RAPSCENE NEWS
OCT/ NOV/DEC 2005
Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Ludacris, David Banner and
others are in the giving mood this Christmas, with each getting involved in a
charitable event for the holiday. Jay-Z is hosting his annual toy giveaway in
Brooklyn's Marcy Projects, 50 Cent generously donated an unspecified amount to
Glenn Toby’s Book Bank Foundation, while Ludacris, David Banner and Chris
Webber will host the "LudaChrisMiss Holiday Celebration" for 250
children age 6-12 in Dekalb County Georgia.
The Black Eyed Peas have teamed Amnesty International & ther top name artists to create "Make Some Noise," an album of contemporary versions of John Lennon songs. Lennon's wife Yoko Ono donated the rights to Lennon's solo tracks to Amnesty International in 2003. BEP's rendition of Lennon's "Power to the People" was recorded on board the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus and is available as a download. "We had an incredible time recording the track for 'Make Some Noise,' and hope the single will motivate people to truly stand up and be counted," BEP group member will.I.am stated.
Ed Lover pleaded not guilty to various assault charges on Thursday (Dec. 15) & was released on $1,000 bail, stemming from an incident at a NY nightclub last Sun. (Dec. 12). Prosecutors allege that Ed Lover, former host of Yo! MTV Raps & current radio personality on NY's Power 105.1 struck a woman in the face during an argument. The woman required 20 stitches. Ed Lover has denied any wrong doing & is due in court on March 23.
Rolling Stone magazine's "The Unsolved Mystery of the Notorious B.I.G." was a mammoth, 26-page investigative story to the general public, but Ms. Voletta Wallace, mother of slain rapper Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, was only shocked at one particular finding. "It was an [unnamed individual] that was brought out that was affiliated with the crooks and it was shocking to know that this person knows that person. I don't want to give it away," Ms. Wallace told AllHipHop.com. According to the Rolling Stone article, "the killer, it seemed, had exploited a recent complacency among those in B.I.G.'s entourage" during a time there was extreme friction between Death Row Records & Bad Boy Records.
Jermaine "JD" Dupri & Cartier have collaborated to create a limited series of eyewear to benefit the Hurricane Relief Fund. "I was in the store one day getting something fixed & the thought [to create the eyewear] came to my mind," Dupri explained. I''m thinking they gonna say 'hell no,' but they took a shot and thought it was a cool idea." Jermaine Dupri's signature is etched in the lens & the frame is adorned with the classic Cartier "C" logo. The limited edition glasses are valued at $1,500 & a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Hurricane Relief Fund.
Today (Dec. 15), rapper Foxy Brown
proclaimed that she hasn't been able to hear for six months. The Def Jam rapper
was joined by supporters in front of a crowd of press, photographers & staff
on the set of BET’s “106 & Park” show, which is housed inside of the
CBS Building in Manhattan. Russell & Kimora Lee Simmons, Doug E. Fresh,
Tyson Beckford, Dr. Benjamin Chavis & others attended.Breaking down into
tears, Brown stated that even on stage, she was unable to hear anything going on
around her. "We take for granted the simple words such as 'I love you', but
I appreciate them all."
Master P. is a contestant in the upcoming reality competition “Dancing With the Stars,” debuting on ABC in 2006. Three-time Super Bowlchamp Jerry Rice, WWE star Stacy Keibler, actress Tia Carrere and Emmy Award-winning journalist Giselle Fernandez are also competing. Last season, the show averaged almost 17 million viewers, weekly making it one of the year’s most successful reality series.Dancing with the Stars” debuts with a two-hour special on Jan. 5 at 8pm EST on ABC. “The Dancing with the Stars Result Show”premieres Jan. 6.
.RIP :Rosa Parks Civil Rights Activist dies at age 92....Honors due...Ms Parks was arrested and taken to jail for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a bus and was the big part of the whole Civils Rights movement with Dr Martin Luther King Jr ..................
Rapper Cameron was shot in the arm after an attempted car jacking in Washington DC. The Rapper Cameron was leaving a night club in his Lamborghini as two men pulled up at the stop light and pulled out a gun and demanded the car. Cameron sped off and the gunman started shooting hitting the car and Cameron in the arm.
Rapper Cassidy faces homicide charges in connection with the murder of a Philadelphia PA man. Cassidy has a hit record "Im A Hustla"... For more details check that other website that does news, you know which one....The Media has a way of twisting things we just give you some facts and a little scoop around herr....Listen to Wendy Williams for all the facts and scoop....Hey Wendy can we get a link for the plug...
Young Buck turned hisself into Santa Monica Police Dept on Friday Nov 19 and was released on 500,000 bail......Buck faces charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The rapper was wanted in connection with the Vibe Awards stabbing..........
R.I.P....Wu Tang Member O.D.B. collapsed and died in 36 Chambers studio Sat. evening Nov 13, 2004
On a recent song titled "Toy Soldiers" from Eminem's latest album Encore Eminem states the beef is over with Benzino, The Source and Ja Rule and he will have nothing else to say about it, Benzino on a recent NY radio show said he is open to have a meeting with Eminem to squash the beef..........
NBA players lose it when the Indiana Pacers met the Detroit Pistons in Detroit. A brawl between Indiana players and Detroit fans erupted after Ben Wallace shoved Artest. The fans were throwing things at Indiana Players and the brawl began. Artest ran into the stands after getting hit with a cup full of liquid and attacked a fan meanwhile fans jumped on Artest. Several fights broke out in the stands and on the court. Several stiff fines and suspensions were layed down, the NBA suspended Ron Artest for the rest of the season. Indiana's Stephen Jackson for 30 games and Jermaine O'Neal for 25. Detroit's Ben Wallace for six-game and Pacers guard Anthony Johnson got five games. Reggie Miller, and Detroit's Chauncey Billups, Elden Campbell and Derrick Coleman were suspended one game apiece for leaving the bench during the initial fight.
Vibe Awards gone wild click for details
Boxer Roy Jones Jr stepped to Fat Joe at Ja Rules Album Release party and questioned Fat Joe about his lyrics about him on Ja Rules Hit "NEW YORK NEW YORK " after questioned Fat Joe paused and then said "You was forced to Lean Back, Twice!! Roy Jones with no more questions walked away pissed, verse "True story im bringing the T back, even Roy Jones was forced to Lean Back"....
The beef continues between Aftermath G-Unit rapper The Game and Bay Area rapper Yukmouth from The Regime...On a recent record that the two rappers appeared on where the verses were recorded separately, The Game decided to continue the beef dissin Yukmouth on the very track they both appeared on..Yumouth upset with the diss because he thought the beef was over has reportedly released a straight- to- internet video dissin The Game with a Game look-a-alike.....
Murphy Lee of The St. Lunatics was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs after police claim they found close to 35 grams of marijuana in Murphy Lee's Mercedes Benz............
Lil’ Flip has been hit with a 1.5 million dollar lawsuit for copyright infringement due to alleged unauthorized use of three melodies on his major label debut album titled "Undaground Legend " the lawsuit alleged willful infringement of copyrights by a music producer and songwriter based in Louisanna....This is Lil Flips second time he has been hit with a lawsuit for copyright infringment, the first time was by NamCo America against Lil’ Flip and Sony, alleging the rapper illegally used copyrighted sounds from video games Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man................
LL Cool J had to cancel his tour to an abdominal illness which he is currently under a doctors care and taking medication........
Jay Z and promoters of The Best of Both Worlds Tour have decided to cancel the remaining tour dates to appear with R.Kelly and will appear alone...R Kelly is suing Roc-a-fella for 75 million dollars for losts from concerts and damages resulting from the concert at Madison Square Garden were R. Kelly was pepper sprayed by a member of Jay Z's camp, The suit was filed in New York Supreme Court.............
A Norwegian Rap Group are facing crininal charges for setting up a website called killhim.nu which urged readers to donate money towards hmmmm,, doing something to U.S. President George W. Bush who was recently elected for a second term...The website read Shooting this man is not just self defense, but is the only reasonable thing to do" Washington's Oslo embassy filed a police complaint against the rap group Gatas Parlament accusing them of threatening President Bush...the website has been shut down and replaced with a police order...in defense the Nowegian rap group said the site was working in conjunction with another norwegian site that was raising money for a U.S. advertising campaign to inform Bush that a majority of Norwegians were against the war in Iraq....The Oslo police said they plan to investigate the police complaint and interview the rap group before determining whether to charge them, if found guilty the group faces a fine and maximum prison sentence of two years for threating a Government Offical.......
