Monday, February 22, 2010

Beanie Sigel Blasts Jay-Z, T.I. & Memphis Bleek, "I'm Saying What They Saying But They Scared To Say It" [Video]

Beanie Sigel Blasts Jay-Z, T.I. & Memphis Bleek, "I'm Saying What They Saying But They Scared To Say It" [Video]Beanie Sigel emerged from the shadows over the weekend to publicly diss Jay-Z, Memphis Bleek and T.I. during a concert in his Philadelphia hometown.




Referring to T.I. being sentenced to 366 days in jail and his recent placement in a Georgia halfway house, Beans pointed out his confusion in Tip's gun case.



"You supposed to pass that Roc when that ball got heavy," Sigel raps, "Instead you gettin' picked at half court already -- He 45 and playing for the Wizards already -- I'm a nightmare, show up in your dreams like Freddy/Sigel, Desert Eagle Arc heavy, already, n*ggas is running scared already/Memph Bleek peed the sheets leave the bed all wetty/Ugh, let's get it on already -- Jeezy blew, everybody trappin' now/I got caught with a gat, they tried to roof a n*gga, offered me 30 flat, for shootin' a n*gga, but shorty got caught with some hardware and he home already/Something wrong there, if I don't see it, I don't say it/That's how I play it, I'm just saying what they saying but they scared to say it..." (Mike Tramp TV)

Last month, Jay said he was shocked at the disses Beans has been making toward him as of late.



"This rap music and the competitive by nature, nothing really surprises me anymore but I'll honestly say, that was one that was like a shocker," Hov said in an interview. "When you from a certain place, cut from a certain cloth, there's certain things that's just off limits. When you cross that line, we put you in a different box. That one was a little surprising. The competitive nature of rap music dictates that's how it goes more times than it's not...I think everybody run outta ideas, it's all just marketing at this point. I don't even think it's competition anymore..." ("Ed Lover In The Morning")

Sigel recently mocked Memphis Bleek's relationship with Hovi.



"I mean to me right now, that's Jay young boy, that's his lil' man," Beanie said in an interview. "Me, honestly, I think Bleek is happy how things are right now. Because now he really gets to be Jay's lil' man and it's evident, you can see it. It's like he's the last one who survived. He weathered the storm but the storm didn't start with the breakup, the storm started when Beanie Sigel got signed to the Roc. He was coming of age when I came. [Laughs.] He's still coming of age." (2 Dope Boyz)

Despite being a member of Sigel's State Property, Omillio Sparks recently said Beans is at fault.



"I think it's personal family business," Sparks told DJ Vlad. "Even after all that was said and done, I think [Beans] went to jail, came back and signed a contract again. So if you were already feeling some type of way about what was going on, you should have just been on your joint like 'All right I'm out,' but he came back and re-signed, you brought that on yourself. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me, right? So you come back and something don't go right, now you're mad so I'll just let them feud. It's some personal beef, we'll see the outcome of it later on." (Vlad TV)

Lloyd Banks Reveals Surprise Collabo, "It's With One Of The Last N*ggas You Would Think I'd Do A Record With" [Video]

G-Unit's Lloyd Banks has opened up about his upcoming third solo project and promised to be collaborating with an unlikely artist in the near future.




In addition to the collabo, Banks said he has not yet determined a title for 2006's Rotten Apple follow-up.



"Another record is on the way, man," Banks said in an interview referring to a "Beamers" follow-up. "I can't tell you who it's with yet, but it's one of the last n*ggas you would think I'd do a record with. It's retarded. I got a few things in store but I don't want to get to the names yet, probably when I get back in April, I'll give it a title." (Jon John TV)

Banks recently spoke on being the "future" of his crew.



"Well the status is, I am the present, the past and the future," Banks explained in an interview. "So they can definitely look forward to that. Tony Yayo, of course. The founding members are always gonna be there. We built this up, gave opportunities to other artists that were signed including [Young] Buck and Game and so on. But as long as that structure is there, we're good. We're solid. You can look forward to me, I'm the future. This summer [for my album]. It's a tight schedule...hopefully we can push for late summer." ("KG Radio Show")

Last month, the rapper discussed the motivation behind his Juelz Santana collaboration.



"I'm just starting back," he said. "I've been so focused with taking over the street and people hearing me back on that market -- so when I come with the official records, they'll appreciate it more. 'Beamer, Benz or Bentley,' It's a club record, party record, car record. It's a lot of energy and something new. It's a sound that ain't out there right now. I wanna send my thanks to all the fans that supported me. I ain't been tuned in. My peoples put me on to what's been going on. Check the music -- that's one thing that's not going nowhere. My talent is crazy. I will be in the studio later. They can look forward to me dropping new records on ThisIs50.com and MTVNews.com. I love all my fans, man. I want everybody to look forward to my third album. It's definitely gonna be worth the wait." (MTV)

Banks previously touched on his chemistry with Yayo and 50.



"Oh yeah, that sh*t is crazy," Banks told DJ Whoo Kid about an upcoming mixtape he's on with 50 Cent. "I mean, that's back to where it started. Once we get in there, it ain't really much talking going on, to be honest with you. It's always been a good competition with us, it's only competition. I mean, we don't really need nobody else you know what I'm saying, because nobody else was here in the beginning. We're locked in that room and it's on and popping, automatic pilot. Probaby about eight songs done a night, two days, that's a mixtape." (Sirius Satellite Radio)

No further details have been released as of now.

Tony Yayo On 50 Cent Finding Success Outside Rap, "That Movie Money Is Just A Whole 'Nother Monster" [Video]

Tony Yayo On 50 Cent Finding Success Outside Rap, "That Movie Money Is Just A Whole 'Nother Monster" [Video]The state of hip-hop and music ain't selling," Yayo told DJ Vlad. "The zone 50's in with Cheetah Vision Productions, you know, doing big things in Hollywood, has spots in Hollywood, LA, I mean, that movie money is just a whole different 'nother monster...Paranormal [Activity] was one of the biggest independent movies ever made, it made millions of dollars and it had four actors that we didn't know, right, in one f*cking house, one scenery. I didn't even see the movie, everybody just told me how crazy it is and it sold millions of motherf*cking dollars...For 50, one of his talents is knowing what's popping ahead of time, like what's next. I think independent film making, you can be a millionaire, acting you can be a millionaire...He's getting into all that stuff, because the money is crazy. I just try to learn off of him." (Vlad TV)


50 was recently named the star of an upcoming film called Things Fall Apart.



Rapper-turned-actor Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson and Randall Emmett have greenlit their next feature, "Things Fall Apart," through their Cheetah Vision Films banner with Jackson starring. Project's scheduled to begin five weeks of lensing in May in Michigan with Mario Van Peebles directing from a script by Jackson and Brian Miller. The film centers around a star football running back, played by Jackson, who faces a personal tragedy as well as his own mortality while in his senior year in college. (Variety)

He is also slated to star in the forthcoming Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde horror film remake with Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker.



