Saturday, March 6, 2010

The Roots Announce Release Date for How I Got Over

The Roots Announce Release Date for How I Got Over
March 05, 2010 05:03:00 PM CST | by Andres Tardio

The Roots have announced that they will finally release How I Got Over this June on Def Jam, an album that has been heavily anticipated for quite some time.

Originally, the album was meant to be released in 2009 but it was pushed back for various reasons. It seems this release date is set, according to ?uestlove's Twitter account.

The album's first single, "How I Got Over " was originally introduced and showcased last year on The Roots' second home, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The video below is of their performance on the show.



More recently, The Roots made headlines when they announced their upcoming Picnic and when news surfaced that they would produce John Legend's next project.

Expect The Roots' How I Got Over to be released June 8 on Def Jam.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10772/title.the-roots-announce-release-date-for-how-i-got-over

Thursday, March 4, 2010

T.I. To Be Officially Released From Halfway House This Month

News: T.I. To Be Officially Released From Halfway House This Month
Thursday, Mar 4, 2010 6:05PM

Written by Biz Jones

Rapper T.I. will reportedly be freed from criminal confinement later this month, according to the Federal Bureau of Prison records.

Reports show the rapper being officially released in late March.

The rapper announced new single "I'm Back" through a promotional Twitter account, and his lawyer confirmed to MTV News on Thursday (March 4) that Tip will be released from prison later this month. Federal Bureau of Prison records list the rapper's release date as March 26. "That date is correct," lawyer Steve Sadow said via e-mail. "T.I. is now serving the remainder of his sentence in home confinement under the supervision of the U.S. Bureau of Prisons." (MTV)
He previously made his first televised appearance after lending his support to girlfriend Tiny during a fundraiser last month.

"I am very well, very happy to be seen," said the Atlanta rapper-actor, who joined his fiancee Tameka "Tiny" Cottle on stage at the end of the "For The Love of Our Fathers" fundraiser for Alzheimer's research. Before the T.I. surprise, the audience was treated to brief performances by classic R&B group The Tams (which includes Tiny's father Charles Pope, and was led by her brother Little Redd); newcomers The OMG Girlz (which includes the daughters of both Tiny and Toya), QT Jazz and Lil Shun and New Nu (from T.I.'s Grand Hustle label); as well as established R&B singers Kandi, Jaheim and Pleasure P...T.I., on the other hand, wasn't quite done. When Tiny walked out of the Midtown nightclub, there was a blue Porsche Panamera out front - topped with a red bow brighter than the recipient's new hair. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Lawyer Steve Sadow recently said the rapper returned to his hometown, Atlanta, Georgia in December.

"He was released this morning from his place of incarceration in Arkansas," Sadow said in an interview. "As I understand it, he's on his way back to the Atlanta area. He has to report to a halfway house in Atlanta sometime this evening. And he will then spend somewhere between the next two or three months in a halfway house, ending his Buruea of Prison sentence. A halfway house is more along the lines of a residential dormitory. You live within this house that is broken into areas for living, and you are permitted to leave during the day for certain reasons of which would be employment, medical reasons, things of that nature, and you return to the halfway house in the evening. So it's a restriction on your liberty but it's a way for you to reenter into society and not be confined within a jail type institution 24-hours a day." (XXL Mag)
Producer Jim Jonsin recently confirmed T.I. is working on a new album.

"It doesn't seem like he missed a beat," Jonsin said in an interview. "He was so upbeat, his spirits were up, and he's excited to be out and working. He hasn't changed, he sounded exactly like he did when I talked to him months before he went in. He's back in the studio. I sent him some music via email. He can work during the week and not on the weekend, I believe. He's definitely working on an album for this year right now." (Rap-Up)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/03/ti_to_be_officially_released_from_halfwa.html

St. Louis Rapper J-Kwon Found, Alive & Well

St. Louis Rapper J-Kwon Found, Alive & Well
March 04, 2010 02:03:00 PM CST | by Slava Kuperstein

Rapper J-Kwon has gone missing, according to a press release from the St. Louis native's label.

