Hip-Hop news by Lakerfan 4 Life

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Rappers Guru and Chuck D. are featured on The Dirty Dozen's upcoming album What's Going On, a reinterpretation of Marvin Gaye's classic 1971 album.

For almost 30 years, The Dirty Dozen Brass Band has taken the traditional brass band music of New Orleans and combined it with funk, jazz, gospel, soul and now rap.

The group has previously collaborated with such legends as Dizzy Gillespie, Elvis Costello, Dave Matthews, Widespread Panic and others.

The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and their label, Shout! Factory will donate a portion of the proceeds to Tipitina's Foundation, which benefits the music community of New Orleans.

The group decided to release the benefit album, after Hurricane Katrina destroyed the homes of founding members Roger Lewis, Kevin Harris and Gregory Davis homes.

Other guests featured on What's Going On include Ivan Neville, G. Love, Bettye LaVette and others.

What's Going On hits stores August 29th on Shout! Factory.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5997

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Rap pioneer Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell is preparing for the first season of his first annual National Youth Football League (NYFL).

The program, developed in conjunction with the Orange Bowl Football Youth League (OBFYL), will run simultaneously with the rapper's Liberty City Optimist Program.

The Optimist Program, founded 17 years ago in Liberty City, Fla., is a mentorship effort founded to keep wayward boys out of trouble by offering academic assistance, positively reinforced activities and a state of the art computer lab.

"It's exciting to team up with the Orange Bowl Youth Football League to create a program to help area youth", Campbell said in a statement. "The NYFL is designed to create both athletes and scholars by teaching discipline through sports and the importance of education."

The league's first season will begin Aug. 18 and run through Oct. 26 for boys age 5-15. For more information, visit www.thenyfl.com.

In related news, Campbell will be a panelist during AllHipHop.com's Social Lounge, an open forum discussion taking place during AllHipHop Week 2006.

Campbell joins television personality and model Melyssa Ford, legendary Civil Rights activist Roy Innis, Jeff McFarland, director of multicultural marketing for Verizon and other special guests during The Social Lounge, where the panelists will discuss various issues relevant to the Hip-Hop community.

AllHipHop.com's Social Lounge takes place Wednesday, August 9 at BB Kings Blues Club and Grill in Times Square, New York.

For more information click here http://www.allhiphop.com/AllHipHopWeek/SocialLounge/AllHipHopSocialLounge.aspx

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5998

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Former Ultramagnetic MCs member Kool Keith, more widely known today as "Dr. Octagon," announced his national tour Wednesday (Aug. 9). The outing will kick off tomorrow (Aug.10) at the famous Abbey Pub in Chicago.

The tour is in support of the rapper's current album The Return of Dr. Octagon.

Kool Keith first made a name for himself as a member of the seminal New York Hip-Hop trio Ultramagnetic MCs.

The Bronx-raised lyricist came to fame by crafting a techno-inflected, self-proclaimed "bizarre" genre of Hip-Hop, often shocking his audiences by performing under multiple names.

Dr. Octagon's tour schedule is as follows:

Aug 10 - The Abbey Pub, Chicago

Aug 11 - Grog Shop, Cleveland

Aug 12 - The Vogue, Indianapolis, Ind.

Aug 24 - Black Cat, Washington, D.C.

Aug 25 - The Loft, Atlanta

Aug 26 - The Social, Orlando, Fla.

Sept 7 - Satellite Ballroom, Charlottesville, V a.

Sept 8 - Starlight Ballroom, Philadelphia

Sept 9 - Bowery Ballroom w/ Mr. Lif, New York

Sept 22 - Granada Theater Dallas

Sept 23 - Emos Jr., Austin, Tex.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6005

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Def Jam president Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter has partnered with MTV to create a documentary titled Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life, about the global water crisis.

The new venture was announced Wednesday (Aug. 9) at a press conference at the United Nations in New York.

The legendary rapper, alongside MTV president Christina Norman, announced that he would make the documentary while traveling on his world tour.

The television segment will "document his personal learning journey as he meets children and families who suffer daily and count among the more than one billion people worldwide who do not have access to safe drinking water."

"I'm not just going to go there and, you know, rap to them," Jay-Z said to a packed U.N. conference room that included Secretary-General Kofi Annan. "I want to touch and help and maybe see what I can do in these areas."

