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6/29/2007

Eve Sentenced To Wear Alcohol Monitoring Ankle Bracelet

Rapper/actress Eve has pleaded no contest to DUI charges, stemming from an April accident on Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood CA. According to TMZ.com, Eve's lawyer Blair Berk pleaded no contest to the charges on behalf of Eve in Los Angeles County Superior Court today (June 28). Eve, born Eve Jeffers, had a .08 blood alcohol level when she crashed her gold Maserati, following a night of partying.

The actress/rapper, who is gearing up to release her latest album Here I Am, has been ordered to wear a SCRAM alcohol monitoring device around her ankle for 45 days.She must enroll in an alcohol education program, serve 36 months of informal probation and pay pay $1400 in fines and penalties.Eve originally pleaded not guilty to the charges.

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Foxy Brown Doesn't Talk, Assault Suspect Walks

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N.O.R.E. is slated to release a CD/DVD combo titled Noreality via Babygrande Records this summer.

Due in stores September; the album features guest appearances from Jadakiss, Three Six Mafia, Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Mobb Deep's Prodigy, Bun B, Tru Life, David Banner, Capone, Swizz Beatz and Kurupt, among others.

The DVD, which will be in limited quantity, will contain a reality show centered on Nore's everyday life. "I just want to give the fans that something extra this time," the Queens bred rapper said via a statement. A preview of the reality show can be found on his MySpace page.

The video for N.O.R.E's "Cocaine Cowboys" was recently removed from the rapper's MySpace page. Nore revealed to SOHH that the song was inspired by the movie of the same name.

Nore is also working on another album titled Global Warming 11368 and currently has a mixtape out with DJ Green Lantern called Cocaine on Steroids.

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Weeks after being released from his recent deal with Sony Urban Music, rapper G Malone has found a new recording home at Hoobangin/Cash Money Records. Representatives for Malone said the rapper inked his deal with Cash Money president Lil' Wayne, Cash Money co-founder Bryan "Baby" Williams and rapper Mack 10, through Mack 10's Hoobangin/Cash Money record label.The signing marks the end of a period of uncertainty for the Watts native.

Malone caught the eye of various record labels after selling more than 30,000 units of his debut mixtape White Lightening. Although he was courted by Interscope Records, Black Wall Street and Def Jam Records, the rapper was signed by former Aftermath A&R Mike Lynn, who helped sign The Game. The Black Wall Street affiliate eventually signed with Sony Urban for $1.7 million.Under the Sony deal, Malone was given his own label imprint Blu Division.

However, the new alliance would be short-lived as Malone recently became a free agent, after executive decisions led to the dismantling of Sony Urban. Cash Money would ultimately add the rapper to its roster through Mack 10's Hoobangin label, upon his departure from Sony.With his new label behind him, Malone is making his presence felt with two new singles, "Malone" and "Certified" featuring Akon.G Malone is currently working on his Hoobangin/Cash Money Records debut.

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6/27/07

Chaka Zulu Speaks Out On Brawl With T.I., Says "Issues Resolved"

by Anthony Roberts

After recently getting into a physical altercation with T.I., Ludacris' manager and business associate Chaka Zulu has issued a statement.

Zulu and T.I. traded blows durring brunch hosted by Warner Music Group's Kevin Liles at the Sunset Tower Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday (June 24). During the event, entitled "Make It Happen," named after Liles' book, Zulu and the WMG executive reportedly began to engage in an argument, in which T.I. intervened. T.I. would allegedly then throw a punch at Zulu which would spark a melee.

Now, both Zulu and his publicist are speaking out about the scuffle. According to Billboard, Zulu's publicist called the incident "an unprovoked attack from the rapper [T.I.]," and said Zulu "was forced to defend himself."

Commenting on the incident himself, Zulu stated that, "It's a shame that things like this continue to happen, especially with the backdrop of an event that was about benevolence and charitable works. I'm thankful that all issues have been resolved."

Ludacris, who was also reportedly on hand at the event, was not involved in the fight.

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Chamillionaire Releases 'Mixtape Messiah Part 3' Along With New DVD

For fans of Houston rapper Chamillionaire, the wait for his anticipated new album Ultimate Victory will be a little less agonizing thanks to the release of a new DVD and mixtape, that will hold fans over until his September 18 release date.The DVD will be released on July 18, precisely two months before Ultimate Victory and takes an in-depth look at a side of Chamillionaire fans may not have the opportunity to see anywhere else.

"With the DVD it's kinda just to let people connect with me a little more. Like nowadays a lot of people just say, 'Well, you know I feel like I know Chamillionaire, I like him.' They like what I stand for or whatever and I feel like the DVD kind of just helps that," Chamillionaire told AllHipHop.com. "So many people put out songs and stuff, but you can't really connect with the artist. People that want to put me in their homes, they can do that and they'll be able to just watch it and get to know me a little better."Chamillionaire will also be releasing the freestyle heavy Mixtape Messiah Part 3 on July 18. Both the mixtape and DVD can be found online.

"It's gonna come out July 18 and I'm gonna release it everywhere online for free," Chamillionaire revealed. "It's not gonna be something where I go sell it and put it in stores or nothing. It's just to hold my fans down until September 18. We released Mixtape Messiah Part 2 before and it was a success and now this time they know they about to get a creative mixtape with freestyles from me on Mixtape Messiah Part 3."Ultimate Victory, Chamillionaire's sophomore album will feature appearances by both old school and new school artists including Slick Rick, Devin The Dude, Lil’ Wayne and Krayzie Bone.To find out more about the Mixtape Messiah Part 3 mixtape and DVD and where to download the two visit www.chamillionaireonline.com or www.myspace.com/chamillionaire.

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6/26/07

Flavor Flav Ordered To Pay Over $1 Mil In Old Shooting Charge

by Alexis Chase

A New York State judge recently ruled that Flavor Flav must pay $1.8 million in an assault-and-battery suit filed by a neighbor who alleged the Public Enemy member shot at him over 10 years ago. According to New York Post reports, Judge Dianne Renwick has ordered Flav, whose real name is William Drayton, to pay the plaintiff interest on a decade-old civil suit judgment of $850,000.

In 1993, Flav allegedly shot at Thelouizs English at his Bronx apartment building, ExecutiveTowers. Following the incident, Flav faced a number of charges, including attempted murder, before being convicted of criminal possession of a weapon in 1995. Court records reflect that he was sentenced to two months behind bars and three years of probation.

English filed his civil suit in 1996, and had Flav notified about the legal action by sending a process server, who left the legal documents with an Executive Towers doorman. Flav failed to respond to the suit, and later claimed he'd never received the papers. In 1997 English was awarded a default judgment of $850,000 ($350,000 in compensatory damages and $500,000 in punitive damages) for civil assault and battery, though Flav did not appear to have the means to pay. "At that point, it was post-Public Enemy days, but pre-reality-TV days," said English's lawyer, Corey Kupfer. "He's obviously making some money now."

Ten years interest would increase the value of the judgment to $1.8 million, according to English's lawyers. Flav's lawyer estimates the amount should actually be closer to $1.4 million, but he has already announced plans to appeal this week's decision, arguing Judge Renwick should not have handled the case at all, since her husband, Bronx DA Robert Johnson, tried Flav for the shooting years ago.

"Her actions were retaliatory because her husband lost a series of cases to Flav," Charles Johnson, Flav's lawyer said.

In related news, the aging rap star who was launched back into the spotlight via VH1 reality shows "Surreal Life," "Strange Love" and "Flavor of Love" is set to be at the center of attention later this Summer, when Comedy Central makes him the subject of their latest roast, set to air on August 12 at 10 p.m.

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T.I. & Ludacris' Manager Knuckle Up, New T.I.P. CD Leaks

by Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

T.I. and Ludacris' manager, Chaka Zulu, reportedly exchanged blows at a brunch held by Warner Music Group Vice President Kevin Liles in Los Angeles yesterday (June 24).