"That one's coming up soon," 50 promised of the film last summer. "It's me and Forest Whitaker. I actually just spoke to his agent yesterday...It's gonna be intense. [Director Abel Ferrara] is an excellent director, so his creative ideas will definitely be an injective into what it's actually gonna turn out to be...The director we chose for this project is the kind of guy that has an eye for real cutting-edge, really in-your-face material." (MTV)

Executive producer Luc Roeg has expressed his anticipation for the movie's final product.



"The combination of such formidable talent in front of and behind the camera will turn this wonderful gothic story into a modern classic for a whole new generation," Roeg said in a statement. (Statement)

Snoop Dogg Gets Pounded By Tax Man, Owes $598K To Government

Snoop Dogg Gets Pounded By Tax Man, Owes $598K To Government Rap veteran Snoop Dogg has reportedly fallen behind on his taxes and owes the government more than $598,000.




According to reports, a tax lien was filed against him last month.



The new debt dwarfs a tax lien filed last year against the 38-year-old rapper, who popped up all over Detroit during the 2006 Super Bowl, holding a private concert and attending the game. He also was one of the headliners at the Rothbury Music and Art Festival in 2008. The IRS filed a $598,309 lien against Snoop Dogg (real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus) and his wife on Jan. 19 with the Los Angeles County Recorder of Deeds. (Detroit News)

Outside of legal woest, he recently inked rap group Cypress Hill to Priority Records as appointed Creative Chairman.



Snoop Dogg has made his first signing as Creative Chairman of Priority Records, adding West Coast rappers Cypress Hill to the revived label's roster. Snoop and Cypress Hill made the announcement on the "Lopez Tonight" show, where the Black Sunday band performed their hit "Insane in the Brain." Cypress Hill will release Rise Up, their first album since 2004's Til Death Do Us Part, on April 6th. (Rolling Stone)

Earlier this month, he spoke on reviving the West Coast sound at Priority Records.



"It's time to open the building back up -- and I felt if I could just get the position that I needed to just get up in there and bring that old music back to life, that I could spark the feeling and create new artists as well," Snoop said in an interview. "So that's what this situation is all about. It's about me going in there, opening up that catalog and bringing that old music back as well as finding some new talent in the West Coast...Priority is going to be based on this West Coast movement because that's what it was centered around. EMI and Capitol [Music Group] is always going to be international. It's all running together so we'll be able to do the West Coast movement -- and just create a great musical vibe..." (Priority Records)

Snoop previously spoke on the label's track record in hip-hop.



"I actually approached Priority about the situation," Snoop said about his recording contract. "Even before I had a record deal, it was my dream to be on Priority. It was my dream to bring Priority back to life after I saw that it went kind of cold. I was heartbroken [when Ice Cube left N.W.A], because I loved the group as it was. But once Cube found himself solo with the Bomb Squad, DJ Pooh and Sir Jinx, it made me love him even more, that he'd gone out there to do for himself. Those first Priority records...took a toll on me. I felt like the label...put them in a position where the whole world knew who they were. They say Frank Sinatra had an office up in there. Ol' Blue Eyes had his day. Now it's time for Ol' Blue Rag to get his on." (XXL Mag)

Would Pacquiao get dominated by Mayweather?

Would Pacquiao get dominated by Mayweather?


February 22nd, 2010

By Esteban Garduno: I think it’s for the best that Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. ended up not fighting. If they had fought, I have a strong feeling that the Pacquiao hype machine would end on that night with Mayweather making Pacquiao look ridiculous in beating him either by knockout or a hopelessly one-sided decision. Pacquiao is just too wide open and flawed with his fighting ability to beat a skilled boxer like Mayweather, in my view. Pacquiao is great at beating fighters that come at him and the type that are there for him to hit, but he looks bad if he has someone that can counter punch and move.





For example, Juan Manuel Marquez really exposed many of Pacquiao’s flaws in his two fights with him. I think Marquez beat Pacquiao in both fights, even though the judges gave it to Pacquiao in the 2nd fight. Mayweather, and even better counter puncher than Marquez, with lighting fast hand speed and excellent foot speed.



Pacquiao would likely have no chance against Mayweather, and would probably get picked apart. It’s good that Pacquiao was spared having to face that kind of a boxer, because by not fighting Mayweather – or even Shane Mosley or Timothy Bradley – Pacquiao can probably retire on a strong note by maybe beating up Miguel Cotto again for the WBA light middleweight title.



There’s also a fight against Edwin Valero, a straight ahead fighter that seems to be made for Pacquiao’s style of fighting. Mayweather, though, would probably be a living nightmare for Pacquiao. Both bigger and faster than Pacquiao, Mayweather would have almost every advantage you could think of in a fight against Pacquiao.



It wouldn’t matter what Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach came up with to beat Mayweather, it wouldn’t likely work at all. Mayweather would beat Pacquiao down, hitting him each time Pacquiao tried to throw one of his shots. Pacquiao wouldn’t be able to take advantage of any of Mayweather’s mistakes, because he wouldn’t be making any.



Mayweather wouldn’t be initiating the action like Pacquiao victims Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. Instead, it would be Pacquiao who be forced to come at Mayweather and take his pin point shots to the head. I think it would be just an awful fight for Pacquiao. And what would be really bad is all the people that would see the fight.



The entire world would watch it, and remember it long after. Roach wouldn’t have a clue what to do to help Pacquiao out in this one. It’s beyond what Roach could come up. Mayweather has been trained since he was a small child at boxing, and has learned the craft quite well. And his physical tools make him even better. This fight would be like teacher beating up pupil.



I think it would be a massive slaughter with Pacquiao getting backside kicked by Mayweather. It’s a good thing that they don’t fight. Pacquiao is better off facing Cotto again, winning his 8th world title, and then maybe beating up Edwin Valero for his final fight. Those two fights would be an excellent way for Pacquiao to retire. He doesn’t need Mayweather.

drake loid rock for sprite concert check video

Chris Brown Allowed by Judge to Travel Overseas for 2010 Tour

Chris Brown Allowed by Judge to Travel Overseas for 2010 TourIn addition to praising Chris Brown over his community work, Superior Court Judge Patricia Schnegg also gave the R&B singer green light to travel across the pond for a series of concerts. He is allowed to travel outside the United States between May 18 and June 27.






“It looks like you’re doing really, really well. I think you’ve made a lot of progress in the last month,” the Judge shared her insight over his progress on February 18 hearing in a Los Angeles courtroom. “That’s always good to see. — You haven’t missed one. You are participating and doing a very good job.” In response, Chris alongside his lawyer Marc Geragos delivered a thank-you.



The forthcoming tour will follow up his Fan Appreciation traveling show in 2009. At that time, he kicked off the gig on November 14 and finished it off on December 15 with a portion of the proceeds donated to several NGOs, including domestic-violence intervention organization The Jenesse Centera.



Chris Brown was ordered to serve an 80-hour of community service following his attack to his ex-girlfriend Rihanna back in February last year. Additionally, the “With You” singer was also sentenced to five years probation and must attend a 12-month domestic violence counseling program. So far, he has completed 32 days of his community work and attended 17 out of 52 domestic violence classes.



source

Two Women Pistol Whipped At Record Label Mansion During Robbery

Police are investigating a violent home invasion robbery that took place in Woodland Hills, California that left two women injured.






