News: Nelly Tells Media To Let Tiger Woods Breathe, "Let Him Deal W/ His Relationship"
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 5:55PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Rapper Nelly has offered his opinion on the recent controversy surrounding golf star Tiger Woods and his publicized marital problems.
From Nelly's perspective, the media and fans are invading Woods' privacy.
"I look at the Tiger Woods situation and everybody tells this guy what he should do to repair his relationship," Nelly said in an interview. "Well first of all, let's let him deal with his relationship and I think it would be better for him. You see what I'm saying? Now, I'm speaking politically. Now speaking from a male perspective, I don't see how all these old wimpy a** cats coming out talking about they lost so much respect for Tiger. Like, what the h*ll are you talking about? Are you for real right now? If I was Tiger Woods, I'd say, 'I'll tell you what, can't none of y'all whoop me on this golf course, and when I get back out here, I'm kicking everybody's a**...' I would say, 'I'm apologizing, I made my mistake, I'm apologizing to my wife and my family, I'm not apologizing to nobody else out here. I don't owe nobody else anything. This is my relationship, this is my life.' That's who he owes his apology, to his kids..." (Rolling Out)
50 Cent recently shared his reaction to learning about Woods' situation.
"He just picked the wrong girls I guess," Fif told radio personality Tim Westwood. "[Relationships,] that's wrong too. But he might have trust issues. So I mean, if you have trust issues and you see so many people there, like, you develop a comfort with that person. And even though you don't have a relationship with 'em, you still wanna be around a selective party. You can tell he was just never under those types of circumstances, because he didn't know better than to not do that. Like even the apology before we found out what was going on. He's like, 'This is obviously my fault,' before we can figure out what he did. [laughs]" (Tim Westwood TV)
New York rapper Maino released a Tiger Woods-based track called "Get 'Em Tiger" last month.
"I got women in the 'burbs, women in the hood," Maino raps. "Yeah my wifey mad 'cause she knows I'm no good/I'm just a dog, I'd be faithful if I could/But I'm Tiger Woods, yep, I'm Tiger Woods...I need help because I know I got a problem, every bad b*tch I come across, I think I want them/Look at how I roll when I see 'em/Then I'm on 'em, cup full of liquor, pocket full of condoms..." ("Get 'Em Tiger")
Despite playing on Woods' name, Maino later said he was merely using the golfer as a metaphor.
"You may think it's about Tiger Woods, but it's really not. It's more about me. ... I used Tiger Woods as a metaphor for me being a cheater. This is the anthem to all men who deal with a lot of women," said Maino, 36. "This is the anthem for us. When I first heard about the situation that Tiger Woods was going through, I said, 'Man, he's getting crucified for the stuff that I do...It couldn't wait - Tiger Woods is fresh in the news right now...It's not me coming to the defense of him. We all men. We all human. All I'm saying is I understand." (New York Daily News)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/nelly_tells_media_to_let_tiger_woods_bre.html
News: B.G. Blames 50 Cent For Missing Young Buck Collabo, "[He] Didn't Want To Clear Him For The Record"
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 5:20PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Former Cash Money Records' recording artist B.G. stepped forward with allegations that 50 Cent is black balling Young Buck.
In addition to speaking on Buck's verse being taken off "Owe Me Some Money," Gizzle also responded to hearing his name mentioned in Fif's "So Disrespectful" track.
"50 Cent didn't want to clear him for the record," he revealed in an interview. "50 Cent has been hating on him all away around the board. 50 has been hating on him. 50 Cent didn't want to clear him for the record. I thought ['So Disrespectful'] was funny. I mean I thought it was funny, but I didn't find it funny. He could have used something else. If your gonna' play with Buck, play with Buck, but don't play with me because he doesn't even know me like that. That's rap; you know what I'm saying? Me personally, if he was in my region... he rolls with the secret service - the media police. I ain't even entertaining that sh*t because I already know. That's how he came up; dissing real n*ggas. He already took a real n*gga name from the streets and ran with it. I don't even want to talk about that." (Word Of South)
50's "So Disrespectful also goes after former G-Unit member Game.
On the very next record, there is no need to infer anything. 50 gets very blunt on "So Disrespectful," calling Young Buck a drug addict and the Game jealous. "C'mon, Game, you'll never be my equal," he raps. "Your homies shoot doors, my n*ggas shoot people/ See me, I'm what you're never gonna be/ I'm in that tax bracket you're never gon' see. "I ain't know he f*cked with more dope than B.G./ Plus a n*gga sip more syrup than Pimp C," Fif continues on the track. "Man, keeping these m*therf*ckers as rich ain't easy/ Especially when a n*ggaa wanna stunt like Jeezy/ And his CDs didn't sell like his CDs/ Man that n*gga blew all his chips on them breezies/ Mad cause the world won't treat him like Weezy." (MTV)
Lately, Buck has been dropping G-Unit diss records aimed at 50 and his camp.
"Put me in positions where it seems I'm the victim," Buck raps, "And even though you diss him, still the whole world miss him/Way out in London, England n*ggas like he still breathing and soon I will get even but my goals I'm still achieving/I am Cashville like LeBron James is Cleveland, no Allen [Iverson], I ain't coming back to the team this season...God Bless him for him not know what he do -- concerts with no backpack or college degree, you ask me, jealousy is what a lot of it be/It's not smart just to throw me in the dark/I put back together what you tried to tear apart..." ("Finish What You Start")
He has also directly gone after Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks on tracks like "Do It For Ya."
"For every record that you sell, I got a bullet for ya," Buck raps. "I see that you won't keep it real, so let me do it for ya/I can do it for ya, let me do it for ya/Them other n*ggas couldn't get you but I can do it for ya...[laughs] How it feel Curtis? What was it, like ten million on Get Rich or Die Tryin' right? N*gga you did a hundred and something thousand records on your last sh*t. We don't f*ck with you no more. B*tch a** n*gga. Oh I'm so hard on your h*e a**, n*gga, you thought you did something to Buck. You created a monster you f*ck n*gga! Eh Yayo, Jimmy [Iovine] told me he'll never put out another album of yours. So I understand why you washing that n*gga 50's draws...Eh Banks, don't forget now, I brought you back around that b*tch a** n*gga Curtis,you know when you was at home and sh*t..." ("Do It For Ya")
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/bg_blames_50_cent_for_missing_young_buck.html
News: Ruff Ryders' Eve Confirms Interscope Records Exit, "Let Me Tell You What Happened"
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 3:50PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Ruff Ryders' first lady, Eve, has risen from the shadows to confirm her rumored Interscope Records departure.
According to E-v-e, she is on the prowl for a new record deal.
The rapper-turned-actress revealed on Twitter Friday (Jan. 15) that she has parted ways with Interscope Geffen A&M Records where she released her first three albums. "Let me tell u what happened with music so ya'll don't think I quit," she told her followers. "Left Interscope, free agent now. Went back in re-doing music. Trust me." As for her oft-delayed fourth studio album, the first since 2002's Eve-Olution, she says it's coming this year. "Not letting this year pass wit out an ALBUM! Can't take the non-sense MUSIK." (Rap-Up)
Reports last September suggested she cut business ties with Interscope imprint, Geffen.
There are reports that Eve has completely lost her...clothing line, Fetish, and she has been dropped from her label. The label news comes at a good time for Eve, being that the new Ruff Ryders video dropped last week and the anticipated success of their collective album looks to be in the future for the Pit Bull in a skirt. (Bossip)
The rapper previously tried re-launching her clothing company multiple times.
Eve has just shut down her clothing line, again. This time, Eve said it's for good. A couple of years back, Eve put the line on hiatus when she had conflicts with the apparel licensee Inovo Group. Not long after, she partnered with another manufacturer and distributor based in New York, Signature Apparel, and both parties relaunched Fetish last year with a more upscale collection. (SoJones)
Last month, SOHH spoke with Ruff Ryders' Drag-On about his comparison of Eve to Lil Wayne protege Nicki Minaj.
"Yeah of course, Eve is always gonna be in it to win it, she's working on her album right now too," Drag told SOHH. "I heard it's bananas too. Like, it's crazy. She's always in it to win it. But I like Nicki Minaj, I ain't gonna front. I like her swag and what she's got going on." (SOHH)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/ruff_ryders_eve_confirms_interscope_reco.html
Haitian Rapper Jimmy O Killed In Earthquake
Friday, January 15, 2010 4:32 PM
By Houston Williams
(AllHipHop News) Wyclef Jean was desperately looking for Jean "Jimmy O" Jimmy Alexandre, but sadly the Haitian rapper was slain in the massive 7.0 earthquake that has devastated Haiti.
Wyclef told CNN, "I urge everyone who's listening right now that knows how great this kid is in Haiti — I need y'all to verify this information. It would be a terrible loss for us."
Jimmy O, 35, was a member of Wyclef's Yele Haiti Foundation.
