Proof Shooting Victim May Sue Slain Rapper's Estate

A source has revealed that the family of Keith Bender, the second fatality in the shootout that resulted in the death of D12 member Proof, are planning to take legal action against the slain rapper's estate and Shady Records.
As previously reported, Keith Bender and Proof got into a heated dispute at Detroit's C.C.C. nightclub (on April 11) leading to Proof both pistol-whipping and shooting Bender. Proof was then gunned down by Bender's cousin.
Proof was pronounced dead on arrival at St. John Conner Creek Village while Bender died a week later after being in critical condition at St. John Hospital and Medical Center.
"Geoffrey Feiger, the lawyer who represented the man who Eminem assaulted with a gun for kissing his wife, will represent the Bender family," the source told . "It could be as early as Friday or Monday."
At press time, representatives for Interscope Records, Shady Records' distributor, said they had not heard anything about the lawsuit.
Proof (born Deshaun Holton) was buried last week in Detroit, while Bender's funeral took place earlier today.
Mario Etheridge, Bender's cousin, was released on bail yesterday (April 26) after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. He is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm in a building, but not with Proof's death.
According to a source, Detroit's rap community is not reacting well to Etheridge's release.
"Everyone is waiting for him to turn up dead, honestly," explained the source. "Trust me; other bodies will be dropping soon."
Randall Upshaw, Etheridge's lawyer, told reports after his client's release that extra security measures were being taken to ensure his safety.
Etheridge is to be arraigned in Wayne County Circuit Court on May 3.
While fans and friends continue to hail Proof as a kind and generous person who helped bring Detroit's rap scene to the forefront, important political figures view him otherwise.
"A prominent reverend from Sharpton's National Action Network chastised Detroit for showing up at Proof's funeral, and Eminem and D12 spending $40K on Proof's casket but the Bender's had to struggle to come up with $4K to bury him," added the source. "He called Proof a felon, criminal, and thug, as is the media. The establishment has taken sides against Proof."
Even where Proof was buried seems to have ruffled some feathers. The 32-year-old rapper's body was entombed near civil rights icon Rosa Parks at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.
"I don't see the appropriateness of someone like this young rapper being buried with Rosa Parks," William McCauley, Parks' nephew told The Detroit News. "She was a person of nonviolence. And obviously this young rapper had a different creed when it comes to resolving issues."

Proof Shooting Victim May Sue Slain Rapper's Estate

A source has revealed that the family of Keith Bender, the second fatality in the shootout that resulted in the death of D12 member Proof, are planning to take legal action against the slain rapper's estate and Shady Records.
As previously reported, Keith Bender and Proof got into a heated dispute at Detroit's C.C.C. nightclub (on April 11) leading to Proof both pistol-whipping and shooting Bender. Proof was then gunned down by Bender's cousin.
Proof was pronounced dead on arrival at St. John Conner Creek Village while Bender died a week later after being in critical condition at St. John Hospital and Medical Center.
"Geoffrey Feiger, the lawyer who represented the man who Eminem assaulted with a gun for kissing his wife, will represent the Bender family," the source told . "It could be as early as Friday or Monday."
At press time, representatives for Interscope Records, Shady Records' distributor, said they had not heard anything about the lawsuit.
Proof (born Deshaun Holton) was buried last week in Detroit, while Bender's funeral took place earlier today.
Mario Etheridge, Bender's cousin, was released on bail yesterday (April 26) after waiving his right to a preliminary hearing. He is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm in a building, but not with Proof's death.
According to a source, Detroit's rap community is not reacting well to Etheridge's release.
"Everyone is waiting for him to turn up dead, honestly," explained the source. "Trust me; other bodies will be dropping soon."
Randall Upshaw, Etheridge's lawyer, told reports after his client's release that extra security measures were being taken to ensure his safety.
Etheridge is to be arraigned in Wayne County Circuit Court on May 3.
While fans and friends continue to hail Proof as a kind and generous person who helped bring Detroit's rap scene to the forefront, important political figures view him otherwise.
"A prominent reverend from Sharpton's National Action Network chastised Detroit for showing up at Proof's funeral, and Eminem and D12 spending $40K on Proof's casket but the Bender's had to struggle to come up with $4K to bury him," added the source. "He called Proof a felon, criminal, and thug, as is the media. The establishment has taken sides against Proof."
Even where Proof was buried seems to have ruffled some feathers. The 32-year-old rapper's body was entombed near civil rights icon Rosa Parks at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit.
"I don't see the appropriateness of someone like this young rapper being buried with Rosa Parks," William McCauley, Parks' nephew told The Detroit News. "She was a person of nonviolence. And obviously this young rapper had a different creed when it comes to resolving issues."

Basketball Line And1 Gets New Partnership, Embarks on Tour

Basketball apparel giant AND 1 announced its new partnership with event corporation AEG Live earlier today (April 26).
As part of their agreement, AEG will help AND 1 produce its popular "AND 1 Mix Tape Tour" which since its' 1999 launch has become known as the nation's premiere playground basketball event.
"We are so proud to have AEG Live as our tour partner," said Lisa Fusco, GM of the Mix Tape Tour via a statement. "This new partnership will allow AND 1 to bring streetball to an even bigger audience by leveraging AEG's touring and marketing expertise. In conjunction with AEG, our Mix Tape games this summer will be hotter and more exciting than ever before."
The "AND 1 Mix Tape Tour" will hit 25 major cities this summer, kicking off on June 4th in Los Angeles, CA and wrapping up in New York on August 25th.
The tour will feature the newly signed players The Air Up There, Silk, Assassin and Bad Santa, as well as living legends Hot Sauce, Main Event, Half Man-Half Amazing, AO, Professor, Spyda and others. They will be taking on the best basketball talent each city can bring, with local ballers vying for an endorsement contract and a probable feature on the fifth season of "Streetball: The AND 1 Mix Tape Tour presented by Mountain Dew" on ESPN2 this summer.
"We are very excited to embark on this new partnership," added Shawn Hunter, President of AEG Sports. "We believe that a property like The AND 1 Mix Tape Tour, that so effectively and successfully blends together the worlds of sports and entertainment, will continue to have great growth potential. With AEG's variety of affiliated divisions and assets, this is clearly an event that our organization will continue to invest more and more resources in the coming years."
Tickets for the tour will go on sale nationally this Saturday (April 29) and will be available via tickertmaster.com.
Here is And 1 Mixtape Tour Dates/Schedule:
June 4th Los Angeles, CA HomeDepotCenter
June 7th Oakland, CA Oakland Arena
June 11th Portland, OR Rose Garden
June 15th Salt Lake City, UT The E Center
June 19th Phoenix, AZ, US AirwaysCenter
June 22nd Denver, CO Denver Coliseum
June 25th San Antonio, TX Freeman Coliseum
June 28th Houston, TX Reliant Arena
July 2nd Kansas City, MO Kemper Arena
July 6th Minneapolis, MN TargetCenter
July 9th Milwaukee, WI US Cellular Arena
July 13th Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
July 15th Chicago, IL United Center
July 20th Detroit, MI Cobo Arena
July 24th Cleveland, OH WolsteinCenter
July 27th Louisville, KY Freedom Hall
July 30th Atlanta, GA GwinnettCenter
Aug. 3rd Miami, FL Bank United Center
Aug. 6th Orlando, FL UCF Arena
Aug. 9th Raleigh, NC RBCCenter
Aug. 12th Washington, D.C. VerizonCenter
Aug. 16th Norfolk, VA ConstantCenter
Aug. 19th Philadelphia, PA WachoviaCenter
Aug. 22nd Boston, MA, TD BanknorthGarden
Aug. 25th New York, NY Madison Square Ga

