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Hip Hop Album Sales: Pharoahe Monch

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Pharoahe Monch nearly sells 10,000 units, while Gucci Mane's Master P-featuring mixtape scores a Top 20 debut, and Chris Brown shatters the charts.
R&B/Pop took over the charts this week. Jive Records superstar Chris Brown's F.A.M.E. entered at #1. The work features emcees such as Ludacris, Lil Wayne and Young Money's Tyga. Brown beat out #2, Jennifer Hudson, by over 100,000 units sold.
Bobby V (f/k/a Bobby Valentino), a onetime member of Ludacris' DTP Records, released his Fly On The Wall album. The EMI Records-backed project features G-Unit's 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks, as well as another EMI Hip Hop label-mate in Twista.
Lupe Fiasco still held a Top 10 position. The Chicago, Illinois emcee may have had his share of disagreements with Atlantic Records over the content and direction of his third album, Lasers, however the work is fast approaching 300,000 units sold. Lupe's album features label-mate Trey Songz and longtime 1st & 15th singer Sarah Green.
For the first week, Floetry alum Marsha Ambrosious' long-delayed solo debut slipped out of Top 10 rankings. The songstress is widely known in Hip Hop for her tenure as an artist at Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment, as well as her feature work with Game, Slum Village and Busta Rhymes. Meanwhile, staying comfortably at #17 for another week, Rihanna's Loud  pushes well past platinum.

Lauryn Hill Issues An Apology To Fans And Quotes Nicki Minaj!

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Lauryn Hill has finally released a formal apology to her fans! The singer wrote an open letter to all her fans in Atlanta, Georgia, apologizing for making them wait for HOURS to watch her perform back in January. On top of that, there were numerous technical difficulties and her performance was less than stellar. Her statement said, “I had to come back. I’M HERE and excited for the opportunity to do what should have been done the last time. Starting off on the wrong foot can always be easily rectified by putting another foot down, especially in a ‘monster shoe’ (Nicki Minaj quotable). Come Again! Ms. Hill (Part Deux)” Along with her apology Hill has agreed to put on a FREE concert at Atlanta’s Center Stage venue tomorrow night.


SNOOP DOGG CRITICISED OVER ENERGY DRINK

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SNOOP DOGG has come under fire for promoting an alcoholic energy drink from campaigners who allege the brand will promote underage boozing. The rapper is the face of Blast by Colt 45 and he has filmed a promotion video to boost the brand ahead of its launch in the U.S. next month (Apr11). Activists have taken aim at the drink’s manufacturers, the Pabst Brewing Company, over the can’s colourful packaging and fruity flavours, which include grape and strawberry lemonade, alleging the beverage will appeal to underage drinkers.
And now they are targeting Snoop Dogg for his involvement with the drink, which boasts a 12 per cent alcohol content.
Hip-hop activist, Minister Paul Scott, tells AllHipHop, "It’s called Colt 45 Blast because they are trying to blast the minds of our young people. Snoop Dogg of all people you should know what alcohol has done to all oppressed communities... when you put a Colt 45 to your mouth (to drink), you are really putting a Colt 45 to your brain." New York City Councillor Robert Jackson has called for Blast to be banned in the Big Apple, and his aide Martin Collins is adamant Blast by Colt 45 will be harmful for youngsters : "In the short term, a drink like this masks and shrouds the effects of alcohol. That’s dangerous for our young people." Pabst representative Jon Sayer has hit back at the claims, telling Reuters, "Blast is only meant to be consumed by those above legal drinking age and does not contain caffeine."

Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa Drop New Song, 'The Weed Iz Mine'

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Wiz Khalifa and his herbal advisor, Snoop Dogg, continue their string of successful collaborations with a new song, entitled 'The Weed Iz Mine,' from their upcoming film, 'High School.'

An ode to the marijuana-friendly MCs' mutual passions, 'The Weed Iz Mine' is at once an homage to their favorite herb and a reference to Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney's 'The Girl is Mine,' proving yet again that Snoop and Wiz have good chemistry.

"I wake up early in the morning and it feels so good/ Smoking on some s--- that you wish you could," Snoop begins, smooth-as-ever over the funky synth-infused beat. "Jealousy, envy, please don't feel bad/ This weed is mine, get your own bag."

The song will also appear on Snoop's new album, 'Doggumentary,' which is scheduled to hit shelves on March 29, the same day as Wiz Khalifa's highly anticipated 'Rolling Papers.' The two rappers have already appeared on several songs together in the past year, including 'That Good' and the official 'G-Mix,' a remix to Wiz's breakout hit 'Black and Yellow.'

Snoop and Wiz announced that they would be collaborating on the 'High School' film last year, and have since revealed that they will begin shooting in May.

"We decided to go ahead and say, 'You know what? Let's do a movie and a soundtrack and just become, you know, bosom buddies and do what we do 'cause we love what we do and we love each other and at the same time we know what the people want," Snoop said, in an interview about the film.

"The people want to see the two generations come together where hip-hop ain't about old school and new school," he continued. "It's just about good music and making good moves and putting something out there that's classic where people can respect it and say, 'Yeah, so now, this was some gangsta s--- that really made hip-hop gradually grow to another level."

'High School' will be Wiz's first appearance on film, while Snoop has a long history on the silver screen, with appearances in 'Baby Boy,' 'Training Day,' 'Starsky & Hutch' and many more.

Ludacris Joins All-Star Cast Of New Movie 'New Year's Eve'

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Ludacris has been tapped to star in a new comedy movie slated for release later this year titled "New Year's Eve."

The rapper will star in the movie with a number of popular actors, including Robert DeNiro, Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Michelle Pfeiffer and others.

According to Variety, "New Year's Eve" follows the intertwining stories of various characters as they prepare to celebrate New Year's Eve holiday in New York.