Cameras will also follow Jay-Z during his slated visits to places where environmentally-friendly solutions are in place, bringing fresh water to devastated communities.

His world tour will begin in Poland and MTV will begin filming his travels to distressed areas in Turkey.

"We're going to address the problems of the crisis out there and we're going to go to places where the play pumps are actually being built and see the progress of what we're actually out there doing and we're gonna educate people at the same time," Carter said. "My thing is to bring awareness to the problem and to provide access."

The Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life is scheduled to premiere Nov. 24 on over 150 MTV channels and 50 local programming stations in over 179 countries.

The network has also planned to offer free access to the documentary for use by teachers, K-12 educators and librarians in 80,000 schools in America through the "Cable in the Classroom" program, as well as through Think.MTV.com website.

"I know through joining with experts through the U.N. and partnering with MTV to bring the word to our communities, we can make a difference," Jay-Z said.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6007

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Modern rock group Hawthorne Heights is leaving Victory Records and the band has filed a $10 million lawsuit, claiming the label made it appear the group was "at war against rap artists."

In a lawsuit filed in the District Court of Northern Illinois, Hawthorne Heights claimed Victory Records has damaged their reputation with fans and that despite selling millions of records, they have never "seen a single dollar in artist royalties from Victory Records."

Hawthorne Heights claims that Victory CEO Tony Burmmel sent out letters under the guise of the band, calling for fans of Hawthorne Heights to help the group's sophomore album If Only You Were Lonely secure a #1 spot on the charts for their by physically moving competing R&B singer Ne-Yo's In My Own Words around the store when their CD's were released in Feb. 2006.

"If you were to pick up handful of Ne-yo CDs, as if you were about to buy them, but then changed your mind and didn't bother to put them back in the same place, that would work," the letter circulated read. "Even though this record will be heavily stocked and you might not be able to move all the stock, just relocating a handful creates issues: Even though the store will appear to be out of stock, the computer will see it as in stock and not re-order the title once it sells down and then Ne-Yo will lose a few sales later in the week. This is most important in stores were we are competing with Ne-yo, which is in the big chains that sell pop and urban product. The stores listed above are in the order you should hit them up. The main thing is to keep the pressure up all week. First day sales are important but keeping our sales going and having a strong weekend are equally important to grabbing the #1 slot that belongs to us."

The band dismissed Victory Records' tactics in a statement and denied writing the letter or calling for fans to try to interrupt the sales of Ne-Yo's In My Own Words.

"Many of you are familiar with the greed-driven letters sent out by Mr. Brummel: his manifesto calling rock supporters to arms and virtual declaration of war on hip-hop and [Rapper] Ne-Yo done under the guise of a band message; as well as the street-team letter which instructed people to re-arrange our CDs, putting them in higher visibility areas in stores," the band said in a statement. "At the time of the letters we were branded as racists by some, all over a letter we did NOT write, targeting a genre which we have NOTHING against whatsoever....when questioned about the letters Tony was more upset that we had told the press that he actually wrote the letters (not us) because he was more worried about rumors surrounding Taking Back Sunday and Thursday's exoduses being justified than the credibility and reputation of his current biggest band."

Taking Back Sunday and Thursday are two groups who recorded for Victory Records, but have since left the label.

Victory's campaign failed to work, as Ne-yo debuted at #1 in Feb., moving over 300,000 copies of the record, as compared to the 114,000 sold by Hawthorne Heights, who landed at #3 that week, behind the soundtrack to Disney Channel's original movie High School Musical, which sold almost 130,000 copies.

The band also claimed that despite selling a combined 1.2 million of copies of their albums The Silence In Black And White and If Only You Were Lonely, they have never seen royalty checks.

"Tony will claim that we have not recouped, a term used by those in the music business which means the label has spent more money in advertising than has been made by CD sales. In fact questionable accounting practices are the culprit and we are in fact owed substantial amounts of money much like audits from Taking Back Sunday, Thursday and Atreyu have uncovered," the band said in regards to three other groups on Victory.

"We've accomplished more in three years than most bands do in a lifetime and for that we are extremely grateful and consider ourselves very fortunate," the group said. "Our situation with Tony Brummel is indicative of issues that all bands on Victory Records encounter on some level or another."

