Trap Star Daily News

Something New?

2011-01-07T08:15:00.000-07:00

Yes I've been gone 3 months. But, I may have something new in the works for Trap Star Daily News

Keep your eyes open...

Al Goody

Be Back at It SOON!!!

2010-09-29T18:42:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts.

On a much needed vacation.

Be Back at It SOON!!!

AL GOODY

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/12/2010

2010-09-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/12/2010

by Allen Jacobs

posted September 15, 2010 at 6:32AM MST

Eminem's "Recovery" officially out-sells "Relapse," while Atmosphere, Young Buck, Fabolous and Dorrough all crack the charts.

Eminem's Recovery officially outsold Relapse this week. Although Recovery's critical response and awards have far exceded the emcee/producer's 2009 return album, the numbers now suggest the same. Earlier this week, Eminem spoke to The New York Post about the two releases, noting his own disapproval of some of Relapse's deliveries. Recovery came in at #2 this week, behind singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles' Kaleidoscope Heart. The Aftermath/Interscope release has now cleared 2.5 million units.

Drake's Thank Me Later sat at #13 last week, three units higher than the previous. The Toronto emcee, along with Eminem, B.o.B. and Kanye West was among Rap's performers at Sunday night's MTV 2010 Video Music Awards. TML's "Fancy," featuring Mary J Blige and Swizz Beatz was Drake's song of choice.

Usher's EP, Versus held the #15 spot. The supplementary release to this year's Raymond v. Raymond fell just two spots. Drumma Boy, Polow Da Don and Jim Jonsin are amoung the producers on the EP, which cleared 85,000 units. Another R&B star, Lyfe Jennings has released his final album in I Still Believe. The Toledo, Ohio singer's latest release from Warner Brothers/Asylum Records features Anthony Hamilton. Jennings has previously indicated he will leave music after this year, after a meaningful-yet-short six-year career.

Rick Ross approaches 400,000 units sold with Teflon Don. The Def Jam rapper's fourth official album features work from veterans such as No I.D., DJ Clark Kent and Cee-Lo. The Miami, Florida rapper also made a brief cameo at the MTV VMA's this past week, in a sketch with host Chelsea Handler.

* 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
2	Eminem	Recovery	81,000	2,501,000
13	Drake	Thank Me Later	18,000	1,051,000
15	Usher	Versus	17,000	85,000
22	Lyfe Jennings	I Still Believe	14,000	50,000
24	Rick Ross	Teflon Don	13,000	382,000

New releases dominated the 35-100 place of the charts.

Veteran Minneapolis, Minnesota duo Atmosphere released a digital-exclusive 12-track collection called To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy. Released on their own Rhymesayers Entertainment imprint, the work is billed as a double EP. The work sold nearly 10,000 first week units, despite little marketing, further solidifying the RSE strength with fans.

New material from Young Buck surfaced in Rehab. Released on Real Talk Entertainment, and distributed my Fontana, the collection of songs have been officially licensed by the onetime G-Unit member, however sources close to the Nashville, Tennessee star assert that this is not to be considered his third album, after two previous big budget releases through Interscope. Veteran Bad Azz and Bizzy Bone producer Big Hollis handled a bulk of the beats for this collection of songs that sold over 6,000 first week units.

The latest in the retail mixtape movement, Brooklyn, New York star Fabolous released There Is No Competition 2: The Grieving Mixtape through Def Jam Records. The Street Fam head's EP release features Cam'ron, Red Cafe, Vado and production from Ryan Leslie. After two weeks on the charts, the sequel to Fab's acclaimed No Competition installement has sold nearly 20,000 units.

Dallas, Texas rapper Durrough sold over 5,000 units of his sophomore album, Get Big. The E1 Entertainment homegrown sensation featured label-mates on his release such as Juvenile, Slim Thug and Jim Jones.

Rank	Artist	Album	This Week	Est. Total
37	Atmosphere	To All My Friends, Blood Makes The Blade Holy	9,400	9,400
55	Young Buck	The Rehab	6,400	6,400
61	Fabolous	There Is No Competition 2: The Grieving Mixtape	5,700	18,000
67	Durrough	Get Big	5,500	5,500
86	Eminem	Relapse	4,600	2,049,000

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12233/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-9-12-2010

RIP Tupac Shakur

2010-09-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

R.I.P.

Tupac Amaru Shakur

June 16, 1971-September 13, 1996

You Are Missed.....

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/5/2010

2010-09-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 9/5/2010

by J-23

posted September 08, 2010 03:34:00 PM CDT

Shady rules. Eminem stays number 3 with Recovery and remains top 100 with Relapse and top 200 with Curtain Call

Eminem continues to dominate the charts with 3 entries in the Top 200. He failed to regain the top spot with releases from Disturbed and Now 35 taking the top spots. But Mr. Mathers still holds down the 3, 87, and 137 spots. While Usher lost ground on both his entries, Drake moved up a couple spots to 16.

Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

3

Eminem

Recovery 92514 2420354

13

Usher

Versus 22450

68379

16

Drake

Thank Me Later 19849

1033575

16

Rick Ross

Teflon Don

16106

368746

30

Usher

Raymond v. Raymond

13866

1051181

Fabolous debuted on the charts this week, his official Def Jam mixtape debuting at the 32 spot. Outkast's Big Boi fell from the Top 50 to #62. Meanwhile his southern counterpart Bun B fell 11 spots as he approaches 100,000 for Trill O.G.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

68

Big Boi Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty 6447

160918

66

Bun B

Trill O.G.

6541

82773

119

Mike Posner

31 Minutes To Takeoff

3954

48098

131

Ludacris

Battle of the Sexes

3744

528575

145

The Roots

How I Got Over

3474

139994

Kill Devil Hills, the acclaimed collaboration between DJ Muggs and Ill Bill failed to crack the Top 200. Tune in next week to see how releases from Young Buck, Dorrough and Q-Unique perform.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12168/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-9-5-2010

Busta Rhymes, L.O.N.S. Sued Over '91 Song

2010-09-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Busta Rhymes, L.O.N.S. Sued Over '91 Song

by Salima Koroma

posted September 07, 2010 at 3:08PM MST

Busta and members of the Leaders Of the New School face a lawsuit for a song they performed 19 years ago.

Busta Rhymes and other former members of the Leaders Of the New School are being sued for copyright infringement on a song they made in 1991. 19 years after the song released, executives at the Drive-In Music Company say the track, "Case of the P.T.A." on the group's debut album is an illegal sample of the Dyke and The Blazers song "Let A Woman Be A Woman, Let A Man Be A Man." The company explained that it had no clue of the song's existence until recently.

In addition to suing the group, Drive-In Music Company is also filing suit against the group's former home, Elektra Records.

The lawsuit asks the judge to place a permanent injunction on the sale of the album and insists that copies of the CD be removed from shelves.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12157/title.busta-rhymes-lons-sued-over-91-song

J. Cole To Drop New Mixtape, "Villematic"

2010-09-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

J. Cole To Drop New Mixtape, "Villematic"

by Slava Kuperstein

posted September 07, 2010 at 12:12AM MST
Inspiration strikes as J. Cole readies a project for his fans.

You can count J. Cole among the fans of Kanye's latest song, "Devil In A New Dress."

In fact,J. Cole is such a fan of the song that it has inspired him to do an entire mixtape, which he has titled Villematic.

"I'm in a zone. Fuck it. I'ma do a mixtape," wrote the Roc Nation signee on his Twitter account (@JColeNC).

"That beat is incredible, shout to Yeezy," Tweeted Cole regarding Kanye's latest offering. "Much Love. Shout to Bink. I could write a million verses to that."

Although no release date has been set for the project, J. Cole leaked an image that will presumably serve as its cover. The image is a play on Illmatic's, with a translucent picture of an infant J. Cole over top of a picture of a building.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12150/title.j-cole-to-drop-new-mixtape-villematic

Snoop Dogg Partners With Norton For Anti-Cybercrime Rap Contest

2010-09-03T11:45:00.000-07:00

Snoop Dogg Partners With Norton For Anti-Cybercrime Rap Contest

by Danielle Harling

posted September 03, 2010 at 10:51AM MST

Rapper Snoop Dogg and Norton team up for "Hack Is Wack" anti-cybercrime, rap contest.

Rapper Snoop Dogg has just teamed up with software company Norton for quite the unique online contest.

The contest, which is sponsored by Norton and backed by Snoop, will give amateur rappers the chance to show off their skills by submitting a video (two minutes or shorter) of them rapping on the subject of cybercrime.

Cleverly titled “Hack Is Wack” the contest states that participants videos must consist of them rapping about cybercrime and the harmful effects it can have on computer users.

Contests are asked to rap on one or more of the following topics: hacking, identity theft, computer viruses, and protecting yourself against online crime

The winner of the "Hack Is Wack" contest will receive a pair of tickets to a concert by Snoop, airfare for two to Los Angeles, hotel accommodations, a Toshiba laptop with software from Norton, and the opportunity to meet with Snoop’s management team.

To enter the "Hack Is Wack" contest visit HackIsWack.com. Contest entries will be judged on or around October 10, 2010.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12134/title.snoop-dogg-partners-with-norton-for-anti-cybercrime-rap-contest

Kia Shine Accused Of Spoiling Girl's Sweet 16 Party

2010-09-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Kia Shine Accused Of Spoiling Girl's Sweet 16 Party

Thursday, September 02, 2010 6:14 PM

By Houston Williams

A Memphis family hired rapper Kia Shine to perform at a Sweet 16 party only to charge later that the rapper had spoiled the affair by being hours after most party-goers had left.

Victoria Allen, the mother of daughter Latranae, planned a Sweet 16 celebration a year in advance with friends, limo, a new car and rapper Kia Shine. Allen alleges the event would have been perfect if Shine had not been hours late and performed a far shorter set that agreed upon.

Allen says she paid Kia Shine $1,000 up front to perform at least 20 minutes.

"I was like, that would be cool to have a local rapper from Memphis to be the spotlight and special guest at her special event," Allen said to wreg.com. "Everything was perfect, til it got to the entertainment. And when I say entertainment, I'm talking about the artist Kia Shine."

In addition to his fee, Allen says she paid for a stage, high quality microphones, and a sound system that also cost $1,000.

Shine was expected to perform about 9 pm when the party had about 150 teenagers celebrating Latranae's birthday.

After contacting Shine, Allen said the times continuously changed until he arrived at 11:45 pm with about 15 kids in front of him. Furthermore, he reportedly performed slightly over 5 minutes.

Allen wants her money back, but Kia Shine defended his actions to WREG.

Kia Shine told WREG, "Contractually Kia Shine showed up, Kia Shine performed, Kia Shine did exactly what he was supposed to do."

He also said that Allen was partially to blame for the incident.

"Her mother had the opportunity, to say 'Hey Shine, if you're not going to be here at 9, 9:30, 10 or whatever, then just don't come.' And then fine, I wouldn't have come and her money would have been refunded back to her completely without any issues," Shine said.

He said he would be willing to give back half of money, because of the truncated performance, but would keep $500.

"It's just like going to a restaurant and saying, hey, eating a sandwich, eating a sandwich or whatever, and waiting to get to the last bite and saying, 'Hey, I want to take this sandwich back, I don't like it.' And you expect a full refund? C'mon, that's not how it works!" Shine said.

Allen plans to take the case to court, but she said her daughter's Sweet 16 experience is irreparably damaged.

"It's that one time. Birthday parties, you know, you're only 16 one time," she said.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/09/02/22362866.aspx

Rapper T.I., Wife Tiny Face A Year Over Ecstasy; Methamphetamines

2010-09-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

Rapper T.I., Wife Tiny Face A Year Over Ecstasy; Metha-Amphetamines

Thursday, September 02, 2010 10:02 AM

By Roman Wolfe

(AllHipHop News) Atlanta Hip-Hop star T.I. could be heading back to prison, after police allegedly found meth-amphetamines and ecstasy in his Maybach last night (September 1st) in West Hollywood, California.

According to the LA County Sheriff's department, the charges T.I. faces include a minimum sentence of a year in state prison, in addition to fines that will be determined by a judge.

According to TMZ.com, T.I. and his wife Tiny Cottle were stopped in their expensive Maybach coup for a traffic violation around 10:30PM last night.

Police searched the vehicle after smelling marijuana and found the drugs, reported to be meth-amphetamines and ecstasy.

Both were booked on felony possession of a controlled substance and have since been released on $10,000 bail, a piece.

Tiny was arrested for possessing marijuana and ecstasy in the past.

In October of 2007, Tiny was arrested for possession of marijuana and ecstasy, during a sting operation that resulted in T.I.'s arrest for attempting to purchase machine guns and silencers.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/09/02/22361567.aspx

Snoop Dogg Announces New Album: "Doggystyle 2"

2010-09-02T13:19:00.001-07:00

Snoop Dogg Announces New Album: "Doggystyle 2"

by Danielle Harling

posted September 02, 2010 at 11:53AM MST

Snoop Dogg and producer Swizz Beatz in the studio working on a sequel to Snoop's debut album Doggystyle.

In a viral video that was released today (September 2) rapper Snoop Dogg, who was accompanied by producer Swizz Beatz at an unnamed studio, announced the name of his upcoming album.

“And the album is Doggystyle 2: The Doggumentary be on the lookout for it you bitch,” said Snoop towards the end of the video.

Both Swizz and Snoop explained that they recorded a number of tracks for Snoop’s project while in the studio.

“He just laced my boots up for my new record,” Snoop explained. “Motherfucker gave me some gangsta shit, some crib shit, some R&B shit, some Hip Hop shit, hard shit, some mean shit.”

“That’s how we used to do it back in the day. It used to be about the sound so right now we constructing sounds for the album,” Swizz added.

As Snoop Dogg’s debut album Doggystyle remains one of Snoop’s most talked about albums. The album was released on November 23, 1993.

There’s no word on when Doggystyle 2: The Doggumentary will be released.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12122/title.snoop-dogg-announces-new-album-doggystyle-2

Gorilla Zoe Returns With New Deal, Album 'King Kong' Set For Oct.

2010-09-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

Gorilla Zoe Returns With New Deal, Album 'King Kong' Set For Oct.

Wednesday, September 01, 2010 12:43 PM

By Mike Winslow

(AllHipHop News) Gorilla Zoe is working on a new album, after recently completing a deal with Block Entertainment, E1 and Atlantic Records.

