom Reid, 19, was taken ill in a crowded London club after standing close to the speakers and telling a friend: ‘The bass is affecting me.’ There was no trace of alcohol or drugs in his body and his heart was in good condition. A coroner recorded a verdict of natural causes, saying the straight-As student was killed by sudden arrhythmic death syndrome (SADS), a heart disorder which kills 12 young people a week. Cardiac experts said the bass could have triggered SADS if Mr Reid had underlying, yet unknown, genetic problems. On September 27, he had gone to Koko nightclub in Camden, north London, for the party, dubbed Night Of Mayhem. His friend Alisha Riseley told the inquest they were pushed towards the speakers. She added: ‘Tom said he felt like the bass was getting to his heart and we went to stand at the back.’ He told her: ‘My heart feels funny. I think the bass is affecting me. Oh God, I feel very weird. My heart is beating so fast.’ They went to see the club medic but, while Mr Reid considered whether to call an ambulance, he collapsed. ‘He suddenly leant to the side and keeled over as though he fainted,’ Ms Riseley told St Pancras coroner Dr Andrew Reid. Paramedics tried to restart his heart but within two hours he was declared dead in hospital. Dr Reid said: ‘I hope some lessons may be learnt from his tragic death.’ Ellen Mason, senior cardiac nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘Some genetic conditions that cause SADS can be triggered by stress or noise. He was suddenly exposed to a lot of loud noise and it’s highly possible that this caused the attack.’
FOLLOWING KID CUDI ON TWITTER? STOP! IT'S A FAKE...
Before Kid Cudi's 'Man on the Moon: The End of Day' dropped earlier this year, he was all about connecting to fans through social media platforms. The artist held down a personal blog and was constantly updating his popular Twitter account. When the album finally dropped, Cudi felt a little overexposed and ditched the online persona all together. Now, people are creating fake Twitter accounts in his name and he's none too happy about the development. Here's his statement on the matter:
"I've been hearing there's a lot of fake Kid Cudi accounts on Twitter and Facebook and I want to reassure everyone that none of these r me. I will never get back on Twitter or Facebook. I'm getting my blog back together and that will be the only way to stay connected with me. I think it's sad as a motherf---er people do this but, oh well, its inevitable. Don't fall for it. If datnewcudi.com or kidcudi.com doesn't make an announcement (and I assure you they won't) then it's some creeper lookin for attention. Catch me on tour baybayyyy. Peace n love."
Tyler Perry announced to his fans today that his mother, Willie Maxine Perry who is said to be the inspiration behind Madea, passed away Tuesday. He made the announcement through his website and posted a picture of himself and his mother with a caption saying,
“Willie Maxine Perry- February 12, 1945 to December 8, 2009. Thank you for all your prayers.”
His mother was 64-years-old and a pre-school teacher in New Orleans for most of her life.
Rihanna hit up East Side Ink at 2 AM this morning to have her own personal motto “Never a failure, always a lesson” tattooed backwards near her right shoulder. That way she can read it in the mirror. Clever.
“I asked her why she wanted that and she said, ‘It’s kind of my motto in life for everything.’ Instead of considering things to be mistakes, considering them lessons.”
“She said that she wanted to do it in gray, rather than black, because she wanted it to be more subtle,” explains Bang Bang. “She didn’t want it to draw too much attention.”
I don’t know what’s up with the current trend of using your body as a personal diary. Like Miley Cyrus tattooing the cystic fibrosis slogan “Just Breathe” under her breast. You don’t see me tattooing “regrets, I don’t have them” on my lower back or “stay sexy” with smoke coming out of the letters on my chest. Even though I do. Every day.
Beyonce cut no corners for her husband Jay-Z’s 40th birthday party at Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic. The bash was star-studded and included a password only entry. Meaning it was like Fort Knox to get in that piece.