According witnesses accounts, theysaw Zulu and Liles arguing and T.I. got involved in their bickering. T.I. would throw a punch at Zulu which would spark a melee that also involved security. In the midst of the scuffle, T.I. was seen choking Zulu.

Ludacris, who was at the event, was not involved in the brawl. T.I. and Ludacris, who are in Los Angeles for the BET Awards, have had a war of words in the past but they publicly resolved their beef. An industry insider revealed that the scuffle is not expected to escalate tensions between both camps saying "it was what it was, [but now] it's all good."

In an unrelated incident, T.I's upcoming album, T.I. vs. T.I.P. has leaked onto the internet. The album, which is due in stores on July 3, features appearances from Jay-Z, Wyclef Jean, Eminem and Busta Rhymes, among others.

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6/25/07

Foxy Brown Denies Being Assaulted

Rapper Foxy Brown has denied reports that she was assaulted by four women in a Brooklyn housing project early Saturday morning (June 23).According to police, Brown was involved in an argument with her unidentified boyfriend around 5:30 am in the Louis H. Pink Houses in East New York.
Brown was allegedly attempting to dump the man, after she found out he was a pimp, with a criminal record.
The man called four prostitutes, who allegedly attacked Brown, ripped out her hairweave, stole her hearing aide, her purse and $500 dollars.
Now, Brown is denying the altercation ever happened.

"I have friends all over Brooklyn but I was not there last night," Brown told The New York Post. "I just got back this morning from Miami....a lot of the time people mistake me for someone else or people always call in these false tips. I don't know why. I guess it's just part of being a celebrity."
Although Brown allegedly pointed Anthony out to police shortly after the assault took place, the rapper has since stopped cooperating with police.
Police say Brown was indeed assaulted and have charged Roshawn Anthony, 23, with robbery and assault.
They are also looking for the three other women involved in the attack.
Anthony is a hooker who was allegedly forced into prostitution by an abusive lover, according to the woman's mother.
She is currently being held on Rikers Island in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Although Brown has denied the assault charges, she
gave reporters a message as she left her Brooklyn brownstone for a tour a show in Jamaica.
"We love the controversy," Brown told reporters. "Keep writing."
The incident comes on the heels of Brown's probation being upgraded to good status, after she was arrested for assault in Feb. in Pembroke Pines, FL, after being involved in an altercation with the owner of a beauty supply store.
She currently faces a September trial for battery and resisting a police officer with violence in connection with the Florida altercation. Brown has pleaded not guilty.

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After serving over 8 months in prison for conspiracy charges stemming from a September 2006 robbery and murder in Fort Lee, NJ, Diplomats affiliate Max B informed AllHipHop.com that he will be released from prison in a couple of weeks. 

“You already know, I'm about to make a big power move up out of here. I squared everything away with the Boss, should out to the boss Jim Jones, everything is situated.  Bigavell bout to come back to hit the town like young Jesus of Nazareth, I'm bout to resurrect the game.”
The rapper born Charly Wingate appears to have reconciled with the Diplomats Capo, who has been in frequent communication with the incarcerated Byrdgang artist in recent months. 

“We been speaking for a little minute now, I had to do some things on my end and reach out to some people to get things squared away.  I just was a little frustrated, but you know I'm locked in 21 hours a day so I got a reason to act the way I act sometimes.  But he always been there, that's my boy.”
According to Max B, the recent death of fellow Byrdgang member Stack Bundles encouraged him and Jim Jones to think about the future of the group. 

“Plus the situation with Stack, rest in peace to my boy Stack, we miss him, that bring people together too.  Stack gone and now it’s time to [put our differences] to the side and do what we do best, make that Byrdgang wave that everybody expecting.”
Discussing plans to release an M.O.B. mixtape in tribute of Stack Bundles, Max B expressed his intention to keep the fallen rapper’s memory alive. 

“[Stack] may not be here in the physical, but he definitely here in the spiritual form, his sound will always be with us. As long as I'm alive I'm going to rep him, that's my boy right there [and] it's deeper than the music.  That was a good dude, a good soldier [who was] still young, it's a shame that his life had to go so sudden. That's a message for the young brothers out here that's coming up in the game.  One minute you could be here, the next minute you could be gone, just like me. Special shout out to the whole Queens, my boy Stack we love you, we miss you dawg. We gonna rep you to the fullest, Byrdgang to the death I got you dog, you my n****, ooooww.”

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Marion "Suge" Knight's Malibu, CA mansion has been put up for sale for $6.2 million dollars, according to the Associated Press.The seven-bed, nine-bath home was put up for sale as a result of Knight's filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in April 2006.

Knight, who made hundreds of millions of dollars as cofounder of Death Row Records with legendary producer Dr. Dre, filed for bankruptcy protection, after he was ordered to pay $107 million to ex-business associate Lydia Harris.  The mogul filed Chapter 11, claiming to be $137 million in debt.  Harris claims that she and her husband, incarcerated drug dealer, Michael Harris, were cheated out of their ownership in Death Row Records.  According to the Associated Press, the 8,272 square foot mansion was built in Malibu in 2001, in the hills over looking the Pacific Ocean.  The gated property has tennis courts, a pool and access to two beaches.

Knight is currently finishing production on a new reality series titled Suge Knight's Unfinished Business. He still lives a lavish life, as noted in a recent article in the Washington Post, which featured an interview with Knight from the pool of a Five Star hotel in Beverly Hills, complete with an assistant and a personal Brazilian masseuse.

"Y'know, I'm a guy that did Chapter 11," Knight joked, when asked how he earned his income. "I haven't been working, so people feel sorry for me."When further prodded Knight replied: "I told you: I don't lie. The only people I lie to are the police." Knight also spoke on the murder of Tupac Shakur, who was gunned down on Sept. 7, 1996 in Las Vegas.
The mogul was driving a black 1996 BMW 750i sedan with Tupac riding in the passenger seat, when an unknown gunman open fired, wounding Knight and Shakur, who succumbed to his wounds 6 days later.

Knight said Shakur was laughing joking on the way to the hospital and was more concerned with the fact that Knight was also wounded.

According to Knight, Shakur said: "Me? I mighta got shot here and I can feel it," and pointed to his side. Shakur also allegedly said: "And I mighta got shot here," grabbed his chest and said "and I can feel it. But you're bleeding out of your [expletive] head."

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West coast veteran Kam is preparing a new album titled Self & Kind, which will feature guest appearances from some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop. The politically charged Kam made his debut on the classic single "Every Single Weekend," taken from Boyz-N-the-Hood soundtrack. He was also once signed to his Lench Mob Records, an independent label owned by his cousin, Ice Cube.According to representatives for Kam, Self & Kind will feature guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, The Game, Akon, Tyrese and others.

Production on the album is handled by West coast super producers Dr. Dre, DJ Pooh, Sirx Jinx and Battlecat. Kam was originally affiliated with Ice Cube's Lynch Mob collective. He released three albums: Neva Again (1993), Made in America (1995) and Kamnesia (2001).He's affiliated with a new group of rappers assembled by Snoop Dogg named The Warzone, which also features group members Goldie Loc and M.C. Eiht.

Kam recently released a new single titled Dirty West, which features his brother, Yung Bruh.Self & Kind is due in stores later this year.

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Ghostface Talks New Wu-Tang Album, "It Feels Good To Be Around My Brothers Again"

Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

In a recent interview on Funkmaster Flex's Hot 97 radio show, Ghostface Killah briefly discussed his Wu-Tang brethren and their the upcoming album, 8 Diagrams.

"We were in the studio last night, we laid it down," Ghostface divulged. "We about to go to Europe next week for three weeks and then come back to do Rock The Bells with Rage Against The Machine, Public Enemy and Nas. It feels good to be around my brothers again and just try to put that work in." [Watch Video Here] During the Q&A, the self proclaimed "Wally Champ" also revealed that he will release a solo album after the group's project drops.