According to the release, the 24-year-old's label, Gracie Productions, has been unable to reach him for over a month.

Anyone with information on the matter is urged to send in tips. A Twitter account, @WhereIsJkwon, has been set up to provide updates.

“J-Kwon is a big part of the Gracie family, and we are obviously increasingly worried and want to make sure he is ok," says Gracie Productions CEO/President Tony Bucher. "We’ve already received thousands of emails from fans and supporters who are worried about J-Kwon, and we want everyone to know how much we appreciate the love and support. If anyone has seen J-Kwon or has access to him, please let him know we are worried about him, and to please let us know everything is ok.”

After his 2004 album, Hood Hop, which featured the smash hit "Tipsy," J-Kwon released two projects in 2009 on Gracie Productions: Hood Hop 2 and Hood Hop 2.5. His self-titled album is set to hit stores on March 23, 2010 via One Records.

For more information, go to www.myspace.com/jkwon and www.gracieprod.com.

UPDATE: People close to J-Kwon revealed to DX Wednesday afternoon that recently, the rapper had been reclusive, isolating himself from friends, family and business partners. Sources hint that the former So So Def artist may have been struggling with emotional issues.

UPDATE: March 4th, J-Kwon contacted his label, Gracie Entertainment. The rapper declined making a public statement, but the following comes from Dorian Washington, co-CEO of Gracie and CEO of D.Wash Management: "I am very happy to let everyone know that I personally spoke with J-Kwon today, and he is okay. He'd like to send a sincere apology to his friends and everyone who showed concern this week. He was taking some time to himself as he sometimes does, not realizing that people would start to worry after a while. A few days out of touch versus a month is quite a difference. Right now he just wants to keep doing what he's doing, and will be more available for those who care about him. We thank you again for your outreach, and we are relieved to know he'll be alright."

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10749/title.st-louis-rapper-j-kwon-found-alive-well

Plies Sued Over 2006 Shooting

Plies Sued Over 2006 Shooting
March 04, 2010 12:44:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein

Five victims of a 2006 Gainesville, Florida shooting are suing rapper Plies, along with his record label.

According to the Miami Herald, the suit, which was filed on Wednesday (March 3) in Alachua County Circuit Court, claims that Plies and his label have profited from the victims' suffering.

Plies was previously sued over the incident, in which members of his entourage allegedly fired into a sold-out crowd.

The rapper's brother, Ronell Lavatte, and a member of the entourage, Tory Carnegie, are said to have fired into the crowd. The two were charged with attempted murder. Levatte served three years in prison after pleading no contest to weapons charges.

More on this story as it develops.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10759/title.plies-sued-over-2006-shooting

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Young Jeezy Finds His "Motivation," Announces Release Date For New Album

News: Young Jeezy Finds His "Motivation," Announces Release Date For New Album
Wednesday, Mar 3, 2010 11:50AM

Written by Rosario Harper

Southern rapper Young Jeezy has announced plans to release his upcoming album Thug Motivation 103 this summer.

Jeezy recently explained how he snagged Plies for the project's first single, "Lose My Mind,".

"To keep it all the way 100 with you, we did a record called 'So Sad,' " Jeezy said about how he got with Plies. "Before I could put it out, the record leaked, so we was good on that. Then I was gonna do a record for him [for his album]. I did the record, by the way, but I had 'Lose My Mind.' I done three verses. I listened to it a couple of times. I said, 'Let me try something. I'mma put somebody on the record.' I was doing a joint for him at the time and happened to see him. We was doing something for [NBA] All-Star [Weekend]. I was like, 'Yo, I'mma get you this record, see if you like it.' He sent it right back. I went with it. Just to warm up the streets, let them know I'm coming." Young said his album will drop sometime in June. And, of course, we'll get his mixtape, Trap or Die 2 with DJ Drama, sometime before that. (MTV)
Earlier this year, Jeezy said he had not yet settled on a release date for the new album.