The rapper died as he drove to Port-au-Prince to work on a mixtape. His body was crushed by rubble disrupted by the quake.
The body was discovered on Friday (January 15) and verified by a passport on his lifeless body.
Jimmy O was very important to the local rap scene as he helped to mentor rappers and contributed charitable work through Wyclef's Yele Haiti Foundation.
Jimmy O was a married father of three children.
"His loss will be tremendous in Haiti," said Agent Robert Dominique to CNN.
The Yele Haiti Foundation has raised a total of $2 million as of Friday and the money will be allocated to emergency relief, food and other vital help for the people of Port-au-Prince and the surrounding areas.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/15/22098150.aspx
AHH Stray News: Talib Kweli, I Love NY 2 Murder, Lydia Harris (Death Row)
Friday, January 15, 2010 4:11 PM
By Ace Cannon
(AllHipHop News) Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli will head to Dublin, Ireland at the end of the month in support of his upcoming album Revolutions Per Minute. Kweli will perform at the Tripod on Harcourt St with opening acts Messiah J. & The Expert, Brian Deady and Choice Cut DJ’s. Kweli is expected to perform material from his lengthy catalog in addition to new tracks from Revolutions Per Minute. The event takes place Saturday, January 30th. Doors open at 7:30PM.
An aspiring rapper who was briefly featured on I Love New York 2 will go on trial for murdering a 28-year-old San Francisco man in 2007. Prosecutors accuse Jamal “Milliown” Trulove of gunning down Seu Kuka in the Sunnydale projects in the city. Prosecutors said Trulove filmed his appearance on I Love New York 2 just weeks before he murdered Kuka. Trulove was booted from the show during the first episode because of an altercation with another contestant in the house. He is charged with murder and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Lydia Harris, a reported co-Founder of rap label Death Row Records with ex-husband Michael "Harry-O" Harris, has launched a Stop The Violence 2010 Initiative to help New Orleans’ youth. Harris, who is CEO of Lady Boss Ent., has partnered with college professor and motivational speaker Khalil Osiris, who did a stint in jail. The initiative aims to reverse the violence in the communities in New Orleans using "highly trained street violence interrupters and community outreach staff, public education campaigns and community mobilization." "In order to make collective and positive change on the streets of New Orleans today, we need everyone to exert their individual voting power holding their candidates accountable and true to their platform," Harris said in a statement. "We need everyone's voice to be heard. We need their voice to be heard by getting out there taking care of our communities." Harris and Osiris will appear at Montrel’s Bistro on January 31 to promote the Stop The Violence initiative.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/15/22097576.aspx
News: Styles P Says Diddy/LOX Deal Almost A Go, "It Looks Like It's Gonna Happen"
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 2:40PM
Written by Rosario Harper
The Lox's Styles P has updated fans on the status of a deal with Diddy's Bad Boy Records.
According to Styles, the reunion would be in the form of a one-album deal.
"It looks like it's gonna happen," Styles said in an interview about reuniting with Bad Boy. "All the paperwork is right and everything makes sense. Business-wise, it's just a one-off. One album. You know, we gonna do what we gonna do." (Global Grind)
Last month, Styles revealed he was speaking with Diddy in Harlem, New York.
"In meeting with @iamdiddy !!! And the rest of the lox!," Styles wrote Tuesday (December 15) night. "@DJOP BARK IS THE TRUTH!!!!" (Styles P's Twitter)
Diddy also confirmed the gathering was taking place in the Big Apple.
"In a meeting with the LOX!Let's go!!!," he wrote. "Having a bark shot and juicing up with my brother @therealstylesp fruits of life 125th btw park and madison 1! On way to latin quarters with the bad boy dirty money crew!!!! Let's go nyc! Let's go! Let's go!" (Diddy's Twitter)
According to Lox's Sheek Louch, an exact release date for their new album has not yet been determined, however, the Bad Boy reunion is still expected.
"I got an answer for that, I really think I got an answer," Sheek said about the forthcoming album. "Yo word up, top of the year, Lox album is coming. I would love for it to come then, we're working actually with Puff, with Sean Combs. We working out that. Puff Daddy, we working that out. We working that out and hopefully it goes down. It's gonna be Interscope/Bad Boy/D-Block. Oh yo, slash Ruff Ryders, I'm sorry, I can't leave my boys out. It's like a big thing because we still Interscope. We still Ruff Ryders. It'll be a nice thing." ("On-Air Idiots")
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/styles_p_says_diddylox_deal_almost_a_go.html
Cornel West and Brother to Host Intergenerational ATL Dialogue on Hip-Hop
Friday, January 15, 2010 3:00 PM
By Ismael AbduSalaam
(AllHipHop News)
Brothers Cornel and Clifton West will be in Atlanta this Sunday (January 17) to host Sweet Tea Ethics, an event aimed at exploring the concepts of manhood, black love, mending generation conflicts, and the transformative power of Hip-Hop.
The dialogue hopes to challenge the black community to look critically at why there is deep division between elders and the Hip-Hop community, and why many hold a “clichéd view” leadership and formal education.
The free event was organized by producer and award-winning journalist, counselor and producer Edward M. Garnes, Jr who will also serve as moderator.
Garnes is the founder of From Afros To Shelltoes, a community program focused on using the arts to “bridge generation gaps between youth, elders, and Hip-Hop heads.”
Clifton West has been a mentor to Garnes, and co-founded BMWMB (Black Men Who Mean Business) with Mike Dailey to give the musical backbone to his brother Cornel’s Hip-Hop albums.
“The event is all about brothers sharing a journey of courage, testament of faith, renaissance of hope and a message of love; unduly granted by a lifetime of grace,” Clifton West told AllHiphop.com. “We are excited about our collaboration with From Afros To Shelltoes.”
Phonte of Little Brother/Foreign Exchange praised Garnes’ community efforts, framing them as a voice for late 20s Hip-Hop fans who are starting to feel displaced in the culture.
"There is no movement that epitomizes the thoughts, dreams, and disillusionment of my generation better than From Afros to Shelltoes (F.A.T.S). For every young Black person that's closer to 30 than 25, too grown for 106 & Park, but still too young for the Tom Joyner crowd, F.A.T.S is our leading voice,” Phonte stated. “With their exciting mix of wit, insight, and just plain old 'real talk,' F.A.T.S gives voice to a generation that wants to build on the future, while learning from the mistakes of the past. If my kids are reading about From Afros to Shelltoes in their history books in 20 years, I wouldn't be surprised."
Stic.man of Dead Prez has worked with Garnes, and lauded his ability to symbolically unite past traditions with today’s climate.
“Sweet Tea Ethics is as culturally profound as the Japanese tea ceremonies because it goes back to traditions of how we were raised in the south,” he explained. “Ed Garnes’ writing, teaching, and community work with From Afros To Shelltoes is very relevant, very Hip-Hop, and a very important bridge from our past to today’s sensibilities. His brilliance is committed to the values of our people in the most warm and accessible manner.”
Sweet Tea Ethics will be this Sunday (January 17) at Camp Creek Market Place’s Barnes and Nobles, located at 3685 Market Place Boulevard in East Point, GA.
The event is free and commences at 5PM.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/15/22097559.aspx
Bun B Founds "Houston For Haiti," Hosts Benefit Concert
Friday, January 15, 2010 2:14 PM
By Houston Williams
(AllHipHop News) Bun B, the UGK rapper, will host a rap concert deemed “Houston For Haiti” in an effort to raise funds for the devastated people of Haiti.
“Houston For Haiti” will occur at Warehouse Live in Houston on Monday with a ticket price of $20. All the proceeds will go to http://www.care.org/index.asp?.
The likes of Slim Thug, Trae The Truth, ESG, Lil O, Candi Redd, Just Brittany, Corey Mo, The Party Boyz and others are confirmed to perform.
Local athletes like Vince Young of the Tennesse Titans are expected to appear as well.
Bun B has been an outspoken staple in the Texas rap scene and has been at the forefront of many productive movements.
"We all need to get involved," Bun B said in a statement. "Race, color or creed, we are all Haitians right now, and we need to help our brothers and sisters."
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/15/22097894.aspx
Complex Chronicles Jay-Z's Subliminal Disses
January 15, 2010 01:01:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
Share One of Jay-Z's strengths has always been his ability to walk a fine line in his lyrics. While many more rappers have "taken shots at Jigga" than the converse, Jay-Z's own digs at his peers date back to the '90s.
Today the staff at Complex.com has compiled a history, "Shots Fired? Jay-Z's Sneakiest Dis Lines." The piece evaluates various Jay-Z lines, from album cuts, freestyles, appearances and more. Potential targets include debatable advances on Jayo Felony and Lil Wayne to more obvious addresses to Dame Dash, Cam'ron and Nas.
