The judge in the R. Kelly trial, Vincent Gaughan, has been keeping the transcripts in the case sealed as well as holding private hearings so the public doesn’t have access to the latest developments. The reasoning is to prevent the jury pool from being tainted thereby giving R. Kelly a fair trial.
Despite his efforts, today we are learning of some information that could be a big blow to the defense in the R. Kelly trial. The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that an aide to R. Kelly allegedly paid off a woman to get her to return an incriminating sex videotape featuring the R&B singer born Robert Kelly.
The Atlanta woman is the same woman who is now expected to testify about a three-way sexual encounter she had with Kelly and an underage girl. The underage girl was allegedly 13 or 14 at the time the tape was made. It is not clear how much Kelly's aide allegedly paid the woman. The Atlanta woman received immunity from state and federal prosecution in exchange for her testimony, sources said. Federal immunity was necessary to protect her from charges of transporting child pornography across state lines. These new developments occurred in April hearings.
In the hearings the judge learned that the Kelly aide offered the Atlanta woman money for a sex tape featuring Kelly. At one point, the aide arranged for her to take a polygraph test to determine whether she was telling the truth about having the tape, sources said.
Eventually, the woman received money and arranged for the tape to be sent to Kelly's aide. Kelly, 41, has pleaded not guilty to child pornography and faces up to 15 years if convicted. Jury selection is set to begin today (May 9)
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon Wedding Details
After playing the leading man in Mariah Carey’s new video "Bye Bye", Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey fell for each other and didn't waste anytime moving to the next biggest step, marriage.
"I don't think anyone realized what we already knew, that we were going to get married," Carey, 39, told People.
On April 25th, 27 year old Nick proposed to Mariah on the rooftop of her Manhattan apartment with a 17-carat, pink-diamond ring wrapped up like a Ring Pop candy ring. They invited family and friends to Mariah's estate in the Bahamas for the wedding but the guest thought they were joining the couple for a music video shoot.
The only ones who had any inkling of the nuptials were those who had seen the couple's matching back tattoos. Mariah´s reads "Mrs. Cannon" and his "Mariah." Da Brat was one of the guests at the ceremony. They ate live Maine lobsters and sipped Dom Pérignon champagne flown in for the beachfront ceremony.
"I haven't been shy in years, but I was speechless. I was elated, but I was thinking, 'Don't pass out,' "Cannon told People about the ceremony.
"I don't think anyone realized what we already knew, that we were going to get married," Carey, 39, told People.
On April 25th, 27 year old Nick proposed to Mariah on the rooftop of her Manhattan apartment with a 17-carat, pink-diamond ring wrapped up like a Ring Pop candy ring. They invited family and friends to Mariah's estate in the Bahamas for the wedding but the guest thought they were joining the couple for a music video shoot.
The only ones who had any inkling of the nuptials were those who had seen the couple's matching back tattoos. Mariah´s reads "Mrs. Cannon" and his "Mariah." Da Brat was one of the guests at the ceremony. They ate live Maine lobsters and sipped Dom Pérignon champagne flown in for the beachfront ceremony.
"I haven't been shy in years, but I was speechless. I was elated, but I was thinking, 'Don't pass out,' "Cannon told People about the ceremony.
Atlanta Police Issue Arrest Warrant For “Soulja Girl”
Police in Atlanta’s public transportation have issued a warrant for the arrest of a young woman known as “Soulja Girl” after she was seen violently rebuking an elderly woman on a subway line.
The woman was seen screaming on the train at the elderly woman while reciting lyrics to the rapper Soulja Boy.
The woman is seen on a widely-viewed video screaming, “Yaaa, n***a, yaaa” and “I’ma beat you’re a** on this train.”
She also called the senior citizen a hoe and a b***h and threatened to kill her.
Wanda Y. Dunham, the chief of police for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), issued a statement requesting help in arresting the female.
AllHipHop.com confirmed with a MARTA representative that the person in the video is indeed the same person sought by police.
“MARTA police were notified about this video last Friday and launched an immediate and aggressive investigation into the incident,” said Dunham said in a statement. “The tipster also indicated the suspect has been known to ride Bus Route 22. MARTA police were able to positively identify the individual allegedly involved in this incident and have secured a warrant for her arrest.”
The sensational event occurred at the East Lake Station, which is where the suspect exited the train after the female berated the elderly patron.
One of the men objecting to her actions on the train yanked at Soulja Girl’s weave after she accused him of raping her.
Shortly thereafter, the aggressive female exited the train.
Dunham attempted to quell any concerns for public safety.
“We want to assure the public that this is an extremely isolated incident and that customer safety and security are our highest priorities,” the MARTA Chief of Police said. “We regret that any customer had to endure such harassment while using our system. I also wish the many citizens who witnessed this incident would have contacted the MARTA police so that we could have responded to this situation immediately. We are asking that anyone who witnessed this incident please come forward to provide additional first hand information, which may lead to additional charges against the suspect.”
MARTA police urge customers and witnesses to help by calling the MARTA Police Detectives at (404) 848-4911
The woman was seen screaming on the train at the elderly woman while reciting lyrics to the rapper Soulja Boy.
The woman is seen on a widely-viewed video screaming, “Yaaa, n***a, yaaa” and “I’ma beat you’re a** on this train.”
She also called the senior citizen a hoe and a b***h and threatened to kill her.
Wanda Y. Dunham, the chief of police for Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), issued a statement requesting help in arresting the female.
AllHipHop.com confirmed with a MARTA representative that the person in the video is indeed the same person sought by police.
“MARTA police were notified about this video last Friday and launched an immediate and aggressive investigation into the incident,” said Dunham said in a statement. “The tipster also indicated the suspect has been known to ride Bus Route 22. MARTA police were able to positively identify the individual allegedly involved in this incident and have secured a warrant for her arrest.”
The sensational event occurred at the East Lake Station, which is where the suspect exited the train after the female berated the elderly patron.
One of the men objecting to her actions on the train yanked at Soulja Girl’s weave after she accused him of raping her.
Shortly thereafter, the aggressive female exited the train.
Dunham attempted to quell any concerns for public safety.
“We want to assure the public that this is an extremely isolated incident and that customer safety and security are our highest priorities,” the MARTA Chief of Police said. “We regret that any customer had to endure such harassment while using our system. I also wish the many citizens who witnessed this incident would have contacted the MARTA police so that we could have responded to this situation immediately. We are asking that anyone who witnessed this incident please come forward to provide additional first hand information, which may lead to additional charges against the suspect.”
MARTA police urge customers and witnesses to help by calling the MARTA Police Detectives at (404) 848-4911
B.I.G. Lawsuit Against Corrupt Cops Reinstated
The judge presiding over the wrongful death lawsuit of The Notorious B.I.G. has reinstated a wrongful death lawsuit that claims LAPD officers played a part in the rapper’s March 1997 murder.
The lawsuit, which names the City of Los Angeles and two LAPD officers as defendants in B.I.G.’s murder, was dismissed in December of 2007, after B.I.G.’s family missed state deadlines to bring claims against the city and two police officers.
The original lawsuit claims that B.I.G. was shot on orders from Marion “Suge” Knight, who allegedly hired off-duty officers to help plot the murder.
The family contends that evidence proves that convicted corrupt cops Rafael Perez and David Mack, an alleged Bloods gang member, conspired with Knight to arrange the murder of the Notorious B.I.G.
According to reports, Lil’ Kim’s former manager Damien “D-Roc” Butler allegedly witnessed Mack standing near the Petersen Auto Museum moments before B.I.G. was shot and killed.
The family also claims that Perez and his corrupt imprisoned partner Nino Durden were on duty the night B.I.G. was murdered.
Butler also identified Mack, who was not supposed to be on duty that night due to a sick leave, in a photo lineup shortly after the shooting.
Knight, Mack and Perez have denied claims that they were involved in B.I.G.’s murder.
"This was a standalone action based on state laws, but the rigorous rules state that if you don't file suit within six months of the injury, then the suit cannot go forward, and we didn't find out that Perez was on duty until August 2006," the family’s lawyer Perry Sanders said shortly after the lawsuit was dismissed.
The family has 20 days to file a new lawsuit in Federal court.
The lawsuit, which names the City of Los Angeles and two LAPD officers as defendants in B.I.G.’s murder, was dismissed in December of 2007, after B.I.G.’s family missed state deadlines to bring claims against the city and two police officers.
The original lawsuit claims that B.I.G. was shot on orders from Marion “Suge” Knight, who allegedly hired off-duty officers to help plot the murder.
The family contends that evidence proves that convicted corrupt cops Rafael Perez and David Mack, an alleged Bloods gang member, conspired with Knight to arrange the murder of the Notorious B.I.G.
According to reports, Lil’ Kim’s former manager Damien “D-Roc” Butler allegedly witnessed Mack standing near the Petersen Auto Museum moments before B.I.G. was shot and killed.
The family also claims that Perez and his corrupt imprisoned partner Nino Durden were on duty the night B.I.G. was murdered.
Butler also identified Mack, who was not supposed to be on duty that night due to a sick leave, in a photo lineup shortly after the shooting.
Knight, Mack and Perez have denied claims that they were involved in B.I.G.’s murder.
"This was a standalone action based on state laws, but the rigorous rules state that if you don't file suit within six months of the injury, then the suit cannot go forward, and we didn't find out that Perez was on duty until August 2006," the family’s lawyer Perry Sanders said shortly after the lawsuit was dismissed.
The family has 20 days to file a new lawsuit in Federal court.
Tiger Attacks Trainer On Rick Ross Video Set
An animal trainer was recently attacked by a white tiger on the set for Rick Ross’ new video "Here I Am" featuring Nelly.
The unnamed trainer was bitten on the leg by the white tiger, which will be portrayed as Rick Ross’ pet in the upcoming video.
According to Miami's WVSN Channel 7’s Deco Drive, the tiger became aggravated after being entangled in chains and attacked the trainer as he attempted to coax the animal out of its cage.
"The trainer went and tried to help him, but he grabbed him by the tail and the tiger didn’t like it so, he turned around and bit the trainers leg," said cast member Cesar Chacon. There was some action right there. We’ve never seen stuff like that before."
The attack happened before St. Louis rapper Nelly arrived on the set .
The trainer managed to get the tiger back into its cage, before he was treated on the set by paramedics.
The unnamed trainer was bitten on the leg by the white tiger, which will be portrayed as Rick Ross’ pet in the upcoming video.
According to Miami's WVSN Channel 7’s Deco Drive, the tiger became aggravated after being entangled in chains and attacked the trainer as he attempted to coax the animal out of its cage.
"The trainer went and tried to help him, but he grabbed him by the tail and the tiger didn’t like it so, he turned around and bit the trainers leg," said cast member Cesar Chacon. There was some action right there. We’ve never seen stuff like that before."
The attack happened before St. Louis rapper Nelly arrived on the set .
The trainer managed to get the tiger back into its cage, before he was treated on the set by paramedics.
DMX Arrested In Arizona Again; Fraud Scheme Investigated
DMX was arrested in Arizona for the second time in a little over 24 hours today (May 9), after authorities raided his home again in Cave Creek on felony drug charges and misdemeanor animal abuse charges.
According to reports, agents under Phoenix, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s watch arrested DMX around 3:00 am this morning after a seven month investigation into animal abuse charges, stemming from an August, 2007 raid of the rapper’s home.
Police found 12 malnourished dogs on the rapper’s property, as well as three other carcasses of dogs who had been burned and buried.
Today, the rapper was charged with seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four felony charges of possessing drugs.
While details were not revealed, police said they seized a number of weapons and drugs, as well as five more pitbull mixed puppies during today‘s raid, which resulted in additional charges against DMX.
Police said that DMX, born Earl Simmons, barricaded himself in his bedroom during the search, but eventually came out on orders from the tactical unit.
While details are sketchy, police have also revealed that they are serving a search warrant on the Mayo Clinic, regarding a potential fraud scheme involving DMX.
The Mayo Clinic specializes in specialty and surgical care for humans.