"Oh man, sooner than later," Jeezy said about the album's release date last January. "I'm finishing up now, wrapping up now. I was just in the studio 15 minutes ago. Shout-outs to the homie Swizz [Beatz]. [We're] doing some of everything. You know Swizz will keep you up all night. [We did] like two and half [songs.] Look for the album asap." ("Ed Lover Show")
Reports last year suggested it would come out in February.

Word is this came from the back of a ticket for an All-American High School football game that will be held on January 2nd which Jeezy is scheduled to perform at half-time. "Jeezy TM103 in stores February 9th This ticket is a revocable license, which may be withdrawn, and admission refused anytime upon refunding the printed purchase price." (You Heard That New)
Last August, Jeezy updated fans on the record's status.

"I have some new producers I'm going to introduce to the world," Jeezy promised. "I like to set trends. I'm going to keep those names in the bag. I want it to be a big deal when you first hear them. There will be a few of the producers I worked from Thug Motivation 101 and The Recession such as Shawty Redd and Midnight Black. I'm just working, man. I'm not really picky when it comes to the production. I just like good music...I have the studio bus and the whole nine. I was already working on it, so I was where I wanted to be on the new album before I left. I recorded most of it at the crib in Atlanta. I'm just putting the icing on the cake, now. I'm going to do the rest on the road and just knock it out. The album will be out sooner than later...I'm going to take my time. That's what the label people tell me. "Yo, hurry up, but take your time, because we want that sh*t to be right.' Soon as my stuff jump off the stove I'm going to put it in the streets." (The Boom Box)
No further details have been released as of now.

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/03/young_jeezy_finds_his_motivation_announc.html

Lil Wayne Gets New Sentencing Date; Hits Stage With Jay-Z

Lil Wayne Gets New Sentencing Date; Hits Stage With Jay-Z
Wednesday, March 03, 2010 11:51 AM
By Mike Winslow

(AllHipHop News) Lil Wayne has been given a third sentencing date for a 2007 gun charge, after a fire in a New York courthouse postponed the sentencing yesterday (March 2).

The rapper was scheduled to be sentenced to a one-year prison term for attempted possession of a weapon, after he pleaded guilty to the gun charge in October.

Judge Charles H. Solomon was supposed to sentence the rapper to prison on February 9th, but he postponed the sentencing so Lil Wayne could have dental work done.

Judge Solomon rescheduled the date for March 2, but a fire broke out in the basement of the courthouse yesterday.

Over 1,000 people were forced to evacuate the building, which was shut down for the day after eight people, including five firefighters were treated for injuries.

According to TMZ.com, Lil Wayne will be sentenced to prison on Monday (March 8).

Last night, Lil Wayne hit the stage with Jay-Z at Madison Square Garden last night as part of the Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 tour.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/03/03/22138964.aspx

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 2/28/2010

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 2/28/2010
March 03, 2010 10:03:00 AM CST | by Allen Jacobs

Sade battled off Lady Antebellum for another week to maintain her #1 spot for a third week with Soldier Of Love. With more television appearances coming, the veteran Jazz/Soul vocalists is enjoying a comeback after nearly a decade hiatus. Her Epic Records project is also a celebrated success to the label who's biggest enjoyment last year was a posthumous Michael Jackson compilation. The 51 year-old singer is likely to reach platinum by month's end.

The Black Eyed Peas enjoyed their 38th week on the charts. The group fell one spot of their Interscope Records release The E.N.D. Already at double platinum, a new video "Imma Be Rocking That Body," has will.i.am, Fergie, Taboo and Apl.De.Ap staying as close to the top of the charts as they've been in months. will.i.am will soon be working on Usher's Raymond v. Raymond.



Lil Wayne's Rebirth slipped one spot too, as Wayne suggests that a video will surface within a month of his collaboration with Eminem for "Drop The World" . With radio support and Wayne remaining free indefinitely, Rebirth could have platinum potential. Alicia Keys' Element Of Freedom fell out of the Top 10 last week. The platinum release was rivaled in week sales by Rihanna's dark outcry, Rated R.

