World of RnB and HipHop Music

Pacquiao vs Margarito Live Streaming

2010-11-13T19:27:00.000-08:00

Grammy winning rapper Kanye West will force fans to wait longer

2010-08-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West will force fans to wait longer for his upcoming and presumably titled new album, Dark Twisted Fantasy, by deciding to delay its release to late fall.

Kanye West is taking full advantage of all that technology has to offer. The rapper, who recently joined Twitter, hosted his first Ustream chat today (Aug. 6) from Korea and revealed that his new album will be out "sometime in November." West also said that his next single -- the follow-up to "Power" -- will drop in about 20 days, and it's a toss-up between a track called "Lost in The World" and "All of The Lights." He played a short snippet of the latter, which features big horns and double-speed drums. (Billboard)

Download Mp3 I can Transform Ya by Chris Brown feat Lil Wayne | Music Video of I can Transform Ya

2009-10-01T08:06:00.000-07:00

This is the new single music by Chris Brown together with Swizz and Lil Wayne Entitled I can Transform Ya with Demo Music and Music Video of I can Transform Ya. Demo Music of I can Transform Ya

Concert Rehearsal Footage to Michael Jackson

2009-07-03T11:42:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, the promoter of Michael Jackson's 50-date "This is It" residency at the O2 Arena in London said there was ample footage of a Jackson rehearsal for the planned series of shows, and that he hopes to release them.

On Thursday (July 2), one week after Jackson, 50, died following cardiac arrest at a rented Los Angeles-area mansion on the eve of the July 13 start of the O2 run, MTV News obtained a clip of a rehearsal filmed just two days before Jackson's sudden passing. And though it is just a 90-second glimpse of the singer performing the controversial track "They Don't Care About Us," the brief bit of film does appear to show Jackson in solid shape, stomping around the stage, apparently singing in full voice and energetically dancing with an all-male troupe of backup performers.

The footage, shot on June 23 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles — where a memorial service for Jackson reportedly will be held on July 7 — opens with Jackson performing some of his patented military-style, slow motion marching dance moves along with the male dancers, who are behind him on a slanted platform. It then cuts to the singer enthusiastically pulsating to a solo from his guitarist.

Jackson gives one of his signature "Oh!" exclamations as the track changes tempo to a rousing royal fanfare overlaid with a snipped of the "I Have a Dream" speech from the late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King. The singer and dancers straighten up and salute, then do a high-step march across the stage to a martial beat as Jackson does knee bend and shuffles in place alone center stage.

After what appears to be an edit, the sound of a car horn blaring overtakes the music, the dancers put their hands out in a stop motion and the tempo shifts once again into a spare, funky track to which Jackson does a subtle shoulder shimmy walk to, landing him at the lip of the stage. It's clear the rehearsal is a casual run-through, as the dancers are wearing sweats and t-shirts and the typically meticulously dressed Jackson is clad in black pants, a grey jacket and a pattered red button-down shirt that is half-untucked.

Akon Live Concert in Manila | July 2009 | Araneta Coliseum

2009-06-28T07:06:00.001-07:00

For the Second Time Around after his successful concert last November 29, 2007. Akon Live Concert In Manila on July 4, 2009 at Araneta Coliseum.

He will be joined by our very own international RnB singer Billy Crawford. The five-time Grammy nominee is expected to perform hits from his third album titled “Freedom,” which contains songs like “Right Now (Na Na Na),” “I’m So Paid” (with Lil Wayne), and “Holla Holla” (with T-Pain).

The American R&B singer who brought us the hit “Don’t matter”, "Smack That", "I Wanna Love You" and "Sorry, Blame It on Me".

Tickets are available @ Ticketnet. For inquiries and reservations, you may call 911-5555.

Michael Jackson Died on cardiac Arrest

2009-06-26T06:58:00.000-07:00

We've just learned Michael Jackson has died. He was 50.

Michael suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home and paramedics were unable to revive him. We're told when paramedics arrived Jackson had no pulse and they never got a pulse back.

A source tells us Jackson was dead when paramedics arrived...

Once at the hospital, the staff tried to resuscitate him but he was completely unresponsive.

We're told one of the staff members at Jackson's home called 911.

La Toya ran in the hospital sobbing after Jackson was pronounced dead.

Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

50 Cent | Before I Self Destruct

2009-06-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

No fair; 50 Cent is cheating.

Well, it's not really cheating when you have producers such as Dr. Dre, Timbaland and Polow Da Don working on your album. Fif is stacking the deck for his current incarnation of Before I Self Destruct. Fif is on his third different production of the album, and he said the third time's the charm.

"I feel like my album is as close to perfect as it's gonna get," 50 told MTV News last week. "I'm reaching the point to where if I have to continue to write it, I'll be overkilling it. That's why I gave myself other writing assignments, like the War Angel [mixtape], like the '90s [tape] Sincerely Southside Part 2 and our actual G-Unit mixtape I'm doing with [Lloyd] Banks and [Tony] Yayo." read more..

Jay-Z Premieres New Song, 'D.O.A.': 'Death Of Auto-Tune'

2009-06-07T04:50:00.000-07:00

Friday night saw the unveiling of another public service announcement from Jay-Z: "You rappers singing too much/ Get back to rap, you T-Pain-ing too much/ I'm a multi-millionaire/ So how am I the hardest n---a here?"

On New York's Hot 97 radio station, Jay premiered a new song from his forthcoming Blueprint 3 LP called, "D.O.A.," or "The Death of Auto-Tune."

"This is anti-Auto-Tune, death of the Ringtone," Hov begins rapping over a track co-produced by Kanye West and No I.D. Hard drums and horns blaze as Jay conjures images of a black John Dillinger holding a smoking Tommy Gun, laying down a fool ignorant enough to stand in his way. Jay is back to kill biting MCs.

"This ain't for iTunes, this ain't for singalongs," he raps later in the song. "This is Sinatra at the opera, bring a blonde ... My raps don't have melodies/ It should make jackers commit felonies/ This ain't a #1 record, this is practically assault with a deadly weapon."

Last month, Kanye West told MTV News about Jay-Z's stance against Auto-Tune, the vocal effect used extensively by T-Pain and by West himself on his latest album, 808s and Heartbreak.

source mtv.com

"2009 MTV Movie Awards: Eminem 'We Made You/Crack A Bottle' (Live)"

2009-06-05T08:05:00.000-07:00

Fact: Eminem stole the 2009 MTV Movie Awards. Watch his electrifying performances of 'Crack A Bottle' and 'We Made You,' and wash them down with 'Use Somebody' by Tennessee rock gods, Kings Of Leon.

source: MTV.com

Black Eyed Peas Upcoming Album THE E.N.D.

2009-05-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

Album to be Released on 060909 and The Black Eyed Peas are Migrating to Dipdive.com

THE COUNTDOWN TO THE E.N.D HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN. It's been 4 years since the last album from The Black Eyed Peas! Thanks to all of our fans for making our 1st single, "Boom Boom Pow" a #1 song in countries around the world!

To show our fans that The Energy Never Dies, we will be revealing 1 song a week until June 9th and can't wait to hear what you think. Click here to start the countdown with "IMMA BE".
Also you can pre-order THE E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies) here now on Target or Amazon.

will.i.am posted the official album cover to the E.N.D. on his Dipdive blog. Read what he has to say, watch his webcam and check out the larger image!

With the upcoming launch of The E.N.D., the Black Eyed Peas are migrating to our new home at dipdive.com! The Peas have already been living on Dipdive and the new BEP Channel will launch soon with the Boom Boom Pow music video.

source: The Black Eye Peas

Eminem Freestyles During German TV Interview

2009-05-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

"Cha Cha Cha." Not the famous rap song MC Lyte brought to life in the 1980s, the "Cha, Cha, Cha."

Eminem appeared on the German program "TV Total" earlier this week, and not only gave an interview, but kicked a freestyle over a beat host Stefan Raab called "Cha, Cha, Cha," while Raab and the house band played along.

"Here I go, lyr-ree-cal/ I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm spir-rit-ual. ... I have no f---in' clue, what the f--- I'm doing," he reiterated in his rap before the talk show host sang.

Slim Shady also sat down for a interview, coming out in comical form, briefly wearing an anti-swine flu mask — and even began talking into the mic through it. He also learned several German swear words and heard about German rappers. Em also took some liberties with the loose broadcasting laws in Germany.

"I f---in' love it here! I can f---ing say anything. Hey look, it's raining d---s!" he yelled.

When the host asked him why he's been gone for the last four years, Em chalked it up to "drugs" and (less seriously) playing Ms. Pacman and, er, pleasuring himself.

Getting a little more serious, he talked briefly about his drug abuse.

"I went through a tough time with it — five, six years I struggled with it," Em said. "I'm a little over a year sober."

Em's new LP, Relapse, comes out on May 19 and on Thursday snippets of his video "Crack a Bottle" hit the Net. Preceding that clip were, of course, "We Made You" and "3 A.M."

Another single, "Old Time's Sake," was released to iTunes officially on May 5. The next song, "Beautiful," officially goes to the iTunes on May 12.

source: mtv.com

Dr. Dre Makes Rap Return

2009-05-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

Renowned producer Dr. Dre has emerged from the shadows via Eminem's new song "Old Time's Sake" building anticipation for his long-awaited release, Detox...

While Dre doesn't directly refer to his upcoming album, the legendary producer uses Em's Relapse track to display his rhyming scheme and remind fans of his "hunger."

"I'm Dre from/Back in the day from," he rapped. "NWA from/Packin' the grey from/Choking a b*tch, to smackin' her face from/Stackin' up bodies to backin' the K's up/From rackin' up hits to stackin' them crates up/I'm still hungry and I'm back with a tape worm/And where what was happenin' and rappin' and tamin' me and Shady/Far as competition, f*ggot there ain't none...Now put your smoke up in the air and raise your Henny and coke/And if you really wanna get f*cked up just let me know/We can smoke 'til there's no more lighter fluid to do it/Let's get into it/You're smoking the tritest and truest/I got the mightest touch when it comes to rolling sh*t up/You motherf*ckers ain't smokin', you just rollin' sh*t up/Now here we go/Let's get up, get down/Hold up a blunt, I smoke the stuff that make the records go No. 1/'Cause if at first you don't succeed/Won't hurt to smoke some weed/It's just a little more personal for me/Seeing how I blew up from smoking those trees." ("Old Time's Sake")

Originally slated to debut today (May 5), the song was leaked online Monday morning.

The song wasn't supposed to drop until Tuesday, but you know how these things go. With such high-profile artists as Eminem and Dr. Dre, there's no such thing as releasing music on its proper date. The latest track off of Slim Shady's upcoming Relapse, "Old Time's Sake," has already leaked online. (MTV)

Aftermath/Shady's 50 Cent recently video recorded Dre from his studio promising Detox was on its way.

"Dr motherf*cking Dre in the background, look at that sh*t," Fif said. "There it is ladies and gentlemen, D-r-e. Live in Detroit, makin' 50 Cent's new record. This sh*t is gonna be crazy baby...Doing it, crazy, Detox, oh my God. You n*ggas better be ready. It's definitely going down. 50 cam, baby." (This Is 50)

Interscope head Jimmy Iovine previously said Dre's album was placed on hold due to Em's Relapse.

"We only tried to put [Em] out this year to replace Dr. Dre, but we got into a quagmire," Iovine explained. "Eminem was always coming next year. But what happened was, I lost Dr. Dre to Eminem. Dre had to stop making his album to finish Eminem's album. Eminem hit a streak, and when a guy like Eminem gets on fire, you stop everything. That's how we lost Dre." (Billboard)

As of today, there has been no word on when Detox will hit stores.

source: worldwideconnected

Jay-Z Says His Concert With Kelly Clarkson Shows Racial Unity

2009-05-04T06:33:00.000-07:00

As odd as it may have been to see a bill featuring Kelly Clarkson, Third Eye Blind and Jay-Z, it's even stranger to see a blog post from Jay-Z.

Jay admitted that he doesn't use Twitter, but he managed to post a blog for RapRadar.com following his performance Thursday evening at the University of Arizona. The MC said he was caught up in the excitement of the moment, as well as the technical difficulties, and he missed the opportunity to say something important.

"On the show as well were Third Eye Blind and Kelly Clarkson ... I thought that had to be the oddest pairing ever, but soon realized it's what I've always professed. There's NO such thing as Black music or White music only Good or Bad music."

Jay said it was cool to like different things that are outside of your comfort zone. He said this also applies to the world around us and not just music.

"If you're African American you can have a Jewish friend." He brought up his own friendship with former Def Jam head/ current Warner Music CEO Lyor Cohen. "The Jew fro and the BLUEprint fro [Afro] are the SAME thing."

Jay added that he would like to see diverse concerts such as this happen more often, outside of the one or two festivals per year and big radio station summer concerts like Zootopia, held by New York's Z-100, among many others.

"I'm putting that into the universe," Jay blogged, adding, "Next up, [a concert with] Taylor Swift and Uncle Murda!"

source from MTV

Eminem To Perform At 2009 MTV Movie Awards

2009-04-14T02:54:00.000-07:00

Eminem has been tapped to perform at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, airing live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on Sunday, May 31, at 9 p.m. ET. Andy Samberg will host.

Em's performance will come just a few days after the May 19 release of his much-anticipated new album, Relapse, (featuring the single and video "We Made You," which premiered on MTV last week).

Viewers can vote online and on their mobile phones to select the nominees for the 18th annual Movie Awards. On May 4, the nominees will officially be announced, and viewers will once again be able to vote for their favorites online and from their mobile phones. The second round of voting closes on May 18, with the exception of the Best Movie category, which will remain open throughout the show.

Eminem won't be the only performer taking the stage at the Movie Awards — last year, Coldplay and the Pussycat Dolls had the honors — but we're not ready to reveal who will be joining him on May 31 just yet.

Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

Don't miss the MTV Movie Awards, airing live from the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on Sunday, May 31 at 9 p.m. ET.

source: MTV

Black Eyed Peas Enter 'Digital Afterlife' In 'Boom Boom Pow' Video

2009-04-09T05:04:00.000-07:00

The Black Eyed Peas are back with "Boom Boom Pow," and the group doesn't want to give you the same old thing. With this single, from their forthcoming album The E.N.D., they hope to prove to everyone they're not the same band who gave the world "My Humps."

"It's not your typical first single," Fergie said. "It's basically kind of to the left. The song is to the left, and it works, 'cause we're being true to ourselves."

Fergie, who describes the group as "misfits," hopes the video catches people's attention. "The concept of the video is the Peas' birth into the digital afterlife," Fergie said. "So the transformation is us going into a sort of birth or cocoon and coming out the other end as forms of energy. It's a parallel to the music industry. Now everything is downloaded."

Will.I.Am said the video was inspired by how digital the world has become and hopes the video portrays "what it would be like if we were actually in the computer, if art was fused in it," he said. "[It's] analog life from a digital perspective becoming technology."

The group might hope the song shows fans a new beginning, but the name of their album, The E.N.D., has everyone wondering if it means the group is calling it quits.

"We ain't never breaking up, but we ain't staying the same either," Will.I.Am said. "The E.N.D. stands for 'The Energy Never Dies.' So The E.N.D. is our version of embracing change and celebrating the new.

"It's the end of a lot of things, and I'm very proud to be bringing forth the new," he added.

source: mtv

Chris Brown Pleads Not Guilty

2009-04-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

An expressionless Chris Brown arrived to an L.A. County criminal courthouse Monday afternoon (April 6) and pleaded not guilty to two felony charges of assault and making criminal threats stemming from his alleged altercation with girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of this year's Grammy Awards.

