Don Bishop: New moniker, New Mixtape.

Angel Aguilar, 8-Off The Assassin, Yao Ming, The Don Bishop, Agallah, and now Eddie Propane Piff? The man of many monikers has adopted yet another one. His first claim to fame was producing, followed by his solo career trying to pop off with his hit single "Ghetto Girls" (Dropped in 96, on Tommy Boy Music). Now a days you can catch Agallah making music with Purple City, as a collective, they're signed to Babygrande/Koch. Agallah has dropped plenty a mixtape in his day, the last one being "Doomsday". Now it looks like you can expect another one later this month as he's slated to drop "The Don Bishop Agallah Presents: Propane Piff".

Sage Francis Makin' Dem Power Moves. Big Dog Status!

Whenever I think about the hip hop hustle no name stands out more in my mind than that of Sage Francis aka Sage Frenchkiss, C.E.O. of Strange Famous records and independent hip hop icon. The Strange Famous Records mogul has been making some moves as of late, updating his website (sagefrancis.net) with audio, video, and a working online store, launching a non-profit (knowmore.org), and furiously signing talented and underexposed hip hop acts to his growing label. The first release from Strange Famous Records in 2006 will be from Reanimator, the man who put in mucho work on the Healthy Distrust LP, followed by the SFR’s newest roster member, Prolyphic. Also look for Sage to make an appearance on the new Kool Keith LP this spring. Oh Sage!

Snoop Dogg Challenges Celebrities To Step Their Game Up

Snoop Dogg has got game-and his own recently launched video game league, aptly titled the Hip Hop Gaming League (HHGL).
The HHGL was launched during the All-Star Weekend in Houston and will only be open to certain celebrities personally picked by Snoop to compete against each other on various Xbox 360 sport games.
"This is something I've been cultivating in my mind for some time now," said Snoop on the league's website. "We want fierce completion and we want people that hate to lose like myself."
Rosters already includes Just Blaze, Method Man, Carmelo Anthony, Tyrese and Twista, among others.
The HHGL will run for five weeks and will be followed by one week of playoffs. For more information, visit HHGL.com.
As previously reported by SOHH, Snoop will hosting The Rapper's Challenge Texas Hold 'Em Tournament onboard a Casino Ship at the Port of Miami on May 5.

Lil Kim Reality Show Ready For Small Screen

Viewers can expect to see the Queen Bee and entourage attending fashion shows, exclusive parties, and completing music video shoots before preparing to serve out her sentence.
BET plans to air "Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown" in a series of 6 half-hour episodes. The network produced the series in conjunction with Edmonds Entertainment, helmed by series executive producer Tracey Edmonds ("Soul Food").
As SOHH previously reported, BET was forced to defend the show against charges that it glamorized incarceration and condoned the rapper's perjury offense.
"It's a very serious look at her life and her choices, and the consequences of those choices," BET president Reginald Hudlin said via statement.
Those consequences include the paring down of the glamorous persona audiences are accustomed to seeing. The series will allow viewers to see Kim as she makes physical preparations to turn herself into authorities, removing her hair extensions, make-up and acrylic nails before saying her final goodbyes.
Lil Kim (born Kimberly Jones) has been serving a 366 day sentence at Philadelphia's Federal detention center since September. Although Kim is currently just shy of six months into her sentence, fans can see her new video "Whoa" currently in rotation on BET.
BET's "Lil Kim: Countdown to Lockdown" premieres on Thursday, March 9.

Activist Kevin Powell Gets "Real" With Congresional Run

After years of participating in summits and speaking on panels, Powell, also a "Real World" alumnus, is opting to take his outreach to the next level, the United States Congress. News of his candidacy is slowly but surely creating a spreading buzz.
"I have watched America go through many changes over the past few years, because of September 11th, because of the war in Iraq, because of Hurricane Katrina, because of the exploitation and manipulation of our values and our differences, and I want to use my voice, in Washington, DC, on a national stage, in a way that affirms our humanity, not denies it," said Powell via a statement.
"America is not the country it once was, but we are still not the country we can be either," he added. "It is time for new leadership, a new generation, to push us forward, and I want to be a part of that wave of fresh ideas, of new visions, for these times, for the 21st century."
In a statement, posted across various sites and forums, Powell-a native of Jersey City, NJ-is reaching out for potential supporters to write checks to for his campaign. The maximum donation is $2000 under federal law. Powell has until March 31 to raise sufficient funds to run for senate.
In related news, Powell and BET on-air personality Cousin Jeff are helping to launch Katrina On The Ground, an initiative encouraging students to spend their Spring Break and Summer vacation helping out hurricane victims in the Gulf Coast.

Cassidy Speaks on His Future

Releasing a statement via his defense attorney, Fortunato Perri, the rapper born Barry Reese said: ”While I am pleased that I was cleared of the murder charges, my satisfaction is not long-lasting, because of the death of someone who I considered to be my friend, Des Hawkins. And while I am eager to resume my career as a recording artist, writer and performer, I am also eager to be reunited with my family, friends and fans.” The Philly rapper continued: “I too share the important message stated in court by Des’ dad, who urged all parents to love their children, and to be there for them. As the father or a young child myself, spending much time on the road and in the studio, away from home, I am relieved that I will soon be home for my family and my career.”While Cassidy will continue to serve the rest of his jail term, he can look forward to a release within the next two to three months. The rapper will then head back into the studio with Swizz Beatz, CEO of Full Surface Records, to record his third LP.“I’d like to first thank radio and all of his fans for their love and support during this time, and let everyone know that when Cassidy gets out, do not expect us to promote this situation as a cocky and violent situation, but as a blessed situation,” Swizz Beatz said.“Cass will continue to make great music, but in a positive way, educating the youth that violence is never the answer. We’ll do the rest of the talking with the music.”Cassidy was sentenced to 23 months in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter and assault last month, following the April 15 incident, in which 22-year-old Desmond Hawkins was killed. However, as he has already been behind bars since June 2005, Cassidy is expected to be released in the first half of this year. In the meantime, the rapper’s label, Full Surface/ J Records, is set to drop the single Cassidy (The Anthem) February 28. The previously recorded song was not featured on Cassidy’s sophomore LP, I’m A Hustla.

Bubba Sparxxx Searching for Ms. New Booty

Bubba Sparxxx has gone from being the Ugly rapper to being the latest figure to lead the country in the art of shaking it fast. Following in the steps of Baby Got Back and Rump Shaker, the Ying Yang Twins assisted Ms. New Booty is heating up clubs everywhere and as of late has been heating up key boards and computer screens as well.Fans of the video can log onto www.msnewbooty.com and upload pictures of their own (and I’m not talking prom photos) or simply enjoy the sites. The seven week contest will contain one weekly winner with the grand prize winner snatching up a spot in the next Bubba Sparkxxx videoThe page also contains a link to the Bubba Sparxxx web page and of course, a link to the Ms. New Booty video. Bubba’s latest album, The Charm will hit store shelves April 4. Sparxxx will be backed by some of the biggest names in the game, both in the booth and behind the boards. Former mentor Timbaland (who produced Sparxxx’s first hit, Ugly) and Organized Noize (OutKast, TLC) contribute to the project, while the Ying Yang Twins and Petey Pablo trade 16’s on the disc.

