HIP HOP NEWS [Mars 08] (2/2)
WITH
-> 03/29 - Dame Grease to release "Goon Musik" on May 27th
Multi-platinum producer Dame Grease will be teaming up with Babygrande Records and Vacant Lot to release the album "Goon Musik" on May 27.
Grease, known for making hits for Jay-Z, T.I., The Lox, DMX, The Diplomats, and more, will be producing all thirteen tracks as well as getting on the mic along with "The Goon Squad" (a pairing between Meeno, Tanya "T6" and NY's renowned "Lenox Ave Boyz"), Max B. and more.
Grease, known for making hits for Jay-Z, T.I., The Lox, DMX, The Diplomats, and more, will be producing all thirteen tracks as well as getting on the mic along with "The Goon Squad" (a pairing between Meeno, Tanya "T6" and NY's renowned "Lenox Ave Boyz"), Max B. and more.
-> 03/28 - Papoose to marry Remy Ma in prison, Remy to appeal guilty verdict
While speculation has swirled the past few months concerning Papoose's relationship with Remy Ma, Pap has now come forward to MTV and acknowledged their relationship and announced their plans to wed.
"We always wanted to keep our personal lives personal, so that's why we never went public with our relationship," Papoose said in ane-mail to MTV News. "Right now, I just feel like she gotta live through me. Yes, we were scheduled to be married on a yacht April 27th. But due to circumstances beyond our control, we are now making arrangements to be married in prison."
Meanwhile Remy Ma plans to appeal the guilty verdict she received yesterday on two counts of first-degree assault, attempted coercion and criminal possession of a weapon.
Remy is facing 5 to 25 years in prison.
"We always wanted to keep our personal lives personal, so that's why we never went public with our relationship," Papoose said in ane-mail to MTV News. "Right now, I just feel like she gotta live through me. Yes, we were scheduled to be married on a yacht April 27th. But due to circumstances beyond our control, we are now making arrangements to be married in prison."
Meanwhile Remy Ma plans to appeal the guilty verdict she received yesterday on two counts of first-degree assault, attempted coercion and criminal possession of a weapon.
Remy is facing 5 to 25 years in prison.
-> 03/28 - Freck BIllionaire arrested for selling crack
Up and coming rapper and Fabolous collaborator Freck Billionaire was arrested in Bergen County, N.J, after selling crack to an undercover police officer, according to Northjersey.com.
Billionaire aka Jeffrey Whitters hails from Philadelphia but has since moved to North Jersey.
Billionaire has had numerous run-ins with the law as a youth, and currently is a fugitive in Pennsylvania, where he is wanted in both Bucks County and Media.
In 2007, the Sizzle Records artist made a splash with his track "Peanut Butter."
Billionaire is currently being held on $150,000 bond in Bergen County, NJ.
Billionaire aka Jeffrey Whitters hails from Philadelphia but has since moved to North Jersey.
Billionaire has had numerous run-ins with the law as a youth, and currently is a fugitive in Pennsylvania, where he is wanted in both Bucks County and Media.
In 2007, the Sizzle Records artist made a splash with his track "Peanut Butter."
Billionaire is currently being held on $150,000 bond in Bergen County, NJ.
-> 03/28 - Former Dipset affiliate Max B shot
Miss Info has been reporting on the story that former Diplomat Max B was shot at a used car dealer in Queens, and that he is in critical condition, but resting at home.
Max B's apparent publicist, Joli Adore says that Max was shot once in the arm and once in the side. Adore went on to stress that Max was in critical condition, but "ok," and to "look out for Domain Pain, the mixtape."
Once a member of the Diplomats crew, Max B has recently had a falling out with the crew.
More as this story as it develops.
Max B's apparent publicist, Joli Adore says that Max was shot once in the arm and once in the side. Adore went on to stress that Max was in critical condition, but "ok," and to "look out for Domain Pain, the mixtape."
Once a member of the Diplomats crew, Max B has recently had a falling out with the crew.
More as this story as it develops.
-> 03/27 - BREAKING NEWS: Remy Ma found guilty on four counts
Remy Ma was found guilty today on four different charges, two counts of first-degree assault, attempted coercion, and criminal possession of a weapon, TMZ.com is reporting.
Remy was found not guilty of two additional charges, gang assault and witness tampering, which we among nine total charges she was facing.
The charges all stem from a 2007 dispute over $3,000, in which Makeda Barnes-Joseph was shot in the abdomen by Remy.
According to a source to TMZ, Barnes-Joseph's friends and family taunted Remy upon hearing the verdict and chaos in the courtroom ensued.
The Associated Press is also reporting that Remy began crying as the verdict was read, then sobbed and wailed loudly afterwards outside of the courtroom. Supporters of Remy were also crying.
Remy faces up to 25 years in prison at sentencing.
Remy was found not guilty of two additional charges, gang assault and witness tampering, which we among nine total charges she was facing.
The charges all stem from a 2007 dispute over $3,000, in which Makeda Barnes-Joseph was shot in the abdomen by Remy.
According to a source to TMZ, Barnes-Joseph's friends and family taunted Remy upon hearing the verdict and chaos in the courtroom ensued.
The Associated Press is also reporting that Remy began crying as the verdict was read, then sobbed and wailed loudly afterwards outside of the courtroom. Supporters of Remy were also crying.
Remy faces up to 25 years in prison at sentencing.
-> 03/27 - Lil' Wayne's "Lollipop" breaking radio records
Cash Money/Universal Motown Records multi-platinum artist Lil Wayne is once again taking control of the airwaves and breaking records in both with "Lollipop," the first single from his highly anticipated album Tha Carter III. This is the biggest add week that a hip-hop artist has received at Rhythm Crossover and the biggest any artist has received at Urban Radio including Beyonce and Mariah. "Lollipop," featuring Static is #1 Most Added and Greatest Gainer at both radio formats receiving a total of 138 adds at Mediabase and R&R.