For example, looking at 2009's "Reminder," The Complex.com staff looked at the lyrics, "Now everybody’s senile on me / Throwbacks, I threw ‘em back, remember those, button-ups? Young Hov, tell them ordinary Joes button up." They deduced that the second bar may have been a slight to onetime Jay critic Joe Budden.
There are over 25 in all, read the piece here.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10448/title.complex-chronicles-jay-zs-subliminal-disses
News: Rihanna On What Led To Chris Brown Fight, "There Were Control Issues, Insecurity"
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 2:05PM
Written by Rosario Harper
Grammy-winning singer Rihanna recently spoke on her former relationship with R&B performer Chris Brown and hinted at what may have ultimately led to their domestic dispute.
In an interview with W Magazine, Rihanna opened up about Brown.
"There were control issues, insecurity," she explained, in the February issue of the magazine. "When people are insecure, they become very controlling and they can get very aggressive and in turn abusive. It doesn't have to be physical. Like, they would say bad stuff to you to make you feel lesser than them, just so they would have control in the relationship. It takes a big toll on your emotions and on your everyday life. It changes you." (The Boom Box)
Speaking with reporter Diane Sawyer last year, Rihanna broke down how their February 2009 fight was allegedly sparked from a text message.
According to Rihanna, the fight started as they were driving away from a pre-Grammy Awards party and Brown received a text message from another woman. "I caught him in a lie, and he wouldn't tell the truth. And I wouldn't drop it," the singer told Diane Sawyer. "I couldn't take that he kept lying to me, and he couldn't take that I wouldn't drop it. It escalated into him being violent towards me. And it was ugly." (New York Daily News)
She also explained why leaving Brown's vehicle was one of her only options.
Rihanna didn't know how to make it end or what to do next. "I was battered. I was bleeding. I was swollen in my face. There was no way of me getting home. My next option was to get out the car and start walking in a gown and a bloody face. So I really don't know what was my plan. I didn't have a plan," she says. "That whole night was not part of my plan," she adds profoundly. (E! Online)
Following Rihanna's past statements, Brown spoke out and pleaded for her silence on their private matter.
"While I respect Rihanna's right to discuss the specific events of February 8, I maintain my position that all of the details should remain a private matter between us," he said in the statement. "I do appreciate her support and wish her the best. I am extremely sorry for what I did, and I accept accountability for my actions. At this point, I am taking the proper steps to learn about me and grow from my mistakes. I only hope that others in similar situations can learn from our experience as well. Abuse of any kind is always wrong. The rest I leave it to God." (Rap Radar)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/rihanna_speaks_on_pre-assault_chris_brow.html
News: Roc-A-Fella Co-Founder On Dipset's Collapse, "We'll Put Everything Back Together"
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 1:25PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Roc-A-Fella co-founder Kareem "Biggs" Burke has shared his reaction to the recent collapse of Dipset and hinted at trying to put the team back together.
Known for working with Damon Dash to get Cam'ron and Dipset on Roc-A-Fella around 2001, Biggs said he is interested in trying to patch things up.
"I'm just coming back to kinda find out what's going on," Biggs said in an interview. "So I haven't been around to see what's going on, who's right or wrong. So eventual, yeah, we'll hear both sides and see what's going on. We'll put everything back together and try to smooth things out." (Forbez DVD)
Dipset's Jim Jones recently hinted at a reunion during a "106 & Park" broadcast earlier this month.
"Shout-out to Juelz [Santana], [Freekey] Zeke and Cam," Jones said during the show's broadcast. "Dipset for life. We might have some surprises for y'all but you know I'm gonna keep my mouth shut. [laughs] But we gonna get money. The revolution, I told y'all. I'm here." ("106 & Park")
Zeke recently spoke on accusing Cam'ron of having questionable contracts and Jones stealing funds.
"My whole thing, I think it's some hop squash, I think everybody need to go and slap each other with a leather glove," Freeky said in an interview. "I think we need to sit down and re-do everything all over, because there was a lot of the things that people don't agree that Cam did with [the] shiesty contracts and there's a lot of things that Jim did [with the] robbing [of ] the money. Who hasn't got over on somebody? We all probably got over a dollar or two. Whether it was a female in the hood and she told a dude she was pregnant and he gave her $300 for no reason or a dude tell his man something cost $10 and it really cost $4 and the same situation is happening as far as Dipset is concerned and I think everybody should just chill out, reevaluate what happened in the past and meet at some type of standard. At the end of the day, I feel that when it comes to the Dipset reunion, everybody needs to shut up and get this money. That's how Freekey feels, the president of Diplomat Records." (Hip Hop Wired)
After releasing a diss song going at Zeke over the stealing allegations, Jones said he still maintained love for his Dipset brother.
"Shouts to Zeeky, f*cking punk!," Jones explained in an interview. "He wasn't lying about things like that. I wasn't stealing, though. I don't steal. So he put the track out, put some real life situations out. Some parts of our history and things like that, but I felt I needed to respond. We're having fun, so I felt I needed to respond. With the Diplomats, there was a lot of people involved in it. So that part is more frustrating than anything and sh*t. You start thinking about the money, and become a realist. There's a lot of motherf*ckin' money at stake. I'm just saying, it's hard out here to make a dollar, especially now. So if you got people offering you millions and millions of dollars that could feed other people. Not just about me and you, buddy, there's other people. You claim you love Zeek so much and all that sh*t. If n*ggas are telling me, Zeek can make a mill and some change, what's happening boss?" (Complex)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/roc-a-fella_co-founder_on_dipsets_collap.html
News: Shawty Redd's Lawyer Speaks On Murder Charge, "He Was Absolutely Defending Himself"
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 11:40AM
Written by Biz Jones
An attorney for producer Shawty Redd has addressed the murder charge that her client faces and proclaimed his innocence.
According to lawyer Marcia Fuller and inside sources, Redd is being wrongly accused.
A day after the hearing, Fuller said: "Demetrius was absolutely defending himself during the incident," she said. "His career will continue. At this point we are waiting for the district attorney to make a decision as to whether or not they are going to go forward on this matter or dismiss it." According to a source within Shawty Redd's camp who is familiar with Tuesday's court proceedings, two of the producers' associates reportedly testified that Martin was "an intruder" who was shot in self-defense, although the police report refers to him as an "associate." (VIBE)
The producer was granted a bail bond earlier this week.
Shawty Redd, born Demetrius Lee Stewart, was formally charged with the January 1 shooting death of 35-year-old Damon Martin. The hit making producer stood before Henry County Superior Court Judge Brian Amero today. Prosecutors pleaded with Judge Amero not to release the hit making producer, Dennis Byron, of HipHopEnquirer told AllHipHop.com, but bond was set at $200,000. Stewart has been held in a Henry County jail without a bond since the shooting. He is currently being represented by attorney Marcia Fuller. (All Hip Hop)
He is accused of shooting a 35 year-old man earlier this month.
Police have released the name of a man shot and killed Friday morning at the home of a popular music producer. Demetrius Lee Stewart - also known as Shawty Redd - allegedly shot Damon A. Martin, 35, of Detroit, Friday morning after an altercation at Stewart's home in Hampton. Henry County Police responded to an 8 a.m. call Friday morning after someone reported a shooting in the 2000 block of Ballymeade Lane in Hampton. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
Information surrounding the incident has also been released to the public.
Henry County Police Captain J. Bolton said Stewart is accused of shooting a man in his Hampton home. Police say they do not know the name of the victim and are checking his fingerprints to obtain an identity. The victim was shot once following an argument that turned physical, according to police. Stewart is in the Henry County jail and is expected to be in court Saturday. (NBC 11 News)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/shawty_redds_lawyer_speaks_out_on_murder.html
News: Lupe Fiasco Speaks On Mt. Kilimanjaro Experience
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 11:05AM
Written by Biz Jones
Grammy-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco has shared his thoughts on successfully climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Lupe completed the clim with several other celebrities and activists.
"It's been a physical, mental, spiritual challenge," Lupe explained in an interview. "Everybody made it which is the dope part. The unity of the groups was amazing. It was a [group of] very powerful and radical and focused individuals." (Summit On The Summit Videos)
According to reports, the climb was completed on Tuesday (January 12).
After six intense days of hiking and climbing, the group set out for their final trek at 1:30am local time and after nearly seven hours reached the Uhuru peak which generally has only a 75% success rate. Each participant battled a plethora of physical and natural elements over the past week to make the ascent. Between coping with weather ranging from rain, hail, snow and the effects of altitude, including headaches, dizziness and fatigue among other ailments all made the over 50 mile journey that much more arduous. Immediately after summiting, the group descended for an additional six plus hours of hiking to 12000 feet, where they will make their final night of camp. (Press Release)
Lupe's crew headed towards the summit on Jan. 12.