The 60-odd guests at the ’20s-themed fete included Kanye West and girlfriend Amber Rose, Sean Combs and Kim Porter (sidebar, they reported Kim as Diddy’s girlfriend… when did that happen), Alex Rodriguez and Kate Hudson, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys, Warner Music chief Lyor Cohen and designer Tory Burch, plus DJ Cassidy, who DJ’d for the party. Diddy gave a toast and Jay-Z’s friends also put together a video saying how much they love him. The festivities featured synchronized swimmers, fireworks and an impromptu performance of “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Keys. Sources say the whole thing lasted until 5 a.m. the next day.
Beyoncé capped the celebration off with a lobster surf-and-turf brunch for guests at the luxury villa where she and Jay-Z were staying. Sounds like good times. No phones were allowed so no pics could be leaked.
SADE RELEASES HER FIRST SINGLE AFTER A TEN YEAR HIATUS
Fresh off the announcement of a new album, following a 10-year hiatus, Sade is back in business with the release of the title track 'Soldier of Love.' As the name suggests the song plays on a military theme with intense drumbeat and electric guitar below Sade's elevated vocals. Sounding as if not a day has gone by since her debut more than twenty years ago the British-Nigerian singer's topic of choice is love in comparison to war. "I'm a solider of love/Everyday and night/I'm a soldier of love, all the days of my life/I am lost but I don't doubt so I rise/I have a will to survive." Since singing about love never seems to go out of style, Sade pretty much hit this one out of the park. Not only sticking to her signature sound but providing listeners with a genre-bending selection in the process. Fans will enjoy this little tidbit to tide them over until the full record drops next year. Sade and band members Andrew Hale, Paul Spencer Denmann and Stuart Matthewman released their last album 'Lovers Rock,' in 2000. Debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 200 Charts, 'Lovers Rock' went on to sale more than three million copies in the U.S. and won the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2002.
The nominees for the 2010 Grammy Awards were just released. The cut-off for eligibility is August 31st so albums that came out after that, like Jay-Z’s The Blueprint 3 will have to wait until next year to be considered.
Following is a short list of potential award winners from several categories. The full list can be seen at www.Grammy.com.
I remember when the last thing a rapper wanted was a Grammy. Now we’ve got rappers like Drake being nominated before they even release full projects. Times, they are a changin’!
KELIS HAS BEEN SIGNED TO BLACK EYED PEAS STAR, WILL I AM'S RECORD LABEL
Kelis, who is currently in the middle of a messy divorce from rapper Nas, released a new song, called “Acapella,” online last week, suggesting plans for a comeback – and now she has announced an exciting new career move.
Kelis has revealed that she has signed to Interscope Records through will.i.am Music Group, and is working on new material with will.i.am, DJ Ammo, and David Guetta.
“2010 is around the corner and I can’t wait to put out new music and spend time with real music fans on tour again,” the “Milkshake” star said in a statement Tuesday.
...it isn’t clear if Rated R is supposed to be an Usher-style confession or a Britney-like distraction. If we’re to take the music literally, a lot of it frankly feels off-putting and ridiculous. Vampy selections like “Wait Your Turn” just don’t match the prim and proper young lady we see on the cover of Glamour. The album overall has a fairly dark tone so it’s hard to hear her push through lines like “what if I gave you a chance to make things right” on “Stupid in Love” without thinking about You Know Who. There’s really nothing in the song that seems very specific to anything she’s gone through, but in the context of the real world, even a generic break-up song comes off as pointed, if not uncomfortably personal. Rihanna's role has historically been that of a singing mannequin for talented writers to hang their work on. For reasons that aren't entirely her fault, however, the more we become acquainted with the real person, the more apparent it becomes that we were better off with the character.
So, the question is: Is the music good? Sure, why not? As Rihanna's albums go, Rated R is probably the least deliberately Pop-y so it's worth considering even if you're not a fan of her old work.
Wayne's got money on his mind - Birdman's got, well, a star on his scalp
Every can see that Lil Wayne is inked up, but so is his mentor Birdman. Both rappers appeared on the cover of XXL sometime ago, showing off some major ink work.
