Eve Links With Timbaland, Swizz Beatz & Dr. Dre For New LP
After a four-year hiatus, Eve is putting the finishing touches on her fourth LP, Here I Am, set to be released through a joint venture between Swizz Beatz's Full Surface and Dr. Dre's Aftermath.
In addition to Swizz and Dre, Eve will be working with Timbaland, Cool & Dre and Pharrell Williams on the CD. Guest spots will come from Ne-Yo, Sizzla and T.I., who appeared on the previously released, "Cashflow."
After releasing her last three albums on Ruff Ryder/Interscope, Eve made the jump to Aftermath and later joined Full Surface earlier this year. Aside from music, Eve is also looking into movie roles and making changes to Fetish, her fashion line.
AZ Delivers "The Format" With M.O.P. & Little Brother
AZ is currently gearing up for the release of his sixth solo album titled The Format.
Due in stores this fall, The Format features appearances from M.O.P. and Little Brother, while production is supplied by DJ Premier, Emile, Face Defeat, Lil' Fame of M.O.P , J.Cardim and Little Brother's Phonte Coleman.
The album will also contain a bonus DVD, which contains exclusive behind the scenes footage of AZ, including live concert performances and ten-classic videos.
The Format will hit stores on November 7th via Quiet Money/Fastlife Music.
As SOHH previously reported, AZ will be making an appearance on "Hip-Hop Hold' Em," a celebrity Poker Tournament slated to premiere on October 6th on the CW Television Network.
The one-hour show will be broadcasted weekly and will feature five celebrities from the world of music, sports, television, movies and fashion competing for their favorite charities in a high stakes game of "No Limit Texas Hold' Em." Premo Pictures, a subsidiary of Czar Entertainment and IMG Media, will be broadcasting the series.
Flavor Flav Wants To Do A Talk Show, Write Book
As a true marker of his independence, Flav is releasing the self-titled debut through his own Draytown Records and Redeye Distribution. Also, with the exception of the bonus track "Baby, Baby, Baby" which features Nice & Smooth rapper Smooth Bee, there are no guest appearances on the album.
"This is the way I want people to perceive me so I don't have [any] collaborations," Flav told Billboard.com. "It has music for all ages, from 10 up 'til senior citizens. I worked hard on it and everything is Flav."
Flav is planning to release his favorite song "Flavor Man" as the first single from the album, which is a mixture of R&B and hip-hop. He recently told Billboard.com that he favored the song, "because of the heart and soul that I put into it. I'm playing live instruments on there and doing all my lead vocals and background vocals," he says. "I always pictured it being a big record."
While he's hoping for a good response from the album, Flavor has already warned audiences that Flavor Flav! will be his only solo release and not to expect a follow-up.
Flav also has a television career to consider. While VH1 has recently announced plans for a "Flavor of Love" spinoff show featuring one of the women from the first season of his hugely popular reality series, Flav has admitted that he may prefer to branch into other ventures rather than star in a third season of "Flavor of Love."
"If there's a connection [on this season] then there might not be a reason for 'Flavor of Love 3,'" Flavor told Billboard.com. "I ain't scared to do it again but I ain't really trying to. I want to do a talk show or something. I've done enough dating on TV. I'm ready to spread my wings and go down other avenues. I don't want to just stay stuck on one page 'cause you don't make it to the end of the book [that way].
Flavor also told Billboard.com that he hopes to take a solo tour and would also like to write a book and release a Flavor-helmed Public Enemy album, "Chuck D wants to release another Public Enemy album but I always wanted the next Public Enemy album to be done by me," Flav said.
The Flavor Flav! album hits stores October 31st.
Trick Daddy Video Shoot Turns Ugly, Photographer Has Altercation With Police
Miami Police confiscated a digital camera from a photographer snapping pics at Trick Daddy's video shoot for his latest single, "Bet That," at the notorious Pork 'n' Beans Projects in Liberty City section of Miami on Monday (September 25).
"While snapping a shot of the production duo The Runners, there were four uniformed officers next to the canopy that they sat under," Omah Ephraim, photographer for Grind magazine, told via e-mail. "I took the shot and turned to take more of the scenery when one of the female officers came over and asked, 'Why are you taking our picture?'"
According to Ephraim, he told the officer who he worked for and even gave her a copy of the magazine.
"She stated that I need to ask her before I take her picture," he recounted. But he insists this was done in a playful manner.
Then, a second officer approached. "[She] told me, 'You can't take anyone's picture out here in public without asking them,' and that I had to delete the pictures. I felt this was in violation of my first amendment rights--freedom of speech and freedom of press," Ephraim told.
Ephraim said then both officers became verbally aggressive, demanding that he delete the pictures and making threats of arrest. "I told them I would not publish the pictures if they felt that strongly about it, but I was not going to take any other action without consulting a lawyer."
According to Ephraim, that's when the altercation became physical. "One of the officers grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side and stated, 'I was just fucking with you at first, but now you have to delete the picture or go to jail,'" said the photographer. "I gave her the camera and said she could delete it but I wanted a report on what she was ordering me to do."
Ephraim's request was denied. "He took my camera and had one of the female officers carry it off somewhere," he said. Ephraim was given an incident card with a case number but says it was never explained to him why his camera was confiscated.
When we contacted The Miami Police Department they stated that Ephraim had no business on set anyway. "If it wasn't a restricted area, nobody would've challenged him," said Herminia Jacobson, a Miami Police Dept. Public Information Officer.
And as far as escalating the situation, Jacobson said Ephraim was the one being uncooperative. "Based on what the supervisor for that day said, [Ephraim] was quite belligerent. They had no way of knowing what he was doing there. He was not providing any information, so a determination was made based on the type of situation."
It is unclear whether Ephraim had press credentials or not, but Miami Police Detective William Moreno said for this particular shoot, special credentials were needed. "He was trespassing at a private event," Moreno told.
"They don't even know that it's his camera," Jacobson added. "They don't know if he picked up the camera at that shoot and just walked away with it."
The camera is being held as evidence and Ephraim will have to visit the precinct and show proof that he owns the camera to reclaim it. But even then, any photos having to do with the shoot will be deleted.
"They had a reason why they didn't want these photos to get out," Jocobson said. "[Ephraim] has no right to those photos, technically. He's lucky he didn't get arrested to be quite honest."
