G-Unit Rookie Mazaradi Fox Talks Cam'ron, "It's All Just Competition, Not Beef"

In an exclusive interview, G-Unit affiliate Mazaradi Fox discusses his recent stint in prison, his new album and his opinion on Cam'ron and The Game.
After catching a case that landed Mazaradi Fox in prison for eight years from '97 to 2005, the South Jamaica, Queens native vowed to make good upon his release. Writing rhymes while incarcerated, joining 50 Cent's crew once he was freed was a no brainer for Fox.
"Me and Fif grew up together as kids. [Tony] Yayo is my pop's man, they hung together," says Fox of his ties to the Unit. " One day, my man said 'Fif been asking about you.' He said that he'd be back for me in five days and, five days later, I was G-Unit."
Since joining the unit, Mazaradi says his work ethic has been crazy, which he credits equally to his time in prison and his friend and mentor, Fif. The MC says that his debut album, which features appearances from Prodigy, 50 Cent, M.O.P., Young Buck and Tony Yayo, is already done but that has not slowed his hunger to continue on his grind.
"I stayed around 50 for like, four months straight, just watching him record. We didn't sleep, we just recorded from like 12 noon until like 5 in the morning," he explains of the making of his as-yet untitled debut. "I was watching 50 when I was locked up. [When you're in jail] it hurts to see people you came up with on TV. I have to take full advantage of this opportunity. I can remember doing diamond push ups in my cell until 6 in the morning. To this day, I ride in my whip and tears come to my eyes. I still can't believe this shit sometimes."
The rapper also understands that being down with the ever controversial G-Unit crew means possibly inheriting beef, something that he does not shy away from, taking the opportunity to address both Cam'ron and the Game.
"The Cam'ron situation just gave us more motivation," he says. "It's all just competition to me. It's not beef." He had somewhat other sentiments regarding The Game. " In jail, it's beef with every nigga until you out the door. I don't know him [Game] and I don't want to know him. If it's beef with 50, it's beef with me too. 50, that's the boss."
Fox, who will be releasing a handful of mixtapes in the coming weeks including "Dumb Out Season" with Cutmaster C and "Mazaradi Fox, Fresh Out The Body Shop," is also planning an international mixtape tour with DJ Whoo Kid, which is aiming to make stops in both Hong Kong and Belgium. But amidst all of his impending success, Fox is also hoping that his example will inspire others.
"I want people to know that if I can do it, anybody can do it. I got something for the streets. They ain't gonna believe it."

Jermaine Dupri, Remy Ma, R Kelly Hospitalized

Producer Jermaine Dupri has a new job as president over urban music at Island Records. Dupri will take the position after leaving his presidential role at Virgin Records supposedly due to low album sales of girlfriend Janet Jackson's disc 20 Y.O.
At the new position Dupri would oversee artists on the whole Island Def Jam label. He will also report to Chairman and former LaFace Records CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid.
"I'm so excited to be reunited with L.A. Reid because most of my biggest hits were when he and I worked together," Dupri said.
Dupri's history of making hit songs like Usher's "Burn," Mariah Carey's "Shake it Off" and "Don't forget About Us," also made him a shoe in for the job.
"Jermaine's career has grown from strength to strength over the years, as a producer and songwriter and recording artist in his own right, as a respected label executive and entrepreneur, and as a highly esteemed developer of new talent," Reid said.
Fans will now be able to see female rapper Remy Ma more often thanks to her own reality show set to debut at the end of the year.
"I'm just in the process of getting my build on," Remy Ma said. "I can't talk about yet but it's crazy and it's coming."
The show will go alongside her sophomore album, PunishHer, also due at the end of the year. The album will feature her female rap group made up of DTP's Shawnna and Jackie-O.
After her hits "Conceited" and "Whuteva," Rem is hitting harder with the new album which will talk about the things has went through over the years.
"The album and the title will reflect all of the struggles and hardships she's had to endure such as Big Pun dying, Loud folding, leaving Terror Squad, issues with Joe and Universal, and lack of label support on Something About Remy LP," Remy's management said.
R. Kelly's been hospitalized. The singer was admitted to a Miami hospital with appendicitis. His lawyers spoke to the press on Tuesday regarding R's recovery.
"He was admitted on the 4th of February, and he was operated on shortly after admission," Gillespie said to the Chicago Sun Times. "He's recuperating fine."
Unfortunately, this will cause legal problems as well. This will cause him to miss a status hearing at the Criminal Courthouse in Chicago.
That case has been highly publicized, The case stems from accusations that R. Kelly had sex with, taped and urinated on an under-aged girl.
In related news, The R is readying a new LP after working with Snoop Dogg on his latest single. Expect to hear more from R on various tracks, remixes, mixtapes and more.