TI Preps Album, New Movie

T.I. has been busy prepping the release of his highly anticipated new album, The King, which is set to drop March 28. In addition his movie debut in ATL, opens in theatres across the country March 31.The first single from the follow-up to Urban Legend is What You Know. The video of which was shot earlier this month in Los Angeles and features cameos by actor Mike Epps and Blink 182’s Travis Barker. The clip is directed by Chris Robinson, who was also behind the lens of T.I.’s big-screen debut, ATL.The upcoming Overbrook/Warner Bros. Pictures film stars the self-proclaimed ‘King’ as lead character Rashad, and tells the story of a group of four friends who have just graduated from high school in Atlanta.The release of Tip’s new album and movie will be promoted and marketed together by Atlantic Records and Warner Bros. Pictures. T.I. will be making exclusive appearances at album listening events and movie premieres in Houston, Dallas, Chicago and Detroit in the week leading up to the two projects’ release dates.T.I. was recently nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance for his song U Don’t Know Me, and won the VIBE award for Best Street Anthem for the same song.

New Music From TI and Pharoahe

T.I. is almost ready to release his next album, The King, which promises to showcase a more introspective Tip. Look for T.I. to deal with tragic events in his life, including the deaths of his friends and close associates on the Jamie Foxx assisted Live in the Sky. The track also allows listeners to understand different perspectives of the rapper and the Hip Hop artist lifestyle. "It's about people's misperceptions of me and my life. How I feel, it's the exact opposite. It's a lot more problems than people may realize. I had to show them my life is not all that it's cracked up to be," he told MTV. Aside from Foxx, the album will feature Common and maybe Jay-Z Jigga and the Rubber Band Man were supposed to collaborate but had to cancel due to scheduling issues. However, he may still make a last minute appearence.Another artist gearing up to release new material is ex-Rawkus affiliate Pharoahe Monch. P's next LP, Desire will be released through Universal's Street Records Corporation. A few months ago, there was a reported bidding war between many labels including Shady Records but it appears ex-Loud Records head Steve Rifkind came out on top. Desire will be the follow up to his critically acclaimed album Internal Affairs.Be on the look out for Desire later this year

MORE UGK RUMORS

OK, there are a lot of residual rumors coming in from Houston and the whole All-Star Weekend. There was supposed to be a UGK concert that night, but everything seemed to go wrong, from what I hear. Apparently, there were plenty issues to go around. Now, UGK was supposed to go on stage, but instead Choppa (not Diddy's Young City) went on first. I heard that some of Choppas homeys got into it with somebody from the crowd and a whole rumble ensued; a stampede of sorts! Choppa and the guys bailed and took the mics with them. Word is, Pimp C still wanted to rock the dag-on mic, but the promoter and coppers were saying it’s over. Pimp C goes out anyway (after finding a mic) and the crowd screams: "Turn his mic on, turn his mic on…" I heard they tried and Pimp got about 15 seconds of mic time until it was cut off again. I hear it was a real drama fest.

COMMON SLAPS FIRE OUT OF HECKLNG SKINHEAD?

So, my man hit me up with a rumor he heard. Last week, Common was rocking at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I heard Com was rockin' it b-boy style all the way down to the breakdancing. Shout out to Charlamagne Tha God and DJ Ced Coast 97.3, who I heard were in the house. Anyway, Common was wearing a shirt that stated "I Love Black People," but there was a skinhead-looking fellow in the front row. I won't say he was definitely a skinhead, but what he did next is a good indication that he was! The dude continuously heckled Com during the show and capped it off with a middle finger to the Chi-Town rapper. He must have thought it was sweet with Com, but I heard Sense wasn't having it. I heard Com walked over to the skinhead and slapped the fire out of his racist face right in the middle of the damn show. The whole crowd went wild, I heard. Common reportedly said, "I don't know what you thought but I am from the South Side of Chicago!" Security removed the man and the crowd gave him a beer shower on the way out. Eventually, the crowd calmed down and Common ushered peace back into the House…but, the skinhead left with the Blues!

IS THERE SOME BEEF WITHIN THE DIPLOMATS?

Cam’ron and Jim Jones beefing? Never in a million years! I heard Killa and Capo aren’t really feeling each other these days. I’m not sure, but this is the word. Now, some say it’s because of Jim’s apparent rise beyond Dip Set hypeman and others say there is a power struggle inside the Diplomats. Jim recently missed a press conference reportedly for family reasons, but the streets are saying something is awry. The rest of the crew was there, even Jha Jha! He also didn’t make an appearance in a recent Dip movie. Jim has gone on to be an A&R at Atlantic Records. There is another side that’s not rooted in speculation. Read on… Now, Hell Rell told AHH’s Martin Berrios that there is no beef. Hell said, “It's all love. You got to understand these two n****s came in the game - Cam was an artist, and Jim was the hypeman. Jimmy evolved from a hypeman to an artist to eventually becoming a CEO and a corporate figure. So it's like Cam is happy to see Jimmy go from being his hypeman to being where is he is today. Jim is grateful for [Cam] allowing him to get where he at. So I don't ever want the public to ever feel like that because Jim ain't on this project and Cam ain't on that project, it be timing, it be all types of crazy shit. So it's nothing personal.” EPMD said the same thing! Anyway, I don’t want beef with anybody that names himself Hell Rell. No beef here, people, move along.

Murs Plots "Revenge" With 9th Wonder

Independent MC Murs is slated to release his second collaboration with Little Brother's 9th Wonder, Murray's Revenge and recently landed job as an A&R consultant for an alternative music label.
Murs and 9th teamed up to drop Murs 3:16-The 9th Edition back on Definitive Jux in 2004. The new album features guest appearances by Joe Scudda and LB's Big Pooh and will be released via the Record Collection, an imprint that traditionally doesn't release hip-hop albums.
The California lyricist also began working as an A&R consultant with the label recently. Aside from 3:16, Murs has released a collaboration with Atmosphere's Slug, along with several other independent solo albums.
Murs' Murray's Revenge hits stores March 21.

Chris Gotti Tells Feds: "Give Me My Money"

The cash was seized from Lorenzo's office when Murder Inc.'s headquarters were raided back in January 2003 and was later used as evidence in the label's money laundering trial. The feds accused Chris and his brother Irv of cleaning drug lord Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff's drug money through their Def Jam-distributed imprint.
Though the two brothers were acquitted in early December, the feds have yet to return the money. Gerald Shargel, Lorenzo's attorney, recently filed a letter with Brooklyn federal Judge Edward Korman in hope of skipping procedures and having the cash returned immediately.
"We're just waiting for the cash," Shargel told the New York Post.
The money has been deposited in a government bank account by the Internal Revenue Service. Shargel says the government is moving slow and that the cash should have been returned a month ago.
"It shows the government bureaucracy is a joke," Shargel offered.
A spokesman for the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney's Office wouldn't comment

Jeezy's Baby Momma Drama

Young Jeezy has broken his silence on his child support drama. Last year, Jeezy’s unnamed baby’s mother took him to court, requesting an increase in child support. It was reported that he was paying Tynesha Dykes slightly less than $200 back in 2001. On his latest mix tape with DJ Drama, Can’t Ban the Snowman, J double E-Z-Y fires back at claims that he’s not a good father. My son got everything in this world that I never had/the one thing you can’t call me is a dead beat dad/when you’re the one that should’ve been exposed/unfit mother, still playing with your nose/and I don’t wanna tell my child that his mom’s aint’ shit/this ain’t about him, you’re just a money hungry bitch, he spits on I’m Back.