The final push to the top started at 1:30 am on Jan 12. Seven hours and 19,340 ft later the group posed for the above picture at Uhuru Peak. The climb was organized by Ethiopian-born musician Kenna, whose father lost several family members due to waterborne illnesses. Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch, Fiasco and Kenna were joined on the climb by UN Foundation executive Elizabeth Gore, Alexandria Cousteau (granddaughter of Jacques Cousteau), photographer Michael Muller and Kirk Kennedy (granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy). (Zap 2 It)
Interested fans will be able to view the intense adventure this spring.
Before their strenuous climb, the trekkers underwent intense training to prepare for the mountain's physical demands and extreme changes in weather. Temperatures were at nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit on the first day of the expedition and will drop to close to 0 degrees on the last day. The crew's climb will be chronicled in a 90-minute documentary slated to air March 14 at 9 p.m. on MTV. (The Boom Box)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/lupe_fiasco_speaks_on_post-mountain_kili.html
News: Nelly Recruits Jim Jonsin For New Album, "He Looks Pretty Anxious About Dropping [It]"
Friday, Jan 15, 2010 10:55AM
Written by Rosario Harper
St. Lunatics leader Nelly has linked with super producer Jim Jonsin for his upcoming Brass Knuckles follow-up.
According to Jonsin, the rapper is intent on releasing the new album this year.
"We've done a few songs so far," Jonsin said in an interview. "Nelly's great, he's really super talented. I just know he looks pretty anxious about dropping [it] within the next couple of months for sure. I did 'Dilemma (Part 2)' with [songwriter] Rico Love and Nelly had this melody idea. I've worked with Kelly Rowland and I've heard her sound, and that kind of triggered me to call and put her in the studio. It came out really amazing. It's similar in that it's musical and it has a great melody. But the sound is a little different, a little newer." (Rap-Up)
Last year, Nelly said he planned to work with rappers like Young Jeezy and Plies.
"The thing is, I work best with two strikes, two outs," Nelly revealed in an interview. "I really think I do. As an artist, you want to wake up every day and feel like you're doing something people don't think you can do. Now I feel like I've been put in that position again, where it's more doubt than expectancy. The doubt is what fuels me, so to speak. I've been real fortunate where I have great people around me. Everybody wants to freakin' work with me -- not that everybody didn't [before], but it's different because I didn't work with a lot of people. Coming into this situation, it's beautiful...In the booth right now, it's kind of different. I got Sean Paul, Akon...as far as the rappers go, Plies. Me and [Young] Jeezy talking about some things now. I'm not finished, but I'm a good portion on the way." (MTV)
While initially planning to drop the LP in 2009, Nelly recently said the project should now arrive in stores around the first quarter of this year.
"I definitely got a new project, we were trying to get it out before the end of this year but it looks like it'll be at the top of next year," Nelly revealed in an interview with DJ Semtex. "I just wanna make sure it's right, and it's definitely coming. The album is bananas so be ready. I did a little bit of different [sounds]. I worked with my man Polow [Da Don], I've worked with Play-N-Skills, we did this joint with Akon that's crazy. The joint I did with Polow, I did with Plies on it. I got a joint that I did with Sean Paul that's crazy, as well as my family, as far as the Lunatics goes, my little brother City Spud, he's no longer locked up no more, he's out...[The title] is just Nelly. I don't want to say it's the 'best' album, but just get ready." (DJ Semtex TV)
Nelly previously told a crowd of fans about his new records and explained why he has decided to record music in Las Vegas.
"I want to try some new sh** from my new album," he said, noting, "This is my first time being able to rock this sh*t." He performed two new songs: the yet-to-be-released first single, '1000 Stacks,' and an uncharacteristically vocal ballad dubbed 'Angel Eyes.' "The new album is sounding incredible," he smiled. "It comes out in November so be checkin' for it....I've been here for about a month...Recording in Vegas is always a good influence, especially the type of music I do...especially when you're doing a lot of party music and a lot of uplifting music and trying to, you know, get people the right spirits...It's going to be a lot of energy. I think they'll get a real understanding of what it's like to be in my position, so to speak, as far as having to start over and grind your way back to a position where a lot of people thought that you would never leave. I might be working on something with Janet [Jackson] and a few things like that, so we'll see what happens." (Las Vegas Sun)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/nelly_recruits_jim_jonsin_for_new_album.html
News: DJ AM's Wrongful Death Suit Ends, Settlement Reached
Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 4:35PM
Written by Biz Jones
The estate of the late Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein has reportedly reached an agreement in a wrongful death lawsuit that was filed as a result of his September 2008 jet crash.
According to reports, an agreement was reached with the original defendants.
Although DJ -- aka Adam Goldstein -- survived the crash, the estate claimed the pain he suffered caused him to become re-addicted to drugs which ultimately caused his death. The settlement, sources say, involve all defendants, including Clay Lacy Aviation, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Learjet. Terms of the settlement are confidential. (TMZ)
Details on the original lawsuit were released last November.
DM AM's mother Andrea Gross has amended his $20 million lawsuit against the plane manufacturer, the pilots' estates and others by adding a wrongful death claim, Los Angeles court papers show. "The crash ultimately caused Adam Goldstein's death at a later date," the papers state. Friends and associates of the musician have widely blamed his trauma from the September 2008 plane crash as leading to his fatal relapse in August. (People)
A $12 million lawsuit was filed in February 2009 by the owner and operator of the crashed plane against the airport, tire company and persons responsible for designing the jet.
In court papers filed in South Carolina, Inter Travel & Services (the owner) and Global Exec Aviation (the operator) have placed blame on the "defective" jet and the "defective" runway at Columbia Metro Airport claiming those were the two main reasons the jet plowed nose-first into a raised embankment. (E! Online)
Prior to his passing in August from an accidental drug overdose, the deejay was involved in a plane crash with rock drummer Travis Barker in September 2008.
They were taken to a burn center in Augusta, Georgia following the accident when their flight crashed while taking off from Metropolitan Airport in Columbia, South Carolina. Despite the seriousness of the injuries, including second and third degree burns, both men are expected to make full recoveries. (Associated Press)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/dj_ams_wrongful_death_suit_ends_settleme.html
News: Twista Calls "911" On Haiti Tribute Track, "I Couldn't Imagine The Pain Wyclef Felt"
Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 3:05PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Rap veteran Twista has released a new track called "911" about the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti this week.
On the track, Twista also references President Barack Obama and Wyclef Jean's calls for global help.
"Man, I don't know what's going on y'all," Twista starts off saying. "We just gotta all hold hands and pray...Woke up this morning to the news and heard the fears and the cries/The sight of Haitian faces brought nothing but tears to my eyes/People suffer from a tragedy of the same demeanor as a natural disaster like Hurricane Katrina/Where is God when I need him, I can't believe the drama...it was like I was right there to see how death felt, I couldn't imagine the pain that Wyclef felt...I got up some old clothes like Nike and Pelle donate to 'em and make some contributions...and I'm glad to see Obama react the way he did, immediate reaction because we have to save the kids/Pride and honor because we both are from Chicago..." ("911 (Haiti Dedication)")
Earlier this week, Wyclef released a statement on the seriousness behind Haiti's disaster.
"Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced. The magnitude 7.0 earthquake - and several very strong aftershocks - struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince. I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now. President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands 'ready to assist' the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible." (Statement)
Obama has also spoken on the disaster's aftermath.
The president offered "deep condolences and unwavering support of the American people" to the Haitian people, saying that the tragedy is "especially cruel and incomprehensible" in light of the hardship and suffering the country has endured in the past. He called reports and images of "collapsed hospitals, crumbled homes, and men and women carrying their injured neighbors" in the streets "truly heart wrenching." The president said the world is just beginning to learn the extent of the damage. (CBS News)
The earthquake took place Tuesday (January 12) afternoon.
The major earthquake that struck Haiti on Tuesday may lead to hundreds of millions of dollars of insured losses, risk assessor Eqecat said, an amount that could have been higher had underwriters loosened their standards. Eqecat indicated that insured buildings often must meet a higher standard and therefore may sustain less damage. However, the company said Haiti's magnitude 7.0 earthquake, whose epicenter was just 10 miles (16 km) from the capital of Port-au-Prince, "is very severe, and even well-designed buildings could expect damage from this event." (Reuters)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/twista_calls_911_on_haiti_freestyle_trib.html
News: DJ Clue Sparks Beef W/ Funkmaster Flex, "He Gotta Pay Artists To Come Hang At His Parties"
Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 2:15PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Former New York City radio station co-workers DJ Clue and Funkmaster Flex have called each other out and exchanged disses on Twitter.
Attempting to draw a crowd, Clue made jabs at Flex's radio mixes.