Nas Speaks On "Where Are They Now"

The man who shook the world by claiming Hip-Hop is dead, also made a point to ask a question: Where are they now? Through rhymes, the man gave love to some forgotten rhymin' heroes.
What caused Nas to do this?

"The first and second VH1 Hip-Hop Honors was mind-blowing. The last one, it could have been tighter. When it comes to awards, we never get the love. All of us new artists — new compared to them — it never gets shown in the right light," Nas told MTV. "I love the '80s, especially because I'm a '80s baby. Them dudes made the '90s n---as wanna do it. Especially Shan, he was reppin' my 'hood before I could even stay out past 8 p.m. When I heard Sha Rock, I was blown out my socks. I love Sha Rock. I saw her in 'Beat Street' and started loving her. Then I found out about the Funky 4 + 1."

Nas also noted the importance of remembering those who paved the way, but are no longer in the spotlight.

"The people we hear from, we know where they at. The KRS Ones, people like that will pop up here and there. That wasn't the point of my song," Nas added. "The point of my song was about people who have not been talked about, that some people don't even know about, but were real serious on the scene. My team contacted them. I heard the verse of Redhead Kingpin, I was blown away. Das EFX? Blown away!"
Could this be something more than just a song?

"First we wanted to get it out to people and just enjoy it...Now we're thinking about going in on a TV show to find out where them n---as was at. I wanna see. These muthaf----s ain't old to me. And if they are old, that's nothing to take away from them. Man, these muthaf---s are interesting people. They're part of the whole foundation. They are the blocks, them big boulders underneath the pretty surfaces. They need to be looked at like that. Even if it's for a second, let's be real, you can't expect all these n---as to drop new albums, but it's good to see that they still here. They ain't gotta come out and go platinum, they can do different sh--. It's just good to show love."

Will he take the show on the road?
"So far it's tentatively titled 'Nas: One Man, One Mic, One Night.' It's in every city and every country in the world."

RIP Big Pun/Son Starts Rap Career, Ebro, Nelly/JD

Today marks the seven year anniversary of the death of Bronx, NY rapper Christopher "Big Punisher" Rios. Pun, born Nov. 10, 1971, died on Feb. 7, 2000 of a fatal heart attack. He is survived Liza Rios, his two daughters and his son, who now raps under the moniker "Baby Pun." Pun's son is signed to Foundation Records, the label Big Pun founded before he died, that is now headed up by his widow, Liza Rios. Tomorrow, (Feb. 8), a who's who in Hip-Hop will honor Big Pun's legacy at a tribute event taking place at club Duvet in New York. Rappers like Baby Pun, Cuban Link, Triple Seis, Remy Ma, Joell Ortiz and Capicu will give performances, while Hip-Hop royalty like Kool G Rap, the Beatnutz, Busta Rhymes and others are slated to attend. Assistant PD & Music Director Ebro Darden has been promoted to the top spot as Program Director at New York's Hot 97. Darden, 32, replaces John Dimick, who was Program Director of Hot 97 since November 2004. Dimick accepted a position as VP of Programming & Operations for Lincoln Financial. Darden, who also serves as host of MTV2's "Sucker Free" countdown, joined Hot 97 as Music Director and Assistant Program Director in 2003, after previous radio experience in Sacramento and Portland. "Ebro's involvement has been fundamental to the success of HOT 97," Emmis- New York Market Manager Dan Halyburton said. "His product knowledge, commitment and passion for winning make him the perfect person to lead HOT 97." Darden will begin his new duties in early March. Nelly and Jermaine Dupri will host the "So SoDerrty Experience" during the NBA's All Star weekend. The pair will host a series of exclusive events along with celebrities like Bow Wow, Pharrell, TI, Carmelo Anthony, Floyd Mayweather, Akon, Lil Wayne, Chingy, & Cedric The Entertainer and others. The festivities take place at the Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino starting on Feb. 15 with a "Tip Off Concert" that will feature Bow Wow, Akon, Chingy, Lil Wayne Ali+Gipp, St. Lunatics and The Clipse. On Friday, Feb. 16, the pair will host the "Poker with the Stars Tournament," which will feature poker pros and amatuers competing for a cash prize. The party continues later in the evening, when Nelly, Jermaine Dupri* and Pharrell host the "Rat Pack Party." On Saturday, the "Big Ticket Party" takes place and will be hosted by Nelly, Jermaine Dupri, TI, Lil Wayne, Carmelo Anthony and Floyd Mayweather. On Sunday, Cedric The Entertainer will headline the SoSo Derrty Celebrity Comedy Brunch. For ticket prices log on to www.sosoderrty.com.