Ludacris has been tapped to play a police officer in the new comedy, which is being directed by Garry Marshall, who has directed flicks like "The Flamingo Kid," "Runaway Bride" and "The Princess Diaries. "

New Line Cinema is planning to release "New Year's Eve" on December 9th.

G-Unit and 50 Cent File $11.5 Million Claims Against Young Buck

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G-Unit and 50 Cent have filed claims that total $11.5 million dollars as Young Buck tries to restore his career and financial stability. 

Young Buck is eyeing 14 claims filed against him in his ongoing bankruptcy proceedings and those claims have reached a total of $11.5 million. G-Unit has filed a $10 million claim in the event of a breach of contract, while 50 Cent has filed a $171,000 claim for a loan of $300,000 in 2005.
Joyce notes that some of the Tennessean emcee's financial issues have come from a deal signed with G-Unit, a deal that she says was unfair. Joyce adds that G-Unit managed Buck as an artist and that this didn't allow him to conduct business appropriately, particularly after Buck's longstanding differences with 50 Cent.
"One of the biggest problems with Buck's situation is not only that it's so complex, but also that he didn't understand it," she said in an interview with The Tennessean. "The money went in and the money went out and Buck's universe of knowledge about his financial state is a balance on an ATM receipt. … Buck never knew at one point, at several points, that he was a millionaire."
Recently, Joyce, who has worked without pay, requested a $500,000 budget for a new Young Buck album through G-Unit. Joyce adds that they are looking for a way to get the project released, though his records on the label have been on ice. If they don't release the album, Joyce is asking for G-Unit to release YB from his contract.
This comes after other bad news surrounding Young Buck this month. Although currently out on bail, Buck was recently arrested on a federal gun charge. In the interview, Joyce says that she will continue to support Buck on the road to recovery from financial and legal troubles. 

Queen Ifrica .