With a listening audience of 25.7 million "Lollipop," is being well received at key radio stations across the country including: New York (Hot 97), Los Angeles (Power), Seattle (93 KUBE), Miami (99 Jamz), Philadelphia (Power 99), Atlanta (Hot 107) and Detroit (Hot 102). "Lollipop" is also #1 on iTunes Hip-Hop Chart and #4 Overall, and Lil Wayne's MySpace page received over a million unique views this week giving him the #1 Top Artist profile on the site. The video is currently in heavy rotation at MTV, MTV2, BET's Rap City and MTV Jams, where it appeared as the Jam Of The Week. The "Lollipop" video is also in medium rotation at MTV Hits and on BET's main playlist. Lil Wayne will also appear on BET's annual Spring Bling and will be only the 2nd artist in the event's history to perform for an entire episode!
Since the release of his last CD, the platinum selling Tha Cater II, Lil Wayne has guest appearances on over 70 songs for other artists including Fat Joe's 2008 Grammy nominated single "Make It Rain," DJ Khaled's "We Taking Over," and Wyclef Jeans' "Sweetest Girl." He also released a duet CD with Bryan "Birdman" Williams titled Like Father, Like Son in 2006 which was a critical and commercial success.
With a listening audience of 25.7 million "Lollipop," is being well received at key radio stations across the country including: New York (Hot 97), Los Angeles (Power), Seattle (93 KUBE), Miami (99 Jamz), Philadelphia (Power 99), Atlanta (Hot 107) and Detroit (Hot 102). "Lollipop" is also #1 on iTunes Hip-Hop Chart and #4 Overall, and Lil Wayne's MySpace page received over a million unique views this week giving him the #1 Top Artist profile on the site. The video is currently in heavy rotation at MTV, MTV2, BET's Rap City and MTV Jams, where it appeared as the Jam Of The Week. The "Lollipop" video is also in medium rotation at MTV Hits and on BET's main playlist. Lil Wayne will also appear on BET's annual Spring Bling and will be only the 2nd artist in the event's history to perform for an entire episode!
Since the release of his last CD, the platinum selling Tha Cater II, Lil Wayne has guest appearances on over 70 songs for other artists including Fat Joe's 2008 Grammy nominated single "Make It Rain," DJ Khaled's "We Taking Over," and Wyclef Jeans' "Sweetest Girl." He also released a duet CD with Bryan "Birdman" Williams titled Like Father, Like Son in 2006 which was a critical and commercial success.
-> 03/27 - Los Angeles Times and writer Chuck Phillips apologize for false Tupac story
The Los Angeles Times and writer Chuck Phillips have both issued apologies after admitting that they had been duped by false FBI documents regarding their story concerning the 1994 ambush attack on Tupac Shakur, according to the Associated Press.
The story, which implicated Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond, was proven to be inaccurate after Thesmokinggun.com reported that the FBI reports had been forged by a prisoner.
"The bottom line is that the documents we relied on should not have been used," said L.A Times Editor Russ Stanton last night on the newspaper's website. "We apologize both to our readers and to those referenced in the documents ... and in the story."
Phillips says he did have the suspect looking documents, which reportedly appeared to have been written on a typewriter and had blacked out portions, checked by a former FBI agent. He now admits this may not have been enough.
"I now believe the truth here is I got duped," Phillips said.
The attorney for Rosemond, Marc Lichtman issued the following statement.
"I would suggest to Mr. Philips and his editors that they immediately print an apology and take out their checkbooks — or brace themselves for an epic lawsuit."
The story, which implicated Sean "Diddy" Combs and Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond, was proven to be inaccurate after Thesmokinggun.com reported that the FBI reports had been forged by a prisoner.
"The bottom line is that the documents we relied on should not have been used," said L.A Times Editor Russ Stanton last night on the newspaper's website. "We apologize both to our readers and to those referenced in the documents ... and in the story."
Phillips says he did have the suspect looking documents, which reportedly appeared to have been written on a typewriter and had blacked out portions, checked by a former FBI agent. He now admits this may not have been enough.
"I now believe the truth here is I got duped," Phillips said.
The attorney for Rosemond, Marc Lichtman issued the following statement.
"I would suggest to Mr. Philips and his editors that they immediately print an apology and take out their checkbooks — or brace themselves for an epic lawsuit."
-> 03/27 - Ice Cube to star in new movie "Janky Promoters"
Ice Cube will be starring in the upcoming Dimension Films movie "Janky Promoters," according to Daily Variety.
Cube will play a music promoter with little experience, who along with his partner book a big name rapper into a mid size venue, where things begin to go badly.
Dimension Films head Bob Weinstein plans to cast a real rapper in the role.
"This feels a lot like Uptown Saturday Night to me, a caper film where you have these music promoters who are slightly shady but are good enough guys that you root for them," said Weinstein "This is going to be R-rated, and it appeals right to the core of Cube's audience."
Cube will play a music promoter with little experience, who along with his partner book a big name rapper into a mid size venue, where things begin to go badly.
Dimension Films head Bob Weinstein plans to cast a real rapper in the role.
"This feels a lot like Uptown Saturday Night to me, a caper film where you have these music promoters who are slightly shady but are good enough guys that you root for them," said Weinstein "This is going to be R-rated, and it appeals right to the core of Cube's audience."
-> 03/27 - T.I expected to plead guilty to weapons charges
T.I is expected to plead guilty today to multiple weapons charges says a source close to the case, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
T.I is expected to enter the guilty plea at 1:30 p.m today at the federal courthouse in Atlanta. Sentencing will be on a later date, but the rapper faces definite prison time.
Prosecutors and T.I's defense team have been reportedly in heated plea negotiations for the past few weeks. T.I is currently confined to his home on house arrest on $3 million bond.