The new deal will allow the rapper's third studio album King Kong to be on shelves by October.

"A new era of Block Entertainment is launching through my partnership with eOne and Atlantic," Russell "Block" Spencer told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "Gorilla Zoe is first up on my team to takeover with his third solo album, King Kong."

Block Entertainment is known for launching or helping guide the careers of artists like Boyz N Da Hood, Rick Ross, Young Jeezy, Jody Breeze and others.

“I’m thrilled to be working with Block Entertainment and Atlantic Records," said E1 President Alan Grunblatt. "Gorilla Zoe is a great artist and Block is a music visionary. Three labels are better than one!”

Gorilla Zoe's new album King Kong has an official release date of October 26th.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/09/01/22357962.aspx

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/29/2010

2010-09-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/29/2010

by Allen Jacobs

posted September 01, 2010 at 7:02AM MST

Drake gets his million, Usher's EP rings some bells, while acclaimed albums from The Roots, Big Boi and Distant Relatives all reach to clear 200,000.

Eminem's Recovery was bumped once more. The lovely Katy Perry's Teenage Dream assumed the #1 slot, with her new album, featuring Snoop Dogg and production from Stargate. The second slot went to Fantasia's Back To Me. At #3, The Aftermath release sold just under 100,000 units last week. It was announced last week that Eminem's live show will now include a full-band, further adding to the Detroit superstar's artistic evolution.

It was Usher who may have had the most pleasing week on the charts. The Atlanta entertainer's EP Versus pulled in a #4 debut. The nine-song collection of Raymond v. Raymond-era recordings sold just under 50,000 first-week units. Drumma Boy, Polow Da Don and Jim Jonsin are amoung the producers on the EP. Meanwhile, the original Raymond v. Raymond maintained a Top 20 performance, having just recently reached platinum.

Rick Ross crossed the 350,000 mark with Teflon Don. The Def Jam rapper's fourth official album features work from veterans such as No I.D., DJ Clark Kent and Cee-Lo. Ross' album marches towards gold. Drake's Thank Me Later reached the million mark. This is just the second 2010 Rap album to do so, after Eminem's Recovery. The album features production from Kanye West, Timbaland, and Drake's in-house team of Boi-1da and 40.

* 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

3

Eminem

Recovery

98,000

2,328,000

4

Usher

Versus

46,000

46,000

17

Rick Ross

Teflon Don 21,000

353,000

18

Drake

Thank Me Later

20,000

1,014,000

19

Usher

Raymond v. Raymond

20,000

1,037,000

Outkast's Big Boi was back in the Top 50 at #49. His critically-acclaimed Def Jam debut, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty features artists such as T.I., Gucci Mane and Too Short, with production from Organized Noize, Scott Storch and Lil Jon. Bun B's Trill O.G. fell to #55. Bun's album is the first since moving his Rap-A-Lot Records distribution from Asylum to Universal Fontana. The third in the "Trill" series features appearances from Drake, Gucci Mane and posthumous verses from 2Pac and Pimp C, while production is handled by DJ Premier, Boi-1da and veteran UGK producer Steve Below. In two weeks, Trill O.G. is fast-approaching the 100,000 mark.

HipHopDX Underground Report alum Mike Posner approaches 50,000 sold of his 31 Minutes To Takeoff. The Michigan native and J Records artist found a great deal of cross-over success with his debut, after previous collaborations with Hip Hop artists such as Bun B, Big Sean and Saigon. The Roots' acclaimed How I Got Over ended up at #77. This other Def Jam release features extended Roots family Dice Raw, Truck North and others, in addition to Blu, Phonte and Peedi Peedi. Lastly, Universal Republic Records' release of MTV's Jersey Shore soundtrack features a number of the label's Rap artists, including Lil Jon and DXnext alum Kid Sister, as well as Pitbull and former G-Unit producers Midi Mafia.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

49

Big Boi Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty 8,700

154,000

55

Bun B

Trill O.G.

8,000

76,000

72

Mike Posner

31 Minutes To Takeoff

5,700

44,000

77

The Roots

How I Got Over

5,300

136,000

160

Various

MTV's Jersey Shore Soundtrack

2,900

33,000

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12109/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-8-29-2010

Xzibit Lands Appearance In New TV Drama 'Detroit 1-8-7'

2010-08-31T20:01:00.000-07:00

Xzibit Lands Appearance In New TV Drama 'Detroit 1-8-7'

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 2:13 PM

By Mike Winslow

(AllHipHop News) Rapper/TV personality Xzibit will be featured in an episode of ABC's new crime drama, Detroit 1-8-7, the network has announced.

According to a press release, Xzibit has signed on to star in an episode of the new series, which is slated to premiere September 21st.

In the episode starring Xzibit, the rapper will play a "hustler" turned businessman named Russell Pitts, who is now in the business of producing Hip-Hop artists.

Detroit 1-8-7 started shooting in July in Detroit, according to the series' producers.

The drama stars Michael Imperioli (Detective Louis Fitch), Aisha Hinds (Lt. Maureen Mason), James McDaniel (Sgt. Jesse Longford) and others.

The executive producer of the show, Jason Richman, stressed they would be using artists and local talent in the show and extended an invitation to one of the world's most famous rappers, Eminem.

"I would love it," Jason Richman told Vulture. "He's a great actor, and he'd a good representative for the city…I'd love for him to be involved in any way possible."

Xzibit will also make another high profile appearance on television this September, when he is featured on Extreme Makeover rebuilding a house in Wisconsin, with host Ty Pennington, homebuilder Paige Hemmis and stylist Michael Moloney.

Air-dates for Xzibit's appearances on both shows are not available as of press time.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/31/22356551.aspx

Young Buck Planning 50 Cent Lawsuit Over Record Deal

2010-08-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

Young Buck Planning 50 Cent Lawsuit Over Record Deal

Tuesday, August 31, 2010 3:37 PM

By Nolan Strong

(AllHipHop News) Young Buck is planning to take on rival and G-Unit leader 50 Cent for an amount that could be as much as $5 million dollars.

According to the Nashville City Paper, Young Buck will sue 50 Cent for his freedom from his G-Unit recording contract, which has prevented him from releasing material, or recording guest appearance tracks with other artists.

Young Buck, born David Darnell Brown, filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy protection, to pay off his debt in a structured, timely manner.

The Nashville rapper will file a lawsuit against 50 Cent, G-Unit and Sha Money XL.

"Mr. Brown intends to reorganize his debts and pay off the IRS in a timely manner through Chapter 13," Lynda Brown told the City Paper. "We hope to secure the return of his personal property quickly. He will also be filing a lawsuit in the next 30-60 days against his former manager, G Unit label and Mr. Curtis Jackson."

In a previous statement regarding his debt to the IRS, Young Buck claimed his tax troubles were the result of inept business practices.

"This IRS situation came about because I trusted accountants, lawyers, and managers to handle my business for me while I focused on making music," Young Buck told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "From now on, I am going to stay on top of my own business."

In 2008, Sha Money XL claimed that G-Unit had paid Young Buck over $10 million in royalties as an artist on G-Unit Records.

Young Buck has publicly denied receiving anywhere near that amount from the label.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/31/22356973.aspx

Drake's Follow-Up Coming Sooner Than "Later", "The Intro [Is] Done"

2010-08-31T12:59:00.000-07:00

News: Drake's Follow-Up Coming Sooner Than "Later", "The Intro [Is] Done"

Tuesday, Aug 31, 2010 3:30PM

Written by Rosario Harper
Young Money President Mack Maine has updated fans on the status of Drake's upcoming Thank Me Later follow-up.

According to Maine, Drake already has a jump start on the untitled effort.

"Drake's crazy," Young Money president Mack Maine said in an interview. "He's doing a [R&B] mixtape right now. He called me one night, like 2 in the morning. He has the intro done for the new album. We was discussing dates where he should come back. That'll be soon. And this mixtape, he's gonna put that out quick. His formula is crazy. He works fast. I can't give the secret away to the formula. He's a musical genius. The way he and [producer] 40 put things together is crazy." (MTV)

Earlier this year,Drake said he was contemplating a second album title.

Drake's debut album hasn't even hit stores yet, but he's already thinking of a second album title. Moments is the name he's been tossing around for his sophomore effort, reports the Los Angeles Times. While nothing has been set in stone, he explained the reasoning behind the title. "Hip-hop is all about moments," said the 23-year-old rapper. "You look at people who were hot three or four years ago who are sitting around reminiscing. It's fickle. It's a game of moments. I'm the moment right now." (Rap-Up)

Along with a sophomore album, the rapper is also putting together a free R&B mixtape.

Always a gentleman, Drake smiled for the cameras and chatted briefly about his upcoming R&B mixtape and sophomore album at the BlackBerry Torch launch party in Los Angeles on Wednesday night (Aug. 11). "I'm working on this mixtape, I got an R&B mixtape that I'm working on," Drake said in an interview. "I'm always accustomed to giving out free music, so I'm working on this new project for free and I'm also working on my second album, you know? Collaborations on that, anything is possible.' (Rap-Up TV)

As of now, Drake's Thank Me Later is close to reaching platinum status.

Young Money rapper Drake's Thank Me Later slipped one notch to No. 12 with 23,400. Heading into his 11th week, the emcee's long-awaited debut should reach platinum status next week with 993,500 records already sold. (SOHH Sales Wrap)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/08/drakes_thank_me_later_follow-up_in_works.html

Cee-Lo Explains Controversial "F-ck You" Song

2010-08-31T11:39:00.000-07:00

Cee-Lo Explains Controversial "Fuck You" Song

by Danielle Harling

posted August 31, 2010 at 10:06AM MST

Cee-Lo says "Fuck You" is a work of art and radio play for the song wasn't thought of until after the song was released.

It has only been a matter of days since singer/rapper Cee-Lo Green released the controversial track “Fuck You” and the song is still being widely talked about both on and off the internet.

Cee-Lo recently spoke with the Associated Press about the song, which will be featured on his upcoming album The Lady Killer. In his interview with the AP, the Goodie Mob/Gnarls Barkley member explained that “Fuck You” is a work of art in his opinion.

"What I've tried to accomplish, like, is making art products ... so I still believe that (the song) can be classified as art because it's an original piece and the edge and alternative is there, and the integrity is intact," said Cee-Lo.

Although Cee-Lo wasn’t worried about radio play when “Fuck You” was initially released the song will in fact be put in rotation on radio stations across the country. The radio-friendly version of “Fuck You” will be titled “Forget You.”

"It wasn't like we were looking for it to be a radio hit of some sort,” Cee-Lo explained. “It was only until a short time after that we considered doing a clean version just in case.”

Cee-Lo’s solo album The Lady Killer will be released on December 7.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12102/title.cee-lo-explains-controversial-fuck-you-song

Download-
"Fuck You"- HERE

Tracklisting Revealed For Ice Cube's "I Am The West"

2010-08-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

Tracklisting Revealed For Ice Cube's "I Am The West"

by Jake Paine

posted August 31, 2010 at 8:09AM MST
West coast veterans WC and Jayo Felony will appear on the 16-song LP, as well as promising hopeful Young Maylay.

Due on September 28, Ice Cube's I Am The West will be the ninth studio solo album from the N.W.A. lyricist. Released on Cube's own Lench Mob Recordings imprint, the controversially titled album is believed to contain 16 tracks, with appearances from longtime collaborator WC, and San Diego, California's Jayo Felony. Additionally, Young Maylay will appear, who's previously worked with Blaq Poet, MC Eiht and DJ Premier.

I Am The West is said to assert Cube and his peers' place in west coast history, which has been commonly forgotten by artists and media frequently using the term "new west." The album features a song, "No Country For Old Men," sharing its name with an editorial written on HipHopDX about Cube's self-affirmation. The album is the rapper-turned-actor's first since 2008's Raw Footage.

The tracklisting for I Am The West is as follows:

1. A Boy Was Conceived

2. Soul On Ice

3. Life In California (feat. Jayo Felony & WC)

4. She Couldn't Make It On Her Own (feat. OMG & Doughboy)

5. Urbanian

6. Y’all Know How I Am (feat. OMG, WC, Doughboy & Maylay)

7. Too West Coast (feat. WC & Maylay)

8. I Rep That West

9. Drink The Kool-Aid

10. No Country For Young Men

11. It Is What It Is

12. Hood Robbin

13. Your Money Or Your Life

14. Nothin’ Like L.A.

15. All Day, Everyday

16. Fat Cat

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12100/title.tracklisting-revealed-for-ice-cubes-i-am-the-west

Ruff Ryders Return With New Label Ruff Ryders Indy

2010-08-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

Ruff Ryders Return With New Label Ruff Ryders Indy

Monday, August 30, 2010 4:00 PM

By Roman Wolfe

(AllHipHop News) Yonkers Hip-Hop label Ruff Ryders has relaunched its recording business as Ruff Ryders Indy and will officially launch its new roster of artists currently on the label.

The principles in the new label are CEO/President Joaquin "Waah" Dean, Director of Operations Dedra Tate and Directors of Marketing, Tenisha Rae and Alimah Samsid-Deen.

According to representatives from Double XXposure PR, the company that officially represents Ruff Ryders Indy, the label will be distributed by Fontana/Universal, with a focus on mentoring new and independent labels.

Ruff Ryders Indy will provide marketing, street promotion, radio promotion and product management, in addition to educational programs offered to label CEO's to help build their brands.

As one of the founders of Ruff Ryders in 1988, Joaquin Dean helped introduce artists like DMX, Eve, Swizz Beatz, The Lox, Drag-On and others into pop culture, selling over 20 millions of records in the process.

Ruff Ryders Indy's roster consists of Drag-On, Mook, Shella, Flashy and Lil Joaquin.

This week, the label will conduct a press day to reveal more details about their roster and the new label's plans for the future.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/30/22355023.aspx

Twista's Documentary Explores Music, Violence In Chicago

2010-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

Twista's Documentary Explores Music, Violence In Chicago

Monday, August 30, 2010 2:03 PM

By Mike Winslow

Twista has released details behind a new bio-documentary, focusing on the chart-topping Chicago rapper's rise to fame.

The documentary was filmed in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Miami by The Vladar Company, the organization behind Big Pun: The Legacy.

The film will be distributed to physical and digital retailers by EMI Label Services, which will also distribute Twista's upcoming album.

“The objective of this film is to also cover various social topics such as the city’s history of violence and also to explore Chicago’s influence in music and culture,” said producer/director Vlad Yudin.

