Ja Rule Can't Post Bail For Friends

A judge in New York says Ja Rule can't post bail for co-defendants in a gun possession case -- and she wants the duo to come up with their own money.State Supreme Court Justice Micki Scherer said today (Feb. 27) the rapper "put himself in the position of perhaps controlling the outcome of the case" by posting thousands of dollars in bail for the co-defendants..."I think the potential for it is a big problem," Scherer said. Ja Rule's lawyer said the defense will come up with separate bail packages for co-defendants Dennis Cherry and Mohamed Gamal.Rule and the co-defendants were arrested last July after being stopped for speeding in New York.

Source: Billboard

Eminem Memoir Penciled In For Fall

Eminem is working on a book that's "every bit as raw and uncensored as the man himself," according to his publisher. Dutton Books, an imprint of The Penguin Group, will publish the rapper's "The Way I Am" this fall."It will be illustrated with never-before-seen photographs of Eminem's home and life along with original drawings," Dutton said in a statement...An Eminem spokesperson said the memoir "is still in the process of being written and edited."The book was described as an intimate look inside the life of Eminem, who has sold tens of millions of records since he made his provocative debut in 1999."Offering a window on the star's private thoughts on everything from his music and the trials of fame to his love for his daughter, Hailie, this title is every bit as raw and uncensored as the man himself," Dutton said.
Eminem has published one other book, "Angry Blonde." The 2002 work detailed his lyrics.The rapper has not released a new album since 2004's "Encore," and his representative said there's no CD scheduled to be released at present.

Source: Billboard

THE LAB - Hosted by Pete Rock

The legendary producers bring you the latest in
indie and underground hip-hop videos.

1.The Lab- Hosted by Pete Rock Part 1


source: MTV

Shyne Scheduled For Early Prison Release?

After nearly 7 years, former Bad Boy artist Shyne is expected to be released from prison this year on good behavior. According to the New York Post's Page Six, the Brooklyn rapper (born Jamal Barrow), who has been incarcerated since 2001, will exit the jail confines a year earlier than his expected 2009 release date. He is currently serving a 10-year jail sentence at Woodbourne Correctional Facility stemming from a 1999 New York club shooting...

The rapper was part of a crew accompanying Sean "Diddy" Combs, his then girlfriend, Jennifer Lopez, and bodyguard Anthony "Wolf" Jones when Diddy got into a beef with another club goer, Mathew "Scar" Allen.

Three people were struck when shots rang out and while Diddy, Shyne and J-Lo were all arrested after leading police on a short chase, the charges only stuck to Shyne. Combs and Lopez were free and clear. The Puffy protege was convicted after witness Cerise Myers testified that she saw him pull his gun and begin firing.

The rapper spoke out to media outlets shortly after his conviction alleging that Diddy had convinced Myers to lie on the stand. Shyne inked a $3 million dollar deal with Def Jam from behind bars in 2004 and released the album Godfather Buried Alive under the label but album sales were disappointing.

No word on whether Shyne plans to return to rapping after his release. Though slated to be released for good behavior, Shyne hasn't always been the model prisoner. In '05 he was thrown in the hole for two months after getting into an altercation with another inmate.

In related news, Shyne's father Dean Barrow was elected prime minister of Belize earlier this month, the first black person to hold that office, according to USA Today.

Source: SOHH

Snoop Prepares New Album

Superstar entertainer and hiphop icon Snoop Dogg readies for his highly anticipated album "Ego Trippin'" releasing on March 11th through Doggystyle/Geffen. Early buzz from industry insiders hint at a new sound that only an artist like Snoop could pull off - including collaborations with legendary producer Teddy Riley and artist Whitey Ford who bring out different sides of the veteran rapper. These unexpected pairings sparked creativity and magic in the studio which translated into an amazingly diverse and innovative album. Read more for more information and audio from the album... Tha Boss Dogg titled the album "Ego Trippin'" because this time around, he is doing just that. After 16 years in the game, Snoop consistently proves himself as not only an entertainer, but a pioneer in hip hop. On Snoop's ninth studio offering, the West Coast rapper is taking chances no other rap artist could pull off, and showing fans a new side we have never seen before. "Ego Trippin'" showcases groundbreaking material and if the first single is any indication - fans will embrace the new sounds. Snoop says, "I named the album Ego Trippin' because after staying relevant for 16 years, I can afford to take chances and have some fun. I always made music to win in my neighborhood but after all these years I needed to do something bigger - I had to get out of my usual gangster zone without losing who I am, this time around I am going to win worldwide."Following the smash first single, "Sensual Seduction," produced by Shawty Redd and featuring Snoop crooning the lyrics, comes the highly anticipated second single, "Life of Da Party," produced by Scoop DeVille and featuring another West Coast champ Too $hort.

Snopp Dogg - "Life of Da Party" feat. Too $hort
[Listen]

Random News (Nas, Lil Wayne & More)

Nas is still working in L.A. on his upcoming LP, Nigger,, and although he's worked with myriad producers thus far, he hasn't released a final track listing as of yet. But a few of his collaborators think the material they cut with the legendary lyricist should be out soon.
"Me and Nas did a record together, and it's huge," Captain Charisma himself, DJ Khaled, said last week. "Remember when Diddy and Nas did a record together called 'Hate Me Now'? In 2008, it's Nas and Khaled. We did a record for my [upcoming] album. I'm in the studio right now working for my [new] album. But I told Nas if he wants to use that for his first single, we can go and do that and make history. I hope that goes down. Either way, you will hear the record. We definitely did something, and it's huge. I actually don't know what he's calling it. I do have the record, though, and it's amazing..."