Aceyalone, Ugly Duckling and The Procussions Prep "The Storm"

Underground standouts, Aceyalone, Ugly Duckling and The Procussions will be hitting 40 major cities on their "The Storm Tour."
The tour, which was set up by Airport Management, features Aceyalone and Ugly Duckling from Southern California, The Procussions from Colorado, Diverse from Chicago, and Mayday! and Wrekonize from Miami. The tour starts on May 30 and concludes on July 16.
The artists represent some of underground hip-hop's most recognized record labels, such as Fat Beats, Rawkus, and Deacon Records.
As SOHH previously reported, The Procussions are slated to join Rhymefest, Lupe Fiasco and Big Daddy Kane for the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival in June.
In related news, Aceyalone recently released his fifth solo album, Magnificent City, entirely produced by RJD2.
Here's a list of some of their tour dates:
5/30 San Diego, CA Belly Up
5/31 Los Angeles, CA Safari Sam's
6/1 San Jose, CA TBA
6/2 San Francisco, CA Mezzanine
6/3 Sacramento, CA Stoney Inn
6/4 Eugene , OR TBC
6/6 Seattle, WA Chop Suey
6/7 Portland, OR Berbati's Pan
6/8 Boise, ID Nerolux
6/9 Salt Lake, UT Urban Lounge
6/10 Jackson Hole, WY Mangy Moose
6/11 Denver, CO Marqui
6/12 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
6/13 Colo. Spgs, CO Black Sheep

Hot 97 Announces Summer Jam Lineup

Busta Rhymes, Sean Paul and Mary J. Blige are among the performers slated to take the stage June 4 at New York radio station Hot 97's 13th annual Summer Jam concert. More than 50,000 people are expected to turn out for the event, which will also feature performances by Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, T.I., Young Jeezy, Mobb Deep, Dem Franchize Boys, Jermaine Dupri, Three 6 Mafia, Remy Martin and The Dipset. Additional performers will be announced later. Since its 1994 debut, Summer Jam has become the longest running urban radio station concert event. Past performers include Jay-Z, Notorious B.I.G, P. Diddy, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Missy Elliott. This year's event, produced by Trevanna Entertainment, marks the fourth consecutive year Summer Jam will be held at Giant's Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., as well as the third consecutive year organizers are partnering with Boost Mobile. Additional sponsors include Xbox 360, WHITEBOY, The Tobacco Coalition and XXL Magazine. Tickets for Summer Jam 2006 are on sale now at all Ticketmaster outlets (www.TicketMaster.com). For information on special ticket promotions for front row seats, visit www.Hot97.com.

Former Hot Boy Turk Gets 12 Years For Cop Shooting

Former Cash Money artist and Hot Boys member Turk was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Wednesday (April 26) by a Memphis judge after entering a "best interest plea" in the 2004 shooting of a sheriff's deputy.
Turk (Born Tab Virgil) entered an Alford plea, also known as a best-interest plea, in which a defendant may dispute some of the allegations but accepts an agreed-upon sentence to avoid a longer sentence if convicted at trial. The plea has the same legal effect as a guilty plea.
Turk pleaded to attempted second-degree murder and was handed the 12-year sentence. He faced up to 25 years if convicted as charged of attempted first-degree murder.
As SOHH previously reported, Turk was convicted of being a felon with a handgun, a fugitive with a handgun and a drug addict with a handgun in federal court last year.
The charges stemmed from the 2004 incident where the New Orleans-based rapper allegedly shot at a Shelby County SWAT member Chris Harris four times. According to ShelbyCounty detectives, Turk shot at Harris as he opened a closet door where the rapper was hiding during a drug raid at a Hickory Hill apartment on Jan. 26, 2004. Turk has vehemently denied shooting Harris.
State prosecutors have said they won't oppose Virgil serving his state and federal sentences consecutively.

50 Cent Loves Fat Kids, Doesn't Want Them Eating Cake

50 Cent has signed on as spokesperson and judge in a cooking competition for high school students sponsored by Glaceau, makers of Vitamin Water.
The competition hopes to help prevent childhood obesity by changing high school students eating habits for the better. The contest is open to student chefs in cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle who will compete for the most "nutrient rich" cafeteria lunch recipe. The contest winner will earn a $100,000 college scholarship.
While 50 is well renowned for his excellent physique, he admits that he hasn't always been the model of health. "I had all of the unhealthy habits," 50 admitted via a statement. "Soda...a lot of fast food, all of those things."
Today he's a changed man, one who exercises and eats right. In addition to sponsoring and judging the Glaceau competition, last year the rapper bought a share of Glaceau Vitamin Water and created his own drink, a low calorie grape flavored Vitamin Water called Formula 50.
In related news, 50 recently signed on to star alongside Nicholas Cage in a boxing film titled The Dance.

Katt Williams: Rising Star

Katt Williams (best known to the world as Money Mike) is ready to grab the spotlight in a different genre; music. The comedian recently inked a deal with Cam'ron's Diplomat imprint to release a rap album. Williams told BET that the transition was natural. ”I'm a fan and always have been since I was 10. I never was in a position to do what I wanted to do because there were other pressing matters,” he explains. ”Now I'm just able to actually perform what has, essentially, been a lifelong desire.”The funnyman had originally planned to release an album titled It's Pimpin', Pimpin', via Universal, but his publicist says those plans have officially been scrapped. E-40, Snoop Dogg, Paul Wall and Mike Jones were slated to guest on the project. Katt also just signed on to star opposite Eddie Murphy, Cuba Gooding Jr., Eddie Griffin and Thandie Newton in Norbit. The movie is due to hit theaters this fall. When asked about the new direction he’s taking Katt says, "We live in a society where Beyonce has more movies than Angela Bassett, so I know the fans will be ready for me."

Brooklyn Rapper Gravy Shot In Front Of Hot 97

Brooklyn rapper Gravy was shot Wednesday (April 26) outside New York's Hot 97, moments before conducting a radio interview. The 28-year-old MC (born Jamal Wollard) was hit with one bullet in the buttocks after arriving at the radio station at about 9:30 p.m. Police said a group of men got out of a black Escalade and opened fire, hitting the rapper once. As bystanders screamed and ran at the sound of gunfire, Gravy calmly entered the Hot 97 studios to do the interview, the New York Post reports. The rapper reportedly arrived at the station with about 30 people, who wore T-shirts with displaying his name. Police later sealed off the radio station to search for victims after receiving dozens of 911 calls. Cops found Gravy wounded and limping inside the building, according to sources, who say Gravy told authorities he had fallen after being asked what happened. Officers then discovered blood on Gravy, who was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital in stable condition. The rapper was followed by a distraught woman in a Bentley after he asked, "Where's my car?" In 2001, another shooting incident took place outside Hot 97 involving rappers Foxy Brown and Lil' Kim, who is currently serving 366 days in prison for obstruction of justice in the case.