The singer arrived 25 minutes late for his scheduled 3 p.m. PT court appointment. Brown was wearing all black and showed no emotion as he entered the courthouse to a mix of fans cheering and protesters demonstrating against domestic abuse. A police escort ushered Brown into the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Center promptly after he exited his black SUV. Brown, 19, was also accompanied by four bodyguards and his mother, Joyce Hawkins. Hawkins was seated in the front row during her son's hearing and her eyes appeared to be red, perhaps from crying.

Brown was in court for less than 15 minutes as he quickly entered his plea and left the courtroom. The singer and his lawyer didn't answer any questions afterward. The only words the singer uttered was a hushed "not guilty, your honor," after Judge Patricia Schnegg read the charges against him.

Mark Geragos, who is representing Brown in the case, said in court that more discovery is needed. The lawyer is seeking a plea deal and the negotiations have been characterized as "serious," according to a report this past weekend from TMZ. A number of unrelated reports have stated that the parties might be close to reaching a deal.

n attorney representing Rihanna, Donald Etra, spoke with reporters immediately afterward, only offering limited answers regarding his client. Etra confirmed that Rihanna is in her native Barbados and was not present at the courthouse because she was not required to attend the hearing. Rihanna, 21, is doing fine and is willing to testify in the case if subpoenaed, Etra said.

The legal counsel also said Rihanna is interested in the case being processed as soon as possible. Etra would not say whether Rihanna had been in contact with Brown leading up to his court appearance. Etra would only say the Def Jam singer is leaving the proceedings up to the court.

Lil Wayne Says He Turned To Rock Because He Got 'Tired' Of Rapping

2009-04-02T05:42:00.000-07:00

Lil Wayne spent years campaigning to be the "best rapper alive," dropping the reference endlessly throughout his recordings and freestyle rhymes. Now, as he puts the final touches on his rock debut, Rebirth, due in June, the Cash Money lyricist is wailing a different tune.

"Honestly? I don't want to be the best rapper in the world," Wayne told Rolling Stone in an upcoming cover story arriving on newsstands Friday. "If I have a rap album I'm dropping, then I want it to be the best rap album. But I want to be the best. Period. Now. My favorite rapper hasn't done what I'm doing..."

Lil Wayne, Keri Hilson Get Hot And Heavy At California Concert

2009-03-31T05:23:00.000-07:00

At the Los Angeles-area stop of Lil Wayne 's I Am Music Tour — which also features Keri Hilson, Gym Class Heroes, Gorilla Zoe and T-Pain (recently recovered from his, er, golf-cart accident) — Weezy and Hilson indulged in some mature-audiences-only flirting that had the crowd shrieking with excitement.

A video posted on Wayne's blog shows the pair grinding playfully while performing "Turnin Me On" (from Hilson's just-released debut LP, In a Perfect World...) at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California, on Sunday. After the song ends with Hilson singing the line, "... recognize a real woman," Hilson takes a moment to talk to the crowd about Wayne.

"I don't know about y'all, but he's definitely turning me on right now!" she says. "That's right — Wayne, he knows how to recognize a real woman."

She then moves behind him — standing a good six inches taller than the diminutive MC — reaches over his shoulder, lifts up his shirt and says, "Let me tell y'all something you might not know: Ain't a damn thing lil about this Wayne!"

As the crowd shrieks its approval and Hilson begins walking offstage, Wayne gives her a playful swat on the butt. She sings, "Now wait a minute!," then laughs and says "Bye baby!" Wayne says "Bye baby!" before roaring "Keri Hilson, y'aaaaaaall!"

The pair also performed the song — with more tame flirting — on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Friday night.

Lil Wayne's tour continues into April, with stops on the West Coast and Hawaii before heading into the Midwest. At press time, Weezy's oft-delayed forthcoming rock album, Rebirth, still did not have a confirmed release date.

Craig David Live Concert in Manila | March 27, 2009 | Araneta Coliseum

2009-03-24T05:55:00.000-07:00

Craig David Live in Manila!
Friday, March 27, 2009
8pm Araneta Coliseum

Multi-award winning British R&B superstar Craig David performs on March 27 at the Araneta Coliseum as part of his greatest-hits world tour. This concert is in line with the singer-songwriter’s greatest hits album, which will be released this month in Southeast Asia.

The album features Craig’s chart-topping singles Fill Me In and 7 Days, as well as 12 of his other biggest hits. These include Craig’s collaboration with music legends Sting for Rise & Fall, and with Artful Dodger for Rewind.

Lil Wayne Leaves 50 Cent Hanging: Mixtape Monday

2009-03-16T07:04:00.000-07:00

Plus: Capone-N-Noreaga tune in to Channel 10; Raekwon is 'back on my grizzly.'

Artist: Capone-N-Noreaga

Representing: LeFrak and Queensbridge

Independent Album: Channel 10

411: No more saloons for Capone and Noreaga — the veteran rap duo spend their free time in NYC at the Fruits of Life juice bar. That's right, a juice bar. Nore is down 100 pounds from last summer, and he credits a bulk of his success to drinking healthy concoctions from the Harlem establishment.

"Harlem probably has the most history of our five boroughs," N.O.R.E. said. "If you trying to have fun and be healthy, Harlem has them all beat.

"Everybody is here for health reasons," Nore added about the juice bar, surrounded by friends such as the LOX's Styles P, who also frequents the spot. "There's nothing that's gonna make you gain weight in this spot. It's important for us obese black people that live in the 'hood to get out the 'hood to get ourselves together. At least if you take two hours out your day, you can come and get juiced up."

"You can get juiced up and eat something vegetarian here," 'Pone added. "They have the best supplements to get your body right."

Capone and Nore release their fourth LP, Channel 10, on Tuesday. The title was inspired by their cable dial: Channel 10 is CNN on Time Warner Cable in Queens.

"We got the War Report name from 'The World Report' on CNN," Nore explained of their classic debut. "But at the time, LeFrak [projects] and Queensbridge [projects] was at war. ... So we said, We'll name it The War Report."

"At that time, we was basically reporting the war," Capone said. "America was at war too. Desert Storm was then too. We had the Army fatigues and all that. We reported our war."

Joints To Check For

"Rotate." " 'Rotate' was the last record added on to the album because of the fact that it was leaked," Nore explained. "We was like, 'Instead of letting the record die' — because if I have a solo song out or 'Pone has a solo song out and the focus is C-N-N, the song will die — 'let's leave it for the C-N-N album.'

"Beyond performing it, we went to [clubs like] Susie Wong's, we went to Promenade, and they threw [the song] on," N.O. added. "People didn't know we was in the building, and they was going crazy. I was like, 'Damn.' It's very important for me to have a hit in my hometown. I've done hits in Puerto Rico, hits in Miami, I've done hits everywhere else, but it's important for C-N-N, for Nore, to have a hit in New York."

» "Wobble Wobble" (featuring Mobb Deep). "The title sometimes throws people off," Capone said. "But once they press play on their CD, they're gone. It's not no shaky joint. We're not wobbling; it's hard. We got Prodigy at his best, Havoc at his best. And we got Hav on production. Mobb Deep are real workers. Hav may have 150 beats in the archive. You just go and say, 'I need that, I need this.' ... Just like when I was locked up and Nore would do songs with people and have one of my unreleased verses, Hav had a verse P didn't use yet."

"It's the first time C-N-N ever did a record with just C-N-N and Mobb Deep," Nore added. "It's always been Tragedy on the record or Rapper Noyd or Final Chapter. I just thought it was time we did the record with just us four."

» "Talk to Me Big Time." "Nore came up with that concept," Capone said. "What's dope about it, is when you hollering at your dude and he's saying something good, you say, 'Talk to me.' And your guy says, 'Big time!' "

"I love to incorporate any type of slang in our music," Nore said. "For the record, I hate the phrase 'What it do?' No disrespect to whoever made it. But if you really think about it, you're like, 'What does it mean?' That never stuck with me. But if you hear somebody saying something good, you're like, 'Talk to me.' That's what my peoples in New York say."

Tupac to Drop Another Album

2009-03-15T03:15:00.000-07:00

Many rappers claim to work hard, but none seems to have had more energy to get busy like the late rapper Tupac Shakur. And to prove it, the deceased emcee is slated to drop another (you read right) album that was reportedly done to smooth over the West Coast’ tension with the East.

In 1996, Pac teamed up with Boot Camp Click to work on the album, which will be called One Nation. The project was one of the rapper’s ways of showing media he wasn’t a bully, during the height of his beef with the Notorious B.I.G. After his murder September of that year, the album was shelved for years. A.E.G. has since acquired the rights of the 18-track project...

Chris Brown And Rihanna Did Not Record A Duet Last Month

2009-03-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Producer Polow Da Don's rep says reports stemmed from a demo the couple recorded last year.

People magazine published a report Friday (March 13) denying that Rihanna and Chris Brown recorded a duet together last month. Just Thursday, CNN reported that producer Polow Da Don had overseen the pair's recording sessions after Brown was charged with two felonies in the alleged altercation.

"The reports are inaccurate," Polow's publicist, Laura Wright, told UsMagazine.com on Friday, calling the CNN report misinformed. "The duet was recorded long before the incident."

"Contrary to published reports, Chris Brown and Rihanna did not record a duet after the incident," echoed the People report, quoting a "label source" with knowledge of the recording.

The confusion seems to be the result of a demo recorded by Brown and Rihanna in 2008, which Polow Da Don spoke with MTV News about after it leaked onto the Internet in January. According to the People source, their "reference vocals" were meant to instruct the eventual singers on how to do the song. The track, titled "Bad Girl," was intended to be on the soundtrack for the recent film "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and was eventually recorded by the Pussycat Dolls .

"Nothing has been recorded by Chris and Rihanna together since February," insisted the People source.

Although various outlets have feverishly reported on Brown/Rihanna reconciliations and breakups daily, only this much is clear: The L.A. district attorney filed two felony counts against Brown last week, following a February 8 incident in which police said he assaulted Rihanna. Brown is expected to be back in court on April 6 for his formal arraignment and faces nearly five years in prison if convicted.

source: MTV

New Chris Brown/ Rihanna Duet Confirmed

2009-03-12T20:10:00.000-07:00

A rep for producer Polow Da Don says song was recorded days after Brown was charged in alleged altercation

A spokesperson for producer Polow Da Don has confirmed that Chris Brown and Rihanna have recorded a duet. According to CNN, the unnamed song was tracked with Don just days after Brown, 19, was charged with two felonies over his alleged February 8 altercation with girlfriend Rihanna, 21.

Don's publicist said the singers — who reportedly reunited at a home owned by Diddy in Miami two weeks ago — completed the song earlier this week, though no other details were available on the track. A spokesperson for Don did not return requests for comment on the song, and spokespeople for Brown and Rihanna have declined to comment about the sessions.

"My heart goes out to both Chris and Rihanna for what has happened in the past," Polow said in a statement. "They are both great artists to work with, and I wish them well."

Brown was charged with assault and making criminal threats on March 5 and is due back in court on April 6 for his arraignment in the case.

On Wednesday, Us Magazine reported additional details on the song, quoting an unnamed source describing it as having a theme "about being stronger and growing stronger in a relationship. ... The song was originally created for Rihanna before the fight. However, it wasn't initially slated for Chris to be on the song."

The source added: "The funny thing is, the song expresses the emotions that both Chris and Rihanna are feeling at this moment — facing challenges and overcoming the ups and downs of a relationship in which you become stronger." The singers were described as being "very playful" in the studio during the session.

A month before the alleged incident, MTV News reported that the couple, who have been very private about their yearlong relationship, had actually already worked on their first original track together. The song, "Bad Girl," which leaked in January, was recorded for the soundtrack to "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and was produced by Polow but ultimately didn't make the final cut for the album.

"I came from a Jerry Bruckheimer meeting after seeing the movie, and they were telling us all the music they needed for all the scenes and the characters," Polow told MTV about his sit-down with the movie's producer. "So that night, I went to the studio and I was telling Chris about [the meeting]. And he was like, 'Let's get on it.' It was crazy, because Jerry Bruckheimer's dream was to have a song from Rihanna (for the movie), and I delivered Rihanna and Chris Brown in 24 hours. So they were like, 'Wow, that's crazy.' "

In the song, Rihanna talks about her shopping addiction, her penchant for bags and shoes and her not-so-thrifty purchasing habits. "Need no bargain, need no sale/ I want the best, I dress me well," she sings. Brown chimes in with a rap about his better half toward the end of the track. "She's a walking store, I'm talking about her clothes/ I just pause, I'm in awe, 'cause she's a fashion show."

At the time, Polow praised Brown's energy and work ethic, as well as Rihanna's unique voice and easygoing attitude and said, "We actually did a lot more records that hopefully will be coming soon."

source: MTV

The Pinoy Master Rapper Francis "Kiko" Magalona Dies

2009-03-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

Rapper-TV host Francis Magalona died Friday at the Medical City in Pasig City, his co-hosts at the GMA Network’s noontime show “Eat Bulaga” said. He was 44.

Magalona succumbed to multiple organ failure “secondary to severe sepsis and secondary to pneumonia,” according to a doctor who was not authorized to talk to media.

He passed away at 12 noon, said Philippine Daily Inquirer sources.

The acclaimed rapper-musician was rushed to the Medical City on Thursday night, Inquirer sources said. He was “intubated” upon admission and placed in the Intensive Care Unit at 3 a.m. Friday.

He was described as “toxic” during the early hours of Friday, the Inquirer sources said.

Doctors still managed to administer chemotherapy on Magalona. He expired before a bone marrow transplant could be scheduled, they said.

Magalona had been undergoing several chemotherapy sessions since he was diagnosed with leukemia in August last year but was too weak to fight the infection, sources said.

Francis' wife, Pia Arroyo-Magalona, said her husband started exhibiting symptoms in March this year. “It was very gradual, hindi siya biglaang lumabas [it didn't manifest right away].”

Magalona was supposed to perform “Superproxy” with the Eraserheads in the band’s reunion concert, “The Final Set” at the SM Mall of Asia grounds in Pasay City on Saturday.

He had been in collaboration with Eraserheads and Pupil frontman Ely Buendia for an album to be released this year.

source: Inquirer

Eminem's Relapse Set For May Release

2009-03-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Second album, Relapse 2, will drop later in the year.

Does Eminem know how to make a comeback or does he know how to make a comeback? He's giving his patient fans more than what they bargained for. Interscope Records announced Thursday (March 5) that Slim Shady is dropping two albums this year, Relapse and Relapse 2.

The first LP has been slated for May 19, with a single and video premiering on radio and television airwaves on April 7. It sounds like this record will be in addition to "Crack a Bottle," which has already gone #1. The video for that hit should drop soon.

Relapse 2 doesn't have a release date yet, but in a statement, Em said that he's currently in the studio working on that project and it will come out in the second half of this year.

"A lot of people were expecting Relapse to drop last year," Eminem said in the press release. "I was one of them. Then Dre and I went back in the studio in September for a few days, and that turned into six months. We were on such a roll; we wound up with a ton of new music produced by Dre. Putting out Relapse 2 will let everyone get all of the best stuff."

It's been more than four years since Em's last solo LP, Encore. Verses, let alone full songs, from the acclaimed star have been sparse. Last year, Em dropped a freestyle called "I'm Having a Relapse" while promoting his autobiography, "Eminem: The Way I Am." The rhymes were crisp and let everyone know he wasn't missing a step.

Besides re-emerging as an artist, the Detroit rap legend will have his hands full as an executive this year. 50 Cent told MTV News last week that he plans to put out his Before I Self Destruct album this summer on the heels of Relapse. 50 said he was waiting for Dr. Dre to finish up with Em so they could complete work on Self Destruct.

source: MTV

Bow Wow On Rihanna And Chris Brown Situation: 'They Need Space'

2009-02-26T05:52:00.000-08:00

'I wish them the best,' rapper says of the two.