EMI will also handle the the licensing, retail marketing, licensing and synchronization for the Twista documentary, which will be released in October along with Twista's new untitled album.

“EMI is excited to continue working with Twista and are excited to be involved with Vladar’s film. We think Vladar’s documentary will truly capture what a unique and creative artist Twista is,” said Mike Harris, Executive Vice President and General Manager, EMI Label Services and Caroline Distribution. “We’re looking forward to all the exciting possibilities of working Twista’s next music project and Vladar’s film.”

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/30/22354808.aspx

Trick Daddy Cleans House At Dunk Ryder; Preps 'www.thug.com2'

2010-08-30T09:27:00.000-07:00

Trick Daddy Cleans House At Dunk Ryder; Preps 'www.thug.com2'

Monday, August 30, 2010 12:03 PM

By Nolan Strong

(AllHipHop News) Miami rapper Trick Daddy is focusing on the release of his upcoming autobiography, which will be released this Fall, the rapper revealed to AllHipHop.com.

The book, tentatively titled Magic City: Trials of a Native Son, is the story of Trick Daddy's colorful life in Miami, where he was raised in Liberty City, along with 19 brothers and sisters.

The book focuses on his upbringing, his wild days on the streets hustling, his time spent incarcerated, his rise to fame as a rapper and his fight with the disease Lupus.

Trick Daddy told AllHipHop.com that he was recording his new album www.thug.com2, which will be released on his Dunk Ryder Record label.

The rapper, born Maurice Young, said that he recently "cleaned house" at the label due to some unscrupulous business practices that were taking place behind his back.

“Due to bad business practices in my name and Dunk Ryder Records I had to clean house," Trick Daddy revealed to AllHipHop.com. "To anybody that had to deal with any part of that, I want you to know that I was not informed about what was going on but when I found out I handled it. So I do as I always do, stay on the grind and leave the BS behind me.”

At press time, Trick Daddy's book Magic City: Trials of a Native Son is due in stores in November, while www.thug.com2 has no release date.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/30/22354698.aspx

Young Buck Released From G-Unit Contract, Sources Say

2010-08-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

News: Young Buck Released From G-Unit Contract, Sources Say

Sunday, Aug 29, 2010 9:38PM

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

Former G-Unit member Young Buck has reportedly been released from contractual obligations to G-Unit Records according to inside sources.

While an official confirmation has yet to surface, reports have begun circulating online.

A 100% reliable source just told us that 50 Cent has let Young Buck out of his contract with G-Unit. In April 2008 50 Cent announced on Hot 97 that Young Buck was kicked out the group, but was still contractually signed to G-Unit. Since that time, Buck has been unable to release any commercial music. Buck is currently working his new single "My Campaign", produced by Drumma Boy. It will be interesting what he does with his new position. If he can get singles reacting on the radio, he get into a good position. But considering the amount of time that he's been off the radar, it will be an uphill climb for Young Buck. (57th Ave)

Early Sunday afternoon, Buck promised to make a forthcoming announcement.

"The Official Annoucement COMING SOON!!!," he tweeted. (Young Buck's Twitter)

Buck recently said he believed 50 is solely focused on forcing him to financially crumble.

"Listen, in those three years since I've been away from G-Unit, have you once heard 50 Cent say 'I want this much for Buck to get out of his contract or anything like that?' No! So that right there should be enough to understand the kind of situation that I'm in," Buck pointed out in an interview. "All I need is the support of the people right now. 50's been on a mission to starve me out...I'm still stuck contractually. I haven't spoken to anyone from G-Unit in three years including 50 and I still have albums left over there." (VIBE)

Buck is currently preparing the release of his new album, The Rehab.

This new street album from Young Buck features 14 brand new tracks, which are all produced by Big Hollis, Cozmo and Vince V. This album has been highly anticipated for the last few years, with Young Buck stating to MTV that this album would sell over a million copies in its first week. "The Rehab" is being released on September 7th by Real Talk Entertainment and is executive produced by its CEO, Derrick "Sac" Johnson, who had the following to say regarding its release: "We are very excited about working with Young Buck on this project. This project has been in the works for years, before 50 Cent and G-Unit. Young Buck is an international superstar and we are extremely proud to be releasing his street album, The Rehab. (Press Release)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/08/young_buck_released_from_g-unit_contract.html

'Tha Carter IV' Gets Release Date; Lil Wayne Predictions For US Open

2010-08-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

'Tha Carter IV' Gets Release Date; Lil Wayne Predictions For US Open

Saturday, August 28, 2010 12:30 PM

By Mike Winslow

Lil Wayne has set a release date for the fourth installment of his series of albums, Tha Carter.

Young Money's President Mack Maine told MTV that Tha Carter IV is due in stores the same day he is released from Rikers Island, where he has been incarcerated since March, for attempted possession of a weapon.

"Tha Carter IV plans we had and still have are to put Tha Carter IV out the day he comes out," Mack Maine told MTV News. "He had so many songs for Tha Carter IV, we said let's just put these 10 songs out [on I Am Not a Human Being] and double-back for Tha Carter IV. He has more songs for Tha Carter IV that are still strong."

According to Mack Maine, a welcome home concert is also being planned for the day Lil Wayne is released from prison.

Despite his incarceration on Rikers Island, Lil Wayne has remained in the spotlight through various releases, in addition to a series of letters penned to fans and media outlets, with his opinions on popular sports issues.

This week, Lil Wayne wrote a hand written letter to Sports Illustrated with his prediction that Rafael Nadal will win the US Open.

"I'm a huge [Rafael] Nadal fan," Lil Wayne told Sports Illustrated. "I'm definitely rooting for him to get the Grand Slam and win the US Open. Nadal wins it all."

Lil Wayne also predicted Kim Clijsters would take the women's title.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/28/22353702.aspx

Drake & Nicki Minaj NOT Married, According To Twitter

2010-08-29T06:42:00.000-07:00

Drake & Nicki Minaj NOT Married, According To Twitter

by Allen Jacobs

posted August 28, 2010 at 10:01PM MST

UPDATE: Skeptics were right, it was all a publicity stunt. Young Money marriage has been "annulled."

On Thank Me Later's "Miss Me," Drake professed his love to Young Money label-mate Nicki Minaj. "I love Nicki Minaj, I told her I’d admit it / I hope one day we get married just to say we fuckin' did it / And girl I’m fucking serious I’m with it if you with it / 'Cause your verses turn me on and your pants are mighty fitted," rapped the Toronto sensation, expected to reach platinum this week.

Well, according to Twitter, that verse was prophecy.

The evening of Friday of August 27, both rappers revealed that they had "tied the knot" via Twitter. Official word for Young Money Records has yet to be provided, but the confirming tweets are below:

@nickiminaj Baby I am never scared. PROUD is more the word I would use.

6:06 EST via web

Drizzy Drake

drakkardnoir

Please refer to @nickiminaj as Mrs. Aubrey Drake Graham and dont stare at her too long. She's finally mine. :)

Fri Aug 27 6:18pm EST via web

Drizzy Drake

drakkardnoir

Yes, its true. Drake and I tied the knot. > RT @drakkardnoir @nickiminaj Baby I am never scared. PROUD is more the word I would use.

6:21 EST via ÜberTwitter

Nicki Minaj

NICKIMINAJ

(August 27)

UPDATE: Nicki Minaj confirmed to E! News that Friday's mutual Twitter confirmations were in fact a joke.

Dear Barbz, My husband Drake and I have decided to have our marriage annulled. We'll maintain joint custody. Luv, HB

less than a minute ago via web

Nicki Minaj

NICKIMINAJ

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12073/title.drake-nicki-minaj-not-married-according-to-twitter

Timbaland Evaluated By Paramedics After Reported Robbery

2010-08-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

Timbaland Evaluated By Paramedics After Reported Robbery

by Allen Jacobs

posted August 25, 2010 at 2:21PM MST

UPDATE: Timbaland called into Ryan Seacrest's radio show to say he's doing fine and authorities were just performing due procedure.

Superstar producer Timbaland concerned his family to the point of involving authorities yesterday, TMZ.com has reported. The Interscope artist/producer/executive allegedly contacted his brother-in-law by phone yesterday, expressing his pain over a two million dollar theft, including a Jacob & Co. watch. Shortly after the conversation, the Virginia-born Timbaland left his Malibu, California residence and began driving. Family members were unable to reach Tim, and contacted sheriff's department.

Shortly after family contacted authorities, police stopped Timbaland's Cadillac Escalade. The artist was reportedly evaluated by paramedics and escorted home in a patrol car.

Timbaland and his label have yet to speak on the matter. HipHopDX will keep you updated.

Since releasing his Shock Value II last year, Timbaland has produced on Drake's Thank Me Later.

UPDATE: Hours after the original report, TMZ.com posted the 911 call from Timbaland's mother-in-law which caused local sherriffs to send out the "possible suicide watch" APB. Timbaland subsequently called into Ryan Seacrest's radio show, and said the following:

"I don't even know what happened to be honest with you. People steal from me all the time, so that ain't nothing new...it wasn't a watch it was something else. It's people that are close to you. The only thing I did was take a drive to figure out how I'm gonna handle it. They probably thought I wasn't talking, so I guess people got worried. I tell people if my mom ain't calling, or my brother or my best friend, then ain't nothing to worry about. Why would I commit suicide? I just came from the studio. I don't know any person about to commit suicide who would go to the studio."

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12053/title.timbaland-evaluated-by-paramedics-after-reported-robbery

Diddy Says He's Never Cheated His Artists Out Of Money

2010-08-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

Diddy Says He's Never Cheated His Artists Out Of Money

by Andres Vasquez

posted August 24, 2010 at 7:15AM MST

Puff addresses rumors, says he has not robbed or mistreated previous artists on Bad Boy.

For years, some have speculated that Bad Boy's CEO, Sean Combs, has taken money from the label's artists. After several artists left the company, many have had public feuds with Diddy, including The Lox, Mase and others. Aware of this perception, Puff took to the pages of this month's Vibe Magazine to clear the air about the way he's seen by many.

"There’s an off perception that needs to be addressed about me that I have ever robbed somebody or mistreated somebody. Or tried to be ruthless or whatever in this game. Like, all this year I’ve heard people say, 'Where’s Carl Thomas, where’s Black Rob, where’s G.Dep? Where are these artists?' And for some reason they go ahead and equate that, cause those artists aren’t with me, that I’ve done something wrong or malicious or conniving. It’s something that I do have a problem with because they don’t have no proof that I’ve ever done nothing like that," he said.

Diddy went further to speak on this perception, saying that he's not at fault for artists who haven't had long lasting success.

"It’s a misconception. Especially someone who’s been brought up like me. I’ve been brought up to work hard for mine and never take from nobody. And to always try and help people. But people don’t understand this game that were in. You have a short life expectancy. It’s rare to a me, to be a Jay-Z, an LL, a Nas. That shit is a rarity. That’s not even one percent of the rappers. If you look at any artists that were on Ruff Ryders, where they at? If you look at any artist that was on Def Jam at the time we started, where they at? If you look at any artist that was on Roc-A-Fella, Jive, where they at? It’s not like anything was wrong with them. It’s just that you have a four, five-year average in this game. That’s just something I wanted to address."

For more of Diddy's interview, check the August/September issue of Vibe.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12036/title.diddy-says-hes-never-cheated-his-artists-out-of-money

Paul Wall Says Mike Jones Burned Bridges Between Artists

2010-08-23T16:02:00.000-07:00

Paul Wall Says Mike Jones Burned Bridges Between Artists

by Sean Ryon

posted August 23, 2010 at 1:57PM MST

Paul Wall tells Ozone Magazine that his "Still Tippin'" partner Mike Jones burned bridges with many of his Swishahouse labelmates.

In a recent interview with Ozone Magazine, the Peoples' Champ Paul Wall discussed the M.I.A. status of Mike Jones. According to Wall, he hasn't kept up with Jones, saying that Jones burned bridges with his Swishahouse brethren after he parted ways with the label. Wall even went as far to say that the knockout punch delivered to Jones by fellow Houston rapper Trae was much to be expected.

"Ever since he left Swishahouse I haven't really kept track of him," he said. "I really didn't know him too well before he came to Swishahouse. I'd say he dug his own grave. He lied to a lot of people, he turned his back on a lot of people, and he burned a lot of bridges. I don't want to kick a dog while he's down and I don't wanna just talk shit about him, but I think a lot of people were happy when [Trae] punched him and knocked him out...like I said, Mike Jones burned his bridge with a lot of people, so he probably had a knock out coming from somewhere at some time anyway. I'm positive of that." (Ozone Magazine via BallerStatus)

The Houston rapper, who recently released his latest album Heart of a Champion, said that the notion that he and Jones were partners in rap is a misconception, saying that Mike Jones was more concerned with his own success. Although he wishes no ill on Jones, Wall says that he has "washed [his] hands of him."

"I would've liked it to be like that [we were a unit], but Mike Jones didn't want that," he explained He kinda wanted it to all be about him. If that's how you want it, I'm not gonna be the one to beg you to stay around, especially since all my major success came not too long after the break up with me and Chamillionaire. I was in a mindframe where it was like, 'If you don't want to be here, I'm not gonna force you'...I kinda washed my hands of him. I'm not worried about Mike Jones. I don't wish no bad on him and I don't hate him, but I've got to move in my own direction. There's no sense in arguing with him. They say when two people argue, from a distance you can't tell who the fool is." (Ozone Magazine via BallerStatus)

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12032/title.paul-wall-says-mike-jones-burned-bridges-between-artists

Kanye West to Release a New Song Every Week Until Christmas

2010-08-23T10:41:00.000-07:00

Kanye West to Release a New Song Every Week Until Christmas

Monday, August 23, 2010 11:26 AM

By Jake Crates

(AllHipHop News) As the tension and excitement builds in the months leading up to the release of Kanye West’s still untitled 5th album, Kanye West is “all about the fans” and will be releasing a new song every week until Christmas.

Kanye, who tweeted the announcement Sunday night (August 22nd), stressed the importance of giving back to the fans.

He also let the fans know how hard he has been working to ensure that his label, G.O.O.D Music, puts out a quality product.

"I know y'all need the music so I'm dropping 1 new song every weekend until Xmas. It may be my song, it may be a new Jay song, etc," Kanye tweeted.