According to police, four women were hosting a party at the house.



According to published reports, a video crew at the scene told police the home is owned by a record label associated with rapper Wale and Sean “Diddy” Combs.



While police did not confirm who owned the home, both of the above artists record for Interscope/Universal Records.



Police were called to 22146 Mulholland Drive in Woodland Hills around 2:00 am. Two men knocked on the door during the party and when a patron opened the door, another gun man and two armed women stormed the residence.



Two of the women were pistol whipped by the gunman, while the other women ransacked the house for money and jewelry police spokesman Pablo Monterrosa said.



One of the female victims fled the house and called police from a neighbors house.



The house was once owned by actor John Stamos.



Police are seeking a black man and a woman who wore dark hooded sweatshirts and another female who wore a red sweatshirt.

Suge Knight’s Valuables Auctioned Off Over Storage Bill

Furniture, clothing and other items belonging to former Death Row Records‘ CEO Marion “Suge“ Knight were auctioned off Saturday (February 20) in Simi Valley, California.






The mogul had fallen several thousand dollars behind on his storage bill with Conejo Valley Moving & Storage, which resulted in his valuables being sold, mostly items from his old Malibu mansion.



Yesterday, The company waited for Knight to show up to pay the seven-month old bill, which amounted to several thousand dollars in storage fees.



There was a larger than usual turnout for Knight’s items, due to his celebrity status. His items, which also included appliances and gym equipment, sold in about 30 minutes.



Valuable items, like a large photo of Knight and Tupac Shakur, sold for as little as $100 to lucky bidders, who plan to sell some of the items that were auctioned off on Ebay.



The auctioned earned around $4,500, which still left a balance according to Conejo Valley Moving & Storage’s owner, Joe Furmidge.



source

Jay-Z Kicks Off ‘BP3 Tour’ With Trey Songz & Young Jeezy

The BankAtlantic Center was renamed Jay-Z Center on Saturday night (Feb. 20) as the Roc star took over Sunrise, Fla., for the first stop on the second leg of his North American Blueprint 3 tour.






Trey Songz warmed up the packed arena with his smooth R&B jams before handing it off to Hov, who spewed mostly new material including “Run This Town,” “Already Home,” and “Empire State of Mind” with Roc Nation songstress Bridget Kelly.



Midway through the show, Young Jeezy joined Jay for “Real As It Gets,” before delivering his own set. Mr. Carter, rocking his signature all-black look, returned to the stage with more classics from his expansive catalog, reminding hip-hop fans why he’s one of the best that ever did it.

kat williams broke?wow!!Rolls Royce Gets Repossessed

Rolls Royce Gets RepossessedComedian Katt Williams has more to worry about than getting arrested at Walmart. Williams’ house in Calabasas is on the verge of foreclosure and his Phantom Rolls Royce has gone back to the bank.






This recent information comes in lieu of news about the comedian owing millions in back taxes to the IRS. Reports have also recently hit the internet that Williams missed a show in Dallas, TX during All-Star Weekend, for which the troubled comedian has failed to returned the deposit. Unconfirmed sources say that the comedian is refusing to be booked for comedy shows as he has already announced his retirement. The comedian, however, is said to be available for rap shows.



Williams is currently pending several lawsuits from past employees who never got paid. His lawyers are also seeking money from accrued legal fees while in Atlanta.



smoothfellatv.com will continue to keep you updated on the latest information.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Kanye West Readies New Blog Launch, "It Should Be Up This Week"

Grammy-winning rapper Kanye West has announced plans to launch a new blog this week.




While not offering many details, Yeezy said fans could anticipate a new site launch any day.



"I've been working really hard on this new blog," Ye wrote in a KanyeUniversecity blog posting, "and I'm really excited about it. It should be up this week!" (Kanye West's Blog)

Ye gave fans the inside scoop of a new site launching after an initial posting last month.



"Sorry for the slow posting," Ye wrote on his current blog Sunday (January 10) evening. "I've been working on a whole new blog for the past few months now. It's very close to completion." (Kanye West's Blog)

Last December, the rapper appeared at a Kid Cudi concert and voiced his thoughts on the rap industry.



"I had to get up out this motherf*cker for a second," Ye told the crowd. "I love the game so much and I'm so passionate about it that I just can't take this sh*t sometimes. And if they take everything away from me it wouldn't f*cking matter. Artists be too concerned about their well-being sometimes. Artists be too scared to stand up for something. They scared to lose they f*cking house or they scared to lose their record deal. I sold my soul to the devil, I know it's a crappy deal/At least it came with a few toys like a Happy Meal." (Miss Info TV)

He was recently crowned one of the top ten producers over the past ten years.



Hot 100 Producers: 1. The Neptunes 2. Timbaland 3. Kanye West 4. Scott Storch 5. Will.i.am 6. Jonathan "Lil Jon" Smith 7. Stargate 8. Bryant-Michael Cox 9. Jermaine Dupri 10. Dr. Luke (Billboard Biz)

No further details on Kanye West's new blog launch have been revealed as of now.



Check out some recent Kanye West footage below:




Rick Ross Calls Off Floyd Mayweather Beef, "We Shook Hands"

Miami rapper Rick Ross ended his beef with boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. during a formal one-on-one discussion.




The "Boss" promised he and Mayweather are no longer enemies.



"Yeah, bumped into Floyd Mayweather," Ross said. "Most definitely. We chopped it up like G's and after a discussion, we shook hands. So that's squashed. It's a new year, it's time to get new money. Y'all know what it is. I kept it 1,000." (MTV)

Reports last month said rap mogul Diddy had to break-up a potential fight between Ross and Floyd.



Floyd Mayweather was ready to rumble with a famous nemesis in Vegas this weekend -- but just before a fight broke out, Diddy saved the day. It all went down at the grand opening of Vanity nightclub in the Hard Rock Hotel -- which was hosted by Diddy. We're told Floyd Mayweather rolled over to the party to see Diddy, when he literally ran into rapper Rick Ross. Sources tell TMZ one of the men "bumped" into the other man and their entourages immediately became "confrontational." But as things started to heat up, we're told Diddy swooped in between the guys and calmed everyone down. We called Mayweather's camp for comment and his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., told us there's been beef between Floyd and Ross for a while because Ross has allegedly been, "talking s**t." We're told both Mayweather Jr. and Ross eventually went back in the club and partied the rest of the night away without incident. (TMZ)

Later confirming the incident took place, Ross said Diddy helped prevent the fight.



"I'ma leave that on the gangsta side, shout-out out to Diddy," Ross told DJ Envy in an interview. "It's safe to say somebody most definitely owes Diddy a dinner date. But you know, we back to business, it's a new year so we focusing on our money. Most definitely the bosses bumped heads out there, it wasn't pretty but we kept it gangsta on my side..." (Power 105.1)

Last December, Floyd said he no longer had issues with Ross.



