The 7 Days of Kwanzaa Have Begun

Rochelle E. Danquah holds the Unity Cup during the libation ceremony at the Kwanzaa celebration, held at the Southfield Public Library in Southfield, Mich., Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007. Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration beginning on Dec. 26 that focuses on African heritage and efforts to strengthen American families. It was begun in 1966.
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — A holiday tradition dating back not centuries but decades has begun with the start of the seven days of Kwanzaa.
Unlike Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa isn't a religious holiday. Based on the year-end harvest festivals held in Africa for thousands of years, it's observed worldwide starting Friday by people of African descent.

Local observances include "Kwanzaa and the Seven Principles: Willing the Well-Being of the World," organized by the Black Arts and Cultural Center in Kalamazoo. Events will be held at the Epic Center, Kalamazoo Mall and other locations.

"We are partnering with various organizations in the city to host Kwanzaa events at their locations throughout the week with special guest speakers and entertainment," center director Sid Ellis told the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Kwanzaa is a Swahili word that means "first fruits of harvest." The holiday was created in 1966 by Maulana Ron Karenga, a professor at California State University, Long Beach, who is also executive director of the African American Cultural Center in Los Angeles.

Participation in Kwanzaa has leveled off, according to Keith Mayes, an assistant professor of African American and African Studies at the University of Minnesota. Mayes estimates between 500,000 and 2 million people in the U.S. celebrate Kwanzaa, out of about 40 million Americans identified by the U.S. Census as black or multiracial.

Ellis said the numbers aren't as important as what people learn from Kwanzaa.

"Kwanzaa is an acknowledgment of the African culture and heritage, and something BACC wants to help share with the entire community," he said.

Lil Wayne Rocks Farewell Concert, New Orleans Fans Bid Farewell

Preparing for his upcoming prison bid set to begin in February, Lil Wayne performed a farewell concert for his hometown New Orleans fans last night (December 28).
Click here to find out more!

After performing a slew of his hit records, Wayne took a moment to thank his loyal followers.

The artist returned to his hometown of New Orleans for a performance Monday on what he's calling his farewell tour. "I'm nothing without you," he told the screaming crowd of thousands of fans at the New Orleans Arena after opening the concert with "A Milli," which last year earned him a Grammy for best rap solo. (The Press Association)

Fans shared their sadness regarding Wayne having to be taken away from his music career as he heads into a speculated one-year prison stint.

As thousands of fans filed through the New Orleans Arena doors Monday, many said they were disappointed with the rapper's legal troubles. "It's kinda sad, the stereotype and that he fell into it," said 19-year-old Lee Farrell of New Orleans. Lil Wayne is set to follow some of rap music's biggest names - from Tupac Shakur, Lil' Kim, Beanie Sigel and Shyne to New Orleans natives Mystikal and C-Murder - who have served a few months to several years behind bars for crimes committed after they became famous. (The Canadian Press)

Others compared Wayne's upcoming bid to that of incarcerated rapper T.I.

"I hope Lil Wayne will follow in T.I.'s footsteps," said 32-year-old Jed Wright of Metairie, who brought his 11-year-old stepson to the show as a Christmas present. "T.I. promised to turn his life around. Lil Wayne can do the same thing." "He's very unique," said 18-year-old April Nguyen, of Metairie, La. "He expands his genre, even does rock music, and is constantly reinventing himself." (Billboard)

(FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS DJ WHOO KID) ---- KNOCKS OUT RICK ROSS ,SHANE MOSLEY ,TIGER WOODS and more -GOING IN ON Everyone

Floyd Mayweather called in from Miami to talk with DJ Whoo Kid and the Shade 45 crew last week, and the gloves were on! Listen as the fighting phenom discusses boxing vs. the MMA, the Tiger Woods debacle, Sugar Shane Mosley, his record label and more!

Which sport has the best fans? What is Floyd’s favorite song right now? Which aspiring rapper stole his diamond watch? What will he, 50 Cent and Whoo Kid be doing this New Year’s Eve? Why is Shane Mosley begging to fight Mayweather? How does he feel about haters? How does HBO really feel about champs like Roy Jones, Jr. and Mike Tyson? What advice does he have for Tiger Woods?

Mariah Carey Honored in Capri

Mariah Carey was back on the Italian island of Capri, except this time she wasn’t vacationing. Fresh off their Christmas getaway in Aspen, Mr. and Mrs. Cannon attended the second day of the 14th Annual Capri Hollywood International Film Festival on Monday (Dec. 28). MC received the Capri Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Precious.

John Legend’s 31st Birthday Party

John Legend and girlfriend Christine Teigen weren’t shy, showing PDA at his 31st birthday party at Simyone Lounge in New York City on Monday (Dec. 28). The Grammy winner celebrated with friends including Ludacris, Estelle, Ryan Leslie, and Consequence.

Two deadly explosives found at office of incarcerated rapper T.I.

According to MyFoxAtlanta, Atlanta police said they discovered two Molotov cocktails Thursday at an office belonging to Rapper TI.

A SWAT team was called in to remove the explosives from the scene at the 1700 block of Defoors Ferry.

Officials said the Molotov cocktails were not lit.

The incident is under investigation.

50 Cent To Co-Host 106 & Park For Three Days Beginning

PRNewsWire:- Rap superstar 50 Cent is back with a newly released fourth studio album, "Before I Self Destruct," and this week he's hanging out with BET. Beginning on Thursday, November 19 at 6:00 p.m.,* the outspoken artist and businessman will guest co-host the network's music countdown show, 106 & PARK, with host Rocsi for three days. In addition to interviewing guests and introducing videos, 50 Cent will also perform two songs for the 106 & PARK studio audience.

Viewers can catch 50 Cent co-hosting 106 & PARK on Thursday, November 19, Monday, November 23 and Tuesday, November 24 at 6:00 p.m.*


Following 50'S co-hosting Stint on Thursday, BET will premiere the second installment of its new original music series FOOD FOR THOUGHT: CONVERSATIONS WITH 50 CENT at 8:00 p.m.* Joined by NY radio personality, Angie Martinez; sports commentator, Stephen A. Smith and music journalist, Harry Allen at Bobby Van's in New York City, 50 Cent will give an uncut, uncensored and unpredictably open interview about his journey and perception in this industry.

No topic will be off limits in this exclusive interview. 50 Cent will talk about his new album; his income drop according to Forbes magazine, the last cd release battle with Kanye West, what he learned from his relationship with Vivica Fox and what makes him the 'King of New York'.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: CONVERSATIONS WITH 50 CENTS is a BET Music Production. Jon Marc Sandifer serves as producer and director for the special with Stephen G. Hill, President of Entertainment, Programming and Music as executive producer.

Eddie Murphy Producing Rated-R Animated Film

Eddie Murphy has been attached to produce the new R-rated animated feature, The Adventures of Fluffy.

Murphy has not yet cast himself as a voice in the movie, for which Sam Pitman and Adam Cole-Kelly are writers.

Pitman and Kelley are also the writers for the Tyler Perry-produced The Diversification of Noah Miller, a race-themed story about a man who tries to bring cultural enlightenment to his son by befriending people of another race. Perry has not been confirmed as an actor in the film. --Jamal Munnerlyn

Jennifer Hudson to Play Winnie Mandela in New Film

After the still-talked-about success of Dreamgirls, actress and singer Jennifer Hudson has found her next big role: Winnie.

Hudson is set to star in a film based on the life of activist Winnie Mandela, which will be depicted from the Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob biography Winnie Mandela: A Life.

"I was compelled and moved when I read the script," Hudson told Variety. "Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I'm honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told."

Mandela's life is definitely full of complexities. The wife of South Africa's former president Nelson Mandela, Winnie is a paradoxical figure who supported a freedom fighter, and led her own activist movements, but was also convicted of fraud following a scandal involving the murder of a 14-year-old.

