Russell Brand just got sued by a pedestrian who claims the actor drove into him earlier this year in Los Angeles ... TMZ has learned.
TMZ obtained a copy of the lawsuit filed today in LA County Superior Court -- and according to the documents ... Brand was driving "negligently" when he collided with the plaintiff, Victor Sneed, back in January.
In the docs, Sneed claims he was a pedestrian, and suffered personal injury, property damage ... and incurred hospital bills as a result of the accident.
The suit does not detail Sneed's alleged injuries, but he does claim he lost wages after the accident.
Sneed is suing for more than 25k.
We've reached out to Brand for comment. So far, no word back.
2 Chainz says Weezy is "straight" after his seizures.
2 Chainz has stepped up to confirm that Lil Wayne is, in fact, doing well after his seizures.
"I talked to him last night before ya'll heard about anything, so he's straight," said the rapper to MTV News.
"Young Money for life--you dig? Get well soon, homie, hit me up," added Chainz.
Meek Mill also spoke on the matter, saying he hadn't talked to Wayne yet. "I didn't get a chance to check in with Lil Wayne, you know he has probably a million people checking in with him at the same time," said Meek. "When I see him I'll make sure he's good. Wayne, thats the homie."
Nicki Minaj sets an air date for her upcoming three-episode reality series.
Nicki Minaj is reportedly expanding her presence on television. After announcing the decision to join American Idol as a judge, the Harajuku Barbie is supposedly prepping a reality show for the E! network.
According to PerezHilton.com, which recently conducted an interview with the YMCMB rapstress, Minaj began filming the reality show the same afternoon that they spoke with her. Details are relatively scarce on the show, and it is currently unclear when the show will air on the channel.
Minaj is set to make her foray into reality TV as a judge on American Idol alongside Mariah Carey and Keith Urban.
[September 26]
UPDATE: Contrary to prior reports, Nicki Minaj will appear in specials on E! and not a reality show. According to Deadline, a source claims there will be specials and not a whole series. Three specials will air later this fall, and some filming has already begun.
[September 27]
UPDATE #2: After a few inaccurate confirmations, MTV News reports that Nicki Minaj will star in three reality specials for the E! network. The specials will air on the channel in November and feature never-before-seen footage of her personal and professional life.
[September 28]
UPDATE #3: Nicki Minaj has revealed that her three-episode E! reality special begins airing on Nov. 4th at 10:30 p.m. Check her tweet below.
Man, oh man, there must be something in the water because some of these rappers have sure been guzzling on the hater-ade! There is one rapper in particular that’s been on a hating crusade as of late, and now he’s trying to come after the GOD emcee, Nas. This mumbling, bumbling rapper can’t even light a candle to Nasir Jones, yet in a recent interview, he was bold enough to try to diss Nas and cite his money trouble. The audacity!!!
I won’t keep you in suspense for too long – the rapper poppin’ ish is none other than Rodric Davis, better known as Gucci Mane.Hood Affairs TVcaught up with Rocco in the studio, and Gucci just happened to be in the house and was more than ready to spew his hater-ade. Check out what he said below:
“Does Nas make a 150 blood money per week off a mixtape,” Gucci asked in a video. “Yeah, blood money. Nas’ f*cked up right now. Yeah. Me and you got [whips], I just bought me [something]. Don’t you have a drop top? … You got the white one, I’m getting the black one? Nas got one? [laughs]“
Is Gucci seriously trying to come after NAS???? Do you think Nas should respond to this foolery, or should he not give Gucci the satisfaction and even reply to it?
So what is the Game going to do to get even? Well, it sounds as if he may be ready to put hands on Shyne. Check out what Game toldMTVbelow:
“Whenever a shot is taken at Kendrick, I think that’s the pool I’ma dive in head-first, whether there is water there or not,” Game said in an interview. “Personally, I think Shyne should just back away and let the kid breathe and if not, I don’t know, we might find ourselves face-to-face or sh– that nobody really wants to see happen. Kendrick is non-confrontational, he’s not a thug, he’s not a gang banger, he’s just a dope, hip-hop lyricist, but he’s from the streets and he got a lot of ties out here and a lot of good hood n—as with him and I’m one of them.”
Question, how is Game going to come face to face with Shyne, if Shyne isn’t even allowed in the USA? Is Game planning to go to Beliz? Someone please explain this to me? Oh, but wait, in an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, Shyne said that he is working on a VISA to come back stateside by March 2013. Check out what he told us below:
“We working on that and for whatever reason President Obama don’t see the benefit that I bring to the African and Latin-American impoverished communities throughout the United States of America,” Shyne told AllHipHop.com. “He doesn’t seem to get the fact that [there is] nobody more [qualified] than myself to speak to these kids in an honest way with integrity, that can influence them to change their lives and turn their lives around. He doesn’t get the fact that I’m the spokesperson to combat the violence in inner cities. But we working on getting that visa, so I should be in the United States in March of 2013, with or without Obama.”
Um, am I the only one that thinks that Shyne may have lost his marbles?!
Lawrence Taylor celebrated his court victory against a young prostitute cigar style.
The girl, Cristina Fierro -- who was 16 at the time of the incident -- sued Taylor in civil court, claiming the NFL legend had brutalized her into submission in a hotel room back in 2010.
But after a week of testimony, the jury returned a verdict in LT's favor in just 50 minutes. LT -- who shouted "Whoooeee!" as he lit up the stogie, said afterward, "I feel for what she’s gone through. I wasn't a bad person. I could have helped her. I hope the best for her. Now it's time to go back and concentrate on my own broken life."
You'll recall, Taylor was sentenced last year to six years probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor charges of sexual misconduct and patronizing a prostitute.
BTW ... apparently LT's lawyer asked for an autograph and LT obliged by signing his John Hancock on the jury's verdict sheet.