Bow Wow knows all too well the scrutiny that the media can put on a young high-profile couple, after his very public relationship with Ciara. He explained to MTV News that when he first heard about the alleged incident between Chris Brown and Rihanna, he thought it was a rumor.

"The first thing that came to mind was that it was a story," Bow Wow said, before explaining that you really can't believe everything you read on blogs and various Web sites. "I've been in the game for a long time. I've been in a high-profile relationship before, so I understand. I think that the best thing that needs to happen for the both of them is that they just need the space."

He added that people should take both artists' feelings into consideration.

"You got so many people that want to say this and say that. You have a publicist. She has a publicist. It's tough, because to you, this is my 'wifey' and I'm her 'dude,' but to the public they are superstars."

He went on to say that this situation is no different than that of any other normal couple, and the two involved should get the respect that they deserve.

"My momma always told me that it's best that if it ain't your business, stay out of it — so I wish them the best. I hope that they bounce back and get back to what we know them for doing, and that's putting out good music."

He has not had the chance to speak to either party, but thinks that another opinion is the last thing either artist probably wants right now.

"He probably don't want to hear that, right ... she probably doesn't want to hear that either. Her birthday just passed," he continued. "You just really have to let them live."

source: MTV

Ne-Yo Spoke With Rihanna About Altercation

2009-02-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

Singer says Rihanna is 'fine,' but the leaked photo 'hurt me to my heart.'

When Ne-Yo found out about the allegations of violence between Chris Brown and Rihanna, he knew he couldn't get the story from a third party. Concerned for both his friends, the singer wanted to speak to them personally.

On Monday afternoon (February 23), a still-stunned Ne-Yo offered his thoughts.

"I wanted to talk to them before I made a comment," he said about the much-publicized incident that occurred several hours before the Grammy Awards on February 8. Brown turned himself in to police during the awards show and was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats and released. "I spoke to Rihanna. She says she's fine. She didn't go into detail about what happened. I understand it's a painful situation; I didn't push."

Like so many of Rihanna's fans, friends and family members, Ne-Yo said he was grief-stricken after viewing the recently leaked photo of a bruised and apparently battered Rihanna shortly after her altercation with Brown.

"I saw the picture," he said solemnly. "That just really — that hurt me to my heart, man. Again, I still don't know what happened, 'cause I haven't had the opportunity to talk to Chris yet. But to take it to that level really hurt my heart. All I can say is, I'm praying for both of them. They're both in my prayers. I haven't had a chance to talk to Chris yet. I just wanna sit down and talk to that dude and just explain if he doesn't understand: 'That's not something that's excusable, bruh. You have to get a little smarter about whatever it is going on in your relationship. You have to get a little smarter about how you handle certain situations.' "

source: MTV

Rick Ross Vows To Outsell 50 Cent

2009-02-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

Rick Ross says if you judge him on making music, then his 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin'.

"That's for sport," Ross said about his dis raps aimed at 50. The Miami monster said his underground records won't overshadow the hits on his album. "My freestyles as you could hear them, 'Kiss My Pinky Ring,' I do them in 20 minutes and put them out there. Those crumble empires. People listening to how potent the music is. That's all this really is for me. I'm not really excited yet. All this is a platform for me to show people how talented I am. How much better of a lyricist I am. So if [50] sold 10 [million], my next album should sell 12."

All the extra aside, Ross is spitting on all the Deeper Than Rap records that have leaked so far. The album is sounding like it will definitely be one of the premier offerings of 2009. "On Top of the World" came out Friday, and a week before that, he dropped "Cigar Music."

" 'Cigar Music,' that song is, after you release a song like 'Mafia Music,' it's like playing chess," he said. "Once you clean the table, once you make your moves, once you're satisfied with your result, once you understand the opponent, at some point you gotta sit back and fire up your cigar. That's what I did that record for. It's the calm after the storm. It's timeless music and a preview to let than fans know how much my music has matured. Shout-out to Bink [who produced the track]. I think it's a record that can be appreciated by people who really love clean music."

Deeper Than Rap has guest spots from Nas, Mary J. Blige and Lil Wayne, and last week on "106 & Park," Kanye West revealed he will be featured on "Maybach Music 2."

Source: MTV

Top 10 RnB and HipHop Music | February 2009

2009-02-23T05:31:00.000-08:00

1. Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain "Blame It"
2. Keri Hilson "Turnin Me On"
3. Beyonce "Diva"
4. The Dream "Rockin' That Thang"
5. Ne-Yo "She Got Her Own"
6. Kanye West "Heartless"
7. Bobby Valentino "Beep"
8. Jamie Foxx "Just Like Me"
9. Beyonce "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
10. Ne-Yo "Mad"

Rihanna Breaks Her Silence

2009-02-21T07:37:00.000-08:00

In the wake of TMZ photo, singer makes first public statement since alleged altercation with Chris Brown.

On Friday (February 20), Rihanna made her first public statement since her alleged altercation with Chris Brown .

"At the request of the authorities, Rihanna is not commenting about the incident involving Chris Brown," reads a statement from her representatives. "She wants to assure her fans that she remains strong, is doing well, and deeply appreciates the outpouring of support she has received during this difficult time."

The statement comes after a photo, apparently showing the singer shortly after the alleged altercation, was published by TMZ on Thursday night. The photo, evidently leaked by a source within the Los Angeles Police Department, prompted an internal investigation by the LAPD.

The timing of the leak is especially unfortunate, since Friday is Rihanna's 21st birthday.

Also on Friday, People.com and OK! magazine's Web site published a photo of the singer in a car in Los Angeles on Thursday night, reportedly on her way to an airport.

A week after the alleged incident, Brown released a statement, saying he was "sorry and saddened ... over what transpired" and was "seeking the counseling of my pastor, my mother and other loved ones, and I am committed, with God's help, to emerging a better person.

"Much of what has been speculated or reported on blogs and/or reported in the media is wrong," Brown's statement continued. "While I would like to be able to talk about this more, until the legal issues are resolved, this is all I can say."

Rihanna's father spoke with media outlets about the photo leak on Friday, calling it "sloppy work on [the LAPD's] part."

source by MTV News Staff

Rihanna Photo Leak Being Investigated By LAPD

2009-02-20T08:01:00.001-08:00

Los Angeles police consider possible leak involving photo of singer posted by TMZ 'serious misconduct.'

The Los Angeles Police Department has launched an internal investigation and filed a personnel complaint after a photo leaked late Thursday of a person who is apparently Rihanna, following an alleged altercation with Chris Brown on Grammy weekend.

"The unauthorized release of a domestic-violence photograph immediately generated an internal investigation," an LAPD spokesman said in statement about the photo, which appeared on TMZ. "The Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations Section began receiving numerous inquiries about the release of a photograph associated with a domestic violence incident that occurred on February 8, 2009, involving entertainer Chris Brown."

Although it does not officially confirm that the woman in the photo is Rihanna, the statement continues, "The photograph appeared on an entertainment website. The photograph has the appearance of one taken during an official Domestic Violence investigation."

According to CNN, the chief investigator in the case said that the department has had tried to guard against leaks. Detective Deshon Andrews told CNN that he has been keeping the case file guarded and no copies had been made of the original photos and documents.

"The Los Angeles Police Department takes seriously its duty to maintain the confidentiality of victims of domestic violence," the LAPD asserted in the statement. "A violation of this type is considered serious misconduct, with penalties up to and including termination."

Earlier Thursday, People magazine reported that a relative of Rihanna's, whom it did not identify, said that Brown "flew so far under everyone's radar that we just didn't think he was that [abusive] type." The relative added that the news came as a surprise because "he was always looking after her needs, making sure she was happy.

source by: MTV

2pac Biopic At Center Of Legal Battle

2009-02-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

A legal turf war has broken out between production company Morgan Creek and the estate of Tupac Shakur.

Morgan Creek has sued Amaru Entertainment, the company run by Afeni Shakur, the late rapper's mother and executor, alleging in a Los Angeles Superior Court filing that the company has backed out of an agreement to sell his life rights for a film adaptation.

Negotiations between Morgan Creek and Amaru began in November for life rights that would form the basis of the untitled project. According to the complaint, a written contract was in place for life rights, with Morgan Creek claiming that Amaru is "refus(ing) to honor and perform a contract of a production of the film based on the life of Tupac Shakur." The company seeks damages and other relief...

But late Wednesday, Amaru's lawyers denied the existence of a deal. "There is no agreement with Morgan Creek, there never was, and there never will be," said Amaru attorney Skip Miller, adding that the court filing is an attempt to force his client's hand.

Miller said negotiations for a biopic on the controversial rapper were underway at several studios and that Morgan Creek attempted to sabotage those talks with threats of litigation. "They have scared away Paramount, Fox and others, and we are going to sue them and recover millions (in damages)," Miller said.
Morgan Creek and lawyer Patricia Glaser declined comment.

The timeline laid out in the company's complaint presents a complicated series of events, but the key moment came in December, when Morgan Creek said it requested a term sheet from Amaru and was given a counterproposal that "set forth, in meticulous detail, the precise comprehensive terms, including material terms, that (Amaru) required to enter into a contract for the project."

Those familiar with the case said that negotiations broke down in January, after Fox Searchlight released "Notorious," a biopic about Shakur rival Biggie Smalls. The movie underperformed at the boxoffice, and a rift between the parties developed shortly after.

Shakur, who has sold more albums worldwide than any other hip-hop artist, led a colorful, made-for-Hollywood life. The New York-born, Oakland-raised rapper was a prolific artist at the dawn of the gangsta rap era and was charged with and incarcerated for a number of crimes. He also sold millions of records based partly on his experiences, including chart-toppers "Me Against the World" and "All Eyez on Me" and several posthumously released albums.

Shakur died after a 1996 shooting that likely was the result of an East Coast-West Coast rap feud. He acted in a number of Hollywood roles, including the romantic drama "Poetic Justice" and the basketball drama "Above the Rim." His music has appeared in countless pics, including "8 Mile," "Friday After Next" and "Blood Diamond."

Over the years a number of scripts have gone into development on the rapper's life, with none gaining traction. A documentary, "Tupac: Resurrection," made $8 million for Paramount in 2003, and Sylvester Stallone was at one point developing a project about Shakur's death and the subsequent killing of Smalls, aka the Notorious B.I.G.

Other hip-hop tales in development include "Tougher Than Leather," the story of '80s hip-hop pioneers Run-D.M.C., which "Notorious" scribe Cheo Hodari Coker is attached to write for Davis Entertainment.

Life rights and collaboration with an executor are not always necessary with a public figure like Shakur, though they would be essential if the filmmakers hope to include music, as they would in this case.

Source: Billboard

Maino’s Debut Pushed Back To May

2009-02-14T11:07:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn rapper Maino’s upcoming Atlantic Records debut has been pushed back yet again.

The album, If Tommorrow Comes…was originally supposed to drop last year but was later pushed to this month and then March. It is now slated for a May release date...

The disc will include Maino’s hit single “Hi Hater” as well as his latest single “All The Above” which was produced by Just Blaze and features T-Pain. Along with Blaze, Swizz Beatz and Dangerous LLC have also been tapped to provide beats for the project.

In related news the BK MC has released his first book on his new company Hustle Hard publishing. Gangsta’s Don’t Die, which was written by Mouse, will come out on March 1 and is available on Amazon.com.

Source: XXL

Big Pun Remembered, New Documentary on the Way

2009-02-10T04:22:00.000-08:00

Today (February 7) marks the 9 year anniversary of the sudden and premature passing of Christopher Rios, better known to the world as Big Pun.

After enduring a rough childhood growing up in the Bronx, Pun sought refuge in rhyming to deal with his mother's drug addiction and an abusive step father. By the late 80s, he had met lifelong friends Cuban Link, Triple Seis, and Prospect. Together, they formed a music click coined the Full a Clips Crew...

During this time, Pun would be known to fellow local emcees by his first stage name, Big Moon Dawg. Years of work paid off in 1995 when Pun met fellow Bronx rapper Fat Joe.

Impressed to find such a raw talent in his own borough, Joe featured Pun extensively on what many consider his best LP, Jealous One's Envy.

After building a strong buzz with underground hits such as "You Ain't a Killer," Pun dropped his seminal 1998 debut Capital Punishment.

Celebrated for its varied displays of lyricism, flows ("The Dream Shatterer," "Beware") and powered by the hit single "Still Not A Player," the album became the first platinum album ever from a Latino emcee.

Also, the LP scored a Grammy nomination for 1998's Hip-Hop Album of the Year.

Pun's stardom was short-lived, as the Bronx native could not gain control over his weight issues, even after ballooning to over 500 pounds and several attempted interventions from family and friends.

On February 7, 2000, Pun succumbed to a fatal heart attack at the age of 28.

Since his death, two posthumous albums (Yeeeah Baby, Endangered Species) and a controversial documentary (Still Not a Player) from his widow Liza Rios have been released.

Sometime this year, Pun's life will receive further examination with a new documentary entitled Big Pun: The Legacy.

The tribute project was originally announced last summer, but was delayed over post-production and distribution issues.

The film is reported to contain never before seen interviews and performances from Pun.

Additionally, the documentary features reflections from industry colleagues who Pun inspired personally or through his music, such as the Wu-Tang Clan, DMX, Snoop Dogg, Chuck D, Rosie Perez, Mobb Deep, and Cypress Hill.

At press time, a release date has not been set for the film. This year, Big Pun would have celebrated his 38th birthday.

Source: Allhiphop.com

It's Lil Wayne Vs. T.I.: Grammy Predictions For Best Rap Album

2009-02-07T03:35:00.000-08:00

Most predict one of the Southern lyricists will beat out fellow nominees Jay-Z, Nas and Lupe Fiasco.

The battle for this year's Best Rap Album at the 51st Grammy Awards looks like it's gonna be between two men: Lil Wayne and T.I.

Each is up for the honor — Wayne for Tha Carter III and Tip for Paper Trail. Jay-Z's American Gangster, Lupe Fiasco's The Cool and Nas' Untitled project round out the field. But most of the experts MTV News spoke to last week predicted one of the Southern lyricists will emerge victorious on Sunday. (The battle is a rematch of the 2007 Hottest MCs debate.)

"It's a sure thing [Lil Wayne will] take all the rap awards he's nominated for this year," Entertainment Weekly music critic Leah Greenblatt announced.

XXL magazine's Bonsu Thompson agreed. "Wayne might have the easiest victory throughout the entire Grammys," Thompson explained. "Whether it's in the recording booth or onstage, there's no competition. He sold a million copies in one week."

Tha Carter III was heralded for Wayne's lyrical brilliance. On freewheeling tracks from "A Milli" to his first #1 hit "Lollipop," the New Orleans rapper soared over expectations. The list of accolades and accomplishments he received for the album are impressive: the biggest-selling LP in any genre in 2008, wins at the American Music Awards and the VMAs, and soon a triple-platinum certification. By all accounts, Wayne has had as successful a year as any rapper in history.

So has T.I., arguably.

"I think that T.I. should win, because he has a solid album, a huge presence and a great story," Hot 97 news director Minya Oh (a.k.a. Miss Info) told MTV News last week.

The Atlanta-based artist overcame a federal arrest in 2007 that threatened to derail his career and released his most well-rounded album to date.

Paper Trail featured two #1 songs — "Whatever You Like" and "Live Your Life," which featured Rihanna. Both numbers rocketed up the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with the rapper's songs actually replacing each other at the top. In addition to the singles, Tip also revealed an introspective side of himself that he only hinted at on past projects.