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Queen Ifrica (born Ventrice Morgan, March 25, 1975) is the daughter of the ska and rocksteady legend Derrick Morgan, but was raised by her mother and stepfather in a Rastafarian community in Montego Bay. She kick-started her career in the 90s having caught the attention of vocalist, producer and Rebel Salute festival founder Tony Rebel and is now one of Jamaica’s brightest stars. Angus Taylor spoke to her in the United States about her life and her mature sounding second album for VP, named after the place from which she hails.
It’s been a very successful time for female singers lately – are the ladies taking over?
(LAUGHS) I wouldn’t say taking over because I would not want to take over personally! I think there’s more recognition and I’m happy to be one of those sisters that can say, “I stood the ground” to make these little sisters have the courage and help encourage them along. The first time it wasn’t like that. It wasn’t as easy for women to be recognised. But I think that for anyone to be recognised, male or female, you have to have that determination, that focus as to what you really want, and then most naturally you’ll get the attention that you really want.
Tell us about your new album Montego Bay.
It’s going to be done for VP records. It’s going to have 12 or 13 tracks. It’s got a whole lot of message, there’s also fun, there’s a little about love from a relationship point of view. And it’s just Queen Ifrica presenting herself once more in the form of this beautiful project.
How do you feel it compares to your previous album Fyah Muma? Does it represent a progression?
Yes I would say so. Fyah Muma is very much loved and appreciated, henceforth the reasons for Montego Bay. Because that’s where Fyah Muma, Queen Ifrica is from you know? So it’s Fyah Muma from Montego Bay, so it’s like a continuation.
What was life like growing up in that part of Jamaica?
Well I was not raised in the resort area [of Montego Bay]. I was raised in somewhat of an outskirts community called Belmont. And it was up in the hills, among birds, so it wasn’t really an attraction. But we were all involved in the communities of Montego Bay. We were always in town. So we know where the attractions are and we know where the locals hang out and stuff like that. So we were very much educated as to the runnings of Montego.
And who were your favourite singers and deejays when growing up?
My favourite singers and deejays would have been… Tony Rebel, Garnet Silk, Anthony B, Luciano. Those cultural acts that were coming up in the nineties. And Capleton, Sizzla. Those early songs that they came out with were very much appreciated by the Rastafarian community that I was a part of. So it was natural to gravitate to these type of artists that were coming with a conscious message.
And what first inspired you to make music yourself?
I was chosen to do music. I must say so. I was always forced into doing it. Forced in the sense of my friends. [They] Would always encourage me to take it seriously because they recognised that I have a voice that sound beautiful when I sing you know? So they were always encouraging me. But it was when I met Tony Rebel at a stage show in Montego Bay that was commemorating the death of Garnett Silk. I went on stage and sang one of Garnett Silk’s songs and I was introduced after to Tony Rebel by one individual who was at the company at the time. And it was his telling me how much I reminded him of Garnett Silk that really brought it home to me because Garnett Silk was like my overall favourite artist when I heard him you know? To hear him speak that way, to compare me with Garnett and the whole energy. And he invited me to Flames and that’s where I’ve been ever since. So I found my niche you know?
Are you primarily a singer or deejay?
I was always known to be singing. Deejay came about as an accident really. Not a bad accident! (LAUGHS) No one died! But I did a song when Rebel did Just Friends. We did a version of it, myself and Lady G. And so it was when he took me to England for the first time and I was supposed to perform the song without Lady G that I ended up having to deejay Lady G’s part of the song. The response of the crowd was… overwhelming! Because they were so shocked when they heard me deejay. And that’s where the whole deejay thing was born. But most of the songs I recorded in the early stages for Flames and for other producers were singing songs. But both of them came naturally and so they have now become an item! (LAUGHS)
You chose to work with a variety of different producers this time. How did you decide which tracks to include?
It became based upon the energy that you get from the tracks themselves. We wanted to make sure that all the tracks were good to listen to and the rhythms makes a difference too. Because when you are writing and there’s a connection with the lyrics and the rhythm it makes it better to understand the song and to understand the rhythm itself as it tells a different message. All so that brings it to one you know? So it depends on the energy you are getting at that moment from the rhythms so when you put all these songs together you hear the sequence in which they come together: whether it’s the topics or the way the rhythms are flowing. It’s a contrast and when you get the contrast correct then the finished product is what you have there.
The rhythms you use are a mix of one drop, Rasta drumming and dancehall styles. Do you feel happy with any style of track? Is there a favourite type of rhythm you like to work with?
There’s no particular favourite. I just did a combination with Bobby Sinclair from Europe. He’s a house musician. That’s beautiful because that’s a whole other genre of music right there. My thing is, the rhythm is what accommodates the message you’re trying to send. They both work together. So my focus is on the lyrics that go around these rhythms, not so much the rhythm. Because the rhythms is spirituality, likewise the words, so when you match it equally then you get something that’s overwhelming and beautiful. So the rhythms are what we need whatever rhythm it is, and then the lyrics we put around it is what makes the difference.
Now let’s talk about some of the songs on the album. You choose a very cultural track to be the first song on the album. Tribute To The Pitfour Nyabinghi Centre. Tell us about this decision.
Yes. Montego Bay is the title of the album, Montego Bay is where I grew up, and my Rastafarian roots is there. Nyabinghi Pitfour Centre is where all my knowledge of Rastafari grew you know? That’s the foundation. So I thought it would be fitting to do a tribute to that part of my life that is responsible for my consciousness.
In the song Montego Bay you talk about life in a place most non Jamaicans know as a beach paradise. What’s the most important thing people outside Jamaica should know about Montego Bay?
Montego Bay is the friendly city. It’s known that way because of the hospitality of the locals. The people who are in the craft markets. The people who are in the poorer communities. When you get to know these people then you understand that the separation is not necessary. Because it’s the tourists getting an opportunity getting an opportunity to mingle with the locals and understand their way of living. And also by spending with these people they are helping to increase growth in the communities. When you lock us away you are locking away opportunities from the people who really need it. And the people who can afford it, they just continue to get more while the ones that need it don’t get enough. So it’s just to say, give the tourists a chance to meet and greet with the locals and to support them also. And then you make your decision based on the reaction of everybody to that type of situation.
Lioness On The Rise is a very empowering tune. Lyrically and spiritually it reminds me of the Wailers’ Small Axe.
Yes!
What was the inspiration behind that song?
It’s about women empowerment without being sexist. A lot of times we tend to empower woman by saying the day will come when woman will take over from men or woman will be equal to men. It’s more saying strength of self. It is a regular woman on an everyday quest of life. Acknowledging the fact that she can still contribute in another way to society. Not just by being an everyday mom but by giving back to her community in every little way she thinks possible that she can. Whatever it is, whether you a corporate, housewife, or outlaw. Whatever type of woman you find yourself to be there is strength in each and every individual and it’s about recognising that and moving towards it without saying that you are less or more than man per se, you know?
Another song where your principles come across is Keep It To Yourself, where you say you don’t want fish in your ital dish. Do you believe everyone should be vegetarian?
(BIG LAUGH) Because of the health implications and facts that come with it, it would be nice, you know? If you look around you see a lot of mercury and lead and all these things that are polluting the sea these days. But as I say, it is Haile Selassie that we worship so that religion is personal. At the end of the day, it’s what an individual wants to do for themselves… (PAUSES)
It’s up to the individual.
That’s right. And if you notice I tend to personalise a lot of my songs by using “me” and “I”. Because at the end of the day it begins with you the individual, what it is that YOU want. It’s not about dictating, it’s about sharing what I do with then hope that you understand. And if you don’t understand we could have a conversation.
In the song Calling Africa there is a recording of a call I’ve heard in Touareg/Kel Tamashek music. Can you tell me a bit about this sound?
When I was doing this song I had the rhythm first. And while I was listening to the rhythm I was hearing that kind of sound coming out of it so that’s how I wrote the song. When I was about to record the song I told [Tony] Rebel that I wanted to get the cry sound that I always hear people who have travelled to Africa associate with Africa. In Jamaica you have a sister called Andrea Williams who does a programme called Running African. And every morning when she comes on you will have that cry sound which is known as “the sound of the ancestors” to bring forth a message of strength and awareness. So I called Andrea Williams and told her that I wanted somebody who could do that cry sound as the intro of this particular song. She introduced me to a sister from Africa who came in from Ocho Rios and she came into the studio and actually did it. What you are hearing is not a sample, she did it live. And it was so beautiful to watch her go through that! It was such a wonderful thing to see her hold it in one breath! It was very nice because at the end of the day that’s what I really wanted.
You’ve also chosen to include your big hit Daddy, which is about incest. Are you pleased with the impact the song has had?
I am definitely pleased at the impact for many reasons. And most important is the fact that many people, especially young, helpless people whom would not normally have the courage to say to somebody that this is happening to them have now gotten that chance and acted upon it. And that is enough for me. I wrote the song specifically because I knew the reaction I would get. And therefore there is no incite of violence in it. There’s no implications of anyone in particular. I’m just saying it like it is, the way it happens, and when I was writing it, the mother or the father who knew they had done stuff like this, I wanted them to have a reality check. When they heard it I wanted them to have a shock of conscience, of something going through their bodies. I’ve heard stories of it actually taking place and I’ve seen it in action for myself personally in the form of an individual that is around us that we are aware of that does that kind of stuff. And in the society that we are in it’s hard to say because people are afraid that they might want to come and kill you or might try to harm you if they know that you talked. And so these are some of the reasons [why] this individual, when he heard it for the first time, he came back and when we saw him the following day his eyes were so swollen from crying. We could see that he was crying all night. And nobody said anything to him. He had just heard the song. Those are physical ways in which the song has done its work and it is still doing its work. And I am so happy that I took it upon myself to become that martyr to bring that to light for the many who did not think it would be happening any time soon.
And was it a specific case of abuse or many cases that inspired the song?
It was many cases and also specifical cases of people that we know close to us who have experienced [it]. We know people who have committed suicide. Growing up carrying around this thing and they couldn’t carry it any more. They’ve gone through school, university, graduated and just committed suicide you know? To me there has to be more that’s done to help these kind of people because it really does affect psychologically a lot of their brains and the way they do stuff. My thing is, looking into society it’s as though we blame young people for behaving the way they behave but we don’t really look at what is causing them to behave in these kind of ways. And so it’s unfair to point a finger at a child who might be going through abuse in her surroundings or his surroundings. So my thing is to look at the thing that is causing the problem as opposed to pointing at the problem, each time we get a chance.
You have also voiced old on old roots rhythms like Movie Star and Satta. How important is it to keep a link with the past?
It’s very important because it’s what determines how the present play out itself you know? As we are in the present now, we are creating a past and so we have to be conscious of how go about our everyday life and how we appreciate what was there before. You’ve [not?] got a lot of that anymore in the industry where young artists like myself really appreciate what their elders did and the love they put in too. Because the reason why these rhythms can’t go away is because of the love that was placed in them. You’ve got a lot people giving of themselves when these rhythms were being built and so it carries on to now. I am actually privileged to be one of those kind of artists who gets to lend my voice to those kind of rhythms that I know was done for the real love of the music. So it’s definitely a pleasure.
You’ve probably been asked about this many times but do you hear any similarity between your own music and that of your father?
Yes I think so. He is very strong in his vocals and he has done a little prerogative music in his taste too, in some of the lyrics he has done. I definitely see he can sing and he can deejay. He can a do kind of like a point thing with his voice also. So I guess I draw a lot from that.
Who out of family friends and mentors has been the biggest inspiration in your music career?
In my family I’d definitely say it has to be my mom. She’s passionate about music. When you hear her sing so beautifully it’s not funny. And it’s like when she sees me now she sees herself when she was coming up in music. And from time to time I invite her on stage to sing because she loves to do that. So she is the greatest inspiration where music is concerned.
What advice do you have for any of your fans who wants to follow your path into music?
Be very self-conscious. Be aware. Know why you want to come into it. The talent that you get is a gift from the almighty and what you do with it is your gift back to him. So make up your mind as to what you want. Do you want to have morals or do you want to have a lot of money? Because you can have morals and a lot of money, it depends on how you go about it. But if you have a lot of money and no morals then something is wrong there. So you have to think hard, figure out your surroundings. The people that have your interests, who are not about hustling, who are there to show you the ins and outs, the ups and downs, all the obstacles you have to face, making you realise immediately that it is not a bed of roses. It’s hard work. It’s dedication. It’s what you put in and get out. It’s not a quick fix. You have to be willing to go all the way.
Interview by Angus Taylor