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6008

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Rapper Mos Def stepped out for a minute to handle some film projects – including the upcoming The Brazilian Job and his current cameo in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

On Sept. 19, the Brooklyn M.C. returns to his hip hop roots with the arrival of Tru3 Magic. The disc features the first single, "Boogie Man," featuring piano lines, live drumming and even a shout-out to veteran newscaster Walter Cronkite. Production on the album comes from Pharrell Williams, Kayne West and Rich Harrison, among others.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167131.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Sean "Diddy" Combs edged out Jay-Z to earn the title of the Richest Person in Hip Hop, according to Web site Panache Report.

Following six months of research, the site’s creator, Myra Panache, found that Bad Boy mogul Diddy had the most bank with $346 million, followed by Def Jam president Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter at $340 million and Def Jam co-founder Russell Simmons with $325 million.

Most of Jay-Z’s millions come from his stake in the New Jersey Nets, Armadale Vodka, his 40/40 night-club chain and the $3 million in salary from Def Jam, reports Panache.

Sales of Diddy’s fragrance, Unforgivable, proved to be the deciding factor in his win over Jay-Z. According to Panache, he has received an additional $6 million this year from the men’s cologne. Most of his other earnings come from the sale of his Bad Boy record label to Warner Music Group and his Sean Jean clothing line.

So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri was the lone newcomer to the top 10 this year, tying Nelly for 10th place with $60 million.

*

Here is the full Top 10:

1. P. Diddy, $346 Million
2. Jay-Z, $340 Million
3. Russell Simmons, $325 Million
4. Damon Dash, $200 Million
5. Neptunes, $155 Million
6 Dr. Dre, $150 Million
7. Ice Cube, $145 Million
8. Eminem, $110 Million
9. 50 Cent, $100 Million
10. Nelly, $60 Million
10. (Tie) Jermaine Dupri, $60 Million

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167132.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Rumors of OutKast breaking up had gotten so out of control that group member Andre 3000 decided to call MTV News and set the record straight himself.

"We're holding it under wraps. ... But we're still doing music," Andre said. "Yesterday I got a phone call from Big Boi and he said that on some hip-hop Web sites that the headlines were reading something to the effect of, 'It's Official: Outkast Is Broken Up,' or something like that. And man, we're looking at it like, where is this (bleep) coming from? I was on 'TRL' to release a new video, and I meant to say something [about the situation] on the air. But the way they had the questions set up, I didn't have a chance to do it."

Dre said chatter about their supposed split has moved beyond the Internet.

"(bleep) hit me in the street like, 'Yeah man, I heard the bad news. Sorry to hear about that,'" Andre continued. "I'm like 'Man, what are you talking about?' Everything is still tight, most definitely."

It didn’t help matters that Andre and Big Boi chose to shoot videos for their two solo releases from the Idlewild soundtrack — "Idlewild Blue (Don'tchu Worry 'Bout Me)" and "Morris Brown," respectively — instead of appearing together in a clip for their first single, "Mighty O," which features vocals from both members.

"Really, we were supposed to shoot the 'Mighty O' video, but we were shuffling around with too many treatments and it got too late," 3000 told MTV News. "The record company and film company felt that it was probably better off to help sell the movie to go with these songs ["Idlewild Blue" and "Morris Brown."]. But originally we were supposed to come out with just one single."

A rumor that was particularly frustrating to Dre was that OutKast turned down an offer to appear on The Oprah Winfrey Show, something Dre says "was totally not true."

"We went to Oprah because we were pumping this 'Idlewild' film and soundtrack,” he added. “They sent her a copy of the movie. But the [film's] release dates kept being pushed back and Oprah's show is dormant during the summertime, so there was no chance for us to do it. Next thing we see on the Internet is, 'Outkast turns down Oprah.' They make it seem like we're jumping on the bandwagon with 50 Cent and Ludacris and some people boycotting, which is totally not the case'"

The Idlewild soundtrack, due in stores three days before the Aug. 25 film release, may unload as the next single "Hollywood Divorce," featuring Snoop Dogg and Lil’ Wayne. Dre says if that track is chosen, you'll see him along with Big Boi in the video.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167134.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

DMX’s new album Year of the Dog ... Again entered the Billboard 200 album chart this week at No. 2, ending a streak of five No. 1 debuts for the artist.