"Like I said before, we had a little problem, what he do is what he do and what I do is what I do," Mayweather explained to DJ Whoo Kid. "You know how it is. With anybody, if you start trouble, you know, I gotta finish it. Like I said before, he did what he had to do and I did what I had to do. And that's in the past and I'll leave it where it's at...Well, I'm the biggest boss that you've seen thus far." [laughs] " (Radio Planet TV)

Tony Yayo Stunts On Interscope, "We're Gonna Drop These Independent Records" [Video]

G-Unit's Tony Yayo recently shared the differences between independent and major record labels and said he is receiving more exposure since parting ways with Interscope.








According to the "Talk of New York," rappers and record labels are no longer pursuing multi-million dollar investments.



"If I was still on Interscope, I would say I would probably have to wait a long process to get my mixtape on iTunes," Yayo explained to DJ Green Lantern. "And now my mixtape's on iTunes, go pick it up -- I get my bread faster instead of waiting on the label to make moves for me. Them days is dead...We're gonna drop these independent records this summer, it's more money for me anyway, so, it's a beautiful thing. It's the do it yourself [era]. Eh yo, all those Hype Williams days are over. N*ggas used to spend half a million for a video. Now -- my videos are done in five minutes." (DJ Green Lantern TV)

The Unit's Lloyd Banks previously explained why he broke away from Interscope Records.



"I was ready to make a move," Banks said about leaving the powerhouse label. "I'm a brand-new engine. If anything, it's their loss. It's been a dark shadow cast upon that. That's why you hear [Funkmaster] Flex on the radio [boycotting Interscope], because it's an aura created around that machine, and the artists automatically get smacked in the head...I felt it's time for me to go somewhere where it's not biased and I get a fair shot. There's a lot of stuff on the table right now. You don't wanna speak about it until it gets ironed out all the way...Everything happened for a reason. I feel like I'm so blessed because of my work ethic and how easy the music is coming to me. It feels so good to be an independent artist with a brand. I have direct deals with iTunes and things of that nature, where it's direct money coming to me. It's 50 percent of me that's not pressed to be on a major. (MTV)

Grammy-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco recently advised rap newcomers to pursue independent careers.



"Stay independent, if you can finance yourself, you put in that work ethic and do it on your own, I definitely think you should try that route," Lupe explained in an interview. "[At least] before you go into the professional kind of realm. But each one has its pros and cons. Sometimes it comes down to finance. You can't say that to a broke n*gga. Somebody flashing 50, 60 thousand dollars -- that means a lot, especially these days...You gotta do what's best for you but I definitely think that if you can muster it up and you got your focus and work ethic at least, you can pull something on your own." (All Hip Hop)

Prior to signing with Universal Motown imprint Young Money, Drake contemplated remaining an independent artist last summer.



"I think if I did put out an album with no label, I think I could really prove a point which is the changing of a generation," he said. "I feel like if I sign to a label and go platinum the first week, they'll be like 'Oh, it was the label push,' but if I did it without, people might say this is really changing, the Internet is a powerful tool. And when you use it the right way, you can make magic happen. I really think it would be legendary, I don't know how possible it is, because there's different things you have to consider like distribution, marketing budget and what not. But we have a pretty strong team so I'ma see if we can make it happen." (Semtex TV)

DJ Skee Questions Drake's Career Moves, "He Could Have Revolutionized The Music Game"

West Coast radio personality DJ Skee recently discussed Drake's decision to sign to a major label and said the Young Money rapper missed an opportunity to revolutionize the music business.




Skee explained why he wished Drizzy would have stayed independent rather than inking a contract with Universal Motown.



"I don't mean to give away the secrets on what I'm working on, but imagine going to company X, who cuts a check to have Drake be a spokesperson for the brand, then pays to create a music video that features and can also be cut into a commercial for company X that's shown on TV to millions of people thousands of times," he wrote this week. "To top it off, the consumer has to go to Drake's website to get the entire song (or mixtape/album) for free, where before they download they're forced to watch that 30 second music video/advertisement about the product...In the event it went nowhere, company X isn't committed to wasting a ton of money, and if successful, Drake is making more money than he could imagine. Immediately, if successful, this changes the entire model of the music business...In this marketplace, especially where the economy is, Drake went the 100-percent safe route, and at the end of the day, did what he felt was best for him. Maybe I'm looking too much into it and the rebel side of me just wants to see something new shake up everything, but I really think Drake could have revolutionized the music game, and to some extent, the entertainment and advertising industries. For someone with so much against him yet was able to do it all himself to just drop the ball at the buzzer disappoints me. I just think of what could have been." (XXL Mag)

Producer Timbaland took an alternate critical perspective recently by questioning whether the fans will still maintain interest since Drake's album has been delayed multiple times.



"I don't know, when all the hype was there, [people] were like 'Oh' but now you know how this world is," Tim told radio host/actor Nick Cannon explained about the changing popularity of artists. "They get it and then pull you down. I don't know [if delaying the album was good]. Time will tell when he drops, when he do drop his album. We don't know right now. I can't tell you." (92.3 Now)

Roc Nation's J. Cole previously compared Drake's buzz to 50 Cent's back in 2003.



"It's how things happened man," Cole said. "It was his destiny, it was supposed to happen like that for him. I can't get mad at that or fans shouldn't get mad at that, this was destined for him. Like , for whatever reason it was, this was supposed to happen this way for him, everything happens for a reason... My buzz isn't that big because it's not supposed to be that big. I'm not supposed to come in the game like that, it's not my path... And if you look at his style -- it's perfect for the mainstream because it's clever enough to still be considered lyrical and the flow is smooth enough to appeal to the masses. It's the perfect style for the main stream and can still be considered hip-hop... His stars are lined like 50 [Cent's] stars are lined like back in '03. It's just the perfect set-up." (Los Angeles Leakers)

New York rapper Cormega initially said he was not familiar with Drake's work last year.



"I can't f*ck with Drake, I like Drake, I like Drake as a young man trying to make money but I can't take him serious," Mega explained in an interview. "Number one, he's rich. He's rich man. I don't like when these spoiled rich kids they just get into rap because it's something they can do but they pops got money and they put 'em in the game and then they start rapping about something, a life they could never live. Go do something else. I mean, sh*t, if I could switch with you, I would be the rich dude, the rich goody good my whole life. N*ggas like us rap about sh*t because we lived it. These n*ggas use rap as a hobby." (Street Disciplez Radio)

Check out Cormega speaking on Drake below:

Lil Wayne Confident In "Carter IV's" Rap Impact, "[My Fans] Know What That's Gonna Be" [Video]

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne has confirmed reports that he's hard at work on his forthcoming Tha Carter IV album.




Wayne also said he felt the album could mark a defining moment in the rap game.



"Yeah, Tha Carter IV, interesting," Wayne told radio host Tim Westwood with a smile. "Very interesting. It's interesting, I hope so, I hope it's incredible and all those things. But like I said, I think they know the velocity of Carter IV without me even having to speak on it. I think they know what that's gonna be. It should be [a defining moment]. It should be. Honestly, it should be." (Tim Westwood TV)

According to music video director David Rousseau, Wayne has already filmed footage for a track from Carter IV.