Polow Da Don also has one in the cooker for Nasir Jones.

"I just did one with Nas," Polow said. "It's crazy. I think it might be the first single. I think he might put the DJ Khaled record out. If not, he's gonna put this one out. It's f---ing crazy. It's him; it's still a hit, but it's a club banger. He gets to be himself and please the masses. The song is called 'My Legacy,' and it's talking about putting yourself on the line. He done spoke his mind his entire career, stood up for the people, but at the end of the day, 'They still look at me as, "He's just a nigger." No matter what great sh-- I do, they gonna always try to discredit me. So this is my legacy. When I'm gone, what's gonna be my legacy? Will they say, "He's great," or will they say, "He's just another nigger?" ' At the same time, it's a club joint. That's what's dope about it. It's so deep, but it'll be serviced enough to where you'll be like, 'This is my joint!' We didn't stretch for the radio, but it'll be perfect for the radio."

Earlier this month, Jermaine Dupri also talked about a track he gave Nas. "I'm just waiting for him to finish it right now," he said. "He's on the West Coast working on his album. I'm just waiting for him to call me and tell me it's done. Hopefully, he likes it. The producer world is hard. [Artists] don't be liking every beat you make. He gave me a lot of direction, so I felt it would have been easy for me to get on and do. A lot of the rappers' rappers were coming at me after they heard the 'Fallin' ' record on the Jay-Z album [American Gangster], like, 'Make me one of them.' It's in the same vein as that [song]. I'm back on that [vibe]. I'm not back on that completely, but if that's what they want me to do, I can do them records easy in the midst of me doing Janet and Mariah and Usher and everything else. That's the type of sound he wanted for his record. He wanted me to give him something that was soulful but at the same time had a little commercial feel to it. It's gonna be interesting to see." ...

Andre 3000 has the drama "The Battle in Seattle" with Charlize Theron coming out in April and the Will Ferrell comedy "Semi-Pro" dropping this week, but the word wizard is finally buckling down to record the follow-up to his Grammy-winning The Love Below (released jointly with Big Boi's SpeakerBoxx in 2003).

"[We're] doing solo albums," he told MTV News recently. "Big Boi is working on a solo album that should be coming out this summer. If I can finish in time, I'll have an album come out by fall, and we are planning on having another Outkast album afterwards. I don't know when that will be, but [we] just kind of start writing. Who knows?"
Andre said he still doesn't know what he'll call his album.

"I have a few [titles] dancing around in the head," he said. "It's like, you may have a name for a kid, but when it's there or it's close to it, you kind of know what it's gonna be or what it looks like. So, I guess when I am down to the last three or four songs, I may know what I am trying to say.
"I've got a few people in mind," he added of the album's cameos. "But it's kinda too early [to tell], because some people are traveling around the world and can't do it in time, and I wouldn't wanna give away the guest appearances before I actually lock it in."

They're young guys, but they're grown men too. Lil Wayne and Young Buck put aside any sour feelings they had toward each other recently, and not only did they perform onstage together, but they cut a record.

"Maturity, growth," Wayne explained of what brought them back together. "Grown men. Also, I done a song with [Buck]. With [recording] the song, we talked, spoke our differences out, which we had none. Zero. We had no beef. Grown men don't talk about the past. We just sat there — 'You good?' 'I'm good.' 'Let's do it. Whatever you need me to do, I'mma do it.'

"With Buck, it's more than just we was on the same label," Weezy added. "Me and Buck was in the same room when we would be on tour. We were in the same category to them. We were both young, so it would always be me, Young Buck and Turk in the same room every night. We wrote together, rapped together. Came up, figured sh-- out together. The [recent] show, we had a show in Tennessee, I was like, 'I'm here.' He was with me; he was on my bus; he rolled with me. He came out. Everybody thought he was gonna sign [to Cash Money], but nah, he's with G-Unit."

It even looks like Wayne's problems with the G-Unit General have settled down as well. As you know, 50 Cent went at Wayne several months ago, with no response from the Louisiana Fireman.

"People thought I had problems with Lil Wayne," 50 vented to Mixtape Monday recently. "I don't have problems with that little n---a. I like him. I like his music."
Fif revealed that some of the animosity he's put forth on records was due to last year's Hottest MCs in the Game list.

"When I have a record that's about to go on sale, and you decide that you want to point out who's the most effective artist, and I clearly been dominating, and I'm #8?"
Wayne says the feeling is mutual. He's never had a problem with 50.

"That n---a's crazy, Wayne laughed. "I ain't f---ing with 50. He's too high up there. That's my n---a, though. I respect that my name even came out the homie's mouth. I just took it as a compliment. I would never go back at 50; he's a trillionaire. I'm trying to get there, homie. I'm smart. I ain't dumb.

Wayne says Tha Carter III is coming sometime in April, but before that, he'll release a mixtape called Hello Brooklyn with Mick Boogie, in which Weezy redid several classic records by BK's legendary MCs, such as Big Daddy Kane, Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G.