The Sony Urban release sold 126,000 copies, not enough to dethrone the compilation album Now 22 at No. 1, but enough to claim the top spot on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums tally for a sixth time. However, this is the lowest opening week sales tally of DMX's career.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167135.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Swizz Beatz has signed on to produce a new track aimed at promoting peace efforts around the globe. The song is to have its world premiere during the International Day of Peace Concert on Sept. 21.

The famed rap producer, who has collaborated with such artists as Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, Whitney Houston and Beyonce, will shuffle through his Rolodex to assemble multiple acts for the as-yet-untitled project.

"Swizz Beatz is a perfect example of the caliber of artists who will be participating in the International Peace Concert," stated the concert’s producer Rick Garson of Garson Entertainment. "This is a global opportunity for celebrities, musicians and world leaders to reach out and communicate to the rest of world how we can all join together in the road towards peace."

The concert, to be taped for a two-hour television special, will feature live acts on a main stage, and videotaped performances from around the world on a second stage. All proceeds will be donated toward a peace initiative.

For more information on the International Day of Peace Concert please visit www.Internationaldayofpeaceconcert.com.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167136.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Rapper Ja Rule has sued Fred "Nickels" Moore and Nickleplated Inc., claiming Moore and company illegally signed a performance contract of before of Ja Rule. The lawsuit, which was filed in New York County Court, claims that Moore misrepresented himself and signed a performance contract on behalf of Ja Rule for a performance in Korea. Ja Rule, born Jeffrey Atkins, seeks $125,000 in damages.

Sean "Diddy" Combs has teamed with Los Angeles based company The Firm, who will now represent Combs in all areas of entertainment. Manager Jeff Kwatinetz will represent Combs in his music, film, TV and branding efforts in the entertainment business. The Firm, which recently launched a record label backed by EMI, also represents David Banner, Ice Cube, Jermaine Dupri, Korn, Jennifer Lopez, Tyler Hicks, Leonardo DiCaprio and others. The Firm will also help with the release of Combs' latest solo album Press Play, which hits stores Oct. 17.

A Tribe Called Quest will embark on their first tour in six years, as the group will headline dates on the 2nd Annual 2K Sports Bounce Tour. A Tribe Called Quest, which features group members Q-Tip, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Phife Dog, will hit 15 cities during the tour, with stops in Detroit, Los Angeles and Milwaukee. In addition to the tour, the group is features on a remix of their song "Lyrics to Go," on the 'Dan The Automater Presents 2K7 soundtrack. "I'm excited for me and my group to be a part of the 2K Sports Bounce Tour," Phife said. "It's a win-win situation for Tribe because we get to be a part of such a dope game, and we get to reach out and touch our fans in these 15 cities. I couldn't ask for a better opportunity. Also, I'm excited because everyone knows I am a sports nut, so being down with the game and also being a character in the game is crazy to me."

Tour dates for the first leg are:

Sept 1 - Detroit MI Sept 20 - Baltimore MD
Sept 8 - Las Vegas NV Sept 22 - Washington DC
Sept 9 - Berkeley CA Sept 23 - Atlanta GA
Sept 10 - Los Angeles CA Sept 24 - Lake Buena Vista FL
Sept 13 - Denver CO Sept 28 - Atlantic City NJ
Sept 15 - Chicago IL Sept 29 - Worcester MA
Sept 16 - Milwaukee WI Oct 1 - Sayreville NJ
Sept 17 - Toronto ON Oct 5 - TBA, NY

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6011

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Rapper Common and Dead Prez member M1 will appear in a new documentary that traces the history of Hip-Hop in Cuba.

The bilingual film, titled Cuban HipHop: Desde el Principio (From the Beginning), traces the step by step development of Cuban Hip-Hop.

The documentary examines important events such as the first time Cubans heard black pop music of the 70's, the first major Cuban Rap Festival in 1995, censorship issues Cuban rappers have faced and the harsh Cuban reality that has led some Cuban Hip-Hop artists to defect from Cuba in recent years.

The film is the culmination of five years of first-hand investigation by filmmakers Vanessa and Larissa Díaz.

"This documentary is about showing the true history of Cuban Hip-Hop," said Vanessa Diaz, the film's executive producer. "These artists developed a Hip-Hop movement with few resources and we developed a documentary about it with limited funds. I lived with these people, performed with them, and love them like family."

