T-Pain: I'm in love with a stripper (Free Video)

BIOGRAPHY:
Tallahassee-based MC and vocalist T-Pain (born Faheem Najm) came up in a rap group called Nappy Headz but went pro as a solo R&B artist after he recorded "I'm F**ked Up," a personal take on Akon's Top Ten hit "Locked Up." Akon heard the track and took T-Pain under his wing with a contract on his Jive-distributed Kovict Muzik label. Produced and written mostly by T-Pain, Rappa Ternt Sanga was released in December 2005, led by the Top 20 single "I'm Sprung." ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide

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Hip Hop Honey for Now: Nina Roxanne

Posted at 3/18/2006 07:21:00 PM

Nina Roxanne is 5'2", 103lbs., and her measurements are 34-24-35. She's Filipino, Irish, & French.

Born in the 80’s in LA California…my family moved from the busy LA city to the mountains of Oregon. Where I grew up with my two brothers mother and loving grandparents. As a young girl living basically on the side of a mountain in the forests, I was very much into wilderness. We had horses, dogs, cats, rabbits along with the occasional deer and skunk in my back yard. I spent my summers with my cousins, aunties and uncles all together on the mountain side. We’d spend time swimming, playing cards and best of all making home videos and making up plays and performances for my grandparents. I grew up in a very talented family, all Hams! We’d play instruments and sing for hours to keep us entertained! Our home video archives are humongous! I owe so much of ME to my family and hope to help them in the future with all I’ve got!

During elementary school my life was sports! I was a nationally ranked gymnast at the age of 8 years and took the state title by the age of 9. I loved to dance and sing and perform as well. That followed me through high school where I played soccer and was on swim team. Don’t get me wrong, so I was the “jock” type, but I was very into academics- I was jr class VP, in jr high and secretary of student council in High school. Although I was very busy with school and family…I always dreamed of getting out into the world to peruse my dreams.

Not longer than 2 months after graduation I packed up all my important stuff, including my best friend and moved to beautiful Honolulu Hawaii. I loved it so much I never left! Now I call Hawaii home, and I wish to never leave! DO u blame me?!??! Hawaii has been so good to me. And I am lucky to have chosen here to really grow up! This is where I started modeling and dancing. I started modeling right away in various Hawaiian ads,

calendars and websites. It didn’t take long until the import scene took notice and u may have seen some of my work in 360 video mag, access unlimited, and many very popular websites. This site is long awaited for me and I am finally stoked to be here and able to share my art and inspirations with you…Enjoy…and im glad to have you!!J

Xoxo

Nina Roxanne

-article courtesy of NinaRoxanne.Com

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Los Angeles Duo People Under The Stairs Prep 5th Album

Posted at 3/18/2006 07:08:00 PM

Los Angeles underground duo, People Under The Stairs (PUTS), are back with their fifth album, entitled Stepfather.

The duo, formed by Mike Turner (Double K) and Chris Portugal (Thes One) in the late '90s, received heavy praise from their debut album, The Next Step, and formed a solid fanbase while on tour with De La Soul. Years later, with a slew of critically acclaimed releases, their growing fanbase allowed the group to headline nation-wide tours.

Known for serving up playful back-and-forth rhymes set to vinyl-centric production, Thes One and Double K are now back with Stepfather -- an album the pair says reflects their love for classic music.

"People are really going to be surprised by this album," said Thes One, "We're flipping the script on this one, coming with an extremely progressive approach. We study a lot of music theory and classic material, and this album reflects that. Even when we did the old school tracks on the album, we still tried to push the envelope with vocal settings and drum patterns."

With the use of obscure vintage drum machines and running mic pre-amps to the point of intentional distortion, PUTS created a sonic kaleidoscope of textured and layered beats, which are complimented by their refreshingly cool narratives of the L.A. hip-hop life.

Also, with Stepfather, the group dives deep into their souls to give fans some of their most personal material to date. On "Days Like This," Double K reflects on a modest upbringing where his mother struggled to provide for the family, while Thes One offers a personal thanks to his father who labored as a fruit field worker so that his son may live a better life.

The same personal tone is felt on "Reflections," where Double K and Thes One lament in vivid detail their recognition of the moral vacuum that plagues today's society.

Stepfather features guest appearances from the legendary George Clinton, Monty Stark (Stark Reality), and Kat of Crown City Rockers. In addition, the CD will include a bonus documentary-style DVD with show footage and a short film.

Stepfather is slated for release April 18 Through RSM/ Basement Records.

-article courtesy of BallerStatus.Net

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Juvenile Scores No. 1 on Charts

Posted at 3/18/2006 07:05:00 PM

New Orleans legend Juvenile achieved his first No. 1 album this week, with Reality Check debuting atop The Billboard 200 album chart.

The album sold more than 174,000 copies in its initial week of release, and took the top spot on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart.

Reality Check features the single “Rodeo,” as well as collaborations with Fat Joe, Ludacris, Bun B, Paul Wall and Mike Jones, among others.

Songs on the album accused President Bush of failing to act before and after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city. The rapper lost his property and possessions in last year’s disaster.

In a recent interview Juvenile said, “The levee was breached, but not by water. It was breached by military, by military firearms..the water was backing up in the wrong areas: the tourist areas. And they knew it, and it was backing up in areas where some strong people was politically. Now you got [wealthy real estate barons] down there, buying up all the property - now it’s a big business venture. If you didn’t pay your taxes on your property - and half of the people weren’t able to pay taxes, you know - a lot of people lost their money for real.”

The album is Juvenile’s seventh and his first on Atlantic. The rapper signed with Atlantic in 2004 after a falling out with his longtime label Cash Money.

The highest chart position for a Juvenile album was 2001’s Project English, which reached No. 2 on The Billboard 200 album chart.

-article courtesy of MyHipHopSpace.Com

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Shyne's 5th Year of Incarceration Today

Posted at 3/18/2006 07:03:00 PM

Today March 17, 2006 marks the 5th year of incarceration for Shyne.

Five years ago today, Shyne started his 10-year sentence for the shooting incident at Club NY in 1999.

During his incarceration Shyne released his Godfather Buried Alive album and changed his name to Moses Michael Levi because of his strong beliefs and loyal following in Judaism.

Shyne’s second civil court date has been set for Monday, March 20th at 9:30 AM at Kings County Supreme Court in Brooklyn, N.Y. Shyne’s attorney, Oscar Michelen, has requested the motion to free money belonging to Levi, so the Belize-born rapper can use it to support his family. Currently Levi’s money is frozen due to the The Son of Sam Law, which prevents inmates from profiting from their crimes.

“The issues in this case are important and need attention," said Michelen, in a press release statement. "While I recognize and understand the need to make sure that victims of crime are compensated, if this law (Son of Sam) stays unchanged, people will be unable to contribute to society long after the crime for which they were convicted occurred.

"We strongly feel that the court will agree with our position and allow Shyne to use his earned income - his money - for his defense.”

-article courtesy of Vibe.Com

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Game to challenge rival 50 Cent acting skills

Posted at 3/18/2006 06:59:00 PM

The Game is set to match his rap rival 50 Cent on the big screen after signing on to appear in three upcoming movies.

The busy Los Angeles rapper will star in girls basketball drama Tournament Of Dreams and action film Waist Deep, but it's his movie The Millionaire Boys Club which is sure to draw the most interest.

The film is a direct response to 50 Cent's flop biopic Get Rich Or Die Tryin'.

The movie is loosely based on the Compton native's life, the Game will play himself.

-article courtesy of EveningEcho.ie

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Eminem Tells to 50 Cent Fall Back on New LP

Posted at 3/18/2006 06:52:00 PM

Apparently the Shady one wants his multi-platinum protégé 50 Cent to hold up production on an album 50 saw coming out July 18th. 50 said in a recent interview that sitting on a bulk of new material frustrates him and it is why he wanted to drop so soon. "I don't care about none of that [timing], I just want the record to go out, but it just makes better sense to take our time and re-create the new album," said 50.

We may hear some of the G-Unit boss’s stash on a re-release one day, but not his next LP. He says the new songs will be old to him when summer passes. 50 also feels snubbed by critics who recognized Kanye West and southern artists as major players in 2005. "I receive all the checks I'm supposed to receive, I just don't receive all the trophies," said 50. "I just look at it like I should continue to dominate with it more. I'll get lifetime-achievement awards opposed to best-new-artist awards, so it's cool."

With Mobb Deep’s G-Unit debut coming in May, and Lloyd Banks and Young Buck following soon after, 50 Cent feels his squad will pick up the slack in hip hop. "A lot of the music that comes out of the South is kind of simplified and I think it's kinda 'cause they just wanna have a good time," said 50. "They don't wanna think about what [they] just said. ... They really didn't make sense, but they made sense in a way and they just wanna hear something while they're actually partying and it works for them. But when they don't take the time to make it the highest quality possible, it hurts the actual hip-hop [genre]."

According to him, this trend only stunts the growth of new artists, who try to copy what they hear on the radio. "Like if the record comes out and it's a hit and it's the simplest thing on the planet, all of a sudden the new artists start writing records that are similar to that hit," said 50. "Their motivation is to have a project that's successful and that will allow them to move out of the financial situations that they're in when you're in the 'hood or in the ghetto." The man also known as Curtis "Interscope" Jackson did not attribute any of hip hop’s decline to big record companies. He is working with Jay-Z on Freeway’s upcoming sophomore album. 50 will also star alongside renowned actor Samuel L Jackson in ‘Home of the Brave,’ a war film set in Iraq.

-article courtesy of NobodySmiling.Com

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Three 6 Mafia Sued In Pittsburgh Bar Fight

Posted at 3/18/2006 06:48:00 PM

Oscar-winning rap group Three 6 Mafia is being sued for allegedly inciting a Pittsburgh nightclub fight that seriously injured an underage patron.

Ramone Williams, 19, was beaten in the 2003 riot at the now-defunct Rock Jungle Night Club, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported.

Williams' lawsuit against the trio, its individual members and the nightclub claims the audience turned violent as the group performed "Let's Start a Riot."

Williams said he was thrown to the floor, hit with a chair and stomped in the face, leaving him with a fractured jaw among other injuries.

In addition to charging the group with inciting the crowd, Williams charges the club was negligent by letting them perform the song and for letting him into the establishment even though he was not legally old enough to be there.

A trial date has not been set but the group members are expected to give their depositions by the end of next month.

Three 6 Mafia won the best original song Oscar for "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" from the film "Hustle & Flow."

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Charity Sues Adidas Over Missy Elliot "Respect ME" Campaign

Posted at 3/18/2006 06:43:00 PM

Break the Cycle, a charity aimed at stopping domestic violence, filed a $10 million lawsuit Thursday (March 16) accusing German sporting goods maker Adidas-Salomon AG of improperly using its name and logo on a line of clothes by rapper Missy Elliott.

According to the lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan, the charity alleges that Adidas used its trademark, name or logo on more than 40 products in its Missy Elliott "Respect ME" clothing line without a formal agreement authorizing their use.

Elliott, who was once a spokesperson for the charity, launched the clothing line in 2004 with an understanding that a percentage of the proceeds would be donated to Break the Cycle, the court papers said.

Elliott and Adidas announced the partnership and creation of the "Respect ME" line in April of 2004, with hopes of tapping into

Elliott's fan base and the women's urban market. Elliott's partnership with the German sportswear giant, is the first with an entertainer since Adidas' landmark deal with Run-DMC in 1986.

This marks the second time the "Respect ME" clothing line has hit a legal snag.

In Feb. 05, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark complained that Elliott's logo, which the superstar rapper/producer designed herself, infringed on the Royal monogram.

In that instance, Adidas withdrew the line in Denmark due to the threat of legal action from the Danish royal household.

At press time, a U.S.-based spokesperson for Adidas could not immediately be reached for comment.

-courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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Friday, March 17, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | HOME

What has Hip-Hop really done for Racism? (Say Word?)

Posted at 3/17/2006 08:43:00 PM

While listening to Angie Martinez, a VJ on New York’s radio station Hot 97, interview one of the most successful rappers of all time, Jay-Z he made a comment that made me ask myself has the rapper lost his mind?

I was very entertained by the interview at first. It was typical or familiar dialogue, they spoke about Jay-Z’s success as president of Def Jam along with his developing relationship with his former archrival Nas. The interview stayed on its usual course with Jay-Z displaying his usual bravado that fans and detractors alike have grown accustomed to. Then Jay-Z got up out of his seat, took off his head set approached the window and jumped out of it with the absurd comment “Hip hop has done more for racism than any activist ever.”

The reason why Jay-Z’s comments are so disturbing is because he has the ears of millions and a lot of his fans take him seriously when he speaks. As we examine Jay-Z’s comments, the reader will see that Jay-Z has a very primitive understanding of racism so his argument is built on weak foundation. While listening to his comments, one can draw the conclusion that Jay-Z’s concept of racism is a very superficial one.

In addressing this problem, let’s start by asking Jay-Z the question "what has hip hop done for racism inside of hip hop let alone outside of hip hop?" I would have to say hip hop has done very little inside of hip hop to combat racism. The first proof of this is that there are no major labels owned by Blacks. The second example of this is the lack of control that Black artist have over their careers i.e. the image and material that is produced by the labels in representation of the artist and the art. So if you don’t control the image that is projected of you, you will continually be viewed in a way that others want you to be viewed in. If record labels are only concerned with profits then the negative images will continued to be projected.

Now on a broader scale we ask what has hip hop done for the Black community? I don’t see any substantial changes on the matter of racism that hip hop has contributed to. Hip hop has not closed the economic or educational gap between Blacks and other racial groups. It has not helped destroy the reckless behavior of young Black males in the inner city. Hip hop has not helped promote a positive image of Blacks throughout the world. So if hip hop has not effected change in these areas, how can Jay-Z say hip hop has done anything for racism, let alone more than any activist ever. Jay –Z believes that because his concerts consist of diverse crowds that this helps abolish racism. That assumption is a false one because when the show is over the economic and political conditions of the people who attend the show has not changed. The people who were in the ghettos unemployed before the show, returned to the ghettos without jobs after the show. Jay-Z must not get it confused, because he entertains someone does not mean he is accepted or respected by that person. I agree with Dr. Claud Anderson when he states in his book “Powernomics” “The sole purpose of racism is to support and ensure that the White majority and its ethnic subgroups continue to dominate and use Blacks as a means to produce wealth and power” (Anderson 5). I believe that this is the true meaning and purpose of racism, so in light of that, hip hop has done nothing in fighting racism.

In conclusion hip-hop has had a substantial effect on Black culture some positive effects and some negative effects as well. To have an effect on culture is vastly different from fighting to eliminate racism. Jay-Z is an authority on hip hop, but he seems to be out of touch with reality when it comes to social issues. I believe the true problem is that there is too much attention given to Black entertainers when it comes to social issues. The attention should be given to those who dedicate their lives to finding solutions to the problems that face the Black community.

Al-Tariq Ibn Shabazz is a college student in NJ. He can be reached at ybe_ceo@hotmail.com

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G-Unit Scoops Up Remy Ma?, Everybody Loves Three 6 Mafia Except..., Juelz Hearts Avril Lavigne, Spike Lee Says Condi Can't Get It

Posted at 3/17/2006 08:37:00 PM

In this week's Pulse Report, the streets are buzzing about G-Unit courting Remy Ma, Terrence Howard dissing Three 6 Mafia, Juelz Santana's Avril Lavigne connection and Spike Lee's love for Condoleeza Rice.

1. G-Unit to sign Remy Ma? Some saw it coming a mile away. Nevertheless, a source close to Remy told SOHH.com that G-Unit was looking to sign the self-proclaimed Queen of New York. Back in February, Remy admitted to tension with Fat Joe and revealed that she liked G-Unit's music. Barely a week later, Remy blasted Joe and SRC executive Steve Rifkind on Hot 97 New York's morning show. The source claims that Rem's bashing caused Universal to only ship 150,000 copies of Rem's There's Something About Remy: Based On A True Story. Word is Rem is currently in the lab working on new music. However, Remy's management told SOHH it ain't so. "We definitely haven't heard anything about this and she's still signed to SRC/Universal," they said late Friday afternoon (March 17).

2. Terrence Howard disses Three 6 Mafia while they party with Paris Hitlon. Terrence Howard is apparently ready to rain down Three 6's parade. The Oscar nominee recently revealed that he thought "In The Deep" from Crash would win Best Original Song. It seems that Howard was also disappointed in Three 6's performance, telling AOL Black Voices, "Just seeing the way they performed, it kind of broke my heart though. Not the way Three 6 Mafia did it, but everything I tried to escape in my portrayal of that role, it seems that they went right to the stereotype that I wanted to assassinate. The people who had choreographed it apparently hadn't seen the film."

Who cares? Three 6 is still poppin their collars. In fact, they haven't stopped partying since they left the Academy Awards stage. Days removed from their historic win, the Memphis trio is still being seen celebrating at events. Cameras captured the group dancing alongside Paris Hilton to "Stay Fly" earlier this week. Just imagine, first Crunchy Black's name made it onto the Oscar broadcast now he's chilling with Paris. Once the night was over, DJ Paul was seen pollying with the socialite right by her car.

Wait, there's more. Juicy J and DJ Paul, Oscars in hand, stopped by Common's birthday bash earlier this week.

3. Juelz hearts Avril Lavigne. Forget these corny rappers, Juelz would rather listen to Avril Lavigne. Santana's iPod doesn't only feature gangsta music, the Harlemite digs rock acts like U2 and Green Day, but he really gets into Avril. "I love Avril Lavigne. Know what I'm saying? All types of music. I'm just a music head. It don't matter what you're singing about, rapping about, or whatever it is," Juelz told Much Music, Canada's version of MTV. "We all struggle in our different ways and we all make music to get away from our problems, and when people come from the heart, I feel it. No matter what it is. Know what I'm saying? Like when Avril Lavigne did, what was the record? (Sings) 'Why does everything have to be so complicated?' That's just regular! It ain't even anything I can relate to all the way, but things in my life are complicated too. On different levels, but we can relate. Just like people can relate to my music. They might not be on the street, but in a way, they can relate. Young nigga just coming up, trying to get out the hood and do better for himself."

4. Spike hates Condoleeza Rice. Don't think Spike Lee only has harsh words for hip-hop artists, the controversial film director ain't too fond of Condoleeza Rice. "African-Americans will have to really, really, really, really, really, really analyze the Secretary of State's record, and get past the pigmentation of her skin," Spike told the New York Observer. "If we do that, I don't think we can vote for her. I'm not the spokesperson for 45 million African Americans ... but that's my right as an American citizen. Hopefully, that right hasn't been rescinded yet. I'm not going to vote for that woman. No. Way."