A minute later the Chicago based MC/Producer coined the impromptu releases as “Good Fridays”.

"I'm calling it good Fridays. Yall know every Friday yall gone have a new joint from our family. We look at the game completely different now,” Mr. West added. “It's about the fans. No more holding back. That's why I dropped see me now... It wasn't about me it was about the Summer the BBQs etc.”

Kanye then talked about what he’s been working on as of late and let the fans know about his dedication to his music and the art he creates.

He is working on projects for Pusha T, Raekwon, Mos Def, Swizz Beatz and Pharrell Williams.

“Swizz looked at me the other night and said man are you getting sleep and I told him I can't sleep... My people need this new music,” Kanye recalled. “Yall make all the hard work worth it.... We been up to 5 am every night working on everything Pusha, Rakwon, Mos, Swizz, Skateboard etc. “

Additionally, Kanye is in the process of creating a movie that will go along with the much anticipated album he has been working on in seclusion.

“In Prague organizing the movie based around the album... I just wanna thank everybody for the overwhelming response to the Power remix!,“ he tweeted.

Kanye West will perform at this year's MTV Video Music Awards, which air live September 12 at 9 p.m. The appearance marks his VMA return after a notorious onstage interruption during Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for her VMA Award.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/23/22346776.aspx

Faith Evans Arrested On Suspicion Of Drunk Driving

2010-08-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

Faith Evans Arrested On Suspicion Of Drunk Driving

by Slava Kuperstein

posted August 22, 2010 at 10:46PM MST

R&B singer Faith Evans was arrested at a drunken driving checkpoint in California.

Faith Evans was arrested late Saturday (August 22) after being stopped at a drunken driving checkpoint near Marina del Rey, reports the Los Angeles Times.

The singer, who is readying her first new album in five years, was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor drunken driving at 10:40 PM, reported the Los Angeles Police Department's Officer Cleon Joseph.

In 2004, Evans and husband Todd Russaw, were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine at a traffic stop in the Atlanta, Georgia area, and spent 13 weeks in rehab.

Evans' upcoming album, Something About Faith, will feature artists such as Snoop Dogg, Redman, Keisha Cole, Raekwon and others, and is due in stores on October 5.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12025/title.faith-evans-arrested-on-suspicion-of-drunk-driving

Kanye West Wraps Up Justin Bieber Remix, "Raekwon's Verse Is Crazy!!!"

2010-08-19T10:25:00.000-07:00

News: Kanye West Wraps Up Justin Bieber Remix, "Raekwon's Verse Is Crazy!!!"

Thursday, Aug 19, 2010 12:00PM

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

Kanye West has kept his word and is now placing the finishing touches on his upcoming "Runaway Love" remix with Wu-Tang Clan's Raekwon.

Writing on Twitter early Thursday morning, Yeezy built hype around the verse cooked up by "The Chef".

"Finishing @JustinBieber Runaway Love remix too... don't know when they gonna drop it but Raekwon's verse is crazy!!!," Ye tweeted.

"I gotta testify... God has worked his magic 10 fold in my life since I dropped the ego and opened my heart." (Kanye West's Twitter)

Yesterday, Rae tweeted about heading out to meet West for their studio session.

"On my way to the airport to nyc to get up wit my legendary @kanyewest! Yall asked for it now we're gonna deliver! Rt this crack!" (Raekwon's Twitter)

After Ye presented the idea of doing a remix with Rae, Bieber called the possible collaboration "epic."

"@kanyewest me, u, and the chef 2gether on a song = EPIC. haha. might sound crazy 2 u but even having this convo is living the dream. thanks." (Justin Bieber's Twitter)

Earlier this week, the "Chef" broke the news of their remix being in the works.

"It's definitely gonna happen," Rae said in an interview. "When you got these kinda talents merging together to do something exciting, I think it's something that's gonna make the fans check it out. I'm big fans of both of these guys. I think, at the end of the day, shorty is a sensation. And [for him] to acknowledge me it makes me feel good that the young generation is checkin' me out like that. And at the same time it gives me a position to play a big brother in the game. He wants my assistance or whatever he can get it. I respect him, I like his style...Yeezy called me and we gon' make it pop. At the end of the day we're all doing our thing in the game and for them to even just have a conversation and just put my name in it it feels good. It feels good to respect what I do and I respect what they do. And we gon' make a hit. Justin got his own fan base and me and Yeezy got our own fan base and we gon' make it happen. We gon' make a good record." (XXL Mag)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/08/kanye_west_placing_finishing_touches_on.html

Bun B Describes Relationship With 2Pac, Why Pharrell Tracks Did Not Make "Trill O.G."

2010-08-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

Bun B Describes Relationship With 2Pac, Why Pharrell Tracks Did Not Make "Trill O.G."

by Jake Paine

posted August 19, 2010 at 8:33AM MST

Exclusive: The Trill O.G. says that Scarface helped make 'Pac a fan of UGK, and how his two "incredible" records with Pharrell might make more sense next time.

HipHopDX recently spoke with Bun B in New York's Universal Fontana offices. In part one, Bun explained how Rap-A-Lot Records' purchasing a studio allowed him more creative space. In the next segment, the UGK legend was asked about his relationship with 2Pac, honing the sound for Trill O.G., and getting the right personnel.

UGK and 2Pac were both rising stars of the early '90s. Both having a mutual alliance in Scarface, Bun B was asked if he ever met 2Pac, especially given the 'Pac verse on Trill O.G.'s "Right Now" . Bun explained, "We never did [cross paths], actually. It's funny you brought 'Face up, because 2Pac's introduction to UGK was by Scarface, during the recording of 'Smile.' 'Face gave 'Pac the [Ridin' Dirty] album, and 'Pac played the album." In the years following 2Pac's 1996 murder, Bun B would go on to work with his former Rap-A-Lot label-mates, The Outlawz. Bun appeared on "Big Ballin'" from the group's fourth album, Outlaw 4 Life: 2005 A.P. Through this association, Bun learned of his brief impact on 2Pac from his closest circle. "EDI from The Outlawz came home [from Texas in late 1996] and was like, 'Yo, I don't know who these cats is, I don't know where they from, what they do, - 'Face just gave me this album, but these cats talkin' 'bout what we talkin' 'bout, these cats gonna be down with us." Although 2Pac really enjoyed the recordings he heard from Bun and Pimp C, time would never allow anything greater. "Unfortunately, he passed away about two weeks later. We never got to meet him. But EDI was like, 'He definitely loved [UGK's] music."

The verse on "Right Now" comes from 2Pac's One Nation recordings with Snoop Dogg, The Outlawz and east coast veterans like Greg Nice and The Boot Camp Clik.

DX and Bun also spoke about the personnel changes withinTrill O.G., and how the esteemed emcee crafted an overall sound. "I've been very lucky to have built a lot of incredible relationships with some of the best people in the [music] business," began Bun. "I've also been lucky enough to have those who I haven't necessarily been able to have a personal connection with be fans and admirers of myself [sic]. The beautiful thing that's happening in the music industry right now is that people who could be charging hundreds of thousands of dollars for their contributions are taking their power and using it to help bring people up who they always felt should've had a better shot, or should've had a better look." With Trill O.G. being a largely independent release through Rap-A-Lot, high-profile collaborations with artists such as Drake, T-Pain or Gucci Mane would have been difficult to secure just a few years ago.

Bun continued, pointing to the eagerness and generosity he witnessed from some of Rap's top hit-makers. "During the process of recording [Trill O.G.], we sat with J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League - I recorded eight songs with these guys within three sessions. Whatever I wanted to rap to, 'Whatever you want, just take it.' The same thing with Play-N-Skillz." The Irving, Texas duo is perhaps best known from their Grammy Award-winning effort in Chamillionaire's "Ridin'" just three years ago. "[Throughout] all three Trill albums, Play-N-Skillz have brought everything. I mean, they've pulled out all the hard drives." Bun also revealed that he recorded three sessions with Florida's Cool & Dre, and completed two songs with The Neptunes' Pharrell Williams that he described as "incredible." Although the latter examples did not make the final cut, Bun B said there is good reason. "I think that the people we picked and the sound that we picked for this album was just what was needed for this album. When we go from this level to the next level, we start bringin' in the people like Pharrell and stuff like that, and it'll make a little bit more sense. But you don't want to shoot too big, too fast and bite off more than you can chew." With all three of the Trill albums received by fans and critics warmly, Bun declared, "I can't compromise something good in hopes of something great."

However, with Young Money's Drake a large presence on the album, Bun was also asked the same question he's got since Houston Rap's resurgence five years ago: based on his influence on today's stars, will his own base expand? "I think it's also possible based on the people involved with this album," Bun answered with a smile. Then again, he's answered that question since his solo career began in 2005. "At the same time, we've had Jay-Z on [Trill]. We had Lil Wayne on [II Trill]. So with this album having people like Drake and Trey Songz, who was also on [Trill], I mean, you always want to shoot for the stars. As long as I can make an impact with the people who got me here, I'm fine." Bun refuted the logic that it's worth disappointing 20,000 core fans for 10 new ones. "If I have to choose, I'm gonna keep the [20,000] happy, 'cause they've been there for 18 years."

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12003/title.bun-b-describes-relationship-with-2pac-why-pharrell-tracks-did-not-make-trill-og

Method Man To Sue Insane Clown Posse

2010-08-18T16:50:00.000-07:00

Method Man To Sue Insane Clown Posse

Wednesday, August 18, 2010 10:24 AM

By Jake Crates

(AllHipHop News) Method Man is planning to sue rap group ICP (Insane Clown Posse) after being cut on the face at the Gathering of the Juggalos festival this past weekend.

According eyewitness accounts, fans started pelting the artist with objects during a performance with Redman, at which point Method Man was hit in the face with a full beer can.

Although the rapper still managed to perform with a wound that was visibly bleeding, the rapper came out yesterday and said “I'm suing those motherf**kers!”

After Method Man was hit in the face, Redman cursed at the crowd then telling Method Man, "Your face is cut, go take care of that."

But Meth insisted that the show went on replying, "Start the music we're continuing the show, let's f**k these motherf**kers up."

Reality star Tila Tequila who was rumored to be targeted prior to her performance, was also assaulted during the event, when thousands of people chased her off the stage and attacked her trailer as well.

"We paid her before the show and assured her that even if things got out of hand, she could keep the money if she had to leave the stage," Violent J. told TMZ.com.

Tila Tequila, born Thien Thanh Thi Nguyen, is in the process of filing a lawsuit against the Insane Clown Posse and other organizers of the Gathering of the Juggalos.

And there will be no settlements, according to Violent J.

"We're not gonna sit back and give her our money,” Violent J. stated.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/18/22340272.aspx

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/15/2010

2010-08-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

RecoveryHip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/15/2010

by Allen Jacobs

posted August 18, 2010 at 6:08AM MST

Eminem's "Recovery" gets to two million sold, but does it take back #1? Mike Posner and Street Sweeper Social Club debut on the charts, and Fat Joe hangs on.

Eminem's Recovery returned to #1, again. The Aftermath release beat last week's #1 Arcade Fire's, by close to 80,000 units. In doing so, Eminem became to first emcee to garner a multi-platinum 2010 release, as Recovery now is in the two million jurisdiction.

Rick Ross also joined the 300,000 club with Teflon Don. This feat puts the Miami rapper in an elite 2010 club with Drake, Em, B.o.B., Ludacris and Lil Wayne. The Def Jam rapper's fourth official album features work from veterans such as No I.D., DJ Clark Kent and Cee-Lo. Speaking of, Drake's Thank Me Later fell to #11. There is a strong possiblity that the Cash Money/Young Money release will meet the million mark next week, if sales are up.

Former Underground Report artist Mike Posner garnered a Top 10 debut with 31 Minutes To Takeoff. Now signed to J Records, the Duke University alum and Michigan native balanced singing and raps with an album that features Travis Barker, backed by single "Cooler Than Me."

One of this year's true surprises came courtesy of UGK's Bun B. Trill O.G. maintained a Top 20 performance after last week's #4 debut. Bun's album is the first since moving his Rap-A-Lot Records distribution from Asylum to Universal Fontana. The third in the "Trill" series features appearances from Drake, Gucci Mane and posthumous verses from 2Pac and Pimp C, while production is handled by DJ Premier, Boi-1da and veteran UGK producer Steve Below. In two weeks, Trill O.G. crossed the 50,000 mark as an independent release.

* 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

1

Eminem

Recovery
133,000

2,113,000

7

Rick Ross

Teflon Don
30,000

309,000

8

Mike Posner

31 Minutes To Takeoff

29,000

29,000

11

Drake

Thank Me Later
24,000

970,000

17

Bun B

Trill O.G.

16,000

57,000

Outkast's Big Boi shuffled to #44. His critically-acclaimed Def Jam debut, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty features artists such as T.I., Gucci Mane and Too Short, with production from Organized Noize, Scott Storch and Lil Jon. The Roots' acclaimed How I Got Over is 31 spots behind Big Boi. This other Def Jam release features extended Roots family Dice Raw, Truck North and others, in addition to Blu, Phonte and Peedi Peedi.

Another acclaimed release, Damian Marley & Nas' Distant Relatives fell just outside of the Top 100. The Universal Republic/Def Jam release sits just below 175,000 units. The duo has toured extensively, and Marley hosted a UStream chat on Monday night. Another debut this week came courtesy of Street Sweeper Social Club's Ghetto Blaster EP. The Rap/Rock duo of Boots Riley (The Coup) and Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave) made covers of such tunes as LL Cool J's 1991 hit "Mama Said Knock You Out" and M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." Debuting at #144, the seven-song EP released through Warner Brothers distribution cleared over 3,000 units.

Fat Joe holds onto the Top 200 The Darkside Volume 1 at #192 . The release marks Joe's debut with E1 Entertainment, and features work with DJ Premier, Just Blaze and Too Short. The darker-themed album has critics comparing it to Joe's first three albums. Despite the strong praises, the work's sales have become an object of ridicule from Joe's nemesis, 50 Cent.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

44

Big Boi

Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
8,000

138,000

75

The Roots

How I Got Over

5,300

125,000

103

Nas & Damian Marley

Distant Relatives

4,100

174,000

144

Street Sweeper Social Club

Ghetto Blaster EP 3,100

3,200

192

Fat Joe

The Darkside Volume 1

2,400

19,000

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11986/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-8-15-2010

Kanye West Suggests Collabo With Justin Bieber, Raekwon

2010-08-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Kanye West Suggests Collabo With Justin Bieber, Raekwon

by Slava Kuperstein

posted August 15, 2010 at 8:09PM MST

An unlikely trio discuss a possible collaboration, and Mos Def is confirmed for Kanye's album.