Well, the Cash Money Records CEO recently got a new tatt ... on the top of his head. We spotted this brand new photo on RapRadar.com of Stunna, showing off his latest piece.
If Lil Weezy "I Am Music" tatt on his face wasn't a statement enough, then Birdman's huge as red star is sure to be one. Guess he is a star ... anybody else know a CEO with hundreds of millions that inked up?
Birdman's new solo album, Pricele$$, is in stores now.
YOUNG MONEY'S GONN GET YO MONEY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!
Just in time for the holidays, Young Money’s debut album – We Are Young Money — is set to drop alongside Lil Wayne’s Rebirth on Dec. 15. The LP features tracks by crew members Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Mack Maine, Tyga, Shanell, Lil Twist, Lil Chuckee, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, and T-Streets.
Take a peek at the tracklisting:
01. Bedrock ft. Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Nicki Minaj, Drake,Jae Millz, Tyga & Lloyd 02. New Sh*t ft. Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Mack Maine & Lil Wayne 03. Pass Me The Dutch ft. Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda & Short Dawg 04. Wifebeater ft. Jae Millz, Tyga, Mack Maine & Lil Wayne 05. F*** The Bullsh*t ft. Nicki Minaj, Gudda Gudda, Lil Wayne, Drake & Birdman 06. Ms. Parker ft. Mack Maine, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz & Lil Wayne 07. Target ft. Drake, Lil Wayne, Tyga, & Nicki Minaj 08. Sacrifice ft. Shanell, Mack Maine, Lil Wayne & Gudda Gudda 09. Every Girl ft. Lil Wayne, Drake, Jae Millz, Gudda Gudda & Mack Maine 10. She Is Gone ft. Lil Wayne, Jae Millz & Gudda Gudda & Pleasure P 11. Girl I Got You ft. Lil Twist & Lil Chuckee 12. Gooder 13. Roger That ft. Nicki Minaj, Tyga & Lil Wayne 14. Steady Mobbin’ ft. Lil Wayne & Gucci Mane
The Michael Jackson concert rehearsal documentary This Is It is approaching the end of its theatrical run, but fans will only have to wait two months to bring the King of Pop to their home theater — the film’s DVD and Blu-ray will be released on January 26th, 2010. The bonuses on the This Is It DVD include an hour of additional footage not seen in theaters, two making-of documentaries and featurettes about the costuming, dancer auditions and memories of Jackson, Variety reports. And for those who wanted to give the gift of This Is It this holiday season, there’s also good news: Pre-orders for the DVD and Blu-ray will begin December 24th.
CANADIAN FEM RAPPERS ETERNIA & MASIA ONE INSPIRING LADIES ACROSS THE WORLD
The youth-led organization, The 411 Initiative For Change (411), is teaming up with Plan Canada to present "411 TV: Because I Am A Girl," a girls’ rights themed education program for schools across Ontario -- in the format of a mock live-to-air TV Talk Show.
Canadian hip-hop artists Eternia and Masia One use their music and personal experiences to generate discussions on issues affecting girls in Canada and around the world. The show is hosted by CBC journalist Nana Aba Duncan, MTV Canada hosts Nicole Holness and Aliya-Jasmine Sovani, along with Diane Salema join the conversation through pre-taped segments to discuss their trips to visit girls in* Haiti, Colombia* and Sudan. This highly entertaining and candid program will reach 10,000 female students in Brampton, Mississauga, Brechin, Sudbury, Sault St. Marie, Thunder Bay, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, St. Thomas, Waterdown, Hamilton, Beamsville, St. Catharines, Sarnia, Windsor, Bowmanville, Oshawa, Toronto and Richmond Hill.
