Hip Hop Honey for Now: Erica James

At the age of 13, Erica James, a native of Lake Charles, Lousiana, first began modeling. Erica moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2001 and she is currently a professional model, singer and actress with an extensive background in the entertainment field. She has shared the same stage with national corporations (domestic and international) and has appeared in publications worldwide. Additionally, Erica joined Korean sensation, Uptown 3000 and a host of other entertainers in their music endeavors.
Homepage of Erica James: atlantadymes.com/erica/index.shtml

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The Boondocks by Aaron McGruder

Posted at 4/08/2006 07:54:00 AM

About The Boondocks
Aaron McGruder's "The Boondocks" reflects the racial diversity and complexity of our world. Combining childhood antics with contemporary political and social satire, the strip explores the terrain where dashikis and Brand Nubian CDs meet The Gap and Hanson.

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Dave Mays & Benzino Speak on Busta Rhymes Incident

Posted at 4/08/2006 07:50:00 AM

Former CEO of The Source Dave Mays Wednesday shed some light on his March altercation with Interscope emcee Busta Rhymes, during which he was hit in the head with a bottle. "(Busta) started up with some words about something, and somebody came from behind me and hit me," Mays revealed on a morning radio show.

Mays reportedly down played rumors that he endured serious head injuries, saying he only received four stitches. Busta Rhymes was reportedly in Miami attending the Winter Music Conference when he and Mays crossed paths at club Opium. The exact cause of the incident is unclear, but Mays and partner/friend Ray "Benzino" Scott have had issues with Rhymes’ label, and label mates 50 Cent and Eminem in the past.

Ray "Benzino" Scott warned, "If me and Busta Rhymes see each other in physical person - not on record, not on radio - it will definitely be dealt with." He and Mays were recently ousted from their executive positions at The Source, in part because of the negative business and social impact of their conflict with Interscope Records, Eminem and 50 Cent.

-article courtesy of NobobySmiling.Com

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Producer Scott Storch To Launch Label

Posted at 4/08/2006 07:46:00 AM

In addition to collaborating with Paris Hilton, the Game, Eve and Jessica Simpson, among others, songwriter/producer Scott Storch is preparing to launch his own label, Storchaveli.

As to who will be distributing the imprint, Storch would only tell Billboard, "There are a couple of situations right now that I'm in the process of discussing. I want to leave that part open right now."

He did note that the label will be a "real record label that's fully staffed and housing all different styles of music: R&B, hip-hop, Latin hip-hop, pop, rock'n'roll, everything." One of the first artists under the Storchaveli banner is Brooke Hogan, the daughter of pro wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.

Storch's ascent to one of the top producers in urban music has taught him many lessons. "You've got to continue to be patient and get all your ducks in a row in order to make a success within this business," he says. "It's not an easy thing to get into. It takes years and years and years."

"You may find yourself with a really successful record and not a penny in your pocket early in your career and some people get freaked out by that," he continues. "But if you can touch on some staying power, then people start taking you seriously and larger opportunities come your way. It's just a matter of staying persistent and patient and not getting intimidated."

-article courtesy of BillBoard.Com

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Wu-Tang Readies DVD Collection

Posted at 4/08/2006 07:37:00 AM

Hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan has plans to drop a new DVD called Legend of the Wu-Tang: The Videos on June 13. The group’s first DVD release will collect all of their videos, from 1993’s “Protect Ya Neck” to 2002’s “Uzi (Pinky Ring).” The collection will also feature the unreleased 1994 documentary Enter the Wu-Tang, as well as an unreleased version of “Method Man” and U-God’s unreleased “Old Man” video, which features RZA and the late ODB. Wu-Tang reunited earlier this year for a series of club dates along the East Coast.

-article courtesy of XXLMag.Com

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Lil Wayne Sued by Former Manager

Posted at 4/08/2006 07:32:00 AM

Cash Money Records MC Lil Wayne has been sued by his former manager for unpaid commissions. Melissa Philipian, who is the president of Miami-based White Tides Entertainment, alleges that the rapper has refused to pay her at least $500,000 for services rendered. The lawsuit alleges that Wayne fired Philipian in December 2005 after she booked him an unsatisfactory hotel room, and that in addition to unpaid commissions, he owes White Tides 15% of his earnings over the next two years according to a contract. “We’re probably looking at damages in excess of $1 million,” Philipian’s lawyer told the Miami Herald.

-article courtesy of XXLMag.Com

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Friday, April 07, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

Chappelle throws hip hoppin' block party

Posted at 4/07/2006 09:04:00 AM

Talk about late '90s revolutionary hip-hop with the chillest melodic beats imaginable. You can find the best-of-the-best all-stars wrapped into one live CD; all brought to you by Dave Chappelle.

Titled "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" the CD is based off of Chappelle's identically titled documentary with the tagline of "You're invited to the party of the decade!"