NYC Rapper Killed In Hit And Run
LEFTist, a member of the New York based rap group The Mind Spray Crew, was killed last week by a hit-run driver along the Westside Highway in NYC.
According to The New York Post, authorities said that LEFTist (born Josh Crouch) was fatally struck by an unknown driver at West 12th Street at around 3:45 am on Tuesday (September 19).
LEFTist's friends revealed to The Post that the 24 year old rapper/actor had plans to travel to upstate Scawtauqua Tuesday to visit his girlfriend and they had no idea why he was traveling on the highway so early in the morning.
LEFTist, who also worked at the Luna Park restaurant Union Square, appeared in a 1998 episode of 'Dawson's Creek' and the TV movie 'Darktales' in 2000.
Adam Bernard, a close friend of LEFTist, divulged today (September 28) that Crouch had left a work event on Tuesday at 1:30am.
Aside from expressing frustration with the NYPD's lack of effort in the investigation, Bernard emphasized concern over the 2 hour gap where nobody, including family and friends, could place LEFTist.
Bernard also revealed that at a gathering held last night for LEFTist', the rapper's family announced a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the hit-and-run driver.
Mind Spray has created a compilation CD titled What's Left which features songs and freestyles that LEFTist was featured on. They will also be selling a tribute t-shirt and all of the proceeds will go to LEFTist's family.
To purchase the CD and for more information on LEFTist, visit mindsprayhiphop.com or myspace.com/mindsprayopenmic.
The Molemen's New Album. Zion I & The Grouch Collab!
Chicago’s production trio, the Molemen, return with Killing Fields, their follow-up to their Ritual of… album. Producers Panik, PNS & Memo gather the likes of some of hip hops finest emcees from each of their respected regions throughout the U.S.
Kool G. Rap, Cormega, Saigon, Graph and others make up the New York representation. Murs (of Living Legends), Del & Casual (Hieroglyphics) and Myka 9 (Haiku De’Tat, Project Blowed) make up for California’s contribution. While the Midwest talent is shown from JUICE, Rhymefest, Brother Ali, Slug, Vakill and more!
Having a concept run throughout the whole album (“in the killing fields is where you die.”) and a line-up that will please any hip hop fan…this is definitely an album to check for. Tracklist below:
1. Intro - Presyce2. Street Conflict - Cormega & Hostyle3. Life Sentence - Brother Ali4. Full Metal Jacket - Mass Hysteria & Kool G Rap5. Up to Par - Panik6. Provin'em Wrong - Rhymefest7. Blackhand Clap - Grafh8. Vague Ultimatum - Memo9. My Alien Girlfriend - Slug & Murs (Felt)10. One Shot, One Kill - Mike Treese (of Mass Hysteria)11. 2 Hour Banger - Saigon12. The Come Up - JUICE13. Scarlet Letter - Casual, Virtuoso & Del tha Funky Homosapien14. Love Kills War - PNS15. Redemption - Myka 916. QB2BK - Littles & Poison Pen17. V - Vakill
Album set to release in November.
Keeping the theme of underground releases…
After collaborations on Silly Puddy and Flow it was only a matter of time before these Bay Area acts, Zion I and The Grouch, (Living Legends) team up to release an album. Entitled, Heroes in the City of Dope , which refers to Oakland and slightly based off a few lines from Too $hort on his 1999 album Life is Too $hort (“a lot of beauty and hope has come out of all the struggles here”).
The album exults a display of different styles, from the ever popular Hyphy sound to politically conscious lyrics. Production provided by Amp Live (of Zion I), Eligh and The Grouch. Tracklist below:
1. Intro 2. Hit Em (feat. Mistah FAB)3. Lift Me Up 4. Trains, Planes 5. Say Sumthin 6. Too Much (feat. Chali 2na) 7. Faint of Heart 8. Make You Fly (feat. Esthero) 9. Smack 10. Open The Door 11. Trigger 12. Digital Dirt 13. 10 Fingers, 10 Toes, 10 lbs, 10 oz 14. Break 15. Bad LandsAlbum hits stores October 10, 2006.
Fab 5 Freddy, Busta Rhymes, Mr. Long of Black Sheep, Latin Rap Conference
Hip-Hop pioneer Fab 5 Freddy recently took on former United States President George Bush, Sr. during a football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 25. The match marked the reopening of the Louisiana Superdome, which shut down in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Freddy told the New York Post that he attended the football game with MTV's CEO Judy McGrath, ex-Viacom CEO Tom Freston, and Viacom's John Sykes. When the trio stepped on the field to catch performances by U2 and Green Day, George Bush, Sr. walked by. "I got in his way and [yelled], 'We need to bring the troops home!'" Freddy said. According to the former host of Yo! MTV Raps, Bush replied "We must win this war." Fab Five Freddy said he reiterated his call to bring the troops home to Bush, who was being shuffled away by associates. The former President reportedly came back to Fab 5 Freddy and said "I don't really have anything to do with it."
Busta Rhymes' Australian fans are reportedly upset with the rapper after a proposed Big Bang Concert with two dates featuring Rhymes was canceled at the last minute. According to promotion company PDA Touring, Rhymes was set to play the Supertop Auckland on Sept. 30, before heading to Sydney for a show at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Oct. 1.PDA Touring issued a statement yesterday (Sept. 28) claiming that "outrageous demands on the eve of departure by Busta Rhymes' management forced the concert to be canceled. In 2004, a show featuring Rhymes was canceled after members of his entourage were detained by immigration officials at the Sydney airport and questioned for hours before being allowed into the country. Later in the evening, Rhymes canceled the proposed concert. Representatives for Rhymes could not be reached for comment.