"There isn't a title for it," Rousseau said of the Carter IV song. "Honestly, I can't tell you too much about it. That was a complete secret. We had to kick everyone off the set for it. No photography, even their official photographer had to leave. That's under wraps. The album is still under production. It's a crazy song." (MTV)

Lil Wayne engineer KY recently spoke on the rapper collaborating with Eminem and how many records have already been recorded for the project.



"Wayne said I'ma get Em on ['Drop The Rock.'] When Em sent the verse back we was goin crazy cause he killed it. I think it's one of the best tracks on Rebirth...Of course after Rebirth the Carter 4 is up next, he already has about 20 records for it done already." (New Lil Wayne)

Last fall, Cash Money Records co-founder Baby said both Rebirth and Carter IV would be sold together.



"We still feel like we got a long way to go man," Baby said in an interview. "His music and his heights are unlimited. We do pop, rock, rap, everything, so when you catering to our nationalities, our songs, it's not gonna be just one urban record. You gotta do pop records, cross over records...They think [Rebirth] is rock, but it got a little heavy metal to it. He still Wayne, he still doing his thing on that motherf*cker...And the music he's about to do, because he's coming with the rock album and Tha Carter IV as a double disc. It's a lot out there, and the Young Money album all on the same day. December 15th." (YouTube)

Game Clowns Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Young Jeezy & More, "Suge Knight Is Uncle Phil from 'Fresh Prince'

West Coast rapper Game took to his Twitter page last night to suggest celebrity look-a-likes for Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, G-Unit and more.








While also including himself in the jokes, Game went in on the top celebrity look-a-likes in hip-hop.



"#celebritylookAlike for me is probably Josh Smith from the Atlanta Hawks & maybe Felix Trinidad the boxer..... ha ha ha #celebritylookAlike for Wesley Snipes is the comedian Sheryl Underwood.... she look exactly like this n*gga witta wig on #celebritylookAlike for Curtis Jackson = Nate Robinson (New York Knicks) #celebritylookAlike for Big Snoop..... Nipsey Hussle #celebritylookAlike Young Jeezy & Lamar Odom (especially wit black shades on) #celebritylookAlike Lloyd banks & the pornstar n*gga Brian Pumper ha ha ha..... gotta google them n*ggas#uGONEdieLaughin #celebritylookAlike for Olivia (any man) !!!! #celebritylookAlike for the homie Lil Weezy is Chris Johnson from the Tennessee Titans #celebritylookAlike for Suge [Knight] is Carl Winslow from "Family Matters" Oooops, correction... I meant Uncle Phil from "Fresh Prince" ! da last #celebritylookAlike of da nite goes 2 Olivia who if u look real close resembles a "Vulkan" from Star trekhttp://twitpic.com/11a8i2 (Game's Twitter)

Last summer, Fabolous used Twitter to air out T-Pain with an onslaught of taunting comparisons.



"Jus heard Tpain says F*ck JayZ & F*ck Fabolous too overTwitter... Ok, now me & my twiggas/Street Twitter Ditta Dam must go in on him! After D.O.A., #tpainbetter not be mad, UPS is hiring!! #tpainbetter not meet me in Brooklyn. #tpainbetter give Mr. Monopoly back his top hats!! #tpainbetter stay his a** outta the sun for the rest of his life!! #tpainbetter stop playin for JayZ buys every autotune machine in the world & end his career...#uknowhowiknowuregay cuz u do a song wit Lil Wayne& change ur name to T-Wayne...eeeel #tpainbetter audition to be a California Raisin.. He's done! #tpainbetter stop singin in the fan... that aint talent we can all do that..#tpainbetter apologize & blame it on the al-a-a-al-a-al-cohol #tpainbetter thank me..." (Fabolous' Twitter)

Last month, radio personality Funkmaster Flex utilized his Twitter to clown a few hip-hop entertainers.



"Christina millian has played herself as well.. When dream kicks her to the curb... I'm going to seek and detroy.," Flex wrote. "What about rkelly dropping that brick album.. "Mr touchy feely" crazy that this is allowed...Russel made kamora.. Then you get with a corn ball n*gga and pop out a kid like its groovy... Aint sh*t groovy. I peeped it!!! It was wack...No dissrespect but solange knoles is never going to pop (sell records) Beyonce shouldn't have to carrry all that dead weight.. No dissrespect but kelly rolland is not going to pop also! Kellis played herself too!!! She's crazy for sh*tiing on nas. She was finished before nas gave her a life.What was she thinking.."(Funkmaster Flex's Twitter)

Aside from working on his upcoming R.E.D. Album, Game recently denied reports of dating R&B singer Ashanti.



"No, no man," Game said about a romantic relationship with the singer. "Ashanti came by the studio and worked with me and Dre the other day. She's real cool and that was it. And they took a picture of me and Dre and Ashanti and put it on the net and that's how rumors start. But it's those Media Take Out people, what is that? TMZ.com, my homepage." (TMZ)

UPDATE: Lil Wayne's Lawyer Speaks On Jail Sentence Delay, Tooth Trouble

Lil Wayne's lawyer has stepped forward to address the rapper's delayed sentencing and said he would maintain his diamond encrusted teeth plates after undergoing dental surgery.








According to attorney Stacey Richman, Wayne will, in fact, begin his sentencing early next month.



Earlier this week we speculated that the dental surgery keeping Lil Wayne from jail for another few weeks was the removal of his famous diamond grills. We just got off the phone with Wayne's lawyer, Stacey Richman, however, and while she doesn't know what exactly the procedure is ("I'm not a dentist. I went to law school"), she assures us the grills aren't going anywhere. Also, apparently the reason things didn't get done before the scheduled sentencing on Tuesday is that Wayne's dentist recently had to go on a last-minute charity mission to Nicaragua. When asked if she expects any other postponements in the case, Richman replied, "Barring some sort of tsunami, no, but it's happened in New Orleans before, so who knows." Lil Wayne's lawyer: almost as irreverently entertaining as he is! (NY Mag)

Dr. Sherry Rudd weighed in earlier this week on Wayne's speculated tooth trouble.



"He probably has a bad tooth, a tooth that's abscessed," Dr. Rudd explained in an interview. "With having all of [gold and diamond material] in his mouth, it's going to be really difficult to get clean because of all of the different crevices. I don't know if they're bridges or if they are all individual. But if it's going to be two weeks [from surgery to recovery], then I don't think he's going to get them all off, because of the potential damage. Without knowing what's exactly there, it's probably decayed and the decay got into the nerve, which causes the nerve to die." (MTV)

Wayne's sentencing was postponed until March after he appeared in a New York courtroom two days ago.



A lawyer for Lil Wayne said on Tuesday that Lil Wayne needed to be treated for a "medical situation" that could not be attended to sooner, because his dentist had been out of the country performing charity work. Judge Charles Solomon granted an adjournment and rescheduled the sentencing to March 2. Lil Wayne could face a sentence of one year on the gun charge, and is scheduled to go on trial March 30 on felony drug possession and weapons charges in Arizona. (New York Times)

Young Money's Drake recently shared his views on Wayne heading to jail.



