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Kanye West Sued Over Illegal Sample

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Kanye West has been accused of failing to properly clear samples used on "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy."

It looks like Raekwon isn't the only emcee being served for the use of uncleared samples.

Now, in a recent report from HipHopWired, G.O.O.D. Music impresario Kanye West has been hit with a suit over samples on My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Label TufAmerica is suing Yeezy over the use of a sample of Eddie Bo's “Hook & Sling” on two songs off his 2010 LP, "Who Will Survive In America” and “Lost In The World.”

According to the suit, Roc-a-Fella Records and Universal Music Group did actually pay a whopping $62,500 to clear the sample, but failed to "enter into written license agreements that accounted for their multiple other uses” of the 1969 song.

TufAmerica, who acquired the rights to the song in 1996, is suing the Roc and UMG for copyright infringement for an unspecified amount.

Surprisingly, this isn't the only sample-related lawsuit that the Chicago emcee/producer is currently facing. Kanye was hit with a $500,000 lawsuit over the illegal use of The Persuaders' "Trying Girls Out" back in March.

New Release Date For Prodigy "The Bumpy Johnson Album"

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Prodigy gears up for the release of his new LP, which is will release next week.

Prodigy has revealed the tracklist and cover art for his upcoming project The Bumpy Johnson Album, which is currently without a release date.

The LP, which follows last year's free EP The Ellsworth Bumpy Johnson Story, expands its predecessor with the addition of five tracks. For the album, P stays away from features, instead opting to go solo with production from Alchemist, S.C., Sid Roams and King Benny.




Check the tracklist and cover art below.

1. Change (Prod. by Sid Roams)
2. The One And Only (Prod. by Alchemist)
3. Told Yall (Prod. by Sid Roams)
4. Go Off (Prod. by Sid Roams)
5. Recipe For Murder (Prod. by S.C.)
6. Hitman (Prod. by King Benny)
7. Medicine Man (Prod. by Alchemist)
8. For One Night Only (Prod. by Alchemist)
9. Twilight (Prod. by Sid Roams)
10. Black Devil (Prod. by Sid Roams)
11. Stronger (Prod. by King Benny)
12. Nobody Can Do It Like This (Prod. by Sid Roams)


Rakim To Receive "I Am Hip Hop Icon" Award this Saturday At BET Hip Hop Awards 2012

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As the weeks closes in on this Saturday's (September 29) "2012 BET Hip Hop Awards" taping,  the star-studded evening event hosted by funnyman/actor Mike Epps has no shortage of big names that will grace the stages of the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center.

Headlining performers include Maybach Music Group brethren Rick Ross and Meek Mill, Pittsburgh stoner Wiz Khalifa, and the red-hot 2 Chainz in front of a hometown audience.

G.O.O.D. Music chief Kanye West  will surely rack up up this weekend as he leads all nominees with an astounding 17 nominations.

The "BET Hip Hop Awards" has continually paid their respects to past greats who paved a way for the stars of today.

Adding a well-deserved honor to his list of achievements will be legendary and influential rapper Rakim, who will receive the “I Am Hip Hop Icon” during this weekend's festivities.

Rakim joins past awardees Grandmaster Flash (2006), KRS-One (2007), Russell Simmons (2008), Ice Cube (2009), Salt-N-Pepa (2010), and LL Cool J (2011).

Beginning his career in 1986 alongside former partner Eric B., Rakim made a huge splash with the debut single “Eric B.

Is President” – which caught the ears of Russell Simmons and landed the duo a record deal. As Eric  B. & Rakim, the pair released four albums before disbanding. Rakim's signature baritone and heady rhymes place him atop many lists as the best lyricists ever, and the Long Island native is still adored by many.

The BET  network will also be saying goodbye to popular personalities in Terrence Jenkins and Rocsi Diaz, as they step down from hosting duties on popular live evening program "106 & Park." This Friday (September 28), a farewell party hosted by LaLa Anthony and Pooch Hall will feature a long list of stars such as French Montana, Jim Jones, and Tigger along with video sendoffs from Alicia Keys, Big Sean, Mary J Blige, Common, Wyclef and many others.

The new hosts of "106 & Park" will be unveiled on Monday, October 1 at 6 p.m., after a summer-long search has narrowed down the list to seven finalists all vying for the coveted hosting gig.

Be sure to tune in to BET on October 9 at 8 p.m. to catch the recorded broadcast of the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards

Farrakhan and The Nation of Islam In The Streets Spreading Peace

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Minister Louis Farrakhan will host his very first #AskFarrakhan Social Media Town Hall on Wed., September 26, 2012. Below is an essay on the Minister’s work in the community and this ground breaking, first-ever event.

It’s easy to sit on the sidelines and just talk about the violence that’s plaguing the
Black community in cities such as Chicago, New York and New Orleans.

It’s easy to leave a comment online, post a tweet and update your Facebook status
regarding what’s happening in the streets. As a matter of fact, as I write this article someone is probably being shot in your neighborhood. We have enough people reciting the statistics, but who is bringing solutions?

The problem alone cannot be solved from a laptop. It also takes those willing to leave the comfort of their homes to hit the streets and engage those who are killing one another.

The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, a consistent servant of the people for 57 years, has been personally walking different parts of the Windy City in a sincere effort to promote peace in Chicago.