"I'm redoing all the old Brooklyn artists," he divulged. "[Mick's] got some old stuff. So old, he had to send the originals. I don't know what them songs are. I had to listen to them a trillion times, then do it. Nikki Menage, my artist, [and I did] 'Sunshine' by Jay-Z and Babyface. We did 'Juicy.' It's sick."

Source: MTV

Pete Rock Tells NY Rappers "Stop Hating on the South"

Recently, Peter Phillips known to many as the legendary rapper and producer "Pete Rock," the one half of the critically acclaimed group Pete Rock & CL Smooth, spoke with hip-hop site SOHH and stated he thinks that New York rappers need to stop hating the South and get more on their grind...
"In rap media you hear people complaining about the South, then you hear people complain about New York," stated Pete Rock. "I'm in New York, so I hear the South beef, I'm like 'you all need to stop that and just get on your grind and do your music and stop sitting there bickering about who's wack, who's this, who's that." After four years since last album "Soul Survivor II," Pete Rock returns to record stores next week with his new album "NY's Finest" and on the album there's, reportedly, a song entitled, "Til I Retire," where the rapper expresses his disapproval of the bashing that Southern hip-hop has received. Featured artists on the album "NY's Finest" include Raekwon, Masta Killa, Papoose, Redman, Styles P, Jim Jones and others. The album "NY's Finest" which was leaked back on February 20th, 2008 will be in stores February 26th, 2008.

Related Linkhttp://www.myspace.com/peterock

Source: memphisrap.com

Return of Smoothe Da Hustler on Violenttimes Day 2008

After several years, Smoothe Da Hustler has returned with a brand new album, Violenttimes Day on S.M.G. Records, which hit the streets on February 14th, 2008. The album is a street leak album which features guest appearances from partners in rhyme, Trigger Tha Gambler and DV Alias Khryst.
Smoothe had been missing from the game for quite some time due to prior label obligations and personal mishaps, but unknowingly fans didn't have to wait long to hear more material from the artist. Through the art of ghostwriting, Smoothe's spirit was still present on some of your favorite rapper's albums...

In addition, Smoothe has been putting the finishing touches on his very own cartoon entitled 'Big Wheelz', where he pays homage to Hip Hop and its pioneers.

The Hustler has also confirmed his endorsement and appearance in a major upcoming music campaign entitled "Lyrics Are Back" where music industry veterans volunteer to help restore lyrical content in Hip Hop and R&B.

Smoothe's last official album, Once Upon A Time in America, was released in 1995 and became a monster hit, earning the Hustler a gold certification with 500,000+ albums sold. The momentum of his underground smash, "Broken Language", erupted the airwaves and music video channels at a time when record labels frowned upon the marketability of hardcore songs.

Violenttimes Day, as strategically planned, dropped on the day of love and was a lyrical delivery of a microphone centered in dead roses. When asked about his inspiration, Smoothe had these words to offer, "I was just tired of the 'same' industry of music. Valentine's Day is a day everybody is supposed to be celebrating love. The game ain't got no love! So, it's Violenttimes Day."

The title track lives up to its name as Smoothe serves up a lyrical slaughter; even administering a few blows to a well known emcee for hustler infringing. The first single, "About My Bread", is already buzzing and being embraced by the Hip Hop community.

For more information, go to
www.myspace.com/smoothdahustler or
www.smoothedahustler.com.

Source: S.M.G. Records

Flo Rida Debut Album News

Flo Rida's first single, "Low," has been sitting on top of the charts for nine straight weeks. In this SOHH Exclusive, the up and coming rapper talks about his new album, testing his music in the strip club, and breaking digital sales records.
As previously reported, Flo Rida made history this January when his T-Pain laced single "Low" sold a reported 470,000 digital units in one week. The Florida-based rapper now holds the record for weekly digital sales and "Low" still occupies the number one spot on the Billboard Top 100...
"The first time we recorded the record there was like a couple of dudes in the studio who was really feeling the record," Flo Rida explained to SOHH. "A lot of times we test the record in the strip club so we took it there and it was poppin'. The girls was just instantly going crazy over the record."
Though his song was strip-club approved, Flo Rida still didn't expect this level of success.
"I thought it would be big but at this magnitude I definitely couldn't predict it," he said. "It's just unbelievable. I have to pinch myself sometimes."
Flo Rida is hoping to follow up the success of "Low" with his new single "Elevator" featuring Timbaland. "It's gonna be a monster," he exclaimed. "We're already getting great responses for it."
As far as the album is concerned the Southern rapper had this to say. "The name of the album is Mail On Sunday; you know Flo Rida had to go postal with it. I got Ricky Ross the boss on the album. I got Lil' Wayne. I got something with will.i.am. This album is crazy."
Flo Rida's Mail On Sunday drops on Poe Boy/Atlantic Records on March 18th. Source: SOHH

Snoop Dogg Ticketed For Smoking Weed

Snoop Dogg was ticketed Wednesday night after NYPD officers caught the rapper smoking marijuana outside a New York nightclub. According to Snoop's manager, the "Sensual Seduction" crooner was not collared: "He did not get arrested...