SEPT
Nervous, the label that brought Hip-Hop the first releases from Black Moon as well as hits from Mad Lion, Smif-N-Wessun & others, is re-entering Hip-Hop. "We're going to do it the same way that we did Nervous in the past," said Nervous President Michael Weiss "We're going to get the 12"s out to the DJs." The first releases from the label are from Shyheim, Posion Pen & EPMD/PMD.............
Police arrested a man they claim scammed hundreds of people out of a Lil' Jon concert in Fargo, ND. Scott Elkins, a former radio DJ from Texas known as Hollywood Haze, allegedly falsely represented Lil' Jon & stole $12,000 in ticket sales. "I just want to tell our fans we love them said Lil Jon, If we say we're going to do something, we gonna do it." Elkins faces felony charges............
.Jay-Z & R. Kelly have revived their collaboration effort & will kick off the nationwide "Best of Both World's" tour together on September 30. The tour starts in Chicago & will hit 40 cities in the U.S. before winding down in Phoenix, Arizona on November 28th. The "Best of Both Worlds" tour is Jay-Z's first major outing since his "retirement" concert at Madison Square Garden in 2003..............
Martha Cooper, who photographed the early NY graffiti scene, will host a free seven-day exhibit in London featuring hundreds of photos of graffiti art. "Martha's contribution to the expansion & influence of the urban art form becoming a global phenomenon can't be understated," said legendary writer Futura 2000. Cooper is preparing to release her book, "Hip-Hop Files."
AUG
In the August 16 issue of Newsweek, LA Reid confirmed that Def Jam was close to buying out the partners in Roc-A-Fella Records & negotiating deals to keep them at the label...............T
he Beastie Boys "To the 5 Boroughs" is approaching platinum status, with 792,000 copies sold. The group has sold a total of 22 million records throughout their career...............
A woman in the UK has been banned from owning a TV, stereo or radio for two years, after repeatedly playing "Stan" by Eminem so loud that it made neighbors furniture vibrate across the floor. Officials measured the noise from a neighbors flat & found the levels to be 65 decibels - the legal level a passing airplane is allowed to make............
Death Row Records has pushed up the release date of "Live," a new album of previously unreleased live material from Tupac Shakur, due to rampant bootlegging. The performance was recorded in 1996 & includes live versions of well known Tupac songs such as "So Many Tears," "Hit 'Em Up," "2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted" and "California Love." The original release date was August 10th but now the album will on Friday August 6th in an effort to cut into illegal sales & downloads...........
Sean Combs bought a 21-room mansion for $8.95 million dollars in Alpine, New Jersey. Diddy's latest acquisition is a roomy 17,000-square-foot house with eight bedrooms, 91/2-bath, over 31 acres, an indoor basketball and racquetball court, a full gym with sauna, a pool with a waterfall and separate spa, a 700-gallon aquarium, and other amenities.............
Kanye West has commissioned a painter to re-create Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel in his L.A. home. "It will hang on the ceiling in my dining room," said West. "It's gonna have over 50 cherubs and saints.".................
R&B legend Rick James died today Aug 6, 2004 apparently of natural causes according to sources. James, 56, died at 9:45 am at a residence near Universal City in California. "He died apparently of natural causes. We learned of his death after responding to a radio call," said police officer Esther Reyes said....
Bryan "Baby" Williams, CEO of Cash Money settled an $85,000 jewelry bill with a Florida jeweler. Williams ordered a $23,500 pendant made of 18-karat white gold with diamonds that formed the initials BM along with nine white gold diamond pendants that had Cash Money Records inscribed. A settlement was reached and Williams will pay $57,500 and receive the jewels............
De La Soul will release their 8th LP, "The Grind Date," with a high-end signing to the Matthew Knowles-headed Sanctuary Urban Records Group. The group is also producing a custom shoe with Nike called the 'De La Dunk' & will teach a class on Hip-Hop this Fall at NYU. "The Grind Date" hits stores 9/28 & features Spike Lee, Common, MF Doom, Ghostface & others.............
Cash Money has further bolstered their R&B repertoire with the signing of R&B songstress Lil' Mo. Sighting a lack of support from her former label, the defunct Elektra Records, the New York native said she intends to refocus her musical career. Her Cash Money debut is tentatively titled "Syndicated: The Lil' Mo Hour" and is scheduled for an early 2005 release.
Mos Def has been nominated for an Emmy Award, an honor which is bestowed to the finest actors in the profession. The rapper stands poised to win the Actor, Miniseries or a Movie category for his role in "Something the Lord Made," an HBO special. Mos played Vivien Thomas, an African-American man who was a pioneer in the field of heart surgery despite never attending medical school.....
The life of Moammar Gadhafi, leader of Libya, will be turned into a musical by the English National Opera. Dance/Hip-Hop collective Asian Dub Foundation has been selected to create the opera & rapper JC001 tentatively has the lead role of Gadhafi. The work will trace Gadhafi's rise to power. The opera's chorus will play the role of Gadhafi's world renowned team of glamorous female bodyguards. Gadhafi's opera is slated for February of 2006........
Hit up the Rapscene Forum and check out the latest posting FREESTYLE SESSION going down in Cali in Aug with Live performances by Black Eyed Peas...Blackalious....DJ Jazzy Jeff......Slick Rick...Big Daddy Kane and more ..enter the forum for more info ...........
Former Epic/Sony recording artist Grafh has departed his former home and inked a distribution deal with Roc-A-Fella Records. "I moved my label Blackhand to get distribution from Roc-A-Fella, because they understand the street grind. Clearly, it's a benefit to be on their team," said Grafh . While there is no release date set, Grafh has already recorded with Roc producers and he recently hosted a mixtape by DJ Green Lantern...............
Eminem will make his first foray into radio with a new, nationwide 24-hour Hip-Hop music & lifestyle channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. "Once upon a time not too long ago, the feds wanted all my music off the air," Eminem said. "Now we'll be on Sirius 24 hours a day, playing the best Hip-Hop featuring me & everyone else, freely saying whatever the hell we want.
.Juvenile has signed an exclusive long-term contract with Atlantic Records to distribute his label, UTP (Uptown Projects)...................
The Estate of Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace won a decision to bring a wrongful death suit against the LAPD, after an officer was implicated in the rapper's murder. "It appeared that police radios were used to monitor the location and response of law enforcement to the shooting, as well as to facilitate escaping after the shooting, concealing the vehicle, and disposing of the weapon," Judge Florence-Marie Cooper said.........
A probe by The California Department of Corrections resulted in the dismissal of four state parole agents moonlighting as security for Snoop. The agents were part of Snoop's heavily armed entourage during last year's BET Awards. One officer was fired for working while collecting disability. Eight other officers who worked in the Inglewood, California Unified School District have already been fired due to their association with Snoop as security..........
Capitol Gainz Ent. has produced an animated video for G-Unit's song "My Buddy." The video is described as an "ode to your strap (gun)" & features G-Unit members attempting to free Tony Yayo from prison. In related news Lloyd Banks' solo debut "Hunger For More" debuts at #1
JULY
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' annual "White Party" will distinguish itself from other events this year, by presenting attendees with a viewing of a copy of the United States' original Declaration of Independence. The copy Combs will show off July 4th is owned by TV producer Norman Lear, responsible for such hits as "All In The Family," "Maude," & "Sanford & Son"............
One guard was fired & three were suspended over a video rapper TI filmed in a Georgia jail. Sergeant Robert Sullivan was fired Friday (June 25). Sullivan oversaw the maximum security zone where TI shot a promotional video for a concert. One of the suspended guards said he was TI’s godfather...............
Snoop Dogg recently announced his own footwear line, "The One & Only" with Pony. A nationwide marketing and advertising campaign featuring Snoop Dogg is currently being produced to support the line, which will hit stores in a limited run in early 2005. "I wore Pony's back in the day playing football and always liked their style," Snoop said. "I'm excited to be a partner in bringing the brand back."..............
The Isley Brothers will release ten Hip-Hop remixes of their classic songs on "Taken To The Next Phase (Reconstructions." Mos Def, will.i.am, Ahmir "?uest Love" Thompson, De La Soul Raphael Saadiq and others contribute...........
Trina will host "Queen of Clubs," as part of a new block of programming for Playboy TV. The show features women vying for the title of "Queen of [night] Clubs." Contenders must create an erotic video to be judged by Kurupt, Bone Crusher, Jagged Edge & others. The programs start July 10............