Former Black Sheep member and producer Mr. Long (formerly Mr. Lawnge) is preparing a new album titled The Class of '89. According to Long, the album recreates the feel of Hip-Hop circa the late 80's and early 90's. As a member of Black Sheep, Long helped produce the group's classic breakthrough album, A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, which contained hit singles like "Strobelite Honey" and the group's most well known single, "The Choice is Yours." "Today's rap is a scratched record focused almost exclusively [on] street commentary about money, cars, drugs, jail and death," said Long. "Being 'wack' is the new dope. I call it a glorification of the ignorance of small minds -- where rhymes are about materials things, sex, and the underworld and not enough about 'causes'." The Class of '89 is available in streaming media on Long's CDBaby.com page and at mrlongmusic.com.A host of top industry executives will gather for the annual Latin Rap Conference, which aims strengthen the Latin urban industry and focuses on some of the best music the genre has to offer. The conference will take place Oct. 11-13 at LQ's in New York. Scheduled panelists include Kevin Lawrie, Sony BMG Latin chairman; Craig Kalman, Atlantic Records chairman; and Steve Rifkind, president of SRC Records. as well as leading executives from MTV, Mun2, AIM TV, Univision, and AOL Latino, among others. The Latin Rap Conference, intended to foster the growth, education, empowerment, and development of good business practices in the burgeoning Latin Urban industry, will be hosted by artist/actress/comedian La Bruja. The LRC will also showcase established and up-and-coming artists in the Latin urban genre, including Machete/ Universal recording artists Rigo Luna, Tres Coronas, and several soon-to-be announced special guests. For conference itinerary and information on how to register, visit lrc.2006.com
Lupe Fiasco Questions SoundScan Numbers In Processing Error
This week's Nielsen SoundScan sales numbers may reflect inaccurate sales figures, resulting in misleading numbers for artists like Lupe Fiasco, Chingy, and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas.
According to the Web site Friday Morning Quarterback (FMQB), SoundScan subscribers were "advised that there may be anomalies in the data for the week ending 9/24/06."
The sales disparity is reportedly the omission of retailer Best Buy, which touts itself as the "largest specialty retailer of consumer electronics, personal computers and related goods in North America."
With the absence of the colossal retailer, the Billboard charts, which utilize SoundScan, were likely adversely compromised.
Lupe Fiasco reportedly sold about 58,000 units of his debut Food & Liquor, a commercial disappointment. The rapper expressed excitement upon hearing about the SoundScan error.
"Hi my peoples...actually this week's Billboards numbers are off because of an error!!!...Best Buy hadn't [sic] turned in their sales...I must remind I was the number #1 seller at Best Buy this week," the rapper posted on the message board for Atlantic Records, his recording home. "The numbers without Best Buy stand at 57,000...the new numbers will be out this friday after they turn in...hahahahaha...GOD IS GREAT!!!!"
As Fiasco expressed, the SoundScan information is expected to be reprocessed and the company explained the process to its staff.
"SoundScan weighted the other retailers in each market to estimate market sales for the week. Don't 'add in' additional sales. There will be aberrations based on some titles that Best Buy may do better with but the totals have been supplemented already. SoundScan will repost everything if Best Buy can get their data in a timely fashion. Since Best Buy ran sales on most of the new titles, debuts could be smaller than actual size."
SoundScan has neither confirmed nor denied whether the Best Buy information was included.
The processing error didn't only affect Hip-Hop acts.
Megaforce Records expressed discontent for paying $26,000 a year for SoundScan, only to have one of its acts to seemingly move 12,183 units: "Shouldn't it be SoundScan's job to report the actual sales numbers, not a guessing game?"
Other tracking company reported that the act sold more than twice that number.
DMX and Ja Rule End Beef
Perhaps taking a cue from Jay-Z and Nas, rappers DMX and Ja Rule have ended their long-running feud.
The two men engaged in a years-long beef after DMX accused Ja Rule of stealing his rap style, which he said emulated his coarse, husky voice.
According to WENN, the beef ended after DMX talked to Murder Inc's chief, Irv Gotti.
Gotti reportedly reached out to DMX while he was incarcerated and arranged a low-key meeting that included Ja Rule.
DMX expressed his initial reluctance to cooperate.
"Gotti came to me in jail and said I want to make peace with you and him," the rapper said. "I was like, 'Alright Gotti, let's do it. But I need five minutes in a room with your man. I got to put my hands on him.'"
Despite his request to fight, the men ended the conflict peacefully.
"Gotti sat down and we squashed it. I said he [Ja Rule] got to stop sounding like me."
In 2002, Ja Rule said that DMX was simply upset that his star status had risen considerably since the 90's.
"He can't f**k with me and its hurting him right now that I am bigger than him. I'm bigger than him and he's mad," Ja Rule said at the time. "The reason [for his jealous] is he is a b***h and that's what b****es do."
The Game, a rapper from Compton, Calif., admitted on New York's Power 105 that he recently ended his own feud with Ja Rule and was open to collaboration possibilities.
Nelly Saves Eight Lives, Says New Album Coming In 2007
Nelly may have his critics, but there are eight people who can thank their lives for him--literally.
Three years ago, the St. Louis rapper founded a nonprofit named Jes Us 4 Jackie with his sister Jackie Donahue, who was diagnosed with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia in March 2001.
The foundation was launched as a way to raise awareness about the disease and to find a possible bone marrow donor for Donahue, who passed away in March 2005 after her leukemia came out of remission.
Death rates from leukemia, which is a cancer of the white blood cells, are highest amongst African-Americans.
"We are still pushing. We've been able to find eight different matches and we were able to save eight different lives," Nelly told AllHipHop.com. "You can say what you want about Nelly, but Nelly has saved eight different lives and I don't know anybody that's done that."
Jes Us 4 Jackie found matches for various children and adults within the first two years of operation.
The latest success story for the foundation involves a young lady in California. Nelly's aunt Chalena Mack, who coincidentally runs the foundation, was found to be an exact match.
"She's [Mack] is ecstatic about it," Nelly said. "Hopefully that's number nine. Even though we didn't find a match for my sister, we are trying to send a message that it's bigger than any one person."
Nelly, who duets with Janet Jackson on her single "Call On Me," is also preparing his as-yet-untitled follow-up to the 2004 double disc Sweat/Suit.
Sweat debuted at No.1 on Billboard's Top 200 albums chart, while Suit landed at No. 2 the same day.
"My album is going to come out next year, probably third or fourth quarter," Nelly said. "I want to make sure everything is right."
So Solid's Megaman Acquitted Of Murder
So Solid Crew member Megaman is was acquitted of murder charges Thursday (Sept. 28) by an Old Bailey jury in the UK.