5. Chef Isaac Hayes moves out of "South Park."Reports say the legendary soul singer, who played Chef, quit the show after it poked fun at Scientology, a religion he follows. The episode in question, "Trapped in the Closet," aired this past November, prompting Hayes to demand Chef's exit from the show after ten years. "There is a place in this world for satire, but there is a time when satire ends and intolerance and bigotry toward religious beliefs of others begins," Hayes said in a statement. "As a civil rights activist of the past 40 years, I cannot support a show that disrespects those beliefs and practices." "South Park" co-creator Matt Stone replied, "This has nothing to do with intolerance and bigotry and everything to do with the fact that Isaac Hayes is a Scientologist and that we recently featured Scientology in an episode of 'South Park.'" Stone added, "In 10 years and over 150 episodes of 'South Park,' Isaac never had a problem with the show making fun of Christians, Muslims, Mormons and Jews. He got a sudden case of religious sensitivity when it was his religion featured on the show. To bring the civil-rights struggle into this is just a non sequitur. Of course, we will release Isaac from his contract and we wish him well." Who knew there were Black Scientologists?

6. Seven-year old genius angers the establishment. 7-year-old prodigy Autum Ashante caused an uproar in the Peekskill after reading a poem entitled, "White Nationalism Put U In Bondage" during a Black History Month event. The poem charged Christopher Columbus and Charles Darwin of taking human rights from blacks. She also performed "Black Child's Pledge," a Black Panther oath of civic duty and black pride in which she requested that only black and Hispanic students stand. Last week, the schools sent 3,000 recorded phone messages to parents to apologize. Meanwhile, Autum made no apologies, sharing that she did the right thing. "I feel good about the response," Autum told the New York Post regarding the controversial performance. "I know it was the right thing." Autum is no stranger to the stage. To date, she's performed on HBO's "Def Poetry Jam," The Cotton Club in LA, The Apollo, Caroline's on Broadway, Russell Simmons' Phat Farm Fashion Show and Steve Harvey's "Big Time." While she recites her poems in English, she is also fluent in Swahili and Arabic.

-article courtesy of SOHH.Com

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Professor X of X-Clan Dies

Posted at 3/17/2006 08:34:00 PM

Professor X of X-Clan has died in a New York-area hospital after a bout with meningitis, sources close to the situation told AllHipHop.com.

As a member of X-Clan, Professor X gained notoriety for his catch phrases "Vainglorious" and dissed fools by calling them "sissies."

Additionally, Professor X, whose real name was Lumumba Carson, was the son of the late Civil Rights pioneer Sonny Carson, who produced The Education of Sonny Carson.

He also founded the grassroots organization BlackWatch.

Meningitis is a byproduct of bacterial or viral infections that overcome the body's natural immune system.

The aggressive entities can be transmitted from other people through sneezing, coughing, kissing, infected blood, or contaminated water or food.

In August 2004, Professor X, auctioned off his time on eBay for a night on the town in New York City.

X-Clan released a pair of critically acclaimed albums, To the East, Blackwards (1990) and Xodus (1992), but soon after the Brooklyn-based collective disbanded.

In December 2005, X-Clan announced a comeback, but it was unclear if Professor X was party to the reunion. In 1995, X-Clan group member Sugar Shaft died from complications related to the AIDS virus.
Funeral arrangements haven’t been announced.

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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Lil' Flip: Shamrocks & Shenanigans (Exclusive Interview)

Posted at 3/17/2006 08:28:00 PM

With a new album just over the rainbow, Lil' Flip is at ease handling his hustle. His past platinum plaques have might have brought him shiny rings and things, but his hardworking background taught him to never forget where he was from - like in every hood. From Houston, to Harlem, to Honolulu, you learn to rep it hard and to take pride in your town. Being from a place called "Cloverland," it was a no brainer to talk on the luck of the Irish style, aside from what House of Pain was able to bring to the Irish Hip-Hop head. While Flip might not pass for a Dubliner, he manages to retain the Irish attitude and spirit. "Liquor make me want to fight dog, for real."

As Flip ponders his career over a purple grape soda, he rarely speaks of himself in the third person and makes sure to thank everyone for their coverage and the love as they walk out the door. While he may have his critics, Lil' Flip knows that a rapper's commercial success will never outlast the love of lyricism. So, on St. Patrick's Day, with his family secure and his liquor label, watch line and sneaker company coming, Lil' Flip talks Hip-Hop, high school hoops and Hustling his Houston swagger with a authentic permanent grill and a tremendous grip on the task at hand.

AllHipHop.com: How did you actually decide that you wanted to run with the leprechaun thing, the clover icon if you will? Tell us about Cloverland…

Lil’ Flip: Well, my neighborhood I stay in is called Cloverland. Growin’ up, we could just make up s**t like, “We’re the leprechauns,” and we always liked the Notre Dame logo - the little fighting Irish guy. It kind of just went together. The Clover G imprint came about when I broke off from the dude who I used to have a record label with, and I came out with that U Gotta Feel Me album. I’ve always done my own s**t. I write the treatments for my videos, I draw my album covers, so I’ve always been the type of person who was hands on. At that point in time I had someone who was taking credit for everything I did, so I already knew I had to step out and get more freedom.

AllHipHop.com: You took some criticism for the leprechaun concept, did you see it as reaching out and trying to appeal to new fans?

Lil’ Flip: For one, I represent where I’m from. At the same time, if there was another artist stated a neighborhood or there was a box of cereal or anything that was a symbol of their neighborhood, I’m sure that artist would throw it up. At the end of the day you want people to look at your s**t on the shelf, and want to buy it. S**t, I was 17 or 18 when that album dropped, and I was in high school. I’m actually proud of it, because if you listen to the whole album, I talk about different subject matter, even at the young age that I was.
AllHipHop.com: Well, we’re running this story on St. Patrick’s Day. Do the Clover G’s like to drink as much as the Irish are portrayed to?

Lil’ Flip: Drinking? See, they drink liquor, we drink the opposite. S**t, I be drinkin’ but we don’t drink what [the Irish] drink. We drink that purple stuff. Nah, I don’t really drink liquor like that. I had a show with E-40 one time, and he came an recorded some songs in my room, and he was like, “Flip, you need to get you a bigger room boy, you’re a star, you need to come up to my room.” I went to that n***a’s room, and he had a huge bar in his room, like a $5,000 room, so you know what I said? I said, “F**k this s**t, I’m going to have people treat me like a star too.” I wanted limos, two bottles of Moet, two bottles of Hypnotiq. But really, liquor makes me wanna fight.

AllHipHop.com: What was your first taste of the purple stuff like?

Lil’ Flip: Oh man, it was kinda like being around people who had it and they were just like, “Here, taste this.” Then you f**kin’ taste it, and it kinda gets ya. It’s weird, dog. The more you do it, you get sucked into it. I’d say I’ve been drinking it since probably 1995, [age 13] actually.

AllHipHop.com: When you do drink a beer, what brand is it?

Lil’ Flip: S**t, I’ll never, ever, ever drink a beer. You’ll never see me drink a beer ever in my life. I drink my liquor, and I drink champagne and s**t like that.
AllHipHop.com: So is the whole Clover G click hard drinking and hard smoking?

Lil’ Flip: Nah, everybody kind of much do what they do. Some people don’t smoke, a few don’t drink. Some just drink liquor, and everybody is their own individual. It’s kind of like the smokers be on the left, and the drinkers be on the right side.

AllHipHop.com: You definitely have to be one of the most overachieving smokers of all time…

Lil’ Flip: I mean, s**t man, that’s what it’s about, dog. I’ve been having that hustle in me for a long while. You see, when you’re apart of a team, you understand how to lead a team. And when your part of the team and your not the leader, I’ve been on both sides of the coin, if I have to take the back seat and let somebody else drive, it’s cool. Now if they ain’t driving right, then I gotta step up, but it ain’t nothing to me. It’s simple mathematics.

AllHipHop.com: Last time I saw you Flip, you chose a Honey Phillie cigar over a Vanilla Dutch Master. In your opinion, what makes for the best blunt device?

Lil’ Flip: A Phillie is better than a Dutch, because the Dutch breaks easy and they [taste] stronger. Put it like this, you have a Swisher Sweet, which will tear easier, then you have the Phillie, which is more sturdier. But the Phillie is better than the Dutch to me. I f**k with Phillies, I f**k with Swishers, and I f**k with these things they’re called Golden Wraps.
AllHipHop.com: What was it like when you were a junior or senior in high school and your song “Diamonds All In Yo Face” came out on local radio?

Lil’ Flip: See, people were already seeing me as a rapper, because I was on the radio. I always participated in talent shows, I played ball, so they knew me as an athlete and being dressed with the jewelry. I always rocked my jewelry, I always had money, it just felt good. Like, one day, I was walking down the hall, and a girl came up to me singing my lyrics man. It’s an amazing feeling. I remember that when the song came out, it was about the time I had my first shows. The crowd knew that s**t word for word.
AllHipHop.com: You played ball in school, what position did you play?

Lil’ Flip: I played Point Guard.
AllHipHop.com: What number did you wear?

Lil’ Flip: Five.

AllHipHop.com: Just like Jason Kidd, who was with the Dallas Mavericks around that time.

Lil’ Flip: By the time I was hoping, he’d probably just came into the league and everything. I wanted to do the 23 thing, but I just went with [number] five.

AllHipHop.com: What is Flip like on the court?

Lil’ Flip: I’m a tricky dude. I got a few little moves that make you think I’m slow, and I got a couple little moves that make a person reach for it and I’m out. In basketball, what helped me is that I played football before I played hoops. I played Running Back, Quarterback, Kicker and Safety. Being that I played all those positions, you have to be fast. So applying what I learned in football to basketball, if I drive past you, I’m gone. There ain’t no catching up.

AllHipHop.com: Master P played a little pro ball. Is there anything like that in the future for Lil’ Flip?

Lil’ Flip: To tell you the truth, if I was going to do it, I should have done it about four years ago.

AllHipHop.com: In Beef 3, it’s clear that you’ve had your share of hometown conflicts. But you and Chamillionaire meshed very well on “Turn It Up.”

Lil’ Flip: I’ve been knowing Chamillion since about 2000. I told him if he did something for me, any time he needed me he can call and I’ll return the favor. With me, I’ll return the favor. Most artists don’t keep their word in this f**king business.

AllHipHop.com: Since you knew Chamillionaire back then, You had to have known Paul Wall.

Lil’ Flip: Yeah, they was together. I don’t really mess with the dude like that. He used to call me everyday. When I got shot, he called and he told me they were praying for me. He asked me where I got shot and he got a tattoo in the exact same place I got shot that said that date I got shot, he showed it to me one day. And then, [he] got the audacity to be smiling in the face of the dude that I’m beefing with, while he was walking around with a Lil’Flip tattoo. At the end of the day, I don’t care who you’re friends with. But that’s why I just f**k with Chamillionaire, that dude [Paul Wall] there, that dude ain’t right.

AllHipHop.com: RIME magazine recently ran this “History of Houston Rap,” and LIL’Flip wasn’t mentioned once.

Lil’ Flip: I looked at it, and I think they said my name, kind of at the end or something, in passing or something. Like I say, you have magazines that jump on the bandwagon. A lot of magazines call and look for an interview, but by the next week they’re s**tting on you. They do this s**t a lot. I’m not one of those kiss-ass-type of artists. I’m gonna respect you, treat you with respect, I’m not going to be fake with you and tell you I’m going to do something I’m not going to do. If a DJ asks me for a freestyle, he can get it. But they get so blinded by these other artists calling them up all day. I’m not going to bug you to play my record. The days of people playing good music because it’s good is over. It’s all politics now.

AllHipHop.com: Is that why your stepping over to Sirius Satellite radio?

Lil’ Flip: That’s not why, but because of the people who do know me, I’ll always keep it 100%.

AllHipHop.com: Between the label, the liquor, the clothing, your work ethic is pretty strong. How did it develop?
Lil’ Flip: Man, just growing up in my Grandparents house, seeing him work for a company for 45 years and s**t. My Grandfather worked for Maxwell House for a long time, and just seeing the type of s**t they went through, and how they were able to maintain their bill with whatever it was they were making. S**t, most people from my age from my neighborhood are still living with they parents. When “Diamond All In Yo Face” came out, I spray painted the wax gold and put it on my wall. An about a year later, I took it down and put up a real gold record.

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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LAPD To Take A New Look At Biggie's Murder

Posted at 3/17/2006 08:24:00 PM

The Los Angeles Police Department is taking a second look at the 1997 slaying of rap artist Notorious B.I.G.

Assistant City Attorney Don Vincent told city council members yesterday that a new police team was assigned to revisit the case after the department lost a lawsuit alleging officers' involvement in the killing.

The rapper's family members alleged in last summer's lawsuit that his murder was arranged by rogue L.A.police officer David Mack on behalf of Death Row Records chief Marion "Suge" Knight. They contended that department brass covered up Mack's involvement.

That lawsuit ended in a mistrial when police found previously undisclosed statements linking Mack to the killing. The judge ruled that the evidence was deliberately concealed and ordered the city to pay the family of Notorious B.I.G, born Christopher Wallace, more than a million dollars.

Vincent says the new police group is following up on leads, but hasn't found evidence of police involvement in the killing.

-article courtesy of SixShot.Com

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Thursday, March 16, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | HOME

MARIAH PREPARING FOR DEF JAM RENEGOTIATIONS?: Singer reportedly adds high-powered lawyer to ensure her paperwork is fair.

Posted at 3/16/2006 07:43:00 AM

Fox411.com’s Roger Freidman is reporting that Mariah Carey is looking out for her best financial interest in the wake of her successful album “The Emancipation of Mimi.

According to Friedman, the singer has hired record business attorney Allen Grubman to help her take care of business in the Island/Def Jam conference room when it’s time to update her pact with parent company, Universal Music Group.

Ironically, Grubman had worked for Carey during her years married to Sony Music chief Tommy Mottola, but she fired him in 1997 after her split with the record mogul. According to Friedman, Carey is still keeping around her longtime attorney Don Passman, who guided her through the “Glitter” mess and helped her negotiate the $50 million payoff from EMI Music.

Friedman writes: “Carey, I’m told, feels that she was underpaid by Island/Def Jam for her "Emancipation of Mimi" album. … Passman, sources say, while good, does not have the inside track Grubman has with Universal Music Group’s Doug Morris. Only Morris can OK what should be a record-setting money deal for Carey. And only Grubman can get Morris to agree to something like that.”

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KRUNKED OUT ‘IDOL’ HOPEFUL PLEADS GUILTY: Leroy ‘Can You Dig It’ Wells cops plea deal on assault charge.

Posted at 3/16/2006 07:36:00 AM

Former “American Idol” contestant Leroy Wells, the Dirty South brother with the platinum grills spouting crunk nonsense during season 4 auditions, has pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in a 2005 shooting at a convenience store.

The 24-year-old from Grand Bay, Alabama was accused of shooting 22-year-old Daniel Cutts, also of Grand Bay, on June 7, 2005. Cutts suffered minor injuries when he was struck three times with bullets fired from a .22-caliber pistol.

A judge on Monday ordered Wells to serve a 10-year suspended sentence, with one year in jail, as part of a plea deal that reduced an attempted murder charge to second-degree assault. The deal prohibits Wells from possessing firearms.

Wells has a long rap sheet, including several arrests on charges ranging from firing a gun into an occupied building to the use and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was behind bars on Jan. 15, 2005 when his taped performance on “American Idol” was broadcast.

Wells and his fellow inmates in the Mobile Metro Jail were given permission to watch the audition that night, which featured Wells repeatedly asking the judges “Can You Dig It?” and singing a memorable rendition of Ol Dirty Bastard’s “Baby, I’ve Got Your Money” and James Brown’s “I Feel Good.”

-article courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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He Got Beats-Traxxamillion Craft Hyphy Beats

Posted at 3/16/2006 07:32:00 AM

Bay Area hip-hop is on the rise, and much of its backbone -- its beats -- was born in San Jose.

Producer Traxxamillion is slowly putting his hometown on the map by bringing in artists from the better-known hip-hop hot spots of Oakland and San Francisco, and even as far as Richmond and Vallejo, to record at his San Jose studio.

``Lots of people here say that we have the curse of San Jose,'' says Traxxamillion. But, clubs like the now-closed Ambassador's Lounge, co-owned by rapper E-40, brought in hip-hop followers from all corners of the Bay Area and artists from all over the country, networking and meeting each other, he says. And, his work is continuing that trend for San Jose.
The 24-year-old, who wouldn't reveal his real name, is responsible for four of the hits that the Bay Area is dishing out for mainstream radio: ``Super Hyphy,'' ``Grown Man,'' ``Jus Go'' and ``Grown Man on Remix.''

``That's why his name is Traxxamillion. He's got some tracks,'' says Scoot Dogg, one of the rappers of East Palo Alto's Dem Hoodstarz that Traxxamillion worked with on ``Grown Man'' and ``Grown Man on Remix.'' ``He pretty much set the tone for that movement.''

The movement he's talking about is known as ``hyphy'' (pronounced hi-fee) -- the sound most associated with the Bay Area. ``Hyphy,'' slang for ``hyperactive,'' has been bubbling up to the mainstream music surface, says MTV News correspondent and Oakland native Sway Calloway. On Thursday, Calloway will document the community's rise on MTV on ``My Block'' at 7 p.m.

``Hyphy is a way of life; it's basically a culture,'' Traxxamillion says. ``Our slang, the way we walk, the way we talk, the cars we drive, just the way of life, period.''

A few years ago, Traxxamillion was just a wannabe hip-hop producer and rapper, creating beats in the closet of his house in San Jose. That is, until he handed a track to the man who first came up with the name ``hyphy,'' Keak Da Sneak, and the song turned up on the radio three weeks later.

``I was basically set up in my closet,'' Traxxamillion explains, ``pulled the closet back, pulled my clothes back, hung a mike over the hanger and let it dangle. . . . And one day I got some real equipment and got better and better.''

Before hyphy, Traxxamillion was part of the Bay Area's other popular hip-hop style, known as ``backpack,'' rapping with socially conscious lyrics, reminiscent of the Berkeley crew Hieroglyphics. As a student at Willow Glen Middle School (then called Markham) in San Jose, he used to visit Santa Clara University's radio station (KSCU, 103.3 FM) every time it had a hip-hop show -- watching, learning and eventually freestyling on the mike.

But then, on top of not attracting girls with his music, he grew less attracted to the beats of the underground conscious sound, feeling as if its music didn't make the waves he was looking for.

So Traxxamillion bought a $100 Casio keyboard from Radio Shack. He imagined himself making beats for Mariah Carey, ``big-sounding, big-production music,'' he says.

``For me, everything is club,'' Traxxamillion says. ``If you can't dance to it, then I'm not trying to do it. If it's a slow song, then I want it to be a slow song you can play in a club. If it's a fast song, then I want it to be a fast song you play in a club. If it's a sad song, I want it to be a sad song you can dance to and play in a club.''

More than a year ago, when his cousins came over, their wild style of dancing inspired him to create a hypnotic, simple, broken-down beat. A beat, he says, he kept to himself for a month. It didn't fit into anything he was working on with his own group, the High, so he drove to Marysville, where Keak was performing, hoping that the artist would use it.

``It was a cold night. I drove up there, met him after the show, and was like, `Take this, man. Track No. 3 is hot,' '' Traxxamillion says. ``That's all I said.''

Keak recalls that the first two tracks were good, but ``the third one gave me shivers,'' he said. ``I listened to it for two days.''