He’s been shaking hands and giving words of guidance to young Black men whom this world may consider hopeless.

Min. Farrakhan’s been doing this for 12 consecutive weeks since mid-July and doesn’t plan to stop anytime soon.
The Fruit of Islam, men of the Nation of Islam, have been following his lead in hitting the streets every week in more than 100 U.S. cities, as well as in Canada, Trinidad, London and South Africa.

“Our work is no longer in the mosques, the churches, the synagogues or our office buildings. We must all dedicate and devote time to the problem in the streets,” said Min. Farrakhan in a letter posted online.

Over the next few days, Minister Farrakhan plans to hit the streets of NewYork. On Sunday, Sept. 23, he spoke to large crowds in Mt. Vernon, The Bronx, and New Rochelle.

From the streets to the tweets….just #AskFarrakhan

Min. Farrakhan has always believed in reaching the masses where they are and he recognizes that we are in the midst of a “social media craze.” Thus, his @LouisFarrakhan account and the Twitter hashtag #AskFarrakhan have become very popular over the past year.

Min. Farrakhan frequently responds to questions from his 85,000 plus Twitter followers. He doesn’t shy away from any topic because he wants to use this tool to raise the consciousness of the people versus engaging in foolery.

Min. Farrakhan will host his first ever #AskFarrakhan Social Media Town Hall webcast live on Wed., September 26, 2012 from The Final Call Administration Building in Chicago, Illinois.

During the live online event to be moderated by journalist Ashahed Muhammad, Min. Farrakhan will answer questions for two hours from Twitter, Facebook and YouTube users.

People want to know his thoughts on Pres. Barack Obama’s first term, the Middle East uproar over the anti-Islamic film, the U.S. economy, the state of Hip-Hop culture, Iran and more.

Min. Farrakhan, affectionately known as “The Minister,” is excited! This is expected to be a 2.0 experience filled with timely guidance and innovative solutions to create real change.

The event is being sponsored by NOI.org and FinalCall.com. Also, AllHipHop.com, the greatest Hip-Hop site in the world, will be streaming it live on their website.

If you could ask Min. Farrakhan just ONE question what would it be? Post it here in the comment section and tune into the town hall.

R. Kelly Talks Cruel Summer Feature

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R. Kelly provided what some acclaim as one of his best features on "To The World," off the long-awaited Cruel Summer album, and according to the R&B star he's thankful for the opportunity.

Billboard.com caught up with the singer/songwriter who explained how the project came about.

 "Kanye sent me a track he was working on.

I sent it back. He sent it back to me, I sent it back to him...until we had something," he said.

Both from Chicago, Kelly and West share a mutual respect.

"It felt good to both of us. He trusts my talent and I trust his talent. I knew Kanye way before he was known. We've always had fun in the clubs of wherever we were, just kickin' it, but we never had a chance to get in the studio before and hook up like this, and I'm just glad we finally got that chance. I'm just very honored to be on this track working with him."

Kelly may rock with West, but the same cannot be said for the rapper's "Big Brother," Jay-Z.

After releasing a collaborative album with Kelly, they embarked on a joint tour the result of which proved to be disastrous.

The singer was booted off the trek, alleged to have been threatened with a gun during a performance, and filed a $75 million lawsuit.

Jay counter sued, calling Kelly's legal filing a "calculated stunt designed to deflect attention from his upcoming felony trial involving an alleged sexual liaison with a 14-year-old child."

RZA Announces Fall "Iron Fists" Tour

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RZA stays busy. The Wu-Tang Clan's Abbott announces that he will be heading on the "Iron Fists" Tour during the month of October. According to Prefix, starting in New York City on October 3rd and concluding in Los Anglelese on October 24th, the national tour will coincide with the promotion of his feature film directorial debut, The Man With The Iron Fists. The tour is in conjunction with Guerilla Union and Rock The Bells and will include screenings of the martial arts flick.

The movie stars Russell Crowe, Jamie Chung and Lucy Liu, as well as RZA, and its soundtrack, featuring Kanye West, Black Keys, Flatbush Zombies and more, is out October 23rd. Also on RZA's fall schedule is executive producing a new album from his old roommate Ghostface Killah called 12 Reasons To Die which is due out November 20th. Both of the aforementioned projects will be released on RZA's new Soul Temple Records label. The Man With The Iron Fists is now due in theaters November 2nd.

Check out all the dates the "Iron Fist" Tour below.

RZA tour dates:

10.3: Music Hall of Williamsburg, New York, NY

10.4: The Royale, Boston, MA

10.7: Soundstage, Baltimore, MD

10.8: The State Theatre, Falls Church, VA

10.10: Vinyl, Atlanta, GA

10.12: St. Andrew's, Detroit, MI

10.13: Shrine, Chicago, IL

10.15: Beauty Ballroom, Austin, TX

10.16: Fitzgerald's, Houston, TX

10.19: House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV

10.24: House of Blues, Los Angeles, CA

T.I. Reveals Release For "Trouble Man"

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T.I. gives a December release date for "Trouble Man" and confirms some big name features.

T.I. has talked in the past about all the records he has ready for his upcoming Trouble Man LP, previously mentioning some collabo tracks he’s recorded, but not stating which songs for sure would make the final cut.  Recently, while on BET’s 106 & Park, the King of the South gave a release date, and confirmed some of the features for the long-awaited album.