T.I is expected to enter the guilty plea at 1:30 p.m today at the federal courthouse in Atlanta. Sentencing will be on a later date, but the rapper faces definite prison time.
Prosecutors and T.I's defense team have been reportedly in heated plea negotiations for the past few weeks. T.I is currently confined to his home on house arrest on $3 million bond.
-> 03/26 - Album Sales: Rick Ross gets Kaned from top spot, Flo Rida close behind
Rick Ross's reign at the top of The Billboard 200 lasted only a week. The Boss's "Trilla" was knocked from the top spot by Danity Kane's sophomore album "Welcome to the Dollhouse."
The Bad Boy girl group scanned 236,000 copies, while Ross slipped to #3, although still holds the #1 spot on the Rap Charts with 90,000 sold last week.
Right on Ross's heels was Flo Rida's "Mail on Sunday," which grabbed the #4 spot on the top 200 with 86,000 sold. Flo Rida's smash hit "Low" has sold 3.3 million downloads so far.
Snoop Dogg's "Ego Trippin'" held down the #3 spot on the Rap Charts, moving 57,200 units last week, while Rocko's "Self-Made" (27,700) and Sheek Louch's "Silverback Gorilla" (17,800) rounded out the top 5.
Meanwhile, Fat Joe's "Elephant In the Room" slid down three spots to #6 with 15,000 sold this week, bringing him to 61,200 total.
The Bad Boy girl group scanned 236,000 copies, while Ross slipped to #3, although still holds the #1 spot on the Rap Charts with 90,000 sold last week.
Right on Ross's heels was Flo Rida's "Mail on Sunday," which grabbed the #4 spot on the top 200 with 86,000 sold. Flo Rida's smash hit "Low" has sold 3.3 million downloads so far.
Snoop Dogg's "Ego Trippin'" held down the #3 spot on the Rap Charts, moving 57,200 units last week, while Rocko's "Self-Made" (27,700) and Sheek Louch's "Silverback Gorilla" (17,800) rounded out the top 5.
Meanwhile, Fat Joe's "Elephant In the Room" slid down three spots to #6 with 15,000 sold this week, bringing him to 61,200 total.
-> 03/26 - Nate Dogg sentenced to three years informal probation
Nate Dogg aka Nathaniel Hale was sentenced yesterday to three years of informal probation after pleading guilty to aggravated trespass and battery, according to TMZ.com. The case stems from a 2006 domestic violence complaint brought by an ex-girlfriend.
Hale must also complete a batterers' treatment program, and may not own a weapon for 10 years.
Hale was charged with misdemeanor aggravated trespass, battery, telephone harassment, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime and violating a restraining order from a previous domestic incident. According to the report, Hale broke into the Newport Beach home of his ex-girlfriend and proceeded to punch her new boyfriend in the face before fleeing.
Hale must also complete a batterers' treatment program, and may not own a weapon for 10 years.
Hale was charged with misdemeanor aggravated trespass, battery, telephone harassment, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime and violating a restraining order from a previous domestic incident. According to the report, Hale broke into the Newport Beach home of his ex-girlfriend and proceeded to punch her new boyfriend in the face before fleeing.
-> 03/26 - FREE Download: QDM's Queens Da Movement, hosted by DJ On Point and DJ Absolut
Check out four of the best up-and-coming MCs from Queens in Landlord, Lexx 9Eleven, Ox and Vic Damone. The mixtape is hosted by DJ On Point and DJ Absolut.
Download here: http://www.zshare.net/download/953093879e0497/
Peep the artwork and tracklisting below:
Download here: http://www.zshare.net/download/953093879e0497/
Peep the artwork and tracklisting below:
-> 03/26 - La the Darkman releasing Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama titled The Notorious L.A.D.
La the Darkman is dropping a new mixtape titled The Notorious L.A.D.
"Oh, it's crazy, man," La told HipHopGame. "I got everybody on there from Yung Joc to me and Twista, joints with Devin the Dude, joints with Chamillionaire, Juelz Santana and Lil' Wayne. It's crazy. Willie the Kid is on there. It's crazy. The Gangsta Grillz is going to really hurt 'em. I'm using a lot of words on there. It's serious. I'm working hard. No days off, that's really the motto."
Here's the cover:
"Oh, it's crazy, man," La told HipHopGame. "I got everybody on there from Yung Joc to me and Twista, joints with Devin the Dude, joints with Chamillionaire, Juelz Santana and Lil' Wayne. It's crazy. Willie the Kid is on there. It's crazy. The Gangsta Grillz is going to really hurt 'em. I'm using a lot of words on there. It's serious. I'm working hard. No days off, that's really the motto."
Here's the cover:
-> 03/26 - Nyce releasing new mixtape 38 in the Head on April 8
Nyce is releasing his new mixtape 38 in the Head on April 8. The mixtape, hosted by DJ Whoo Kid and features music from all of the members of NBK, Nyce's self-selected entourage of rappers, which includes Philthy, Strike Sinatra, B. Serious and Eyes Low. Also included on tracks are Kool G. Rap, and G-Unit's Hot Rod. Chinky P, Phoenix, Baby Brother Music, Magnedo7, Havoc of Mobb Deep and APEX Productions all contributed production to the project.
With a new endorsement deal from Kashi Kicks and his own line of sneakers coming out under the company by the name of "Da Futures", Nyce is working on making his mark on every part of the Hip-Hop culture and industry.
Following the April 8 release of 38 in the Head, you can get another dose of Nyce on Prodigy's album H.N.I.C. 2, due for release on April 22. The bonus track is called "Get Trapped" and features Un Pacino with production from Havoc. Nyce is also planning to release the digitally distributed NBK Compilation Volume I, a compilation album featuring all of the artists of NBK brought to you by Shake 'Em Down Music. The album will be available to purchase on all major digital music stores including iTunes and Rhapsody. The compilation album is not to be confused with the NBK mixtape Hood Certified, which is scheduled for a release date this coming summer with the official Nyce album coming in September.