Slick Pulla Shot

Slick Pulla (whom Jeezy often name checks in his raps) was shot in Atlanta Saturday. The incident occurred after an argument with an intoxicated man, nobodysmiling.com reported yesterday. Pulla is currently in stable condition.

Juvenile Hands Out Reality Checks

New Orleans rapper Juvenile has been very outspoken since last year’s Hurricane Katrina disaster. He recently opened up to Davey D about the government’s lack of assistance for his home town both during and after the tragedy. Juve also agreed with Kanye West’s statement about President Bush not caring about black people. However, the agreement only came after G.W. did little to prove him wrong. ”Kanye West came out… and really put his career on the line in a statement… I didn’t see the president go out of his way to prove Kanye wrong, so I gotta feel the same way dude is feelin, like they don’t like black people.”He took it a step further and added all minorities to the list of people that the government doesn’t care about.”Not only black people, but every other minority in this country. They ain’t never do nothing to give everybody in this country equal opportunity. Never.”In addition to blasting the government, several media outlets also received a reality check as well. Those in the cross hairs included MTV, BET Fox News.”As far as CBS, MTV…we ain’t seen no money…Especially Fox, personally I don’t like Fox. Fuck Fox.”Nancy Grace, and CNN and other outlets were also criticized by Juve for flying over the victims without making an attempt to administer aid. Juvenile is set to release his debut album on Atlantic Records next month, aptly titled Reality Check. The latest video for the album displays much of what Juve spoke about in his interview with Davey D. In Get Ya Hustle On, the rapper is flanked by the rest of his UTP crew on location in New Orleans. Much of the damage from Katrina is documented on the video along with three children walking through the rubble with George Bush, Dick Cheney and Ray Nagin masks on. The Get Ya Hustle On video can be viewed at www.atlanticrecords.com and the interview can be found in its entirety at http://odeo.com/audio/717487/view.

Fabolous Goes Def?!?!

If you've been wondering where Fabolous has been, DX has the answer.While the emcee has appeared in various videos, we haven't heard an official album release from him in quite a while. Apparently, the wait had to do with his label situation. According to close associate, DJ Clue, Fab's been hard at work and he's ready to sign on with Jay-Z.While speaking about a mix-tape to MTV, Clue opened up about Fabo's future. "[Fab's contract with Def Jam] is almost official, but it's not, like 100 percent inked and signed. But it's almost there. It should be official within the next couple of weeks," he said. Soon, we'll find out if Fab will join the likes of Ghostface, Nas, Juelz and Young Jeezy on Def Jam's roster. Until his album's actual release, some mix-tape joints may keep listeners in tune with Mr. F-A-B. "We were in the studio working on his mixtape — he's got a mixtape coming out next week, Clue admitted

Funeral Services For Producer J Dilla To Take Place In Los Angeles

Funeral services for Detroit rapper/producer J Dilla, who died Friday (Feb. 10) of complications from lupus, will take place this week in Los Angeles. He was 32.
A viewing for J Dilla, born James Yancey, will be held Monday (Feb. 13), followed by a funeral on Tuesday (Feb. 14).
A memorial concert is also being planned.
Sources told AllHipHop.com that rappers Q-Tip and Common are among the concert organizers, though the venue has yet to be determined.J Dilla, also known as "Jay Dee," was a founding member of the rap trio Slum Village. He left the group in 2003 to pursue a solo career and has since produced songs for Common, Erykah Badu, Busta Rhymes, The Roots, De La Soul, The Pharcyde and others.In 2004, J Dilla revealed that he had kidney problems and in 2005, the rapper spent a considerable amount of time in the hospital fighting the disease, which causes the immune system to attack the body's own tissue and organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, blood, kidneys, skin and other vital organs.According to the Lupus Foundation of America, approximately 1.5 million Americans have a form of the disease, which affects men and women of all ages.
Lupus is two to three times more common among African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans.
In the most severe lupus cases, the immune system cannot tell the difference between foreign substances and its own cells and tissue. The immune system then creates antibodies to protect against its "self."Before his death, J Dilla had been working on The Shining, the follow-up to his 2001 solo debut Welcome To Detroit.
The album was slated to drop independently, via BBE in June.
While in the hospital and in his home studio, J Dilla also crafted the recently released instrumental album, Donuts."Jay was one of my favorite Hip-Hop producers of all time," said BBE Founder Peter Adarkwah. "His passion for music was a rare thing amongst people in the music industry. His music and presence will be sorely missed for many years to come." Detroit rapper Guilty Simpson, who worked with J Dilla on various projects, is featured on The Shining.
"J Dilla was the best to do it. He influenced a whole movement in Hip-Hop," Simpson told AllHipHop.com. "There isn't a top-notch producer in the game [who] wasn't influenced by his sound. I just appreciate being able to work with him and soak up some of the knowledge he gave me. He will never be forgotten."

Rapper Mac Minister Profiled On America's Most Wanted, Sought For Questioning In New Murder

Bay Area rapper Mac Minister was profiled on Fox's long-running television series America's Most Wanted on Saturday (Feb. 11).
Police have been seeking Mac Minister, born Andre Dow, in connection with the May 2005 murders of Kansas City rapper Anthony "Fat Tone" Watkins and his companion, Jermaine "Cowboy" Akins.
Police suspect Mac Minister and an accomplice, Jason "Corleone" Mathis, of shooting and killing Fat Tone and Cowboy in retaliation for the murder of Vallejo rapper Andre "Mac Dre" Hicks.
Mac Dre was gunned down in November 2004 after an alleged dispute over payment for a concert. It was widely believed that Fat Tone was behind Mac Dre's murder, although police never substantiated the claims.
According to police, Fat Tone and Cowboy were seen leaving their hotel with Mac Minister hours before they were murdered.
Fat Tone's family members told investigators that Mac Minister had allegedly arranged a meeting with representatives from Snoop Dogg's record label for a possible record deal at a Snoop Dogg concert in Las Vegas.
The bodies of Fat Tone and Cowboy were found in a construction area outside of Las Vegas a short time later. Both men suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
Prior to his murder, Fat Tone had been involved in several violent altercations in Kansas City.
The rapper was shot multiple times with an AK-47 in 2003 while riding in an SUV with Sacramento rapper C-Bo, San Francisco rapper Messy Marv and others. Fat Tone and C-Bo were seriously injured in the shooting but both survived.
In October 2004, Fat Tone was shot at again while leaving a Kansas City nightclub, just one month before Mac Dre was gunned down.
In May 2005, police found a Pontiac Sunfire on fire in Vallejo, Calif., and tracked the vehicle to Corleone's girlfriend, Lee Danae Laursen.
Corleone was arrested and is currently awaiting trial in Las Vegas.
Following that incident, police pulled Mac Minister over in July 2005 near the Golden Gate Bridge, and the rapper fled the scene. A chase ensued across the bridge and Mac Minister managed to escape.
Officers searched his abandoned car and found a documentary he had produced about his life, as well as an internet article about the murders of Fat Tone and Cowboy.
Mac Minister was arrested again a month later by California Highway Patrol but was released a short time after.
In November 2005, Mac Minister was charged with two counts of murder with a deadly weapon and two counts of conspiracy to commit murder.
Two days after Mac Minister was formally indicted, Corleone's girlfriend, Lee Danae Laursen, was found murdered.
Police are now seeking Mac Minister as a "person of interest" in Laursen's murder as well.
Mac Minister has recorded with fellow Bay Area rappers Mac Dre, E-40 and Yukmouth, among others.
In 2000, the rapper grabbed headlines when he was involved in a major brawl with E-40 during the Source Awards.