He received a ticket for possession of marijuana," Donald Ezra told the New York Post. ... In a separate development, pop singer Aaron Carter was arrested for investigation of marijuana possession on Thursday after he was pulled over for speeding, according to People.com. Carter, the younger brother of the Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter, was taken into custody in Junction, Texas, and will appear before a magistrate on Friday morning (February 22), Kimble County Sheriff Mike Chapman told the site. Officers found marijuana in the car after pulling Carter over for speeding, the sheriff said, adding that no one else was in the car. ...

Source: MTV

Flo Rida Makes It Nine Straight Atop Hot 100

Flo Rida's "Low" begins a ninth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, continuing to stave off challenges from Chris Brown's "With You" and Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music," which hold at Nos. 2 and 3, respectively.Alicia Keys' "No One" sticks at No. 4 but is the chart's top digital gainer. Sara Bareilles' "Love Song" inches up 6-5, trading places with Timbaland's "Apologize" featuring OneRepublic. Snoop Dogg's "Sensual Seduction" is up 8-7 to reach a new Hot 100 peak, and Sean Kingston's "Take You There" jumps 9-8.Buckcherry's "Sorry" rises 10-9, and "Independent" by Webbie, Lil' Phat & Lil' Boosie moves into the top 10 13-10, the first top 10 hit for any of the artists...The Hot 100's top debut comes from Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body" at No. 57. The track ranks even higher on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, where it rockets 78-20.Back on the Hot 100, a live duet from Celine Dion and Josh Groban on "The Prayer" is new at No. 70. The track is drawn from Dion's Feb. 15 CBS special and is the top debut on Hot Digital Songs with 38,000 downloads.Grammy queen Amy Winehouse re-enters the Hot 100 with "You Know I'm No Good" featuring Ghostface Killah at No. 77. The cut, which peaked at No. 78 in March 2007, sold 28,000 downloads and has now been re-serviced to top 40 radio.Keyshia Cole's "I Remember" is No. 1 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for a second week. The top debut comes from Birdman's "100 Million" featuring Young Jeezy, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne at No. 77.

Source: Billboard

WU-TANG CLAN New Video "Take It Back"

Take it back with the Wu! Yahoo Music premiered Wu-Tang’s new video, “Take It Back” this week featuring classic performance footage of the Wu.And in case you missed it, Raekwon & Cappadonna sat down with AT&T Blue Room last month after Wu-Tang’s Hammerstein Ballroom NYC show. Cap and The Chef discussed everything from the late ODB to the longevity of Wu-Tang and even did a special one of a kind freestyle!

Listen to This Video (click here)

Yukmouth Interview: Against All Odds ? The realest Interview Yukmouth ever told!

Recently we at worldwideconnected sat down for an interview with Thug Lord himself, Yukmouth. This is the interview the fans have been waiting to hear! Yukmouth lets it all out, touching on every subject, every controversy, and every mystery that fans have been wondering about. Yuk speaks on everything from how he REALLY feels about Rap-A-Lot Records handling his latest album, Million Dollar Mouthpiece, to revealing the REAL backdoor politics between himself and the label, to his beef with Numskull, including the REAL story (and dirt) of how the Luniz first formed! This is the rawest interview Yuk has done, with the facts you haven’t heard and won’t hear anywhere else! Listen very carefully.

Listen to the Interview (click here)

source: WorldWideConnected

Eminem to Release New Book, The Way I Am

Eminem and publishing house Orion Books are set to release a new book featuring never before seen photos, journal notes, hand drawn illustrations and lyrics from the rapper...Em will also be penning the book’s introduction and contributing his own narrative throughout. According to NME.com, the book will be called The Way I Am and is set for a October 16 release. “Because of where he is from, people think they know where he is at, what kind of person he really is,” said Orion’s Ian Pierce. “This book cuts through all that and gets to the source. It has an edge. It’ll be one of the books of the year.” Several unauthorized books have already been published about the controversial MC, but this project will be the first to have Em’s blessing.

Source: XXL

Snoop Dogg Goes Bollywood On New Track

Rapper Snoop Dogg is further expanding his international appeal, as he has collaborated with popular Indian rap trio RDB (Rhythm, Dhol, Bass) on the group's newest single.
The recently recorded song, which was produced by RDB, will be the title track for a movie starring renowned Bollywood star Akshay Kumar.
Snoop Dogg will also be featured in the song's video, which will be shot in March. Sources told AllHipHop.com that the rapper has said that he plans to take over Bollywood with a new dance...
The Snoop Dogg collaboration isn't the first time RDB has joined forces with American rap talent.
The group, which consists of brothers Kuly, Manj, and Surj, has worked with Yukmouth as well as dancehall artist Elephant.

Last year, RDB released a mixtape titled "Asian ROC" which featured classic hits from rap mogul Jay-Z mixed Indian-style. In related international news, Snoop Dogg recently discovered he had big fans in Prince William and Prince Harry.

The rapper offered his take on his royal listeners as he alluded to his recent ban in Britain and told the UK Metro newspaper that "the young generation supports me but the old generation doesn't understand."

"When the old guys pass away," Snoop Dogg continued, "the new guys are going to take over and pass a law that says: 'Snoop Dogg can never be banned from our country.'"