Public Enemy's Chuck D. will take over programming at cable channel Trio for a week & will show films relating to the African-American experience in the US. The first film to be shown is "The N Word," a world premiere documentary by author Stanley Crouch. Chuck's programming begins every night at 9:00 pm starting today (July 2) through July 10...........
A mixtape remix of Usher's "Confessions" is being scrutinized by pro-life groups, based on rhymes by Joe Budden. The groups want a boycott of radio stations that play the song, claiming it advocates violence against pregnant women. "I'm just saying what a guy's mind state is when he's put in that situation," said Budden. "I don't support [violence against women].".....................
Rappers in the Democratic Republic of Congo are petitioning the government, as a ban of all Congolese Hip-Hop & foreign music is being enforced. The Committee of Censorship instituted the ban earlier this month, claiming the music is ‘obscene & violent, & causes the youth to behave badly.’ According to one account, the program director of privately owned Tropical Channel TV in the capital city of Kinshasa, was detained for several hours last week for violating the ban.
JUNE
G-Unit's Young Buck & 50 Cent have started G-Unit South, in an effort to expand the gangstas' businesses below the Mason Dixon line. "I want to see more artists from where I am from (Nashville, TN) get into the game, as well as other artists that just deserve something else," said Young Buck. "I love the music before the money so I got a real heart for the s**t."
Jadakiss' "Why" is the subject of various media outlets attention, due to one line in particular - "Why did Bush knock down the towers?" The song joins Michael Moore's anti-Bush film "Fahrenheit 9/11" in questioning George W. Bush's role in 9/11. "There was no question whether it was going on the LP or not,"said Jadakiss
DMX had additional charges slapped on him, due to an altercation with another driver at Kennedy Airport in NY. The man allegedly tried to block DMX from parking. DMX flipped on flashing lights & a siren that were illegally placed on the SUV & chased the man, crashing through a toll booth. DMX was charged with drug & weapons violations & released. When police arrived, they found DMX trying to pull the driver out of his car. The additional charges were added when police found crack cocaine, painkillers and a billy club in his vehicle.
Skillz has replied to an alleged dis on a mixtape from basketball star/ rapper Shaquille O'Neal. "The Champs Is Here," incorporates Ben Wallace of NBA World Champion Detroit Pistons. "When you see me you have nothing to say/treat me like your lazy eye & start going the other way" Skillz rhymes. "You throw a dart at me, I throw a harpoon at you," said Skillz. "I don't go looking for beef, this one was brought to me...this ain't even exercise to be honest with you."
KRS-1 plays host on a new DVD, "Blaze Battles: Round 1." The Blaze Battles, developed by the creators of Vibe Magazine, originally aired on HBO in 2000 and put sixteen top freestyle MC's from Detroit, Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando and New York against one another, each hoping to be crowned Blaze Battle World Champion. "Blaze Battles: Round 1" is in stores now.
A judge in Louisiana set a date for the second murder trial of Corey "C-Murder" Miller. The rapper will stand trial on murder charges starting on September 13, 2005. He was convicted last September for the shooting death of a 16-year-old in 2002. A new trial was ordered after the prosecution withheld evidence from the defense. Miller pleaded innocent & faces a mandatory life sentence if convicted.
Last week, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' Sean John clothing line landed him the prestigious Menswear Designer of the Year Award, a first for an African-American. "This sends a signal to kids all over America...they too can be a successful fashion designer regardless of their race," said Combs. Combs, who has been nominated four times in the past, topped Ralph Lauren & Michael Kors........
Despite what was perceived as a bi-coastal rap war, the East Coast had love for Tupac and it continues as a star-studded group will celebrate the Hip-Hop martyr’s 33rd birthday. Chuck D, The Outlawz, Digital Underground, Sway and others will celebrate Tupac’s birthday @ The Coral Room in NYC. Tupac died on September 13, 1996..........
Paris Hilton, heiress to the billion dollar Hilton Hotel fortune & star of the hit TV show "The Simple Life," is working on an album with Lil Jon. "We met at the MTV Movie Awards where we were hosting pre-show," said Lil Jon "We talked about me doing some s**t on her album, we hooked up & its goin down." Hilton is negotiating with a major label to release her album, titled "Screwed.".......
Lil Kim was denied permission to travel to perform in the Caribbean resort of St. Kitts by a federal judge. Judge Gerard E. Lynch said Kim could not leave the United States, after she posted $500,000 bond due to perjury charges. Authorities claim Kim lied to a Grand Jury about her knowledge of a 2001 daylight shooting. The decision will cost Lil Kim $35,000 in performance fees and she is now liable for monetary damages for failing to perform, should promoters attempt to sue her. Lil Kim has pleaded innocent...........
.Snoop Dogg and Slim Thug have inked deals with Star Trak, the label owned by multi-platinum producers the Neptunes. Snoop will drop an untitled solo album before the year is over. The two albums come on the heels of Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo taking their burgeoning empire from Arista and hopping over to Universal, in a deal worth an estimated $3 million dollars..........
Hip-Hop fans will be treated to free outdoor concerts during the National Hip Hop Political Convention. Wyclef, Rah Digga, Black Moon, Tony Touch, MC Lyte, Nice N' Smooth & others will perform during the four day event, which takes place June 16-19 in Newark, NJ. The convention will set a political agenda for the Hip-Hop community.
Continuing their tradition of pitting rappers against other celebrities,creators of "The Surreal Life" have announced the cast of the third season, which includes Public Enemy member Flavor Flav. Flavor will join an all new cast that includes Dave Coulier (Full House), Brigitte Nielsen (Red Sonja), Ryan Starr (American Idol), Jordan Knight (New Kids On The Block) and Charo (flamenco guitar master who has made the most appearances ever on "Love Boat")...........
Hammer was hit with a lawsuit due to allegations he placed his home in a trust fund to avoid collection of a debt. A California company said it shipped almost 600,000 CD's in November of 2001, when Hammer dropped another album, "Active Duty," on his own label. The lawsuit alleges he used his Stanley Burrell Irrevocable Children's Trust fund to hide ownership of his home.........
TI, accused of taping an unauthorized video in jail, caused more controversy during a "welcome back" appearance at Atlanta's 107.9's 9th birthday bash. During his set, TI dissed Lil Flip, showing pictures of the Houston rapper in a green leprechaun suit. "He was opening up his shows saying 'Who's the King of the South?'" said TI "When my name was mentioned, he'd say, 'Oh yeah, well tell that ni**a TI I wrote this song for him and it's [Flip's hit] 'Game Over.'" The show was abruptly ended before Flip, who was also scheduled to perform, could reply. TI's LP, "Urban Legend" is due in Nov.
Beanie Sigel celebrated a victory in his attempted-murder case in April, but the rapper has not escaped the clutches of the law yet. The Philadelphia district attorney's office set a new trial date in a second attempt to convict Sigel for allegedly shooting a man outside of a West Philadelphia bar last July. The new trial will begin on January 12, 2005.
The Outlawz are still ironing out details of a deal with Cash Money Records and have not officially joined the Cash Money roster. "Honestly, this thing has leaked too early. The deal isn't done yet,"said E.D.I.. "I'm getting questions from all over. We are definitely in negotiations and looking forward to nailing this s**t down."
Riverhead Trade recently launched Riverhead/Freestyle, a new literary division of publishing giant Penguin Group. The new division will focus on feeding a growing demand of books for "Hip-Hop" consumers. The company just published the first title, "Blinking Red Light." The company will also release "The Wu-Tang Manual," a book about the origins and story of the Wu-Tang by Wu themselves.
R.I.P. Ledgendary Grammy Winner Soul/R&B musicain Ray Charles died Thursday at the age of 73....His music will live on forever.......
Former President Ronald Reagan pasted at 93yr old making him the longest living President in history.......
Russell Simmons led an all-star Hip-Hop cast at the Ohio Hip-Hop Summit encouraging potential voters to seek a "regime change" in the U.S."The biggest power in America today is Hip-Hop," Simmons said. "Hip-Hop is more respected than President George Bush." ..Kanye West, Loon, Layzie Bone, Damon Dash, Rev. Run & others also showed up to remind over 10,000 attendees the importance of voting. An estimated 12 million new voters been registered in 50 states.......
.MTV announced pilots for two Hip-Hop headed programs. Former P.Diddy manservant Farnsworth Bentley will host & executive produce "Borrow My Crew." Bentley's "glam squad" will give viewers image makeovers. The network is also developing a vehicle for Roc-A-Fella rapper Jay-Z. The untitled show would bring artists from different musical genres together to create new sounds......