The show airs stories of local heroes by highlighting both their struggles and successes in improving their lives and their communities. 411’s programming works to connect young Canadians to volunteering initiatives and resources in their communities and provides schools with meaningful opportunities for youth to continue learning about this critical issue. This program demonstrates that young Canadians are drivers of change and make a difference in the world.
EMINEM'S MOTHER TO WED BISEXUAL AGENT WHO SUED HER
The mother of superstar rapper Eminem, Debbie Nelson, is reportedly engaged to her agent who sued her last year. As reported earlier, Neal Alpert sued Nelson in 2008 over profits of her book My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem. According to Radar Online, Alpert found love with Nelson and dropped the lawsuit against her over the summer. Alpert confirmed the wedding plans to Radar and the couple are looking for a venue to make their matrimony official. "It’s going to be a nice-sized wedding, that’s for sure,” an insider told Radar. Adding a twist to the story is the fact that Alpert is bisexual. "When it comes to marriage it’s not about the sex, it’s about being with your best friend," the insider explained about Alpert's sexuality. "He has always been a gentleman and respectful and never sold her out for a penny, even when he had the chance.”
Basketball star Shaquille O’Neal paid for the funeral of a 5-year-old North Carolina girl after being moved by national news coverage of the case of Shaniya Davis, who police say was kidnapped and killed. The Cleveland Cavaliers player was touched by the stories he saw and got in touch with the family to see what he could do to help, a spokeswoman for O’Neal said Thursday. More than 2,000 people attended the girl’s funeral Sunday. Her body was found Nov. 16 beside a rural road. Her mother, Antionette Davis, who had reported the child missing six days earlier, is charged with human trafficking and child abuse involving prostitution. Mario McNeill is charged with murder, rape and kidnapping in the case. “I was sitting at home watching it on the news and the story brought a tear to my eye,” O’Neal told The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper. O’Neal is recovering from a shoulder injury that has sidelined him for six straight games since getting hurt Nov. 12 against Miami.
Allen Iverson, one of the NBA’s most prolific scorers, is calling it quits at 34, according to an online report. Commentator Stephen A. Smith — a close friend and basketball analyst — published a statement on his website Wednesday, attributed to Iverson, claiming the All-Star guard plans to retire from the league. Stephen A. Smith, who worked as a sports journalist for the PhiladelphiaInquirer when Iverson played for the Philadelphia 76ers, issued a statement from Iverson on his website Wednesday. “I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association,” Iverson wrote. “I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case. I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level,” he continued. Iverson played with the Sixers for 10 seasons before joining the Denver Nuggets during the 2006-07 season. He played just three games for the Memphis Grizzlies this season before taking a personal leave of absence earlier this month. Iverson was released from the team on Nov 17. “Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids,” Iverson added. “This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I’ve ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day and I see it as my greatest gift. I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA, and I am grateful.”
Haydain Neale, the Juno-winning singer-songwriter who was the creative force behind the Canadian R&B group Jacksoul, died of lung cancer on Sunday. The 39-year-old’s death comes just over a week before the release of a new album that was to mark his return to the recording industry. The popular Toronto-based singer had spent the last two years undergoing extensive rehabilitation and therapy after a serious traffic accident. In August 2007, a car collided with his Vespa scooter, leaving Neale in a coma with head injuries. His rehabilitation was slow but steady. Over the last six months, with the support of his wife Michaela, daughter Yasmin, and bandmates, Neale was able to finish production on the album he started almost three years ago. “It takes me more time now, but I still orchestrate the room,” he said in a statement when the album’s completion was announced. It was never revealed that the silky-voiced singer was diagnosed with lung cancer seven months ago. “Through all these challenges, Haydain’s sense of humour and love of music were ever-present,” his wife said in a statement. “He constantly brightened the room with his singing and his smile. His joyful presence and beautiful voice will be missed by us all.”
Read the rest of the story HERE! Props to The National Post. (11.25.09)
WE 'BOUT TO RELAPSE - AGAIN!