Winnie will be directed by Darrell J. Roodt, who's best known for his films Cry, The Beloved Country and Sarafina! --Linda Hobbs

IS Kanye AND Amber Rose Preparring to get Married

LMAO! I am really in a silly mood right now but check it out.

In this picture Kanye and Amber have on the same Jordans. No I didn’t hear they got married but i remember back in the day when Todd (LL) was going with Simone (his wife) once he got her some Troop sneakers to match his and a dookie gold rope, it was a wrap after that.

He married her! Is Kanye and Amber next?

On 2nd thought yall know that a pair of kicks in the hood is equivalent to the chick being wifey! Don’t front, you know I’m right, C’mon Son (Ed Lover voice)!

Shock For Twins As X Factor Stage Stormed

Musician Calvin Harris was ejected from TV's X Factor studio by security guards after storming the stage during a performance by twins John and Edwards Grimes
the Electro man ran on to the set holding a pineapple on his head, mimicking the quiffs donned by the brothers.

He had been due to appear on the sister show The Xtra Factor.

An X Factor spokesman said: "Apparently Calvin is a huge John and Edward fan but it's unacceptable to storm the stage whilst an act is performing."

The Grimes twins - named Jedward - had been performing the song 'Under Pressure' when Harris ran on.

He then slapped his bottom before running off
The teenagers continued with their song, and were praised by the ITV show's judges for being so professional.

Writing on his Twitter page, Harris said: "Was just thrown out of x factor for jumping onstage during Jedward with a pineapple on my head."

He had earlier posted a photograph of a pineapple with the caption "important" on his Twitter page.

The show also saw Simon Cowell throw down the gauntlet to Sting after The Police star claimed the reality TV show had "put music back decades".

Elvis hair strand sold for £1,055

A strand of hair from Elvis Presley, saved by his personal barber, has raised £1,055 at auction.

Homer Gill Gilleland toured with Elvis for more than 20 years. He dyed the singer's hair black and then cut it, saving strands in a towel.

Friends of Mr Gilleland said he would then bundle up the towel, with hair inside, and take it home in a bag.

The piece of hair had been expected to fetch up to £250 at Saturday's auction in Devizes, Wiltshire.

After Elvis's death in 1977, Mr Gilleland is said to have started selling strands of the hair in a souvenir shop on the street opposite the singer's home Graceland in Memphis in the US.

The strand which was auctioned was given to Thomas B Morgan Jnr in 2002 by the barber. Mr Morgan worked in the Sheriff's Office of Shelby County and knew Elvis.

The hair, which comes with a certificate of authenticity, is mounted in a frame alongside a photograph of Elvis.

It was auctioned at Henry Aldridge and Son in Devizes.

In November 2002, a strand of Elvis's hair sold for 115,000 US dollars (about £70,000) in an internet auction.

RUMOURS !!!!!!

BEYONCE’S PREGNANT?????


I have been told that this is a masterpiece of a rumor. Remember yesterday we said Jay-Z had an urgent matter with Beyonce? Well, a lot of people speculated that it was drama! I have been informed that the rumor has a much brighter side. Sources inside Beyonce’s camp are saying that BEYONCE IS PREGNANT! Now, this remains a big MIGHT, but I’m hearing B is “missing something” if you catch the drift. Don’t want to give you all a TMI moment. But this is supposedly the reason why Jay has been far more attentive. You know Jay wants that kid! B isn’t quite as hype off of kids from what I gathered in the media reports, but I am sure she recognizes a blessing when she feels it! OK, shut up illseed. If it matters, the source says this rumor is “golden.”

SEED UNIT GETS AT 50 CENT!

Ztothee is officially the first member of “Seed Unit,” my crew of eyes and ears across the world! Wanna be in Seed Unit, email me! Nevertheless, Z was out in his respective hood of Houston and had the chance to interview 50 Cent….well interview is a bit much. He got to chat with 50 Cent for a few. He told 50 Cent how much he liked the BISD movie (which I heard was good too). Anyway, he asked 50 Cent if Beanie would do better with G-Unit than Roc-A-Fella and 50 said something like, “Of course, because there is more promotion (at G-Unit). He also said that he was not causing beef with Jay-Z on purpose. He said he’s tired of watching Jay try to be something he’s not. SEED-UNIT!


Here are some other things he heard.

-That 50 things Drake reminds him of Ja Rule a bit, but Ja sounds much worse in his opinion. I don’t think he was dissing Drake though.

50 Cent also said that Triple C’s wanted to be on G-Unit at first but failed.

50 reportedly joked about leaking Fat Joe’s album on his site, but I dnt think that was true. When I DL’d it, it was a bunch of G-Unit songs.

50 Cent reportedly named his pet dog “Oprah.” OH MAN….

50 Cent didn’t answer questions pertaining to Ciara or Kelly Rowland. HE pulled a page out of SoulJa Boy’s book.

50 Cent joked that Vivica Fox was in his next video, but its actually Tahiry, Joe Budden’s ex-girl. 50 didn't seem to be kidding so.....

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin Impressed With Hip-Hop

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin appeared at a Hip-Hop contest on Friday (November 13), where he supported practitioners of the genre of music.

Putin appeared at the “Battle for Respect,” a music contest run by News TV at the event Putin delivered at anti drug message to those in attendance."

“This is really is propaganda for a healthy lifestyle because it is a hard to imagine break dancing having anything to do with the drinking and dope,” Putin said of the break dancing taking place at the battle.

Contestants at the "Battle for "Respect" engaged in graffiti, break dancing battles and rap battles.

“I must honestly say that those young people who are pursuing these kinds of arts in our country are bringing in their own Russian charm to them,” Putin said during the contest.

Local rappers who participated in the “Battle for Respect” expressed interest in working with the 57-year old Prime Minister of Russia.

It would be cool to produce a joint track with Putin, because he is a legendary person and our idol,” said rapper Zhigan, one of the winners of the contest.

No word yet if Putin is planning a new career as a Hip-Hop artist.

Snoop Dogg To Open NYSE Tomorrow

along with Blake Mycoskie, Founder and Chief Shoe Giver of Tom Shoes, Steven Hanson founder and president of B. R. Guest Restaurants and Barry Sternlicht, Chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group, will ring the opening bell on Monday afternoon, before they give a global speech regarding mentoring and entrepreneurship.

Each of the participants will take part in a global webcast, which is a discussion on entrepreneurship lead by CNBC's Maria Bartiromo.

Also, the winner of the MTVU "Movers and Changers" competition will be selected and receive $25,000 and start up funds.

"This is a great opportunity to explore entrepreneurship with true success stories in business. I am delighted to talk financial literacy to the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors," Bartiromo said. "Will hear the pivotal points in their business plan development, their major influences, the steps they took to take their ideas to the next level and the resources they used to start a new enterprise and achieve their dreams."

"Mentoring Madness" takes place November 16th at 9:45am- 11:00am, while Global Entrepreneurship Week takes place from November 16th - November 22nd.

Boxer Pacquiao Victorious, Slaughterhouse, Diddy & Q-Tip React

Slaughterhouse, Diddy and Q-Tip checked in Saturday (November 14) night to share their Twitter reactions of boxer Manny Pacquiao successfully defeating Miguel Cotto in a publicized Las Vegas match-up.

From Diddy's perspective, the fight should have ended prior to a 12th round TKO.

"Let's get ready to rumble!!!!!!," he wrote Saturday evening. "I got cotto in a upset Now this is boxingh. Its a war in there This is ugly live!!! 4real. A lot of blood. BOXINGSomebodys gonna have a headache! They need to stop this fight before he get hurt." (Diddy's Twitter)
Royce Da 5'9 checked in to give a play-by-play of his own boxing suggestions.

