LL Cool J Releasing Brand New Fitness Book
Thursday, April 29, 2010 6:04 PM
By Roman Wolfe
(AllHipHop News) LL Cool J is planning to release his second fitness guide to inspire his fans to stay in top shape with the new book LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle.
The new book reveals LL Cool J’s 360-degree program that has helped him achieve his goals in the gym, which has also yielded results for LL as an actor, businesses man and musician.
LL wrote LL Cool J’s Platinum 360 Diet and Lifestyle with trainer David “Scotter” Honig, Jim Stoppani, PHD and Chris Palmer.
"Think of P360 as a guide to strengthening the three pillars that make you who you are: your mind, your body, and your soul…you cannot be strong in body without being strong in mind and spirit,” LL Cool J said of the book.
P360 is broken down into three parts and is an 8-week workout program that includes plans for men and women.
LL breaks down step-by-step instructions for 100 exercises with workout plans to keep muscles and metabolism operating at their peak.
P360 is the follow up to LL's first New York Times' best-selling fitness book LL Cool J's Platinum Workout.
From AllHipHop.com
http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/04/29/22193617.aspx
News: Nelly's Relative Murdered, "He Was Not My Bodyguard, He Was My Cousin & My Friend!"
Friday, Apr 30, 2010 10:41AM
Written by Biz Jones
Grammy-winning rapper Nelly's cousin, Michael Johnson, was murdered this week in Missouri after being fatally shot.
Based on reports, the murder took place on Wednesday (April 28).
A murder investigation is hitting close to home for St. Louis rap star, Nelly. Multiple sources close to Nelly tell News 11 the victim was one of Nelly's bodyguards. The victim is 36 year old Michale Johnson sources describe him as Nelly's left hand man, or someone who was by the rapper's side providing security. St. Louis county police responded to a home on Nola, near north Hanley Wednesday night just before midnight. Johnson was shot several times. (KDVR News)
Further details suggest Johnson's death occurred at his home.
A man who St. Louis hip-hop star Nelly referred to as his cousin (or, rather his "cuzzen") was killed Wednesday night outside a home in the 8000 block of Nola, near the intersection of N. Hanley and St. Charles Rock Road. Michael Johnson, 36, was shot multiple times while leaving or entering the home in unincorporated St. Louis County. Police have no suspects or motives for the crime. (River Front Times)
Nelly has since confirmed the reports and aired out a local news station for its false reporting.
"Contrary to some reports micheal johnson wasnt my bodyguard!he was my cuzzen and my friend!!I will always luv n miss u MJ!!!!!," he wrote late Thursday night. "Channel 2 stl don't Ever have 2worry about another interview from me or a stlunatic ever again!!There not invited 2any of my functions!! Why would you channel 2 mix me giving away scholarships 2students with the murder of my cuzzen after I told u I didn't want 2talk about it Ino its your right chnnel 2 but Y is it when a brother goes to do good they wanna make the bad the headline?thanx for the home town support After watching channel 2's broadcast its clear to me about motives!my cuzzen deserved his own segment as well as the 2 deserving students!! I'm NEVER WATCHING CHANNEL 2 news in stl ever again!!! STLOUIS SPREAD THE WORD!!!" (Nelly's Twitter)
Earlier this month, Nelly confronted alleged groupie Kat Stacks in an interview.
"Sweetheart, all you have to tell me is what hotel did we f*ck in," Nelly said during a radio interview. "You have to tell me one that we've been f*cking around at for two months. Tell me one of them, please...I've been exposed? You lie. You can't tell me one hotel. You can't tell me one hotel in two months that you've seen me at ever in your life...And find that hotel we f*cked at because you said it was several of them. Why is it you can go into details about everybody else but me? Why we ain't got no details? What happened? Get the f*ck out of here. I can't even understand her. Let me go get my son. It's to your best interest to quit with the lies. She knows she's lying. I know one motherf*ck that didn't touch her. I know one for sure." (Shade 45)
No further details have been revealed as of now.