Source: Allhiphop.com

Lil Wayne-Hot Boys Reunion In New Orleans Canceled After Shooting Outside Venue

The Hot Boys reunion at the club Dream here on Sunday night — featuring Lil Wayne, B.G., Juvenile and Mannie Fresh — was over before it could even get started: Two 24-year-old women and a 26-year-old man were shot outside the venue by an unknown gunman at around 12:57 a.m. on Monday (February 18)...
According to police, the victims were standing on the sidewalk and began running when they heard gunshots. The three were quickly taken to a local hospital, where their injuries were said to be not life-threatening; the venue was closed and the event canceled.

At press time, local police said they have no suspects or motive in the shooting.
None of the MCs had arrived at the venue by the time of the shooting. MTV News caught up with Wayne not long after the incident. He seemed optimistic that the Hot Boys reunion could be rescheduled, saying that it's "only a phone call away."

The reunion was planned to be a cap on this year's NBA All-Star Weekend in New Orleans; it would have been the first time in several years that the group had performed. Mannie Fresh was scheduled to take the place of original member Turk, who is currently incarcerated, and a number of MCs — including Rick Ross, Baby and DJ Khaled, along with a host of NBA players — were expected to attend.

Source: MTV

Nas' N*gger Album In Jeopardy, ''We'll Have To See,'' Says L.A. Reid

Nas has everyone buzzing about his controversially titled album, n*gger. SOHH caught up with Island Def Jam chairman Antonio "L.A." Reid to discuss the details of the Queensbridge emcee's upcoming release.

As previously reported, Nas and his wife Kelis hit the Grammy red carpet wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with the title of his forthcoming album, n*gger. Though Nas seems confident that his controversial title will fly, Reid is not so sure. When asked if the new Nas album will be released with the n-word title, Reid replied with, "We'll have to see..."

According to Reid, the album, which was originally slated for a December release will drop sometime this spring. "Hopefully we'll get it in April or May," he told SOHH exclusively. "Something like that. Somewhere around there. It's getting there, we're getting close."

"Expect Nas to educate us without preaching to us," Reid says. "Expect him to give a point of view that maybe the world hasn't thought about. Expect him to really enlighten us."

In addition to the highly anticipated release from the Nas, Reid is looking forward to all of the Island Def Jam releases scheduled for 2008. "We have Mariah, we have Janet which comes out at the end of February," he says with enthusiasm.

"We have a Ludacris album coming up. Lionel Richie, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross. We have a lot!"

Source; SOHH

T.I busy working on new album "Paper Trail"

Despite being under house arrest while he awaits trial on gun possession charges, T.I says he has recorded at least 50 songs for his sixth album, "Paper Trail", according to MTV News."It's a lot of bullsh-- out right now," T.I told MTV via phone. "I'm not gonna front. I feel it's definitely about time for somebody to come back out and kick this thing back in gear. The rotation is suffering right now. I intend to do something about it. It's just a matter of when..."T.I stressed that one record in particular, "Let My Beat Pound," will definitely make the album."That's gonna be a big record," Tip said. "It's a different record. It's a record I approached differently, and it don't sound like a typical T.I. record. It's basically about when you got your first car, one of the first things was to make sure your [sound] system was right. The love for the boomin' system. It has the sentiments of LL Cool J's 'Boomin' System,' but it kind of sounds like a Sir Mix-A-Lot [song]. It's kinda got the mood and tempo of 'Posse on Broadway,' but it's outta here."

Source: hiphopgame.com

Krayzie Bone Plans Black Western Film

Krayzie Bone, of the veteran group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, is headed down the Hollywood road like several of his peers. The rapper recently revealed that he's gearing up for a western film he's been crafting for years, tentatively titled "Ghetto Cowboy.""I just did a deal for this movie that I had... this 'Ghetto Cowboy' movie. It's a western movie that I've been working on for a couple years now," Krayzie told BallerStatus.com. "I finally got a situation for it."According to the rapper, the movie's setting will take place in the late 1800s, a time when black Americans were still dealing with the aftermath of slavery within the U.S...

The film's main character grew up in this time, and eventually joins the Army as a way out, but soon realizes it's no better for him serving his country than it is a civilian. So, he decides to take to a life of crime and becomes an outlaw in the old west."It's really a good story," said Krayzie. "It's got a little bit of black history in it. It's about a dude who's family were slaves. He went to the Army, thinking it was gonna be better for him, but when he got there, he found out that it wasn't.

After that, he became an outlaw. He became one of the few black outlaws that you hear about."Right now, the film is in its planning stages. Its roles have yet to be cast, but Krayzie hopes to bring on other rap artists as well as actors to fill out the film's roles.

Krayzie did confirm, however, that he would be starring in the film. The screenplay has been written by Dallas Jackson, who also co-produced and wrote the screenplay for Master P's 2007 film "Uncle P."There is no set date for when production will begin, but the rapper said he plans to begin filming last this year.In related news, Krayzie Bone is also working on his next solo album. Right now, he's in the studio with Dallas producer duo, Play N Skillz, and has knocked out several tracks.The latest joint he's finished is a track with Play N Skillz, Bun B and Lil Jon.

It's not clear whether the track will be included on the album, but he said it should leak soon.He is in talks of releasing the solo project through Play N Skillz recently launched G4 Records, but nothing is finalized as of yet.The album is expected to drop later this year.