In an interview with Angie Martinez on Hot 97, Shyne said he would call the station on August 10 to speak about 1999’s shooting & his relationship with P. Diddy for the last time. "This the last time I'ma talk about it," Shyne explained. "I'll put my heart on my sleeve, which is something I normally don't do."..........
Prisoners at Lansing Correctional Facility in Leavenworth, Kansas have launched a clothing line & will use Hip-Hop to send a message to at-risk youth. "Brak Outt" (pronounced break out) is a clothing line created by inmates & approved by Warden Dave McKune. The founders said they wanted to convey the message that "there is no glory in prison, that having served time is not a status symbol & that wearing the label of ex-convict doesn't ake you a man or woman.".......
While police in the US have taken to monitoring rappers in cities across the country, police in the Philippines will compete for the title of best rap artist. The National Capital Region Police Office is coordinating the "Kuya Ko 2 Rap Contest," in an attempt to find the best emcee in Metro Manila's police units during the Philippines 106th celebration of Independence Day.
The National Hip-Hop Political Convention takes place at Rutgers in Newark, NJ, from Tupac's birthday (June 16) ...until (June 19), the oldest celebration of the ending of slavery. Activists, executives, workers, artists, professionals & educators will discuss & attempt to develop a national political agenda for the Hip-Hop community. The convention boasts workshops, film festivals & concerts...for more info check out www.hiphopconvention.org.........
Many leaders in the Black community are livid over MGM's alleged refusal to discuss the stereotypical imagery in their movie "Soul Plane." "The failure of MGM officials to address the legitimate concerns of film patrons about 'Soul Plane' is offensive and insulting," Earl Ofari Hutchinson of the National Alliance for Positive Action told eurweb.com . Filmmaker Spike Lee called the movie an "advanced stage of coonery and buffoonery." MGM had no comment.
Bishop E. Bernard Jordan will present Reverend Run with the "Protégé of the Year" award during a June 12 ceremony honoring the work of prosperity teacher Reverend Ike. "The principles they taught me, work," said Run. "I applied the principles to Phat Farm and look at the sneaker division now. Reverend Ike is my Daddy, Bishop Jordan is his son and I'm the grandson."
Tommy Hill, member of Philly rap group RAM Squad, pleaded guilty to cocaine charges & is cooperating with federal authorities. "I did what I did," Wilson told the judge. "I know it was wrong. I just want to get this behind me & move on with my life." Wilson is facing a minimum of 10 years. Prosecutors will seek to reduce his sentence, based on the level of cooperation he provides.
A $450,000 civil judgment against Sean "P. Diddy" Combs was overturned in Raleigh, North Carolina. Limousine driver Cedrick Bobby Lemon filed a lawsuit against Combs in relation to an incident in 1995. Lemon claimed he was assaulted by bodyguards Combs had hired to protect Mary J. Blige at a concert in Winston-Salem. Lemon was originally awarded $2,000,000 in punitive damages, which was reduced to $450,000 in August of 2003 until yesterday's ruling..........
Nelly's Pimp Juice will start selling in Australia, Japan, China & Israel this month. The Middle East, the Far East and Europe will also be stocked with the drink by fall of 2004...........
Suge Knight's Death Row Records was ordered to pay $162,000 to a man that claimed Knight and a crew of bodyguards attacked him at a recording studio three years ago. The verdict was issued last Tuesday by a Jury in Los Angeles that did not hold Knight personally liable for the attack, but ruled that Death Row was accountable for the actions of the security guards they employ
Shyheim, an affiliate of Wu-Tang Clan, will launch an online reality series that will feature Hip-Hop luminaries like RZA, Method Man, Redman, Easy Mo Bee and others. "I want to show everyone from New York to Yugoslavia what it's like for a Hip-Hop artist to be on the grind," Shyheim said. "It ain't gonna be like no Makin' Da Band...it'll be more real.".
Lil' Kim has exemplified Hip-Hop's high-end glamour and now she has launched her own line of watches. The Queen B Royalty Watch, the rapper's signature line, will flaunt an alluring design with a face that is bordered with replica diamonds. Additionally, Kim helped design the initial watches. In the near future, Kim plans to drop a new album of her greatest hits with emerging rap talent.
MAY
P.P.C.A..N.J. PROMOTING POSITIVE CULTURAL ARTS OF NEW JERSEY PRESENTS: THE DJ SHOWCASE at The 38th Annual African American Heritage Day Parade and Festival on Memorial Day Monday, May 31, 2004, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Weequahic Park located at Elizabeth and Meeker Avenue in Newark, NJ 07105. Admission is FREE and open to all ages. ....
Shure, one of the leading suppliers of DJ related products, will introduce "Vinyl Kombat," a new all ages DJ competition in the United States. Contestants are barred from using profanity during their battle routines. World Champion DJ A-Trak of the Allies will be featured during the competitions. "I started DJing when I was 13 & I wish there had been battles like this back then because it's so hard to be exposed to this music when you're underage," A-Trak said.
DJ Scratch, longtime DJ for EPMD & general turntable wizard, is working on a "scratch-umentry" about his 20 plus years behind the turntables. "THE DJ: THE DJ Scratch Story’ contains a long list of people he has worked with & DJ's that have inspired, Scratch. Also never-before-seen footage of me Scratch cuttin' it up. Interviews with Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z, Redman, EPMD & others are featured on the DVD which drops this fall.......
Da Band's Dylan and DJ Sickamore have released a mixtape called "Life After Diddy." "I wouldn't say that we have beef, it's more like creative differences," said Dylan. "I felt disrespected by some things he said on TV, so I responded." .......Officials in Indianapolis, IN are considering charges against Twista's tour bus driver, after some 200 gallons of sewage flowed out of the rapper's tour bus & on to a city street.....
An associate of The Inc. & Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff entered the Witness Protection Program & is cooperating with prosecutors. Jon Ragin, co-producer of the movie "Crime Partners," was arrested last year on money laundering & fraud charges. Ragin has been aiding prosecutors for 6 months in their investigation of The Inc. & McGriff related to drugs & murder.
Wyclef has launched Clef Records, a venture that is as close to being vertically integrated as possible. Wyclef & long-time collaborator Jerry Wonder produce everything, which is recorded at Clef's studio & they press it up themselves to shop to a distributor. "I read the Russell Simmons book, the Berry Gordy book," said Wyclef "I was like 'What's the next level?' Focus." The first acts on Clef Records are female rapper Trini Don & Bronx R&B group 3 On 3.
2004 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) is now accepting submissions. ISC's mission is to provide songwriters and musicians exposure in the international arena and to have their music heard by some of the most prominent and influential members of the music industry. The prestigious panel of judges that so far consist of Sean "P.Diddy" Combs (Grammy award-winning Artist, Producer/Songwriter) Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC) Aaron Lewis (Staind) Sully Erna (Godsmack) John Ondrasik (Five for Fighting) Macy Gray (Grammy award-winning Artist) Scott Kirkland (The Crystal Method) Monte Lipman (President, Universal Records) Stacey Earle (Americana Artist) Clint Black (Grammy award-winning Country Artist) Tracy Gershon (Sr. Dir. A&R/Artist Rel., Sony Records Nashville/Producer and more...for more info go to www.songwritingcompetition.com.......
Rapper Foxy Brown will introduce a custom line of furs & possibly an accessory line called Champaign & Ice. Partnering with Alexis & Ganni for the collection, the exotic line will include pieces include mink & chinchilla, with prices ranging from $2000 to $12,000. To promote her latest venture, Foxy will do six in store appearances across the country to create buzz about the line, which will be sold to most upscale clothing outlets in the United States this year....
.A rapper in Cleveland, OH was indicted last week after leaving what authorities allege were threatening CD's in a high school parking lot. In Jan., Kevin Beebe, 19, left CD's on car windshields that prosecutors claim contained violent language, reference to suicide, the Columbine school shootings & aggressive lyrics aimed at students, the principle & local police. Beebe surrendered in March & was charged with two felony counts of inducing panic & two misdemeanors........
Ruff Ryders go POP........Ruff Ryders Records hopes to make an impact in pop music & recently launched the Ruff Pop label. Female singer LT is the first pop act signed. "Being the first signed pop artist to Ruff Ryders, I look forward to bringing those same qualities to the label and the listeners, in my own unique style," LT said.........
Ice-T is producing an album for former "Knight Ride" & "Bay Watch" star David Hasselhoff, who will rap under the name "Hassel The Hoff." Ice-T said that Hasselhoff would surprise people with his "rap skill and humor."