"I stay working though, I got my other pizza pie, it's almost finished," he said referring to his forthcoming solo album. "I like to keep dropping them. It might be the Clan joint first and then I'll just go ahead and put my joint out. Ain't any time to waste, I don't want to speak too much on it but its heavy though." Wu-Tang Clan signed with Rifkind's SRC Records this past December. The group, who gained prominence in the early 90's via Rifkind's now-defunct Loud Records, have not released a group album since 2001's Iron Flag.

During their six-year hiatus, all nine members of the group have released solo albums. The group's most eccentric member, ODB (born Russell Tyrone Jones), died in 2004 from an accidental drug overdose while recording his third solo project.

A release date for 8 Diagrams has yet to be determined. In related news, Ghostface will be headlining the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival tomorrow (June 23). He will be celebrating the final day of the month-long Festival, alongside other old school legends like Dres of Black Sheep, The Large Professor, and Sean Price. The Festival takes place at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park in DUMBO.

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Lauryn Hill resurfaces, plans for 2nd Album

by FULLMETAL ( EMAIL EMAIL)

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Twista gears up for "Adrenaline Rush 2007"

by FULLMETAL ( EMAIL EMAIL)

Twista has seen both failure and success in over 10 years in the industry. He spoke to Sohh about the maturity process that saw him work with former rivals Bone Thugs N Harmony, and taking it back to the beginning with his new Cd “Adrenaline Rush 2007”, due in stores August 14th.

“It’s a concept I came up with because it’s time,” said Twista. “When I came out in ‘97 with the first Adrenaline Rush, it was new and with this one, it’s just expressing that longevity and showing all of my fans that Twista ain’t changed. I got into the same mindstate as the Adrenaline Rush in ‘97. It’s just that same fierceness and energy.”

The album will feature R. Kelly, Cee-Lo, Lil Wayne, Kanye, and Pharrell just to name a few, and to the delight of midwest fans, a collaboration with Bone Thugs N Harmony. He spoke on the collab, saying:

“I think it was just men who make music growing up. Like Jay and Nas, it was a bunch of he say-she say and when you get a little older, pockets get a little more straight, and you can put those things behind you like men. We’re at points in our careers where we understand personally what we were doing to hip-hop and to the Midwest.”

“It used to be the way the industry was, trying to be better than all the competition, that made you want to do it,” he said. “But it seems now that it’s really my own passion for the music and for my fans. There used to be so much feeling in it, now dudes will tell you quick, ‘I’m just in it for the money.’”

“[The industry] grew me up fast,” Twista continued. “I basically grew up in the industry. I got my first deal at 18 and it seems that now, people don’t understand the difference between the industry and the streets. I done seen people from the street get into the industry and have it run them right back to the streets. Growing up around all of these fake people, it taught me to be a man. If you can survive in the jungle that is this industry long enough, you’ll come out a stronger person.”

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California rapper Paperboy was reportedly released on $20,000 bail Tuesday (June 19) after being arrested for allegedly selling marijuana last week.

As SOHH previously reported, Paperboy (born Mitchell Johnson) was arrested and charged with possessing, transporting, and planning to sell marijuana last Wednesday (June 13).

According to Fresno Action News, Paperboy pleaded not guilty to the drug charges and is scheduled to return to court next month.

Paperboy is well known for his 90's hit "Ditty" which garnered him a Grammy nomination for rap solo performance. Authorities who arrested the rapper claim he told members of the gang

unit that he squandered away all the money he earned from rapping and is now living in poverty.

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Young Buck Singles Out DJ Khaled, "Play My S**t N***a Like Every Other DJ"

by Janeé Bolden

A new track by G-Unit's Young Buck recently leaked onto the net calling out Terror Squad affiliate and Core DJ representative DJ Khaled.

Young Buck was threatened last winter by a ban from Core DJ's, of which Khaled is a member. While Buck says he has made peace with the prominent DJ collective, he can't figure out why Khaled won't play his songs.

On a new track, which was fittingly played by DJ Kay Slay aka The Drama King on Hot 97, Buck spits: "Khaled, play my sh!t ni99a 'I'm the best' / I don't carry grudges cuz' I get it off my chest...[Listen Here]

"Maybe Fat Joe tellin' you not to f#@$ with the Unit," he raps. "You can't ban me from radio or no DJ," he continues, before alluding to Khaled's hit, "while you takin' over the city, I'm taking over the state."

Toward the end of the track, Buck speaks over the music, "I tried to get your man to play my sh!t. MIA want to hear my sh!t. They f#@$ing wit you, but they f#@$ wit me more... I understand your situation man, being loyal to your crew. sh!t I'm loyal like a motherf#@$er too, but a hit is a hit ni99a. For you to win, You gotta play the hits. And I'm bumpin' ni99a, So play my sh!t, ni99a, like every other DJ!"

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6-21-07

After the critical success of last year’s Game Theory, Philadelphia Hip-Hop band The Roots are already at work on their next album, tentatively titled Rising Down.

Roots drummer and de facto leader ?uestlove offered up some details about The Roots' tenth album

“We’re trying to make number ten as exciting as number one was, as exciting as number five was,” ?uestlove told AllHipHop.com. “I’m amped that not many groups get ten opportunities to make a statement. Not even Hip-Hop, just period. You can’t even count ten records from the same group, that much, maybe on a few fingers. We’re very fortunate, and happy, and we are definitely pushing our envelope again.”

The new album will again feature some trusty collaborators.

“Malik B is on this album more than he was on Game Theory,” divulged ?uestlove. “Peedi just dropped his [verse] and he set a bar so high I don’t even know if we can follow it. I don’t want to use the cliché, ‘It’s crazy!,’ but I’m excited about it.”

While Game Theory’s sales were tepid, selling just 189,807 units, it is still considered one of 2006’s best major label offerings.

The group will record at least sixty to seventy songs and sketches before deciding which 12-14 songs will make the final project.

Nevertheless, ?uestlove and company do not plan on delivering a predictable new album.

"For this record, I’ll say the prominent instrument is the synthesizer, even though it’s the same instrumentation," ?uestlove revealed. "Kamal’s utilizing more actual keyboards and synth stuff than he is the Fender Rhodes. I will call this the synth record. But thematically we still don’t know where we’re going.”

Though fans can look forward to another chapter in The Roots discography and despite the lukewarm sales of Game Theory, ?uestlove isn’t buying into any talk of the Philly outfit stumbling.

“Success is relative,” ?uestlove said. “I can look at The Lox and say, ‘If them cats left this earth, cats would know [“It’s All About the Benjamins”] like the back of their hand, they’ve been in the Top 10 before.’ But then I can look at my situation and not many people have played Lincoln Center or Carnegie Hall before.”

Will the new album be released on Def Jam? Quickly, and with a chuckle, ?uestlove answered, “Surprisingly!”

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6-20-07

Suspect In Stack Bundles Murder Found Dead

by Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

A man, authorities believe was involved in the murder of Dipset affiliated rapper Stack Bundles, was found shot to death in a vacant house in Queens, New York yesterday (June 18).

According to New York's Daily News, aspiring rapper Charles White was found dead on a sofa with a pillow over his head, a leg wound, and two bullet wounds behind his ear.

Authorities believe White's murder may have been in retaliation for the killing of Stack Bundles. Bundles (born Rayquon Elliott) was shot once in the head and once in the neck in the lobby of his Far Rockaway building last week. He was 24 years old.

Police suspect White, 20, may have gone to Virginia, where he lived, right after Bundles' murder, but returned to New York last Saturday with his friend Kelvin Brown, 27.

Brown had reportedly just left his home when White was shot. He ran back to the house when he heard gunshots and called police. The house White was shot in has been on sale for months.

An unidentified man who lived in the neighborhood said he saw three men on the stoop of the home Sunday night. He described them as being very polite. "One of them said 'Happy Father's Day' to me," the man said.

