Michael Jackson’s Physician to Surrender; Manslaughter Charges Expected
Wednesday, February 03, 2010 11:30 AM
By Chris Richburg
(AllHipHop News) The man who Los Angeles authorities believe is responsible for the death of Michael Jackson is expected to surrender to them this week, according to CNN.com.
Although prosecutors have not announced any charges, Miranda Sevcik, a spokeswoman for the legal team of Dr. Conrad Murray, says the physician has not been told how or where he should surrender.
Nevertheless, Murray’s attorney, Ed Chernoff tells CNN that his client is “more than ready to surrender and answer to any charges."
Murray has been at the center of the ongoing investigation surrounding the death of Jackson, who died unexpectedly on June 25. The music pioneer’s passing was ruled by the Los Angeles County coroner as a homicide resulting from a combination of drugs that included propofol and lorazepam.
Murray has kept a relatively low profile since the tragedy after proclaiming his innocence via a YouTube video that was posted last year. In anticipation of possible charges against him, Sevcik revealed that Murray traveled to Los Angeles from his home in Houston, Texas last week.
Murray expects the charges will be announced within 24 to 48 hours, she added. Murray’s anticipated surrender marks the latest chapter in the ongoing aftermath of Jackson’s death. At the time of Jackson’s passing, Murray had been treating the singer for insomnia for six week. A police affidavit noted that Murray told investigators he had given Jackson three anti-anxiety drugs to help him.
It wasn’t until Jackson finally began sleeping that Murray said he left the bedroom for "about two minutes maximum." The affidavit further stated that "upon his return, Murray noticed that Jackson was no longer breathing." As he crooner was rushed to a UCLA Medical Center, Murray was with him. Jackson was later pronounced dead, despite attempts to give him CPR.
The newest development in the Jackson investigation comes just days after the King of Pop received a Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s Grammy awards on Sunday (Jan. 31).
Prior to his two oldest children accepting the award, Jackson was honored with a heartfelt tribute that included the premiere of a video for his 1995 single, “Earth Song” as well as a live performance featuring Usher, Smokey Robinson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Celine Dion. Jackson’s philanthropy continues to make news as the world celebrates the 25th anniversary of the release of the song, “We Are the World.”
The1985 single, which was co-written by Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, featured the two singers as well as an all-star roster of artists that came together to raise money for famine relief in Africa. A new version of “We Are the Word” featuring an all new line up of entertainers was recorded Monday (Feb.1) in the same studio where the original song was made.
Those participating in the remake included Usher, Hudson, Dion, Faith Evans, Miley Cyrus, Akon, Justin Bieber, Anthony Hamilton, Harry Connick Jr., Tyrese Gibson, Natalie Cole and Keri Hilson as well as rappers Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Drake, Kanye West, Kid Cudi and Lil Wayne.
Proceeds from the updated version of “We Are the World” will go toward relief efforts in Haiti.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/02/03/22114897.aspx
Lawyers After Diddy Over Possible J-Lo Sex Tape
Tuesday, February 02, 2010 3:45 PM
By Ismael AbduSalaam
(AllHipHop News) Sean “Diddy” Combs’ previous relationship with Jennifer Lopez may soon come under lawyer scrutiny courtesy of a lawsuit from Lopez’s ex-husband Ojani Noa.
Noa is embroiled in a contentious court case with Lopez over his intention to release his own tape of the actress kissing a woman and engaging in lap dances.
Noa has maintained the footage is not overtly sexual, but his ex-wife filed an injunction against its release, claiming the footage is “private and personal.”
Noa’s business manager Ed Meyer wants Combs to testify in order to verify if a sex tape exists between the pair.
The purpose is to show a distinct difference between the content of his client’s footage and the possible Combs/Lopez tape.
“Ojani's footage is not a sex tape,” Meyer explained to the NY Post. “In addition to kissing women, there are points where she's lap dancing [with] Ojani [and others]. All with her clothes on. We're trying to establish that it's not a sex tape and therefore usable in Ojani's movie.We will ask: Is there a sex tape between [him] and Lopez, and what does it involve?"
Lopez’s lawyer Jay Lavely vehemently denied the rumor of a sex tape, chastising Meyer’s comments as irresponsible.
"Ed Meyer's comments are false and ridiculous. Ms. Lopez will be completely vindicated on her claims in this matter,” he stated.