With a new endorsement deal from Kashi Kicks and his own line of sneakers coming out under the company by the name of "Da Futures", Nyce is working on making his mark on every part of the Hip-Hop culture and industry.
Following the April 8 release of 38 in the Head, you can get another dose of Nyce on Prodigy's album H.N.I.C. 2, due for release on April 22. The bonus track is called "Get Trapped" and features Un Pacino with production from Havoc. Nyce is also planning to release the digitally distributed NBK Compilation Volume I, a compilation album featuring all of the artists of NBK brought to you by Shake 'Em Down Music. The album will be available to purchase on all major digital music stores including iTunes and Rhapsody. The compilation album is not to be confused with the NBK mixtape Hood Certified, which is scheduled for a release date this coming summer with the official Nyce album coming in September.
-> 03/25 - The Game promises controversy on new album
The Game has set a June 24th release date for his new album "Los Angeles Times," and tells Billboard that the upcoming project is "highly controversial."
"I'm addressing real issues that other artists might be scared to talk about on record; issues that need to be heard," the Game said, offering no more details.
"I'm addressing real issues that other artists might be scared to talk about on record; issues that need to be heard," the Game said, offering no more details.
-> 03/25 - Lil' Wayne's Tha Carter III receives official release date
Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown recording artist Lil' Wayne is gearing up to release his highly anticipated album Tha Carter III, the final in the trilogy, on May 13.
Tha Carter III is Lil' Wayne's first solo album since the release of Tha Carter II (2005) and not one to disappoint Lil' Wayne is bringing a new flavor to everyone's taste buds with the release of his first single, "Lollipop," featuring Static. "Lollipop," which was produced by Jim Jonsin and co-produced by Darius "Deezle" Harrison, is receiving early radio spins in major markets including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta, and officially impacted at both Urban and Crossover Radio on March 25.
Lil' Wayne was born and raised in the infamous poverty-stricken section of New Orleans - the 17th Ward, was discovered by Cash Money founder Bryan 'Birdman' Williams and rose to stardom in 1995 at the age of 12, debuting on B.G's True Story CD. Shortly thereafter, the rap prodigy garnered national attention as a member of the group, Hot Boys, which consisted of rappers Juvenile, Turk and B.G., with their 1997 debut album, Get It How You Live, followed by 1998's platinum certified Guerilla Warfare and 2003's Let Em Burn.
Success continued to follow Lil' Wayne as a solo artist. His debut CD, Tha Block Is Hot (1999) reached platinum status and was a No. 1 Billboard Album. He later released Lights Out (2000), 500Degreez (2002), and his defining album, 2004's platinum certified, Tha Carter, which featured the hit single "Go DJ." His critically acclaimed, platinum-plus follow-up, Tha Carter II, 2005 debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, a groundbreaking and provocative tour de force which the New York Times hailed as 'historic.' Tha Carter III marks the sixth solo project from the Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown superstar.
Lil' Wayne who was recently named "Man Of The Year" by GQ Magazine (2007) and "Best Rock Star Alive" by Blender Magazine (2008) is truly a force to be reckoned within the music industry and has earned the title of Hip-Hop Heavyweight Champ.
Tha Carter III is Lil' Wayne's first solo album since the release of Tha Carter II (2005) and not one to disappoint Lil' Wayne is bringing a new flavor to everyone's taste buds with the release of his first single, "Lollipop," featuring Static. "Lollipop," which was produced by Jim Jonsin and co-produced by Darius "Deezle" Harrison, is receiving early radio spins in major markets including San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and Atlanta, and officially impacted at both Urban and Crossover Radio on March 25.
Lil' Wayne was born and raised in the infamous poverty-stricken section of New Orleans - the 17th Ward, was discovered by Cash Money founder Bryan 'Birdman' Williams and rose to stardom in 1995 at the age of 12, debuting on B.G's True Story CD. Shortly thereafter, the rap prodigy garnered national attention as a member of the group, Hot Boys, which consisted of rappers Juvenile, Turk and B.G., with their 1997 debut album, Get It How You Live, followed by 1998's platinum certified Guerilla Warfare and 2003's Let Em Burn.
Success continued to follow Lil' Wayne as a solo artist. His debut CD, Tha Block Is Hot (1999) reached platinum status and was a No. 1 Billboard Album. He later released Lights Out (2000), 500Degreez (2002), and his defining album, 2004's platinum certified, Tha Carter, which featured the hit single "Go DJ." His critically acclaimed, platinum-plus follow-up, Tha Carter II, 2005 debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top Albums chart, a groundbreaking and provocative tour de force which the New York Times hailed as 'historic.' Tha Carter III marks the sixth solo project from the Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown superstar.
Lil' Wayne who was recently named "Man Of The Year" by GQ Magazine (2007) and "Best Rock Star Alive" by Blender Magazine (2008) is truly a force to be reckoned within the music industry and has earned the title of Hip-Hop Heavyweight Champ.
-> 03/25 - Plies' new album coming sooner than originally planned
Plies' sophomore album Definition of Real is now scheduled to be released June 10. Plies is signed to Big Gates/Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic. Plies' current single is "Bust It Baby, Part 2" featuring Ne-Yo.
-> 03/25 - 50 Cent and G-Unit working on "Gangsta Grillz" mixtape with DJ Drama
Although DJ Drama has made a certified brand name out of his controversial "Gangsta Grillz" mixtape series, 50 Cent and G-Unit have never participated in one, until now.