"@funkmasterflex Is the only dj they made a trending topic about how horrible he is! He gotta $ pay $ artists to come hang at his parties," he wrote Wednesday (January 13) evening. "RT @Herbizzy #whenfunkflexdjs i call up nike to book that muppet dj that be on kobe/lebron new commercial (SEE WHAT I MEAN) RT @yaboytone: #SHOUTS 2 @THEREALDJCLUE 4 GOING IN ON #WhenFunkFlexDJs LMFAO. he not even top 10 club dj in NY. FLEX #IFIWASYOU i wld ha ... HAA! RT C_theebest @THEREALDJCLUE. #whenfunkflexdjs i go outside in the freezing cold for a cigarette break. But i dont fukkn smoke hahaha Ha..flex and his people made a page just to throw shots..i know a couple of women who would do something like that. check it @mikeptrs15" (DJ Clue's Twitter)
Flex fired back by re-tweeting what his followers were commenting.
"RT @DJ_XKLUSIVE_T: FLEX IS MY DJ,EVERYONE DUPLICATE,IMMITATE,BUT ITS ALL FAKE,THERES ONLY ONE REAL @FUNKMASTERFLEX.<------My Dude," he wrote in response. "RT @DJTRASE: @funkmasterflex 60min of funk will still smash any mixtape out til this day! Prove me wrong Twitter<-----Word" RT@DJCAOZ:PPL DON'T REALIZE, @FUNKMASTERFLEX HAS BEEN IN THIS GAME FOR YEARS, AND IS THE MOST RESPECTED DJ TO WALK INTO THE CLUB..CLUE-LMFAO RT@jerzefynestBG:@FUNKMASTERFLEX woke me up w/ him going in on @THEREALDJCLUE I Use to love clue mxtpes but I f*cks w/ funkflex like evrydy" (Funkmaster Flex's Twitter) Clue left radio station Hot 97 nearly four years ago. Clue will now take the helm of the 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. slot at Power 105 in direct competition with Hot 97's renowned veteran Funkmaster Flex , who holds down the 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. slot. (The Free Library) Late last year, DJ Envy parted ways with Hot 97 for rival station Power 105.1. A day after announcing that he was parting ways with New York's Hot 97 on his twitter account earlier this week, DJ Envy announced that he'll be joining Clear Channel Radio's Power 105.1 in New York. "I'm excited to start hosting afternoons at Power 105.1," he told Splash of Dajaz1.com. "Now I'm with the first person that put me on the radio, Ed Lover, and the person who taught me how to mix, DJ Clue. I'm honored to join a young team of talented jocks. The grind begins... it's movin!" (XXL Mag)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/dj_clue_sparks_confrontation_w_funkmaste.html
News: Jay-Z Accepts Financial Face-Off W/ Lil Wayne, "I'll Give Him A Little Glimpse [Of My Bank Acct]"
Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 1:30PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Jay-Z has responded to Birdman's assertion that he is not as lyrical or wealthy as Lil Wayne by offering to reveal the contents of his bank account.
Speaking with New York's Hot 97 radio station personality Angie Martinez, Hov accepted the challenge to put his finances against Weezy's.
"Being lyrical is just a matter of opinion, it's who you like, so you know that's his opinion," Hov said about Birdman's comments. "As far as money, you know, that's a little more factual. We can determine that. It's gonna cost [to see my bank account]. Put it up, if he's that confident, I'll give him a little glimpse. It's crazy. Knock it off, but as far as being lyrical. That's for the viewers, that's everybody. I respect that, that's his guy so he's supposed to roll with his guy. I don't have no problems with that. I don't have problems with anybody, I want this to be my most positive year. I don't want no problems." (Hot 97)
Last October, Baby explained why he felt Wayne outshined Jay.
"Well I feel like, as far as number one to me, that don't really matter, it's about who makes the most money and do the most," Baby explained in an interview. "I think my son do the most, rap the most, he do the most shows, we do the most so if we do the most, how could you be number one if you ain't making the most? No, no, [beef]. Nothing personal, they just asked me my opinon and that was my opinion. I think we do the most and make the most, so if you don't like it, that's on you. I can't see past Wayne, so I can't see Jay-Z." ("106 & Park")
According to Birdman, a number one "hot" artist should be based on selling ability.
"I don't think he a number one emcee in no kinda way," Baby said in an interview. "Wayne the best he do the most and he make the most money. I dont think no n*gga in the business make more money than us. How could you be the best if you don't make the best money, the most money and you don't do the most. Lyrically, come on man be for real man can't nobody f*ck with Wayne. And to me, if you number one and you aint getting no money it don't mean nothing. Who's making the most money. That's number one to me. F*ck all that rap sh*t. Sh*t, y'all got cold rappers you never even heard and then you got n*ggas who really can't rap and making money. It's about who's making the most money to me. I don't give a f*ck about the rest of that sh*t." (Tropical TV)
Jay and his wife, R&B singer Beyonce Knowles, topped this year's list of highest-earning couples.
Music duo Jay-Z and Beyoncé Knowles earned $122 million between June 2008 and June 2009, landing them atop the publication's annual Top-Earning Couples list in Hollywood for the second year in a row. The couple married quietly in 2008 and are responsible for everything from music ("Single Ladies" and "Empire State of Mind") to clothing lines, worldwide tours, and product endorsements (like American Express and Budweiser). (Entertainment Weekly)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/jay-z_accepts_babys_lil_wayne_financial.html
News: Swizz Beatz Reserves A Spot On Jay-Z's "BP3" Follow-Up, "We Been Talking"
Thursday, Jan 14, 2010 12:10PM
Written by Rosario Harper
Ruff Ryders' producer Swizz Beatz has discussed his recent studio sessions with Jay-Z for the rapper's upcoming Blueprint III follow-up.
According to Swizz, the two have been pushing their music beyond the rapper's typical sound.
"Crazy. It's crazy. I'm working on the intro right now, matter of fact. It's stupid. We been talking about that international vibe since the last album," Swizz said in an interview. "But the sound changes. You got too many people trying to do too many things. They throw it off. I'm actually going out there doing the legwork, sitting there with the master composers, and we gonna pull this thing together." (MTV)
Yesterday, Jay hinted at being in the next album's early stages.
"Maybe. I got some ideas," the rapper said about a new album in 2010. "I didn't start yet, I just got a bunch of ideas. Maybe if I get into a nice zone...I'm on my way, just ideas." ("The Ed Lover Show")
Prior to its release last September, the rapper explained the significance of offering fans a new sound with The Blueprint III.
"I keep using this phrase 'new classic,' because it has classic sounds and instrumentation, like how music was recorded before. That's why the whole album cover [features] white instruments just left in the corner, no color. It's all about the instruments. It feels classic in that approach, but it's new subject matter, new flows. It's not like an Amy Winehouse thing: a take on what was already done. I mean, if you listen to 'D.O.A.' just the sax alone, those type of sounds. The subject matter is right now. It's a hot-button issue right now." (XXL Magazine)
In addition to Jay-Z and the Ruff Ryders reunion, Swizz is also prepping his own experimental album.
"MY NEW ALBUM IS GOING TO BE OUT OF THIS WORLD 2010 STYLE IM MIXING INDIAN MUSIC WITH ARABIC SOUNDS MEETS BDP! YOU WILL SEE.NEW SOUND TIME!," he wrote on Twitter Monday (January 4) morning. "IM GIVING 30% OF THE $ MADE ON MY ALBUM TO ART & MUSIC SCHOOLS IN NEED SO WE CAN KEEP THE KIDS DOING POSITIVE THINGS WITH THERE LIFE ! ALSO FOR MY ALBUM IM GETTING NEW TALENT FROM AROUND THE WORLD TO BE APART OF THIS NOT JUST THE SAME OLD PEOPLE YOU HEAR 500 TIMES A WEEK! I WANT TALENT THATS BEEN LOST& OVER SEEN ON MY ALBUM LIKE FROM AFRICA,ASIA,INDIA,HATI, ETC YOU NAME IT ! ITS TIME TO SET THE BAR HIGH! 2010." (Swizz Beatz's Twitter)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/swizz_beatz_reserves_a_spot_on_jay-zs_bp.html
Rap Moguls, Artists Call For 'Peace Week' In Honor Of MLK
Friday, January 15, 2010 1:00 PM
By Grouchy Greg Watkins
(AllHipHop News)A number of influential hip-hop artists will join New York Governor David Patterson today (January 15), to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
Rap mogul Russell Simmons, Hip-Hop pioneer Eric B. of Eric B. and Rakim, Salt of female of rap’s most successful girl group Salt-N-Pepa and the real Avon Barksdale will appear in Queens with activist Erica Ford and Gov. Patterson to launch "Peace Week."
The Governor and the celebrity rappers will use their influence to call for peace and unity in the streets and amongst the youth.
"We lost to many to senseless violence. Martin Luther King called for non-violence and peace," Life Camp/Peace Week Founder Erica Ford told AllHipHop.com. “[It’s] time to 'Bury Da Beefs' and live at least a week of it in his [MLK's] memory."
“Peace Week” launches today (January 15) and ends January 22 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, a civil rights activist who encouraged non-violent protest as a means to bring forth social change.
