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The Boot Camp Clik has never released an actual album. (Well, ok we aren't counting 1997's For The People.) When you mention their name to store clerks, they give you a clueless response. However mention the groups, Black Moon, Cocoa Brovaz, or Heltah-Skeltah, and you get a true grin from any Hip Hop head. The BCC is truly one of the greatest super-groups ever. These groups built the Brooklyn scene. They provided us with some of the most gritty, potent, and also melodic Hip Hop to ever drop. Their works are timeless.

On October 8, they will drop their first group LP. It features all members (scratch Ruck), and production from Beatminerz, Hi-Tek, Alchemist, and Ayatollah. This record is already leaking on to 12" singles, and it's gonna blow like Monica Lewinski. I sat down with Tek and Top Dog, plus a host of others in the background to truly give me that family perspective. Peep what your Hip Hop heroes had to say on life, their label, history, and most notably, the new record!

AllHipHop: Your crew individually and together made some of the toughest singles of all-time. No DJ can mix a Hip Hop music timeline without spinning Black Moon, or OGC. Why is that?

Boot Camp Clik: Real recognize real. When you make something genuine, they appreciate it. They can't help but to play it, no matter how old it is. It's just good music, that [became] better than it was supposed to be. It plays during any year, any summer, any spring.

AHH: You were all holding down New York in '92-'93, before Wu blew up, before Biggy and Nas. You were the first step in separating the East Coast from "old school" to "new school." Back then, how did you create such a distinct new style?

BCC: It was nothing planned. We just hung around each other so much, and dug each other, that we knew what was in each others' blood and heart. It was just a [group] of nice MC's who enjoyed the music, and the sport of the game. We just came together and did what we did. Just like Disco and Pop, everything goes around. Everything goes three-sixty. Everything that [rappers] are talking about right now is gonna [go away] for a minute. Cats gonna get back to reality. Cats ain't gonna wanna be blinded again. Everything goes around. When you plan, and try to make a certain type of record, you get distracted. We just have fun with it, and make good music.

AHH: A lot of heads turned their back on the camp when you took a "sabbatical" from working with the Beatminerz? How did you all reflect on that?

BCC: [We] accepted it, 'cuz that's what happened. We ain't cry about it like no bitch-boys or nothin', we just roll with the punches. We just did what we had to do, and came back strong with [the new album].

AHH: An off-center question. Eminem was real close to signing with Duck Down five years ago. Had he joined your Clik, instead of Dre and Carson Daly fans, how would he be different, in your eyes?

BCC: He wouldn't have been where he is right now. So it was a good thing for him. It was good for him to work with Dre, and get those fans that he got. Because, if he woulda came with us, it woulda been a whole different type of shit. Everything happens for a reason. He woulda done the same thing that he did, just not the numbers that he's doing now.

AHH: It seems that every new rapper has a crew. Boot Camp Clik may be a giant cloud of groups and artists, but every one of yall received recognition as an individual first. When you look at the way crews are marketed around one single artist these days, how does that make you feel?

BCC: After all that jump off with Death Row and all that, dudes got shook. Suge made mad dudes scared. So dudes felt like that they had to have a click. They had to get a bunch of dudes to protect 'em, just to feel secure like, 'Seven of us 'bout to get our ass whupped'.

AHH: A lot of labels seem to be very protective of their artists. Yet for some reason, Duck Down never seems to give a shit. You guys have all dropped 12"s and records on other labels in the last three years. Why is that?

BCC: That's what separates us from the industry. We basically street niggas. As far as that goes, Duck Down artists are the label that sells. There's no one millionaire that's behind this. We police ourselves, we manage ourselves.

AHH: Describe the Brooklyn Hip Hop movement right now, today. What is your role in it?

BCC: We are the streets in Brooklyn! It's a Boot Camp movement in Brooklyn. Everybody's on a soldier mentality right now.

CHARLIE BALTIMORE Few MC’s in this game get the opportunity to reemerge after they supposedly fall off and as corporate machines drop artists like they were selling flimsy stock, an internet start-up is more stable that a rap career. When Lance "Un" Rivera's Untertainment shriveled into nothingness, the masses thought Big's ex, Charli "Chuck" Baltimore would go down with the ship.

Give Charli Baltimore credit for believing in her craft when others didn’t. Her 2nd debut (yes, you read it right) album, “The Diary,” is due to hit shelves on December 3rd, and she is finally ready to show these cats how to play in this game. She may have been around for a minute, but she promises that her album will demonstrate, once and for all, she was not simply, "on some modeling sh*t," as Lil' Kim' so eloquently put it. Allhiphop.com’s Damainion Ewell sat down with Charli and spoke on what’s about to occur.

AllHipHop: What’s the name of the album?

C: The Diary.

AHH: Like MTV…you think you know, but you have no idea!

C: (laughs) Exactly.

AHH: Who’s behind the boards on this one?

C: It’s all Murder Inc. producers.

AHH: Any guest appearances outside of the normal Murder Inc. cameos?

C: Actually, me and Eve are redoing “Brooklyn’s Finest.” We are doing “Philly’s Finest,” so that’s crazy. There’s not a lot of guest appearances on the album actually.

AHH: You just decided to keep it you?

C: Yeah, letting people know what time it is.

AHH: What’s your label situation over at Murder Inc.? I know they have a lot of artists now, and they’ve been hot for a minute.

C: It’s great over here. I really have a chance to be the artist I want to be. I wasn’t forced into anything. It was way easier to do this album than to do the first one that I did on Untertainment, where I was being dictated to; what kind of album that it had to be, and it really wasn’t pleasant.

AHH: Murder Inc. doesn’t hold you back from a creative standpoint?

C: They would never hold me back from doing anything I wanted to do on an album, so it was a much easier time to do it.

AHH: Where do you see yourself with the other female reps in Hip-Hop on a creative level?

C: I don’t categorize myself with any female artists. People don’t really look at me like a female artist…I’m more like a guy!

AHH: (laughs)

C: My lyrics and my writing are very different from most females, and I think people will agree when they hear the album.

AHH: I read where (Irv) Gotti had said you can rap just as well as any male in the game. That’s a pretty decent compliment, right?

C: Exactly.

AHH: How exactly did you get on with Murder Inc. in the first place?

C: I met Gotti when I was still in the Untertainment situation, and he was just supposed to come in and do a couple of joints and release the singles. When he had the album, he said “this is good, who be writing your stuff?” I was like, “I be writing them,” and he was like “yeah, whatever.” He didn’t believe me. So, we actually went to the studio and did some records and he was really impressed. Me and Gotti progressed doing records, and Untertainment was basically folded under. Eventually, I decided I wanted to leave the whole situation, and Gotti wasn’t really in a situation where he could sign me. So, we just kept going on and on for like two years, and then finally, he was so impressed that he put me on Ja’s album. That basically sealed the fate.

AHH: It seems to me that Gotti knows how to bring the best out of his artists.

C: That’s true! He knows how to bring the best out of his artists, and that’s really important. A lot of CEO’s don’t know how to do that; they don’t really know what to do with their artists. A lot of people are confused about what Gotti’s role is as CEO of Murder Inc., and I’m like “he does a lot.” He definitely does a lot.

AHH: Let’s flip this conversation to another area. There’s a rumor in the LA Times implicating Biggie as the man that killed 2Pac. Being that you had the close relationship with B.I.G., what can you confirm in regards to that rumor?

C: I heard about it, and I just want to say it’s totally ludicrous. I don’t even think Big had $1,000,000, seriously.

AHH: I know that Murder Inc. and Death Row have been collaborating as of late. How do you feel about your label collaborating with the same people who “supposedly” had something to do with Biggie’s death?

C: I don’t really know what they’re collaborating on. I’m not really sure. You are your own artist, so whoever you choose to vibe with is on you.

AHH: Can you comment on the situation between Ja Rule and DMX?

C: I don’t know what the hell is going on as far as that’s concerned. I just be wanting everything to die down. Negative press is kind of crazy.

AHH: So, you pretty keep yourself away from a lot of negative things?

C: I try to stay out of the negative and just focus on music. I’ve already been through all the negative stuff. I’m all about being focused on putting out the album and making sure everything is straight as far as “The Diary” is concerned.

AHH: Do you think that beef in the industry is good or bad for the game?

C: Well, it depends, you know? If people have beef, then people should handle that in the street. If people want to do a Hip-Hop battle, then that’s something different. I think there’s nothing wrong with a healthy Hip-Hop battle as long as it’s going to be maintained as friendly. When we are “beefing,” we should learn from example. Pac and Big were beefing, and you see what happened with that.

AHH: There was a lot of drama with the Untertainment situation. What made you want to come back into this knowing that there’s so much riff-raff going on?

C: I felt as though if I gave up, I’m a quitter. If I’m going to set examples for females, then I should set an example to show that you can’t let anyone hold you under. You got to rise above it and come out of it. Gotti and I had really great creative vibe, so that was the label for me.

AHH: Where do you see the female counterpart in Hip-Hop going right now? There’s a lot of female influence more so than even a year ago.

C: I think we’ve evolved. I think female rap has evolved a lot, but I’m trying to take it somewhere else. So, hopefully I’ll be able to do that with my album.

AHH: Are you looking for platinum status first time out the box?

C: I’m not really concerned with that. I just want to make a good album where people say it’s a hot album. I can make platinum records whenever. I was more concerned with the record being good and being filled with content that people can relate to, not just give you a couple of singles and an album full of filler.

AHH: You got married, right?

C: Yeah, I’ve been married a year and a month.

AHH: That was the best decision you could have ever made, huh?

C: Definitely. For my family and myself that was a great decision.

AHH: Do you wish to comment on the Vita situation at all?

C: I don’t really know what the situation even is. It’s a situation with her management and Gotti; it’s not a situation of me and her. Me and her have a really good relationship, so hopefully, it’ll get worked out. As far as I’m concerned, Vita is still Murder Inc.

AHH: I think people had speculated that you had something to do with her leaving.

C: Right, but it’s not me. We actually get along very well, and she’ll tell you the same thing.

AHH: I heard you did a song with Big Daddy Kane. What happened with that?

C: He’s my favorite. It sort of happened by accident. I was really nervous doing the record with him because I’ve always loved him so much. He was the one that inspired me to do records to begin with. It was a great experience, and he was really impressed with my lyrics.

AHH: Whatever happened to the song? Did it ever see the light of day?

C: The song was for some album, but the album never came out. But it was hot!

AHH: Before we wrap up, what exactly went down at Untertainment where your first album never got released?

C: Untertainment basically folded, and I wanted to get off of the label. One of the provisions of it was I had to leave the album. So, I was like, “y’all can have it!” I didn’t want it anyway. I was like “if I’m going to start new, I’m going to start all the way new.” I don’t think they thought I could pull it off.

Chuck Philips, the award-winning reporter, spoke candidly to AllHipHop.com about his shocking expose that alleges Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace offered gang members $1 million to murder rap martyr Tupac Shakur. While the discussion and controversy rages onward unchecked, the writer at the center of it all stands firmly by his version of the truth.

AHH: Did you make attempts to contact Puffy’s camp?

CP: I called Ms Wallace and I called Ms. Wallace's lawyer. I’ve talked to Lil’ Cease before when I did stories on Biggie’s shooting and I’m still trying to work that particular case myself. When I worked those calls, I never heard back from Lil’ Cease or Damien (Big's road manager and best friend). The number that I had, I left a message at and they never called back. This week, I spent quite a bit of time, and last week, trying to reach Puffy’s people and never really heard back until yesterday (Thursday Sept 5, 2002) and they had no comment. Ms. Wallace did, according to her lawyer, she didn’t return my calls this time either. I used to talk to her really pretty regularly when I was working on that case. I was told she “didn’t want to waste her breath” talking to me if this is what I was going to write. Hang on one sec (takes a call.) OK.

Cease is on the radio saying that he was in Brooklyn and Biggie was out with him. Hang on one sec, pardon me. (Takes another phone call.) Sorry. He was on the radio this morning saying that he was with Big.

AHH: Yeah, exactly. I talked to Cease and he pretty much refuted everything you said with regards to Big putting a hit out on Pac. He said they were both in Jersey watching the fight on TV. About two days later Big was arrested in Brooklyn for smoking weed….

CP: Yeah, he had a weapon in his house or something that day.

