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**WORD ON THA BLOCK:
50 SAYS HE WONT WORK WITH GAME ON DETOX.
50 Cent said he's open to working with Dre again to break another MC.
"We were actually talking about a new artist, working together on a new project," 50 Cent told MTV. "I said, 'Just because we had a car accident, that doesn't mean we're not going to drive again — it just means we had an accident with that one.' He laughed at me. He said, 'All right. I'll give it a try,' because he was unsure about how I would feel about helping with another new artist," he continued. "Obviously Dre can create the best possible production for the artist and groom him to the right space. But going to introduce him to the general public would be something you want 50 to go do." 50 has vowed never to work with Game again. And even though Game has reunited with Dre for the Detox LP as well as his own R.E.D. Album, 50 says he wouldn't consider jumping on a record featuring Game. "No," Fif said flatly when asked what his response would be to Dre's request for a reunion collaboration. "No, I wouldn't do it. I'd be on a record, on a song, on the Detox album, but not on that record with Game. That's not making a song, that's making an event — things for people to talk about. ... So there's a verse there that you think would be great for both of us, I just say, 'Erase his verse and put something in better than that.' "
RAPINDUSTRY.COM TALK RADIO ( Week of 11-11 )
Beans vs Hov, 50's involvement, Twitter, Myspace, & Facebook frauds...Why you frontin'?
plus.. what's what in the news.... LISTEN HERE
BEANS AND 50 UNVEIL NEW TRACK. ( LISTEN HERE )
Beanie Sigel dropped his brand new joint featuring 50 Cent. The new track “I Go Off” is the latest chapter in 50 Cent and Beanie Sigel’s ongoing war of words with rapper Jay-Z. 50 riffs-- “You changed man. You let the money change you Jay..you’s a ‘pass the Grey Poupon’ ass nigga. Nigga feed the wolves or the wolves eat you. Eat your ass alive.. Your move nigga."
50 AND VIVICA HOOK UP AGAIN?
50 Cent recently announced that he has patched things up with his former boo Vivica Fox and she will be appearing in his next video. Fif made the announcement when being questioned about rumours surrounding his love life by Houston's Hot 97.9. "I did a video with Ciara a long time ago and that started those conversations. I just did 'Baby By Me' with Kelly Rowland and then they say we're together a little bit," 50 said. “Wait till they see my next video. What are they gonna say when they see Vivica Fox?" .. "We were cool, we had good relationship for a short period but we weren't ready for it. I wasn't ready for it," said 50. The next video from 50 Cent is "Do You Think About Me".
SIRIUS XM CHAIRMAN STEPS DOWN.
Sirius XM Radio announced that Gary Parsons has resigned as a Director and Chairman of the company’s Board of Directors. The Board has appointed Eddy W. Hartenstein, an independent director, to serve as non-executive Chairman. Parsons was founder of XM Satellite Radio and was the Chairman of XM Satellite Radio, prior to the merger of SIRIUS and XM. Hartenstein is Publisher of the Los Angeles Times and will remain in that position. "I could not be more proud of everything that has been accomplished in satellite radio," said Parsons. "It has been a true honor to serve the stockholders of these companies since founding through delivery of an unparallel service to millions of loyal and devoted subscribers. While it has been a privilege to serve Sirius XM as Chairman and to have guided the company successfully through the merger of Sirius and XM, I believe now is the right time to step aside. As Sirius XM, we have achieved significant synergies while bringing together two incredibly talented teams and unique service offerings. Moreover, despite the challenging economic environment, we have begun to generate positive cash flow and have substantially improved our financial condition. While challenges remain, I’m confident that under the direction of Mel Karmazin and with the assistance of Eddy Hartenstein, Sirius XM will continue to grow and flourish."
LUDACRIS HOSTS CONJURE MIX OFF.
Chris "Ludacris" Bridges teamed with the Gansevoort South Beach to host the Miami Mix Off, where South Florida's best mixologists battled to create the best Conjure cocktail. Contestants
included mixologists from The Shore Club, Delano, Au Pied de Cochon, the Gansevoort, Love Hate Lounge, Meat Market, and Prime 112. The night's "Best Drink" was selected by a prestigious panel of judges that included Jay Law, Gansevoort South's master mixologist; Kim Birkedal Hartmann, co-owner of Conjure and Birkedal Hartmann Cognac; and of course "It was incredible to see the ingredients the mixologists used," said Kim Birkedal Hartmann. "When we created Conjure with Chris we wanted to make something people could have fun with. Tonight's competition proved we succeeded." The Luda, created by Kelly Frie from Miami's Meat Market, received the honor of "Best Drink." Frie was awarded $1,000 and her drink, which includes ingredients like pineapple, thyme and Conjure, will appear on menus of restaurants and clubs throughout South Florida through the month of November. "The Conjure Mix Off was a huge success thanks to all the mixologists who entered the contest," said Chris Bridges. "There is no limit with what you can serve Conjure with. I am definitely looking forward to more competitions like this one."
MJ'S THIS IS IT TOPS $200 MILLION!
Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT has reached a box office gross of $200 million worldwide, Sony Pictures Entertainment announced today. The film has taken in $61 million domestically and more than $140 million internationally. Commenting on the announcement, Jeff Blake, Chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution said, "Moviegoers and film critics everywhere have truly embraced this celebration of Michael Jackson and his music. This special film documents Michael's creative genius. We are seeing repeat business throughout the world because this movie is so rich with Michael performing his most renowned and recognized songs while offering such a unique, never-before-seen perspective on his artistry. Kenny Ortega and the filmmaking team did a brilliant job of capturing Michael creating a masterwork and it's a genuine thrill to see audiences respond to the film as they have." Outside of North America, the film has performed best in such countries as Japan ($27.2 million), UK ($14.3 million), Germany ($12.1 million), France ($12.1 million) and Australia ($7.2 million).
OFFICIAL LIL BOOSIE STATEMENT: Lil Boosie New Sentencing
In a prepared statement for Rapindustry.com, the following statement was prepared:
Yesterday, November 9, 2009, Torrance Hatch, better known as the hit-making Rapper, Lil' Boosie, was sentence to four years in the Louisiana Department of Corrections for 3rd Offense Possession of Marijuana, a felony in Louisiana. Judge Richard "Chip" Moore of the East Baton Rouge Parish Court handed down a ten year sentence today, but suspended six years, which will allow Hatch be released in as little as 16 months on parole or approximately 21 months with good behavior. When Hatch originally entered a guilty plea in September, the Court promised Hatch a sentence of two years if Hatch abided by all conditions of bond pending sentencing. These conditions included an electronic ankle monitoring device and prior court approval to leave home for any purpose, including promotion of his Top Ten release of "SuperBad: The Return of Boosie Bad Azz." Hatch violated this agreement and thus received a more severe sentence than originally contemplated. Hatch AKA Lil Boosie was remanded yesterday.
Boosie, himself, has written the following statement:
"I made some very foolish choices, but I was doing the best I could to provide for my family before I went away to jail. Clearly I exercised terrible judgment and I hope to get the opportunity to prove that I can make great decisions for my family and the community in the future. Boosie may be gone but he won't be forgotten. He recently put the finishing touches on the feature film: "Ghetto Stories: The Movie" due out early 2010 and has just wrapped shooting the DVD: "Boosie The Last Days."
Trill Entertainment
RICK ROSS EXPLAINS WHY HE IS REMIXING 50 CENT SINGLE.
Rick Ross recently sat down in an interview to explain his reason behind remixing 50 Cent’s new “Baby By Me” single. He also shares his thoughts on 50's new album “Before I Self Destruct” -- after it recently leaked. Ross says that he was motivated to remix the track because of the production the song features. ”Nah, nah, I just had to touch that beat and do it properly,” Ross jokingly admitted. “Nah, I just touched it and did a verse on there. If they want it for the album, get at me. My engineer, he was online and 50's album was even worse than we originally thought. I was like it couldn’t be. So they downloaded it and I heard it. It was a beat or two on there that was cool but for the most part, you know, it is what it is. 50 Cent was actually surprised by learning Rick Ross remixed his single. “I’ve never seen a bigger fraud in hip-hop with Rick Ross,” Fif explained in an interview. “He Just did a remix to ‘Baby by Me.’ It’ll count as a spin for my record. He’s an idiot. I’d be upset if my baby’s momma was out there. He’s broke. His last album sold 300,000 copies. Triple C's Custom Cars & Cycles just like sold 4,000 records.”
COOLIO TO REPLACE DMX IN MMA BATTLE?
As reported earlier, DMX was slated to jump in the ring against fighter Eric Martinez next month but the rapper pulled out citing safety concerns. The promoter for the fight, Thunder Promotions, claimed that DMX wanted the fight fixed and they shot down his request. According to TMZ, Coolio will now be taking on Martinez in Alabama on December 12th. Does anybody believe that these artists will ever enter the ring? lol
KATT WILLIAMS ARRESTED ON BURGLARY CHARGES.
Comedian Katt Williams has reportedly been arrested on burglary and criminal trespassing charges in Georgia. Police revealed that they recieved a phonecall from an unidentified homeowner on Sunday night (November 8) claiming that Williams had broken into their home and stolen items which included jewelry. Other details were not revealed. According to The Associated Press, he is currently in custody at a Georgia jail and a judge is expected to set bond during his arraignment later today (November 9).
FORMER CASH MONEY RAPPER ARRESTED ON GUN CHARGES.
Former Cash Money rapper B.G. was reportedly arrested on a felony gun charge in New Orleans last week. According To New Orleans local news, He was arrested in eastern New Orleans and booked into jail on a felony gun charge, police said. Christopher Dorsey, aka B.G. was arrested Tuesday night following a traffic stop in which officers recovered three guns, two of which were reported stolen, according to the New Orleans Police Department. Dorsey, 29, was booked with illegal carrying of weapons. He appeared in magistrate court Thursday morning, but the status of his incarceration, such as bond information, was not listed Thursday night in electronic court records maintained by the Criminal Sheriff's Office. Police said Dorsey was arrested along with the two others in the vehicle, Demounde Pollard, 17, and Jerod Fedison, 28. Officers from the NOPD's 7th District halted the late-model Chevrolet Tahoe after watching it commit a traffic violation, police said. They seized the three weapons, along with loaded magazines and two extended magazine clips, according to a police news release. Fedison and Dorsey were each booked with illegal carrying of a firearm, according to court records. Pollard was booked on multiple drug charges -- including possession of hydrocodone, oxycodone and alprazolam -- and two counts of illegal possession of stolen firearms, and a count of illegal carrying of a weapon. Dorsey, who hails from Uptown, is a solo artist and a member of the Hot Boys ensemble, which boasts such big names as Lil Wayne, Juvenile and Young Turk. He signed with Cash Money Records at the age of 13. A former drug dealer who admitted to dabbling in heroin, he released an album several years ago with the Chopper City Boyz that debuted at No. 20 on a Billboard Chart. He also became chief executive officer of Chopper City Records, a Metairie-based label. Dorsey has been arrested several times this year. He was arrested in New Orleans in June and booked into jail on drug charges. He is scheduled to appear in court next week on that case. He was also briefly held in jail this summer on an outstanding warrant from Texas, court records show, without indicating the nature of that case. The case was dropped a month later. He was also arrested in March on drug charges in Jefferson Parish, according to court records. Prosecutors dismissed the case in August.
TECH N9NE HAS #1 INDEPENDENT ALBUM IN THE COUNTRY.
Add another T.K.O. to TECH N9NE’s scorecard. The Billboard Chart results are in after K.O.D.’s first week of release: #1 Indie Album, #2 Rap Album, #14 in Top 200, #16 iTunes Album Overall. Complementing TECH N9NE’s audio attack is an equally impressive visual assault: After an Oct. 27 All Day Premiere, Tech’s “Leave Me Alone” video is currently #1 on MTV University and was recently added to rotation on MTV JAMS. With memorable features from Academy Award winners Three 6 Mafia, Strange Music affiliates Krizz Kaliko, Brotha Lynch Hung and Kutt Calhoun, K.O.D. allows TECH N9NE to paint the most vivid pictures he’s ever attempted. Powered by tracks like “Leave Me Alone” and “Show Me A God,” K.O.D. is a cathartic masterpiece offering his most personal songs yet. Transforming his passion and pain into creative product for his ever-growing fanbase, TECH N9NE continues to reach new heights and career benchmarks. In 2008, he surpassed 1 million collective units SoundScanned, making him the most successful independent Hip-Hop artist in history.
SIRIUS ANNOUNCES 3RD QUARTER RESULTS.
SIRIUS XM Radio today announced third quarter 2009 financial and operating results, including $106 million in pro forma adjusted income from operations, marking the company's fourth consecutive quarter of positive pro forma adjusted income from operations. The company also announced a 19% decrease in pro forma total cash operating expenses compared to the same quarter last year. "We are very pleased with what we accomplished during the third quarter, especially when considering the macroeconomic issues affecting consumers and the auto industry," said Mel Karmazin, SIRIUS XM's CEO. "We managed to grow revenue, grow ARPU, reduce operating costs, increase adjusted income from operations significantly, and refinance higher cost debt. We look forward to continuing this performance. We grew subscribers and improved churn in the quarter, and we are well positioned to take advantage of an economic rebound. We expect to grow subscribers, revenue, and cash flow next year regardless of the magnitude of any recovery." Third quarter 2009 pro forma total revenue was $630 million, up 3% from third quarter 2008 pro forma total revenue of $613 million. Third quarter 2009 pro forma subscription revenue was $587 million, up 3% from the third quarter 2008 pro forma subscription revenue of $572 million. Pro forma amounts exclude the effects of stock-based compensation, purchase accounting adjustments, and assume the merger of SIRIUS and XM occurred on January 1, 2008. Monthly average revenue per subscriber (ARPU) was $10.87 in the third quarter 2009, up 3% from $10.51 in the third quarter 2008. SIRIUS XM ended the third quarter 2009 with 18,515,730 total subscribers, a decrease of 2% from the third quarter 2008 pro forma total
subscribers of 18,920,911 and an increase of 102,295 from the second quarter 2009 subscribers of 18,413,435. Self-pay subscribers were 15,456,748, up 266,160 from the 15,190,588 self-pay subscribers in the third quarter 2008 and up 35,405 from the second quarter 2009. The self-pay
monthly customer churn rate was 2.0% in the third quarter 2009, in-line with the second quarter 2009, and up from a pro forma 1.7% churn rate in the third quarter 2008. Ending promotional subscribers were 3,058,982 in the third quarter 2009. Sirius XM affirmed its year 2009 guidance of over $400 million in pro forma full-year adjusted income from operations. "We expect the company's cash flow growth momentum to continue into 2010, and we project full-year adjusted income from operations to increase approximately 20 percent next year," said Karmazin. Based upon assumed 2010 automobile sales of 11.3 million units, Sirius XM expects to achieve positive full-year subscriber growth in 2010. The company also expects 2010 revenue growth of mid- to high-single digits, and growth in free cash flow compared to 2009. "While the near future's macroeconomic performance is extremely difficult to predict, our business has reached sufficient scale to allow us to continue to grow cash flow," Karmazin added.
USHER ANNOUNCES VIP FRAGRANCE CAMPAIGN.
Usher Raymond IV -- global superstar, singer, composer, producer, film and television actor, businessman, philanthropist and fragrance designer is proud to introduce Usher VIP, an ambitious and confident new fragrance for men. The print campaign for Usher VIP was shot in Los Angeles at the Sunset Towers by famed photographer Mario Testino. "I consider fragrance to be one of the most important tools of engagement for seduction. With Usher VIP I created a gentlemen's scent, which would also appeal to women," said Usher. "Women tell me they love the scent of a man and I wanted to create that sense of confidence and style that women desire. VIP is a state of mind which is about what you do with that confidence and how you make an impact in the lives of those around you." The debut of Usher VIP comes in anticipation of the release of his new album due out in early 2010. "With Usher's recent accomplishments over the past few years, he wanted to create a new refined fragrance that would represent new ways for him to express himself to his fans," said Art Spiro, Executive Vice President, Liz Claiborne Brands, Elizabeth Arden. "Through Usher VIP, Usher has captured the essence of his self-assurance and poise and utilized it to create a fresh and masculine scent to allow all to be a VIP."
GAME'S ALBUM PUSHED BACK TO 2010.
Game's upcoming album, The R.E.D. Album won't be released until next year now. Game announced on his twitter yesterday (November 5) that his latest album will be hitting stores in February. "Last night at the Aftermath Headquarters was classic," wrote Game. " Me, Stat Quo and Dre got it in all night. R.E.D. Album's new release is 2/16/10"
YOUNG JOC RELEASED FROM BLOCK ENT.
