Missy Elliott & Ciara Skip Contractually Obligated Appearance

The New York Post reports partygoers and paparazzi waited two hours for Missy Elliott and Ciara to arrive at the Whiteflash.com "Dripping in Diamonds" party at Cipriani on 23rd Street, which they were supposed to host. The two were "contractually obligated" to be there, according to event planners. They did at least show up to the after-party at Stereo, but didn't explain why they skipped the main event.

-article courtesy of RapDirt.Com

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Hype Williams Talks New Jay-Z Video, Hype Television & MTV Video Vanguard Award

Posted at 9/02/2006 12:34:00 PM

The prestigious Video Vanguard Award was given to Hype Williams on August 31st at the MTV Video Music Awards for the first time since 2003, when Duran Duran received the honor.

Williams was presented the award by Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, who have both starred in some of Hype's greatest masterpieces. Since1994, Hype has directed over 200 videos for No Doubt, Aaliyah, Kanye West, Outkast, Nas, DMX and many others. Past Video Vanguard recipients include David Bowie, Madonna, U2 and Michael Jackson.

"I'm very excited to get here," Hype told SOHH.com exclusively. "I put a lot of time and effort into doing things that I thought people would like to see from their favorite artists. It's been a long road to get here and it's good to see MTV is celebrating the art of music videos. I appreciate Van Toffler and Judy McGrath (at MTV) for making it happen."

In addition to his Video Vanguard award, a number of Williams-directed videos were nominated for VMA's this year.

In recognition of his Vanguard award, Palm Pictures is planning the re-release Hype Williams: The Videos Vol. 1 DVD, which includes an interview with Hype and ten Williams-directed videos including videos by the Wu-Tang Clan, Jay-Z, Craig Mack, LL Cool J, Nas, Mase, Busta Rhymes and more.

"Jay-Z "Big Pimpin'" is one of my favorites because we were able to communicate a lifestyle -- as far as Rocafella. That video set a trend for all future rap videos and created a template. That's where the image of the partying baller lifestyle came from. I'm hopeful that we'll get a good response and can do more. I've done hundreds of videos that are all relevant to youth culture," Hype told SOHH.

Fans can also look forward to a Jay-Z/Hype reunion in the near future.

"I'm potentially directing the video for Jay-Z's first single," Hype revealed. "Jay and I have been really good friends from a long time ago and he asked for me to work on his new project."

Williams told SOHH he's working to branch out as much as he can in media. In addition to the re-release of DVD, Hype has a TV show in the works, Hype Television; he also has new feature film work on the horizon and is looking to collaborate with film critic Armond White (who honored Hype this summer at Lincoln Center) on a book of still photography that is currently a work-in-progress. The book would contain never-before-seen photographs of some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry.

Hype Williams: The Videos Vol. 1 DVD is scheduled for re-release on September 11th. The first 75 people to purchase the DVD will receive a Hype Williams autographed copy. For more information on Hype Williams please visit: www.hypewilliams.com.

-article courtesy of SOHH.Com

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Former Three Six Mafia Member To Join The Ruff Ryders?

Posted at 9/02/2006 12:28:00 PM

In a recent interview with AllHipHop, former Three Six Mafia member Crunchy Black revealed that he might be signing with The Ruff Ryders camp.

“I’ve been talking with Ruthless Records and Ruff Ryders. I’m leaning toward Ruff Ryders because when I sat down and talked with them, they just kept it real with me,” Crunchy told the site. “Plus, it makes more sense to go with someone who can get me out to that area where they might not be that familiar with me.”

Crunchy, born Darnell Carlton , left Three Six Mafia earlier this year to pursue his own solo career after monetary disputes with the group.

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Kurtis Blow Taking Hip-Hop Church America On The Road

Posted at 9/02/2006 12:24:00 PM

Rap pioneer Kurtis Blow is taking his Hip-Hop Church America on the road for a concert in Southern California.

The Harlem-based initiative will hold a concert from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California.

Blow will headline the event, which takes place at the Cathedral's grass lawn and includes performances from 2Five, Eastwood, Takim and TraCee.

DJ Battlecat will be featured in the 2Five and Eastwood sets.

The event's host, Bobby Schuller, believes the concert will offer a chance to reach out to area youth who "have gotten on the wrong path in life, living in a nihilistic, post-modern survival mode as perpetuated by some of their Hip-Hop heroes."

"By bringing Hip-Hop Church America here, we're showing that Hip-Hop can be both cool and fun, but also have a positive message," Schuller said.

Schuller isn't the only one who believes in Hip-Hop Church America.

Michael Nason, president and co-founder of Newport Beach-based The Machine Productions, is developing Hip-Hop Church America into a national TV show.

The Machine Productions is a multimedia entertainment company that provides audio and visual entertainment to a diverse, international consumer group.