Jennifer Lopez failed to secure an arbitration motion, resulting in another hearing. At press time, the next date court will be on March 4.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/02/02/22113758.aspx
Naughty By Nature Preps New LP, Reality Show, Speaks on Apache Loss
Monday, February 01, 2010 2:18 PM
By: Ismael AbduSalaam
(AllHipHop News) Veteran New Jersey trio Naughty By Nature have mapped out a 2010 year that includes a new album and Treach-centered reality show.
The group’s last full length offering IIcons was released in 2002. Because of the layoff, Naughty has released two singles over the past six months to reintroduce themselves to their original fans and a new generation of potential listeners.
“We working on a brand new Naughty album now, it’s called Anthem 8,” Treach disclosed to AllHipHop.com in an exclusive interview. “It’ll be out before the summer we got 2 singles on iTunes, ‘Get to Know Me Better’ and ‘I Gotta Lotta.’ And we shopping a reality show called A Tribe Called Treach. We doing all that and got that in motion.”
Naughty By Nature is known for two of the biggest, seminal singles in Hip-Hop history with “O.P.P.,” and “Hip-Hop Hooray.”
Even with the music industry vastly different from their early to mid 90s popularity peak, the group has maintained themselves through constant touring, particularly on the international front.
“We tour all year round. We’re about to go to Australia with Busta Rhymes and Kid Cudi,” Treach revealed. “We keep it moving. Hip-Hop is a movement, we ain’t stingy and just doing it for Naughty, we doing it for all of Hip-Hop.”
Since the early 90’s, Treach has maintained steady film work. Now with TV booming again, the East Orange native is looking to take his talents to the small screen with his own spin on the reality TV genre.
“Mine is a docu-reality [show]. We see the majority of them and everybody is rich and famous. They shopping all day and going through drama and doing parties,” he explained. “Our thing is about the tribe; our group, production, management, movies, family life, [and] homies in the hood. If you leave the hood they say you forgot where you came from, if you stay you’re doing something you ain’t got no business… We all live in the outskirts no further than 10 minutes out…Their dreams are our dreams. We ain’t just made it and been like ‘we made it, y’all better get y’alls.’ We’re like, what can we do to help….Just like Flavor Unit pulled us out.”
Naughty’s close friend and fellow emcee Apache (Anthony Teaks) was laid to rest last week after passing suddenly from an undisclosed illness.
Both parties featured extensively on each other’s early albums (Apache Ain’t Shit, Naughty By Nature), and Vinnie detailed it was Apache who convinced Flavor Unit to give them a shot.
“Our big brother passed away, we just buried him,” he said. “He’s definitely a Hip-Hop legend and another Hip-Hop icon. He gave birth to Naughty By Nature. He told Flavor Unit ‘if y’all don’t sign naughty, I’m not messing with y’all.’”
At press time, Naughty By Nature’s Anthem 8 album does not have a set release date.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/02/01/22113144.aspx
Exclusive: C-Murder Speaks From Angola Prison; Working On Appeal
Monday, February 01, 2010 12:17 PM
By Grouchy Greg Watkins
(AllHipHop News) Incarcerated rapper Corey “C-Murder” Miller reached out to AllHipHop.com to give his fans an update on his status, since being sentenced to mandatory life in prison in August of 2009.
Miller is currently serving a mandatory life sentence at Angola State prison in Louisiana, after being convicted of murdering 16-year-old Steve Thomas, in a now defunct Jefferson Parish nightclub in 2002.
C-Murder was originally convicted of the crime in 2003, but won a retrial after prosecutors were caught expunging the criminal records of their key witnesses, to boost their credibility.
Miller was convicted after a retrial in August of 2009 and sentenced to life in prison, despite a juror’s admission that she was pressured into convicting Miller.
“I'm holding up pretty good here at Angola,” C-Murder told AllHipHop.com. “I work out regularly and participate in all sports leagues.”
The rapper’s key responsibility in prison is kitchen duty and he has to be up each day at 5:30 AM.
“Of course I hate it, but hey, you gotta do what you gotta do,” C-Murder told AllHipHop.com. “Life is short and the time you waste in jail can never be replaced."
Corey Miller is the younger brother of rap mogul Percy “Master P.” Miller and Vyshonne "Silkk The Shocker" Miller, in addition to being teen actor Romeo Miller's uncle.
He released eight albums during his career, recording with artists like Snoop Dogg, UGK, Soulja Slim, Da Brat, Jermaine Dupri, Fat Joe, Bone and numerous others.
Corey Miller is currently working on an appeal of his guilty verdict.