Ja Rule Pleads Guilty, This Time for Tax Evasion

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As if he wasn't already in the dog house -- and, in fact, headed to the jailhouse this summer -- Ja Rule pleaded guilty to tax evasion on Tuesday, promising Uncle Sam that he would pay up, to the tune of $1.1 million dollars, for moneys earned between 2004 and 2008.

According to Reuters, Ja Rule faces three counts of failing to file a tax return and is scheduled to appear for sentencing on June 13. If convicted, he could serve as much as one year of jail time for each count.

Ja Rule is already headed to the slammer on June 8 -- one day after dropping his new album 'The Renaissance Project' -- for a conviction on a criminal weapons charge. Which means, he's got a lot of living to do between now and then... lawful living, that is.

Canibus Responds To DJ Premier's Reports Of A 1998 Disagreement Over A Track

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Canibus gives his side of the story with regard to collaborating with 'Preme in the "Can-I-Bus" era.
The internet was abuzz yesterday when DJ Premier revealed that Canibus was one of his most difficult clients to work with. In the interview, Preme explained how a track originally intended for 'Bis became D'Angelo's smash hit, "Devil's Pie."
In response, Canibus released "Tell the Truth/Monster (DJ Premier Diss)," a track giving his side of the story.
In between verses, Canibus quietly speaks on the situation, saying, "Check this out: it ain't never right to lie on a brother. Tell the truth. If it got something to do with me and you, and you gonna air it out to the world...I came up to the studio to discuss the track, how we was supposed to do it, you told me you was getting [$80,000] a track from Christina Aguilera...you was cheesin'."
The timeline of the comments - Premier didn't produce tracks for Christina Aguilera until 2006 - seems to be off, as "Devil's Pie" was released in 2000.
'Bis continued, adding, "You charged me 40 gs for the track you was gonna do, [we] cut you the check, sent you the first half, scheduled studio time, came up to D&D [Studios]...first day you was an hour late; second day, you was two hours late; third day, you was three hours late; fourth day, you was four hours late. C'mon, man. Tell the truth."
"When I stepped to you and asked you, 'C'mon, man, you gonna be five hours late tomorrow?' You said, 'Yo, my bad, 'Bis. I had to move my mother out her house.' I said, 'Aiight, just call, let me know that you're busy, so I don't have to wait for you...' I had shit to do. Everybody got shit to do around five o'clock in the evening."

Wyclef Jean Shot In Haiti, Recovering

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An unlikely emcee was the victim of gun-violence this weekend.
Emcee-turned political figure Wyclef Jean was shot in his native island of Haiti yesterday. Former Fugees band-mate Pras confirmed that the Rap artist was shot in the hand on March 19, but is recovering physically.
Yes they shot Wyclef and he's in the hospital and he'll be fine. They just shot his hand
The details of the shooting are still releasing. In  2010, the Columbia Records star emcee made preparations to run for President of Haiti, before being denied due to the eligibility requirements.
more updates to come.