Tip had said that he wanted to have Trouble Man out before the end of 2012, and says it will be coming out late December, “Trouble Man is coming on December 18th, we've actually settled on it.” He gives fans reason for excitement, saying the album will be a “classic”, “I'm proud of all the material that's on there. I think i'm gearing up to present a classic album because that's the material that people deserve.”

As far as features, he confirms that previously recorded records with R. Kelly, Andre 3000, and Cee Lo Green will appear on the album.

DMX Talks About Almost Becoming A “Bad Boy” Member

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DMX’s new album, Undisputed is in stores now, and for many fans, there is no disputing that musically, Dark Man X is back on top of his game.

The rapper reminisces back to his unsigned artist days and shares a story about nearly signing a record deal with Bad Boy – but being overlooked in favor of The Lox.

“You know the Lox got signed before I did. They were a “safer” group,” said DMX.

“Puff signed them, and you know it was a blessing and a curse, because they were happy they got signed and they were on “The Benjamins”, but then he [Diddy] made them jiggy and put them in suits and made them write lyrics for him and took their publishing and raped them.”

DMX goes on to explain how Damion “D-Roc” Butler set up a meeting between himself and Diddy, but Diddy passed on signing him because he didn’t feel that DMX was a marketable artist.

“The thing I respect about Puff was that he told me to my face [he said], ‘his voice is too ruff, he’s not marketable.’” You got to respect that.”

In the interview, DMX also shares his fond memories of Biggie and explains how Biggie helped him appreciate a smile.

“I never saw Biggie smile until after he died, [it was] in the ‘Hypnotize’ video,” said DMX. “When I saw it, I was like wow, he was really enjoying his life; and it got taken away from him. It was then that I cherished a smile.”

Check out the exclusive video interview below where DMX shares details about almost signing with Diddy, and explains how Biggie Smalls helped him appreciate a smile:

Soulja Boy Accused Of Stealing

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Rapper Soulja Boy has been hit with a lawsuit from a Miami producer, who claims the rapper stole the track for his single “Swag Daddy.”

Hip-Hop Frat House and Michael J. Garcia filed the lawsuit against Soulja Boy and his label S.O.D. Money Gang Entertainment Inc.

The lawsuit, which was filed on September 14, claims that Hip-Hop Frat House and Garcia attempted to develop a relationship with Soulja Boy.

A representative for Hip-Hop Frat House submitted the copyrighted track “Racks,” which was produced by Michael J. Garcia, for Soulja Boy to consider.

A copy of the song was submitted to Soulja Boy’s email address, Souljaboymp3@gmail.com.

Despite attempts to follow-up, a representative for Hip-Hop Frat House received no reply from the rapper or his representatives.

They were shocked when they heard Soulja Boy rapping over the track “Swag Daddy,” several months after submitting the musical composition.

“Swag Daddy” was released for commercial sale on the album “21:EP.”

The lawsuit claims that Soulja Boy has created a new brand called “Swag Daddy,” based on the musical composition Hip-Hop Frat House and Garcia own.

They are suing the rapper for damages and attorney fees, to be determined by a jury.

Check out the video below:

Wyclef Jean Recalls Meeting Lauryn Hill, Writing Her Rhymes In New Book

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It was no secret that there was more to Wyclef Jean and Lauryn Hill than just being part of one of the greatest groups of all time, The Fugees.

Once the trio dismembered, Wyclef and Lauryn left mouths agape. In is new book Purpose:

An Immigrant's Story, available in stores tomorrow, Wyclef goes in depth about the whirlwind love the two shared. Read excerpts from the book below:

PREVIOUSLY: Wyclef Jean Makes Shocking Claims About Lauryn Hill In New Book

On the day he and Lauryn Hill met:

  Pras called me one afternoon and said he needed me to come down to this studio to lay down some vocals. “I’m here with those two girls I told you about in this group we callin’ Tyme. We doin’ a track,” he said. “I need you to come sing some of that reggae stuff you’re so good at.” […]

The two girls were named Marcy and Lauryn, and the minute I saw Lauryn Hill, I couldn’t believe my eyes. She was in the vocal booth, and when she came through the door to say hello I experienced that feeling when everything stops for a second. It’s a moment I’ll never forget.


On helping to write Lauryn's rhymes:
Soon I was rhyming lines to her that she would memorize on the spot and spit back at me better than I had expected. I was her mentor, and I wrote rhymes for her starting then and for a while to come.

I taught her all about rhyming, showing her the swag and style, just the way Chill Rob G had shown me years before. It didn’t take Lauryn long to make her style her own, though. She’s a very gifted woman.


On how the affair affected the Fugees:
It’s going to be easy for people to read this and say, “Why did he do that to Lauryn? How could he not go with her? He broke up the Fugees!” I wish it were easy to explain away, but it’s not. Claudette was with me when I had nothing, and she stood by me and helped me to be the man that I have become—the man I wouldn’t have been without her […]

It’s easy to listen to the music and hear the romance and love in there and think of what could have been. But the music is the best expression of my relationship with Lauryn.

The rest of it wasn’t smooth at all. We were either deeply in love or fighting; there was no middle ground. It was a passionate roller coaster ride, every single day […]

The real Lauryn is much more complicated than what comes through in her art. Same goes for me.