Three weeks later, Keak called, telling him to turn up the radio, but Traxxamillion already had it on. ``Super Hyphy'' was playing.

``It was chemistry,'' Keak says. ``Traxxamillion has a lot of talent.''

It was the same story for the single ``Grown Man,'' with Dem Hoodstarz. Traxxamillion met the East Palo Alto duo in San Jose's Ambassador's Lounge and exchanged numbers. A week later, they came by Traxxamillion's studio in San Jose. And a few days later, the single was on the radio.

``It was hella easy, comfortable,'' says Scoot of Dem Hoodstarz. ``They provided a nice atmosphere for us to kick it and do what we do.''

The names of Dem Hoodstarz grace a wall of autographs from artists that have visited Traxxamillion's bigger, better studio near downtown San Jose, like Oakland rappers Mistah FAB and Too Short, a Bay Area rap godfather.

Named Official Entertainment, the setup includes a sound room, computers, video games and a makeshift kitchen, put together and financed by a fan of Traxxamillion's, Nick Grote, who is CEO of the studio. Grote is a former construction worker who now pours his time and money into putting San Jose and the Bay Area on the hip-hop map.

``There's a lot of movers and shakers in the bay but not a lot of owners,'' Grote says. ``So I said, `Let's do it.' ''

In Grote's opinion, Traxxamillion's remix of ``Grown Man'' is the best remix since the legendary remix of ``I Got 5 on It'' by Oakland's the Luniz.

These days Traxxamillion doesn't have to go hunting down artists in clubs anymore. Record labels like Atlantic and Universal are calling him up.

``I'm quite proud of the dude,'' says KMEL-FM (106.1) music director Big Von Johnson, who first put Traxxamillion's singles on the air. ``We have homegrown raps and beats. We don't have to go outside for it.''

It's a far cry from his days as a backpack rapper, creating small-time beats in his closet at home. Now, Traxxamillion has a new motto: ``Go big or go home.''

-article courtesy of DaveyD.Com

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Kanye West To Make Film Foray

Posted at 3/16/2006 07:30:00 AM

Kanye West has teamed up with Anonymous Content and New Line Cinema to produce a feature film inspired by his music.

West also will appear in the film, which will create a multiperspective portrait of the U.S. as seen through the eyes of West and several filmmakers. George C. Wolfe, the Broadway figure who directed Lackawanna Blues, will oversee the creative process on the film.

The producers are assembling about six writers and 10-12 directors to craft short stories, not music videos, that will be linked by a central narrative. The movie will feature new and old music from West.

The untitled Kanye West project will be produced by Richard Brown and Steve Golin ("Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"). West, West's manager G. Roberson and Wolfe will serve as executive producers.

"This project will synthesize Kanye's vision with a fantastic group of filmmakers and create what will be a one-of-a-kind film experience," Brown said.

-article courtesy of SixShot.Com

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Bubba Sparxxx Responds To 'Booty' Controversy

Posted at 3/16/2006 07:26:00 AM

Rapper Bubba Sparxxx has responded to the growing controversy surrounding his new video and single, "Ms. New Booty."

A videoclip for "Ms. New Booty," which features The Ying Yang Twins, recently premiered on BET's 106th & Park countdown show and quickly entered into the Top 10.

The song was produced by Mr. Collipark, the hit producer who has crafted hits for Lil' Jon, The Ying Yang Twins, Young Jeezy, David Banner and others is currently #5 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks single's chart.

The video features Bubba Sparxxx as a Home TV spokesman and door-to-door salesman "for a miracle new product" that enhances a woman's "booty."

"Ms. New Booty to me, is about a woman who exudes confidence and does her thing with a swagger that's unique to her and only her," Sparxxx explained to AllHipHop.com. "You take a woman, she's a flower waiting to bloom. Sometimes you meet a woman, a woman that maybe most people don't see her beauty. You know with some adjustments you can bring her beauty out."

Sparxxx explanation comes amidst criticism of the song and an accompanying website that was being marketed, www.msnewbooty.com.

The site allowed 18-and-up fans of the song to enter into a seven-week contest seeking to award "Ms. New Booty" with a part in a new Bubba Sparxxx video.

The site, which is currently down, allowed users to upload pictures to a "Booty Gallery" for viewers, who could vote for "Ms. New Booty," as well as access Sparxxx's official site.

A widely read statement titled Radio: The New Child Predator by Paul Porter and Lisa Fagers of IndustryEars.com was circulated, criticizing the video.

IndustryEars bills itself as "consortium of entertainment and broadcast industry professionals, dedicated to promoting justice in the media."

The statement labeled the song and the marketing of the website as "another conduit to sex, pornography and misogyny aimed at children."

"The government fails to arrest or acknowledge these corporate child predators," Porter and Fagin wrote. "The Federal Communications Commission states, 'It is illegal to broadcast sexually explicit content between 6am -10pm daily.' Meanwhile the 'Ms. New Booty' contest is promoted on radio between the most listened to times for 12-17 year olds (6pm-10pm). The internet has pornographic websites, now radio stations that target the youngest demographic help and direct children straight to them."

Porter and Fagin urged those offended by the video to contact FCC commissioner Kevin Martin and voice their dismay.

"Ms. New Booty" is taken from Sparxxx's upcoming New South/Purple Ribbon/Virgin album, The Charm, scheduled to drop on April 4, 2006.

The album features production by Timbaland, Organized Noize Productions, Purple Ribbon label head and OutKast member Big Boi, Heatmakers, Mr. DJ & Slimm Jim, Basement Beat and Mr. Collipark.

So So Def CEO and Virgin's President of Urban, Jermaine Dupri, weighed in on the song.

"People are just really overreacting," Dupri told AllHipHop.com. "It's just feel good music. We at Virgin are in no way promoting sex or whatever these media outlets continue to print."

Sparxxx agreed with Dupri's assessment.

"It's for the clubs. It's for females to feel good about. It's for men to feel good about. There's nothing negative going on about it. I'm a little hurt that anyone could take offense to this song. It's all about that new chick that's been hurt and making her the best she can be. You put the word 'booty' on there and every body says it's disrespect."

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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Juvenile Debuts At #1 On Billboard's Top 200

Posted at 3/16/2006 07:21:00 AM

New Orleans rapper Juvenile achieved his first No. 1 album this week, with Reality Check debuting atop the Billboard 200 album chart.
The album, which sold more than 174,000 copies in its initial week of release, also took the top spot on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop albums chart. Reality Check features the single "Rodeo," as well as collaborations with Paul Wall Fat Joe, Ludacris, Bun B, Paul Wall and Mike Jones, among others.

Songs on the New Orleans resident's album accused President Bush of failing to act before and after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the city. The rapper his property and possessions in the late 2004 disaster.

A scandal erupted in Feb. 2005, after the Associated Press unearthed a videotape emerged swing Bush's top advisors warning him the levees could be topped.

"The levee was breached, but not by water," Juvenile told AllHipHop.com in a recent interview. "It was breached by military, by military firearms..the water was backing up in the wrong areas: the tourist areas. And they knew it, and it was backing up in areas where some strong people was politically. Now you got [wealthy real estate barons] down there, buying up all the property - now it’s a big business venture. If you didn’t pay your taxes on your property - and half of the people weren’t able to pay taxes, you know - a lot of people lost their money for real."
The album is Juvenile's seventh and his first on Atlantic. The rapper signed with Atlantic in 2004 after a falling out with his longtime label Cash Money.

Juvenile's previous chart peak was 2001's Project English, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.com

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Wednesday, March 15, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | HOME

Erica Kane exits afternoons at WERQ of Baltimore

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:45:00 AM

Erica Kane exits afternoons at WERQ. 92Q Jams, Baltimore's top hip-hop station, radio popular personality Erica Kane is no longer on the air. Kane, co-host and producer of the top-rated Afternoon show Primetime for the past two years, apparently parted ways with the radio station last week sending a shock through Baltimore's airwaves.

"This really came as a surprise. She will be greatly missed. I know she'll bounce back because she's young, talented and a beautiful person, with a tremendous upside", says co-host and 5'oclock mixer DJ Jay Claxton.

"I have never been one to take change well, and this is a big change especially when you have a show where all three people involved work so well together and worked so hard to make the show the best it could be. She will be missed." Reasons are undisclosed at this time. Log on to www.misskane.com for updates on Erica Kane and to reach out to her via e-mail.

-article courtesy of UrbanInsite.com

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'HOUSE OF COURVOISIER' CHARITY EVENT IN HOUSTON:

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:40:00 AM

The House of Courvoisier has been sponsoring invite only events in cities around the country in conjunction with local celebrities and businesses in each city. New York's events were hosted by Queen Latifah and Vibe magazine.

In Houston on Thursday, February 16 and Friday February 17 at the exquisite, custom designed luxury venue, Visions Night Club, elite tastemakers, celebrities, professional athletes and the best in the music industry came together under one roof to experience the CV lifestyle and dance the night away to the musical rhythms of the sensational Biz Markie.

Onyx Style magazine, Houston’s premier African American lifestyle publication joins Courvoisier Ambassadrice Nina Shay at the House of Courvoisier hosted its NBA All Star Welcome Reception. Prominent Houstonian, Councilman Ronald C. Green, City of Houston was recognized by Courvoisier for his active role in Houston's efforts to accommodate Hurricane Katrina evacuees.

Later the same night, VIBE Magazine and V-Cares along hosted an All-Star gala with Courvoisier

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STUDENTS PLAN PROTEST OF R. KELLY CONCERT:Longhorn ladies of color not feeling gig from alleged child pornographer.

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:36:00 AM

R. Kelly’s scheduled concert this weekend at the University of Texas will be met with a protest from UT ladies who object to his current child pornography charges.

The student organization Feminists of Color United says the main purpose of their planned rally outside Bass Concert Hall is to raise awareness of sexual violence against women of color.

"We're students on this campus and we feel that we would like the university to more carefully scrutinize the people that they bring to campus," Jacqueline Smith of Feminists of Color United said.

Kelly, currently awaiting trial for 14 counts relating to child pornography, is scheduled to hit the stage at 8 p.m. Friday (March 17).

Explaining Kelly’s booking, Performing Arts Center Assistant Director Tim Neece said: "The University of Texas performing arts center is striving to bring the best in art and music in all genres and we're working hard to broaden our audiences and diversify our programming to do that."

-article courtesy of EurWeb.com

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Three 6 Mafia and Obie Trice Join Russell Simmons To Talk Money

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:33:00 AM

Three 6 Mafia, MC Lyte, Stat Quo, Doug E Fresh, and Obie Trice will all come out to support Russell Simmons' Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) launch its "Get Your Money Right" financial literacy and empowerment national tour in Detroit.

As SOHH previously reported, this will be the second year for the tour.

Sponsored by Chrysler Financial and Anheuser-Busch, the "Get Your Money Right" tour will include stops in five other cities, including New York (April 22), Miami (May 20), Atlanta (September 16), Los Angeles (September 30) and Dallas (October 14).

"HSAN understands attainment of financial literacy is a life long process and with their support we have found a way to provide the basics of money management with the ultimate goal of raising the awareness and importance of sound financial habits in summit participants" said Chrysler Financial vice president William F. Jones Jr. via a statement. "Artists sharing their personal stories have been an effective teaching method."

Last year's "Get Your Money Right" tour also launched in Detroit. Eminem and R&B singer Fantasia were among those in attendance.

"The Hip-Hop Summit Action Network consistently taps into the consciousness of our youth, providing them with not only knowledge, but tools that will help them prepare for a future in which the decisions they make today will determine the opportunities they have tomorrow," stated Johnny Furr, vice president, urban marketing and community affairs for Anheuser-Busch. "Anheuser-Busch is proud to continue our partnership with, and support of, the Summits and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, which make a real and lasting difference in the lives of young people in communities across the nation."

The 2006 "Get Your Money Right" tour will launch on March 25 at Wayne State University's Bonstelle Theatre.

-article courtesy of SOHH.com

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Ghostface Killah, Chamillionaire and Lupe Fiasco Set To Bless South By Southwest

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:30:00 AM

Tomorrow (March 15) marks the beginning of Austin, TX's week-long South by Southwest Music Conference (SXSW). with performances by hip-hop acts Ghostface Killah, Chamillionaire, Devin the Dude, Chingo Bling, Lupe Fiasco, Atmosphere, Jean Grae and Immortal Technique, among others.

Acts ranging from hip-hop to rock will be performing during the festival. Starting tomorrow, HoustonSoReal, Ozone magazine, and Oxy Cottontail will be showcasing Texas acts Chamillionaire, Big Tuck, Mr. Pookie and DJ Rapid Ric.

Babygrande Records will also hold a showcase for its acts including Immortal Technique, Jedi Mind Tricks, Apathy and Sharkey. Technique will be headlining along with frequent collaborator Akir. The showcase will also feature a freestyle competition in which the winner will be given a Babygrande 12" inch deal. Also, former Babygrande act Jean Grae will hit La Zona Rosa to take part in Warner Music Group's showcase.

Thursday (March 16), Def Jam signee Lady Sovereign will take the stage at H-Town's Beauty Bar. Meanwhile, Definitive Jux act Mr. Lif will perform at Auditorium Shores.

On Friday (March 17), Rhymesayers Entertainment will hold its own showcase featuring performances by Atmosphere and Brother Ali, among others. Def Jux's RJD2 is also slated to take part in the Pitchfork/Windish showcase at Emo's Annex.

On Saturday (March 18), Ghostface will be headlining The Fader magazine/Levi's Trading Post party, with Def Jam label mate Lady Sovereign and Lupe Fiasco.

SXSW kicks off tomorrow (March 15) and concludes Sunday (March 19).

-article courtesy of SOHH.com

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Dr. Dre's Daughter Takes On The Rap Game

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:27:00 AM

Dr. Dre's daughter Manaj is set to make a name for herself in the rap game. Via a press release,Manaj announced she has signed an exclusive deal with Judge M at WiggaWreckords.com

When asked why with all the opportunities that you would expect would be open for her, she would sign with WiggaWreckords.com, Manaj anxiously replies "My dad really didnt want me in the rap game. But I got kids, and though I have been offered many deals from the top industry moguls, I decided to go with Judge M and Wigga Wreckords because I liked their ideas and support."

Manaj is coming out with a documentary DVD and CD Mixtape titled Livin in Daddys Shadow.To see an image of Manaj and sample her music, visit http://www.wiggawreckords.com.

Dr. Dre's son is a rapper as well who goes by the moniker Hood Surgeon. To sample his work , click here.

-article courtesy of SixShot.Com

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DJ Vlad Launches New Show On Russell Simmons' Def On Demand

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:25:00 AM

DJ Vlad, best known for his Rap Phenomenon mixtapes and Hot in Here DVDs, is now heading into television with DJ Vlad Presents, a new show on Russell Simmons' DoD (Def on Demand) Channel.

The pilot episodes include features and interviews with DJ Vlad and Young Jeezy, Paul Wall, Mike Jones, Master P, Luke, Pitbull and Jackie-O.

DoD, pegged as the first on-demand video channel devoted to the lifestyle of urban culture, is a free service distributed through Comcast's On Demand feature.

The channel features exclusive content, from new videos to biographies and interviews with artists like 50 Cent, Nas, Damon Dash and others.

Named as one of the "Top 10 DJ's of 2004" by MTV, DJ Vlad recently released Hot In Here: Sex/Drugs/Hip-Hop, a sensational DVD that boasts appearances by colorful personalities like Fat Joe, Fabolous, The Ying Yang Twins and adult stars Carmen Hayes and Mr. Marcus.

DJ Vlad Presents is scheduled to begin airing this spring.

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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Ice Cube To Star In 'Welcome Back, Kotter' Remake

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:22:00 AM

Ice Cube recently inked a deal with Dimension Films to turn 1970's TV sitcom "Welcome Back, Kotter" into a feature film for the big-screen.

According to Variety, the rapper has signed on to star in and produce for "Kotter," which is expected to begin filming this fall with Tom Brady ("The Hot Chick," "The Animal"), who is in final negotiations to direct and write the script.

Cube will be playing the role of Kotter, the inner-city high school teacher who encounters a group of young, likeable troublemakers.

In the original TV series, Mr. Kotter was played by Gabe Kaplan, and ran from 1975-'79, helping launch the career of a young John Travolta, who played the character "Vinnie Barbarino."

In addition, Ice Cube recently held two listening parties in New York and Los Angeles for his forthcoming album, Laugh Now, Cry Later.

During the parties, Cube introduced a 20-track offering, which featured guest spots by Snoop Dogg, Lil' Jon, WC and Kokane, while production credits include DJ Green Lantern, Scott Storch, Lil' Jon, Swizz Beats and Emile, among others.

The Scott Storch produced "Why We Thugs" will serve as the album's first official single, while the buzz single and video for "Chrome & Paint" has the streets already talking.

Laugh Now, Cry Later is slated for a June 6 release.

-article courtesy of BallerStatus.Net

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P Diddy To Star In 'Celebrity Cooking Showdown'

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:19:00 AM

Mr P Diddy, Sean Combs, is set the unlikely star appearing on a new American Reality TV show.

The rapper is to appear on ‘Celebrity Cooking Showdown’ which will air in the US in April.

Each star will be paired with a professional chef for the week long competition.

Speaking of the show, Combs said: “The sexiest trend going on right now is young men learning how to cook.

"There's nothing more sensual than a man cooking for his woman. We wanted to do something that fit that trend in the marketplace,” quotes contact music.

-courtesy of GigiWise.Com

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Fabolous calls out Mase on new mixtape

Posted at 3/15/2006 07:17:00 AM

Brooklyn rapper Fabolous takes a jab at G-Unit rapper Murda Mase on his latest mixtape (Loso’s Way), as reported by MTV News.

According to Fabolous, Mase approached him recently in Philadelphia and commented on how he “appreciated” Fab as an artist. The two artists then mutually shook hands and went their separate ways.

But some time later, on Mase’s song “I Don’t Know Officer” the former pastor quipped: “I don’t know why Loon and Fabby won’t just say I’m their daddy” – implying that both Fabolous and recording artist Loon stole their laidback style from him.

"For you [Mase] to say that to me, and the next time I hear you on record [you're dissing me], I feel dude is confused," Fab said.

"If you're not really a killer but you’re running with a bunch of dudes that say they're killers, I guess you're gonna talk like you’re a killer too, even if it's not believable. I think [Mase] got caught up in trying to act like the people he's around. 50 Cent and them is known for taking jabs and saying wild, reckless stuff. I guess he felt he had to jump in those shoes too. I just had to answer to it."

On the diss track “Murda (We Don’t Believe You),” Fabolous flips 50’s memorable hook from “Life’s On The Line” saying: “Murda, I don’t believe you / Murda, f*ck around and leave you / Murda, we don’t believe you / Murda Murda, your life’s on the line.”

In the past many critics have compared Fab, Loon and Mase’s rhyme styles – noting similarities in flow and vocal cadence – but Fab has never revealed any animosity towards Mase until now.

In related news, Fabolous has reportedly left Atlantic Records and is now signed to Def Jam Recordings. He is currently prepping an upcoming album alongside Desert Storm’s DJ Clue.