Shyne Wins Legal Victory, Portions Of Assets Unfrozen

A New York Judge has ruled in favor of releasing a portion of Shyne's assets that had been frozen under the "Son of Sam" law. Today (April 26), Judge David Vaughan granted a motion for release of $100,000 from the funds that are presently frozen under the "Son of Sam" NY Executive Law section 632-A. The money has been released to allow Shyne to pay for legal fees to so that he can be represented in a civil lawsuit arising out of the infamous shooting at Club New York. Shyne, Jamal Barrow, has gone without legal representation or access to his earnings as a recording artist since November 2004. Judge Vaughan also ordered Desimone, Aviles and Dershowitz, Eiger, two law firms that previously represented Shyne, to turn over their files on the case to Shyne's lawyer, Oscar Michelen, by May 3rd. "Today's ruling by the Court is a vindication of our position, of course, but more importantly I feel it is a vindication of a person's right to counsel," Michelen told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "While the Son of Sam Law services to reserve assets for crime victims the Court recognized that his important purpose of the law must yield in this instance to allow a person to have experienced counsel particularly in a serious lawsuit such as this." On April 19th, Shyne wrote and filed a motion to be produced to represent himself in the event that Judge Vaughan would not grant the motion for release of funds. In December 1999, Shyne was immortalized by a much-publicized legal skirmish that resulted in a stiff ten-year prison sentence and an acquittal for co-defendant Sean "Diddy" Combs. He was convicted of two counts of assault, reckless endangerment, and gun possession.

Snoop Dogg Arrested In London Airport

Snoop Dogg was arrested in London last night after allegedly causing disturbance at Heathrow airport. It has been reported that a fight broke out after the rapper's entourage was first refused entry to the British Airways first class lounge. Later, they were not permitted to board their flight, which was due to fly to Johannesburg, South Africa. Police reported that Snoop's party became aggressive and caused minor injuries to seven police officers. "Police were called at 6:00 pm last night to reports of a disturbance involving 30 people in a business lounge at Terminal 1.The party was told that they would not be permitted to board their flight and officers then attempted to direct the group to baggage reclaim." A spokesman from Scotland Yard said. It was also reported that Snoop and his entourage went to duty-free shortly after the incident, and threw bottles of whiskey on the floor and caused a further disturbance. Police then escorted the group out of the airport. Six men including Snoop are being detained at a west London police station and are arrested on under the charges of violent disorder.

Diddy's Celebrity Cooking Showdown Canceled

Sean "Diddy" Combs' Celebrity Cooking Showdown, a reality series created by the Hip-Hop mogul and Ben Silverman, has been canceled by NBC. The show, hosted by Alan Thicke, featured various celebrities including singer Patti LaBelle, model Cindy Margolis and actor Tom Arnold in a boot camp-style race to complete a fancy meal before a frenzied studio audience. NBC was originally scheduled to run the series for five consecutive nights beginning April 17, but canned it with two episodes remaining. Poor ratings resulted in the cancellation, as Celebrity Cooking Showdown averaged a 1.8 rating among adults in the 18-49 age demographic. NBC will air repeats of Will & Grace and My Name is Earl on Thursday and Deal or No Deal on Friday in place of the show. The fourth episode of Celebrity Cooking Showdown will air on NBC.com.

Mobb Deep Spread "Blood Money" Across The Country

Mobb Deep is readying to hit the road for a month long tour starting next Thursday (May 4) in Boston in support of their forthcoming Blood Money album, due next Tuesday (May 2).
The 23-city tour will kick off in Beantown's Avalon and will conclude at Seattle's Showbox on May 31. Sony BMG recording artist Ray Cash will serve as the tour's opening act.
Blood Money, the group's seventh overall album, is the duo's first released on 50 Cent's G-Unit/Interscope Records and features guest appearances by 50, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks as well as production by Havoc, Alchemist and Dr. Dre.
In related news, Prodigy and Havoc recently took over Sirius Satellite channel Shade 45 to promote Blood Money.
Mobb Deep's Blood Money is due in stores May 2.
Here are the dates for the Mobb Deep tour:
May 4 - Boston Avalon
May 6 - Miami Radio One
May 7 - Dallas KBFB Car Show
May 8 - Philadelphia TLA
May 9 - Providence, RI Lupo's
May 10 - Norfolk, NC Norva
May 11 - Baltimore Sonar
May 12 - Cincinnati Bogarts
May 13 - Columbus, SC Newport Music Hall
May 14 - Detroit Saint Andrews Hall
May 16 - Grand Rapids, MI Orbit Room
May 17 - Chicago House of Blues
May 18 - Milwaukee Rave
May 19 - Minneapolis First Avenue
May 22 - Denver Gothic
May 23 - Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre
May 24 - Las Vegas House of Blues
May 25 - San Diego 4th & B
May 26 - Phoenix Celebrity Theatre
May 27 - Los Angeles TBA
May 29 - San Francisco Mezzanine
May 30 - Portland Roseland
May 31 - Seattle Showbox

SOHH Exclusive: J. Period Joins Lauryn Hill in South Africa, Preps Mary J. Blige Mixtape