Multi-platinum hip-hop artist Eminem will release Relapse: Refill on December 21ST, 2009, on Aftermath/Interscope Records. This re-release of Eminem's chart-topping fifth studio album includes seven bonus tracks, including the single "Forever", also featuring Drake, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne (previously found on the More Than A Game soundtrack), "Taking My Ball" (also released only with the DJ Hero video game), and five never-before-heard tracks. "I want to deliver more material for the fans this year like I originally planned" Eminem says. "Hopefully these tracks on The Refill will tide the fans over until we put out Relapse 2 next year". Eminem has been busy in the studio creating even more new material since Relapse was released. "I got back in with Dre and then a few more producers, including Just Blaze, and went in a completely different direction which made me start from scratch. The new tracks started to sound very different than the tracks I originally intended to be on Relapse 2, but I still want the other stuff to be heard."
Last week, Coolio released his first cookbook, Cookin With Coolio. In the book, Coolio compiles recipes for Superfry Chicken, Chicken Lettuce Blunts, and Grilled Italiano Breastesses, amongst other tasty treats.
Coolio launched his own cooking show on the internet last year. The show, which featured Coolio cooking meals alongside special guests like T.I. and Raekwon, quickly became a success.
The legal woes just don’t stop for DMX. After backing out of a celebrity mixed martial arts match earlier this month, DMX finds himself with a $1 million lawsuit on his hands. TMZ reports that Thunder Promotions, the company putting the event together, filed papers in Birmingham, AL claiming that DMX is a fraud and backed out of the fight after the promoters refused to fix the fight in his favor. Thunder promotions claims that DMX’s cancellation caused them to lose money because they had to find a last minute replacement. DMX’s replacement, Coolio, goes head to head with Eric Martinez on December 12th.
WINNIPEG - Winnipeg's first urban hip-hop radio station will begin broadcasting on December 1st. Streetz FM – which is owned by the Winnipeg-based NCI-FM radio network, will be aired on 104.7 FM on the dial. "We have been working on this for three years," says Dave McLeod, NCI-FM's CEO. He notes that the new station has a 3,000 watt transmitter which extends its reach just a little ways outside of Winnipeg. Another way in which the new station will stand out is that all of the station's on-air hosts are Aboriginal youths. There will also be broadcasts in Ojibwa-Cree. "Streetz FM has received a very positive response," McLeod says. "There are no other urban hip-hop stations on air in Winnipeg," NCI-FM has been in operation since 1971. It operates two 100,000 watt transmitters which reach all corners of the province. McLeod notes that only CBC has a similar range.
Myron Love is a Winnipeg-based freelance writer and editor (Cartt.ca) (11.24.09)
LIL WAYNE SAYS HE WAS RAPED AT THE AGE OF 11
In the recent documentary movie, “The Carter,” Lil Wanye discusses his first sexual experience with some of his Young Money proteges. He claimed he was raped at the age of 11 and that he liked it. He says that Baby took him into a room full of men and instructed a female to give Lil Wayne oral sex. Now I know that it may seem cool to have oral sex at 11 but to have it forced on you while grown men are watching is quite disturbing. If this were to happen to a female, everybody would be calling for Baby to be put in jail for life. Many people have speculated on the nature of Baby and Wayne’s relationship, even claiming that Baby has sexually molested Wayne. I can’t say for sure, but if child services would’ve found out that Baby had Lil Wayne perform a sex show for his friends, they would’ve taken him away ages ago.
3 MILLION DOLLARS LATER AND DIDDY IS OFFICIALLY 40
P. Diddy spent $3 million celebrating his 40th birthday over the weekend. The hip-hop star celebrated the day with Jay-Z, Bono, Nelly and Denzel Washington during a star-studded Garden of Eden-themed bash in The Grand Ballroom of New York’s Plaza Hotel.