AHH: Pardon me?

CP: Yeah he got arrested. I don’t think it was two days later though. I think it was a few days after Tupac died. That’s like more than eight days later.

AHH: He says two days after the shooting.

CP: So, he said two days after the shooting? He got arrested for the pot or whatever it was?

AHH: Yeah, in Brooklyn.

CP: That’s what he told you – two days after the shooting?

AHH: Two days after the shooting. (correct.) He also said, to the effect, that it would almost be impossible for Big to be in the MGM Grand without being noticed and also under a false name. What do you say to that?

CP: I didn’t say that he wasn’t noticed. I said that he went in under a false name.

AHH: Ok. Did you have any eyewitnesses that put Big right there in Las Vegas?

CP: Yes I do or I wouldn’t have worked the story if I didn’t.

AHH: I know that’s obvious, but what do you say to something like Lil’ Cease, who was Big’s number 2 man, who is saying, “Look, he was in Jersey.” Do you think he’s lying?

CP: I’m not going to say whether he’s lying or not. All I am saying is, the people I talked to told me this is what happened. And I believe they know what happened.

AHH: So, when you went into the story, you didn’t know what to expect?

CP: I believed that the Crips did it. I didn’t know who pulled the trigger. I didn’t know how the thing went down. And frankly, when I went into this story, if you go back and read all the stories I’ve written over the years – I’ve written a lot of stories on this – I did not really believe that these guys didn’t like each other. I thought that was a big bunch – and I knew the Death Row guys better than the Bad Boy guys. I’ve talked to Lil’ Cease and I’ve talked to him a bunch of times. In fact, I wrote stories that challenged the LAPD and Cease was in those stories. And Damien was in those stories. And we were the first ones to write that the government was following them around. That came from Cease and Damien. And I think Ms. Wallace is a wonderful person and it’s a terrible situation that I got into this juncture where this information came up and I did everything to disprove it in my report.

I respect Ms. Wallace and it was really painful, because I like her. And that was the hardest thing and I also had to call Orlando Anderson’s mother and that was a very difficult situation.

AHH: Did you ever consider using anonymous quotes? Honestly, I feel like it reads like a book or maybe a movie script or something.

CP: I tried to write it in a narrative style. Tomorrow’s story (part 2) is the news story. And I wrote this is a narrative style. We tried a couple different ideas in writing it. What would be the point of using anonymous quotes from gang members in the story? That doesn’t really strengthen the story, so we told you what the story was based on. I used police affidavits, court documents, I did a year and a half or interviews, man…lots and lots of interviews. I tried to trip people up. Some of those people were gang investigators and some were gangsters – Bloods and Crips. And at the end of the day, this is what conclusively, if you add all that up, this is what I think happened. This is what they say happened. And I wasn’t there. I wasn’t in the car shooting. I wasn’t in the car being shot. And, I’m a reporter. And if you go through my path, I’m an investigative reporter and I’ve done lots of different kinds of investigations. Its not like I’m just making this shit up.

And the other thing is, I have great respect for these people as artists.

AHH: This seems to refute other theories about who killed PAC and Big. There are a number of theories, the Crips, the government, the cops and even Suge Knight.

CP: I don’t know who killed Biggie yet. I don’t say anything about that in the story. Its clear by the people that I interviewed that Suge Knight had nothing to do with this.

AHH: They say Suge had nothing to do with it?

CP: Absolutely nothing.

AHH: OK.

CP: They say they killed [Tupac] for their own reasons. Biggie was incidental. It wasn’t like Biggie ordered this up. That’s how everybody is reporting it. If you really read the story, a series of kind of coincidences and spontaneous events and, in a sense they went over there to jack Biggie. According to them [Big said], “Lets kill him [Tupac], let’s kill him.” Whether he was serious, we don’t know. They [The Crips] never took him seriously and then on this day, they said, “We’re killin’ him so lets go get some money.” And then they just put it to him.

AHH: They were extorting Biggie?

CP: That’s the point I’m trying to make. In their minds, they didn’t value – the people who did this obviously didn't think of them [Tupac and Biggie] like everybody else did. They just thought they were punks, according to who I’ve been talking to. And so they said, “Let’s get some money out of it.”

AHH: In terms of hip-hop in general, it’s gotten such a bad rap, people have died over this matter. A lot of parties involved are simply tired of this and plus worried that more people are going to die. I’m personally worried that more people are gonna die. Nobody’s really said this before, that Biggie paid to kill Tupac.

CP: Oh yes they did in the past – that there was a hit out from the East Coast. That was out the first day. In fact, the police heard about it, but no one ever had this detailed information. That was suggested the first day. The Las Vegas police heard about it. They didn’t know who Tupac was when he got shot. I’m a white guy and I love black music. It's my favorite music and black music got me into this job, kind of. Because nobody in the paper covered it well, so I did a lot of stories in this way. I’ve run a lot of different stories over the years, but I think that it is the foundation of all pop music…

AHH: What is?

CP: Black music. Everybody who’s any good that’s white, copied somebody that’s black, just about-in the pop world. I think hip-hop is getting a little boring right now, I have to say, it's very commercial right now. There was a very vital period-the time we’re writing about now extremely vital. With great songs been written, great productions being made, really intense stuff. And that’s why I write about it. And I think it’s great stuff. All of this stuff was a lot of mistakes. People getting hooked up with gangs, and that’s what caused all this. You know, rap music that’s about gangs, is not the same as gangs. And what happens with gangs, is two dead rappers.

AHH: Right…

CP: That’s what happened here. There’s people who believe that Rampart police (Rampart: The biggest police scandal in history involving the LAPD) killed both of these rappers. If you believe that, that’s fine. I don’t believe that. I think they got messed up with people that was way higher than they ever knew. They were running with people who were dangerous.

AHH: Do you fear for your own safety?

CP: I don’t know. I just think when you’re gonna die, you’re gonna

Star , Buc and HOT97 at WAR

Star of the radio team Star & Bucwild is planning his highly anticipated return to New York City, but the radio personality is facing legal action from former employer Hot 97 (WQHT).

The brass at Hot 97, a station under Emmis Radio, claims that rival Clear Channel is trying to put the shock jock back on the air early, an act they say violates a non-compete clause.

In addition, Emmis claims that on May 15, 2003, the jock’s last day, Star violently yanked pictures off the office walls and allegedly assaulted the station manager, the culmination of a long term run of "offensive, inappropriate and tortuous acts."

According to the New York Daily News, Wyatt Cheek, Star’s manager, said the lawsuit was “slanderous, ridiculous allegations whose main purpose is damaging his career.”

According to Emmis, Star cannot legally compete with Hot 97 no earlier than March 5, 2005, but the radio personality and Clear Channel want him in New York by January.

Cheek also claimed that a station suspension after the death of Aaliyah was a staged event between Star and Hot 97.

“You will also see Emmis' own role here. In the Aaliyah case, for example, Star's 'suspension' wasn't a punishment. It was an arrangement with the station. It was done for appearance, to enhance their publicity 'bump,’” Cheek claimed.

Hot 97 denied the claim and said that incident was one of many that lead to his termination.

Star made it clear that he intended to tear down his former employer.

“Emmis can only prolong the inevitable. I will have them programming country music six months after my return,” he said.

And as he waits for the non-compete clause to expire, Star will take his antics nationwide in a new deal with cable TV network Music Choice.

The company will be using bits from the duo's morning show on WPHH in Hartford, Connecticut and Star and Buc will also be heard on Music Choice's internet service starting in October.

Music Choice has been known mostly for music and a graphics package which includes facts about artists and their songs.

" Our studies show about 60% of cable subscribers use our music channels now, and we expect that figure to grow,” said Karen Doler, a spokeswoman for Music Choice.

Music Choice currently has 45 channels available on cable and satellite television, plus seven internet only channels.

50CENT Tapes the Sex 50 Cent has reportedly taken dramatic measures to ensure that he doesn’t have to endure a public trial like basketball star Kobe Bryant.

According to Elite TV, the rapper claims to film all of sexual exploits that occur within his lavish mansion by utilizing a plethora of spy-like angles.

“No matter what you do, it's on camera. All angles, you are on tape. I got it set up. There are spy cameras all over the room,” he said to Elite.

The self-proclaimed pimp said that there will be little-to-no chance that a false rape allegation would ever come out of a tryst with a groupie.

“They cannot say I took it. It proves they gave it to me - they willingly gave it,” he continued.

And, he said, should somebody be bold enough to attempt to levy charges anyway, he would make that individual famous in a way they might not appreciate.

He finished with, “I'd put [the video footage] on the internet unless they dropped the charges.”

Ruling on Sampling can Affect HipHop

A federal appeals court in Cincinnati, Ohio ruled yesterday (Sept. 7) that artists should pay for every sample included in their work, a ruling that could have an effect on Hip-Hop music, which often utilizes pieces of other copyrighted works.

A three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said that federal laws passed to curb piracy of digital recordings applies to digital sampling.

“If you cannot pirate the whole sound recording, can you ‘lift’ or ‘sample’ something less than the whole? Our answer to that question is in the negative,” the court said in a statement.

It has been legal to use short musical snippets as long as the work sampled was not identifiable.

“Get a license or do not sample,” the court continued. “We do not see this as stifling creativity in any significant way.”

The case is one of 800 lawsuits filed by Bridgeport Music and Westbound Records in 2001

Bridgeport and Westbound own the rights to many recordings, including those of George Clinton and the influential groups Funkadelic and Parliament. A two second sample of a Funkadelic record in NWA's "100 Miles and Runnin" is at the heart of the ruling made by the judges Tuesday.

The song was used in the movie "I Got the Hookup," produced by Master P.'s No Limit Films.

As a result, Bridgeport took No Limit Films to court, saying that using the NWA song in the film without clearing the sample violated copyright laws.

Clinton himself was not opposed to sampling. He produced two albums, Sample Some of Dis and Sample Some of Dat, which allowed artists to use Clinton’s music without legal scrutiny.

Well, first of all, I suspect that the industry again is trying to do to rap what they tried to do to funk, and that's kill it because it's got to much information, and spreading of information,” Clinton told the Houston Press in 1992. “So what we've done to keep them from all this stupidity, like trying to sue, or saying that I'm suing people, is to put out a record called "Sample Some of Disc and Sample Some of Dat" - just samples from alot of the old songs, because I have some of the demos of those songs, which is not what the record company owns, so I can license those to be sampled. We have a pay schedule that's really easy to deal with - if they sell records, they pay, if they don't they can try again. We got to make sure that rap survives, because it's our only means of communication that gets past the gatekeepers.”

Rocawear to Create BatMan clothing line

While chatter is growing about the alleged sale of the Roc-A-Fella Record label to Def Jam, Dame Dash continues to strengthen the Rocawear brand, signing a deal to create a line of apparel based around the upcoming movie, "Batman Begins."

Rocawear partnered with Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) on behalf of DC Comics to create a line which will hit stores at the same time of the theatrical release of the movie, which is the 5th installment of the Batman franchise of films.

"Rocawear and Batman are a seamless match," Damon Dash, CEO, Rocawear said in a statement last week. "Batman is a character who is a child of the city, a self-made man who reinvents himself and lets nothing get in his way. We understand what he is all about. Batman is a casual, cool fashion brand and his unique traits fit perfectly into our line."

The collaboration is a first for Roc-A-Wear and will feature three distinct looks. The first delivery is titled “Urban Legends” and features pants, jeans and wovens, aiming for an old school feel.

The second delivery is called "Gotham City" and leans towards darker hues while the third delivery, “I AM,” is inspired by the imagery of "Batman Begins" and features jackets, hoodies, tees and button downs.

“By partnering with Rocawear, we combine the super heroic style of Batman with Rocawear's street style to create a fashion-forward statement that sets the latest trend in apparel," added Dan Romanelli, President, Warner Bros.

The clothing line is scheduled to hit stores starting in May of 2005.

Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five nominated for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five are semifinalists in nominations to be inducted into the world renowned Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The top 15 artists that tally the most votes will be this year’s nominees for consideration. Artists become eligible for induction 25 years after the release of their first record.

The nominating committee is made up of Rock and Roll historians. After the committee has chosen their semi-finalists, ballots are sent to an international voting body comprising of almost 1000 authorities on the history of Rock and Roll.