Source: ballerstatus.com

Ashanti Not Joining G-Unit

Rush and Molloy reported that songstress Ashanti could possibly be leaving The Inc., and linking up with G-Unit, but according to Ashanti’s camp, “this is not true.” VIBE reached out to Universal records, which confirmed the rumors were false and that the 27-year-old singer will remain with The Inc. Records/Universal Motown.
The singer was reportedly upset over The Inc.’s head Irv Gotti, not coming to her defense after rumors of the two having a sexual relationship...
“And now 50 Cent is trying to get her to be a part of G-Unit,” an anonymous source told the Daily News. The source also added that 50 Cent- who has made unflattering remarks about Ashanti in the past during his tirade on The Inc.’s lone star Ja Rule- called and apologized to Ashanti for all his verbal jabs.

Source: VIBE

Bun B Reacts To Pimp C's Death

In the wake of Pimp C's death, UGK partner in rhyme Bun B is among the first in the rap community to speak out on the use of "Sizzurp," an illegal beverage often referenced in Southern rap songs.
As previously reported, Pimp C's passing was due to complications from sleep apnea as well as an accidental overdose of prescription-strength codeine, one of the main ingredients in "Sizzurp."
In an interview with Fox 26 in Houston, Bun B said he was dismayed to find out syrup played a role in Pimp C's death, but noted it's a reality of his environment.
"It was sad, but it's a definitely real thing living in Houston, Texas," he said. "Being a person that affiliates with the common man on the street, we all know that in Houston, Texas we have a problem now with the cough syrup epidemic. And while it wasn't solely the cause of his death, we have to be very real about the consequences to some of these things..."
"Pimp C did have a prescription for it, but you have to be very careful when you get prescriptions for certain things because sometimes you can tend to go a little too far with some of these things," he added. "They have very strong, addictive qualities - pills and syrups and what not."
The bottle found in Pimp C's hotel reportedly had no prescription label.
UGK often rhymed about drinking "Sizzurp," but Bun B said they were starting to walk a different path.
"We had been taking down, toning down the content of certain things in the music lately," he said. "My new album of course probably won't have any references to cough syrup in it.
"Sizzurp" is apparently behind the deaths of at least three hip-hop artists - DJ Screw, who died of a heart attack in 2000 from a codeine overdose, Big Moe, who died of a heart attack in 2003, and now Pimp C, whose real name is Chad Butler. Bun B said the problem is part of a larger epidemic.
"In Houston, on the streets, there is an epidemic with the people sipping the cough syrup, and it's something that needs to be addressed," he said. "It's a little bit more than in music. I think it's going to start affecting the personal lives of a lot of artists, and people in the Houston rap scene."
"To anyone out there thinking about sipping syrup or currently abusing syrup, you may want to take a very good look at yourself, a long look at yourself," he said.
In related news, after 15 years on the rap circuit, UGK has scored its first Grammy Award nomination for "Int'l Players (I Choose You)" featuring Outkast and produced by Three 6 Mafia.
"It was bittersweet to say the least, but this is all due to Chad and his blessed talents," Bun B said. "He was a very talented young man, had a very, strong clear vision of where he wanted to go musically, and this Grammy was something that he had always said that we would one day be able to get - which I wasn't really sure about it myself, but I had all the confidence In the world in him."
"So we stuck at it, we kept moving forward, he kept bringing all the talent he possessed, putting it into the music, and we ended up coming up with this great song," he said. "The powers that be acknowledged it and we have a Grammy nomination now, and it's all due to Chad."

Source; SOHH

Snoop Dogg UK Ban Lifted By Judge

Snoop Dogg says his ban on entering the UK has been lifted, meaning he can now enter the country.

The news came during an interview on CNN's Larry King Live on Friday February 1st, when the rapper claimed that a British judge lifted the ban that stems back to a brawl at London's Heathrow Airport, back in 2006...

He told Larry King, "I've been accepted, a judge overturned it. So everybody in the UK, Big Snoop Dogg will be back to give you what y'all want."
It's expected Snoop will be appearing in the UK next month as he will be promoting his ninth solo album Ego Trippin' - set for release on March 11th.

Source: angryape.com

Law & Order: SVU Star Ice-T Hosts 'Tupper-Bowl' Party

Wednesday night legendary rapper and famed Law & Order SVU star, Ice-T and his wife, Coco, teamed up with Tupperware to host the first ever 'Tupper-bowl' party. The Tupperware Tailgate celebrated the culmination of an incredible football season for the New York Giants and the upcoming Super Bowl, as well as raised money for the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club of America...

The party was held in a private lounge at Jay-Z's 40/40 club in New York and was the place to see and be seen. Over 200 guests were in attendance and celebrity highlights included: Oscar-winner, Tatum O'Neal; Sex and the City star, Chris Noth; Law and Order SVU stars Adam Beach and B.D. Wong; Frank Whaley from The Wire, and NBA players Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets and Jason Williams of the Miami Heat.

"Tupperware unites us all. Tupperware's going to save the world," proclaimed party host, Ice-T. "We're all here tonight to root on our home team, have some fun and raise money for our local Boys & Girls Club friends."