* 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
1
Sade
Soldier Of Love
127,000
820,000

4 Black Eyed Peas
The E.N.D.
50,000
2,181,000

6
Lil Wayne
Rebirth
38,000
361,000

13
Alicia Keys
Element of Freedom
24,000
1,102,000

14
Rihanna
Rated R
24,000
688,000


Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 and Eminem's Relapse remain cemented on the Top 200, with 25 and 41 weeks on the chart respectively. Jay-Z already began speaking about his next album, reportedly his first with Sony Records, two weeks ago.

50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct has crossed the 400,000 mark and heads towards platinum in what appears to be his final Interscope album after a tremendous eight year run. Close behind, Drake hopes to take his debut EP, So Far Gone to 400,000 next week, which remains groundbreaking for an album that few people are recognizing as "official," based on its free download beginnings.

Freeway & Jake One's The Stimulus Package fell nearly 100 places between its debut and sophomore week. Free's first "official" independent album, this on the Minneapolis-based Rhymesayers label was supported with a whole album's worth of production from Seattle's most prolific producer, Jake One. The album features guest appearances from Beanie Sigel, Young Chris, Raekwon and Freeway's latest label employer, Birdman. More videos from the project are expected soon, though radio has not embraced the independent project.




Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
37
Jay-Z Blueprint 3
13,000
1,645,000

52
Eminem Relapse
11,000
1,864,000

63
50 Cent
Before I Self Destruct
8,400
411,100

78
Drake
So Far Gone
7,100
394,000

158
Freeway & Jake One
The Stimulus Package
3,500
13,000

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10753/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-2-28-2010

St. Louis Rapper J-Kwon Missing

St. Louis Rapper J-Kwon Missing
March 03, 2010 11:03:00 AM CST | by Slava Kuperstein

Rapper J-Kwon has gone missing, according to a press release from the St. Louis native's label.

According to the release, the 24-year-old's label, Gracie Productions, has been unable to reach him for over a month.

Anyone with information on the matter is urged to send in tips. A Twitter account, @WhereIsJkwon, has been set up to provide updates.

“J-Kwon is a big part of the Gracie family, and we are obviously increasingly worried and want to make sure he is ok," says Gracie Productions CEO/President Tony Bucher. "We’ve already received thousands of emails from fans and supporters who are worried about J-Kwon, and we want everyone to know how much we appreciate the love and support. If anyone has seen J-Kwon or has access to him, please let him know we are worried about him, and to please let us know everything is ok.”

After his 2004 album, Hood Hop, which featured the smash hit "Tipsy," J-Kwon released two projects in 2009 on Gracie Productions: Hood Hop 2 and Hood Hop 2.5. His self-titled album is set to hit stores on March 23, 2010 via One Records.

For more information, go to www.myspace.com/jkwon and www.gracieprod.com.

UPDATE: People close to J-Kwon revealed to DX Wednesday afternoon that recently, the rapper had been reclusive, isolating himself from friends, family and business partners. Sources hint that the former So So Def artist may have been struggling with emotional issues.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10749/title.st-louis-rapper-j-kwon-missing

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

UPDATE: Guru Surgery Successful; Full Recovery Expected

UPDATE: Guru Surgery Successful; Full Recovery Expected
Tuesday, March 02, 2010 8:30 AM
By Nolan Strong and Grouchy Greg Watkins

(AllHipHop News) Gangstarr founding member rapper Guru is recovering from a successful surgery yesterday (March 1) , after suffering a massive heart attack over the weekend.

Sources close to Guru told AllHipHop.com that the rapper is doing “fine” and should make a full recovery, despite chatter on the Internet that the 43-year-old artist had died.

“Guru is alive and recovering from his surgery. Doctors are expecting a full recovery luckily,” a source told AllHipHop.com.