This year may see Hip Hop's most unlikely collaboration in Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Raekwon, as the three artists discussed the possibility on Sunday (August 15).

The discussion began when Kanye (@KanyeWest) Tweeted that he was listening to Bieber's song, "Runaway Love," later adding that he had a song titled "Runaway" on his own album.

"It's not a so what moment for me," replied Bieber (@JustinBieber) "I'm 16 and a fan. I'm kinda hyped u are listening to my stuff. Thank u. Nice sunday morning,"

In response, West made an unexpected suggestion. "I'm honored that you like my Music @JustinBieber!!!" tweeted the rapper. "You gotta hear the album. Maybe we can do something together. Me, You and Raekwon."

Kanye proceeded to explain that the Chef and Ghostface Killah were on one of his favorite Jodeci remixes, and suggested that he and the Wu emcee could add some flavor to "Runaway Love."

"Me, u, and the chef 2gether on a song = EPIC. haha. might sound crazy 2 u but even having this convo is living the dream. thanks," tweeted Bieber - a message which Raekwon, (@Raekwon) later re-tweeted.

In related news, Kanye West confirmed, once again via Twitter, that Mos Def would be featured on the remix to Ye's song, "Power."

In late 2002, Kanye West collaborated with Mos Def on the remix to Talib Kweli's "Get By."

Since then, the duo has worked together on both artists' solo projects. West produced the song "Sunshine" on Mos' 2004 album The New Danger, while Mos Def appeared on West's 2007 project Graduation for the track "Drunk and Hot Girls."

"Mos helped me find the 'old me' lyrically," tweeted West of the remix.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11958/title.kanye-west-suggests-collabo-with-justin-bieber-raekwon

Bun B Says That He Wanted A Quintessential Solo Album In "Trill O.G."

2010-08-13T09:13:00.003-07:00

Bun B Says That He Wanted A Quintessential Solo Album In "Trill O.G."

by Jake Paine

posted August 12, 2010 at 10:04PM MST

Exclusive: The Trill O.G. tells DX's cameras that Rap-A-Lot Records purchasing a studio helped him take a year to create his latest LP.

Last month, HipHopDX went to Universal Fontana offices to get an early listen to Bun B's Trill O.G., and speak on-camera to the Rap icon. During the listening session of what became the album released August 3rd, Bun B explained that he devoted a year to making this project. Asked about that rare opportunity in 2010, Bun B explained the patient creation, and its affect on the album's overall sound and polish. "[Trill O.G.] was a lot easier than [II Trill to make. With] this album, we had the time. [Trill] was a neccessity, [II Trill], I felt like I needed to do something to take my mind off of what was going on," said Bun, referring to the 2008 death of his UGK partner Pimp C. "This one, we had the time and the ability to sit back and make a great album. That's what we wanted to do - I wanted to try to make a great album. I didn't feel like I made the quintessential Bun B album. I felt that the potential was there, and the ability was there, but it was about locking in and getting it done."

With a #4 debut on the Top 200, Trill O.G. has garnered praise from numerous publications, and finds the Port Arthur, Texas emcee sharing the microphone with the likes of Gucci Mane, Twista, and posthumous verses from Pimp C and 2Pac.

Beyond just wanting his most memorable and developed album to date, Bun said that his legendary label's improvements allowed for a more relaxed, more focused artistic process. "We now have an in-house studio at Rap-A-Lot [Records], so it wasn't so much about getting time, and getting in and getting stuff recorded. We could go every day at any time and record for as long as we wanted to," revealed Bun. "That really helped, having that kind of freedom. Not that it took us all day, everyday to record it, but just that when we felt it, we could do it. If we were there and we weren't feeling it, we'd just shut it down and not have to worry about [that] we bought a block [of studio time], and wasting money or time or whatever."

Within the album trilogy, Bun B was asked about the evolution of Trill O.G. With new sounds and styles on the album courtesy of Drake, DJ Premier and T-Pain, Bun states that it was more about growing as an artist and pleasing core fans than attracting new audiences. "At the end of the day, we're partying over here. At the end of the day, we're not trying to throw away any old fans or anybody that's been down just to get somebody else that may want to be down."

Trill O.G. is in stores now.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11940/title.bun-b-says-that-he-wanted-a-quintessential-solo-album-in-trill-og

Jay-Z Teams Up With Nike & USA Basketball

2010-08-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Jay-Z Teams Up With Nike & USA Basketball

by Andres Vasquez

posted August 11, 2010 at 9:58AM MST

Jigga to perform at Radio City Music Hall for a USA Basketball related event before readying his All Black Everything Air Force Ones collection.

Jay-Z is preparing for an August 12 performance for Nike, which will have Hova on stage at New York's Radio City Music Hall. This performance, part of the World Basketball Festival, will follow a showcase with finalists for the 2010 USA Basketball World Championship Team. The inaugural World Basketball Festival will be brought together by Converse, Jordan Brand and Nike. As one might expect, Jay will also work with Nike on his own All Black Everything collection of limited edition Air Force 1's, which will gain inspiration from the World Basketball Festival.

"We're excited to bring together the international prestige of Jay-Z and the USA Team on stage at famed Radio City Music Hall to open the first World Basketball Festival. This will be a historic night," Trevor Edwards, Nike VP Global Brand and Category Management noted in a press release. "We're also honored to collaborate with Jay-Z on limited edition Air Force 1's that celebrate the countries participating in this inaugural event."

Tickets for this event have been given to community groups and charitable organizations. Others can purchase tickets through New York's Hot 97, Footlocker and more. More ticket information can be found on the World Basketball Festival Facebook page, where the entire event will be streaming live. Highlights of the event will be available on NBA's official site, as well as USA Basketball's official page.

For sneaker heads, news of the All Black Everything collection has been well received. Nike donated the shoes to the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation and the Foundation partnered with eBay for a charity auction. The collection will feature five uniquely designed pairs of new Airs (only two of each will be created) and one hundred percent of the funds raised will go towards the cause. The charity auction will start on August 12, when fans can begin their bidding.

Basketball fans can catch the US in an exhibition game against France on August 15 at Madison Square Garden. This exhibition game is only the start for the USA team as they prepare for the 2010 FIBA World Basketball Championship in Turkey, which will start on August 28.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11923/title.jay-z-teams-up-with-nike-usa-basketball

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/8/2010

2010-08-11T08:35:00.004-07:00

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/8/2010

by Allen Jacobs

posted August 11, 2010 at 6:20AM MST

Bun B's third independent solo crushes the charts and expectations, Fat Joe falls 85 units, while Drake and Usher can expect to hit the million mark this month.

Eminem's Recovery was thought to maybe get #1 back. The Aftermath release did not, as Arcade Fire's latest outsold it by 4,000 units.

One of this year's true surprises came courtesy of UGK's Bun B. The Port Arthur, Texas' emcee's third solo album, Trill O.G. debuted at #4. Bun's album is the first since moving his Rap-A-Lot Records distribution from Asylum to Universal Fontana. The third in the "Trill" series features appearances from Drake, Gucci Mane and posthumous verses from 2Pac and Pimp C, while production is handled by DJ Premier, Boi-1da and veteran UGK producer Steve Below. For an independent project, Bun's Top 5 debut and 40,000 in sales are one of the more shocking Rap chart performances this year.

Rick Ross was a spot behind Bun, inching towards 300,000 units moved of his acclaimed Teflon Don. The Def Jam rapper's fourth official album features work from veterans such as No I.D., DJ Clark Kent and Cee-Lo. Drake's Thank Me Later fell to #8, as four Rap releases occupied the Top 10. Drake's official debut is expected to reach the million mark in two weeks, though a strong next week could achieve that feat early.

Usher's Raymond v. Raymond appeared at #17. The veteran Pop entertainer's "divorce album" is marching its way to a platinum plaque for Mr. Raymond and his longtime backer, LaFace Records. The album will feature two deluxe/additional material releases this month.

* 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

2

Eminem

Recovery

152,000

1,980,000

4

Bun B

Trill O.G.

41,000

41,000

5

Rick Ross

Teflon Don

39,000

279,000

8

Drake

Thank Me Later

31,000

946,000

17

Usher

Raymond V. Raymond

16,000

990,000

Outkast's Big Boi slid to #36. His critically-acclaimed Def Jam debut, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty features artists such as T.I., Gucci Mane and Too Short, with production from Organized Noize, Scott Storch and Lil Jon. The Roots' acclaimed How I Got Over is nearly parallel to Big Boi. This other Def Jam release features extended Roots family Dice Raw, Truck North and others, in addition to Blu, Phonte and Peedi Peedi.

Tech N9ne's The Gates Mixed Plate went a Top 15 debut to #89. The Gates Mixed Plate features Glasses Malone, Devin The Dude and Jay Rock, among others, as yesterday the rapper announced a fall tour with Malone, Rock and E-40.

Fat Joe fell out of the Top 100 with The Darkside Volume 1, a total of 85 units. The release marks Joe's debut with E1 Entertainment, and features work with DJ Premier, Just Blaze and Too Short. The darker-themed album has critics comparing it to Joe's first three albums. Despite the strong praises, the work's sales have become an object of ridicule from Joe's nemesis, 50 Cent.

Former Young Money and No Limit Records artist Curren$y hung on to the bottom of the charts with his Def Jam-distributed Pilot Talk. Produced by Reasonable Doubt architect Ski Beatz, and featuring Mos Def and Jay Electronica, the New Orleans emcee is sitting just over 20,000 units overall.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

36

Big Boi

Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

10,000

130,000

62

The Roots

How I Got Over

6,400

120,000

89

Tech N9ne Collabos

The Gates Mixed Plate

5,000

22,000

112

Fat Joe

The Darkside Volume 1

4,100

16,000

193

Curren$y

Pilot Talk

2,500

22,000

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11921/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-8-8-2010

Fake Drake Manager Swindles Promoters, Sued For $27K

2010-08-10T12:35:00.000-07:00

News: Fake Drake Manager Swindles Promoters, Sued For $27K

Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010 3:10PM

Written by Biz Jones

A man who allegedly posed as the manager of rap star Drake is reportedly being sued for $27,000 by a company called Eagles Entertainment Inc.

According to reports, the company was duped for a $9,000 deposit believing they were booking Drake for a show.

According to a complaint filed by Eagles Entertainment Inc. the defendant, Joey Turner Jr. impersonated Cortez Bryant to book the Canadian superstar rapper. Turner, who allegedly contacted Eagles Entertainment and misrepresented himself, claimed that he was Cortez Bryant in hopes to book the rapper for an upcoming show in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He told Eagle Entertainment thatDrake's asking fee was $90,000 and collected a $9,000 deposit, for a show that was supposed to take place September 1st. "In making his statements the defendant knew that the statements and misrepresentations of defendant were in fact false and intentionally fraudulent," the lawsuit reads. (Hip Hop Wired)

Last February, Drake issued a statement regarding fake booking agents.

"It has been brought to my attention that false promoters and booking agents are illegally using my name and likeness to promote concerts and club appearances for their own financial gain. It is frustrating for me to hear that many of my fans, who like myself are innocent victims in these scams, have been misled due to the greed of these promoters. I apologize to any fan that has been a victim of these circumstances or feels let down by false advertising. Please be assured that my team and I take these matters seriously and are actively cooperating with authorities. I cannot thank my fans enough for supporting my music and all that I do." (Rap Radar)

In spring 2009, Drake made headlines after an unauthorized compilation of his music was released for retail sale via iTunes.

An unauthorized album called The Girls Love Drake, which features selections from the Toronto rapper's mixtape and other tracks, was released May 28th by a label called Canadian Money Entertainment and distributed by the Independent Online Distribution Alliance (IODA) on iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon. Drake's camp, which is still trying to clear the samples on So Far Gone and his two other mixtapes in hopes of selling them in stores, says it didn't authorize the release. If it hadn't been disqualified on the grounds that it wasn't confirmed as being an official album, The Girls Love Drake would have debuted this week at No. 101 on the Billboard 200, No. 16 on the Digital Albums chart and No. 1 on the Heatseekers tally. (Billboard)

One of Drake's managers, Al Branch, also addressed the album's national release.

"This is a straight bootleg, a scandal. We are behind promoting records at radio, but haven't sold it," Branch said in a statement. "iTunes position is that they are a store and they stock everything. They have a waiver and as long as people sign it and are responsible for the product they submit, then they go for it." (Statement)

No further details have been revealed as of now.

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/08/fake_drake_manager_caught_for_tricking_p.html

Big Fase100 Criticizes Brother Game On Twitter

2010-08-10T09:50:00.000-07:00

Big Fase100 Criticizes Brother Game On Twitter

by Sean Ryon

posted August 10, 2010 at 9:28AM MST

Game's brother Big Fase 100 takes to Twitter, claiming Game hasn't been helping his family financially and that he stole the 'Brake Lights' concept.

In a series of recent Tweets, Game's older brother Big Fase 100 recently attacked the Compton rapper. He says that Game stole the concept behind his recent Cool and Dre-produced, DJ Skee-hosted mixtape Brake Lights from a song of the same name that he and Big Chief made in 2009. He also Tweeted that he fathered Game's style, saying "I took a rib and created this mess."

Fase also claims that Game has been financially neglecting his family's financial needs. He even assailed his brother for writing a song about his sister's trials and tribulations without her blessing.

Game responded to his brother's attacks with Tweets of his own. He claimed that none of his family visited him while he was in the hospital after being shot.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11908/title.big-fase100-criticizes-brother-game-on-twitter

will.I.am Named Director Of the Grammy Foundation

2010-08-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

will.I.am Named Director Of the Grammy Foundation

Monday, August 09, 2010 12:25 PM

By Mike Winslow

(AllHipHop News) The Black Eyed Peas' frontman will.I.am continues to make strides in the music industry and has been named to the board of the Grammy Foundation.

The rapper/producer was named director of the Grammy Foundation, along with singer/songwriter Darryl Brown, Daniel Cherry of Anomaly and Michael Rapino, CEP of Live Nation.

The Grammy Foundation promotes the appreciation and advancement of recorded music on American Culture, by engaging the music industry and the general public around the world, about the value and importance of music and the arts.