"A guy like this DMX character with all his money and fame has no excuse for not providing proper care for his animals," Sheriff Joe Arpaio said.
DMX was also arrested on May 6, after Arizona police photographed the rapper driving in excess of 100 MPH on a local highway in January, with a suspended license.
According to reports, agents under Phoenix, Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s watch arrested DMX around 3:00 am this morning after a seven month investigation into animal abuse charges, stemming from an August, 2007 raid of the rapper’s home.
Police found 12 malnourished dogs on the rapper’s property, as well as three other carcasses of dogs who had been burned and buried.
Today, the rapper was charged with seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four felony charges of possessing drugs.
While details were not revealed, police said they seized a number of weapons and drugs, as well as five more pitbull mixed puppies during today‘s raid, which resulted in additional charges against DMX.
Police said that DMX, born Earl Simmons, barricaded himself in his bedroom during the search, but eventually came out on orders from the tactical unit.
While details are sketchy, police have also revealed that they are serving a search warrant on the Mayo Clinic, regarding a potential fraud scheme involving DMX.
The Mayo Clinic specializes in specialty and surgical care for humans.
"A guy like this DMX character with all his money and fame has no excuse for not providing proper care for his animals," Sheriff Joe Arpaio said.
DMX was also arrested on May 6, after Arizona police photographed the rapper driving in excess of 100 MPH on a local highway in January, with a suspended license.
DMC To Star In New Ads For Foster Children
Hip-Hop legend DMC will hold a press conference on Monday (May 12) to announce a new partnership with Children’s Aid and Family Services, a Paramus, New Jersey based non-profit organization serving children in the state’s foster care/adoption system.
DMC will serve as the face of CAFS’s new “It’s Cool to Care” campaign, helping to raise awareness and encourage adults to make a difference in the lives of adoptive and foster children.
“When [children in foster care] look at me, I want them to say, ‘You’re the same as me.’ I want them to understand that there is no one more special than them in this world,” said the pioneering Run-DMC co-founder. “When I saw what the agency has done in the past and continues to do for families, I was flattered when they asked for my help. I said: ‘What do you need me for?’,” he adds. “The agency and I both believe in assisting these kids to fly in their futures. We want to find families to care for them, to give them hope, and to motivate them to fulfill their dreams.”
DMC will serve as the face of the new campaign, gracing billboards, video and radio PSAs, as well as CAFS’s web site, giving a voice to the thousands of children in New Jersey who benefit from the organization’s services.
He will also take on a mentoring role in the lives of kids awaiting to be reunited with their families or taken in by new families.
The rapper will also visit the agency’s group homes and engage in dialogue directly with the children.
“We are so excited and honored that Darryl will be working with us to help bring awareness to children currently in foster care, available for adoption, and those aging out of foster care,” said Bob Jones, PhD, President & CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services. “Darryl provides a positive role model to these children that they are not alone, that someone as successful and famous as DMC really cares about them.”
DMC has taken on the personal agenda of championing foster children since 2000, when his parents revealed that he was adopted, as he gathered information for his autobiography.
That mission began with the creation of the Felix Organization/Adoptees for Children, which he launched in 2006 with HBO Casting Director Sheila Jaffe (The Sopranos/Entourage), providing opportunities and new experiences for children without parents.
He went on to add a summer camp called Camp Felix, which hosts 150 foster children from inner city areas each year.
In 2007, DMC released the Emmy Award winning DMC: My Adoption Journey, a VH1-produced documentary that gave viewers an intimate look into the rapper’s quest to discover his birth origins.
Earlier this year, he testified in from of the New Jersey Senate in support of SB 611, a bill that would allow adult adoptees access to their original birth records.
The bill is currently in committee and will soon come before the New Jersey State Assembly.
DMC will serve as the face of CAFS’s new “It’s Cool to Care” campaign, helping to raise awareness and encourage adults to make a difference in the lives of adoptive and foster children.
“When [children in foster care] look at me, I want them to say, ‘You’re the same as me.’ I want them to understand that there is no one more special than them in this world,” said the pioneering Run-DMC co-founder. “When I saw what the agency has done in the past and continues to do for families, I was flattered when they asked for my help. I said: ‘What do you need me for?’,” he adds. “The agency and I both believe in assisting these kids to fly in their futures. We want to find families to care for them, to give them hope, and to motivate them to fulfill their dreams.”
DMC will serve as the face of the new campaign, gracing billboards, video and radio PSAs, as well as CAFS’s web site, giving a voice to the thousands of children in New Jersey who benefit from the organization’s services.
He will also take on a mentoring role in the lives of kids awaiting to be reunited with their families or taken in by new families.
The rapper will also visit the agency’s group homes and engage in dialogue directly with the children.
“We are so excited and honored that Darryl will be working with us to help bring awareness to children currently in foster care, available for adoption, and those aging out of foster care,” said Bob Jones, PhD, President & CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services. “Darryl provides a positive role model to these children that they are not alone, that someone as successful and famous as DMC really cares about them.”
DMC has taken on the personal agenda of championing foster children since 2000, when his parents revealed that he was adopted, as he gathered information for his autobiography.
That mission began with the creation of the Felix Organization/Adoptees for Children, which he launched in 2006 with HBO Casting Director Sheila Jaffe (The Sopranos/Entourage), providing opportunities and new experiences for children without parents.
He went on to add a summer camp called Camp Felix, which hosts 150 foster children from inner city areas each year.
In 2007, DMC released the Emmy Award winning DMC: My Adoption Journey, a VH1-produced documentary that gave viewers an intimate look into the rapper’s quest to discover his birth origins.
Earlier this year, he testified in from of the New Jersey Senate in support of SB 611, a bill that would allow adult adoptees access to their original birth records.
The bill is currently in committee and will soon come before the New Jersey State Assembly.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
DMX arrested for racing car on Arizona highway
DMX aka Earl Simmons was arrested at his home in Arizona after being caught on camera driving 114 MPH on a Phoenix area freeway in January, Arizona State Police confirmed yesterday.DMX is accused of racing on a highway, reckless driving, two counts of endangerment, three counts of speeding and driving on a suspended license."Criminal speeding endangers the lives of everyone on the road," said Roger Vanderpool, state Department of Public Safety director. "Mr. Simmons wasn't signaled out because of his notoriety."Just last August, Arizona Deputies removed poorly treated pit bulls and weapons in a raid of DMX's home.
T.I sets August 12 release date for "Paper Trail", says paranoia lead to gun conviction
T.I has set August 12th as the worldwide release date for his highly anticipated album "Paper Trail."In addition, T.I spoke on BET's "Access Granted," and blamed paranoia for his gun conviction."You can't assume everyone out there likes you, so it's easy to get caught up in paranoia," T.I said. "I must be a man and stand up and accept responsibility."T.I went on to say that his arrests for gun and drug charges over the years will now effect the content of his music to a degree."I can't talk about guns and drugs as elaborately because they're not part of my life anymore. If you think guns, drugs and violence are cool, I think you are definitely missing the point.... There's nothing cool about going to jail."
Diddy impressed with actors in B.I.G movie
Shooting for the Notorious B.I.G Biopic "Notorious" is well underway, and so far Diddy is thoroughly impressed with the performances of the cast."It's rare that you get a movie made about you when you're still relevant, but [they] took on the challenge," Combs told MTV of the cast. "People asked me years ago who you'd want to play me, and I said Derek Luke ... so it was just destined. I got to see him do his thing, and it was scary for me. I had to leave, 'cause he was acting just like me."Diddy went on to heap praise on the movies star, Gravy, who is playing B.I.G."Gravy, the guy playing B.I.G., it was just too eerie for me to be on that," Combs said. "Gravy's killing it. If I tell you he's killing it, then that's all we need to say, you know what I'm saying? I don't think anybody could have done a better job."One would think Diddy would automatically have praise for a movie many think is his, but Diddy is correcting that misconception."It's not my movie," Diddy said. "A lot of people don't know this, but it's not my movie. It's Miss Wallace's movie. It's from a mother's perspective. I'm just there as support."
Hieroglyphics Celebrate Record Label Success On Upcoming Tour
Hip-Hop fans will serve as the motivation behind an upcoming 45-city tour celebrating the 10 year anniversary of independent group Hieroglpyhics and their label, Hiero Imperium.
The outing, known as the Freshly Dipped Tour, will make stops in the US and play select dates in Canada after its official start on June14 at the Paid Dues Hip-Hop festival in San Francisco, CA.
Among those featured on the tour are the Hieroglyphics, as well as Seattle rap collective Blue Scholars, Prince Ali, Musab and Knobody.
The tour will also serve as the springboard to launch two new projects from the group: the Hiero Jeans clothing line and Souls of Mischief member Opio’s upcoming album, Vulture's Wisdom, Volume One.
"We are putting this tour together to thank our fans for their years of loyal support, expose them to our new projects including our brand-new lifestyle line, Hiero Jeans and to celebrate the ways that Hip-Hop style has influenced the fashion world," said Hiero Imperium CEO Tajai Massey.
Since its inception, Hiero Imperium has played an important role in Hip-Hop by releasing albums from the Hieroglyphics crew and members Souls of Mischief (Tajai, A Plus, Phesto, Opio), Casual, Pep Love, Domino and Del The Funky Homosapien.
Individually, the Hieroglyphics members have sold more than 1,000,000 units independently.
The following are the first 30 dates of the Freshly Dipped Tour.
The remaining 15 dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
June 14 San Francisco, CA Berkeley Community Theatre (Paid Dues Hip-Hop Festival) July 11 Pomona, CA Glasshous July 12 Los Angeles, CA El Rey July 13 San Diego, CA Belly Up July 15 Tempe, AZ Clubhouse July 16 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum July 17 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine July 18 Dallas, TX Granada July 19 Austin, TX Emo's July 20 New Orleans, LA Parrish July 22 Orlando, FL Social-Late Show July 23 Atlanta, GA Masq July 24 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle July 25 Charleston, SC The Music FarmJuly 26 Wilmington, NC Soapbox July 27 Virginia Beach, VA Steppin Out July 29 Baltimore, MD Bedrock July 30 West Chester, PA The Note July 31 New York City, NY Highline Aug. 1 Providence, RI Jerky's Live Aug. 2 Boston, MA Middle East Aug. 3 Burlington, VT Higher Ground Aug. 5 Ottawa, ON Babylon Aug. 6 Toronto, ON Mod Club Aug. 7 London, ON The Salt Lounge Aug. 8 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig Aug. 9 Columbus, OH Skullys Aug. 10 Chicago, IL Abbey Pub Aug. 12 Madison, WI High Noon Aug. 13 Minneapolis First Ave-Early Show Aug. 14 Omaha Waiting Room Aug. 15 Boulder Fox Aug. 16 Salt Lake City Urban Lounge
The outing, known as the Freshly Dipped Tour, will make stops in the US and play select dates in Canada after its official start on June14 at the Paid Dues Hip-Hop festival in San Francisco, CA.
Among those featured on the tour are the Hieroglyphics, as well as Seattle rap collective Blue Scholars, Prince Ali, Musab and Knobody.
The tour will also serve as the springboard to launch two new projects from the group: the Hiero Jeans clothing line and Souls of Mischief member Opio’s upcoming album, Vulture's Wisdom, Volume One.
"We are putting this tour together to thank our fans for their years of loyal support, expose them to our new projects including our brand-new lifestyle line, Hiero Jeans and to celebrate the ways that Hip-Hop style has influenced the fashion world," said Hiero Imperium CEO Tajai Massey.
Since its inception, Hiero Imperium has played an important role in Hip-Hop by releasing albums from the Hieroglyphics crew and members Souls of Mischief (Tajai, A Plus, Phesto, Opio), Casual, Pep Love, Domino and Del The Funky Homosapien.
Individually, the Hieroglyphics members have sold more than 1,000,000 units independently.
The following are the first 30 dates of the Freshly Dipped Tour.
The remaining 15 dates will be announced in the coming weeks.