Guru's partner DJ Premier also confirmed the news on his official Twitter page.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/03/02/22138162.aspx

Lil Wayne Prison Sentencing Postponed Again

Lil Wayne Prison Sentencing Postponed Again
March 02, 2010 02:03:00 PM CST | by Rashad Phillips

A basement fire at the Lower Manhattan courthouse where Lil Wayne's sentencing was scheduled to take place today has postponed the Grammy Award winning emcee's expected prison bid for a second time. Lil Wayne was scheduled to be sentenced to a one-year prison term today after he pleaded guilty to charges of criminal possession of a weapon in October of 2009. According to courts spokesman David Bookstaver, the sentencing was among proceedings canceled due a basement fire at a Lower Manhattan courthouse.

Wayne was originally scheduled to be sentenced on February 9, but he was granted a postponement in order to have oral surgery. During the three week postponement, the rapper underwent the eight-hour dental procedure and also filmed upwards of eight music videos, as well as another documentary with DJ Scoob Doo.

At press time, no date has been set to reschedule the sentencing. HipHopDX will provide more updates as they become available.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10746/title.lil-wayne-prison-sentencing-postponed-again

Tuesday Rap Release Dates: 8Ball & MJG, Reflection Eternal, Game

Tuesday Rap Release Dates: 8Ball & MJG, Reflection Eternal, Game
March 02, 2010 10:03:00 AM CST | by Mitchell Hanna

While Nas and Damian Marley’s Distant Relatives and Capone-N-Noreaga’s The War Report II have relocated to May 25 and June 15, respectively, Reflection Eternal will now fill their void on April 20. The following is the release schedule for March and April:



March 2
B. Dolan Fallen House, Sunken City
DJ Khaled Victory
Eric Lau Kilawatt V2
Jason Derulo Jason Derulo
K. Sparks A Day In The Life
Keak Da Sneak & Benner The ALLinner Album
Raheem DeVaughn The Love & War Masterpeace
SMC Recordings A Taste Of Dopeness
T-Rock (Formerly of Hypnotize Minds) Life Lessons: The Burning Book: Chapter II





March 9
Ayatollah Jaxx (of Good Company) Hello, Hip Hop
Blacastan The Master Of Reality
Broken Bells (Danger Mouse & James Mercer) Broken Bells
DaVinci The Day The Turf Stood Still
Gorillaz Plastic Beach
Kidz In The Hall (of Duck Down Records) Land Of Make Believe
Ludacris Battle Of The Sexes
Soulcrate Music The Heartland Panic
U-N-I & Ro Blvd. A Love Supreme 2.0

March 16
Amp Live (of Zion I) Murder At The Discotech
Flobots Survival Story
Guce & Matt Blaque A Gangsta & A Gentleman
LMNO fOnk garden
Main Flow (of Mood) Return Of The Castle
Moka Only (as Ron Contour) Rontario
Pastor Troy (of D.S.G.B.) G.I. Troy: Strictly 4 My Soldiers
Swollen Members Greatest Hits: Ten Years Of Turmoil
X-Raided Block Bizniz
X-Raided The Unforgiven 2.5: Assisted Suicide (Collector’s Edition)

March 23
Brotha Lynch Hung Dinner And A Movie
Dashah Rap Burglar 3: The Final Apprentice
Donwill (of Tanya Morgan) Don Cusack In High Fidelity
Fashawn Boy Meets World (Deluxe Edition)
Inspectah Deck (of Wu-Tang Clan) Manifesto
J-Kwon J-Kwon
Madlib Madlib Medicine Show No. 3: Beat Konducta In Africa
Marco Polo & Ruste Juxx (of Duck Down Records) The eXXecution
Moka Only (as Ron Contour) & Factor Saffron
Monica Still Standing
Sadat X (of Brand Nubian) Wild Cowboys II
Snoop Dogg More Malice
TQ Kind Of Blue

March 30
Army Of The Pharaohs The Unholy Terror
Curren$y Pilot Talk
E-40 Revenue Retrievin’: Day Shift
E-40 Revenue Retrievin’: Night Shift
Erykah Badu New Amerykah Pt. 2 (Return Of The Ankh)
Masta Killa (of Wu-Tang Clan) Live
Meth-Ghost-Rae (of Wu-Tang Clan) Wu-Massacre
Mulatu Astatke Mulatu Steps Ahead
Murs & 9th Wonder Fornever
Redman Reggie
Tech N9ne (of Strange Music Records) The Lost Scripts Of K.O.D.
Usher Raymond V. Raymond
Wordsmith Vintage Experience