Rapper Dies In Drunk Driving Accident After Tweeting

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YOLO, the acronym, which stands for "You Only Live Once," is at the center of a recent tragedy involving the death of a young aspiring rapper.

California native Ervin McKinness was killed while drunk driving at excessive speeds minutes after the 21-year-old emcee Tweeted Drake's famed "motto".

According to McKinness' Tweet, he and four other men were driving 120 miles per hour while intoxicated.

Police reports indicate that minutes after publishing the Tweet, the car careened into a wall, killing all five parties inside.

Police state they are unable to definitively rule whether the accident was a case of drunk driving, as another man and not McKinness had been driving at the time. Still, investigators are taking the infamous Tweet into serious consideration.

"Police are certainly looking at that because it will be a vital part of the investigation, but it's too early to give an opinion as to whether it drunken driving was a cause or contributed to the crash," explained an officer.

McKinness was an aspiring rapper at the time of his death. He went by the stage name Inkyy and had reportedly signed a deal with a label.

Lesson? Don't drink and drive, and don't tweet either. Such a tradgedy.

A Member of Wu Tang Clan Sued Over Uncleared Sample

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Raekwon is the latest emcee to be sued over an uncleared sample.

It looks like the sample police have struck again, this time, the target is Raekwon. According to a recent report from AllHipHop, Rae has been served with a lawsuit over a sample featured in his song "The New Wu."

Bridgeport Music/Westbound Records recently filed suit against the Wu-Tang emcee over an uncleared sample used in his song "The New Wu" off 2009's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…Pt. 2. The song, which features Ghostface Killah and Method Manand was produced by RZA, features a sample of the Magictones' 1971 song "I've Changed."

The suit claims that RZA illegally used a sped-up four measure portion of the original track. All four rappers are named in the lawsuit, and are being sued for copyright infringement, unfair competition and lawyer fees.

“These four measures have been sped up approximately 8.9%, making them last approximately 10 seconds and raising their key by one step from E minor to F# minor,” the suit reads.

10 Years in Prison for Coolio’s Son

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Coolio’s son Grtis Ivey, who appeared reality show “Coolio’s Rules,” has just been sentenced to prison for robbing an apartment with a friend, who happened to be a hooker.

A rep for the Clark County District Attorney’s office told TMZ.com that the 22-year-old Ivey was sentenced to 42-120 months in prison.

If the Nevada Department of Corrections finds good reason, they can hold him for up to 10 years.

Ivey was arrested on November 14, 2011 last year, for forcibly entering a Las Vegas apartment with a gun,

He then ordered the tenant into the bathroom, while his female prostitute friend ransacked the place.

Ivey agreed to plead guilty to a felony robbery charge in exchange for having the remaining charges dropped.

According to TMZ, Ivey has been in custody since his arrest and will receive credit for time served.

New Tupac Shakur Unsolved Murder Documents

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Investigative journalist Chuck Philips is launching a new website today (September 13), that will focus on the unsolved murders of the Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G.

Beginning today, Philips will use Twitter to promote an exclusive 1,200 word news story, which will be published on his new site and released via Twitter, 140 characters at a time.

According to a press release issued to media outlets, the first story will focus on Sean “Diddy” Combs and his relationship with late Harlem drug dealer Eric “Von Zip” Martin.

Zip was a New York legend who passed away last month. His funeral in Harlem drew a large procession, complete with a horse-drawn carriage, that carried his casket through the streets of Harlem.
Eric "Von ZIp" Martin

Artists like Jae Millz, Lil Kim, and Cam’ron attended services for Zip, while Diddy himself offered up words during a memorial service.

According to Philips, as well as several other published reports, Zip was the connection to Sean Combs and the Compton Southside Crips.

The gang allegedly provided security for Bad Boy Entertainment during a violent feud with Death Row Records throughout the late 1990s.

Tupac was shot on September 6, 1996, and he died seven days later, on September 13.

Police believe the shooter was Orlando Anderson, with whom Tupac had a physical confrontation with, inside the Las Vegas MGM Grand, just hours before he was killed.

According to multiple sources, Zip had a previously established relationship with the Southside Crips, who allegedly sent heroin to Harlem and other drugs to Harlem via the street figure, who had ties that stretched back to Frank Lucas and Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson.

In fact, Zip’s restaurant “ZIP Code” hosted the book release party for Bumpy Johnson’s 93-year-old widow, Mayme, when she released her book, Harlem Godfather, in 2008.

Chuck Philips is planning an article that will focus on the relationship between Zip and Sean “Diddy” Combs and any possible connection to Tupac’s death.

According to multiple reports, including police investigations, it was Zip who introduced Diddy to a man named “Keefe D.,” a Southside Crips shot caller, who allegedly admitted to police that he helped orchestrate Tupac’s murder.

To view the article on Twitter, check out at @ChuckPhilips.

Snoop Lion Endorses Barack Obama For President

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If you make your political decision based on the whims of rappers, this news is for you. Snoop Dogg has officially endorsed Barack Obama for president.

During a press conference at the Toronto International Film Festival for his Reincarnated documentary, the MC now known as Snoop Lion said that Obama deserves four more years to finish what he started.

"The presidential election...they need to give Obama four more years, man," said Snoop.