June 14 San Francisco, CA Berkeley Community Theatre (Paid Dues Hip-Hop Festival) July 11 Pomona, CA Glasshous July 12 Los Angeles, CA El Rey July 13 San Diego, CA Belly Up July 15 Tempe, AZ Clubhouse July 16 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum July 17 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine July 18 Dallas, TX Granada July 19 Austin, TX Emo's July 20 New Orleans, LA Parrish July 22 Orlando, FL Social-Late Show July 23 Atlanta, GA Masq July 24 Carrboro, NC Cat's Cradle July 25 Charleston, SC The Music FarmJuly 26 Wilmington, NC Soapbox July 27 Virginia Beach, VA Steppin Out July 29 Baltimore, MD Bedrock July 30 West Chester, PA The Note July 31 New York City, NY Highline Aug. 1 Providence, RI Jerky's Live Aug. 2 Boston, MA Middle East Aug. 3 Burlington, VT Higher Ground Aug. 5 Ottawa, ON Babylon Aug. 6 Toronto, ON Mod Club Aug. 7 London, ON The Salt Lounge Aug. 8 Ann Arbor, MI Blind Pig Aug. 9 Columbus, OH Skullys Aug. 10 Chicago, IL Abbey Pub Aug. 12 Madison, WI High Noon Aug. 13 Minneapolis First Ave-Early Show Aug. 14 Omaha Waiting Room Aug. 15 Boulder Fox Aug. 16 Salt Lake City Urban Lounge
Foxy Brown Pleads Guilty To Assault
Foxy Brown has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of menacing in a case where she attacked a woman with a Blackberry mobile device.
The rapper pleaded out in Brooklyn Criminal Court today (May 8) and a 2007 felony assault charge was tossed out, according to TMZ.com.
The rapper was sentenced to time served and offered letter of apology.
Arlene Raymond may attempt to sue Brown in a civil suit, but no legal action has been confirmed.
Brown was sentenced to time served and a letter of apology was submitted to the court.
Now that she’s also pled out of her Florida case, the legal radar is more or less clear Brown. Brown has no court dates in the near future.
The rapper pleaded out in Brooklyn Criminal Court today (May 8) and a 2007 felony assault charge was tossed out, according to TMZ.com.
The rapper was sentenced to time served and offered letter of apology.
Arlene Raymond may attempt to sue Brown in a civil suit, but no legal action has been confirmed.
Brown was sentenced to time served and a letter of apology was submitted to the court.
Now that she’s also pled out of her Florida case, the legal radar is more or less clear Brown. Brown has no court dates in the near future.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
FEMALE RAPPER AMIL WANTS OUT OF HER DEAL AT BABYGRANDE.
After being signed to BabyGrande Records since 2007 and having been shelved for almost a year, female rap artist Amil, formerly of Roc-A-Fella Records, is seeking immediate release from the label. Veteran Hip-Hop music producer, BabyPaul/BpZy -- CEO of Divine Order Entertainment, the label imprint that orchestrated the deal with BabyGrande Records on behalf of Amil has stated: "There is no doubt in my mind that Amil and I have made an effort to do business with BabyGrande, but it has come to the point where we have irreconcilable differences and will not be releasing her album project with the label. Amil is an undeniable talent that I guarantee will be appreciated when the world hears her new music. We will situate other lucrative options for her project soon. In the meantime, look out for guest appearances, music leaks, and mix-tapes." Amil is featured on the song 'A-Game' off the latest album by AZ, Undeniable, on Quiet $$/Koch Records. Amil has also contributed a song to the score of upcoming independent film, "Ex$pendable," which co-stars Taral Hicks, Omillio Sparks, Sundy Carter, Gillie Da Kid, & Gary Sturgis.
TEDDY RILEY TO STAR IN HYPE NATION.
Producer Teddy Riley and entertainment attorney giant Bret D. Lewis just returned from Seoul Korea where they held a national press conference to hype up Paramount pictures' new film Hype Nation. South Korean dance group the Gambler will star in Paramount's dance movie "Hype Nation," having teamed up with U.S. music producer and rapper Teddy Riley. In the $25 million picture being produced by Young Media Group and Maybach Films, Riley plays a music director. Helmed by Alex Calzatti ("I Am Cuba"), follows dance battles between R&B group B2K and Korean Break Dance National Champions, the Gambler Crew. The producers intend to cast a major Korean female lead who will be chosen from an American Idol type competition to find an Asian superstar for Teddy Riley to produce. Production begins July 15th
LIL WAYNE TO CO-STAR IN THE PATRIOTS MOVIE.
The Weinstein Company movie began filming in New Orleans this week. The storyline consist of a basketball team that was assembled of players who attended five different schools before the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Lil' Wayne plays the character Lamont, a student at Al Collins High School who is a skeptic of the new boy's basketball team. Whitaker plays the coach of the team who leads them to a possible state championship.
DANGELO SLATED FOR NEW RELEASE?
D'Angelo's top hits, music videos and collaborative tracks to date, including rare recordings for soundtracks and other compilations, have been gathered for the first time for The Best So Far ... , a new career and label-spanning release that showcases his award-winning talents. Featuring 17 audio tracks and seven previously unreleased music videos, The Best So Far ... will be releasedJune 24 on CD/DVD by Virgin/EMI. A 15-track digital album and four video downloads will also debut June 24, as well as four ringtunes. The new collection is titled The Best So Far ... because D'Angelo is far from finished, currently writing and recording his highly anticipated next musical chapter.
Album Sales: The Roots top Rap Sales Chart
The Roots have grabbed hold of the top spot on Billboard's Top Rap Albums, with their latest effort "Rising Down."Despite notching the #1 spot, "Rising Down" marked another slow week in hip-hop sales, scanning just 53,900 copies.Lil' Mama finaly dropped her first album last week, and made enough noise to come in #2, however Mama sold just 18,600 of "V.Y.P. (Voice Of The Young People)."Rick Ross continues to close in on Gold status, coming in at #3 with "Trilla" selling 18,300 copies this week, bringing The Boss to 484,000 total.Independent MC Atmosphere continues to make serious waves on a national level, closing out the top 5 with 14,000 copies of "When Life Give You Lemons..." The Rhymesayers rapper debuted at #1 last week on the Rap chart, and has now sold 50,500 copies overall.
Romeo, Master P. Create Gee Gee the Magical Giraffe
Although he is taking steps to enter the world of adults, rapper Romeo is maintaining ties to his young fans, with a new educational children’s book and cartoon.
Romeo, along with his father Percy "Master P" Miller, recently introduced their new brand and character, Gee Gee the Magical Giraffe.
The book and cartoon carries a double meaning for Romeo, who plans on using Gee Gee as a vehicle towards making learning cool.
"If you reach kids with a positive message and instill the importance of education when they're young, they'll have that mentality for the rest of their life," Romeo said. “Gee Gee is going to be a role model and teach kids trough music, books, song, dance, and animation."
The new project will be a family affair as Romeo’s sister, Itali Miller, will help write the educational books.
The rapper also recruited cartoonists Ryan Hutchinson and Olatokunbo Betiku to work on the animated cartoon series.
For Master P, the cartoon provides a chance for him to follow his son’s example in providing an alternative to negative images youth are exposed to.
"There just aren't enough positive characters out there for our kids to look up to and learn from," said Romeo’s father, Master P. "Gee Gee is more important than any record or movie we’ve made. Romeo has inspired me to develop educational characters of my own. Instead of going into the booth to rap, I'll be in the booth lending my voice to a cartoon character that can make a difference."
Plans are currently underway for kids to see Gee Gee during a string of appearances at schools, community centers, theaters, shopping malls, amusement parks, and TV stations.
With efforts to ensure the character’s success, Romeo hopes to continue building his relationship with young supporters.
"Even though I'm growing up, I still love the kids – everything I do is for the development of young minds. Gee Gee is a way of staying connected with my younger fans," the rapper said while admitting that his self-titled Nickelodeon show taught him a lot in terms of providing experience to help create the book and cartoon.
The first Gee Gee the Giraffe cartoon DVD is slated to hit stores in 2009. A Gee Gee film is scheduled to arrive in theaters that same year.
Romeo, along with his father Percy "Master P" Miller, recently introduced their new brand and character, Gee Gee the Magical Giraffe.
The book and cartoon carries a double meaning for Romeo, who plans on using Gee Gee as a vehicle towards making learning cool.
"If you reach kids with a positive message and instill the importance of education when they're young, they'll have that mentality for the rest of their life," Romeo said. “Gee Gee is going to be a role model and teach kids trough music, books, song, dance, and animation."
The new project will be a family affair as Romeo’s sister, Itali Miller, will help write the educational books.
The rapper also recruited cartoonists Ryan Hutchinson and Olatokunbo Betiku to work on the animated cartoon series.
For Master P, the cartoon provides a chance for him to follow his son’s example in providing an alternative to negative images youth are exposed to.
"There just aren't enough positive characters out there for our kids to look up to and learn from," said Romeo’s father, Master P. "Gee Gee is more important than any record or movie we’ve made. Romeo has inspired me to develop educational characters of my own. Instead of going into the booth to rap, I'll be in the booth lending my voice to a cartoon character that can make a difference."
Plans are currently underway for kids to see Gee Gee during a string of appearances at schools, community centers, theaters, shopping malls, amusement parks, and TV stations.
With efforts to ensure the character’s success, Romeo hopes to continue building his relationship with young supporters.
"Even though I'm growing up, I still love the kids – everything I do is for the development of young minds. Gee Gee is a way of staying connected with my younger fans," the rapper said while admitting that his self-titled Nickelodeon show taught him a lot in terms of providing experience to help create the book and cartoon.
The first Gee Gee the Giraffe cartoon DVD is slated to hit stores in 2009. A Gee Gee film is scheduled to arrive in theaters that same year.
Fergie Lands Sex and The City Theme
Black Eyed Peas singer/rapper Fergie has been tapped to create the theme for the upcoming movie Sex and The City. Fergie's track "Labels Or Love, which was previously unreleased, will be featured in the film, as well as on a new deluxe edition release of her hit album The Dutchess, which has sold over 6 million copies and has produced hit singles like "London Bridge," "Fergalicious," and "Glamorous" featuring Ludacris. Rappers Souljaboy Tellem and Nelly are featured on two of the deluxe edition's four new tracks, which includes "Labels or Love," a cover version of Heart's "Barracuda," "Clumsy (Souljaboy Remix)"; and "Party People" featuring Nelly. The deluxe edition of The Dutchess is in stores May 27th, while the highly anticipated big screen version of the hit HBO original series, Sex And The City, which opens in theatres nationwide on May 30th.
'Toughest Sheriff In America' Says DMX Animal Case Ongoing
The self-proclaimed “toughest sheriff in America” recently revealed that an investigation into rapper DMX continues, relating to animal cruelty charges in Phoenix, Arizona.
According to local KTAR TV Channel 12, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, has revealed that the investigation into DMX for animal abuse is in “full progress.”
"When I say I'm going to do something, I do it, OK? Some of you may think I do it just to get publicity and then hide,” Arpaio barked during a recently press conference. “No. The DMX investigation is in full progress. Very soon, I will announce a resolution to that case.”
DMX was accused of animal cruelty last August, after officials found 12 undernourished dogs at the rapper’s Cave Creek home, just outside of Phoenix, Arizona.
Police also uncovered three buried dogs in the backyard as well. The rapper, born Earl Simmons, has never been charged with a crime relating to the case.
Ironically, Sheriff Arpaio and officers under his command were accused abuses similiar to DMX's during the raid of a house in 2004.
According to a 2004 article in the Phoenix New Times, members of a SWAT team led by Sheriff Arpaio raided a house, which became engulfed in flames.
The SWAT team members were accused of driving a dog back into the house and then laughed as the owners watched the dog die an agonizing death.
"I was crying hysterically," said Andrea Barker shortly after the botched raid. "I was so upset. They [deputies] were laughing at me."