"I still think he gone go down at least once but Im officially a Pacman believer," he wrote. "No trainer in Cotto corner to tell him use the jab Cmon Son (Ed lover voice) let em finish He beat em with speed like Freddy said.....Freddy Roach is why I couldn't bet smh...Ladies and Gents say hello to the new Roberto Duran." (Rocye Da 5'9's Twitter)
Joe Budden also shared his opinion on the match-up and its outcome.

"Ok... I now believe Cotto is gonna expose Pac & Mayweather won't have to fight either 1 of'em... Just my opinion, don't knock me 4 it," he explained. "Smart move Pacman, pray.... A LOT !!! Cotto don't look ready for Pacman... Neither 1 looks ready for Mayweather !!! Goodnight Cotto I'll give credit where credit is due.. Cotto SHOULD NOT be in the ring with that boy. I'm a believer... I don't care WHAT needs to happen... Make PACMAN vs MAYWEATHER HAPPEN !!!" (Joe Budden's Twitter)
Q-Tip suggested a Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao fight.

"@mayweathermania.... u gonna close the deal with old man arum and kick manny's a**??," he wrote. "RT @JeanGreasy: "I make him pressure" is my new favorite sentence. Thanks Pac Man its up to @MAYWEATHERMANIA .... a superfight of sugar ray leonard vs. roberto duran proportions!!!!" (Q-Tip's Twitter)
Pacman has made a name for himself within the hip-hop community, most notably through a namedrop off Jay-Z's "Thank-You" Blueprint 3 single.

"Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you, please hold your applause," Jay raps. "'Fore I just apply logic keys, keys open doors/Now I'm balcony, opera, black tux, binoculars, blc lux/Stop it, I shouldn't be so popular/Name keep poppin' up, face keep poppin' up/On the Tube, I'm just watching Pacquiao box 'em up/How would I know HBO would get a shot of us/Sittin' so close, that we almost got snot on us." ("Thank-You")
The fight ended in the 12th round by Pacman.

Round 11: Cotto just wants to finish the fight. Pacquiao is landing big shots in the corner midway through the round, but Cotto escapes. Cotto gets on his bicycle and the crowd boos. I think they don't know he's in the ring with perhaps the best fighter of his generation. Round 12: Cotto doesn't look inclined to fight and Pacquiao is frustrated. However, Pacquiao chases him down and after a big flurry, the referee steps in and stops the fight. (Fox Sports)

HASHEEM THABIT AVUNJIKA TAYA

Mchezaji wa kati wa timu ya Memphis Grizzlies Hasheem Thabeet amevunjika taya lake la chini siku ya jana, alipokuwa akichezea na timu yake wakiminyana na Portland Trail Blazers, mchezo amabo ulimalizika kwa Blazers kutoka na ushindi wa pointi 93 kwa 79.

Hii sasa inamaanisha kuwa Hasheem hatokuwemo kwenye msafara wa timu yake ya Grizzlies itakapokuwa ikienda kucheza na Houston Rockets usiku wa leo.

Hata hivyo habari si mbaya sana za kuumia kwake kwani baada ya uchunguzi wa madaktari imefahamika kuwa, hatohitaji upasuaji, ili kutibu maumivu na wakasema anatarajiwa awe amepona si muda mrefu sana kuanzia sasa, na ni wazi kuwa hii ni taarifa njema ambayo Thabeet atakuwa amefurahishwa nayo, timu yake na Watanzania kwa ujumla.

BREAKING: Gucci Mane Sent To Prison, Given 1 Year Behind Bars For Parole Violation

Southern rapper Radric "Gucci Mane" Davis has reportedly been sentenced to one year in prison for violating the terms of his probation.
The "So Icey" rapper was given his sentence Thursday (November 12) afternoon.

Gucci Mane has been sent back to Fulton County Jail in Atlanta for probation violation. Sources close to the Atlanta rapper say Gucci attended a court hearing earlier today to determine whether or not he'd have to serve time for an unspecified infraction that violated the conditions of his probation. He was sentenced to 12 months, but could end up serving only six with good behavior. This doesn't mark the first time Gucci violates his probation. The rapper was sent to the same jail for only completing 25 out of a required 600 hours of community service in relation to a prior assault charge.

T-Boz Diagnosed With Swine Flu

Tionne Watkins aka T-Boz from R&B group TLC was recently hit with another health setback - she became the latest celebrity to fall ill with swine flu.


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TLC's raspy-voiced singer Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins has struggled with her health in recent years. Watkins publicly dealt with her diagnosis of sickle-cell anemia and recently underwent brain surgery to remove a tumor. Now, T-Boz has revealed that she was suffering from the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu. In a recent interview with Life & Style, T-Boz admits to being shocked by her latest diagnosis.

I was like, 'This is unbelievable,'" she revealed to the magazine. "I made arrangements right away for my daughter to stay with my mom ... He gave me antibiotics and antiviral medications like Tamiflu and Levaquin, as well as a low dose of steroids. I had to stay in the house and away from everyone."

T-Boz followed her doctor's orders but confessed that she didn't feel threatened by the illness. "I never felt like I was going to die, but I was really concerned that I couldn't breathe," she explained. "The doctors checked my vitals and my oxygen and told me my heartbeat was strong. Then they gave me some fluids and told me the flu was just running its course."

BABY’S HAS A NEW PLAN FOR WEEZY F BABY!

Baby, aka the Birdman, or simply the co-founder of Cash Money Records is opening up about hisi top artist, some guy called Lil Wayne, being sent to prison over a gun charge he was convicted of. Baby says not only is the one-year bid Weezy will have to do be the first time the two artists were forced apart from eachother, but fans will never even notice Lil Wayne is gone. “We got a h*ll of a plan and h*ll of a strategy,” Baby revealed in an interview. “I promise you, you’ll think he never left the streets. It ain’t much about the music at this point with my son, like f*ck the music…We got to go through something family-wise, that the fans and nobody else will ever have to go through. This is the first time I will ever be without my child that means the world to me. This is where blood stick together.” In related news, Young Money’s President (Lil Wayne’s label under Cash Money) Mack Maine recently spoke about Weezy doing time, only Maine was more focussed on future releases than anything. “My main focus and priority right now [is the] Young Money album December 15,” Mack Maine said before adding album info from Lil Wayne and others “Rebirth, December 15. Baby album, November. 23. That’s the main s**t. Jay Sean, November 23 too. So that’s what I’m worried about right now.”

Lil Kim Refutes Skipped Tour Accusations

Lil Kim has released a statement addressing claims that she pocketed $20,000 and then refused to fulfill six concert obligations for Abstrakt Visions Entertainment.

The company states that they paid the Brooklyn emcee $20,000 to complete six dates in London from November 7-14.

However, they accuse Kim of pulling out due to a nosebleed and returning to the U.S. with all the show proceeds.

Speaking through a representative, Lil Kim explained to a website that she never received any money from Abstrakt Visions Entertainment, and is the victim of an unethical promotion campaign.

“We do not have a contract with Abstrakt Visions Entertainment and never received any money from them,” stated Kim’s spokesperson. “Abstrakt Visions Entertainment is in the wrong for falsely promoting Lil Kim in London and will be dealt with accordingly. This matter is in the hands of our legal team.”

Lil Kim’s management confirmed there was a business arrangement reached for the concert, but maintain no money was exchanged and the rapper left when promoters failed to deliver a schedule.

50 Cent Sues WorldStarhiphop

50 Cent has reportedly filed a lawsuit against WorldStarhiphop.com for unauthorized use of his likeness.


During a recent interview with Atlanta’s hip-hop radio station V103, Fif spoke about his feelings toward the site and his plan to run it into the ground.

"I got a lawsuit against WorldStar for utilizing my likeness,” explained 50. “A lot of people felt like that was my site because they saw my face on the cover of the website for a long time.”

"I have lawyers on retainers and I have to pay them so much money anyway,” he continued. “So we'll go back and forth to court until [they] can’t afford a subway sandwich.”