Nate Dogg's Attorney Confirms Cause Of Death, Releases Statement

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ark Geragos, Nate Dogg's Attorney, confirms that Nate died due to complications from multiple strokes and also expresses gratitude for the condolences from fans.
After soul crooner Nate Dogg passed away Wednesday, his attorney, Mark Geragos, confirmed that the original 213 member and frequent Death Row Records collaborator died from complications from multiple strokes. Nate suffered at least two strokes in 10 months, which left him partially paralyzed; the first one reportedly happened between December 2007 and January of 2008. Geragos confirmed that Nate was making significant progress having fully recovered his memory.

In September of 2010, Warren G gave fans an update saying Nate Dogg was undergoing therapy and fully alert and aware. As such, Wednesday’s news came as a shock, causing an outpouring of sympathy and condolences for Nate and his family. Nate Dogg’s close friend and manager, Rod McGrew, issued a statement to all the well-wishers.

“We appreciate the enormous outpouring of response from all over the world. We greatly appreciate that and thank everyone for their prayers and support. We know that Nate will be hanging out with his good friends 2Pac and Biggie.”

Game has released a tribute track to Nate Dogg called 'All Doggs Go To Heaven'

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The rapper has wasted no time in preparing a musical dedication to the singer, with his track surfacing on the internet just 48 hours after the passing of Nate aged 41 at his home in Long Beach, California on Tuesday (15.03.11).

The track features a sample from 'Diamonds Are Forever'- the theme song to the film of the same name - and uses many samples of hooks sung by Nate on various hip hop tracks.

It opens with a reference to a 40 Oz bottle of beer, with Game saying the line: "Today I'm drinking a 40 Oz, another good n****r lost in the wind. Yo, Nate."

Game later raps the lines: "He was just 41 so I'm just gonna get high and just drink until this 40 done / but I really want to cry / s**t I really wonder why the good n*****s got to die / If we living under god maybe he's living in the sky / and I couldn't bring him back if I tried."

Nate had worked extensively with producer Dr. Dre and was a close friend of other Los Angeles hip hop artists including Game and Snoop Dogg, who he had grown up with.

Upon hearing the news of his passing, Game - formerly known as The Game - said: "We lost a great peer in the business. I will always remember the time I spent in the studio with him. He was very encouraging and professional. I will miss his voice, presence and advice. He's a part of hip-hop's rich history. My heart and condolences goes out to his family ."

The cause of Nate's death is yet to be released, but it is believed to have been as a result of medical complications. Nate had suffered two strokes, in 2007 and 2008.

Solange Raises Money for Water Crisis Through Song

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Solange Knowles is using her vocal skills to put money towards a good cause. The Texan songstress has teamed with Grizzly Bear's Chris Taylor and Twin Shadow to craft a new tune aimed at raising funds to help the global water crisis in Africa.

'Kenya,' a track with a tribal feel, was created to raise money and awareness around the lack of water access and sanitation as part of The Replenish Africa Initiative (RAIN) founded by The Coca Cola Africa Foundation. The foundation brings together business, local government and committed individuals to tackle the increasing water problem.

The 'Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams' creator recorded the song with an accompanying video, which shows the three acts in the studio, as well as images of the people affected by the African water crisis.

BREAKING: Nate Dogg Passes Away At 41

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According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, west coast singer Nate Dogg, has passed away. Best known for his baritone G-funk style, Nate Dogg (born Nathaniel Dwayne Hale) on hits such as "Area Code" and "Next Episode," the singer was announced dead by his family late Tuesday. 
Dogg Pound member and often-Nate Dogg collaborate Daz Dillenger first tweeted the passing of the Hip-Hop singer at 1:09AM today.
Another tweet by DJ Pooh followed.
Although the cause of death is still unknown, it was reported that Nate Dogg suffered strokes in both 2007 and 2008. 
VIBE send it's condolences to Hale's family. More as this story develops.

Prodigy Clarifies Jay-Z Illuminati Blog Comments, Writing Poetry

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In his first post-prison interview, Prodigy clarifies some comments he made about Jay-Z and says that he's been writing poetry.
Before shook ones knew them as Mobb Deep, Queensbridge's Havoc and Prodigy used to go by the name the Poetical Prophets. Now, in his first interview since his release from prison, it looks like Prodigy has taken his group's former name to heart. P sat down with The Source and explained how he spent a good portion of his time writing poetry.
"I tried my hand with some poetry," said P. "Just different writing-type stuff, sending stuff home to my wife to see how she likes it because she likes a lot of poetry, so I tried my hand at that a little bit.
Prodigy also explained some of his ill feelings towards former adversary Jay-Z. Although P has said that Hov "sided with evil," he doesn't believe that Jay is a member of the Illuminati. He clarified that his issues with the Roc Nation head honcho stem from some of his business decisions over the years.
"Some of that stuff people may have got twisted a little bit," he said. "I definitely don't think Jay-Z's is in the Illuminati. I don't know how that got out there. I definitely said some things about his choices that were questionable to me. But as far as Jay-Z in the Illuminati...that's just speculation and I don't really deal with too much of that. But I was just going off of the things that I see that's happening in the industry as far as just the choices that people make."
The full interview can be seen below.

Bob Marley will be paid tribute to at this year's One Love Peace Festival

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Ky-Mani Marley ' the son of the legendary reggae artist ' will be joined by artists including Busta Rhymes, Shaggy and Sean Paul to mark 30 years since the anniversary of the singer's untimely death in 1981 at the age of just 36.

The all-day event, which is to be held at London's Wembley Arena on July 31, will "pay homage" to the musical legacy of the 'No Woman, No Cry' hitmaker with a whole host of Bob Marley-themed sets.

Ky-Mani said: "I feel blessed to be part of The One Love Peace Festival. It is with great pride that I will pay homage to my father, Bob Marley, with some of his best-loved songs. The festival's message of peace is a noble cause that I hold very dear to my heart and one that my father would have applauded.