The dog’s body was then reportedly left to rot in the ashes for the next five days, in 105-degree temperature.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio has since opened a no-kill animal shelter under the MASH Unit program, which was created care for animals that have been rescued by the Animal Cruelty Investigative Unit.
According to local KTAR TV Channel 12, Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, has revealed that the investigation into DMX for animal abuse is in “full progress.”
"When I say I'm going to do something, I do it, OK? Some of you may think I do it just to get publicity and then hide,” Arpaio barked during a recently press conference. “No. The DMX investigation is in full progress. Very soon, I will announce a resolution to that case.”
DMX was accused of animal cruelty last August, after officials found 12 undernourished dogs at the rapper’s Cave Creek home, just outside of Phoenix, Arizona.
Police also uncovered three buried dogs in the backyard as well. The rapper, born Earl Simmons, has never been charged with a crime relating to the case.
Ironically, Sheriff Arpaio and officers under his command were accused abuses similiar to DMX's during the raid of a house in 2004.
According to a 2004 article in the Phoenix New Times, members of a SWAT team led by Sheriff Arpaio raided a house, which became engulfed in flames.
The SWAT team members were accused of driving a dog back into the house and then laughed as the owners watched the dog die an agonizing death.
"I was crying hysterically," said Andrea Barker shortly after the botched raid. "I was so upset. They [deputies] were laughing at me."
The dog’s body was then reportedly left to rot in the ashes for the next five days, in 105-degree temperature.
Sheriff Joe Arpaio has since opened a no-kill animal shelter under the MASH Unit program, which was created care for animals that have been rescued by the Animal Cruelty Investigative Unit.
Man accused of trying to cash check for $360,000,000,000
A man has been accused of attempting to pass a $360 billion check, which he claims was given to him by his girlfriend’s mother to start a record business, Fort Worth police said.
Charles Ray Fuller
Charles Ray Fuller, 21, of Crowley, was arrested on April 22 on an accusation of forgery, police said.
Police responded to a report of a man attempting to pass the check about 4 p.m. that day at the Chase bank in the 8600 block of South Hulen Street, Fort Worth police Lt. Paul Henderson said.
The personal check was not made out to Mr. Fuller and when the bank contacted the check owner, the woman said she did not write a check for $360 billion.
Mr. Fuller was also accused of unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana, Lt. Henderson said. He may also face a theft charge in Crowley.
Lt. Henderson said he did not know if Mr. Fuller and his girlfriend were still together.
Charles Ray Fuller
Charles Ray Fuller, 21, of Crowley, was arrested on April 22 on an accusation of forgery, police said.
Police responded to a report of a man attempting to pass the check about 4 p.m. that day at the Chase bank in the 8600 block of South Hulen Street, Fort Worth police Lt. Paul Henderson said.
The personal check was not made out to Mr. Fuller and when the bank contacted the check owner, the woman said she did not write a check for $360 billion.
Mr. Fuller was also accused of unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession of marijuana, Lt. Henderson said. He may also face a theft charge in Crowley.
Lt. Henderson said he did not know if Mr. Fuller and his girlfriend were still together.
Kidz In The Hall Debut At #6 On MTV's TRL
Congratulations are in order for Kidz In The Hall. Just five days since the premiere of their "Driving Down The Block" video on MTV's TRL, the duo has secured the #6 slot on the countdown in front of artists like Chris Brown, Danity Kane and Panic At The Disco. This was Duck Down´s first ever appearance on the video countdown.
On the heels of their critically acclaimed new release, "’The In Crowd," available at iTunes now, and in stores May 13th, these ivy Leaguers are graduating into a space few indie artists ever see the light of.
The group's manager, Dan Solomito, said, "This is remarkable news but we're not content. Lets get it to number #1, and show the world that independent music is alive and kicking!"
Continue to support by voting for their video at MTV.com
On the heels of their critically acclaimed new release, "’The In Crowd," available at iTunes now, and in stores May 13th, these ivy Leaguers are graduating into a space few indie artists ever see the light of.
The group's manager, Dan Solomito, said, "This is remarkable news but we're not content. Lets get it to number #1, and show the world that independent music is alive and kicking!"
Continue to support by voting for their video at MTV.com
Craid David Returns With "Trust Me" On November 12
With 13 million album sales worldwide and still only 26 years old, Craig David has earned a reputation as one of the UK’s foremost talents, as well as one of the nation’s most successful musical exports. He’s now poised to return with a new album "Trust Me" on November 12th, already being heralded as his finest since the 2000 debut set "Born To Do It".
"Hot Stuff (Let’s Dance)" combines Craig David’s inimitable vocal gift with irresistible funk-infused beats and a sample of David Bowie’s classic track "Let’s Dance".
Recorded in Havana, Cuba with producer Martin Terefe (KT Tunstall, James Morrison) and writer/producer/mixer Fraser T. Smith (Craig David, Kano, Beyonce, Plan B, Jamelia), the track "6 Of 1 Thing" emphasises how Cuban musical culture influenced his new work, whilst the ballad "Awkward" (highlighting guest vocals from a female west London star-to-be) features some of his most evocative lyrics to date. Other highlights include the infectious hook and insistent rhythms of the title track, and "She’s On Fire" which combines sublime bass with Craig’s fluid lyrical flow.
Since becoming a global phenomenon with "Born To Do It", Craig David has become a huge UK superstar with two #1 singles ("Fill Me In" and "7 Days") and a further ten appearances in the Top 10. All three of his albums have been chart hits: "Born To Do It" (#1), 2002’s "Slicker Than Your Average" (#4) and 2005’s "The Story Goes…" (#5).
"Hot Stuff (Let’s Dance)" combines Craig David’s inimitable vocal gift with irresistible funk-infused beats and a sample of David Bowie’s classic track "Let’s Dance".
Recorded in Havana, Cuba with producer Martin Terefe (KT Tunstall, James Morrison) and writer/producer/mixer Fraser T. Smith (Craig David, Kano, Beyonce, Plan B, Jamelia), the track "6 Of 1 Thing" emphasises how Cuban musical culture influenced his new work, whilst the ballad "Awkward" (highlighting guest vocals from a female west London star-to-be) features some of his most evocative lyrics to date. Other highlights include the infectious hook and insistent rhythms of the title track, and "She’s On Fire" which combines sublime bass with Craig’s fluid lyrical flow.
Since becoming a global phenomenon with "Born To Do It", Craig David has become a huge UK superstar with two #1 singles ("Fill Me In" and "7 Days") and a further ten appearances in the Top 10. All three of his albums have been chart hits: "Born To Do It" (#1), 2002’s "Slicker Than Your Average" (#4) and 2005’s "The Story Goes…" (#5).
Trae Preps Album Release & Hits The Road
Houston artist Trae is gearing up for a busy summer with the tour “Hopefest”, his new solo album “Tha Truth” and the ABN (Assholes By Nature) reunion, including cousin and fellow rapper Z-Ro.
With 2 critically acclaimed albums under his belt under Rap-A-Lot Records (“Restless” and “Life Goes On”), and a final project for that label set to drop this year, Trae has fullfilled his contractual obligations to the Houston label and is now a free agent. Not one to sit around and wait for things to come to him, Trae is hitting the road this month (tour dates below).
The “Hopefest” tour, which was setup to turn negative experiences into positives, will consist of going to different TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) facilities.
Tour Dates:
May 16th - Victoria, TXMay 17th - Bryan, TX - Tonix NightclubMay 18th - Waco, TX - Legacy - Official Car Show AfterpartyMay 23rd - Texarkana, TX - The ParadiseMay 24th - Little Rock ARMay 25th - Memphis, TNMay 26th - Nashville, TNMay 30th - Abilene,TX - Abilene Civic CenterMay 31st - San Angelo, TXJune 1st - Lubbock, TXJune 2nd - Odessa, TXJune 3rd - El Paso, TXJune 4th - Laredo, TXJune 5th - San Antonio, TX - Club Rio - Ozone Magazine BashJune 6th - Austin, TX - Spiro's - Ozone Magazine BashJune 7th - Dallas, TX - (TBA) - Ozone Magazine Bash / DUB car showJune 8th - Houston, TX - (TBA) - Ozone Magazine BashJune 16th - Ft. Worth, TX - Club 820June 17th - Wichita Falls, TX - The End ZoneJune 18th - Oklahoma City, OKJune 19th - Amarillo, TXJune 20th - Albuquerque, NMJune 21st - Phoenix, AZ - Buzz NightclubJune 22nd - Las Vegas, NVJune 23rd - Los Angeles, CAJune 24th - Los Angeles,CAJune 25th - Oakland, CAJune 27th - Dallas, TXJune 28th - Dallas, TXJune 30th - Tyler, TX - Club Nico'sJuly 1st - Shreveport, LA - Municipal AuditoriumJuly 2nd - Beaumont, TXJuly 3rd- Baton Rouge, LA - Official Birthday BashJuly 4th - New Orleans, LA- Essence Music FestivalJuly 5th - New Orlean, LAJuly 6th - Monroe, LA - Krystal'sJuly 7th - Jackson, MSJuly 8th - Birmingham, ALJuly 9th - Atlanta, GAJuly 10th - Pensacola, FLJuly 11th - Tallahassee, FLJuly 12th - Jacksonville, FLJuly 13th - Orlando, FLJuly14th - Tampa, FLJuly 15th - Miami, FL
With 2 critically acclaimed albums under his belt under Rap-A-Lot Records (“Restless” and “Life Goes On”), and a final project for that label set to drop this year, Trae has fullfilled his contractual obligations to the Houston label and is now a free agent. Not one to sit around and wait for things to come to him, Trae is hitting the road this month (tour dates below).
The “Hopefest” tour, which was setup to turn negative experiences into positives, will consist of going to different TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) facilities.
Tour Dates:
May 16th - Victoria, TXMay 17th - Bryan, TX - Tonix NightclubMay 18th - Waco, TX - Legacy - Official Car Show AfterpartyMay 23rd - Texarkana, TX - The ParadiseMay 24th - Little Rock ARMay 25th - Memphis, TNMay 26th - Nashville, TNMay 30th - Abilene,TX - Abilene Civic CenterMay 31st - San Angelo, TXJune 1st - Lubbock, TXJune 2nd - Odessa, TXJune 3rd - El Paso, TXJune 4th - Laredo, TXJune 5th - San Antonio, TX - Club Rio - Ozone Magazine BashJune 6th - Austin, TX - Spiro's - Ozone Magazine BashJune 7th - Dallas, TX - (TBA) - Ozone Magazine Bash / DUB car showJune 8th - Houston, TX - (TBA) - Ozone Magazine BashJune 16th - Ft. Worth, TX - Club 820June 17th - Wichita Falls, TX - The End ZoneJune 18th - Oklahoma City, OKJune 19th - Amarillo, TXJune 20th - Albuquerque, NMJune 21st - Phoenix, AZ - Buzz NightclubJune 22nd - Las Vegas, NVJune 23rd - Los Angeles, CAJune 24th - Los Angeles,CAJune 25th - Oakland, CAJune 27th - Dallas, TXJune 28th - Dallas, TXJune 30th - Tyler, TX - Club Nico'sJuly 1st - Shreveport, LA - Municipal AuditoriumJuly 2nd - Beaumont, TXJuly 3rd- Baton Rouge, LA - Official Birthday BashJuly 4th - New Orleans, LA- Essence Music FestivalJuly 5th - New Orlean, LAJuly 6th - Monroe, LA - Krystal'sJuly 7th - Jackson, MSJuly 8th - Birmingham, ALJuly 9th - Atlanta, GAJuly 10th - Pensacola, FLJuly 11th - Tallahassee, FLJuly 12th - Jacksonville, FLJuly 13th - Orlando, FLJuly14th - Tampa, FLJuly 15th - Miami, FL
T.I. Reveals New Album Details, Talks Bond With Eminem
With the upcoming release of his highly anticipated album "Paper Trial", T.I. called Atlanta radio station Hot 107.9 to reveal some new details of his album and how his new music will reflect the lessons he's been force to learn in the last year.