-courtesy of NobodySmiling.Com

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Tuesday, March 14, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | HOME

NIKE 'UNTOLD TRUTH' COLLECTION: Sports Co. Partners With Negro League Baseball Museum.

Posted at 3/14/2006 09:28:00 AM

Manhattan, New York - As part of February’s Black History Month, Nike celebrated the accomplishments, history and heritage of the Negro baseball leagues by unveiling the “Untold Truth Collection.”

In partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) this novel collection keeps Nike on top of cutting edge athletic wear by offering apparel and footwear inspired by the legendary athletes and teams of the Negro Baseball Leagues. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the apparel will go to the NLBM.

This collection has the classic lines and irresistible style of the 40’s with a modern day twist. The “Untold Truth” effectively captures the feeling of the era by using the teams’ original logos and colors that embraces the sense of pride and determination evident in those extraordinary players.

There are six teams that are highlighted in the collection: Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs, New York Cubans, Homestead Grays, Memphis Red Sox and Philadelphia Stars. Apparel reflecting the spirit of three of the teams –the Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs and New York Cubans – is available now on-line at Nikeuntoldtruth.com, Niketown and selected stores throughout the country. On April 1, 2006 the remaining teams’ apparel – the Homestead Grays, Memphis Red Sox and Philadelphia Stars - will be available.

In January 2006, Nike previewed select items from the “Untold Truth Collection” at the Helen Mills Theater in New York City. Among the guest were 94-year old Jordan “Buck” O’Neil, (looking more like a 65 year old) -a former Negro League player who became the first African American coach in the Major Leagues and Marlins’ pitcher Dontrelle Willis, a National League All Star. It was heart warming to see these two men from different generations express admiration, respect and genuine love for each other as they shared the league’s rich history, legacy and enduring impact felt even today on the game and its players.

“I know personally how important these players were, noted Dontrelle. “Men like Buck O’Neil, Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige paved the way for me and many others to succeed in baseball on our merits and not our color. We owe them a lot.”

The high batting averages and pitching stats that the players consistently achieved is a testament to their physical and emotional endurance, not to mention, the mobile lighting systems, shin guards and batting helmets –innovations created by the Negro League that are still an integral part of the game today - part of the “Untold Truth.”

“The year 2006 marks the 60th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s playing in the Major Leagues. We felt it was a timely opportunity to not only pay homage to his accomplishments, but those of the entire Negro League,” explains Rodney Knox, Nike US Communications Director. “We are extremely proud of the partnership we’ve established with the Museum.”

The “Untold Truth” is an exciting collection of sports apparel, marking exceptional accomplishments and a special time in Black sports history.

-courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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CHAPPELLE, TUCKER PERFORM AT COMEDY FEST: Comics surprise Wayans event; plus, ‘Def Comedy Jam’ may return to HBO.

Posted at 3/14/2006 09:21:00 AM

Fans at the U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen got an unexpected treat Thursday night with impromptu standup performances from Dave Chappelle and Chris Tucker.

During a show hosted by Damon Wayans, Tucker took the stage unexpectedly and began riffing on Michael Jackson, Dick Cheney and war correspondents, among other topics.

Chappelle was introduced as the night's last performer and included in his act the topics of homophobia, Mexicans selling oranges on freeways and being Muslim-American. His 25-minute set also featured jokes about meeting other celebrities, such as Jessica Simpson and a "Will & Grace" actor.

The comedian also addressed the drama surrounding his sudden trip to Africa last year and the resulting hiatus of Comedy Central's "Chappelle's Show.” After a “Karate Kid” reference, he joked that the network put a leg sweep on him and his show. He closed by stating that during his absence, he may have been the first missing African-American ever that the U.S. has bothered to look for.

Chappelle and Tucker also appeared at Friday’s special screening of "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" and Saturday’s Freedom of Speech Award salute to HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam.” Tucker was a last minute addition to the performance list, replacing Cedric the Entertainer.

During the event, Chappelle suggested a revival of the popular stand-up showcase where alumns would be invited back to play slightly longer sets. Fellow alums Tucker, Adele Givens and Bill Bellamy – also on hand for the tribute – backed the idea of a return.

"I got 10 minutes I'm saving," Chappelle said to audience cheers. "If you do it, I'll do it."

"Def Comedy" director/executive producer Stan Lathan was also behind the revival show. HBO chairman and CEO Chris Albrecht confirmed to the Hollywood Reporter that the proposed reunion show is in the works, stating, “We're going to do it."

-courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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Radio: The New Child Predator (Miss New Booty Contest Diss)

Posted at 3/14/2006 09:12:00 AM

America has a problem. Broadcast radio has stepped to another new low. Virgin Record's promotion of the Bubba Sparxx new hip hop single, “Ms New Booty” proves that payola is a national problem. On-air Djs on both Top 40 and urban radio stations around the country are encouraging listeners to check out the website and the Ms New Booty contest. The contest requires female listeners to post their naked back sides online for a chance to win an appearance in the next Bubba Sparxx music video. The website asks, “Are you the Next New Booty?” And proudly and prominently promotes its partnership with “Girls Gone Wild.”

It’s important to acknowledge that Top 40 and urban radio stations are the #1 most listened to stations for children, tweens and teens. Radio station, after radio station continues to play this song, doubling the spins each week while they push their pornographic partnership to number one on Billboard charts.

Radio and Records are the new "Hustle and Flow." The only difference between them is that these gangsters never get in trouble. The government fails to arrest or acknowledge these corporate child predators. The Federal Communications Commission states, “It is illegal to broadcast sexually explicit content between 6am -10pm daily.” Meanwhile the "Ms. New Booty" contest is promoted on radio between the most listened to times for 12-17 year olds (6pm-10pm). The internet has pornographic websites, now radio stations that target the youngest demographic help and direct children straight to them.

Log onto www.msnewbooty.com take a look and see why radio and the recording industry have lost their minds. Virgin Record’s "Ms. New Booty" is another conduit to sex, pornography and misogyny aimed at children. We only hope when you get there you don’t find a daughter, niece, neighbor, or any other child's naked back side that you know. Or even worse we hope a child predator looking for their next victim doesn’t start corresponding with one of these unsuspecting girls who in some cases also posted her myspace web address.

Take action let the FCC Chairman Martin know that broadcasters attempts at "self-regulation" are not working. The safe haven the FCC set aside for public airwaves must be enforced between 6am-10pm. Help protect our children.

Freedom of speech does not relinquish corporate accountability or responsibility. Pornography is pornography. Give a child a chance to enjoy music and not become a potential victim.

Fines are not the answer, revoke broadcast licenses if broadcasters keep making the same mistakes over and over again. And ask FCC Chairman Martin to investigate allegations and evidence of payola around the country.

From the ownersof HipHopRuckus "...booty, booty,booty,booty, rocking everywhere...."

-courtesy of Davey D.com.

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Sean "Diddy" Combs may soon be in legal trouble for infringing on the trademark of another fragrance

Posted at 3/14/2006 09:04:00 AM

Though his Unforgivable cologne is flying off the shelves, Sean "Diddy" Combs may soon be in legal trouble for infringing on the trademark of another fragrance.

According to the United States Patent & Trademark Office, Diddy was denied the Unforgivable trademark because the cologne's name was too close to Unforgiven, a women's fragrance launched by French perfumer Jacques Evard.

The document dated January 12, states, "The examining attorney refuses registration under Trademark Act Section 2, because the [Unforgivable] applicant's mark, when used on or in connection with the identified goods, so resembles the mark in [Unforgiven] U.S. Registration No. 2,951,186 as to be likely to cause confusion, to cause mistake, or to deceive."

The application for Unforgivable's trademark was filed on July 11, 2005 while Unforgiven's application was filed on June 1, 2005. Unforgiven's notice of publication was put out January 25, 2006. There's no word whether Unforgiven or Evard plans to take legal action.

Aside from strong sales, Diddy's Unforgivable has had a bumpy road to date. This past January, Midwestern department stores opted not to run the colognne's sexually suggestive ad. The ad featured Puff lying in bed with two other women, hinting at a ménage a trois.

Diddy is no stranger to lawsuits. This past August, Gregory Hilerbrand filed a complaint that Diddy's "It's Not Just A Label, It's A Lifestyle" slogan borrowed from his "It's A Lifestyle" slogan. Hilerbrand, who puts the slogan on his clothing, claims he's sold $325,000 worth of merchandise from 2001 to 2002. Hilderbrand's suit sought for Diddy to stop using the label, to recover his profits from the label and unspecified damages.

Things have not been all bad for Diddy. As SOHH previously reported, the mogul is preparing a return to reality TV. Diddy is set to produce the celebrity cooking miniseries, "Celebrity Cooking Showdown."

-courtesy of SOHH.Com

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Chamillionaire - Chamillionaire (Exclusive Interview)

Posted at 3/14/2006 08:58:00 AM

Medina: You are pretty well known in Texas hip hop circuit, but for those who don't know who you are introduce yourself.

Chamillionaire: I’m Chamillionaire, Texas' "Mixtape Messiah" I came up in the mixtape game spittin’ freestyles and dropped one of the most successful independent records to come out of Houston. I have sold a lot of records out here and that got me the Chamillitary/Universal record deal. This year I’m coming out with an album called "The Sound of Revenge" to show the world a lyrical side of the South that I feel the world is not seeing right now.

Medina: How did you get started?

Chamillionaire: I started off doing promotions, but that eventually turned into me spittin’ verses on mixtapes. A lot of times relationships get people in the door.

Medina: How difficult was it trying to get established in Hip Hop being from Texas?

Chamillionaire: I don’t think being from Texas makes it hard at all because music changes so much that you just have to keep grinding until it’s your turn to shine. It’s not like New York where there is a major label on every block but that’s why the independent scene is so big out here. People out here had to learn how to make a way with no major label support first and I think that’s the best way to learn the game.

Medina: What was the first rap song you ever heard?

Chamillionaire: Mannnn… I don’t think my memory is good enough to remember that one, but I know I wasn’t supposed to be listening to it when I heard it. My parents were not really into rap too much.

Medina: How did that impact your life?
Chamillionaire: The more I started getting into rap, I would just naturally start liking a lot of songs. I appreciate music, so I’m not really the type of person that always complains about all the music that he thinks is bad. I could always find something good about the music and open my ears and give different types of songs a chance. I guess that has just helped me to be open minded about things. I have always had my own mind, but people can tell me what they think and I’m the type of person that will take it into consideration.

Medina: How hot is the mixtape scene in Houston?

Chamillionaire: Well, it’s hot enough to get MTV to come down to Houston and do a special on Houston. They didn’t really completely just focus on the mixtapes, but everyone they covered came up in the Houston mixtape game. There are a lot of mixtape groups out here and that’s how mostly everyone is getting’ known. Most of the cds are screwed cds because that is the popular sound out here. Dj Screw and the Screwed Up Click started that movement and a lot of people are getting known because of that.

Medina: You've been dubbed the "Mix Tape Messiah"- How many have you been featured on?
Chamillionaire: I lost count a long time ago, so I know it’s a lot of mixtapes. Most of the mixtapes coming out of this area would have a freestyle wit’ me on it. Every week I’ll see a new one that I didn’t even know existed but I appreciate the djs supporting me in the streets.

Medina: Do you remember the first mixtape you were on? What was it?

Chamillionaire: “Choppin’ em up 2”. I believe that was the name of it. I could be wrong… but I know the freestyle that was on it wasn’t even screwed and it was on a Missy Elliot beat.

Medina: You were formerly affiliated with SwishaHouse. Can I ask why that affiliation ended?
Chamillionaire: Swishahouse cares about itself and I realized that it was time to start caring about me if I wanted to be financially successful. I don’t value fame more than I value the dolla, so I had to go get some dollars. I don’t spend all my days and nights grinding to make anyone but my family happy now. I’ll sacrifice my blood sweat and tears for them but I’m not gonna go out there and be a slave so somebody else’s family eats good while mine is starving. The affiliation ended when I came to that realization. I don’t wish any bad on them though, I’m honestly glad to see they are still eating but I knew I had to go get my plate on my own.
Medina: Any chance on reconciliation?

Chamillionaire: There aren't any hard feelings towards the Swishahouse. I still talk to some of the members. I don’t really talk to the others because I don’t like to pretend to be friends when I know its not like that. I don’t have anything to say but good luck wit your life.

Medina: You have had major "talk about" on the independent level by moving major units why sign with a major label at this point?

Chamillionaire: You can get in the major system and make some serious money if you sign the right type of deal when you enter. I still feel like independent money is good and I still can and do get that money, but the reason why the major thing wasn’t on the radar before was because of the types of situations that were being offered. When I would tell people what I thought was fair they would say the industry is not designed like that and I feel like the majors design it, so it works highly in their favor. I can see the way they are looking at it if I put myself in their shoes and see how much money they invest into projects, but why sign a deal that is not gonna benefit you the way that you want. When you sign that first contract a lot of times that is your only shot… so you gotta make sure that you are 99 percent comfortable with what you are signing.

Medina: What are some of the differences that you have run into? (Being independent and then signing with a major?)
Chamillionaire: Majors spend a lot of money on everything. If it doesn’t work they write it off as a loss so when tax time comes around they don’t mess with it again. When you are independent, your product that you are pushin’ is your only chance of survival, so you can't just be givin’ up like that and loosing faith if it doesn't work the first time. Majors have hundreds of people in the streets working to make something happen and when you are independent, you are your biggest and best employee and have to do most of the stuff yourself.

Medina: Why did you choose Universal?

Chamillionaire: When I realized that they were gonna give me the type of deal that I wanted, I started realizing that it would be possible to get in the major system and make some serious money. I met with a lot of labels but to me… it just seemed like they were not as serious about doing business as Universal. Universal budged on things that I knew others would not because they were serious about doing business. They didn't feed me the B.S. They told me the downside and the upside and didn’t try to feed me the fantasy that some people like to hear. That type of stuff keeps me grounded and motivated when I hear it that way and my gut instinct told me to mess wit’ them.
Medina: Your highly anticipated first major label release "The Sound of Revenge"- Why did you choose that title?

Chamillionaire: I named it the "Sound of Revenge" for two reasons and one is because there are people out there that will go to sleep feeling very good at night if I fail. The thought of my failure is a good feeling to some people and this album is gonna give them the opposite of that feeling. Some people… feel like it’s their job to try and crush your confidence and I don’t let anything or what anyone says stop me from being successful and success is the best revenge. The goal is to make an album, that the world will love and I intend to drop an album that sounds like I was successful in my attempt. There are people who hype up everything and don’t live up to the hype and I want my music to match the hype of the album.

Medina: How many cuts are on the album?

Chamillionaire: I have done a lot of songs, but I’m still recording. Some have been given to video games and some will be used for other things. I like to give the fans a lot more but sometimes a lot is too much. I’ll know soon.

Medina: Who is featured on the album?

Chamillionaire: I have some pretty nice features on the album, but I don’t want to jump the gun and start saying who because some songs might not even end up in the album. I don’t feel like… I have to get a million features though, cuz I have always had the confidence to hold my own. I'll say what's final when I’m sure.

Medina: Who produced the album?

Chamillionaire: I have recorded enough material for a couple albums and we haven't really decided what songs are gonna make the album yet, but the producers I have messed wit are; Scott Storch, The Beat Bullies, David Banner, Kenoe, Dj Toomp, Mannie Fresh,Happy P, Play & Skills, Cool & Dre, KLC, Dj Paul & Juicy J… and a lot more. I have messed wit a lot of people.

Medina: What is your favorite cut off the album? And Why?
Chamillionaire: I don’t have just one favorite record on there but there are a couple personal records I did that move me when I hear them. I came up in the mixtape circuit and during my career I have not done a lot of really personal songs like some that are on my album.

Medina: Tell the people what they can expect when they purchase your album.

Chamillionaire: A sound that is original, lyrical, witty, and creative is what the public can expect. I try to think up creative concepts for songs because there are a lot of rappers that just follow the lead of the last hot rapper. I’m bringing some innovative and lyrically creative music to the world from a Southerners’ perspective. The overall concept of the album is pretty creative also so people should definately give it a listen.

Medina: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Chamillionaire: Successful… beyond peoples expectations. The average life of a rapper doesn't even last that long but I intend on still being relevant to the rap game. It doesn't have to be on the stage holding the microphone because rap is a stepping stone to something higher. When you keep the thought that rap artists’ money isn’t as good as it gets in your mind, then you will be able to reach for something better when you get that rap money. Knowing is half the battle.

Medina: Thank You for your time and much continued success.
-Courtesy of SixShot.Com

Chamillionaire: Thank you

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Jeremy Miller of The Source: Miller Time (Interview)

Posted at 3/14/2006 08:53:00 AM

Jeremy Miller traveled a long way to join The Source in the early 90’s. The Oklahoma native relocated to New York to be closer to the Hip-Hop culture he loved. Then, as an intern while studying at the prestigious NYU, he ascended up the ladder to become a Source exec in the magazine’s glory years. In more uncertain times, Miller even stepped into the editorial department, going beyond just being a numbers-man.

A lot has changed in the last few years. As The Source made some moves that left some questioning the magazine’s integrity, Jeremy Miller moved on to create Down magazine, a Southern Hip-Hop monthly. Recently, as Dave Mays and Ray Benzino have been ousted from the publication they’re both so associated with, Black Enterprise determined that Jeremy Miller was the saving cleanup man. The former intern now holds the CEO position, and he spoke to AllHipHop.com about what everybody wants to know: the allegations, the accusations, and the renewal of Hip-Hop’s bible are up for discussion. If you’re doubting the “100 Percent Benzino Free” publication now, maybe you ought to read this.

AllHipHop.com: A lot of what you want to say is most likely in response to the things Ray Benzino and David Mays have previously said. David Mays lately has been saying that he owns 82% of The Source, and that being the case, he’ll quickly return to power. Tell me how that’s incorrect.

Jeremy Miller: What needs to be said more than anything is that since everything’s gone down, Dave and Ray have been talking about their 82%. It kinda confused people. Some interesting things have transpired since the takeover has happened. Most important, the lender that we have the 18 million dollar loan with at The Source has decided to foreclose on Dave’s 82%. We knew once the takeover happened, that that was something that was very likely to happen. We just couldn’t speak on it till it happened. So while Dave was running around making it known that he still owns 82% and insinuating that because of that, there was some kind of power behind it, we just patiently waited for the bank to foreclose on his shares. His shares were the collateral for the loan – so only his shares are affected by that. So when Dave says that Black Enterprise somehow stole the company from him, the only thing that happened is people are taking actions based on their rights that have been signed. There weren’t any tricks anywhere. People were just doing what they had to do to protect their investments. Because they felt that the company was being run recklessly, they’re doing what they’re allowed to do to save it.

AllHipHop.com: In The Source website interview, you joked about a claim Benzino had made on AllHipHop about riding a white horse into the offices, that everybody was on a lookout for men riding white horses in New York. On a serious note, are you concerned with your safety, or your staff?
Jeremy Miller: Not really. We’ve taken precautions to make sure the staff is safe. They’ve taken steps to make sure I’m safe. In essence, they’re protecting their investment that way too. It’s necessary, but I don’t think anyone’s nervous at The Source that there’s gonna be any violent outburst from either one of them. But, you never know. While some people choose to never walk with security and think that’s something to brag about, we just feel like we’re doing what we have to do to make sure everything continues to go smoothly.