50 Cent In Final Negotiations To Star Opposite Samuel L. Jackson In 'Home Of The Brave'

50 Cent is in final negotiations to make his second motion picture appearance in the upcoming film Home Of The Brave, opposite Samuel L. Jackson.
The plot revolves around three soldiers returning from the war in Iraq and trying to readjust to civilian life. Jackson plays a doctor who unravels during the course of the film.
Other cast members include Christina Ricci, Jessica Biel and Brian Presley. The film is based on a screenplay by Mark Friedman and will be directed by Irwin Winkler.
Ironically, Jackson turned down a starring role in 50 Cent's big screen debut, Get Rich Or Die Tryin', despite a longtime desire to work with the film's director, Jim Sheridan.
Jackson has stated on numerous occasions that he refuses to work with unproven rappers who earn roles simply based on their popularity.
50 Cent lashed out at the veteran actor, stating that the only role Jackson was suited for in his movie was a "crackhead," in reference to Jackson's past drug addiction.
Get Rich has grossed over $20 million dollars at the U.S. box office.
Home Of The Brave has a $12 million dollar budget and is slated to start filming on location in Morocco next month, with final production taking place in Spokane, Wash.

Funkmaster Flex Signs On As Spokesman For JL Audio

Hot 97 DJ and noted car enthusiast Funkmaster Flex has entered into an endorsement agreement with JL Audio, a Miramar, Fla.-based company that makes aftermarket auto sound components. Under the new alliance, Flex will be JL Audio's top endorser throughout North America and will play an active role in promoting and marketing the company's high-end mobile entertainment line. Though specific terms of the agreement were not disclosed, the deal will allow JL Audio products to be integrated into Flex's upcoming shows. "Before I even knew anyone at JL, I was a big fan of their products," said Flex, host of ESPN2's All Muscle and Spike TV's Ride with Funkmaster Flex. "They were in my personal vehicles, which for me is important, because I won't stand next to a brand that's "cold" out on the streets, no matter what." "For me, the union of Flex - the world's most powerful DJ, and JL Audio - which produces the hottest sound systems in the business - was a no-brainer. And, a natural evolution for both parties after years of mutual support," added Ken Brooks, a managing partner at CAE who structured the Flex/ JL Audio endorsement deal. Brooks has been a chief architect in almost every brand relationship Flex has entered, and also recently negotiated a wide-ranging multi-year endorsement deal between Flex and Greyhound.The new partnership is part of a long-standing marketing venture between Flex and JL Audio, a fourth-year sponsor of the Funkmaster Flex Custom Car & Bike Show. "The ever-evolving car audio market represents a key foundation for our company," stated Andy Oxenhorn, JL Audio president. "Flex continues to provide us with a platform to connect with a hard-to-reach demographic, and thus continue our growth." Flex and JL Audio will also work together to promote products via the web, print and live events.

Kanye, Em, 50 Up For TRL's 'Man Of The Year' Award

Fresh off winning three Grammy Awards last Wednesday (Feb. 8), Kanye West is raking in more nominations. The Chicago rapper/producer is up for Man of the Year at MTV's fourth annual TRL Awards. The network announced nominees for the event on Monday (Feb. 13). West will compete with Eminem, 50 Cent and Gerard Way of the rock group My Chemical Romance in the Man of the Year category. 50 Cent is also nominated for Roc Da Mic (Best Live Performance) honors, while Snoop Dogg and Ludacris are up for the Quit Your Day Job award for best guest host. MTV VJs Damien Fahey, Vanessa Minnillo and Susie Castillo will host this year's show, which features appearances by West and Mariah Carey, among others, as well as a performance by R&B singer Chris Brown. Pop legend Madonna will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Bono will take home the Most Inspired Artist Award for his humanitarian efforts. Past Lifetime Achievement recipients include Sean "Diddy" Combs and Eminem. Voting for the awards started Monday and runs through Feb. 21. Fans can cast their ballots at www.mtv.com and also view highlights from last year's show. The 4th annual TRL Awards airs Feb. 25 at noon ET/PT.

Lupe Fiasco Reaches for the Sky

Yesterday (February 8), Lupe appeared in MTV's premiere for 'Ye's video for "Touch The Sky" during the network's Grammy pre-cast. As previously reported by SOHH, the video was directed by Chris Milk ("All Falls Down," "Jesus Walks") and features cameos from Nia Long and Pamela Anderson.
You can also catch Lupe alongside Mike Jones and Lil Wayne in Reebok's campaign for its "OG" sneakers, launching on February 28.
Lupe, who has recieved acclaim from XXL, Vibe and Fader, is set to release his highly anticipated album Food And Liquor this spring. "Kick, Push," his ode to skateboarding, is already garnering heavy rotation on major radio stations. The album, which is co-executive produced by Jay-Z, boasts production from Needlz, The Buchanans, and Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park.

After raking in $79 million last year, 50 Cent ranked as the only rapper on Forbes Magazine's money makers in music list.

The Queens, NY MC also known as Curtis "Interscope" Jackson landed in the eighth position, right behind singer Celine Dion, who generated $81 million and The Dave Matthews Band, who made $74 million. Legendary band the Rolling Stones topped the list with earnings of $168 million.
Though his film Get Rich and Die Trying didn't break the bank, the G-Unit honcho generated loads of money touring, including $4.7 million on his own and sharing a $21.6 million with Eminem for their joint tour.
Furthermore, 50's The Massacre sold close to 5 million albums in the US. His other business ventures include his G-Unit clothing line and sneakers, Bulletproof video game and Vitamin Water.

Ludacris Lays Down the Law

Rapper and actor Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges will make his television debut as a guest-star on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit in the episode Venom. The show will air Tuesday, March 28 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Ludacris- who picked up a SAG and Critics Choice Award for Best Ensemble cast in the Oscar-nominated Crash turns in a powerful performance as Darius. In taking a role on SVU, Luda said, "I have been a fan of Dick Wolf's Law & Order for a long time. When I was approached to work on SVU and read the script there was no way that I could turn down this amazing opportunity. The character was so rich and the storyline so complex that I knew it was something I had to do. I am looking forward to working with the incredibly talented cast and crew at Law & Order: SVU in my continuing quest to learn and grow as an actor. "We are thrilled to have Ludacris join us as Ice-T's nephew for a groundbreaking episode of SVU. His talent and charisma will guarantee a memorable show," Executive Producer Neal Baer said. Ludacris is currently up for one Grammy Award for Best Rap Single and will be presenting an award on the telecast with Crash co-star Matt Dillon. Law & Order: SVU is produced by Wolf Films in association with NBC Universal Television Studio.