"Not to a great deal or an extra degree of censorship, I'm just making sure this album is much more intelligently and artistically put together," T.I. told 107.9. "I'ma still get loose now. I'ma still do me. But you know when I was living the way I was living, I was rapping the way I was rapping ... A lot of elements that were in my life no longer exist."
The Atlanta rapper recently leaked the first official track "No Matter What" which is influenced by the rapper´s legal troubles he endured throughout his federal weapons case.
T.I. explained he had his lowest point during Christmas time. "Right after me sensing the affects of not being able to be around my family ... The hating and the rumors were real fresh on the web and on the radio and everybody was really getting their T.I. hate on," T.I. said.
According to the rapper, other MCs reached out to him to show support including Buste Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Diddy, Nelly and more. "I wasn't expecting to hear from nobody. I made a point not to reach out to people ... because I didn't want to get none of my trash in nobody else's yard."
"The only person I spoke to more than Busta was Eminem," he revealed. "Me and Eminem, we stayed in contact, stayed on the phone, making sure each other was doing good."
"Paper Trail" will hit stores in September.
"Not to a great deal or an extra degree of censorship, I'm just making sure this album is much more intelligently and artistically put together," T.I. told 107.9. "I'ma still get loose now. I'ma still do me. But you know when I was living the way I was living, I was rapping the way I was rapping ... A lot of elements that were in my life no longer exist."
The Atlanta rapper recently leaked the first official track "No Matter What" which is influenced by the rapper´s legal troubles he endured throughout his federal weapons case.
T.I. explained he had his lowest point during Christmas time. "Right after me sensing the affects of not being able to be around my family ... The hating and the rumors were real fresh on the web and on the radio and everybody was really getting their T.I. hate on," T.I. said.
According to the rapper, other MCs reached out to him to show support including Buste Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Diddy, Nelly and more. "I wasn't expecting to hear from nobody. I made a point not to reach out to people ... because I didn't want to get none of my trash in nobody else's yard."
"The only person I spoke to more than Busta was Eminem," he revealed. "Me and Eminem, we stayed in contact, stayed on the phone, making sure each other was doing good."
"Paper Trail" will hit stores in September.
The Game Wants To Become A Legend
Compton MC The Game stated in recent interviews that he had suicidal thoughts. But his new album "L.A.X. was not written and produced with heavy heart. He told MTV News that he felt quite the opposite and said that he made his record "free-spirited," with a "free mind and free conscience."
"It's my third album," The Game told MTV while filming his latest video "Pain". "I dropped the first album, classic. Came back with Doctor's Advocate, classic. [Now] it´s number three on my road to being a Hip Hop legend. All my favorite rappers are
legends, and I want nothing more than to be considered among the top, elite emcees."
When asked about the album title, he said, "I decided on [the title] L.A.X. because that's the major airport here. I figured people fly into LAX coming and going. I consider myself like that airport, because anything coming through and leaving California gotta come through me."
Game recently shot his new video "Pain" featuring Keyshia Cole. "Me and Keyshia came up around the same time," he said of their collaboration. "We always wanted to get in the studio together but never had the chance because both our careers took off at the same time. She blew to superstar status on the R&B side. I blew up on the rap side. I knew she would come in and kill it. And she did."
"L.A.X." comes out July 8.
"It's my third album," The Game told MTV while filming his latest video "Pain". "I dropped the first album, classic. Came back with Doctor's Advocate, classic. [Now] it´s number three on my road to being a Hip Hop legend. All my favorite rappers are
legends, and I want nothing more than to be considered among the top, elite emcees."
When asked about the album title, he said, "I decided on [the title] L.A.X. because that's the major airport here. I figured people fly into LAX coming and going. I consider myself like that airport, because anything coming through and leaving California gotta come through me."
Game recently shot his new video "Pain" featuring Keyshia Cole. "Me and Keyshia came up around the same time," he said of their collaboration. "We always wanted to get in the studio together but never had the chance because both our careers took off at the same time. She blew to superstar status on the R&B side. I blew up on the rap side. I knew she would come in and kill it. And she did."
"L.A.X." comes out July 8.
Yung Joc Launches Own Record Label
Rapper Yung Joc recently announced that he has landed the first major label situation for his new imprint called Swagg Team Entertainment.
The Atlanta-based artist has inked a deal with Jive Records and will release the debut album from Chicago group Hotstylz via his own imprint soon. Joc discovered Hotstylz by accident when DJ Hershey simply downloaded their music including the internet hit " Lookin' Boy" and gave it to Joc.
"I wanted to put together a team of artists and opportunists to change the pace of music as we know it right now, as far as Hip-Hop and R&B is concerned," Joc told AllHipHop.com. "So I went through a lot of different mediums as far as open mics in Atlanta, I went through mediums as far as getting on the radio and telling people to bring their CDs to certain places. All types of efforts to find new talent."
"With a group like Hotstylz, there isn’t a lane for what they do," Joc says. "They’re creating their own lane right now. It’s like taking [Comedian] ‘Weird’ Al Yankovic and putting him in the hood. These cats are from the Southside of Chicago. Don’t get it twisted: although they make funny ass records and they silly, these n*ggas is still from the hood."
The video for "Lookin' Boy" will hit the air on May 12th.
The Atlanta-based artist has inked a deal with Jive Records and will release the debut album from Chicago group Hotstylz via his own imprint soon. Joc discovered Hotstylz by accident when DJ Hershey simply downloaded their music including the internet hit " Lookin' Boy" and gave it to Joc.
"I wanted to put together a team of artists and opportunists to change the pace of music as we know it right now, as far as Hip-Hop and R&B is concerned," Joc told AllHipHop.com. "So I went through a lot of different mediums as far as open mics in Atlanta, I went through mediums as far as getting on the radio and telling people to bring their CDs to certain places. All types of efforts to find new talent."
"With a group like Hotstylz, there isn’t a lane for what they do," Joc says. "They’re creating their own lane right now. It’s like taking [Comedian] ‘Weird’ Al Yankovic and putting him in the hood. These cats are from the Southside of Chicago. Don’t get it twisted: although they make funny ass records and they silly, these n*ggas is still from the hood."
The video for "Lookin' Boy" will hit the air on May 12th.
Where Are They Now?: Kam
Watts, CA artist Kam broke on to the major scene with the Los Angeles street anthem “Peace Treaty” back in 1993. The album celebrated the temporary truce between the rival Crips and Bloods gangs in the aftermath of the Rodney King riots. While most West Coast rappers made their careers as Gangsta rap artists, Kam has used his street knowledge to provoke thought and to highlight the struggles of young African-Americans on two solo albums Neva Again and Made In America. Having been brought in to the game by Ice Cube, things turned sour between the two during the mid to late 90’s and once again Kam was in the spotlight with his scorching diss to his former partner, “Whoop Whoop”, off of DJ Pooh’s Bad Newz Travels Fast LP. After releasing another solo album in 2001, Kamnesia, Kam started laying plans for his fourth album The Self And The Kind. While that album has faced many delays over the past few years, Kam caught a break from Snoop Dogg and was asked to be a part of The Warzone group along with MC Eiht of Compton’s Most Wanted and Goldie Loc of Tha Eastsidaz. AllHipHop caught up with the West Coast veteran to talk about his new ventures and to get his thoughts on several social issues. AllHipHop.com: What are your opinions on Sen. Barack Obama’s bid to become our next President? Kam: I support Obama but I am not a voter. I personally don’t believe that the President has the power to do anything. The President is basically like a figurehead or a puppet of the people that really control things – the powers behind the scenes like world bankers. There is more deception than anything else by the powers to make you think that your vote really counts – when it hasn’t really counted in a long time – at least for us Blacks and Hispanics. Despite that, I still support Barack because I think he’s the only person in politics that can address the race and color issues in America – him being both Black and White. [Glasses Malone "Certified Remix" Ft. Lil Wayne, Bun B and Kam]
Security Measures Upped For Snoop Show; Gang Violence Feared
Snoop Dogg’s upcoming appearance at The 2nd Annual Monterey Music Summit in California has angered some local residents and county officials, who are afraid the rapper’s appearance at the concert could spark gang violence.
Yesterday (May 7), the Monterey County Board of Supervisors reached an agreement with Joe Fletcher Presents Inc. and issued a permit for the rapper’s performance on May 31, but under tight security.
According to The Salinas Californian, the Board of Supervisors’ permit calls for metal detectors at the front entrance and undercover Monterey County Sheriffs at the event.
Organizers have also banned all firearms in the venue, except for on-duty law enforcement officials.
Finally, extra security searches of Snoop Dogg, has entourage and any vehicles will take place before the rapper is allowed to perform.
The three-day festival, which takes place from May 30 - June 1 at Laguna Seca, aims to promote peace and eco-friendly behavior.
Snoop, who is an admitted Crip gang member, has renounced the street life and actively works to rehabilitate gang members, although he has made international headlines for his run-ins with the law.
Salinas has been plagued with gang violence in recent years, but sources told AllHipHop.com that tension exists mainly between The Norteños and The Sureños gangs, as opposed to any warring Crip or Blood faction.
Other confirmed acts performing during The 2nd Annual Monterey Music Summit include The Crystal Method, Ozomatli, Taking Back Sunday, Ky-Mani Marley and others.
Over 5,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which will also donate $1 dollar per ticket sold to local community group’s attempting to end gang violence.
Yesterday (May 7), the Monterey County Board of Supervisors reached an agreement with Joe Fletcher Presents Inc. and issued a permit for the rapper’s performance on May 31, but under tight security.
According to The Salinas Californian, the Board of Supervisors’ permit calls for metal detectors at the front entrance and undercover Monterey County Sheriffs at the event.
Organizers have also banned all firearms in the venue, except for on-duty law enforcement officials.
Finally, extra security searches of Snoop Dogg, has entourage and any vehicles will take place before the rapper is allowed to perform.
The three-day festival, which takes place from May 30 - June 1 at Laguna Seca, aims to promote peace and eco-friendly behavior.
Snoop, who is an admitted Crip gang member, has renounced the street life and actively works to rehabilitate gang members, although he has made international headlines for his run-ins with the law.
Salinas has been plagued with gang violence in recent years, but sources told AllHipHop.com that tension exists mainly between The Norteños and The Sureños gangs, as opposed to any warring Crip or Blood faction.
Other confirmed acts performing during The 2nd Annual Monterey Music Summit include The Crystal Method, Ozomatli, Taking Back Sunday, Ky-Mani Marley and others.
Over 5,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event, which will also donate $1 dollar per ticket sold to local community group’s attempting to end gang violence.
Cassie's On a Mission to be Official
It's remarkable, really. Cassie's debut into the recording industry was a song ["Me & U"], essentially, about fellatio...and a secret love affair. Now, she comes back to us with her new single "Official Girl." The tables have turned this time around. Cassie is now tired of her main man keeping her unofficial. What did she expect? She started as the side-chick. Now she wants it to be official? It's admirable, though. Homegirl has ambition. Danja produced and The Clutch wrote the flagship single for Cassie's sophomore effort, and it packs the signature that we've grown to love from the Virginia native. The lyrical arrangement is offbeat, of course on purpose, since it gives the track a charm otherwise absent due to vocal limitations. The lyrics are simple and really show the Clutch's superior ability to adapt to each artist they write for. As a statement, "Official Girl" really makes one. More than talking to this imaginary guy, I'm pretty sure Cassie's thoughts in the booth were on the industry that kicked her pretty hard after a disastrous performance on 106 & Park two years ago. "It'd be a shame to say you lost me/But if you want that /It's a wrap /and I won't look back." Okay, beautiful, we get it, you mean business.Let's face it, Cassie won't be known for her vocal prowess anytime soon, so let’s take this vocally limited track in stride. We can all say it would be in her best interest to deliver just as it sounds on our headphones during live performances. As for reaching those Beyonce-high-notes – know the way to our hearts, just keep it sexy
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Cool Kids Hit The Road, Support PETA
Throwback group The Cool Kids embarked on a promotional tour in Hawaii on Friday (May 2) in support of their forthcoming debut EP The Bake Sale.