In a recent interview rapper Young Joc has confirmed that he has been released from Block Entertainment. He said, "I just got my release and one of the terms of the release was a defamation clause, so honestly, I can't really talk about it too much. I've been released, severed the business ties. May God bless them and their regime, but I'm doing my own thing now." He also spoke about his own label Swagg Team Ent. and a potential label deal with Jive Records. "That's my label. I'm actually working on deals for that as well. Jive is actually the first to put a deal on the table, but there are some other competitors in the marketplace for the label. I'm just trying to make it work and hopefully it will all make sense."
RIHANNA SPEAKS ABOUT HER AND CHRIS BROWN.
In her first interview of the year, Rihanna opens up about the past year, how it inspired her new album and her message to girls. For her courageous comeback and philanthropy, the magazine will honor Rihanna as a Glamour Woman of the Year at its gala awards ceremony at Carnegie Hall on Monday, November 9. For Glamour's December issue, Rihanna joins 11 other inspiring Women of the Year winners featured in the magazine, on newsstands November 10. Rihanna also talks about her passion working on the Believe Foundation, a fund she started in 2006
to provide educational and medical supplies to needy children. "Rihanna's clearly a superstar for her music and style alone -- but in breaking her silence about what she calls the 'big secret' of domestic violence, she's also sending an important message to young women that they
too can move on, and succeed, after personal challenges," says Glamour editor-in-chief Cindi Leive. Here, a few highlights from the interview:
On the ordeal with ex-boyfriend Chris Brown: "I went to sleep as Rihanna and woke up as Britney Spears. That was the level of media chaos that happened the next day."
On
her message to young women: "My story was broadcast all over the
world for people to see, and they have followed every step of my recovery.
The positive thing that has come out of my situation is that people can learn
from that. I want to give as much insight as I can to young women, because
I feel like I represent a voice that really isn't heard. Now I can help speak
for those women."
On
her new album: "I've put everything I've wanted to say for the past
eight months into my music. [My new album] is super fearless -- which is exactly
how I feel right now. I am in a really good place."
On
relationships: "I want to find love in the next 10 years -- that
will be pretty annoying if I am 31 and still have never been in love!"
On
how she made it back: "My friends and family have been extremely
supportive, and everyone has been there for me. But at some point you are
there alone. It's a lonely place to be -- no one can understand. That's when
you get close to God."
UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP'S CEO TO STEP DOWN.
Universal
Music Group CEO Doug Morris will be stepping down from his position in the
summer of 2010. Morris will be succeeded by international chief Lucian Grainge.
BusinessWeek says that Morris who has overseen Universal Music’s operations
for the last 15 years—plans to step down as CEO next summer; he will
hold on to the title of chairman. Grainge, the former chairman and CEO of
Universal Music U.K. and Ireland, was promoted to his current position as
chairman and CEO of Universal Music International in May 2005. As BusinessWeek
points out, at Universal, Morris has been known for his efforts to introduce
digital music offerings—including the soon-to-launch music video site
Vevo. Morris turns 71 this month.
EMINEM ADDED TO AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS LINEUP
Eminem
will perform at the American Music Awards, making him the latest addition
to a line-up of previously announced acts that includes Jay-Z, Alicia Keys,
Jennifer Lopez, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry,
and Adam Lambert. The news that Lady Gaga will also perform at the show leaked
on Friday. The American Music Awards will air live from the NOKIA Theatre
L.A. Live on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. on ABC.
50 CENT, B.E.P, AND SCHWAYZE CONFIRM VEGAS FOR NEW YEARS EVE.
Nightlife
and entertainment leader PURE Management Group (PMG) today announced that
50 Cent will ring in 2010 at PURE Nightclub with a very special New Year's
Eve performance. "We are thrilled to welcome 50 Cent to PURE Nightclub
to be a part of one of the most exciting nights of the year in Las Vegas,"
said Michael Gilmartin, director of public relations for PURE Management Group.
"50 Cent is one of the top artists in the world, so what better place
for him to perform than at PURE Nightclub, one of the hottest nightlife venues
in the world." PMG also announced that The Black Eyed Peas will help
patrons ring in 2010 at a very special New Year's Eve celebration at LAX Nightclub.
"Las Vegas is the ultimate destination for New Year's Eve and what better
place to celebrate than one of the city's hottest nightlife venues,"
said Michael Gilmartin, director of public relations for PURE Management Group.
"We are very excited to welcome The Black Eyed Peas to LAX Nightclub,
a group that has essentially coined the upbeat party anthem for today's generation."
Shwayze Will also Keep the Crowd 'Buzzin'' With a New Years Eve Performance
at Christian Audigier The Nightclub "We are thrilled to welcome Shwayze
to Christian Audigier The Nightclub for this very special occasion,"
said Michael Gilmartin, director of public relations for PURE Management Group.
"Shwayze's fun and eclectic music
pairs perfectly with the vibe of Christian Audigier and we look forward to
an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration."
CAPITOL RECORDS TEAMS UP WITH BLOCK ENTERTAINMENT
EMI
Music's Capitol Records continues building its urban roster by teaming up
with Atlanta based Block Entertainment, the formidable label with chart topping
success from artists such as Yung Joc, Boyz N' The Hood, and Gorilla Zoe For
its first project together, Block,will work with Capitol on a new release
from new rap artist Kollosus, whose album will debut in the spring of 2010.
Kollosus recently gained attention with his buzzworthy song, "Settin'
Standards," which featured fellow Atlanta all-star Gucci Mane. The single,
"Breakin' Bread," is heating up in the streets and headed to radio
in January 2010. "Block Entertainment is a force to be reckoned with
in the hip hop arena; they have continuously churned out undeniable hip hop
stars," said Leonard Brooks, SVP Urban A&R, EMI Music. "As we
grow Capitol's urban roster, this association with Block Entertainment makes
perfect sense. We are excited to sign Kollosus as well; he has a skillful
flow that reflects his years growing up in Atlanta and his Jamaican-born roots.
He has a unique sense of street swagger with a global appeal." "I
am tremendously excited to partner with Capitol Records, a company with a
proven track record in recognizing talent," said Russell "Big Block"
Spencer, CEO of Block Entertainment. "As an emerging voice of hip hop,
Kollosus promises to capture the attention of the discerning hip hop audience.
The collaboration between Capitol and Block Entertainment is vital to introducing
him to a wider audience."
THIS IS IT BRINGS IN OVER $100 MILL 1ST 5 DAYS.
After
Michael Jackson's This is It raked in $101 million worldwide in its first
five days, Sony has decided to extend the run of the film beyond its originally
planned two-week engagement. This Is It now will be in U.S. theaters through
Thanksgiving weekend, and Sony plans to extend the run of the movie overseas
on a country-by-country basis. The movie earned $21.3 million domestically
over the weekend, bringing its U.S. total to $32.5 million since it was released
on Wednesday. The totals easily made This Is It the #1 movie in America, beating
out the #2 thriller Paranormal Activity, which brought in $16.5 million. This
Is It also pulled in $68.5 million overseas, including $10.4 million in Japan,
$6.3 million in Germany, $5.8 million in France and $3.2 million in China,
according to Billboard.
DIDDY BRINGS SUCCESS TO CIROC.
According
to Bloomberg, sales for Circoc Vodka have jumped from 60,000 cases to 400,000
since Diddy's venture with liquor company Diageo in 2007. Diddy is a 50% equity
partner of Ciroc and receives half the brand’s profits. Diddy and Diageo
now plan to launch two new Ciroc flavors, coconut and red berry, later this
year.
FAT JOE ASSOCIATE MURDERED.
Brooklyn-bred
rapper Mike Beck—a member of Fat Joe's K.A.R. (Kill All Rats) crew—was
shot dead over the weekend. As of press time the exact details are unknown,
but several sources report that Beck fell victim to a botched robbery attempt
in his hometown late Friday night (October 30). Several rappers have sent
their condolences to the fallen MC over Twitter. N.O.R.E. was the first to
confirm Beck’s passing, typing, “Rest in peace he was a real dude
mike beck I did records for him n he ate in my crib n drank 2 fucked up my
weekend r I p.” Joey Crack, simply posted, “R.I.P. Mike Beck”
at about an hour and a half after Noreaga at 9 a.m. last Saturday.
HOV RESPONDS TO SIGEL DISS.
Jay-Z
says he did his part when it came to supporting Beanie Sigel. Over the weekend,
footage hit the Net of Jay at a press conference that reportedly took place
on October 30 in Toronto. A journalist asked Jay for his reaction to Beanie
going public with some grievances against Jay in his new song, "What
You Talkin' About (Average Cat)." Beanie apparently feels his material
wasn't promoted as heavily by the Roc boss as it could have been. "He
has a lot to complain about, not me," Jay started out in a jovial manner.
Then he got a little more serious. "Well, Beanie Sigel, at the time —
and you can look it up if you like, just to be honest — was driving two
Bentleys. I don't know how; it's impossible to drive two cars at one time.
With his momma in the sticks and selling 800,000 records, I don't know what
more you can do for somebody. What people choose to do when they attain of
success ... at some point you have to look in the mirror, and look at yourself.
Beanie Sigel had a record deal, a record label, and a clothing line —
and never went platinum, ever. I don't know in the history of rap has anyone
done so much with so little. I don't even know what more can you do for a
person at that point. A record deal, that's normal. A record label and a clothing
line? If that's not pushing a person, sh-- ..."
50 ANNOUNCES 10 CITY SCREENING TOUR.
This
November 50 Cent will be hitting the road to screen his latest film, BEFORE
I SELF DESTRUCT. The film is a coming of age story about an inner city youth
raised by a hardworking single mother. When his dream of becoming a basketball
player fails to materialize after his mother is tragically gunned down, Clarence
(played by Jackson) is consumed by revenge and takes up a life of crime in
order to support his younger brother. Both album and film will be released
on Shady/Aftermath on November 23, 2009.
| 2-Nov Boston 3-Nov Philadelphia 4-Nov DC 5-Nov NYC 7-Nov Atlanta |
9-Nov Chicago 10-Nov San Francisco 11-Nov Los Angeles 12-Nov Houston 13-Nov Dallas |
RAPINDUSTRY.COM TALK RADIO (The Halloween show)
The Halloween Show.. Lil Wayne's Jail time, Wayne VS Jay-Z debate.. Drake, is he a front? Kid Cudi, Mase, Gucci Mane, Is too much access to hip hop good or bad?, Whats what in the news and more... LISTEN HERE
BEANIE SIGEL EXPLAINS JAY-Z DISS. LISTEN HERE
Beanie Sigel goes in at Hov on a new joint "What You Talkin Bout (I Ain't Your Average Cat)." Sigel gives his take on his split from Jay-Z. "I'm a grown-ass man, I don't sit on n---as' laps/ I ain't looking for no gifts out of Santa Claus' sack," he raps. Sig dropped those same lines during the Powerhouse Concert last Friday in Philadelphia when he came out as Jadakiss' guest. The words were obviously a response to Jay's lines on "What We Talkin' About" off of The Blueprint 3. "How it feel to get exposed?" Sigs rhymes. "Don't you feel naked?/ I was a fly on the wall, sh-- I witnessed/ I can say sh-- that will make B look at you different." Beanie goes on to say that Jay-Z called the police to get him out of the recent Powerhouse concert in Philadelphia. Friday morning (October 30), Sigel called up Philadelphia radio station 100.3 and spoke with Charlamagne Tha God about how hard he used to ride for Jay and how Hov disappointed him. "I backed all his plays without even asking him. Jadakiss is not no walk in no park. Nas is not no walk in no park. These are dudes that could have ended my career," he said, referring to former Roc-A-Fella rhyme wars that have long since been buried. Beanie got into the heart of his falling-out with Jay during his interview with Charlamagne, saying that he hasn't spoken to Jay in more than two years. "I'm not really dissing Jay," Sigel explained. "It's certain parts in there where my emotions. ... It's an emotional record for me. When I listened to The Blueprint 3, I heard a lot of shots directed towards people. "I feel he gave out a lot of pairs of shoes on that album," Beanie added. "I felt my feet was meant for a couple of them." Beanie specifically mentioned the line "I heated up the Roc already, why can't y'all get hot already?" from "Already Home." "I understand Jay, you at a certain place in your career where everyone can't go," Sigel said. "You don't need Beanie Sigel in the building with a pre-perception that 'this crazy dude might do anything.' ... We taint his image, State Property and the place that he's at." Sigel also told Charlamagne that neither Jay-Z nor Dame Dash were fair when it came to paying State Property during their time on Roc-A-Fella Records. "I love the way 50 Cent did with his dawgs," he said. "If you look at it, them dudes got more money and more bread than anybody in State Property 'cause 50 made sure of that. 50 went on tour and paid them, not [telling] them 'it was a good look for them to be on the tour' and things like that. True story, I'm sitting on house arrest and the Young Gunz call my phone 'cause Jay-Z is only paying them $1200 a show and they had to split it." Source: Mtv
THIS IS IT GROSSES 2.2 MILLION.
On Tuesday night, Sony Pictures and Sony Music held 18 nearly simultaneous premieres around the world, with the biggest bash -- in Los Angeles' downtown L.A. Live complex -- sending a satellite simulcast to the other 17. Meanwhile, "This Is It" events were held in an additional 15 cities. The 6 p.m. Tuesday start time in Los Angeles translated to 2 a.m. Wednesday over most of Europe, meaning thousands of fans flocked to screenings in the middle of the night. The film is playing in roughly 3,500 theaters domestically. It opened in 99 countries including the U.S. and Canada, and expands to 110 territories around the world, with 15,000 prints, this weekend. Plans are for a two-week run. Sony already is starting to generate big returns for the $60 million it paid concert promoter AEG Entertainment for 100 hours of footage and distribution rights. The first showings of the film earned an estimated $2.2 million in Tuesday night shows domestically and roughly the same amount Wednesday, for a total $4.4 million for two days. Sony didn't have an international number as of midday Wednesday, but said the pic was doing equally well overseas, given the interest from fans in seeing what could have been Jackson's final concert. "The film was always about letting the fans see what Michael's dream for the show was all about," said director Kenny Ortega. The movie should easily top the $31 million opening weekend of Disney's 2008 "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour," which reps the highest-grossing opening for a concert film. "There was no runway for this, no two years of development," said Peter Schlessel, prexy of worldwide affairs for Sony Pictures' Worldwide Acquisitions Group. "From acquisition to release was three months. When we put our minds to something, we get it done." Sony executives declined to disclose financial details of the big-scale premiere, but the studio did manage to contain costs in several ways. The only after-party for the premiere took place in L.A., with food catered by Wolfgang Puck, who has a deal with L.A. Live for events, as well as by In-n-Out, Hot Dog on a Stick and Korean BBQ vendor Kogi. Sony turned L.A. Live's main courtyard into a glitzy red carpet, complete with crystal-clad women performing acrobatics inside massive Swarovski chandeliers hanging over the celebrities making the press rounds. The L.A. event boasted 5,500 guests and 120 new crews -- almost half of them from overseas, which was just one clue to the global blitz for the pic.
EM PLOTTING HORROR SERIES?
Reports are surfacing that Eminem is prepping the release of a series of horror films titled "Shady Talez". Reports say that the Detroit MC has plans to develop an anthology of flicks paying homage to some of the genre’s cult favorites, like Christine, Aliens and The Lost Boys. According to reports, Em would even have multiple acting roles in the project. XXL Mag spoke to the rap superstar’s publicist, Dennis Dennehy, who said nothing is set in stone thus far. “There’s been talks,” he said, “but I can’t confirm anything yet.”
SHYNE IS FREE IN BELIZE.
Rapper Shyne arrived in Belize at 2:40 pm local time Thursday evening October 28 on a Continental flight from Houston escorted by a U.S. Marshall following his deportation from the U.S. after serving almost nine years in a New York penitentiary for his role in a nightclub shooting in New York city. "Shyne is home. He wants to say how happy he is to be home and to be a free man. He would love to have a conversation with the media but because he was legally advised by Professor Ogletree, he must not speak to the media because he doesn't want to prejudice his situation with the US government or with the Belize government," said Shyne's uncle, Michael Finnegan, current Minister of Housing. The rapper was processed by local police authorities at the airport's V.I.P. lounge after which he was welcomed by his father Dean Barrow, Prime Minister of Belize, his mother Imeon Myvett and other members of his family and well wishers. Shyne arrived wearing a Harvard Law School sweatshirt, a full head of hair, headphones wrapped around his neck and sporting tzitzis reflecting his conversion to Judaism while in jail. "His residence at my place is two weeks away from completion so he has rented a complete floor at the Radisson Fort George Hotel," Finnegan added. " So every room on a floor was taken by him whether he will use it or not. He said that after going through the eight and a half years he has gone through, he needs some privacy, he needs not to be around anybody, he needs just to sit down in isolation and contemplate." The rapper, born Jamal Barrow, has relayed through his handlers that while Shyne is his stage name he would like to be called Moses Michael Leviy to reflect his conversion to Judaism. The government closed down the airport's public waving gallery and attempted to prevent the local media from covering his arrival but enterprising T.V. cameramen managed to get some footage through a chain link fence of Shyne entering the V.I.P. lounge and later exiting the airport. The rapper, contrary to previous reports, was not accompanied on the trip by Harvard Law Professor Charles Ogl etree who is trying to obtain a pardon to allow Shyne to get back to the U.S.A. One local radio station reported that Ogletree will visit Belize on Saturday and make a statement to the media.