N.O.R.E. Splits With Def Jam

Rapper N.O.R.E. has confirmed with AllHipHop.com that he has severed his ties with Def Jam and will no longer record for the label. The tumultuous relationship was marked by a studio album that was never released and in the past, N.O.R.E. voiced his displeasure about the lack of promotional support of his previous projects, including his Reggaeton album, Nore Y La Familia. The Queens native states that his decision to move on was purely business and there are no hard feelings. "I love Def Jam and every bit of history that we have together, but it's time to move on," N.O.R.E told AllHipHop.com. "I'm fully on my own and I want to be my own boss. There will not be a Jay-Z diss or an LA Reid diss record, because this is what I asked for." N.O.R.E. said executives granted him an early release from his contract. With his new found freedom, the rapper is free to explore his entrepreneurial side. "I've been in this game quite some time and it's time I own my material, as well as, ringtones and masters," N.O.R.E. continued. "I'm just grateful to have a chance to show my executive side. So it's about time and I'm very thankful to all of the Def Jam personnel and staff. I still have great relationships in the building." While N.O.R.E was coy about whether he's planning to re-sign with a major or go the independent route, he confirmed that he has several offers on the table. "I won't speak about my eggs before they hatch, but I will tell you the meetings have been going pretty good and I'm still weighing the independent distribution, route. So hanghang too all and too all a hanghang." In addition to keeping himself busy with a new untitled solo project, N.O.R.E is recording a new studio album with CNN (Capone-N-Noreaga) member Capone.

Rated X Vixens Team Up With Bumsquad DJ's To Expand Network

The Rated X Vixens, a group progressive women from across the country, have joined together to create a sisterhood for women making a name for themselves in all areas of entertainment. The group, founded in 2005 by XM radio's DJ Nina 9, represents a collective group of female managers, artists, DJ's, writers, on-air personalities, publicists, promoters, and more. "The best part of the being a Vixen is that it's a genuine network of help and support for one another," Nina 9 said. "We all have made some type of name for ourselves so we understand the struggle and are more than willing to give a fellow sister a hand up." The women are hand selected based on their accomplishments, and represent the best of the best in their fields. Named the official female squad of the Bumsquad DJ coalition, the Vixens are taking their network to another plateau. "I created the Bumsquad DJ's to create a family environment where we can grow and build together," says Universal/Motown VP Latin Prince, "Now that we have a squad of sister's whose grind is as major as the Bumsquad's the family is complete." A few notable Vixens Include. S.E.A"s 2006 #1 Female Air Personality, Cristal Bubblin, Radio One on-air personality April Watts, Infamous G-Unit's Gail Gotti, Fashion Designer/Rapper Big Chan (formerly Doggy's Angels) as well as Tour Manager/Mixshow coordinator and official Bum Squad Board member Cee Luv. Last years Bumsquad Family Reunion hosted over 150's DJ who came together to network in a family based atmosphere, building connections with artists and collaborating on projects. The combined squads are preparing for their second annual reunion to be held in Los Angeles this summer.

Nas "Carries On Tradition," Unleashes Two More Remixes

Nas has unveiled two more remixes of "Where Are They Now," from his Def Jam debut Hip Hop Is Dead featuring some of the 80's and the West Coast's most notable emcees.
The 80's remix of "Where Are They Now" features MC Shan, Dana Dane, Raheem of Furious Five, Kool Moe Dee , Grandmaster Caz of The Cold Crush Brothers , Doctor Ice of UTFO, Sha Rock of Funky Four +1, Pebblee Poo , Tito of Fearless Four, Lique of X Clan and Just Ice.
Nas's West Coast remix has verses from Breeze, Kam, King Tee, Candyman, Threat, Ice-T, Sir Mix-A-Lot and the Conscious Daughters, with scratches from DJ Bobcat.
The 90's remix of "Where Are They Now," which appeared on SOHH yesterday(January 31), featured appearances from Father MC, Monie Love, Positive K, Das Efx and Rob Base, among others.
In related news, Nas will be making an appearance on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel" on Saturday at 12 a.m. ET where he will perform Hip Hop Is Dead's second single, "Cant Forget About You."