"With so much struggle going on, he wanted to speak from the heart and put real thought into it, go into more details," longtime Tip collaborator DJ Toomp explained. "Sometimes you can go in the booth and just spit. And you may cover something but not get the gist of everything. But he said, 'Let me put my pen to work.' "

New York titans Jay-Z and Nas were also lauded for their recent projects, but critics don't think either album has the legs to keep pace in this category.

"I think Nas' album was nominated 'cause of the message," Thompson told MTV News. "It was more of a political or social stance from an MC rather than the body of his work. Nas may [actually] have the least chance of winning [Best Rap Album].

"I love what he attempted to do, but I think he fell a little short, content-wise," Thompson added. "The message was stronger than the music."

As for Jay, his second post-retirement album was a return to his earlier hustler mentality. The album, like Nas' album, made its debut at #1, but ultimately, while American Gangster helped Jay-Z regain his form, overall, Thompson felt it didn't stack up to the competition.

"Jay-Z really impressed a lot of people with American Gangster, but there can only be one winner and I think he's gonna fall short because of that," Thompson said.

Lupe Fiasco is the least-decorated rapper in the field, but the Chicago MC struck a chord with critics who offered praise for the brainy artist's album.

source: www.mtv.com

50 Cent Warns Rick Ross

2009-02-03T07:07:00.000-08:00

The beef between 50 Cent and Rick Ross continues to brew as Fif has taken to his website to weigh in on Ross’ interview with Angela Yee yesterday.

As XXLmag.com reported yesterday, the Miami Boss spoke to Yee on her Lip Service radio show on Shade 45, saying 50’s diss song was “garbage” and that the actual beef started during last year’s BET Awards. “When I finally got the opportunity to bump into him, I actually intended on having words with him,” Ross revealed. “But he kinda disappointed me, so, I kept it moving...”

In the video which hit thisis50.com this morning, the G-Unit honcho warned the Def Jam rapper of taunting him. “She asked him where it came from and he said from the BET Awards,” he said. “Now I ain’t never had a conversation with these niggas - I know your name; I seen your videos, other than that we don’t got no business together - we ain’t got no reason to be talking to each other. So niggas think it’s an opportunity to create energy or excitement for the actual release of your record. And I understand it, it may be more attention that you usually get, but it’ll be the kind of attention that when it goes away, you go away, completely, like there’s nothing else left for your ass, you’re completed, done.” [Watch Below]

“Your company, the system, might actually feel like it’s a good idea for the moment until they realize that I won’t stop,” he continued. “There’s nobody in control of me, like I do what I wanna do. So I’m deciding to fuck your life up, Rick Ross, I’m gonna fuck your life up for fun. This is not new, I do this all the time. I got a list of niggas that [I] fucked up. I’ma fuck your shit up cause I know, I could already see from here, from where I’m at, that this nigga’s a fraud.”

From there the hip-hop mogul added Ross’ associate, DJ Khaled, in to the equation, while also threatening to go to Ross’ house. “I seen Khaled, I remember seeing Khaled, I ain’t see Rick Ross at all,” he said of the BET Awards. “[Ross] told me he gave me a pass. Well don’t give me a pass. I don’t deserve passes. I’ma fucked up nigga, you should do something to me. You understand what I’m saying. Niggas is sending mixed messages. Well know that I got your address, if we go there we’ll be on your door step Ricky, and we can make it the way its supposed to be.”

Source: XXL

Jay-Z Toasts Barack Obama At 'Eve Of Change' Concert

2009-01-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hov and Young Jeezy reprised their 'My President' remix; Beyoncé and Mary J. Blige also appear.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — With George W. Bush all packed up and out of the White House, and Barack Obama ready to move in, hip-hop has never felt more patriotic. And the huge theme for Obama's inauguration weekend has been Young Jeezy's "My President." On Monday night, in the town nicknamed "Chocolate City," Jay-Z drove his audience wild with his new verse for the song's remix.

The show at the Warner Theatre was billed as the "Concert on the Eve of Change," but the crowd welcomed a very familiar Hov game-plan: knock 'em with his own hits and those of his big-name guests.

After "Brooklyn Go Hard," Jay informed D.C. that he was ready for a long night.

"I really wanted to do the show to party with y'all," said Jay, who wore a black T-shirt with Abraham Lincoln's face on it. "I feel fantastic. ... I hope y'all brought your lunch pails, 'cause I can go three, four hours — nine, 10 hours."

The Jigga Man also said that he brought extra clothes with him and could rhyme all the way until it was time to go the inauguration.

With a live band, dynamic light show and can't-miss-the-action screens, Jay got on a roll that never really stopped all night. Most of the audience was on their feet for the duration.

"Can I Live," "Dead Presidents" and "Swagga Like Us," incited the onlookers to drown the venue with the scream of "Hohhhhhhhhh-vahhhhhhhhh!" "Blue Magic" came and so did its derogatory reference to the 43rd president, George W. Bush.

Young Jeezy arrived onstage moments later for "My President."

"Bush robbed all of us; does that make him a criminal?" the Snowman asked rhetorically. Images of newspaper front pages made up the montage on the screens, while the MCs recited the current hip-hop national anthem: "My president's black, my Lambo's blue."

Jay then rapped the verse for the remix he'd performed the previous night with Jeezy: "My president's black, but his house is all white." Immediately the cheers drowned out his next few words. Major props for a rap sicker than salmonella poisoning.

"Red, white and blue flag, wave for me baby," Jay added. "I was hot before Barack, so imagine what I'm gonna do ... / No more white lies, my president is black."

In the minutes following, Jay went to the well for one of his hits off the Black Album, but didn't like the music that was being brought in.

"Hold up," Jay said. "The president was brushing his shoulders off to that sh--, you just don't throw that on." Of course "Dirt Off Your Shoulders" was the next selection.

Later, one of Jay's most heralded partners in crime, Mary J. Blige, danced out for the ageless "Can't Knock the Hustle."

"I know y'all feel real good right now. Can we have some fun?" she asked going into "Real Love." Jay rapped the lyrics of his homie, the Notorious B.I.G. that laced the remix.

"Are y'all looking at what's happening right now, what's taking place?" the mighty Queen of Hip-Hop Soul asked. MJB also declared that Tuesday's ceremony marked the end of bad times.

"Everybody is here tonight for Barack Obama, and Michelle," the singer boasted. "Is it getting better, or do you feel the same?"

Jay's other surprise (not counting an unannounced Memphis Bleek , who's usually at all his friend's concerts) put the show in official he-shut-it-down-again territory: Beyoncé.

B came from behind a skinny screen that lit her silhouette. As she walked to the front of the stage, "Single Ladies," rang out, signaling a full-on performance by Mrs. Carter. No background dancers — she was captivating enough on her own.

In the crowd, watching along with the screaming fans, were Jay's longtime friends Bun B (Hov gave Pimp C a special tribute during "Big Pimpin' ") and D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty.

"You know its a new day, when mayors are at rap concerts," Jay laughed. "I might stay here a month."

"Encore" ended the night and Jay had no problem with the audience replacing their chants of "Hohhhhh-vah! Hohhhhhhh-vah!" with "O-baaa-ma! O-baaa-ma!"

"Look forward to a beautiful tomorrow, a beautiful eight years," the mic icon advised.

And what better way to celebrate hope than with a champagne toast? Jay's staff brought out a bottle of Ace of Spades the size of small toddler. They passed out glasses and let the crowd pass the bottle among themselves.

source: MTV Music

Rick Ross Takes a Stab at 50 Cent in 'Mafia Music'

2009-01-30T08:50:00.000-08:00

Miami-based rapper Rick Ross is looking to bring a little controversy to his name by choice this time around. Ross, who made headlines last year for being "ousted" as a corrections officer, goes hard at 50 Cent on his latest song 'Mafia Music.'

"I love to pay ya' bills, can't wait to pay ya' rent/Curtis Jackson baby mama, I ain't looking for a cent/Burn the house down," Ross says in reference to the fire that occurred last summer at the home owned by 50 that housed his ex-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins. "You gotta' buy another. Don't forget the gas can, jealous, stupid motherf---er," he finishes. In response, 50 simply posted the song on his website...

The beef between the two reportedly stem from words that 50 had warning Ross to keep his distance from rapper Fat Joe during 50's feud with him. In a previous interview, Ross eluded to the controversial nature of the four minute song. "It's titled 'Mafia Music' and it's [going to] cause a lot of problems," he said. "Of course, I had to address a few things. I had to address a few people. Some people are [going to] be f---ed up. That's the best way I can put it."

Among others who seemed to have rubbed Ross the wrong way are T.I., Shawty Lo (which is ironic considering Tip and Lo have also had a verbal squabble), and Whitney Houston. 'Mafia Music' also finds Ross tooting his own successful horn while lyrically assaulting his enemies.

His latest album 'Deeper Than Rap' drops in April.

Source: theboombox.com

Top 10 Track Album from Rnb and HipHop Music

2009-01-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

1.Kevin Rudolf
Let It Rock

2.Akon
Right Now

3.Akon
I'm So Paid

4.Lil Wayne
Mrs. Officer

5.Lil Wayne
Got Money

6.Akon
Beautiful

7.Lil Wayne
Lollipop

8.Savage
Swing

9.Lil Wayne
A Milli

10.Rehab
Bartender Song

AKON | Right Now | Lyrics | Music Video

2009-01-26T06:03:00.000-08:00

It's been so long
That I haven't seen your face
I'm tryna be strong
But the strength I have is washing away
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

It wont be long
Before I get you by my side
And just hold you, tease you, squeeze you
Tell you what's been on my mind
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I wanna make up right now, na na
I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na
We need to link up right now, na na
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I wanna make up right now, na na
I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na
We need to link up right now, na na
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

Girl I know mistakes were made between us two
And we show our eyes that night
Even said somethings weren't true
Why'd you go and haven't seen my girl since then
Why can't it be the way it was?
Cos you were my homie, lover and friend
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I wanna make up right now, na na
I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na
We need to link up right now, na na
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I wanna make up right now, na na
I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na
We need to link up right now, na na
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I can't lie
I miss you much
Watching everyday that goes by
I miss you much
Until I get you back I'm gonna try
Yes I miss you much
You are the apple of my eye
Girl I miss you much
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I miss you much
I can't lie
I miss you much
Watching everyday that goes by
I miss you much
Until I get you back I'm gonna try
Yes I miss you much
You are the apple of my eye
Girl I miss you much
I miss you much
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I wanna make up right now, na na
I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na
We need to link up right now, na na

I wanna make up right now, na na
I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na
We need to link up right now, na na
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I want you to fly with me
Want you to fly
I miss how you lie with me
Miss how you lie
Just wish you could dine with me
Wish you could dine
One that would grind with me
One that would grind with me
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I want you to fly with me
Want you to fly
I miss how you lie with me
Miss how you lie
Just wish you could dine with me
Wish you could dine
One that would grind with me
One that would grind
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I wanna make up right now, na na
I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na
We need to link up right now, na na
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

I wanna make up right now, na na
I wanna make up right now, na na
Wish we never broke up right now, na na
We need to link up right now, na na
[Right Now Lyrics by Akon]

Music Video Right Now by AKON

Lil Wayne's Rock LP, Rebirth, Due April 7

2009-01-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Can he do another milli the first week? We'll know in a couple of months!

Lil Wayne announced the official release date and title of his next album: Rebirth is due April 7 — and his publicist has confirmed to MTV News that it will be a rock album. Of course, Wayne has been rocking with a guitar for some time now...

The first single is called "Prom Queen" and will debut on the Internet right after a live stream of his concert in San Diego on January 27. The show will be available for stream on MySpace.com.

Wayne — who will perform at the Grammy Awards on February 8 — hinted at a change in direction for his next LP in October during the BET Hip-Hop Awards.

"I don't know if we're gonna release Tha Carter IV now," he told MTV News on his tour bus. "I think we're gonna release Tha Carter III — a new Carter III with none of the same songs, though. None of them. Not one! We don't wanna call the [next album] we got coming out Tha Carter IV. That was the dilemma we were in. We want Carter IV to be what everybody wants it to be.

"This is something brand new, so we don't want it to be some experimental thing, 'cause some people are not gonna like this. I don't want them to not like Tha Carter IV. But I do have an album coming soon, very soon, and it's gonna be called ... Tha Carter III: The Rebirth. The birth of a new beginning."

Those plans have been changed a bit. Wayne's rep told MTV News that the April 7 release has absolutely nothing to do with Tha Carter III or any of his previous hip-hop efforts.

Source: MTV

50 Cent Says Eminem's Relapse Is 'Almost Done'

2009-01-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Fif is planning to be 'all over' Em's first album in nearly five years.

Dr. Dre, Eminem and 50 Cent — dubbed "the three-headed monster" by the G-Unit star — are all set to put out albums within weeks of one another this year. And, according to 50, the rollout plan should be starting very soon.

Fif told HollyScoop.com that Em's album is "almost done."

"[He's] currently mixing his album right now," Fif said. "So it won't be more than maybe two weeks before [the label] starts figuring out the scheduling of the release of his actual project."

Eminem's upcoming album, Relapse, will feature the single "Crack a Bottle." The song, previously labeled "Number One," leaked on numerous mixtapes and then popped up again online earlier this month with Dre and 50 contributing to the number. Dre spit the already-existing second verse, and Fif landed cleanup duty.

50 said he's planning to be "all over" Relapse. "You don't think I'll take advantage of that opportunity for everybody to look at me and listen to me?" he asked. "Yes, I will."

The Queens rapper is also putting the finishing touches on his next album, Before I Self Destruct. 50 just put out the single "I Get It In," produced by Dr. Dre. The song follows his underground track "Play This on the Radio," on which the bullish star takes shots at Lil Wayne.

Dre's long-awaited Detox album is also slated to be released soon. The super-producer has broken plenty of promises about the album and at one point said he was shelving it completely. But at the 2007 Video Music Awards, the West Coast hip-hop architect proclaimed Detox would, in fact, finally see the light of day.

source: mtv

Jay-Z Talks "My President Is Black" Remix

2009-01-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

A little over a day after Jay-Z's "My President Is Black" remix had Hip Hop heads worldwide buzzing in delight, MTV's Sway caught up with the man himself to get some insight on the barely audible lyrics heard around the world via a shaky cam video.

"Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther could walk/ Martin Luther walked so Barack Obama could run/ Barack Obama ran so all the children could fly," he raps on the track, which he debuted Sunday at Love nightclub in Washington, D.C.

"So I'mma spread my wings/ You could meet me in the sky."

"It's just the progression. ... You sat, you walked, you ran, you ran to fly," Jay told MTV News about the lyrics he has been reciting since beginning of the election...

"You know, just the progression and how far we've come as a nation. It feels good to say that, 'cause I never had that type of feeling to say as a nation, like I was part of the American dream. And I believe a lot of people didn't feel like a part of the American process for so long."

The official track will presumably be released on Inauguration Day.

Jay also spoke about the delay on Blue Print 3, his eleventh studio album rumored for a February 2009 release.

"For me, the process of getting in the [studio] and really getting focused is difficult with so many things going on and I wanna make it beyond and above--so I'mma take my time with it. I don't have any quarters to make or anything like that, which is a great feeling for me--it may be too freeing."

Source: World Wide Connect

T.I. Brings 'Em Out For Barack Obama At Mayor's Ball

2009-01-19T07:42:00.000-08:00

Fall Out Boy, Wyclef Jean also put an inaugural spin on their hits for D.C. party.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — "She's a Bad Mama Jama," a string of Biggie records, "Arab Money" and "Pop Champagne"? This Mayor's Ball was no night of stuffed-shirt political posturing. Nah. D.C. Mayor Adrian M. Fenty put together quite a party on Sunday night at the Washington Convention Center. And he handpicked the performers of the night, not because of their involvement in various community projects, but because he really likes their music.