"I mean, Bush f-cked up for eight years, so you gotta at least give him eight years. He cleaned up half the sh-t up in four years, realistically.

It ain't like y'all gave him a clean house. Y'all gave him a house where the TV didn't work, the toilet was stuffed up—everything was wrong with the house."

Barack Obama may not be able to officially accept Snoop's kudos, but Hip-Hop surely approves this message. 

Just don't expect Snoop Lion to be invited to the White House, or the campaign trail, anytime soon considering he also fully endorses weed smoking and has been banned from traveling to Norway for the next couple of years.

Watch Snoop's pro-Obama commentary, including bigging up the POTUS for killing Osama Bin Laden, in the video below (courtesy of Jimmy Kimmel Live.)


Saigon "The Greatest Story Never Told Chapter 2

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Saigon reveals the cover art for his upcoming album, dropping November 6th.

Saigon has released the cover art for his upcoming album The Greatest Story Never Told Chapter 2: Bread and Circuses, releasing November 6th via Suburban Noize Records/RED.

For the project, Sai enlists Marsha Ambrosius, Killer Mike, dead prez, Chamillionaire, Styles P, Andreena Mill, DJ Corbett, G Martin and his three-year-old daughter Rayne Dior as guest features. +

Production comes courtesy of Just Blaze, Shuko, DJ Corbett, Clev Trev and Rich Kid. Styles P assists on the album's lead single "Not Like Them."


Wyclef Jean Says He Didn't Speak To Lauryn Hill At Chris Lighty's Funeral

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Chris Lighty is gone but not forgotten. The music industry executive shot himself outside of his Bronx apartment last month,

reportedly over the fall of his marriage, and financial issues.

As friend and manager to many notable figures in entertainment,

Lighty is credited with cultivating the careers of the likes of 50 Cent,Mariah Carey and more.

When Lighty was laid to rest last week, former Fugees front man Wyclef Jean was among those in attendance, and shared his memories of the 44-year-old.

During an interview with Montreality, Jean also explained why he didn't speak to Lauryn Hill, even though he saw her at the funeral.

“I mean, I was at the funeral for Chris Lighty. Who don't run into Chris Lighty and feel his energy and his spirit?” Jean said.

“The most important thing [that I learned from him] is you're not supposed to settle for less, and the only thing you can't do is what you can't dream.

Anything you could dream, you could make a reality. That's some of the stuff that I learned from Chris Lighty.”

During their last conversation, occurring a couple of months before his death, Jean spoke with Lighty about getting 50 Cent to go to Haiti.

While at his funeral, Jean chose not to speak to Hill. “At the funereal It was just so many people.

 I  was in the section next to Missy [Elliott], Lyor Cohen…it was so many people that it was hard for everybody to intertwine at once,” he explained.

Hill and Jean had a very public falling out, resulting in him suggesting that she seek mental help, and it appears that they still may not be on good terms.

Watch the video below


Fabolous Takes Part of the “I Will” Memorial Campaign

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Rapper Fabolous is part of a new advertising campaign centered around commemorating the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center’s in 2001.

The rapper is part of the “I Will” campaign, a national effort to introduce a new phrase, to reshape how the day is observed in the United States.

The national Public Service campaign will consist of highway billboards, newspapers and magazines, all promoting the phrase “I Will” to encourage people thank firemen, police officers, men and women in the military on 9/11.

The campaign also encourages people to do good deeds on 9/11, as tribute to the victims, rescue, recovery and military workers who helped during the crisis.

“I will always remember 9/11. I will say a prayer for America,” Fabolous said. “I will continue to live strong and honor those lost on this day. What will you do?”

In addition to Fabolous, philosopher Deepak Chopra, actor “Wee-Man,” Dr. Oz, actor John Krasinski from “The Office” and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz are among the celebrities participating in the campaign.

The “I Will” campaign was created by a non-profit organization named MyGoodDeed, which designated “9/11 Day” a movement to observe September 11 as a day of work for charitable service and good deeds.

“We wanted to show that when it comes to 9/11, we all are the same,” said David Paine, President and co-founder of the 9/11 Day Observance and MyGoodDeed.

“9/11 stripped away the labels which usually separate us as people, and regardless of whether you were a celebrity, a Democrat or a Republican, the 9/11 tragedy brought us together as people,” Paine continued. “And that’s something we need to remember and honor each year in tribute to those lost and heroic on 9/11.”

Earlier today (September 11) Paine and MyGoodDeed co-founder Jay S. Winuk rang the Opening Bell on the New York Stock Exchange, along with 9/11 victims, veterans and other non-profit founders.

Young Noble "Outlawz" New Album “Son of God”

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It was 16 years ago today (September 7) that iconic rapper Tupac Shakur was assassinated in Las Vegas, Nevada, following Mike Tyson’s fight with Bruce Seldon at the MGM Grand.

Over a decade and a half later, Young Noble, the seventh and final member added to the Outlawz by Tupac himself, has announced that he will be dropping a project on November 13.

In commemoration of the passing and in honor of Tupac, Young Noble will release his new video for the song, “Son of God”, on September 13, the day that Tupac died.

“It’s just really a feeling I had, and I felt like people needed to hear it,

but what I think I’m saying on it is relevant to the Outlawz to myself and to Hip-Hop in general, and so I put it out there and the feedback has been phenomenal.