The Grammy Foundation and Musicares are the two charities affiliated with The Recording Academy, the organization that hands out Grammy Awards each year.

"Now in their 21st year, both MusiCares and the GRAMMY Foundation are vibrant and mature nonprofit organizations," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the GRAMMY Foundation, MusiCares, and The Recording Academy. "Our Board members reflect this core strength, and we look to them for creativity and stewardship as we continue our growth. The talent and vision of our Board members is truly inspiring, and we are very fortunate to have highly respected individuals working with us."

In related news, will.I.am will honored with BMI's President Award during the performance rights organization's annual Urban Awards, which takes place Friday, September 10th at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California.

will.I.am, who has won seven Grammy's, will be recognized for his influence on the entertainment industry. Past recipients include Willie Nelson, The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, Taylor Swift and others.

From AllHipHop.com

mailto:http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/09/22328683.aspx

Dr. Dre Snubs Ice Cube On "I Am The West" Album, "He's Been M.I.A. For A Few Months & I Can't Wait"

2010-08-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

News: Dr. Dre Snubs Ice Cube On "I Am The West" Album, "He's Been M.I.A. For A Few Months & I Can't Wait"

Monday, Aug 9, 2010 9:45AM

Written by Rosario Harper

Renowned producer Dr. Dre has reportedly passed on an opportunity to work with Former N.W.A partner Ice Cube for the rapper's upcoming I Am The West album.

Writing via his blog, Cube informed fans that his former N.W.A. member would no longer be featured on the project.

"I'm almost done with my record, I AM THE WEST. I've been mixing songs and dealing with paperwork all week and I'm down to my last 4 songs to mix. It's bangin'. I think we'll end up wit about 15 songs when it's all said and done and I'm real happy wit it. As a matter of fact, I'm in the Lench Mob Studios writing this blog right now. I'm going to Philly in the morning to promote Lottery Ticket. I get a lot of love in Philly...Go Mike Vick! Many asked about Dr. Dre working on my album. Negative, Dre has been M.I.A. for a few months now. I asked Snoop has he heard from him and he said, no. I can't wait. I gotta turn my sh*t in by Aug. 20th to make street date...Sept 28th. I'll keep you posted if anythang new develops." (Ice Cube)

Despite not linking with Dre for his album, Cube recently said he would be featured on the producer's upcoming Detox project.

"Dre is a master. What's cool about working with Dre is he stays the same. Everyone else change and trip, but I remember working with Dre back when we just in the garage. Just the two of us. And he works the same way. Don't come up with an empty palette, bring a lot of ideas to the plate...He's making a great record. I'm on it. I'm proud to be, I can't wait to get back to L.A. to get back in the studio with him. I'm trying to get a few tracks for my record I Am The West that's coming out..." (All Hip Hop)

Recent reports showed that the follow-up to 2008's Raw Footage was previously delayed to September 24th.

Ice Cube's first album in two years, I Am The West will no longer be a summer release. The N.W.A. alum's latest solo offering has appeared to have moved to September 24. The release is coming courtesy of Cube's own Lench Mob Records, also home to his Westside Connection partner, WC. (Hip Hop DX)

He recently revealed the underlying themes behind featured songs "Man vs. Machine" and "Hood Robbin."

"['Man Vs. Machine'] is talking about our obsessions with machinery and how it's taking over," he said in an interview. "Automation is taking over human beings in all our relevancy in this world. Pretty soon, machines are gonna take over and that's just real...['Hood Robbin'] is talking about how big corporations is now stealing from the poor and giving to the rich. It's a whole thing about the things we're going up against with housing and medical insurance ... just everything people are going through. Real sh** that ain't got nothing to do with money, cars, [and] all the sh** most rappers talk about." (Baller Status)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/08/dr_dre_misses_ice_cubes_i_am_the_west_de.html

50 Cent, Tony Yayo Register As Bone Marrow Donors To Help 11-Year-Old

2010-08-09T07:50:00.000-07:00

50 Cent, Tony Yayo Register As Bone Marrow Donors To Help 11-Year-Old

by Slava Kuperstein

posted August 08, 2010 at 2:26PM MST

The G-Unit members register as a bone marrow donor to help a young actress diagnosed with leukemia.

Rappers 50 Cent and Tony Yayo have registered as bone marrow donors in hopes of helping a young actress diagnosed with leukemia.

According to Yahoo Music News, the rappers made the decision to register with DKMS and become a part of the Be The Match Registry when 50 learned that 11-year-old Shannon Tavarez needed a bone marrow transplant.

Before being diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia, Tavarez had a co-starring role as a young Nala in the Broadway production of The Lion King.

The story hit home to 50, who has a child of his own. "My son is just a couple years older than Shannon and I can't imagine if his life was needlessly cut short when there is someone out there that could save him," said the Queens rapper in a statement.

"Shannon's chances of finding a matching donor are slim because she's African American and Dominican and minorities are underrepresented in the national registry," he added. "Everyone, regardless of their race or ethnicity deserves a fair chance at life. Registering to become a bone marrow donor starts with a cheek swab but it's more than that. It's a commitment to save a life."

To sign up as a bone marrow donor, visit GetSwabbed.org. Registrants must be between the ages of 18 and 55, and be in good health.

Below is footage of 50 Cent getting swabbed to be a part of the registry, followed by a video about Shannon Tavarez.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11892/title.50-cent-tony-yayo-register-as-bone-marrow-donors-to-help-11-year-old

Chamillionaire Reveals He Has A 50/50 Deal With Universal, Talks Technology

2010-08-06T08:18:00.000-07:00

Chamillionaire Reveals He Has A 50/50 Deal With Universal, Talks Technology

by Jake Paine
posted August 05, 2010 at 1:30PM MST

At a talk at Stanford University, Chamillionaire opens up about his unique contract, and how he got the leverage to demand it.

Platinum rapper Chamillionaire recently spoke at the Social Currency CrunchUp at California's Stanford University. In a technology setting, the Houston veteran expounded on his existing fan-base, created through online services like Shoutcast.com, prior to his signing with Universal Records. By way of his base, Cham said that he has an extremely artist-friendly contract dating back to 2004 or 2005. "I have a profits-sharing deal with [Universal Records]. Most artists don't [have such a deal], most artists make pennies on the dollar. I don't make that. I make what the label makes," he revealed, before clarifying that he has 50/50 share in net profits.

The former partner of Paul Wall revealed that through his website Chamillionaire.com, and iTunes-topping performance of "Ridin' Dirty," he was able to secure this venture. "If I'm spending money, I want my money back just like [Universal does] if they're spending money. At the end of the day, I make what they make. That's not necessarily normal for an artist, but when I came into a major label, I had leverage." The rapper was asked if given the change of climate since his 2005 success would make him do things differently in hindsight. "To say that I would go back [and not sign with a major label], I can't say that...I have made millions and millions of dollars with Universal [and their] corporate structure," said Chamillionaire, who remains a Universal Republic artist, alongside Lil Jon and Distant Relatives.

Chamillionaire did speak candidly about the contract structure at the labels. "Because the industry's doing so bad right now, I think most contracts are designed for artists to fail," he said. Based on his generous contract, the rapper who says that he'recouped his Sound of Revenge and Ultimate Victory releases, admitted he checks Universal's accounting, "I audit them."

Almost three years removed from a proper release, Chamillionaire also stated that he's watched his label change for the worse. "Corporations are struggling. And for somebody like me, [Universal as a major label] just doesn't seem that major anymore," he said. "They should have been more aware of what's happening. That's why I come to tech conferences, so I can see what's next. They spend their money [on sending people] to the clubs right now, and I think they should be here." The rapper said he watched entire departments at labels dwindle to staffs of five, losing personnel that had a lot to do with his own success.

In the interview, Chamillionaire also speaks on his thoughts on rims, and which cell phones he uses, and why.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11872/title.chamillionaire-reveals-he-has-a-50-50-deal-with-universal-talks-technology

Wyclef Jean Confirms Haitian Presidential Run

2010-08-04T14:45:00.001-07:00

Wyclef Jean Confirms Haitian Presidential Run

by Slava Kuperstein

posted August 04, 2010 11:39:00 AM CDT

Wyclef tells Time magazine Haiti's recent earthquake and a "draft" from the youth are fueling his presidential run.

Wyclef Jean will be announcing his candidacy for President of Haiti, according to AllHipHop.com.

A source confirmed that the rapper/singer/producer will make the announcement next Thursday, August 5 - two days prior to the country's August 7 deadline.

As previously reported, Clef revealed to CNN that he had filled out the proper paperwork in order to enter the race, though he was, at the time, undecided.

Wyclef has been at the forefront of the recovery efforts in his homeland, following a tragic earthquake that ravaged the country last January.

Given his popularity and financial resources, analysts predict he would easily win the election, which is slated for November 28.

UPDATE: In an interview with Time.com published Wednesday, Wyclef Jean confirmed he will attempt to become the next president of his native Haiti. The confirmation ends weeks of speculation, as Jean is expected to make another announcement during an appearance on CNN's "Larry King Live" Thursday, August 5.

"If not for the earthquake, I probably would have waited another 10 years before doing this," Jean said Tuesday night. "The quake drove home to me that Haiti can't wait another 10 years for us to bring it into the 21st century."

Jean, collected donations for earthquake relief through his charity, Yele Haiti. While splitting his time between music and his philanthropic efforts, his charity Yele Haiti came under fire.

Haiti's former Chamber of Deputies leader Pierre Eric Jean-Jacques also recently told the Associated Press that his Ansanm Nou Fo party has an agreement with Wyclef Jean regarding his presidential run.

"If I can't take five years out to serve my country as president, then everything I've been singing about, like equal rights, doesn't mean anything," Wyclef added. "My decision is a draft...I've been drafted by the youth."

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11832/title.wyclef-jean-confirms-haitian-presidential-run

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/1/2010

2010-08-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 8/1/2010

by Allen Jacobs

posted August 04, 2010 09:32:00 AM CDT

Tech N9ne's third collabo's album comes in ahead of Fat Joe and Slum Village, but Crack gets a Top 30 debut, while Eminem finally lets go of #1.

Eminem's Recovery finally let go of #1 - to Avenged Sevenfold. Rick Ross was close behind, however with almost 63,000 units moved of Teflon Don. The Def Jam rapper's fourth official album features work from veterans such as No I.D., DJ Clark Kent and Cee-Lo. Drake's Thank Me Later fell to #5, as Justin Bieber joined the party at #4, climbing from #6 last week.

Usher's Raymond v. Raymond slid just one spot after climbing nine the previous week. The veteran Pop entertainer's "divorce album" is marching its way to a platinum plaque for Mr. Raymond and his longtime backer, LaFace Records. The album will feature two deluxe/additional material releases next month.

This week's biggest surprise came courtesy of Kansas City's Tech N9ne. No stranger to the charts, Tech's third offering of "collabos," this one called The Gates Mixed Plate got a Top 15 debut. Strange Music has had an impressive year on the Top 200 for an independent, with Tech joining Brotha Lynch Hung and Kutt Calhoun, who appeared previously. The Gates Mixed Plate features Glasses Malone, Devin The Dude and Jay Rock, among others.

* 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

2

Eminem

Recovery
159,000

1,828,000

3

Rick Ross

Teflon Don

63,000

239,000

5

Drake

Thank Me Later

34,000

915,000

12

Usher

Raymond v. Raymond 18,000

974,000

13

Tech N9ne Collabos

The Gates Mixed Plate

17,000

107,000

Outkast's Big Boi slid to #23. His critically-acclaimed Def Jam debut, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty features artists such as T.I., Gucci Mane and Too Short, with production from Organized Noize, Scott Storch and Lil Jon.

Fat Joe debuted on the charts this week with The Darkside Volume 1. The release marks Joe's debut with E1 Entertainment, and features work with DJ Premier, Just Blaze and Too Short. The darker-themed album has critics comparing it to Joe's first three albums. Despite the strong praises, the work debuted at #27, with approximately 12,000 units sold.

The Roots' acclaimed How I Got Over marches towards 150,000. The Def Jam release features extended Roots family Dice Raw, Truck North and others, in addition to Blu, Phonte and Peedi Peedi. Former Young Money and No Limit Records artist Curren$y fell 56 spots last week with his Def Jam-distributed Pilot Talk. Produced by Reasonable Doubt architect Ski Beatz, and featuring Mos Def and Jay Electronica, the New Orleans emcee is sitting just under 20,000 units overall.

What's billed as their last album, Villa Manifesto cracked the charts by Slum Village. Another E1 release, Manifesto features remaining SV members T3 and Elzhi, along with archival work from J Dilla and Baatin, and the controversial inclusion of Dilla's brother Illa J, and producer Young RJ. Although the album has been met warmly critically, fans have reacted very differently to the lineup changes of the potential curtain call from true independent Rap icons.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

23

Big Boi

Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

13,000

120,000

27

Fat Joe

The Darkside Volume 1
12,000

12,000

53

The Roots

How I Got Over

7,500

113,000

142

Curren$y Pilot Talk

3,300

19,000

171

Slum Village

Villa Manifesto

2,700

2,800

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11853/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-8-1-2010

Young Buck's Home Raided By Shotgun-Toting Federal Agents Over $300K IRS Debt

2010-08-03T16:25:00.000-07:00

News: Young Buck's Home Raided By Shotgun-Toting Federal Agents Over $300K IRS Debt

Tuesday, Aug 3, 2010 6:38PM

Written by Biz Jones

Southern rapper Young Buck's Tennessee home was reportedly raided this morning by gun-totting federal agents over an unpaid $300,000 tax debt.

Details on the raid leaked across the Internet Tuesday afternoon.

Armed feds reportedly raided the home of rapper Young Buck on Tuesday because he allegedly owes more than $300,000 in unpaid taxes. IRS agents carrying a shotgun warned the performer not to interfere as they turned his Nashville home inside-out seizing assets that included recording equipment, jewelry, and his kids' PlayStation. (Gossip Cop)

Buck has already accepted responsibility for the incident.

The rapper doesn't deny failing to pay Uncle Sam. "This IRS situation came about because I trusted accountants, lawyers, and managers to handle my business for me while I focused on making music," Buck told TMZ. "From now on, I am going to stay on top of my own business." Sounds like a good plan, Buck. (The Boom Box)

He also reacted to the IRS taking his family's personal belongings.