MAN INVOVLED IN T.I.'S ENTOURAGE ATTACK PLEADS GUILTY.
The driver of a vehicle involved in an Ohio gun battle that killed a member of the rapper T.I.'s entourage during a wild highway chase has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and other charges. Forty-one-year-old Padron Thomas was initially charged with murder. But he struck a deal with prosecutors that allowed him to plead to lesser charges in exchange for testifying in December against his brother, who pulled the trigger. A judge on Wednesday scheduled a sentencing hearing for Nov. 17. Thomas faces 10 years in prison. He's already serving 17 years on unrelated federal drug charges. Thomas's younger brother, Hosea Thomas, was sentenced to 66 years in prison for shooting Philant Johnson in May 2006 after a T.I. concert in Cincinnati. Three others were injured in the shooting. The Grammy-winning Atlanta rapper wasn't hurt.
TWISTA TARGETS YOUTH VIOLENCE IN CHI TOWN.
Twista is aiming a message of peace at Chicago students in an effort to change the lives of troubled teens. Twista recently took a trip to Chicago's Roseland neighborhood to meet two of the teens involved in the fight that killed CPS student Derrion Albert in September. Carl Lowery and Eugene Bailey told the rapper about their efforts to put their lives back together after the incident. For Lowery, it meant getting expelled from school last week. "It's unfair," he said. "They're trying to make it seem like we weren't the victims when we really was." For Bailey, it meant jail time. We talked to him just 24 hours after he was released and the murder charge against him was dropped. He said during the weeks in jail, he sat awake worrying about his slain friend. "It wasn't really no sleep," Baily said. "Two or three hours of sleep and wake right back up. I was thinking no, this couldn't have happened." The teens seemed happy to meet Twista, who was raised on the West Side and grew up with similar obstacles. "I came up the same way you did," he said. "Public aid, drug problems in the family, you know, out there dealing with people selling drugs." Twista says his life as a teenager made him want to change his path in life. He's used music as a vehicle for that change and wants teens to understand that the life entertainers often portray on stage is a kind of financial tool. He says teens should use the tools they have to become successful the right way. A few weeks ago, the artist released a special mix "Save Our Students" -- a collection of rap releases devoted to Chicago Public Schools students. It's an effort to try to reach kids who are sometimes unwilling to listen to advice from ministers and other community leaders. "You've got to kind of figure out a cool way to talk to the kids sometimes," Twista said. In Roseland, students told us they realize they need alternatives to trouble. "We need activities," Baily said. "Things to do like basketball, football. Activities that we can get together and get involved in." And Twista pledges to meet the kids halfway. He says he's collaborating with Kanye West and other artists to raise money for activities for Chicago students. Five Star Limo pitched in, providing limousine service for Twista's trip to Roseland. The company says it's one of many willing to commit resources for Chicago youth. Meanwhile, Twista told us his next plan for his message of peace includes touring the country to visit youth centers.
CAMEO CARLSON PROMOTED TO EXECUTIVE VP OF UMRG.
Cameo Carlson has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Universal Motown Republic Group (UMRG), it was announced by Mel Lewinter, Chairman and CEO of the company, Sylvia Rhone, President of Universal Motown Records, and Monte Lipman, President of Universal Republic Records. Formerly, Ms. Carlson served as Senior Vice President of Digital Business Development for UMRG. Ms. Carlson currently manages digital music initiatives for all of the labels and artists under the UMRG umbrella. Since joining the company in 2007, she has aggressively pursued mobile, online and digital sales and promotions for artists such as Colbie Caillat, Kid Cudi, Drake, Amy Winehouse, Lil Wayne and Jack Johnson. "Cameo is a consummate professional whose expertise and commitment to our artists and our business have been invaluable," stated Mr. Lewinter. "We are pleased to expand the playing field for her even further with this well deserved promotion. In this new role, she will not only work to further integrate our digital initiatives across all of our labels, but will serve as our company's liaison with VEVO when it launches later this year." "The opportunity to work with Mel, Monte, Sylvia and the entire UMRG team has been a high-point of my professional career," added Ms. Carlson. "Our continuing investment in artists and digital initiatives provides us with a real formula for success that is unique to UMRG." While at UMRG, Ms. Carlson has enjoyed success with three of the ten biggest digital albums in history (Amy Winehouse's Back to Black, Jack Johnson's In Between Dreams, and Jack Johnson's Sleep Through the Static), breaking mobile ringtone records for first week sales (Lil Wayne's "Lollipop"), as well as achieving top-selling sales of all time (Lil Wayne's "Lollipop") and number of multi-platinum sales (Akon). In September 2008, Ms. Carlson was named one of the Top Mobile Executives by Billboard Magazine for her work at UMRG.
JAY-Z AND ALICIA KEYS TO PERFORM AT WORLD SERIES.
Jay-Z and Alicia Keys are set to perform "Empire State of Mind" on Wednesday, as the Yankees take on defending World Series champs, the Philadelphia Phillies. “Thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee,” Hov said in an interview Monday. He calls the opportunity a “once in a lifetime experience” and says though the jam has become an unofficial New York anthem, he’s not pushing for it to be the city’s theme song. “I’m not pitching it for anything, it’s just a song I made for New York City,” he said. “Really it’s about inspiration, it’s about hope — I think that’s what connects with people." The song connects outside of New York. Jay-Z will also be getting involved in the Broadway play, “Fela,” an Afrobeat musical about the life of Nigerian musician Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. “It’s kind of early,” he said of his involvement in the musical, which also finds Will and Jada Pinkett-Smith participating. “I went to see the play a couple months ago and it was fantastic,” he said. “Fela” opens Monday, Nov. 23 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre.
CHRIS BROWN ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM.
Chris Brown has announced the release of his first CD since his February altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna. "Graffiti," the singer's third album, will be released on Dec. 15, he said via Twitter. The CD's first single, "I Can Transform Ya," features Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz. The 20-year-old will also kick off his "Fan Appreciation" tour in Houston on Nov. 14. See the video I can Transform Ya HERE
MICHAEL JACKSON WAX FIGURE TO BE ON DISPLAY.
Universal CityWalk®, in partnership with Madame Tussauds Hollywood, will roll out the red carpet for a $350,000 Michael Jackson wax figure which will be exclusively on display for one night only at the Universal CityWalk Cinemas to coincide with the world-wide movie release of "This is It," on Tuesday, October 27. Michael Jackson fans will be able to pose for photos with the lifelike Madame Tussauds wax figure, which features an authentic costume from the
planned "This is It" concert tour.
FLO RIDA PARTNERS WITH ADULT FRIEND FINDER SITE.
Poe Boy Music Group/Atlantic Records recording artist Flo Rida and adult social networking website AdultFriendFinder have partnered on a hot new video for the artist's single Touch Me off his current album R.O.O.T.S. Touch Me marks the sixth single off the certified Gold album which debuted earlier this year with the Platinum single Right Round. The video for Touch Me has a spy-themed storyline and features recording artist Trina as well as many beautiful models referred to as the AdultFriendFinder girls. "We are thrilled to have AdultFriendFinder on board for Flo Rida's Touch Me music video as it is always great to combine a very sexy high octane record with a very sexy brand," says Adam Kluger, founder of The Kluger Agency. "We are very confident this partnership will prove beneficial for both Flo Rida and FriendFinder Networks and we look forward to continuing the relationship." See the Video HERE
SOUL TRAIN AWARDS ARE BACK!
CENTRIC announces a prestigious list of nominees to be recognized in the Network's first special, CENTRIC PRESENTS: 2009 SOUL TRAIN AWARDS SHOW. Beyonce, Keri Hilson, and Maxwell lead the pack with four nominations each. Hosted by Academy Award-nominated actors Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, the return of the Soul Train Awards promises to be a soulful music event acknowledging R&B music's finest. Taping at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia on Tuesday, November 3, the show will premiere on both CENTRIC and BET in a special simulcast on Sunday, November 29 at 9:00 PM*. The show will honor the longstanding careers and musical influences of legendary artists Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, L.A. Reid and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds in special music tributes. The special will also
showcase a Motown Records 50th Anniversary musical celebration. The show will also recognize the outstanding musical work of selected artists in ten prestigious music categories and will honor the phenomenal star power and showmanship of the late Michael Jackson with the special Entertainer of the Year Award. Featuring a star-studded lineup of performers, including Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Erykah Badu, Robin Thicke, Fantasia, Ryan Leslie, Chrisette Michelle, Raheem DeVaughn, Karyn White, Boyz II Men, Ledisi, Chico Debarge, Angie Stone, Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, Melanie Fiona, and Johnny Gill among others, the show is guaranteed to take viewers on a soul-stirring ride.
WMG CEO TO STAND TRIAL.
Warner Music Group CEO Edgar Bronfman Jr. has been called to stand trial, as part of a French case investigating potential financial wrongdoings at Vivendi. Former Vivendi CEO Jean-Marie Messier has also been ordered to stand trial as well, also with other former executives at the multinational company, which also owns Universal Music. According to Reuters, the charges against the executives include divulging misleading information, stock price manipulation and misuse of corporate funds. The investigation looks at Vivendi's growth earlier this decade from a French utility company to a conglomerate, buying up entertainment and telecommunications companies while running up its debts. "We are just now reviewing the court filing, but as we've said all along Mr. Bronfman's transactions have at all times been proper and at no time did he contravene any French laws or regulations," Bronfman's lawyer Thierry Marembert told Reuters.
LIL WAYNE PLEADS GUILTY- 1 YR SENTENCE EXPECTED.
Lil Wayne pleaded guilty to felony gun possession in a Manhattan courtroom on Thursday (October 22) stemming from a July 2007 arrest following his first headlining concert in New York. The rapper will be sentenced to one year in prison as a part of his plea deal and must also give up his passport. Wayne quietly told the judge yes when asked if he understood the terms of the plea he was making. When asked what type of gun he possessed, Wayne said, "A .40-caliber semi-automatic." The hearing began at 10:05 a.m. ET and was over in 20 minutes. Mtv reports that about 20 minutes after the hearing ended, Lil Wayne exited the building, covering his head with the hood of his sweatshirt. Photographers and reporters followed as court officials escorted him to his vehicle. In response to many reporters' questions, all Wayne said was, "What's up?" Wayne will be sentenced in February 2010 and is expected to serve eight to 10 months, assuming good behavior. He must also appear in court in December for a parole update.
SHYNE UPDATE:
Angie Martinez reports that Shyne’s team is fighting to keep Shyne in the US where his mother and his grandmother live and where they raised him….but it seems like he’s going to have to continue the fight from Belize. Shyne will be released from Immigration custody but will then be deported to Belize soon. He has Harvard Professor Charles Ogletree advocating on his behalf in concert with his legal team. They’re still urging fans to reach out to Governor Patterson’s office to petition for Shyne’s pardon but deportation is imminent if that pardon doesn’t come. Angie says “Shyne is one of the strongest people I know and he’s handling this situation just as I’d expect him to. It must be frustrating for all of his friends and family; he served his time, and keeps getting all these different dates and conflicting information. But he’s a soldier, he’s dealing with it.”
50 CENT TO GRACE MUSCLE & FITNESS COVER.
50 Cent’s abs will grace the upcoming cover of Muscle & Fitness. The New York Post reports that 50 was spotted shooting the cover for the magazine last week at a gym in New York City. Before I Self Destruct, 50’s fourth studio album, will finally drop next month (November) after being bumped in 2007 for Curtis, and again from it’s expected 2008 release date.
THREE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS RESIGN OVER FOXY BROWN ISSUE
Three employees of the New York Department of Corrections have reportedly resigned from their posts months after being accused of allowing Foxy Brown to have a photo shoot, among other things while being incarcerated. Sources said that the BK diva was getting preferential treatment. Brown was reported to be wearing designer clothing and allowed to conduct an interview with a magazine while incarcerated. Now more than a year since her release, officials at Rikers Island are resigning in connection to the allegations. Three corrections officials are giving up their positions, Carolyn Thomas, Frank Squillante and George Okada. The three official's resignations are effective October 31.
RUN DMC HEADED FOR BROADWAY?
Legendary rap group RUN DMC are reportedly planning to bring their story to Broadway as an original musical. According to Variety, Rev Run and DMC will be meeting up with film producer Paula Wagner this week to observe other musical offerings on Broadway. Wagner's Chestnut Ridge Productions will be overseeing the RUN DMC musical which will tell the inspirational story of the rap group's rise and dramatic journey. "I feel their story lends itself perfectly to the stage," said Wagner. " This project has been a passion of mine for some time and I couldn't be more thrilled to be working with them.
RIHANNA ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF NEW ALBUM.
Rihanna announces the completion of her fourth original studio album, Rated R, scheduled to arrive in the physical and digital marketplace on Monday, November 23rd. Rated R's first single pick is "Russian Roulette" The single was written by fellow Def Jam artist Ne-Yo, whose long track record with Rihanna includes the #1 hit "Unfaithful" (2006, from A Girl Like Me), their Top 10 duet "Hate That I Love You" (2007, from Good Girl Gone Bad), and #1 pop/ #1 R&B "Take A Bow" (2008, from Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded). In addition to Ne-Yo, other producers and writers on Rihanna's new album include the team of The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, Chase & Status, Stargate, Justin Timberlake and more.
WYCLEF JEAN'S MEMOIRS TO BE PUBLISHED.
It Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, today announced plans to publish the memoir of Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum musician Wyclef Jean. Jean will be writing the memoir with bestselling author and Rolling Stone writer Anthony Bozza, who co-authored such books as Whatever You Say I Am with Eminem and Tommyland with Tommy Lee. The book was acquired by Mauro DiPreta, Vice President and Associate Publisher for It Books, from Richard Abate at 3 Arts Entertainment. The memoir will chronicle Wyclef's childhood in the tiny rural village of La Serre in Haiti and his subsequent immigration to Brooklyn, NY, where at the age of 9 he began his journey into pop culture. He will recount his struggle between the double life he led as a preacher's son playing music in church with becoming a young rapper trying to fit in with his peers. The book will also document his monumental success as founding member of The
Fugees and then his impressive solo career where he established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians, performers, songwriters, and producers of his generation. Wyclef's work as a global philanthropist, especially in his native country through his work with Yele Haiti which he founded in 2005, will be featured in the book. His philanthropic work has brought him worldwide attention for his tireless efforts to change the way the world sees Haiti. "I am so happy to share my journey which took me from the hut to the projects to the mansion," said Wyclef Jean. "I am just getting started and feel so excited about It Books publishing the early stories from my life." "Wyclef has an incredible story, filled with drama, humor and inspiration," said DiPreta. "It is above all a very human story, not necessarily one of celebrity, and I'm happy to say that he is as gifted a storyteller as he is a musician." Carrie Kania, Senior Vice President and
Publisher of It Books, said, "As we continue to grow the new It Books list, Wyclef Jean is a perfect example of the kind of talent we love working with--a passionate, innovative artist whose book will transcend all expectations."
50 CENT GETS KELLY ROWLAND TO BE IN NEXT VIDEO
50 Cent has decided to recruit Destiny Child's own Kelly Rowland to star in his new music video for his upcoming "Baby By Me" [listen here] single. The new song featuring Ne-Yo, will be included on his upcoming "Before I Self Destruct" album. Early on, there was speculation that suggested 50 Cent and Rowland were in a relationship, but it was later discovered they are shooting Fif's latest music video together.
MASE RUSHED DIDDY ON AIR.
During an interview with his group Dirty Money on Atlanta’s V103 radio station, Diddy was surprised by Mase, who arrived at the studio unannounced with requests to be released from his contract. It was apparent that Diddy was caught off guard by Mase's appearance. Diddy walked over to Mase during a break to sign a document the Harlem-bred rapper later flashes to the camera. When back on the air, Diddy explained what their exchange meant. “Just be clear Mase has the freedom to do whatever he wants to do,” he said. “People have felt like our situation I may have stopped him or whatever, he can do whatever he wanna do. I’m tryna make sure everyone is crystal clear. If you want those Mase verses, getcha hustle on. He gotta slick tongue though, he’s a mean negotiator so you better come with that guap.” After the show, Mase told the cameras, “Took me 10 years to get this paper work right here. I had to put this in UPS; I don’t want nothing to spill on it. I don’t even know what I’mma put out now. Oh my goodness. We good…I got my official papers right here from Puff Daddy. It was love. So I guess we don’t have no problems after all. I don’t even know how to take that. I ain’t used to Puff doing good stuff.”