Jermaine Dupri has become the co-owner of his own liquor brand, 3 Vodka. 3 Vodka is the only vodka in the world distilled from soy, is the first spirit to boast zero carbohydrates & is even endorsed by the American Vegetarian Association. "I started working out, stopped drinking & was introduced to this as a no carbohydrate vodka that I could drink & not get fat," said Dupri. "I was like 'oh sh*t my people need to know about this."
Clothing designer Marc Ecko entered into a joint venture with Atari to produce "Marc Ecko's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure," based on Hip-Hop & graffiti art. "This game will be genre defining. Revolutionary. We will put the flag in the ground of popular culture with 'Getting Up,'" said Ecko.
Tupac Shakur's poetry was included in Worcester, Massachusetts' public school systems summer reading list this year. The decision raised the eyebrows of school committee members & the decision will undergo a literary review by the district's English department. Tupac Shakur has sold more records than such cultural icons as Prince, Ozzy Osbourne, Britney Spears, The Doors and Frank Sinatra.
Egyptian rap group MTM won best modern Arabic act at the first Arabian Music Awards in Dubai. "It's really close to young people because it speaks their language and it speaks about their real-life problems and social life from their point of view," group member Takki told Reuters. "We really needed this in the Arab world."
Eminem & 50 Cent will host the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's Detroit Hip-Hop Summit. On May 22, the summit will make its second stop in Detroit at the Fox Theater with the goal of registering 50,000 new voters. "I know people been down on Eminem, but all I ever see is him giving back, said HSAN founder Russell Simmons. "They can talk about me, but Eminem is a giver & I'm proud to work with him." Loon, Rev. Run, D12 & others will appear.
The Eyejammie Fine Arts Gallery in New York City will present "Urban Blight--The Graffiti Photography of Ernie Paniccioli." The exhibition showcases 30 photos of rare graffiti pieces, shot over 30 years. "I've always been moved by the rawness & the power of graffiti," said D Paniccioli ."Urban Blight" runs May 21 through July 1.......
The 2004 National Hip-Hop Political Convention will take place at Rutgers University in Newark, NJ from June 16-19. In addition to Princeton professor Dr.Cornel West, Kevin Powell, Sway of The Wake Up Show/MTV, M1 of dead prez, Afeni Shakur, the convention boasts performances by Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Public Enemy and Nas...........
Over 24 states in America aim to sue tobacco giant Brown & Williamson over a marketing campaign that used Hip-Hop to market cigarettes & allegedly targeted youth under the legal smoking age of 18. Under the Kool brand, Brown & Williamson held emcee battles & DJ competitions across the country, boasting that the contest was the "most prestigious DJ competition." Brown & Williamson denied the charges, claiming they were targeting potential smokers over the age of 21.....
Andre 3000 of Outkast is negotiating with the Cartoon Network to develop his own project for the cable channel. The rapper is developing an untitled half-hour cartoon that may be featured on Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim," a more mature evening telecast. The eccentric rapper's own life is reportedly the inspiration for the cartoon & is expected to be based around his alter ego, the guitar-playing Johnny Vulture, whom Andre 3000 played in the video for "Hey Ya.".......
DJ Kay Slay has signed rapper Papoose as the first artist on his new label, Street Sweepers Ent. Papoose was better known for his tenure with Kool G Rap, as he was featured on G's "Roots of Evil." "He was in front of Hot 97 every week," said Kay Slay. "I listened because he was starting to become a menace. I was like 'Damn, he's nice.'"
Two leading video game developers have teamed to produce "Get On Da Mic,"a Hip-Hop music video game. The title will be available for all gaming systems & allows players to live a fantasy lifestyle based on their ability to rap. Players must rhyme to impress crowds in various settings features shady agents, powerful producers & even groupies....
Suge Knight has been released from prison and is planning a star studded compilation to benefit families of U.S military members fighting in Iraq. Knight said he would spend the next few months pulling artists together with hopes of releasing the album by Christmas. "I'm concerned about the families they've left behind," Knight said. "So many of them are suffering, not only emotionally but also financially..........
VHS1 will honor Hip-Hop's pioneers with a new awards show "VH1 Hip-Hop Honors." Network president Christina Norman said the event will be annual was a perfect fit for the network & their push into pop culture. The awards will focus on the pioneers who are often overlooked & will air along with a 5-part documentary on the history of Hip-Hop. The show is scheduled for October 8............
.Jurors in the attempted murder trial of Beanie Sigel said they cannot reach a verdict on any of the charges related to the case after two days of deliberation. Common Pleas Court Judge Karen Shreeves-Johns told the jurors to keep trying, saying they had only deliberated six hours and that it would be inappropriate to dismiss them from the case too fast........
T.I. was sentenced to 3 years in prison today for violating his probation. The Atlanta based rapper turned himself in to authorities on March 30, due to what he described as numerous warrants. "Sometimes the past comes back to haunt you, you just gotta deal with those skeletons in your closet," T.I. said. He must serve at least 1 year & will be eligible for a work release program.....
Federal prosecutors won a key ruling against Murder Inc. in a drug money laundering probe. A judge ruled a statement allegedly made by Tyrone "Tah Tah" Moore was admissible. Agents claim Moore said he collected money on behalf of Irv Gotti.......Bizzy Bone denied signing with B2K’s label. "It is not true, at all," said Bizzy, "I had talked to a member on the phone a few times. He wanted to do a deal with me. I said, ‘You know what? I’ve been in this game for twelve years professionally. Send me paperwork because [it] rules this game.’ I never got a call back from this kid.".........
Common, Mos Def, De La Soul, & Q-Tip have collaborated with N*E*R*D over their alt-rock instrumental "She Wants To Move." The song debuted on HotMc.com, one of the leading Italian hip-hop websites. The official song premier was a collaborative effort between Virgin Music Italy and the site......
.Kanye West & Jacob The Jeweler have joined forces to produce a line of religious-themed" jewelry, which includes diamond studded Jesus pendants. The gold piece features a crown of diamond-set thorns on Jesus' head, two sparkling diamond eyes & red rubies that form tears flowing from the Savior's eye. Diamonds & other gems are sprinkled throughout Jesus' hair, beard & face to complete the shiny work of art. A name for the line has yet to announced.....
Two British men detained in the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, allege they were tortured & forced to listen to Eminem at deafening levels. The men described their abuse in an open letter to George Bush released by the NY based Center for Constitutional Rights, which is providing counsel for the men. In December of 2003, a Lebanese man who was on a pilgrimage to Islamic holy sites & was instead detained by U.S. troops, made the same accusations.
Heavy D. has signed a deal with Sean "P. Diddy" Combs' Bad Boy label. In a ground breaking agreement, Heavy will receive 100 percent of the profits from his Bad Boy release after the label recoups costs for producing the untitled LP. "Puff & I have been friends forever, were family," said Heavy D. "He gave me the most incredible deal." A single from the LP titled "It's Your Birthday," was recently leaked to radio. The LP is slated for a fall release.
The family of Eric "Eazy-E" Wright has launched EazyStreetkids, a charity to raise money for the Compton, CA. school system. "We are trying to show that although he's not here, his offspring are still trying to carry out his work," co-founder Tracy Jernagin told AllHipHop.com. "They all have different mothers, but they are still brothers and sisters."
Paris' Guerrilla Funk Recordings has reached a deal with rapper MC Ren and will produce, manufacture and distribute a new album by the N.W.A. alumni. The album is the first full-length recording for Ren since 1998, when he released "Ruthless For Life." The untitled album is due in stores in 2005.
According to sources, Def Jam has inked incarcerated rapper Shyne to a deal. Under the deal, Def Jam will create a custom label for the rapper, Gangland Records. The deal is worth a purported $3 million dollars & was brokered by Def Jam President Kevin Liles, who visited Shyne several times during his incarceration & as recently as last week with Def Jam founder Russell Simmons. Shyne was sentenced to 10 years in 2001 after being convicted of a nightclub shooting.
A prank from the MTV show "Punk'd" has reportedly gone wrong when host Ashton Kutcher and crew attempted to trick Black Eyed Peas into a fake arrest. According to published reports, the BEP entourage began fighting with the shows fake cops after the attempted apprehension within a sex brothel.
Lyricist Lounge and Image Entertainment will present the "Dirty States of America," a documentary of Southern Hip-Hop, accompanied by a soundtrack of the same name. Scarface, David Banner, 8Ball, Goodie Mob, Lil Jon, Petey Pablo, Trick Daddy and others are featured to help tell the story of the rise of the South in Hip-Hop music.