"It is in giving truthfully of oneself, selflessly to benefit others that the soul finds satisfaction and great delight. London I'm coming to give you all that I've got with my music...past to present...it is my Destiny.

'The festival will be unforgettable to all of us who are present... Mystical proportions. 30 years after my father's passing and his legacy still lives on. One Love."

Meanwhile, 'Touch It' rapper Busta Rhymes admitted he is "dying" to return to the UK to perform for the first time in three years.

He explained: "I can't wait to get back to the UK! It's been three years since I last performed here so I'm dying to tear the roof off Wembley Arena at The One Love Peace Festival with some old school joints and brand new bangers.

"When I'm done, you're gonna remember it for a long time to come. Get ready because it's about to go down!"

Read  more information, visit www.originalonelove.com.

Guru Celebrated With T-Shirt Line to Benefit His Son

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With nearly a year since the passing of legendary Gang Starr MC Guru, his family has just announced that it's creating a new t-shirt line and subsequent benefit to raise money in support of the rapper's son. Family members have inked a partnership with streetwear brand X Label for the shirts, of which there are two designs thus far.

The first, a white tee that retails for $26, features art reminiscent of a painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Guru's image is designed in a way that mimics a photocopy and he's surrounded by early hip-hop graffiti scrawls and the phrase "straight from Brooklyn NYC." Another, a black tee, lists the stage names and alter-egos used by Guru through his 25-year tenure as a rapper. These include MC Keithy E and Ill Kid.

Hip-Hop DX reports that all proceeds from the line will go directly to Guru's son K.C. This is the first in a series of tributes and releases that will honor the rapper at the one-year anniversary of his untimely death from cancer at the age of 43.

Of course, the new effort that will interest most fans will be a series of unreleased songs from DJ Premier -- Guru's longtime partner in Gang Starr. According to The Examiner, Premier says he has at least five unreleased songs by the group that are ready for public ears.


Lil' Kim Says Tupac and Notorious B.I.G.'s Murders are "Bigger Than Suge Knight"

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Today marks the fourteenth anniversary of the tragic shooting of the Notorious B.I.G., and the occasion is even more bittersweet for his friends, family and fans as recent reports implicate the LAPD in a cover-up of potentially revealing evidence in his case. Now, one of Biggie's proteges and closest collaborators Lil' Kim took the occasion to speak on the loss of her Bad Boy teammate and friend.
During an interview with Power 93.5 FM's Lady T earlier, the Queen Bee explained that she discounts the rumors that link Death Row CEO Suge Knight to her Junior M.A.F.I.A. partner and his rival Tupac Shakur 1997 murders. She believes that the culprit is the government, who she say viewed both artists as a threat to their established power structure.
"I always felt like Biggie and Tupac's deaths were bigger than how they tried to make it out to believe it to be," she said. "It's bigger than Suge Knight being involved. I think it was even over his head. Them two were very powerful guys. They both could have ran for mayor just like Arnold Schwarzenegger and probably won. You know, I think the government was looking at it like, 'We could not have these two hood dudes with this much power running for mayor and something like that and winning.' They would have lost control I think. I think it was way deeper than what people would like to believe it to be. I can't say whether this person is involved, or that person is involved...I don't know. I do know that it's deeper than people would like to believe it to be."
Kim's full interview can be heard below.

Ja Rule to be jailed for two years

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Ja Rule will be jailed for two years in June.

The rapper was today (08.03.11) told by a New York judge he will begin his sentence for attempted criminal possession of a loaded gun on June 8.

The 'Always on Time' hitmaker had earlier pleaded guilty in the case and agreed to the sentence - which he later called a 'minor setback for a major comeback' on twitter - in December last year.

Rule ' real name Jeffrey Atkins - was arrested on July 22 in 2007 after officers found a loaded semi-automatic handgun in the rear door of his car as he left a concert in New York. They had originally pulled him over for speeding.

Judge Justice Richard Carruthers moved the jail sentence start to June rather than this month which gives Rule time to set right an issue he has with tax, and also finish his latest album, 'The Renaissance Project'
His lawyer, Stacey Richman, told the New York Post newspaper: 'We want to finish the album, and there's also a tax issue.

'Somebody, an accountant, had filed an incorrect form, and this is to correct what was done in the past.'

Rapper Lil Wayne was also arrested for weapons charges on the same night as Rule, and has since served eight months in a New York prison.

Beanie Sigel, Philly Radio Station Sued Over 2009 Shooting

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Philly rapper Beanie Sigel and a Philadelphia nightclub are among the defendants in a new lawsuit filed by a New Jersey resident who was shot at a party for the rapper.

Tyheem Baker is suing Beanie Sigel, Clear Channel and local Philly radio station, WUSL Power 99 FM over the shooting, which occurred at Club Solo in 2009.

According to the lawsuit, which was filed in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County, Baker was invited to the "Beanie Sigel & Friends Birthday Celebration" at Club Solo.

On March 7th, 2009, Baker was shot in the chest outside of the restrooms of Club Solo, leaving him with fractured ribs, and bullet fragments in his lungs.

The lawsuit claims Baker was shot as a direct result of the "joint and concurrent negligent, reckless, intentional, willful and wanton conduct of the defendants."

Baker claims Club Solo should have known that unknown individual who shot him should have never been admitted into the club with a gun and claims several other violent altercations took place inside the venue.

Tyheem Baker is seeking $50,000 from the defendants, in addition to medical bills and money for pain and suffering.