No arrests have been made in either Bundles' or White's murder.

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50’s baby mama tries to get hers

by FULLMETAL ( EMAIL EMAIL)

Much has been spoken of superstar rapper 50 Cent’s $100 million dollar earnings with Glaceau, the creator of the popular beverage Vitamin Water. Glaceau, which was recently acquired by Coca Cola for $4.1 Billion, let 50 see his investments pay off, and now his child’s mother, Shaniqua Tompkins is hoping it pays off for her as well.

Reports claim that Tompkins is looking for a piece of 50’s profits for their 10 year old son, Marquise, in their child support case. Her lawyer Raoul Felder spoke briefly on the case, saying: “This will be a subject of the trial.”

50’s lawyers on the other hand, seem primed to fight this one out, explaining: “The extent of his worth is irrelevant. He always has and always will support his son.”

The case will resume proceedings on June 22nd, in Suffolk County Family court.

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Pastor Troy addresses beef with Lil John

by AL_CAPONE ( EMAIL EMAIL)

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6-19-07

Suspect In Stack Bundles Murder Found Dead

by Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

A man, authorities believe was involved in the murder of Dipset affiliated rapper Stack Bundles, was found shot to death in a vacant house in Queens, New York yesterday (June 18).

According to New York's Daily News, aspiring rapper Charles White was found dead on a sofa with a pillow over his head, a leg wound, and two bullet wounds behind his ear.

Authorities believe White's murder may have been in retaliation for the killing of Stack Bundles. Bundles (born Rayquon Elliott) was shot once in the head and once in the neck in the lobby of his Far Rockaway building last week. He was 24 years old.

Police suspect White, 20, may have gone to Virginia, where he lived, right after Bundles' murder, but returned to New York last Saturday with his friend Kelvin Brown, 27.

Brown had reportedly just left his home when White was shot. He ran back to the house when he heard gunshots and called police. The house White was shot in has been on sale for months.

An unidentified man who lived in the neighborhood said he saw three men on the stoop of the home Sunday night. He described them as being very polite. "One of them said 'Happy Father's Day' to me," the man said.

No arrests have been made in either Bundles' or White's murder.

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50’s baby mama tries to get hers

by FULLMETAL ( EMAIL EMAIL)

Much has been spoken of superstar rapper 50 Cent’s $100 million dollar earnings with Glaceau, the creator of the popular beverage Vitamin Water. Glaceau, which was recently acquired by Coca Cola for $4.1 Billion, let 50 see his investments pay off, and now his child’s mother, Shaniqua Tompkins is hoping it pays off for her as well.

Reports claim that Tompkins is looking for a piece of 50’s profits for their 10 year old son, Marquise, in their child support case. Her lawyer Raoul Felder spoke briefly on the case, saying: “This will be a subject of the trial.”

50’s lawyers on the other hand, seem primed to fight this one out, explaining: “The extent of his worth is irrelevant. He always has and always will support his son.”

The case will resume proceedings on June 22nd, in Suffolk County Family court.

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Pastor Troy addresses beef with Lil John

by AL_CAPONE ( EMAIL EMAIL)

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Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam Records rapper Serius Jones is displaying his sense of style as part of Summer Sensations, a new summer music campaign from leading Internet urban fashion web site DrJays.com.

A select group of emerging artists were selected to participate in the first annual campaign, by dressing in the most popular brands for the summer 2007 season.

Jones is among a group of major label debut artists that will be featured in the campaign.

Other Summer Sensations models include HarperDigital/Columbia Records reggae artist Collie Buddz, Virgin/Capitol Records R&B singer Che’nelle, writer/producer Drumma Boy from Drum Squad Productions, New York City celebrity DJ Miss Saigon, Australian talent DJ Rush, Harlem lyricist Skotch Davis and hip-hop activist/poet/artist/writer Amanda Diva.

“Summer Sensations focuses on DrJays.com showing our direct support for exciting new talent,” said DrJays representative Simone “Boss Lady” Kapsalides. “Artists who we believe are moving popular music in a positive direction.”

For complete artist profiles, including interviews, biography information, images, video footage and official links, well as details on the campaign, visit DrJays.com.

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Cali Rapper Paperboy Busted For Selling Weed

by Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

California rapper Paperboy, well known for his 90's hit "Ditty," was arrested by Merced authorities on Wednesday (June 13) for allegedly selling marijuana.

According to The Merced Sun Star, authorities revealed Paperboy (born Mitchell Johnson) had been under investigation for several weeks before he was pulled over in his black 1990 Honda Accord and arrested.

The rapper was booked into the Merced County Jail on charges of possession and sales of marijuana, possession of more than one ounce of marijuana, and transportation of marijuana for sale.

Paperboy remains held at Merced County Jail on $20,000 bail. Fresno Action News reported that police are currently investigating the rapper's cell phone for information on his possible clients.

Merced Police Commander Tommy Martin divulged that Paperboy told members of the gang unit that he squandered away all the money he earned from rapping and is now living in poverty.

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50 Cent Let Off The Hook In Allen Iverson Assault Case

by Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

50 Cent has reportedly been waved from testifying in an upcoming assault trial involving NBA Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson.

According to the Associated Press, Iverson is being sued by two unidentified individuals who claim the hoop star hit one of them with a bottle during a fight between members of Iverson's security and patrons at a downtown Washington bar in 2005.

50 (born Curtis Jackson) was not involved in the fight, but the lawyers of the plaintiffs claim that the G-Unit boss knew some of Iverson's security and could testify at the trial about their behavior.

50's lawyer argued that since he was not involved in the fight and is not named in the lawsuit, he should not be forced to travel from his home in Connecticut to testify. A federal judge agreed with the rapper's position, saying she did not have jurisdiction because he lived more than 100 miles from the court.

Iverson and his entourage are charged with assault, conspiracy and other charges. Their trial begins on June 27.

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Forbes magazine recently released The Celebrity 100 list and for the first time in the magazine's history, the list contains a new category titled Hip-Hop Impresarios.

The magazine analyzed celebrity earnings, press mentions, TV and radio mentions, how many times the celebrity appears on the cover of major consumer magazines and Google search results.

Four rappers, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Sean "Diddy" Combs and Will Smith made the annual list, which estimates each celebrities earnings from June 2006 to June 2007.

Jay-Z landed inside of the top 10 at #9, with earnings of over $83 million, much of it due to the sale of Rocawear clothing to Iconix in March for $204 million in cash.

In sheer earnings Jay-Z landed at #7, ahead of actor Tom Hanks, but just behind legendary rockers The Rolling Stones.

50 Cent landed at #32, with earnings of $33 million, based on earnings from his G-Unit empire, which includes music, movies and clothing.

Forbes expects 50 Cent's to chart high next year, due to the sale of $4.1 billion sale of Glaceau to the Coca-Cola company.

50 Cent owned a reported 10% stake in the company, netting the rapper hundreds of millions of dollars, although the exact earnings figure has yet to be revealed.

Forbes closed on the issue prior to the information being released.

In sheer earnings, 50 Cent landed at #29, beating out Rush Limbaugh but coming in behind LA Laker star Kobe Bryant..

Sean "Diddy" Combs landed at # 43, based on earnings of $23 million, derived from his Bad Boy Entertainment and Sean John empires.

In sheer earnings, Combs landed at #55, acing tennis star Maria Sharapova, but defaulting to Matt Damon.

Philadelphia rapper Will Smith landed at #57 with earnings of $31 million.

In sheer earnings Will Smith landed #38, beating rockers U2, but came in under basketball legend Michael Jordan.

In a testament to the Internet's growing relevance, Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs all benefited in their overall ranking status because of their presence on the web, while big earners like Will Smith (Web: 87) Larry the Cable Guy (Web: 89) and Oscar De La Hoya (Web: 77) scores were effected partially because of their low rankings online.