C. DeLores Tucker lost another libel lawsuit yesterday after claming two newspapers had falsely reported on her dispute with the estate of Tupac Shakur. Tucker sued Shakur's estate over the song "How Do You Want It," The 1997 lawsuit claimed that the aftermath of that line resulted in loss of "consortium." The Philadelphia Daily News and The Legal Intelligencer reported that the loss of "consortium" meant that Tucker's sex life had been affected by the song.
An Atlantic City, NJ company is introducing C-Lo, a game of chance using three dice into casinos. The game was made popular by Hip-Hop artists who play the game & mention it in their rhymes. "We have had the game trademarked for about 2 years," "They won't be able to keep the game out of the casinos for long, it’s too popular" said Gameologist Group founder Jeff McGill.
APR
Cash Money/Universal Records is proud to
announce the signing of veteran R&B/Pop singer/songwriter Teena Marie to the
label’s roster. The multi-dimensional and versatile California native’s
debut on Cash Money Classics is set to be released early summer.Ms. Marie’s
newest effort, La Doña features collaborations with R&B crooner
Gerald Levert on “A Rose,” rappers MC Lyte and the up and coming underground
Los Angeles based hip-hop artist Medusa on “The Mackin Game
Lil Kim pleaded not guilty to perjury charges related to a daylight shoot-out in Manhattan. Kim is free on $500,000 bond, after surrendering in a federal court in New York. The charges stem from an alleged dispute between her & Foxy Brown, who was not present at the scene of the shooting. Kim testified on three occasions before a federal grand jury that she did not know those involved, but prosecutors pointed to album notes, in which she thanked one of the men...
Miami rapper Jacki-O has inked a deal with TVT Records & will drop her Poe Boy/TVT Records debut "Poe Little Rich Girl" this summer. Jacki-O also stars in a new flick, "Other Side of the Bridge." "It's a movie we did with Dennis Rodman just showing people the other side of the South Beach Bridge," Jacki-O told AllHipHop.com. "A lot of people come to Miami, but they don't see the other side." The plot of the movie centers around two fictional record labels feuding.
The Black Eyed Peas will give what concert organizers dubbed "the first full-scale Hip-Hop concert" in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia next month. The group recently signed on to do their first Southeast Asian tour for Malaysian fans later next month
Lloyd Banks is preparing his LP, "Hunger For More." Banks wrote his album while on the road & said it would reflect a broader view due to his extensive traveling. "I feel like I have an advantage because I've gotten the chance to see Japan and everywhere else," said Banks "All those different things go into my material."
As Twista's "Overnight Celebrity" heats up, the rapper is already preparing the next single from his certified platinum LP, "Kamikaze." "We got 'So Sexy' featuring R. Kelly coming after 'Overnight Celebrity'," Twista explains "We just going to keep it cracking. I'm going to drop my next LP, [tentatively titled] 'Stealing the First Quarter' next year so really I am just staying consistent." Twista will kick off a 21-date tour in Richmond, VA tonight.(Apr 10)
Eminem mooned a German television audience during a recent appearance. Eminem was with D-12 performing their latest single "My Band" on Prosieben when he decided to show his bare assets to millions of viewers. Host Stefan Raad asked Em back to the stage to give the audience more, which he did willingly, accompanied by curse words in German. The rapper later told Raad "we love your country" & complained that flashing is censored in the U.S.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs will make his Broadway stage debut tonight to the public, starring as Walter Lee in the play "Raisin in the Sun." The play kicks off at the Royale Theatre where Combs & cast did their first official run through of the entire play last night. The previews are open to the public, while the play officially opens on 4/26.....
Charges against a man accused of murdering rapper James "Soulja Slim" Tapp have been dropped by prosecutors who claim there was insufficient evidence to prove the crime. Detectives said Garelle Smith had been paid $10,000 to kill the rapper and claimed that his murder had something to do with the record industry and a rival record label. Prosecutors said they dropped the murder charges against Smith as they strengthen their evidence.....
Prince is launching his much anticipated coast-to-coast Musicology tour (30 cities)..............
The Neptunes have defected from Arista, moving their Star Trak label to Jimmy Iovine's Interscope. The Grammy Award winning duo will ink a deal worth an estimated $5 million dollars. Under their new deal, Williams and Hugo will continue to sign and produce Star Trak artists, as well as acts on Interscope and artists affiliated with the label................
In the latest edition of the Village Voice, the NYPD admitted that there is a "Hip-Hop Task Force" that exists within the police department. Until now, the NYPD consistently denied following rappers & their associates. "We have an intelligence division & we have detectives that monitor the music industry," NYPD spokesperson Officer Doris Garcia said.........
Former Run-DMC group member Reverend Run will honor New York Bishop E. Bernard Jordan with a $325,000 Phantom Rolls Royce (March 19)...Run is honoring the prophesizing Bishop for the role he played in bringing the rapper into the church. "Bishop Jordan rejuvenated my life and predicted unimaginable business success," Run said. Jordan has prophesized for former President Bill Clinton, Jessie Jackson, Don King, Lionel Hampton, the United Nations and others...............
A new LP by jailed rapper Project Pat is being produced. "Crook By The Book" consists of new material by Pat, who is serving 4 years. "The lyrics are sh*t he did before he went in," producer DJ Paul told our affiliate. "It's all unreleased." Pat, 36 Mafia & their artists are now managed by Violator, the company that manages 50 Cent, Missy Elliot & others. "Crook By The Book" is expected in stores later this year.......
Wyclef Jean, Buju Banton, Scarface & Haitian group T-Vice will shoot a video for "Next Generation" & "Party By the Sea” in April. "Through music, people are united despite their cultures, views, race or creed," said Wyclef. The video will be filmed in the Little Haiti section of Miami. Shortly, Jean will announce relief effort plans for Haiti......
Redman has signed on to star in "Seed of Chucky," the fifth installment of the "Chucky" horror series. The movie has started production in Romania. Redman will star as himself in the film, which centers around Glen, the orphan doll offspring of Chucky and his bride Tiffany. The flick is scheduled to open in theaters October 29.
Brown & Williamson will dump their "Kool Mixx" marketing campaign that utilized Hip-Hop to promote Kool cigarettes. Maine's Attorney General, who enforces a settlement the tobacco industry reached with 46 states, ordered the campaing halted. Tobacco companies can't target teens using advertising or marketing. Critics said the campaign was aimed at luring black youth into smoking.
Kid Capri and Diadora have partnered to produce Kid Capri's line of sneakers, the "K.C. Steppa." "I have 27,000 sneakers sold to retailers without any promotion or product out yet," said Capri. It's gonna do well because it's a hot shoe and plain just like the hood likes it." Kid Capri's line is part of Diadora's "The Streets: Heritage" sneaker line.
Corey "C-Murder" Miller, younger brother of Master P, has been granted a new trial after being convicted of shooting a teenager to death in a night club. A judge ruled today that Miller deserves a new trial because prosecutors withheld information about witnesses. "He got dealt a bad hand," said Master P. "[The] reality is gonna come out because there is a man up above." Miller has a hearing Monday to determine if he will be freed on bond.
Beanie Sigel has agreed to plead guilty to possession of drugs & being a felon in possession of a gun. Sigel's attorney, Fortunato N. Perri Jr. said that by pleading, Sigel is hoping for a shorter sentence which could amount to almost 3 years behind bars. Sigel will go on trial next week on aggravated assault & attempted murder charges. The charges stem from a July 2 shooting in Philadelphia. The rapper is accused of shooting a man in the stomach & foot.
Outkast won two awards at Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards. “Hey Ya” was named best song & the rap duo took Best Group honors. "Thank you for inviting us to your award show," Andre 3000 told the crowd, made up mostly of screaming kids. "We're having a great time, and it is so great to learn how to read. You have to read, that's it, and count, and all that type of stuff. Stay away from drugs."
Andre 3000 of Outkast is in the final stages of negotiations to play legendary guitar player Jimmy Hendrix on the big screen.
Kay Gee of the Cold Crush Bros. is launching HipOrHop.com, offering downloads of hard to find Hip-Hop battles & performances.
FEB & MAR
Grandmaster Flash is preparing to embark on a 30 date college tour, explaining the history of the turntable. "I breakdown the science of the turntable, the mixer & the needle," said Flash. In related news Flash, Grandwizard Theodore, DJ Radar & D-Styles will appear on a CBS Morning News special about turntablism, scheduled to air 3/28..