WWF'S IRON SHEIK TO FIGHT HIP HOP LEGEND PRINCE MARKIE DEE?
Old School Rap meets Old School Wrestling. The Fat Boys take it to the Ring, is an old school fight of epic proportions. Prince Markie Dee of the Original Fat Boys called out retired WWF wrestler, the Iron Sheik, to a smack down due to his racist behavior on the Howard Stern show. The call out came via the Fat Boys Official Twitter Account as well as through two You Tube Videos; one posted by Prince Markie Dee and another by Kool Rock-ski. (SEE HERE) Prince Markie Dee has challenged the Iron Sheik to step up if he continues his behavior. Via Twitter, UFC/MMA Legendary fighter, Frank Trigg has even offered to train him for the fight. When this fight goes down, Prince Markie Dee will do it for money- and will give it to charity.
SNOOP TALKS NEW ALBUM.
Snoop says, "I start off with so much malice in my heart when the record kicks in. By the time I get to the end of the record, I'm in Wonderland. I'm feeling good about life. I'm celebrating, happy about my wife, my kids, life in general. It's just a roller coaster of what I'm going through as I speak."He told Mtv, "I've always juggled the line: 'Should I make a gangster record? 'Cause I could kill all you rappers if I wanted to.' Then I have to sit back and say, 'I'm a business, so I'm gonna make records that can help me in this business.' I have to make radio records, but when I don't care, y'all in trouble." Snoop Dogg's upcoming album, Malice N Wonderland is slated for a December release. In other Snoop news, the rapper will be the Guest Host for WWE Monday Night RAW this coming Monday, October 19 in Jacksonville. The Doggfather participated in WWE's Wrestlemania XXIV last year in Orlando.
BUSTA RHYMES ORDERED TO PAY $75,000 FINE
According to the NY Post, A Brooklyn hearing officer yesterday ordered Busta Rhymes to fork over $75,000 to an Albany man who was doused with water, pummeled with bottles and sucker-punched by the hip-hop star and a bodyguard. The injured man, Alex Duncan, testified that he suffered nightmares and psychological after-effects of the Sept. 13, 2003, attack during a break in a rap concert at SUNY Albany. "It's all right," Duncan, 32, a recently laid-off school groundskeeper, said of the award. "I wanted something to come out of it. I don't even go to parties anymore, because there's always someone asking, 'What happened to that Busta Rhymes case?' " Duncan's lawyer, Ronald Hart, had requested $500,000 of the hearing officer, Luigi Marano. Rhymes' lawyer, Robert Kalina, was a no-show for both the trial and yesterday's damages hearing. He did not return a call seeking comment.
M.J.'S THIS IS IT TO GROSS $250 MILL 1ST WEEK?
Execs with the concert promoter AEG are openly predicting that "This Is It" will make a staggering "$250 million in its first 5 days". And they claim the pic is already $5 million in the black even after Sony Pictures paid $60 million for the movie rights. The film is already #1 in ticket sales on big online movie ticketseller Fandango two weeks from release, outselling all of even this weekend’s new releases. This Is It has already sold out more than 1,000 showtimes on Fandango alone. Rick Butler, COO for Fandango, says theater owners are posting additional showtimes on multiple screens to meet the demand. "At this point in the film’s sales cycle, This Is It is outpacing Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince, Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen, and Star Trek as one of our top pre-sellers of the year.” This Is It debuts in some markets with special advance showings the evening of Tuesday, October 27, and will open worldwide on Wednesday, October 28, in a normal wide release of over 3,000 North American runs, plus day and date in all territories including China or 8,000 foreign screens. Both AEG and Sony execs maintain they're really only going to release the pic into theaters for a 2 week only run. But AEG sources are letting the cat out of the bag that plans are to bring This Is It back at a later date.
50's NEW ALBUM TO INCLUDE JAM MASTER JAY DOC.
50 Cent’s upcoming album “Before I Self Destruct” will finally hit stores on November 24th with the CD and the Before I Self Destruct movie plus it has been confirmed that the deluxe edition will contain the Jam Master Jay documentary Two Turntables and a Microphone.
RAY J GETS PICKED UP FOR 2ND SEASON ON VH1.
Last season, Ray J was introduced to 14 beautiful women with hopes of finding his true soul mate. We all had our favorites but in the end Ray J only had eyes for Cocktail. After going through numerous eliminations, tears, and even a couple of fights, viewers across the country tuned in to see Ray J give his last champagne glass to that one special lady. The finale episode was the highest rated telecast on cable for the night and averaged 4.4 million total viewers. At the reunion everything seemed great for the happy couple, but unfortunately the love didn't last. Now Ray J is back and teaming up with VH1 again to find the woman of his dreams. With a new crop of gorgeous females from around the country, Ray J is determined to find love a second time around on "For The Love of Ray J 2" premiering Monday, November 2( )at 9:00 PM*. In addition to his huge success as a TV reality star, Ray J is the #1 independent recording artist in music today, having scored two hit projects with total sales of 4 million copies released under his own label Knockout Entertainment. Established in 2005, Ray J flexed his entrepreneurial muscle
by producing Raydiation featuring the hit single, "One Wish" which collectively sold over 1 million copies without a major record label. In 2008, Ray J released the hit single "Sexy Can I" which sold over 2 million copies. Fueled by the single's success, Ray J released the CD, All I Feel
that debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B Album Chart. VH1's "For The Love of Ray J 2" is created and executive produced by Mark Cronin and Cris Abrego for 51 Minds Entertainment, LLC. an Endemol Company, who also produced the record-breaking series "Rock of Love," "Flavor of Love," "Charm School," and "I Love New York." The production teams' programming launched VH1 into their highest ratings ever. Ben Samek and Matt Odgers also executive produce for the series and the company. For VH1, the series is executive produced by Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Kristen Kelly.
STATS/NUMBERS/SOUNDSCAN- Week of 10-11-09
Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 takes #5 selling 64,224 units (1,062,000 Total). Mariah Carey's Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel grabbed #5 selling 53,920 units (223,000 total). Black Eyed Peas' E.N.D. grabbed #23 selling 25,062 units (1,195,000 Total). Drake's So Far Gone took #30 selling 19,700 copies (162,000 total). Trey Songz' Ready took #41 selling 14,514 copies. Fat Joe's J.O.S.E. grabbed the #73 slot only selling 8,300 copies for 1st week sales. Ghostface Killah's Ghostdini: The Wizard Of Poetry In The Emerald City took #82 just selling 7,200 copies ( 27,000 total). Saigon's Warning Shots 2 took #170 just selling 3,100 copies. Mack 10's Soft White grabbed #183 just selling 2,900 units (6,800 total).
GAME'S LAWYERS SUE FOR UNPAID FEES.
The Game is reportedly being sued by the legal team that represented him in his 2007 gun charges case. According to TMZ, Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert claim The Game owes them close to $35,000 in unpaid fees. The legal firm recently filed the suit in L.A. County Superior Court. They claim that Game still has an outstanding bill from the 2007 gun charge case. Game faced five years in state prison for pulling a gun on an opponent during a pickup basketball game in February 2007 but he ended up only serving eight days. Reps from Game's camp have not issued any statements regarding these claims.
BET HIP HOP AWARDS RECAP
Jay-Z took the stage with Young Jeezy to perform "Real as It Gets" and rap group Goodie Mob performed its 1995 song "Cell Therapy." Jay-Z was honored as the "MVP of the Year"-- He dedicated his win to Mr. Magic, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube. "Brooklyn, we did it again," he said at the conclusion of his speech while Drake took home "Rookie of the Year," and Ice Cube received the "I Am Hip-Hop" icon award. Ice Cube said he was humbled by the award, and he believes his career as filmmaker could earn him more honors in the future. "When you get recognized by your peers for a life of work, you got to be humbled," the rap veteran said. "I'm honored by this. I have 20 more years of work left in me. I hope BET is ready to give out two of these awards." Busta Rhymes presented the award for "DJ of the Year" to DJ AM, the ce lebrity spinner who died of an accidental drug overdose in August. Snoop Dogg also made several stage appearances, debuting his new joint, "Gangsta Luv," with The-Dream. Snoop also performed Dorrough's "Ice Cream Paint Job" remix — a remix that included Jim Jones, Soulja Boy and Nipsey Hussle.
YUNG JOC STILL TRIPPN ON DIDDY?
Apparantly Yung Joc has wanted off Bad Boy Entertainment for a while now, Insiders say he is still waiting to be released and that he is currently talking with many new labels but he’s stuck on Bad Boy. “I was seeking a release from the regime that I was a part of and I knew that when I got my release, the streets and the fans, they don’t really give a sh*t about all the woes and the troubles you going through with a label,” Joc said about releasing his free Grind Flu mixtape. ”They on to the next thing so that sh*t don’t matter to ‘em. So you gotta give ‘em more than just a story. Give ‘em some music and that’ what I decided to do.” Joc then goes on discussing how he's trying to get off of Bad Boy. “Also,I knew that in the process of me getting released from Bad Boy, if I get a release, the next label is gonna wanna hear some music… Due to the terms of my release, I can’t talk about the brother. God bless him… I got a few offers on the table… Right now, I’m doing what you would call, a lot of negotiating. Not a lot of BS’ing because these people know I’m very serious about my business."
HIP HOP BITS N PIECES- BEHIND THE SCENES.
Snoop Dog talks reconciliation of Dr. Dre and The Game, Fly Gypsy mixtape FREE download, Royce Da 5 9, and more.. WATCH HERE
XZIBIT HELPS OUT WITH EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION.
Rapper, movie and TV star Xzibit will be helping one family to build out their dream. This Sunday, October 11th at 8 p.m. EST on ABC, Xzibit will be volunteering his time on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition to help orchestrate a life-changing event for a large musical family who uplift their comunity through the power of song.
JAMIE FOXX SPEAKS ON HIS ROLE IN NEW MIKE TYSON PROJECT.
Jamie Foxx has revealed he wants to play ex-world heavyweight boxing champ Mike Tyson in a biopic that would reunite the actor with his 'Ray' director Taylor Hackford. Foxx recently told MTV News that he was making plans to team with the filmmaker to collaborate on a feature that would cast an unflinching eye on the fighter. “It’s strange,” Foxx said of why he wants to portray Tyson. “Look at society. Sometimes we put you up so high, and some people say it’s to get aim on you, but once you get up there it’s like: What do you do once you’re up there now?” “The film will be told in his words. A lot of times we’ve just seen everyone else’s take; it would be great to just get his take,” Foxx explained. He's looking forward to rolling cameras on the flick and getting people to look at one of our generation’s most controversial characters in a new light. “I think he has a tremendous story. And if he allows me to do it, I think it will be one of those things were it will be really a serious event.” Foxx said that he can remember back to the late '80s/early '90s heyday of Tyson and how beloved the man once was. “You wanted to see how short it was,” the “Law Abiding Citizen” star said of Tyson’s legendarily brief knockouts of his opponents in those days. “I’ll never forget this: At my house in Vegas, fifty-five people there. Eight guys, the rest were women, corporate. I’m not talking about groupies; corporate women, have their own money, own jobs, watching this fight.” “I’m like, you like Mike Tyson? [And the women said:] ‘Oh yes; something about him. Oh, oh my goodness,’” Foxx grinned. “And he was coming out of the tunnel, ‘Oh he doesn’t have his shirt on. Oh!’ And he was just this ultimate man. I remember telling everybody ‘Okay, everybody get dressed right now because it’s not going to take that long for him to knock this kid out, and we’ve got to get to the after-party. I remember him knocking his opponent out, and it was like the Daytona 500, getting to our cars to get to the after-party just to get a glimpse of this guy. He was bigger than life.”
JAY-Z TALKS MICHAEL JACKSON
In the new issue of NME Jay-Z pays tribute to the legend Michael Jackson, revealing that Jay-Z collaborated with Michael Jackson multiple times, something that was until now unknown. According to Jay-Z, Michael sang on “Girls, Girls, Girls,” a track from the original “Blueprint” album. “He was on my song ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’, singing these background vocals and I didn’t even put his name on it,” Jay wrote. Jigga apparently teamed up with MJ on “You Rock My World” too plus brought him on stage during his 2001 Summer Jam performance. “He played a concert with me in New York, which was great,” Jay continued. “He got up and he walked out and the place went mental, guys were just grabbing their hats and throwing them like, ‘Aiiiiiiiiiieeeeee!’”
N.E.R.D. ADDS NEW MEMBER.
Pharrell, Chad & Shae will be joined by Rhea (a Toronto native of Guyanese descent) on their fourth studio album, Instant Gratification, which is set to drop in 2010. "Musically, we're just somewhere else with her," Pharrell told MTV News. "The music is now very 3-D. It's something you have to hear. But you'll see. We're definitely somewhere else. I want to leave that impact moment for when you purchase your download and you purchase your CD. The music is very three-dimensional. We're just really excited. We feel like N.E.R.D. has always been the punks of hip-hop and the outcasts of alternative music — just a little different. But this time, we're taking no prisoners." The Neptunes artist explained Rhea might be petite, at just 5-foot-4, but her booming voice and her classical background blend in with the genre-bending trio of N.E.R.D., also including Chad Williams and Shae. "Now you have this little Tinkerbell that's just stepped in and has been amazing," he said. "It's made it a fun process. We can go in so many more directions, becaus e we have the vocal support." Rhea, a Toronto native of Guyanese descent, met the fellas only once in person before she auditioned for them via Skype. She sang "His Eye Is on the Sparrow." Her rendition impressed the guys, and she soon found herself signing on. "It was just a really good time," she said of meeting the collective. "When I came in there and I met them and they heard me sing, I think they decided it was the right fit." "Don't be bashful," Pharrell chimed in. "We lost our minds. We thought she was great." N.E.R.D. will be on the road next week with Hov for his Blueprint 3 tour.
NEW DMC WORLD CHAMP DJ SHIFTEE BRINGS THE GOLD BACK TO THE USA.
"I have a detailed, meticulous practice schedule that I follow every day. I really try to get Rocky IV when I train but I want to make sure not to get too excited and amped before a battle, like 'Arrrghhh I'm going to kill everyone!' READ THE FULL REPORT HERE
RZA AND JAMIE FOXX TO STAR IN "DUE DATE" FLICK
Warner Bros. has set RZA to star alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis in "Due Date," the Todd Phillips-directed comedy. RZA joins a cast that also includes Michelle Monaghan and Jamie Foxx in the story of a man with a mismatched travel companion who races home in hopes of arriving before his wife delivers their first child. Phillips is producing through his Green Hat banner with Daniel Goldberg. Scott Budnick is exec producer. WB is partnered with Legendary Pictures on the film, and Susan Downey is exec producing. RZA's also attached to Paul Haggis' "The Next Three Days" for Lionsgate and is scoring producer Robbie Brenner's film "Warriors Way" for Relativity Media. Feature credits include "Funny People" and "American Gangster"; he's also the creator-producer of the Wu-Tang Clan and has scored music for films by Ridley Scott, Jim Jarmusch and Quentin Tarantino. Source: Variety.
SHYNE TO BE RELEASED OR NOT?
A Clinton Correctional Facility staffer told Crimesider that New York Rapper Shyne was released from prison today after serving more than eight years for his role in a 1999 New York night club shooting involving mentor Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and actress Jennifer Lopez. But a report from MTV says that the Combs protégé remains in custody at an "unspecified facility in Western New York State," while U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement decides his fate. The Web site of the New York State Department of Corrections seemed to indicate that Shyne was released from Woodbourne Correctional Facility on Oct. 6, 2009 and was on parole but his release was subject to immigration review. According to MTV, his release is now under review, as representatives for the rapper revealed to MTV News that the Brooklyn MC is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at an unspecified facility in Western New York State. Officials are determining whether or not to deport the rapper, who was born in Belize, a rep explained. "Shyne is currently in federal custody while his future immigration status is determined," the rep said in a message to MTV. Shyne attorney Oscar Michelen emphasized to MTV News on Tuesday afternoon that Shyne has not been released, contrary to media reports. While serving time, the rapper released two albums and reportedly converted to Judaism. He legally changed his name Moses Michael Leviy.