April 6
8Ball & MJG Ten Toes Down
BLESTeNATION Welcome To MBugout City
Chief Kamachi The Clock Of Destiny
Chosen Few New World Symphony
Cypress Hill Rise Up
Diabolic Liar & A Thief
Insane Clown Posse Bang! Pow! Boom! (Nuclear Version)
Madlib (as Young Jazz Rebels) Slave Riot
Solomon Burke Nothing’s Impossible
Too $hort Still Blowin’
Vivian Green Beautiful

April 13
Flying Lotus DJ Kicks
MGMT Congratulations
Spectac & Amiri (of HiPNOTT Records) Almost Famous
yU (of Diamond District) Before Taxes

April 20
Andre Nickatina Khan! The Me Generation
Bizzy Bone (of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony) Crossroads 2010
Brisco Street Medicine
Cognito (of Strange Music Records) Automatic
Danny Boy (Formerly of Death Row Records) It’s About Time
Devin The Dude (Formerly of Rap-A-Lot Records) Suite #420
Game (Formerly of G-Unit) The R.E.D. Album
Georgia Anne Muldrow Turiya’s Smile
Goldtoes N Berner R All N Ur Pockets: The Soundtrack
Kottonmouth Kings Long Live The Kings
Kurupt (of Tha Dogg Pound) Streetlights
Little Brother LeftBack
Messy Marv The Shooting Range
Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek) Revolutions Per Minute
Roc Marciano (Formerly of Flipmode Squad) Marcberg
Roc Marciano (Formerly of Flipmode Squad) Marcberg 12” EP
Sleepy D (of Town Thizzness Records) Sleep Deprivation
TRUTHLiVE Patience

April 27
B.o.B. (a.k.a. Bobby Ray) The Adventures Of Bobby Ray
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Uni5: The World’s Enemy
D. Woods (of Dannity Kane) My Favorite Color
J-Hood (Formerly of D-Block) $orry I Made You Wait
One Be Lo (of Binary Star) B.A.B.Y. (Being A Black Youth)
Yo Gotti Live From The Kitchen

Looking further out, Common’s The Best Of Common: Go!, Roscoe Dash’s Ready Set Go!, and Keith Sweat’s Ridin’ Solo are slated for May 4, May 11, and May 25, respectively. Meanwhile, Joell Ortiz’s Free Agent, Nappy Roots’ The Pursuit To Nappyness, Cam’ron and The U.N.’s Gunz N’ Butta, and Three 6 Mafia’s Laws Of Power have been pushed back until May 18, June 8, June 29, June 29, in that order

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10744/title.tuesday-rap-release-dates-8ball-mjg-reflection-eternal-game

Monday, March 1, 2010

Gang Starr's Guru Goes Into Cardiac Arrest, In A Coma

Gang Starr's Guru Goes Into Cardiac Arrest, In A Coma
February 28, 2010 11:02:00 PM CST | by Jake Paine

One of Hip Hop's most influential emcees is presently in critical condition, several sources say. Guru, one half of pioneering '80s, '90s and '00s Brooklyn-based Hip Hop group Gang Starr suffered a heart attack this weekend, according to the emcee and producer's sister Tricia.

HipHopWired.com says that the emcee, born Keith Elam is presently in a coma from complications of going into cardiac arrest. Guru is best known for penning hits such as "Words I Manifest," "Discipline" and "Just To Get A Rep." Between 1986 and 2004, Guru (an acronym Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) founded Gang Starr, a duo with DJ Premier that also includes Gang Starr Foundation affiliates Big Shug, Group Home, Jeru Da Damaja and Smiley Da Ghetto Child.