Various events will take place in different boroughs throughout the week, including a celebration for MLK at Reverend Al Sharpton's National Action Network and a "Teen Peace Party" in Jamaica, Queens.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday is being celebrated across the world today (January 15).
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/15/22097539.aspx
Kelis Claims Nas In Contempt Of Court Over Child Support
Thursday, January 14, 2010 3:56 PM | 119 comments
By Roman Wolfe
Nas’ estranged wife Kelis is seeking to have the rapper held in contempt of court, because he hasn't paid child support since December 1.
TMZ.com reports that Kelis’ lawyer Laura Wasser has filed court papers claiming the rapper has failed to pay $56,911.50 in child and spousal support.
In July of 2009, Nas was ordered to pay his 29-year-old former wife over $55,000 to cover the living expenses for Kelis and their newborn son, Knight Jones in addition to money for her prenatal expenses and medical bills.
Additionally, Nas was also ordered to pay $35,000 to Wasser, who has represented artists like Stevie Wonder, Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie and others.
Nas and Kelis announced their pending divorce in April of 2009. She seeks the money based on the rapper’s reported $4 million dollar salary.
In October, it was revealed that the IRS filed a $2.5 million lien against Nas for income he earned in 2006 and 2007.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/14/22096753.aspx
All-Star Concert Marks Phife's First Public Appearance Since Surgery
Thursday, January 14, 2010 3:45 PM
By Grouchy Greg Watkins
A Tribe Called Quest group member Phife Dawg will make a public appearance next Wednesday (January 20) during an all-star concert designed to raise awareness about diabetes.
The rapper will be joined by actor Michael Rapaport during the concert, which features performances by Ghostface Killah, Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica, Consequence and numerous surprise guests.
The evening will also celebrate Phife, born Malik Isaac Taylor.
Phife was diagnosed with diabetes in May of 1990, but admitted to not taking care of himself by indulging in sweets, liquor and fats.
In 1992 he fell ill and by 2000 he was put on dialysis. In 2002, Phife was hospitalized due to his condition.
The appearance is the first time he has appeared in New York since undergoing surgery for a much needed kidney transplant in 2008.
Music during the evening will be provided by D-Lyfe, who has worked with artists like Notorious B.I.G., Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and others.
Various diabetic organizations will be onsite to take donations in addition to educating attendees about diabetes.
The event takes place January 20th at 8:00 PM at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, New York. Tickets to the concert cost $25 at the door.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/14/22096541.aspx
Booking Agent Chris Hines Reveals Beatdown Details
Thursday, January 14, 2010 2:00 PM
By Ismael AbduSalaam
Still nursing various bruises and swelling to his face a week later, Toronto booking agent Chris Hines is revealing his side on his alleged beating at the hands of Lloyd Banks’ entourage.
Hines told the Toronto Star that the beating last week in Brantford was the first time he ever had a physical confrontation with an artist, and is dumbfounded on how it escalated to that point.
"I'm shocked; I don't understand it. I've never heard of anything like this happening,” Hines stated. “You can curse people, maybe you don't talk to them again, but for it to get physical; nobody was drinking and nobody was doing drugs. I think what really got this to escalate was peer pressure."
Banks was booked by Hines to perform at Club NV. The Queens rapper was 90 minutes late for his 1am slot, and reportedly threw the mic down after a half-song due to disappointment with the crowd size and response.
Back at his hotel room, Hines claims Banks and three men from his entourage began battering him.
"After the first punch, it was like, `okay, he's upset, disrespecting me a little bit, but cool, I'm not going to be stupid,” Hines explained. “I sat on my hands to show them like `hey, I'm not trying to do anything crazy.' I knew if I fought back there was going to be no winning. When they hit me again, I fell on the floor. Then it really started to hit me, `What the f**k is going on?'"
After leaving him with twoblack eyes and other assorted facial injuries, Hines accused Banks’ group of robbing him of his jewelry and wallet.
Lloyd Banks, real name Christopher Lloyd, and 3 entourage members Nicklas Sloane (bodyguard), Shawn McGee (road manager/DJ), and Tyrell Cooper (hypeman) have pleaded not guilty to charges of aggravated assault, forcible confinement, and robbery.
Banks posted a $50,000 bail and returned to the United States yesterday (January 13).
While the rapper has yet to release a statement, his attorney Patrick Ducharme hinted that the full situation will be disclosed once the parties begin trial, which is estimated to be a year.
"There's a whole rich story that surrounds the circumstances here that has not surfaced and won't surface until we get to court,” he concluded.
At press time, Lloyd Banks has yet to release an official statement on the case. His latest project, The Mixtape V.5 (80s Baby), dropped last month.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/14/22096301.aspx
Jay-Z Loses "Rockafella" Restaurant Battle In Court
Thursday, January 14, 2010 1:00 PM | 38 comments
By Nolan Strong
Jay-Z may be one of the most powerful entertainers on earth, but the 40-year-old rap mogul recently lost a court dispute with a restaurant in New Castle, England.
The rap mogul, who raked an estimated $122 million dollars combined with the earnings of wife Beyonce last year, sued celebrity chef Terry Miller, over the use of the word “Rockafella,” the namesake of Miller’s eatery.
The dispute entered the courts in 2006, when Jay-Z claimed that the name would confuse fans into thinking Miller’s business was associated with his Roc-A-Fella Records empire.
Miller, 51, launched his restaurant with the proceeds he earned from winning $250,000 on a cooking reality show titled Hell‘s Kitchen.
A court ruled in favor of Miller and gave him granted him the exclusive trademark and the right to use the name in the UK.
This is not the first time a popular celebrity has lost the rights to a name in the United Kingdom.
In 2007, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs was banned from using the moniker “Diddy” in the UK, after losing a court battle to Richard “Diddy” Dearborn, who claimed the rap mogul was interfering with his trademark rights in the UK.
From AllHiphop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/14/22096344.aspx
Hip-Hop World In Action with Haiti Crisis
Thursday, January 14, 2010 11:20 AM | 11 comments
By Ismael AbduSalaam and AHH Staff
(AllHipHop News) The Hip-Hop has mobilized and joined relief efforts in the wake of Haiti’s devastating earthquake that’s left the nation’s capital Port-au-Prince in shambles.
The efforts are led by Haitian-born Wyclef Jean, who reached out on CNN immediately after the magnitude-7 quake hit on Tuesday (January 12).
“I’m in the process of looking for a young rapper who went to Haiti to do a mix tape. His name is Jimmy O - it came through on a text that he died,” Wyclef explained to journalist Anderson Cooper. “He was part of my foundation Yele Haiti. I’m trying to verify this information – it would be a terrible loss for us. I was on the phone to a friend in Haiti and she said ‘I think an earthquake is coming ….’ Then the phone went off. After that I texted and it took 45 minutes to get a text back. She told me she was outside with her kids and the buildings had started collapsing. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now.”
Jean’s organization has been accepting donations at www.Yele.org, and automatic $5 donations by texting “Yele” to 501501.
As of today (January 14), humanitarian relief from other nations such as the U.S., Cuba, and China have begun arriving.
The International Red Cross estimates 3 million people are in need of help, and many of the dead litter the streets and rubble of collapsed buildings.
“This is much worse than a hurricane. There’s no water,” doctor’s assistant Jimitrre Coquillon told the Associated Press. “There’s nothing. Thirsty people are going to die.”
Although Haiti President Rene Preval declined to commit to a casualty total, estimates are as high as 500,000 fatalities.
To help the effort, Akinah Rahmaan, founder of The iCase Place Premium Mobile Phone Case Boutique announced that the company will donate 100% of the proceeds from the Haiti iCase to Clef's Yele Haiti non-profit, from now until Sunday.
100% of the proceeds from the Haiti iCase from now through Sunday will go to Yele
AkiNah Rahmaan
Founder of The iCase Place Premium Mobile Phone Case Boutique
The Rev. Al Sharpton announced that he is traveling to the country on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, for a “mercy mission.”
"There will be no better way to say happy birthday to Martin Luther King," Sharpton said in front of the Haitian Consulate in Manhattan yesterday (January 13). "We all have some Haitian in us, and we stand in solidarity with the Haitian people until Haiti is restored."
Haitian rap legend Kangol Kid of UTFO is also an Ambassador of Hope for Haiti. He almost missed the chance to visit the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, due to media portrayal and stereotypes.
"This is an absolute tragedy for my brothers and sisters in Haiti,” Kangol Kid told AllHipHop.com. “These are people that made the best of having nothing and circumstances still find a way to take even more away from them. That’s just real evil and plain wrong…I had the pleasure of visiting Haiti this past October for the first time since I was 8 years old. I feared the visit because I was ‘Media-Washed’ (in other words I was brainwashed by the media) and believe every stereotypical rumor society had to offer about the country. My manager, Shaunda Lumpkin, convinced to go and that visit changed my world so much that I’ve become proud to be Haitian! Moreover, I am currently an Ambassador of Hope for Haiti.”