The acquittal marks the end of a series of court appearances and a more than one-year jail stint for the 27-year-old rapper (born Dwayne Vincent). Megaman was found not guilty of charges stemming from a Nov. 2004 incident in Tooting, south London.
Megaman was charged with encouraging his friend and So Solid Crew producer Colin Morgan to fatally shoot Colin Scarlett. Scarlett, 24, was hit three times in the chest, neck and hand.
Despite his injuries, Scarlett allegedly shot back at Morgan seven times with a modified pistol, but missed.
Scarlett later died from his wounds.
Although Morgan was convicted of murder in October 2005 and sentenced to life behind bars, the jury could not reach a verdict over Megaman's role in the murder.
A retrial was soon ordered, but fell through when the jury was discharged in April, leaving Megaman to go on trial for a third time.
Best known for their 2002 hit song "21 Seconds," So Solid Crew have faced criticism for their frequent references to guns and violence.
Royce Da 5'9 Sentenced To A Year In Prison
Rapper Royce 'Royce Da 5'9' Montgomery has been sentenced to serve one year in jail for violating his probation, stemming from a driving under the influence charge.
Sources close to Royce told AllHipHop.com that the rapper was arrested and charged with DUI over the summer, in Oakland County, MI, the Detroit suburb where the rapper resides.
"The actual situation was the DUI, but because he lives in the suburbs, you know how that goes," a source close to Royce told AllHipHop.com. "The probation people recommended that he do 30 days, but the judge was like "no." Normally the judge takes the probation people's recommendations, but they sentenced him to a year because they wanted him to think about it."
Royce, who is CEO of M.I.C. Records, was planning to release The Movement Mixtape with Detroit's DJ Butter and he was also working on a new album with DJ Premiere.
According to sources, Royce may still have the option to appeal the sentence, which his immediate associates believe was harsh.
"He may be able to appeal it," the source said. "I think they are really making examples out of people. He didn't even blow that much over. It wasn't like he was drunk and he hit someone - he was driving home at 4 in the morning. It's never like this in the city of Detroit, or in Wayne County."
Representatives for the rapper are asking fans to support the rapper, who leaves behind a family. Free Royce t-shirts are currently being made for supporters.
Fans of Royce can write him in prison:
Ryan Montgomery # 294855 - W1
PO Box 436017
Pontiac MI. 48343
Fabolous' New Album Pushed Back To Feb, Rapper Gives New Producers A Chance
Fabolous' Def Jam debut, tentatively titled From the Bottom to the Top, has been pushed back until February 2007, according to the Brooklyn, N.Y., rapper.
Due to conflicts with the original October release date, Fabolous said the album was pushed back to December and is now slated to hit stores next year, featuring production by Just Blaze, Jazze Pha, and Kanye West, among others.
While Fabolous remained tightlipped about the cameos on the album, he revealed that many of the tracks were crafted by up-and-coming producers.
"We got a lot of new producers, because it's not really about names," the rapper told AllHipHop.com. "Some of joints on the album that are dope are by guys you may not have heard of, or heard them on a smaller scale. I took joints from everybody."
Fabolous also took advantage of new technology, by auditioning producers using popular Internet sites to find new and untapped talent.
"I set up a MySpace page and put a Gmail [Google mail] account where anyone could send beats and I checked them out," he said. "Of course it got to be too much to handle, but at first I got to listen to a lot of the beats on there. It was definitely helpful, even if I didn't get to use them on the album. I will, for future mixtape stuff as long as they are cool with that."
Fabolous' most recent effort, Real Talk, spawned the single "Breathe," his highest-charting single to date as a solo artist, but failed to match his previous successes, selling only 500,000 units.
His platinum-selling 2001 debut Ghetto Fabolous generated the hit singles "You Can't Deny It," featuring Nate Dogg, and "Young'n," while 2003's Street Dreams has also sold over a million copies.
Slow sales of Real Talk and a rift in his relationship with Atlantic prompted Fabolous to leave the label last spring and sign a deal with Def Jam, which is headed by fellow Brooklyn MC Jay-Z.
"There are no hard feelings. Our business relationship over there [at Atlantic] went sour," Fabolous told AllHipHop.com. "I moved on and it's time to do some new deals."
Fabolous plans to precede his Def Jam release with the second installment of his mixtape Loso's Way, which will arrive in December.
"I wanted to do it during December when people are home from work and school," Fabolous said. "Give them [fans] a chance to zone out, to get them hype for the February release."
The Return Of The Count
Dwight Farrell, aka Count Bass D, will release his fourth full-length album on FatBeats Records. Entitled Act Your Waist Size, the album is filled with 20 genre-defying tracks that serve as further proof that the Count has never been one to linger within the confines of convention in the cut-and-dry music industry. On “Act Your Waist Size”, Count Bass D once again demonstrates his unique ability to showcase various styles in a hip-hop context. In addition to his trademark boom-bap and instrumental tracks, he reinterprets two 19th century standards, sings a self-penned ballad, and offers his own version of the southern sound. Lead single "Junkies (Hanging Out At The Store)" (To Download Click Here) rides on a laid back southern bass line while new-wave keyboards percolate over the top. Second single "Internationally Known" (To Download Click Here) comes in at just under 2 minutes and features Count flowing over a jazzy glissando loop backed by toy-like drums. Given the success of artists like Outkast and Gnarls Barkley, it's clear that creativity from a rap artist can be embraced by a larger audience, but you won't find Count Bass D worrying about such trends. No, he's busy just being one of many musicians trying to make it in Music City USA, and he's doing it his way. Act Your Waist Size will be released nationally on FatBeats Records on October 17th
Termanology Helping To Keep the East Coast Important
In a world where the only east coast songs getting airplay involve references to chicken noodle soup and blowjobs (I’m looking at you Cassie) Termanology has found a way out of the depths of underground obscurity via his new DJ Premier laced 12” Watch How It Goes Down. The single, which recently got the remix treatment courtesy of a Papoose and M.O.P. appearance, has been tearing up the national college charts. A video has been shot and is available for viewing here @ UGHH (click here. So of course, with all the hype around the Mass native, the need is there for a new mix cd. Hood Politics vol. 4, hits stores worldwide 11/7 via a joint venture between the rappers own ST. Records & Brick Records with worldwide distribution by Traffic Entertainment Group. The fourth volume of his popular Hood Politics series features production by DJ Premier, Roc Raida, MoSS, J. Cardim, DC & Statik Selektah and appearances by Papoose, Lil Fame of M.O.P., Blues legend Mighty Sam McClain,Trife Da God, Royce Da 5’9, Prospect of Terror Squad, Big Shug, Dre Robinson, and Term’s crew ST. da Squad. Term is making moves.