Fall Out Boy, Wyclef Jean and T.I. all captivated the stage. Tip's set was short and bursting with enthusiasm. A clean version of "Bring 'Em Out" was the kick-off number. Tip didn't cuss at all during his program.

"Swing Your Rag" followed, and even if you didn't have Gucci or Louis on, it was OK. The crowd twirled whatever they had in the air. "Live Your Life" elicited the most ecstatic display of crowd participation, with everyone yelling "ayaaaaaaa-ayaaaaa-ayaaaaa" on the hook.

"Everybody who's ready to represent Barack Obama, make some noise!" the King of the South encouraged. "Everybody who's ready to welcome the 44th president into the United States, let me hear you scream."

T.I. was off to his next gig, a concert at club Love with Akon and Young Jeezy, but not before the finale of "Whatever You Like."

Source: MTV

Flo Rida Gets 'Round' To Second Album

2009-01-12T07:05:00.000-08:00

Rapper Flo Rida will quickly follow-up his 2008 debut album, "Mail on Sunday," with "R.O.O.T.S." (Routes of Overcoming the Struggle), due April 7 from Poe Boy/Atlantic.

The first single, "Right Round," which is based around Dead Or Alive's 1985 No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hit "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)," is now streaming on Flo Rida's MySpace page and official Web site.,,

Collaborators on the album include Dr. Luke, J Rock and DJ Montay, who worked with Flo Rid a on the smash hit "Low."

That song sold 4.4 million digital downloads in 2008, according to Nielsen SoundScan, making it the top seller in that format for the year.

Source: Billboard

Nelly | One and Only | Lyrics and Official Music Video

2009-01-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Song: One And Only
Artist: Nelly
Featuring:
Track Number: 11
Album: Brass Knuckles

One And Only by Nelly

[Intro: Nelly]
Yo... we cool, right?
Nah I mean, we go back
You know, back before the records
Before you went to college and became this person who you are
Oh, congratulations on that anyway too, so
But, for a long time it's been somethin I need to tell you
Uhh, uhh, uhh - listen

[Nelly – singing]
You see we been knowin each other since we were about this high
Same elementary, shared the same bus stop
Even as a youngster I knew you was so fly
Even back then I knew you were the one
I watched you grow, I watched your transformation
Right through school to your current occupation
It took this long for me to man up and have this conversation
But fuck it, here it go [Nell One and Only Lyrics and Music Video]

[Chorus: Nelly]
I want you, to want me
Girl I need to know that, I can be your one and only
I need you, to need me
See you were my worst mistake girl, and that's why
It's hard to keep my cool when I see you with him
Cause I really wish that you were right here
Tell me what's it take to win just a - piece of your heart
My only kryptonite is you, that's why anything you say I'll do
So let me stop for a minute, take a second to say
Girl you take my breath away, awayyyy
Girl you take my breath away (awayyyy)
You take my breath away, you take my breath away, yeah
[Nell One and Only Lyrics and Music Video]

[Nelly - singing]
Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh
They say one man's trash is the next man's treasure
Where one finds pain the next might find pleasure
I don't pay attention to them haters, now or never
I don't give a damn who was before me (me)
All that matters is you're with me now
All I need to know is that you're down
Man it's somethin special about round-the-way ladies
Ride-or-die baby, girl [Nell One and Only Lyrics and Music Video]

[Chorus]

[Nelly – rapping]
Yeah, on the real, let me tell you somethin..
Uhh, uhh, it's like I die a little every time I see you with this guy
Thinkin to myself, "Now why the hell she with that guy"
While she ain't by my side, we would be so fly
We would live that life
The life you used to dream is all about rapp-in
Back when I used to pull my BMX up alongside of your Schwinn
See, and here we are again
Funny how fate brought my Phantom up alongside of your Benz
And still [Nell One and Only Lyrics and Music Video]

[Chorus] w/ ad libs

[Outro: Nelly]
Yeah so, I mean, like I said
You know we been knowin each other for a long time
You seen me go through, I seen you go through
We here now and, I just thought I'd tell you that
So, you got my number, as you got my e-mail
You know everything
So I guess the next message I get from you
will let me know what you think about this right here, aight?
Aight, get home safe [Nell One and Only Lyrics and Music Video]

Soulja Boy Assaulted In Georgia

2009-01-03T07:42:00.001-08:00

A representative for teen sensation Soulja Boy has confirmed the young entertainer was assaulted last week. Unconfirmed reports began circulating on New Year’s Eve that Soulja Boy and several of his close friends were ambushed and robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday night (December 30) after six men invaded the rapper’s home.

Allegedly, Soulja Boy’s friend Jbar was nearly taken hostage during the robbery...

The following day (December 31), a video surfaced of two masked men claiming responsibility for the crime.

In the clip, the duo boasted of stalking Soulja Boy before the attack by attending his album release party and subsequently tailing the rapper to his home.

The alleged thieves further described the robbery in detail. They disputed initial reports of there being six assailants armed with pistols and Ak-47s.

Instead, the alleged robbers claimed the crime was completed between them with one weapon.

Due to the two minute video’s over the top content, the clip was initially met with skepticism by fans and media alike.

However, a representative for Soulja Boy has confirmed with AllHipHop.com that an incident did take place, but the rep refused to provide any concrete details, stating only that the crime is “a serious situation.”

Soulja Boy released his sophomore album iSouljaBoyTellem on December 16.

Earlier this week, the teen rapper again sparked controversy by releasing a Youtube video accusing legendary lyricist Nas of killing Hip-Ho p and destroying economic opportunities of other emcees.

AllHipHop.com will continue to cover this story as more details emerge.

Source: Allhiphop.com

Top 10 RnB and HipHop Music | December 2008

2008-12-31T08:41:00.000-08:00

1. Beyoncé "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
2. T.I. "Live Your Life"
3. T-Pain "Chopped N Skrewed"
4. Ne-Yo "Miss Independent"
5. Usher "Trading Places"
6. John Legend "Green Light"
7. Jazmine Sullivan "Bust Your Windows"
8. Lil Wayne featuring Bobby Valentino "Mrs. Officer"
9. Jim Jones "Pop Champagne"
10. T.I. "Whatever You Like"

source: mtv billboard

Top 20 Music in Year 2008

2008-12-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

1. Beyoncé "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)"
2. T.I. "Live Your Life"
3. Lady Gaga "Just Dance"
4. Britney Spears "Circus"
5. T.I. "Whatever You Like"
6. Britney Spears "Womanizer"
7. Kanye West "Heartless"
8. Katy Perry "Hot n Cold"
9. Beyoncé "If I Were A Boy"
10. ""
11. Taylor Swift "Love Story"
12. Jason Mraz "I'm Yours"
13. Kevin Rudolf "Let It Rock"
14. Ne-Yo "Miss Independent"
15. Akon "Right Now (Na Na Na)"
16. Pink "So What"
17. Nickelback "Gotta Be Somebody"
18. T-Pain "Can't Believe It"
19. Lil Wayne featuring Bobby Valentino & Kidd Kidd "Mrs. Officer"
20. Zac Brown Band "Chicken Fried"

the top 20 music coming from mtv billboard

Join Fergie To Celebrate New Year's Eve 2009

2008-12-19T10:04:00.000-08:00

What: New Year’s Eve celebration, featuring a special performance by FERGIE!

Where: The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino (Las Vegas)

When: December 31, 2008 (doors open at 8:30pm)

Details: “London Bridge” extends all the way to Italy this New Year’s Eve when chart-topping, three-time Grammy award winning artist FERGIE performs live at the Venetian in Las Vegas! 2 dance floors! Special guests and a surprise celebrity DJ keeps the party jumping!

Special BLACK EYED PEAS / FERGIE Fan Club Offer: 25% OFF ticket prices! (Regularly priced at $105 & $75, depending on section) Limit 4 tickets per individual. Show is ALL AGES, 16 and under must be accompanied by adult. Offer expires 12/28/08 (or as soon as these tickets sell out!). Early purchase strongly encouraged to assure ticket availability.

To purchase tickets go to:Venetian.com or call 702-414-9000 (enter/mention code: FERGIEFANto receive 25% discount)

The Venetian Resort~Hotel~Casino
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

Coolio To Appear On Celebrity Big Brother?

2008-12-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

US rapper Coolio will appear on the forthcoming series of celebrity Big Brother, according to reports.

The rapper will join a host of celebrities, who are also reported to include TV presenter Terry Christian and a Scottish politician.

Coolio, who is most famous for his 1995 song 'Gangsters Paradise', has already appeared in a host of reality shows, including Celebrity Fear Factor...

He also hosts his own webcast, Cookin' with Coolio, on the video sharing website YouTube.

According to AllHipHop, actor Verne Troye, who plays 'Mini Me' in Austin Powers, is also scheduled to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.

The new celebrity housemates are due to enter the house in January.

Source: gigwise.com

Hip-Hop Roundup: Paul Wall, Killer Mike, Consequence

2008-12-16T05:47:00.000-08:00

Paul Wall will release his third album, "Fast Life," through Asylum in early 2009. The first single is "Bizzy Body" and features Webbie and producer/rapper Mouse On Da Track. Akon, Amadeus and Beans & Cornbread are among the producersl guests include Akon, Yung Joc, Gorilla Zoe, Too Short, Z-Ro, Lil' Keke and Wall's own rap group, Expensive Taste.

Wall's last album, 2007's "Get Money, Stay True," peaked at no. 1 on Billboard's Top Rap Albums chart...

Meanwhile, rapper Killer Mike has signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records. The artist's current album, "I Pledge Allegiance to the Grind II" is selling well independently; Grand Hustle is mulling which label to partner with to release a follow-up.

"We want to give him a monster single with T.I. eventually," Grand Hustle co-founder and T.I.'s manager Jason Geter says. Grand Hustle is also home to rappers Young Dro, 8Ball & MJG, Big Kuntry, Yung LA, DJ Drama and Alfamega.

Lastly, rapper Consequence has signed with Universal Motown. In conjunction with Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music imprint and Consequence's own label, Band Camp Records, the rapper is aiming to release hisalbum, "You Win Some, You Lose Some," by summer 2009. The project will be executive produced by Q-Tip and West.

Source: Billboard

Ying Yang Twins Releases New EP

2008-12-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

The Ying Yang Twins are getting into the holiday spirit with a new Christmas themed EP, The Ying and the Yang of the Holidays, out now through Deep Records. The EP finds the twins striking a Bing Crosby-esque pose and caroling listeners with medleys of traditionalChristmas songs with a Ying Yang Twins twist. On "Sleigh Ride" D-Rock and Kaine drink eggnog and smoke blunts while making a Christmas wish for peace in the hood and giving President elect Barack Obama a shout out. "This Christmas" is a soulful take on a holiday classic, and "Deck Da Club" and "Carol of Da Bellz" are quintessential Ying Yang Twins...

The Twins also released a mixtape called The WildOut USO Tour on November 25th following their tour in support of the troops. And the platinum-certified Atlanta duo is already back in the studio, working on their next official full length with platinum-certified producer Joe Traxx (UGK, Scarface, Bun B., Lil Flip, and more).

Listen to Ying Yang Twins "Sleigh Ride" (The Ying and the Yang of the Holidays out Nov 25th Deep Records)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgKFsO4bKwk

Buy Ying Yang Twins The Ying and the Yang of the Holidays:
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=297610293&s=143441
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Ying-Yang-Holidays-Explicit/dp/B001LRCSPG/ref=sr_f3_1?ie=UTF8&s=dmusic&qid=1227630480&sr=103-1

Buy Ying Yang Twins The WildOut USO Tour:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=298636402&s=143441

The Ying and the Yang of the Holidays Track List
1. Sleigh Ride
2. This Christmas
3. Deck Da Club
4. Carol Of Da Bellz

Snoop Dogg News

2008-12-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Just in time for the holidays, MySpace Music proudly presents the exclusive premiere of the first single, "Xmas," from Snoop Dogg's upcoming holiday album, Snoop DoggPresents Christmas In Tha Dogg House. Beginning on Tuesday, Dec. 9, MySpace users can get into the holiday spirit by spending Christmas with Snoop Dogg and friends. The new album features exclusive holiday songs from Tha Dogg Pound, Soopafly, Bad Lucc, Damani, J. Black and The Hustle Boyz. Snoop Dogg Presents Christmas In Tha Dogg House will be available for digital download beginning December 16th. Snoop Dogg has more than 525,000 friends on MySpace Music...

For more information and to listen to the new single check out Snoop Dogg on MySpace Music: www.myspace.com/snoopdogg.

MySpace Music's community centers around the millions of major, indie, and unsigned artists that use their MySpace music profiles to communicate and intimately connect with fans and friends. Each music profile empowers artists to upload video content, blog, post tour dates, lyrics, and make their music available to fans for stream or download. As one of the most popular and highly trafficked music platforms in the world, MySpace Music has evolved into an offline experience by connecting bands and fans around the world through various concert series and live events.

# # #

About MySpace Music

MySpace Music is a landmark joint venture among MySpace, The EMI Group, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony ATV, and whose independent music distribution partners include The Orchard, IODA,Alternative Distribution Alliance, RED, Fontana, and Caroline. MySpace Music offers an ever-growing catalog of freely streamable audio and video content, user-friendly e-commerce solutions, personal music players, and user and artist playlisting. MySpace Music aims to empower major, independent, and unsigned artists to monetize their content through multiple revenue streams.by allowing the MySpace community to freely stream premium content in an ad-supported environment, purchase MP3s and ringtones, create and share playlists, and ultimately buy merchandise, concert tickets, and other digital and physical goods. MySpace Music also connects artists and fans in the offline arena through various concert series and live events including Secret Shows, MySpaceLIVE!, Transmissions, The Release, Front to Back and The List.

T.I. Looks Back On His 'Outstanding' 2008, Despite Legal Woes

2008-12-10T05:37:00.000-08:00

'In the beginning of this year ... it wasn't easy to assume I would have reached this level this fast,' rapper tells MTV News.

NEW YORK — "It was great — way better than last year," T.I. smiled last week when talking about his Thanksgiving.

When it was his turn to tell the family what he was thankful for this year, how much do you want to bet he had the most to say? Just look at what he did professionally: Four Grammy nominations , two hit singles, a historic street banger with three top MCs, a buried rivalry and his highest-selling album ever.

T.I.'s 2008 is that much bigger when you consider he started the year off with a cloud of uncertainty over his head because of his felony gun charges. No matter what the odds, Tip can't be deterred.

"It's been outstanding," he said of 2008, sitting in Manhattan's S.I.R. Studio. "In the beginning of this year, the position I was in, it wasn't easy to assume I would have reached this level this fast. I gotta say, man, I'm blessed. I'm thankful. I'm looking forward to the future. I'm looking beyond this present situation I'm in."

It's no surprise that Paper Trail was his highlight of the year.

"Professionally, the release of the album and how well it's been performing on the charts," he answered about what tops his list of accomplishments. "The videos have been highlights. The performances — me and Jay-Z in New York; me and Kanye in L.A.; me and Rihanna in L.A.; me, [ Ludacris ,] B.O.B., Jay out in Philly — we done had some pretty outstanding moments throughout this project."

He calls the platinum-plus album not only his greatest accomplishment in 2008, but the pre-eminent LP in his six-album catalog.

"I think every album is me at my best. Every album, when I begin making it, I intend on doing it better than the last," he explained. "The next album, I wanna do better than this one. Absolutely."

As for when that record will drop, he's still unsure, but fans can take solace in the fact that he has started production on it. "I started a little bit," he said of Paper Trail's follow-up. "I can't say [when it's coming out], man. I don't know, man. It's hard to tell. I'm ready whenever."