“I'm asking you guys to take heed to my situation and better yourselves to live a positive and productive life,” Miller told AllHipHop.com.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/02/01/22113088.aspx
Soulja Boy Sentenced To 12 Months Probation
Friday, February 05, 2010 10:04 AM
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) A judge has sentenced popular rapper Soulja Boy to a year of probation over an October 2009 incident in Henry County, Georgia.
The rapper was among a group of about 40 people who were shooting a video in an abandon house.
When police officers arrived to investigate complaints in the area, the group of people assembled fled on foot.
Soulja Boy, born DeAndre Cortez Way, was arrested and sent to the Henry County Jail, but was quickly bonded out.
The rapper admitted to the charges in court earlier this week and was sentenced to 12 months probation and given a $1,000 fine.
The arrest hasn’t slowed Soulja Boy down over the past year.
He is currently working on a book titled Teenage Millionaire, he recently wrapped up shooting on two movies with actor Nick Cannon and is producing tracks on Kanye West’s new album.
“I produced a few songs for Kanye’s album,” Soulja Boy told AllHipHop.com. “Its really special for me and I think it’s going to be really amazing. We we’re in the studio in Los Angeles. I did one track that I know people are going to go crazy over.”
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/02/05/22116779.aspx
Inspectah Deck Announces "Manifesto" For March 9 Release
February 05, 2010 10:02:00 AM CST | by Jake Paine
It was revealed this week that Traffic Entertainment will be releasing The Manifesto, a new album from acclaimed Wu-Tang lyricist and budding producer Inspectah Deck. The album will be Deck's first since 2008, and arguably his first majorly-distributed work in over seven years. The Park Hill emcee's 1999 debut Uncontrolled Substance was a gold-selling album for the then Loud/Relativity Records artist.
Last year, Deck returned to the spotlight in a publicized feud with Joe Budden, over a dispute over the Wu-Tang Clan's legacy. Deck also executive produced Fes Taylor's Flight 10304. On The Manifesto, w, Planet Asia, Billy Danze, Kurupt and Cormega appear.
The tentative tracklisting is below:
1. True
2. Ghetto Luv
3. No Hook (featuring Raekwon)
4. Get Body
5. Eyes On Me
6. Tombstone
7. Five Star Gee
8. Brothaz Respect
9. Do Whatcha Gotta
10. Really Real
11. Love Letter
12. P.S.A.
13. Born Survivor (featuring Cormega)
14. Masters Of Ceremony (featuring Planet Asia)
15. Pop Dem Thangz (featuring Kurupt & Billy Danze (of M.O.P.))
16. This Is It
17. The Greatest Story Never Told
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10574/title.inspectah-deck-announces-manifesto-for-march-9-release
Eve Implicated In Money Laundering Case
February 05, 2010 12:28:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein
Rapper Eve has become entangled in what's being described as a "massive U.S. Senate investigation into the illicit movement of millions of foreign dollars through the American financial system," according to ABCNews.com.
Reports indicate that Senate investigators have been tracking money flowing in and out of the United States from accounts held by Eve's on-again-off-again boyfriend, Teodorin Nguema Obiang, son of Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo.
According to the investigative report, Eve was among middle men (as well as lawyers, escrow and real estate agents) to set up shell companies in the United States. Obiang allegedly used those companies to wire funds, allowing him to make numerous expensive purchases.
Eve's supposed role in the scheme amounts only to a "cameo," as most of the tasks are thought to have been carried out by two Los Angeles lawyers.
Eve's publicist didd not respond to requests for comment, though the rapper is planning to release a new album, Lip Lock, this year.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10572/title.eve-implicated-in-money-laundering-case
Jay-Z Sues Investment Company For $3.7 Million
February 04, 2010 09:12:00 PM CST | by Salima Koroma
When it comes to doing business, Jay-Z seems to have been graced with the Midas touch. The rapper has been involved in numerous lucrative business deals, and was recently placed at number one on Forbes' "Top Earning Couples" list with wife and singer Beyonce.
On Thursday, however, Jay filed a $3.7 million lawsuit against investment firm Highland Capital Management over a 2007 loan for a hotel that was never opened. During that time, Hov reportedly borrowed $52 million to open his own hotel in Manhattan, to be christened the J Hotel. In order to avoid repossession, however, the rapper was forced to sell the loan to Highland when the property value fell due to an uncertain economy.