Lauryn Hill was recently among the headlinders for the "Redds Divas Concert 2006" in Johannesburg, South Africa. The show also featured soul singer Regina Belle and South African artists Lebo Mathosa, KB and Bongo Maffin, among others.
Hill was joined by mixtape DJ J. Period, who received mass accolades last year for his Best of Lauryn Hill Vol. 1 and 2 mixtapes. Prior to the show, J got the crowd hyped alongside the Beat Junkie's DJ Rhettmatic, before accompanying Lauryn's six-piece band during her set.
"I got a call from Ms. Hill's manager on Wednesday, to leave on Thursday, do the show Saturday and leave on Sunday," J. Period told SOHH exclusively of the gig. "Because there was so little time it was kind of impromptu, basically no rehearsal, just playing off her cues. Some of the songs we'd have the band play a samba vibe and I would come in with more of the hip-hop style, hard-hitting beats. We were able to do a couple live remixes of her vocals over other beats, I came up with some stuff for her to do live over there."
Although the two also blessed NY's Central Park Summer Stage together last year, J. Period said that his experience making the Best of Lauryn Hill mixtapes is what best prepared him for the South African crowd of 15,000.
"My audition process basically was all the effort I put into making the mixtape," he said. "The bonus for doing the show is that now I know her music really well. When we were out there knowing when her rhyme comes in, how long her verse is, you have to know her songs. That's what makes it even remotely possible for me to do a show like this weekend where we had so little rehearsal. I already had ideas in my head for what we could do."
While J. Period characterizes his experience with Hill as a creative working relationship, it's not certain whether he will be joining Hill for a full-fledged tour.
"This was the first real show I've done with her," explained the DJ. "We've been discussing ideas for the last couple months about her tour. Right now, it's just spot dates. I don't think there is a full-fledged tour in the works yet. It's really dependent on what she wants to do. I have my thing going on that I do independently and where this intersects, I get a call. Her plans are very much her own. I don't think that anyone besides her really knows her plans."
J. Period said that even in South Africa she wasn't fully able to escape the "diva" label the public sometimes puts on her.
"As far as Ms. Hill is concerned, a lot of it is sensationalized," said J. "People have put so much pressure on her that now it's like she doesn't want anything to do with it. Even at the show this weekend, there were technical problems and the show started an hour and a half late. It was because of a broken turntable but people were lambasting her in online reviews and it was totally not her fault. People love her and they love her music, when you cut through all the bullshit and it's just her music and the fans response they were going apeshit. You know you have an impact on those people when the beat ran out on 'Killing Me Softly' and the people kept singing it."
Hill isn't the only artist getting the J. Period treatment. The Los Angeles native is currently hard at work on several projects of his own.
"I'm working on a project for Def Jam, the Best of the Isley Brothers mixtape, that was actually due today and I had to push it back for the South Africa opportunity. That will be done in a couple days. I'm [also]working on a mixtape with CL for CL Smooth Best Of mixtapes and doing something with Kevin Powell. He's running for Congress and I volunteered to make a promo mixtape to target the hip-hop audience.
"I'm [also] doing a Best of Mary J. Blige mixtape for Geffen and Interscope," he added. "I'm about two-thirds done. I pray it will be done by summer. She's hosting it, giving me some exclusive tracks, it's definitely going to be a big blast off when I drop. I dug into the crates with the same fever that I did with Lauryn."
J. Period performed recently alongside DJ Ge-ology at Smirnoff's Movement Studio party held at Brooklyn's Paul Robeson Theatre. He also taught a free class on making and releasing a mixtape through the Smirnoff Movement series.
"Redds Divas Concert 2006" was held to celebrate female artistry both locally and internationally and proceeds from the event went to benefit three local South African organizations that provide shelter and counseling for abused women. Ashanti was also scheduled to perform but after a local car accident involving a 17-year-old drunk driver claimed the life of her 20-year-old cousin Quinshae Snead, she was compelled to cancel her performance.
When asked about his involvement with causes like the Redd Diva's concert as well as his participation in the 2004 Def Poets "Declare Yourself" tour (which helped raise young adult awareness about voting), J. Period stressed the importance of giving back.
"Whether it's 'Declare Yourself' or teaching a class, music is a small thing in the world and it's important for me to use that to have an impact in other ways."

Jay-Z, Kanye and LL Get In The Game with NFL Draft Party

Jay-Z, Kanye West and LL Cool J are among those slated to attend the National Football League's Pre-Draft Celebrity Bash in New York this Friday (April 28).
Held by ESPN The Magazine and Hummer, the event will be hosted by BET's Big Tigger and the New York Jets' Jonathan Vilma.
In addition to the aforementioned stars, 50 Cent, Alicia Keys, Ashanti, Beyonce, Chris Brown, Christina Milian, Ciara, Common, DMX, the Philadelphia Eagles' Donovan McNabb, the New York Giants' Eli Manning and Plaxico Burress, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Jamie Foxx, Jermaine Dupri, Lil' Jon, Mary J Blige, Mekhi Phifer, Mos Def, Diddy, Sean Paul, Taye Diggs and Usher have all also been invited and are expected to attend.
Players entering this year's draft, including Reggie Bush, Vernon Davis, D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Matt Leinart and Vince Young are also slated to attend. Meanwhile, Bubba Sparxxx, DJ Cassidy and Supernatural are set to perform.
The NFL's Pre-Draft Celebrity Bash takes place on Friday (April 28) at NYC's Club Sol.

Proof Shooter Waives Hearing, Attorney Says He Was "Given A Gun"

Mario Etheridge, the man who gunned down D12 member Proof at Detroit's C.C.C. nightclub earlier this month, waived his right to a preliminary hearing today (April 26).
As SOHH previously reported, Etheridge, a bouncer at C.C.C., shot and killed Proof after the rapper pistol whipped and shot his cousin, Keith Bender.
Proof was pronounced dead on arrival at St. John Conner Creek Village while Bender died a week later after being in critical condition at St. John Hospital and Medial Center.
Etheridge, who faced a judge for a second time today, waived his right to a preliminary hearing, meaning he admits there is enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
He is charged with carrying a concealed weapon and discharging a firearm in a building, but not with Proof's death. The 28-year-old Detroit resident pled not guilty to the charges last week and is facing up to nine years in prison, if convicted for both.
Randall Upshaw, Etheridge's lawyer, told reporters outside the courthouse that his client opened fire in defense of his cousin. He also said that his client did not carry a weapon and was either given a gun or took a gun from someone during the mêlée when Bender was shot.
Upshaw also added that Proof was initially arguing with a different person before turning his anger on Bender.
David Gorosh, Proof's attorney, who was also outside the courthouse at the time, responded to Upshaw's claims by saying that "the investigation is far from over" and he is awaiting more evidence to clear the rapper's name.
Etheridge is now free on bail and did not speak to reporters when he left the courthouse and got into a waiting car. He is to be arraigned in Wayne County Circuit Court on May 3.
According to Upshaw, extra security measures have been taken to ensure Etheridge's safety.
Proof (born Deshaun Holton) was buried last week in Detroit while Bender's viewing is being held today . His funeral takes place tomorrow (April 27) at Detroit's New Galilee Baptist Church.

News

With the success of Lil Kim’s BET reality show, Countdown to Lockdown, the network isn’t wasting anytime developing similar shows. Next up on the small screen are reality shows featuring DMX and former Texas quarter back Vince Young. Young’s show will follow the young star as he prepares for life in the NFL, while DMX: Soul of a Man will dive deep into the rapper’s often troubling personal life. No dates for either debut are available as of press time. Another chapter has been added to the R.Kelly/Jay Z saga. Roc associate Tyran “Ty Ty” Smith pleaded guilty yesterday to charges of disorderly conduct. Smith sprayed The Pied Piper with mace during a New York show of 2004’s ill fated Best of Both Worlds Tour. For the attack on Kelly, Smith received a punishment of four days community service and two days of anger management counseling.Busta Rhymes breaks his silence in the upcoming issue of XXL, which is scheduled to hit newsstands in the next seven days. Also included are articles on the “Stop Snitching” movement, Hip Hop Cops in New York and of course, a brand new “Eye Candy” model.

The improbable duo of Cee Lo and DangerMouse are set to make their US debut show in New York City, at the Bowery Ballrooms' Webster Hall May 22. The groups MySpace page recently made mention of a possible Secret Show in conjunction with MySpace Secret Shows. http://www.myspace.com/secretshows As one of the more anticipated acts of the Coachella Valley Music Festival, the experiment between the two is a mixture of Danger's classic beat patterns and soulful excursions in instrumentation, poured on the already patented Cee Lo Green...is the Soul Machine who takes every chance to shine with his Goodie Mob trained coffee and cigarettes warble. The group has gained much attention from international radio airplay, recently earning a number one song in the UK, by its downloads alone. The groups album St. Elsewhere will be released internationally May 9. Gnarls Barkley can look to expect a busy summer and fall following the festival schedule in the UK as well as the return of Lollapalooza in Chicago, not to mention the slew of 'indie' themed festivals being organized. (Pitchfork Music Festival, Vice Record's Intonation Music Festival with an incredible hip-hop line-up!, The HSFestival and Bonnaroo )
www.waxploitation.com
www.gnarlsbarkley.com
www.myspace.com/gnarlsbarkley

The White Rapper Show

Many of you may be too young to remember ego trip magazine, and sadly that probably means you don’t have Hip Hop’s true bible in ego trip’s Book of Rap Lists or the nearly as dope ego trip’s Book of Racism. Nevertheless, they seem to be taking elements of each book to create a new reality series, The White Rapper Show.ego trip has joined forces with VH1 for the television show in which numerous white rappers will be selected to compete for a $100,000 prize and a taste of national fame.Auditions for the show will be held in NYC, LA, ATL and Cincinnati for a mid-western representation. Interested candidates can send a photograph, short biography, city they will to audition in, and contact information to the following address by May 8 to: pickmepickme@mac.com.