Chappelle, the stand-up comedian, invites all of his favorite artists to join him at a block party where live performances are interspliced with comedic skits and stand-up. This is all captured in one live, unpublicized, concert-documentary-style film by Michel Gondry, also director of "Eternal Sunshine for the Spotless Mind." The actual concert took place in Brooklyn, N.Y. on Sept. 2004, while the documentary hit theaters March 3, 2006.

"This is the concert I always wanted to see!" Chappelle said.

For any hip-hop lovers you can find at least one of your favorite singles in this album from artists Dead Prez, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, The Roots, Common, Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.

The tracks are slightly remixed, live and with different instrumentation to give new flare to old favorites. They include "Hip Hop," "Definition," "The Blast," "Umi Says," "You Got Me" and "The Way" just to name a few.

The film shows Chappelle traveling around Brooklyn generously handing out free concert tickets to locals so that they can join the artists and him at the block party.

If you are looking for a blast from the not-so-distant past with comedic connections or a CD that lets you cruise the streets with jamming vibrations on a warm spring night; this is it. Be the lucky one to witness the awesome array of classic hip-hop talent by checking out "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" album.

-article courtesy of TheLoquitur.com

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Jay-Z Choses Winner Of Nets Theme Song Contest

Posted at 4/07/2006 09:01:00 AM

Jay-Z, who is part-owner of the New Jersey Nets, has announced the winner of the Nets theme song contest for amateur performers, which he launched last month with HOT 97 FM, the Nets and Sprite.

The winner is a rapper named M Bars of Manhattan, who won the contest with a song called "Going Hard," which beat out more than 700 entries.

"In 'Going Hard,' M Bars completely captured the intensity of Nets basketball and the flavor of our game experience," said Jay-Z of the winner. "He obviously put a lot of time into the song and demonstrated a lot of talent. We're a hot team and this song best matches our passion and energy."

As the winner, M Bars will have the opportunity to perform his song live on the court during halftime of the Nets final regular season home game against the Knicks on April 19 at the Continental Airlines Arena. And will also get to meet Jay-Z himself.

"I'm a huge Nets fan and Jay-Z is my idol, so I wanted to make this song really stand out," said M Bars. "It's such an honor to be recognized by Jay-Z and I can’t wait to perform at the game."

In addition, the amateur emcee will record the song at Baseline Studios II, a professional recording studio in Manhattan.

-article courtesy of BallerStatus.Net

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Belgium Music Composers Accuse R. Kelly of Stealing Song

Posted at 4/07/2006 08:58:00 AM

The Van Passel brothers are taking R. Kelly to court, over a song the singer gave to Michael Jackson called "You Are Not Alone."

According to a Vibe.com report, the Van Passel's -- music composers, publishers and producers -- claim that the R. Kelly-helmed track sounds very similar to their own composition called "If We Can Start All Over," provoking them to file a copyright infringement suit against Kelly in the Court of Appeal in Brussels, Belgium.

"If you play 'If We Can Start All Over,' for everybody, everybody will say it's 'You Are Not Alone'," Danny Van Passel told Vibe.com. "It's identical and I can't say more than that, except it's a protected copyright and you should get permission first before you use it and R. Kelly didn't ask for permission."

In September 1995, the Belgian right society sided with the Van Passel's after closely examining the two songs, saying that the 1995 song, "You Are Not Alone," is identical to the 1993 Van Passel composition, "If We Can Start All Over."

The Van Passel brothers hope that the court will award them with the rights to the Michael Jackson track.

-article courtesy of BallerStatus.Net

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WAL-MART COMING TO A HOOD NEAR YOU: Retail chain announces new initiative to build over 50 stores in high crime/high unemployment zones.

Posted at 4/07/2006 08:54:00 AM

Wal-Mart Stores CEO Lee Scott has announced the company’s new "Wal-Mart Jobs and Opportunity Zones" initiative, which will see more than 50 new stores built over the next two years in neighborhoods in dire need of revitalization.

These new stores are expected to create between 15,000 and 25,000 jobs, mostly within minority communities, and generate more than $100 million in state and local tax revenue for these communities, reports Target Market News.

"Wal-Mart has never been afraid to invest in communities that are overlooked by other retailers. Where those businesses see difficulty, we see opportunity. That is who Wal-Mart has always been, and that is who we remain today," Scott said Monday at the Newspaper Association of America's annual convention. "This is a commitment to reach beyond our stores, to further engage the community, and to offer an even greater economic boost to people and neighborhoods that need Wal-Mart the most."

Wal-Mart will build stores in areas affected by high crime or unemployment rates, on sites that are environmentally contaminated, or in vacant buildings or malls in need of revitalization.