"I think you'll miss everything about Wayne," Drake suggested in an interview. "I don't think there will be anybody like Lil Wayne ever again in hip-hop. He paralyzes a room when he walks into it, his wordplay, the excitement that he brings to his music. I think that for eight months a lot of us will have to work a lot harder to keep hip-hop as exciting as it's been for the last two years. He's a strong-willed guy. I can imagine it would take a toll on anybody. I just hope that he comes out for the better." (Rolling Stone)

Dr. Dre Says Death Row Not Paying "Chronic" Royalties, Files $75K Lawsuit

Former Death Row Records artist Dr. Dre has filed a lawsuit against his ex-label for reportedly not receiving royalty payments from his 1992 album, The Chronic.




According to reports, the Doc stopped receiving payments over a decade ago.



Dr. Dre claims it's been 14 years since he's seen a penny from his game changing record, "The Chronic" -- and he's belatedly waging a war against the new Death Row Records. Why you ask would the good Dr. wait so long? We're guessing there's a fear factor that has evaporated since Suge Knight is out of the picture. Dre filed the federal lawsuit against WIDEawake Death Row -- which was created after Death Row filed for bankruptcy last year. In the lawsuit, Dre claims he stopped getting checks from the label after he cut and ran in '96. Dre says the new Death Row has been making lots of money by selling digital copies of "Chronic," "Chronic Re-Lit" and his greatest hits album without permission. Dre is suing for $75,000 minimum. (TMZ)

Dre's album set standards in hip-hop around the early 1990's.



Dre released his first solo single, "Deep Cover," in the spring of 1992. Not only was the record the debut of his elastic G-funk sound, it also was the beginning of his collaboration with rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg. Dre discovered Snoop through his stepbrother Warren G, and he immediately began working with the rapper -- Snoop was on Dre's 1992 debut, The Chronic, as much as Dre himself. Thanks to the singles "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang," "Dre Day," and "Let Me Ride," The Chronic was a multi-platinum, Top Ten smash, and the entire world of hip-hop changed with it. (All Music)

Speaking via a self-made recording, former Death Row artist Daz Dillinger said he respected the company's current CEO, Lara Lavi, last year.



"We looked around all the bullsh*t and come to find out it was John Payne," Daz explained. "And we wanna tell John Payne -- so y'all e-mail WIDEAwake and get rid of that motherf*cker man. That's who we'll go f*ck with, Lara Lavi. We won't be f*cking with them other suckers over there you know what I mean 'cause they got the game screwed. They just over there getting the motherf*cking check. You know what I mean? They ain't produce one thing, they trying to tell you something and them motherf*ckers over there in the high rise somewhere paying a h*ll of a rent to get kicked out." (Daz Dilly TV)

Lavi is reportedly aiming to release the upcoming film Sons 2 the Grave under Death Row Films.



"This film embodies what we're trying to do with Death Row, to tell human stories that don't always have happy endings, and that allow us to learn from violence and disenfranchised lives, but not glorify it," she said in an interview. "We're looking at film properties that relate to Boyz n the Hood-type stories, and to power the films with Death Row music." (The Hollywood Reporter)

Monday, February 1, 2010

Black Eyed Peas Sued for Plagiarism Over Their ‘Boom Boom Pow’

Black Eyed Peas are facing another plagiarism lawsuit – a musician alleges the group’s hit “Boom Boom Pow” is “virtually identical” to her own song. Phoenix Phenom, along with associate Manfred Mohr, has filed a copyright infringement case against the band, alleging the rhythm and lyrics from her track “Boom Dynamite” were copied in the Black Eyed Peas’ 2009 global hit.




Phenom – real name Ebony Latrice Batts – claims she submitted “Boom Dynamite” to executives at Interscope Records, the Black Eyed Peas’ record label, according to gossip blogger Perez Hilton. An attorney for Phenom and Mohr says, “My clients submitted their copyrighted song ‘Boom Dynamite’ to Interscope Records after Interscope had shown interest in some of their music, and the Black Eyed Peas later copied the song when they wrote ‘Boom Boom Pow’.”



“A simple listening of the two songs will tell you that the songs are substantially similar, and that the hooks of the two songs are virtually identical in rhythm and lyrics.” Phoenix and Manfred are seeking unspecified damages, disgorgement of profits and punitive damages.



It’s not the first time the group has been accused of plagiarism – British DJ Adam Freeland threatened to take legal action in 2009 after claiming his track Mancry was the inspiration for the Black Eyed Peas’ song “Party All the Time”. The two parties reportedly reached an undisclosed out-of-court settlement over the dispute.

Engagement: Alicia Keys & Swizz Purchase $14.5 Million Penthouse

It looks like Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz are really taking their relationship serious! Word on the sidewalk is that the couple are secretly engaged and plan on buying Lenny Kravitz’s penthouse duplex at 30 Crosby St. for $14.5 million. Apparently, this is the pad that the rocker shared with his ex, Nicole Kidman and was also once owned by actor Denzel Washington.

Jay-Z Puts Out Beyonce Baby Talk, "I'd Like To Be A Dad Some Day & I Love Children"

Rap mogul Jay-Z has expressed his desire to take his marriage with R&B super star Beyonce to the next level by talking about becoming a father.




Although he did not say when, Jay said he would like to create his own family.



"I'd like to be a dad some day and I love children. You start your life with expectations and dreams, then life unfolds and it doesn't always turn out the way you imagined. Life is what it is. And at this point it's up to somebody else. I don't think there is such thing as a perfect relationship. It is unrealistic and hoping for too much. I don't think it is worth all that pressure. We also have our struggles and problems." (Kingsize Magazine)

Last fall, speculation grew after Jay was quoted as speaking on having a child one day.



Her song "Single Ladies" is an Internet hit among dancing babies and now, Beyoncé's working on a tot of her own. That's according to, get this, Jay-Z, B's notoriously tight-lipped hubby, who spilled the baby beans himself. While chatting up Gotham mag editor in chief Cristina Greeven Cuomo, the rapper let it slip that procreating is high on the duo's priority list right now. (New York Daily News)

Beyonce previously downplayed talks of parenthood.



"I definitely want one, but I'm not ready for all of that," she said on "The View" last April. "I don't think a person should see that before her time. It was a little much. But I'm so in love with my nephew, and every time I see him I'm like, God, he's just amazing." ("The View")

Rapper Game previously taunted Jay for not being able to have children with Beyonce on the song, "I'm So Wavy."



"And I been hard to the core since I went solo," Game raps. "Only man on my horse like my all black polo...Got the camel in a choke hold/Tryin' to son me, I'm not from N-Y-C/You can't even have a child by your Destiny." ("I'm So Wavy")

Ludacris Reveals Partial "Battle Of The Sexes" Tracklisting

Grammy-winning rapper Ludacris recently offered select media an opportunity to preview a portion of his Battle of the Sexes album.




Many of the seven tracks Luda played at the listening session were collaborations with other artists.



Noting that the tracklisting was subject to change before its tentative March 16 release date, Bridges thanked the crowd for supporting him over the last decade and offered his latest battle footage. 1. "Hey Ho" featuring Lil Kim 2. "Tell Me a Secret" featuring Ne-Yo 3. "My Chick Bad" featuring Nicki Minaj 4. "Got a Man" featuring Flo Rida 5. "Can't Live With You, Can't Live Without You" featuring Monica 6. "How Low" (Remix) featuring Ciara, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Twista 7. "Sex Room" featuring Trey Songz (Los Angeles Times)

Reports last month suggested production from hitmakers like Swizz Beatz.