Boasting 10 tracks including “Black Mags,” “Mikey Rocks,” and “88,” the EP will be released exclusively via iTunes on May 20, three weeks ahead the EP’s in-store date, June 10, on Chocolate Industries.
Chocolate Industries is the indie label which is also home to Vast Aire (Cannibal Ox) and UK emcee Lady Sovereign.
Starting July 19, The Cool Kids will bring their promo tour to a larger stage when they embark on the 2008 Rock The Bells Festival.
The Chicago-based 80’s throwback duo, comprised of Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish, will share the stage with some of the best live acts in Hip-Hop, including A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, Rakim, De La Soul, Method Man and Redman, Raekwon & Ghostface, Immortal Technique and Dead Prez, many of whom will also be promoting 2008 releases.
Also joining the Rock The Bells line-up, in the festival’s first international foray, are Kid Sister, Spankrock, Santogold, Jay Electronica, and Wale, all recognized alongside The Cool Kids as heading up the new so-called "electro" Hip-Hop movement.
The Cool Kids will also take advantage of this tour to promote socio-political causes close to their hearts.
In an effort to raise awareness among their fans, they have invited peta2, the Youth branch of animal rights organization Peta, to join them along their promotional stops.
Chuck and Mikey even recently recorded a promotional video for peta2 in support of the organizations “fur-free pledge” initiative.
The Cool Kids will also hit the stage in Chicago on May 21, as part of the Darfur Now College Tour and documentary.
Upcoming Cool Kids tour dates:
05-07 Middletown, CT - Wesleyan University 05-09 Madison, WI - University of Wisconsin-Madison 05-10 Northfield, MN - Carleton College 05-16 Galesburg, IL - Knox College 05-17 Chicago, IL - University of Chicago 05-21 Chicago, IL - Abbey Pub (Darfur Now College Tour) 05-25 Detroit, MI - Detroit Electronic Music Festival 05-31 Evanston, IL - Northwestern University 06-05 Cincinnati, OH - Cue Club 06-06 Baltimore, MD - Ottobar 06-07 Philadelphia, PA - The Roots Picnic 06-08 Washington, DC - Black Cat 06-19-21 Pori, Finland - RMJ Festival 06-23-27 Arendal, Norway - Hove Festival 07-03-06 London, England - O2 Wireless Festival 07-11-13 Frauenfeld, Switzerland - Openair Frauenfeld 07-20 Toronto, Ontario - Rock the Bells Tour 07-26 Boston, MA - Rock the Bells Tour 07-27 New York, NY - Rock the Bells Tour 08-01 Chicago, IL - Grant Park (Lollapalooza) 08-02 Miami, FL - Rock the Bells Tour 08-03 Philadelphia, PA - Rock the Bells Tour 08-09 Denver, CO - Rock the Bells Tour
Boasting 10 tracks including “Black Mags,” “Mikey Rocks,” and “88,” the EP will be released exclusively via iTunes on May 20, three weeks ahead the EP’s in-store date, June 10, on Chocolate Industries.
Chocolate Industries is the indie label which is also home to Vast Aire (Cannibal Ox) and UK emcee Lady Sovereign.
Starting July 19, The Cool Kids will bring their promo tour to a larger stage when they embark on the 2008 Rock The Bells Festival.
The Chicago-based 80’s throwback duo, comprised of Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish, will share the stage with some of the best live acts in Hip-Hop, including A Tribe Called Quest, Nas, Mos Def, Rakim, De La Soul, Method Man and Redman, Raekwon & Ghostface, Immortal Technique and Dead Prez, many of whom will also be promoting 2008 releases.
Also joining the Rock The Bells line-up, in the festival’s first international foray, are Kid Sister, Spankrock, Santogold, Jay Electronica, and Wale, all recognized alongside The Cool Kids as heading up the new so-called "electro" Hip-Hop movement.
The Cool Kids will also take advantage of this tour to promote socio-political causes close to their hearts.
In an effort to raise awareness among their fans, they have invited peta2, the Youth branch of animal rights organization Peta, to join them along their promotional stops.
Chuck and Mikey even recently recorded a promotional video for peta2 in support of the organizations “fur-free pledge” initiative.
The Cool Kids will also hit the stage in Chicago on May 21, as part of the Darfur Now College Tour and documentary.
Upcoming Cool Kids tour dates:
05-07 Middletown, CT - Wesleyan University 05-09 Madison, WI - University of Wisconsin-Madison 05-10 Northfield, MN - Carleton College 05-16 Galesburg, IL - Knox College 05-17 Chicago, IL - University of Chicago 05-21 Chicago, IL - Abbey Pub (Darfur Now College Tour) 05-25 Detroit, MI - Detroit Electronic Music Festival 05-31 Evanston, IL - Northwestern University 06-05 Cincinnati, OH - Cue Club 06-06 Baltimore, MD - Ottobar 06-07 Philadelphia, PA - The Roots Picnic 06-08 Washington, DC - Black Cat 06-19-21 Pori, Finland - RMJ Festival 06-23-27 Arendal, Norway - Hove Festival 07-03-06 London, England - O2 Wireless Festival 07-11-13 Frauenfeld, Switzerland - Openair Frauenfeld 07-20 Toronto, Ontario - Rock the Bells Tour 07-26 Boston, MA - Rock the Bells Tour 07-27 New York, NY - Rock the Bells Tour 08-01 Chicago, IL - Grant Park (Lollapalooza) 08-02 Miami, FL - Rock the Bells Tour 08-03 Philadelphia, PA - Rock the Bells Tour 08-09 Denver, CO - Rock the Bells Tour
Yung Joc Launches Label; New Line Of Sunglasses
Rapper Yung Joc has landed the first major label situation for his new imprint, Swagg Team Entertainment.
The Atlanta-based artist, born Jasiel Robinson, has inked a deal with Jive Records to release the debut album by Chicago trio Hotstylz, who created an online sensation with a satirical track that has since been renamed “Lookin’ Boy.”
“I wanted to put together a team of artists and opportunists to change the pace of music as we know it right now, as far as Hip-Hop and R&B is concerned,” Joc told AllHipHop.com. “So I went through a lot of different mediums as far as open mics in Atlanta, I went through mediums as far as getting on the radio and telling people to bring their CDs to certain places. All types of efforts to find new talent.”
All concerted efforts aside, Joc discovered Hotstylz quite accidentally, when he was introduced to them by radio and club DJ Hershey, who had downloaded the audio from the group’s YouTube video.
“He gave me a copy of it,” recounts the Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South artist. “My assistant got on the internet, she found them, got in touch with them, flew ‘em down three days after that. I talked to them, we re-did the record. Three days after we re-did the record, we had a deal on the table from Jive.”
The more radio and consumer-friendly version of “Lookin’ Boy,” which features Joc himself, created a bit of a bidding war, the artist says.
He is counting on the interest generated by the song to not only help him garner a larger label situation for Swagg Team, but to also establish the imprint as a front runner for a new wave in urban music.
“With a group like Hot Stylz, there isn’t a lane for what they do,” Joc says. “They’re creating their own lane right now. It’s like taking [Comedian] ‘Weird’ Al Yankovic and putting him in the hood. These cats are from the Southside of Chicago. Don’t get it twisted: although they make funny ass records and they silly, these ni**as is still from the hood.”
The new video for “Lookin’ Boy,” which Joc says closely follows Hotstylz’ original clip, is set to hit airwaves on May 12.
In an effort to let the group’s popularity develop organically, a release date has not been set for their debut album.
“I talked to the label,” Joc explains, “and I said, ‘Look, if possible, don’t hit me with the standard. Don’t give me a album date and make me work towards that date. Let’s look at the growth of their record and their brand, and then let’s put a date.”
Yung Joc’s entrepreneurial aspirations go well beyond the world of entertainment.
The 25-year-old rapper also owns two automobile related businesses and is in the process of launching a new line of sunglasses called Claudio St. James.
Joc is partnering with his father to release the new collection of shades independently of any existing fashion or eyewear line.
The Atlanta-based artist, born Jasiel Robinson, has inked a deal with Jive Records to release the debut album by Chicago trio Hotstylz, who created an online sensation with a satirical track that has since been renamed “Lookin’ Boy.”
“I wanted to put together a team of artists and opportunists to change the pace of music as we know it right now, as far as Hip-Hop and R&B is concerned,” Joc told AllHipHop.com. “So I went through a lot of different mediums as far as open mics in Atlanta, I went through mediums as far as getting on the radio and telling people to bring their CDs to certain places. All types of efforts to find new talent.”
All concerted efforts aside, Joc discovered Hotstylz quite accidentally, when he was introduced to them by radio and club DJ Hershey, who had downloaded the audio from the group’s YouTube video.
“He gave me a copy of it,” recounts the Block Entertainment/Bad Boy South artist. “My assistant got on the internet, she found them, got in touch with them, flew ‘em down three days after that. I talked to them, we re-did the record. Three days after we re-did the record, we had a deal on the table from Jive.”
The more radio and consumer-friendly version of “Lookin’ Boy,” which features Joc himself, created a bit of a bidding war, the artist says.
He is counting on the interest generated by the song to not only help him garner a larger label situation for Swagg Team, but to also establish the imprint as a front runner for a new wave in urban music.
“With a group like Hot Stylz, there isn’t a lane for what they do,” Joc says. “They’re creating their own lane right now. It’s like taking [Comedian] ‘Weird’ Al Yankovic and putting him in the hood. These cats are from the Southside of Chicago. Don’t get it twisted: although they make funny ass records and they silly, these ni**as is still from the hood.”
The new video for “Lookin’ Boy,” which Joc says closely follows Hotstylz’ original clip, is set to hit airwaves on May 12.
In an effort to let the group’s popularity develop organically, a release date has not been set for their debut album.
“I talked to the label,” Joc explains, “and I said, ‘Look, if possible, don’t hit me with the standard. Don’t give me a album date and make me work towards that date. Let’s look at the growth of their record and their brand, and then let’s put a date.”
Yung Joc’s entrepreneurial aspirations go well beyond the world of entertainment.
The 25-year-old rapper also owns two automobile related businesses and is in the process of launching a new line of sunglasses called Claudio St. James.
Joc is partnering with his father to release the new collection of shades independently of any existing fashion or eyewear line.
Lil Wayne Pleads Not Guilty To AZ Drug Charges
Cash Money Records rap star Lil Wayne appeared in Arizona Superior Court to face numerous drug charges today (May 6), AllHipHop.com has learned.
The rapper, who was hit with multiple drug charges and a weapons offense in January, entered a not guilty plea in court.
Today, Lil Wayne pled innocent to charges of possession of dangerous drugs, possession of a narcotic drug for sale, misconduct involving weapons and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Lil Wayne was arrested on January 22, after DEA Agents stopped the rapper's tour bus near a border checkpoint in southwestern Arizona, about 75 miles East of Yuma.
A Border Patrol dog alerted officials to the presence of drugs and a subsequent search of the bus uncovered 41 grams of ecstasy, four ounces of marijuana, a little over an ounce of cocaine and a .40 caliber pistol, which is registered to Lil Wayne in Florida.
Police also confiscated $22,000 dollars in cash and two other firearms.
Out of the 11 occupants of the bus, two other men were arrested in the incident with Lil Wayne, although those men only face possession of marijuana charges.
Lil Wayne was released on $10,000 cash bond. His next court date is May 19.
The rapper, who was hit with multiple drug charges and a weapons offense in January, entered a not guilty plea in court.
Today, Lil Wayne pled innocent to charges of possession of dangerous drugs, possession of a narcotic drug for sale, misconduct involving weapons and one count of possession of drug paraphernalia. Lil Wayne was arrested on January 22, after DEA Agents stopped the rapper's tour bus near a border checkpoint in southwestern Arizona, about 75 miles East of Yuma.
A Border Patrol dog alerted officials to the presence of drugs and a subsequent search of the bus uncovered 41 grams of ecstasy, four ounces of marijuana, a little over an ounce of cocaine and a .40 caliber pistol, which is registered to Lil Wayne in Florida.