Sadat X, Lord Jamar, & Panacea On Tour
Certified veterans and Hip Hop icons Lord Jamar and Sadat X of Brand Nubian have teamed up with Panacea, the group synonymous with the rebirth of the famed Rawkus Records, for eight west coast dates. The tour kicks off in San Francisco on September 29, 2006 and continues through October. The hype around Panacea is huge right now, and Sadat X is putting every ounce of energy into promoting the release of what many are claiming to be his best effort yet, Black October. The Great Dot X has stood strong in the face of adversity to deliver yet another soul-spilling, undeniably classic hip-hop masterpiece. Black October is to be released October 10, 2006 on Female Fun Records and Riverside Drive Records.
The Game Puts His Cards On The Table, Hip-Hop Poker Comes To The Small Screen
The taping of the first episode of the "Hip Hop Hold' Em" series will take place at the Metropolis Studios in New York tomorrow afternoon (September 28).
As previously reported, "Hip Hop Hold' Em" is the television show to combine poker and hip-hop. Created by Prem Pictures, a Czar Entertainment subsidiary and IMG Media ,the one-hour show will be broadcasted weekly and will feature five celebrities from the world of music, sports, television, movies and fashion competing for their favorite charities in a high stakes game of "No Limit Texas Hold' Em." The show will also give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at a home of one of the featured celebrities, and a musical performance from an established or upcoming artist.
Celebrities slated to be at the taping include The Game, Daz Dillinger, Lil Mo,' NBA New York Knick forward Jalen Rose, former 106 & Park co-hosts, AJ and Free; former New York Knicks star, John Starks and New Jersey Nets Rookie, Marcus Williams.
"Hip Hop Hold' Em" will debut nationally on October 6th on the CW Television Network.
Police Make Three Arrests in Jim Jones Concert Shootout
Last Friday night ( September 22) Virginia Beach police arrested two men in connection with the shooting that occurred after a Jim Jones party in the early hours of Friday morning. Police arrested a third suspect last night (September 25).
As previously reported, one man was killed and several people were seriously wounded on Friday when gunfire erupted in the parking lot outside the Miami Restaurant and Lounge.
According to reports from Virginia Beach NBC affiliate WAVY, Virginia Beach Police say they arrested two Norfolk, Va men on Friday night for their involvement, 27-year-old Verlon A. Romain and 29-year-old Andre B. Roberts.
Romain has been charged with one count of malicious assault, one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and one count of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Roberts has been charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. As of yet, no charges related to the fatality have been filed.
Last night a third suspect, 19-year-old Ciara Vander, was arrested on one count of malicious assault.
Six people were wounded and a seventh, 23-year-old Lance Hyman, was killed in the incident Friday. Norfolk news station WVEC has reported that the three suspects identified in the case were not involved in Hyman's death.
Ice Cube Named Howard Homecoming Ambassador and Grand Marshal
Rapper/Actor Ice Cube will add a touch of West Coast flavor to Howard University's homecoming festivities in October.
The former NWA affiliate was recently tapped to serve as ambassador and grand marshal for the annual affair, which will be called Utopia: Pinnacle of Dreams.
Events slated for this year's homecoming include a yard fest, an alumni fashion a show/brunch, a comedy show, and an R&B concert.
"Homecoming is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the rich legacy of Howard University in a relaxed atmosphere of friendship and family," said Howard president H. Patrick Swygert.
The 2006 homecoming will be especially memorable for Cube, who will also serve as a celebrity judge for the eighth annual Chevy Showcase of Bands before kicking off the school's game against the Morgan State Bears with a coin toss.
The showcase, featuring 25 bands, will be held during Howard's It's a Hollywood Howard Homecoming Parade.
In addition to Cube, judges will include showcase host Tyson Beckford, actress Zoë Saldana (Drumline, Guess Who); Rick Gonzalez (Old School, Biker Boyz, Coach Carter, and Roll Bounce); Ken L. (The Parkers), Lil X, Bethann Hardison, Lil' Mo; Hassan Johnson (The Wire), Brandon T. Jackson; Mobb Deep; Roman Rivera (Shaft and A Talent For Trouble), and radio personality Steph Lova, a Howard alumna.
The 2006 Howard University homecoming celebration will be held Oct. 6-15. The homecoming game starts at 1 p.m.
For more information, call 202-806-2664 or visit howarduhomecoming.com.
Funkmaster Flex, Graffiti Artists On Board For New York Sneaker Pimps Show
Hot 97's DJ Funkmaster Flex will provide the musical backdrop when Sneaker Pimps, the world's largest touring sneaker show, heads to New York.
The event, which features more than 1,000 pairs of rare, limited edition, vintage, celebrity signed, and artist-collaborated kicks, will also include a collection of sneaker-inspired artwork, fashion, and photography.
Live art from Futura, Stash, Andre (France), Dave White (United Kingdom), Jor One, Bigfoot, Cope2, Invisible Man, SBTG (Singapore), and JB Classics will also be featured.
Billed as the world's largest cultural street art lifestyle exhibition, the Sneaker Pimps tour has touched down in more than 62 cities throughout the globe, including Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Belgium, and the Philippines.
Fans can buy, sell, and trade sneakers at the event, which will also include a customization competition from America's best female sneaker artists, the release of the Sneaker Pimps' New Era cap, and the first ever viewing of the JB X Sneaker Pimps shoe.
A special Hip-Hop star will be on hand, as well as a live skate demonstration by the Ice Cream skate team, which is backed by Pharrell Williams.
This year's Sneaker Pimps show will be 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. Oct. 13 at Club Avalon, 47 W 20th St (& 6th), New York. Tickets are $20.
Charges Against Foxy Brown Dropped In New Jersey Court
Two charges against rapper Foxy Brown were dropped today (Sept. 26) in New Jersey Municipal Court.