Guests enjoyed "Tuppertini" cocktails and "bowl-food" themed hors d'oeuvres served in Tupperware, and danced to music provided by celebrity DJ, D-Nice. The crowd was treated to impromptu performances by Ice-T and renowned hip-hop legends such as Positive K, Smoothe Da Hustler, Khrist, Grandmaster Caz, Kool Herc, and Melly Mel.

Source: Tupperware Brands

Benzino ''Puts The B.S. To The Side,'' Extends Olive Branch

After losing a multi-million dollar lawsuit and being ousted from The Source - a magazine he helped to start - many counted Raymond "Benzino" Scott out. But with the popularity of Hip Hop Weekly, and the launch of a new magazine on the horizon, 'Zino is showing that he's built to last. In a SOHH.com exclusive, he talks about his past beefs with Eminem, 50 Cent and former XXL EIC Elliott Wilson and the eminent success of his new venture, Monsta. With the release of his brand new mag Monsta right around the corner, Benzino says that it's only a matter of time before the imprint is on top of the publishing game... "We're coming right after The Source, XXL, Vibe and Complex," Benzino told SOHH. "I don't even know if [Complex] is selling that many magazines, but them too." "We have a new format as far as the art direction," he continued. "The magazine is as big as you can get. It's the same size as ESPN and Rolling Stone." Well aware of how the magazine industry has changed since his days at The Source, 'Zino thinks Monsta has what it takes to succeed in '08. "It was a different generation when I did The Source and it came out," he said. "Right now with the internet, you gotta put your thumb on what's going to appease the young and the old, if you want to succeed. We have a lot of struggles in hip-hop culture. People want something they can read that has real issues in there that affect them, and that's us." Benzino is building off of the momentum of his mag, Hip Hop Weekly, which he says has already turned a profit in its first year, a tough task in today's print publishing. He says that he believes that the addition of his new book into the marketplace will fill void in hip-hop left by other mags. "XXL could never really get too much credit for anything but copying," Zino explained. "They never had their own identity. They only talked about who was a hot artist and it never held too much weight, in my opinion. Give us one year and believe me we'll be knocking The Source, XXL, Vibe and all of the other mags out the box." Once known for his bitter public rivalries with Eminem and 50 Cent , a more diplomatic Benzino says that he'd now be willing to work with them for Monsta. "Eminem and 50[Cent] have been in Hip Hop Weekly," he said. "I've learned to separate my personal issues to an extent. I understand who I am and what I say. I'm never gonna be PC, I'm always gonna speak my mind. They're still monsters in the game. I'm sure you'll see them getting coverage in there. Hopefully we can get 50 on the cover and get a good feature with him." He also had some words of advice for longtime rival, Em, whose has been rumored to be depressed and overweight as of late. "Being famous takes on a great deal of pressure and people deal with things differently," he emphasized. "If I had to give him some advice, I'd say that being by himself isn't the answer. If music's what he loves, keep doing that and don't worry about the bullsh*t." Zino also said that he'd be willing to employ rival and former XXL editor-in-chief Elliott Wilson "The old 'Zino would have said hell naw, but I would probably listen to him," he says of the possibility of Wilson joining the Monsta staff. "We'd have to straighten out our differences but I'd listen because he has a lot of experience. Everybody deserves another chance. If he ever wanted to be involved with Monsta, I'd give him a listen and put the bullsh*t to the side."


Source: SOHH

Lil Wayne: New Album 'Will Stick With You Forever'

Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" has been delayed numerous times in the past six months, but in his first interview since his recent arrest on felony drugs and weapons charges in Arizona, the rapper promises the new album will be worth the wait."It's one of those albums people are really waiting on, so I made it so that whatever is on it will stick with you forever," he tells Billboard of the project, which has been plagued with leaks. "I'm taking my time with it. And I'm giving artists I respect and people I want to do songs with -- not songs the label fixed -- an opportunity to collaborate...""I think this album is going to be one of my best albums," he continues. "I'm a true perfectionist. I might have to work out a deal with Universal to shoot a video to for all these songs, that's how crazy they all are. Every one of them is a movie."Although Wayne was happy to discuss "Tha Carter III," which is expected in March or April via Cash Money/Universal, he didn't want to talk about what went down in Arizona, where he's been ordered to return for a Feb. 12 hearing. "I've got nothing to say about that," he replied when asked about the arrest.The new album's official single, the Deezle-produced "Lollipop," features Static and will be serviced to radio shortly. A video for it was recently shot in Las Vegas. Other guests on the set include Hurricane Chris, Corey Gunz, Tyga, Jibbs, Shanell, Kidd Kidd, Mack Maine and Lil Mama. Jim Jonsin, the Alchemist and Cool and Dre contributed production.Wayne has released six albums and made more than 40 guest appearances since 1999 -- 17 of those collaborations in the last two years -- not to mention the massive amount of mixtapes and leaked tracks that routinely appear online."I've found out that I love doing music for others," he says. "You're making history when you're making music with somebody else, for somebody else. Plus, I find that when I do that, it doesn't get leaked. And when it does, it doesn't do what it does when it's one of my songs. I get a real joy. And it's another reason why I was able to wait so long to put another album out -- because these features keep me eating and making money."

Source: Billboard

New Jay-Z Song Leaks -- Is Blueprint 3 In The Works?