AllHipHop.com: It’s not very business-related, but in an AllHipHop.com feature, Benzino accused you of “not representing Hip-Hop.” How do you react to that? Does it matter?

Jeremy Miller: On one hand, the CEO, the person in charge, it may not matter if they know about Hip-Hop. It’s completely ridiculous that he made such a statement. Dave [Mays] hired me in the beginning, because I had knowledge of Hip-Hop. It’s all I’ve listened to since I discovered it at 10 years old. I have one of the most thorough Hip-Hop collections you could imagine. He’s probably making more reference to “Hip-Hop,” from the street angle. He’s sayin’ he can go into any hood – I’ll follow him into those same hoods, and feel just as comfortable as he is, any day. You don’t want to get into a pissing match of “Who’s harder,” it seems kinda silly.

AllHipHop.com: You’ve used this comment, “The new, old Source.” You also just mentioned the differing connotations of what it means to be Hip-Hop. That said, will The Source be focusing more on the music above the image of Hip-Hop?

Jeremy Miller: Amidst all the propaganda that Dave and Ray had for their cause, the one thing I stand by is that there were still very solid columns and departments that weren’t tainted. Occasionally, they’d be tainted because they’d work towards Dave and Ray’s agenda. For the most part, the template and the foundation of The Source is still in tact.
AllHipHop.com: How much of the staff is put in place now?
Jeremy Miller: We brought Fahiym Ratcliffe back as the Executive Editor. I realized shortly after coming in, that the urgency to hire an Editor-In-Chief was one that was kinda put on by the outside world. Really, things were going smoothly on the editorial side. Fahiym was anxious to come back and be a part of the revitalization of The Source. I’m gonna take a little bit of time before we appoint an Editor-In-Chief, whether it’s him or somebody else, just to leave our options open. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

AllHipHop.com: The individual editors will remain status quo?

Jeremy Miller: Yeah, Ryan Ford is up there. He had been through a lot of this. One of the things that I’ve tried to explain to a lot of people is the staff that was up there, they had to deal with the content that Dave and Ray wanted. It was uncomfortable for them a lot of the time. A lot of those people stayed up there with hopes that what happened on January 19, would happen. They didn’t have bad intentions. They had to fulfill orders that were put on them. Now, they can freely write what they feel. They can be real writers again.

AllHipHop.com: Within the writing community, it was no secret that many writers hadn’t been getting paid over the last few years. How do you address that?

Jeremy Miller: We just have to pay people. Once we’re in a position to get people paid off, we plan to do that immediately. It’s amazing to me how many people The Source owes money to – where it’s just a few hundred dollars. There’s so many people on that list who are owed 200 dollars, 400 dollars. The sad part about that is it’s the little guys that need it the most. It’s these guys that are owed 400 – that money means a lot more to them than a company that’s owed 4,000 dollars. We’re slowly working through that. We will be able to address every single person on that list very shortly. That’s a top priority.

AllHipHop.com: Amidst all this, you have your baby in Down magazine. Are you concerned that all your new duties may pull you away from a growing company that needs you?

Jeremy Miller: It was an amazing first two weeks, in terms of me having to put all my attention to The Source. I’m kind of getting into a groove where I can spend a few hours a day on Down. They have a much smaller staff, that’s going to be able to step up. The good thing about The Source is it still has a staff of about 30, and I don’t have to do every single task. I’m not worried about Down falling off in terms of quality at all. The Source won’t suffer either. It’s very different - 50,000 copies of Down compared to 800,000 copies of The Source.

AllHipHop.com: Down is all about Southern Hip-Hop. Is it healthy that there’s competition between Down and Ozone?

Jeremy Miller: Ozone was out first. Down is top of the line design. No offense to any magazines like Ozone, but when Down came out, I said, “It’s a real magazine.” It was formatted the way newsstand magazines are formatted – with clear-cut sections, there was some order to it, it wasn’t thrown together. It had distribution. I think that made Julia [Beverly, Editor-In-Chief of Ozone] work a little harder to keep pushing her product to a higher level. She’s a done a good job. Competition is a good thing. Somewhere along the line, she had a real problem with me putting Down out, she just stopped speaking to me overnight when Down was coming out. I thought we had a good relationship before that.

AllHipHop.com: What is the kind of reader that The Source lost. Or, what’s the reader that The Source most desperately needs back?
Jeremy Miller: What I was pleasantly surprised with is the amount of copies that The Source is still selling on the newsstand. You’ve heard a lot of stories that it hadn’t fallen off at all, and it still was the Number One music magazine on newsstands – and I’m not going to go as far as to say it hasn’t fallen off at all, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Still, we aren’t where we were five years ago when we were doing 370,000 on the newsstand. I think it’s something we can correct very quickly in terms of getting back to maybe 350,000 on newsstands. We’re at approximately 300,000 right now.

AllHipHop.com: How ridiculous would it be to see Eminem or 50 Cent on the cover of The Source in 2006?

Jeremy Miller: We had talked about that right away. Do we go that route? What we decided is – covers are largely based on timing. They should be based on timely issues or an album release. We didn’t just throw Eminem or 50 Cent on the cover because we can now – when 50’s next album comes out, I’m sure he will be on the cover. Hopefully, we’ll have a much better relationship by then, and he’ll sit down and do a real interview with a Source writer instead of us having to pick up quotes from other places. The same for Eminem. In terms of how soon, it just depends on when those releases are. I haven’t seen anything. But it doesn’t mean that Young Buck couldn’t be on the cover when his album comes out in April, or something like that.

AllHipHop.com: Dave Mays says he owns Source Entertainment. What will happen with The Source Awards?

Jeremy Miller: There’s a misconception. Dave is flat-out telling companies that Source Entertainment is separate from the magazine, and he still has control of it – a complete lie. All the contracts with Black Enterprise and the bank, have Source Entertainment, Source Soundlab, Source merchandising – it’s all under the umbrella of Source Enterprises. He can go and tell these people at companies that have deals with The Source anything he chooses, but the fact remains that our lawyers have been in touch with these companies, and let them know, absolutely and without a doubt, that [Dave] has nothing to do with Source anything. He does have his 82% for now, but I don’t anticipate him holding onto that too much longer. We just have to be patient. As far as the Source Awards, I’ve heard that BET is very excited to work with us to bring the awards back.

AllHipHop.com: I ask playfully, but is it possible that a Benzino album is a possible contender for a Source Award, now?
Jeremy Miller: [Laughs] I mean, if it was good. I don’t know if that would be the case. He had his one hit with “Rock the Party,” and sadly, he couldn’t get an album out quick enough to take advantage of that – and still managed to sell only 30,000 records with all the promotion he had behind him. So…I’ll blame that one on karma too. Good things come to people with good intentions while things don’t work out for people who try use others for their personal gain.

AllHipHop.com: In all the years you’ve spent with The Source, do you have a favorite read – a favorite article?

Jeremy Miller: Yeah, I can give you one. It was very intriguing and representative of what made The Source different. It was a three-part series on the history of crack [cocaine]. I believe that was back in 1993. One of the best things that came out that that people don’t realize is Biggie’s “Ten Crack Commandments.” If you go back to the issue, Biggie actually took that from an article that was in The Source. [We] had listed “The Ten Crack Commandments” – what you don’t do as a crack dealer. I don’t think it was anything he did to try and be sneaky. I think he thought it would be entertaining, to take what was in The Source and make into a song. Those are the types of things that I loved about The Source - rappers were fans. They wanted to be in there, and they’d do anything to get in there. If they saw something they liked, they’d turn it to something everybody could hear, like Biggie.

-courtesy of The Source

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Jay-Z Gets Behind Rick Ross To Show He's 'Still In The Rap Business'

Posted at 3/14/2006 08:45:00 AM

Being president is not enough: Now he's royalty too. Jay-Z says that Sir Paul McCartney, who performed with Jigga during the Grammys, has knighted him — sword ceremony and all — and given him yet another name.

"Sir Hova of Brooklyn", Jay laughed.

His flyness is still basking in Def Jam crooner Ne-Yo's #1 debut last week on the Billboard albums chart (see "Ne-Yo Rises Above Hawthorne Heights With A Landslide Billboard Win"), but that hasn't stopped his focus on rap. His top priority at the moment is Rick Ross, who currently has a huge underground hit.

"We're shooting that video right now, and that's an urgent project for us," Jay said of Ross' street anthem "Hustlin'. " "We need that one. We have a wide range of music [at Island Def Jam], everything from Fall Out Boy to the Killers to Rihanna. I just want everybody to know that we are still in the rap business."

Jay said he didn't mind getting into a bidding war with other companies to sign Ross, a longtime staple in Miami's underground scene. Hov has had his eye on him for quite a while, and the timing was perfect.

"[Memphis] Bleek actually told me about him first," Jay recalled. "Bleek went down to Miami, and he told me that dude was nice. [Ross] fell off the radar for a while, then he popped back up with this record 'Hustlin'.' He had this record poppin' in Miami, and I was like, 'Oh, that's the kid!' "

Jay's excited not only about "Hustlin'," but because Ross has other songs that people will be talking about as well.

"He's got a couple of follow-ups," Hov said. "His whole thing is the other side of Miami. Everybody is talking about the cars and the water. He's showing you the [darker] side of Miami. That's his whole approach to it."

Ross' Career Criminal is due on Def Jam sometime this summer.

-courtesy of MTV.Com

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Master P, Silkk The Shocker Receive Probation For 2005 Gun Charges

Posted at 3/14/2006 08:43:00 AM

Master P and his younger brother Silkk The Shocker entered into a plea deal Monday (March 13) and received probation, stemming from an arrest last year where police found handguns in their car.

Master P, whose real name is Percy Miller, pled no contest to a misdemeanor charge of carrying an unregistered loaded gun. He was given three years of probation, a fine of $200 and ordered to perform 40 hours of community service, according to ABC News.

His brother Silkk, who was facing the same charge, also received three years probation.

The pair were arrested back in January of 2005 (see "Master P And Silkk The Shocker Arrested On Gun Charges"), after police stopped their Crysler 300 for not having license plates, and saw a handgun in plain sight under the driver's seat. Upon search, another handgun was found on the passenger seat where Master P was sitting.

Both were ordered to stand trial late February (see "Master P, Brother Silkk Ordered To Stand Trial For Weapons Charges"), but decided to take the plea deal.

-courtesy of BallerStatus.Net

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Atlantic and Sprint Launch Exclusive T.I. Campaign

Posted at 3/14/2006 08:41:00 AM

Only Sprint Customers Can Own and Experience Exclusive Content – including Full Tracks - from T.I.’s New Album "KING" Before Its Release Anywhere Else

Exclusive Video of T.I. During the Launch Week of "KING" Will Appear on Sprint TV(SM)

NEW YORK CITY and RESTON, Va. — 03/13/2006, As part of an exclusive campaign, Sprint (NYSE: S) customers will be the first and only ones to download songs from multi-platinum recording artist T.I.’s new Grand Hustle/Atlantic album "KING" before its release, and have access to exclusive ringers, Call Tones and images. In addition, "Life with T.I." during the album’s launch week can be seen only on Sprint TV(SM).

Atlantic Records, a division of Warner Music Group (NYSE: WMG), and Sprint have announced the launch of a major, exclusive campaign in support of T.I. and his eagerly awaited new album. The campaign will offer an extensive selection of unique mobile content that features an artist who is already very popular with many Sprint customers – T.I. is one of only six artists to ever receive a Sprint Platinum Award, which is presented after more than a million Music Tones have been downloaded from one album (from his #1 album, "URBAN LEGEND").

From now until the release of "KING" on March 28, the following mobile content from "KING" will only be available to Sprint customers:

Full Song Downloads. The nation’s first wireless music download service, the Sprint Music StoreSM, will offer "What You Know," the smash first single from "KING," along with another album track, "Ride Wit Me," on Sprint Power VisionSM phones.

Music Tones and Call Tones. Every track from "KING" will be offered for both Music Tones, which play a song instead of a traditional ring when a call is incoming, and Call Tones, which play a song for a caller while waiting for someone to pick up the phone instead of the traditional tone.

Following the album’s release, T.I. will be Sprint’s "Featured Artist of the Month" for April. In support of this high-visibility program, three unreleased non-album tracks, plus instrumental versions of "What You Know" and "Ride Wit Me," will be exclusively available for Sprint Music Store downloads, Music Tones and Call Tones. Sprint will also offer T.I. screensavers, as well as voice ringers and Call Tones, uniquely created by T.I.

Sprint TV customers will have exclusive access to video that is shot by T.I.’s crew during the launch week, or "street week," of "KING." They will also be able to watch full music videos from T.I. on select video-enabled phones, as well as clips from T.I.’s upcoming motion picture "ATL," which Warner Bros. will release on March 31. Additionally, Sprint will offer several T.I. video ringers, including one from the smash new hit, "What You Know."

"We are very excited to be partnering with Sprint to launch T.I.’s new album," said Atlantic President Julie Greenwald. "It is through innovative campaigns like this that we are redefining our release strategy, as we are constantly seeking out unique, non-traditional ways to capture the consumer’s attention and drive new music sales. T.I. is our next big superstar, and we are thrilled that Sprint has come to the party with such an amazing rollout."

"Sprint is breaking ground with mobile music with the exclusive and extensive T.I. content offering – including full tracks from his new album that are available now only on Sprint. We are providing customers early access to a multi-platinum entertainer, T.I. With Sprint, customers can get the music entertainment they want, when they want it… and now they can get it first," said Nancy Beaton, director, entertainment and personalization for Sprint.

The March 28th arrival of T.I.’s "KING" follows the breakthrough success of 2004’s RIAA platinum-certified "URBAN LEGEND," which spawned such smash hits as "Bring Em Out" and the Grammy-nominated "U Don’t Know Me." That same week will mark another landmark in T.I.’s explosive career, as he makes his big screen debut as the star of the Overbrook/Warner Bros. Pictures feature film "ATL," set to open nationwide on March 31st.

"What You Know," the first single from "KING," was the #1 most-added track at both CHR/Rhythmic and Urban radio nationwide upon its release and is now nearing the top of the airplay charts. The single’s companion video, which was added this week to both MTV and MTV2, was directed by veteran hip-hop video director and Atlanta native Chris Robinson – who also directed "ATL."

In conjunction with both the release of "KING" and "ATL," T.I. will make appearances at exclusive album listening events and movie premieres in Houston, Dallas, Chicago and Detroit the week prior to the projects’ release dates. The rapper also plans to be on hand for larger premieres in Atlanta and Los Angeles the week of March 27.

Having exploded into the hip-hop mainstream with 2003’s RIAA gold certified "TRAP MUZIK," the Atlanta-based T.I. has become one of rap’s hottest artists. The self-proclaimed "King of the South" followed up his Grand Hustle/Atlantic premiere in late 2004 with "URBAN LEGEND." The acclaimed album made a top 10 debut on the Billboard 200 on its way to RIAA platinum certification for U.S. sales exceeding one million units. T.I. was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance for his song "U Don’t Know Me." He also walked away from the Second Annual VIBE Awards with a win in the Street Anthem category for the same song.

About Sprint Music

Sprint continually provides wireless data services that are first, better and unique, and Sprint’s music offerings are a distinct example of this leadership. Sprint was the first U.S. mobile carrier to provide:

a service that allows full-length songs to be downloaded over the air via the Sprint Music Store, which soon afterwards became the first mobile music service to announce a million song downloads,

live TV and exclusive video and audio of a full-length rock concert (Bon Jovi),

streaming music and continues to provide exclusive streaming music channels, including SIRIUS Music and Rhapsody Radio,

video ringers, which play clips from music videos instead of a traditional ring,

ringers that sound like actual song recordings via Music Tones and to allow customers to create their own original ring tones via ToneMaker DJ, and

gold and platinum awards when artists’ albums sell 500,000 and one million Music Tones respectively.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business and government customers. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two robust wireless networks offering industry leading mobile data services; instant national and international walkie-talkie capabilities; and an award-winning and global Tier 1 Internet backbone. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/mr.

-courtesy of Webwire.Com

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Lauryn Hill Ready to Make Comeback

Posted at 3/14/2006 08:38:00 AM

It seems that the secretive, shy yet reluctive Lauryn Hill is slowly emerging from her shell. After several recent performances and magazine covers, amNY is reporting that the singer/rapper is set to help high-end pen maker Mont Blanc celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Hill, along with actress Claire Danes and actor/magician Criss Angel, are scheduled to appear at the centennial celebration, which will be held at The Newspace in New York City.

Lauryn and her Fugee compandres, Wyclef Jean and Pras, are the center of attraction in Dave Chapelle’s latest comic explosion, Block Party. Block Party has made an estimated $10 million at theatres which isn’t bad for a limited release.

The Fugees recently recorded “Take It Easy”, which was leaked online and eventually released as a single on the internet on September 27, 2005. It peaked at #40 on the Billboard R&B Chart.

-courtesy of MyHipHopSpace.Com

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Young Jeezy Arrested in Florida After Shootout

Posted at 3/14/2006 08:32:00 AM

Atlanta rapper Young Jeezy was arrested in South Beach, Florida, early Friday morning and charged on Saturday with two counts of carrying a concealed firearm without a permit.

The 28-year-old rapper (Jay Jenkins) was arrested after an alleged shootout involving members of his entourage, said the Miami Beach Police Department. According to police, Jeezy was with a group of men when a fight erupted. When a bystander filming the scuffle refused to hand over his camcorder, one of the men began shooting. No one was injured in the incident.

Jeezy and approximately nine other men then fled the scene in two SUVs, said spokesperson Officer Robert Hernandez. When police stopped the vehicles, Jeezy was sitting behind the front passenger seat with two semiautomatic firearms, one under his seat and another near the armrest.

“There were four guns in total in the car,” Hernandez said. “And [Jeezy] was in control of two of them.” According to police, Jeezy also has a prior arrest for carrying a concealed weapon.

Young Jeezy's attorney Scott Leemon said the rapper will fight the charges. "He adamantly denies any weapons recovered were his, and we are confident that he will be vindicated," said Leemon.

The alleged shooter, Kariem Raheem, was also arrested for discharging a firearm in public and criminal mischief for hitting two cars during the getaway. Two other men in Jeezy's entourage were detained as well: Tramiel De Juan Golden, who was charged with strong armed robbery, and Steven Lesly Savain, booked on trespassing charges stemming from a previous bench warrant.