The artists who receive the highest number of votes are inducted. Usually that equates to about five to seven groups being inducted each year.

This year’s list is one of the most diverse in the history of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were nominated along side ABBA, Jeff Beck, seminal Doo-Wop group The Harptones, The O’Jays, Kraftwerk, Ringo Starr and others.

The group recorded first as the Younger Generation and released a single, “We Rap More Mellow” in 1979. After a name change, the group signed with the Enjoy record label owned by Bobby Robinson.

The group recorded Superappin’” in 1979 as well. Once they switched to the Sugar Hill record label, they recorded a series of legendary Hip-Hop songs, including "Freedom," "Birthday Party," "The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel," "The Message," and "White Lines."

Kimora Lee Simmons, wife of mogul Russell Simmons was arrested in New
Jersey and charged with a series of drug and traffic violations, after she
was stopped and marijuana was allegedly found in her vehicle on Sunday
(July 25).
According to reports, Kimora was driving near her home in Saddle Brook,
New Jersey when officers attempted to pull her over.
Police allege Kimora made no attempt to stop and did not pull over until
she reached her home.
Kimora was charged with eluding a police officer, possessing marijuana,
careless driving, operating a vehicle while possessing a controlled
substance, tail-gating and having a taillight out.
She and her clique charge that she was a victim of excessive force as
well, as she claims to have bruises on her wrists.
Hip-Hop tycoon Russell Simmons, Kimora’s spouse, said the arrest and
subsequent “abuse” shocked him. Simmons said that his wife may have also
been the victim of racial profiling.
“When my wife noticed the police were behind her, she put on her hazard
lights and drove a short distance because there was no shoulder on the
road,” Russell told AllHipHop.com. “She drove to her home where the entire
illegal search and abuse was filmed by our home security cameras. The
first question they asked was ‘is Russell home?’”
Similarly, Kimora’s attorney accused the police of illegally searching the
car and also stated that any unlawful drugs in the automobile belonged to
an unidentified passenger. Furthermore, her attorney also said that her arrest was another example of
police targeting prominent members of the Hip-Hop community.


“We’ve had a great relationship with the police chief and most of the
Saddle River Police Department,” Russell told AllHipHop.com. “The
arresting officer was one we don’t know. I guess we enjoy a privileged
life in that community, but my guess is that other people of color who
drive through are not afforded the luxury we have. I am always looking for
new material for my new show on Court TV, but I didn’t think my family
would be candidates to be featured on it.”


In related news, Baby Phat Fashions, the company headed by Kimora,
recently dropped a new extravagant shoe called the Diva Sneakers, which is
designed to motivate inspire young women.


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DMX was arrested by police last night (June 24) for allegedly trying to steal a car in a parking lot at New York's Kennedy Airport, authorities said.
The rapper/actor, whose real name is Earl Simmons, and Jackie Hudgins were
arrested on charges of attempted robbery, criminal impersonation and criminal mischief. The pair was arrested after Port Authority police interrupted a dispute between the two and another man whose car they allegedly tried to steal, authorities said. A preliminary investigation indicated that DMX may have identified himself as a federal agent, according to a Port Authority spokesman, who noted that no one was hurt and no weapons were recovered. Source: Associated Press

Weapons of Mass Destruction, the eagerly-awaited new Xzibit album, is scheduled for release this October 5th. The album is Xzibit's first since his chart topping 'Man vs. Machine' which was released in 2002.

Beastie Boys "To the 5 Boroughs" 1st week sales
in the United States--360,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

MTV2 and Nike, Inc. today announced that Battlegrounds will premiere July 11th at 8pm ET/5pm PT, exclusively on MTV2. The basketball series will feature reigning kings from the courts of the US and Europe going head-to-head in a single elimination tournament with the final four players competing in Los Angeles for the chance to win $50,000 in cash, Nike product, and personalized Nike iD shoes. The Battlegrounds finale will be hosted by former NBA basketball star John Salley and will feature a performance by hip hop star Fat Joe, who will also create the Battlegrounds theme song. Following its premiere, each episode of Battlegrounds will also repeat on MTV.

D.O.D.(Do Or Die) has locked down Kanye West, DJ Quik and Scott Storch for production on their upcoming self-titled album. The set's lead radio single is "Higher," which boasts a sample of Teddy Pendergrass' "You're My Latest, My Greatest Inspiration." The group turned to Kanye West to produce and lend a guest appearance on the track. "By him being hot right now and what we're bringing to the table, it's just going to be another nuclear explosive song," group member Belo says. "I know it's going to blow." The album will also feature production from N.O. Joe ,The Legendary Traxster and Waxmaster. Album is set for release September 14th.

Juvenile's "Slow Motion" featuring Soulja Slim is stirring up the deep South and climbing the charts. The album, Juve The Great, is considered by many his best yet while demonstrating why he has been in the game since 1995. In Addition to this song and album success, the Rap mogul is doing double duty on the charts- his own label, UTP has its debut artists charting too. Juvenile, Skip and Wacko are on the top 200 with The Beginning Of The End.

Pony International today announced its exclusive partnership with pop cultural icon Snoop Dogg. The Snoop Dogg Collection by Pony called "The One and Only" will be a creative fusion of Snoop's signature west coast flavor and style with classic Pony design. The collection will be unveiled in November 2004 for delivery to limited and exclusive stores globally with the Fall/Winter 2005 collection."I wore Pony's back in the day playing football and always liked their style," said Snoop Dogg. "I'm excited to be a partner in bringing the brand back and adding a little Snoop Dogg flavor, so get ready for The One and Only!"

50 Cent steps off the stage and into the gym by introducing the G-Unit G xt Cross-Trainer by Rbk. Featuring an old-school cross-training silhouette in sleek leather with micro mesh detailing, the G xt insole is packed with a breathable, cushion
insert to provide comfort and extra support. Available for men only in white/red, white/navy and black/sheer grey/white colorways for a suggested retail price of $90,
the G xt cross-trainer is designed to perform on the court, in the gym and on the road, hits stores July 2nd.

Mtv reports that Snoop will release his upcoming solo album thru the Neptunes' label, Star Trak. Snoop has signed a deal with the hitmaking producers' imprint, according to the team's Chad Hugo. "We're trying to bring him back to Chronic-era Snoop," Hugo said, referring to the 1992 Dr. Dre album on which Snoop made his debut. In the recent record-business reshuffling, Star Trak left its original home, Arista, for industry powerhouse Interscope Records. Snoop's yet-untitled next album, which will also be released through Snoop's own Doggystyle imprint, is due by the end of the year. It will be one of the first two albums the Neptunes release through their new partnership with Interscope. The other is the major-label debut from Houston rapper Slim Thug. Only question we have is where does P.Diddy fit into all of this? Wasn't he supose to be Executive producing Snoop's next solo project?
I guess we'll find out soon enough...

PlayStation2 has joined forces with Russell Simmons and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) in a non-profit, non-partisan voter initiative.
We are thrilled to partner with Russell Simmons and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network in an effort to reach out to our audience and emphasize the
importance of exercising the right to vote," said Andrew House, executive vice president, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "With the accelerated fusion of hip-hop and interactive entertainment this is a natural marriage for us, and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network presents a unique opportunity to connect with our core demographic base through this outstanding youth empowerment program."
"Our national voter registration drive is in full force, registering from 20,000 to 80,000 individuals per stop," emphasized HSAN Chairman Russell Simmons. "With the partnership of PlayStation 2, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network will be able to reach even further into the community to educate young people on how to get their individual voices heard by empowering them to vote in this year's election."

The Source has been ordered to pay Eminem's legal fees for violating a federal court order not to publish full versions of the rapper's racially charged lyrics. The hip-hop magazine published the lyrics of an Eminem song on its Web site in January, violating a temporary restraining order issued by U.S. District Judge Gerard Lynch in December. Lynch ordered The Source to pay legal fees to Shady Records Inc., Eminem's label. The judge said the First Amendment protects the rapper's "musical commentaries on life." "It is for fans of hip-hop, and not for this court, to decide what if anything this episode means for their opinions of Mathers as a man and as an artist," the judge wrote. In a companion ruling, the judge dismissed a countersuit filed by The Source against Shady Records and Eminem himself, in which the magazine claimed it held the rights to the songs. Michael S. Elkin, a lawyer for The Source, defended the publication of the lyrics. "The Source had every right to publish the material it did release to inform the public about who Eminem is," he told The New York Times.

The Hollywood Reporter reports David Chappelle is in early talks to play Rick James in a film based on the musician's upcoming autobiography, "Memoirs of a Super Freak."

Apparantly the Outlawz are in negotiations which would sign them to a deal with CASH MONEY RECORDS. Their new album will be called 'Ghetto Gospel' and is slated for this fall.

Newark's Hip Hop National Convention Week
(Lectures, Minority Events, Hip-Hop/Rap)
Where: Rutgers University - Newark
(350 Martain Luther King Blvd., Newark, NJ 07102, 973-353-5262, Map)
When/$: Wednesday, Jun 16, 2004 Price Info Not Available

Nas, Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh and Public Enemy will perform at the 2004 National Hip-Hop Political Convention. The convention is comprised of a diverse group of local grassroots groups, including activists, artists, educators, workers, and professionals. The goal of the convention is to create a national political agenda for the hip-hop generation. --dc

PUFFY GIVES CHOPPER ON MORE CHANCE
Chopper has a new way to call out Da Band's name: "D-A ... B-A ... N-Deeeeeeee! R.I.P."

The youngest member of the now defunct group (see "Dylan Disses Diddy, Says Da Band Are Still A Tight Crew") had tears in his eyes on this week's finale of "Making the Band," but on Friday as he traveled from New Orleans to Chicago he didn't seem dreary at all.

And he has good reason to be perky. Diddy — who disbanded the group on the finale and announced he'd only continue working with Ness and Babs — has given Chopper a second chance. Chop is going to be the first solo act on Bad Boy South.

"They sent me up to New York," he recalled of the surprise news. "They have you waiting up in the office all day just to tell you one thing. I was in the office all day and they said, 'It's confirmed, you're Bad Boy South.' I probably did three flips when they told me that."

To make sure Diddy isn't on his back, Chop said he's straightened up and will be acting more mature. "I was a young guy, ya dig?" he said of some of his questionable onscreen actions. "I had all my fun. Now I'm getting older. I gotta be cool, serious. I gotta be business. I have been most definitely scared straight."

Chopper's mapping out his solo album's blueprint with help from producer Tony Dofat, and he said he wants to work with Mannie Fresh, Juvenile, Lil' Wayne and Jazze Pha. Meanwhile, Ness and Babs are working on tracks from Dofat as well. Diddy has dubbed them hip-hop's new Bonnie and Clyde, implying that the two would operate as a duo, but that may not be the case.

Ness isn't sure what the game plan is, but he said he's continuing to work on a solo album called Nessessary with Dofat and underground producers like Black Keys, regardless of what he does with Babs.

"D-Dot volunteered to [executive produce] it. Just Blaze volunteered to do it. Rockwilder volunteered to do it," gloated Ness, who said he and fellow Philadelphia native Beanie Sigel are doing a song together in which they rhyme over the beat from Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G.'s classic "Brooklyn's Finest" collaboration.

Babs has a clearer picture of what Bad Boy has in store for her and rap's Loch Ness Monster. "It's gonna be two solo [albums]. They trying to package it sort of like Outkast," she said. "Two solo CDs, but sorta like a group. I'm happy about it. I would like to do my own thing, of course, but if I had to work with anybody it would be Ness. It's crazy. I feed off of Ness, he feeds off of me — it's a good team in the studio.

Like many of the group's fans, Babs found the "Making the Band" finale, taped weeks ago, to be a tearjerker. But though the six of them were sent their separate ways, they've still been getting together onstage.

"It feels weird performing together, because every show feels like it could be the last one," she said. "The fans [at recent shows] didn't really know the show was a wrap. We knew, but we couldn't say nothing. So we on the road doing shows and people saying, 'We hope y'all don't ever break up.' We looking at each other like, 'They just don't know.' "

Babs said she knows deep down that her fellow reality show veterans will land on their feet, with or without Bad Boy.

"People say Dylan f---ed his own self over, which could be true, but that doesn't take away from his talent. Hopefully he'll shape up and somebody will pick him up and wanna sign him. Sara is gonna be good. I already know she's got a movie deal and she's trying to get her foot in acting. She's a beautiful young woman, and she can sing.