Rasheeda Ellis, who was described as a former consultant to Brown's management company, claimed that when she attempted to collect back pay from Brown in June, the rapper appeared at her place of employment with two people and made threats over Ellis' cellphone.
Brown missed a court hearing in Aug. 23 to answer the two complaints and was ordered to attend today's hearing or face arrest.
According to reports, the pair agreed to cease contact with each other and to not discuss the case with the media.
Brown, who was present during the court proceedings but did not speak, asked the judge to bar photographers from snapping her picture.
The request was denied and the rapper was ordered to take off her sunglasses in court.
Last month, in a New York court, Brown pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault charges that stemmed from a 2004 fight nail salon workers over the price of a manicure.
Brown was sentenced to three years probation and anger management classes.
Joseph "Run" Simmons and Wife Suffer Tragic Loss of Newborn
Tragedy has struck the household of Joseph "Run" Simmons and his wife Justine after the couple's newborn child was pronounced dead shortly after its birth last Thursday. The legendary rapper of Run DMC fame was present at a Ridgewood, New Jersey hospital on Tuesday (Sept. 19) for the child's anticipated delivery. Both Simmons and Justine are popular figures on the family-oriented MTV reality show "Run's House," which also stars their children. The pregnancy was initially made public via the show and MTV cameras were filming at the hospital, according to TMZ.com. A C-section operation was performed on Justine to deliver the child, but the baby girl was reportedly born with organs on the outside of its body. The baby died shortly after being delivered. Representatives for The Simmons' were unavailable at press time.
The Clipse Get New Release Date, Shooting Video For Second Single
After seeing their sophomore album, Hell Hath No Fury, pushed back again, The Clipse is now slated to hit stores on December 12th and are shooting a video for the LP's second single, "Wamp Wamp," today (September 25th).
"We wanted to put out a second single, shoot a video and have it up and running by the time the album comes out," a Jive spokesperson told SOHH.com.
The duo is shooting a video for "Wamp Wamp" featuring Slim Thug in Miami today. Pharrell Williams is also slated to appear in the video.
Malice and Pusha T's album was last slated for an October 31st album before being postponed for the third time last week. The CD was previously set for a September released date before being pushed back to the following month.
Hell Hath No Fury will be produced entirely by The Neptunes. The album features guest appearances by Pharrell Williams, Sandman, Slim Thug, Ab Liva and Bilal.
Beanie Sigel, "I Am No Longer Under Def Jam, Signed With Def Jam, Or Dealing With Def Jam Or Roc-A-Fella At All"
In a recent interview with The Fader magazine, Beanie Sigel revealed that he is no longer with Def Jam or Roc-A-Fella Records. He also outlined his plans to release a new, as-yet untitled mixtape, his first since releasing 2005's The B. Coming
The mixtape, which will be officially released through Def Jam, will be Beans' last project for the label. Citing his unwillingness to choose between mutual friends Jay-Z and Damon Dash after the initial Roc-a-Fella split and what he feels was poor promotion for his album The B. Coming, Beans has decided to part ways with his former recording home.
"That's like a gift from me for leaving them," says the Philly MC about the project. "The deal with the mixtape is just me trying to build my brand up again. Because I am no longer under Def Jam, signed with Def Jam, or dealing with Def Jam or Roc-a-fella at all. I got out of my contract."
Beanie also revealed that he is searching for distribution for a new album which he is currently in the process of recording with R&B producers Dre and Vidal. Sigel hooked up with the production duo, who may be best known for their work with fellow Philly artists like Jill Scott and Floetry, in an attempt to bring back the feeling that the MC got from classic albums like Ready To Die.
"I'm using Dre and Vidal to play the album because they don't sample. Everything gets played live, and even if there's something that I hear that I might want them to sample, they play it over," he says. "I'm like, 'Do what y'all do and let me worry about the hip-hop part.'"
Ideally looking for a New Year's release for the album, the Broad Street Bully also said that he would be going on a tour to support the record, accompanied by a live band. "Even with the beats and the music I want everything so real, to the point where I need all live instruments. I need real music. I'm on some music shit right now."
Method Man Not Dropped From Def Jam, Says Label Reps
Despite rumors that Method Man has been dropped by Island Def Jam, the emcee is still with the legendary label, according to sources.
Rumors recently began spreading that Meth was dropped from IDJ due to low album sales. Meth's independent reps and a Def Jam spokesperson both denied the rumors.
In recent months, the Shaolin emcee has been quite vocal on his discontent with the label and his current President, Sean "Jay-Z" Carter. In a recent interview with SOHH, Meth further fueled the rumors of his possible departure by praising the independent route.
Meth recently dropped his fourth Def Jam release, 4:21...The Day After. The album sold 62,300 units in its first week, marking his lowest numbers since recording with the label.
To date, he has dropped three other albums: 1994's Tical, 1998's Tical 2000: Judgment Day and 2004's Tical 0: The Prequel.
Method Man's 4:21...The Day After is in stores now.
Lupe Fiasco Show Postponed After Murder
Lupe Fiasco has postponed a show in London scheduled for Sunday night (Sept. 24), after a shooting at the club over the weekend left one man dead. The rapper, who released his major label debut Food & Liquor on Sept. 19, was booked to perform at The Scala over the weekend. A shooting at the venue during in the early hours of Sunday morning killed a 22-year-old man, who died from his wounds almost 12 hours later. Scotland Yard has launched a full investigation into the deadly shooting and is interviewing patrons and employees, as well as surveillance footage that may have captured the shooter. Police are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting to come forward with information. Lupe Fiasco has rescheduled his performance for Oct. 9 at a different, unannoucned location. In related news, Lupe Fiasco graces the cover of The Fader's first international edition of The Fader magazine's Fader Japan, which hit newsstands in Japan today (Sept. 26).