The incident has affected Kangol Kid personally, as his father has been missing in the country since the earthquake hit.
"Today, I feel great sadness for my people as my mother who lives in Miami, Florida, is frantically trying to reach my Father who is currently visiting Port Au Prince with no word of his condition. I asked that my Hip-Hop Community, my fellow Haitian-Americans and people alike pray for the safety of Haiti and for my father," Kangol Kid stated.
Rap mogul Russell Simmons called upon the Hip-Hop community to act immediately to help the millions of people affected by the devastating earthquake, the worst to ever strike the country.
“We must do all that we can as individuals and collectively to help save the lives of our brothers and sisters in Haiti,” Simmons stated. “We know Haiti will need increased attention and resources from the international community to help it recover from this disaster, so let us ensure that our country does right. My thoughts and prayers are with the Haitian people whose suffering I can only imagine, and the Haitian Americans who have lost their loved ones.”
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/01/14/22096215.aspx
Cypress Hill Signs To EMI/Priority, Snoop Dogg's First Signing
January 15, 2010 09:01:00 AM CST | by Jake Paine
This morning it was announced that pioneering Latino Hip Hop group Cypress Hill will release their April 6th album RISE UP through Priority/EMI Records. This is the group's first album in six years, and the first Priority signing since Snoop Dogg assumed role of Creative Chairman of the historic Rap label presently celebrating its 25th anniversary.
"My role as Creative Chairman of Priority Records has put me in the driver's seat to help revive the most important west coast hip hop label," said Snoop in a statement this morning. "As such, I'm excited to announce my first signing as Cypress Hill. Cypress Hill is undeniably one of the most important Hip Hop groups in music history, not only are they incredibly talented and the first Latino Hip Hop group to go platinum, they are also from the west coast-so this signing is the perfect marriage."
RISE UP was recorded over the course of the past three years at B-Real's studio, The Temple, in Los Angeles. "Making this record was so much fun," said Sen Dog. "It felt like the first record we ever made together. We recorded whatever we wanted to with no musical boundaries. And having the chance to work with one of my favorite guitar players of all time, Tom Morello, was amazing. I always knew we would make some kickass music together." Morello is best known for his work with Rage Against The Machine, though he's played with Rap acts dating back to KRS-One and Run-DMC.
"We took a little break after the last record to work on individual projects," added B-Real. "Both Sen Dog and I wanted to put out our own solo records, which we had been working on for some time. And though we were doing other things, we each kept ideas in mind for Cypress Hill and would go into the studio periodically to record. It was great to work at our own pace and without a deadline hanging over us. We'd get together at my studio and record whenever we felt that burst of creativity. It was an amazing way to work and resulted in what I think is our best record yet."
Earlier this week, Snoop announced that Priority will re-issue three classic catalogue albums as part of the "U.S.D.A" series.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10446/title.
Louieville Sluggah Talks Hiatus, "Best Kept Secret"
January 15, 2010 08:01:00 AM CST | by Jake Paine
Known for his work with Boot Camp Clik, O.G.C. (Originoo Gunn Clappaz) and Fab 5 member Louieville Sluggah recently spoke to HipHopDX. This coming Tuesday (January 19), Sluggah will release Best Kept Secret on Chambermusik Records, home to Sha Stimuli and Cappadonna.
Although Louieville had not been heard from in a while, he says that had a lot to do with seeking a proper label situation. "I have been in the studio still, but I had to find my own situation that was going to work for me and had my future in its best interest." In 2007, the Brooklyn born emcee released Dinner Time, as a follow-up to two notable O.G.C. albums (with Starang Wondah and Top Dog) 1996's Da Storm and 1999's The M-Pire Shrkes Back. Collectively those albums boasted production from Da Beatminerz, Knobody and Madlib.
Looking back at those years, Louieville, who spent a lot of time in both Canada and Chile recently, explained, "There was a time when the situation and relationship at Duck Down was totally fucked. So I was back to hustlin', drug shit, and then I said to myself, if I wanted to achieve anything good for myself, I don't want to achieve it on the demise of others. So I stopped completely and took everything I had and started Out The Park Entertainment."
Looking back on his days in O.G.C., Sluggah, who appeared on posse hit "Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka," says he considers himself the front-man, but is focused on introducing new talent today. Foul, General, Robbie Khan, Willy Dutch, Tea Time and Isha Hollins are among the artists that Sluggah is presently working with. Still, General Steele of Smif N' Wessun does make an appearance on Best Kept Secret.
Louieville closed in saying, "I sacrificed a lot to be here, and there is no way I'ma turn back now. My team believes in me, Chambermusik believes in me, who in the hell is gonna deny me?"
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10445/title.louieville-sluggah-talks-hiatus-best-kept-secret
Mystikal Released From Prison, Encourages Positivity
January 15, 2010 07:01:00 AM CST | by Allen Jacobs
Veteran No Limit and Jive Records rapper Mystikal walked out of the Louisiana State Prison System late yesterday (January 14). This comes after a six-year sentence was given to the rapper in 2004, for forcing a stylist to perform video-taped sexual acts on the popular rapper. Initially claiming innocence, the surfacing video later changed the New Orleans Rap veteran's plea, and led towards his sentence.
“We gotta pay more attention to what we’re doing our self. That’s an easy excuse,” Mystikal told local radio station Q93. Speaking about the Rap community's ever-present incarcerations, including Louisiana peers Lil Wayne and Lil Boosie, as well as Atlanta rappers T.I., Gucci Mane and perhaps Shawty Redd, Mystikal added, “We gotta take responsibility for what we do. We can't be foolish especially when you are blessed and successful. We gotta tighten up.”
Mystikal first released an independent self-titled 1994 album. After catching the attention of popular Hip Hop label, Jive in the year after, he would release Mind Of Mystikal in 1996, garnering the now 39 year-old rapper, his first gold plaque.
With the emergence of No Limit Records, Mystikal would prove to be Master P's first major label acquisition, prior to Snoop Dogg two years later. In partnership with Jive, No Limit would release two platinum albums with Mystikal. After leaving Percy Miller's label at the end of the '90s, Mystikal returned solely to Jive for his biggest success, 2000's Let's Get Ready. The album was a #1 album on the Pop charts, backed by singles "Shake Ya Ass" and "Danger (Been So Long)." After one prior gold album, Tarantula in 2001, Mystikal's recording career went mute for almost a decade.
He told Q93 that he maintains plans to rap, but with a lesson-learned. "I'm gonna be doing a lot of positive stuff he said," unclear whether he meant on or off the microphone. He did say though, "Wait till I shake the world up now," regarding his music.
There is no specification as to whether Mystikal has any label obligation at this time.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10444/title.mystikal-released-from-prison-encourages-positivity
One Million Dollars Raised By Wyclef Jean's Yele Organization for Haiti
January 15, 2010 07:01:00 AM CST | by Andres Tardio
As we reported earlier this week upon news of the devastating 7.0 earthquake that shook the nation of Haiti, stars in the Hip Hop world urged fans and listeners to contribute, cooperate and rally in support of the nation and its people. One of those stars was Haiti's Goodwill Ambassador Wyclef Jean who led with a call to action. Followers were urged to text "Yele" to 501501 in order to donate $5.
Give on the Go is the mobile communications company that helped coordinate this effort with Yele. Give on the Go's CEO Albe Angel recently spoke regarding this, noting that they have already obtained more than $1 million dollars in donations.
"Since the disaster occurred around 5 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday and [by] midnight [Wednesday] we cleared $1 million," he said, according to MTV. "These types of donations really were spawned by the [2004] tsunami relief effort, and the $1 million that Yele has raised already is a watershed event."
Other celebrities including DJ Whoo Kid, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have offered to help with efforts while President Barack Obama has pledged $100 million in aid from the United States.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10443/title.one-million-dollars-raised-by-wyclef-jeans-yele-organization-for-haiti
Freeway & Jake One Perform Select Dates Together
January 15, 2010 06:01:00 AM CST | by Salima Koroma
This February, Freeway and producer Jake One will release their joint project, The Stimulus Package. To celebrate the upcoming album, the pair plans to throw three separate album release parties next month in Philadelphia, New York, and Boston respectively. This will be Freeway's fourth studio album, and his first with Rhymesayers Entertainment.
The album, dropping on Feb. 16, will also feature Raekwon, Beanie Sigel, Bun B, and Birdman. A month after the release, Freeway and Jake One will take the stage with the Roots on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (Mar. 15).