Born and raised in the Boston area, Guru relocated to Brooklyn in the late '80s, where Gang Starr released its first singles with 45 King as producer. By 1988, the group evolved as a duo with Premier, and released their 1989 full-length debut No More Mr. Nice Guy on Wild Pitch Records. The duo would go on to release classic albums on Chrysalis/Virgin/EMI, such as 1994's Hard To Earn and 1998's Moment Of Truth. Gang Starr's last album, 2003's The Ownerz featured Jadakiss, Fat Joe and longtime affiliate Freddie Foxxx. The platinum group toured the world and released several greatest hits collections, most notably Full Clip: A Decade Of Gang Starr in 1999. The duo announced their split in 2004, reportedly due to creative and personal differences.

As a solo artist, Guru released four volumes of Jazzmatazz, Jazz-inspired recordings with legendary genre artists such as Donald Byrd and Roy Ayers. Guru has launched two labels in his career, Ill Kid Records and 7Grand, where he and production partner Solar worked alongside artists such as Talib Kweli, Damian Marley and Jean Grae.

HipHopDX extends prayerful thoughts to one of our staff's most-respected emcees, the Elam family, Solar, DJ Premier and fans. We will keep you updated.

UPDATE: Miss Info confirms these reports with sources close to Guru. The emcee is presently in a New York hospital, awaiting surgery. DJ Eclipse spoke with DJ Premier, who also confirmed this. Premier was going to address the matter on Eclipse's Sirius Hip Hop Nation show, but later changed his decision.

NahRight.com has compiled Twitter reactions from notable artists including Jean Grae, ?uestlove, Royce Da 5'9" and Jay Electronica.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10731/title.gang-starrs-guru-goes-into-cardiac-arrest-in-a-coma

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Gorilla Zoe Looks Back On His 28 Mixtapes In 28 Days Feat

Gorilla Zoe Looks Back On His 28 Mixtapes In 28 Days Feat
February 28, 2010 12:02:00 PM CST | by Krysten Hughes

Rapper Gorilla Zoe, who released one mixtape per day, for the entire month of February, took some time to speak with Ozone Magazine about the venture, upcoming projects and his label situation.

When asked what his favorite mixtape is of the 28 released, he replied "They all got jewels on them, every last one of them got a jewel on them, and some got more than others. Definitely after the 28 mixtapes are done I’m going to compile my own personal out of all of them, now that’s going be crazy."

Currently, the Atlanta rapper is signed to Block Entertainment and Bad Boy, but that may change shortly. Gorilla Zoe told Ozone, "Bad Boy isn’t with Atlantic anymore, but Atlantic decided to keep me. So, Block and Atlantic are going through negotiations right now."

Upcoming plans for Gorilla Zoe are in the works, including a studio album that is currently being negotiated by his label, but don't expect another day to day mixtape release. "I’m going wait for a while until the people say they want some more music then I’m going go in again. Never will I do this again, and never will it be done, not this way anyway. Niggas do a lot of swag jacking – I gave niggas the blueprint, and I can do this 365 days a year."

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10730/title.gorilla-zoe-looks-back-on-his-28-mixtapes-in-28-days-feat

Kid Cudi Kissed By Male Fan During Los Angeles Performance

Kid Cudi Kissed By Male Fan During Los Angeles Performance
February 28, 2010 12:02:00 PM CST | by Krysten Hughes

Ohio rapper Kid Cudi made a surprise appearance in Los Angeles on Tuesday at Cinespace, performing alongside British Pop star Dan Black who's currently on his U.S. tour.

Cudi, who is featured on the U.S. remix version of Black's hit single "Symphonies" [watch], was in the middle of performing the song, when a male fan jumped on stage and gave him a kiss on the face.

Video from the duo's performance and his eager fan surfaced on the web days later. Cudi decided not to lash out and punch the fan like he did at a Vancouver show last December, and instead kept performing.

Dan Black will continue his tour through March 26 where he performs in Miami. Kid Cudi is currently working on his sophomore studio album, Cudder: The Revolution of Evolution and recently made his acting debut as Domingo Brown in HBO's new show, How to Make It in America which premiered on Valentine's Day.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.10728/title.kid-cudi-kissed-by-male-fan-during-los-angeles-performance