Additionally, the documentary will explain how Cubans learned of hip-hop in spite of a U.S. embargo against Cuba.

Intimate interviews and performances by Cuban Hip-Hop artists Doble Filo, Obsesion, and Anónimo Consejo as well as never-before-seen footage of Common, M1 and political exile Nehanda Abiudun are featured in the film.

Cuban HipHop: Desde el Principio shows how Cuban rap is used to express the views of disenfranchised youth, under Fidel Castro's regime, including the lack of commercial success for artists.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6012

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

After successfully completing 10 months in a Philadelphia women's prison and 30 days of house arrest, which ended Aug. 3, Lil' Kim is back in business and looking for a new record deal.

The rapper's attorney, L. Londell McMillan, said Thursday (Aug. 10) that Kim and her label Atlantic Records are currently "having discussions" about her deal and whether or not she will continue to make music under the company's title.

"We do wish Atlantic would release and simply free Kim," stated McMillan, who also said that he "cannot confirm the details at this time" regarding the possible split from Atlantic.

Lil' Kim released 1996's Hard Core, 2000's Notorious K.I.M., 2003's La Bella Mafia and 2005's The Naked Truth.

The latter three were issued directly through Atlantic.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6013

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Rapper/producer Wyclef Jean is collaborating with multiplatinum Asian pop star Sun on the singer's forthcoming U.S. album.

The duo has been recording at Jean's Platinum Sound Recording Studio in New York and is working on an as yet unnamed single.

Sun describes the track as a feel-good song with lyrics that "tell everyone to get to the dance floor and dance away your problems. Who can't relate to that?"

"There are a few words in the song that may be difficult for most people to understand and with good reason," she said. "They're in my native language Mandarin."

Widely known as Singapore's equivalent to Madonna, Sun has enjoyed success mainly overseas.

The singer's U.S. album follows a string of singles, including international hits "Without Love" and "Ends of the Earth."

"I just love her voice and she is an artist I can really create something for and with," Jean stated about Sun, who expressed similar enthusiasm about working with the Fugees member. "He is fiercely passionate about the music and I hope everyone can catch this feeling as they listen," she said.

"Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Lauryn Hill, Shakira, and Sun--What do they have in common?" said Jean. "They all bring their culture to their music. They say, 'This is who I am and who I represent. You're either gonna ride with me or you're not!'"

Other producers and songwriters contributing to the project include Denise Rich, Donna Summer, Desmond Child, Underdogs, and Diane Warren.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6014

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

The future Mrs. Kanye West is a mystery -- but now she does exist.

The Chicago rapper is engaged to a girlfriend named Alexis, according to People.com. The woman's last name and occupation remain unknown, but she was West's love interest before his October 2002 car accident, according to People.

The 29-year-old rapper-producer popped the question recently while on a two-week overseas vacation. He returned to Chicago as the headliner for last weekend's Lollapalooza festival.

West, a six-time Grammy winner, split from his girlfriend in August 2004, telling Blender magazine later that year that he was single and loving it.

"The thing is," he told Blender, "I always had a girlfriend. Now it's like some property opening up on the beach that no one could get into until now."

The pair reunited after two years apart, according to People.

West found early fame as a producer for Roc-a-Fella Records, where he worked on Jay-Z's 2001 album The Blueprint. He's also produced Chicago rapper Common, Ludacris, Alicia Keys and Janet Jackson.

His near-fatal car crash in 2002 nearly ended his fledgling career. The accident inspired the single "Through the Wire" from his 2004 debut, The College Dropout. West followed up his success with 2005's Late Registration, which won three Grammys.

West has managed to keep his private life his own, although he was dating 24-year-old model Brooke Crittenden as recently as this April.

He's also been romantically linked to American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino and Pamela Anderson.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167162.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Former pop/rap group L.A. Boyz member, Jeff Huang, was indicted this week (Aug. 11) for a three-year-old song with threatening lyrics towards Taiwanese lawmakers

Huang, who was also a member of the rap group Machi, is accused of threatening Taiwan government officials on various songs, in response to a 2003 amendment to change copyright laws that would have limited artists' compensation from legal download sites.

Prosecutors claim Huang threatened 43 legislators, including former Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chiu Yi-ying. Officials say Huang accused the legislators of "murdering the music industry in Taiwan" and "being bribed by website owners."