Pop star Madonna was the highest paid musician during the time period, thanks to her record-breaking "Confessions" tour, which generated $195 million in ticket sales according to Forbes.

Golf icon Tiger Woods also set a record, earning $100 million in one year - more than any other athlete in history.

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Common laces up his chuks for a good cause

by Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

Converse recently announced that Common will serve as the face of its new national campaign with (PRODUCT) RED - an organization that raises awareness and funds to help fight AIDS in Africa.

The campaign, entitled "Weapon of Change," will kick off in July and run through September with Common prominently featured in national magazines and billboards in the rapper's hometown of Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City.

"Converse approached me to join the (PRODUCT) RED initiative and affect change. I have always felt my purpose is to do for people," Common explained via a statement.

"Converse and (PRODUCT) RED are about people -- educating and reaching out to people to help humanity. I do this through my music, activism and with people I come into contact with everyday," he continued. "For me, Converse (PRODUCT) RED allows me to help affect change and have an immediate impact on people. Knowing the contributions from this initiative help people who need it makes it incredible because there's no such thing as small change."

Proceeds from Converse (PRODUCT) RED shoes will go to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

In related news, Common is gearing up for the release of his seventh album titled Finding Forever. The disc features production from Kanye West, will.i.am, and the late J Dilla as well as guest spots from Dwele, D'Angelo and Bilal, among others. Finding Forever is set to hit stores on July 31.

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Akon Apologizes For Dirty Dancing Incident In New Song

by Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

Akon has released a song titled "Put The Blame On Me," in which the Senegalese bred crooner addresses the recent stir he caused for "lewd dancing" with a 15 year-old-girl.

The singer/producer came under fire after pulling 15 year-old Danah Alleyne on stage during his April 12 concert at Club Zen in Trinidad and performing a raunchy dance act with the girl.

Despite issuing an aplogy claiming he had no idea Alleyne was underage, Verizon would sever ties with Akon. The wireless company also pulled its sponsorship from a tour in which Akon served as the opening act for Gwen Stefani and removed the singer's ringtones, music and artwork from its VerizonWireless stores and handsets.

On the intro of "Put The Blame On Me," Akon says: "I realize that everything I do is affecting the people around me. So I want to take this time out to apologize for things that I've done; things that haven't occurred yet; things they don't want to take responsibility for." [Listen Here]

In the third verse of the song, Akon addresses and apologizes for his antics with the teenage girl, the Verizon situation and specifically to Gwen Stefani. "I'm sorry for the hand that [Gwen] was dealt / for the embarrassment that she felt / Just a little young girl trying to have fun / Daddy should've never let her out that young," he continues speakin on the dirty dancing incident. "Sorry for clubs and getting shut down / I hope they manage better next time around / How was I to know she was underage / In a 21-and-older club they say / Why doesn't anybody wnnaa take blame / Verizon backed out disgracing my name / I'm just a singer tryin' entertain / Cause I love my fans I'll take the blame."

In related news Akon is currently under investigation for hurling a teenage fan into the audience for throwing an object at him. The woman who the teen landed on recently stepped forward asking Akon to apologize for his actions.

No criminal charges have been filed against Akon.

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6/14/2007

Controversial N.O.R.E. Video "Banned" From MySpace, Rapper Responds

MySpace and N.O.R.E.recently locked horns as his video for "Cocaine Cowboys" was taken down from the popular networking site. SOHH recently caught up with the Queens bred rapper to get his side of the story.

"I moved to Miami last year and one of the first movies I saw when I got here was Cocaine Cowboys," Nore said when asked to explain the concept for the video. "I liked it and recorded a song in reference to the movie and I wanted to be true to it. I did the song and the people who did the movie approached us about doing a video. It wasn't my life I was depicting but the life in the movie. The drugs were not my drugs. The money is not my money. It's all from the film." [Watch "Cocaine Cowboys" Video Here]

Though Nore maintains that his video is no different from a Hollywood script or any other artistic expression, he does in fact understand why the wildly popular social networking site banned the video.

"I understand that certain people are going to have certain feelings about it. People are on [MySpace] pretending to be other individuals, portraying to be their big brothers or whatever and they're only 12 or 13-years-old. If they're that young, then I wouldn't want them to see it, but if they're 18-25, this is reality and they're going to have to face it anyway and make their own decision. They can later say that I appreciate Nore for bringing that to us or I don't. But I am a responsible adult and I do have kids so I understand. But I never heard of that before...being banned is dope."

When contacted, MySpace reps clarified that Nore was not banned from the website but his video was taken down for failing to comply with the site's "Terms and Conditions." According to the agreement, MySpace has the right to take down footage that "may be offensive, illegal, or violate the rights, harm, or threaten the safety of any person."

In related news the self proclaimed animal thug is currently working on several projects. Besides prepping the release of his new album, Global Warming 11368, which finds N.O.R.E. going back to his rap roots, he is also working on a reunion album with former rhyme partner Capone, a mixtape dropping next week with DJ Green Lantern called "Cocaine on Steriods," and an Internet reality series dubbed "Nore-ality," which can be found on his MySapce page.

While Global Warming 11368 has no release date yet, it will reportedly feature guest verses from Jadakiss, Kurupt, T-Pain and Bun B, with production from Pharrell, Dame Grease, Swizz Beatz and Scott Storch.

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The Game has rejected a plea deal in Manhattan Criminal Court on charges of impersonating a police officer

by Dick Johnson

According to Game's lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, the rapper's case would have been dismissed if he pled guilty, and he'd be given credit for the few hours he spent being booked.

"Why should he plead guilty to bogus charges for a non-jail sentence if he's innocent," Lichtman shared outside the courtroom. "And he is innocent. It's rare that I have a 100 percent innocent defendant, but this is one."

Game was arrested for allegedly impersonating an undercover police officer in New York back on November 16. According to New York's WNBC-TV, around 10:30 p.m. Game (born Jayceon Taylor) waived down a Lincoln Town Car at 56th Street and 7th Avenue. Muhammed Butt, the driver of the taxi, said that Game claimed to be an undercover cop and told him to race through several traffic lights on Lexington Avenue, police said. Cops pulled Butt over after he drove 13 blocks.

Lichtman thinks the police reached a "new low" with Game's arrest and maintains his client is being harassed. "This case will end in a dismissal or an acquittal," Litchtman charged. Game is due back in court on September 20.

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Chris Lighty And WMG Team Up For Brand Asset Group Joint Venture
By Chris Richburg

Violator Management founder and CEO Chris Lighty has teamed up with Warner Music Group (WMG) Corp. to form Brand Asset Group, a new company designed to generate revenue through aggressively managing artist brands from all genres it was announced today (June 13).

Lighty will serve as CEO of Brand Asset Group, while taking an active role in developing product endorsement opportunities and implementing strategic, integrated marketing campaigns with artists, for various Fortune 500 companies.

"WMG is a company full of innovators," Lighty said in a statement. "Together, we can leverage our skills, relationships and our combined strengths in order to benefit the music industry. There are new and significant brand extension opportunities for artists with different companies that have never been contemplated before. We are eager to work together for the mutual benefit of artists, fans, corporate sponsors and WMG."

Lighty will report to Warner Music Group executive vice president Kevin Liles and work closely with executives at Warner Music Group's labels, including The Atlantic Records Group and Warner Bros. Records, in identifying sponsorship and brand extension opportunities for artists.

Warner CEO and Chairman Lyor Cohen said the company seeks to serve artists in all music and entertainment genres and it will include, but not be limited to artists on WMG's labels.

"Music and artists are at the core of everything we do," Cohen said. "Our job is to build an infrastructure that can provide opportunities for artists. Few people in the entertainment industry have been as successful as Chris has been in uniting artists and brands, and we're thrilled that through this new venture, we'll be able to bring Chris' talents and skill to bear on WMG's roster as well as artists from other labels.

Lighty's ability to unite artists and brands makes him a valuable asset for Brand Music Group, according to Warner Music Group executive vice president Kevin Liles.