Kanye's Mission Impossible

Fresh from his triple Grammy win, Kanye West is set to add his golden touch to the theme song for the new Mission Impossible movie.West will follow in the footsteps of U2 and Limp Bizkit, who updated the classic theme song for the previous two Mission Impossible films.“As a fan of Kanye’s work, I was thrilled at the prospect of him contributing his talents to M:I III,” said leading actor Tom Cruise in a statement. “We wanted to take this instalment of Mission to the next level and Kanye’s music definitely added to accomplishing that goal. As we’ve done with the film, what he’s done with the Mission theme is going to blow people away.”M:I III director J.J. Abrams also commented on Kanye’s contributions in a separate statement: “My goal is to take the Mission franchise and re-interpret it to make a movie that is familiar, but absolutely brand new. Kanye has done just that with his version of the classic Lalo Schifrin theme, and we’re thrilled to be working with him.”The third instalment of the M:I series is due to be released May 5, and the movie also stars Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ving Rhames and Laurence Fishburne.

Jay and Nas Talk Peace, the Future

Jay Z and Nas are known for their very public beef and now are even more famous for their union. Speaking to MTV News, the two looked like homies as they discussed past spats, respect and future endeavors. They looked like friends, but are they close? "It's not a date you can say, 'We're friends today,' " Jay said as Nas laughed. "But you can say it's respect [between us], and from respect, anything is possible."Nasty Nas agreed that respect is the foundation for their relationship. "In the midst of a battle, you never know how it's gonna turn out," he stated. "All you know is that you're gonna fight to the finish. In the middle of it, that's how it was. It was always respect, it wasn't that he wanted to gun me down or I wanted to gun him down. It was never that. That's not how real bosses move or real men move."The two went on to speak about peace and how it will affect the youth. It's not really about us. I mean it is, but it really isn't. It's more about the culture, about showing people another way, because [the battle] we staged was something that stopped the world. Now everyone emulates the battle. 'If I do that, I can get attention drawn to me.' Now everyone is emulating the end result. So now we have to show them another way," Jay declared. Jigga & Nas also claimed a collaboration is in the works.

Juelz Santana Announces New Clothing Line

Diplomat affiliate Juelz Santana is branching out beyond music and stepping into the world of fashion with his new clothing company, the Z-Line, due out this fall.
The rapper will then launch Mazia, a clothing company licensed by Z-Line Clothing, Inc. The line signals the MC's desire to become "a driving force in the urban market."
"Mazia will be a vengeance against all other brands that have taken the style from my generation and attempted to duplicate what we do naturally," said Santana (born LaRon James). "Other labels have tried and just haven't gotten it right because they were missing that key ingredient: me."
Lawrence Arthur, of Z-Line Clothing, added that Mazia's mission is to "hit the fashion industry over the head with a look that is overzealous, powerful, and magnetic."
But Mazia isn't Santana's first nonmusical venture. The Harlem rapper has also partnered with H3Enterprises, Inc. (HTRE), a publicly traded company dedicated to the hip-hop culture and lifestyle.
As part of a multifaceted agreement, Santana will become a financial partner in the company in addition to hosting H3's first Cyber Sports One-on-One challenge during NBA All-Star Weekend in Houston.
"It's great to add another home-grown Harlem hero to H3," stated HTRE President/Founder Brian "H3" Peters. "Juelz is the future of Hip-Hop and a bonafide star."
These new aspirations are just the latest business dealings for Santana, who became a financial partner in a new HipHopSodaShop with HTRE last week. A new shop, licensed by HTRE, will open on 125th Street in Harlem, with Santana serving as co-owner.
Santana, whose sophomore album What the Game's been Missing! has been certified gold, is also expanding his recording studio, Santana Studios, and continuing to assist his mother, Deborah James, with running the family's Harlem-based clothing store, Santana's Town.
"Cam'ron and I are extremely proud of Juelz and his desire to become more than just an artist," said Santana's manager Joseph "Big Joe" Sherman of New Era Entertainment. "To make a mark that can not be erased is something that Juelz aspires to do and his new ventures are a reflection of his goals being reached."

Slip-N-Slide Inks Multi-Million Dollar Deal With Def Jam

Miami-based record label Slip-N-Slide Records has inked a multi-million dollar deal with Def Jam, headed by rapper/mogul Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter. While Trina, Trick Daddy and Ft. Meyers rapper Plies will remain signed as Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic artists, newcomers Rick Ross, of Miami, and Citty, of Atlanta, will record under the new Slip-N-Slide/Def Jam imprint, where a new roster of talent will be developed. "We met with every major label head across the country, but the level of respect that Def Jam showed for Slip-N-Slide was priceless," said Slip-N-Slide President Ted "Touche" Lucas. "Jay-Z saw Slip-N-Slide's vision and was willing to do everything in his power to make that vision a reality." Founded by Lucas in 1993, Slip-N-Slide has sold over 8 million records, mostly powered by hits from Trick Daddy and Trina. Lucas said he plans to expand the label's presence beyond Florida under the new venture and "form a cartel of new artists from other regions." Rick Ross' debut album, Career Criminal, is slated for a summer release, while Citty's album, Da Cookie Man, is due before the end of the year. "We have very high expectations for Rick Ross, Plies and Citty. We're going to have a big year," Lucas predicted.

Rapper Penelope Jones To Be Featured On 'America's Most Wanted'

Rap newcomer Penelope Jones will appear on the crime-solving television show America's Most Wanted Feb. 18 to discuss the still-unsolved murder of her brother. Jones (born Juarita Jones) has been aggressively searching for the murderer of her brother Tony since he was fatally shot in his home three years ago in front of his two sons. "I had already told my mom I wanted to put up a reward. I didn't do it because I wanted America's Most Wanted to start talking to me about it," Jones told AllHipHop.com. "I did it because that's my brother and I want to know who did it, for closure for my mom and my nephews." Born and raised in St. Louis, Jones grew up around family members who were convicted felons. Through freestyling, she inked a deal with Nelly's Fo Reel Entertainment in 2001, recorded a verse on the St. Lunatics' song, "Jang-A-Lang," and appeared in their music video for "Midwest Swing." But Jones was dropped from the label after she was indicted for drug conspiracy and the rapper spent 33 months in a federal prison. Three months before her scheduled release, she learned of her brother's death. "[I thought], why hasn't anybody come forward to talk about what happened with this?" said Jones. "I thought a little [reward] money would jog their memory." Jones signed with Universal again in 2005 through her and Shawn "Tubby" Holiday's imprint, M.O.N.Y., (Missouri to New York). The episode of America's Most Wanted featuring Jones airs on Fox at 9 p.m. E.T. Her debut album is due this spring through Universal Motown.