The lyrics warned legislators to be on alert and implied some might die unexpected deaths. Yi-Ying said Huang insulated her and other lawmakers and threatened her personal safety.

Yi-ying and other officials claim it is inappropriate for a singer to list the names of legislators and criticize them in such a manner.

The new indictment marks the second time legal action has been brought against Huang. The rapper said several lawmakers tried to press charges against him, but were unsuccessful in their attempts.

"[Huang] may have misunderstood, or simply did not understand the background of what we have been doing," Chiu said. "I just need an apology [to drop the lawsuit]. That is all."

Huang refuses to apologize for criticizing Yi-Ying and the other officials.

"I do not understand why I should apologize," Huang told reporters. "If she criticizes my music, I am more than happy to accept it. But she is complaining about the truth, and I will not compromise when it comes to that."

Other musicians are supporting Huang and some fans of the rapper called Yi-ying's office to voice their support, while others allegedly verbally abused Yi-ying's assistants.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6016

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

40/40 Club interior designer Ilan Waisbod filed a lawsuit against the Club’s owner, Shawn “Jay-Z’ Carter, last week, alleging that the rapper reproduced his décor designs for a new 40/40 Club without his permission.

Waisbod’s design, complete with flat-screen televisions, hanging chairs and a Lucite safe to guard the Cognac and other highly-priced spirits, was allegedly used by Jay-Z for a second 40/40 Club in Atlantic City, the New York Post reported.

Jay-Z was working on the plans to open clubs with similar interiors in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Singapore. The re-use of similar designs, the lawsuit
claimed, was a violation of the club's agreement with Waisbod's design firm, Studio Gaia.

Representatives for the rapper were unavailable for comment as of press time.

In related news, Jay-Z’s Rocawear clothing line announced that actress/model Jaime King would become the new face of the line, alongside supermodel Naomi Campbell.

King's next project Sin City 2, is set to premiere in 2007.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6017

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

First it is reported that Kanye is engaged and now Diddy will reportedly be a daddy for the fourth time.

The Bad Boy mogul and his longtime girlfriend/babymama Kim Porter is said to be pregnant with their second child. The two are already parents to 9-year-old Christian, and Diddy has another son, 12-year-old Justin, with ex-girlfriend Misa Hylton Brimm.

According to sources, friends of the couple were tipped during their recent trip to St. Tropez, where Porter refused alcohol and kept going to bed early. Also noticeable were her loose shirts during a photo shoot in Monte Carlo for Diddy’s ad campaign promoting Unforgiveable, his top-selling fragrance.

A marriage proposal could be around the corner.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167234.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

E-40 is set to release a new DVD that will explain the Bay Area’s Hyphy movement, despite criticisms from those that claim to have started the movement charging that he's capitalizing on the art without giving credit where credit is due.

E-40 & The Hype on Hyphy, due Aug. 26 from Reprise, explores the music and dance style of the hyphy phenomenon, described as a “gritty, pounding style” that is a “more uptempo version of Crunk.”

The new DVD features E-40's videos "U And Dat" and "Tell Me When To Go," a behind-the-scenes look at the making of those videos, and The Hype on Hyphy special, which takes viewers inside the movement and features special appearances by Lil Jon, Federation, and B-Legit among others.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167235.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Grown Mo is an artist who has a tremendous amount of versatility in his work. Fans first became familiar with the young South Central rapper when he released his first official mixtape So Serious Vol 1. The twenty track mixtape has generated a strong buzz and today we are proud to bring you two tracks from the mixtape.

For those that are not familiar with Grown Mo's music the best way to describe it is music that covers all angles. Grown Mo who has been dubbed by some as the West Coast Jay Z has been working along side of Bay Area producer Brian "Deep H2OZ" to create a great balanced sound filled with his fierce flows, catchy, creative hooks, and a great musical sound to compliment his style.

Grown Mo is working with talent from the Bay Area and with local talent for a label he has just started called Bonfire Entertainment. With plans to release a follow up So Serious Volume 2 mixtape in August with one of the hottest DJ's on the market Dow Jones and a role next to The Rock in the upcoming Gridiron Gang motion picture Grown Mo is balancing a rising acting career along with his music career and record label.