"Chris' ability to transform artists into successful multimedia brands has made him a true pioneer," Liles said. "Having worked with Chris for years, I'm confident that together we can build Brand Asset Group into another powerful resource for our artists."

Throughout his career, Lighty has become well-known for his ability to link artists with major corporate brands.

His efforts provided new exposure for artists such as LL Cool J, who became one of the first hip hop artists to appear in a commercial for The Gap.

Additionally, Lighty secured major brand commercial opportunities for 50 Cent and vitaminwater, Busta Rhymes with Mountain Dew, A Tribe Called Quest

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6/12/07

Timbaland Arrested In Germany After Brawl
By Mike Winslow

Super producer Timbaland was arrested on Sunday (June 10) in Cologne, Germany, after he and and other men allegedly attacked a bar patron.

According to German media, the incident occurred in front of the Hotel Intercontinental, shortly after Justin Timberlake concert at the Cologne Arena.

A man became visibly irate when he noticed Timbaland, born Timothy Mosely, speaking to his girlfriend.

According to reports, the man was noticeably drunk and aggressive and allegedly called Timbaland the "n" word a heated exchange of words.

Timbaland was signing autographs in front of the hotel when the fight continued outside, resulting in the man being sent to a local emergency room with injuries to his back and thorax.

Police arrested Timbaland and his bodyguards at the hotel and eventually hit the rapper with charges of causing bodily injury to the man who was allegedly assaulted.

Timbaland was released on $750 euro.

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Byrd Gang Member Stack Bundles Murdered In New York UPDATE (8:00pm pacific)
By Nolan Strong

Queens, New York rapper and Byrd Gang member Stack Bundles was shot and killed this morning (June 11) in New York.

While details are sketchy, sources affiliated with Stack Bundles told AllHipHop.com that the rapper was shot by unknown assailants in front of his home earlier this morning (June 11).

Stack Bundles was from Far Rockaway in Queens, New York.

The last time he was seen alive was at Stereo nightclub, where he and an entourage had an incident-free evening.

Stack Bundles was affiliated with DJ Clue's Desert Storm and later became a member of Jim Jones' Byrd Gang group.

He recorded with a variety of artists, including Fabolous, Lil Wayne, Joe Budden, Max B., Juelz Santana, Jim Jones and others.

New York authorities have released details surrounding the murder of Jim Jones signee Stack Bundles who was shot and killed in New York earlier this morning (June 11).

According to AM New York, Bundles (born Rayquon Elliott) was shot once in the head and once in the neck in the lobby of his Far Rockaway building around 5 a.m.

Police said the rapper had been out with his friends. One of Bundles' friends who had walked off while the rapper was in the lobby, told authorities that he ran back when he heard gunshots but by the time he reached the scene the suspect had run off.

Bundles' money and credit cards were still on him but a medallion he was wearing is missing, authorities said.

Bundles' music industry peers and friends including Zakee of rap group Pitch Black and Lupe Fiasco have expressed their grief about the rapper's unfortunate passing.

In a post on Okayplayer.com - that Atlantic Records has confirmed that it, was written by Lupe - the Chi-town emcee expressed his condolences.

"My Dear Friend...it hurt so much to wake up to this...So sad...I've watched from the humble beginnings...when he used to live with me out in Chicago we rocked together everyday...He'd write rhymes in one room and I'd be writing rhymes in the other...He was there with me through many a milestone in my life, the up's and the downs, and I was so proud and happy to see him achieve success in his life at what he loved...Hip-Hop...Stacks was the first person that was signed to 1st & 15th way back when it first started. FYI...Even beyond that I considered Stacks family...My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends in this time of sadness...We all lost a good friend today...But He wont be forgotten...May God have mercy on his soul, Forgive him for his sins in this Life, and watch over him in the next...

Love my ni**a, I only shed tears for a few and I shed tears for you...

Sincerely, Lupe Fiasco

R.I.P. My homey Stacks Bundles..."

Bundles, who hails from Queens, made a name for himself in New York's mixtape circuit via collaborations with DJ Clue, Fabolous and Joe Budden. After recently signing to Jim Jones' Byrd Gang Records, Bundles has appeared on Jones' third album, Hustler's P.O.M.E. (Product of My Environment) and The Dipset Xmas album. He was 24 years old.

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6/11/07

Charlie Wilson Files Lawsuit Over Heineken Ads Featuring 'Beautiful'
By Mike Winslow

Charlie Wilson, famed lead singer fo R&B group The Gap Band filed a lawsuit against Capitol Records, EMI Music and Heineken Inc. for using portions of rapper Snoop Dogg's hit single "Beautiful" in a commercial.

The lawsuit, which was filed yesterday (June 8) in federal court in Manhattan, claims that portions of the song were used in a commercial for Heineken Premium Light Beer, Reuters reports.

Wilson claims the song, which features a vocal performance by Pharrell Williams, was licensed by Capitol Records for the commercial without permission.

Wilson also claims that EMI owes him hundreds of thousands of dollars for "Beautiful" and for "You Got What I Want," which features Snoop, Ludacris and Goldie Loc.

"Beautiful" hit #1 in New Zealand and Germany. Both songs are taken from Snoop Dogg's 2002 album Paid Tha Cost to Be Da Boss.

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Elephant Man "Gets Physical" With Diddy, "My Vibe Is Gonna Blend With His Vibe"

by Carl Chery

After releasing an album on VP Records, Elephant Man made the move to Diddy's Bad Boy Entertainment late last year. As he preps for his new CD, Ele, aka The Energy God, discussed his new deal and how he adapted to working with Puff.

Though VP and Bad Boy are both under Warner Music Group, Elephant opted to sign with Diddy when courted by the mogul. Apparently, Bad Boy's lack of dance hall experience doesn't worry Ele one bit.

"That's not a concern, but Biggie Smalls that's our rapper...from Jamaica. And Puffy's lifestyle is like a Jamaican lifestyle, from nothing to something and he like the music from his heart and him do it from his heart," the dancehall star told SOHH. "Elephant Man, me do the music from my heart so...my vibe is gonna blend with his vibe because it's the two same things."

Ele also has no worries that American listeners may have a hard time deciphering his Jamaican patois. He has a solution.

"They're not gonna understand everything, but on this album, you dun know it's a dancehall album. You're gonna get dance hall, but we collaborate with certain artists from their world that's gonna put a spice to the stuff, so they can understand the melodies, the hook," Ele explained. "For instance, they know Rihanna, they know Busta Rhymes, Mya so we're gonna do some collabos with some artists that's their flavor, so it's like best of both worlds."

Elephant Man's Let's Get Physical, featuring production by Swizz Beatz and Lil Jon and guest appearances from Wyclef Jean, Mya, Busta Rhymes and Rihanna, hits stores in August.

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Rock the Bells Concert Changes Locations, Will Take Place at Hyundai Pavilion
By Chris Richburg

Those planning to attend this year's Rock the Bells festival will have to disregard the concert venue printed on their ticket.

The event has changed locations and will be held on August 11 at the Hyundai Pavilion in Devore instead of the National Orange Show (NOS) Events Center in San Bernardino.

Despite the change in venue, Shazila Mohammed, a publicist with the Mitch Schneider Organization, told The San Bernadino Sun paper that concert will still be held on August 11.

All scheduled acts, including Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy and Rage Against the Machine, will perform and tickets will be honored at the pavilion, Mohammed added.

Although the NOS has held Rock the Bells since 2003, Mohammed revealed that the show's promoter Guerilla Union decided to change the location after meeting with officials the Orange Show Events Center.

According to NOS director of operations Steve Henthorn, the decision was reached once Guerilla Union decided the NOS wasn't the best venue for the 50,000 to 60,000 people expected to attend the show.