Ludacris is waging an all-out war with the opposite sex. The Atlanta rapper has challenged some of female rap's biggest stars to a battle on his new album. Lil' Kim, Eve, Trina and Nicki Minaj are among those getting in the ring with the Grammy winner on his seventh studio album Battle of the Sexes, due March 16. Previously planned as a joint album with femcee Shawnna, the set will also include appearances from Ne-Yo, Ciara, Flo Rida and Plies. Bangladesh, Swizz Beatz and J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League have all contributed to the project. (Rap-Up)

Luda has also decided to put in studio time with The Neptunes' Pharrell Williams.



"Just left Baton Rouge for a show. No work or school tmrw so come Check out Live Jazz Sundays at Straits Atl 793 Juniper St & 5th Ave! In the studio with Pharrell my good people. And my n*gga has a mustache!! Ha!," Ludacris wrote on Sunday (January 17). "Pharrell and his mustache working on Battle of the Sexes Album. Coming March 2010! http://yfrog.com/4axkunj." (Ludacris' Twitter)

Speculation has begun to grow that rapper Shawnna will not take part in the project.



For those of you don't recall, Shawnna chose to diss Luda and the DTP family for T-Pain's Nappy Boy imprint. While details are sketchy at the moment, not really, but I'm afraid to say too much, what is known is that instead of Luda teaming up with the Chicago-native for the co-ed inspired rap album - she's been replaced with a plethora of young and old female MC's. Tenatively, rappers like Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, Eve and a few others are being tapped for the project, which is set to hit stores in early 2010. (Gyant Unplugged)

T-Pain Puts Collabos On Hold For Famous Country Singer, "Everyone Else Can Suck It"

R&B hitmaker T-Pain has decided to place all music collaborations on hold until he gets a duet with country singer Carrie Underwood.




Speaking from last night's Grammy Awards ceremony, Pain also touched on his performance with rocker Slash.



"It's fun to work with Slash," T-Pain said in an interview, "but kind of embarrassing because no one knows who I am. But, I think it's cool as f*ck. Next person I want to work with, and I won't work with anyone else until I get her, is Carrie Underwood. Everyone else can suck it until I get to Carrie." (The Boom Box)

Underwood is known for taking her music talent from reality television to retail stores.



As a senior just a few credits short of her degree, Underwood heard about the auditions for the 2005 season of "American Idol." She tried out for the show at the St. Louis, MO, auditions, and her innocent charm and pure, pretty voice ended up winning her not only a place among the 12 finalists, but the title of 2005's American Idol. Her debut single, "Inside Your Heaven," was released that summer, and she began recording her debut album after completing the American Idols Live! tour. Some Hearts was released later that fall and became a smash hit, selling over 300,000 copies in its first week and eventually going platinum a whopping seven times. (All Music)

Pain recently spoke on his forthcoming cartoon special, "Freaknik."



"You can't do what you want to do, you can't be as silly as you want to be (and) people won't take you seriously in music," T-Pain said in an interview. "It was a gift...I always wanted to do a cartoon and I didn't know it would be this good...Some people are going to hate it, some people are going to think it's funny." (ABC News)

The special will feature a variety of celebrities and entertainers.



The cartoon, rated TV-MA, follows students who are looking to resurrect the now-defunct street party, and T-Pain is the "party ghost." It also features Andy Samberg, Lil' Wayne, Bill Hader, Kelis, Snoop Dogg and George Clinton, among others. Lil Wayne voices the character Trap Jesus, who T-Pain describes as having "a Jesus-type aura to him." Samberg portrays a "frat boy" while Kelis plays the role of Tyra Banks, whose televisionshow T-Pain's character appears on. (Seattle PI)

Young Buck Blasts G-Unit At Detroit Concert, "Eminem Don't Even Agree W/ The Bullsh*t 50 Cent Is Doing" [Video]

Young Buck Blasts G-Unit At Detroit Concert, "Eminem Don't Even Agree W/ The Bullsh*t 50 Cent Is Doing" [Video]  Young Buck dissed 50 Cent and his G-Unit camp during a performance at a Detroit, Michigan concert over the weekend.




Buck Marley also made sure to show his respect for Detroit native Eminem.



"I'm a real life n*gga," Buck told a crowd of Detroit fans. "For real. I wanna clear this sh*t up real quick because I see a lot of real n*ggas in here, you understand me. Let me tell you something. I don't f*ck with that n*gga 50 Cent for real. F*ck that n*gga. For real though, look, I got a lot of love for Eminem, that's my n*gga. You understand that? You understand me? Eminem don't even agree with the bullsh*t 50 Cent is doing with me. You understand me -- don't worry about Buck, I'm good with or without some b*tch a** n*gga named 50 motherf*cking Cent...F*ck you, f*ck the contract, I'm in Detroit, I'm in Eminem's hometown...A lot of these n*ggas can't come to Detroit, this is a no fly zone...I promise you, you will not see Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, none of them b*tch a** n*ggas out here without some motherf*cking security..." (BC)

Last fall, Buck clarified speculation of dissing Em on one of his mixtape tracks called "If I Have To."



"Man, I would never diss Eminem," Buck promised. "You know what? I would never diss Eminem. I'ma be real, what had happened was I got a white producer that's from my town -- that actually produced that track. So when I went into the booth, I'm like 'Eminem, we after your a**' basically speaking on the production side of things because the producer of the track is a white dude and Eminem is his favorite and just f*cking with him. And actually, I still slam the sh*t outta his a** for keeping that sh*t on there, you feel me? [laughs] Once I saw how the track got out there like it did, I got at Trick Trick real quick, that's one of my homeboys and I know he's right there with Em [so] he don't take that sh*t the wrong kinda way 'cause how that fumbled. I ain't got no problems with Eminem. He's one of the realest motherf*ckers with me in this rap sh*t. There's only a handful of 'em." ("G-Unit Radio")

Aside from name dropping Slim Shady in the track's intro, Buck used the song to describe his street credentials.



"Cool, turn me up my n*gga," Buck says in the beginning. "[laughs] Eminem, we coming for your a**, ain't that right Coop? Man, we go too hard, for real. Shoot a n*gga dead right now if I had to/Hop out, walk up and just blast you/Snatch him out his Chevy/Take what's on his wrist, let the young n*ggas strip it...I'm pissed, you don't want your name on that list/'fore we come through, n*gga, we don't miss/Throwing shells out the chopper..." ("If I Have To")

Tony Yayo recently said he would not offer a response to Buck's disses as of late.