"A couple of days after G-Unit dropped their Elephant in the Sand mixtape [two weeks ago], I got the call from 50 [Cent] and he was like, 'Drama, what up? It's time to do this G-Unit/ Aphilliates Gangsta Grillz.' He's really going heavy on the ThisIs50.com Web site, and he was saying basically it's time to get G-Unit hot in the South. What better way to do that than to do a Gangsta Grillz? Not only from a South aspect but from a quality street-music aspect. Me and Whoo Kid talked the other day, Fif and G-Unit are getting songs together, [my artists] Willie Da Kid and La Da Darkman are getting some songs together. I reached out to the King (T.I) and told him it's a special project; I need him to get busy. We're gonna go in," Drama told MTV News.
"Look out for some skits," Drama said. "Whoo Kid is a jokester. I'mma bring some personality to the table. We're gonna have fun with it. Let the mixtape game come back to life. It's been over a year since the historical [RIAA] raid, and the mixtape game is still here. That's what we're out to prove. 50 is a monster in the game, I'm a monster in the game. The combination is gonna kill the streets."
"A couple of days after G-Unit dropped their Elephant in the Sand mixtape [two weeks ago], I got the call from 50 [Cent] and he was like, 'Drama, what up? It's time to do this G-Unit/ Aphilliates Gangsta Grillz.' He's really going heavy on the ThisIs50.com Web site, and he was saying basically it's time to get G-Unit hot in the South. What better way to do that than to do a Gangsta Grillz? Not only from a South aspect but from a quality street-music aspect. Me and Whoo Kid talked the other day, Fif and G-Unit are getting songs together, [my artists] Willie Da Kid and La Da Darkman are getting some songs together. I reached out to the King (T.I) and told him it's a special project; I need him to get busy. We're gonna go in," Drama told MTV News.
"Look out for some skits," Drama said. "Whoo Kid is a jokester. I'mma bring some personality to the table. We're gonna have fun with it. Let the mixtape game come back to life. It's been over a year since the historical [RIAA] raid, and the mixtape game is still here. That's what we're out to prove. 50 is a monster in the game, I'm a monster in the game. The combination is gonna kill the streets."
-> 03/25 - Sean "Diddy" Combs settles punching lawsuit
Sean "Diddy" Combs has settled a lawsuit brought by a man who claims he was punched by the hip-hop mogul outside of a Hollywood Hotel after a 2007 post-Oscar party, according to TMZ.com.
Details of the settlement have not been made available.
In the suit brought by Gerard Rechnitzer, he claims COmbs punched him, pushed his girlfriend and spat on another women in front of Teddy's nightclub at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Combs said in a court decleration that Rechnitzer lunged at him and that "any contact was caused by his forward motion against my open hand."
Details of the settlement have not been made available.
In the suit brought by Gerard Rechnitzer, he claims COmbs punched him, pushed his girlfriend and spat on another women in front of Teddy's nightclub at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.
Combs said in a court decleration that Rechnitzer lunged at him and that "any contact was caused by his forward motion against my open hand."
-> 03/25 - Remy Ma attorney admits shooting in closing arguments, call it 'accidental'
Remy Ma aka Remy Smith's attorney Ivan Fisher admitted in closing arguments yesterday that his client did in fact shoot her former friend, Makeda Barnes-Joseph, but that the gun went off accidentally during a dispute over cash, according to the Associated Press.
Fisher told the jury that the gun went off when Remy's hand struck the rearview mirror during the altercation.
"There is no other explanation for why Remy Smith would have chosen that unique moment in time to shoot her," Fisher said.
The admission of shooting came as a surprise to many, Remy has maintained since the incident that she did not shoot Barnes-Joseph.
"I didn't shoot my friend!" Remy once yelled to a group of reporters outside of her New Jersey home in July.
Assistant District Attorney Michael McIntosh has a very different view of the shooting however.
"She took every step you had to take to shoot somebody," McIntosh said.
Jury deliberation begins today. If found guilty, Ma faces up to 25 years in prison.
Fisher told the jury that the gun went off when Remy's hand struck the rearview mirror during the altercation.
"There is no other explanation for why Remy Smith would have chosen that unique moment in time to shoot her," Fisher said.
The admission of shooting came as a surprise to many, Remy has maintained since the incident that she did not shoot Barnes-Joseph.
"I didn't shoot my friend!" Remy once yelled to a group of reporters outside of her New Jersey home in July.
Assistant District Attorney Michael McIntosh has a very different view of the shooting however.
"She took every step you had to take to shoot somebody," McIntosh said.
Jury deliberation begins today. If found guilty, Ma faces up to 25 years in prison.
-> 03/24 - Trailer for Suge Knight reality show surfaces
Suge Knight has recently been hyping a reality show that has been in the works for a few years now, and now a trailer for "Unfinished Business" has surfaced. Check it out.
-> 03/24 - Fabolous plans upcoming 'theme' album
"Working hard and playing harder," is what Fabolous told MTV he is currently upto while preparing his upcoming album, which he expect to release in August.
Much like Jay-Z's "American Gangster," Fab has been inspired by a movie and plans to create a theme album around it.
"I usually go around and just get with producers I feel I wanted to work with. This time I'm going off a theme," Fab said.
"I'mma put a theme together and just go off of that theme. Sometimes producers get lost trying to figure out what they think is the best type of sh-- for Fab. [They say,] 'I got this commercial joint for you.' So what I'm doing now, I seen a movie I want to theme the album after. Even take certain lines, different scenes out of the movie and make music behind that. At the same time, I can have the producer check the movie out, and he'll have something he can take away from the movie and come back with some joints. I wanted to try that this time."
Fab went on to discuss the similarity of his idea to Jay-Z's album.
"What Jay-Z did [with 'American Gangster'] ... he took that Frank Lucas character and put it in the frame of his Jay character," Fab continued. "That's what I wanna do. I don't wanna say I that I'm actually the character, but take some of his scenarios or some things I went through and tell it in my tone."