Nason, a Hip-Hop Church America executive producer, has produced, promoted and bought airtime for Schuller's "Hour of Power" show for close to 30 years.

The show is broadcast weekly to more than 15 million people worldwide.

With the growth of the Southern California Hip-Hop scene, Schuller feels hip-hop can help with his role in the church of "integrating emerging world views and cultures into our ministry."

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.Com

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Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons Launch Phat Farm Cologne

Posted at 9/02/2006 12:20:00 PM

Though their marriage is over, Russell and Kimora Lee Simmons still come together in the names of commerce and philanthropy.

The formerly happy couple, still partners in the Phat Farm clothing company, inked a deal with Coty, Inc. to launch a men's fragrance called Atman on September 3. The cologne is an extension of the Phat Farm line, but all proceeds from its sale will be donated to charity.

Atman means "spirit of man," and Simmons hopes the fragrance embodies that notion.

"I wanted to design a fragrance that would inspire men to connect with their power, spirit and destiny and take the Phat Farm lifestyle to the next level,” says Rush, well known for his devotion to yoga. "The spirit of man has unlimited potential – nothing is out of reach.”

Atman's proceeds will be given to several organizations including Keep A Child Alive, a group that provides anti-retroviral drugs to African children with HIV.

-article courtesy of Vibe.Com

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Chamillionaire, Hype Williams Bring Home MTV Video Music Awards

Posted at 9/02/2006 12:14:00 PM

Chamillionaire and the Black Eyed Peas were the big winners in the hip-hop-related categories at last night’s MTV Video Music Awards. Chamillionaire, considered an underdog in the category, brought home the award for Best Rap Video for his runaway hit “Ridin’,” besting more seasoned nominees like 50 Cent, T.I. and Busta Rhymes.

The Black Eyed Peas, who started the year out on a high note with a Grammy win, continued their streak last night, snagging the award for Best Hip-Hop Video for their ubiquitous single “My Humps.” The Peas faced some stiff competition in the Hip-Hop category as well, with names like Kanye, Common, and the Oscar-winning Three 6 Mafia on the list of nominees.

-article courtesy of XXLMag.Com

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Friday, September 01, 2006   MUSIC |  VIDEOS |  INTERVIEWS  | NEW ARTIST  | HOME

Method Man, "The Indie Route Is The Best Route Right Now"

Posted at 9/01/2006 03:24:00 PM

With his fourth solo album, 4:21: The Day After, hitting stores, Method Man spoke to SOHH.com on the state of hip-hop and his preferences on independent labels versus major companies.

After releasing albums via major labels for well over a decade, Method Man has since himself gone from a priority to an act fighting for his company's support. In fact, independence is looking pretty good to Mef these days.

"The indie route is the best route right now, all u need is distribution. You don't necessarily need the record companies anymore," Mef told SOHH.com. "That's why I root for the underdog I'd love to see more independents doing shit, for the simple fact that I'm tired of getting raped." [Watch]

He may be turned off by majors, but Mef isn't part of the hip-hop is dead bandwagon like most veteran artists. He just thinks some key emcees aren't given a voice.

"What do I think of the state of NY hip-hop? WellNY hip-hop, I mean it's still here just the right motherfuckers just ain't being heard. And like I said the media is playing a big part in that cause they poppin all that shit like we ain't significant anymore, but a lot of it has to do with the music," he explained. "There's this new production going on now and It's like either you get with it or get lost. It's like NY always had its own sound and shit, you know niggas is stubborn, 'we ain't trying to do that, let them do that, that's they thing, we ain't trying to do what they do, that's they thing, let them do that, we gonna do us. It all comes back around though, they gonna want the grimy shit again."

Method Man's 4:21: The Day After is in stores now.

Method Man Concert Tickets For Sale!!
9-26-2006 House Of Blues (Cleveland) Cleveland, OH

9-27-2006 Blind Pig Ann Arbor, MI

10-16-2006 House of Blues (Anaheim) Anaheim, CA

10-17-2006 House of Blues (Sunset Strip) West Hollywood, CA

10-25-2006 Revolution Fort Lauderdale, FL

10-26-2006 House of Blues Orlando Orlando, FL


-article courtesy of SOHH.Com

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Hip Hop Ruckus International: MARLEYS AND TUFF GONG JOIN RUDE BUAY

Posted at 9/01/2006 03:12:00 PM

Rohan and Ky-mani Marley along with Tuff Gong Productions have joined Rising Tide Entertainment in the production of Rude Buay, an action crime movie that links the USA with the Caribbean.

Rohan Marley is joining Rude Buay as a producer alongside Mark Burg whose previous credits include the Saw franchise (Lions Gate) and the Emmy-nominated show Two and a Half Men (CBS). The screenplay was written by John Alan Andrews of Rising Tide Entertainment and will be filmed in Miami and Jamaica.