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/04/nellys_relative_murdered_he_was_not_my_b.html
Erykah Badu Pleads Not Guilty To Disorderly Conduct Charges
April 30, 2010 10:04:00 AM CDT | by Jake Paine
At the beginning of the month, veteran songstress Erykah Badu was charged with disorderly conduct for her March video for "Window Seat." Shot in Dallas' historic Dealey Plaza, Badu removes her clothes in the video which was shot in public.
This Wednesday, Badu entered a not guilty plea from that charge, according to The Dallas Morning News. The single is from Badu's latest album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh. The Universal Motown release debuted in the Top 5, featuring production from Madlib and the late J Dilla.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11148/title.erykah-badu-pleads-not-guilty-to-disorderly-conduct-charges
News: Pharrell Holds Back On New N.E.R.D. Album, Release Date Pushed Back
Thursday, Apr 29, 2010 3:35PM
Written by Rosario Harper
The Neptunes' Pharrell Williams has decided to delay the release of his upcoming N.E.R.D. album, Nothing.
According to reports, the project will move from a June to July release date.
If you were planning to bump some new N.E.R.D. at your Fourth of July barbecue, you'll have to wait. The trio's album has been delayed three weeks. Nothing, the fourth effort from Pharrell, Chad, and Shae, is now set to arrive on July 6, Rap-Up.com has learned. It was previously scheduled for a June 15 release. Albums from Kelis and Big Boi are also due the first week of July. Click here for our summer release schedule. (Rap-Up)
Pharrell recently talked about trashing nearly 30 recorded tracks for the album.
"We scrapped 27 records because they weren't good enough, they sounded great - but what were they saying? So we went back in (to the studio) and just focused on feeling...," he revealed in an interview. "It's almost like we did this whole entire album with our eyes closed, not because it was that easy but because it was that important to reconnect to what we feel and I would say this album is like scrapping everything and starting with nothing...The musichas been especially tuned in frequencies to speak to women... women will literally feel this, we are doing some other next level experimentation with this music...You know what's so funny, It's that not once do we say t*t or a** or anything that you think could be automatically erogenous but I think that the right mentality and good and pure intention is the sexiest thing that I could ever give to a woman." (MTV UK)
Earlier this year, sources close to the camp claimed the crew's female member, Rhea, was dropped.
Although Rhea performed with N.E.R.D. throughout the year and Pharrell confirmed her as their newest group member in October it seems that Rhea is no longer part of N.E.R.D. According to BOSSIP sources Rhea was kicked out of N.E.R.D. VERY RECENTLY "because they didn't think her sound matched with N.E.R.D.'sstyle, which I don't understand, because she never really did. Her sleeping around was also a problem." Our source confirmed that while she claims to be in her twenties Rhea is actually 32. (Bossip)
The group is known for releasing nearly a decade of music together.
The acronym N.E.R.D. stands for "No One Ever Really Dies," but childhood friends Chad Hugo, Pharrell Williams, and Shay most certainly used the group to proudly emphasize the nerdier aspects of their musical personalities. Before this side project took shape, Hugo and Williams -- as the Neptunes -- had established themselves as giants in the field of pop production, whether they were working with hardcore rappers, smooth crooners, or teen pop groups. (All Music)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/04/pharrell_holds_back_on_new_nerd_album_re.html
News: Ice Cube On Possibility Of "Friday" Sequel, "I Don't Want To Do It Without Chris Tucker"
Wednesday, Apr 28, 2010 5:30PM
Written by Biz Jones
Actor/Rapper Ice Cube recently talked about the status of his Friday movie franchise and the possibility of a sequel.
Cube said he would only consider rolling the cameras once again if his original co-star Chris Tucker would be involved.