T.I.'s next single from will be "Dead and Gone." Justin Timberlake co-stars in the song and video. Tip is also in talks with Young Jeezy and onetime lyrical rival Ludacris about a joint tour this winter. The King of the South said he would like for it to ramp up at the top of the year.

source: MTV.COM

Black Eyed Peas Tap Into New 'Energy'

2008-12-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

The Black Eyed Peas are planning more of a "music diary" than a conventional album when the group releases "The END" in March.

Group leader will.i.am tells Billboard.com that "The END" stands for "The Energy Never Dies," which describes his model for a project that will be living and frequently updated throughout its designated cycle.

"It's a diary ... of music that at any given time, depending on the inspiration, you can add to it," the artist/producer/songwriter explains. "When it comes out, there'll be 12 songs on it, but the next day there could be 100 songs, 50 sketches, 1,000 blogs all (online) around 'The End,' so the energy really, truly never dies...

"I'm trying to break away from the concept of an album. What is an album when you put 12 songs on iTunes and people can pick at it like scabs? That's not an album. There is no album anymore."

will.i.am -- who's been busy promoting the "Madagascar 2" film soundtrack, which he co-scored with Hans Zimmer, and his "It's a New Day" Barack Obama victory song -- says he and the other Peas have been working on "The END" throughout the year and that the follow-up to 2005's "Monkey Business" is "almost" done.
He describes the music as "a lot of dance stuff, real melodic, electronic, soulful. We call it, like, electric static funk, something like that." There are currently no guest features planned for the album.

The Peas will hit the road in May or June, and will.i.am says singer Fergie has told him that "our show needs to be f*ckin' ridiculous this time. We need to. put together a monster show.' So I'm gonna hold her to that and we're gonna follow her lead and really knock 'em out."

Besides his Peas and solo work, will.i.am has also been busy as a producer and guest, with contributions to recent releases by Usher, Estelle and Flo Rida.

He's worked on material for expected upcoming releases by Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson and the Pussycat Dolls' Nicole Scherzinger and was recently in London working with U2 ("I'm not supposed to talk about that," he says) and has a role in the X-Men prequel "X Men Origins: Wolverine," which is due out in 2009.

Source: Billboard

Bone Thugs Reunite, Plan New Album

2008-12-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

After over 10 years of being on hiatus, Bone Thugs-N-Harmonyreunited last night in Los Angeles. Bone Thugs got separated due to arguments and Flesh-N-Bone being locked up for eight years (he was originally sentenced to 11 years but was released in July) The reunited group played their classics like "1st Of Tha Month," "Notorious Thugs," and of course "Tha Crossroads..."

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are currently working on their new album titled "Uni 5," hoping to match their past success, selling over 40 million albums worldwide. With those sales numbers, Bone Thugs are one of the most successful groups in Hip Hop history with three multi-platinum albums, one platinum album and another that went gold. "Uni 5" is set to be released on June 30th of next year.

Source: rapbasement.com

Akon's New Album | Freedom in Store Now | I'm so paid

2008-12-05T08:43:00.000-08:00

International Multi-Platinum singer/producer AKON, New Album Freedom in Stores Today!

Featuring:

"I'm so Paid" with young jeezy and Lil Wayne and the Smash Hit, "Right Now (na na na)".

Akon Freedom Album

1 Akon Be With You Lyrics
2 Akon I Love It Lyrics
3 Akon Against the Grain Lyrics
4 Akon Birthmark Lyrics
5 Akon Freedom Lyrics
6 Akon Go Go Dancer Lyrics
7 Akon Holla Holla Lyrics
8 Akon I’m So Paid Lyrics
9 Akon Akon Right Now (Na Na Na) Lyrics
10 Akon Sunny Day Lyrics
11 Akon Trouble Maker Lyrics
12 Akon We Don’t Care Lyrics
13 Akon Where Would We Go Lyrics

Jadakiss's "Last Kiss" Pushed Back To '09

2008-12-02T07:12:00.000-08:00

Yet another blow has been dealt to 2008's fourth quarter. Yonkers MC,Jadakiss, will now be releasing his Roc-A-Fella debut album, The Last Kiss, some time in 2009. The LP, which was originally scheduled for an October 31st release, then rescheduled for a December 9th release, will now be hitting the store shelves in 2009. In a recent interview with Hot 97's Angie Martinez, Jada says he simply just wants to add some more records to the album...

"They trying to squeeze me, but we're gonna [record] some more music, and heat it up even more," said Jada.

"Def Jam, when they push the button, they mash the button...I ain't have an album out in so long, so it's different. I had a nice few months to work my other albums. This one, you got the single, got the video, you gotta heat it up some more."

The Last Kiss will be Jadas first release since 2004's Kiss Of Death. Styles P, Sheek Louch, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Max B, Ne-Yo, Raekwon, Rick Ross, Avery Storm, Ghostface Killah, Young Jeezy, Fabolous, Rashad, Lil Wayne, and Faith Evans are all rumored to appear on the album.

Source: defsounds.com

Raekwon's Cuban Linx 2 Coming In March

2008-11-28T09:13:00.001-08:00

The decade-plus wait for the follow-up to the classic Only Built for Cuban Linx will end next year, as Raekown has confirmed the release of Cuban Linx 2 for March 2009.

The original 1995 full length remains widely praised by fans and critics alike, and is considered to be one of best LPs ever released by the Wu-Tang camp.

For the sequel Raekwon has opted for a conglomerate of decorated producers to compliment the RZA, who served as executive producer on the previous project...

The staggering list of producers includes Dr. Dre, DJ Scratch, Marley Marl, Pete Rock, Scram Jones, and the late J Dilla. As with the original, Rae will retain the philosophy off “quality over quantity” in regards to non-Wu guest appearances.

At press time, those confirmed guests are Busta Rhymes and Travis Barker.

Many remain hopeful of Nas returning to deliver another memorable guest spot akin to the seminal “Verbal Intercourse.”

However, neither side has revealed if a possible sequel is in the works.

Clan members scheduled to appear for the album include Method Man, The GZA, Inspectah Deck, and Ghostface Killah.

To further build anticipation, Raekwon will embark on a nationwide tour with the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan.

The tour debuts November 29 in Portland, OR and aims to hit most of the major markets throughout the country.

Source: Allhiphop.com

New 50 Cent Album Pushed To Early '09

2008-11-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

Originally due Dec. 16, 50 Cent's new album, "Before I Self Destruct," has been pushed to an unspecified date in early 2009. Interscope says the artist was "rushing" to meet the December date but "with the deadline to secure advertising and retail placement for the album imminent," the rapper opted to wait until next year...

The album boasts production and guest turns from mentors Dr. Dre and Eminem; producer Scott Storch helmed first single "Get Up."

"Before I Self Destruct" will be bundled with a full-length feature film of the same name, in which 50 Cent plays a budding basketball star who becomes a criminal after his mother's murder.

Early pressings of the album will also include a second DVD with the documentary "Two Turntables And A Microphone: The Life And Death Of Jam Master Jay," which 50 Cent executive produced.

Source: Billboard

Rihanna and Christ Brown Live Concert in Manila | the Fort, Global City, Taguig | November 16, 2008

2008-10-29T10:16:00.000-07:00

The teaser says “Rihanna and Chris Brown Live in Manila” with date stated November 16. How true? Well, the upcoming concert’s details will be available soon via Ticketworld’s website but if you are really excited about it, you can may call Ticketworld at 891-9999.
UPDATE:
Concert will be held at the Fort, Global City, Taguig on November 16, Sunday.
You can get a discount when you purchase your ticket from October 15-31.Ticket prices are at PhP 3090, P 1545, and P 309. Regular ticket prices (from November 1 to 16) are at P10300, 5150, 3090 and 618. For inquiries and reservations, you can call Ticketworld at 891-9999.
Rihanna is known for her hits “Umbrella” (one of the top hits last 2007), “Don’t Stop the Music”, “Shut Up and Drive”, “Hate That I Love You”, “Unfaithful”, “SOS”, “Pon de Replay”. Her hits “Take A Bow” and “Disturbia” have started to make their way to the local and international charts. On the other hand, Chris Brown is responsible for hits such as “Run It”, “Say Goodbye”, “Kiss Kiss”, “With You”, “Forever”, and “Superhuman”.
Better mark your calendars and start saving now. This is definitely going to be the biggest concert this year as the hottest R&B and pop stars of today combine to let their Filipino fans hear their hits.

Soulja Boy Tell'em Gears Up for Highly Anticipated 2nd CD Release

2008-10-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

What else to say about the accomplishments of rapper Soulja Boy Tell'em since his major planetary take-over in '07 and '08? Plenty! Right out the box, Soulja Boy Tell'em hit the ground faster than a sprinter in a 100 meter dash, setting stratospheric records mere seconds after his "Souljaboytellem.com" (Collipark Music/Interscope) CD hit the hip-hop universe in 2007 with a bracing blast of fresh air. The Atlanta-based rapper dominated into 2008, creating a video frenzy with the Grammy-nominated "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," quite easily one of the top singles of 2008, with an incredible seven-week run at the top of the "Hot 100" chart. "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" spurred viral video remakes to the song from the likes of "The Simpsons," "Dora the Explorer," "Alvin & The Chipmunks," "Sponge Bob Square Pants," innumerable "Homeless Man" takes, and even "Batman"!...

Soulja Boy Tell'em follows this mega success with the highly anticipated "iSouljaboytellem," which hits retail on December 16. "iSouljaboytellem" was produced by Soulja Boy Tell'em, with assistance from super-producer Mr. Collipark (Young Jeezy, Yin Yang Twins, Pitbull) and Polow Da Don (Ludacris, Fergie, Jamie Foxx, Ciara) and others. The first single, "Birdwalk," follows the successful formula mined by "Crank That (Soulja Boy)," with another sure-fire infectious sing-along chant. "Birdwalk" hits the airwaves this week, with the accompanying video scheduled to debut shortly thereafter on BET's "106 & Park," MTV's "TRL" and VH1. Other stand-out tracks include "Yamaha Mama" (produced by fellow Atlanta native Polow Da Don), featuring Sean Kingston, and the street anthem "Turn My Swag On" which will be accompanied by a viral music video.

"I'm more than ready to release the follow-up to 'souljaboytellem.com,' I know my fans are ready too." comments Soulja Boy Tell'em. "I have so much more in store this time around with a shoe and clothing deal, an animated series and some special surprises I can't talk about yet. I'm going to continue to keep up the momentum through 2009, so plan on seeing me all over the Internet on your favorite websites and blogs with my new videos and updates on where I'm at and what I am doing. You are not going to be able to get away from Soulja Boy Tell'em ... YUUUAAAAA!"

Source: Interscope Records

Lil Wayne Re-Releasing 'Tha Carter III?

2008-10-22T07:26:00.000-07:00

Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III" is handily the best-selling album of 2008, but the rapper has plans to make it even bigger. The set will be re-released with all brand new songs, Wayne told MTV, although Universal says there are no details confirmed at deadline.

Wayne remains the hardest-working man in popular music. He recently revealed on his ESPN.com blog that he had already begun work on "Tha Carter IV" and that he will release a 20-song mixtape, "Dedication 3," on his Web site. In addition, he's collaborating with T-Pain for a duet album, "T-Wayne," which is slated for 2009...

Wayne took home the lyricist of the year, MVP of the year and people's champ awards at the 2008 BET Hip-Hop Awards, which were filmed in Atlanta on Saturday (Oct. 18). During the taping, he announced he is expecting his first son. "I've got a son about to be born in any day now, so shout out to him. Pray for me," he said.

"Tha Carter III" has sold 2.55 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" is the second best-selling album of 2008 at 1.81 million.

Source; Billboard

Eminem Returns To Rap With 'Relapse'

2008-10-17T08:44:00.000-07:00

Emimem's return to hip-hop is now official.

After months of rumors, the MC announced the title for his sixth album, "Relapse," last night (Oct. 15) during an on-air launch party for his book, "The Way I Am" via Orion Books. Eminem also introduced a new track, "I'm Having a Relapse."

"There's a lot of album titles floating around that are fake albums titles," Eminem told Shade 45 hosts DJ Kayslay and Angela Yee on Sirius Satellite Radio...

While no release date has been confirmed, the set is rumored to hit shelves before year's end. During the Shade 45 broadcast, 50 Cent hinted that "Relapse" may even arrive before his own new album, "Before I Self Destruct," due Dec. 9.

Eminem's last release, 2005's "Curtain Call: The Hits," has sold 2.9 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. His last studio album was the previous year's "Encore," which has shifted 5.1 million.
Representatives for Interscope were unavailable at deadline.

Source: Billboard

50 Cent Unleashes His Fourth Album Before I Self Destruct

2008-10-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

50 Cent exploded onto the music scene with his blockbuster debut Get Rich Or Die Tryin'. Now he's set to deliver his fourth major label album, Before I Self Destruct (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope), on December 9, 2008.

For the explosive Before I Self Destruct, 50 Cent returned to working closely with Dr. Dre and Eminem as he did on his first album. But Before I Self Destruct is more than an album. The package also includes a DVD with an original, gritty, feature-length movie he wrote, directed and starred in. 50 Cent proves with Before I Self Destruct that no one on the hip-hop scene is more aggressive about putting the street on stage...

With Dr. Dre and Eminem each producing and guesting on tracks, and led by the club-friendly first single, "Get Up," produced by Scott Storch, Before I Self Destruct is darker and harder than last year's Curtis. 50 Cent wrote much of the album while he, as Curtis Jackson, was also penning the 90-minute film of the same name that would be his directorial debut.

The film Before I Self Destruct is a coming of age story about an inner city youth raised by a hardworking single mother. When his dream of becoming a basketball player fails to materialize, he finds himself employed in a supermarket. After his mother is tragically gunned down, Clarence (played by Jackson) is consumed by revenge and takes up a life of crime in order to support his younger brother.

"My film captures the harsh realities that reflect so many communities today. There will be some who will greatly identify with the characters and the situations presented and then there will be others who may be shocked at the struggles that go on in the inner city," states 50 Cent. "I made the film for both groups."

Before I Self Destruct, both album and film, continues 50 Cent's phenomenal rise from street culture hero to superstardom. 2003's Get Rich Or Die Tryin' sold 872,000 units in the first four days of its release, making it the fastest-selling debut disc in the SoundScan era (since 1991). The #1 Pop, #1 R&B/Hip-hop album was the biggest seller of 2003 and has sold more than 12 million copies worldwide.

2005's The Massacre, again #1 Pop, #1 R&B/Hip-hop, was the second biggest-selling album of that year and has sold more than nine million copies worldwide. With the album's "Candy Shop," "Disco Inferno" and "How We Do," 50 Cent became the first solo artist in Billboard history to have three singles in the Top 5 in the same week.

2007's Curtis reached #2 Pop and #2 R&B/Hip-hop, selling more than five million copies worldwide. Three tracks reached the Top 40 of the Hot 100: "I Get Money," "Ayo Technology" and "Straight To The Bank." Time magazine named "I Get Money" one of "The 10 Best Songs of 2007."

Thanks to Curtis, 50 Cent was honored as the year's Best-Selling Hip-hop Artist at the 2007 World Music Awards. His music career has also been marked by an impressive 13 Grammy nominations, from Best New Artist to Best Rap Album.

In addition to his record label, G-Unit Records, 50 Cent has enjoyed enormous global success across a vast array of entrepreneurial ventures, including videogames, books, clothing, footwear, beverages, personal care products, automotive and more. He has also starred in a handful of films, including 2005's semi-autobiographical Get Rich Or Die Tryin', Al Pacino and Robert De Niro's Righteous Kill and now Before I Self Destruct.

BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT TRAILER:

http://www.imeem.com/50cent

Source: Interscope Records

2Pac’s Stepfather To Be Featured On BET’s “American Gangster”

2008-10-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

The stepfather to rap icon’s 2Pac, Mutulu Shakur, will be featured on the new season of BET’s breakout hit, “American Gangster.”

The elder Shakur has spent the past 25 years in federal prison after being convicted for his part in concocting a bank truck robbery that left three dead. He was also implicated in the plot to help his sister Assata Shakur escape prison, which enabled her to receive political asylum in Cuba...

In addition to Shakur, the FBI’s Cointelpro initiative, Nicky Barnes cohort Guy Fisher, and Larry Davis will also be profiled.

BET’s “American Gangster” kicked off with a series of interview subjects ranging from Crips founder Stanley “Tookie” Williams to “Freeway” Ricky Ross.

The new season begins October 23 with an episode on Larry Davis.

Source: XXL

50 Cent's Live Concert in Manila | October 10, 2008 | Araneta Coliseum

2008-10-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

50 Cent's Live Concert in Manila October 10, 2008 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Multiple Grammy nominations, endorsements, biggest-selling and certified double platinum albums, and millions of fans worldwide–all gained by Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cent.who gave us such hit as: In Da Club, Candy Shop, 21 Questions, P.I.M.P, Just A Lil Bit, Disco Infern o, and many more. And now, he is set to give a blast of rap on a night of concert in Manila this coming October.

Tickets are available via Ticketworld: Php 8240, Php 5150, Php 4120, Php 3605, Php 2060, Php 1545, Php 824, Php 515. For inquiries, you may call them at 891-9999.

Wu-Tang Documentary Heads To BET, DVD

2008-10-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Gerald K. Barclay's documentary "Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan" will premiere Nov. 13 on BET, five days before its release on DVD. The film chronicles the pioneering hip-hop group's rise from Staten Island through interviews and a wealth of rare footage.

"Wu" will air multiple times between Nov. 13-16 and again in December as the holiday season approaches. During debut week, members of the Wu-Tang Clan are scheduled to appear on BET's "106 & Park" to discuss the project...

In addition, an accompanying CD will be released Nov. 18 via BET/Legacy, featuring a blend of Wu-Tang hits and tracks from the members' solo albums.

In other Wu news, the group last week teamed with the Orchard to make its back catalog available digitally worldwide for the first time. Also now available are 13 releases from Wu-Tang and its affiliates which have never been sold in this format.

Source: Billboard

Busta Rhymes Confirms Label Exit, Changes Album Title

2008-09-25T08:17:00.000-07:00

Busta Rhymes recently confirmed his exit from A ftermath/Interscope Records during an interview on New York’s Hot 97 this past weekend.Reports of Busta leaving the label and signing with Universal/Motown Records surfaced last week. The reports claimed that a rift between Busta and Interscope honcho Jimmy Iovine caused the rapper to exit the label. Busta had also been unhappy with the repeated delay of his album titled Blessed...

Busta revealed to Hot 97 that despite his departure from Aftermath, he is still in good standing with Dr. Dre. The rapper also revealed that his upcoming album will be titled B.O.M.B.

"The name of the album is called B.O.M.B. December 9th. Flipmode. Universal Motown. And B.O.M.B. is the acronym for Back On My Bullsh*t," Busta said.

The first single off the project is called "Arab Money".

Source: sixshot.com

Top 10 RNB and HipHop MUsic | September 2008

2008-09-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

Top 10 RnB and HipHop Music This September 2008

1. Jazmine Sullivan "Need U Bad"

2. T.I. "Whatever You Like"

3. Jennifer Hudson "Spotlight"

4. T-Pain "Can't Believe It"

5. Ne-Yo "Miss Independent"

6. Lil Wayne featuring Bobby Valentino "Mrs. Officer"

7. Robin Thicke "Magic"

8. Young Jeezy featuring Kanye West "Put On"

9. Keyshia Cole "Heaven Sent"

10. Yung Berg "The Business"

Source: MTV/BillBoard Chart

Andre 3000 Plots Comeback, Solo Release On The Way

2008-09-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

OutKast’s Andre 3000 has officially revealed plans to release his upcoming solo debut by as early as this year. According to Rolling Stone, the ATLien will be returning to store shelves with his first album without group member Big Boi. Rather than giving an exact date, Andre hinted at when he expects to release the currently untitled project...

“It should be dropping by the end of this year or early next year,” he told Rolling Stone. “I’ve pretty much been working by myself.”

Despite adding lyricism and popularizing singles from artists like John Legend, Fonzworth Bentley, Rich Boy, DJ Unk and UGK, Andre has decided to cut down his guest appearances for his own album.

“I’ve never really been that big on collaboration," he said. "I have a concept, and all the soundscapes are already in my head, so I just have to figure out how to get there. I’ve learned that I’m most powerful when I’m doing my art.”

Aside from hip-hop, Andre makes his return to the big screen in tomorrow’s debut film, Battle In Seattle. Co-starring Woody Harrelson, the film has the rapper-turned-actor playing an activist during 1999’s World Trade Organization summit.

Source: SOHH

Eminem 'Banging Out Tracks' For New Album

2008-09-19T10:35:00.001-07:00

After years away from the limelight, Eminem may be releasing a new album this year.

The MC admitted he's been producing for his Shady Records artists and himself during a recent appearance on his Sirius satellite radio station, Shade 45, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Delicious Vinyl Records. Eminem also interviewed MC Masta Ace, who he's long noted as an influence...

"I'm concentrating on my own stuff right now -just banging out tracks," Eminem sai d. "The more I keep producing, the better it seems I get. I start knowing stuff, learning the boards like the back of my hands."

A representative for Interscope says there is no official release date nor a first single, but confirms that an album may come before the year's end. Eminem's last effort, "Encore," was released in 2004.

In addition, 50 Cent spoke to BBC's Radio 1 this week and said fans will be "seeing [Eminem] shortly. He's working. I spent the weekend at his house. Even though he tries to relax and stay home, it's impossible for him to stay in."

source: World Wide Connect

Ice Cube Debuts At Number Five On Billboard 200

2008-08-29T09:21:00.000-07:00

The Don Mega debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 after pushing almost 70,000 copies of his latest independent project, Raw Footage.

Ice Cube had the top hip-hop album on the charts, but Lil Wayne joined him in the Top 10. The New Orleans star sold over 61,000 copies of Tha Carter III to land at number seven, according to SoundScan figure. To date, Weezy has sold 2.3 millions copies of his latest album...

Nas is holding steady on the charts at number 25 with his politically-charged LP, which sold over 15,000 copies last week to push past the 350,000 copies overall.

Plies’ sophomore set drops to number 39. Definition of Real sold just under 11,000 copies bringing the 11-week total to slightly under 470,000 copies.

The Florida native debuted the first single from his upcoming album recently on his MySpace page. “Pants Hang Low,” produced by Mannie Fresh is the lead single from Da Realist, due in December.

Source: XXL

Young Jeezy News

2008-08-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

Gas prices are going up, but Young Jeezy sure can afford a gallon. Interestingly, the trapper, who usually leans more towards drugs tales than social commentary, titled his third solo album, The Recession to mixed responses. On one hand, fans are applauding Jeezy for addressing the common man’s struggle. On the other hand, skeptics think Jeezy, a millionaire who isn’t subjected to company-wide layoffs, is using the country’s bad economy as a marketing tool.

“It’s the same as my first album [Thug Motivation 101], Jeezy told XXLMag.com. “When money was plentiful, I was the first one who told you to stack it. Live your life with it. Now that money slowed up, I’ma be the one telling you to save it like they ain’t gon’ make it no more...”

Master P. Changes Name

2008-08-15T08:23:00.000-07:00

Rapper Master P has followed Sean 'Diddy' Combs' lead - and changed his name. The hitmaker/entrepreneur, real name Percy Miller, now wants to be referred to as P. Miller - because it's a more grown-up moniker.

Miller has been known as Master P since entering the rap game in the early 1990s.

He says, "I'm changing my name because Master. P is who I used to be. I call it my childhood, and P. Miller marks my manhood... People grow mentally and spiritually through life experiences..."

Revolutionary Hip-Hop Icon Paris Preps New Album

2008-08-01T22:29:00.000-07:00

Bay Area rapper/activist Paris is preparing to release his latest album, Acid Reflex, on September 9th on his own Guerrilla Funk Recordings and Filmworks, LLC, distributed by Fontana/Universal. The rapper's first single, "Don't Stop the Movement," features newcomer T-K.A.S.H. and will be released early August.

The album comes just in time for election year and contains commentary on a wide range of topics including black-on-black crime and violence, the ongoing problem of police brutality, war, politics and what Paris calls "the need for more of an equal balance between positive and negative influences in entertainment." Acid Reflex is the latest installment of cutting-edge funk-and-rock-inspired hip-hop in a career spanning the sale of over 3.8 million units independently worldwide. It features performances by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee and Parliament/Funkadelic frontman George "Dr. Funkenstein" Clinton, Public Enemy leader Chuck D and Paris-protégé T-K.A.S.H...

"There's no time like the present to speak out on issues and use the most popular form of musical entertainment to motivate and inform," says Paris, a seasoned multi-instrumentalist who also serves as the album's producer. "That's why I decided to call the album Acid Reflex - it's an aggressive response to what I see going on. There are a lot of people out there who feel like mainstream music doesn't truly reflect their concerns or how they feel. Our art form is being kept artificially young and artificially dumb. Listeners of all ages are noticing that there's more to what we do than what's given us on the radio and on t.v."

In other news, Paris has expanded his Guerrilla Funk brand to include a film division, with projects slated for release with featured contributions from multi-platinum Grammy™ award winner Common, multi-platinum Grammy™ award winner André 3000, multi-platinum Grammy™ award winners The Dixie Chicks, Talib Kweli, Public Enemy, George Clinton, The Coup, NOFX, Michael Franti, Anti-Flag and Tom Morello, among others.

Flesh-N-Bone Released; Bone Thugs Reunited

2008-07-14T20:24:00.001-07:00

After almost 10 years behind bars Stanley “Flesh N Bone” Howse is now officially a free man.

The 34-year-old rapper, who was originally sentenced to twelve years for threatening a friend with an AK 47, was released from his California penitentiary early yesterday morning (June 13) to the waiting arms of family and friends which included Krayzie, Layzie, Bizzy and Wish Bone...

This now marks the first time that all five of the original members of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have been together in over a decade.

“It feels amazing, refreshing, exciting [and] I'm so happy for him to finally come home to his family and friends and fans,” Bone Thug’s longtime manager Steve Lobel told AllHipHop.com. “Flesh is a very great, loving, talented, creative individual. We have a lot of memories together. Hopefully we can have more.”

Upon his release Flesh-N-Bone wasted no time getting back to work.

All five Bone members instantly hit the studio to begin work on their upcoming album, which is expected to be released on Interscope through a joint venture with Swizz Beatz’ Full Surface imprint.

The album will be the follow up to the 2007’s gold selling Bone album Strength and Loyalty which only featured three of the original quintet due to Flesh’s imprisonment and Bizzy Bone being shown the door.

Bizzy Bone also reconciled and recently reunited with the group, officially making the group a quintet again.

"I know his Bone brothers are so excited he's home and now they can make history again,” Lobel said. “They all deserve it. They are amazing and unstoppable together as a team. Thanks to all the fans who wrote to Flesh while he was away and stuck by his side and supported him. I know his brother Layzie [born Steven Howse] couldn't wait for this time to come.”

Flesh is also expected to start working on his third solo album and will begin looking for a label home in the coming weeks.

The Cleveland born rapper enjoyed his best success with his 1996 Def Jam release entitled T.H.U.G.S. which went on to be certified Gold later that year.

Source: Allhiphop.com

Three 6 Mafia News

2008-07-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

"Last 2 Walk," the new album from the Academy Award winning hip-hop ensemble Three 6 Mafia, has just entered the Billboard Top 200 best-selling albums chart at #5, with first week's sales of 76,909 pieces, according to SoundScan. "Last 2 Walk" has also debuted at #2 on SoundScan's R&B Album and Rap Album charts while coming in at #8 on the Billboard Top Digital Albums chart.

"Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)," the first single from "Last 2 Walk," is blowing up on radio and scaling the charts, hitting the #1 Hip Hop Song position (#20 Overall) while bulleting up a notch to #5 on the Billboard Rap Chart, giving Three 6 Mafia its second career Top 5 Rap track and first since 2005's "Stay Fly." A Top 5 track on the nation's Top 40 Rhythm radio stations (reaching an audience of 30 million), "Lolli Lolli" has sold more than 300,000 singles and sits at #4 on the Top 40 Rhythm Monitor chart and #26 on the Urban Mainstream Monitor. Three 6 Mafia is slated to perform "Lolli Lolli" on MTV's "TRL" on Wednesday, July 2 with BET set to premiere the new "Lolli Lolli" video on "Rap City" on July 8. "Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body)" is currently #29 on the Billboard Hot 100...

Scarface Prepping New Album

2008-07-05T07:54:00.000-07:00

Southern Hip-Hop icons, the Geto Boys are reuniting tonight (July 4) in Houston for what will be the trio’s first live performance in at least three years.

Scarface, Willie D and Bushwick Bill will all be in the building, performing the group’s classics as well as some new material.

Though the three haven’t been buzzed about for a while as a click, group honcho Scarface has been keeping busy with a solo career. Face just came off tour for his Made album and is currently in the studio putting together his next release, Redemption, which is slated for a late August release...

source: World Wide Connect

Three 6 Mafia | The Leak | Album Preview

2008-06-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

It's hard out there for a pimp, but with an Oscar in the trap and an album on the way, it's getting easier for Three 6 Mafia. Especially with help from their friends. Last 2 Walk features guest appearances by everyone from Akon to UGK to Lyfe Jennings, all of whom make sure that, as always, Three 6 Mafia have an ear to the street and a thumb on the beat. And even though Last 2 Walk isn't out until June 24, we've got the whole thing, RIGHT NOW, only on The Leak. Listen up.

Last 2 Walk

01 Intro (1:08)

02 I Told 'Em (3:21)

03 Trap Boom (3:08)

04 Playstation (4:05)

05 I Got (3:47)

06 I'd Rather (4:47)

07 That's Right (2:57)

08 Corner Man (3:16)

09 Weed, Blow, Pills (3:19)

10 DSX Talk (0:45)

11 Hood Star (3:10)

12 Get Ya Rob (3:47)

13 On Some Chrome (4:13)

14 Rollin' (3:34)

15 Click Bang (3:36)

16 My Own Way (3:32)

17 Dirty B**ch (3:27)

18 First 48 (4:40)

19 Lolli Lolli Intro (0:16)

20 Lolli Lolli (Pop That Body) (4:12)

source: MTV

50 Cent Strikes Out Against T.I. On New G-Unit Track

2008-06-14T08:04:00.000-07:00

50 Cent’s back it. The G-Unit top dog has set his aim on T.I. now. Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo previewed tracks from the new G-Unit album last night in New York, sans Fif who was filming a movie, and one track in particular raised eyebrows...

On “You So Tough,” Fif locks in on Tip and spits: “Nowadays this rap shit ain’t adding up/ How niggas get caught with 10 machine guns, only get 12 months?” Expect to hear Shawty Lo on the remix!

Source: XXL

R. Kelly Acquitted On All Counts

2008-06-14T07:58:00.001-07:00

R. Kelly was acquitted of all charges Friday after less than a day of deliberations in his child pornography trial, ending a six-year ordeal for the R&B superstar.

Kelly dabbed his face with a handkerchief and hugged each of his four attorneys after the verdict — not guilty on all 14 counts — was read. The Grammy award-winning singer had faced 15 years in prison if convicted.