SNOOP DOGG ANNOUNCES WONDERLAND HIGH SCHOOL TOUR DATES
Snoop Dogg announces his latest tour featuring hip hop greats Method Man, Redman and Devin the Dude. The tour, titled "Wonderland High School Tour," is a bonafide hip hop lover's dream and will kick off on October 27th in Baltimore and travel across North America. After 17 years and 30 million albums sold worldwide, as well as stints in both television and film, Snoop has proven he is amongst the greatest artists of all time. With an arsenal of both new and classic hits, fans can expect the best of Snoop Dogg on these tour dates. Snoop will be performing his well known classics as well as material from the forthcoming release, "Malice N Wonderland," due out on December 8th. Snoop recently announced a new title to his ever growing resume, Creative Chairman for famed Priority Records, where he will help spearhead the re-launch of the legendary rap label that helped put West Coast hip hop on the map.
| Tour
Dates: October 27 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live October 28 Sayreville, NJ Starland Ballroom October 29 New York, NY Nokia Theatre Times Square October 30 Providence, RI Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel October 31 Atlantic City, NJ House of Blues November 1 Boston, MA House of Blues November 3 Indianapolis, IN The Vogue Theatre November 4 Chicago, IL Congress Theatre November 5 Minneapolis, MN Epic November 6 N. Kansas City, MO Harrah's Voodoo Lounge November 7 Robinson, MS Events Center @ Harrah's Casino November 8 Dallas, TX House of Blues |
GOODIE MOB REUNION TOUR - INCLUDING SCARFACE.
Goodie Mob will be touring for the first time in ten years, with all original members: Cee-Lo (from Gnarls Barkley), Big Gipp, Khujo, and T-Mo. The tour will kick off on October 15 in New Orleans and features Scarface as the “very special guest” on all dates. Goodie Mob will offer a sneak peak of what fans can expect from the reunion when they perform live at the BET Awards taping in Atlanta on October 10 (the show is scheduled to air on 10/27). Tour highlights include a stop at The Cypress Hill SmokeOut on October 23 at the San Manuel Amphitheatre and festival grounds in San Bernardino, CA, and the blowout NYC show on November 13 at the Hammerstein Ballroom on which Goodie Mob and Scarface will be joined by Tech N9ne and Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden, Crooked I, Joell Ortiz, Royce da 5’9). Universally recognized as pioneering and critically acclaimed, Goodie Mob – along with fellow Dungeon Family group OutKast – introduced southern rap to mainstream America, helped put Atlanta on the map as a Mecca for hip-hop, and is credited with having invented the runaway term “dirty south.” The group was met with an overwhelming response when it recently hit fans in hometown Atlanta with a surprise show. “The reunion was inevitable,” said Cee-Lo. “The void in today’s music and marketplace ironically has become the very place prepared for us. There’s a need and a want for what we do and represent as The Mob. Consider the tour a mission… an order if you will. The last of a living breed, the Goodie Mob marches on.”
HAMMER TIME AND CASH4GOLD TEAM UP TO ASSIST DISASTER VICTIMS.
MC Hammer and Cash4Gold have teamed up to assist hunger relief organization Feed The Children in the wake of recent devastating natural disasters in the Philippines, American Samoa and Indonesia, and the widespread flooding across Georgia. "I am asking my followers on Twitter to also follow my example and to do their part to help out those involved in these tragedies," said MC Hammer. "Thousands of people here at home and abroad are facing a very difficult time, which is why I'm urging everyone to support Feed The Children, a tremendous organization helping to get these victims back on their feet." MC Hammer has a long-standing relationship and history of charitable work with Feed The Children. At a recent event sponsored by Cash4Gold, he
and Cash4Gold CEO Jeff Aronson helped the organization hand out meals to families hard hit by the recession in the Stockton, CA area. Following the news of the disaster in the Pacific and the widespread flooding in Georgia, MC Hammer immediately turned again to his close friend Aronson, asking that Cash4Gold donate as well. Cash4Gold, which featured MC Hammer and the late Ed McMahon in a critically acclaimed Super Bowl ad earlier this year, was quick to join the legendary performer in providing support for Feed The Children. "We're proud to join our friend and three-time Grammy Award-winner MC Hammer in helping the victims of these recent tragedies," said Cash4Gold CEO Jeff Aronson. "We are honored to back Feed The Children, and we congratulate Hammer for doing so much to bring much-needed attention to their worthy efforts. As the head of a company that is currently expanding internationally, I see this as the first step in making sure our charitable efforts also extend around the globe."
LEGENDARY DISK JOCKEY "MR. MAGIC" PASSES.
New York radio personality Mr. Magic reportedly passed away earlier this morning from a heart attack. Magic, born John Rivas, was the first on air disc jockey to have a hip-hop show on a major radio station. “Rap Attack,” on WBLS-FM, debuted in 1983 and along with helping to introduce hip-hop music to the mainstream, it is credited as the birthplace of the Juice Crew. Group leader, Marley Marl was featured on Magic’s show as the DJ and Tyron “Fly Ty” Williams was the producer. DJ Premier issued a statement about Magic and his legacy earlier today. “I want to send out the utmost respect and condolences to the memory of John Rivas aka Mr. Magic,” the producer wrote. “He paved the way for all radio station that ever did mixshows.” “He was known for his direct and sarcastic attitude on the air and every artist wanted his approval when it came to breaking new records,” DJ Premier continued. “He even had songs dedicated to him by the legendary Whodini (”Magic’s Wand”)…Rest in Peace Mr. Magic.”
NICK CANNON DEFENDS HIS WIFE MARIAH.
Nick Cannon comments on the whole Eminem/Mariah thing in a new In Touch magazine article. He tells the publication, "He's lucky I haven't run into him yet. I'm supposed to protect my woman if someone can be so heinous and disrespectful. Until we speak, I don't respect him as a man. He and I need to have an old-school sit-down."
KANYE AND LADY GAGA TOUR CANCELLED.
Live Nation has confirmed the concert has been cancelled in a brief press release, without giving a reason for the cancellation, adding that refunds are available at point-of-purchase and tickets bought online and on the phone will be refunded automatically. Lady Gaga said today that "It was a mutual decision. Kanye's going to take some time off. But the good news is that I'm going on tour in a few weeks."
JAY-Z & ALICIA KEYS SHOOT NEW VIDEO.
Jay-Z is currently shooting the video for Jigga’s “Empire State Of Mind” track in Tribeca, New York. Before performing the song at the VMAs last month, Keys told Mtv how the collaboration for the Blueprint 3 track came about. "Working together on 'Empire State of Mind' was incredible," Keys said. "I've admired Jay-Z for a long time. Reasonable Doubt is my all-time favorite album, period, and he's been on the scene for long time. I always figured that we would do some type of collaboration, and finally, it came together with this. He reached out to me said, 'I have this big New York record. I feel its right for us to do it together. It has this big Frank Sinatra, take-it-there feeling. I feel like you could really do something with it.' "I went by the studio, took a listen to it," she continued. "I really felt the energy of New York all through it. It felt classic, it felt so good; the piano obviously was in there. I said, 'I love it, so let's do it.' We communicated a lot during the process. I think we both are really happy with how it came out." Keys said that though "Empire State of Mind" was inspired by her hometown, it resonates with all people — which explains why the song is currently #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. "New York City belongs to everyone," she said, adding her own Sinatra nod: "If you can make it here, you can make it everywhere."
EMINEM CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIS SIRIUS XM SHADE 45 SHOW.
SIRIUS XM Radio announced that it will broadcast two in-depth and uncensored interviews with Eminem on his Shade 45 channel in celebration of his channel's fifth anniversary. Eminem will sit down with Shade 45's DJ Whoo Kid on Saturday, October 3 at 3:00 pm ET, during the G Unit Saturdays program, to go in-depth about his highly-anticipated upcoming album, Relapse 2, his performance at Voodoo Festival in New Orleans on October 30 and his role in developing the new
video game DJ Hero, scheduled to be released on October 27. Additionally, Eminem will speak with Shade 45's DJ Tony Touch as part of the Toca Tuesdays show on Tuesday, October 6 at 9:00 pm ET.
DIDDY LEAVES WARNER MUSIC GROUP.
Sean “Diddy” Combs is exiting Warner Music Group/Atlantic Records as an artist, though their joint venture for his Bad Boy Entertainment label will remain in place. Bad Boy's output will continue to move through Atlantic. The only album Diddy released through his deal with WMG was 2006's Press Play. He reportedly already has another deal in place to release his forthcoming album, Last Train To Paris. "Now that the term of the Warner deal has ended, I have elected to accept an opportunity to move my recording career and future label venture to another company," Diddy said in a statement. Various reports have him moving to Interscope Records, though Diddy's spokeswoman wouldn't confirm which label he will be partnering with, according to Billboard. As previously reported, Last Train To Paris is a concept album that tells the story of a "tumultuous love roller-coaster relationship."
FABOLOUS GETS NEW REALITY GIG?
Fabolous gives up the info on his upcoming reality show. He says it will be an inner look into his personal life as a father and an entertainer. "Been shooting 4 a reality show 4 the last 2 days... I know..But no Ray J, Flavor Flav 4 love sh*t," he wrote via Twitter on Monday (September 28). "Won't b nicknaming no chicks! I'm a new father, my son is 20 months and I'm still learning this father gig as I go.. So I'm tryin 2 balance that and being 'Fabolous'.. The show is based on da crazy, spontaneous, busy, traveling life of a entertainer & da loving, complicated, genuine journey of a new father"
INDY LABEL SMC COMPLETES TRADE SYMBOL.
SMC Recordings Inc. (OTC:SMCE) Independent hip-hop/rap full-service record label SMC Recordings has completed all necessary regulatory requirements for the company's new
public trading symbol. The publicly trading organization will trade under the new symbol, SMCE effective immediately. SMC previously was trading under the symbol AECZ. According to co-founder and CEO, Ralph Tashjian, the request for the new symbol is another step of SMC's efforts to increase public awareness, attract additional capital needed to fund further content acquisition and continue to expand as well as diversify SMC. "With the proper financing,
SMC is positioned for explosive growth," explained Tashjian. "We are the model of the future." Founded in 2005, SMC's range of artist-owned label partners include national heavyweights such as Rakim (of Eric B. and Rakim) and Killer Mike along with a stable of established acts such as Atlanta's Pastor Troy, Messy Marv and The Jacka."I'm proud to be in partnership with SMC," said Ron Spaulding, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Fontana Distribution. "We are
collaborating to bring the best of Hip Hop to the fans. SMC is delivering great music and Fontana-Universal will explode these artists into the market place. Keep an eye on us... we are coming strong with SMC."
OMARION INKS NEW IMPRINT WITH EMI
Grammy-nominated entertainer Omarion makes his long awaited return to the scene with the announcement of a new album and label imprint, Starworld Entertainment, through EMI Label
Services. The multi-platinum superstar will release his anticipated third studio album, Ollusion, on November 24th. After releasing two solo albums, both of which debuted at #1 on the R&B/Hip Hop chart, Omarion is back with an updated sound and truly consistent album that proves he has grown up, as his fans have. The triple threat known for his vocal, dancing and acting abilities, penned and co-produced all of the songs on Ollusion. Producers who collaborated on the album include Tank, King, Detail and 253, among others; along with guest appearances by Gucci Mane and Fabolous. "My style has evolved so much on this album -- I was able to express truly who I am from a creative and artistic standpoint, which allowed me to share a personal side of myself with my fans through my music. This is my masterpiece and I can't wait for the world to hear my new album," Omarion said. "I am very excited about my new home at EMI and know that this is the perfect opportunity for me to return to the charts." "We are thrilled to provide commercial and marketing services for Omarion, one of the premiere artists in R&B. We look forward to collaborating with Omarion and his team to build and execute an amazing campaign for his new album," said Dominic Pandiscia, Senior Vice President and General Manager, EMI Label Services and Caroline Distribution.
GHOSTFACE LINKS UP FOR MYSPACE SECRET CONCERT.
MySpace Music makes its way back to the home of hip-hop to host a special performance by Staten Island's own Ghostface Killah on Wednesday, September 30th at The Hiro Ballroom in New York, NY, as part of "THE RELEASE," MySpace Music's urban music concert series. This installment of "THE RELEASE" will celebrate the long-awaited September 29th release of his new album Ghostdini: The Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City and will also be hosted by Jasmine Solano and Cipha Sounds/Peter Rosenberg of Hot 97. Special musical guests will include DJ dB and Beatnick & K-Salaam. Doors for the show will open at 9 p.m. and dress code will be strictly enforced.
JAY-Z ANNOUNCES N.E.R.D.AND OTHERS TO JOIN COLLEGE TOUR.
JAY-Z has announced that -- N.E.R.D, Wale and J.Cole will join him throughout his North American tour. The Live Nation produced tour will make 24 stops at a mix of college campus arenas and traditional venues across North America starting at Penn State University on October 9th.
UNIVERSITY OFFERS SCHOLARLY RESEARCH OF TUPAC SHAKUR.
The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation and Afeni Shakur-Davis, mother of platinum recording artist, actor and poet, Tupac Shakur, will partner with the Robert W. Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center to make available for scholarly research Shakur's manuscript writings and other papers. More than a decade after his death on September 13, 1996, Shakur remains one of the most influential writers and performers in the hip hop/rap genre and continues to be the top-selling hip hop recording artist of all time, having sold more than 75 million albums worldwide. A prolific writer, Tupac wrote The Rose That Grew From Concrete, when he was only 19 years old. The book contains numerous poems in Tupac's own handwriting and has enjoyed a substantial amount of success selling over 250,000 copies. Select poems from the book will now be included in the collection. There are three more books - Tupac Resurrection, Tupac Legacy and Tupac Remembered which were all published following his death. Tupac Shakur Collection, now housed within the Woodruff Library's Archives & Special Collections Department, features Shakur's handwritten lyrics and track listings, personal notes, video and film concepts, fan correspondence, promotional materials and other items providing a unique insight into his career and creative genius. "The Woodruff Library Archives has done a phenomenal job archiving my son's materials," said Afeni Shakur-Davis. "I thank their staff for partnering with my family and the Foundation in helping to make these important documents available in a professional manner that will benefit scholars for years to come." Currently, Library staff are re-housing the collection's 11 boxes of material into archival boxes and folders, and preparing a finding aid listing the categories and order of items included. A digital (online) finding aid will be prepared to further enhance scholarly access. The Tupac Shakur Collection is expected to be open for research in Fall 2010.
"The Woodruff Library is honored to collaborate with the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation to preserve the artistic legacy of Tupac Shakur," said Loretta Parham, CEO & Library Director. "Mr. Shakur was a multi-dimensional artist who helped define a musical genre, and as the academic library serving four institutions of higher learning, it is our mission, as well as a great privilege, to help promote scholarship and research of his work, and the mechanics of his creative process and the hip hop culture." The Woodruff Library of the Atlanta University Center (AUC) serves the collective research and information needs of Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, Morehouse College and Spelman College. The Library's Archives & Special Collections is the repository for historical materials documenting the AUC institutions, as well as manuscript collections and organizational records, including the Morehouse College Martin Luther King Jr. Collection and the Maynard Jackson Mayoral Administrative Records. In addition to the archival partnership with the Woodruff Library, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation has recruited some of the nation's top scholars to assemble the Tupac Shakur Secondary School Curriculum, a seventh-12th grade academic curriculum and a college-level reader. In this comprehensive curriculum, the poetry, music and views of Tupac Shakur are used to teach basic hip hop studies units within academic disciplines such as fine arts, history and language arts. This learning tool can be used separately or in conjunction with any state-mandated learning standards curriculum. Both the release of the secondary and college-level curriculums will coincide with the opening for research of The Tupac Shakur Collection at the Woodruff Library in Fall 2010.
VH1 HIP HOP HONORS RECAP.