"I want to. But I don't want to do it without Chris Tucker," he revealed in an interview. "That's what people want. I really want to give people what they want, especially doing it for a fourth time. We can't just go through a movie without giving the people exactly what they want. I've been trying to convince Chris to do it. Just say 'yeah,' it's alright...I see Smokey working at a rehab center. [laughs] Craig and Day-Day are probably selling weed by now, get busted, have to go rehab with Smokey, try to convince Smokey to smoke a joint. [laughs] That'd be pretty cool." (Inside Movies)
Since the original came out in 1995, Friday has spawned multiple sequels.
The film has spawned two sequels, Next Friday and Friday After Next. The sequels were successful at the box office but a failure with critics. Another sequel, tentatively titled Last Friday, was rumored to be in the works in 2007. The film was to star all of the original cast from the previous Friday films. However, no news on production was ever confirmed. An animated television series based on the film was premiered on MTV2, on Sunday, June 24, 2007. (Wikipedia)
Cube will be starring in a new police film later this year.
Ice Cube has joined Woody Harrelson and Ben Foster to star in Oren Moverman's police drama "Rampart," centered on the scandal at the LAPD's division in the 1990s. Project reunites Harrelson and Foster with Moverman, who directed them in "The Messenger," his helming debut. "Rampart," based on James Ellroy's screenplay, has been developed at Light stream Pictures and set up with "The Messenger" producer Lawrence Inglee and Clark Peterson ("Monster"). (Variety)
He will also release his I Am The West solo album later this year.
"I AM THE WEST...is the name of my new record. After completing about 65% of my music, this is the perfect title. This sh*t is cocky, no apologies, West Coast gangsta sh*t. I can't help it. That's what I do. June seems too tight for a release, but July is very doable. We'll see how things go. Now that I have my title, I can work on the concept of my photoshoot and artwork. I want to provide..." (Ice Cube's Blog)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/04/ice_cube_on_possibility_of_friday_sequel.html
Ras Kass, Chuck D Speak Out Against Arizona Immigration Law
April 28, 2010 08:04:00 PM CDT | by Salima Koroma
This week's passing of the Arizona immigration law has caused wide controversy and heated debate across the country. The bill was signed into Arizona law by Governor Jan Brewed on Monday, and permits police to use their own judgement in questioning anyone about their immigration status. Those who do not have their papers will face state punishment and police officers who do not inquire into the immigration status of "suspicious persons" may also face a state crime.
The law is being likened to Jim Crow laws, which, until the mid 1960s, were used to legally discriminate against blacks. Rapper Ras Kass is one figure who has spoken out against the new Arizona law, also comparing it to Jim Crow. "I'm just speaking up, saying how racist it is," he said in a YouTube video. "That shit is like the Jim Crow laws. Honestly, in my opinion, the world has evolved. America has evolved. There's good people everywhere but in general, it's the old, rich motherfuckers that had it, they want the good old days. They still want everybody in their place like it's the 50s or something…And it ain't the young people, but it's just the old, mad-ass, rich, white men with some bullshit. I don't know what the fuck they think. Like when God made earth [they just think] white niggas was here in America. You're mad at immigrants but [you're] an immigrant too!"
Rapper and activist Chuck D (with writer Theresa Johnson) wrote via the Huffington Post, "In 1991, Public Enemy wrote a song criticizing Arizona officials (including John McCain and Fife Symington) for rejecting the federal holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The same politics written about in 'By the Time I Get to Arizona' are alive and well in Arizona today, but this time the target is Brown people."
Kass explained that such laws encourage blatant racial profiling, and that blacks and Latinos failed to speak up when Middle Easterners were targeted after 9/11. "Really, we need to show some solidarity," he said. "No disrespect, but fuck Arizona. Us as black people, us as brown people, us as yellow people and us as white people, its a human thing; but when one motherfucker gets picked on for one thing, we gotta stand together. You either do it politically, and if you can't fix it politically, because they just passed [the bill], then do it financially. Don't support that shit. Move out that motherfucker. Let the whole state, let the rich white niggas sell [to themselves]."