-courtesy of NobodySmiling.Com

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Monday, March 13, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | HOME

Hip Hop Honey for Now: Sunny Leone

Posted at 3/13/2006 12:12:00 PM

Born on May 13, 1981, in Ontario, Canada, Sunny Leone grew up in idyllic surroundings, loving the cold Canadian winters and the snow that came with them. Building snowmen and ice skating were regular activities outside the Leone household every November through March. With a love for sports, singing and dancing, young Sunny was a consummate performer, basking in the attention it brought her and eating up every word of praise that came her way. Everything changed in 1996, when her family packed up and moved to Southern California. It was a difficult adjustment for the little Canadian girl, whose innocence and naiveté were less than fully appreciated by her new high school classmates. In addition, her adopted hometown lacked the change of seasons she so loved in the Old Country. Sunny persevered, however, and after graduating in 1999, enrolled in a local junior college. After a friend told her she should try modeling - a natural choice for a young beauty - she found a contact who specialized in adult entertainment and decided to give it a try. Though initially wary of taking her clothes off and striking suggestive poses for the camera, curiosity got the better of her and she dived in full force, quickly becoming one of the most sought-after adult models. In 2001, Sunny was named Penthouse Pet of the Month for the March issue, and numerous layouts in other magazines soon followed, including Cheri, High Society, Swank, Leg World, Hustler and Club International. She has also appeared in the "Penthouse Pets in Paradise" home video, as well as Ja Rules' "Livin'It Up" music video. So popular had Miss Leone become that she set up her own website, www.sunnyleone.com. Miss Leone would one day like to have a mainstream acting career, though she is content to stick with nude modeling for now. In addition, she is currently attending a junior college in Southern California, and hopes to become a registered nurse. She would also like to be a wife and mother at some point, though that will have to wait until Mr. Right comes along.

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DJ Kay Slay, Whoo Kid and More to Make Wireless Street Beatz

Posted at 3/13/2006 09:02:00 AM

UrbanWorld Wireless has partnered up with leading deejays across the nation to make a new ringtone category exclusively for DJs, top-notch producers and the nicest unsigned artists.

Street Beatz, the new ringtone category, has already recruited leading DJs like Clue, Kid Capri, Spinderella, G-Unit’s Whoo Kid, Fatman Scoop and Kay Slay, The Drama King, to best represent their respective sounds.

With the success he’s had steering Papoose’s career, Kay Slay has been tapped by UrbanWorld to play an integral role in continuing to bring in new unsigned artists, Pap being the first.

“I’m excited to help UrbanWorld maintain its ear to the streets and bring in new talent!” said Kay Slay, through a press release.

Street Beatz can be accessed through Jamster's web site by entering Street Beatz in the search feature.

-courtesy of Vibe.Com

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JANET MAY HELP MIJAC WITH NEVERLAND

Posted at 3/13/2006 08:56:00 AM

Michael Jackson has until close of businesses tomorrow (March 14) to come up with $100,000 in penalties and $306,000 in back pay for nearly 50 employees at his Neverland Ranch before state regulators step in and settle the matter in court.

Fox411.com’s Roger Friedman is reporting that Michael’s sister Janet Jackson and her business advisors visited the family home in Encino, CA last week to discuss a possible bail-out plan for her famous brother. Janet has reportedly shelled out $80,000 in back mortgage payments on the Encino house. She also offered to pay for the funeral of the 54-year-old former Jackson 5 drummer, Johnny Jackson, who was found dead in Chicago earlier this month.

As for Neverland’s back pay, "If they don't comply then we file suit to get a judgment," Dean Fryer, a spokesman for the California Department of Industrial Relations, told AP. "It's pretty clear that they owe this money. We've got all these wage claims. People are telling me they haven't been paid from Dec. 19."

According to Jackson’s rep Raymone K. Bain, the King of Pop spent Thursday on a plane from London to Bahrain, the Persian Gulf nation he has called home since being acquitted of child molestation charges in June. Bain said Jackson found out about the Neverland drama when he touched down in Bahrain late in the day, but the two were unable to discuss it because of the time difference.

"He's been made aware," Bain said of the Neverland situation. "I'm sure this will be resolved."

On Thursday the state told Neverland employees to stop working at the location after learning that Jackson’s workers compensation coverage had run out in January.

While some workers are allowed to remain on the 2,600-acre estate, which includes amusement park rides and a zoo full of exotic animals, no work can be done until the ranch either obtains coverage or hires an outside company that has it, said Fryer. The state gave ranch operators five days to appeal the decision and 30 days to appeal a $69,000 fine ($1,000 for each worker).

Fryer said that animal welfare agencies have been notified of the shutdown so that they can make arrangements to take care of the animals. On Friday, the activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals called for the zoo inhabitants to be removed from the ranch and placed in sanctuaries.

"Mr. Jackson is universally known for his love of animals. We hope that he will accept PETA's offer to help ensure that none of the animals at Neverland end up at shabby roadside zoos or exotic-animal auctions or in the hands of exotic animal brokers, breeders, or dealers," PETA said in a letter faxed to Bain.

-courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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STEVE HARVEY CONFIRMS DIVORCE: Radio vet discusses end of 10-year marriage to wife, Mary.

Posted at 3/13/2006 08:53:00 AM

Steve Harvey has briefly mentioned the big D-word on his syndicated radio show and used it as the butt of some self deprecating jokes at Friday's NABOB Dinner in Washington, but he’s giving up details of the December divorce from his wife Mary in the latest issue of Jet magazine.

“I’m divorced now after 17 years (of dating and marriage) with the same girl,” he says in the cover story. “But we’re still friends. It was nothing volatile, or about anybody else involved, or anything like that. We’re still friends and all; and I still love her.”

Harvey and his wife were married for nearly 10 years. He continues: “She’s the mother of my son [Wynton], one of my greatest gifts, and she helped me to get to where I am, so I will never say anything negative about her. Ever.”

As for moving on and jumping back into the dating scene, he says he isn’t seeing anyone at the moment, but wouldn’t rule it out if the right woman crossed his path.

“I’d be open to having a relationship,” he said.

-courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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It's hard out here ( 3-6 Mafia Diss by Bill O'Reilly)

Posted at 3/13/2006 08:44:00 AM

Bill O'Reilly - And the winner is ... "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp!" The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences would like to inform the world that this is the best movie song of the year, and you best believe it.

Taking its place besides other best movie songs like "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head," "Moon River," "A Whole New World," and "Fame," the pimp song, performed in the film "Hustle and Flow," is now enshrined forever in movie history.

You ain't knowin'?

Actually, that's the refrain from the song chanted about 7,000 times within the body (no pun intended) of the work.

The basic theme of "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" seems to be that selling women for sex is a competitive industry with no health benefits or paid vacations. That is hard, indeed. Pimping isn't all it's cracked (no pun intended) up to be. The long hours and demanding clientele do take a toll.

As the show business community looked up to the Oscar stage last Sunday, they could not help but be impressed with the lyrics of the best song selection:

"Wait I got a snow bunny, and a black girl too

You pay the right price and they'll both do you,

That's the way the game goes, gotta keep it strictly pimpin'

Gotta have my hustle tight makin' change off these women, yeah!"

Where have you gone, Henry Mancini?

Now, what are we unenlightened, non-show-biz people to think about the best movie song of the year? If you saw the rap group "Three 6 Mafia" perform their classic, you can decide for yourself. But, no question, the Academy voters were sticking it "to the man."

And who's the man? That's us, folks. The people who pay to watch movies. They are sticking it to us.

But why? All we do is enable many foolish people to become wealthy and famous. We buy magazines to read about them, we watch TV programs that kiss their posteriors, and some of us pay $10 to see their movies, which are often incomprehensible.

No serious person could think that awarding a song that describes the "pimp life" would play well in Tulsa, Okla. So whas up with that, as they say in the 'hood.

The pinhead apologists for a decaying music industry will trot out the same canard: the "Pimp" song simply reflects street life as it exists today. OK, fine. If you find that reflection worthwhile, well, that's why you live in America.

In Al Qaeda-dominated Northern Pakistan, "Three 6 Mafia" would find themselves beheaded. By the way, it's not easy being a terrorist, either.

The truth is that Hollywood doesn't really like the folks very much. They see us as marginal intellects who couldn't possibly understand the art on display in the pimp song. So they voted for an effort they knew would displease many Americans. This is called "arrogance."

It is hard to believe that any sane person could think "It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp," is worthy of an artistic award. I know I "ain't knowin'," but I'll submit this thing probably was written in five minutes on bar napkin someplace.

However, I will concede that being a pimp is probably more difficult than it appears. But it isn't nearly as difficult as sitting through that best movie song of the year.

-courtesy of JewishWorldReview.Com

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Benzino: The Interview

Posted at 3/13/2006 08:32:00 AM

Dave Mays and Ray Benzino of The Source Magazine have been relatively quiet since being forcibly removed from control of the long-running Hip-Hop magazine by the publication’s board of directors. Benzino, the more vocal of the two, says his detractors are celebrating far too fast. The Boston-bred rapper/executive breaks his brief silence and says that the pair will unequivocally regain the reigns of “the Bible of Hip-Hop.” Without further intro, read the thoughts, plans and views of Ray Benzino.

AllHipHop.com: So, yeah a lot of people are just wondering what’s going on from your perspective. I mean we’ve seen reports and things like that, but what’s going on from your point of view?

Benzino: I’m just saying you got a situation where you got a whole bunch of people trying to basically give their, I mean it’s a situation where Black Enterprises is a [company of] Black uppity-ass n***as, okay? Who don’t know about Hip-Hop, you got a whole culture of these writers or these people just stay in the f**king house don’t even know what it is to be in f**king society as a f**king normal human being. Who basically just want to see me and Dave [Mays] fall. Like this Jeremy Miller, that’s like Dave’s “son,” just like Elliott Wilson [of XXL magazine] and Mimi [Valdes of VIBE magazine], they all came up through The Source magazine. At the end of the day, me and Dave are still 82% shareholders.

AllHipHop.com: Yeah, I heard about that.

Benzino: I mean you got to look at the people that are involved in it. You know Jeremy Miller - It’s like they don’t represent what a Hip-Hop is, you understand what I’m saying?

AllHipHop.com: Right.

Benzino: You got Jeff Scott and you know Butch Graves and Earl Graves. They don’t represent Hip-Hop. They don’t give a f**k about the Hood. They don’t care about n***as in the f**king street, about n***as being locked up. All these mother f**kers are doing is just selling out a whole f**king culture.

AllHipHop.com: Yeah. From a business perspective do you feel that they’re just protecting their interests, aside from the culture?

Benzino: [It] should be our interests. You know what I’m saying, should be our interests. This isn’t about their interests. When they came in with their money and that bulls**t contract that they had that Dave sign, that was about them to try to take over the magazine. You understand they invested in the magazine, the number one Hip-Hop bible on the newsstand. That basically brought every other f**king magazine out there.

AllHipHop.com: Right, no doubt. So I mean are you guys in the process of trying --

Benzino: Without The Source there is no XXL, there is no f**king AllHipHop.com, there is no Ozone, there’s none of that without The Source. You understand what I’m saying. The Source [has been] around since 1988 - documented. We been covering the politics of it, the music of it, everything about it. There’s nothing bigger than The Source. It’s an institution. These mother f**kers don’t know nothing about the culture. All they want to do is try to reap the f**king benefits.

AllHipHop.com: Right, right. How was it that they were able to do that considering that you guys are still 82% --

Benzino: They had a clause in their contract that said that if the company went in default they could add two board members. They add two board members, now they control the board. I’m a street n***a, you know what I’m saying. I don’t f**king know about no board s**t. I never went to one board meeting. I’m not a board n***a, I’m a street n***a and a sharp n***a. When Zino brought something, when we did the f**king Source Awards, we brought the ‘hood to TV. He wants to represent the ‘hood there’s, there’s no award show representing the ‘hood. It’s almost like people are embarrassed to be a part of the ‘hood, but want to benefit from the economics from the ‘hood. Enough of that, know what I’m saying, enough of that. That’s why Russell Simmons, Steve Stoute, Chris Lighty, all these coward a** n***as have to run around with f**king security. These n***as don’t rap, what the f**k is their excuse for running around with security?

AllHipHop.com: Yeah, no doubt. Well what about Jeremy is he --

Benzino: F**k Jeremy. You understand what I’m saying? Jeremy went down and started some magazine called Down magazine. His partner went out on him, the magazine was about to fold. Nobody knew about that. We started this empire. You can say what you want about us but our legacy is already f**king in [history], it’s already written. If me and Dave [die] tomorrow our f**king history is already written in the magazine. There’s a lot of f**king weirdo writers out there, journalists who wished they could say that.

AllHipHop.com: Speaking of journalists, what happened with [former Source Editor-in-Chief] Dasun Allah? Do you know what happened with that?

Benzino: I’m saying Dasun is one of the best writers we ever had up there who understands the cause, but Dasun is a real emotional cat. And sometimes his emotion is a passion, just like myself and it ends up guiding his path. So you know he’s gonna be alright whether he’s up at The Source or wherever he is, Dasun is gonna be alright.

AllHipHop.com: Cool.

Benzino: Those cheap mother f**kers [former Source employees]. They always been clowns from day one, man. They always been guys that never could be accepted so like this is like their revenge right here. Watching me and Dave in the newspaper getting ousted in The Source. [Click here to listen] But, guess what, I’m coming back, yo. I’m coming back and I might come back on a f**king horse.

AllHipHop.com: Yeah, I hear you, so you think, you are in the process of getting The Source back or trying to get it back or --

Benzino: I’m coming back in on a f**king horse. Let me tell you something. I got lawyers so good that Jeff and Jeremy will be doing magazines in Alaska.

AllHipHop.com: So you mean you are going to try to get The Source back or in the process of doing that?

Benzino: I’m coming back in on a f**king horse.

AllHipHop.com: Ok, so how’s Dave doing, mentally wise, you know what I’m saying, is he straight?

Benzino: You mean the man that basically started a one page newsletter in 1988 to the biggest Hip-Hop media f**king conglomerate ever? I think he’s doing just fine, buddy.

AllHipHop.com: Oh, okay. You know, I’m sure that some things that went down probably that bothered him.

Benzino: Dave’s like this: We stood up for something. You understand what I’m saying. While this c**ksucker Jeremy’s going to try to suck Jimmy [Iovine] and Eminem, we stood up for something, you understand what I’m saying? We stood up for something. We stood up for the ‘hood. Interscope, they damn near control AllHipHop.com. They control XXL. Believe me, when I am back up in power at The Source, Eminem will never be in the pages of the Source again.

AllHipHop.com: What about the Ozone incident [Ozone named Benzino "Most Successful Extortionist" in their 2005 wrap-up issue]. Do you have any different feelings about that or --

Benzino: Oh man, don’t ask me about that f**king s**t monkey whore, man.

AllHipHop.com: Nah, I was just saying, I mean, would you have done it differently?

Benzino: What?

AllHipHop.com: I’m saying in hindsight, do you have any different thoughts about it or you know --

Benzino: Yeah, in hindsight I wish I would have seen her so I could spit in her f**king face, in hindsight.

Benzino: Any mother f**ker who wants to write something bad about me, I’m f**king coming to their doorstep.

AllHipHop.com: Alright. What about, you know I mean do you feel that everybody’s against you all, like why is that? Why is it that people are this way around The Source when everybody basically --

Benzino: It’s the journalists and fake people. Real people love me. See that’s where you n***as got tunnel vision. Like the street and people that get pushed away, they love me. When [Ozone] published my number, I’ve gotten love from Africa to Iraq to f**king Toronto to like all across the world, yo. Mother f**kers want a real n***a, not a n***a that sits up in an office and f**king puts another name on a story that I write. I’m not a n***a that isn’t scared to walk in any ‘hood in this f**king country.

AllHipHop.com: We heard that a lot of people did call you and did get good responses from you on the phone. People emailed us and told us that.

Benzino: Part of the problem is the industry, this big thing called Hip-Hop, the most greatest thing to ever happen to the f**king Black and Latino culture of America, part of the problem is that the youth have taken it and the people that are controlling it aren’t being responsible with it. It’s a simple fact.

AllHipHop.com: OK.

Benzino: Irresponsible stuff is happening. You know over radio and everything, man you know what I’m saying. And like at the end of the day people, people just ain’t real man. You know what I’m saying people just, I don’t know what it is man, but it’s like just a lot of people who are just miserable with themselves, you know what I’m saying. Like I can produce, you know what I’m saying. I can executive produce a major f**king TV show [The Source Awards] that got major ratings, the f**king sixth most watched show in the history of BET. I can direct videos. You know what I’m saying? I can do everything there is. I can run a magazine. I can do everything there is about Hip-Hop and I can stand up for something and f**king risk it all because of something where I believe in. So I don’t, you just don’t find too many mother f**kers like that cause I never been celebrity type n***a. I’ve always that in love Hip-Hop. I put my first record out in 1987, 88, you know.

AllHipHop.com: Yeah, we know.

Benzino: I was on the cover holding a gun with a f**king Adidas sweatsuit with some Cazals on, cuz. I had a hit record with “Rock The Party. I been on Motown Records, I been across the country performing, cuz. I done f**ked some of the baddest b**ches in the industry, cuz.

AllHipHop.com: Yeah, no doubt. I heard rumors about you and Trina.

Benzino: Let me tell you something. That’s like Trina’s cool, I got nothing bad to say about Trina, but that’s just one of them. So it, cuz, it’s nothing. And Trina can still f**k with anybody and give n***as time and converse with anybody. I don’t put myself over people.

AllHipHop.com: A lot of people, including myself are very concerned with the way that Hip-Hop is going and the lack of control. How do you feel that can be resolved, like how can we regain the reins of Hip-Hop and --

Benzino: We gotta first get this monopoly strangle-hold off of Hip-Hop and recognize who are the perpetrators of that. We got to recognize that this isn’t just a product, this is a culture of people. And it’s f**ked it all up, a f**ked up a culture of people. This just isn’t music where it’s music, this controls our every day living. And it’s f**ked up the lives of a lot of mother f**king kids. I think the internet is being very irresponsible the way people can just post messages up and say anything and somebody spew any kind of hate.
It’s a whole bunch of s**t. Radio personalities become more bigger than the artists they’re playing, like it’s all out of control. You know like there’s a lot of people responsible for it.
AllHipHop.com: If by chance, you and Dave are not able to gain control of The Source what will you do?

Benzino: Son, you’re not listening to me. You’re not listening to me, man. I’m coming back on a f**king horse, man. There is no “what if..” or “If me and Dave ain’t..” Hey, if you want the exclusive I’m telling you what the f**k it is man. I’m coming back up there and heads are rolling. You know what I’m saying, Jeremy or anybody else they got up there. I’m telling you what it is. There’s no “if me and Dave don’t.” When me and Dave are back in power, I’m coming back on a f**king horse.

AllHipHop.com: I hear you, I hear you. Okay, how soon you think that’s gonna go down? You know that -

Benzino: You know I don’t want to say that cause I don’t bite myself in the ass there. And like one thing’s for sure, also like I stepped my game 100%, set up like on my music, too you understand? And like my new album when I drop it, know what I’m saying is gonna f**k a lot of n***as up. Like a lot of n***as think that they’re so lyrical or think that they make great songs. I’m about to f**k up a lot of n***as up, man. F**k how old I am, f**k everything else, like I said the other day, there’s a whole bunch of n***as in the game that are in the 35 to 40 year old realm that are running Hip-Hop. That’s the age. It is what it is. Guess what? I can still f**king f**k with a 21-year-old real n***a and f**king be shoulder to shoulder with him. That’s what the difference is.