His birthday fell on a Wednesday this year, but the wait to celebrate did not lose any zeal. Diddy reportedly installed a black dancefloor and black chandelier for the bash, while the decorations included a $30,000 orchid display. Al Green performed at the event, while Jay-Z, Bono, Nelly, Kim Kardashian and Denzel Washington were reportedly among the guests.
Police are investigating rapper Fabolous and his connection to a luxury car stolen from an upscale hotel in Atlanta. According to Channel 2 Action News, Atlanta police claim men in Fabolous’ entourage stole a rare 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder. The vehicle, which was one of only two brought into the United States, was taken on January 31 and has not been seen since. Surveillance video shows two men in Fabolous’ entourage approach a bellman at the Intercontinental, received the keys to the Lamborghini and left as if it was their property.
Police in Atlanta, Georgia are investigating the Grand Hustle offices owned by rapper T.I., after two Molotov Cocktails were found in front of the building that houses the label. A SWAT team was called to the scene to remove the two explosives devices , while ATF agents are interviewing witnesses in an attempt to identify a suspect. Investigators are currently testing the Molotov Cocktails to determine what liquids were in the two bottles. “One of the occupants came out early this morning to start his car up and noticed two suspicious bottles sitting on the front portion of the walkway,” Officer Otis Redmond told MyFox Atlanta 5.
The world lost one of its greatest party DJs this summer when DJ AM was found dead in his NYC apartment from an accidental drug overdose. DJ AM, born Adam Goldstein, was an avid sneaker collector and had amassed close to 900 pairs of rare and limited edition kicks. His collection is now being auctioned off on eBay one-by-one with all the proceeds going to the DJ AM Memorial Fund which helps organizations and projects committed to addressing issues of addiction and recovery. New shoes are being added to the auction block daily through the first week of December.
A representative for rapper Jay-Z has just announced that he will be canceling three U.S. tour dates due to an "unforeseen scheduling conflict." The U.S. shows that were canceled include two cities in Texas and one in Albuquerque, New Mexico. All three of the shows were to take place this month. In February 2010, Jay-Zwill embark on the second leg of his The Blueprint 3 tour stopping in a number of major cities including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and New Orleans. In other Jay-Z news, Jay-Z has provided production for the Broadway play Fela! which will makes its Broadway debut at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre on Monday, November 23. Along with Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jay-Z joined the producing team of Fela! which celebrates the life and music of Nigeria’s Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. "It’s uncut. It’s true to the vision. It’s amazing! There is no option. I expect death to be the only reason why you did not see this production," said The Roots’ Questlove on Fela!.
JANET JACKSON IS CONVINCED SHE KNOWS MICHAELS KILLER
While many of her family members have danced around the accusation, Janet Jackson isn't hiding her thoughts on who's to blame for her brother's death. Dr. Conrad Murray is at fault for Michael Jackson's premature passing, she says. "He was the one that was administering," she tells ABC's Robin Roberts in an exclusive interview airing Wednesday night. "I think he is responsible." The doc is still under investigation for the death, and has admitted to giving the icon anesthetic propofol. Placing blame isn't the only thing Miss Jackson is spilling in the rare sit-down. "I couldn't believe it," she says, recalling June 25 and the moment she found out her brother was deceased.
Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane was sentenced to a year in prison today (November 12) for violating the terms of his probation. The rapper will begin serving his sentence immediately and could be released in as little as six months, according to MTV.com. The news comes as Gucci Mane was promoting his album, ironically titled The State Vs. Radrick Davis, on December 8. Gucci Mane’s legal problems forced him to cancel a series of controversial college appearances at Florida A&M and North Carolina A&T last month. Students on both campuses protested Gucci Mane’s appearance because of his controversial lyrics and alleged gang ties. A murder charge against Gucci Mane was dropped in January 2006, after he shot a man during a botched robbery attempt in an Atlanta-area residence. He also served time for assaulting a local nightclub promoter named Tyrone Tucker with a pool cue.