Rihanna Honored as Woman of the Year

Rihanna fought back tears while being honored as one of Glamour’s 2009 Women of the Year at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Monday (Nov. 9). The magazine’s latest cover girl broke from her all-black-everything look, turning heads in a dramatic white gown. She was accompanied by her Island Def Jam label head L.A. Reid. Other honorees included Michelle Obama, Maya Angelou, Serena Williams, Maria Shriver, and Amy Poehler.

“I am shaking right now. I am so nervous, but overwhelmed and honored by this honor to be Glamour’s Woman of the Year,” an emotional Rihanna said as she was presented with her award from supermodel Iman. “I really look up to my gran-gran and my mom. They are my two women of the year. I love you very much, granny. I love you very much, mom.”

Is Beanie Sigel to Signing with G-Unit !

Don’t expect to see Beanie Sigel throwing up the diamond again. The former Roc-A-Fella artist appears to have found a new home at 50 Cent’s G-Unit Records.


50 announced the news during an interview with Philadelphia’s Power 99 on Tuesday (Nov. 3). “Beans is coming to G-Unit,” he said.

The G-Unit captain tried to sign Beans earlier, but claims Jay-Z wouldn’t allow it. “Beans was the better artist, the stronger artist. That’s why when he did the year and a day, I was like, ‘Yo, as soon as he come home, I’d bring that project over here.’ He would’ve got at least $800,000. … Jay was telling him he didn’t want to lose him,” Fif told radio personality Jonesy.

Last week, the Philly MC dissed his former boss in a freestyle called “What You Talkin’ Bout (I Ain’t Your Average Cat),” rapping, “How it feel to get exposed?/ Don’t you feel naked?/ I was a fly on the wall, shit I witnessed/ I can say shit that will make B[eyoncé] look at you different.”

Jay responded at a press conference saying, “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.”

Beanie Sigel’s last album, 2007’s The Solution, was released through Roc-A-Fella and peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard 200.

Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston Added to AMA Lineup

Just when you thought the star power at the 2009 American Music Awards couldn’t get any brighter, Janet Jackson and Whitney Houston have been announced as performers.


Jackson, who releases her greatest hits album Number Ones on November 17, will open the 37th annual show by performing an eight-minute medley of hits spanning her illustrious career.

“We’re thrilled about having Janet Jackson open this year’s show,” stated American Music Awards producer Larry Klein. “She is an incredibly dynamic performer, and I think the audience will be excited to see what she has in store.”

Whitney Houston is also set to return to the AMA stage for her first primetime U.S. network performance in five years. She will sing her powerhouse ballad “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” and receive the International Artist Award.

“We’re honored to have Whitney Houston back on the AMA stage after ten years,” said Klein. “She has won the most AMAs of any female artist in history and is without a doubt an international superstar, so it’s only fitting we honor her with the International Artist Award this year at such an important time in her career.”

Other previously announced performers include Shakira with Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Eminem, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga, Mary J. Blige, Keith Urban, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, Black Eyed Peas, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Green Day, Daughtry, and Adam Lambert.

The 2009 American Music Awards will air live from the NOKIA Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday

Chris Brown Pens Song for Omarion’s Album

Omarion has stuck by Chris Brown through the ups and downs, and now the “Crawl” singer is paying back his friend by helping to write a song for his album.


The B2K alum, who turns 25 today, revealed to Rap-Up.com that he penned a record with Brown for his new album Ollusion (Jan. 12). “Chris and I wrote the song ‘What Do You Say?’,” he said of the Battle Royal production.

O also disclosed that the 253-produced “Speed” will be the follow-up single to “I Get It In.” “The concept of the song is that I’m racing to get to my girl because I love her and I care about her. It has so many meanings too, not just racing time. We’re racing like whether or not we’re gonna be together. We could be on a collision course and we could crash,” he explained. “With ‘Speed,’ we’re trying to get to that focal point, that point where we could just both look at each other and know what it is, and be like, ‘I love you.’”

Akon affiliate Detail produced two records for the R&B crooner’s third solo album along with Tank, who helmed the lead single featuring Gucci Mane.

Kanye Clowned at Country Music Awards

After Taylor Swift's recent hosting gig on Saturday Night Live, in which she took a dig at Kanye West during the show's promo, the jokes continued during last night's Country Music Association Awards (November 11).
Hosts Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley were the first to poke fun at Yeezy when they performed “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” during the show’s opener.
"Mama, don't let your babies grow up to be Kanye," they sang. "Let 'em pick guitars and drive 'em ol' trucks. Cowboys have manners, they don't interrupt."
Accepting the Entertainer of the Year award, Swift belted out, "I want to thank every single person in this room tonight for not running up on the stage during this speech."
Even 88-year-old country legend Little Jimmy Dickens got into the act. Paisley, was being praised for his "Welcome to the Future" video by co-host, Carrie Underwood, when the surprisingly spry stage crasher came on to stop the singer's faux speech. "Excuse me! Excuse me sir! I'll let you finish later,” Dickens interjected. “Now Brad Paisley, I know you had a nice video and all that, but Taylor Swift made the best video of all time." The camera immediately panned to Swift laughing in the audience.
As previously reported, West interrupted Swift's MTV Video Music Awards speech back in September when the 19-year-old singer won Best Female Video over Beyonce. He has since been hit with relentless backlash.

Meet 11 Year Old Kordeza Zhelyazkova....The World's Youngest Mother!

Kordeza Zhelyazkova, an 11 year old girl from Bulgaria, just gave birth to her daughter, making her the world’s youngest mother. Flip the hood for more on this rare story.
While Kordeza and the baby are healthy and in high spirits, Jeliazko, the 19 year old father of the child, now faces six years in jail for having sex with a minor. The father says that he was fearful and really scared when he found out Kordeza was pregnant. He says they didn’t plan to have sex or a baby although he fell in love with Kordeza the moment he laid eyes on her.

He rescued the eleven year old from bullies who were bothering her at school. After which Kordeza arranged to meet the 19 year old young man and asked him out on their first date. The father of the 19 year old says he thought the girl was 15 and didn’t tell him she was 11. Here’s what Kordeza has to say about being a mom:

‘It feels strange to be a mum and have a baby. I used to play with my toys but now she is my new toy. She is so beautiful, I love her. Violeta is the child and I must grow up. I am not going back to school – I am a mother now.’

Jay-Z Answers A Beanie Sigel Question @ Montreal Press Conference

“Well, Beanie Sigel at the time, and you can look it up if you like, was driving two Bentleys. 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. 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, shitttt…”

Lil Wayne - No Ceilings (Mixtape) [The Official Version: 4 New Songs & Higher Sound Quality]

The sound quality is better and some of the songs have been tweaked (like “I Gotta Feeling”), but for those who just want the 4 new songs, here you go:

Lil Wayne ft. Nicki Minaj - Sweet Dreams

Lil Wayne ft. Birdman - No Ceilings (prod. Cool & Dre)

Lil Wayne - Oh Let’s Do It

Lil Wayne - Single

After the jump, Lil Wayne Ustreams from his Miami crib, and later the studio, to promote the mixtape (and show off his National Geographic magazine collection… and feed stray cats… hahaha, I’m dead serious.)

Continue reading this post…

Lil Wayne & Baby Sued Over "Like Father, Like Son" Recordings

Cash Money Records' Lil Wayne and Baby have reportedly been sued over copyright issues related to their 2006 joint album, Like Father, Like Son, over the usage of unauthorized tracks.

The lawsuit was filed in a New York court room Friday (October 30).