Jay-Z's lawsuit claims that Highland's unresponsiveness and consistent delay of negotiations regarding the loan led to a loss of $20,000 a day. According to the lawsuit, "This action arises out of the efforts by defendants [Highland Capital Management] to bleed additional funds from the plaintiff [Jay-Z]."
In response to the claim, the investment firm offered its own response. It said in a statement, "Highland believes the claims asserted by Mr. Carter are meritless, and [the company] will vigorously defend itself and intends to pursue the obligations owed to Highland's investors by the borrower, Mr. Carter and the other guarantors."
No word yet on when the trial will happen.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10570/title.jay-z-sues-investment-company-for-37-million
Ludacris Speaks On Hosting New MTV2 Docu-Series
February 03, 2010 02:02:00 PM CST | by Danielle Harling
Atlanta-based rapper Ludacris is already having quite the year. His album Battle Of The Sexes will be released next month, his tour with the Black Eyed Peas kicks off in Atlanta this week, and he’s also the host of MTV2’s latest docu-series Sprite Step Off.
Sprite Step Off will follow six college step teams, representing both fraternities and sororities, as they compete for an impressive grand prize of $100,000 in scholarships for each winning team.
“You kinda get the behind the scenes and get to see what goes into all of the strategic and creative thinking when it comes to the world of stepping which of course has been around for quite some time,” Ludacris told HipHopDX. “It’s a culture and it’s a phenomenon that has been going on for so long but I don’t feel like anybody’s ever got a glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes in terms of what’s with these fraternities and sororities and the camaraderie that happens between all of them.”
Lasting 30-minutes per episode Sprite Step Off will document each team as they prepare and compete in the regional competitions.
“Stepping was always something that I was actually fascinated by even though I never did it myself, but [I wanted] to be involved with it because I feel like in television today I would like to show, especially when it comes to students and education and things of that nature, people that are using creative thinking,” Ludacris explained to DX.
With a new album, a U.S. tour with one of the world’s biggest groups, and the release of his liquor Conjure Cognac it seems hard to believe that Ludacris is still managing to keep his head above water.
“Man I have no idea,” said Ludacris when asked how he’s coping with so many projects. “You hear my voice right now, it’s about to go out. It’s like I’m taking it one hour at a time. I’m definitely doing a lot right now, but I’m extremely blessed and I’m happy about everything and passionate about what’s going on.”
Sprite Step Off premiered on Sunday, January 31 and will continue to air at 3 p.m. EST on Sunday’s on MTV2.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10561/title.ludacris-speaks-on-hosting-new-mtv2-docu-series
DX News Bits: Reflection Eternal, Army of the Pharaohs, and Hip Hop's Hall of Fame
February 04, 2010 01:38:00 PM CST | by Andres Tardio
The rise of Twitter has many emcees choosing to leak information on their own as of late. That happens to be the case with Talib Kweli, who took to his Twitter page to announce the release of Reflection Eternal's forthcoming album, Revolutions Per Minute.
Noting as the album's "official release date," Kweli said it will hit store shelves and online stores on April 6. "Spread the word," he added.
The album has been highly anticipated for years. Anticipation grew when the two released "Back Again " last year.
Another group also used their Twitter account to announce release information. @JMTHipHop recently let out information about the Army of Pharaohs album.
"We have an official release date for the new Army of the Pharaohs The Unholy Terror album...March 30, 2010."
Vinnie Paz, Reef the Lost Cauze, Apathy, Celph Titled, Esoteric and more will be a part of this release.
In other news, the Hip Hop Hall of Fame will open its doors in June of this year. Grandmaster Caz of the Cold Crush Bros, RockHall inductee Melle Mel, Kurtis Blow, Pebblee Pool, L.A. Sunshine, Kool Herc are all on the advisory board which now features Easy Mo Bee as the Hall of Fame's Music Producer.
Easy Mo Bee will handle production for the red carpet event opening of the Hall of Fame, which will be taking place in New York City.
Mo Bee is most known for producing much of Notorious B.I.G.'s debut, Ready To Die, as well as 2Pac's acclaimed 1995 album, Me Against The World. Presently, he is said to be working on an album with MC Eiht.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10569/title.dx-news-bits-reflection-eternal-army-of-the-pharaohs-and-hip-hops-hall-of-fame
Kanye West Allegedly Throws Tantrum On Plane
February 04, 2010 12:02:00 PM CST | by Danielle Harling
Apparently, rapper Kanye West can’t seem to fly the friendly sky’s without being involved in some kind of altercation.