AllHipHop.com: What else about your album? Is it coming out soon or --

Benzino: I would think we’re probably gonna drop it in March. It ain’t on no s**t about [dissing] that f**king dickhead or none of that s**t. It’s about me stepping my lyrical game up, great music and it’s for a crowd that is a little bit older, you understand what I’m saying? It’s also good enough for the young n***as to understand. It’s a more calmed down lyrical version, man. I got my little situation going like with the federal case up in Boston-fighting that, you know? So don’t believe into the hype, you know. Zino’s alright. Zino’s doing all right, Zino’s doing good, you can’t believe the hype about anything with the newspapers and everything. Like every thing’s good with me. I’m still f**kin’ with my Untouchable n***as, my Southside Bomber n***as. I’m still not bowing down to nobody.

AllHipHop.com: Right.

Benzino: And Funk Master Flex. I remember one day when I went up there and Ashton [Flex] pulled me to the side and talked about how he didn’t think he was gonna be up there too much longer and how The Source would really have to support him and his car thing and everything It’s cool. and you know so what happened with Ashton was there was a story coming out that wasn’t written by me. There was a story coming out, he thought that it was in The Source, I had put the story on hold when it came across me because of our relationship. He got a little scared and felt that because you know we had moles all through the f**king office, calling and saying s**t. He got scared and said some s**t on the radio and that’s why I said, f**k it. He wants to try and go against me and my company, as Angie [Martinez] does. Okay well f**k it and let’s just put it out there. The difference with Funk Master Flex and our s**t is all our s**t is true about him. Everything he says about I’m wack, my music, that right there is based on somebody’s opinion. Funk Master Flex is responsible for making New York a special city that birthed Hip-Hop to just another city that is just playing everything from Down South or Mid-West now.

AllHipHop.com: Right.

Benzino: So he can say what he wants behind those heavily guarded walls. There’s a lot of banana peels out there, homey. Lot of banana peels, yo. I hope Ashton doesn’t slip on one. And, if he’s so hot, why did his album come out and only do 11,000 in the first week? And the car shows are starting to get wack. What does he have now?

AllHipHop.com: Well, he has the radio…

Benzino: Well, he’s playing all the songs off his album on the radio and still couldn’t sell no albums. London Bridges is falling down.

AllHipHop.com: Hip-Hop is in such a chaotic state, I just want to know what’s really good with Hip-Hop, because…

Benzino: It got monopolized by a few people. Why don’t people understand that? That’s the reason Hip-Hop is the way it is. Stop asking that dumb a** question.

AllHipHop.com: Right. Anything else that you wanted to speak on like --

Benzino: After, after I get back in power I want to be known as Benzino the f**king Great.

AllHipHop.com: Yeah, yeah if you get The Source back, you probably will.

Benzino: Let people know the name is Zino the Great, all right?

AllHipHop.com: One more thing. What’s the status on the BET lawsuit?

Benzino: Well BET had a two year contract okay. To show The Source was it, The Source was the sixth most watched show in the history of BET. There was a contract laid out okay. It became personal, they didn’t want the ‘hood. They didn’t want to be a part of the Hood, you know. As great as the BET Awards are and I have a great deal of respect for Bob Johnson and who’s the lady up there, Debra Lee? I have a great deal of respect for them but at the end of the day, when they turn their back on the ‘hood, The Source is the ‘hood. So they were suppose to honor that contract and they didn’t and we have legal rights to go at them, okay? And that’s all we’re doing, is exercising our legal rights and anybody else would do the same thing. They had a two-year contract and then they pulled out.

AllHipHop.com: Right, right. What about the Kim Osorio sexual lawsuit stuff? Is that still pending or is that, I thought I heard --

Benzino: We will be vindicated. They brought in these independent people [investigators], to come interview and found a "no finding." These are people that come in from New York and if that’s the case, sexual harassment that they came in and had a “no finding,” I don’t know the name of these people but you know what I’m saying, at the end of the day, it was what it was. Her closet isn’t so clean.

AllHipHop.com: Okay, okay. Well, that’s about it. Anything else or is that about it?

Benzino: Benzino the Great. I’m coming in a f**king horse. Oh and please put that thing about my lawyers are so great, that Jeff and f**king Jeremy will be doing Honey magazine in Alaska, okay. They’ll be printing magazines in Alaska. So, tell them to dress warm.

AllHipHop.com: By the way, where are you? Are you in New York?

Benzino: I’m in every ‘hood on this globe. That’s where I’m at.

Benzino: All right, my n***a.

AllHipHop.com: Thanks. I’m going to wait and see.

Benzino: Wait and see, like when it’s all said and done, you’ll be reading the stories to your grandkids about me. The will come to you and say, "Daddy who is this great man, Zino the Great? Who was this great man, granddad? And didn’t give in to the corporate c**k sucking. Who was this great man and that never walked with security a whole f**king day in his life?"

-courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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Uncle Luke Ready For Retirement?

Posted at 3/13/2006 08:25:00 AM

After enjoying a successful and controversial career in the rap game, Uncle Luke has made the decision to hang up his mic. But in typical Luke fashion, he's going out the same way that he came in-with a bang.

The former 2 Live Crew frontman has decided to chronicle some of his wild and crazy tales in a new audio book entitled Uncle Luke: My Life and Freaky Times. The pioneering Miami rapper hooked up with SOHH.com for an exclusive interview where he talks about the many celebrities in the book including Biggie and Tupac, his next career move and how his name is being used to sue 50 Cent.

SOHH.com: I heard you've got an audio book coming out called My Life and Freaky Times.

Luke: Yeah, the audio book is hot, a lot of crazy parties, a lot of different stories about things that happened with me back in the day and things that happened with me lately.

SOHH.com: I heard you're dropping a couple of names, a couple of R&B dudes, and a couple of video chicks....

Luke: Yeah, I'm putting everybody out there. It's a fun book, kinda crazy. I got your girl Gloria [Velez] in there. We had been going back and forth, saying a lot of things. I just wanted to say some things, in my own words about how I met her. Aaron Hall's up in there. Ed Lover's in there.

SOHH.com: Ok, so I see you're not pulling any punches....

Luke: Nah, man.

SOHH.com: When I first heard about the book, a lot of people were comparing it to Karrine "Superhead" Steffans' book, Confessions of A Video Vixen. Do you think it's along the same lines and how do you feel about her book as compared to yours?

Luke: Well, I think her book is with malicious intent. My book is about a lot of stories that actually happened. It's pretty much a fun book, an entertaining book and informative. It talks about ups and downs in the music industry and stories with Biggie and Pac and all these guys. Some people might take some of the stuff personal like the girl Gloria, she'll probably take some things personal but these are things that are true. I wish I knew [Karrine Steffans] or came in contact with her 'cause just like she's putting people out there I'd sure enough put her out there. I guess my stab back at the video hoes is putting Ms. Gloria out there.

SOHH.com: You mentioned Biggie and Pac. I heard you had some deep conversations with both of them. Can you tell me about that a little bit?

Luke: Yeah, you know, coming up in the game, knowing Biggie like I knew him, there's some stories in the book about me and him wilding out. Knowing Pac from when he was with Digital Underground and throughout his years in the music business and talking to both of them about the controversy that was going on. There's some good stories in there.

SOHH.com: I know you have an album and DVD that's going to accompany the book. Tell me a little about that and who's on there.

Luke: Yeah, all in one package and we're just going to sell it for the regular CD price. [The album] has Petey Pablo on there, Trick Daddy, Jacki O. For all the people who know me from all my "Freak Shows" and "Peep Shows," it's a DVD version of the audio book. So it's a lot of stories that I talk about in the book and accompanies what I'm talking about. Almost like what I'm talking about in the book comes to life.

SOHH.com: Ah, so what you're saying is, if somebody in the book says something didn't happen, you've got the DVD to prove it...

Luke: That's right.

SOHH.com: Alright, I know you've got a model search going on called "Ms. Freaky Soul." What's the criteria for someone to be "Ms. Freaky Soul"?

Luke: Just looking for the freakiest girl that I've never met. One thing about me is, after this album I'm going straight into the adult industry so it's a perfect way to segue into the adult industry. I've never done a contest where I'm looking for the freakiest girl in the world so it's going to be interesting. The criteria will be me putting the girls through all types of tests. It's gonna be crazy.

SOHH.com: Ok, switching gears from the adult industry to the kids, I know you're involved with your youth football league in LibertyCity and now you're trying to expand it.

Luke: Yeah, I've always had a program called Liberty City Optimists down here in Miami for youth. Now with the success of youth football in Miami and youth football in general, I want to start a new league here in Miami and hopefully expand it throughout the U.S. so that we can play national games with other celebrity artists like the Nelly's of the world. So that we can bring these kids together, let them play a football game, and do something positive for the community.

SOHH.com: It definitely sounds like you're doing something positive for the community. Do you think that sometimes you don't get enough credit for the positive things you do and people concentrate too much on the sex?

Luke: Well, I don't think I get credit for nothing. For all of the things I did in the music industry or whether it's something I'm doing positive. Pretty much I'm the Rodney Dangerfield of hip-hop, I get no credit, no respect for a lot of things. I'm kind of used to it and it just goes with the territory of being an artist from Miami and just probably being Luke.

SOHH.com: Speaking of being Luke, I know there was a lawyer that was using your name and your lyrics to sue 50 Cent for his hit "In Da Club". People have been saying different things so go ahead and set the record straight.

Luke: I don't have anything to do with that. The guy who's suing him, a guy named Joe Weidenberger, in my opinion, him and Sony, stole my catalogue and what they're doing is running around and preventing me and the 2 Live Crew from getting back together and doing a reunion album, him and a guy named Richard Wolf. Under no circumstances am I suing anybody, 50 Cent or anybody.

SOHH.com: Lastly, what do you want the world to know about Luke?

Luke: I want the world to know that I hope this package, this last album and audio book, as well as the paper back book is something that they're entertained by. I just look forward to being a better black Hugh Heffner and Larry Flynt in the adult industry.

Uncle Luke: My Like and Freaky Times, a three-disc boxed set (2 audio books and 1 album), will be released May 2.

-courtesy of SOHH.com

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NELLY, DADDY YANKEE INTRODUCE REEBOK LINES: Rappers join company’s roster of rap mouthpieces.

Posted at 3/13/2006 08:19:00 AM

Reebok has enlisted rapper Nelly and reggaeton star Daddy Yankee to join Lil' Wayne, Lupe Fiasco and Mike Jones in its “I Am What I Am” ad campaign.

Nelly's Derrty One line, to include sneakers, T-shirts and hats, will arrive in stores this April with a price tag of about $75. Daddy Yankee’s new line of $80 sneakers will debut May 23 with other Yankee branded apparel and accessories.

"We're bringing together the power of all of our assets," Que Gaskins, Reebok lifestyle and entertainment marketing chief told New York's Daily News. "Nelly's shoe will have a clean, inner-city, urban style. Daddy Yankee's will have more of a soccer flavor."

Reebok hopes the addition of Nelly and Daddy Yankee to its $50 million campaign will appeal to the youth market.

Source: EurWeb.Com

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Ludacris Lands More Roles in Film & TV

Posted at 3/13/2006 08:16:00 AM

After gaining critical praise in the Academy Award winning film “Crash,” Atlanta rapper Ludacris has signed on to narrate a sports documentary titled “The Heart of the Game.”

Due out June 6th, the movie captures the true story of a Seattle high school girls’ basketball team, the Roosevelt Roughriders, and one teammate’s struggle to maintain her eligibility in the squad.

"My stock has definitely gone up," Ludacris said recently. "People can get used to seeing me on the big screen more in the future [as I] continue to choose projects that I feel will change people's lives."

Since appearing in Crash, Ludacris has also acted in several episodes of NBC’s “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” scheduled to air later this month. Luda, who plays a troubled murder accomplice, will guest star alongside another rapper-turned-actor Ice T.

Meanwhile his fifth album, Release Therapy, is due out this summer.

Source: NobodySmiling.Com

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Sunday, March 12, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | HOME

Hip Hop Sure Shot: Youngbloodz-Presidential (Video)

Posted at 3/12/2006 08:08:00 PM

Who you 'wit!!! Represent!!!

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Killer Mike: A Beautiful Struggle (Exclusive Interview)

Posted at 3/12/2006 02:10:00 PM

Last summer, Killer Mike was poised to drop Ghetto Extraordinary, his second album and his debut on Big Boi’s new Purple Ribbon label. XXL even reviewed it and gave it an XL (and we hadn’t even heard his fiery additions). He has since appeared on Big Boi Presents Got Purp? Vol. II, a label compilation that features him on the smash single “Kryptonite,” but his solo album stalled after one single. Killer connected with XXLMAG.com to explain why he’s leaving Sony and where he plans to go.

After your lead single “Chrome” came and went, it seemed like someone pressed pause on Ghetto Extraordinary. What’s going on with Sony and Purple Ribbon?
Sony had grievances with Big Boi because they said he wasn’t doing [enough] promo with me. Big Boi felt that the whole project didn’t get the look it deserved at Sony, so he asked could they sever their business ties, and Sony agreed. As of right now, contractually, I’m still on Sony. They still workin’ out the details of me getting out. I’m in the process of hopefully signing a new deal with another record company. I’m still gonna be on Purple Ribbon, it’s just gonna be another distributor. I have some options. I can’t talk a lot about it.

We heard there were some issues with getting the “Chrome” video that Hype Williams did played…
Yeah, I shot a beautiful video, man. We submitted it then BET decided they would no longer show poles in videos. It’s their prerogative. I just know that from now on, when I do my videos, I will have a copy of the rules and standards—or whatever they may be for that particular week, month, or year—for BET and MTV. BET said they didn’t have a problem with the smoke bein’ blown in the video, but they wouldn’t show the poles. MTV said they wouldn’t show the smoke in the video but they would show the pole. Ultimately, you know, it’s shit I’m used to. My name is Killer Mike, which makes it hard for me to get certain backing and endorsements from certain companies. A band like The Killers, they get great press, they get great reviews. For some reason a 6’3” black man bein’ “Killer” Mike is a lil’ more threatening than a bunch of 5’8” white guys known as The Killers.

Is there any truth to the rumor that Diddy is signing you to Bad Boy to distribute your album?
I can’t talk a lot about it. Honestly, Diddy is a good dude. I’d love to be in business with him. I haven’t discussed it at length beyond the fact that he really is signing Southern artists and helping Southern artists step onto a bigger plateau.

What’s your connection to Diddy?
He been around for years, man, but actually, Big Boi is workin’ on a track with him. Big Boi was just playin’ some music that he had done, and some of the music was from Ghetto Extraordinary. Diddy heard it and liked it. I was glad to see that a cat who’s traditionally known for shiny suits and doin’ shit real big—poppin’ yellow bottles—he really got the grit of my album. That raw Southern hip-hop shit, that’s the shit that he’s goin’ crazy about. He came to town and he didn’t have my phone number—he got my number from a nigga I know in the street. And this nigga [Puffy] is like a half billionaire? That’s pretty impressive.

You don’t think he overshadows artists?
It’s not that Puff takes your shine; you just gotta be a nigga that know how to shine. Puff didn’t take no steam from Ma$e, he didn’t take no steam from Biggie; he added to what they gave. When I saw Biggie in that suit and I seen that lil’ skinny nigga run out next to him in a suit, the nigga who owns the company hype-manning for him, this shows that this is a nigga that, by hook or by crook, is gonna help his artists win. For all the shit niggas talked about dude, if he standing next to you, you know you gonna be in the magazine Monday. If he’s not standing next to you, you’re prayin’ that your publicist is good enough to get you in the magazine.

How soon do you expect to sign a distribution deal somewhere?
Shout-out to the lawyers, I want this thing done in the next couple of weeks.

After papers are signed, will fans finally hear Ghetto Extraordinary?
I want those songs to make it. I feel like there’s a chance they may, but if Sony doesn’t release the album and they only release me, then that puts me in the position of having to create another album. I just don’t have time to wait, sit around, twiddle my thumbs, play with my dick and hope that it happens. I can’t afford to stop while Purple Ribbon and Sony figure their shit out. I started recording another album. I want it out this summer. Right now, I’m in the process of securing an independent deal for Grind Time [Killer Mike’s crew] and us putting out independent music together. Grind Time plans to drop two albums this year. I’m just making sure that we’re establishing our brand, making sure we’re doin’ what we need to do to progress.

You’re building the Grind Time brand, but you’re also part of Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon brand. How do you negotiate that?
Purple Ribbon is the label. Grind Time is the gang. I’m in a gang. If you work for the city and you a Blood from Brooklyn, you’s a Blood. As far as Killer Mike goes on Purple Ribbon, I want my shit played. In terms of the other shit that’s there, I like it, but if there’s one radio slot left, then I need that for that Grind Time rap gang. I want Grind Time to be a presence on the radio.

What do you mean when you call Grind Time a “rap gang”?
Gangs are social organizations formed—most of the time—as protection against an opposing force. My whole shit is we tryin’ to protect each other from this bullshit. I don’t want [other Grind Time members] to have to go through the shit I went through in my recording career.

Previously, there was some tension between you and Andre 3000, and Big Boi can’t love you branding Grind Time when he’s trying to brand Purple Ribbon. What is your relationship like with OutKast right now?
I don’t really have the ability to sugarcoat, kiss ass, play with your dick, tickle your nipple. I always presume or assume I’m talking to someone of equal standing—I don’t give a fuck if they got a million dollars more, a million dollars less than me. I try to treat everyone like they on the same level, shoot straight, tell it like it is, and it’s not a criticism or a critique meant to topple or to bring anybody down. That’s created some tension between me and OutKast. But like I tell ’Dre, “I love you, nigga. You saved my life. You and Big Boi changed my life for the better, so I would never in my life disrespect you.”

How involved will Big and ’Dre be with the new album?
They will not be as involved on this album. OutKast is about to drop a movie [Idlewild]. They about to drop an album. I went into two albums to some degree trying to balance what I wanted to do and satisfying or living up to a certain standard that OutKast had set. But this time I’m just doing what I want to do. All I will have is [songs like] “Never Scared” and “Re-AKshon” on this album. Like “Body Rock”—that verse got my name so fire hot in the street right now. Who the fuck am I to try to get on something else?

- courtesy of XXLMag.Com (Justin Monroe)

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50 Cent, Paul Wall, Mobb Deep Tee Off For Charity

Posted at 3/12/2006 02:05:00 PM

Hip-Hop's elite has joined forces for a star-studded golf tournament in Scottsdale, Ariz. to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of America.

This spring, 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, Raekwon, Timbaland, Paul Wall, Trina and others will participate in The Scion Release Invitational celebrity golf tournament.

Release Invitational, a partnership with malbon Brothers Farms (mBF), IMG and Beyond Marketing, will bring together key influencers in music, fashion, film and sports to take part in charity golf, with all proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of America.

"Scion is incredibly excited to be working with mBF, who has provided invaluable insight and effort in helping to produce this event," Jeri Yoshizu, Scion sales and promotions manager, told AllHipHop.com. "Together, Scion and mBF have created an exciting three-day event filled with golf, music, and charity benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America."