"The worst part of this isn't the material stuff-that will all be replaced. It's what it does to the people around me. They took my kids' Playstation, my assistants' computers, and baby's mothers' jewelry. They took my home studio so I can't even record..." (Rap Radar)

Writing via Twitter, Buck has thanked fans for their support.

If being a BOSS was easy. We would all be BOSSES. Unfortunately,it's NOT. Just know I'M GOOD!! Thanx for all the Support!!," he wrote Tuesday evening. (Young Buck's Twitter)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/08/young_bucks_home_raided_by_shotgun-totin.html

Joe Budden Preps Mood Muzik 4, Artwork Revealed

2010-08-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Joe Budden Preps Mood Muzik 4, Artwork Revealed

Sunday, August 01, 2010 12:18AM

By Houston Williams

Joe Budden's post Def Jam success is largely due to his ability to craft high quality mixtapes, the chief being the Mood Muzik series.

The New Jersey-based rapper has revealed the impeding release of Mood Muzik 4:A Turn 4 The Worst, the latest in the series.

The mixtape release date is October 26, according to Budden.

Budden said Mood Muzik 4 will the the "worse one yet."

The first Mood Muzik, Mood Muzik: The Worst Of Joe Budden, hit in 2004. The second, Mood Muzik 2: Can It Get Any Worse?, largely regarded as the best in the series, came out in 2006. Mood Muzik 3: The Album hit stores in February of 2008 after being released in 2007 as a mixtape titled is Mood Muzik 3: For Better or for Worse.

Below is the artwork for Mood Muzik 4.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/08/01/22316072.aspx

Dr. Dre Set To Revive Rich Boy W/ New Music

2010-07-30T13:23:00.000-07:00

News: Dr. Dre Set To Revive Rich Boy W/ New Music

Friday, Jul 30, 2010 10:00AM

Written by Rosario Harper

Dr. Dre has reportedly been locking in studio time to help Southern rapper Rich Boy with his comeback album, Resurrected in Diamonds.

According to Boy, Dre is one of various hitmakers helping helm the project.

I'm on the way to the second album of my career. I've just been up here workin' with Polow, and workin' with Dr. Dre... Been workin' with all kinds of people, but those are the main two people that I've just been seein' on a day-to-day note tryin' to put it together. Polow's the executive producer of the second [album]. I don't have a date yet, but what I'm hoping for is, at the latest, first quarter of next year, but I'm shootin' for fourth quarter [of this year]. I just wanna warm up in the fourth quarter and then come out in the first quarter [of next year]." (XXL Mag)

Last February, Boy said he was investing time with producer Polow da Don and Danjahandz.

"Polow's never been the type to just want to do the whole album," Rich Boy said in an interview. "He always believed in us going in with other producers. I just came out the studio with Danja last week in L.A. I've been in with a lot of hot producers on this album." Guests on the album include R&B singers Mario and Lloyd. Drake and his melodic rhymes also make a cameo. "Drake, you know how he do. He do his melodizing. He did his thing," says Rich Boy. "But we also did a song way back before he blew up called 'Must Hate Money' and you could YouTube it. I kinda had a good feeling about him. He did this track, brought it to me in Atlanta, and by the time he blew up I was surprised. He put it on a couple of his mixtapes [Comeback Season]. So I'm surprised that Drake did his thing like that. I'm most definitely proud of that guy." (VIBE)

In summer 2009, Rich Boy said his new album would stray away from drug-based raps.

"[The album] is going to be more substance, man, because what had happened was, it messed my head up, I was riding through this project called Roger Wiliams, and this kid had asked me, 'Why you rap about crack so much, Richy,'" he explained in an interview. "And it just messed my head up to the point where I couldn't get mad at the little cat. I was just like, I could tell he seen something real dealing with crack. So I was just like, 'Man, for the kids like that, I'd rather change my topic.' If I know kids like that are listening to me...But not fully. I'm going to keep it real and rap about the sh*t I've seen, but I'm not going to glorify it...When I leave out the game, when I stop, I'm gonna be top 10...And I put this on everything. I'm gonna be top 10." (VIBE)

Rich Boy's debut album dropped nearly three years ago.

Rich Boy landed a contract with Interscope and began working on his first album. In the meantime, he appeared on one of Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace compilations and dropped in on a handful of mixtapes -- including DJ Ideal and Jermaine Dupri's Da Bottom, Vol. 5. With DJ Drama, he released the Bring It to the Block mixtape in late 2006. His official, self-titled debut was released during March 2007. (All Music)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/07/dr_dre_locks_in_studio_time_for_rich_boy.html

Foxy Brown In Massive Brawl

2010-07-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Foxy Brown In Massive Brawl

Friday, July 30, 2010 12:58 AM
50 comments

By Houston Williams

Get Alerts (AllHipHop News) Foxy Brown was involved in a “massive brawl” at the lobby of a New York City apartment building, reports say.

Foxy was visiting somebody at a luxury penthouse on 43rd street and they a fight exploded in the lobby, TMZ reports.

Foxy was throwing blows in the fracas with several other people, but no reason for the melee has been determined.

One source said that Foxy was fighting with her own manager.

Another source told AllHipHop.com that the brawl took place in the apartment building of producer Sean Gill, where Foxy Brown is working on her album.

Just last week, Foxy was arrested and charged with felonies associated with violating an order of protection.

She has been charged with public lewdness, harassment, and criminal contempt in that case for being involved in a fracas with longtime rival, Arlene Raymond.

She has denied that she displayed her buttocks to a neighbor.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/07/30/22314504.aspx

Jim Jones Connects W/ Cam'Ron For New LP, Release Date Announced

2010-07-29T15:39:00.000-07:00

News: Jim Jones Connects W/ Cam'Ron For New LP, Release Date Announced

Thursday, Jul 29, 2010 5:40PM

Written by Rosario Harper

Jim Jones reunites with Cam'Ron on new Capo album which is scheduled to hit stores this fall.

According to new reports, Jones' follow-up to 2009's Pray IV Reign will hit stores in late September.

The album titled Capo is set for a September 28th release for now, on E1 and work has already started at the offices. "Salute" is actually his first single and it features Cam'ron & Juelz Santana. The Dale "Rage" Resteghini video will be premiering soon. Pre-order the album awwready! (Hip Hop N More)

Jones reportedly signed a record deal with E1 last year.

XXLMag.com has learned that Dipset Capo Jim Jones has left Columbia Records and recently signed a deal to release his next solo studio album on E1 Music, formerly known as Koch Records. According to the contract, the Harlem rapper will also drop a mixtape vie E1 as well. Jones has a long history with the E1. Along with releasing a handful of records on the imprint, last January he was appointed vice president of urban A&R. (XXL Mag)

The rapper's last album debuted on the sales chart in April 2009.

Byrd Gang leader Jim Jones' Pray IV Reign stormed onto the charts at No. 9. The rapper's fourth solo project scanned 43,000 discs after its first week. (SOHH Sales Wrap)

Earlier this month, Dipset's Freekey Zekey talked about reuniting Jones with Cam'ron after a three-year separation.

"I done grabbed up Killa, snatched up Juelz, called Jim, we all sat down and I said enough of the bullsh*t, what's happening," Zekey recalled to radio personality Mr. Peter Parker. "We got big money, big business, big opportunities right now and I'm not stopping until everybody sit down right here and put everything out on the table -- I [was] sitting there and letting them know it was way bigger than this, what are [they] arguing over, nobody took a dirty Subway sandwich and smacked somebody's mom's with it...I can never give up on my family. It's 2010, time to get it in. Dipset wins again..." (Mr. Peter Parker)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/07/jim_jones_sells_out_capo_status_new_lp_h.html

Diddy Reveals Top 10 Ways To Attain Money, Power & Respect

2010-07-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

News: Diddy Reveals Top 10 Ways To Attain Money, Power & Respect

Thursday, Jul 29, 2010 3:05PM

Written by Cyrus Langhorne

Bad Boy Records CEO Sean "Diddy" Combs has revealed ten ways for any individual to find success and top their competition.

On Diddy's list, Puff stresses the importance of having a non-stop work ethic.

1. Work hard. Then work harder. 2. Believe. Never lose your faith!!! 3. Count your pennies. 4. Be humble. 5. Listen. 6. Love. 7. Don't make the same mistake twice. 8. Never settle. 9. Be confident. 10. Don't get comfortable. (VIBE)

The rap mogul recently revealed one of his biggest business mistakes in a sit-down with FUSE TV host Toure.

"I think one of my biggest business mistakes was not realizing that everybody wasn't like me. Everybody didn't have the drive and determination; everybody's just not built for that. I think that some people need more time, and more nurturing...I mean artists that I've had. I've gotten older, I've become a little bit more nurturing and I've been a little more patient." ("On The Record")

Last month, Diddy launched a new website called "DiddyBlog.com" which focuses on motivating people.

"The blog is an all 100 percent positive blog," Diddy said in a video. "It's about inspiring you, motivating you, empowering your dreams. It's not about any news about who's dating who, who's not doing good, who got exposed today, who's this, who's that, you can go to the other sites for that. It's about motivation and inspiration and love -- the love movement has begun. Even haters are allowed to come to DiddyBlog.com. It makes your teeth whiter. We want all of your advice, your constructive criticism, your positive notes because we want to make DiddyBlog the best it can be and we want you guys to give us the time to make it the best it can be. Can you imagine that I will not be selling CIROC on there? I will not be selling Sean John, I will not be talking about my movies or television shows. I can't believe I'm saying this but yeah, I'm saying it. No Diddy promotions. It's all about the love. I love you guys, DiddyBlog.com." (YouTube)

In February, Diddy talked about finding positivity in his life.

"Yeah, I mean, it's just a point in my life, being in the industry, I have nothing but good things to say to people," Diddy explained in an interview with radio personality Tim Westwood. "I have nothing but positive energy to give, I don't care if you like me, you don't like me. I love you and I'mma keep doing my thing. Hopefully you'll get it one day but I've been blessed to have a lot of fans and a lot of people love me and I just want my injection to be what I feel is great about people. I wanna inspire people -- I don't wanna bring them down. I don't wanna talk about no BS. I don't have no time for none of that. I wanna uplift us." (Tim Westwood TV)

SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/07/diddy_reveals_top_10_ways_to_attain_mone.html

Rapper Kanye West Scraps New Album Title 'Good Ass Job'

2010-07-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

Rapper Kanye West Scraps New Album Title 'Good Ass Job'

Thursday, July 29, 2010 9:29 AM

By Roman Wolfe

(AllHipHop New) Chicago rapper Kanye West has revealed that he is changing the name of his upcoming album, which was previously titled Good Ass Job.

The rapper, who joined Twitter yesterday (July 28th), made the announcement just hours after he joined the micro-blogging service.

According to Kanye, he is “bouncing around a couple of titles” for the album, but hasn’t settled on a title as of press time.

Yesterday, during his first Day on Twitter, the rapper claimed he was approving over 80 followers a second.

Since joining the service yesterday, Kayne’s fan count has gone from 0 to over 220,000 followers, in a 24-hour period.

“This has been an amazing first day I'm floored by the warm reception I need a moment,” the rapper tweeted.

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/07/29/22313580.aspx

Shyne Recalls Bad Boy Nightclub Shooting, "When I Make A Decision To Roll, I Roll"

2010-07-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

News: Shyne Recalls Bad Boy Nightclub Shooting, "When I Make A Decision To Roll, I Roll"

Wednesday, Jul 28, 2010 12:35PM

Written by Biz Jones

New York rapper Shyne recalls the publicized December 1999 Manhattan nightclub shooting that landed him behind bars for a ten-year sentence.

Based on an excerpt from his cover story, Shyne's decision to use a weapon around civilians was an act of self-defense.

"I can tell you I was defending myself and the muthaf*ckas that was with me,"Shyne explains. "Listen, I live my life for what's right. When I grew up, death and harsh consequences and spending the rest of your life in the pen is a matter of fact. It's not somethin' that you read about in the newspaper...In my life, when I make decisions to roll, I roll. And I don't give a f*ck what the consequences are. If I'ma defend myself, I'ma defend myself. If somebody tryna kill or hurt one of my partnas or my comrades that's with me, there is no, 'Yo... or D*mn, well, if I pull this sh*t out, this is what's gonna happen.' No! I don't wanna die. I don't wanna be laid up in no f*ckin' hospital with a tube runnin' through me, hurtin' and sufferin'. Pain is real. So you know what? I'm not doin' that. You gon' do that, muthaf*cka. You gon' roll and say hi to Satan, not me. And that's that. After the fact, you deal with it. Your survival instincts tell you to protect and preserve, and you deal with whatever later." (XXL Magazine)

Shyne's shootout took place in 1999 at the height of the rapper's popularity.

The fracas broke out on December 27, 1999, at a Manhattan nightclub where Shyne, Sean "Diddy" Combs with then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez and their entourage had been partying. Around 3 a.m., Combs and Shyne allegedly began arguing with another group of patrons. Someone threw money at Combs, a gesture of disrespect, and guns started going off. Three bystanders were shot. Shyne, who police found with a pistol in his waistband, was arrested after bystanders identified him as one of the shooters. Shyne received a 10-year prison. Barrow has always claimed he acted in self-defense and only fired his gun after the other group, Matthew "Scar" Allen and his crew began shooting. (About)

Despite being imprisoned, the rapper released an album in August 2004.

Jailed rapper Shyne, who signed a $3 million record deal and recorded part of his new album while in prison, had his phone privileges revoked and was barred from conducting in-person interviews as authorities investigate whether he may have violated prison rules in making about 100 phone calls. (USA Today)

Shyne's rise to fame came from his association with Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment.

Shyne was well-known among the public before Bad Boy Records even released his debut -- which was, for many years, his only -- album. That album charted well, thanks in part to all the media attention he'd garnered over the years, and he showcased a remarkable talent for rapping despite his young-twenty-something age. The album wasn't an especially memorable work, however, and Shyne remained far better-known for his story than for his music. (All Music)

Shyne was eventually released from prison in October 2009 and deported to Belize.

The September XXL Magazine drops Tuesday, August 10th.