The 6th annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" shook up Brooklyn, New York last night as some of the biggest names in entertainment gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Def Jam
Records. Taped at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House on Wednesday, September 23rd in Brooklyn, New York and hosted by Tracy Morgan ("30 Rock"), talents from across all artistic genres came together to celebrate this significant milestone in American hip hop music. The show paid tribute to the architects of Def Jam Records including Bill Stephney, Chris Lighty, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles, L.A. Reid, Lyor Cohen, Michael
Kyser, Rick Rubin, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Russell Simmons. Performances by Ashanti, Chrisette Michele, DJ Chuck Chill Out, DJ Clinton Sparks, DMX, Eminem, EPMD, Fabolous, Foxy Brown, Gym Class Heroes, DJ Jaycee, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Ghostface, Ja Rule, Judacamp Choir, Kid Rock, KRS One, Ludacris, Mary J. Blige, Method Man, DJ Nonstop, Onyx, Public Enemy, Redman, The Roots, Rick Ross, DJ Sam Sneak, Scarface, DJ Scratch, The Street Sweeper Social Club, Trey Songz, Wale and Warren G brought down the house celebrating Def
Jam Records. The show kicked off with The Roots, Eminem and DJ Jazzy Jeff performing LL Cool J's classic "Rock the Bells," proving that Brooklyn was "in the house." The crowd went crazy as Public Enemy were accompanied by S1W, The Street Sweepers Social Club, and The Roots performing "Rebel Without a Pause" - Public Enemy's hit single from "It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back," one of the most celebrated and revered albums in hip hop. The next performance rang true at BAM as Travis McCoy, Wale and KRS One with Gym Class Heroes covered Beastie Boys' iconic "No Sleep Till Brooklyn." The momentum kept going as Gym Class Heroes joined the chart-topping rap group Onyx with a rendition of Onyx's Billboard chart hit "Slam." The legacy of Def Jam continued to be celebrated as best-selling artist DMX collaborated with Gym Class Heroes for his 1999 hit single "Party Up." Tracy Morgan introduced rapper Rick Ross who took the stage to perform "Hustlin" - one of the first songs off his debut album that catapulted him into hip hop fame. Next, the rap duo that shook the hip hop world reunited as Method Man and Redman took the stage to perform "Da Rockwilder." The Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, took to the stage in front of a hyped audience as she joined Method Man for a rendition of their Grammy award-winning single "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By." The legends of hip hop continued to represent as Warren G was joined by Trey Songz to perform "Regulate" in honor of Def Jam Records and Warren G's triple-platinum album that solidified him as hip hop royalty. Eve introduced Ja Rule and Ashanti as they performed their hits "Down for You" and "Always On Time" in true Def Jam style. Two of the South's heavy hitters, Ludacris and Scarface, united onstage to perform "Guess Who's Back" and "Southern Hospitality." Bringing the show to an unforgettable end, The Roots, Kid Rock, Foxy Brown, Fabolous, Ghostface, Chrisette Michele, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Eric Sermon all ripped the stage with an unbelievable medley performing some of Def Jam's most iconic hits. 2009's "Hip Hop Honors" demonstrated how Def Jam Records and its architects Bill Stephney, Chris Lighty, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Liles, L.A. Reid, Lyor Cohen, Michael Kyser, Rick Rubin, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Russell Simmons transformed American pop culture by bringing hip hop to the world. "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" is executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blacjac Entertainment. It is directed by J. Horvitz. Nelson George and Fab 5 Freddie are co-executive producers. "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will premiere on Tuesday, October 13 at 9 PM ET/PT*.
JAY-Z STILL DOMINATING CHARTS.
Jay-Z's Blueprint 3 took #1 selling 298,000 units (774,000 total). Whitney Houston's I Look To You grabbed #2 selling 156,000 copies (554,000 total). Kid Cudi's Man On The Moon: The End Of Day took #4 selling 104,000 units in it's 1st week. Drake's So Far Gone took #6 with 73,000 units sold. Lil Boosie's Superbad: The Return Of Boosie Bad Azz took #7 selling 49,000 units. Raekwon's Only Built For Cuban Linx 2 grabbed #22 selling 21,000 units (89,000 total).
GRANDMASTER ROC RAIDA: (Accurate Information Straight from his Wife about
the Funeral and Other Details) Anthony "Grand Master Roc Raida" Williams was born in Harlem, New York on May 17th, 1972. He passed away on Saturday, September 19th, 2009 from a cardiac arrest resulting from injuries he suffered in an accident while training in Krav Maga, a type self defense system that he had been studying weekly for the last two years. He was proud that his 15-year-old daughter, Asia, shared his passion for Krav Maga and was the only girl in their class. Anthony Williams was both African-American and Puerto Rican. He lived most of his life in Harlem but after marrying his soul mate, Tyeasha on June 26, 1997, they moved to the Bronx. Several years ago, they realized their dream of owning a home and relocated their family to Maryland. He encouraged and shared in his wife's dream of one day opening up her own beauty salon. He began DJing at the age of 12, spinning at local parties around Harlem. In 1991, he won the AS 1 DJ Battle. By 1995, Roc Raida represented the United States at the DMC World DJ Championships and won! He was the first DJ from NYC to hold this title and was automatically inducted into the DMC/Technics DJ Hall of Fame. Throughout his life, he lived his passion - being a professional Hip Hop DJ. He was blessed to tour the world as his day job. Williams was honored to have worked with artists including Showbiz & AG, Lord Finesse, Kool G Rap and most recently, he toured exclusively with Busta Rhymes. Although his family called him "Ant" (short for Anthony), he became known worldwide as legendary DJ Roc Raida. In 1999, Grand Master status was bestowed upon him by a group of pioneering Hip Hop DJs, during a conference at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum. Before he passed, he asked his 10 yr. old daughter, Nyra, who was the most interested, of his children, in DJing to take over for him as a DJ. She agreed - so look out for Nyra! With a very aggressive swagger on the turntables, those who knew Roc Raida were floored by his humbleness. His wife, Tyeasha said, "His notoriety amazed him every day!" He never took that for granted. Williams was also known to be very quiet, private and easy going. His self-control was admirable but if pushed to his limit - he would roar. In fact, Lord Finesse called his friend "the quiet lion" for this very reason. Those closest to him also have the pleasure of remembering him as a hilarious comedian who loved to joke and laugh. Through battles, performances, recordings, documentaries, videos, dvds and even a Pepsi commercial, Roc Raida influenced thousands of DJs, both to partyrock as well as to battle. He took several aspiring DJs under his wing to mentor them personally. As a member of legendary turntablist crews, The X-Men and later, The X-ecutioners, he along with his brothers-in-vinyl took the world by storm, innovating, influencing and inspiring at every turn. In 2006, to progress and contribute to the Hip Hop DJ battle scene, he founded Roc Raida's Gong DJ Battle, a national DJ battle that occurs annually, combining head to head turntablist dexterity with comedy and drama.
Not only was he a World Champion DJ, he was a dedicated father and husband as well as a loyal friend. Rest in Peace Roc Raida we are really going to miss you!
Funeral Arrangements
and Viewing will take place on Thursday, September 24, 2009
The viewing for Anthony Williams will be held from 10am to 12 noon, immediately
followed by the funeral beginning at 12noon at:
Mount Neboh Baptist Church
1883 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Blvd. (W.114th St. & 7th Ave)
New York NY, 10026
Phone: 212.866.7880
For those intending
to send flowers, please kindly have them delivered to the church on September
24th, 2009 only between 9am - 10am.
The family requests that no filming or photography take place within the church
at all.
"As one of the Godfathers of Hip Hop, it is a tremendous loss to the Dj community. It's sometimes rare to meet an individual who was a supertalent, but was so mild mannered and so calm. His skill level was admired worldwide. It was pleasure to see him in action. It was a pleasure to know him. I give my condolences to his family." - Grandmaster Flash
"My heart is in pain over the passing of a good friend. He's like a brother to me because he holds the same values I hold when it comes to my family, friends, music and life. He will be missed but not forgotten. I will keep his wife and children in my prayers. Rest in Peace Grand Master Roc Raida!" - GrandWizzard Theodore
"Roc Raida was an innovator on the turntables at a time when we thought the best of the best had been seen. His artistic wizardry seemed so effortless it reminded me of a young GrandWizzard Theodore. His easy going attitude was a pleasure to see in a time where most artists of his caliber were big headed. Salute young general and RIP to our latest Grand Master!" - GrandMaster Caz
"The Lord is forming his band right now. He called home Michael Jackson. But he was missing a DJ that could match the skill level as Michael. So he called upon Grandmaster Roc Raida." - DJ Scratch
"Since the day I met Raida, he was the most humble, strong willed, genuine, ultimate competitor. The greatest DJ in my book." - Lord Finesse
"Grand Master Roc Raida was one of the greatest DJs to ever touch a turntable. To guys like myself and Craze who came up right after the monumental generation of X-Men, ISP and Beat Junkies, Raida was the ultimate inspiration as a battle DJ. For those who knew him personally, Raida was also the kindest, more generous and funniest friend we had. He was like a mentor to me, I can't even count the amount of times he helped me out over the years. I feel like I just lost a big brother. He will be sorely missed." - DJ A-Trak
LIL BOOSIE PLEADS GUILTY- GETS 2 YRS.
Lil Boosie entered a guilty plea earlier today (September 22) on drug and weapons charges stemming from an arrest that occurred last October. Louisiana news network WAFB reports that Boosie was scheduled to go to court this coming Monday, but pleaded guilty today in an effort to avoid trial. He was sentenced to two years in jail, but depending on his behavior he may only have to spend one year behind bars. “I’m just ready to get all of this behind me and get further along in my career,” he told the station. “I plead guilty, it was in my best interest.” As previously reported Boosie, born Torrence Hatch, was arrested in Baton Rogue on October 22, 2008 after authorities’ smelled marijuana coming from his car. Upon searching his vehicle, they found a firearm along with a bag of marijuana.
KRS ONE TO HOST RED BULL BC ONE.
KRS ONE will host the world's most respected international b-boy championship - Red Bull BC One - at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, November 18, 2009. KRS One is known for being a political and socially conscious rapper. These traits have earned him the title "Teacha." He is a major player in the evolution of Hip Hop and has been known to spark controversy. Currently, The Boogie Down Productions legend has outdone himself by writing the 600-page Hip Hop bible titled The Gospel of Hip Hop: The First Instrument which he hopes will someday become a sacred text of a new Hip Hop religion. KRS One is sure to bring the house down by connecting the worlds of music and dance and shining a light on the physically powerful
and stylistic athletic element of Hip Hop - b-boying. Red Bull BC One is known to bring the heat. Every year 16 dancers are handpicked from Hip Hop capitals worldwide and given the chance to
represent their country and their individuality in this acclaimed head-to-head battle royale. This year, the dancers will be judged by an astute panel of five respected b-boys who represent different styles of dance from different parts of the world. The judges are: Katsu of The Mighty Zulu Kingz (Japan), Salah of Vagabonds Crew (France), Ronnie of Sup3r Crew and 2007 Red Bull BC One champion (USA), Cico of Spinkingz (Italy), and b-boy Float (USA). At the end of the night there will only be ONE b-boy left standing--the one who will walk away with the coveted title
and world-wide respect as the Red Bull BC One Champion. The judges have no easy job but it is up to them alone to determine "who is the ONE?" Red Bull BC One may be making its live U.S. debut this year but over the past 5 years, the internationally acclaimed event has entertained
thousands of fans, inspired innovation among the international Hip Hop scene and given a platform to the best dancers in the world to show their individual skills. The annual event has been hosted in Berlin, Switzerland, Sao Paulo, South Africa, and Paris. This November, the celebration and competition comes home to where the movement first began - New York city.
FLEX AND DNELL BACK ATCHA ! - RAPINDUSTRY.COM TALK RADIO
The fellas have alot to talk about..They speak on and clown around with Vma's, Kanye, Jill Scott, Whitney Houston, Wendy Williams, Joe Jackson, Kid Cudi, Bill Clinton, What's what in the news, and more.. TUNE IN NOW!!
BET PARTNERS WITH LIVE NATION.
BET Networks today announced that they have teamed up with Live Nation, to produce a series of U.S. club and theater tours including the House of Blues and additional venues across the country. The partnership kicks off with this fall's first-ever 106 & PARK TOUR, on which Trey Songz and Mario co-headline, along with Day 26, Sean Garrett and RydazNRtist, a new group signed to Nick Cannon's NCredible Entertainment. The 106 & PARK TOUR will kick off September 29th at House of Blues in Los Angeles and will run through November, making stops in major markets including New York, Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, Detroit, Baltimore, Washington, and St. Louis. BET Networks will serve as the tour's exclusive media partner. "We're extremely excited about BET LIVE and the limitless opportunities this new venture presents," said Martez Moore, SVP -- Strategy and Business Development, BET Networks. "With Live Nation's unparalleled expertise in live concerts and an unmatched network of venues, we will be able to offer our partners a wealth of expertise about the African-American and urban
markets, and together will bring the best in live entertainment directly to our core audience and communities." "BET is a brand that is highly respected by artists and music fans alike and they wield considerable marketing power in major markets across the U.S.," said Michael Yerke, President of Talent at House of Blues. "Together we hope to expand the roster of national tours playing Live Nation's national network of clubs and theaters."
LENGENDARY DJ ROC RAIDA FOUND DEAD!
Legendary DJ, turntablist and producer Roc Raida, also known as Anthony Williams, died today at the age of 37, according to the Twitter accounts of Busta Rhymes and multiple other DJs. Roc Raida's MySpace page notes he was currently on tour with Rhymes. It also says he was in a car accident earlier this month and was in the hospital. Busta Rhymes broke the news on Twitter with these tweets: Roc Raida is dead, Busta Rhymes personal DJ, Anthony 'DJ Roc Raida' Williams has died today, but the details surrounding his death are still unknown. “His family thanks all of his fans for the well wishes and prayers. At this time please allow him and his family privacy to deal with the matter. The rumors and chatter is not accurate and we will release something more in detail at a later time. Thank you on behalf of the family and close friends.” Funeral services have not been announced.
KANYE AND LADY GAGA UNITE.
Kanye West and Lady Gaga today officially announced dates for one of the most anticipated tours of the year - "Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga." After months of planning, the multiplatinum artists will unite for 34 shows in 34 cities that will stretch musical boundaries with their distinctive performance styles and production. "Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga" will be produced by Live Nation. Tickets go on sale to the general public in select markets beginning September 25th. "Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga" kicks-off at the US
Airways Center in Phoenix, AZ on November 10 and runs through January 24 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. In just five years, Kanye West has sold over 15 million albums
worldwide, and garnered 30 Grammy nominations and 12 Grammy wins. His celebrated tours, including '07's groundbreaking and critically lauded 'Glow in the Dark Tour,' have played to more than one million fans the world over and have proven him to be a major touring force. "Fame Kills: Starring Kanye West & Lady Gaga" is the follow-up to Lady Gaga's sold-out international "Fame Ball" tour. Her album, "The Fame," has sold more than four million copies worldwide, and her singles have sold over 25 million digital copies. Lady Gaga is only the third artist in history to have three #1 songs ("Just Dance," "Poker Face," and "LoveGame") from a debut album.
BEYONCE HIT WITH INFRINGEMENT LAWSUIT.
Beyonce has been hit with a trademark infringement lawsuit from bosses at clothing firm Abercrombie & Fitch over plans to release her own perfume using the name of her alter ego Sasha Fierce. The Diva revealed earlier this week she had signed with fragrance house Coty to launch her own scent by spring 2010. Beyonce, who has previously been the face of Tommy Hilfiger's True Star range of perfumes and Emporio Armani's Diamonds, said, "For me, fragrance reflects a woman's attitude and unique sense of style. "While I love various perfumes, I haven't found a scent that truly personifies me as a woman. Working with Coty, I was able to turn my ideal fragrance into a reality by creating an alluring and sophisticated fragrance; one that's reflective of my inner power." But news of Beyonce's big money deal has prompted Abercrombie & Fitch to take legal action over fears her Sasha Fierce perfume will cause confusion among shoppers with their own-branded Fierce fragrance. Company executives filed a federal lawsuit in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday in a bid to block Beyonce and Coty releasing their scent with the word 'fierce' in its name. The legal papers state the singer's fragrance plan "poses a likelihood of confusion" for consumers and could cost Abercrombie & Fitch in sales. They argue Fierce is the fashion brand's "signature" scent and is regularly sprayed around its retail stores so that "all garments that leave the store have the Fierce scent attached to them". Abercrombie & Fitch has grossed more than $190 million in profits from the Fierce fragrance since 2002 and expects to pull in $64 million in sales this year alone.
WARNER MUSIC GROUP - SHARES ARE UP.
Reuters reports that shares of Warner Music Group rose 11 percent after Citigroup upgraded the world's third-largest music company on valuation, fueling further speculation of a deal with rival EMI Group. The brokerage raised the stock two notches to "buy," given the company's ability to generate significant free cash flow coupled with the potential to cut costs if a tie-up occurs between the company and EMI. EMI has been the subject of merger speculation with Warner Music as the two look to close the gap on their larger rivals Universal Music Group and Sony Corp's Sony Music Entertainment. Warner Music could probably find about $230 million in cost savings by combining recorded music operations, analyst Jason Bazinet said, raising his price target on the stock to $6.00 from $2.50. Warner Music's capital raise earlier this year lowers covenant pressure, favoring the "much vaunted tie-up" with London-based EMI, which was bought by private equity firm Terra Firma in 2007, Bazinet said. Since the deal close, Terra Firma has been injecting cash into the firm to prevent EMI from violating debt covenants. "Without some financial flexibility on the part of the banks, Terra Firma may be forced to sell its recorded and publishing business to other players in the industry," he said. While EMI's results have improved, the magnitude of the improvement is not robust enough to prevent it from needing more capital to avoid covenant breaches, the analyst added. Shares of Warner Music were trading up nearly 6 percent at $4.79 Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange.
THE BET HIP-HOP AWARDS '09 NOMINEES ARE IN.
The nominations were announced along with the highly respected renowned rapper, actor, screenwriter, film producer and director Ice Cube who will receive this year's "I AM HIP-HOP" Icon
Award. Hosted by actor and comedian Mike Epps, the hip-hop event of the year returns to Atlanta's Boisfeuillet Jones Civic Center on Saturday, October 10 to celebrate the biggest names in the game - both on the mic and in the community. The BET HIP-HOP AWARDS '09 will premiere Tuesday, October 27. The Hip-Hop Awards Voting Academy which is comprised of journalists, industry executives, and fans has nominated rapper, producer and style aficionado Kanye West for an impressive nine awards. Jay Z and Lil Wayne follow closely behind with seven nominations, and T.I. rounds things off with six nominations.