Boondocks Comic Strip Goes On Hiatus
The television may be the only place to catch the gang from the popular comic strip The Boondocks from now on. The comic's distributor Universal Press Syndicate, announced Monday (Sept. 25) that the Boondocks will not return from its hiatus "in the foreseeable future." The Houston Chronicle reports that a six-month break was taken earlier this year by Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder, who was expected to return this fall. Despite hopes of working with McGruder in the future, Syndicate president Lee Salem said the former University of Maryland student could not commit to a return date for the strip. The Boondocks first caught the public's eye after debuting online in 1997. The strip, which centers around two black kids from Chicago who move to a mostly white suburb to live with their grandfather, later appeared in the University of Maryland student newspaper before achieving syndication status in 1999. At one time, The Boondocks ran in about 300 newspapers, according to Universal Press. "Aaron McGruder has been a huge creative force, but it's unrealistic to expect a comic strip artist to commit to 20 or 30 years these days," said Kyrie O'Connor, deputy managing features editor for The Houston Chronicle, one of the publications that carried the strip. Despite the strip's cancellation, however, The Boondocks television series has been renewed for another season on Cartoon Network. The show premiered last October on the network as an animated adult television program.
RZA Named in 'Blade' Lawsuit
Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer RZA has become embroiled in a lawsuit over money due from his work on the soundtrack to the movie Blade: Trinity. According to reports, United Talent Agency filed court papers Friday (Sept. 22) against RZA and his New York-based company, RZA Productions, for money owed for the beat-crafter's work on the soundtrack. RZA, born Robert Diggs, was paid $430,000 for his work on the soundtrack, according to reports. The amount was decided from an agreement UTA made with RZA. According to the agreement, the agency was to receive 10 percent "on all consideration received by Defendants from, among other things, services performed as a composer in connection with any theatrical motion picture, which agreement was obtained or substantially obtained, by Plaintiff for defendants, during the period of Plaintiff's representation of Defendants," the suit stated. UTA claimed that they booked a deal for the rapper and his company to work on the project from May 1, 2004 to Sept. 30, 2004. The company also alleged that RZA "failed and refused, and continues to fail and refuse to pay the principal sum of $43,000 or any part thereof. UTA is seeking its regular commission of $43,000 plus interest.
Two Men Arrested In Connection With Fatal Shooting After Jim Jones Show
Two men have been arrested and are being investigated in connection with a shooting early Friday morning (Sept. 22) after a Jim Jones concert in Virginia Beach, VA.
Verlon Romain, 27, was charged with one count of malicious assault, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and other weapons related charges. Andre Roberts, 29, was charge with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Both men were identified by witnesses are being held without bond. Police are also seeking Ciara Vandar, 19, in connection with the shooting.
The early morning shootout erupted after Jones' performance, as patrons were emptying into the parking lot of the Miami Restaurant and Lounge.
Lance Hyman, 23, was killed and several others were seriously injured.
Police are still investigating the fatal shooting, which may prompt local authorities to crackdown on the Virginia Beach nightclub scene.
Beyoncé's Dad Responds to Booing at British MOBO Awards
Representatives for Beyoncé Knowles have responded to the backlash that arose after the singer was absent at the British MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards on Sept. 20.
The former Destiny's Child frontwoman nabbed three MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards, but fans reportedly expressed disappointment at the singer's absence at the show by booing when presenters announced her final win for Best International Female artist.
The singer was allegedly in London at the time but did not attend the event. However, her presence at recent European events has caused fans to believe that she snubbed the awards.
When Beyoncé's boyfriend, rapper Jay-Z, performed at Wembley Arena Saturday night (Sept. 23), he brought out former foe Nas and Beyoncé, who performed "Crazy in Love" and "Déjà vu."
The singer was also seen at the Emporio Armani One Night Only Fashion show at Earls Court as part of London Fashion Week.
Beyoncé's father and manager, Mathew Knowles, contends that the MOBO's itself was booed, not Beyoncé.
"Beyoncé was never scheduled to be at the MOBO Awards. Never! Her schedule simply would not allow it," he stated.
Fans that purchased tickets to see American artists at the MOBO's were reportedly disenchanted that Beyoncé didn't even prepare a taped acceptance speech.
Knowles said that the organizers of the MOBO Awards knew Beyoncé would not be able to make an appearance due to heavy scheduling, and that fans were misled by British press to believe that Beyoncé would be there.
"Fans who paid their money to see Beyoncé and other U.S. artists that won multiple awards were frustrated with the MOBO's after Beyoncé was announced three times in the evening in three categories she had won. That's just bad TV," Knowles said. "The smart thing would have been to combine all three."
Beyoncé won three MOBO Awards for best international female, best song and best video for "Deja Vu," featuring Jay-Z.
The latter single topped the Billboard Hot R&B Songs and made its peak at No. 4 on the Hot 100 chart. Beyoncé's album B'Day is currently at No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts.
Hip-Hop Industry Vets Form New Booking Agency, Idolmakerz Entertainment
Veteran Hip-Hop managers Mickey Bentson and Felix Cabrera have joined forces to form Idolmakerz Entertainment, a full service booking agency based in Bellville, New Jersey.
Launched in January, the business includes a radio promotions department, a graphic design department, and a division that focuses on Latin artists.
Bentson and Cabrera, who serve as co-CEO's of the new venture, have managed some of the most well-known rappers, including Grandmaster Melle Mel, Fat Joe and the Terror Squad, Big Pun, Lord Finesse, King T, Everlast, and Monie Love.
"We aim to evolve into a William Morris or a Creative Artists Agency (CAA). The difference is we don't wait 'til you're hot to start booking you," Bentson told AllHipHop.com. "We start soliciting to promoters and vendors immediately. We can accomplish a lot of things major agencies can't do. We are going to work hand and hand with artists to help them get national exposure outside of what the record label is doing for them."
Al "Al-B." Beutel is President of the new company after a decade of working with nightclubs in Manhattan like the Palladium, Deko Lounge, the Tunnel, Club Abyss.
After a move to promoting in clubs in New Jersey, Beutel took a job with a larger agency based on his success booking artists independently.
He brought Bronx, New York rapper Fat Joe to the agency he was working for and later decided to go independent with Idolmakerz Entertainment.
"I make sure the artists are taken care of and I make sure my staff is taken care of as well," Beutel said. "We want our business to grow beyond being a boutique agency, but we still want to have the boutique feel, so that the artists get the attention they need and deserve."
The Latin department is run by Jordy Nivar, one of the first promoters to bring Daddy Yankee to the state of New Jersey to perform. Nivar handles all of Idolmakerz Spanish-speaking bookings for Hip-Hop, Reggaeton and other forms of Latin music.