According to the New York Post, West reportedly threw somewhat of a fit when he and his assistant were placed in business class instead of first class on their way back to New York City from the Grammy’s on Monday, February 1.
"He wanted to be bumped up," a witness to the incident told the New York Post.
Eventually, West was placed in the first class section of the plane. The New York Post reached out to a rep for West, but did not receive a response.
A little over a year ago, West and his manager were arrested after smashing the cameras of two photographer’s at Los Angeles’ LAX airport which is ironically the same airport West’s flight on Monday left from.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10568/title.kanye-west-allegedly-throws-tantrum-on-plane
CBS Explains Censoring of "Forever"/"Drop the World" Grammy Performance
February 04, 2010 12:02:00 AM CST | by Salima Koroma
This past Sunday's airing of the Grammy Awards show featured some of music biggest acts including Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, and Beyonce. Lil Wayne, Drake, and Eminem also made appearances, performing both "Forever," and "Drop the World" during the latter half of the telecast. However, for those who caught the show live, lyrics during the performance were consistently censored out, causing somewhat of a distraction for viewers.
CBS, which aired the awards show, explained why it censored so much of the only Hip Hop performance that night. "It was a rousing musical performance," CBS told the Associated Press, "but words were edited from the live telecast that didn't meet our broadcast standards. We have great respect for artists' creative freedom, but there are certain things you can't say, or sing on television."
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10564/title.cbs-explains-censoring-of-forever-drop-the-world-grammy-performance
Raekwon Reveals Group Album Name, Release Date
February 04, 2010 12:02:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein
As the buzz continues to grow for Raekwon, Ghostface Killah and Method Man's group album, The Chef has finally provided some major details about the project.
After going through multiple name changes, it seems the trio has settled on a final choice - as well as a release date. “Yo, March 9th, Three, the Hard Way album coming,” said Rae in a video to XXLMag.com, recorded during his tour in Canada. “Me, Ghost, Meth, get ready. We gonna be shooting a video next month or something… Everybody get ready.”
The album, which was first discussed following the release of the Wu-Tang Clan's 8 Diagrams, has been previously referred to by the names Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang and Wu-Massacre. The album also saw a number of delays.
"Our Dreams," presumably a track off of the album, was released just weeks ago.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10563/title.raekwon-reveals-group-album-name-release-date
Chamillionaire & Paul Wall Announce Tour Together
February 03, 2010 01:37:00 PM CST | by Andres Tardio
Chamillionaire and Paul Wall have had a tumultuous relationship, one that has been filled with ups and downs over the years. After becoming rhyming partners, they were a staple in the independent album circuit, releasing such underground classics as Get Ya Mind Correct.
By 2005, the major label-backed emcees went their seperate ways find gold and platinum success on their own. After some amicability and spot date performances in the last two years, the two announced that they are bringing their reunion to a nationwide stage.
The news comes as a confirmation from Cham himself via Twitter.
"It's official @chamillionaire & @paulwallbaby are going on tour together. ITS GOIN ALL THE WAY DOWN."
Not stopping with that, he also calls other emcees to unite.
"Don't stop with me and Paul goin on tour. I think every1 that reps Texas should work together to make these industry nut riders sick."
Cham also released Major Pain today, kicking off a new mixtape series. He also confirmed that he has signed the first 1,000 copies.
"Just finished signing the first 1,000 MAJOR PAIN cds. Me and my bright ideas."
Paul Wall and Chamillionaire are headlining acts in this year's South By Southwest in Austin, Texas, the third week of March.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10559/title.chamillionaire-paul-wall-announce-tour-together
Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 1/31/2010
February 03, 2010 10:23:00 AM CST | by Allen Jacobs
MTV's Hope For Haiti Now release stayed strong in its second week of release. Now coming in #2 just behind Country/Pop act Lady Antebellum's Need You Now, the compilation of songs specifically written for the tragedy includes work from already chartering acts such as Jay-Z, Rihanna, Alicia, Keys and Mary J Blige. Wyclef Jean was also involved. Proceeds from the sale go to relief efforts in Haiti, which were independent of the over $57 million raised by phone, text and web support over the weekend.
Michael Jackson's This Is It made a huge climb on the charts. The Epic Records soundtrack companion to the summer film surged 11 spots. Although the Grammy Awards aired Sunday, the tribute may have had a huge effect in the closing hours of the sales week, which runs Monday through Sunday.