Kanye, BEP, Jay-Z, De La Soul, Others Win At Grammy Awards

Multi-platinum selling rapper Kanye West scored three Grammys last night (Feb. 8), including the coveted Best Rap Album award at the 48th annual ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Fueled by the success of his sophomore album, Late Registration, the Chicago MC took home honors in three categories, including Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance for "Gold Digger" and Best Rap Song for "Diamonds From Sierra Leone."
The super-producer's three Grammy's matched his total for last year.
West's label, G.O.O.D. Music, also enjoyed a successful night as his protégé John Legend won three awards: Best New Artist, Best R&B album for his debut, Get Lifted, and Best Male R&B Vocal for the piano ballad "Ordinary People."
In the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration category, Jay-Z and Lincoln Park won for "Numb/Encore," while the Black Eyed Peas won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "Don't Phunk With My Heart."
Best Short Form Music Video (For an individual track or single promotional clip. Award to the Artist and to the Video Director/Producer.)
The Dave Meyers directed "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott Featuring Ciara & Fat Man Scoop, won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video
Performances rather than awards monopolized the majority of the more than three-hour televised ceremony, which opened with the cartoon band Gorillaz, featuring the real-life De La Soul, as they performed their Grammy Award winning hit "Feel Good Inc."
West, joined by Jaime Foxx, performed a medley of "Gold Digger" and "Touch the Sky" that was dubbed the "Grammy halftime show."
The performance featured West and Foxx dressed as bandleaders while leading their respective bands "KW State" and "JFU" in a step-show like routine.
Jay-Z and Lincoln Park performed "Numb/Encore" and were later joined onstage by Paul McCartney for a rendition of The Beatles' "Yesterday." McCartney's performance was his first ever Grammy stage performance.
Aretha Franklin, Maroon 5, Damien Marley and others also won awards.

Wake Held For Busta's Bodyguard, Pressure For Rappers To Come Forward Grows

A wake for the slain bodyguard of rap superstar Busta Rhymes was held yesterday (Feb. 9) in New York.
Mourners laid Israel Ramirez, 29, to rest at the Century Funeral Home, where hundreds of family and friends turned out.
Police believe Ramirez was shot and killed as he shielded Busta Rhymes during an altercation between a group of men during a video shoot for the rapper's "Touch It (Remix)."
Although over 500 people were on the set in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, N.Y., authorities are reportedly being hindered in their investigation by the various rappers witnesses have placed at the scene of the crime.
Police hope to get a break in the case this week when they interview a bodyguard who was at the scene of the crime. Police were waiting until Ramirez was laid to rest before talking to the bodyguard.
Busta Rhymes is now drawing criticism for skipping the wake and for his delay in contacting authorities, who are seeking to re-interview him about the shooting on his video set that left Ramirez dead.
The rapper initially told police he was inside the studio with other Hip-Hop artists and celebrities when the shooting took place. But police believe Busta Rhymes was feet away from Ramirez when he was shot.
Ramirez' family members said the rapper admitted to witnessing the murder during a call he placed to express his condolences to the family.
While Busta Rhymes reportedly offered to pay for funeral expenses, he did not attend the wake, where police snipers were stationed nearby on rooftops. His absence at the wake drew the wrath of Ramirez' family members.
Authorities now believe an argument between Ruff Ryders President Swizz Beatz and Tony Yayo and G-Unit members spilled out onto the street, where the altercation took place.
On Monday (Feb. 6), Busta Rhymes' manager and Violator CEO Chris Lighty posted a statement on his blog.
"I have to hope that my children or their children will one day know Hip-Hop without the violence," Lighty wrote. "I am sorry and send out my regards to the family of Israel Ramirez. I don't know what happened as I wasn't on the scene, so I won't comment. But it is a sad day when violence erupts and takes anyone's life.
"We have to come together as a people and try to rise above the conflicts we have on the streets of our neighborhoods," Lighty continued. "I am sure that everyone has a comment and the press will blame Hip-Hop and rappers but none of that is the case. Hip-Hop gave the opportunity for all these great stars to come together for this."
Reports suggested Busta Rhymes was simply trying to make peace on the street when the altercation turned deadly.
After the argument escalated, a man believed to be an associate of Tony Yayo's allegedly fired at least 8 shots, striking Ramirez once and killing him.
Police believe Ramirez attempted to grab the gun as the trigger man opened fire near Busta Rhymes.
Yayo, of Queens, N.Y., released his major label debut Thoughts Of A Predict Felon in Aug. 2005. The album has sold almost 500,000 copies, powered by the hit single "So Seductive," featuring 50 Cent.
Sources stated that police believe the gunman is an associate of Tony Yayo's from Brooklyn. Authorities believe the gunman escaped in a car with the rapper, who has refused to speak to police via his lawyer, Scott Leemon.
According to reports, authorities considered checking to see if the rapper violated his probation in order to detain and question him but later ruled out the option.

Spike Lee Bashes 50 Cent and Irv Gotti in New Ish of Complex

Never one to hold his tongue, the controversial movie director blamed Gotti and 50 for helping perpetuate violence in hip-hop in a Complex feature.
"I love hip-hop," Lee told the magazine. "But there are certain elements that are just [problematic]. You name your company Murder Incorporated, your logo's got bullet holes in it, you changed your name to Gotti, and you wonder why your ass is in court? I mean, come on. You want to be a gangster? Alright, well gangsters go to jail; gangsters get shot. I mean, look, 50 Cent has made a lot of money, but whatever you are doing that makes you have to put a bulletproof vest on your 5-year-old son, that's time for some deep introspective shit."
Spike didn't stop there. The outspoken director also bashed Fif's motion picture debut, Get Rich or Die Trying, and his video game, indicating that they negtively influence impressionable kids.
"That whole mantra-'Get Rich or Die Tryin'-for me that's criminal," Lee explained. "Because young brothers, they took that to heart: 'Whatever I got to do to get them rims, get my fly gear, to get my bitches and hos, I'm going to do it. Fuck who I got to hurt, who I got to shoot, who I got to kill.' That's crazy to me. And his video game, Bulletproof? I'm sorry, I can't get with that."
This doesn't mark the first time Spike speaks out against hip-hop. He recently dissed Snoop Dogg and pimp culture during a Black History Month event at University of Florida.
Complex's issue also features Lee addressing violence in video games, diversity in Hollywood and "Chappelle's Show."

Marvin Gaye Gets "Sexual Healing" On The Big Screen

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jesse L. Martin ("Law and Order") is set to play Gaye in an independent drama written and directed by Lauren Goodman.
Due to rights issues regarding Gaye's Motown-produced records, the film will focus on Gaye's final years.
After parting ways with Motown and years spent battling a drug addiction, Gaye moved to Europe where he met promoter Freddy Cousaert, who helped Gaye record his biggest-selling album, Midnight Love, which produced the classic hit "Sexual Healing."
In 1984, Gaye was shot dead during an argument with his father, Marvin Gaye, Sr., just one day before his 45th birthday.
"More than just being the voice of a generation, Marvin Gaye proved to be its very heartbeat," Goodman told The Hollywood Reporter. "As a filmmaker, I was drawn to tell the story of a human being who was never fully realized, one with faults and foibles and an uncommon grace expressed every time he picked up the microphone."
Production on the film is scheduled to begin in May in Hungary and Germany.