"Fred is my boy," she continued. "I know he's gonna be good, but he's hard-headed. Fred is one of those guys that can't sit down and take orders. I speak to Fred often. Me and him are the closest out of everybody in Da Band. I try to get him out of that Dirty South mentality. He never had a job before, he never really had to deal with bosses."

Aside from their music, Babs said she and Chopper are going to be working on an independent film with Lil Fizz and some actors from "The Sopranos."

"It's on some mob stuff," she promised. "It's related to the mob life. I'm trying to clap a couple of people in the movie."

Article Courtesy Of MTV!

DA BAND'S DYLAN SPEAKS OUT Well Da Band my be history as far as P. Diddy is concerned, but Dylan of the group says they are friends for life and hits they may collaborate in the future. That's what band mate Dylan says.
Speaking of Dylan, he, in particular, seemed to be a thorn in the side of Da Diddy.

"I'm tired of his ass, y'all tired of his ass, we all tired of his ass," Diddy said during the a confessional portion of the show. "It's over."

"People gotta realize that us six had to walk for cheesecake," Dylan told MTV. "It's us six that read the Russell Simmons book outside. Us six lived through that hazing period. No matter what any label or CEO wants to say, Da Band are family. We came in it together; we're always gonna be working together in the future."

Interestingly, we've learned that Dylan is still signed to Bad Boy and has a new mixtape, a collaboration with DJ Sickamore called "Life After Diddy."

The MTV article pointed out that it's oftern a case of artist suicide to go bite the hand that feeds you.

"We're taking it day by day," Dylan says. "There's enough labels who I can go to or have been hollering. My main thing is to be heard through this mixtape. This is where we started, this is who I feed off. I'm not a Hollywood dude, I live for the streets. This is our music. When it comes to Diddy, I feel like if he's not going to use me for anything, why keep me? If you gonna use me, then we can work."

Be careful what you ask for, dude.

Source: EURWeb

JAY Z'S NEW SHOES The rapper is readying a new line of S. Carter shoes for Reebok. The S. Carter II, which costs about $100, lands in stores on June 11. Word has it that the shoe features a curvier look and new colors. Jay-Z will also release the S Carter Tennis, a retro-style tennis shoe, on July 4. The S. Carter Tennis shoe retails around $80 per pair, and is available in a red-white-blue or red-black-green color scheme.

The first S. Carter Collection shoe became the fastest-selling footwear product in Reebok's history when it debuted in April 2003. It reportedly outsells any shoe by Nike or Adidas.

RASS KASS SUES PRIORITY RECORDS Lawyers for the currently incarcerated Ras Kass, have filed a civil complaint against Priority Records in a Los Angeles County Superior Court.

The rapper, who has been signed to Priority since 1995, is demanding to be released from the label based on claims that Priority has breached specific acts of his recording contract and is citing emotional distress. He is seeking damages in excess of $5 million dollars.

Ras Kass has formally and informally sought release from the label based on his contract, that according to his lawyer allow him to do so. Priority have refused to release him.

To date, Priority have released two Ras Kass albums including 1996's Soul On Ice and 1998's Rasassination, both receiving high praises from hip-hop magazines and critics. Two more albums, Van Gogh and/or Goldyn Chyld, continue to sit on Priority's shelves.

Many of Ras' fellow artists and hip-hop industry heavyweights are behind Ras Kass and are supporting him.

"Ras Kass is THE SPITTER; I respect him as an artist, and he takes Hip-Hop and music seriously," Xzibit said of Ras Kass. "The West Coast is waiting to hear something that explosive."

Rap Coaliton founder, Wendy Day states she is thrilled Ras Kass refuses to be bullied by the music industry.

"I am happy to hear Ras Kass taking back control of his life and career by refusing to be bullied anymore by Priority Records," said Wendy Day. "I stand in solidarity with Ras Kass and support his efforts to regain his freedom from this Goliath!"

Ras Kass himself continues to fight his battle from behind bars. Priority Records' failed efforts to properly support and promote two of his released albums, with promises of much more, leaves Rass Kass no choice but to demand his release.

"I want what is fair; all I want is to create great music, have the proper team behind me, and be the artist that I am. I am prepared to do what it takes in order to be released from this ugly situation," Ras Kass said in a released statement.

50 CENT WILL BE PROSECUTED Springfield authorities sorting through the aftermath of a violent tirade by rapper 50 Cent plan to slap the Kevlar vest-wearing rapper with criminal charges and say a man shot after the melee had been at the ill-fated concert.

Ray Feyre, director of operations for Hampden District Attorney William Bennett, confirmed the 27-year-old Big Apple emcee, born Curtis Jackson, will be prosecuted for his role in the scuffle at the Hippodrome in Springfield. But, Feyre said, ``it hasn't been decided yet what charges (he will face).''

The violence erupted when a fan sprayed water on the chart-topping rapper during an unscheduled performance. Witnesses say the ex-drug dealer dove into the crowd of 1,400, injuring three women, two of whom were reportedly kicked in the head and face. Two people were arrested during the fracas, which took an hour for police to quell. 50 Cent and his posse slipped out a side door.

Minutes later, 27-year-old Mark Terry of Hartford, Conn., was shot in the leg near the venue. Springfield police Capt. William J. Noonan said Terry had been at the concert. Officials at 50 Cent's record label, Interscope, declined comment yesterday.

DRE SUED FOR $500,000
Los Angeles, CA - Dr. Dre's "Addictive" is the subject of a long standing lawsuit brought by RPG, Inc., an India Based recording compnay. According to court documents, the Dr and Aftermath records have refused to cease and desist using the sample of "Thoda Resham Lagta Hai" originally recorded by Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar for the movie "Joyti", a Pramod Film. Dre was granted a licens to do a "Cover" of the song and only for India however, the music was added to "Addictive" on the album "Truthfully Speaking". RPG is seeking $150,000 per instance of usage, 500 million dollars in punative damages, an accurate accounting from Dre, Aftermath, Interscope and Universal Records and are also seeking to have the recording pulled from every outlet including the internet. RPG also seeks the delivery of the masters and all storage media pertaining to the particular song and proof of destruction of any and all remaining records, CD's, Videos, DVD's, ets. One of the causes of action states that the use of the song and concept is against the religion of the original performer

G Unit principal Lloyd Banks will on June 29 release his Interscope solo debut, "The Hunger for More." The Eminem-produced first single "On Fire" is off to a strong start at radio and is No. 15 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks chart and No. 17 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks tally. A video for the clip was directed by Jesse Terrero and G Unit member 50 Cent.

"When I say 'The Hunger for More,' it could be referring to more success. It could be more money. Or Respect. More power. More understanding," Banks says in a statement. "All those things lead up to that hunger for more, because my more isn't everybody else's more. I feel like I made it already, because I got already what everybody on the corners of the neighborhood I grew up in is striving to get."

"The Hunger for More" will also be released the same day in a special edition, featuring a bonus track with Banks and G Unit's Tony Yayo and different packaging (including a CD booklet on dollar bill-style paper). A 25-minute DVD will also be included, with an animated video for "My Buddy," a clip for "Smile" and the featurette "A Day in the Life of Lloyd Banks."

Following 50 Cent's breakthrough success with his debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," G Unit burst onto the scene last year with the album "Beg for Mercy," which peaked at No. 2 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 2.3 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

In March, Banks and 50 Cent joined P. Diddy on "Victory 2004," drawn from Bad Boy's 10th anniversary compilation.

Source: Billboard

Simply put, Harlem’s favorite son Cam’ron is a movement unto himself. From literally changing the face of urban fashion with his trendsetting, redefining sense of style and signature pink wardrobe, to his gritty, uniquely sing-song flow and mind-boggling ghetto nursery rhymes, to the secret code he’s developed with his Diplomats crew - ‘Dip Set,’ ‘Byrd Gang,’ ‘Purple City,’ ‘Un Casa,’ ‘Sheist Bub,’ – ‘Killa Cam’ has turned Harlemworld into Cam’ron’s world.

“Maybe Cam'ron isn't really a rapper — maybe he's a sly subversive, hard at work on a grand and inscrutable performance-art project,” the New York Times recently wrote. And ultra-hip Vice Magazine chimed in: “Killa's "Get Em Girls" is as avant a slice of black pop as has ever been seen on BET.” But while scholarly critics may marvel at Cam’s style as “subversive” and “avant,” the streets know better. Cam’ron is Harlem’s legendary “Killa Cam,” the pink and purple clad don of street life, the cat the ladies want to get with and the fellas want to be like. Period.

Or as Cam’ron humbly puts it, “From the moment I wake up at like seven in the morning in my boxers and socks, I’m that fresh. I’m Cam.”

And while it’s been a few since the faithful have heard from Cam solo, he’s kept the streets hot with label releases from The Diplomats’ ‘Diplomatic Immunity and Juelz Santana’s “From Me To U”, and scores of heavy-rotation mixtapes including the most-recent “Diplomats Vol. 5.” Now, with the July 20th release of Purple Haze, the long-awaited follow-up to his platinum selling Roc-A-Fella debut - 2002’s Come Home With Me, - Cam puts it down like only he can.

“I’ve been working on this for about 7-8 months. I always grow every album. I’m around nice artists like Juelz, Jim Jones, J.R. Writer and a whole bunch of new people and it keeps me on my toes,” Cam says. “It’s like tough love and that’s why every album I do is better than the last one.”

From the Jeep banger “Killa Cam,” to the certified street anthems “Get Em Girls” and “Shake,” to the radio hits “Hey Lady” “Lord You Know” featuring Jaheim and the new single, Cam’s spin on the Cyndi Lauper classic “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” Purple Haze continues Cam’s legend. Featuring appearances from the entire Dip Set crew – Juelz Santana, Jim Jones and Freekey Zeekey – as well as Kanye West, Jaheim, Lil Flip, and Twista, Cam’ron delivers his most diverse, creative and cinematic album to date. In fact, Cam plans to release a ‘Purple Haze’ short film in conjunction with the album.

“I want you to have the visual, even if you don’t see the movie,” muses Cam. “Visualize it just by listening. Its like a verbal movie or even a book.”

Along with the Purple Haze album and film, Cam’ron has taken his purple game to the spirit world as well – liquor that is. Along with his Diplomat partner Jim Jones, Cam has launched a cognac-based purple punch appropriately dubbed Sizzurp. Sizzurp has secured national distribution and is set to launch on this summer.

Be warned: Rap’s Pink Panther and Harlem’s freshest Diplomat – Cam’ron – is back with Purple Haze.

Suge Knight is set to be released out of prison today after serving 10 months on a parole violation. He served his time after a parole board determined that he allegedly punched a parking valet which was a violation of the terms on his 2001 parole.

Rapper T.I. was sentenced Wednesday to three years in prison for violating the terms of his probation. After serving a minimum of one year, T.I. can apply for a work-release program, according to the county clerk's office in Cobb County, Georgia. T.I. was on probation stemming from a 1998 conviction for violating a state controlled substances act and for giving false information. After being released on probation, he earned a litany of probation violations in several counties around Georgia for offenses ranging from possession of a firearm to possession of marijuana. Source: MTV

Kid Capri has launched a new record label, NO KID’N Records with distribution by Island/Def Jam. The first artist on the label is Red Handed with his first single, “Horny (On ME) which was serviced to radio March 27th. Some of Kid Capri’s recent business ventures include a shoe deal, Technology endorsement, nationwide commercial, a new DVD and other things to be announced shortly. His namesake shoe with Diadora-America called 'KC Steppa' will be available in stores world wide on July 15th. The Kid Capri DVD… “The Craziest Kid” will be in stores this September and his National Burger King commercial for the new Tender Crisp Chicken Sandwich airs all this month.

8 Ball and MJG will make their Bad Boy debut on May 11th when they release their ninth CD, Living Legends. They are the first rap act from Memphis to go platinum as well as one of the first southern rappers to attain nationwide success.
"I've been fans of theirs since day one, and my respect for them only grew," says Bad Boy CEO Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. "It was a natural fit to have them at Bad Boy." As a duo, and individually, 8 Ball and MJG have established their credibility and gained respect in the hip-hop culture. Living Legends marks the merging of two pioneers in the rap industry.