Nashville Rapper Facing Federal Charges

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Young Buck Charged With Being Convicted Felon In Possession Of Firearm, Ammunition



A notorious rapper from Nashville is in trouble again. Young Buck, whose real name is David Darnell Brown, is facing federal charges for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.Channel 4 was the only station in federal court Monday afternoon when the rapper was brought in in handcuffs to appear before the judge. As the indictment spells out, these latest charges could mean ten years in prison.He's the only rapper from Nashville to sell more than a million records. At Christmas 2009, Young Buck said “it just feels good to be able to be a helping hand to these families.”Through his Toys for Joy Express program, Young Buck gave more than 300 Nashville children and their families toys, household goods and clothes for Christmas.But lately the rapper has been in financial and now legal trouble. He's now facing federal charges. According to an indictment unsealed Monday, he's charged with being a convicted felon in possession of a .40-caliber pistol and ammunition.Federal authorities say all this happened on or about Aug. 3.And that was about the same time federal agents raided his Hendersonville home. Records that Channel 4 obtained showed that the 29-year-old owed roughly $300,000 in taxes dating back to 2006.A few months later, the rapper sued the Internal Revenue Service, saying the government's response to his tax problems hurt his ability to make money and pay off his debts.Last year, he also filed for bankruptcy and sued his former manager and rapper 50 Cent over a contract dispute that prevented Young Buck from releasing a new album.Outside federal court Monday, Young Buck, nor his manager, commented on the latest charges.But inside court, Brown pleaded not guilty, and his attorney said these charges came as a surprise to both he and his client. Brown is out on bond, but according to the terms of his release, he must surrender his passport. However, Young Buck is supposed to perform in Canada soon.So the judge is allowing the rapper to post $100,000 bond by Friday and then he'll get his passport back.In 2004, Young Buck was charged and convicted of stabbing a man at the Vibe Awards in California and with that conviction, he can no longer carry a gun or ammunition.

Chris Rock Shares Sentiments About Kanye West's 'Blame Game'

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The prolific comedian says he sometimes appreciates music features more than he does movie scripts.
Kanye West's fifth studio album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy saw its fair share of out-of-genre musical features including indie band Bon Iver, Black Eyed Peas' first lady Fergie, and the legendary Elton John. One appearance, however, came as an unexpected surprise. Comedian Chris Rock joined 'Ye and John Legend on the eight-minute track "Blame Game," and didn't even sing a note.

"I did that quicker than I read scripts that they offer me money to do," Rock told The New York Times of the nearly 2 and a half-minute skit weaved into the song. "I thank [Kanye] so much it probably freaks him out. Especially at this late date, to get on something, the album of the moment, that stuff is priceless. You can't put a price tag on that."

'Ye joins a list of artists who've reached out to Rock to make cameos on selected works. Ludacris' "Everybody Hates Chris" appropriately featured Rock, as did Ice Cube's "You Ain't Gotta Lie (Ta Kick It)," and works by Ol' Dirty Bastard and Biz Markie.

"I feel invigorated by it," Rock continued. "You'd be amazed at how many people want to work with you if you just ask, if you just make a call."

Chris Rock is currently gearing up for his first Broadway gig, The Motherfucker With The Hat, releasing on April 11.

Janet Jackson announces her first UK dates in three years

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Legendary Icon, singer/actress and five time Grammy award winner Janet Jackson - announces her world tour which takes in two dates at the Royal Albert Hall on June 30th and July 2nd - her first tour in three years. Get ready for the Janet Jackson Number Ones: Up Close & Personal Tour.

Tickets on sale now. Buy sold out tickets at our partners here and check out all other tickets here.

This tour will differ from her previous concerts as Janet will be performing in a much more up close and intimate setting - which will allow the audience to see her like never before. This is the first time ever that Janet has performed at The Royal Albert Hall, a venue so magical, and with such an incredible history of live performances.

Each show around the world will offer something different to Janet's performance, so NO show will be the same. Janet will perform music exclusively from her highly acclaimed 'Numbers Ones' album - featuring 35 number one hits and the tour will be performed in 35 global cities - the first announced European cities of the tour are Paris, France, UK, Monte Carlo, Monaco and more to follow.

' have been spending a lot of time in Europe lately. Everyone has been so kind to me. I can't wait to get on stage and show my love for all my fans that have supported me all of these years,' said Janet.

Ticket details below:-

Royal Albert Hall: June 30th, July 2nd

Janet currently stars in Tyler Perry's successful and critically acclaimed motion picture, "For Colored Girls." Janet recently achieved number one iTunes status with her performance of "Nothing," written and produced by her in association with Johnta Austin, Bryan-Michael Cox and Jermaine Dupri for the film "Why Did I Get Married Too?" in which she also starred. The tune is currently an awards contender as best song in a motion picture.

Her upcoming book "True You" is out now. Janet's first book will reveal her unique, insider's perspective on dieting and exercise-from her past, present and future-with help from her personal nutritionist, David Allen. 'True You' chronicles Janet's lifelong struggles with weight and self-esteem. The book is a self-help/esteem book where Janet will use anecdotes from her real life to illustrate the power of self-esteem and how she struggles and her continued growth as an artist and a woman.

Don't miss out on a ticket - this tour is JANET more revealed, more intimate, and more personal than ever before.

Jimi Hendrix archive triple release coming

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Experience Hendrix LLC and Legacy Recordings have announced the third wave of releases in their Jimi Hendrix Catalog project. All will be available on April 12.

First up is a reissue of Power Of Soul: A Tribute to Jimi Hendrix, a collection of sixteen performances covering artists both classic and modern. It is the first tribute album to be curated under Hendrix LLC and they assembled quite the roster from Santana, Eric Clapton and Sting to archive tracks from John Lee Hooker and Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble. The album was originally released on May 4, 2004.


A special vinyl single taken from the album will also be released for record store day featuring tracks by Cee Lo Green, Santana and Robert Randolph & the Slide Brothers.