Chappelle Opens up to Oprah

When Dave Chappelle walked away from a large sum of money from Comedy Central, many didn't know what to think. Who would turn down a reported $50 million deal? Who wouldn't want to continue such a largely successful and innovative show? After months of debate and discussion about what Chappelle's motives may have been, the comic opened up about why he chose to step away from the spotlight. "I wasn't crazy but it is incredibly stressful," he confided on Oprah's television show Friday. "I felt in a lot of instances I was deliberately being put through stress, he added. In May of last year, Dave shocked audiences who were thirsty for new material form the man who ushered in Rick James' come-back. With a large ammount of stress piled up before the premier date of the show, Chappelle quit in mid-production and left people confused. He now admits it was all due to the stressful position he was in. "I would go to work on the show and I felt awful every day, that's not the way it was" he admitted. "I felt like some kind of prostitute or something. If I feel so bad, why keep on showing up to this place? I'm going to Africa," he continued. So, he left Africa and went back to his farm. He recovered and rested to get his mind at ease and has hit the road with a live show. The comic said he didn't rule out coming back for the seasons he left, but that he had to change some circumstances. For one, Chappelle said some of the DVD sales would go into helping out the less fortunate.

Milian 'Wilds Out" on Nick Cannon

Wilin' Out host Nick Cannon usually has to fend off contestants who want to battle for Christina Milian's affection. He's had to hear it from co-stars and even Kanye West. Now, even his old girl is getting in on the disses. According to MTV, Christina Milian is readying a new album and it comes eqauipped with some quips for her ex, Nick. "Isn't that crazy?" he joked about the record. "It's like, what is the world coming to? It's a sad day in hip-hop. Hey, I've got nothing but love for her. That's what sells. I think she should really dig deep and tell all the bad stuff I did. I actually like the record, it's on my ring tone."While he claims their relationship ended on a good note and that the two are actually friends, he admits that he did her wrong. We're still friends. I talked to her the other day. Sometimes you gotta get your aggression out some way. I lift weights, she makes dis records. I was the bad guy, so it was coming to me," he says. No word yet as to whether or not he plans on dropping an "Ether" but most likely he'll still get clowned on the show.

Hit Producer Scott Storch Angry At Grammys

Scott Storch has a bone to pick with the Grammy committee. The super-producer, who was named Billboard's number one Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop producer of 2005, feels he was snubbed in the Producer of the Year category for the 48th annual Grammy Awards.
The Producer of the Year nominees for the Feb. 8 ceremony in Los Angeles are the Neptunes, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Danger Mouse, Nigel Godrich, and Steve Lillywhite.
"I was extremely disappointed to find I was not nominated, and even more so when I saw the list of nominees," said Storch.
Last year, the veteran producer opened the first 20 weeks of the year with back-to-back number one hits—Mario's "Let Me Love You" and 50 Cent's "Candy Shop," featuring Olivia. "Candy Shop" went on to become the number one ringtone of 2005.
Storch ended the year strong with Chris Brown's "Run It!" which held the number one spot on the singles chart for five weeks, as well as five songs on Billboard's Hot 100 Year End songs chart.
Overall, Storch produced 13 hit singles that were released in 2005.
Although he said he isn't trying to disregard the nominees, Storch feels it's hard to justify some of the names when looking at the big picture.
Three of the candidates (Danger Mouse, Godrich and Lillywhite) have one or two albums credited to their names for the entire year, said Storch, adding that Jam and Lewis have worked with many artists but have not had as many 2005 number ones as Storch.

Philadelphia Rapper Cool C Granted Temporary Stay Of Execution

Condemned rapper Christopher "Cool C" Roney was granted a stay of execution by a Philadelphia, Pennsylvania judge on Wednesday (Feb. 1).
The rapper was scheduled to die on Mar. 9 for the 1996 murder of police officer Lauretha Vaird.
When Vaird, 43, responded to a silent alarm at a PNC Bank branch in Philadelphia, she was shot in the chest as she entered the bank, according to reports. She was not wearing a bulletproof vest that day.
Cool C, 36, along with rapper Warren "Steady B." McGlone and Mark Canty were convicted of first-degree murder for their role in killing Vaird, a nine-year veteran who was Philadelphia's first female officer ever killed in the line of duty.
In Oct. 1996, McGlone and Mark Canty were sentenced to life in prison, while Cool C was sentenced to die by lethal injection.
Last month, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell signed the rapper's execution warrant. But Judge Gary Glazer has issued an order to put Cool C's execution on hold until his post-conviction litigation is resolved.
An early pioneer in Hip-Hop, Cool C was a member of the Philadelphia-based rap collective The Hilltop Hustlers in the late 1980s. He hit it big with "Juice Crew Dis" and the 1989 hit single, "Glamorous Life."

Rapper M-1 Speaks Out Against Black History Month

While some choose to view Black History Month as a celebration of Black achievements, Dead Prez member M-1 has released a statement denouncing it and urging Black people to speak out against inequality all year round. "I think the concept of Black History Month is insulting and offensive to all people of African descent," M-1 stated. "It seems like a measly, meaningless offer from the parasitic and capitalistic system that has amassed an empire of wealth from our worldwide community." A known political activist, M-1 (a.k.a. Mutulu Olugabala) serves as local president of the Brooklyn Chapter of the National Peoples Democratic Uhuru Movement and the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement. The rapper has also supported Friends and Family of Mumia-Abu Jamal, the Hands Off Assata organization, and participates in the annual Black August celebration in New York. "Instead of offering us 28 days in February, we should be awarded reparations as this so-called Black History Month doesn't include any agenda to lift oppression from Black life i.e. war on drugs, taxes, awful healthcare conditions, and economic disparity," said M-1. "Further, the actual name of this 'sacred' month is damaging propaganda in [and] of itself." M-1 also referred to his new music video for "Til We Get There," which depicts a group of neighborhood kids replacing the words "Black History Month" on a mural with "African History Year." "As my partner Sticman would say, we should call it Crack History Month because of the damage that has been done to our community," the rapper added. "I propose a ban on the term 'Black History Month' because it doesn't identify the land mass and the people that produced everything that we know as culture today." M-1's solo debut, Confidential, is due in stores March 21.