A Florida man wants rappers Lil Wayne and Birdman to show him respect -- for using his voice in an album track called just that. Thomas Marasciullo filed a copyright infringement lawsuit in a Manhattan federal court against the rappers, their record label and various music distribution outlets. The lawsuit said Cash Money Records had him cut some "'Italian-styled' spoken word recordings" in 2006, then used them without pay or permission on "Respect" and other tracks from the rappers' joint 2006 album. (Associated Press)
The lawsuit says Marasciullo's recordings were used in four tracks on that album and five on 5 (Star) Stunna. It seeks unspecified damages for Marasciullo, who lives in Florida's Hernando County. He and his New York lawyer didn't immediately return telephone calls. Marasciullo discovered his work had been used when his daughter discovered his "Respect" while trying buy a ring-tone version of the Aretha Franklin classic by the same name, the lawsuit said. His son also became entangled in the case when he was fired from a recording engineer job at Cash Money Records after the father started demanding payment, according to the lawsuit. (Star Pulse)
The duo's album featured 20 tracks with production from hit makers including Scott Storch.

Production comes primarily from TMIX -- the UGK-sampling "1st Key" is his masterwork -- although Scott Storch stops by for the so-so "You Ain't Know," a great argument the beat-maker is spread too thin in his prolific 2006. The mix of familiar and strange is fascinating, the team-up feels like family, and at 20 tracks long, the album doesn't wear out its welcome. There's probably too much get money/stack-paper for those who want Wayne to speak on the injustices New Orleans has suffered post-Katrina, or to get to work on Tha Carter 3, but that's not what Like Father, Like Son is about. This is the sure sound of Cash Money steadying the ship and getting back on course. (All Music)
Weezy was previously sued for a song on his Tha Carter III record.

A lawsuit filed last year against Lil Wayne accuses him of copyright infringement for failing to get permission to sample folk singer Karma-Ann Swanepoel's song "Once" in his track "I Feel Like Dying." The song isn't a track on any of Lil Wayne's records, but he allegedly sings it in concert and has allowed fans to download it for free on his Web site. (WXVT News)

ZIZZOU ENTERTAINMENT SASA NI HISTORIA KWA BUSHOKE

baada ya kutoka na album moja iliyokuwa na mafanikio akiwa chini ya lebo zizzou yaani zizzou entertainment, bushoke hayuko tena chini ya lebo hiyo.jana nilipata nafasi ya kuongea na mkuu mwenywe tippo amesema,bushoke hayupo tena katika lebo yangu na badala yake nimemsaini legendary zahir zoro ambae ni baba wa wanamuziki wawili wanaofanya poa pia katika gemu nawazungumzia maunda na banana zahir zoro.

BUSTA RHYMES TO PERFORM DURING FIESTA

american rapper Busta rhymes will be performing at this years annual fiesta event stated for the 7th november 2009.
the concert is a clouds fm radio bonanza that takes place every year... grace your selves for the coming of the king of rhymes .see you there

SHAKIRA COVERS ROLLINGSTONE MAGAZINE

Shakira can be seen on the November issue of Rolling Stone, making it her fourth cover with the magazine.

Inside Shakira talks about her album She Wolf being pushed back, and why she added the Lil’ Wayne featured “Give It Up To Me” to the record.
Also take a look at Shakira Behind the Rolling Stone Cover Shoot

TOP TEN SPOTS

Top Singles

1. "Fireflies," Owl City

2. "Whatcha Say," Jason DeRulo

3. "Down," Jay Sean feat. Lil Wayne

4. "Party In The USA," Miley Cyrus

5. "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West

6. "Paparazzi," Lady Gaga

7. "Meet Me Halfway," The Black Eyed Peas

8. "3," Britney Spears

9. "I Gotta Feeling," The Black Eyed Peas

10. "Sweet Dreams," Beyonce


Top Albums

1. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," soundtrack

2. "Southern Voice," Tim McGraw

3. "Crazy Love," Michael Buble

4. "The Blueprint 3," Jay-Z

5. "Time Of Our Lives (EP)," Miley Cyrus

6. "The END," The Black Eyed Peas

7. "Fearless," Taylor Swift

8. "Ocean Eyes," Owl City

9. "Love Is The Answer," Barbra Streisand

10. "Colour Me Free!" Joss Stone


Adult Contemporary Singles

1. "You Belong With Me," Taylor Swift

2. "The Climb," Miley Cyrus

3. "Her Diamonds," Rob Thomas

4. "Come On Get Higher," Matt Nathanson

5. "You Found Me," The Fray

6. "Fallin' For You," Colbie Caillat

7. "Please Don't Leave Me," Pink

8. "Haven't Met You Yet," Michael Buble

9. "No Surprise," Daughtry

10. "I Want To Know What Love Is," Mariah Carey


Top Alternative/Modern Rock Singles

1. "Uprising," Muse

2. "(If You're Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To," Weezer

3. "Wheels," Foo Fighters

4. "Savior," Rise Against

5. "Jars," Chevelle

6. "Break," Three Days Grace

7. "I Will Not Bow," Breaking Benjamin

8. "Kings And Queens," 30 Seconds To Mars

9. "Check My Brain," Alice In Chains

10. "Medicate," AFI


Top Country Singles

1. "Toes," Zac Brown Band

2. "Welcome To The Future," Brad Paisley

3. "Only You Can Love Me This Way," Keith Urban

4. "Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song)," Chris Young

5. "Cowboy Casanova," Carrie Underwood

6. "Need You Now," Lady Antebellum

7. "American Ride," Toby Keith

8. "Do I," Luke Bryan

9. "I'm Alive," Kenny Chesney with Dave Matthews

10. "Fifteen," Taylor Swift


Top Country Albums

1. "Southern Voice," Tim McGraw

2. "Fearless," Taylor Swift

3. "The Foundation," Zac Brown Band

4. "American Ride," Toby Keith

5. "Revolution," Miranda Lambert

6. "Lady Antebellum," Lady Antebellum

7. "Doin' My Thing," Luke Bryan

8. "Natural Forces," Lyle Lovett

9. "Hannah Montana: The Movie," soundtrack

10. "Wide Open," Jason Aldean


Top R&B/Hip-Hop Singles

1. "Pretty Wings," Maxwell

2. "Forever," Drake feat. Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem

3. "Wasted," Gucci Mane feat. Plies

4. "Empire State Of Mind," Jay-Z + Alicia Keys

5. "Papers," Usher

6. "Bad Habits," Maxwell

7. "Break Up," Mario feat. Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett

8. "Run This Town," Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West

9. "Number One," R Kelly feat. Keri Hilson

10. "I Invented Sex," Trey Songz feat. Drake


Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums

1. "The Blueprint 3," Jay-Z

2. "Still," BeBe & CeCe Winans

3. "I Look To You," Whitney Houston

4. "So Far Gone (EP)," Drake

5. "D.N.A.," Mario.

6. "Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel," Mariah Carey

7. "Ready," Trey Songz

8. "BLACKsum-mers'night," Maxwell

9. "Colour Me Free!" Joss Stone

10. "The E.N.D.," The Black Eyed Peas

DRAKE & TREY SONGZ CONTEMPLATE JOINT ALBUM

“That’s my homie, man. Making music with him is like two kids getting together to play basketball. It’s gon’ happen,” Trey said about his Canadian counterpart. “We have fun making music and our working relationship has furthered into a friendship.”

The “Successful” stars first met four years ago before Drake’s career took off. “He wanted me on a record entitled ‘Replacement Girl’ and once that record was done, I made consecutive trips to [Drake's hometown] Toronto. I hit him up like, ‘Yo, come holla at me.’”

Trey did what he could to help a then-unknown Aubrey Drake Graham get noticed. “If you look back at the ‘Wonder Woman’ video, he’s in it. I brought him out on the tour I was on with Ne-Yo.”

Since then, both artists have made names for themselves and Trey couldn’t be happier for his friend’s success. “It’s great. I’m proud of him, man. I’m very proud of him.”

When asked whether their frequent collaborations could lead to a full album, Trey revealed that the idea has crossed their minds. “We’ll have to see. That’s crazy. We always talked about that when we first got on,” he shared. “We enjoy making music and we sit back and laugh about a lot of things—life. Look forward to seeing more music from us. I think we’ll make music together as long as we’re both making music.”