Grown Mo is an essential figure in the new money cliq movement by working closely with Watts natives the Snowman Cliq, and other new talent from South Central, Long Beach, Compton, Inglewood, and the Bay Area.

For more on his music and updates on his rising acting career make sure to check out www.grownmo.com and Grown Mo's official myspace page at www.myspace.com/grownmo.

For now check out two tracks from his So Serious Vol 1 mixtape. First we have the new west coast track "Dubs Up" and also the catchy "Pat Myself On The Back".

Also, be sure to check out the track "Leanin'" on his MySpace page, you won't be disappointed.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167239.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Legendary rap group EMPD will reunite for their first performance in New York City in eight years this fall.

The group, comprised of Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith, will hit the stage Oct. 14 at BB King Blues Club in Times Square. The event will coincide with activities surrounding VH1's annual Hip-Hop Honors awards show.

As one of the most respected hip-hop groups, EPMD has garnered fans by releasing such critically acclaimed albums like Strictly Business, Unfinished Business, Business As Usual and Business Never Personal.

The group is expected to perform such classics as "It's My Thing," "You Gots To Chill," "So Wat Cha Sayin'," "The Big Payback," "Golddigger," "Rampage," "Crossover" and others.

In related news, Sermon is a featured artist on "Don't Hold Back," the latest single from UK R&B singer Camilla.

The track was produced by UK producers Dial Tone and Silver and is taken from Camilla's upcoming debut album Rise of the Phoenix, which is due in stores later this year.

http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6019

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

OutKast and Gnarls Barkley will face each other in the best group award at U.K.’s Music of Black Origin Awards, to be held Sept. 20 at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Other rappers receiving nominations include UK artist Sway, Busta Rhymes and Kanye West.

Awards for Best UK Female, Best UK Male, Best International Male and Best International Female will all be given out for the first time at the ceremony, to be broadcast live on BBC 3.

Nominations include:

Best Group:
Black Eyed Peas
Gnarls Barkley
OutKast
The Streets
Pussycat Dolls

Best UK Male:
Kano
Lemar
Nate James
Plan B
Sway

Best International Male:
Chris Brown
Jay-Z
Kanye West
Ne Yo
Pharrell Williams

Best UK Newcomer:
Corinne Bailey Rae
Fundamental 03
Lady Sovereign
Plan B
Sound Bwoy

Best Song:
Beyonce feat. Jay-Z - "Déjà vu"
Corinne Bailey Rae - "Put Your Records On"
Gnarls Barkley - "Crazy"
Mary J Blige - "Be Without You"
Ne Yo - "So Sick"

Best Video
Beyonce feat. Jay-Z - "Déjà vu"
Busta Rhymes - "Touch It (remix)"
Chris Brown - "Run It"
Kano - "Brown Eyes"
Roll Deep - "Shake A Leg"

Best Hip-Hop:
Akala
Busta Rhymes
Kano
Kanye West
Sway

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167337.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

B Real is nearing the completion of his first solo studio album, Smoke in Mirrors, according to reports.

"I got about 25 songs in the can right now," the Cypress Hill rapper said. "I'm going to work a little bit longer on it just to make sure I'm satisfied with what I got.”

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167338.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

P.Diddy is in London to promote his new album Press Play, and as usual it appears that the words subtle or humble are not part of his vocabulary.

After arriving Sunday, Combs and his 15-deep entourage were met by a requested $568,000 bulletproof Maybach Benz, which took them to the exclusive Soho Hotel. Upon arriving at his Radio 1 interview Monday, he reportedly scoffed at the polystyrene plates that held his food – a no-no on his rider list. At the city’s MTV studios, he demanded bottles of Grey Goose and checked his reflection in a mirror carried by one of his assistants.

At his $95,000 album release party in the Duchess Palace, he supported Jay-Z and banned all Cristal from the premises.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167339.html

Lakerfan 4 Life · Franchise Player Joined: 16 Apr 2001 Posts: 16169

Snoop Dogg will make a cameo appearance in the current season of Showtime’s Weeds, which had its second-season premiere on Monday at 10 p.m.

The rapper, playing himself, taped an episode in which he buys a particularly potent brand of marijuana from drug dealing soccer mom Nancy Botwin. The weed is so on point that Snoop is moved to record a song about it.

http://www.streethop.com/forum/article167340.html