Chuck D expressed the same kinds of sentiments, calling for a boycott of Arizona, and admonishing figures who have been silent on the issue. "The people of Arizona who voted for this bill, as well as those who crafted it, demonstrate no regard for the humanity or contributions of Latino people. And for all of those who have chosen not to speak up, shame on you for silently endorsing this legislated hate.
"These actions must stop," he continued. "We are issuing a call to action, urging fellow musicians, artists, athletes, performers, academics and production companies to refuse to work in Arizona until officials not only overturn this bill, but recognize the human rights of immigrants…What they're doing to immigrants is appalling, but it will be even more damning if we remain silent."
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11138/title.ras-kass-chuck-d-speak-out-against-arizona-immigration-law
Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 4/25/2010
April 28, 2010 09:04:00 AM CDT | by Jake Paine
The top of the charts this past week were not in much favor of Hip Hop. As the Glee cast and Justin Beiber dominate scans, urban music's biggest stars of the week where veterans Usher and Monica. The former's Raymond v. Raymond crossed the gold benchmark, and proves to be yet another success for the former teen sensation. He was the only Top 10 urban appearance this week. The latter Still Standing heads towards 400,000.
After several weeks removed from the top of the charts, The Black Eyed Peas return with their The E.N.D., which soon will celebrate its one-year birthday. Ludacris was a place behind with Battle of the Sexes, which is a thousand units behind Monica in attempting to reach gold.
Cypress Hill's first group album in six years, Rise Up garnered a Top 20 debut. Released on the Snoop Dogg-cosigned Priority Records/EMI, the Los Angeles veteran trio has an album that features appearances and production from Pete Rock, Evidence, Alchemist, Everlast, Tom Morello and Pitbull. The warmly-received album revives the group after Sen Dog nearly died due to a heart attack two years ago.
* Please note: figures below approximated to nearest thousandth.
Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)
Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
5
Usher
Raymond v. Raymond 52,000
538,000
15
Monica
Still Standing
23,000
357,000
16
Black Eyed Peas
The E.N.D.
21,000
2,456,000
17
Ludacris
Battle of the Sexes 21,000
356,000
19
Cypress Hill
Rise Up
18,000
18,000
Gucci Mane's retail mixtape, Burrrprint [2] HD cleared another 8,000 units. The DJ Holiday-hosted, Brick Squad 1017 release made a Top 20 debut last week, and features Nicki Minaj, Yo Gotti, Rocko and OJ Da Juiceman.
Devin The Dude's first album with E1 Entertainment, Suite #420, debuted with 6,000 units sold. The HipHopDX-acclaimed release features various members of Devin's Odd Squad and Coughee Brothaz, as well as some production from longtime Rap-A-Lot Records-era collaborator Mike Dean.
Wu-Tang Clan member trio Ghostface Killah, Method Man & Raekwon's Wu-Massacre fell out of the Top 100 last week. The critically-praised collaboration was released on the Def Jam imprint, and boasts production from Scram Jones and RZA.
There were two additional debut chart appearances. Little Brother's farewell album LeftBack scanned over 4,500 total units. This is Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh's first release without ABB Records' involvement, after three celebrated albums. Instead, this album, which features Torae, Khrysis and Young RJ, was released on the Justus League's own Hall of Justus imprint. The group also announced select tour dates before the final "curtain call," and both pursue solo careers and other group interests.
Dogg Pound emcee Kurupt also cracked the charts. Young Gotti's album, Street Lights, largely produced by Snoop Dogg protege Terrace Martin hit the charts. The Universal Fontana release also has work from Pete Rock and Lil Jon.
Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total
58
Gucci Mane
Burrrprint [2] HD
8,600
28,000
85
Devin The Dude
Suite #420
6,100
6,200
110
Method Man, Ghostface Killah & Raekwon Wu Massacre 4,900
60,000
128
Little Brother
LeftBack
4,400
4,600
183
Kurupt
Street Lights
2,900
2,900
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11129/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-4-25-2010
News: Tupac Shakur's Mom Arrested On Drug Charge, Posts $10K Bail
Tuesday, Apr 27, 2010 10:37AM
Written by Biz Jones
Late rapper Tupac Shakur's mother, Afeni, was arrested earlier this month on a drug possession charge after being busted by North Carolina police.