RZA Speaks on New Bobby Digital Album, Afro Samurai Soundtrack

Anyone wondering whether Wu-Tang Clan rapper/producer RZA will resurrect his rhyming alter ego Bobby Digital for another musical run can rest easy.
The lyricist, recently entered the studio to lay down tracks for a new Digital album. RZA, born Robert Diggs, admits to having fun working on the project which is he said was tentatively titled DigiSnacks.
"Yeah yeah, I'm wilin' out," RZA told AllHipHop.com. "I just got serious about it for the last two months really. We buggin' out on there. We having a good time, Grizzly Adams style. It's grizzly."
While he prepares to unleash Bobby Digital, RZA can be heard on the score and soundtrack for the new film Afro-Samurai.
Composing the film's music proved to be a challenge for the versatile beatmaker as he found himself relying on other means in light of not receiving the film beforehand.
"The music was done before the animation. I had to work off of something called Animatics, it's just like storyboards, that moves," RZA explained. "It was kind of deep for my but I did it. A little harder than normal, but I did it."
Based on a graphic novel by Takashi Okazaki, Afro Samurai is an animated series starring Samuel L. Jackson as a black samurai who is out to avenge the death of his father by hunting for the gunman responsible.
The film's soundtrack, featuring Big Daddy Kane, GZA, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli and the extended Wu Tang Family, is in stores now.
The Afro Samurai show, which recently premiered on Spike TV, is scheduled to be released on DVD this spring.
The Wu-Tang Clan also recently announced a reunion album titled 8 Diagrams, the group's first album in over six years.

Man Who Shot Security Guards At Kanye Concert Gets Life

A man that shot two security guards during Kanye West's performance at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Arena in the United Kingdom in Feb. of 2006 has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the shooting.
Abidan Raphael, 27, was ejected from the NEC Arena with his girlfriend Joanne Bushell, 22, twice for attempting to enter the Kanye West concert, without a ticket.
The concert was the final date on West's five-date Touch The Sky Tour, which wrapped up at the NEC Arena. Over 12,000 people in attended the concert, which was in progress when the shooting occurred.
Prosecutors said Raphael and others had been found by security guards in an area of a bar that had been close and were promptly thrown out of the venue.
Later, security guards spotted Raphael and Bushell in the concert hall and escorted them out of the building a second time.
Raphael then produced a handgun and fired six bullets, four of which struck 46-year-old John Tough in the face, stomach and foot. Another guard was shot in the abdomen.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the two stewards who were injured last night," West said shortly after the shooting.
A jury found Raphael guilty of three charges of attempted murder and other firearms and assault violations.
Bushell was convicted of assisting Raphael and sentenced to three years in prison.

Kenneth 'Supreme' McGriff Found Guilty Of Murder Conspiracy

A jury has found Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff guilty of killing two rivals in 2001.
The jury reached a verdict today (Feb. 1) after five days of deliberation and found McGriff guilty of paying $50,000 to gun down rivals Troy Singleton and Eric "E Money Bags" Smith.
McGriff was convicted of murder conspiracy and drug dealing charges for masterminding the 2001 slayings of Smith and Troy Singleton, reputed rival drug dealers.
McGriff ordered surveillance of Smith, who was gunned down in his SUV in July 2001.
The government accuses McGriff of ordering the murder to avenge the death of Colbert "Black Just" Johnson and for allegedly assaulting Murder Inc. mogul Irv Gotti.
Singleton was murdered execution style in 2001. He was shot four times, in the body and head outside a sports bar, the Club Van Wyck in Queens.
Prosecutors allege McGriff ordered Singleton's slaying as revenge for an earlier double homicide Singleton allegedly committed.
Officials have claimed that McGriff secretly controlled rap label Murder Inc, which was founded by mogul Irv "Gotti" Lorenzo and is home to superstars like rapper Ja Rule and songstress Ashanti.
Gotti and his brother Christopher Lorenzo were acquitted of laundering millions of dollars in drug proceeds for McGriff in 2005.
McGriff was the founder of The Supreme Team, a Queens, NY based drug dealing organization that was chronicled in Ethan Brown's book Queen's Reign's Supreme: Fat Cat, 50 Cent and The Hip-Hop Hustler.
McGriff's attorneys maintain that he stopped dealing drugs in the 1980's to pursue a legitimate career in the music industry.
A jury will decide if McGriff will face the death penalty for his crime, although Federal Judge Frederic Block said that it was unlikely McGriff would get the death penalty.
"There's no chance in the world there would be a death-penalty verdict in this case," Judge Block wrote in a letter. "This is an absurd prosecution, based upon what I have heard...If I'm wrong, I will have egg on my face, but I will not be incorrect."
McGriff's attorneys maintain that he stopped dealing drugs in the 1980's to pursue a legitimate career in the music industry.

Popular Hampton Roads, Virginia DJ Dies