R&B singer Nivea went into labor with Lil’ Wayne’s baby on today and is expected to be having a son! Nivea has three kids with ex-husband music producer and singer The Dream, while Lil’ Wayne has 3 kids; 1 girl with ex-wife Antonia “Toya” Carter of the Tiny and Toya Show, one boy with actress Lauren London who became pregnant around the same time as Nivea, as reported in the highly publicized double pregnancy on HipHopRX.com, and another boy by another former video model girlfriend. Now Nivea and Wayne will be adding to his family with the addition of a new son together! The insider, who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity says that everything is going well so far. And that they’ll have PERIODIC UPDATES for us.
The boxing champ formerly known as the "Baddest Man On The Planet" was detained by police on suspicion of battery following an incident involving a photographer at a United Airlines ticket counter. The photographer claims "Iron Tyson" attacked him, knocking him to the ground and cutting his forehead in an brawl this afternoon. The photog is being treated at a local hospital.
A rep for the boxer, on the other hand, tells The AP Mike — who has adopted a more mellow approach to life after serving time in prison and spending years as a hellraiser — was traveling with his wife and 10-month-old baby when the family was pounched by the photographer. The rep says Tyson acted in self-defense.
"There's a lot of different versions to this story and that's all going to come out later," said Tyson's spokesperson Tammy Holcomb. "There were numerous witnesses and that's what this whole case is going to depend on. Right now he is very compliant, very cooperative. He's just waiting in one of our holding cells."
Both the shutterbug and Mike want to press misdemeanor battery charges. Mike, now 43, lost his 4-year-old daughter Exodus in a choking accident last May.
Self-professed "pimp" Katt Williams says he's no "cat burglar!" In a new interview making the rounds on the blogosphere today, the popular stand-up comedian reacts to his arrest this week after allegedly looting a friend's home of nearly $4,000 in jewelry and rare coins.
"I did not steal when I was homeless, If I did not steal when I was starving, then I certainly will not steal $3,500 worth of jewelry, when I'm wearing $250,000 worth of jewelry….."
You can find his interview discussing the matter HERE!
While many of us think of Remembrance Day as a day off of work, let us not forget the real reason for the holiday: to remember those who gave their lives in the fields where many Canadians died in a place called Flanders. Jimi Hendrix was one great musician who once served in the Military to protect his country.
Hold on to your feathers – Sesame Street is nearly 40! Since 1969, children and adults alike have flocked to the place where multiethnic, multigenerational, and even multispecies residents coexist in harmony. The people on this very special street learn life's lessons together, provide viewers with strong role models, and teach children that everyone brings a special ability to the community. Here, children learn to use their imaginations, build social skills, and respect people's differences.
An attorney for pimp/rapper/comedian Katt Williams says his famous client is innocent of burglary and criminal trespassing charges stemming from accusations that he broke into a friend's home early Monday. Officials in Newnan, Georgia says Williams – armed with a crowbar – entered a home in the suburb of Atlanta and made off with $3,555 in jewelry and collectable coins.
According to Katt's lawyer William Briggs, Katt in Georgia shooting a movie and staying at the property of the movie's producer, Barry Hankerson. Briggs adds Katt – who has had a mirage of run-ins with the law in recent months – had "full permission" to be on the property and has been staying there for the last three weeks.
Briggs tells TMZ that Williams was involved in a dispute with one of Hankerson's employees who lives in the guesthouse, and the employee called the cops and reported a faux burglary. The 38-year-old remains at the Coweta County jail after a judge set bond at more than $41,000 during a court hearing on Monday.
Fans of the skinny jeans wearing rap duo New Boyz stirred up such a ruckus that the show was shut down not long after it began. The venue planned for only 300 fans to show up to the free concert, but more than 1500 mobbed the shopping center four hours before the show began.
Multiple fights broke out. Someone suffered a seizure. Another person was stabbed with a pen.
By the time the show was finally shut down, the New Boyz had only been able to finish one song.
What Jerks! You can see them on BET's 106 & Park tonight.