According to sources, incarcerated rap mogul Suge Knight is planning to release his own magazine. Titled "Uncut," Knight's publication would be part Hip-Hop, part tabloid. "The major obstacle is that there is a British publication by the same name, so a name change might happen." Knight will emerge from prison in late April. He was sent back to prison in June of 2003 after being accused of violating his parole
Ludacris has signed on to star in "American Radio," a flick about an urban radio team. While the rapper got his start in radio on Atlanta's 97.5, fans should not confuse it with his real life story. "The movie is about an Urban radio team, but it is not based on my life," said Ludacris. We are still waiting for the scripts to be finalized for the movie."
Chuck D. will host his own talk radio show, "Unfiltered" on upstart radio network, Air America Radio. The network will launch in four different markets in the United States on March 31. The show airs during the mid-morning and will showcase conversation about the political and cultural state of the union. Chuck is joined by co-hosts Lizz Winstead and Laura Flanders.
After making anti-homosexual remarks in an April interview with Playboy, 50 Cent is being offered an invitation to attend the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) 15th Annual Media Awards. "We know that confronting homophobia can indeed be uncomfortable," said GLAAD's People of Color Media Manager, C. Riley Snorton. "A good way to start would be to attend GLAAD's annual media awards. I'd like to invite 50 Cent as my personal guest."
Like Busta Rhymes, Rah Digga has left J Records for what she hopes will be greener pastures. "I just saw that [the delays] were a prelude of more problems to come," said Rah Digga "An artist like myself who waited 4 years to drop the next LP just didn't need those kinds of problems." Rah Digga is negotiating a new deal..
The Jam Master Jay For Youth Foundation is seeking to raise $2 million dollars to help youth with college. "We want [the money] to benefit the young people because Jason cared," Jay's mother Connie Mizell-Perry told AllHipHop.com. Mrs. Perry gave AHH a detailed interview about her son, his alleged drug dealing, the investigation & who might have murdered him.
A lawyer for rapper Turk and a suspected gang leader were charged with numerous offenses after authorities allege the men tried to influence the rapper's attempted murder case. Attorney Scott Crawford and Jeffery Holliday, alleged leader of the Gangster Disciples, were charged with weapons, bribery and conspiracy charges. The FBI claims the pair attempted to bribe Lt. Jeff Clark to ensure that Turk was not indicted on attempted murder charges.
B2K launches new label their new label, Super Fam Records. The group has signed a rapper by the name of Sike, who was one of the first acts on Michael Jackson's MJJ Records. J-Boog confirmed that singer Ray J was signed to their label as an artist not as a member of B2K also.
Copies of Trina's "Leaving You" formerly know as "Big Ol' D*ck" have been leaked to radio, despite it not being approved by her label, Atlantic. "We just have to run with it at this point," said Trina. "People want to hear it, so we are going to get it out there while there is a demand." Trina compared the song to Biggie's "Dreams of Sleeping With An &B Chick." "This music industry has to have some humor and not take everything so serious."
Tony Yayo, a member of 50 Cent’s G-Unit, has pleaded guilty to passport fraud being rearrested a day after being released from prison.
Young Hip-Hop fans across the Atlantic seeking to be the next P.Diddy can enroll at Diddymite, a new urban music school that teaches kids song writing & performance skills. The South London school isn't funded by the Bad Boy CEO, but by England's own Ms. Dynamite. The garage raptress founded the school to give young talent a chance to perform behind the mic in an actual studio. Marisha Skyers, along So Solid Crew & Big Brovaz, will serve as guest instructors
Platinum rapper/producer Lil Jon will be expanding his Crunk empire this spring and will host his own syndicated radio show, "Crunk Radio." The 2 hour weekly Hip-Hop/R&B show will pair Lil Jon with Emperor Searcy, a popular host that the rapper has worked with in the past. The show will be syndicated by American Urban Radio Networks (AURN), the United States' only African-American owned radio network company with over 300 shows and 25 million listeners
A major motion picture is being produced by Radar Pictures, titled "Hip-Hop Cops." The movie is based on the real-life division of the New York Police Department that focuses on the Hip-Hop industry. The NYPD denies the existence of the department. "The NYPD Rap Patrol is very real," a law enforcement source told our affiliate. "They have been active for quite sometime and are responsible for several high profile arrests."
Planet Asia is preparing to release his long awaited album, "The Grand Opening" for Avatar Records. "I'm taking it back to the golden era," said Asia "It's golden era hip-hop music as far as the rules of hip-hop that n*ggas live by in terms of being original." The album features Ghostface, Goapele, Rasco and production by Jake One, Supa Dave West and others. :The Grand Opening" hits stores tomorrow (2/24).
Micah "Pastor Troy" Levar and two bodyguards were arrested Friday (February 21) in Atlanta, Georgia after drugs were found in a vehicle the rapper was traveling in. Levar is facing one count of drug possession and one count of giving the police a fictitious name.
The RIAA hit another 531 people with lawsuits, claiming they were illegally posting songs on the Internet for free download. The legal proceedings are part of a second wave of "John Doe" suits.
A Jefferson City, Missouri casino is facing a $50,000 fine for allegedly granting special treatment to rapper Nelly.
The brain trust that created ego trip magazine will bring their brand of humor to VH1's "TV's Illest Minority Moments." The show examines the role race plays on TV through various shows and features commentary from Outkast, Fat Joe, B-Real, Kelis, Talib Kweli, Pharoah Monch, RZA and others. The show airs Sunday, February 22 at 10 PM.
Busta Rhymes has defected from J Records and will ink a deal with Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment. "We haven't signed the papers yet, but the deal is done," Busta's manager said Chris Lighty. "They have been working together for his album for the past few weeks." Busta Rhyme's untitled Aftermath Records album is scheduled for a June/July 2004 release date.
A website has been erected to protest EMI's cease-&-desist order to producer Danger Mouse and his "Grey Album," which blended Jay-Z's "Black Album" with The Beatles' "White Album." Greytuesday.org urges fans to protest the music industry's "copyright cartel" & told websites to let users to download the "Grey Album" on 2/24. “No genre is more effected by this copyright cartel than Hip-Hop,” said organizer Nicholas Reville “People assume producers moved away from sampling, but they can't afford it due to the labels."
A white supremacist group in Casper, Wyoming questioned the upcoming appearance of rappers Ludacris, Chingy & David Banner. A spokesperson for The National Alliance said they despised all rappers, including white ones, claiming they "promote a criminal culture." The mayor dismissed the rhetoric as "outrageous."
RTB Apparel has launched a new line of jerseys, "Rap Throwbacks." The jerseys feature various rappers original artwork and song titles. Numbers on the front and back commemorate the year the song was released. The jerseys come in four classifications of rap music. "Classics" features the pioneers, The "True School" highlights rappers from the 80’s, "Commemorative" pays homage to fallen artists and "The Cutmasters" honors various DJ's.
The L.A. Hip-Hop Summit, hosted by the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, registered 60k voters. The event, chaired by Dame Dash, attracted over 40 artists. "Damon's running the Hip-Hop Summit is an example of how this movement has many leaders," said Simmons
Missy Elliot is teaming with UPN to create a reality show based on the Triple Threat tour, which features Elliot, Beyonce & Alicia Keys. "You're on the road for awhile and everybody starts looking good and you start sleeping together," Elliot said
Sean "P.Diddy" Combs is in talks to purchase an NBA team. Combs wouldn't be specific, but said his chances of owning a piece of a team were 100 percent. "I'm actively looking," Combs said. "Teams should take me seriously. My biggest dream is to own an NBA team. I never give up on my dreams and I will do this."
Chauncey "Loon" Hawkins was charged with attempted murder after a security guard was stabbed in the neck outside of the House of Blues in L.A. "There was a large crowd outside and a group of men attempted rush through the doors," said Sgt. Bruce Thomas of the Los Angeles Sheriff Department. "A security guard was stabbed in the torso with an unknown object." Hawkins and two other men were charged and bail was set at $1 million dollars.
Lord Finesse will update his classic 1989 album, "Funky Technician." "Funky Technician – The Remix Project" is a double album that has been remastered and features production from Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Madlib, Kenny Dope, Buck Wild, DJ Spinna, Large Professor and Lord Finesse. The album comes with instrumentals and hits stores in March.
Barbershop 2: Back in in Business" is poised to top the box office. The film cost $30 million dollars to produce and took in over $25 million dollars over the weekend.
Afeni Shakur, mother of slain rapper Tupac, released her biography, "Afeni Shakur: Evolution of a Revolutionary" on February 3. The 240 page book, which is written with actress Jasmine Guy, reveals four decades of Shakur's life. Guy spent over 10 years with Shakur, recording her thoughts and conversations, which touch on race, drugs, music, love and Tupac. Shakur will embark on a tour of the country to support the release.