THE PHILADELPHIA STIMULUS PACKAGE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15th 2010
THE TROCADERO (1003 ARCH STREET, PHILADELPHIA, PA)
8PM / 18+
THE NEW YORK STIMULUS PACKAGE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16th 2010
HIGHLINE BALLROOM (431 W 16th STREET, NEW YORK, NY)
7PM / ALL AGES
THE BOSTON STIMULUS PACKAGE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19th 2010
MIDDLE EAST DOWNSTAIRS (480 MASSACHUSETTS AVE., CAMBRIDGE, MA)
8PM / 18+
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10441/title.freeway-jake-one-perform-select-dates-together
Ghostface, Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica Perform In Diabetes Benefit
January 15, 2010 12:01:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein
Ghostface Killah, Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica, and other artists will be performing next week in Brooklyn to raise awareness for diabetes.
Titled "Mind. Body. Soul.," the show will be hosted by Okayplayer, A Tribe Called Quest Member Phife Dawg and actor Michael Rapaport.
Phife and Ghostface both have diabetes; Phife recently received a kidney transplant as a result of it.
During the event, diabetic support organizations will provide information to and accept donations from concert-goers.
"Mind. Body. Soul." takes place on Wednesday (Jan. 20) at 8:00 PM at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, NY. Fans looking to gain free admittance should email rsvp@theheavysound.com before the day of the show.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10442/title.ghostface-talib-kweli-jay-electronica-perform-in-diabetes-benefit
Benzino Explains Root Of Slaughterhouse Beef, New Music
January 14, 2010 02:39:00 PM CST | by Sha'Linda Jeanine
Hate it or love it the underdog's still going strong. A 20 year veteran, Ray Benzino has weathered the storm through lightening bolts of Hip Hop beefs, and thunderous clashes in the publication world. At the end of the day he has not be deterred, but re-emerged to continue building his legacy as a titan.
Zino stands with new music and bigger ventures than anyone could have ever conceived. Perhaps a misunderstood figure, those contrary biases helped to fuel his long lasting endeavors. If you’re a fan of him artistically of from a media perspective one things must not be denied, the Boston emcee and businessman has paid his dues, and outlasted schools of former peers.
On the cusp of his latest sparing match with the Rap group Slaughterhouse; Ray told HipHopDX this week about his new involvements.
In relation to the highly-publicized Slaughterhouse incident, Ray provided the following “I mean it’s like this, I think it was kind of misconstrued you know what I’m saying. I think they took it the wrong way with the whole video thing. It all started because Royce Da 5’9’s manager [Kino] is the husband of Kim Osorio. Everybody knows Kim Osorio [as onetime Editor-in-Chief of] The Source, and the issues that Dave [Mays] and I had with her. It’s a situation where we wanted to give Slaughterhouse some love in Hip Hop Weekly and they [refused] because of the whole Kim Osorio thing. I just kind of took that for a slight. I was standing around with N.O.R.E. one day and he was asking some questions or whatever, and I stated that I felt like Slaughterhouse was overrated."
The emcee who had tenures both at Universal Motown and Rap-A-Lot Records continued, "I’m looking at it like these guys are supposed to be the top lyricists on the Internet, so I’m just showing that not only can I hang out with them, but I’ve got a couple of young gunners that I’m about to introduce that are going to really show what it is. I mean Crooked I said that he thought Lil Wayne was overrated, and nobody said nothing about that. I’m ready to go to war right now. We’re going to be releasing two songs next week that are going right at Slaughterhouse. So it’s on right now, it’s on and poppin.'”
Recording-wise, Benzino is far from stagnant. DJ Kay Slay just blasted his new single “Break to Build” on HOT 97. Also looming is the speculation of a possible Made Men project. “It’s amazing that Kay Slay just did that. I want to send mad shot outs to Kay Slay. Me being played on HOT 97, which is the biggest radio station in the world, is just amazing. I most definitely want to say that."
Asked about a hiatus from recording, Benzino explained, "I’ve been doing a lot of things. I’ve been in Miami and working with a group called The First 48 with Cognito, Trina’s little brother, One Monster and Lil Dev. We’ve been doing tracks for the last few years. We’re about to drop a new mixtape When the Heavens Fall; we’ve been working really hard on that."
Within his new talent, Benzino remains developing his son Ray-Ray, who first appeared on a single from his father's 2001 Benzino Project album. "I’ve also been working on my son’s project, Cool Breeze Ray. I basically had introduced him on the music scene when he was six or seven and he did 'Shine like my Son,' which received rave reviews. But he’s 16 now and he’s a monster, he’s a beast! We’re working with Mario Winans, Stevie J, Scott Storch, Nelly and a lot of big names because so many people have love for Ray Ray."
Benzino last released The Antidote in 2007, which featured Ja Rule, The First 48 and Cognito.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10440/title.benzino-explains-root-of-slaughterhouse-beef-new-music
Kelis Takes On PETA In Open Letter
January 14, 2010 02:01:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine
After reportedly receiving a personal letter from animal rights organization PETA, singer Kelis released a statement today saying she was prompted to respond.
Although she was unclear about if a particular incident of fashion trend she partook in led to the letter, this is an excerpt from the letter: "There is no humane way to kill anything, let me start there. It’s unfortunate but it’s part of life. With that being said, I would eat pterodactyl if you found some and you told me it was meaty and delicious. And after doing a very minimal amount of research....... I found out that the founder Ingrid Newkirk is completely batty. I had a feeling but she far exceeded my expectations. I mean certifiably insane! Lol this chicks will is nuts, google it – it’s a riot! Beyond the fact that I think she's a diabetic, which means she needs insulin, which is taken from lab pigs (I know this because my sister happens to be in veterinary school), which would be completely hypocritical. It’s like don't abuse animals unless it can help me..."
The entire response can be read here.
Previously, rappers including Common and Masta Killa have endorsed PETA.
In related news, Kelis recently signed, with help and production from will.i.am, to Interscope Records.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10439/title.kelis-takes-on-peta-in-open-letter
Jay-Z Tells Interview Mag About Meeting Eminem, Barack Obama
January 14, 2010 01:01:00 PM CST | by Andres Tardio
After the recent release of "On to the Next" as a single from last year's Blueprint 3, fans can expect to hear more from Jay-Z and Swizz Beatz. In fact, Beatz recently spoke on the "international" vibe of this forthcoming project. He also added that fans can expect more live instrumentation from Hova.
“It’s crazy," he told MTV during a recent interview. "I’m working on the intro right now, matter of fact. It’s stupid.”
Then, Swizz went on to add more regarding that "international" sound.
“We been talking about that international vibe since the last album but the sound changes. You got too many people trying to do too many things. They throw it off. I’m actually going out there doing the legwork, sitting there with the master composers, and we gonna pull this thing together.”
In other Jay-Z news, he recently sat down with Interview Magazine to speak with Elvis Mitchell. He opened up about his meetings with Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, adding that it means more when taking his own background into concideration.
"It’s unbelievable because it’s so far away from where I come from. We were the kids who were ignored by every politician. We didn’t have the numbers, the vote, to put anybody in office, because no matter who was in the office, we didn’t think that it would affect change where we lived. So nobody went out and voted. For me, being with [President Barack] Obama or having dinner with Bill Clinton ... it's just crazy. It's mind-blowing, because where I come from is just another world. We were just ignored by politicians — by America in general," he said.
He was also very candid about his relationship with other emcees, noting he listens to Rap thinking about what goes on behind the scenes and what rappers were going through in their lives to make them create their lines. He went on to discuss something he had never previously mentioned to the media or to Eminem regarding one of their studio sessions and how it allowed him to see more than what was presented in raps, what he called a "sad" reality of beef in Hip Hop.
"I never even told him this, but I remember that Eminem came into the studio when we made 'Moment of Clarity,' which he produced, on The Black Album. So here's Eminem. It's 2003, I think The Eminem Show had come out, and he was, like, the biggest rapper in the world — he sold, like, 20 million records worldwide or some ridiculous number. But when he came to the studio, I remember I hugged him and I could feel that he had on a bulletproof vest. I couldn't imagine being that successful. I mean, he's a guy who loves rap and wanted to be successful his whole career. Then he finally gets it, and there's this dark cloud over him. There’s this big beef between 50 Cent and Ja Rule—and between real people, too—so he has to worry about that. He has to be afraid to walk around New York freely. I was like, 'Here it is. You’ve gotten everything you wanted, and now you’re a prisoner of your own fame.' That’s sad to me—that you have to walk around in a bulletproof vest after you’ve sold 20 million records. So, the point being, what I’m interested in is the thing under the thing. You can think you know where he was at when he said those raps, but I saw another level of it personally, and I found it sad."
Further into the interview, he adds more regarding his longtime associate Kanye West and his interruption of Taylor Swift, adding that he agreed with what was said but not the timing of the interruption.
"I just think the timing of what he did was wrong and that, of course, overshadowed everything. He believed that [Beyoncé's] 'Single Ladies' was a better video. I believed that. I think a lot of people believed that. You can't give someone Video of the Year if they don't win Best Female Video. I thought Best Female Video was something you won on the way to Video of the Year."
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10438/title.jay-z-tells-interview-mag-about-meeting-eminem-barack-obama