Ky-mani Marley is attached to Rude Buay's soundtrack, which is anticipated to be an explosive complement to the action-packed production. Audiences may get a surprise by seeing Ky-mani on the big screen as well.

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KARRINE’S ‘TRICKY SITUATION’ WITH BOBBY BROWN: ‘Video Vixen’ explains what’s really going on.

Posted at 9/01/2006 12:23:00 PM

Karrine "Superhead" Steffans, the former self-described “coke whore” who got clean and wrote a book detailing her sexual exploits with rappers and famous athletes, is responding to claims that she is dating one of those previous sex partners, Bobby Brown.

"It's a really tricky situation," Steffans told the New York Daily News of her relationship with Brown, the husband of singer Whitney Houston. “He is my dearest friend. But I'm not saying it's romantic. We won't know what it is till we're ready.

Steffans, author of “Confessions of a Video Vixen,” does acknowledge Bobby’s marriage to Houston, stating: "There's a wife and children involved. I don't want to wreck any marriages. But if a marriage is already wrecked, that's not my fault."

When asked if she and Bobby have been intimate lately, she responded: "It's none of your business. I'm still celibate. And if you believe that, I'll tell you another one."

"Look, there are way bigger things in the works than a romance,” she continued. “I'm a businesswoman. Bobby and I are working together on some things."

As previously reported, online gossip columnist Janet Charleton reported that Steffans is "using Bobby because she wants her own reality show."

"Please," she said of the notion. "You think I need Bobby Brown to get a reality show? I've turned down four reality shows."

As for Bill Maher (pictured on left), the man she referred to in April as the "love of my life," Steffans said: "We still talk," she says. "I'm going to have dinner with Bill next week" to celebrate his 48th birthday.

Regarding Whitney Houston and her personal issues, Steffans commented: "I've never met her, but I'm a big fan. I want her to come back and sing her heart out."

-article courtesy of EurWeb.Com

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LL Cool J Blasts Jay-Z & Def Jam (Yeah, He said It...)

Posted at 9/01/2006 12:14:00 PM

The New York Daily News reports LL Cool J has major beef with his longtime label Def Jam Records and its boss, Jay-Z. "I think Def Jam needs to be a better promoter of hip hop," he griped in the green room at the MTV Video Music Awards gala. Asked if Jay was to blame, LL responded, "I think Jay-Z does a very good job...of promoting Jay-Z."

-article courtesy of RapDirt.Com

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And The New Member Of The Roots Is.....Peedi Peedi?

Posted at 9/01/2006 12:11:00 PM

In a recent interview with The Hook, Roots drummer, Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, indicated that the band might be taking on a new member in the form of Philadelphia MC, Peedi Peedi.

“I think we’re gonna give that ‘fifth beatle’ position to Peedi. He accepted the offer, so we just have to see if we can finance it, and fit it in our structure so that he’s basically a Root for about a year.”


Peedi, who is a protege of former Roots collaborator, Beanie Sigel, makes a guest appearance on “Long Time,” off of The Roots’ new album, Game Theory.


Said Questlove, “The chemistry that him and Tariq (Black Thought) had, was really just some shit I couldn’t ignore.”

Game Theory is currently in stores.

-article courtesy of SixShot.Com

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Roxanne Shante Attending Girls Empowerment Brunch At 2nd Annual Black Press All Star Awards

Posted at 9/01/2006 11:58:00 AM

Legendary Hip-Hop pioneer Roxanne Shante is scheduled to participate as one of lead panelists for the Girls Empowerment Brunch at the 2nd Annual Black Press All Star Awards.

With a theme of “Empowering Women through Hip-Hop,” the purpose of the brunch is to give underprivileged girls options for professional career development and planning.

"Black girls and women are under siege,” said DC Livers, managing editor for the Historical Black Press Foundation. “Everyone needs positive roles models, especially at risk girls. I’m so delighted that these young women will be able to see women who embody the strength and perseverance needed to succeed in business without being a man.”

Shante, a clinical psychologist who runs a psychology practice in New York, will join DC Livers on a panel that also includes Olivia Fox, Host, Clear Channel’s “Olivia Fox Morning Show,” Daria Fennell, contributing writer, VIBE.com, Michelle Hannah of Celebrate Life and Lindsey Bowen of NASCAR.

Born Lolita Gooden, Roxanne Shante got started in the music business at the age of 14 as a member of Marley Marl’s legendary Juice Crew.

At age 25, Shante quit the music business due to industry politics and to focus her attention on obtaining a higher education.

The Girls Empowerment Brunch will be held on Sunday, September 17, 2006 at Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards.

The event takes place as part of the 2nd Annual Black Press All Star Awards, which honors the nation’s top Black publications and publishers.

-article courtesy of AllHipHop.Com