Although Tupac passed away on the 13, fans of the late West Coast legend will remember that he was actually shot on September 7.

Including the 13th day of the month, the rapper survived for seven days after the shooting incident, a period of time that ironically corresponds with his prophecy of the Makavelian 7 Day Theory.

“It’s a weird date for us; 16 years ago that was a crazy time in our life. Every year, we don’t forget it, the fans don’t forget it, and every year we try to make it a positive date, so I’m gonna drop the ‘Son of God’ video on that date.

Tupac borrowed from Machiavelli, a 16th century Italian philosopher who proposed staging one’s death to evade enemies and gain power. His book, Discourses Upon the First Ten Books of Titus Livy, said, “a prince who wishes to achieve great things must learn to deceive.”

Conspiracy theorists have been known to speculate on how and why Tupac decided to use the Makavelian 7 Day theory, and ultimately leading many of them to believe that Tupac is still alive.

Some claim that he faked his death to get away from his enemies or the Illuminati.

When asked how he came to the title of “Son of God” and what it means to him, Young Noble says he reverted to his roots and his teachings from Tupac.

“I think that God definitely has been coming through my pen to try to put some positive inspiration out to the people. It’s coming out like that, and I just wanted to put my heart and soul into the music and taking it back to the roots and really studying our history and everything that ‘Pac was trying to teach us,” Young Noble recalled.

“‘Pac was an ambassador of truth, and he represented hope, from getting shot, to shooting at police, and you know all his trials and tribulations, man. And for him getting locked up for stuff that he didn’t even do, and just coming out as a warrior. He wasn’t holding his head down, kept his head up high, and represented what he represented. He was an ambassador for truth, not just for the West or the East, but for the earth,” he added.

In addition to the album, Young Noble and DJ Outlaw will be releasing a mixtape that precedes the “Son of God” project called Outlaw Nation, set for release on October 15.

Public Enemy Declined Jay-Z For Made In America

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Chuck D and Public Enemy reportedly turned down Jay-Z (and Budwieser) for a slot on the Made In America Tour!

Here is what Public Enemy frontman Chuck D said:

“I know I’m made in America but I’m really made on the planet.

I’m not made by America, or in it.



So, we like to protest and be difficult.

But I salute them for bringing Rap music to the forefront and being able to have Run-DMC to get that slot.”

Chuck seemed to slick diss Jay and Ye in other parts of the interview.

“It’s really very important that hip-hop and rap music supports the people,” Chuck D said. “’Catch the Thrown’ is very obvious in the lyrics.

It’s like who’s gonna catch the people who are thrown at, thrown under and thrown to the side? And ‘watching the throne’ is a little arrogant elitism that we’ve always shot down.”

Rapper and Reality-TV star Flavor Flav along with International bestselling author Farrah Gray announce the move and opening of Flavor Flav’s House of Flavor Restaurant to the Las Vegas strip.

Opening this Labor Day the House of Flavor concession will be inside of the Blondies Sports Bar & Grill which has been recognized by Maxim magazine, MSN and the Las Vegas Review-Journal as one of the best sports bars in the country, Blondies opened in August 2004 by partners Craig Von Meyer and Glenn Klinker located in the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

The concession will feature Flav’s famous specialty recipe fried chicken, barbeque ribs and signature red velvet waffle, indulgent and delicious. The concession has memorabilia from Flavor Flav’s multi-faceted career as a rapper hype man, reality-

TV star and entertainer for audiences around the world. Patrons might also expect celebrity sightings.

Lupe Fiasco Is Quitting Rap Music

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A fierytweet from Chief Keef allegedly prompted a series of emotional messages from fellow Chi-town rapper Lupe Fiasco Wednesday (Sept. 5) . Read his e-vent to Campaign Sosa (some of which was later deleted but retweeted by Keef) below.

"i love u lil bruh @ChiefKeef...i really really do from the bottom of my fucking heart.

I know that street shit like the back of my hand...ive seen it in every way you can possibly imagine and its nothing to be proud of


@ChiefKeef it TAKES an TAKES till there is nothing left...i choose not to indulge becuz its lil guys that look up to me so I try and show them a better way @ChiefKeef i aint try to be BE better...

I'm trying to DO better @ChiefKeef as we all should. We were born with no expectations to make it. born in the hood, live there die there..

I cant go 4 that @ChiefKeef & i cant let the people i love, including you my nigga, go 4 that either. We kings not fucking savages and goons... my father i have spoken the truth to them yet it has only made my life in this world more troubled.

I can bear this no longer... i have spoken peace only 2 receive vitriol and malice in return. My brother seeks destruction my sister seeks attention paths to nothingness...i'd die for them...but they'd probably spit on my grave...i still will die for them...just bury me in a place far from their reach...Amin... This album will probably be my last...its been a pleasure to have all my fans provide so much love an inspiration for me and my family... but my heart is broken and i see no comfort further along this path only more pain.

I cannot participate any longer in this... My first true love was literature so i will return to that...lupe fiasco ends here... peace and much love 2 ya!.... "

According to MTV News, Fiasco cited Chicago's high murder rate in 2012 as the reason for the violent gang culture that has taken over the city's neighborhoods. "Chief Keef scares me," he said in an interview with Baltimore's 92Q. "Not him specifically, but just the culture that he represents…

The murder rate in Chicago is skyrocketing and you see who's doing it and perpetrating it, they all look like Chief Keef."