Paul Wall Grinds, Atmosphere Does MTV

Paul Wall frequently talks about paper chasin' and stayin' on the grind. Now, the rapper/famous grill maker may even be working harder. Why? "Now that I got a son, it encourages me to work even harder. I'm motivated to be more successful, and so we're mashin' the gas and not slowin' down one bit," he said of his future plans. During the interview with MTV, Wall also spoke about his work ethic before the child's birth. "I've been working the whole time [my wife] Crystal was pregnant. I was on the road and in the studio. And she was with me. We didn't go to Lamaze classes or nothing like that. We worked in the studio together," he added. The Southern star has reportedly been in the studio with artists like Travis Barker working on his next album Get Money, Stay True as well as other upcoming projects. In Rhymesayer news, Atmosphere has recently released their latest video for Say Hey There. The track comes from Atmos' latest album, You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having. On May 11, Atmosphere will be featured on an episode of MTV's Backstage Pass.

Rapper Freeway Finishing 'Free At Last,' Kicking Off Mixtape Tour

Roc-A-Fella rapper Freeway is hard at work on his upcoming album Free At Last, co-executive produced by longtime friend and Def Jam CEO Jay-Z and G-Unit President 50 Cent. The album is slated to drop July 25 and features guest appearances by several Roc-A-Fella and G-Unit members, including 50 Cent, Young Buck and State Property. Other rappers that have already recorded for the album include Scarface, Jay-Z and Kanye West. In addition to the major collaborations, the project will feature production by West, Just Blaze, Chad Wes, Scott Storch, Dangerous LLC and Needlz, among others. "Freeway is like 85 percent done," Freeway's manager Ryan Press, of Press Conference Management, told AllHipHop.com about the progress of the album. "You can check that out at freewayatlast.com." Freeway is also currently working with Philly-bred and Atlanta-based mixtape king DJ Drama to produce a Gangsta Grillz mixtape, which should drop sometime in May. The rapper has also been in dealings with other members of the mixtape scene, including G-Unit's own DJ Whoo Kid. "We just recently put the Freeway, Whoo Kid mixtape out," said Press. "We are [also] starting a mixtape mini-tour with Freeway, Whoo Kid and others." The tour kicks off this Friday (April 28) in New Jersey, with the album release of Yung Kha Queet-o. The show will take place at Brokers nightclub and will feature live performances by Freeway and Diplomats/Koch Records' new artist JR. Writer, along with music by DJ Whoo Kid.

Jive Records, BMI and Shine Network Launch National Tour Seeking Talent

Jive Records, BMI and Shine Network have joined forces to launch a national tour to find the next big star. The tour, which kicks off in Oakland, Calif., April 30, will showcase the best talent in each area as they perform for industry executives with hopes of walking away with a record deal with Jive, a sub-label of Zomba Records. Jeff Fenster (Sr. VP A&R Jive Records), Jeff Sledge (A&R Jive, Too Short), Toi Greene (A&R Jive, 3LW, Too Short), Malik Levy (BMI), Memphis (A&R, T-Paine, Youngbloodz) and DJ Juice (official Hyphy Mix-Tape DJ) will be on hand scouting the freshest artists, producers and writers of R&B, Hip-Hop and rock. "We have hit records, we are looking for a real artist with some star power and longevity," Fenster told AllHipHop.com. Attendees will be able to network with artists such as Styles P, Yukmouth and The Hoodstars. In 2003, So So Def, Jive and LaFace Records were absorbed into the Zomba Music Group, which is now part of Sony BMG Music. The Jive/BMI Shine Showcase tour will continue on to Miami (July 4th weekend) and Atlanta, with more cities to be announced.

Public Enemy Rapper Chuck D. Launching New Mobile Company

Public Enemy front man Chuck D is entering the wireless communication market with his new mobile-content aggregation company, Chuck D Mobile. The goal of the service, launched earlier this month at the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Wireless Show in Las Vegas, is to wirelessly distribute music and videos to cell phones. The rapper is working with M-Qube, a Watertown, Mass.-based company that helps other companies make their content available on mobile phones, to develop the service. Chuck D Mobile will provide ring tones, voice tones, music clips and videos as well as full-length songs from a variety of artists. The service will serve as a way for music lovers to access more music and allow artists to more easily get their music out to the masses. Ultimately, Chuck D hopes artists can use mobile services to bypass record labels. "I'm a fan of spreading artistry and for artists to do their own thing," the rapper told Forbes Wireless Stock Watch. "But content creators usually have to run into middle men first who judge their art before it goes to the masses. It should be the other way."

Fort Minor Member Mike Shinoda Lands NBA Commercial On TNT

Fort Minor, the hip-hop side project of Linkin Park member Mike Shinoda, will unveil a new song to promote TNT's post-season coverage of the NBAplayoffs.
The track, titled "Remember the Name," features Styles of Beyond, a collective on Linkin Park's Machine Shop record label, counting down a formula for success as they declare, "This is 10 percent luck, 20 percent skill, 15 percent concentrated power of will, five percent pleasure, 50 percent pain and 100 percent reason to remember the name."
The single, which will be used to promote nightly TNT playoff match ups while mixing NBA game action highlights, was a logical choice to garner interest in the playoffs, according to Craig Barry, Turner Sports VP/creative director.
"The dramatic pulse of the instruments and strings, along with the strong logical hook, made 'Remember the Name' a perfect match to promote the drama fueled action of the NBA Playoffs on TNT," said Barry.
Fort Minor is the latest in a string of musical talent to hook up with TNT. The network, in association with Mark Shimmel Music, has enlisted various artists to promote their sports coverage, including Pharrell (NBA All-Star Game), The Rolling Stones (NASCAR) and Fatty Koo (2005 NBA Playoffs).
The Fort Minor spots will help support TNT's Spike Lee-directed Playoffs promos featuring Ali G that are currently in rotation. The new ads will air on the Turner family of networks (TNT, TBS, CNN and Cartoon Network), as well as television screens on transit systems and in shopping centers in select major markets.
"Remember the Name" can also be found on Fort Minor's latest release, The Rising Tied. The album, executive produced by Jay-Z, features appearances from John Legend, Kenna, Black Thought and Common.