A new Wal-Mart currently under construction on the West Side of Chicago will anchor the first "Wal-Mart Jobs and Opportunity Zone." Each of the ten "Wal-Mart Jobs and Opportunity Zones" will be anchored by a store and engage a host of local businesses and organizations with which the company will work to increase job creation and economic opportunity in surrounding neighborhoods. The locations of the remaining nine zones will be announced in the coming months.

-article courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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Rick Ross Keeps "Hustlin'," Claims No Beef With T.I.

Posted at 4/07/2006 08:51:00 AM

After creating a buzz with his "Hustlin'" single, Rick Ross is readying his Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam debut. In this SOHH exclusive, Ross addresses the rumored T.I. feud and the south's critics.

Hip-Hop has seen his share of hustle songs in the past few years. Yet, it hasn't stopped Ross from tackling the theme with a track of his own. With the game saturated with "snowmen," the Miami native managed to generate a buzz with "Hustlin'," an ode to his dirty work.

"I am a hustler," Ross told SOHH. "Everybody who knows me and what I represent in the movement. They know we've been hustling for a long time. So it's not just a record to me, it's a lifestyle. It's spearheading a movement."

Like his movement, Ross is gaining more prominence, making him an easy target. When fellow trapper T.I. leaked the Just Blaze-produced "I'm Talking To You" a few weeks back, rumors began spreading that the song was aimed at Ross. T.I. later denied tension between him and Ross, a sentiment echoed by the Miami rapper.

"I'mma be honest, I still ain't hear the song yet," Ross revealed. "But I bumped into him [T.I.], asked him what was going on and he told me it was complete fabrication. He offered me a spot on his ["What You Know"] remix. So I'mma get on that remix. If it was a problem, I guess it ain't now."

With a strong buzz and a co-sign from Jay-Z, Ross is poised to add to the south's current reign. In recent weeks, New York emcees like Ghostface and 50 Cent have criticized the South, citing that its artists dumb down their lyrics in favor of party-oriented songs. Ross disagrees.

"I mean they gotta listen to the music," Ross, who said he considers himself a lyricist, told SOHH. "I ain't worried about other niggas cause I don't even hear other niggas' music like that. That's their opinion, but whatever. You gotta hear the music. I know my shit [is] on another level. Listen to my music and then make that comment, you'll sound stupid." [Listen]

In related news, Ross is featured alongside Fat Joe, Paul Wall, Lil Wayne and Pitbull on "Holla At Me," the lead single from DJ Khaled's forthcoming LISTENNN... The Album.

Rick Ross' Port of Miami, featuring production from Jazze Pha and Cool & Dre, is slated for a July/August release.

-article courtesy of SOHH.Com

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DJ Clue Flips The Switch, Leaves NY's Hot 97 for Power 105.1

Posted at 4/07/2006 08:48:00 AM

DJ Clue has joined New York radio station Power 105.1 as the evening on-air personality.

"I'm really looking forward to being part of the Power 105 Team," said DJ Clue via a statement. "[Power 105.1 Program Director] Nate Bell knows that I try to be the voice of the streets. From wherever I am to wherever I go, people are always feeling what I'm feeling."

While Clue, a noted mixtape DJ and MTV on-air personality, launched his career over ten years ago with his signature mixtapes, he's maneuvered throughout the music industry in a variety of capacities. He joined New York radio station Hot 97 in the late '90s before dropping two major label releases via Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam. The Brooklyn, NY native later established his own label, Desert Storm, home to Fabolous.

"We're thrilled to have an A-List talent like DJ Clue join Power 105 and flip the switch," Bell added. "I'm excited because I know Clue's skills, creativity and work ethic will take evenings on Power to the next level."

Clue will be replacing Cherry Martinez. As SOHH previously reported, Martinez recently called out on-air rival Funkmaster Flex, who mans the same time slot at Hot 97. Now, Clue will go head-to-head against Flex. Martinez will now move to the 10pm - 2am timeslot.

In related news, Clue was named A&R Director for mobile content provider UrbanWorld Wireless late last year.

-article courtesy of SOHH.Com

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Fugee Member Undergoes Homelessness

Posted at 4/07/2006 08:45:00 AM

Pras, one third of The Fugees, is currently filming a documentary based on homelessness titled First Night.

The Grammy winning rapper accompanied with a hidden camera and a film crew has been living in streets of L.A.on a dollar-a-day budget.

"The dollar a day didn't get me much at all," Pras told The New York Daily News. “You have to hustle, steal, shoplift or prostitute yourself. I chose panhandling. People gave me the worst looks. Like I was invisible and at the same time the worst person on Earth."

Pras also underwent different adversatives including being kicked out of a high-end L.A hotel and witnessing homeless people defecate on the streets and shoot up heroin near a police station.

"I slept in the rain. My tent was stolen” explained Pras. “People aren't going to understand what it was like until they see it"

Pras will