Police also confiscated $22,000 dollars in cash and two other firearms.
Out of the 11 occupants of the bus, two other men were arrested in the incident with Lil Wayne, although those men only face possession of marijuana charges.
Lil Wayne was released on $10,000 cash bond. His next court date is May 19.
Al Sharpton Leading City Wide Boycott Of Sean Bell Verdict
Reverend Al Sharpton is calling on citizens of New York City to come together for a day of active protests throughout the city on Wednesday (May 7).
Sharpton and the National Action Network are organizing a citywide “pray in” in six locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, in hopes of moving the United States Department of Justice to action in the Sean Bell case.
Joined by Bell’s fiancé, Nicole Paultre-Bell, Joseph Guzman, and Trent Benefield, Sharpton will lead the afternoon protests from One Police Plaza, the NYPD headquarter in Manhattan, starting at 3:00 PM.
Other civil rights leaders involved will be National Action Network chairman Franklyn Richardson in Harlem, NAACP leader Hazel Dukes in Tribeca, and Reverend Herbert Daughtry in Brooklyn.
The meeting points for the planned protest - 125th Street and Third Avenue; Park Avenue and 34th Street; 60th Street and Third Avenue; One Police Plaza; Varick and Houston streets; and in Brooklyn at House of the Lord Pentecostal Church, 415 Atlantic Ave – are all strategically located near busy traffic areas in New York City, including the entrances to the Midtown Tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, and the Triborough Bridge.
At each location, protesters will be asked to get down on their knees in prayer, leading to a citywide slowdown.
It is Sharpton’s intention to continue these protests on a weekly basis, leading to a citywide shutdown later this Spring.
While the call is for acts of peaceful, civil disobedience, Sharpton has indicated that demonstrators should be prepared to go to jail in protest of the April 25 acquittals of Officer Gescard Isnora, Officer Michael Oliver, and Detective Marc Cooper.
The three undercover NYPD Policemen were cleared of charges including manslaughter, reckless endangerment and assault stemming from the November 2006 shooting that killed Sean Bell and left Guzman and Benefield wounded.
“If you are not going to lock up the guilty in this town, then I guess you’ll have to lock up the innocent,” Sharpton told supporters while announcing the planned protests during a gathering at the National Action Network’s headquarters on Saturday (May 4).
"Where we're going, those that know won't say, and those who'll say don't know," Sharpton added. “All they'll know is why we're going. And we're going because the world must see that we're in a climate where the justice system in this state will lock up folks who'll be nonviolent and pray, but will not lock up police."
Paultre-Bell, who was present at the impromptu rally, also confirmed her involvement with Wednesday’s protests.
“Justice wasn’t done, so I’m still here,” said the mother of Bell’s young daughter. “On Wednesday, I will be there. We are going to do this peacefully.”
“I was actually right on the block when it happened. As a matter of fact, we heard the shots,” Queens rapper Graph told AllHipHop.com. “That’s where we from, that side of Queens. So that could have been me and my friends as well as it was him. So when I heard the verdict, and “not guilty,” it’s like an extra slap in the face. It’s almost like killing Sean again.
“In my honest opinion, and if you look at both sides,” he continued, “what the police’s story was and what Sean Bell and his friends’ story was: I do not honestly believe that the cops approached those young men with the intent to diffuse a situation. I believe that they walked up with their guns out, prepared to squeeze, with the intent to do harm. I’m from that area, I been in those situations. I know how the cops around there get down, especially the DT’s.”
Sharpton and the National Action Network are organizing a citywide “pray in” in six locations across Manhattan and Brooklyn, in hopes of moving the United States Department of Justice to action in the Sean Bell case.
Joined by Bell’s fiancé, Nicole Paultre-Bell, Joseph Guzman, and Trent Benefield, Sharpton will lead the afternoon protests from One Police Plaza, the NYPD headquarter in Manhattan, starting at 3:00 PM.
Other civil rights leaders involved will be National Action Network chairman Franklyn Richardson in Harlem, NAACP leader Hazel Dukes in Tribeca, and Reverend Herbert Daughtry in Brooklyn.
The meeting points for the planned protest - 125th Street and Third Avenue; Park Avenue and 34th Street; 60th Street and Third Avenue; One Police Plaza; Varick and Houston streets; and in Brooklyn at House of the Lord Pentecostal Church, 415 Atlantic Ave – are all strategically located near busy traffic areas in New York City, including the entrances to the Midtown Tunnel, the Holland Tunnel, and the Triborough Bridge.
At each location, protesters will be asked to get down on their knees in prayer, leading to a citywide slowdown.
It is Sharpton’s intention to continue these protests on a weekly basis, leading to a citywide shutdown later this Spring.
While the call is for acts of peaceful, civil disobedience, Sharpton has indicated that demonstrators should be prepared to go to jail in protest of the April 25 acquittals of Officer Gescard Isnora, Officer Michael Oliver, and Detective Marc Cooper.
The three undercover NYPD Policemen were cleared of charges including manslaughter, reckless endangerment and assault stemming from the November 2006 shooting that killed Sean Bell and left Guzman and Benefield wounded.
“If you are not going to lock up the guilty in this town, then I guess you’ll have to lock up the innocent,” Sharpton told supporters while announcing the planned protests during a gathering at the National Action Network’s headquarters on Saturday (May 4).
"Where we're going, those that know won't say, and those who'll say don't know," Sharpton added. “All they'll know is why we're going. And we're going because the world must see that we're in a climate where the justice system in this state will lock up folks who'll be nonviolent and pray, but will not lock up police."
Paultre-Bell, who was present at the impromptu rally, also confirmed her involvement with Wednesday’s protests.
“Justice wasn’t done, so I’m still here,” said the mother of Bell’s young daughter. “On Wednesday, I will be there. We are going to do this peacefully.”
“I was actually right on the block when it happened. As a matter of fact, we heard the shots,” Queens rapper Graph told AllHipHop.com. “That’s where we from, that side of Queens. So that could have been me and my friends as well as it was him. So when I heard the verdict, and “not guilty,” it’s like an extra slap in the face. It’s almost like killing Sean again.
“In my honest opinion, and if you look at both sides,” he continued, “what the police’s story was and what Sean Bell and his friends’ story was: I do not honestly believe that the cops approached those young men with the intent to diffuse a situation. I believe that they walked up with their guns out, prepared to squeeze, with the intent to do harm. I’m from that area, I been in those situations. I know how the cops around there get down, especially the DT’s.”
Duke Da God Involved In Car Accident Published: Tuesday - May 6, 2008 Dipset member Duke Da God has been involved in a car accident but he is in good condition. On Friday (May 2), the Dipset rapper was in his black R500 Mercedes Benz sitting at a red light when he noticed two cars approaching racing one another. One driver lost control of his speeding vehicle, spun out of control and smashed into the front of Duke’s Benz.
"N*ggas have gone out and copped the new Grand Theft Auto IV and they have lost their damn minds," Duke Da God told AllHipHop.com.
Not missing an opportunity to do business, Duke also revealed that The Diplomat’s will unveil "Dipset Radio", a brand new radio show which will launch over Memorial Day Weekend on XM’s Channel 66 Raw Hip-Hop station.
Furthermore Duke Da God is preparing the third installment of The Diplomat’s compilation series "More Than Music".
If something about Duke’s car crash sounds familiar it’s because last month, Dipset member Freekey Zekey was in another serious car accident that could’ve been fatal. He escaped injury when his 2007 white S550 Benz was smashed from behind at 115th Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan. He was treated at St. Luke’s Hospital and released with minor injuries.
"N*ggas have gone out and copped the new Grand Theft Auto IV and they have lost their damn minds," Duke Da God told AllHipHop.com.
Not missing an opportunity to do business, Duke also revealed that The Diplomat’s will unveil "Dipset Radio", a brand new radio show which will launch over Memorial Day Weekend on XM’s Channel 66 Raw Hip-Hop station.
Furthermore Duke Da God is preparing the third installment of The Diplomat’s compilation series "More Than Music".
If something about Duke’s car crash sounds familiar it’s because last month, Dipset member Freekey Zekey was in another serious car accident that could’ve been fatal. He escaped injury when his 2007 white S550 Benz was smashed from behind at 115th Street and 1st Avenue in Manhattan. He was treated at St. Luke’s Hospital and released with minor injuries.
J-Hood Apologizes To D-BlockPublished: Tuesday - May 6, 2008 J-Hood has had a change of heart. The rapper apologizes for his actions against D-Block in a letter through his publicist. For months the rapper has been throwing jabs through various different media outlets towards the group that put him on. In his apology he referred to a lot of the things he’d done as mistakes.
"First of all I personally would like to apologize to all the real fans out there, all the true hip-hop heads, and lyric followers for my role playing in this whole ordeal because it's honestly something that you shouldn't have had to witness," J-Hood stated.
"As a man I can say I truly made a couple mistakes and went over board with a couple things, but as a man we are entitled to make mistakes because we aren't mistake prone. ... Me dragging my chain was obviously one of the mistakes I made that evidently had the people upset, and like I said in a previous interview, I admit that was a mistake and I went overboard," he continued.
J pointed out that all the troubles started with Sheek Louch and then the entire crew after Styles P responded. Hood says he responded like almost any man in the streets, but quickly pointed out that "two wrongs don't make a right."
"Even though I'm entitled and have every right to feel how I felt, two wrongs don't necessarily make a right and some of my actions were just that," said Hood. "I will eternally be appreciative to The L.O.X for giving me an opportunity to be heard, period, point blank. But I just couldn't keep living with the fact of knowing I'm representing something false on top of not even being compensated well for it."
He finishes by pointing out mistakes on both sides, and then sending good words to D-Block and saying he doesn't want to continue beefing. "I'm just honestly at a point in my life where I'm past that mentally. I mean the whole grudge thing, it's no space in my mind for that anymore because I'm on a whole other level," said Hood.
"I just want to wish them the best at what ever they are doing now and in their future ventures. Hopefully we can work out our differences," he added.
Will D-Block accept his apology? Sheek Louch told BallerStatus.com in a previous interview that J-Hood had tremendous potential but the rest of his career would be without them. "He's abandoned and I hate he did things the way he did. We'll never, ever work with him again, but I still wish him well."
"First of all I personally would like to apologize to all the real fans out there, all the true hip-hop heads, and lyric followers for my role playing in this whole ordeal because it's honestly something that you shouldn't have had to witness," J-Hood stated.
"As a man I can say I truly made a couple mistakes and went over board with a couple things, but as a man we are entitled to make mistakes because we aren't mistake prone. ... Me dragging my chain was obviously one of the mistakes I made that evidently had the people upset, and like I said in a previous interview, I admit that was a mistake and I went overboard," he continued.
J pointed out that all the troubles started with Sheek Louch and then the entire crew after Styles P responded. Hood says he responded like almost any man in the streets, but quickly pointed out that "two wrongs don't make a right."
"Even though I'm entitled and have every right to feel how I felt, two wrongs don't necessarily make a right and some of my actions were just that," said Hood. "I will eternally be appreciative to The L.O.X for giving me an opportunity to be heard, period, point blank. But I just couldn't keep living with the fact of knowing I'm representing something false on top of not even being compensated well for it."
He finishes by pointing out mistakes on both sides, and then sending good words to D-Block and saying he doesn't want to continue beefing. "I'm just honestly at a point in my life where I'm past that mentally. I mean the whole grudge thing, it's no space in my mind for that anymore because I'm on a whole other level," said Hood.
"I just want to wish them the best at what ever they are doing now and in their future ventures. Hopefully we can work out our differences," he added.
Will D-Block accept his apology? Sheek Louch told BallerStatus.com in a previous interview that J-Hood had tremendous potential but the rest of his career would be without them. "He's abandoned and I hate he did things the way he did. We'll never, ever work with him again, but I still wish him well."