Session Finally Drops Something

Session’s been making moves in the underground for a number of years. As a founding member of eF@MM, (QN5’s jump-off supergroup consisting of Tonedeff, Substantial, Pack FM & Session), fans have been clamoring for a release from the pro-rican Bronx resident for years. While he did put out a few mixtapes in the early part of this decade with his Connecticut crew Phar-City nothing official has dropped from the man for a minute, until now. Enitled, New Money and hosted by DJ Envy, Session’s new mixtape features a collection of previously unreleased tracks, collabos, and freestyles sure to wet the appetite of Session fans around the world until the debut of his official release, Spicasso drops on Qn5 records later this year. For more info on Session, peep Spicasso.com and to purchase the new mixtape click here.

PlantLife In The Lab

For those that ain’t up on PlantLife yet they are literally one of the most exciting crews to come out of the L.A. hip hop scene in recent years. Consisting of Jack Splash (vocals), Panda One (instrumentation, vocals), Dena Deadly (vocals), and Rashida (DJ), the group fuses hip hop, funk, psychedelic soul, and jazz to deliver an audible buffet of sound to the listener while conveying a lyrical message far left of the mainstream rap which permeates the airwaves. The crew is releasing a new album this summer entitled, Lovers, Dreamers, and Believers and the early hype around this release is that it is nothing short of groundbreaking. To commemorate the release of the new LP Counterflow Music Group (PlantLife’s Record Label), is planning a special edition re-release of PlantLife’s critically acclaimed The Return Of Jack Splash LP, complete with a bonus DVD featuring tour footage and live performances. If that wasn’t enough, be on the look out for The Heart Attack, a super group consisting of PlantLife’s lead vocalist Jack Splash and the legendary Cee-Lo Green, emerging later this year. So much soul, so little time.

Michael Jackson and Whoo Kid Prep "The Takeover"

They may not be bullets, but 50 Cent has nothing on Michael Jackson when it comes to having shots fired at him. The former king of pop has been no stranger to controversy in the past decade and is looking to make his return with the help of the ever popular Curtis JacksonMichael will hit the streets soon with his new track Trial of the Century which features 50, Lucy Diamonds and DJ Whoo Kid. The song will be the centre piece of Whoo Kid's new official mix tape that will drop on G-Unit/Interscope in conjunction with MJ’s own Two Seas label. MJ Unit -- The Takeover, will also feature five unreleased songs from Jackson and his classics mixed with G-Unit tracks. The mix tape will also feature new material from the G-Unit general and his cronies, including Lloyd Banks, Mase, Young Buck, Mobb Deep, and M.O.P.

Beef is Real: A Soldiers Story

Hip Hop in Iraq - Soldiers are finding a new way to express themselves in times of war. With More than a dozen of soldiers have gotten together to create an album. The Hip Hop CD, titled Voices from the Frontline , is the vision of Los Angeles music producer Jason Speilman. Spielman spent two years in Iraq seeking out soldiers to tell their stories after he got his inspiration from a documentary with parents reading the prose for their sons and daughters across seas.The album also uses spoken word interludes from soldiers while on battlefields. Stories include tales of battle scars, their feelings on the war and their musings on home and family."This ain't for a paycheck. This ain't for us to be known. This is for somebody to understand a soldier's life," states Sgt. Chris Tomlinson of Delaware on the albumWhile the album may not contain the most talented in the rap game, it may be some of the most inspiring things to come out of Iraq.The record label producing the album; Crosscheck Records plans to donate 5 percent of sales to Operation AC, a non-profit started by Frankie Mayo(mother of Tomlinson) which sends troops useful and sometimes non replenished items like boots, gloves and socks."People think about rap music today and think it is all about thugs, but the young people who are doing this have been through war," said Mayo. They are so far beyond the 'chicks and rims' things. It is real."

Jay-Z Associate Pleads Guilty In R. Kelly Pepper-Spray Incident

A close associate of Jay-Z pleaded guilty yesterday (April 24) to disorderly conduct for pepper-spraying R&B crooner R. Kelly during the duo's The Best of Both Worlds Tour in 2004. Tyran "Ty Ty" Smith, vice president of Def Jam Records and friend of rapper Jay-Z, stood trial in a Manhattan Criminal Court yesterday regarding the incident, which took place at New York's Madison Square Garden on Oct. 30, 2004. During the show, R. Kelly claimed to have seen two men with guns in the audience and left the stage fearing for his life, the lawsuit states. R. Kelly agreed to resume his performance after police were called, but on his way back to the stage he and members of his entourage were assaulted with pepper spray wielded by an associate of Jay-Z identified as Smith, the lawsuit charges. In return for his guilty plea and the successful completion of four days of community service and two days of anger-management counseling, Smith will be exonerated of all charges. The charges stem from a lawsuit filed by Kelly, who is set to stand trial for several counts of child pornography and statutory rape later this year. Kelly accused Def Jam CEO Jay-Z and affiliates of a myriad of offenses, including physical assault via pepper spray, breach of contract and deliberate sabotage by Jay-Z's alleged lighting director. In 2004, documents stated that Kelly would be suing Jay-Z, Smith and the tour's promotion company Atlanta Worldwide Touring Company for $75 million. Later reports state that Kelly heightened the lawsuit to $91 million, claiming that Smith was "acting within scope and course of his employment by Jay-Z." While Kelly insists the incident was purposely driven by Jay-Z in an effort to stifle the tour, Jay-Z claims that Kelly's suit is merely a stunt to take the focus off his upcoming teen-sex trial. According to Kelly's reps, the singer is close to a $16 million settlement with Jay-Z and Smith.

Marc Ecko Files First Amendment Lawsuit Against NYC & Mayor Bloomberg

Fashion designer and entrepreneur Marc Ecko announced the filing of a First Amendment lawsuit yesterday against the Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Councilman Peter Vallone and the City of New York. Filed on behalf of seven artists under the age of 21, Ecko's lawsuit challenges anti-graffiti legislation that directly impacts the First Amendment rights of young citizens and aspiring artists in New York. The amendments, which went into effect on January 1, 2006, make it a criminal offense for simple possession of spray paint and broad tipped markers for all persons under the age of 21- regardless of whether they are possessing those materials in connection with a college art class, a high school project, or are on the job as a union painter's apprentice. The laws also establish a blanket prohibition to purchasing spray paint for people under 21. "I have learned of these and other aspiring artists whose rights to pursue legal graffiti-inspired art were being suppressed due to overly broad legislation here and in numerous cities across this country," Ecko said. "That is why I have chosen to dedicated my time and resources to calling attention to the absurdity of laws and ensuring the rights of these individuals aren't being preemptively censored." The artists will ask a federal judge for an order preventing the City of New York and the New York Police Department from enforcing recent amendments to New York City's anti-graffiti laws. The plaintiffs have filed affidavits in the case alleging that they are unable to express their artistic freedoms under the existing legislation. In August 2005, Ecko waged a successful federal lawsuit against censorship when Mayor Bloomberg and Councilman Vallone tried to stop his graffiti block party by revoking a street permit for the event. Ecko proceeded to file suit against Mayor Bloomberg and the City of New York and won, clearing the way for the permit to be immediately reinstated and the graffiti block party to take place successfully as planned.