The lone new Urban release was Corinne Bailey Rae's The Sea. The EMI/Blue Note project was met with warm reviews, and debuted at #7. The Black Eyed Peas maintained a Top 10 appearance with The E.N.D. The Los Angeles-based quartet's release crossed the 1.9 million mark, bringing them to the cusp of double platinum.
Alicia Keys' Element Of Freedom remained in the Top 10. The #7 J Records release appears to be two more weeks away from a platinum plaque, though Keys' involvement with the aforementioned telethon and other media appearances could drive sales faster.
* Please note: figures below approximated to nearest thousandeth.
Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)
Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
2
Various Artists
Hope For Haiti Now
143,000
314,000
6 Michael Jackson's
This Is It
55,000
1,404,000
7
Corinne Bailey Rae
The Sea
53,000
53,000
10
Black Eyed Peas
The E.N.D.
40,000
1,929,000
11
Alicia Keys
Element of Freedom
37,000
965,000
Lil Wayne and teammates' We Are Young Money approaches 300,000 just as Rebirth releases. Next week, Wayne will likely be the first rapper since T.I. to have two different albums on the Top 200. With Birdman, Jay Sean and the 350,000-plus-selling Drake already on the charts, Cash Money/Universal Records shows signs of early sales dominance in 2010, though Interscope continues to find a great magnitude of success in Black Eyed Peas, 50 Cent and Eminem.
Speaking of Eminem's Relapse, that and Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 continue to sell very close week-to-week. The two efforts differred by less than 250 overall units sold. Both aim for multi-platinum status, with equal potential in the next quarter.
Kid Cudi is likely two weeks away from crossing the 300,000 mark. The Cleveland-born emcee/singer found a lot of success in his debut release Man On The Moon: The End Of Day. The G.O.O.D. Music rapper is said to be taking a new artistic direction with his 2010 sophomore effort, which will reportedly be a more positive, happier-sounding record. 50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct heads towards 400,000. The Interscope album may be Fif's last with his second major label.
Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
28
Young Money
We Are Young Money
19,000
270,000
40
Jay-Z Blueprint 3
14,000
1,578,000
41
Eminem
Relapse
14,000
1,805,000
85
Kid Cudi
Man On The Moon: The End Of Day
6,600
289,000
86
50 Cent
Before I Self Destruct
6,600
379,000
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10557/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-1-31-2010
Rap Release Dates: Tony Yayo, Mariah Carey, Ludacris
February 01, 2010 12:02:00 PM CST | by Mitchell Hanna
Several artists recently announced the February release of their upcoming mixtapes including B.o.B., Bun B, Cassidy, Chris Brown, Curren$y, Joell Ortiz and Novel, Juelz Santana, Kuniva, OJ Da Juiceman, Styles P, and Wordsmith. While Tony Yayo has been advertising that his Gunpowder Guru: The LP album prequel will hit iTunes on February 9, it appears that the project has sprung an early leak today thanks to Amazon.com. Just three weeks after his release of Prenuptial Agreement, J. Stalin will release his follow-up entitled The Annulment. Speaking of follow-ups, Sadat X has revealed the delay of his forthcoming Wild Cowboys II album until March 23. As mentioned in last week’s edition of Rap Release Dates, Sadat X will tide fans over with the Wild Cowboys II EP, slated for the album’s original February 23 release date. The following is a listing of what to expect from February:
February 1
B.o.B. (a.k.a. Bobby Ray), DJ Drama, & DJ Sense May 25th
Bun B (of UGK) No Mixtape
OJ Da Juiceman & DJ Drama O.R.A.N.G.E.
Ques RAP2K10
Tony Yayo Gunpowder Guru: The LP
February 2
Big Noyd Queens Chronicle
Chamillionaire Major Pain
Cunninlynguists Dirty Acres (Deluxe Edition)
J. Stalin The Annulment
Lil Wayne Rebirth
Madlib Madlib Medicine Show No. 1: Before The Verdict
Maino Unstoppable
Statik Selektah 100 Proof (The Hangover)
Styles P (of The L.O.X.) & DJ Green Lantern The Green Ghost Project
Styles P & DJ O.P 02.02.10
February 4
Cassidy, DJ Thoro & Big Mike Apply Pressure 2
February 5
Joell Ortiz & Novel Denying The Unpredictable
February 7
Curren$y & Don Cannon Smokey Robinson
February 9
Bekay The Hunger Pains Remix EP
Canibus Melatonin Magik
Donnis Gone EP
DJ Kay Slay More Than Just A DJ
Georgia Anne Muldrow Kings Ballad
Gil Scott-Heron I’m New Here
Jaheim Another Round
Kuniva Retribution: The Mixtape
Kurupt Down And Dirty
Sade Soldier Of Love
February 14
Chris Brown & DJ Drama In My Zone
Johnny Polygon & DJ Green Lantern Rebel Without Applause
Juelz Santana & DJ Clue Reagan Era
February 16
Big Rich & Ya Boy Guns & Roses: The EP
Freeway & Jake One The Stimulus Package
LMNO Push That Work
Mathematics Return Of The Wu And Friends
The Jacka Dre Area Vol. 2
February 23
DJ Babu The Beat Tape Vol. 2
General Steele Amerikkka’s Nightmare Part 2: Children Of War
Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime (a.k.a. Dudley Perkins) SomeOthaShip
k-os Yes!