Best Hip-Hop Collabo Jim Jones & Ron Browz f/ Juelz Santana - Pop Champagne Lil Wayne f/ Bobby Valentino - Mrs. Officer Rick Ross f/ John Legend - Magnificent T.I. f/ Rihanna - Live Your Life Young Jeezy f/ Kanye West - Put On Best Live Performer Best Hip-Hop Video Rookie of the Year |
Video Director of
the Year Producer of the
Year Track of the Year |
CD of the Year Eminem - Relapse Q-Tip - The Renaissance T.I. - Paper Trail Kanye West - 808 & Heartbreak Young Jeezy - The Recession DJ of the Year Hustler of the Year Made-You-Look Award MVP of the Year |
JAY-Z DOMINATES THE CHARTS.
Jay-Z's BP3 sold more than 476,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan, giving Jay his eleventh #1 album on the Billboard 200 sales chart. This puts him ahead of Elvis Presley as the solo act with the most #1 albums in the more-than 50-year history of the Billboard 200. Whitney Houston's Bang! Pow! Boom! took #3 selling 88,000 units (399,000 total). Raekwon took #4 with his debut of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. 2, selling 68,000 units. Trey Songz' Ready took #6 selling 45,000 units (178,000 total). The Black Eyed Peas' The E.N.D. grabbed #7 selling 44,000 units (1,071,000 total). Eminem's Relapse took #32 selling 14,000 units (1,425,000 total).
NEW UNRELEASED MUSIC FROM DEATH ROW VAULTS- Snoop and Dre!
Listen to this unreleased joint from the Deathrow Vaults.. FALLIN ASLEEP ON DEATH ROW == LISTEN HERE
KANYE CALLS TAYLOR SWIFT.
After his public apology on The Jay Leno Show, Kanye West has finally personally reached out to pop singer Taylor Swift. According to the Associated Press, Kanye called her after her appearance on The View. During the show, Swift said she had yet to hear from Ye first hand, despite all of his three public apologies. Representatives for The View told the AP that Ye called Swift immediately following her appearance on the episode. “After the show he spoke personally to the country music superstar via telephone and has apologized to the 19-year-old singer,” a statement from The View read. “She has accepted Mr. West’s apology. The contents of the phone call are to remain private.”
FLEX AND DNELL BACK ATCHA ! - RAPINDUSTRY.COM TALK RADIO
The fellas have alot to talk about..They speak on and clown around with Obama, Talk about Joe Jackson's hair, Drake, Lady Gaga, Jay-Z, What's what in the news, and more.. TUNE IN NOW!!
INTERSCOPE RECORDS- BREAKING RECORDS.
With Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the trade magazine's
latest issue, Interscope Records notched 23 consecutive weeks at the top spot, breaking a record held since 1978. With the new issue (September 12), Interscope Records continues to set a new record by remaining at #1 for now 24 straight weeks. Interscope surpassed the previous label record of 21 consecutive weeks held by RSO Records, which began at the end of 1977 and included singles from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack album (Bee Gees with "How Deep Is
Your Love," "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever" plus Yvonne Elliman's "If I Can't Have You"), "Baby Come Back" by Player and "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water" from Andy Gibb. The new streak is thanks to Lady GaGa's "Pokerface" which hit #1 for one week followed by two Black Eyed Peas' songs--"Boom Boom Pow" which ranked #1 for 12 weeks and now "I Gotta Feeling" for 10 weeks, both from the group's album The E.N.D. In April, "Boom Boom Pow" became the three-time Grammy winning, multiplatinum-selling Peas' first song to reach #1. The 12-week mark also tied the record held by "Lose Yourself" from Eminem (another Interscope artist) as the longest running Rap/Hip-hop song atop the Hot 100 chart. "Having talented artists with giant hits always helps, and Lady Gaga and The Peas make it look easy...that plus the exceptional dedication of
our hard working promotion staff helped to make this historic accomplishment for our label possible," said Brenda Romano, President, Promotion, Interscope Geffen A&M Records. Meanwhile "I Gotta Feeling" debuted at #2 (the group's highest chart debut) and gave the Peas' the distinction of being one of only 11 artists who have held the #1 and #2 spots simultaneously. When "I Gotta Feeling" took over the top spot in July, the Peas became only the fourth group in
the chart's history to replace itself at #1, following The Beatles, Boyz II Men, and OutKast. Along the way, the Peas have broken the consecutive weeks at #1 records held by Boyz II Men for a duo or group and by Usher for any artist.
NIKE TEAMS UP WITH BIRDMAN AMONG OTHERS.
To pump up athletes before the game, Nike partnered with Island Def Jam, Universal Motown, and Interscope Records to remix some of today`s biggest hip-hop tracks with Nike`s elite NFL players to create Game Day Remixes. Every Thursday, the songs will be available for limited download on nikefootball.com and for purchase on iTunes. Songs include "Always Strapped (Nike Sport Remix)" featuring Birdman, Lil Wayne and Adrian Peterson, and "Ain`t I (Nike Sport Remix)" featuring Yung LA, T.I., Yung Dro and Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson and more...
NUMARK FLAGSHIP DUAL CD PLAYER NOW SHIPPING.
Numark, the world's leading manufacturer of DJ technology, announces that CDN88 MP3, its most comprehensive rack-mount CD player, is now shipping to retailers. CDN88 MP3 is the professional DJ's selection in high-performance CD players. This feature-packed, dual-deck unit not only plays traditional CDs and MP3 CDs, but it gives DJs capabilities not seen on many other rack-mount players. This update to Numark's well-known CDN88 adds MP3-playback capability, complete with text display, so DJs can carry more music on fewer discs. DJs can scratch in real time using CDN88 MP3's dual jog wheels and create two different seamless loops, including smart looping with three hot-stutter starts on each deck for extensive creative capability. Twelve DSP effects with direct access including reverse enable DJs to truly perform in ways no other CD player permits. They can even layer multiple effects. "CDN88 MP3 is designed for the professional DJ who requires reliable performance in their CD player," said Chris Roman, Product Development Manager, Numark. "With its solid Anti-Shock, DSP effects, real-time scratching and high-quality build, CDN88 MP3 stands above other professional CD players."
UNIVERSAL MOTOWN PROMOTES NEW VP.
Tatia Adams Fox has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing for Universal Motown Records, it was announced by Shanti Das, Executive Vice President of Urban Marketing for Universal Motown Records. In this new role, Mrs. Adams Fox will be responsible for creating integrated online, branding, and marketing campaigns on behalf of her roster of Universal Motown Records artists, which includes Akon, Kat DeLuna, London, Shontelle, Suai, Sweet Rush, and Michael Jackson: The Remix Suites I-V. "Tatia has been a valued leader in the company developing innovative and creative marketing strategies for many of our artists," said Ms. Das. "Her understanding of the current marketplace as it relates to music, the digital platform, and the increasing need for brand partnerships makes her a tremendous asset to the team." "I'd like to thank Shanti Das and Sylvia Rhone, President of Universal Motown Records, for their continued support over the years," stated Mrs. Adams Fox. "It has been a wonderful journey learning and growing under their leadership. This is a very exciting time in the music industry as mobile, digital, and traditional marketing have become synonymous. I look forward to new challenges and developing integrated campaigns that will break new artists and elevate our established artists."
PLAY*N*SKILLZ INK RECORD LABEL DEAL WITH SRC/UNIVERSAL RECORDS
Two-time GRAMMY award winning producers and recording artists, Play*N*Skillz have announced that they have signed a record label deal with SRC/Universal Records for their own label imprint, G4 Muzik. The deal will allow the dynamic duo the opportunity to sign, develop and market artists with distribution through SRC/Universal Records. "Play*N*Skillz have been trend setters for a long time, said Steve Rifkind, Founder and Chairman, SRC. “The music that they make is incredible and they’re innate knack for finding great talent is very impressive." “We are extremely excited to be a part of the SRC/Universal Records family, said Play from Play*N*Skillz. “This is an amazing opportunity for us to work with Steve Rifkind, one of the most influential record executives in the last 25 years, the same man who discovered the Wu-Tang Clan, Akon, Big Pun and Brand Nubian. For Steve, along with SRC President Gaby Acevedo to help seal the deal, on G4 Muzik is very monumental for us and verify’s that we are on the right track.” “This label deal will allow us to showcase our executives side as well as our creative and artistic sides, Said Skillz from Play*N*Skillz. “All of our hard work is paying off and I am excited for the future of G4 Muzik.” Up first for G4 Muzik is Dallas based recording artist Inertia. Inertia is a talented lyricist who has been perfecting his skills performing all over the country and opening for major artists including Paul Wall, Bone Thugs N Harmony and Juvenile. Inertia’s his first single “Body” featuring Slim from 112 will be shipped to radio nation wide next month. The track was produced by Play*N*Skillz. In addition, Play-N-Skillz have been in the studio working with Nelly, Bun B, Pitbull and Hurricane Chris, to name a few. They have also won an ASCAP Award this year and scored their second Grammy for producing Lil’ Wayne's hit single "Got Money" feat T-Pain.
JAY-Z ON COURSE TO 11TH #1 ALBUM.
Billboard reports that Jay-Z the Jigga man is on course to net his 11th No. 1 album on the Billboard 200 next week, as "The Blueprint 3" should cruise to the top of the chart. It's tough to predict how many copies the Roc Nation set will sell in its first week, but chart prognosticators have suggested a bow of anywhere between 350,000 and 500,000. "The Blueprint 3" was originally scheduled to drop on Sept. 11 in order to mark the eighth anniversary of the first "Blueprint" release. However, its physical release was shifted to Sept. 8, likely as a response to the set's leak to the Web on Aug. 31. The digital version of the album is exclusive to Rhapsody through Sept. 11, after which all digital providers will start selling the set. Most of the marketing and promotion of "The Blueprint 3" had been aimed at the Sept. 11 date and this weekend. Therefore, it's difficult to properly project what first week sales will be without knowing how the forthcoming weekend will shake out. If Jay-Z indeed debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 next week, it will be the rapper's 11th chart-topper, pushing him ahead of Elvis Presley as the solo artist with the most No. 1 albums. Among all acts, only the Beatles, with 19 chart-toppers, have more.
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL PARTNERS WITH POWERHOUSE PRODUCER JEFF CLANAGAN TO PRODUCE THE ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM SERIES. Basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal teams up with the pioneering Producer and CEO of Codeblack Entertainment Jeff Clanagan to present the ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM series. Featuring some of the most celebrated stand-up comics, the series will provide sidesplitting, no holds barred hilarity on topics ranging from America’s new president to shopping at Target. THE ALL-STAR COMEDY JAM series recaptures the spirit of past successful franchises like The Kings of Comedy series, and features some of today’s hottest urban comics. It also provides the up-and coming comedians with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and perform alongside the stalwarts of comedy. On his partnership with the NBA Legend, says Clanagan, “I am thrilled to collaborate with NBA’s most distinguished athlete on these multi-star live comedy events. This partnership will help expand Codeblack’s reach into television and further cement our desire to both develop and produce exciting entertainment projects from their inception as a live event through to their subsequent telecast.” Given Shaquille O'Neal’s entrepreneurial aspirations this project marks a natural evolution of his brand. “I am excited to partner with a veteran like Jeff Clanagan and I am thrilled to be venturing into the comedy and television world.” At the inaugural show, filmed before a spirited crowd in Phoenix, AZ, the night before this year’s NBA All-Star Game, the Original King of Comedy Cedric “The Entertainer” performs 30 minutes of his latest material in between comedy sets by fellow comedians such as Tommy Davidson (In living Color), Kevin Hart (Soul Plane),Aries Spears (Mad TV), and DeRay Davis. The DVD is in stores now..
MARY J. TO RECEIVE YET ANOTHER AWARD.
Mary J. Blige, nine time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, producer and actress, will receive the first annual "Positively Beautiful," Award from HBA Global Expo on Tuesday, September 15th at the Javits Center in New York. Lisa Price, founder of Carol's Daughter will present the award to Ms. Blige as part of HBA's Keynote and Kick-off Presentation starting at 8:55 a.m. HBA Global Expo is the largest product development event for the cosmetic, fragrance, skin care, personal care, and well-being industries. The Positively Beautiful Award was established to annually recognize a person who has had a positive and inspiring influence on the lives of the very people who are customers of HBA's many attendees and exhibitors. Ms.
Blige, who has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide, is the co-creator of The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. (FFAWN). The mission of this significant philanthropic undertaking is to help women gain the confidence and skills
necessary to reach their full individual potential. "Mary J. Blige has influenced and inspired millions of people with her music and talent, but it is her work through FFAWN that will help women find their 'inner beauty' and confidence to succeed in this world," said Jill Birkett, event director of HBA Global Expo. "We are extremely proud to present Ms. Blige with the first 'Positively Beautiful' award and recognize the beauty of her commitment to the empowerment of disadvantaged women."
WHITNEY STUNS HER FANS.
Proving that it was well worth the wait, Whitney Houston's long-awaited album I Look To You debuts at No. 1 on several charts across the world, including the US Top Albums and R&B Album charts, according to Nielsen/Soundscan. With 304,801 units sold within the first week of release in the US, this marks Whitney's biggest first week sales of her career and the best selling first week by a female artist this year! Houston's No. 1 position extends across the globe and claims the top spots in Canada, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The spell will continue next week when Whitney Houston launches the 24th season of The Oprah Winfrey Show with a two-day event, inclusive of what Oprah calls "the best interview I've ever done," and an emotional
performance of "I Didn't Know My Own Strength" that had "grown men and women weeping in the aisles" according to Oprah's recent Twitter post. "The Oprah Winfrey Show: Season Premiere: Oprah And Whitney Houston - The First Interview" airs Monday, September 14, 2009. "The Oprah Winfrey Show: Season Premiere Part II: Whitney Houston's Show-Stopping Surprise" airs Tuesday, September 15, 2009 (check local listings).
SNOOP TAPPED AS CREATIVE CHAIRMAN OF EMI MUSIC'S PRIORITY RECORDS
Snoop to Executive Produce Commemorative Releases for Legendary West Coast Rap Label, Celebrating 25th Anniversary in 2010. EMI Music has appointed Snoop Dogg to the new position of Creative Chairman of its famed Priority Records Label, where he will apply the same unique, creative and business savvy that established him as one of the most successful stars in Hip-Hop and helped define West Coast Rap as a major musical genre to develop great music for new and existing fans. Snoop Dogg will also release a new studio album for Priority that EMI will bring to fans around the world. Snoop Dogg, a true global superstar who has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and who has also become a beloved film and television personality, will release "Malice N Wonderland," his tenth studio album, this December. "Malice N Wonderland" will have production and mixing by The Dream, Christopher 'Tricky' Stewart, Dr. Dre, Pharrell, Danja, Nottz, and will feature Soulja Boy, Lil Jon, R. Kelly, The Dream, Brandy and Jazmine Sullivan. As Creative Chairman of Priority, the label that established West Coast Rap as an influential musical force, Snoop will re-launch the legacy of Priority and will drive efforts to maximize untapped digital and branding opportunities at the label. He will also serve as Executive Producer for a new series of Priority releases slated to begin hitting the market next year to commemorate the label's 25th anniversary. Priority's genre-defining catalog includes classic recordings by Snoop, as well as from N.W.A, Eazy-E, Master P, Ice Cube, Westside Connection, EPMD and others. Ted Chung, Snoop's long-time creative associate and manager at Stampede Management, will become Brand Strategist at Priority. "Snoop's success is a result of constant evolution and trend-setting creativity," said Chung. "EMI is ahead of the curve for tapping into that formula of success in its strategy." "Starting fresh with EMI is a great feeling. It's a new partnership, a new Priority Records, and a new Snoop Dogg: the Creative Chairman...the Boss Dogg...the Dogg Father," said Snoop. "The business model we've developed will bring the musical heritage of groups like N.W.A. to the forefront. And you definitely got to get ready for my new album "Malice N Wonderland" in December to kick it all off -- this is going to be the most potent dose of Snoop Dogg yet!" "The world knows and loves Snoop as a unique and undeniably influential artist. His innate understanding of the urban music scene and his ability to strike a chord with fans, time and again are why he has built a successful career," said Nick Gatfield, President, New Music for EMI Music in North America, UK & Ireland. "EMI's mission is to truly understand and serve music fans around the world, and we recognize that Snoop is a creative talent who 'gets' his fan base and recognizes great music and entertainment trends. We join with millions of fans around the world in anticipation of a new Snoop album and the other exciting projects that Snoop will drive at Priority." "Snoop has been a huge force in Rap and a big influence on the Urban genre in general," said Leonard Brooks, Senior Vice President of Urban A&R for EMI Music in the US. "In addition to possessing an original artistic voice, Snoop is also a true tastemaker, trendsetter of style and a global ambassador of Hip-Hop. We're elated to release his next record, and to have Snoop re-introduce some of the most ground-breaking Rap recordings to new fans as Creative Chairman of Priority Records." "We're excited to have such a talented artist and urban music legend like Snoop at Priority. We look forward to working with him to showcase this legendary label's music to a new generation of fans," says Bill Gagnon, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EMI Music North America's Catalog division. "Snoop is the ideal cultural and musical visionary to join our team as we celebrate Priority's 25th anniversary and take this pioneering label into the future."