The 2004 MTV Video Music Awards are set for Aug. 9 in Miami. It's the first time in the show's 20-year history that it has not taken place in New York or Los Angeles.

Shyne has signed a deal with Def Jam Records.
Apparently a deal had been struck, and according to the Los Angeles Times, it could be worth approximately $3 million for the first album. Def Jam beat out Warner Bros. Records, run by former Def Jam CEO Lyor Cohen, in a bidding war for the incarcerated artist. Shyne is housed in the Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora, New York. He is said to have recorded up to a dozen songs before his incarceration, and those verses, put to new beats, could constitute an album for Def Jam. He isn't eligible for parole until at least 2009, the rapper has retained Harvard law professor and practicing lawyer Charles Ogletree to help him obtain an early work-release discharge. Ogletree orchestrated a similar maneuver for Tupac Shakur.

Miami rapper, Jackie-O has signed a long-term deal with Poe Boy Entertainment/TVT Records. "I'm excited about being on TVT Records," said Jackie-O. "I feel right at home with all their Southern acts, from Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz and Ying Yang Twins to Pitbull and Chyna Whyte. I'm just glad that I will have this opportunity to make my mark." "Jackie-O has positioned herself as a uniquely bold and talented artist," remarked TVT Records President, Steve Gottlieb. "We look forward to working with Poe Boy Entertainment and taking her project to the next level."

The Palms Casino Resort will open a World Class Recording Studio as part of its expansion to the Las Vegas resort. The studio will be the first of its kind to be placed in a hotel and casino. The masterminds behind this venture include George Maloof, owner of the Palms Casino Resort and the Sacramento Kings basketball team and Larry Rudolph-- (Manager to Britney Spears and TV Producer with such hits as "Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica" on MTV). The studio will tie in with Maloof Music and Entertainment, a partnership with the Maloof family and Interscope Records.

FM2 Radio and Superadio have joined forces with DJ Muggs (Mega Producer/ DJ for Cypress Hill, Pearl Jam, Ice Cube, U2, Janet Jackson, and Depeche Mode to name a few…) to produce his new nationally syndicated radio show; “Mash-Up Radio.” When asked what motivated him to do this radio show, Muggs said, “I have been doing Rock and Hip-Hop for a while now and I am always looking for new ways to expand the music and bridge the gaps of Rock fans listening to Hip-Hop and vice versa. Doing remixes is a good way to reach the kids that would not normally listen to that kind of music.” We'll bring you more info as we receive it.

Beastie Boys are back this summer with their new album '5 Boroughs'.
The group is expected to tour in support of the release and has already confirmed
Aug. 7-8 appearances at Japan's Summer Sonic Festival.

J-Kwon's Debut Album 'Hood Hop'hits #7 on the Soundscan charts scanning over 125K in its first week. The single "Tipsy" moves up to #3 on the Billboard Hot Rap Tracks chart, and #1 on the Rap Monitor! "I wanna introduce hood to pop and I wanna introduce pop to hood," J-Kwon says of his music. "I want people to understand me. I want love and I want respect and I'm gonna give out respect."

Lil' Flip new album 'U Gotta Feel Me' is the #1 Rap Album in the Country.
After first week's sales of 198,350 units, Flip's experiencing his best sales week ever and parlayed his new release into the #1 slot on the nation's Rap albums chart.

The NBA and ESPN have selected the Black Eyed Peas to supply the theme song for the 2004 playoffs . "Let's Get It Started" will be the driving theme to keep the basketball action hyped at this year's playoffs. The song will be broadcasted in the arenas and in 30-second promotional spots on television. Front-man Will.I.Am has turned in four different versions of the track for the commercials, including one timed around the 24-second shot clock.

Urban Muzic Zone Records has signed MC Breed.
Distribution will be thru Sony.

Peek into a day in the life with SNOOP DOGG!
We sat down and talked about his new movie Starsky and Hutch.
We were also on hand as he received the Coach of the Year award.
Watch Now!

Master P's Good Side/Bad Side (New No Limit/KOCH) reached Gold in its first week of sales. The release is the first record to go Gold by an urban artist on KOCH Records. "This is the first time anyone has put out a full length movie with their CD. I was the first one to do well with my straight-to-video films in the late 90s, so who else is there out here to start the new trend of putting out films with their music but me," says Master P. "It's a complete package, 2 CD's of music and a movie starring me and Rome. You can't get anything like this out here right now."

Tha Alkaholiks are preparing to head to Las Vegas to put the final touches on their highly-anticipated forth-coming album 'Firewater'. The group have rented a house in Sin City, where they will invite artists, producers, and friends.

Usher has sold over 1 million copies of his new album 'Confessions' in his first week. He has the highest opening-week sales of any album released this year. "To see that this album has sold a million in one week is history," Usher said. "I'm happy, I'm privileged. It says a lot for what R&B is capable of. Go cop the album. It's bangin!

Crooked I, Loon, Common, Kanye West, Layzie Bone, Babs of Da Band, Def Poetry Jam's Malik Yusef, Doug E. Fresh, Twista, Russell Simmons, and Ludacris were on hand for the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network at the University of Illinois last weekend in Chicago, Illinois. Some of the issues addressed ranged from the importance of the youth vote, halting police brutality and
rap profiling and freeing U.S. political prisoners to raising public awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic, self-improvement as a basis for family and community development and using hip-hop to promote social change. The event was able to register over 30,000 new young voters.

The New York Daily News reports Ma$e is planning to return to hip hop after leaving the rap game in 1999 to minister to the 1,500-strong S.A.N.E. Church International in Atlanta. Although a source says Ma$e is still contracted to
P. Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment, Dr. Mason Betha is trying to work out a comeback deal .

Westside Connection will shoot a video April 10 and 11 for their current single, "So Many Rappers in Love." Terrorist Threats has now sold more than 679,000 copies, according to SoundScan.

The Neptunes and their Star Trak label are in the process of signing a three-year deal with Interscope Records worth about $3 million, according to sources. Star Trak previously had a deal with Arista Records, which the Neptunes signed two years ago with then-Arista chief Antonio "L.A." Reid. That deal has since expired,
and Reid was named chairman of Interscope's sister company Island Def Jam Music Group last month. Interscope will assume marketing, promotion, sales and distribution for Star Trak. However, the Clipse and Kelis are understood to be staying behind as part of the newly formed Zomba Label Group as part of a massive restructuring at BMG North America. Source: Billboard

BMG North America will realign its U.S. labels and operations by expanding powerhouse RCA Music Group to include Arista Records, and relocating LaFace Records and So So Def Records within the newly formed Zomba Label Group. It was announced today by Clive Davis, Chairman, BMG North America, and Charles Goldstuck, President and COO, BMG North America. Under this plan, Arista Records will be reconfigured from a stand-alone company to a separate label under the RCA Music Group umbrella, retaining its own artists as well as A&R and marketing staffs. So So Def will remain stand-alone entities, they and their rosters of artists including OutKast, Usher, Pink, J-Kwon, Jermaine Dupri, Anthony Hamilton, Bone Crusher, Youngbloodz, Kelis, Clipse, among others, will now be included within the Zomba Label Group. Additionally, the Zomba Label Group will take on key LaFace and So So Def A&R and marketing personnel. With the creation of the Zomba Label Group, which will now include LaFace and So So Def along with Jive, Verity, Volcano, and Violator, Barry Weiss assumes the new title of President and CEO, Zomba Label Group. Weiss reports directly to Davis.

DMX lashed out at Def Jam and other labels for the way they treat their artists -- including himself. "The highest paid artists get 18 cents off a dollar, and the record company still owns their product even though they've paid for it," X told Radio 1. "It's like straight robbery, straight robbery. They give you nothing, everything is an advance. But they offer it to you, you know. 'Hey, we was looking at the new Range Rover, we thought it would be a great idea if we got it for you.' They get it for you, you look on your P&L (profit and loss) report, you've got $80,000 and like 'thank you' - you end up thanking yourself." Source: Radio 1

Turk (formerly of Cash Money and Hot Boys fame, AKA Tab Virgil) is slated to release his highly anticipated third solo album, Penitentiary Chances on April 27th. The album's release is being planned as the rapper is being held on $750,000.00 bond, on charges of attempted murder of a Memphis Deputy Sheriff. The album's title comes from a song that was on his debut album, Raw And Uncut. Turk maintains his innocence in the case. A second charge against the rapper was dropped when early ballistics tests showed that a second officer was shot by another police officer that was present at the scene. KOCH Records General Manager & Executive Vice President Alan Grunblatt states,"I consider Turk a real friend. I m heartbroken about his current woes. His new record will help fund his legal efforts and will appeal to Hot Boys fans".

OutKast won R&B/soul - rap album of the year for "Speakerboxxx" and the Michael Jackson Award for best R&B/soul - rap music video for "Hey Ya!" over the weekend at this years 18th annual Soul Train Music Awards. Janet Jackson received a standing ovation after accepting the Quincy Jones Award for outstanding career achievement. "We women possess indestructible strength to get down, get through and get over," said Jackson during her acceptance speech. "I truly thank God for that strength and you for your belief in me. Your loving support has been a great source of comfort, especially in these last few weeks."

Sony Pictures Mobile has unleashed "Snoop Dogg Boxing." The classic arcade style boxing game features the king of hip-hop, Snoop Dogg as the main opponent and also includes his classic anthem hit "Who Am I ?" as the game soundtrack. Available in late April across a wide variety of carriers, all "playas" will be able to download "Snoop Dogg Boxing" on major JAVA and BREW(TM) handsets."Dogs from the east coast to west coast can play my new mobile boxing game and face a crew with mad fighting skills," said Snoop Dogg. "Round for round, this game paid the cost to be the boss of all mobile games."

Sources confirmed to Billboard that most of the Arista Records' 170 staffers will be let go as the label folds into BMG's sister divisions. The downsized label would retain a small A&R and marketing staff but be placed under the RCA Music Group banner. It's widely thought that the LaFace-affiliated acts, including OutKast, Usher, Pink, and Cee-Lo will be transferred to Jive. while Sarah McLachlan, Dido and Avril Lavigne would shift to RCA, and Whitney Houston, Kenny G and rap newcomer J-Kwon would go to J Records. Source: Reuters

SNOOP DOGG Coach of the Year!
The Ricky Williams Foundation and Pop Warner Little Scholars have recognized Snoop Dogg's commitment on the field as Head Coach of the Snoop Dogg All Stars (a Junior All-American team of 7-10 year-olds) by presenting him with Coach of The Year honors on Saturday, March 20, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. Snoop and family will be hosting the All Stars football banquet to honor the players' achievements and to spend the day with his team prior to heading off on a heavy touring schedule this summer.

Mob Life Records have just released 'Tha Movement'
The album features Mutulu Shakur, Napoleon, Edi, Spice 1, JT The Bigga Figga, Assassin, San Quinn, Nzingha Shakur, Muszamil AKA Hellraza, Hassachi Ryda and many more. Looks Hot!

Crooked I and his former label mate, Spyder, are starring in the Dvd film
'Bank Brothers'. The film is also starring Ryan Combs, Tony Cox Andres Salcedo and Tony Pacheco. The director is Ken Guertin. Maverick Platinum is scheduled to release Bank Brothers direct-to-video on April 6th 2004. The story is about the Mob recruiting three renowned bank robbers from different parts of the world and put them into acton robbing banks posing as black men--deposit an insured diamond worth millions into a banks vault. Steal it back. Collect the insurance. And, sell it in pieces all over the world, tripling their money.

Marques Houston & Omarion Grandberry of 'You Got Served' to star in the motion picture: Fat Albert. Marques Houston to play 'dumb Donald' and Omarion
co-stars as 'Reggie' in this Fox feature film. Omarion (formerly of B2K) has signed a worldwide solo recording deal with T.U.G./Epic Records while pop singer and television superstar Marques Houston has resigned his solo recording deal with the label. Chris Stokes, CEO of the Ultimate Group (T.U.G.) and the force behind "You Got Served" has announced plans to shoot the sequel to his #1 smash film. Stokes who wrote and directed "You Got Served" will once again write and direct the sequel along with co-writer Peter Allen. Part II will begin production this fall and open nationwide Super Bowl weekend 2005.