The Black Eyed Peas Host The Peapod Benefit Concert In South Africa

Hip-Hop trio The Black Eyed Peas are set to host The Peapod Benefit Concert in South Africa, the first major event for the group's non-profit organization The Peapod Foundation. The concert will be held May 28 in South Africa's Johannesburg Stadium at Ellis Park. Local South African artists and dancers will also participate in the event, whose proceeds will be donated to local charities that have yet-to-be announced. "Two years ago we played to commemorate 10 Years of Freedom in South Africa and I made a promise that we would return to give a free show for the people who may never have the chance to get down and celebrate with The Black Eyed Peas, in the true spirit of The Peapod," said Peas frontman will.i.am. "It is with great pride that we bring The Peapod to South Africa thanks to the generosity of fellow Peas Fergie, apl.de.ap, and Taboo, and our band Bucky Jonson, along with Miller Genuine Draft." Organizers are bypassing traditional distribution methods to disburse tickets through a network of local newspapers throughout the region. Tickets will also be available manually within local townships. The Peas have teamed with Miller Genuine Draft to distribute a portion of the tickets via a text messaging campaign. Fans in South Africa can text their name to 40410. Each SMS comes with a local charge, with proceeds benefiting the Peas' Adopt-A-School program. Tickets via SMS are available on a first-come first-served basis. If successful, applicants will receive a reply with a reference number that can be redeemed at a local Computicket outlet. Each reference number allots the applicant two tickets only. No tickets are available at the venue on the day of the event. For more info visit the Peapod Foundation's official Web site (http://www.peapodfoundation.org).

The Outlawz And dead prez Unite for New Album

The Outlawz and political rap duo dead prez are hooking up to record a new album titled Can't Sell Dope Forever. Featuring appearances from Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member Layzie Bone and Messy Marv, the project aims to spark dialogue, while urging unity, power and progression in the streets. The album title was inspired by Miseducated Society, a streetwise clothing company based in Atlanta whose "Can't Sell Dope Forever" tee has become a staple in southern hoods, echoing the need for change without preaching down to its intended audience. Both the Outlawz and dead prez insist there are other ways to be empowered beyond selling drugs and glorifying the drug game. Can't Sell Dope Forever also boasts cameos from newcomers Stormey and Malachi, as well as dead prez member stic.man's mother Nora, who appears on the track "Believe." The album will be the first release from Affluent Records, a New York-based label headed by Oscar Sanchez, formerly of Def Jam and Violator. The company, modeled in the same vein as Def Jam and Bad Boy, is distributed by Caroline/EMI. "Dead prez and the Outlawz are some of the most explosive acts in the market today and we are very happy and proud to be able to launch Affluent with these world class acts," said Sanchez. "I love their movement and respect their business. I've always been a fan. Now I get the chance to show the world with them their overall vision." A contest will also be launched to coincide with the album, which hits stores later this year.

Alternative News: Trey Songz' Lawyer Comments On R&B Singer's Recent Arrest

Trey Songz' lawyer released a statement regarding the Virginia R&B singer's riff with law officials at Clark Atlanta University. Songz, born Tremain Neverson, was arrested April 6 by the Clark Atlanta Police Department on charges of obstruction of law enforcement and disorderly conduct. The singer and his lawyer, Attorney Curtis L. Hubbard, Jr., deny the allegations. "[Trey Songz] did not obstruct any law enforcement personnel, nor was his conduct in simply remaining seated in the vehicle disorderly or disruptive," Hubbard said of the incident. At the time, Songz was riding in the passenger seat of a vehicle that was stopped for a traffic violation on Clark Atlanta's campus. Witnesses say the singer was later arrested for not complying with the officer's request for him to step out of the vehicle. That day, Songz' mother April Tucker released a statement professing her aggravation with the event. "[Trey] is being held...for obstruction of justice and disorderly conduct for merely refusing to get out of the passenger seat of a car!" Tucker said. "I can't even fathom that these fraudulent charges will stand up in a court of law." As a result of the altercation, Songz, whose debut album Gotta Make It was released last year, suffered several injuries. "[The injuries] were non-life threatening, which he received treatment for at Grady Memorial Hospital," Hubbard explained. "Mr. Neverson [Songz] has faith in the criminal justice system and he is confident that the charges currently pending against him will be dismissed." Songz was unable to directly comment due to the advisory of his legal team. The allegations are being resolved in an Atlanta court.

Family of Slain Bouncer 'Terrified' For Safety, Struggling To Pay For Funeral

The family of the man allegedly shot by Detroit rapper Proof voiced concern for their safety following a shooting earlier this month. Police say Keith Bender Jr., 35, died April 18 after being shot by the D12 member at the CCC nightclub on 8 Mile Road. Proof (born DeShaun Holton) was also killed during the incident, which is still under investigation by authorities. "We are absolutely terrified for our safety," said Bender's aunt, who wasn't named for fear of retaliation against Bender's family. "We wanted to talk to the media long ago, but we were afraid for our lives, therefore we've been keeping kind of a low profile." The family would like to hold funeral services for Bender, who was a retired Army officer at the time of his death. Despite a $1,000 donation from Peace in the Hood for the burial and the establishment of the Keith Bender Memorial Fund at Chase Bank, the family is struggling to pay for the service. The funeral is planned for 10 a.m. Thursday (April 27) at New Galilee Baptist Church, 11241 Gunston in Detroit, with Pastor John Mack of Greater New Hope church officiating. "We need to embrace this family with our hearts -- and now our checkbooks -- so that the struggle they are already experiencing is not so severe," said the Rev. Horace Sheffield, who donated New Galilee Baptist for the service. "We also need to start the healing process so that our community can avoid any more senseless deaths like this one." Bender's aunt, who described her nephew as "personable, jovial, humorous, kind and generous," believes Bender's death signifies a need for better policing as well as an end to violence in hip-hop, a crackdown on illegal guns and more community involvement. Donations to the fund may be given at any Chase Bank branch.

D12 Member Swift Sentenced To Jail

D12 member Swift was sentenced to 93 days in an Oakland County jail after missing a court hearing while to attend the funeral of his friend and fellow rapper, Proof. Swift, born Ondre Moore, was arrested in a Detroit suburb and sentenced to more than three months for violating the terms of his probation in a drunk driving case. District Court Judge Brian MacKenzie issued a warrant for Swift's arrest the same day he served as a pallbearer at Proof's funeral. According to court records, the 31-year-old Detroit rapper tested positive for alcohol, despite being court-ordered to remain free of drugs and alcohol. Swift allegedly tested positive for having alcohol in his system with blood alcohol levels reaching. 079 and .084 last week. Swift was placed on probation after pleading guilty last October to a charge of operating a vehicle while visibly impaired. The arrest comes on the heels of the murder of Swift's friend and original D12 member, Proof. Born Deshaun Holton, Proof was shot multiple times and killed inside the C.C.C. club on 8 Mile Road on April 11, during a dispute with a bouncer. Proof was laid to rest April 19 at the Fellowship Chapel in Detroit.