This isn't the first time Keef has stirred up digital controversy. Earlier in the day, he seemingly made light of rival emcee Lil Jojo's recent death and said several weeks ago that Kanye West did not "make him." After Lupe's tweets, Keef wrote, "Talk wat u see Not what u hear #300."

R. Kelly And "The Single Ladies" Tour

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R. Kelly is preparing to embark on a 24-date tour in support of his latest album "Write Me Back."

Earlier this summer, R. Kelly earned critical acclaim with his eleventh studio album Write Me Back. Now, Rap-Up reports that the Chicago-born singer is preparing to embark on a nationwide tour in its support.

This October, the Pied Piper will be hitting the road on a 24-date tour titled "The Single Ladies Tour."

The tour will find Kells making stops across the country in major cities like Detroit, Miami, New York and his own native Chicago.


R. Kelly is also preparing his next album titled Black Panties, as well as a follow up to his cult "Trapped in the Closet" series.

The complete list of tour dates can be found below, and tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster beginning this Thursday September 6.

Oct. 13 – Columbia, SC- Township Auditorium
Oct. 14 – Birmingham, AL – BJCC Concert Hall
Oct. 18 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theater
Oct. 21 – Miami, FL – JL Knight Center
Oct. 23 – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre
Oct. 25 – Chicago, IL – Arie Crown Theatre
Oct. 31 – Oakland, CA – Paramount Theatre
Nov. 2 – Los Angeles, CA – Nokia Theater – LA Live
Nov. 7 – Houston, TX – Jones Hall
Nov. 8 – Grand Prairie, TX – Verizon Theatre
Nov. 10 – Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee Theater
Nov. 11 – Cincinnati, OH – P&G Theatre: The Aranoff
Nov. 14 – Louisville, KY – Palace Theater
Nov. 15 – St Louis, MO – Fox Theatre
Nov. 17 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theater
Nov. 18 – Detroit, MI – Fox Theater
Nov. 21 – New York, NY – The Theater at Madison Square Garden
Nov. 24 – Washington, DC – Constitution Hall
Nov. 27 – Baltimore, MD – Lyric Theater
Nov. 29 – Upper Darby, PA – Tower Theater
Nov. 23 – Upper Darby, PA – Tower Theater
Dec. 2 – Columbus, OH – Veteran’s Memorial
Dec. 6 – Cleveland, OH – State Theatre
Dec. 7 – Merrillville, IN – Star Plaza

Chicago Teen Rapper Jo Jo Killed By Rival Gang

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Chicago rapper Jo Jo was only 16 years old when he was murdered in the streets of chicago after posting a video on youtube of him and his friends threatning a rival rapper Lil Reese who's signed to Def Jam Records.

In the video you can hear one of the men on the streets say "I'm gone kill you Jo Jo"

It was not long after before news broke that the Jo Jo was dead the following day after being shot numerous times.

Here is the video of Jo Jo and his crew before the shooting.

Here's a video of Jo Jo dissing another rival rap crew before his untimely death.

MC Lyte's Sisters Foundation Offering Hip-Hop Scholarship to a Student

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Rap star MC Lyte and her charity Hip Hop Sisters Foundation recently announced a new $100,000 Hip-Hop scholarship that will be offered to one student to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The advisory board of Hip Hop Sisters, which includes Russell Simmons, President Lynn Richardson, Melanie Fiona, Salt, will be on hand to announce the “First Wave” scholarship tomorrow (September 6) from Rush Communications, Simmons’ New York headquarters.

The Hip Hop Sisters board will be joined by UW-Madison’s VP and Chief Diversity Officer, Damon Williams during the press conference at Simmons’ office.

“For years I’ve dreamed of having the ability to help our community and now finally the day has arrived,” MC Lyte told AllHipHop.com. “HHSF is about changing lives and truly encouraging several generations that have been and are influenced by Hip-Hop culture. It is my life’s mission to see those who believe, actually see their dreams come to fruition. Helping the younger generation see their strengths and potential is what my goals are for this foundation.

This scholarship partnership with UW-Madison is just the beginning for what HHSF has in store.”

The scholarship will allow one lucky recipient to receive an all-expense paid trip to college, with the goal of earning a Bachelor’s degree from UW-Madison.

“This partnership signals an opportunity to help young people influenced by hip hop culture think of education as an achievable goal rather than a phantom wish reserved only for the lucky,” Russell Simmons added.

The deadline to apply for the scholarship is October 1. The winner will be announced at this year’s Soul Train Music Awards.

Nas And Kelis On Date Together

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Sources report that an eyewitness spotted Kelis watching a show in LA  yesterday evening, and Nas was allegedly sitting beside her attempting to stay incognito.

 “I knew I had to meet Kelis so we waited for the show to end and then we  moved back down to where she was sitting.

This is where the story gets real  good!” the eyewitness explains.

 “Once the lights came on I walked over and said to her friend that I’d love  to take a picture with her…”

“When she whispered this to Kelis who was up front sitting next to some guy  she asked if I wanted a picture with Chante Moore or Kelis [who was sitting  right there with Kelis]. I said Kelis and then sparked up random conversation  about how good Chante Moore was at the 2012 BET Awards singing the tribute to  Whitney Houston [clearly I was nervous because she sang the tribute to Donna  Summers].”