The two have recorded material for Drake’s debut album Thank Me Later, due early next year. “We’ve done some songs for his album, but we do songs all the time. There’s no telling if those songs will be on the album or not. I’m sure we’ll work together again before his album is out in stores, but we got some special stuff brewed up.”

In the meantime, Trey plans to release a video for “I Invented Sex,” his collaboration with Drake from his new album Ready.
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Common Readies "The Believer" W/ No I.D. & Kanye West, "I'm Always Gonna Offer Something New & Fresh"

Grammy-winning rapper Common has linked with No I.D. and Kanye West to help make his upcoming album, The Believer, provide fans with a more Chicago feel and follow-up 2008's Universal Mind Control.

The rapper-turned-actor's ninth LP will provide fans with a return to his raw hip-hop roots.

"For Believer, it was creating raw music, raw hip-hop," he said in an interview. "I just wanted to create good hip-hop music. When I create albums, they develop as I go along, 'cause I have different thoughts and visions. And then as you create the music, it takes its own personality and spirit to it. But the beginning of it is raw hip-hop, it's just soulful...Twilite Tone and No I.D., they produced my first three albums and they were the first producers I worked with. And Kanye is an extension of them. Kanye always says No I.D. is his mentor. That's how I met Kanye, through No I.D. So for me to have these three working on my album is going home again. But I'm always gonna offer something new and fresh." (MTV)
His upcoming project will also mark his return to Ye, the producer most responsible for 2005's Be and 2007's Finding Forever.

Be, a much tighter album that was produced primarily by Kanye West, followed in May 2005, netting four Grammy nominations. West remained on board for both Finding Forever (2007) and the lighter Universal Mind Control (2008), though the Neptunes dominated the latter. (All Music)
Common previously spoke with SOHH about not putting down the microphone despite having nearly two decades of music to his name.

"God willing, you'll get albums nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen," he laughingly promised last fall. "I feel like a jazz musician in many ways and I wanna keep creating music. I feel like I want to be doing shows when I'm sixty something." (SOHH)
Aside from his own music, the rapper recently spoke on President Barack Obama's impact on the rap game.

"I also don't find as much gangsta talk," Common explained in an interview. "You see the whole chain-shining-and-rim era is gone. That's like super-played out. Just to have that, I think, is part of the Obama effect...So you find these artists that are having that independent thinking of being able to go out and create for themselves." (Gawker)

The Game Reveals December Release Date For The R.E.D. Album

The Game announced this week that his upcoming fourth studio album, The R.E.D. Album, finally got a release date -- a holiday one at that.

Via a tweet on Monday (October 12), the Compton rapper revealed that his album is set to drop on December 1st, and according to Rap-Up.com, a deluxe edition will accompany the release.

Details about the deluxe edition were unknown at press time.

"R.E.D. album soon, wrappin this mothaf#$%@ up in 30 days! Jimmy Iovine told me to tell ya when this sh!t drop, Merry X-Mas! BWS/Aftermath," Game wrote on his Twitter page (@IHateGame), and later revealed that new labelmate Diddy made a contribution to the project.

Not much is known about the upcoming R.E.D. Album. Aside from the Diddy guest spot, The Game has been in the studio working with Los Angeles producer collective, 1500 or Nothing.

The Game said he was retiring as he released his 2008 album, LAX. But, less than a year later, he headed back into the studio and began work on The R.E.D. Album.

The album is now due to hit stores December

Bill Cosby Launches Socially Conscious Hip-Hop Project

TV legend and social critic Bill Cosby has announced a new album aimed at bringing socially conscious lyrics to the forefront of Hip-Hop.

The new project is titled “Bill Cosby Presents the Cosnarati: State of Emergency,” and will be available directly though Cosby’s social media network site www.billcosby.com.

Cosby, a veteran of several comedy and music albums, serves as the executive producer. Although he does no actual rapping, he is responsible for conceiving all the narrative concepts for each track.
When describing the music, Bill Cosby explained it as a declaration of a new direction rather than an indictment of the current Hip-Hop scene.

"I don't like referring to the music as clean,” Cosby said in a statement. “What I like is what you're not going to do. You're not going to curse. You're not going to put women down. You're not going to put the glory of the gun somewhere. And you're not going to put a whole lot of violence up front like that's the thing that will cleanse you and make you feel better."

The production is handled by William “Spaceman” Patterson (Miles Davis, LL Cool J, Eric Clapton, Alicia Keys) and Ced-Gee, co-founder of the seminal Hip-Hip collective the Ultramagnetic MCs.

The album will mix elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, jazz, pop, rock, and funk. Song titles include “Where’s the Parade,” honoring black women, “Dad Behind the Glass,” about absent fathers, and “Get on Your Job,” detailing self-responsibility.

Bill Cosby and the Cosnarati Band will premier on October 19 via a virtual town hall meeting in New York City. The presentation is courtesy of Ustream and commences at 7PM. Additionally, the concert will be available on www.billcosby.com and www.facebook.com/billcosby.

At press time, Bill Cosby’s “The Cosnarati: State of Emergency” is set to have a physical and digital release on November 24.

Cristiano Ronaldo Replaces David Beckham as Armani Model

There will be no more half-naked pictures of David Beckham wearing Georgio Armani's underwear. After stripping down for the clothing line's campaigns in the last four seasons, the former Real Madrid's midfielder is replaced with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has just joined the Spain's soccer team in summer this year.

On Friday, October 9, Milan-based Giorgio Armani SpA has announced that Cristiano, who is also the captain of Portugal's national team, will model underwear and jeans in a new worldwide advertising campaign. His pictures in various Armani's clothes can be seen starting from the spring of 2010.

Meanwhile, David Beckham, who had been Armani's spokesman since January 2008, is currently developing his own Beckham-branded men's underwear line. Previously, it was reported that his wife Victoria Adams, who has appeared as a model on Armani's billboards since January 2009, will not renew her contract with the Italian fashion company as she allegedly wants to focus on her various fashion and beauty ventures.

J.R. Writer Shot In The Bronx; Juelz Reacts

New York rapper J.R. Writer was shot last night (October 11) in the Bronx, according to reports.

While details are still sketchy, sources stated that the Dipset affiliate was shot in the leg, although this has not been confirmed.

The rapper did confirmed he was at least injured during the shooting via his Twitter page.

“Thank the Lord I'm alive, they tried to kill ya boy.”

Jim Jones, Juelz Santana and J.R. Writer had performed together as recently as last week, at 50 Cent's Thisis50 Festival in New York.

"That's crazy, I didn't hear about it. Damn, I don't know. It's dirty out there in the streets," Juelz Santana told AllHipHop.com about the shooting.

J.R. Writer Tweeted. J.R. Writer recently released a new album titled Cinecrack 1.5 on iTunes.

Former Gangsta Rapper Master P. Aims To Feed and Cloth 1 Million People

Reformed Gangsta rapper Master P. will give back to those less fortunate this holiday season by launching a new partnership with OneMillionGifts.org.


Master P. will donate money and time to help feed and cloth at least 1 million people throughout the world.


OneMillionGifts.org helps children and parents who lack education or shelter and those children that have addicted parents or come from broken homes.


"Growing up in poverty made me realize that most crimes are committed during Thanksgiving and Christmas,” Master P. told AllHipHop.com. “Not only will we feed and clothe one million but also we can help prevent a lot of those in need from committing crimes like robbing and stealing the food or gifts they can't afford during the holidays. Our mission is to bring hope to families by offering programs that help educate and rehabilitate families back into society.”


In addition to donating his time and money, Master P. is also attempting to get his celebrity friends involved in the cause for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.


“Even with the current downfall of the economy, each one of us can help make a difference by volunteering or donating,” Master P. reasoned. “I'm also reaching out personally to corporations, entrepreneurs, pro-athletes, entertainers, churches, foundations, radio stations, online media, TV stations, Oprah, Dr.Phil, and others that can help bring awareness to this great cause.”