Atlantic Records is mulling over a new Trina song, "Big Ol' D*ck" and whether or not it should be released as a single. In the song, Trina details the size of specific male rappers. The song is featured on her upcoming album, "The Glamorest Life," which is scheduled to drop in May.
Ghostface Killah is developing a foundation that will build a school in Africa for impoverished youth. "Oprah would be the person that he would want to reach out to start & control the foundation," said Ghostface's manager Mike Caruso. In related news, Ghost recently launched Starks Films & is producing a new film, "Raccoons." The movie centers around an Italian hit man on the run from the mob with four urban youth, who rob their way across the U.S.
Twista's Kamikaze album shocks that nation with #1 debut! Album in stores NOW! Includes the #1 single Slow Jamz feat. Kanye West & Jamie Foxx.
The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network's Hip-Hop Summit took place yesterday in Houston, TX. The event registered over 20,000 voters.
An arrest warrant was issued for 50 Cent, after he allegedly appeared at a video shoot in Queens, NY & alluded to firing a gun.
Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has settled a $3 million dollar lawsuit stemming from a 1999 legal case. Combs' former chauffeur Wardel Fenderson claimed that Combs and his former bodyguard Anthony "Wolf" Jones, forced him to speed away from the scene of a Manhattan based shooting. The terms of the settlement were confidential.
JAN
Antonio "LA" Reid, will head up Univeral's Island Def Jam record label. Reid will become Chairman & CEO, in a 3 year, multi-million dollar agreement that he is expected to sign next week. Former Island Def Jam CEO Lyor Cohen left the label last week for a position at Warner Music Group.
Microsoft will host a DJ Summit, inviting some of the most popular DJ's. Grandmaster Flash will address the DJ's, who will represent all music genres. "Microsoft feels [the DJ's] are some of the most important people in the music business," said Flash. The event is February 7-8 in Seattle.
Virgil "Turk" Tab, a member The Hot Boys, has been charged with attempted 1st degree murder. Police officers serving an arrest warrant at a Memphis, TN apartment were greeted with gunfire. One officer was shot in the neck & another was shot in the mouth, hip & leg. Tab, 22, is being held in lieu of $1 million dollars bond.
Kimora Lee Simmons has teamed with M. Fabrikant & Sons, the # 1 jewelry company in the world, to create Simmons Jewelry Co. The company will produce two lines of fine jewelry & diamonds designed by Simmons. All diamonds will be inspected to ensure they are conflict free & a large percentage will benefit communities effected by the diamond trade. Simmons recently sold a portion of Baby Phat for over $20 million dollars
G-Unit member Tony Yayo is reportedly back in prison, for violating terms of his probation. He must serve 90 days in prison for traveling to Las Vegas with his G-Unit crew. The rapper was released from Lakeview Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in New York on January 9 after serving a year for gun possession.
The owners of the New Jersey Nets have accepted a $300 million from an investment group that includes developer Bruce Ratner & rapper Jay-Z. The sale of the team could be finalized by the NBA as early as next month, clearing the way for the move from New Jersey to Brooklyn, New York.
Cam'ron has placed his pink Range Rover up for sale on popular auction site, Ebay. The SUV, priced at $180,000, has customized pink interior and 40,000 miles. The buyer of the luxury SUV is required to put down a $90,000 dollar deposit. The auction ends January 29.
Master P. has inked a label deal for his New No Limit Records with Koch Records. The first release under the new deal will be Master P.'s 10th solo LP, "Good Side/Bad Side," due in March. The LP will be accompanied by a DVD movie produced by & starring Master P. Releases from Silkk The Shocker & Lil Romeo are also scheduled.
Adisa Banjoko's "One Mic," a political radio show, premiered excerpts of a rare speech made by Dr. Martin Luther King set to hip-hop music. Producer Inspector Double Negative debuted the exclusive remix last night. "Now let me make this clear in the beginning, that I see this war as an unjust, evil & futile war. The time has come for America to hear the truth about this tragic war," King said of the Vietnam war. The speech can be found at iciclenetworks.com.
G-Unit's Lloyd Banks has inked a deal with production company "Digital Sin," to direct an interactive porn CD titled "Groupie Luv."
After eight years in business, Rawkus Records is closing their doors as of January 31.
Grammy nominated rapper MC Lyte has been tapped to serve as judge on the 2004 season of "Star Search." Lyte will be joined by country music singer Naomi Judd and "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" executive producer Matti Lesham. The series premieres tonight (January 17) from 8-9 pm on CBS.
Dennis Kucinich is using a hip-hop street team to boost his bid for presidency. "We are trying to use innovative ways...to raise awareness," a rep for the campaign said. Kucinich is an advocate of civil rights, the abolishment of the death penalty, affirmative action AIDS funding & guaranteed health care.
Violator mogul Chris Lighty is launching a new coalition aimed at unifying mixshow DJ's. The Violator All-Star DJ's intend to create a union of DJ's that Lighty & co-founder DJ Scrap Dirty say is fragmented. "We wanted to build a situation for the DJ's who might need more muscle," said Lighty.
Kool DJ Red Alert will host The Eighth Annual Mixtape Awards, which take place tomorrow in NYC. The event honors the record breaking work of the mixtape DJ, is an invitation only event & is heavily supported by the hip-hop community. Fat Joe, Ghostface, Mobb Deep, Raekwon & Jadakiss are among the hip-hop elite that will attend
Damon Dash will be presented with the keys to the city of Richmond, VA on Jan. 16. Dash will receive the keys as part of the 8th Annual Freedom Classic Weekend. Roc-A-Fella is co-sponsor of the weekend, which celebrates the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and stresses the importance of voting.
A new educational CD, "The Malcolm X Collection," has been released. The CD containts 14 hours of speeches, debates & interviews by the slain orator.
Activist and Queen's native Erica Ford is teaming up with The Inc.'s Ja Rule to form L.I.F.E. (Love Ignites Freedom and Education), a non-profit organization aimed at correcting troubled youth's behavior. "The whole concept is that [150] of the kids that improve [will get to] go to Puerto Rico for a 10-day camp that will be sponsored by Ja Rule and the foundation." The kickoff event will take place at York College Theater in Queens on January 15.
Five Detroit residents settled a lawsuit with several retailers, after alleging their conversations & images were secretly used in the "Up In Smoke" DVD. Harmony House, BeMusic & Hastings Ent. settled for an undisclosed amount. Detroit police labeled the performance "obscene" and kept the tour from showing an explicit video. In April of 2002, Dre won a lawsuit claiming officials violated his 1st Amendment rights, won $25,000 & apologies from the city of Detroit.
MC Hammer will bring a new reality show to TV that will focus on his current lifestyle as a minister & his post music industry life.
Ruff Ryders entered into a distribution deal with Image Entertainment & will release a series of DVD's starting with "Jin: The Making of a Rap Star." a Rap Star."
Universal Music Group, the world's most dominant record label, is planning to launch an uncensored, 24-hour music television channel. Dubbed 1 AM in an attempt to pay homage to the first amendment, the new channel is being backed by Eminem's Shady Records, porno company Vivid Entertainment Group and the Endeavor Talent Agency. The channel will operate as a pay channel, similar to Cinemax, HBO or Showtime. 1 AM is aiming for a July launch date.
LL Cool J is the first musical artist to star in a Gatorade commercial. The :30 second spot titled "Everywhere" will debut today (January 1) during the Capital One Bowl, the Rose Bowl & the Orange Bowl. "LL Cool J's talent & passion that he brings to this ad help us connect in a powerful way with both athletes & sports fans," said Cindy Alston, VP of Communications & Equity development of Gatorade. The spot was directed by video director Paul Hunter.
Wu-Tang's Killah Priest is set to start recording the follow up to his 1998 solo debut, "Heavy Mental." The rapper is making plans to enter the studio in February to begin the recording process. Priest, who is unsigned, will record the LP in Europe. Because there is no record deal, pre-orders are being taken on Wu-Tang's official website, wutangcorp.com. Money earned on the pre-orders will go to plane tickets, studio time & fees associated with recording an LP.
Grandmaster Flash is launching his own record label, Adrenaline City Entertainment. Flash said that in addition to hip-hop, Adrenaline will sign acts from every genre of music. "I've been rocking vinyl, cassettes & cd's forever," said Flash. "Now I want to get behind the scenes & help come up with fire...from all types of music." Flash will announce the label's launching at MIDEM, an annual urban industry event in Cannes, France, on January 25.
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Rapscene News from 2003