Fab declined to say what movie was his inspiration, but did say the producers he hopes to have involved include DJ Toomp, Kanye West, Just Blaze and Polow Da Don.
Much like Jay-Z's "American Gangster," Fab has been inspired by a movie and plans to create a theme album around it.
"I usually go around and just get with producers I feel I wanted to work with. This time I'm going off a theme," Fab said.
"I'mma put a theme together and just go off of that theme. Sometimes producers get lost trying to figure out what they think is the best type of sh-- for Fab. [They say,] 'I got this commercial joint for you.' So what I'm doing now, I seen a movie I want to theme the album after. Even take certain lines, different scenes out of the movie and make music behind that. At the same time, I can have the producer check the movie out, and he'll have something he can take away from the movie and come back with some joints. I wanted to try that this time."
Fab went on to discuss the similarity of his idea to Jay-Z's album.
"What Jay-Z did [with 'American Gangster'] ... he took that Frank Lucas character and put it in the frame of his Jay character," Fab continued. "That's what I wanna do. I don't wanna say I that I'm actually the character, but take some of his scenarios or some things I went through and tell it in my tone."
Fab declined to say what movie was his inspiration, but did say the producers he hopes to have involved include DJ Toomp, Kanye West, Just Blaze and Polow Da Don.
-> 03/21 - Sha Money XL Releases Statement Regarding Young Buck Royalties
Sha Money XL has released the following statement regarding Young Buck's unpaid royalties rumors.
"There has been a new rumor going on that 50 cent has not paid young Buck any royalties.I as Bucks manager and as former President of Gunit records wants to make clear that that rumor is false,Young Buck has cleared over 10 Million from working under 50's and my guidance.I don't know if a writer waited 2 months from the interview to stir some new drama up or took his words wrong but Buck is waving the G Unit flag strong.I also add that any talks of Buck signing to any other labels are false.People are playing on the divide and conquer card and that's not gonna work!"
"There has been a new rumor going on that 50 cent has not paid young Buck any royalties.I as Bucks manager and as former President of Gunit records wants to make clear that that rumor is false,Young Buck has cleared over 10 Million from working under 50's and my guidance.I don't know if a writer waited 2 months from the interview to stir some new drama up or took his words wrong but Buck is waving the G Unit flag strong.I also add that any talks of Buck signing to any other labels are false.People are playing on the divide and conquer card and that's not gonna work!"
-> 03/21 - Ludacris launches social music site
Ludacris announced plans Thursday to launch his first digital venture, WeMix.com, a site dedicated to aspiring artists and producers.
Luda's label, Disturbing The Peace Entertainment Inc. has partnered with MegaMobile TV to launch the site.
WeMix.com is a site where aspiring artists and producers can create and present music.
"This Web site puts music back into people's hands," said Ludacris. "They can form original music without anyone (the record companies) telling them how to make a song. It is a beautiful thing."
Users of WeMix are encouraged to create personal pages on the site, as well as rank and rate the music of others.
"This is a new way for to find talent without leaving the home," says Luda, who visits the site daily, rating the music "It has become a hobby for me."
"There aren't a lot of people like my partner in the world," said Matthew Apfel, MegaMobile TV founder.
"Chris is the icing on the cake," said Apfel.
Luda's label, Disturbing The Peace Entertainment Inc. has partnered with MegaMobile TV to launch the site.
WeMix.com is a site where aspiring artists and producers can create and present music.
"This Web site puts music back into people's hands," said Ludacris. "They can form original music without anyone (the record companies) telling them how to make a song. It is a beautiful thing."
Users of WeMix are encouraged to create personal pages on the site, as well as rank and rate the music of others.
"This is a new way for to find talent without leaving the home," says Luda, who visits the site daily, rating the music "It has become a hobby for me."
"There aren't a lot of people like my partner in the world," said Matthew Apfel, MegaMobile TV founder.
"Chris is the icing on the cake," said Apfel.
-> 03/20 - Judge allows T.I to attend Easter services
A federal magistrate judge ruled today that T.I can leave his home between 8:30 a.m and 2 p.m on Sunday to attend an Easter service sponsored by New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, WSB in Atlanta is reporting.
T.I, who is currently under house arrest while awaiting trial for federal gun charges, must be accompanied to the service by a court-approved monitor and one of his lawyers.
T.I, who is currently under house arrest while awaiting trial for federal gun charges, must be accompanied to the service by a court-approved monitor and one of his lawyers.
-> 03/20 - Makeda Barnes Joseph withdraws $20 million civil suit against Remy Ma
Makeda Barnes-Joseph, the victim in the 2007 Remy Ma shooting has withdrawn her $20 million lawsuit against the rapper.
Barnes-Joseph claims to have been shot in the abdomen by Ma due to a dispute over $3000.
Recent testimony has supported Joesph's claims, but the civil suit has been withdrawn.
Ma faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Barnes-Joseph still may re-file the civil suit at a later date if she wished, and may be awaiting the outcome of the trial before proceeding.
Barnes-Joseph claims to have been shot in the abdomen by Ma due to a dispute over $3000.
Recent testimony has supported Joesph's claims, but the civil suit has been withdrawn.
Ma faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Barnes-Joseph still may re-file the civil suit at a later date if she wished, and may be awaiting the outcome of the trial before proceeding.
-> 03/20 - 50 Cent mocks Fat Joe with fake funeral video for "Elephant In The Room"
You knew 50 Cent would weigh in on Fat Joe's first week sales for "Elephant In The Room," and weigh in he did.
50 and company had a mock funeral for Joe, posting the video on Thisis50.com.
50 comments on the poor showing Joe had in his first week, scanning just 46,000 copies, while 50's mixtape "Elephant In The Sand" received over 400,000 downloads.
Watch the video to see it all.
50 and company had a mock funeral for Joe, posting the video on Thisis50.com.