JAY-Z'S BP3 TOUR SET.
Jay Z, undeniably one of the most powerful voices in music today, a multiple Grammy Award winner and influencer that has resonated with a generation of music fans, is officially announcing his fall tour. With 21 dates confirmed, the tour will make stops at a mix of college campus arenas and traditional venues across North America starting at Penn State University on October 9th. Tickets go on sale in select markets beginning on September 11th. Prior to the tour kickoff, JAY-Z will hold a charity concert at New York's legendary Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 11th in support of the New York Police & Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund. For this live event, 100% of the proceeds from tickets sales and concert merchandise will go directly to the charity. The fall tour is the follow-up to the historic "Mary J. Blige & Jay-Z: Heart of the City" tour where they performed for more than 600,000 fans and received rave reviews at every stop. The 28 date trek grossed more than $35 million.
LUDACRIS GIVES AWAY 20 CARS
Ludacris has given away 20 cars to people who wrote about their struggles to keep their jobs for a lack of wheels of their own. Ludacris said he was taken aback after reading thousands of essays by people struggling or unable to buy cars needed to get to and from work or find jobs. The 31-year-old rapper felt he could step in and move them ahead, partnering with a suburban Atlanta dealership for Sunday's giveaway. "People are getting laid off, and now are looking for jobs," Ludacris said. "To be efficient, you need some transportation of your own to get there. That's why I wanted to give back to those who need it." Each of the used vehicles included free gas for 30 days. Winning contestants were responsible for tags, registration, tax and insurance. About 4,000 contestants submitted a 300-word essay to the rapper's foundation, explaining why they deserved a car.
FLEX AND DNELL BACK ATCHA ! - RAPINDUSTRY.COM TALK RADIO
The fellas have alot to talk about..They speak on and clown around with Jay Z's new album average at best?, Nas, West Coast, Lil Wayne, Lil Boosie gay?, Opinions on Chris Brown interview with Larry King, What's what in the news, and more.. TUNE IN NOW!!
LUDA AND SHAWNNA GOIN' HARLEY ON UM.
To gear up for their upcoming album release, Ludacris and Shawnna jumped on their Harleys
and sat down with Rides magazine to discuss their upcoming album, "Battle of The Sexes."
The Disturbing the Peace labelmates talked about their first collaboration album and the constant battle that takes place between the sexes, on and off the road. Ludacris and Shawnna both received a Harley, courtesy of NYC Choppers and Harley-Davidson, to customize and reflect their individual personalities. "You know we're already competitive, so in customizing this bike, in going fast, in living life...in the fast lane, all of these different things, it goes into Battle of the Sexes," said Ludacris. When asked about Shawnna's bike, Ludacris joked, "I think it's hot. It's pink; it's fit for a lady. But it's not better than mine!"
KEVIN LILES STEPS DOWN AT WARNER.
Warner Music Group EVP Kevin Liles has announced plans to leave his day-to-day role at the company in order to pursue his own entrepreneurial opportunities. Liles will maintain a consulting relationship with the company. In a statement, Liles explained, "In the past couple weeks I've made one of the most important decisions of my life -- to depart the Warner Music Group in order to focus more on new entrepreneurial endeavors in talent management, entertainment, media and my personal philanthropic and political passions. I am thankful for the opportunities that Chairman and CEO Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Vice Chairman - Lyor Cohen have given me, most recently in entrusting me with driving the company's global artist services strategy, which is redefining the way labels and artists work together. My work here is now complete and I'm excited about the next chapter of my life." Bronfman commented, "Kevin Liles is an exceptional executive and one of the most dynamically creative individuals in the industry. During his tenure at WMG, he helped to design and implement our industry-leading artist services strategy that in just a few years is already producing meaningful results. With WMG now positioned for future growth, Kevin is following his heart. His presence will be missed in 75 Rock." Cohen, WMG's Vice Chairman and Chairman and CEO of Recorded Music - Americas and the U.K., said, "Kevin and I have worked together since the day he joined Def Jam as an intern 18 years ago. He has become a trusted friend, a brilliant executive and an incredible business partner. Together, we have built companies, signed and developed fantastically talented artists, and brought some outstanding music to the world. Even though Kevin's chosen to pursue a new challenge, we'll continue to work together in many aspects of the entertainment industry. I'm so excited to see what's next for Kev, and he takes with him all my love and respect."
JAY Z LOOKS PAST BLUEPRINT 3
Jay-Z is already looking past his upcoming Blueprint 3 album and is working on his next album which he claims will be his most eclectic piece ever. "My next album, which I'm working on now is gonna be the album that really ... it's not gonna be a #1 album. That's where I'm at right now. I wanna make the most experimental album I ever made," the rapper told MTV. "But let's not deal with that now; I want to deal with The Blueprint 3."
AMARU ENTERTAINMENT SCORES MAJOR VICTORY AGAINST MORGAN CREEK PRODUCTIONS - Tupac's Estate Seeks Millions in Damages for Interference.
Lawyers for Amaru Entertainment scored a major victory against Morgan Creek Productions in the Superior Court for the State of California on Tuesday, September 1, when Judge Richard E. Rico ruled in their favor and upheld Amaru Entertainment's cross-complaint for tortious intentional interference. A trial date has now been set for Tuesday, April 13, 2010. Skip Miller of Miller Barondess, LLP in Los Angeles, attorney for Amaru Entertainment, said "We are pleased with the court's ruling yesterday morning. It supports our claim that Morgan Creek tortiously interfered with the making of the Tupac Shakur movie. I look forward to trying this case and have the jury decide the matter. Morgan Creek has a history of bullying people into giving them rights they did not acquire. This time, they picked on the wrong people." The litigation started when Morgan Creek filed suit against Amaru Entertainment in February this year, alleging that the company had "backed out of negotiations" and was currently "refusing to honor and perform a contract of a production for a film based on the life of Tupac Shakur." In actuality, there was never any agreement as key deal terms had never been agreed upon between the parties. This was a scheme by Morgan Creek to bully Amaru Entertainment into doing a movie with them and interfere with Amaru Entertainment's negotiations for the film with other studios. In the ruling yesterday, the court held that Amaru adequately stated a claim against Morgan Creek for interference by making "intentional misrepresentations of fact to third-party studios claiming to own the film rights and threatening them to back off on further negotiations with Amaru Entertainment."
VH1 REVEALS NEW LINEUP
'Behind the Music,' 'Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,' 'Eddie Griffin: Going For Broke,' 'Hip Hop Honors 2009,' 'I Want to Work for Diddy: Season 2,' 'Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew,' 'Tough Love: Season 2,' And the Return of 2 Favorite VH1 Tentpole Events -'VH1 Divas' and 'Hip Hop Honors 2009' VH1 still sizzles with a slew of fall 2009 series and season premieres. The lineup kicks off on September 17(th) with the long-awaited return of "VH1's Divas Live," then continues with the 6(th) annual Hip Hop Honors 2009. BEHIND THE MUSIC - premieres September 10th, They're at the top of their game, they're role models in the industry, and some of their careers can easily span the legal drinking age. VH1's "Behind the Music" is back to narrate the journeys of some of music's most influential artists. For six consecutive weeks, the critically acclaimed series will delve into the lives of Lil Wayne, Pink, Bobby Brown, Bret Michaels, T.I. and 50 Cent. Each week you'll hear a different story with the same ending--success. From hip hop hustlers to hard core rockers, the re-vamped "Behind the Music" is sure to give you the most intimate look into the lives of today's most popular musicians. Eddie Griffin: going for broke - Premieres Monday, September 14, 2009 at 10pm et/pt. The series introduces the rest of his loveable family like his mother Doris, 70-year old Uncle Curtis (who is an amateur porn star, looking to turn pro), Eddie Junior, an aspiring singer whose studio costs are staggering, and JC, the gargantuan Ex NFL pro - turned boxer, who Eddie hopes to take to the top. Of course, all of them are bleeding Eddie dry as he works himself to death, trying to help them realize their own dreams. VH1 DIVAS - premieres September 17.After a four year hiatus, VH1's popular "Divas" concert is back and bigger than ever. Preceded by legendary artists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, this year's extravaganza will be a showcase of pop music's most talented rising stars. Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus, Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks (additional talent to be announced shortly) will perform at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House in Brooklyn, New York. Paula Abdul will host the live concert event. THE 6TH ANNUAL "VH1 HIP HOP HONORS" - premieres October 13. Dust off that old gold chain and break out your oversized boom box because VH1 is celebrating Def Jam's 25(th) Anniversary at the 6th annual "VH1's Hip Hop Honors." For a quarter century, Def Jam has been the hip hop hub for some of the genre's most iconic and influential artists. This fall, VH1 will honor the architects of the label including Russell Simmons, Rick Rubin, Lyor Cohen, Julie Greenwald, Kevin Lyles and L.A. Reid--the extraordinary men and women behind the label that helped to define hip hop. For its 3(rd) year, "Saturday Night Live" alum and "30 Rock" star Tracy Morgan will host the ceremony at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House. I WANT TO WORK FOR DIDDY: SEASON 2 - premieres November 2nd. The economy may be in the tank but at least one person is still hiring... Diddy. The music mogul is back with a new batch of hopefuls vying to win one of the toughest yet most rewarding jobs in the business--P. Diddy's personal assistant.
WEA CORP NAMES NEW PRESIDENT/CEO.
WEA Corp., the U.S. sales and retail marketing company of Warner Music Group, announced today the promotion of Mike Jbara to President and CEO. Jbara succeeds John Esposito, who has been named President of the newly-formed Warner Music Nashville. Based in New York, Jbara will report to Roger Gold, SVP, Office of the Chairman & CEO, Recorded Music - the Americas and the U.K. In his new role, Jbara will be responsible for setting the company's overall strategic direction as well as continuing to oversee day-to-day operations such as retail sales, direct-to-consumer sales, production and distribution, merchandise sales, interactive marketing and worldwide digital distribution. Jbara had served as WEA's EVP and COO since 2005. He originally joined the company in 1996."It is an honor to be given the reigns at WEA at this exciting and challenging time," Jbara commented. "In my 13 years as an executive here I have seen first-hand the professionalism that this team brings to every deal and every project. They have a commercial skill set and creative approach that our label partners and their artists have grown to expect and appreciate, and are without question the best in the business, which will make fulfilling my new responsibilities that much more rewarding. I am proud to have this opportunity to lead WEA into its next chapter. I want to thank Espo for not only being a great boss and mentor, but for his invaluable friendship. I look forward to working with him in his new role at Warner Music Nashville."
JAY-Z SPEAKS ON NEW ALBUM "BLUEPRINT 3" LEAK.
Jay Z says he’s ‘excited’ rather than angry about his new album Blueprint 3 leaking online. Speaking to MTV News, the rapper said: "I may be the most bootlegged artist in history. It's a preview. I'm excited for people to hear the album. I'm very proud of the work I've done, so enjoy it.” The rapper will release his new record on that day- 8 years after 9/11 and the day his first Blueprint album was released. At a press conference Jay said: "I'm humbled by this whole entire process. Just my whole evolution coming to this place. It just all worked out this way. “The first album came out on this exact day, I was in Los Angeles and couldn't help out physically. For it to come full circle and us to be here and play Madison Square Garden and 100 percent of the proceeds going to the charity. I'm just humbled by the experience."
NICKI MINAJ SIGNS TO YOUNG MONEY.
Months after Drake signs with Universal Records, another intense bidding war ensues, resulting in Nicki Minaj signing with Lil Wayne's Young Money label. During the last two years Minaj has emerged on the hiphop scene, choosing to fore go earlier label offers in order to establish a stronger fan base by way of the internet, promotional touring and a series of mix tapes. After the release of "Playtime is Over" and "Sucker Free", it was her third mix-tape, the critically acclaimed "Beam Me Up Scotty" with featured appearances from Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane, Busta Rhymes, Bobby Valentino and Drake that caught the attention of music industry heavy weights. Lil Wayne asserts, "I am honored to have Nicki Minaj as Young Money's First Lady. She is a star". The battle among labels to sign Minaj heightened this summer and finalized with Minaj signing an exceptional and very unique deal with Young Money/Universal, where she retains and owns all of her 360 rights, including merchandising, sponsorships, endorsements, touring and publishing. Nicki Minaj asserts, "To say I'm excited would be an understatement. It's validation. It's proof. It's empowerment. I represent every little girl in a hood near you. To everyone that supported me two years ago when I was on underground mix-tapes and DVDs and to the people that only caught on two weeks ago, I say thank you. Be proud of yourself. You've given girls all around the world the permission to change the face of female rap." Minaj's debut album is anticipated to be released in early 2010 and will be distributed through Universal Motown. Minaj is currently appearing with Lil Wayne at sold-out arenas throughout the country on the America's Most Wanted tour, which also features Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy and more. Minaj continues to be managed by Mizay Enertainment's Debra Antney who also represents Gucci Mane.
50 & KIM KARDASHIAN LINK UP.
Kim Kardashian has signed a deal with 50 Cent's fragrance company. The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star will compete with with an endless line of celebrities when her new scent hits shelves in spring 2010. Kim Kardashian insists her as yet unnamed fragrance will be unlike other A-list endorsements, after inking a deal with the rapper’s company, Lighthouse Beauty - which will also market and distribute a line of 50 Cent-inspired colognes later this year. She tells Women’s Wear Daily, “What’s so different about their approach is that they have worked so closely with me on all aspects of my fragrance, the bottle, the juice…so I can develop a product that truly represents me and speaks to my fans….the fragrance really captures who I am.” 50's manager and Lighthouse Beauty partner, Chris Lighty, has also confirmed the partnership.
DJ AM FOUND DEAD!
A law enforcement official says the celebrity disc jockey known as DJ AM has been found dead in a New York City apartment. The official tells The Associated Press that 36-year-old Adam Goldstein was found in the Manhattan apartment this evening. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because family hadn't been notified. The death comes a year after Goldstein survived a plane crash that killed four other people in South Carolina. Goldstein was a deejay for hire who performed on albums with Madonna, Will Smith and Papa Roach, He played in concert with Jay-Z, and made a name for himself on the private club circuit while DJing at private parties for the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Lopez and Leonardo DiCaprio. He was also known for relationships with Nicole Richie and Mandy Moore. The New York Post reports that drug paraphernalia was found in the musician’s Lafayette Street apartment. Goldstein spoke openly about his past struggles with drug and food addiction, telling Glamour mag in a revealing interview that he started freebasing cocaine when he was 20 years old. “For the next four years, that’s about all I did — with the exception of deejaying, which I’d been obsessed with ever since I saw Herbie Hancock do the song ‘Rockit’ at the Grammy Awards,” he told the magazine. Our condolences go out to his family and loved ones. R.I.P.
EMINEM DISSING DRAKE, LIL WAYNE & KANYE?
A new track leaked yesterday: Drake - "Forever" Ft.Kanye West Lil Wayne & Eminem
(LISTEN HERE). People are decoding Em's verse as a diss towards Drake, Lil Wayne, and Kanye West. Em's lyrics go: "There they go, back in stadiums as Shady spits his flow.. nuts they go.. Macademia go so balistic whoa.. He can make them look like bozos hes wonderin if he should spit this slow, Fuck no, go for broke, his cup just runneth over oh (going @ Kanye) no..He aint had a buzz like this since the last time he overdosed, they've been waiting patiently for pinnochio to poke his nose back into the game and they know.. rap will never be the same as before.. bashin into the brains of these hoes..and establishin a name as he goes (going @ Drake) the passion and the flame is ignited.. you can't put it out once we light it, this shit is exactly what the fuck that im talking bout when we riot.. you dealin with a few true villians whose staying inside of the booth truth spillin.. and spit true feelings until our tooth fillings come flying up out of our mouths now rewind it..payback muthafucka for the way that you got at me ..hows it taste? when I slap the taste out of your mouth with the bass so loud that it shakes the place.. (going @ Wayne) I'm Hannibal Lecter so just incase you was thinkin of savin face.. you aint gonna have no face to save by the time im through with this place so ..Drake."
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2000 - 2009 Copyright. RapIndustry.com. All Rights Reserved.