Florida authorities have dropped all of the child-pornography charges they filed against R. Kelly 14 months ago. "My faith in our system of justice has never wavered, and with this victory behind me, I look forward to clearing my name in Illinois," said Kelly. "As I've said before, I am confident that when all the facts come out, people will see that I'm no criminal."Added Kelly, who got the news while he was on his way to Los Angeles, where he is set to receive the 2004 Quincy Jones Award for Career Achievement - Male at this Saturday's Soul Train Awards: "I am so grateful for the continued support of all my fans. It's their belief in me that keeps me going."

50 Cent threw a surprise birthday party for G-Unit member Young Buck Monday night at Chetty Red in New York. Lloyd Banks, radio personality Monie Love and B-Real of Cypress Hill were among those wishing Buck a happy b-day. -Source: MTV

Master P is pioneering a new trend in music and film with the release of Good Side/Bad Side, a limited edition 3-disc set featuring 2 CDs of new music from Master P AND a full-length feature film by the same name on DVD--Due in stores March 23.

Damon Dash will direct State Property 2, the sequel to the 2002 movie in which he starred. Production begins this week in New York. The movie, which will again center on characters played by Beanie Sigel and Dash himself, will be released through Lions Gate in 2005.-Source: MTV

Juvenile has struck gold once again with his fifth solo album, Juve The Great. Since its release, Juve The Great has been steadily selling and climbing up the charts. The CD is currently holding tight at #12 on Billboard's "R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart and #15 on Billboard's "Hot Rap Tracks" chart.

Bad Boy Records has released BAD BOY'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY... THE HITS!
The release of the 10th ANNIVERSARY CD/DVD coincides with the seven-year anniversary of the death of Bad Boy rapper Notorious B.I.G. and is being acknowledged by the label as a gift to B.I.G. in honor of his talent and contributions to the label and the entire music industry. March 9th marked 7 years since B.I.G. has passed away. God Bless his spirit. He was one of the greats.

Outkast's Andre 3000 says he's ready to give his full attention to the role of Jimi Hendrix. He will play the rock legend in a movie directed by Albert and Allen Hughes. Andre has no pretensions about being able to mimic Hendrix's lightning fretwork. "I won't do my own guitar playing," he said. "It will probably be someone who knows Jimi's style inside and out." "Jimi was wild onstage," the soft-spoken singer says. "Offstage, he was really calm." Source: New York Daily News

Eminem is currently being considered to play the starring role of a comic book character in the upcoming film "Wanted. Comic book writer Mark Millar is bringing this super villain comic book series "Wanted" to the silver screen and he's looking at Em for the starring role. "I'm really excited about the possibility of Marshall playing the lead role," Millar said, "and Universal has already been in talks with his people, and also lined up one of the top five producers in Hollywood." Millar will also reportedly be executive producer of the film. He is interested in getting Tommy Lee Jones and Beyonce Knowles for other villainous roles. Source: Times

Missy Elliott is set to star in a new reality television series for UPN, tentatively called The Missy Elliott Project. The show will feature Missy and a group of aspiring rap artists touring the country, competing in weekly elimination challenges -- kind of like a cross between Fox's American Idol and MTV's P. Diddy's Making the Band. Open casting calls have been set for this month in New York,Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, and Arlington, VA. No air date has been set for the show at this time.

Cash Money Millionaire Brian "Baby" Williams, a.k.a. "Birdman," has signed on to endorse Lugz's new line of hip-hop sneakers called "the Birdman." The shoe hits stores May 15.

Cash Money Records has signed veteran r&b singer Teena Marie.
She is now prepping her Cash Money debut 'La Doña. The album will include collaborations with Gerald Levert, MC Lyte, up and coming underground Los Angeles based hip-hop artist Medusa, and Rick James. Production from Mannie Fresh and Teena Marie. The lead single is "Still In Love" and already receiving airplay in major markets. Album is slated for May 11th.

Warner Music Group Announces Restructuring.
There will be approximately a 20% reduction in the Company's global workforce, much of which is anticipated to take place within the first month. Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun will remain with WMG, while Sylvia Rhone, Chairman and CEO of Elektra Entertainment Group; Val Azzoli, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of The Atlantic Group; and Ron Shapiro, Co-President of Atlantic Records, will be leaving the Company. Warner Music Group is the world's largest privately held independent music company.

Lil Jon will be expanding his Crunk empire this spring as a host for his own syndicated radio show, "Crunk Radio". The 2 hour weekly Hip-Hop/R&B show will be syndicated by American Urban Radio Networks (AURN) and pair Lil Jon with Emperor Searcy, a popular Atlanta radio host. The Lil Jon will also launch Crunk Energy Drink this summer along with an adult DVD, "Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz American Sex Series." His highly anticipated follow-up to the platinum Kings of Crunk will drop in September, entitled Crunk Juice.

Damon Dash, Busta Rhymes, Eminem, Booya Tribe, and Kanye West were among some of the many rap figures spotted in Las vegas this week for the Magic clothing convention. Eminem was at V Bar on Monday with Interscope Records execs, Apparrantly a woman asked him to rap for her. Slim asked to have the club get him a mic and he gave an imprompt performance of several new songs.

D12 is set to release their sophomore CD, "D-12 World," on April 27, 2004.
The ball is already rolling and Shady/Interscope Records has serviced early leaks of songs like "6 In The Mornin'" to the streets via DJ Green Lantern and other mixtape DJs. A video for "My Band" is set to be shot in Los Angeles at the end of February.

Loon Update:
Loon is charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon, stemming from a stabbing at a West Hollywood nightclub earlier this month. Attached to that are two special allegation counts, one for use of a deadly weapon and one for use of a deadly weapon with intent to cause great bodily injury, both of which could add more prison time to the original count if Loon is found guilty. Reyes and Tanqueray face the same charges as Loon. The district attorney formally filed the charges on Friday after receiving evidence from sheriff's detectives.Loon has entered a plea of not guilty and
will next appear in Beverly Hills Superior Court for a preliminary hearing on April 15.
-Source: MTV

We recently attended the screening of "Starsky and Hutch"which stars Ben Stiller , Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughn, Juiliette Lewis and SNOOP DOGG as 'Huggy Bear'. “Huggy Bear is the player that keeps the streets and the police connected,” says Snoop. “He’s the only type of character that can venture into all kinds of worlds and come back and remain himself.” Snoop sees a correlation between the process behind his onscreen work and the creation of his music. “I approach everything the same way, with a winning attitude. I come in to win, so I felt like they gave me this role because they knew that nobody else could play Huggy Bear.” “Snoop’s perfect as Huggy,” says Stiller. “They never really got too much into whether or not Huggy was an actual pimp on the television show, but Snoop takes it to the next level. I think Snoop is on a one-man mission to immortalize the 70s pimp on celluloid, and he’s doing an incredible job of it.” Overall --had to say it was a funny flick. Snoop was pimped out in some fly gear. Gotta give it up to him, He did a good job as an actor. The movie hits theatres nationwide March 5th.

Snoop is making "Snoopafly"(The Movie) to accompany his next solo album similar to Michael Jackson's "Thriller" video, but at full feature length.
"I'm just trying to step up, trying to change the rap game, 'cause it's getting boring, everyone competing to have the prettiest girls in their video and trying to be the most gangsta on the rap tip or whatnot," Snoop said. "I'm here to add another element to the game. I'm dropping a movie with my record. I'm gonna make a couple of songs, then I'll know exactly which direction I wanna go in with the movie," he said. "I just want it to be fun."-Source: MTV

Kanye West's College Dropout debuted strong at #2 with 440,000 units sold
- the highest in a debut week for a rap release so far this year.

The New York Post reports that due to the success of Kanye West's debut album, he's getting his own record label from his bosses at Interscope and Roc-A-Fella. The rapper impressed after 'College Dropout' sold 440,000 units in just a week, Interscope's Jimmy Iovine and Roc-A-Fella's Damon Dash are negotiating with West's manager, Handprint Entertainment's Benny Medina. The deal will include merchandising and a production clause.

Apparantly reports that Eminem would make an appearance at the MAGIC Show in Las Vegas were true. The Las Vegas Sun reports Eminem starred at a private 9:30 p.m. performance in a Venetian ballroom, to support his Slim Shady clothing line.

It's been Officially confirmed. Busta Rhymes has signed to Aftermath. According to Busta's manager Chris Lighty-- Dr. Dre has been working on Busta's album for the past two weeks.

There are rumors that the Wu-Tang Clan is signing a record deal with Interscope Records--and that Dr. Dre will be producing a few songs on their upcoming LP. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Xzibit are also both rumored to be close to signing a deal with the label. We'll keep you posted as these stories develop.

Ill Knob-- Queens born, Brooklyn-bred and Long Beach-Cali based rapper is dropping an EP "For Da Streets". Guests appearing are 40 Glocc, Jayo Felony, Blaquetoven, K-9, Badd Azz, and Daz Dillinger. Right now Ill Knob is also in the studio recording his debut album "Top of the Food Chain". He's using his time on the road with the Wu Tang Clan and his past experiences to create a classic collection. We'll keep you posted on launch dates..

Havoc and Prodigy is back with their sixth LP together as Mobb Deep. The duo spent a large part of 2003 and 2004 recording Amerika'z Nightmare, scheduled to be released by Jive Records on March 9th 2004. The first single will be "Gangstaz Roll."

KOCH Records/Goodie Mob Records announces the release of Goodie Mob's first new studio album since the release of 1999's World Party outing. The new reunion album will be titled "One Monkey Don't Stop No Show." The New York Times recently referred to the group as "Outkasts' grimier cousins" but then quickly clarified its position by calling the group "dazzling and transfixing." The group is now comprised of Khujo Goodie, Big Gipp and T-Mo Goodie, once again teamed up with the Organized Noize production team on the new offering. This is the first record from the group since the much-talked about departure of Cee-Lo. "We wish Cee-Lo much success, but one monkey don't stop no show. The Goodie Mob is a movement comprised of thousands of fans, in the streets. This is real trill music; it's down south southern cookin'."

Antonio "L.A." Reid has been named new chairman of the Island Def Jam music label. "We couldn't be happier to be working with an executive who has the range of talents that Antonio brings to the company," Doug Morris, UMG's chairman and chief executive, said in a statement. He replaces Lyor Cohen, who left last month to become chairman/CEO of Warner Music Group's U.S. operations under Edgar Bronfman Jr. "L.A." Reid lost his job at Arista Records about 3 weeks ago.
Source: New York Post

Ice Cube is Ready To Work On Solo LP, Still In Talks With Dre
It's gonna be whatever it develops into," Cube says about the LP. "We just started considering it. I'm gonna turn off everything, both videos and music, feel my inner thoughts and start writing a record." Dre and Cube have yet to agree on terms.
"We haven't been able to come up with the right deal with Aftermath," Cube admitted. "Sometimes the hardest part of making these records, when you've got two superstars, is coming up with a deal everyone agrees on. So until we do, I'm considered a free agent." Source: MTV

Kurupt UPDATE:
'Originals' has just been mastered & 'Against Tha Grain' is mixed & going to mastering next wednesday . We'll also be bringing you some new joints from the "Tha Switch Blade Sistaz" which consists of Gail Gotti, Virginya Slim, Jaz'Mina Tha Girl, & Tiny.

Def Jam/Def Soul president Kevin Liles has resigned from Universal Music Group less than two weeks after Island Def Jam Music Group CEO Lyor Cohen left to take over as chairman/CEO of Warner Music Group's U.S. operations. The New York Post says the two sides could not come to an agreement on a contract extension. Negotiations broke down over money. Liles will work at Island Def Jam until this March.
Source: New York Post

The highly anticipated Big Lurch Album will be released on Mar 2nd, 2004.
The royalties of Big Lurch have been forfeited to the victim's family. The victim's picture will appear inside his CD cover. Antrone Singleton aka Big Lurch has reconciled with the victim's family and has been visited by the victim's mom. This was not a murder case, but was a tregedy. Showcase Magazine is doing a story in it's Special edition Magic Show Issue to be released later this month.