Madlib Madlib Medicine Show No. 2: Flight To Brazil
Madlib (as The Last Electro-Acoustic Space Jazz & Percussion Ensemble) Miles Away
Oddisee Traveling Man
Planet Asia & Gold Chain Military Chain Of Command
Rob Swift The Architect
Sadat X Wild Cowboys II EP
Snoop Dogg The West Coast Blueprint
Tha Chill Chillafornia
Wordsmith The Vintage Vault Mixtape
This week, Murs and 9th Wonder proclaimed to the masses that their next collaborative project, entitled ForNever, will hit stores on March 30. Other key movement for the month includes Ludacris pushing Battle Of The Sexes forward a week and both Mariah Carey’s Angels Advocate and Usher’s Raymond V. Raymond being moved to March 30. The following is what March will bring to the table:
March 2
B. Dolan Fallen House, Sunken City
Bun B Trill O.G.
DJ Khaled Victory
Jason Derulo Jason Derulo
K. Sparks A Day In The Life
Main Flow Return Of The Castle
Raheem DeVaughn The Love & War Masterpeace
March 9
Bertell Goin’ Hard
Broken Bells (Danger Mouse & James Mercer) Broken Bells
Gorillaz Plastic Beach
Juice The Gift
Kidz In The Hall Land Of Make Believe
Ludacris Battle Of The Sexes
Reks R.E.K.S.
U-N-I & Ro Blvd. A Love Supreme 2.0
March 16
Amp Live Murder At The Discotech
Andre Nickatina Khan! The Me Generation
Black Sheep From The Black Pool Of Genius
Swollen Members Greatest Hits
Yukmouth Free At Last
March 23
Big Boi Sir Luscious Left Foot: Son Of Chico Dusty
Brotha Lynch Hung Dinner And A Movie
Cam’ron Presents The U.N. Gunz N’ Butta
Donwill Don Cusack In High Fidelity
Game The R.E.D. Album
J-Kwon J-Kwon
Madlib Madlib Medicine Show No. 3: Beat Konducta In Africa And India
Marco Polo & Ruste Juxx The eXXecution
Memphis Bleek The Process
Monica Still Standing
Plies Goon Affiliated
Redman Reggie Noble 9½
Sadat X Wild Cowboys II
Snoop Dogg Malice N Wonderland: More Malice
Three 6 Mafia Laws Of Power
Yo Gotti Live From The Kitchen
March 30
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Uni5: The World’s Enemy
Drake Thank Me Later
E-40 Revenue Retrievin’: Day Shift
E-40 Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift
Erykah Badu New Amerykah Pt. 2 (Return Of The Ankh)
Mariah Carey Angels Advocate
Murs & 9th Wonder ForNever
Spice 1 Home Street Home
T-Pain RevolveЯ
Usher Raymond V. Raymond
Wordsmith Vintage Experience
yU Before Taxes
Looking further out, 8Ball & MJG, Krayzie Bone, Lil Jon, Little Brother, Macy Gray, Pastor Troy, and Reflection Eternal have all pegged release dates for their forthcoming projects. In addition, Trina revealed that her Amazin’ album would hit the streets a month sooner, while Chamillionaire, Jamie Foxx, and Joell Ortiz are making fans wait a little bit longer for their next albums.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10546/title.rap-release-dates-tony-yayo-mariah-carey-ludacris
2010 HipHopDX Grammy Awards Wrap-Up
January 31, 2010 10:01:00 PM CST | by Slava Kuperstein
The 2010 Grammy Awards certainly opened up with a bang. After the awards show announcer remarked that with all the female nominees, it was "ladies night," Lady Gaga appeared on stage in a green outfit with enormous shoulder pads to perform "Poker Face." In the middle of the song, Gaga was tossed in to a vat of fire which read "rejected." But not even fire could stop the pop star, as she emerjed with Sir Elton John seated at a dual-sided piano, to perform Gaga's song "Speechless," with a bit of John's "Your Song" included. This wasn't Sir Elton's first surprise performance at the Grammy Awards, as he once famously joined Eminem to perform his seminal track, "Stan."