Master P. a/k/a P. Miller, who has sold over 75 million records worldwide. In late 2006, the No Limit Records mogul has renounced the gangster lifestyle that earned him hundreds of million dollars.


In addition to running a profanity-free record label, Master P. has experienced success in movie and television, most notably through Romeo!, the hit show on Nickelodeon that starred his son, Romeo Miller.


“Eight years ago, I realized that education saves lives and being charitable and helping those in need has given me a profound happiness in my life, as there is nothing more rewarding than bringing smiles to children who are less fortunate,” Master P. stated. “OneMillionGifts.org specializes in these areas. Therefore, I'm honored to be a part of this team."

Alicia Keys is set to release her fourth album, The Element of Freedom, on December 1.

For the follow-up to 2007's As I Am, Alicia Keys is set to release her fourth album, The Element of Freedom, on December 1. Keys worked with longtime collaborator Kerry "Krucial" Brothers along with Grammy-winning producer Jeff Bhasker (Kanye West, Jay-Z). Her latest single "Doesn't Mean Anything" has already impacted radio.

"The music is really strong, and the drums are really aggressive, but my voice is vulnerable and delicate," Keys said in a statement, adding that the album sum ups her process of "eliminating all of the boundaries and all the limitations, so that you can feel your freedom and express your freedom in every way you possibly can, and that's what I did with this album."

Keys said the album is diverse but has an overarching pattern. "There's a feeling theme," she explained. "And I think somewhere in there, there's a balance. It's like one side is strong and one side is vulnerable. So that's the theme throughout the album. It has this kind of strong, edgy feel. But it's also intimate and vulnerable and delicate."

The Game Accused Of Not Paying $34K To Lawyers, Slapped W/ Lawsuit

The Game is reportedly being taken to court for not paying the lawyers who helped him avoid a five year prison sentence in 2007 on gun charges.

According to the lawsuit, Game owes over $34,000 to his past defense team.

The Game is in a serious feud with the wrong gang of homies -- the lawyers who saved him from 5 years of hard time. The legal team who repped the rapper in the wake of his 2007 arrest on gun charges claims Game never forked over $34,683.90 in bills for the work they did. In the suit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, the firm, Kinsella Weitzman Iser Kump & Aldisert, claims they even got the guy "a successful outcome." ... and since Game was facing a potential five-year sentence in state prison ... and only ended up serving eight days ... you'd think he got his money's worth. (TMZ)
The incident took place around February 2007 in California.

The charges relate to an alleged fight that the 27-year-old was involved in at a basketball game in Los Angeles back in February. Police said he pulled a gun from his red Cadillac Escalade after punching a player on the opposing team and threatening to shoot him. (BBC News)
He was taken in by police nearly three months later.

The rapper wasn't arrested until May 11, when police descended on his home in the suburb of Glendale. After he was handcuffed, Game stuck out his tongue and yelled to a camera crew, "I want to say I'm not guilty." The chart-topping emcee spent several hours in the pokey before posting $50,000 bail. All the while, investigators executed a search warrant on his 5,000 square-foot home. (E! Online)
An account of what went down was released online shorty afterward.

During a time-out, he allegedly approached the coach saying "Your team is garbage" and "You guys are nothing but a bunch of busters," according to the suit. Turning from his players to approach Game, coach Shannon Rodrick was allegedly punched in the face before the rapper went to his car to grab a gun saying "I'm going to blast this fool." He then proceeded to run into the gym and hide until Game left the basketball court. Pleading no contest to possession of a firearm in a school zone and serving eight days of a 60-day sentence, Game was later ordered to 150 hours of community service and required to spend three years on probation. (Contra Costa Times)

T.I. wins BET awards from prison; Kanye a no-show

ATLANTA – T.I. didn't need to attend the BET Hip-Hop Awards to win two trophies on Saturday.

The rapper, who is locked up in an Arkansas penitentiary on a federal weapons conviction, won the best collaboration award with Rhianna for the song "Live Your Life" and the album of the year award for "Paper Trail." His fiancee Tameka "Tiny" Cottle accepted his awards at the ceremony in Atlanta and read a letter by the rapper, who began serving a yearlong sentence in late May.

"Although I'm not there with you all, I'm there in spirit," Cottle quoted the rapper as writing. "My road to redemption is almost over. ... Thanks for the support."

Jay-Z was honored as the "MVP of the Year," 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. He helped launch the gangsta rap genre with the group NWA, and he starred in "Barbershop" and "Friday," which he also co-wrote.

"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."

Rapper Busta Rhymes presented the award for "DJ of the Year" to DJ AM, the celebrity spinner who died of an accidental drug overdose in August.

Kanye West, meanwhile, couldn't hijack the stage, because the rapper was a no-show. West had been expected to attend the fourth annual awards show. He fell under scrutiny for interrupting Taylor Swift's award-winning moment at last month's MTV Video Music Awards.

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."

The award show will air on Oct. 27.

Jay-Z Named ‘Hottest MC in the Game’ By MTV

After unveiling their list one-by-one each day last week, MTV has revealed that Jay-Z tops their "Hott MCs In The Game" list for 2009.

With everything he has in the mix, it makes sense that Jay would land atop MTV's annual list. He has a brand new album (The Blueprint 3) that's approaching platinum status; landed atop this year's Hip-Hop Cash Kings list by Forbes; he has a huge clothing empire with Rocawear; logged beefs with some of hip-hop's best; and even most recently, appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey" show, a rarity for the daytime talk show.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. His no. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 in September was his 11th, helping him pass Elvis Presley's mark for most no. 1 albums. He's now at no. 2 with only the Beatles ahead of him.

If that isn't hot, what is?

Right behind Jay was Lil Wayne, which is a no-brainer; then Drake at no. 3, another no-brainer; followed by Kanye West, Rick Ross, and so on. Check out the full list over at MTV.com.

We'll run down the list for you below:

1 - Jay-Z
2 - Lil Wayne
3 - Drake
4 - Kanye West
5 - Rick Ross
6 - Gucci Mane
7 - Young Jeezy
8 - Fabolous
9 - 50 Cent
10 - Raekwon

Florida Politicians To Discuss Ban of Hip-Hop Concerts, Due To Stabbing At Plies Concert

The Fort Myers, Florida City Council are set to discuss security concerns at hip-hop concerts thrown in the city's downtown area, after one councilman asked for a ban following a stabbing at a recent concert for hometown artist Plies.

According to local news channel WINK, Councilman Warren Wright said that concerts of the hip-hop genre brings violence to Fort Myers' downtown area and is bad for business.

He knows, however, that a ban is impossible.

"Do I think that we could ban them? I don't think that that would be possible," Wright told the news station. "I think we would have to ban all concerts, and I don't think anyone wants that."

Wright believes rap-related events are responsible for "violence and disruption," citing a September 2008 stabbing of a bouncer, following a Plies performance at the Harborside, as an example.

While the ban is unlikely, Wright says safety issues need to be addressed.

The ban has the vocal support of the city's newly elected mayor, Randy Henderson, who complained that he finds the music "vulgar," and is in favor of quieting Plies

"If there's a legal way to do that, it's a worthy idea," Henderson said.

According to WINK, statistics from the Fort Myers Police Department do not show an increase in crime on concert nights compared to other busy nights.

The City Council discussion will be held during the regular council meeting on Monday (October 5).

Lady Gaga Fights Madonna, Debuts “Bad Romance” on “Saturday Night

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera stepped up to kiss the Queen of Pop’s ring — well, Madonna herself — at the 2003 VMAs, and Lady Gaga got her chance to pay homage this weekend on Saturday Night Live. But rather than play it straight, SNL cast the two in a mock catfight that pit Gaga (the night’s musical guest) against Madge (in town promoting best-of collection Celebration). It all went down during a “Deep House Dish” sketch when DJ Dynasty Handbag (Kenan Thompson) announced “two exciting entertainers, performing together for the very first time.” The pair of slight blond stars spun around and while Gaga nailed her first lyric — “What’s wrong, Madonna, can’t get into the groove?” — Madonna seemed to blank on her lines, recovering in time to try to yank Gaga’s hair. “What the hell is a disco stick!?” Madonna shouted as the two struggled.