Minutes later, surrounded by bodyguards, he left the courthouse without comment. Dozens of fans screamed and cheered as he climbed into a waiting SUV.

"All I heard (from Kelly) while those 14 verdicts were being read was 'Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus,'" said Sam Adam Jr., one of his attorneys.

Prosecutors had argued that a video tape mailed to the Chicago Sun-Times in 2002 showed Kelly engaged in graphic sex acts with a girl as young as 13 at the time. Both Kelly, 41, and the now 23-year-old alleged victim had denied they were the ones on the tape. Neither testified during the trial...

"Robert said all along that he believed in our system and he believed in God — and that when all the facts came out in court, he would be cleared of these terrible charges," according to a statement from his publicist, Allen Mayer. "But he never dreamed it would take six and a half years. This has been a terrible ordeal for him and his family and at this point all he wants to do is move forward and put it behind him."

The prosecution's star witness was a woman who said she engaged in three-way sex with Kelly and the alleged victim. Defense attorneys argued the man on the tape didn't have a large mole on his back; Kelly has such a mole.

The monthlong trial centered on whether Kelly was the man who appears on a sexually graphic, 27-minute videotape at the heart of the case, and whether a female who also appears on it was underage.

Over seven days presenting their case, prosecutors called 22 witnesses, including several childhood friends of the alleged victim and four of her relatives who identified her as the female on the video.

In just two days, Kelly's lawyers called 12 witnesses. They included three relatives of the alleged victim who testified they did not recognize her as the female on the tape.

Assistant Cook County State's Attorney Shauna Boliker said she believed the female on the tape was a victim, not a prostitute as the defense had contended.

"This shows the world how difficult this crime is to prosecute," she said. "It also takes the soul of the victim, the heart of the victim."

Kelly won a Grammy in 1997 for "I Believe I Can Fly," and is known for such raunchy hits as "Bump N' Grind," "Ignition," and for "Trapped in the Closet," a multipart saga about the sexual secrets of an ever-expanding cast of characters.

Of the 12 jurors, nine were men and three were women; eight were white and four were black. They included the wife of a Baptist preacher from Kelly's Chicago-area hometown, Olympia Fields, as well as a compliance officer for a Chicago investment firm and a man in his 60s who emigrated from then-Communist Romania nearly 40 years ago.

Despite his legal troubles, Kelly — who rose from poverty on Chicago's South Side to become a star singer, songwriter and producer — still retains a huge following, and his popularity has arguably grown in recent years.

The singer has released more than half a dozen albums, most of them selling over a million copies. He's also had a multitude of hits and gone on tours. Kelly has a new song, "Hair Braider," out now, and is due to release a new album in July.

Kelly, always meticulously dressed in a suit and tie, appeared tense at times during the trial, furrowing his brow. He seemed particularly ill at ease when prosecutors played the sex tape in open court after opening arguments.

In the video, entered into evidence as "People's Exhibit No. 1," a man has sex with a young female, who is naked for most of the recording. She is often blank-faced. The man speaks to her in a hushed voice, and she calls him "Daddy."

In one scene, alluded to in one count of the indictment, the man urinates on the female.

The issue of whether there was or wasn't a fingernail-sized mole on the man's lower was a subject of hours of testimony. A defense witness told jurors there was no mole on his back, proving it's not Kelly, who has such a mole. But a prosecution witness displayed freeze frames of the video where a dark spot seemed to appear as the man turns to take off his pants.

One surreal moment came when a defense expert played a segment of the tape he doctored showing two headless bodies engaging in sex. The defense said that backed their argument that Kelly's likeness could have been computer-generated.

Cross examination was often heated. Several witnesses cried on the stand.

The star prosecution witness, Lisa Van Allen, became teary eyed as she told jurors she engaged in several three-way sexual encounters with Kelly and the alleged victim, including once on a basketball court. Kelly videotaped the trysts, she said.

Van Allen also claimed Kelly used to carry a duffel bag stuffed full of his homemade sex tapes.

The defense called several witnesses in a bid to discredit Van Allen, accusing her of trying to extort money from Kelly. Under cross-examination, Van Allen admitted she once stole Kelly's $20,000 diamond-studded watch from a hotel.

Source: AP

50 Cent Responds to House Fire

2008-06-01T05:11:00.000-07:00

50 Cent’s lawyer Brett Kimmel released a statement on the rapper’s behalf today, concerning the mysterious house fire early this morning.

Shaniqua Tompkins, the ex-girlfriend and baby’s mother of 50's 10-year-old son Marquise, says that before this morning’s house fire in Long Island — that resulted in six people, including 50's son, being sent to the hospital — someone had broken into the house.

In a statement, Kimmel said: "Any suggestion that Mr. Jackson had anything whatsoever to do with the fire at his home is outrageous and offensive.”

Tompkins angrily spoke to TMZ reporters after the fire today alleging that the rap star is obsessed with her and threatened to kill her...

“He’s obsessed!” she’s screamed, “If he can’t have me, he feel like nobody can, he’s obsessed!” Tompkins went on to say that 50 arranged for the house to be burned down, in a jealous attempt to kill her.

“He said he was going to have someone come kill me, and watch what he does. And this is what he did…and he has made no contact to even see how his son is doing! No contact. I’m very upset.”

According to the Associated Press, the fire was so intense the area’s Fire Chief, Larry Feld, said the ordeal was “suspicious.” The fire ironically occurred just days after a heated argument between 50 and Tompkins inside Tompkins’ lawyer’s office…over the house.

50 has been attempting to get Tompkins evicted out the house, even though Tompkins has claimed in court that the rapper bought the house for her. 50 has said that he finds it “inappropriate” that Tompkins has been living in the house with her new boyfriend and “several other people.”

Today, Tompkins told TMZ that one hour before the “suspicious” fire she heard an intruder in the home, at around 4 a.m. Tompkins’s lawyer said that she is currently “traumatized” by the event, and so are the kids, who were all treated for smoke inhalation. A firefighter was also hurt, and later treated for an eye injury.

Source: VIBE

50 Cent's Long Island Mansion Burns Down

2008-06-01T05:03:00.000-07:00

raging fire that one fire official called "definitely suspicious" gutted a Dix Hills home owned by the Grammy-nominated rapper 50 Cent Friday morning, sending six people inside the house to the hospital.

An eyewitness told Newsday that among the injured, all of whom suffered smoke inhalation according to fire officials, were 50 Cent's ex-girlfriend, Shaniqua Tompkins, and their 10-year-old son, Marquise.

"She was all right," eyewitness Frank Hoyte, a Newsday employee, said, adding: "But she was angry..."

He said Tompkins was standing outside the home barefoot as it burned, wearing a bathrobe. Two young boys, one of them Marquise, two teenage girls and "an older woman" were also standing with Tompkins, Hoyte said.

One of the first firefighters to arrive on the scene told Newsday the fire was suspicious. "I would say there is a strong -- a strong, strong -- possibility that it is suspicious," Dix Hills Fire Department Chief Larry Feld said.

Asked why he believed the fire was suspicious, Feld told Newsday: "The rapid movement of the fire. The volume of the fire . . . It was engulfed. The home was totally gutted."

The home at 2 Sandra Drive, purchased by the rapper in January 2007 for a reported $1.4 million, is one of the largest in Dix Hills -- and has been at the center of a lawsuit between 50 Cent and Tompkins. The 32-year-old rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, last month tried to evict Tompkins and their son from the home unless she paid him $4,500 a month in rent.

In turn, Tompkins filed a lawsuit against Jackson in State Supreme Court in Manhattan, claiming "breach of contract" and charging that the rapper had promised to put all or part of the house in her name.

Contacted early Friday, the attorney representing Tompkins, Paul Katsandonis, said he had not heard about the fire -- and would not confirm if Tompkins and her son still lived in the home or had moved.

"I can't comment right now," Katsandonis told Newsday.

An attorney for 50 Cent could not be reached for comment early on Friday.

The fire was reported at 5 a.m., according to Suffolk County Police and fire officials.

Firefighters from Dix Hills, Deer Park, Greenlawn, Commack and Melville responded to the blaze. The fire chief, Feld, told Newsday that all six people from inside the home were transported to Huntington Hospital by volunteers from the Commack and Huntington ambulance corps.

Police and fire officials also told Newsday that investigators from the Suffolk County Arson Squad and the Suffolk Fire Marshal's office are at the fire scene, investigating the cause of the blaze.

"The fire was huge, I mean huge," next-door neighbor Debra Lotz said. "I watched the whole fire from our pool . . . It burned down to the ground."

The fire caused officials to close down nearby Route 231 at Vanderbilt Parkway.

In April, Katsandonis told Newsday that Tompkins and her son had until May 1 to live in the house. He said that the rapper had said "if we give him one month's rent, he will allow them to stay until the end of the school year."

The home is located on one acre and has six bedrooms, five baths, a heated four-car garage and a pool. Last month, Katsandonis told Newsday that the rapper, who was shot outside his grandmother's Queens home in 2000, told Tompkins he wanted her and their son in a safe and secure location.

Source: newsday.com

Ja Rule News in New York

2008-05-30T21:34:00.000-07:00

Rapper JA RULE has been reprimanded by a New York judge for failing to show up for an April (08) court date - because he was on tour in Germany.
On Wednesday (28May08), lawyer Stacey Richman blamed the error on the organisers of the German tour, arguing the dates had been booked by mistake.
Supreme Court Justice Micki Scherer told the star - real name Jeffrey Atkins - it was "no excuse", but granted him a break when she agreed to let him out of the country again for performances in Russia, reports the New York Daily News...

Akon Canadian Shows on July

2008-05-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

Akon has 6 Canadian shows that have been announced for July.

Date - Venue - City - State - Country

7/9/2008 - Centre Bell Centre Montreal - Quebec - Canada

7/10/2008 - Molson Amphitheater - Toronto- Ontario - Canada

7/15/2008 - MTS Centre - Winipeg - MB - Canada

7/16/2008 - Creadit Union Centre - Saskaton - SK - Canada

7/17/2008 - Rexall Place - Edmonton - Alberta - Canada

7/19/2008 - General Motors - Vancouver - BC - Canada

Rap-A-Lot to release Pimp C's Greatest Hits!

2008-05-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

On June 3rd Rap-A-Lot/Asylum Records will be releasing Pimp C's Greatest Hits. It will feature his songs as a solo artist and will include unreleased gems by the late rapper. The first single will be "Underground Thang" feat Bun B, and Chamillionaire. In a recent interview Bun B has confirmed that there will be another UGK album, a UGK greatest hits, and one more Pimp C solo album. Bun B's II trill was released on tuesday.

New MJG Solo Album "This Might Be the Day" Is the "True" New Release

2008-05-22T06:36:00.001-07:00

404 Music, Inc., together with MJG Muzik and Push Management, are setting the record straight with respect to the new studio album from Memphis rapper, MJG.

MJG's upcoming album, "This Might Be the Day," features twelve new tracks, including the hit single, "Shades." "This Might Be the Day" is being released by 404 Music, Inc. in collaboration with MJG Muzik and Push Management...

In response to the controversy and confusion regarding the mixtape entitled, "Pimp Tight," Nina K. Easton, president/CEO of 404 Music, Inc., states, "I want to stress that 404 Music has absolutely no affiliation with the mixtape, 'Pimp Tight.' Anyone who knows me also knows of the values and the causes that I have promoted and supported through the years. Releasing questionable product is not one of them."

"404 Music has been receiving non-stop inquiries from various retailers and members of the music industry about MJG's new album, 'This Might Be the Day.' We have been telling them that the album will be available on July 1st," adds Easton. "We appreciate the great interest in MJG's new record."

8Ball, Gucci Mane, and Pleasure P (from Pretty Ricky) are featured on "This Might Be the Day."

About 404 Music, Inc.: 404 Music, Inc. is an Atlanta based record label that focuses on Urban, R&B, and Rap music. Established in 1998 by Nina K. Easton, some of 404 Music's key releases include Popa Wu's (Wu-Tang Clan) album (produced by RZA) and Young Jeezy's first album.

source: world wide connect

Akon Responds To Smoking Gun Report

2008-05-18T07:54:00.000-07:00

Little more than a month ago, The Smoking Gun published an article claiming Akon manufactured most of his past as the ringleader of a "notorious" car-theft ring and that he didn't spend four and a half years in prison, as he has said. Instead, the Web site reported, Akon spent only a few months in an Atlanta jail for stealing a single car, according to police, court and corrections records...

The story raised some serious doubts about the stories Akon has been repeating in interviews for years about his background as a hard-hitting thug who once owned and operated four chop shops that catered to "celebrities and drug dealers." But did Akon spend years in prison, fighting off other inmates on an almost-daily basis, as he's claimed over and over again?

On Tuesday, MTV News sat down with Akon to discuss The Smoking Gun's report. And while he didn't come right out and debunk the article or corroborate his accounts of a criminal past, he said he believes the report has have done little to hurt his rep.

"It's an article," he said. "Everyone's entitled to their own opinions and views. At the end of the day, the Konvict movement is keeping me out of jail. It's nothing I want to glorify or go back to. Honestly, I'm glad something like that came out, because it opens the minds of other people who're thinking positive.

"We're doing so many positive things," 'Kon continued. "To go back and focus and put energy on negative things like that, to try to discredit an artist, it makes no sense to me. If there was a motive for it, it would be worth entertaining. I'd rather keep it the way it is and leave the article out there. It only helps me. It's not something I was trying to glorify or turn back to. It was something I was trying to forget. Actually, it worked out for me in a positive way."

Akon is still working on Acquitted, the follow-up to 2006's Konvicted. The album was originally slated for release this month, but those plans have been scrapped.

Source: MTV

Top 10 RNB and HipHop MUsic | May 2008

2008-05-10T03:33:00.000-07:00

1. Leona Lewis "Bleeding Love"
2. Lil Wayne "Lollipop"
3. Jordin Sparks "No Air"
4. Usher "Love In This Club"
5. Ray J "Sexy Can I"
6. Madonna "4 Minutes"
7. Mariah Carey "Touch My Body"
8. Natasha Bedingfield "Pocketful Of Sunshine"
9. Sara Bareilles "Love Song"
10. Jesse McCartney "Leavin'"

Click Here for More

R. Kelly 'sTrial

2008-05-03T22:51:00.000-07:00

A woman will testify at R. Kelly's upcoming child-pornography trial that she had a three-way sexual encounter with Kelly and the allegedly underage girl shown in the videotape at the center of the case, the Chicago Sun-Times reported on Saturday (May 3). Jury selection for the long-delayed case is scheduled to begin Friday.

n the case, prosecutors claim to have identified the girl in the videotape, who is now in her 20s. Kelly's lawyers are planning to argue — and the alleged victim will reportedly testify — that she is not the girl in the tape, according to the Sun-Times.

But the new witness could weaken that defense, since she will identify the girl — and claim the girl was underage — sources reportedly told the paper.

"She was involved in a threesome with [the girl] and R. Kelly," one source reportedly said.

Lawyers involved in the case declined to comment to the paper, citing a gag order. The witness' testimony was among the items discussed in secret hearings last month before Judge Vincent Gaughan, who closed the hearings to the public and sealed many court filings (several news organizations have attempted to unseal the proceedings and documents). At one of those hearings, Gaughan said the new testimony would be admissible at trial, sources said.

Kelly was charged with 21 counts of child pornography in 2002 (seven of which were later dropped) for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a girl prosecutors said was 14 years old at the time; he pleaded not guilty.

If convicted, Kelly faces up to 15 years in prison.

For full coverage of the R. Kelly case, see The R. Kelly Reports.

Source : MTV