According to reports, Afeni was arrested on April 16.
The mother of late rapper Tupac Shakur was arrested earlier this month by state alcohol agents. Afeni Shakur Davis, 63, of the 2900 block of Crystal Lane in Lumberton, was charged April 16 with felony possession of marijuana, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance and simple possession of a controlled substance. (Fay Observer)
Afeni later posted a jail bond to avoid spending time behind bars.
She is out of jail on a $10,000 bond, and her court date is scheduled for May 10. Shakur is a Lumberton native who is best known for her work as a political activist and former Black Panther. She also is the mother of rapper Tupac, who was gunned down in Las Vegas in 1996. His murder remains unsolved. Since her son's death, Afeni has managed Tupac's unreleased music and poetry, selling millions of albums since his death. (ABC News)
Last year, Ms. Shakur was involved in a legal suit based on an alleged pre-planned Tupac biopic.
According to the complaint, a written contract was in place for life rights, with Morgan Creek claiming that Amaru is "refus(ing) to honor and perform a contract of a production of the film based on the life of Tupac Shakur." The company seeks damages and other relief. But late Wednesday (February 18), Amaru's lawyers denied the existence of adeal. (Billboard)
She later responded to the accusations and $10 million cross-complaint lawsuit.
Amaru Entertainment claims that Morgan Creek, CEO James Robinson and others tried to strong-arm a deal for Tupac movie rights, then sabotaged the project when Amaru attempted to set it up elsewhere. "Instead of negotiating in good faith with [Amaru], they sought to obtain the rights by concocting a nonexistent 'agreement' and engaging in heavy-handed threats, coercion and intimidation to interfere with and ultimately destroy the film project," Amaru claims. Amaru is seeking a court declaration that there never was a deal. (Reuters)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/04/tupac_shakurs_mom_arrested_on_drug_charg.html
Eminem's Next Single "I'm Not Afraid" To Premier Friday
April 27, 2010 12:04:00 AM CDT | by Slava Kuperstein
As reports of Eminem's next album Recovery have the internet buzzing, news has just surfaced that the album's first single may be dropping this Friday (April 30) at 3:00 AM.
According to Philadelphia's 96.1 KISS FM's website, the single will be titeld "Not Afraid." YouHeardThatNew.com reports that the song will not feature the accent that Eminem used on Relapse, and was the object of much ridicule.
Eminem seemingly confirmed the single via his Twitter account (@Eminem) by writing, "I'm 'Not Afraid.'"
Recovery is set to hit stores June 22.
From HipHopDX.com
http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11120/title.eminems-next-single-im-not-afraid-to-premier-friday
News: Paul Wall On Avoiding The Race Card, "You Can't Compare Me To Eminem Due To His Success & Style"
Monday, Apr 26, 2010 12:25PM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Southern rapper Paul Wall recently opened up about avoiding comparisons to fellow white rappers like Eminem and Vanilla Ice and said his upbringing played a large role.
Paul feels his Texas roots helped him avoid being stereotyped as just another "white rapper."
"Everybody raised me to believe I was a kid and an individual. So me being White or any other characteristic didn't define who I was," he explained in an interview. "So I didn't carry myself as a White person. I am who I am. I also think I'm wise enough to know you can't compare me to Eminem due to his success and style. Also my sound was different. Coming from Texas there's a large Mexican and Jamaican population so it's multiracial. So my fan base is extremely multiracial so that has something to do with it, too." (XXL Mag)
Last year, Eminem talked about being blindly compared to then-newcomer Asher Roth.