"That's more than what we feel we can accommodate comfortably," Henthorn said in a phone message, adding that the overflow in parking in previous years for Rock the Bells presented an issue despite recent upgrades of parking sites. "We would hate to have cars really parked all over this end of the city and have the possibility of negatively impacting the businesses in our city."

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Almost a week after throwing a teenager off of a stage in Fishkill, New York, Senegalese R & B singer Akon has finally come forward to speak on the situation.

The incident began when the teenage concert go-er threw what witnesses have claimed was a piece of a pretzel at Akon.

After being pointed out by other concert attendee's the teenager was brought on stage and immediately thrown back into the audience by Akon.

Akon and his attorney are confident that the incident was not criminal.

"Given the information that we have reviewed to date, it does not appear to us that Akon was involved in any criminal conduct whatsoever," Akon's attorney Benjamin Brafman said in a statement. "We are prepared to fully cooperate with any law enforcement agency that may be investigating this incident."

The teenager has recently come forward to police and it seems as if charges against Akon are likely.

"We are confident that after a thorough investigation it will be apparent that no criminal prosecution of Akon is warranted," Brafman said.

Akon also made headlines back in April when he was caught on tape simulating sex as he danced with an underage girl at a concert in Trinidad.

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The Game Pleads Not Guilty To Assault Charges
By Rudy West

Compton, CA rapper The Game pleaded not guilty to felonious charges of assault yesterday (June 7) stemming from an altercation in which he allegedly punched an opposing player in the face and then pulled a gun out, during a game of basketball.

Charges were officially filed against The Game on June 4, in connection with the February incident. According to prosecutors, the incident occurred at the Rita Walters Educational Learning Complex in South Los Angeles.

The rapper allegedly punched the player during the game and then pulled a gun out of his red Cadillac Escalade and threatened to shoot the individual.

In May, Los Angeles Police Department officers searched The Game's house seeking evidence in connection with the altercation.

He was arrested after officers concluded the search of his Glendale home and made headlines around the world, when footage surfaced of the rapper grimacing and making faces in the back of a police car, as officers took him to jail.

The Game, born Jayceon Taylor, faces three counts, including making a criminal threat and showing a firearm in the presence of an officer.

He is free on $50,000 bail. If convicted, The Game faces up to five years in prison

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Big Worm From the movie"Friday"Actor Faizon Love Accused of Assault & Battery

Actor Faizon Love, best known for playing Big Worm in Friday, is facing a lawsuit from an L.A. stage manager who claims he got rough with her after she rejected his sexual advances.

According to TMZ, stage manger Beatrice Eliza filed a lawsuit against Love in Los Angeles County Superior Court yesterday (June 5). Eliza claims Love groped her after she picked him up from Burbank Airport in March, and refused to stop "until she threatened to kick him out of the car."

In her lawsuit, Eliza says the actor "barbarically assaulted and battered her." In addition to the groping, she alleges that several days following the initial incident, the two got into a shouting match on the set of their production, ironically titled Irresponsible Behavior, that eventually became violent.

Eliza says the argument began over a bathroom key before escalating into shouting, cursing and threats. Besides chairs being thrown, Eliza also says Love grabbed a Louis Vuitton handbag he thought was hers and "attempted to throw it out of the second story window." After a producer on set intervened, informing Love that the bag was not Eliza's, the actor picked up Eliza's Gucci handbag and tossed the it out the window. Eliza's attorney says his client then dialed 911 and LAPD officers arrived on the scene shortly afterward.

Eliza claims she has "suffered great mental, physical and nervous pain" as a result of the alleged incident and is suing for unspecified damages.

Afro-Cuban actor Faizon Love has been in such films as A Thin Line Between Love and Hate, Don't Be A Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood, The Players Club, B*A*P*S, Money Talks, 3 Strikes, and Idlewild. He has also appeared on television, including "That's So Raven," "The Parent Hood" and "The Wayans Bros."

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6/6/2007

Marley Marl suffers Heart Attack!

Pioneering Hip-Hop producer Marley Marl suffered a heart attack yesterday (June 5) sources told AllHipHop.com.

While details are sketchy, sources said Marley Marl, born Marlon Williams, is in a New York area hospital and is in stable condition.

Marley Marl is one of the most influential producers in the history of Hip-Hop.

In the early 80's and 90's, Marley crafted seminal records for rappers like Eric B. & Rakim, MC Shan, Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, TLC, Masta Ace and Kool G. Rap.

Marley Marl's Juice Crew was also involved in rap's most famous feud with KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, a beef which produced a number of classic Hip-Hop singles like "The Bridge" by MC Shan and KRS One's answer record, "The Bridge is Over."

Marley Marl and KRS One have since ended their feud and released an album together titled Hip-Hop Lives, which was released last month via Koch Records.

Representatives for the producer would not release any details as of press time, but asked fans to pray for Marley Marl's speedy recovery.

According to the most recent statistics released by the American Heart Association, Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) rank as the number one killer of African-Americans, with 1 in 5 suffering from some sort of CVD.

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Police Consider Charges Against Akon For Tossing Teen Off Stage
By Mike Winslow

Police in Fishkill, New York may question Akon and file charges against R&B singer Akon, after footage surfaced of the singer tossing a fan into the crowd surfaced on the Internet.

The incident took place at Dutchess stadium in Fishkill, during the annual KFEST concert sponsored by radio station WSPK 104.7, after an unidentified fan tossed an object on the stage, narrowly missing the chart-topping Senegalese-American singer.

A young male who looks to be in his teens was called to the stage, after Akon queried the crowd to find out who threw the object.

(Akon VIDEO) As soon as the male steps on the stage, Akon quickly scooped him up and literally threw him into the crowd.

Footage of the incident didn't capture the teen getting up, but he refused medical treatment and was not hurt as a result of the incident.

Police in Fishkill are still searching for the teen, to determine if he would like to file charges against Akon.

"If and when they [police] determine that something has occurred, they will forward the case to us and we will review that," Dutchess County Senior District Attorney Edward McLoughlin told the Poughkeepsie Journal.

Akon was already embroiled in controversy, after footage of an April 12 concert in Trinidad surfaced, in which he simulated sex with a girl on teen.

It was later revealed that the girl was 14 and had illegally entered the club.

Still, the incident caused Verizon to drop Akon as a spokesman for the company.

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6/5/2007

Beastie Boys Rapper MCA Produces New LP For Punk Pioneers Bad Brains
By Chris Richburg

Beastie Boys member Adam "MCA" Yauch recently finished production on the forthcoming reunion album from punk music pioneers, Bad Brains.

The release, titled Build a Nation, is described as a return to form for Bad Brains.

Bad Brains is world renown for helping define American punk and hardcore music.

The African-American rock group has been ranked alongside the Sex Pistols, Black Flag, The Clash, and The Ramones by combining punk and reggae into unique and innovative style.

"The Brains are one of most powerful and unique bands in the world," MCA said. "They have been a huge influence on me, and it was an honor to work with them on this record."

Build a Nation is also the first studio album outside of the Beastie Boys' albums to be recorded at the rap trio's Oscilloscope Laboratories and Studio compound in New York City.

The Megaforce Records release, which is Bad Brains first proper studio album in more than a decade, will feature all the original members of the group (HR, Darryl Jenifer, Dr. Know and Earl Hudson).

Fans can catch Bad Brains on the road when the group embarks on a world tour.

Build a Nation is scheduled to hit stores June 26.

The following is a tracklisting for the album:

1. Give Thanks And Praises

2. Jah People Make The World Go Round

3. Pure Love

4. Natty Dreadlocks 'Pon The Mountain Top

5. Build A Nation

6. Expand Your Soul

7. Jah Love

8. Let There Be Angels (Just Like You)

9. Universal Peace

10. Roll On

11. Until Kingdom Comes

12. In The Beginning

13. Send You No More Flowers

14. Peace Be Unto Thee

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The Game Hit With Felony Charges; Faces Five Years In Prison
By Mike Winslow

Criminal charges were officially filed against The Game today (June 4) in connection with a February altercation during a game of basketball in Los Angeles.