When their mock scuffle moved to the couch, Gaga said, “Hey, guess what Madonna, I’m totally hotter than you” to which Madonna retorted, “What kind of name is Lady Gaga, it sounds like baby food.” Touché. The horrified look on T’Shane (Andy Samberg)’s face said it all: WTF. Like many SNL sketches, there was no clear road out of this bizarre scenario, so Thompson suggested the two kiss and make up.

Get a look at Lady Gaga’s wildest wardrobe moments.

Lady Gaga returned just minutes later for her first performance, in which she put on her best red vinyl and danced to a version of “Paparazzi” that included a brief keytar solo. She was also careful to carefully enunciate the line “To that shit on the radio,” marking the second time this season profanity made it to the air on SNL — and it’s only the second episode of the year.

Gaga debuted an outfit that could double as a third-grade model of the atom for her second performance. The get-up called “The Orbit,” according to her Twitter, was eye-catching but a bit troublesome — it whacked Gaga on the head a few times and caused drama when she segued from “LoveGame” to the piano for a some riffs on life in New York (”cheered for the Yankees with my dad in section six”), “Poker Face” and a bit of new song “Bad Romance.” But Gaga took the time to stretch out and show off her considerable chops on the piano, and shout out “Saturday Night.”

But Lady Gaga was not done there: she showed up again in the night’s final sketch dressed in the bubble outfit the cover of Rolling Stone helped make famous this May. In fact, she was thumbing through the issue as Samberg approached wearing the exact same outfit (now he knows how Pink and Shakira felt at this year’s VMAs).

Jay-Z, Ice-T/WWE, Bounty Killer, Wyclef

Jay-Z has announced a new show in the UK next month. Tickets for Jay-Z’s latest date at Alexandra Palace are slated to go on sale this Friday (October 9) at 9:00 am. Jay-Z is in the UK promoting his latest album The Blueprint 3, as well as “Empire State of Mind,” his new track with Alicia Keys taken from the release. A recent show in London featuring Jay-Z sold out in less than :20 seconds. Jay-Z’s show at Alexandra Palace is slated to take place Wednesday (November 4th).



Pioneering West Coast rapper/actor Ice-T may try his hand at a new career this Fall. The rapper said in a recent interview that Vince McMahon’s WWE contacted him and his wife Coco recently with an offer to appear on the company’s popular Monday Night Raw wrestling show. According to reports, Ice and Coco are working out the scheduling details. The appearance could be delayed, as rumors are spreading that Coco could be pregnant with her first child by Ice-T.



A truce concert between Jamaican artist Bounty Killer and rival artist Vybz Kartel was cancelled yesterday, Bounty Killer was barred from entering Trinidad. Immigration officials cited security concerns and a past performance on the island, where the dancehall artists recited anti-gay lyrics and promoted the use of guns. Vybz Kartel was an artist in Bounty Killer’s group The Alliance. The pair had a falling out in 2006, which led to a number of diss tracks from both artists as well as physical altercations. Bounty Killer, who was featured on No Doubt’s track "Hey Baby," has been featured on songs with Jay-Z, Swizz Beatz, , Busta Rhyme and others.



Rapper Wyclef Jean has teamed with Timberland to create an eco-friendly boot to help aid his native land of Haiti. According to reports, Jean will donate a portion of the proceeds of the 16-piece collection to his Yele Haiti Foundation, which he established in 2005. Jean will also raise money by selling a line of t-shirts at his concerts, which were designed by children in Haiti. In related news, the rapper recently revealed that he is attending Berklee College of Music, where he will receive a Bachelors degree in music theory. Jean’s first class is on Monday. His curriculum this fall includes ear training, theory, improvisation and guitar. The rapper left college after one semester to pursue his career in music as part of the chart-topping group The Fugees. His first class is today.

Eve's "Whip It!" & LeBron James' "More Than A Game" Score Low Box Office Sales

Eve's new film Whip It! and LeBron James' More Than A Game documentary debuted over the weekend with estimated box office sales $5.1 million combined.
The films faced stiff competition from Sony Pictures' Zombieland and the new animated movie Cloudly with a Chance of Meatballs.
Zombieland opened to a healthy $25 million in the U.S. and Canada, according to studio estimates to take first place. Meatballs still fell harder than last weekend (33 percent), generating an estimated $16.7 million for an $82.4 million total in 17 days. Fox Searchlight's roller-derby film Whip It, generated even less audience interest, opening to a very weak $4.9 million. It cost $15 million to make. Lionsgate saw a strong performance from its launch of More Than a Game, about NBA star LeBron James. Docu grossed $196,681 at 14 playdates; per-screen average was $14,048. (Variety)

Eve's latest film project was directed by Charlie's Angels star Drew Barrymore.

Eve will co-star in Drew Barrymore's directional film debut, Whip It!, based on a beauty-pageant contestant turned roller derby competitor. The project focuses on a misfit woman looking to relieve her small-town complications by joining a team of roller derby women based out of Bodeen, Texas. (Press Release)

James' film shows the NBA superstar's rise to fame from childhood to his current status in the league.

The movie documents how James and a group of inner-city kids who used to practice on a linoleum floor gym at a Salvation Army managed to put Akron on the basketball map. Director Kris Belman, who spent eight years making the film, delved into the backgrounds of each of the players in the 'fab five' and compiled an extensive collection of never-before-seen footage that includes home movies and locker-room meetings. Slated to hit theaters on October 2, the movie will show at subsequent Nike tour stops in China and Europe before returning to the states to visit New York and Los Angeles. (Clevescene)

The film is also accompanied by the star-studded "Forever" collaboration track which features Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Eminem.

"I got some good friends that manage Drake, Ye and Wayne," James said during a press conference last month about the song's creation. "So through a mutual friend and we got an agreeance we thought it would be great if they could do a song for us for the soundtrack...Jimmy Iovine from Interscope of course had a huge part, Polow Da Don did a lot of things for the soundtrack. The soundtrack is great, I'm looking forward to it also being an intricate part of the whole movie and everything." (Rap Radar)

Bounty Killer Denied Entrance Into Trinidad, Forced To Exit Country

Dancehall artist Rodney "Bounty Killer" Price was reportedly barred from entering Trinidad by police and was unable to perform at a scheduled concert over the weekend.
Bounty was denied entry to Trinidad and Tobago and sent back to Jamaica by Immigration authorities upon arrival at Piarco International Airport. The Cease Fire show was supposed to also feature fellow Jamaican act Vybz Kartel. Produced by Jacho Entertainment, the show was advertised as a peaceful coming together of Bounty and Vybz on the same stage for the purpose of mending fences. (Trinidad Express)

While a confirmed explanation has not yet been revealed, speculation has begun to grow.

The reason for his barred entry was not immediately clear but C News reports indicate that the order barring the singer was issued on behalf of the Ministry of National Security. The singer`s last appearance in Trinidad resulted in Bounty being charged with using obscene language on stage. (Caribbean World News)

He was previously arrested while performing in Trinidad.

The last time Bounty Killer was in Trinidad, he was arrested on stage and charged with using obscene language. Authorities in Jamaica arrested him for the same reason during last year's Reggae Sumfest. (Associated Press)

Killer was given a felony charge over an assault which allegedly took place around 2007 last July.

Jamaican rapper Bounty Killer has turned himself in after police accused him of assaulting a man outside a nightclub. Attorney Thomas Tavares-Finson said Thursday (July 9) that his client was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and unlawful wounding and assault. Police say the incident happened two years ago. (Baltimore Sun)