“Kelis exited the area and came over to take the picture with me and she  walked down a bit which seemed weird,” the insider continues to explain.

“Until after we took the picture. Kelis began walking out and then when I  looked back, Nas pulled his fishermans hat down and tried to walk out quickly.  So I yelled out, “hey Nasty Nas” and he just smiled and walked by.”

[Actor] Michael Clarke Duncan Dead at 54

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Michael Clarke Duncan's fiancee says the Oscar nominee for "The Green Mile" has died while being hospitalized following a July heart attack.

Publicist Joy Fehily released a statement from Clarke's fiancée, the Rev. Omarosa Manigault, saying the 54-year-old actor died Monday morning in a Los Angeles hospital after nearly two months of treatment following the July 13 heart attack.

The 6-foot-5, 300 pound Duncan appeared in dozens of films, including such box office hits as "Armageddon," ''Planet of the Apes" and "Kung Fu Panda."

Duncan had a handful of minor roles before "The Green Mile" brought him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. The 1999 film, based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, starred Tom Hanks as a corrections officer at a penitentiary in the 1930s.

Duncan played John Coffey, a convicted murderer.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. RIP

Check out the trailer of Duncan below:



Talib Kweli New Mixtape [Attack The Block]

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Talib Kweli releases his new mixtape, Attack The Block that contains 18 tracks and features from Greg Nice, Styles P, Ab-Soul, Jay Rock and many more.

Check the tracklist, and you can download or stream Talib Kweli’s Attack The Block, below:

Tracklist:
1. Attack The Block!!!
2. Letter From The Government (Prod by Vohn Beatz)
3. That’s Enough ft John Forte, Skyzoo, Posdnous, Rubix Fashawn (Prod by OhNo)
4. Numerology (Prod by Symbolic One)
5. Congregation ft Black Thought, Ab-Soul (Prod by J Rhodes)
6. Outstanding ft Ryan Leslie (Prod by Boi 1nda)
7. Earning Potential ft Mac Miller (Prod by Amadeus)
8. The Corner ft Jay Rock (Prod by Charlemagne)
9. Getting To The Money- Cory Mo ft Talib Kweli, Killa Mike (Prod by Don Cannon)
10. NY Shining ft Greg Nice, Styles P (Prod by Symbolic One)
11. Mack Maine ft Talib Kweli Lil Wayne – Celebrate
12. Make It Classy
13. So Fresh
14. To The Music ft Maino (Prod by 9th Wonder)
15. I Like It ft Das Racist (Prod by OhNo)
16. Mr. E ft Talib Kweli Ace Hood – Let Em In
17. Solid Gold ft Grafh and Planet Asia
18. Fly Away


Griselda Blanco a.k.a. “The Godmother” was gunned down by assassins on motorcycles

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Griselda Blanco a.k.a. “The Godmother” was gunned down earlier today (September 3) in Medellin, Columbia.

The former drug kingpin was one of the biggest importers of cocaine into the United States in the 1970s and 1980s.

Griselda Blanco was attributed to thousands of murders during the drug wars in Miami in the 1980′s, which were the subject of the critically acclaimed documentary “Cocaine Cowboys.”

According to local reports, assassins on motorcycles unleashed a hail of bullets as Blanco left a butcher shop in the city.

Blanco, 69, was deported to Columbia after spending almost 20 years in prison in the United States, according to the Miami Herald.

Griselda Blanco served the prison time for three murders and drug trafficking.

During her time in prison, three of her four sons were murdered.

The fourth, Michael Corleone Jr. started a Hip-Hop label in Miami.

“My mother always took care of the boys and from there me and my brothers were the head honchos of the family and we told everyone else what it was,” Michael Corleone told AllHipHop.com in 2008.

“It was a good upbringing. Christmas came around and I got my first Porsche at six years old.”

Several Hip-Hop artists co-opted The Godmother’s name and fearsome image, including rappers Lil’ Kim and Jacki-O, who beefed over the moniker.

“We started Hip-Hop in Colombia in the mid 80’s and early 90’s,” Corleone said. “We are the fathers of Hip-Hop [in Columbia].”

Obie Trice finds that Eminem's early difficulty performing Experiences To His Own

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Before Eminem began his ascent to stardom, he had to make his way through Detroit's legendary battle Rap scene. The process was far from smooth, with Eminem being booed and feeling so discouraged that he wanted to quit rhyming.

In an interview with SOHH.com, Eminem's former artist, Obie Trice, explained how he was able to relate to that experience. "I knew that when that happened to him, but that's just part of the game," said Obie of his old boss.

Trice recalled not getting any response from crowds in New York. '"I remember doing shows in New York back in the day where the crowd was just staring at me. I was trying my best to get some type of reaction, and that didn't happen at that time until later on in my career when they just started knowing who I was."

"So, I believe that's part of the whole process of getting to know an artist and listening to his music. Eminem, at the time, was a breaking-through artist. He was a white dude back when Hip Hop was mainly just black culture. So, you know, he probably had a lot of different hurdles [more]than the norm, but quitting is not an option. You take a hiatus, but I don't believe in quitting."