INFAMOUS MOBB TO RELEASE "BLOOD THICKER THAN WATER - VOL. 1 ALBUM WITH BONUS DVD ON IM3/MONOPOLEE RECORDS APRIL 6, 2004.
Known for their affiliation with Queensbridge and hip-hop duo Mobb Deep, INFAMOUS MOBB will release their first volume of the series "Blood Thicker Than Water" Vol. 1.
The DVD features a documentary style hood tour of the famous Queensbridge projects - the good, the bad, and ugly. "The DVD is a documentary with a couple of videos," explains G.O.D.-Father 3. "We give you an in-depth look into Mobb Deep's, Alchemist's, and our history and show you how we get down. It's everyday living with Infamous Mobb, Mobb Deep, Noyd, Alchemist, and the rest of the Mobb and Queensbridge family showing you the hood." Twin Gambino adds, "Expect to see life as it really is - grimy, up-close, and personal while it's going down. It ain't no Hollywood shit. For fans of Mobb Deep who've never been to Queensbridge, we bring The Brdige right to the comfort of your living room."

Eminem is set for the 2nd season of "Crank Yankers." The rapper appears on the first episode of the new season, along with David Allen Grier, Sarah Silverman, Jimmy Kimmel, and Adam Carolla making crank calls in a puppet disguise. The second season premieres on Comedy Central on Tuesday.

According to Nielsen SoundScan--Twista's new album "Kamikaze," has sold 312,000 copies in the U.S.

Dame Dash made a surprise appearance at S.O.B.'s during Twista’s performance and gave him a platinum and diamond Roc-A-Fella chain.
Dame is in a tug-of-war battle with Atlantic. Dash briefly explained the label situation and then asked Craig Kallman (Pres. @ Atlantic) who was there to come to the stage, which was denied. "Craig how you doing buddy?" Dash said. "Can you come here and speak to these people for a second for all these good people?" Kallman refused again, prompting Dash to return to addressing the crowd. "You see that's why we haven't worked out a deal," Dash told the crowd. "I can't get my man to come talk to me. But I don't give a f**k, I love Twista. I guess from now on he's a Roc, and here's his chain."

Antonio "LA" Reid, will head up Univeral's Island Def Jam record label. Reid will become Chairman & CEO, in a 3 year, multi-million dollar agreement that he is expected to sign this week. Former Def Jam's CEO Lyor Cohen left the label last week for a head position at Warner Music Group.

OutKast's Andre 3000 will be joining MGM's "Get Shorty" sequel, "Be Cool," along with Harvey Keitel for director F. Gary Gray. Shooting starts Feb. in Los Angeles. The duo will star alongside John Travolta, Uma Thurman, Danny DeVito, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Vince Vaughn, James Gandolfini, Cedric the Entertainer and Christina Milian in project."Cool" centers on Chili Palmer, a loan shark-turned-feature film producer who gives up the movie business when he discovers a singer, Linda Moon (Milian), whom he wants to make famous. Andre 3000 will play the leader of a rap group called the Dub MDs, while Keitel will play a record promoter.
Source: Hollywood Reporter

The New York Post reports Missy Elliott, the only big money-making name still with Elektra, is looking for a new label. "Her deal with Elektra is up and she wants out," a music industry insider said. A move by Missy could sink label head Sylvia Rhone, who was already in trouble after Edgar Bronfman bought parent company Warner Music.

Cash Money's Young Turk is facing attempted murder charges accused of shooting two deputies in a drug raid in Memphis, Tenn. According to Shelby County detectives, Virgil "Turk" Tab Jr., opened fire on deputies on Monday while they were searching a Memphis apartment for drugs.

Bad Boy Records, a division of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group announced today the promotion of Harve Pierre to Executive Vice President, and Tracey Waples to General Manager of Bad Boy Records. They will split oversight of the company, and both positions will report directly to Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Chairman of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group. Additional promotions include Mel Smith, who was promoted to Senior Vice President of Radio Promotion (R&B, Crossover & Top 40) and will report to Waples. Also, Conrad Dimanche has been promoted to Senior Director of A&R, Henry Polanco is promoted to National Director of Mix Show/Club Promotion and Shannon Lawrence is promoted to Director
of A&R. Mr. Dimanche, Mr. Polanco and Mr. Lawrence will report to Harve Pierre.
"Tracey Waples, Harve Pierre and Mel Smith have decades of experience in the music industry and have been loyal members of the Bad Boy team for many years and I am pleased to promote them. 2004 marks the first full year with our new distributor Universal Records and is filled with high expectations, and I am confident our management team will rise to the challenge," said Sean "P. Diddy" Combs.

Cormega is set to release new album, Legal Hustle this May.
"For this album, I decided to do collaborations with artists who are either close friends or artists who I respect": Doña, MOP, Kurupt, Jayo Felony, and also introducing new artists like Banger, Lake, Miz, Chaundria Brown, and DMP with production by Ayatollah, Emile, and Knottz among others. The album was recorded in Los Angeles, Miami, and Virginia. Following the Legal Hustle album, Cormega will release his third solo album, Urban Legend, Dona's solo album, and a DVD featuring behind the scenes footage.

Island Def Jam CEO Lyor Cohen has left the label for a top slot at The Warner Music Group. Warner Music Group confirms that it has named Lyor Cohen as chairman/CEO of U.S. Recorded Music. Cohen exits Def Jam after 21 years. "I was presented with an extraordinary opportunity to continue growing my career," Cohen told the AP. Bronfman's purchase of WMG created one of the world's largest record companies. Source: Associated Press

New York, NY ­ After 18 weeks, ME & MY BROTHER, the Collipark/TVT Records album from Ying Yang Twins has been certified gold by the RIAA for U.S.
The current #1 independent rap album in the country is a recent #59 hit on the Billboard 200 and a #19 on Billboard¹s "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart. In other Ying Yang Twins news, the Twins are featured on the remix of Kanye West's "Through The Wire" and "Take Your Clothes Off" from the forthcoming Bone Crusher album. They will be featured in King Magazine presents RIDES (Spring ¹04 issue).

During NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, Snoop Dogg, Bow Wow, Chingy and David Banner will play on a celebrity basketball team and compete against legends featuring Flynn Robinson, Jerry Chambers and the Harlem Globe-trotters' Meadowlark Lemon, among others. Snoop and Free are coaching the celebs, while Dominique Wilkins and Lucius Allen are coaching the legends. The Champs Sports Hoop Magic Celebrity All-Star Game, hosted by Magic Johnson and benefiting the Magic Johnson Foundation, is scheduled for February 14 at the Great Western Forum. Kanye West and Banner will perform at halftime. The night before, Shaquille O'Neal will celebrate the All-Star Weekend's return to L.A. with a party at the Playboy mansion. P. Diddy, Outkast, DMX, Ja Rule, Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys and Mos Def are on the guest list -Source: Mtv

The sultry hip-hop soul siren, Teedra Moses¹ debut video, "You¹ll
Never Find (A Better Woman)" featuring rap superstar Jadakiss will be shot
in Los Angeles and Milan, ITALY. Acclaimed video director, Hype Williams
will helm the video.

Chino XL is currently filming episodes of CBS’ “Young & The Restless”
(airdate begins February 9-check your local listings for time). Chino is also putting the finishing touches on his lead role as an undercover LAPD detective in a new independent film, and is recording the last songs for his long awaited album, POISON PEN. The music world can breathe a sigh of relief... the first single, “Wordsmith” will be leaked in early February to a select list of top American radio d.j.’s.

The label Rawkus Records is closing their doors after eight years in business, releasing artists like Mos Def and Talib Kweli,. According to sources, the label will officially shut down as of January 31. After signing a joint venture deal with Geffen/Universal, the parent label opted not to renew the deal, leaving Rawkus without distribution. "Everyone is getting laid off, right now," a source said. "They might get new distribution in the future, but as of now it's done."

Antonio "L.A." Reid was forced out as president and CEO of Arista Records. Reid was one of the more popular executives in the business that was responsible for helping the careers of Outkast, Usher, Pink, TLC and Avril Lavigne. One of the motivating factors behind the move could be the impending merger between Sony and BMG, which owns Arista, RCA/J Records and Jive.

KELIS comments about the Diplomats and 50 Cent clowning her.
"I think it's fabulous, I love it. I want more," she said. "Oh yeah, if I was a rapper, I would totally instigate the situation. Actually I did instigate the situation on my 'Milkshake' remix. Hear the Milkshake remix I think it's great.
The fact that they're so concerned with me is fabulous, considering that I'm totally unconcerned with them, so I love the attention. And beyond that, it's free promotion that Arista and I don't have to pay for. So they should talk on." Source: Africana

Snoop Dogg is hosting a Super Bowl afterparty in Houston, 'Pimps N Ho's Party, The Real Playaz Ball.' The party will take place in the Mercury Room, guests include 50 Cent, Christina Aguilera, Charles Barkley, Halle Berry, Chingy, Eminem, Michael Jordan, *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake and Pharell Williams.

"Mystikal" (Michael Taylor) was sentenced to six years in prison for sexual battery. The 33-year-old rapper accepted the six years into a plea agreement and will immediately begin serving time. The victim accused Tyler and two bodyguards of forcing her to perform oral sex, after they accused her of stealing $80,000. A New Orleans judge ruled that a videotape the men made proved the sexual acts were not consensual.

Lil Jon & the East Side Boys are preparing to hit the studio next week to begin work on their 3rd TVT Records album titled CRUNK JUICE scheduled to drop 4th quarter. Stay tuned for info on who will appear on the album....

G Unit's Lloyd Banks has inked a deal with Digital Sin to create Adult films for his company Banks Shot Productions. Together the companies will produce a series entitled Groupie Luv, which will be an interactive sex DVD. This technology will allow the viewer to choose which girls have sex and where the sex will take place. "It's gonna be great, it will seem like you will be the one having sex," states Lloyd Banks. Neither 50 Cent nor G-Unit will be engaged in any sexual behavior but may make general appearances in film.

Slick Rick's first show after being held in custody by immigration officials for nearly a year and a half was postponed just two days before it was set to take place at Brooklyn, New York's Southpaw club. The eye-patched MC will instead re-emerge onstage January 23 at the Knitting Factory in Manhattan. Rick will also open Chris Rock's string of shows at Madison Square Garden, beginning Jan.28. -Source: MTV

Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs and ex galpal Jennifer Lopez, as well as their respective entourages of bodyguards and assistants, arrived at hip nightspot Opium Garden/Prive sometime between 12:30 and 1 a.m. and entered the VIP area early Monday morning. "J.Lo and P. Diddy were hanging out and talking and were virtually together all night till about 4 a.m., when they left," a club staffer revealed "They danced and drank, and had a great time." Puffy's girlfriend Kim Porter was nowhere to be found and J.Lo's fiance Ben Affleck is in London promoting 'Paycheck'.
-Source: People Magazine

Russell Simmons has sold Phat Fashions, the parent company of his Phat Farm and Baby Phat clothing lines, to Kellwood Company for a reported $140 million. Simmons launched Phat Farm in 1992 and, according to a release announcing the deal on Thursday, he's seen his company's profits go up every year. Phat Fashions will operate as a subsidiary of Kellwood, which already makes such brands as Calvin Klein, Izod and Liz Claiborne. Simmons will stay on as CEO of Phat Farm while his wife, Kimora, will continue as the principal creative force behind the ladies' Baby Phat line. -Source: MTV

The world's largest music conglomerate, the Universal Music Group, and the entrepreneurs behind the Vivid Video porn empire are attempting to launch their own music-minded cable network, according to the Los Angeles Times. Called 1 AM, an abbreviation for "First Amendment," the channel promises to air uncut videos and uncensored content. The Endeavor talent agency and Eminem's Shady Records reportedly also have a small stake in the venture, which may begin broadcasting in July.

A thousand pairs of Pharrell Williams-designed Nike shoes sold out of select stores in New York and Los Angeles over the weekend. The limited-edition kicks are part of a series of Nike commissions from artists in different creative media. The Neptune reworked the classic black Nike "Dunk Hi" shoes, fitting them with black leather and a N.E.R.D. brain logo on the side. At New York's Niketown, people began lining up on Friday at 7 a.m. to purchase the sneakers, 26 hours before they went on sale. All proceeds from Pharrell's shoe go to Goodwill's Good Books program, which provides free books to kids. Graffiti artist ESPO and actress Halle Berry also designed shoes that went on sale over the weekend. -Source: MTV

Trick Daddy avoided prison time over drugs and weapons charges and was sentenced to three years' probation after pleading guilty in a plea bargain, prosecutors said. Assistant State Attorney Stacy Glick said the rapper will speak at high schools in troubled neighborhoods. "I hope that these youngsters will learn lessons from his life that they don't want to happen in their own lives," she said.

Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs was on hand at the 2003 New York Magazine Awards on Monday at The Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City. Vogue magazine Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour presented Puffy with the 'Music/Business' award at the event.

Nas was charged Wednesday with smashing a bottle against the head of a clubgoer who had the nerve to enter the VIP area at the District nightspot Cielo, cops said. Nas surrendered to detectives at the 6th Precinct stationhouse in the West Village yesterday shortly after noon. He was arraigned last night and his bail was set at $7,500, according to his attorney. He was ordered back in court on January 20th.

Universal/Motown Records and rap pioneer Erick Sermon join forces.
Erick Sermon also known as the "Green Eyed Bandit,"recently became the label's newest signee. His debut CD is expected in stores spring of 2004.

Ludacris has joined the cast of the Bull's Eye Entertainment Film "Crash." Sources confirm that the cast will also include Sandra Bullock, Brendan Fraser, Matt Dillon, Ryan Phillippe, Thandie Newton, Larenz Tate and Nona Gaye. Don Cheadle is already on board to star in the Paul Haggis-directed film, production began this week in Los Angeles. - Source: Hollywood reporter

LL Cool J has joined the cast of the film "Edison." The rapper-turned-actor will co-star with Kevin Spacey and Morgan Freeman in the film, which is the story of an elite police team rife whose corruption is documented by a young journalist.

Don't sleep on the newest Rap Dvd to hit the streets, Battle for L.A.
Director Darren Doane has gone underground to document the world where hip hop began. There's no bling-bling, thong things, gangsta frontin' or any other B.S. With all the information on the internet today, there's not really anything underground anymore," says Doane, "but this was. These are people without contracts, with nothing to promote, no tapes. They're on the street and known for battling."
*For more info and chance to win a Dvd player Click Here

Jay-Z says he's happy there's a black market (bootlegging) for his music.
"It happens every album," Jay said. "In a way it's cool because, you know, after recording the 12th album, the fact that the streets still want it and it's still urgent out there is a great feeling. The average rap life is two or three albums. You're lucky to get to your second album in rap!" Source: Radio 1

Juvenile is back with Cash Money and will release his fifth solo album, JUVE THE GREAT on December 23. This marks the hip-hopper's first release since 2001's set, Project English.

Police found marijuana and a .25 caliber handgun on Prodigy of the group Mobb Deep . He was charged with third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, and unlawful possession of marijuana. The driver of the van in which he was a passenger, David St. Bernard, 46, was charged with both felony and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance, believed to be crack cocaine, police confirmed. The seven other men were arrested and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Prodigy and the seven men were booked and released on Saturday. St. Bernard remains in Albany County Jail. Mobb Deep were to perform a show at the Cohoes Entertainment Complex in New York.

JA RULE sat down with Louis Farrakhan and spoke about the current 'Beef' with 50 CENT and how they can come to an agreement on settling the beef.
Click hear to read the interview.

Slick Rick Wins Court Case: Order to Deport Legendary Rapper Is Reversed Seventeen Months After Arrest, Rick's Release from Detention is Imminent. The rapper Slick Rick, who spent the last 17 months battling an effort by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to deport him to England, has just won his case in court. Judge Kimba M. Wood of the U.S. District Court ruled on Friday, Oct. 31 that a 1997 decision by the Bureau of Immigration Affairs to deport Rick denied him due process. Accordingly, she has reinstated the BIA's original 1995 decision, which weighed the exceptional merits of Rick's case and issued him a 212C waiver of the law that requires aliens who commit felonies in America to be deported. Granted a write of habeas corpus by Judge Wood, Rick's release from the INS detention center in Bradenton, Florida, where he has been held without bail since his arrest on June 1, 2002, is expected shortly. "We always knew our arguments had merit and we're pleased that Judge Wood agrees with us," said Alex Solomiany, Rick's lawyer, from his office in Miami. "The government was determined to deport Rick, but we were just as determined to keep him here."

A candlelight vigil will be held tomorrow (Oct. 30) at New York's Queens Central Public Library to mark the one-year anniversary of the murder of Run-D.M.C. DJ Jam Master Jay (Jason Mizell). The event will provide his family and friends an opportunity to remember the artist, as well as update ardent fans on the progress of
various projects -- including a biography, a feature film and a scholarship fund.

50 Cent said he will not meet with Louis Farrakhan, despite an offering by the spiritual leader to mediate tensions between Ja Rule, 50, Murder Inc. and G-Unit. "As far as me meeting with Farrakhan...it's not happening," 50 told Washington D.C.'s 93.9 WKYS. "I respect [Farrakhan] and all that but it ain't going down. Ja put himself in the position he's in and he's doing whatever he can for publicity." 50 also criticized Ja's latest release "Clap Back," saying, "As far as 'Clap Back,' the beat's OK, but there's no clappin' going on there. You can't even understand his vocals."

Apparently Nelly was robbed of $1 million dollars in jewelry last night at the
Aladdin hotel-casino in Las Vegas,according to a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson. The rapper was in Las Vegas for the 2003 Radio Music Awards and performed the hit "Shake Ya Tailfeather," with P.Diddy and Murphy Lee. The theft was reported to police around 9:00 P.M. Monday evening. The incident is still under investigation. -Source MTV

Hittman is working on a new label deal, and he already wrote 2 songs on Detox and soon might be writing for Cube.

Young Zee has signed with Denaun Porter (Kon Artis of D12)'s Mr. Porter Productions. Also Eminem is doing a beat on mobb deep's new album on Jive.

Check highlights from the last two recent IV Life Records' release parties.
They were off tha chain!
Event 1 -- Party was fun as hell! Good food, drinks, women, and......
Event 2 --The party was bangin! All the IV LIFE homies was in the house. Their performances were pure heat! Shaq was in the house doin his thang, as well as Tray Dee, Mac Dre, CJ Mac, Keita Rock, Mike Smooth and the Black hole of watts.
Don't miss the next one....Big Dog's B-day Smash!

Our Homies over at Crunk Magazine covered this years Source Awards.
Check the coverage

Everlast's new album tentatively titled 'White Trash Beautiful' is due in early 2004, according to a spokesperson for his new label, Island/Def Jam."I was surprised at how long it took me to get a new record deal," said Everlast, who was formerly signed to Tommy Boy Records but found himself in limbo when the label sold its catalog to Warner Bros. last year. He managed to record most of the album on his own dime in New York, his home studio and Cypress Hill's DJ Muggs' Los Angeles studio before he signed the new deal last month. Despite his storied feud with Eminem two years ago, Everlast said he's not sweating being a part of the same record company as Slim Shady. "The deal with me and Em was a personal issue," he said of the beef, which unleashed a flurry of dis tracks. "I met him and extended a greeting and he reacted in a way I took offense to. I did things rappers do. We beefed. It's over. In a weird way, had dude reached out his hand he'd probably have been talking to one of his biggest fans." - Source Mtv

Big Boi clears up rumors that Outkast are going their separate ways and talks about their music in general: "It's on, brother," Big Boi boomed. "We did something kind of separated to show you the separate visions. It's still the group. The unity is still here." He hit Andre 3000 on the arm, then said, "They thought we were gonna break up, Dre!" "With Outkast music, it's not the easiest thing to swallow," Dre said. "It's always on that fence people can hate it or they can love it. Or they could say, 'They have gone too far.' " "It's always amazing to me," Andre said, smiling. "You never know what people are going to like. I've seen the best of them, boys I've loved, go by the wayside. I don't know if it's them or the audience. Maybe it's the times. One thing I do know, nobody will stay on top forever. Once you get that in your mind, it won't be such a crash. You just gotta keep on keepin' on, keep doing what you want to do." - Source Mtv

Ludacris has agreed to enter into a footwear deal with Sole City Inc., the official licensee of TROOP Footwear. As part of the newly inked deal, Ludacris will design a collection of footwear: Da' Hood Collection by Ludacris, while the footwear licensee, Sole City Inc., will manage production, distribution, and marketing of the new line.

We were guests at the recent IV LIFE RELEASE PARTY . The party was bangin!
All the IV LIFE homies was in the house. Their performances were pure heat! Shaq was in the house doin his thang, as well as Tray Dee, Mac Dre, CJ Mac, Keita Rock, Mike Smooth and the Black hole of watts. We'll have photos up shortly. IV LIIIIIIIIIIIIIIFE!

Ice Cube has landed the starring role in the "XXX" sequel with Vin Diesel stepping aside, The film will begin production in the summer and hit theaters in 2005.

Big Boi speaks about partnership wth Andre 3000: "Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if we had never met at the mall," he said. "We were both just window-shopping because we didn't have any money to buy anything. We never dreamed we'd be this successful. We were thrilled just being able to make music. That's why we didn't set out to copy what was on the radio. We wanted people to someday copy us." -LA Times

Violator Management has once again called upon its artists to participate in one of the company's star-studded compilations. V3: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly will feature appearances by such acts as Missy Elliott, Lil' Mo, Tweet and Mobb Deep, according to a spokesperson for Jive Records. While the lineup for the album is still being solidified, the project's rep said that the G-Unit will rap on a track called "Gangsta Sh--" and the first official single will be a still-untitled cut featuring Busta Rhymes, Mystikal and a new MC named Dirtbag. In addition to the participation by Violator acts, V3, which is scheduled to be released on December 9, will also include the reunion of a Tribe Called Quest on a song titled "(ICU) Doin' It." - Source: mtv

The RZA -- rapper and head production guru of the Wu-Tang Clan -- has signed an exclusive worldwide recording deal with Sanctuary Records Group. His solo debut as RZA, "Birth of a Prince," is due Oct. 7 on Wu Records/Sanctuary Records.

WARREN G speaks on 213:
"We recorded about 30-something songs," he disclosed. "That's how fast we work. We just pull up a gang of beats and start doing them. I'm doing like, four tracks on the album that's off the chain," the G-child promised. "I'll probably end up doing more stuff but I guess Snoop wants to get flavor from other guys. But I know how to make it happen. Not to say that the other guys don't, but we've got chemistry. That's the formula: Warren G, Dr. Dre, Daz. The same people that was involved in The Chronic. But I don't mind getting nothing from Pharrell and the other cats because they make hit records. I don't mind getting more hits."- Source: mtv

Earlier this summer, legendary rapper Rakim abruptly left Dr. Dre's Aftermath Records after three years. At the time Rakim's manager cited creative differences as the cause of the split. Recently Big Chuck, a former vice president at Aftermath Records, shed some light on what transpired. Big Chuck told the Source magazine, "I think Rakim got tired with that bullsh-t; he left. The God (Rakim) isn't going to sit around and be mistreated. You got to look at Rakim as a guy who changed hip-hop entirely. How do you sign him and then stick him in the studio with a C-list producer? That's disrespectful. Dre would throw him one track and not even sit in with him." Rakim is presently fielding offers from several labels. The rapper hopes to release his new album, Oh My God, by early next year. Source: Launch

Afeni Shakur, the mother of Tupac Shakur, was recently interviewed by XXL magazine for the seventh anniversary of her son's death. She told XXL, "I think the person who killed Tupac, I think he's dead. But beyond that, if I'm wrong and it's somebody else, I still believe that that person has to carry that. What I know about the criminal justice system in America is that they cannot punish him like God is going to punish him." Afeni Shakur added that she buried Tupac's ashes on her farm in Lumberton, North Carolina, saying, "Yesterday, which was June 16, 2003, we put Tupac's ashes in the ground after seven years... And we pray that people will allow him to be gone. I think we should let him be. He earned it."In the interview, Afeni Shakur shared some intimate details of her son's last hours, "Tupac was never conscious from the time I saw him. He was never conscious. I believed that he would make it through because the doctor said that even with one lung, Tupac was extremely healthy and strong, and it was entirely possible that he could recover if we could put him somewhere quiet for six months. We were prepared to do that, but Tupac's organs started to shut down." She continued, "Once they tried to take Tupac out of the coma, and Tupac started to fight, we believe that Tupac was not interested. Tupac died seven times and they revived him seven times, and then I asked the doctors to allow him to be. And that's what we did. We let him be."- Source: XXL

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