Participating celebrities and teams include G-Unit and 50 Cent, RZA, Mike Jones, Sleepy Brown, Mobb Deep, Tony Yayo, Raekwon and Timbaland

Actor Jeremy Piven of HBO's Entourage will host the festivities.

The two-day golf Invitational takes place at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa and the Tournament Players Club (TPC) from March 20-21.

The charity event will also serve as the launch of Scion's new sportswear collection, Release, a line that combines traditional golfwear with high-end streetwear.

-courtesy of AllHipHopNews.Com

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Vida Guerra Inks Deal With New Label; Preps Debut Album

Posted at 3/12/2006 02:03:00 PM

Reigning "booty" queen, Vida Guerra, has inked a deal with new upstart label, In Ya Face Records, and hopes to release her debut album later this year.

Guerra, who became popular for her voluptuous backside, broke onto the modeling scene in 2002, when she appeared in FHM Magazine's "Honey Next Door" section, catching the attention of men across the nation.

Since her introduction, the model/aspiring actress went on to become FHM's Model of the Year in 2004, and has quickly become one of the most sought after sex symbols in the U.S. and South America. Although she's done well as a model, music has always been Guerra's passion. With a new deal in place, Guerra has high hopes for her debut into music.

"My deal with In Ya Face Records is great," said Guerra. "They've treated me as if I've already sold millions."

In Ya Face label head, Howard Misle, shares Guerra's enthusiasm. "Vida is a multi-talented entertainer and we are proud to have her part of the In Ya Face Records family," said Misle.

Although Guerra has yet to release any official music, this isn't her first record deal. The model inked a deal in 2005 with New York based Flash Records, where she later left before releasing her album.

Wasting no time, Guerra is already in the studio hard at work on her debut album, Theme Park, which according to the label, is a mixture of R&B and hip-hop.

Theme Park is slated for release this summer.

-courtesy of BallerStatus.Net

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C-Murder's Murder Conviction Overturned By Louisiana Supreme Court

Posted at 3/12/2006 02:01:00 PM

After maintaining his innocence since being convicted of murder, rapper Corey "C-Murder" Miller is seeing a glimmer of hope, as a Louisiana Supreme Court overturned his murder conviction Friday (March 10).

According to reports, Miller could be released on bond as early as Monday, after waiting in limbo behind bars for nearly two years.

The rapper was convicted in death of 16-year-old Steve Thomas, who was gunned down outside the now-closed Platinum Club in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana in January 2002. Miller faced a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

During his trial in September 2003, Miller pled not guilty, but was found guilty after numerous witnesses identified Miller as the shooter during the night in question.

State District Judge Martha Sassone later ordered a new trial (see "C-Murder Granted New Trial, May be Released On Bail") on grounds that prosecutors failed to reveal the criminal backgrounds of witnesses testifying against the rapper, which would possibly dent the credibility of their testimony.

Prosecutors appealed Sassone's ruling and in March of 2005, two of three judges on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeal reversed Sassone's ruling (see "C-Murder Loses Latest Appeal Attempt, Could Face A Life Sentence") on grounds that other evidence pointed to the rapper's guilt, even without witness accounts.

In Feb. 2006, Miller filed a request for a new trial with the Louisiana Supreme Court (see "C-Murder Files Request For New Trial"), who has reinstated Sassone's decision, saying her ruling "reflects a painstaking review of the evidence."

Now, the prosecution will have the decision on whether to retry the case.

-courtesy of BallerStatus.Net

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DJ Green Lantern: The Evil Genius

Posted at 3/12/2006 01:54:00 PM

Super heroes have often been linked to saving lives, fighting evil, and overcoming tremendous odds. With titles like Super, Incredible, and Fantastic, they are expected to travel far beyond the realm of human capabilities to widen the difference between human and Immortal. Although The Green Lantern has yet to become super-human, his growing profile does fit the characteristics of a super hero. From hitting the streets with classic mixtape albums, to providing track assistance to artists from Immortal Technique, Ludacris, and Papoose, The Evil Genius� notoriety and credibility is fast spreading through the land of mortals. He has scathed off personal battles such as being relieved of his DJ'ing duties for Eminem to return with his latest producer driven mixtape �Alive on Arrival.� Green Lantern started making beats to impersonate Marley Marl. If 2006 goes his way, kids will be playing with records trying to emulate Green...

AllHipHop.com: Tell me about the new project that you have out on the streets right now�

Green Lantern: Alright , this mixtape right here is called �Alive on Arrival.� It�s the first non-one-artist based mixtape [of mine]. It�s basically a return to the block type of s**t. I�ve done artist based s**t like the [Juelz] Santana joint. This is the one with everybody on it, the real Green Lantern mixtape the fan would want to hear.

AllHipHop.com: How many joints do you have on there?

Green Lantern: 35 Joints. Everything from your super exclusive A-list Pharrell appearances, to the up and coming dude on the block that no one knows about.

AllHipHop.com: Did you do all the production?

Green Lantern: I produced a good 20 of the joints. Basically, this tape is definitely showing off the production. It definitely has a grimy undertone to it, because it�s a mixtape, and it�s New York, and it�s winter time. Let�s take it back to the street you know what I�m saying? Basically if it�s not produced by me, it�s a old classic beat that you love. So I got Ghostface doing a freestyle over �Ambitions of a Rider� and Juelz over this old Mobb beat, just because it�s a mixtape. You�re getting hit in the head crazy with beat after beat from me, but let me just give you a break here and there with a classic beat that you love. Like Fat Joe over �New York State of Mind.�

AllHipHop.com: What made you want to change it up?

Green Lantern : I know what people want and what�s been missing. Most mixtapes is just compilations of other artists� material. This is like a street album - like an artist who puts all their music in the streets before the album because they have a whole other batch. This is what I did. I went and made songs that you would make for your album and I said, �Nah, that�s just for the tape.� Like I got a record with Fat Joe and Styles P called �Shotgun Season,� that�s really retarded. Joe was like �Yo, that�s going on your album right�, and I said, �Yeah, the street album.� He was like, �Yo, �cause if you�re not using it, I�m using it,� it�s like that quality of material. You gotta understand the power of putting fire in the street. You definitely got to have more to back up you know, more in the chamber so when your real retail comes out.

AllHipHop.com: So you will definitely be doing a retail album still?

Green Lantern: Yeah, that�s what the RSMG/Def Jam album is gonna be a retail released album. So that�s what that�s gonna be. So basically �Alive on Arrival� is a street album featuring everybody in the industry that I f**k with. It�s got me all over it. If you f**k with my beats, then I gotta whole lot of s**t for you.

AllHipHop.com: How do you benefit from putting that much into a straight street album?

Green Lantern: Trying to get a check off it would just f**k it up. I got the album deal, I�m coming out through RSMG/Def Jam, so I�m good with all that. Let me just serve the street with what they need, when they need it and not get f**ked up trying to get a bulls**t check, because that�s all that�s gonna be. My promotion network is so strong that it�s gonna get where it needs to go anyway.

AllHipHop.com: Some rappers get caught in the mixtape circuit and are labeled mixtape rappers, are you concerned with that as a producer? Or over exposing yourself by putting so many beats out there? Green Lantern: Not at all brother, because in this game you have to be your own cheerleader, and you have to put yourself out there. I�ll give you the perfect example: Papoose, motherfu**ers know this guy, they know his whole s**t because he keeps hitting you in the head. You gotta keep putting yourself out there. You have to sell yourself. There is nothing more powerful than music to sell yourself with. There is nothing more powerful of a tool than music. Posters and flyers all that s**t�s dead. Motherf**kers need to hear what you�re about.

AllHipHop.com: Tell me about your Invasion movement. Is this a production company?

Green Lantern: Yeah, that�s my movement, that�s my company. Team Invasion is music marketing management. It�s not a production thing. My thing is, I shop my beats myself. I got a certain knack of putting together music with artists that they seem to not have themselves. Artists are so into themselves, they are so inside their own circle, they don�t even realize what the best type of song is for them. I end up making their anthems. You could go down the joints that I have made from �Two Guns Up�, �The Champ is Here�, to �Number One Spot,� and two new songs on Ludacris� album, and four songs with Papoose. I got a bunch of s**t out there. I got a knack to see what an artist represents and put that in a song for them.

AllHipHop.com: How do you vary your beat styles?

Green Lantern: I�m basically versatile with my s**t - with the keyboard s**t, to the chopping up samples. I actually play a little keyboard by ear. Just doing some Down South keyboard s**t. The first single off the tape is a joint with Juelz Santana and Dem Franchise Boyz called �Show You What I�m Workin With.� It�s like half of a New York B-boy record, and half of a snap record. The beat keeps switching back and fourth.

AllHipHop.com: What do you think the South is not working with New York rap?

Green Lantern: If you think about a new artist coming up in New York trying to break nationally, it just seems like such an uphill battle. Everything is just Southed out on the radio. It just seems like a really uphill battle to be like, �Yo, I got my man from the Bronx�� But is he in love with a stripper? New York needs to stop doing certain things that keep them in a hole. Like all that shoot up the block or killing everybody on every bar and all this dark grimy music. That is New York but, I�ll give you an example of a New York artist that made a national record. Juelz Santana with the [�Oh Yes�] record. That had almost like a South bounce to it. I go all over and I play that record and it fits in with everything else that�s poppin�.

AllHipHop.com: What New York artists are you working with now that you think will change that?

Green Lantern: I got a joint on Maino�s album, just on the producer side. I�m working with some of the up and coming dudes like Corey Gunz a little bit. Obviously like Tru Life and just keeping it New York [as well as] Papoose.

AllHipHop.com: Why did you adopt the name Green Lantern?

Green Lantern: Around �92. I wanted to find a name that would be ill when you looked at it on record. Produced by the Green Lantern, that would be ill. You�d be like, �God damn, I want to hear what else he has.�

AllHipHop.com: Did you read comic books as a kid?

Green Lantern: Never ever. The Green Lantern part came from the cartoon. Everybody always asks me that like you must have mad comic books. I respect that, but that was never me at all. It�s just a cool name.

AllHipHop.com: I was asking because if you knew the character, he stood for good. But then you have the Evil Genius on the back of it.

Green Lantern : Really, the Evil Genius is Lex Luthor. I�m giving s**t away right now, but when I was finding the sound effects for the name, I just adopted that as Green Lantern is not gonna be a good guy, f**k that. He�s gonna be sinister.

-courtesy of AllHipHop.Com (Dynasty Williams)

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Fat Joe Gets The Boot, Nick Cannon Kisses and Tells, Toure Calls Cam'ron Gay, Cherry Martinez Disses Funkmaster Flex

Posted at 3/12/2006 01:45:00 PM

In this week's Pulse Report, the streets are buzzing about Fat Joe getting dropped from Atlantic Records, Nick Cannon revealing Christina Milian's inner slut, hip-hop journalist Touré calling Cam'ron gay and Cherry Martinez dissing Funkmaster Flex.

1. Fat Joe to get dropped. Rumors are spreading that Atlantic Records is looking to pink slip the heavyweight Bronx bomber. After releasing the platinum Jealous Ones Still Envy in 2001, Joey Crack has failed to crack gold with 2002's Loyalty and 2005's All Or Nothing. Despite scoring a #1 with "Lean Back," Terror Squad's True Story also tanked. Rumor has it that Crack has been in talks with Asylum Records.

2. Nick Cannon sluts out Christina Milian. Dudes were definitely hating upon hearing that Nick Cannon wifed up Christina Milian. Well apparently more props is in order. Forget Nickelodeon, the "Wild 'N Out" star is everything but PG-13 when it comes to women. During a recent interview on "Miss Jones in the Morning," Hot 97 New York's morning show, Cannon, who is no longer with Milian, revealed that he hit it in her trailer on the set of Love Don't Cost A Thing. You're the man Nick. But never wife up someone you can hit that easy. Look at Christina now, she's making cameos in Dre's (of Cool & Dre) wack ass "Naomi" video and putting out dis songs about you.

3. Touré calls Cam'ron gay. Everybody and their momma thought Touré, estimed journalist and pop culture correspondant, was a religious "Queer As Folk" viewer. Apparenlty not. The 35-year-old is happily married. During an interview on Power 105.1 New York's "Star & Bucwild Show," Touré said that though he didn't know who the gay rapper was, Killa Cam was a fitting candidate. The veteran writer referenced Cam calling Jay-Z ugly, pointing out that if a man can call another man ugly, he's probably able to find one handsome as well. Touré then opined that Cam's dis was groundless and that he was probably mad because Hov didn't diss him at the I Declare War concert. It didn't stop there. After admitting that he was happy for their win, Touré also called Three Six Mafia's "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" garbage and said Terrence Howard wasn't as skilled as his Oscar competition.

4. Power 105.1's Cherry Martinez takes on Funkmaster Flex. She doesn't only spin records, Cherry Martinez spits rhymes of her own. Word is the car show king from Hot 97 had some harsh words for Martinez after discovering that she beat him in the ratings. The two go head to head from 6-10 every week night. Now Cherry is striking back in her show's intro. Using 50 Cent's "I Run NY" instrumental, the Boston, Mass-bred reminds Flex that she runs the city. "Can use my last name cause I really can spit/and what you perceive competition is shit/the most they can do is just call me a bitch/ and since they insist, I'll assist them with this/I got my better rating without taking a flick/just imagine if I did my fan base would be sick," Martinez offers.

5. BET's Stephen Hill is caught in payola...SIKE. Earlier this week, a bogus report about BET VP of Programming Stephen Hill confessing to payola spread on the internet. The report had Hill stopping by the "Tavis Smiley Show" to reveal that he reached a plea bargain with attorney general Elliot Spitzer to keep $700,000 in illegal payments. The false report also detailed that Spitzer's probe followed Hill for five years starting in 1999. The report also had Hill admitting to copying MTV shows and informed that Spitzer planted "Laffy Taffy" as a nationwide sting, making it the most paid for song in the history of radio. Hill was also said to be spending 40 hours per week with Jehovah's Witnesses going door to door to preach against sex.

6. Paul Wall and Andy Milonakis Join Forces, Save Mankind. Paul Wall is the latest rapper to play himself by making a totally senseless appearance on MTV2's Andy Milonakis show. After Milonakis loses his teeth, courtesy of some stiff laffy taffy, the People's Champ comes into to save the day with one of his trademark grillz. Like Snoop Dogg, Black Eyed Peas and Lil' Jon before him, Wall steps out of the TV set to lend a hand to Andy. In his best tooth fairy impersonation, Wall hits his grillz three times with a wand to make a platinum mouth piece appear. The two then demonstrate the grillz's biting efficiency by teething through a spoon, a frying pan, diamonds and apple sauce. Wall then warns Andy to only use his grillz for good. Moments later, the two discover that one of Andy's buddies, Ralphie, has a leg stuck in a blender. Rather than unhooking it, Paul and Andy put their grillz to use and bite through his lims until he's free.

-courtesy of SOHH.com (Dick Johnson)

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Introducing Todd Smith

Posted at 3/12/2006 01:38:00 PM

You don't know what LL Cool J stands for? It stands for "ladies love cool James." And for the rapper/actor/clothing designer who goes by that name, it's not a boast as much as it's just a matter of fact. LL has been around since the beginning of…hip-hop time and he's a legend, a real icon. And we found out, with his charming good looks and cool, sexy style, why ladies really do love Cool J.

LL is about to release Todd Smith, his 12th Def Jam album. He also just launched a lifestyle brand by the same name that includes clothing lines for men and women as -well as an accessories line. "I brought over designers from the UK to make sure that the quality of the garments, and the creativity is at the highest level," he told TEEN PEOPLE at his hotel room in New York City.

This isn't LL's first foray into the world of fashion. He started an insider's hip-hop clothing line called Troop and he's been a part of the super successful FUBU brand since the early '90s. But his new line is different. "Todd Smith brand is a luxury brand. I didn't do a hip-hop brand like everybody expects and just rest on the strength of my music," he says. "I took a chance and went into a realm that was scary, that was risky and high fashion."

Now that he's moving in the world of luxury designers, we thought it would be funny to remind LL of some of the styles he rocked back in the day. Way, way back in the day. Check out the video.

Meanwhile, Todd Smith (the new album) features a slew of hip-hop heavy weights, including tracks by producers Timbaland, Pharrell, Scott Storch and Trackmasters. Plus, there's songs with artists like Mary J. Blige, Mary Mary, Teairra Mari and Juelz Santana. The first single entitled "Control Myself" is bound to be a smash hit and it features another one of LL's good friends, Jennifer Lopez. They've worked together before on her song "All I Have."

"The best thing about doing a song with J. Lo is that she brings so much glamour to the table, so much star power and so much energy," he says. "Her entourage, her makeup people and her team. It's like an army and it's just cool because you feel like you're working with a star. Jennifer's a star's star, you know?"

Well, it takes one to know one. But LL hopes that by calling his new album Todd Smith, he'll get away from all the glitz this time. "I wanted to put a record out using my real name because this record reveals a side of me that people don’t know," he says. "It reveals a side of me that believes in God, that wants to bring people together. I didn't want the celebrity part of my life to separate me from the people who are going to hear my music. It's more like the guy who grew up in your neighborhood, or the guy you went to school with as opposed to this celebrity that you can't get close to."

Even if that's the theme of his new album, it doesn't mean he's doing anything new. One of the things that has kept LL relevant over the years, in a world where new hip-hop artists come out every week, is that he doesn't try to be something he's not. "I don't have to prove how tough I am in order for me to feel like my records are cool," he says. "I believe in having positive music, not watered down, not corny, not apple pie. It can be fun. It can be sexy. It can have a friendly vibe. That's what I want to do. That's what I love doing."

- courtesy of TeenPeople.com (Aaron Parsley)

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D.C. FOLKS AREN’T TRYING TO HEAR STEVE HARVEY

Posted at 3/12/2006 01:28:00 PM

Loyal listeners of WHUR’s "The Real D.C. Morning Show" in Washington D.C. tuned in Monday morning to find their beloved jocks – Tony Richards, Sharon "TC" Pitt, George Willborn and Herman Washington – fired and replaced by the distinct drawl of Steve Harvey and his Clear Channel-syndicated program, “The Steve Harvey Show.”

To put it mildly, fans are not happy. Since the switch on March 6, the Howard University-owned station has been flooded with hundreds of angry complaints, and even calls to launch a boycott.

Much of the backlash is over the loss of WHUR’s hometown flavor present among the “Real D.C.” personalities, an aspect rendered impossible with Harvey’s New York-based show. The home grown sentiment was echoed in the station's promos, which bragged that the show was "not live via satellite, but live."

Tonya Brewington, a fan of the “Real D.C.” program, called WHUR's decision to cancel the show "jarring" because of the change in tone -- Harvey's show is a little edgier than "Real D.C.'s" more laid-back style.

"I think it's a very bad choice," Brewington, a Web designer, told the Washington Post. "I think the people who listen to [the program] are not the same audience for Steve Harvey. . . . It was more of a community show. You're not going to find out what happened in D.C. the night before by listening to a show out of New York. It's a sad commentary for a radio station that's associated with a prestigious university."

-courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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