Prosecutors claim that The Game, born Jayceon Taylor, was involved in an altercation in which he allegedly punched a player on the opposing team and then pulled a gun out of his red Cadillac Escalade and threatened to shoot the unnamed victim.

The incident took place Feb. 24 at the Rita Walters Educational Learning Complex.

In May, Los Angeles Police Department officers searched his suburban Glendale, California home seeking evidence in connection with the altercation.

The Game was previously arrested in connection with the incident and released on $50,000 bail.

Today he was charged with making a felony count of making a criminal threat, felony possession of a firearm in a school zone and a felony count of exhibiting a firearm in the presence of an officer.

The rapper will be arraigned on Tuesday (June 5) and faces up to five years in prison.

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Saigon Takes On Atlantic Records, "My Fans Will Hear My Album Whether They Put It Out Or Not"

by Jolene "foxxylady" Petipas

Saigon has called out his label, Atlantic Records, for failing to promote and release his anticipated debut album, The Greatest Story Never Told, and has threatened to release the project for his fans without Atlantic's approval.

On his MySpace blog, dated on Friday, June 1, the New York bred rapper refers to Atlantic as "a home of ringtone making artists" and claims his fans will hear the album "whether the label puts it out or not."

"Please don't believe that the hold up of my album has anything to do with me or my work ethic or my rate of producing great music," he wrote. "If you go to YouTube and type in JBTV Saigon you will hear snippets of my album that Atlantic doesn't seem to have the desire to release."

"I just think the once great Atlantic Records has been belittled down to a home of ringtone making artists, like they sign the great jingle writers and real artists like myself don't get a chance to showcase my musical abilities," he continued. "I feel like Tupac now...It's me against the world. Thank God artists such as Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin (Atlantic artists) weren't signed in this day in time; they would've never seen the light of day."

"Not to worry though, my fans will hear my entire album very soon whether they put it out or not," he went on to say. "If they don't I will and let y'all be the judge if the music is great or not. I'm beginning to think that being my album is geared toward the betterment and not the destruction of my people the powers that be don't wanna release it...cause I know its not the skills...I am the most relevant rapper in the world by far when it comes to my people. Unfortunately they only care about $$$$...Oh well. Welcome to America... Greatest Story Never Told coming this summer...regardless."

Saigon, who had a recurring role on HBO's "Entourage" during the show's second season, is signed to Just Blaze's Fort Knocks Entertainment. The Greatest Story Never Told was initially set to hit stores in 2006 via Fort Knocks/Atlantic Records but has been continuously delayed. It reportedly features production by Just Blaze and Kanye West, among others.

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6/3/2007

Real Life "Stan" receive's a call from Detroit police telling him to stop harassing Eminem.

An aspiring Canadian rapper reportedly earned a visit from local authorities and a call from Detroit police for stealing the cell phone of Eminem's ex wife, and dialing the multi-platinum rapper.

According to Canada's Windsor Star, Kyle Spratt, 18, of Windsor, Ontario snatched Kim Mathers' phone at a Windsor bingo hall, where he worked, while she was outside smoking. Spratt would then call Eminem on her phone asking him to listen to his demo track.

"He was a real (expletive)," Spratt told The Star. "He pretended it wasn't him and he did a fake voice."

Spratt would then receive a call from Detroit police telling him to stop harassing Eminem.

Frustrated with the cold reception he received from his idol, Spratt, who recorded the conversations he had with both the Detroit police officer and Eminem, sampled them in a song titled "Slim Sellout" attacking the rapper.

"I was a huge Em fan growing up," Spratt explained." Now, it's like, (expletive) him."

Spratt posted the song on his MySpace page and received 1,400 hits in two days. The link to the song was removed from Spratt's website on Wednesday (May 30) and Windsor police paid the jilted rapper a visit.

According to Windsor police Inspector Greg Renaud, Detroit police contacted them saying that Spratt told Kim Mathers that if he wasn't going to get some promotion from Eminem, "he was going to post the photos of [their] children on the web."

Spratt told The Star that the police checked his computer but didn't find any photos. He also claims that Kim Mathers misread one of the text messages he had sent her.

"I was text messaging back and forth with Kim Mathers and she was being pretty rude to me, so I said something to the effect of, 'wait until I get a hold of paparazzi,'" Spratt explained. "But, like, I was just trying to get her going. It did get her going. She assumed that I took pictures off her phone, which I did not."

"They said that Kim thinks that I'm going to put out pictures of her kids that were on the phone, which is not true," he stressed. "Kim was just doing that to stir the pot."

Renaud said the Mathers family will not be pressing charges because Spratt has already paid for his crime by losing his job at the bingo hall.

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Fat Joe To Talk To Police About Double Homicide

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Ruff Ryders CEO Arrested, Busted With Kilo of Coke

Ruff Ryders CEO Darrin "Dee" Dean and an associate were both arrested on drug and gun charges in New York on Thursday (May 31).

Both men were charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a handgun and possession of a handgun while conducting narcotics violations. They were released from the Bergen County Jail on bail of $342,500 on Friday morning (June 1).

Dean founded the Ruff Ryders label with his brother Joaquin and sister Chivon in 1998. Their label is credited with jumpstarting the careers of DMX, Eve and Swizz Beatz, among others. According to North Jersey.com, authorities initially stopped Dean and Brooklyn resident Jerry Gilbert, who was riding the vehicle, for a broken taillight. After smelling marijuana upon approaching the car, they conducted a search leading to the discovery of 1½ kilos of cocaine and a loaded .45 caliber handgun hidden in a customized floor compartment.

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Hi-Five Lead Singer Tony Thompson Found Dead
By Roman Wolfe

Hi-Five lead singer Tony Thompson was found dead yesterday (June 1) in his hometown of Waco, Texas.

Sources told AllHipHop.com that Thompson's body was found outside of an apartment complex around 10:00 pm.

He allegedly died of drug overdose, but the cause of death has to be confirmed.

Thompson and Hi-Five hit #1 with 1990's "I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)," which was produced by R&B/Hip-Hop producer Teddy Riley and taken from the group's debut, Hi-Five.

The album also produced singles like "I Can't Wait Another Minute" and "I Just Can't Handle It."

Hi-Five broke up around 1994 but reunited and released a new album The Return in 2006 on Thompson's record label N'Depth.

Thompson also collaborated with Port Arthur, Texas rapper Bun-B on his 2006 single "Rock Ya Body," which was produced by Play-N-Skillz.

Thompson, was working on new material for an upcoming album as well.

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6/2/2007

Sean Price Added To Lineup Of Brooklyn Hip Hop Fest Performers
By Rudy West

Boot Camp Clik member Sean Price has been added to the lineup of performers who will grace the stage at the 3rd Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival, organizers recently announced.

Sean Price will perform selections from his critically acclaimed albums Monkey Barz (2006) and his most recent release, Jesus Price Superstar.

Additionally, Sean Price is preparing a new mixtape titled Master P., which will drop this summer.

"I'm exuberantly thrilled to put my incredible god given talents on display for all of Brooklyn to see,” Sean Price said. “I will get busy. With the success of my latest album Jesus Price, I'm not the brokest rapper you know anymore but with the Festival being in BK, I'm just a $2 metro card away. If you see me on the train you know my name. Sean P.”

Sean Price will perform on the June 23 concert date of the free, five-day event.

Other artists to grace the stage that evening include Ghostface, The Large Professor, Consequence, Skillz, Emily King, Tanya Morgan, El Michels Affair and J Period.

Other events during the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival include a celebration of Stax Records' 50th Anniversary on June 7, a Magnum Festival photo exhibit on June 14, Hip Hop Under the Bridge with Ralph McDaniels, a Wild Style Screening and a full day of performances on June 23.

Tickets are required for the June 21 and June 23 dates. For more information visit: www.brooklynbodega.com.