"I grew up listening to Merengue and Reggaeton. I've been listening for years, since 1990, 1991," Nivar said. He started promoting shows to feature his rap group, The Knock Out Crew and subsequently booked artists like Daddy Yankee, Tego Calderon, Wisin Y Yandel and others.
Bentson, who also ran Ice-T's Final Level Entertainment, said the company plans to expand the business by opening offices in Miami, Las Vegas, and Detroit in 2007.
For more information visit http://www.idolmakerz.com
Tyrese, DVD Producer Charged, Min. Farrakhan, Soul Assassins
Rapper Cassidy and R&B legend Stevie Wonder are among the guests featured on singer Tyrese Gibson's second Hip-Hop mixtape Ghetto Royalty. The 21-track disc, released under Gibson's rap moniker Black Ty, is the follow-up to the crooner's first mixtape offering, Best of Both Hoods Volume 1, which was hosted by DJ Warrior. Gibson recruited DJ S&S as the host for Ghetto Royalty, which also features appearances from Kurupt, Memphis Bleek, Big Tigger, Bishop Lamont, Erick Sermon, Ali, A-B, Curtains, Mane-O, and My Conscious. Since debuting as Black Ty last year, Gibson has worked with a variety of producers, including Sermon, Scott Storch, Mannie Fresh, Jazze Pha, and Jermaine Dupri. Ghetto Royalty will precede the singer/MC's forthcoming double album, Alter Ego, scheduled to hit stores Dec. 5. Fans can download Ghetto Royalty in its entirety for free for a limited time at headquarterentertainment.com.
The producer of Fresno Uncensored, a video portraying gang life in northern CA, was ordered to stand trial on two felony weapons charges for allegedly supplying gang members with guns during the making of the film. According to the Associated Press, Lonnell "Nitti" Greene, 29, released the 91-minute DVD in 2005, depicting gang members in confrontations with police, showing off gang tattoos, and growing marijuana. "A great percentage of the video contains criminal acts," Fresno police detective Ron Flowers testified Thursday (Sept. 21) in Fresno County Superior Court. Greene and his business associate, Marshall Day, said they made the film for entertainment purposes only, and that one of its main focuses was to showcase local Hip-Hop artists. They also claimed there was no intent to promote gangs or violence. If convicted, Greene faces up to eight years in prison on weapons charges with gang enhancements. As of Friday, he was being held in county jail in lieu of $150,000 bail.
Minister Louis Farrakhan, leader of the Nation of Islam, will relinquish the day-to-day operations of the group due to immediate health concerns. The 73-years-old spiritual leader, who was treated for prostate cancer in 2000, revealed that last March doctors in Cuba discovered an "ulcer in the anal area." According to reports, Farrakhan has lost over 20 pounds in the past six weeks. Doctors at Howard University discovered that he was dehydrated and anemic and had incurred a serious infection and inflammation. Farrakhan has canceled all public appearances, and the operations of the Nation of Islam will be handled by the group's executive board. Farrakhan has been instrumental in mediating several high profile disputes in the Hip-Hop community. In 1994, he facilitated dialog between feuding rappers Ice Cube and Common and in 2003 he mediated a violent feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule. He was also the keynote speaker for the first ever Hip-Hop Summit, which took place in 2001.
The Soul Assassins--DJ Muggs, DJ Khalil, and Chace Infinite--are resurrecting their once-happening Unity Festival with a series of monthly concerts beginning Nov. 2 at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, CA. Muggs says the events have been essential to Los Angeles as "an integral part of the artistic community, as well as something that has been missing, and is needed." Rapper Ras Kass and producer the Alchemist will take the stage for their first joint performance at the festival, which will also include sets by Self Scientific--who will join Sick Symphonies--and a special surprise guest who will combine forces with Strong Arm Steady. Originally started under the name Unity in 1991 by William Lanakila Operin, aka "Bigga B," the Unity Festival has featured headliners such as Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Busta Rhymes, Pharcyde, Freestyle Fellowship, Jay Z, Hieroglyphics, and Boot Camp Click. The concert quickly developed a reputation that sprang from its community atmosphere and the quality of the performing artists.
Lil' Kim's Former Manager Producing Documentary On Hot 97 Shootout
Lil' Kim's former manager Damion "D Roc" Butler has solicited various entertainers and professionals for Conspiracy: 10 Years Later, a documentary that examines the infamous Hot 97 shootout involving Lil' Kim.
Butler, who helped shape the careers of Lil' Kim, Notorious B.I.G., and Junior M.A.F.I.A., commissioned director April Maiya to helm the film, which details "the truth" behind the shootout that left Butler, Lil' Kim, and subsequent members of their crew incarcerated.
Maiya also directed Chronicles of the Junior M.A.F.I.A., which was executive produced by Junior M.A.F.I.A. member James "Lil Cease" Lloyd.
Chronicles details the circumstances leading up to the murder of Notorious B.I.G., as well as the breakup between Lil' Kim and Junior M.A.F.I.A.
According to Butler,the 75-minute documentary includes footage of the 2001 shootout at Hot 97, that he claims contains evidence that could dispel rumors about what actually occurred.
In Jan. 2005, Butler pleaded guilty to participating in the broad-daylight shootout in February of 2001. He admitted that he fired a handgun outside of the radio station “with the intent of hurting someone” and is currently serving an 10-year prison sentence.
Butler tells his story and version of the incident through extensive home videos and a one-on-one interview.
"There were a lot of untruths that needed to be cleared up in Chronicles of Junior M.A.F.I.A.," Butler said in a statement from prison, referring to Maiya's 2004 project. "And there's even more reckless talk going on now about how and why things went down."
"Damion feels the people with loyalty and honor were sentenced to jail and made out to be the villains," said Maiya. "He told me we had to get the facts straight to the people."
Conspiracy also chronicles the ten years since Notorious B.I.G.'s death on March 9, 1997, and examines the "golden age" of New York Hip-Hop with unreleased footage of some of Hip-Hop's premier rap stars.
Guest appearances include Lil' Kim, C-Gutta, Lil Cease, and Junior M.A.F.I.A.
Conspiracy is executive-produced by Butler and also gives executive-production credit to the late B.I.G.
It is set to hit stores in March 2007.