Roc-A-Fella Rapper Freeway Collaborating With G-Unit For New Album

Roc-A-Fella rapper Freeway, of State Property fame, will collaborate with 50 Cent and G-Unit for his second album titled Free at Last, according to his manager.
The album is co-executive produced by Def Jam president Jay-Z and50 Cent and will be released Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella imprint via Def Jam, said Freeway's manager Ryan Press of Press Conference Management.
" Jay-Z, and 50 Cent will both be on my album," Freeway told AllHipHop.com. "I got mad love for [50]. What people don't know is that we have been tight for a while. Our first album both came out in the same month, and we did a lot of shows and other things together back then."
50 Cent's longtime manager and G-Unit founder Sha Money XL also confirmed 50's involvement in the project, as well as Lloyd Banks and Young Buck.
The album is slated to feature Kanye West, Beanie Sigel, the Roots' Black Thought, Nate Dogg, and Mariah Carey, in addition to production by West, Just Blaze, Chad Wes, Scott Storch, Dangerous LLC, and Needlz, among others.
"Philly, I got a crazy joint with Black Thought. You already know what time it is with my joint I got with [Jay-Z]," said Freeway. "We only make classics, and the joint with 50 is stupid.
According to Press, Freeway is still currently signed to Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam and maintains good ties with Jay-Z.
Representatives for Def Jam could not be reached for comment.
"Jay-Z and Freeway have a great relationship and they're gonna work together for the album and other projects," said Press. "[They're] still very tight. There are no problems there. Freeway wants to put the Roc back were it is supposed to be."
Freeway made his first notable appearance on "1-900-Hustler," from Jay-Z's 2000 compilation album, Dynasty: Roc la Familia.
The rapper followed with his solo debut, Philadelphia Freeway in 2003.
His new album is due tentatively in May.
"The album is gonna be crazy. You're gonna hear growth from Freeway, the same classic hood bangers, and some stuff about why he has been in the cut for a minute," said Press.
He added that the album will also address the status of Freeway's relationships with G-Unit, State Property, and fellow Roc-A-Fella founders Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke.
"Any questions that you have about Freeway will be answered on the album," said Press. "He really wanted to stress that a lot of people are making songs that just come and go but if you check his track record, 'What We Do,' 'Rock the Mic,' and 'Flipside' are part of Hip-Hop history and are records that still bang in main rotation even though they are three years old."
Added Freeway: "I'm just very excited about my new album and also to help the unity in hip-hop and prove that young black successful people can work together in this game. It's gonna be big for the east coast. We need something like this."

Trillville Member Don P. Charged With Rape

Trillville rapper Don P was arrested last week for the rape of a 16-year-old girl. The rapper (born Donnell Prince) was charged with rape and two counts of aggravated sodomy. According to Cory Hughes, a DeKalb County police officer, the alleged assault happened Dec. 16 at the Wood Crest Walk apartments in Lithonia, GA. During that time, Prince and another man took the girl into a bedroom, according to police, who also cite the other man in the rape. After leaving the apartment, the girl and her friend called police, who arrived after most of the partygoers left. The party was attended by about eight to 10 people, Hughes said Monday (Feb. 6). Police are looking for the second man Although Teresa Sanders, Trillville's publicist, did not want to comment on the arrest Monday, Prince's attorney, Keith Adams, voiced his opposition to the version given by authorities. The girl was not a minor, Adams said, adding that there was more than one other person in the room at the time and the sex was consensual. Adams further stated there were several people in the apartment that night and "none of them will corroborate what they [the police] say had occurred." Trillville is best known for their hits "Neva Eva" and "Some Cut," which peaked at number 3 on Billboard

Ice Cube Announces Released Date For 'Laugh Now, Cry Later'

Rapper/actor Ice Cube has announced that he will release his seventh solo album, Laugh Now, Cry Later, in June via his independent label, Lench Mob Records.
The album is the follow-up to Ice Cube's Greatest Hits collection, which hit stores in 2001. The rapper, born O'Shea Jackson, put his film career on hold to focus on recording the new LP.
"It's a record that flows from kind of one tone to the next," Ice Cube told AllHipHop.com in a recent feature. "Laugh Now, Cry Later really is the state of the world in a way. You know, you could say it's the state of the world, the state of America, the state of urban America.
Now everybody's doing a lot of playing and nobody's really thinking about when God's gonna make us pay for all this at some point in time. That's really what inspired me to make it that title."
Scott Storch, Lil' Jon and Swizz Beatz are among the contributing producers on the 18-track album, with Snoop Dogg, WC and others making guest appearances.
The first single is the Scott Storch-produced social commentary titled "Why We Thugs."
Ice Cube started his career as a member of the pioneering rap group N.W.A., on Eric "Eazy E" Wright's Ruthless Records.
Ice Cube left the group because of a financial dispute with Wright and N.W.A.'s manager, Jerry Heller.
In 1990, he released his solo debut, AmeriKKKa's Most Wanted, which was followed by Death Certificate, War and Peace, Lethal Injection, The Predator and others.
Laugh Now, Cry Later hits stores June 6.

Police Seek To Question Tony Yayo & Others In Busta Video Shooting

Police are seeking to question G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo in connection with a shooting on a Busta Rhymes video set that left one man dead with a gunshot wound to the back.
While he is not an official suspect, police are seeking to question Yayo about a heated argument that took place on the set of the video, which was being filmed on location in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, New York.
Israel Ramirez, 29, was gunned down shortly after midnight on Sunday (Feb. 5), about a half-hour after a group of men were ordered to leave the building after an argument on the set.
He was rushed to Woodhull Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 1:10 a.m. Ramirez was in charge of guarding Busta Rhymes' cache of jewelry, which was being used in the video.
Police are investigating what rappers' entourages were present and if any of the men were connected to the shooting.
Rhymes was shooting a video for his latest single "Touch It (Remix)". The video's cameo appearance list included G-Unit members 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks, DMX, Mary J. Blige, Missy Elliott and other high profile celebrities.
Yayo and Rhymes are labelmates on Interscope Records, home to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and 50 Cent's G-Unit Records imprint.
Contradicting earlier reports, Rhymes, Ramirez and others were in front the studio when shots were fired, sending people running for their lives.
The make of the gun used in the shooting has not been confirmed: reports have cited the shots came from an AK47, while others have identified the weapon as a 9mm or a .45. Eight spent shells were also recovered.
Police are scanning video footage to see of the murdered has been captured on tape but have yet to find a suspect or a motive in the shooting.
According to the New York Post, police are having difficulties contacting Busta Rhymes and at least 50 other people that believe were at the scene of the shooting.

Spike Lee Disses Snoop Dogg and Pimp Culture in Black History Month Speech

While Lee is best known for directing films-nearly one a year since making She's Gotta Have It in 1986--he's also gained a reputation for outspoken social critique, and his comments at the University of Florida's O'Connell Center were no exception. In addition to making a few jokes about President George W. Bush and his brother, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Lee also used the opportunity to criticize the portrayal of blacks in mass media.
"We are bombarded by these ('gangsta') images again and again and again and again . . . They do make a difference on human behavior," Lee told the crowd of over 2,000. "No one gets upset that pimpdom gets elevated on a pedestal."
Among Lee's other targets was Soul Plane star Snoop, who he made repeated reference to while deriding the stereotypical images promoted by films and videos. Lee, who has also directed music videos, took issue with the rap music genre's portrayal of women in videos as "hoes" and went so far as to accuse rappers of "cooning" in music videos.
"African-Americans are known all over the world from these videos," he said.
Aside from his issues with the representation of blacks in media, Lee also advised students to, "find a profession you love so much, you'd do it for free," adding that he felt blessed by his career. "Not many people on this Earth get to do what they love."
With a career spanning two decades, Lee has been twice nominated for Academy Awards; first for the 1989 screenplay of the controversial Do The Right Thing and in 1997 for the documentary 4 Little Girls. In addition to his work as a director, Lee is also a faculty member at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, where he earned a Master's Degree in Film. For the last four years Lee has served as artistic director of the school's Graduate Division of the Kanbar Institute of Film and Television. He's also established grants for minority students.
In related news, Lee will also take part in Nickelodeon Network's Black History Month programming, appearing on the "That's What I'm Talking About," a roundtable mini-series hosted by Wayne Brady, which will discuss the perception of Blacks in the US.