Foxy Brown´s „Brooklyn´s Don Diva“ Hits Streets On May 13Published: Tuesday - May 6, 2008 Just weeks after completing a jail sentence for violating probation, Foxy Brown is set to release her new album, "Brooklyn's Don Diva," on Black Rose Entertainment/KOCH Records on May 13th, 2008.
"Brooklyn's Don Diva" features guest appearances by Dwele, AZ, Lil' Mo, Kira, Graph, DeMarco, Lady Saw and more.
KOCH Records' General Manager Alan Grunblatt comments, "Foxy is the greatest female MC of all time. I've wanted to work with her for years. This album is very much something for the fans. She recorded the vocals before she was incarcerated. We were besieged by so many fan requests that we finished the album while she was in Rikers and rushed it out. She is currently recording new songs and a deluxe version of the album will drop in the fall."
Foxy Brown first made a name for herself after winning a talent contest in her hometown of Brooklyn and was soon featured on tracks by LL Cool J, Nas, Case, Toni Braxton and more. She later joined the hip-hop supergroup The Firm in the late '90s with Nas, AZ and Nature. The group released an album in 1997 titled "The Firm: The Album," which sold over 900,000 units.
Brown released three solo albums including "Ill Na Na" (1996), "Chyna Doll" (1999), and "Broken Silence" (2001) which sold a total of 3 million records and propelled her to stardom. Foxy was the first female rapper to release an album that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 with "Chyna Doll."
Tracklisting:
1. Brooklyn's Don Diva2. We Don't Surrender feat. Graph3. We're On Fire feat. Movado4. Dreams of F*cking A D-Boy ft. Jay Rush5. When the Lights Go Out feat. Kira6. Never Heard This Before ft. Dwele7. Too Real Feat. AZ8. Star Cry9. Why10. She Wanna Rude Bwoy ft. DeMarco11. The Quan feat. Lady Saw12. Bulletproof Love/One Love ft. Lil' Mo13. How We Get Down ft. Graph & Prinz14. We Set The Pace ft. Morgan Heritage & Spragga Benz15. The Quan ft. Lady Saw (Hip Hop Mix)
"Brooklyn's Don Diva" features guest appearances by Dwele, AZ, Lil' Mo, Kira, Graph, DeMarco, Lady Saw and more.
KOCH Records' General Manager Alan Grunblatt comments, "Foxy is the greatest female MC of all time. I've wanted to work with her for years. This album is very much something for the fans. She recorded the vocals before she was incarcerated. We were besieged by so many fan requests that we finished the album while she was in Rikers and rushed it out. She is currently recording new songs and a deluxe version of the album will drop in the fall."
Foxy Brown first made a name for herself after winning a talent contest in her hometown of Brooklyn and was soon featured on tracks by LL Cool J, Nas, Case, Toni Braxton and more. She later joined the hip-hop supergroup The Firm in the late '90s with Nas, AZ and Nature. The group released an album in 1997 titled "The Firm: The Album," which sold over 900,000 units.
Brown released three solo albums including "Ill Na Na" (1996), "Chyna Doll" (1999), and "Broken Silence" (2001) which sold a total of 3 million records and propelled her to stardom. Foxy was the first female rapper to release an album that debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 with "Chyna Doll."
Tracklisting:
1. Brooklyn's Don Diva2. We Don't Surrender feat. Graph3. We're On Fire feat. Movado4. Dreams of F*cking A D-Boy ft. Jay Rush5. When the Lights Go Out feat. Kira6. Never Heard This Before ft. Dwele7. Too Real Feat. AZ8. Star Cry9. Why10. She Wanna Rude Bwoy ft. DeMarco11. The Quan feat. Lady Saw12. Bulletproof Love/One Love ft. Lil' Mo13. How We Get Down ft. Graph & Prinz14. We Set The Pace ft. Morgan Heritage & Spragga Benz15. The Quan ft. Lady Saw (Hip Hop Mix)
VH1 Readies New Reality Show "I Love Money"Published: Tuesday - May 6, 2008 America's favorite contestants from VH1's hit series "Rock of Love," "I Love New York" and "Flavor Of Love" are set to star in the network's newest 'celebreality' series, "I Love Money" premiering on Sunday, July 13.
Hosted by Craig J. Jackson, the 12-episode series will pit 17 all-star contestants against one another for a chance to win a $250,000 grand prize.
The "I Love Money" contestants will travel to Mexico where they will participate in outrageous challenges to test their determination to get rich. For this group of men and women competing for a chance at love is nothing compared to competing for their true heart's desire, money.
"'I Love Money' is the perfect 'celebreality' storm as it takes the biggest, boldest and most outspoken characters from VH1's hit series and puts them on one giant show," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, VH1.
COMMENTS
Hosted by Craig J. Jackson, the 12-episode series will pit 17 all-star contestants against one another for a chance to win a $250,000 grand prize.
The "I Love Money" contestants will travel to Mexico where they will participate in outrageous challenges to test their determination to get rich. For this group of men and women competing for a chance at love is nothing compared to competing for their true heart's desire, money.
"'I Love Money' is the perfect 'celebreality' storm as it takes the biggest, boldest and most outspoken characters from VH1's hit series and puts them on one giant show," said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Programming and Development, VH1.
COMMENTS
Kokane To Release Star-Studded AlbumPublished: Tuesday - May 6, 2008
West Coast hip-hop hook-master, songwriter, and producer Kokane has worked with rap music notables such as Eazy-E, Snoop Dogg, and NWA. He earned his name and fame, penning and performing addictive hooks and features on over 75 million sold albums. After what might be considered an extended hiatus, Kokane has teamed with High-Powered Entertainment and is preparing to release his first album in over two years.
With the highly anticipated return of Kokane’s radio airwaves rehab, his g-funk-infused project is slated to be one of his most successful albums to date. With classic guest appearances from an eclectic range of artists from Teena Marie and Charlie Wilson, to Young Buck and Daz Dillinger, Kokane wants to give good music addicts, a new fix in a sound that will inspire and uplift.
"I am passionate about this new project," proclaims Kokane. "This is a new vibe, reminiscent of that Motown 25 type music." With a father [Jerry Long Sr.] with writing credit that graces the covers of artists such as Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, Kokane has been a student of music since birth. He has mastered the art of concocting a potent mix of modern sounds with an old-school funk twist. "[This album] shows my growth over the last couple of years, but it also gives my fans the true Kokane they’ve gotten high on for years and yes, I keep it funky for the streets, because that’s where I come from."
Prominent independent High Powered has a solid track record of banging out beats and popular LPs for artists including Daz Dillinger, The Outlawz, E-40, Spice 1, C-Bo, Kurrupt, Jayo Felony and Yukmouth to name a few. Since its inception in 1990, the thriving label has not only produced and releases hits that made a mark on the timeline of West Coast Hip-Hop classics, but Koch Distribution recently added the company to its illustrious roster of labels.
West Coast hip-hop hook-master, songwriter, and producer Kokane has worked with rap music notables such as Eazy-E, Snoop Dogg, and NWA. He earned his name and fame, penning and performing addictive hooks and features on over 75 million sold albums. After what might be considered an extended hiatus, Kokane has teamed with High-Powered Entertainment and is preparing to release his first album in over two years.
With the highly anticipated return of Kokane’s radio airwaves rehab, his g-funk-infused project is slated to be one of his most successful albums to date. With classic guest appearances from an eclectic range of artists from Teena Marie and Charlie Wilson, to Young Buck and Daz Dillinger, Kokane wants to give good music addicts, a new fix in a sound that will inspire and uplift.
"I am passionate about this new project," proclaims Kokane. "This is a new vibe, reminiscent of that Motown 25 type music." With a father [Jerry Long Sr.] with writing credit that graces the covers of artists such as Smokey Robinson and Marvin Gaye, Kokane has been a student of music since birth. He has mastered the art of concocting a potent mix of modern sounds with an old-school funk twist. "[This album] shows my growth over the last couple of years, but it also gives my fans the true Kokane they’ve gotten high on for years and yes, I keep it funky for the streets, because that’s where I come from."
Prominent independent High Powered has a solid track record of banging out beats and popular LPs for artists including Daz Dillinger, The Outlawz, E-40, Spice 1, C-Bo, Kurrupt, Jayo Felony and Yukmouth to name a few. Since its inception in 1990, the thriving label has not only produced and releases hits that made a mark on the timeline of West Coast Hip-Hop classics, but Koch Distribution recently added the company to its illustrious roster of labels.
Common Lands Role In Upcoming "Terminator" FilmPublished: Tuesday - May 6, 2008
Rapper/actor Common has signed on to co-star in "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins".
According to Variety, the rapper will star alongside actors Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin and Moon Bloodgood in the fourth film of the series.
"Terminator Salvation" will be produced by Halcyon Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. and Sony domestically on May 22, 2009.
The fourth installment of "The Terminator" focuses on John Connor, played by Christian Bale and now in his 30s, who leads the human race in an epic battle against the machines. Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, will play a freedom fighter and member of Connor's inner circle.
The original "Terminator" film was released in 1981 and its sequel "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" in 1991, both starred current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Common started starting his acting career in "Smokin' Aces." He has also been featured in "American Gangster" and "Street Kings," and will be in "Wanted," starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman.
Rapper/actor Common has signed on to co-star in "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins".
According to Variety, the rapper will star alongside actors Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin and Moon Bloodgood in the fourth film of the series.
"Terminator Salvation" will be produced by Halcyon Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. and Sony domestically on May 22, 2009.
The fourth installment of "The Terminator" focuses on John Connor, played by Christian Bale and now in his 30s, who leads the human race in an epic battle against the machines. Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, will play a freedom fighter and member of Connor's inner circle.
The original "Terminator" film was released in 1981 and its sequel "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" in 1991, both starred current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Common started starting his acting career in "Smokin' Aces." He has also been featured in "American Gangster" and "Street Kings," and will be in "Wanted," starring Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman.
Lil Wayne Prefers Keyshia Cole, Not 50 Cent & G-UnitPublished: Tuesday - May 6, 2008 With the release date for his highly anticipated album "Tha Carter III" coming closer (June 10), Lil Wayne has his eye on R&B superstar Keyshia Cole for a tour to promote his new project.
Before setting his mind on Keyshia, Weezy orginially was in talks with 50 Cent and his G-Unit crew to join him on the tour.
"Um, that one, I don't think is gonna work no more," Wayne said about touring with the Unit. "It was something that ain't went right. I think I might go out with Keyshia Cole. You're bringing two different types of people in there. You got people coming to soothe their souls with Keyshia, and you got people who wanna throw their hands up with me. It's like listening to the radio. I think a concert should be like listening to the radio. When you listen to the radio, and your top-five or top-eight songs come on, it's hip-hop, it's R&B. ... I think you gonna get that from me and Keyshia and whatever in between that."
"I'mma kidnap him and take him on tour with me," Cole told MTV on Thursday, on the set of the new Game video "Pain."
"I think it's a little harder to get him on the stage than it is to get me," she smiled. "We gotta make sure we get together on that."
Lil Wayne´s "Tha Carter III" will be available in stores June 10.
Before setting his mind on Keyshia, Weezy orginially was in talks with 50 Cent and his G-Unit crew to join him on the tour.
"Um, that one, I don't think is gonna work no more," Wayne said about touring with the Unit. "It was something that ain't went right. I think I might go out with Keyshia Cole. You're bringing two different types of people in there. You got people coming to soothe their souls with Keyshia, and you got people who wanna throw their hands up with me. It's like listening to the radio. I think a concert should be like listening to the radio. When you listen to the radio, and your top-five or top-eight songs come on, it's hip-hop, it's R&B. ... I think you gonna get that from me and Keyshia and whatever in between that."
"I'mma kidnap him and take him on tour with me," Cole told MTV on Thursday, on the set of the new Game video "Pain."
"I think it's a little harder to get him on the stage than it is to get me," she smiled. "We gotta make sure we get together on that."
Lil Wayne´s "Tha Carter III" will be available in stores June 10.
Monday, May 5, 2008
i heard this on the radio
the million dollar kid track i heard it in the club last week and i heard it on the radio in indiana power 92.3
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