Beyonce was one of the early performers of the evening, who began her ascent to the main stage accompanied by several dozen men in riot gear. After a rendition of her song, "If I Were a Boy," Beyonce somewhat surprisingly sang a version of Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know." The Black-Eyed Peas also performed at the show, taking their latest hit, "I'mma Be," to the stage dressed in black leather garb. After this, they rocked their smash single, "I Gotta Feeling."
Near the mid-point of the night, it appeared as though the Grammys were going to go high-brow, as three opera singers lined up to perform. As it happened, the third was none other than Jamie Foxx, who went on to perform his song, "Blame It." It would turn out to be an star-studded performance, as Foxx was joined by T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, and Guns-N-Roses guitarist Slash, who did a solo.
Legend Lionel Richie took the stage to preface a tribute to Michael Jackson. Celine Deion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson joined together for a 3D performance of "Earth Song." Various artists like Rihanna and Beyonce were seen wearing 3D glasses during the performance. Quincy Jones, Jackson's legendary collaborator, was seen applauding at the end. After the performance, Richie introduced Jackson's children, Paris and Prince Jackson, who accepted a lifetime achievement award on behalf of the King of Pop. Prince explained how his father's message was one of love, while Paris offered only, "Daddy was going to perform this year...Thank you we love you, Daddy."
Mos Def was paired with 9-time Grammy Award (and three-time Latin Grammy Award) Opera Singer Placido Domingo to present the award for "Best Rap-Sung Collaboration," which went to Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna for "Run This Town." Jay-Z and Rihanna took the stage to accept the award - West was absent from the ceremony altogether. Solange Knowles' son accompanied the pair to the stage, whose outfit - comprised of a tuxedo and Nike Dunks - Jay-Z described as "fresh."
After a brief introduction by Wyclef Jean, who schooled the crowd to some Creole sayings, Mary J. Blige, Andrea Bocelli and David Foster performed "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (which can be downloaded at iTunes in support of earthquake relief). Wyclef also assured the audience and those watching at home that the Haitian people were strong, and thanked the people of the United States for its support.
While accepting the award for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance," Beyonce nearly acknowledged her marriage to Jay-as she thanked her "husband." When the camera panned to Jay, the rap star appeared to mouth "Hey!" while laughing guiltily. After, Hip Hop legend LL Cool J (a Grammy winner Himself), introduced R&B Singer Maxwell, who performed his song, "Pretty Wings." The singer was then joined by Roberta Flack, and they both sang "Where is the Love."
Among those remembered in the annual "In Memoriam" montage were Soul legend Teddy Pendergrass and DJ AM.
For the main event of the evening, director Quentin Tarantino came out to introduce the final act. Lil Wayne and Eminem took the stage to perform their song, "Drop The World." Accompanied by Travis Barker on drums and an entire instrumental set, the duo was then joined by Drake for the smash posse cut, "Forever." The all-star team had the entire crowd in an uproar, and earned a standing ovation at the end. Unfortunately, much of the perfomance was censored, sure to frustrate those listening at home.
And with that, the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards are officially in the books.
Hip Hop and R&B Winners:
Best Rap Album: Eminem - Relapse
Best Rap Solo Performance: Jay-Z - "D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune)"
Best Rap Song: Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West - "Run This Town"
Best Rap Perfomance By a Duo or Group: Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent - "Crack a Bottle"
Best Urban/Alternative Performance: India.Arie and Dobet Gnahore - "Pearls"
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration: Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West - "Run This Town"
Best Female Pop Vocal Performance: Beyonce - "Halo"
Song of the Year: Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
Best Female R&B Vocal Performance: Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
Best Male R&B Vocal Performance: Maxwell - "Pretty Wings"
Best R&B Performance By a Duo/Group With Vocals: Jamie Foxx and T-Pain - "Blame It"
Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance: "At Last" - Beyonce
Best R&B Song: Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
Best R&B Album: Maxwell - BLACKsummer'snight - Maxwell
Best Contemporary R&B Album: Beyonce - I Am...Sasha Fierce
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10543/title.2010-hiphopdx-grammy-awards-wrap-up