"Asher Roth, I haven't had a chance to, like, really get into everything, like, really get into what he's about, because I've only heard a couple songs," Em said in the May 2009 issue of XXL Magazine. "There was talk about people saying he sounded like me, and he was doing this and that and, you know, trying to take what I do and do it. You know, sh*t like that. I've heard things. But the stuff that I've heard from him honestly, which certainly isn't enough for me to make my own opinion and say, 'Yeah, he does sound like me' or 'No, he doesn't.' But the couple of songs I've head, I don't really think he does. You know what I mean? He's doing his own thing. I can respect it, too, because at the end of the day, I think he's dope." (XXL Magazine)
In the past, rap mogul Jay-Z has talked about moving away from the standard "black music" stereotype in hip-hop.
"On the show as well were Third Eye Blind and Kelly Clarkson," Jay explained talking about a 2009 Arizona concert. "I thought that to be the oddest pairing ever but, soon realized, it's what I've always professed. There is no such thing as black music or white music only good or bad music. It's stupid cool to like things that are not like you, and that goes for outside of music. If you're an African American you can have a Jewish friend...I think concerts like this should happen more often...I'm putting that into the universe..next up Taylor Swift and Uncle Murda!!" (Rap Radar)
Paul Wall is currently preparing the release of his new album, Heart of a Champion.
Fresh off a month-long tour with former partner-in-rhyme, Chamillionaire, Houston rapper, Paul Wall, is all set to drop his 4th major label album, Heart of a Champion, on June 29th through Swisha House/Asylum Records. Almost half of the tracks featured on the album are produced by long-time friend and Expensive Taste band-mate, Travis Barker. The album will also feature several songs from Expensive Taste, the group which includes Skinhead Rob (Transplants) in addition to Paul and Travis. (Press Release)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/04/paul_wall_on_avoiding_the_race_card_you.html
News: Rick Ross Talks Being Victimized In $300K DJ Vlad Case, "I Ain't Even Fight"
Sunday, Apr 25, 2010 8:34AM
Written by Cyrus Langhorne
Southern rapper Rick Ross has addressed his recent $300,000 lawsuit loss to DJ Vlad and why he was really a victim in the situation.
According to "The Boss," he was not physically involved in Vlad's 2008 assault.
"I ain't even fight," Ross told radio personality Greg Street. "I ain't even fight, I'm a victim like your momma always said. It's a beautiful thing though you know. It's New York, they try to sell you homie. They were trying to hit the boy for four of them big ones. It ain't work though. Had defense, had to fight the power." ("The Greg Street Show")
Earlier this month, Ross said he felt like the victor after escaping the lawsuit's original $4 million demand.
"I've been fighting a $4 million lawsuit for the last two years," Ross said. "My defense was a success. I've got to salute Xavier Donaldson, my attorney. Whenever an artist or anybody is put in a position such as a lawsuit in this capacity, so much evidence is represented -- videotapes, what have you -- to be able to walk out of a courtroom giving the plaintiff less than 10 percent of what he requested, I consider my defense a success. God bless America! The lawsuit is done. Even though I plan to appeal the decision, I thank the courts for the monetary decision that they made. They were extremely lenient, I appreciate that. It's back to the businessfor the boss." (MTV)
Details on the ruling became public last week.
A Manhattan federal jury found Ross liable for his crew breaking Vlad "DJ Vlad" Lyubovny's eye socket at the Ozone Awards in Houston, Texas, in 2008. Ross' crew was furious that Vlad Lyubovny had reported Ross was a correction officer before he became a hard-core rapper. The jury awarded Lyubovny $50,000 in compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damages for the assault. (New York Daily News)
Last year, Vlad opened up about being assaulted by Ross' entourage.
"There was a certain degree of [embarrassment]. But at the end of the day we all human, and it could happen to anyone." Vlad said. "I go harder now...I don't give a f---, and that's my word. When you go through something, you're either gonna run and hide and leave the business altogether, or you go that much harder. And I go that much harder now." (The Boom Box)
From SOHH.com
http://www.sohh.com/2010/04/rick_ross_talks_being_victimized_in_300k.html