Is Jay-Z pulling a Jay-Z and dropping another album just a few months after delivering his last LP? (Remember, he used to average a new album every eight or nine months.)
On Wednesday night, the Internet went crazy when a Timbaland-produced Jay song called "Ain't I" leaked.
The record had several drops from DJ Clue promoting it as a song from Blueprint 3 and saying that we can also find it on his mixtape I Am Legend Part 1. Needless to say, fans and music industry insiders alike started buzzing because talk of this album came out of nowhere. The song's leak is especially strange since it seems like Jay's current album, American Gangster, hasn't run its course yet. Only two songs have been released from that opus, and Def Jam recently sent out promo copies of the record "I Know," signaling that it's the next single...
Still, with lyrics on "Ain't I" that relate to Jay-Z's current state of affairs ("I took a pay cut to become a exec/ So the next mother----er can earn his paycheck/ And even though these n---as talk greasy 'bout me/ Ask these n---as how they gonna eat without me!"), people think that there's some validity to rumors about the impending release of Blueprint 3.
"I'm a hustler's hustler/ a gangster's gangster/ I'm a rapper's rapper/ Your favorite, ain't I?" Jay-Z spits. And the beat reminds you of the vibe from his back-in-day Timbaland collaboration "Lobster and Scrimp."
Well, MTV News contacted Jay-Z's rep Wednesday night. Jay's spokesperson said that, while the song may be new to the general public, it is an old recording that was previously unreleased. Jigga's rep also said he has made no announcement about a new LP, Blueprint 3 or otherwise.

Source: MTV

Snoop Dogg Drops New LP In March

Hip-Hop veteran and recent reality TV star Snoop Dogg is once again putting it down with the pigskin and will host his 6th annual Snoop Bowl this upcoming Super Bowl weekend.
The game will be held at Hamilton high school in Chandler, AZ and will feature the Snoop Dogg All-Stars, a youth football team from California coached by the hip-hop star. They'll compete against local Arizona youth football players. The Snoop Dogg All-Stars is comprised of players from the Snoop Youth Football League, a youth football organization funded by Snoop with over 3,000 athletes from the greater Los Angeles area...
The game will be held on February 2, the day before Super Bowl XLII, and is expected to draw many fans, including Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart. The Heisman Trophy winner is set to be in attendance on behalf of his charitable foundation, The Matt Leinert Foundation, to which a portion of the game's proceeds will be donated.
Snoop had this to say about the game, "For five years now we have had a great time organizing and preparing for the Snoop Bowl. It gives the kids a reason to work and play hard throughout the season, knowing that it all culminates on this day. It is about so much more than the game, the Snoop Youth Football League gives kids hope and meaning outside of just the sport."
In related news, Snoop is still rocking mics harder than ever and is gearing up for the release of his latest LP, Ego Trippin. The disc will feature the Doggfather's latest hit single, "Sensual Seduction," which has been receiving substantial radio and video play on major outlets.
Ego Trippin is set to hit the streets on March 11.
Fans can purchase tickets by logging on to celebritytheatre.com or by calling Hamilton high school at (480) 883-5000.


Source: SOHH

Ja Rule Is "Past" Beef W/ 50 Cent & DMX

Platinum selling, Queens, New York rapper Ja Rule is the latest rapper to sign on to be a SOHH Blogger.
In this exclusive blog series Ja Rule holds nothing back. No stranger to controversy, Ja speaks to the hate he's gotten in the past and his beefs with 50 Cent and DMX.
"I'm so much past that," he told SOHH. "I'm going to have to turn into the guy that says 'I don't want to talk about those individuals.' Should I start another beef?"
He also spends time discussing more light-hearted topics like his daughter's crush on Rev. Run's son, Diggy. Oddly enough, Ja is not a fan of reality shows. This is despite the fact that his right hand man and the president of Murder Inc., Irv Gotti has his own hit VH1 reality show, "Gotti's Way..."
Of course Ja couldn't pass up the chance to plug his new album, The Mirror. In the blog, Ja explains the inspiration for his new album and what fans can expect from it.
Best known for hits such as "Between Me and You," "I'm Real" and "Livin' It Up," Ja also discusses how to maintain longevity in the business.
Ja's Guest Blog runs from January 28th to February 8th.

Source: SOHH

Britney Spears Rushed To Hospital Again

For the second time this month, Britney Spears was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Early Thursday morning (January 31), according to reports in the Los Angeles Times, Spears, 26, was physically removed from her home by police and put into an ambulance at around 1 a.m., then escorted to the UCLA Medical Center by a phalanx of more than a dozen motorcycle officers, two police cruisers and two police helicopters. The singer is resting at the hospital, her mother, Lynne Spears, confirmed to reporters on Thursday, according to CNN.
Spears was taken to the hospital to "get help," a Los Angeles police officer who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press.

The action came as a result of yet another call for a "5150" hold for a mental-health evaluation, which means that Spears is considered a threat to herself or those around her, authorities told the paper. The motorcycles and a Los Angeles Fire Department ambulance swept through the gates of Spears' hilltop home in Studio City, California, shortly after 1 a.m., with a police helicopter hovering overhead, and removed the singer eight minutes later. Officers inside the home reportedly radioed to commanders that "the package is on the way out."

source : MTV