50 comments on the poor showing Joe had in his first week, scanning just 46,000 copies, while 50's mixtape "Elephant In The Sand" received over 400,000 downloads.
Watch the video to see it all.
-> 03/19 - FREE Download: The Jacka's The Dopest
As the Jacka gears up for his third full-length LP Tear Gas, the rapper found time to drop a mixtape with the Bay Area Mixtape Kings The Demolition Men. The mixtape is a collection of Jacka's new and older tracks.
Download here: http://www.thedemolitionmen.com/PROMOMXTPE/THEDOPEST.zip
Download here: http://www.thedemolitionmen.com/PROMOMXTPE/THEDOPEST.zip
Tracklisting:
1. Intro
2. Sicilian Breeze
3. Please Don't Depend on Me
4. Doin It Moving
5. Hey Girl Remix
6. Break Em Off
7. You'll Never Understand
8. Thrones & Crowns
9. Money
10. Turned Out
11. From the Bay
12. Got Paper
13. Punch Triggers
14. Go Cop Whatever
15. The Drama
16. Cuz I'm A Mack
17. From the Hood
18. Starz
19. Barney
20. Gonna Pay For That
21. Drug Life
22. I Try
23. Drug Dealers
24. Da Underworld
-> 03/19 - Rick Ross takes top spot on Billboard chart, Snoop and Fat Joe debut
Hip-hop is back on top of Billboard's Top 200 chart, at least for a week.
Rick Ross's "Trilla" debuted at the #1 spot, selling 198,000 units last week. Ross's 2006 album "Port Of Miami" also debuted at #1, moving 187,000 copies.
Snoop Dogg came in at #3 this week overall, selling 137,000 copies of his new album "Ego Trippin'," which has been fueled by the top ten single "Sensual Seduction". "Ego Trippin'" marks snoops lowest debut ever.
Fat Joe's "Elephant in the Room" claimed the #6 spot overall, but was significantly behind Ross and Snoop, selling 46,000 its first week.
Rick Ross's "Trilla" debuted at the #1 spot, selling 198,000 units last week. Ross's 2006 album "Port Of Miami" also debuted at #1, moving 187,000 copies.
Snoop Dogg came in at #3 this week overall, selling 137,000 copies of his new album "Ego Trippin'," which has been fueled by the top ten single "Sensual Seduction". "Ego Trippin'" marks snoops lowest debut ever.
Fat Joe's "Elephant in the Room" claimed the #6 spot overall, but was significantly behind Ross and Snoop, selling 46,000 its first week.
-> 03/18 - Dre of Cool & Dre discusses new work with The Game
While rumors were swirling around whether The Game had been released from prison or not last week, Game was busy heading straight to the studio to record his new single "Big Dreams" with Cool & Dre.
By the end of the weekend, the track was recorded, mixed and leaked onto the internet.
"Right now, he's like 'Pac," Dre told MTV News. "It's like when 'Pac came outta prison and did 'California Love' that same night. Lyrically, he's somewhere else right now."
With the uncertainty of how long his prison stay would be, Game let the producing know to be ready.
"When he was going to jail ... he said he didn't know how long he's gonna be going in for," Dre explained. "But he was like, 'When I come out, I'm ready to go.' So the day he got out, we got the phone call, like, 'Yo, come to L.A. right now.' So me and Cool jumped on the plane."
Dre feels "Big Dreams" has a chance to become as big as "Hate It or Love It," both Game and Cool & Dre's biggest hit to date.
"Me and Cool have a really good relationship with him, being as that we both share our biggest record together," he said. " 'Hate It or Love It' is the biggest record Cool and I ever produced, and that happens to be Game's biggest record, so we've always been close.
""Big Dreams" is one of the most amazing records that I can honestly say that me and Cool have been a part of," Dre continued. "It's a phenomenal record. It's very inspirational. It's gonna be big in the streets, but it's gonna be big all across the board. I feel like 'Hate It or Love It' was such an inspirational record that a lot of people didn't see coming. And this has the same feel as far as how it makes you feel, but it's gonna inspire the sh-- outta everybody. It's one of those records — his performance, his delivery, he's lyrically on a level that I can't even compare anyone to. He stepped it up to a notch that's amazing. He definitely has a new passion. And the f---ing record is gonna really, really destroy."
By the end of the weekend, the track was recorded, mixed and leaked onto the internet.
"Right now, he's like 'Pac," Dre told MTV News. "It's like when 'Pac came outta prison and did 'California Love' that same night. Lyrically, he's somewhere else right now."
With the uncertainty of how long his prison stay would be, Game let the producing know to be ready.
"When he was going to jail ... he said he didn't know how long he's gonna be going in for," Dre explained. "But he was like, 'When I come out, I'm ready to go.' So the day he got out, we got the phone call, like, 'Yo, come to L.A. right now.' So me and Cool jumped on the plane."
Dre feels "Big Dreams" has a chance to become as big as "Hate It or Love It," both Game and Cool & Dre's biggest hit to date.
"Me and Cool have a really good relationship with him, being as that we both share our biggest record together," he said. " 'Hate It or Love It' is the biggest record Cool and I ever produced, and that happens to be Game's biggest record, so we've always been close.
""Big Dreams" is one of the most amazing records that I can honestly say that me and Cool have been a part of," Dre continued. "It's a phenomenal record. It's very inspirational. It's gonna be big in the streets, but it's gonna be big all across the board. I feel like 'Hate It or Love It' was such an inspirational record that a lot of people didn't see coming. And this has the same feel as far as how it makes you feel, but it's gonna inspire the sh-- outta everybody. It's one of those records — his performance, his delivery, he's lyrically on a level that I can't even compare anyone to. He stepped it up to a notch that's amazing. He definitely has a new passion. And the f---ing record is gonna really, really destroy."