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/07/shyne_recalls_1999_nightclub_shooting_i.html

New York City Settles Sean Bell Civil Suit

2010-07-28T12:50:00.000-07:00

New York City Settles Sean Bell Civil Suit

July 28, 2010 11:24:00 AM CDT

by Omar Burgess

Tuesday, the city of New York agreed to settle a civil lawsuit stemming from a 2006 shooting which killed Sean Bell and injured Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield. The Associated Press reports the settlement was filed in Brooklyn and will award $3.35 million to the estate of Bell, $3 million to Guzman and $900,000 to Benefield. Police opened fire on the three men outside of a Queens strip club while they were leaving Bell's bachelor party.

After his killing, artists such as Game, ?uestlove, Papoose, David Banner and many others took up Bell's cause. Bell's widow, Nicole Paultre-Bell was also featured in a Rocawear advertisement.

"We hope that all parties can find some measure of closure by this settlement," city attorney, Michael A. Cardozo, said in a written statement.

In 2008 the involved officers, Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora and Marc Cooper, were acquitted of manslaughter and other charges. There were also no civil rights charged raised against the officers, and they currently remain on modified duty and face departmental charges.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11810/title.new-york-city-settles-sean-bell-civil-suit

Charles Hamilton Enters Mental Hospital, Blames Music

2010-07-28T11:37:00.000-07:00

Charles Hamilton Enters Mental Hospital, Blames Music

July 27, 2010 04:25:00 PM CDT

by Allen Jacobs

Harlem rapper Charles Hamilton has had a difficult period since 2008. The onetime Interscope Records hopeful was on the heels of releasing a debut album, working with the likes of DJ Skee and others, and gaining profile for his unique voice, affinity for Sonic The Hedgehog and Sega and trademark pink headphones.

In the months since, Hamilton was involved in an altercation with a woman, captured by viral video. The rapper claimed that he was going to credit the deceased J Dilla as his debut album's executive producer - prompting threats and verbal sparring from members of the Detroit Hip Hop community. With additional conflicts with other rappers including Rhymefest, the young emcee soon went on hiatus, after releasing numerous mixtapes at a rapid pace. When he appeared to speak to VIBE earlier this year, Hamilton claimed he was supposed to be in the quartet Slaughterhouse, among other things.

Today, reports started that the DXnext artist has checked into a city mental hospital.

In a statement published by Bossip.com, Hamilton spoke about checking himself into New York Presbyterian Mental Hospital. Although the lengthy statement touches on a number of things, Charles reportedly said this about his stay. "In this hospital I can really be my natural self. Just like I am in the Industry but everyone is so content with putting up this fake imagery that feel like being yourself ruins your image. Everything I've done in this industry, whether it was based on outside speculation, peer pressure, or the outside feeling I was being extorted or the outside feeling I was buggin out, I remained true to me."

To read the full statement, visit Bossip.com.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11802/title.charles-hamilton-enters-mental-hospital-blames-music

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 7/25/2010

2010-07-28T10:06:00.001-07:00

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 7/25/2010

July 28, 2010 08:12:00 AM CDT

by Jake Paine

Eminem's Recovery just will not budge from #1. Rick Ross gave Slim Shady a run for the money however. The Miami rapper debuted at #2 with the praised Teflon Don release. Scanning just under 177,000 units, the Def Jam rapper's fourth official album features work from veterans such as No I.D., DJ Clark Kent and Cee-Lo. Drake's Thank Me Later fell to #4, as Sheryl Crow's latest album debuted at #3. The Toronto rapper still motions towards its million-mark.

Usher's Raymond v. Raymond climbed an impressive nine spots. The veteran Pop entertainer's "divorce album" is marching its way to a platinum plaque for Mr. Raymond and his longtime backer, LaFace Records. The album will feature two deluxe/additional material releases next month. Outkast's Big Boi bumped one spot to #15. The Atlanta Hip Hop pioneer is 10,000+ units shy of the six-figure mark with his critically-acclaimed Def Jam debut, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty. The release features artists such as T.I., Gucci Mane and Too Short, with production from Organized Noize, Scott Storch and Lil Jon.

* 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

1

Eminem

Recovery

187,000

1,670,000

2

Rick Ross

Teflon Don

176,000

177,000

4

Drake

Thank Me Later

47,000

880,000

11

Usher

Raymond v. Raymond 21,000

956,000

15

Big Boi

Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty

18,000

107,000

The Roots' acclaimed How I Got Over release crossed the 100,000 mark. The Def Jam release features extended Roots family Dice Raw, Truck North and others, in addition to Blu, Phonte and Peedi Peedi. Damian Marley & Nas' Distant Relatives album remains a Top 75 album, working its way to 200,000 units.

Former Young Money and No Limit Records artist Curren$y slid to #86 debut with his Def Jam-distributed Pilot Talk. Produced by Reasonable Doubt architect Ski Beatz, and featuring Mos Def and Jay Electronica, the New Orleans emcee cleared over 10,000 first week units.

Paul Wall's latest, Heart of A Champion moved to #124. The Swishahouse/Warner Brothers/Asylum release featured surprise collaborations courtesy of Jay Electronica, Raekwon and Kid Sister. The release fell just shy of a Top 50 debut. Meanwhile, despite critical acclaim and plenty of anticipation, Capone-N-Noreaga's War Report 2 is in the last 15 spots of the charts. Executive produced by Raekwon, the EMI-distributed project features Nas, Busta Rhymes and several personnel carry-overs from CNN's acclaimed 1997 first War Report.

Rank Artist Album This Week Est. Total

47

The Roots

How I Got Over

8,700

106,000

72

Damian Marley & Nas

Distant Relatives 5,800

159,000

86

Curren$y

Pilot Talk

5,100

16,000

124

Paul Wall Heart of A Champion 3,800

11,000

187

Capone-N-Noreaga The War Report 2 2,500

7,200

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11806/title.hip-hop-album-sales-the-week-ending-7-25-2010

Nas Co-Signs Kanye's New Album; Kanye To Work With Nas On New LP

2010-07-27T13:22:00.000-07:00

Nas Co-Signs Kanye's New Album; Kanye To Work With Nas On New LP

Tuesday, July 27, 2010 11:26 AM

By Jake Crates

(AllHipHop News) In recent interview with Tim Westwood, rapper Nas spoke about his upcoming work with super producer Kanye West.

After reminiscing about his beef with Jay-Z, working with Damien Marley and his visit to England, Nas described his work ethic and his upcoming solo project.

“I am definitely looking at my solo project as one of the most important records of my life, you know what I mean?” Nas told Tim Westwood. “I’m happy to be here, I love the state of the game.”

According to Nas, the new album will feature production from Kanye West, who contacted the Queens-rapper about working on the new record.

“Its going to be magic. I feel a magic thing happening and brewing. I keep calling it a magic moment, that’s what it’s going to be. I feel it, the stuff I’m writing down,” Nas continued.

In fact Nas revealed that he was really inspired when Toronto rapper Drake, the RZA and Kanye reached out to him for his upcoming project.

“Kanye West hit me up and said ‘I want to do the album,’ and the RZA,” Nas revealed. “I heard Kanye’s album and its crazy. The new album is crazy. So I was just listening to Drake’s stuff and I was inspired by Drake shouting me out on the album. I have been inspired by his mind state for the album and he says my whole name. “Nasir Jones thank you.’ Kanye’s like man… Those dudes really inspire me to go in there and really do what I am supposed to do at this day and age in the game and to deliver.”

From AllHipHop.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2010/07/27/22311645.aspx

Wyclef Jean Considering Presidential Run In Haiti

2010-07-27T11:57:00.000-07:00

Wyclef Jean Considering Presidential Run In Haiti

July 27, 2010 12:05:00 PM CDT

by Danielle Harling

Several reports made this week have revealed that musician/philanthropist Wyclef Jean may possibly be considering running for president in his native country of Haiti.

Throughout his career Wyclef has worked on raising awareness of various issues in Haiti. He became one of Haiti's strongest supporters following the earthquake that struck the country earlier this year.

While Wyclef did recently share with CNN that he has filled out all the paperwork required to enter the presidential race, a statement made by Yele Haiti revealed that Wyclef has yet to make a decision on whether or not he will run.

“Wyclef’s commitment to his homeland and its youth is boundless, and he will remain its greatest supporter regardless of whether he is part of the government moving forward,” read a statement made by Wyclef’s organization, Yele Haiti. “At this time, Wyclef Jean has not announced his intent to run for Haitian president.”

Wyclef has yet to respond publicly to reports of his possible presidential run. The deadline for candidates to declare themselves in the presidential race is August 7.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11800/title.wyclef-jean-considering-presidential-run-in-haiti

Ice Cube Spills The "Kool-Aid" On The Net, "Nobody Will Stock The Single"

2010-07-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

News: Ice Cube Spills The "Kool-Aid" On The Net, "Nobody Will Stock The Single"

Monday, Jul 26, 2010 5:40PM

Written by Rosario Harper

West Coast rap veteran Ice Cube has announced plans to debut his new song, "Drink The Kool-Aid," on the Internet tomorrow.

Cube revealed that the project will be released on his IceCube.com website.

"It's official, 'Drink the Kool-Aid' will drop on Tuesday July 27th. You can get it right here on icecube.com or itunes. The ringtone will be availible everywhere. Our viral video will drop the following Tuesday August 3rd. I wish I could release a single in store for all my true CD fans, but nobody will stock a single nowadays. Sign of the times. Music is under attack. The video is raw, black and white shot by Dah-Dah. I promised you a song a month and here we go. The first one. Right now I'm in the studio mixing a song called "Soul On Ice" produced by the Bizness. Dope as the title. As the album gets closer I'll be blogging more and more for all my die-hards out there. Keep pushing the progam and keep it 100." (Ice Cube's Blog)

Earlier this month, Cube confirmed reports of his album being pushed back to September.

"Mark it on your calender," he wrote July 15th. "Sept. 28th is the new release date for I AM THE WEST. But I'm still droppin' song after song so look for "Drink the Kool-Aid" later this month. I want to give you the song wit visuals." (Ice Cube's Blog)

Recent reports showed that the follow-up to 2008's Raw Footage was previously delayed to September 24th.

Ice Cube's first album in two years, I Am The West will no longer be a summer release. The N.W.A. alum's latest solo offering has appeared to have moved to September 24. The release is coming courtesy of Cube's own Lench Mob Records, also home to his Westside Connection partner, WC. (Hip Hop DX)

He recently revealed the underlying themes behind featured songs "Man vs. Machine" and "Hood Robbin."

"['Man Vs. Machine'] is talking about our obsessions with machinery and how it's taking over," he said in an interview. "Automation is taking over human beings in all our relevancy in this world. Pretty soon, machines are gonna take over and that's just real...['Hood Robbin'] is talking about how big corporations is now stealing from the poor and giving to the rich. It's a whole thing about the things we're going up against with housing and medical insurance ... just everything people are going through. Real sh** that ain't got nothing to do with money, cars, [and] all the sh** most rappers talk about." (Baller Status)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/07/ice_cube_pours_kool-aid_onto_the_net_you.html

DMX Returns To Prison

2010-07-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

DMX Returns To Prison

July 27, 2010 12:57:00 AM CDT

by Slava Kuperstein

DMX is back behind bars, as the troubled emcee has turned himself in to the Los Angeles Metropolitan Courthouse on Monday (July 26) afternoon.

The rapper has begun serving a 90-day sentence stemming from a 2002 reckless driving charge, reports MTV News.

Though his lawyer, Aja Southern, says that DMX's other legal troubles postponed the L.A. sentence, TMZ reports that the Ruff Ryder violated the terms of his parole of his parole regarding the case.

Whether X truly violated the terms of his parole has yet to be confirmed; however, his lawyer offered an explanation for the rapper turning himself in. "Mr. Simmons is here today to fully cooperate with respect to any matters of the Court's concern," explained Southern in a written statement. "This is one of many steps towards rebuilding his image and rapport with the community and his loyal fans."

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11794/title.dmx-returns-to-prison

Fat Joe Talks Setting Up Notorious B.I.G.'s First Performance

2010-07-26T14:36:00.000-07:00

Fat Joe Talks Setting Up Notorious B.I.G.'s First Performance

July 26, 2010 01:30:00 PM CDT

by Sean Ryon

In the second episode of Fat Joe's 'Tales from The Darkside' video series, the Bronx emcee recalls how he set-up the Notrious B.I.G.'s first professional performance up in the Boogie Down Bronx. Joe, who knew Biggie from the lYricist Lounge, says he offered him the chance to perform after he watched Biggie battle a bevy of other rappers and win.

"I used to promote parties...[and]'(You Gotta) Flow Joe' was getting me about $500, maybe $400 a show," he explained. "So on the side, I would use my celebrity and throw parties and bring rappers like KRS-One [to the stage]...I knew Biggie from the Lyricists Lounge. One day, Biggie walked up in there with Puff Daddy - Puff Daddy has the see through chain on, and I'm handing out 'Flow Joe' vinyl. And he walks up in this shit, and the nigga Puff starts talking crazy and shit, like 'Yo, I got my nigga Biggie Smalls, we'll battle anybody in this bitch!'

"This nigga Biggie goes in. He might have battled five or ten niggas, and ate them niggas...niggas were scared to touch the mic...this is just before that 'Party 'N' Bullshit'. I stepped to Biggie like...'I throw parties Uptown...how much you want for a show?' He wanted a couple of hundred dollars [and] a bottle of Moet. So I actually gave him his first professional show. Go check, see if I'm lying."

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11789/title.fat-joe-talks-setting-up-notorious-bigs-first-performance

Diddy Owes The City Of New York Almost One Million Dollars

2010-07-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Diddy Owes The City Of New York Almost One Million Dollars

July 26, 2010 12:01:00 PM CDT

by Danielle Harling

A report by the New York Daily News has revealed that Hip Hop entrepreneur/rapper Diddy is just one of many well-known celebrities, companies, and residents that collectively owe the city of New York over one billion dollars.

Diddy and Bad Boy Entertainment owe almost a million dollars to the city for illegally placing promotional posters around the city.

A rep for Bad Boy has explained to the city that the $996,000 bill was paid years ago by a partnering company. Their claim is currently under review.

Money owed to the city has reportedly resulted in the funding for schools and day care centers being cut.

"We are going to find these people," the Finance Commissioner of New York City, David Frankel, explained to the New York Daily News. "We're going to turn them upside down by their ankles and we're going to shake them until the money comes out of their pockets.”

Doug E. Fresh and Remy Ma’s defense lawyer are also one of the many people that owe money to the city as well.

From HipHopDX.com

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.11788/title.diddy-owes-the-city-of-new-york-almost-one-million-dollars