Second Dancer In Duke Lacrosse Team Scandal Seeks Help From Lil' Kim's PR Firm

Kim Roberts, the second dancer involved in the Duke University Men's Lacrosse team rape scandal, is taking steps to reverse the negative effects of the alleged incident. Roberts, 31, recently sent an e-mail to 5W Public Relations to request their services. The company has represented a variety of high profile rappers and celebrities, including its most recent client, rapper Lil' Kim. "Although I am no celebrity and just an average citizen, I've found myself in the center of one of the biggest stories in the country," Roberts said in an email to 5W Public Relations. "I'm worried about letting this opportunity pass me by without making the best of it and was wondering if you had any advice as to how to spin this to my advantage. I am determined not to let any negative publicity about my life overtake me. I'm so confused as to who to talk to for relevant advice and I hope that you can return my e-mail. If you cannot help, do you know of any names and numbers I can call?" While 5W Public Relations hasn't officially honored Roberts' request, the company's CEO Ronn Torossian told AllHipHop.com that his firm is discussing the situation with Roberts. "We understand now that we were contacted because of our experience in crisis communications with high profile individuals, particularly our representation of Lil' Kim of whom this woman is a huge fan, Torossian told AllHipHop.com. "We have been in discussions with her and are currently evaluating our position on this matter." The request comes amidst rape allegations made against Duke lacrosse team members by another dancer, who performed with Roberts at a party in March. On Monday (April 17), a grand jury indicted Reade Seligmann, 20, and Collin Finnerty, 19, on charges of rape and kidnapping. Both men maintain their innocence, despite the charges made against them by their 27-year-old accuser. As a result, the case has received national exposure as the public weighs in on the alleged crime and all parties involved. Despite the exposure and prejudgments about the case, Torossian remained diplomatic as he explained why Roberts would contact his firm. "Anyone who is in the firing line of the media should contact a PR firm - The media swarms are very intimidating and scary and people should always contact media experts before speaking with the media," Torossian said.

Bow Wow Responds To Lil' Romeo And Master P.

The feud between Bow Wow and Lil' Romeo has intensified, as Bow Wow has has responded to comments Master P made surrounding the two rappers' growing beef. Lil' Romeo's father, Master P, confirmed that the two rappers had crossed paths backstage at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Award show, on April 1st. According to Master P, Bow Wow ran in his trailer and refused to talk about tensions with Lil' Romeo. Now, Bow Wow has come forward to address Master P and Lil' Romeo. "I can't understand all this, but I guess that's how it is when you ain't getting no attention," Bow Wow told AllHipHop.com. "You can hear me on the radio all day, every day. You [Lil' Romeo] can't sell no records, and your daddy is on Dancing With the Stars." Lil' Romeo was apparently offended at the line on the song "Fresh Azimiz," where Bow Wow claimed to be making more money than an unspecified person's father. Romeo released a diss to Bow Wow titled, "Hood Stars." Master P also accused Bow Wow's success of going to the rapper's head. "I just think Bow Wow done sold a couple records and got real cocky, and forgot where he came from," Master P said in a previous interview. Bow Wow dismissed Master P's allegations. "The crazy part is the line that got them all bent outta shape was an old LL line ("The Do Wop from LL Cool J's 1987 album Bigger and Deffer). That shows how much they know about Hip-Hop." Bow Wow had this to say about the Pay-Per-View boxing match between Romeo and Bow Wow. "If Romeo wanna make some real money, come sign with me," Bow Wow said. "Then, he wouldn't have to pull these stunts 'cause there ain't No Limit over here."

Nelly Settles With Photographer

St. Louis rapper Nelly reached a settlement today (April 21) regarding a claim that his bodyguard assaulted a photographer backstage at a concert in Bridgeport, Conn. In order to avoid a civil trial, the two sides reached an agreement in which Nelly, born Cornell Haynes Jr., agreed to pay $20,000. The lawsuit was filed by Jerry Livingston, a 39-year-old freelance photographer from Bridgeport. The alleged incident took place at the Arena at Harbor Yard on April 12, 2005. According to the lawsuit, Livingston was standing near the stage snapping photos of Nelly for the Chocolate City News when the rapper's bodyguard Brian Jones grabbed him by the right arm and escorted him to the rear of the stage. The suit further states that Jones proceeded to "violently hit, strike and grab" Livingston, causing him to sustain serious injuries. While the issues regarding Nelly and Jones have been settled, Livingston is still filing lawsuits against the city of Bridgeport and the Arena at Harbor Yard.

Bootcamp Clik Putting The Finishing Touches On New LP

If you’re like me, you probably cop anything coming outta Bucktown with a Duck Down logo on it. Some albums are instant classics, but if you happened to pick up the last Boot Camp Clik LP, The Chosen Few you couldn’t help but notice there was an element missing from the project, namely a baritone voiced verbal behemoth known as Alvin Catraz aka The Rockness Monstah. Good news Boot Camp fans, The Great 8 (Smif N Wessun, Buckshot, O.G.C., and Heltah Skeltah) are together again and dropping a new full length project this summer entitled, The Last Stand. The production lineup on this LP is nothing short of raw heroin, with joints by 9th Wonder, Large Pro, Pete Rock, Da Beatminerz, Ill Mind, Coptic, and Marco Polo already locked down. The group was attempting to finish work on the project before they left on their European Tour April 18th, no word yet on whether the album was completed or not. After the album is released this summer, Bootcamp fans will be able to keep their systems warm with another full length release from Sean Price dropping in September. Now we just got to get the double d to release that Fab 5 album they promised would drop in the mid 90s.

Pimp C Released From Hospital Following Car Accident

Pimp C , one half of the Houston duo UGK was released from the hospital on Wednesday (April 19 ) with minor injuries after being involved in a car accident in Port Arthur, Texas earlier that day.
According to reports, Pimp C (born Chad Butler) had just left a video shoot for his single "Pouring Up" and was near Gulfway Drive and Kansas Avenue when a vehicle being chased by pursuing gunmen ran a red light and crashed into the rapper's Bentley.
Pimp C's bodyguard and an unidentified person were also in the car with the rapper when the accident occurred. The unidentified person was treated and released on Wednesday evening along with Pimp C while the bodyguard is still in the hospital.
According to Port Author authorities, an automatic rifle was seized and three people were arrested at the scene. They believe the chase that occurred before the collision was gang-related and had no connection to Pimp C.
In related news, Pimp C is currently gearing up the release of his second solo album Pimpalation which is slated to hit stores on June 13th.
The album will boast appearances from Mike Jones , Slim Thug, Scarface, Jody Breeze, Jazze Pha , Devin The Dude, Jagged Edge , Paul Wall , Webbie and his group mate Bun B.

Snoop Puts Pen To Paper For Debut Novel

Snoop Dogg can now add author to his already impressive resume. The rapper is set to release his first novel this fall via Atria Books, a division of the publishing giant Simon & Schuster.
Entitled Love Don't Live Here No More, the book will tell the story of a young Southern Californian's day-to-day struggle and the trials he faces trying to make it in the hip-hop world.
"Snoop, by nature of what he does, is a storyteller," said Kathleen Schmidt, Atria Books vice president and director of publicity via a statement. "Books speak more to a female audience than does his music, so this will give him an opportunity to show, particularly his female fans, another side."
In related news, Snoop is currently facing a $20 million lawsuit from a fan who alleges the rapper, his body guards and friends, beat him when he stepped on stage during a concert last year.
Love Don't Live Here No More is slated to hit shelves in October and will be the followed by other street-inspired series' headed by Snoop for Atria.
[Snoop is not the only hip-hopper getting into novels. Read "SOHH Current: Urban Literature" to find out more.]