-> 03/18 - Estimated Sales: Rick Ross, Snoop, Fat Joe
According to early reports (Soundscan numbers will only be published tomorrow), Rick Ross could take the #1 spot with close to 190,000 sales while Snoop Dogg's Ego Trippin is estimated at 130,000+ sales.
Fat Joe could be far behind with an estimated 50,000 sales.
Check back tomorrow for the exact numbers.
Fat Joe could be far behind with an estimated 50,000 sales.
Check back tomorrow for the exact numbers.
-> 03/18 - Busta Rhymes sentenced to three years probation
A Manhattan Criminal Court Judge sentenced Busta Rhymes to three years of probation for assaulting his former driver and a fan. Judge Larry Stephen left Rhymes with a strong warning.
"If you mess up, you're going to jail," Stephen said. "I've given you a chance."
Following the sentencing, Rhymes said he would have no problem following Judge Stephen's orders.
"I have no trouble being a good dude because that's what I am," Rhymes said. "I couldn't feel better, and this couldn't have happened at a better time. I thank the judge for giving me a chance and I thank everybody for being supportive."
Rhymes went on to say he is looking forward to, "having fun, making music, running around and showing love."
"If you mess up, you're going to jail," Stephen said. "I've given you a chance."
Following the sentencing, Rhymes said he would have no problem following Judge Stephen's orders.
"I have no trouble being a good dude because that's what I am," Rhymes said. "I couldn't feel better, and this couldn't have happened at a better time. I thank the judge for giving me a chance and I thank everybody for being supportive."
Rhymes went on to say he is looking forward to, "having fun, making music, running around and showing love."
-> 03/18 - Free Download: Ali Vegas, Leader Of The New School
Check out this brand new mixtape from the Prince of New York, ali Vegas, brought to you by Statik Selektah & HipHopGame.com.
Click here to download
Click here to download
-> 03/18 - D-12 Manager charged with raping, drugging teeneage girls
The manager of D-12 and Sean Paul of The Young Bloodz and Young L of The Pack was arrested yesterday and charged with assaulting, raping and drugging two teenage girls in 2007 and 2007, amongst other charges.
Jeremy Geffen, 35, faces 14-counts that include four counts of oral copulation of a person under 18, two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, rape by use of drugs, rape of an unconscious person, oral copulation of an unconscious person,and sexual penetration by a foreign object.
According to police, the assaults happened at both Geffen's West Hollywood home and various nightclubs.
Geffen's attorney Danny Davis commented late last night.
"I strongly respect my client's presumption of innocence. I like to think I specialize in cases of innocent clients, and that is why I am attracted to this case."
Geffen, who has recently been spotted with actress Lindsay Lohan, is being held in lieu of $1.11-million bail.
Jeremy Geffen, 35, faces 14-counts that include four counts of oral copulation of a person under 18, two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, rape by use of drugs, rape of an unconscious person, oral copulation of an unconscious person,and sexual penetration by a foreign object.
According to police, the assaults happened at both Geffen's West Hollywood home and various nightclubs.
Geffen's attorney Danny Davis commented late last night.
"I strongly respect my client's presumption of innocence. I like to think I specialize in cases of innocent clients, and that is why I am attracted to this case."
Geffen, who has recently been spotted with actress Lindsay Lohan, is being held in lieu of $1.11-million bail.
-> 03/17 - Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Jimmy 'Henchmen' Rosemond issue statement denying L.A Times story
Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Jimmy 'Henchmen' Rosemond both issued statements today, vehemently denying the allegations Chuck Phillips made today in the L.A Times that the two were involved in the shooting of Tupac Shakur at Quad Recording Studios in 1994.
"This story is beyond ridiculous and is completely false. Neither Biggie nor I had any knowledge of any attack before, during, or after it happened. It is a complete lie to suggest that there was any involvement by Biggie or myself. I am shocked that the Los Angeles Times would be so irresponsible as to publish such a baseless and completely untrue story." – Sean "Diddy" Combs
"In the past 14 years, I have not even been questioned by law enforcement with regard to the assault of Tupac Shakur, let alone brought up on charges. Chuck Phillips, the writer who in the past has falsely claimed that the Notorious Biggie Smalls was in Las Vegas when Tupac was murdered and that Biggie supplied the gun that killed Tupac — only to be proven wrong as Biggie was in New Jersey recuperating from a car accident, has reached a new low by employing fourth-hand information from desperate jailhouse informants along with ancient FBI reports to create this fabrication. I simply ask for all Rap fans and fans of Tupac to analyze this fiction for what it is along with Phillips' motives behind it. I am baffled as to why the LA Times would print this on its website when a simple and fair investigation would reveal that the allegations are false. I am currently consulting with my attorneys about my legal rights regarding this libelous piece of garbage." – Jimmy Rosemond
"This story is beyond ridiculous and is completely false. Neither Biggie nor I had any knowledge of any attack before, during, or after it happened. It is a complete lie to suggest that there was any involvement by Biggie or myself. I am shocked that the Los Angeles Times would be so irresponsible as to publish such a baseless and completely untrue story." – Sean "Diddy" Combs
"In the past 14 years, I have not even been questioned by law enforcement with regard to the assault of Tupac Shakur, let alone brought up on charges. Chuck Phillips, the writer who in the past has falsely claimed that the Notorious Biggie Smalls was in Las Vegas when Tupac was murdered and that Biggie supplied the gun that killed Tupac — only to be proven wrong as Biggie was in New Jersey recuperating from a car accident, has reached a new low by employing fourth-hand information from desperate jailhouse informants along with ancient FBI reports to create this fabrication. I simply ask for all Rap fans and fans of Tupac to analyze this fiction for what it is along with Phillips' motives behind it. I am baffled as to why the LA Times would print this on its website when a simple and fair investigation would reveal that the allegations are false. I am currently consulting with my attorneys about my legal rights regarding this libelous piece of garbage." – Jimmy Rosemond
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