"Look, I told you, I'm not talking about a n*gga that has zero, nothing," Yayo told radio host DJ Whoo Kid. "I'm good man, rest in peace to Tick man...He frustrated. N*ggas know it's rough in the rap game right now, only the strong are surviving. Riding in nice cars, rappers are gonna have to start rapping for food soon...A n*gga can keep saying what he wanna say, but as long as those checks keep coming for me, I'm good...He's broke, what do you want me [to say?] How you spell broke? B-r-o-k-e. What do you do when a n*gga's on his last legs, don't have nothing, baby mom's all over the place, you was eating Olivia." (Radio Planet TV)

: Maino's Personal Struggles Dig Deeper Than Rap, "My Closest Cousin Committed Suicide"

recently opened up about his recent family loss and how music has provided him with an escape from his troubles.




According to Maino, he has had to deal with unexpected family deaths.



"I'm really going through it," Maino said in an interview. "Even right now, my closest cousin committed suicide. He's been on the road with me. You probably seen me with him...You get in the game, you think you escape all this. This is not a distant relative of mine. This is my closest cousin. We grew up together. My mother and his mother are sisters. Just thinking about that and going through that while I'm trying to attain fame and this lifestyle, it's two worlds. One side, everything is all good. On my personal, it's really not. My cousin was just here; now he's not...It's almost like no time to grieve. What are you gonna do? What am I gonna tell MTV: 'I can't do an interview. I'm going through something in my personal life. Everybody in my family is crying right now'? You still gotta work, you still gotta achieve, you still gotta win. Under no circumstances do we stop for one minute. This is the theme of my new album -- really giving it up and showing you what a person really goes through to get to that point. I was starving to get here. Now that I'm here, it's like, man, it's not what I thought it would be. It's not really that good. It's great, but personally, you go through things regular people go through." (MTV)

The rapper recently discussed the status of his upcoming reality show.



"All I'mma say is I shot something and it'll be out in a few months," Maino told radio host Jenny Boom Boom. "I'm sneaky, I feel like a lot of people sleep on me and I like to sneak up on them and just hit them with stuff that just comes out of nowhere. So I don't like to just really put out my moves where they see me coming. I'm a thinker, so I try to strategize my moves and not really put them on blast because as long as a person is sleeping, he puts me at the advantage. [Expect a new album] very soon. Like I said, the movement is not stopping any time soon. As long as you keep playing them records, we're gonna keep grinding and we gonna keep making videos..." (Jenny Boom Boom TV)

Last summer, Maino gave details surrounding the reality show.



"It's 90 percent solidified," he told radio host Angela Yee. "This is why I haven't really spoke on it because it's not etched in stone yet. But there's something reality-based and around MTV 'ish. It's about a white dude, he doesn't come from my culture. He doesn't understand the rap game, he doesn't understand what it means to be a rapper everyday. He lives with me and tries to like, understand what goes on in our world...Nothing I do is scripted. So if you see smack somebody then maybe it's really going down." (Shade 45 Lip Service)

Maino's debut album, If Tomorrow Comes... debuted in the Top 50 last year.



"Hi Hater" hitmaker Maino's long-awaited If Tomorrow Comes... album also debuted this week resting at No. 25. With a week under his belt, the Brooklyn, New York-bred emcee's debut has sold 18,300 records. (SOHH Sales Wrap)

Murders Of Pac, B.I.G. Featured On ‘Famous Crime Scenes’

The murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. will be subjects of a new VH1 documentary series that will premiere next month.






The new documentary series, titled Famous Crime Scenes, will look into the murders or deaths of a number of famed celebrities.



Shakur was gunned down on the Las Vegas strip in September of 1996 and died from his wounds on September 13 at University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.



His rival, Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace, was gunned down just six months later, in front of the Peterson Auto Museum in Los Angeles, California, on March 9, 1997.



Their murders have been extensively reported on and investigated, yet no one has ever been charged in the deaths of either superstar rapper, both of whom are among the top-selling Hip-Hop artists of all time.



Five other artists who died violently will also be featured in Famous Crime Scenes, which includes pieces on John Lennon, Anna Nicole Smith, Selena, Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson.



The show is part of VH1’s new programming lineup, which features the debut of nine new series, including Famous Crime Scenes.



Other shows set to debut in February include Transform Me, a series about for trans gendered women who give fashion tips to one of their friends.



Another is “Don’t Forget the Lyrics,” which is a game show that challenges contestants to remember the words to various songs.

The Game Answers Tila Tequila Accusation of Child Paternity

The Game Answers Tila Tequila Accusation of Child PaternityThe Game has answered allegations made from celebrity Tila Tequila that he is the father of her unborn child.






Yesterday (January 29), Tequila posted dozens of Tweets on her Twitter page (twitter.com/officialTila) detailing the situation. Earlier in the day, both parties were speaking cordially with Tequila announcing she would be going to Game’s Dr. Dre studio session later that night.



Initially, the reality TV star/model flip-flopped of the rumors of Game’s paternity, denying it herself but posting conflicting information from other sources.



“Why do y’all think that @ihateGame is the father of my child??? I NEVER said anything about him! Why do ya’ll say that??? Lol,” she Tweeted before reposting a Game tweet stating “To My Unborn child (2Pac’s voice).”



The Game himself did a short interview on TMZ clarifying Tequila’s quotes, after additional statements from her detailed she was going to Game’s studio and his promise to take her shopping for baby clothes.



“I was actually in the studio thinking about the song Tupac made about his unborn child. My son’s mother is pregnant, so I’m in that lane,” Game explained. “I guess she took it and ran with it…Recently she was in the studio to mess with my boy Avante Rose. I didn’t see her, I was there with Dre. I wouldn’t use 50’s stick [to sleep with her]…I never seen her. But you know [the wrestler] Hunter Hearst Helmsley also goes by the Game, maybe she’s talking about him”



Following the video clip, Tequila was furious and Twitter-blasted Game as a deadbeat father and liar.



“Game not only lied to the world, to you guys, to me, but he also lied to his other baby mama which I didn’t know he had! So he fucked himself,” she chastised. “I was there all last night too and pictures on TMZ even show me leaving his studio at 6am!!! That’s a punk b***h there. COWARD. GAME=DEADBEAT DAD. Just wait. 9 months from now I’m gonna take the paternity test to PROVE IT. Game just fucked himself. SMH…”



Furthermore, Tequila boasted of making Game “relevant” again, and alleged he was calling her attempting to apologize.



At press time, Tequila is scheduled to appear on TMZ on Monday (February 1) to give her side of the situation.

Jay-Z, Eminem Win Big at The Grammys

Jay-Z and Eminem added to their legacy last night (January 31), bot walking away with the top rap honors at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards.






The Brooklyn-bred legend took home three trophies—two for “Run This Town” (Best Rap Song and Best Rap Sung Collaboration) and one for “D.O.A.” (Best Rap Performance)—while Eminem racked up two golden gramaphones—Relapse won Best Rap Album and “Crack a Bottle” was selected as the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.



Eminem, was among the artists included in the show’s grand finale. The Detroit lyricist first joined Lil Wayne and Blink 182’s Travis Barker for a rendition of the New Orleans MC’s song “Drop the World,” and later Drake was added into the fold as all four stars performed their hit “Forever.” Kanye West, who is also featured on the track, was absent from the event.



Other highlights included Jamie Foxx and T-Pain’s performance of their smash single “Blame It” and a futuristic medley by the Black Eyed Peas.