The track list for the album:

•Gratitude - James Al Hendrix
•Are You Experienced? - Musiq Soulchild
•Spanish Castle Magic - Santana
•Purple House - Prince
•The Wind Cries Mary - Sting
•Voodoo Child (Slight Return) - Earth, Wind & Fire
•Power Of Soul - Bootsy Collins (featuring George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars)
•Burning Of The Midnight Lamp - Eric Clapton
•Have You Ever Been (To Electric Ladyland) - Lenny Kravitz
•30 Years - James Al Hendrix
•Who Knows - Devoted Spirits (featuring George Duke)
•Purple Haze - Robert Randolph & The Family Band
•Going Home - Velvert Turner
•Little Wing - Chaka Khan & Kenny Olson
•Castles Made Of Sand - Sounds Of Blackness
•May This Be Love - Eric Gales
•Foxy Lady - Cee-Lo Green
•Red House - John Lee Hooker
•Little Wing/3rd Stone From The Sun - Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble

South Saturn Delta is a reissue of the 1997 album that collects rare tracks from every incarnation of group in which Hendrix played including both versions of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, his expanded Woodstock ensemble Gypsy Sun & Rainbows, and the Band of Gypsys.

There are fifteen tracks on the album, including demos to lost masters. Alongside lost gems as Tax Free, Look Over Yonder, and Pali Gap stand previously unreleased recordings including Here He Comes (Lover Man), Message To The Universe and Midnight Lightning.

The album will be released on CD, digital download and double-12" vinyl.

The final re-release will be a DVD of Jimi Hendrix: Band of Gypsys (Live at Fillmore East), the Grammy award winner for Best Long Form Video of 1999. The 83-minute documentary includes interviews with Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell, Noel Redding, Billy Cox and Buddy Miles with additional comments from Lenny Kravitz, Vernon Reed and Slash. The concert footage is the only known footage of the group in concert, including Jimi's stunning and devastating performance of Machine Gun.

The new edition of the DVD also has previously unseen bonus features, new stereo and 5.1 mixes and additional footage of performances of Foxy Lady, Power Of Soul, Stepping Stone and Who Knows.

Legacy's first round of Jimi Hendrix releases opened with the release of Valleys of Neptune, a long-awaited album of previously unavailable Jimi Hendrix studio recordings, which debuted on the Billboard 200 best-selling albums chart at #4 while four additional Hendrix catalog titles (Are You Experienced (#44), Electric Ladyland (#60), First Rays of the New Rising Sun (#63), and Axis: Bold As Love (#67)) rocketed back into the Billboard 200 four decades after their original release dates. A testimony to the enduring vitality and importance of the trailblazing artist-guitarist-performer, Jimi Hendrix had five albums in America's Top 100 in March 2010.

The second wave of 2010 Jimi Hendrix titles culminated in the long awaited release of West Coast Seattle Boy: The Jimi Hendrix Anthology, a definitive career-spanning four CD box set tracking Hendrix's remarkable journey from R&B sideman to international stardom. The deluxe set is filled with previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix Experience recordings plus demos, alternate takes and more. The newly curated and assembled Jimi Hendrix anthology will include a new Hendrix documentary directed by the Grammy award winning Bob Smeaton (Beatles Anthology, Festival Express, Beatles: The Studio Recordings).

More than 1,000,000 Jimi Hendrix albums were sold in 2010 alone.

Whitney And Bobby’s 17-Year-Old BOBBI KRISTINA Snorting COKE! [Photos]

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Sadly, this apple seemed to fall from the tree and then IMPLODE…much to NO ONE’s surprise I imagine.  Check these pictures that allegedly show WHITNEY HOUSTON and BOBBY BROWN‘S 17-year-old daughter, BOBBI KRISTINA, snorting COKE!!!

BOBBI KRISTINA AND THE BLOW CLICK HERE!!!!!

Canibus & Keith Murray's Undergods Full-Length To Release In May

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The respected New York emcee team will see their full-length release this spring, after a preemptive EP in 2009.
In 2009, Long Island, New York emcee Keith Murray and Queens, New York's Canibus teamed to release The Undergods EP. Released on Sound Records & Entertainment, the seven-song project was said to be a preemptive release to a full-length from the Def Squad and former Refugee Camp All-Stars members, respectively. However, that never happened.
HipHopDX recently learned that The Undergods is planned for May 3 release, according to the Koch Distribution database. A rep for Keith Murray confirmed the project.
Last year, Canibus released two albums, Melatonin Magik and C of Tranquility

Da Brat is Back

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Da Brat is back after a three year bid in jail after she was incarcerated in an Atlanta area jail for striking a hostess with a rum bottle at a club owned by Jermaine Dupri. The 36-year-old's history is more than legal woes. She's made history as the first female rap soloist to go platinum with her debut 1994's Funktafied. The Da Brat called AllHipHop's Chuck "Jigsaw" Creekmur to give her thoughts on rhymes, redemption and even a reality show. 
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Dr. Conrad Murray's Michael Jackson manslaughter trial postponed

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Dr. Conrad Murray's manslaughter trial over the death of Michael Jackson has been postponed.

A judge has been forced to delay the trial from its scheduled April 5 date to May 9, as the prosecution and the defence are still passing information between them.

Dr. Murray ' who faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter relating to the 'Thriller' singer, after he died of acute Propofol intoxication while under the physician's care in June 2009 - is seeking a quick court case due to financial difficulties.

He consented to the new trial date after meeting with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael E. Pastor and attorneys in a closed session.

Earlier this week, defence lawyer J. Michael Flanagan said: "We need to go to trial right away. We don't have the budget that would let us draw this out."

Despite this, it is thought the defence has been the cause for delays, with Judge Pastor repeatedly questioning Dr. Murray's defence team in recent weeks as to why they had not turned over more notes on witnesses and other potential evidence to prosecutors in advance of the trial.

In accordance with US court process, prosecutors are entitled to receive discovery of defence evidence 30 days before trial starts, a deadline which would have already passed if the original date was kept. Judge Pastor has also threatened Dr. Murray's lawyers with big fines for failing to share evidence with prosecutors.

Despite the date for opening statements in the case being delayed, the screening of potential jurors will still start on the original date of March 24.

The trial is expected to last for around two months.