WWE announcer Lilian Garcia was hospitalized in Los Angeles yesterday after she was struck by a car.
According to the WWE, Garcia is in stable condition but doctors had to immobilize her neck as a precaution and was kept overnight in the hospital. She suffered suffered multiple contusions and lacerations on the left side of her body.
Garcia began her career with the WWE in 1999 (when they were still the WWF) and returned last year after a brief retirement in 2009.
More bad news for Tameka Raymond ... first Usher made it clear he's gonna evict her from his mansion ... now TMZ has learned her OTHER landlord -- from a small business she owns -- is suing her for $50k in unpaid rent and other stuff.
Antelope Valley Plaza filed the eviction case against Tameka -- claiming she signed a two-year lease agreement back in 2010 for three retail spaces in a Georgia complex ... where she runs Kangazoom -- an indoor play center for kids.
AVP claims in the docs Tameka was supposed to pony up $9,966.67 / month ... but she hasn't anted up for months -- and now owes $36,943.42 in back rent.
But wait ... there's more. AVP claims she owes more than $4k in late charges, $2k in unpaid taxes all tolled, AVP is gunning for $49,816.18.
Tameka says AVP is the one that breached the contract, and she wants the case dismissed.
Lil Reese apologizes over Twitter, saying he has matured
Fans and columnists reacted in outrage when a video of Chicago rapper Lil Reese beating a woman in a video clip leaked online earlier this week.
Initially, Lil Reese responded on Twitter by calling the people who uploaded the video "haters," and confirming that it was him (albeit several years ago).
Now, Lil Reese has changed his tune and apologized for his actions.
Reese took to Twitter, explaining that he had made a "mistake," was "out of character," and has matured since.
It appears that Diddy has recovered from his injuries after a serious car accident earlier this week.
After getting into a serious car accident on Wednesday (October 24), Diddy appears to be doing well.
TMZ reports that the Rap mogul was seen talking the streets of Los Angeles on Friday (October 26).
A representative for Diddy confirmed that the Bad Boy head honcho had suffered injuries to his neck, ribs, and collabone, and was receiving treatment from a physician.
No details about the severity of the injuries or whether Diddy was required to remain hospitalized overnight are available. However, below is a photo of Diddy walking on Friday, seemingly unaffected after the accident:
Natina Reed, who was formerly engaged to Kurupt, was reportedly killed in an accident at 32 years old.
Blaque member Natina Reed was reportedly killed last night in a hit-and-run accident in Atlanta, Georgia. She was 32 years old.
According to several sources, the rapstress was walking across the street last night when she was hit by a car. As of now, there are no further details surrounding the circumstances of the accident.
Natina Reed was the resident rapper of the '90s R&B group Blaque, which was mentored by the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. She starred in the film Bring It On alongside Gabrielle Union, who also tweeted about her passing.
Reed was the longtime girlfriend and fiance of emcee Kurupt of Tha Dogg Pound. The couple, who have been separated for years, reportedly share a child.
Lil Wayne has been hospitalized after suffering a seizure for the second time in a 24-hour period.
According to TMZ, Weezy was on board a flight from Texas to Los Angeles, California when he began to convulse. His flight was diverted to Louisiana and he was admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Last night, he was hospitalized after suffering "seizure-like" symptoms on the flight. It was later attributed to dehydration and migranes. He was released from the hospital in Texas hours after his admittance.
HipHopDX will keep you updated as more information comes to light.
UPDATE: Lil Wayne's rep tells MTV News that Wayne has not suffered from any seizures and that the reports are exaggerated. Instead, Weezy suffered from another migraine and is at home in Louisiana.
[October 26]
UPDATE #2: Lil Wayne took to Twitter to say that he's doing fine and thank his fans for the support.
Chicago rapper Lil Reese took to Twitter today (October 25), to comment on a video that leaked today featuring him assaulting a young woman.
The shocking, 1:11 second video shows the Def Jam artist and other males associates in an unidentified female’s residence.
Lil Reese and the woman begin to squabble, which soon turns into an all out assault on the female by Lil Reese.
Lil Reese brushed off the video, not because of its contents, but because of when it was made.
“The haters tryna see a mf Dwn lol Dey gotta b broke and bored wanna upload sum shit from years ago damnn we winnin it’s 2 late…#3hunna,” Lil Reese tweeted.
Most of the comments on the YouTubepage that features the clip condemn Lil Reese and his associates, while one offers up a number to the Chicago Police Department and calls for Lil Reese to be prosecuted.
Alicia Keys and her husband Hip-Hop producer Swizz Beatz have entered into a contract to purchase Eddie Murphy’s mansion in Englewood, New Jersey.
According to theNew York Daily News, the powerful couple entered into deal to buy the house for $12 million, but the closing has been delayed for unknown reasons for a few months.
The mansion, which sits on five-acres, has a bowling alley, marble fireplaces, a private recording studio and an indoor pool.
Eddie Murphy’s mansion was originally put on the market around 2005 for $30 million. Keys and Swizz are purchasing the home due to its close proximity to Manhattan.
Diddy's rep has just released a statement describing the injuries the rap mogul suffered in yesterday's car accident in front of the Beverly Hills hotel.
Here's the statement:
"Sean Combs sustained multiple injuries in yesterday’s car accident including to his neck, ribs and collarbone. He is currently receiving treatment for these injuries from his physicians and would like to thank all of his fans for the outpouring of support that he has received since the accident."
As we previously reported, Diddy was a passenger in an SUV that collided with another vehicle. After the crash, Diddy was seen lying out on the grass.
Emanuel Steward -- one of the most famous trainers in the history of boxing -- has died.
Steward was a god in the boxing world -- training superstars like Thomas "The Hitman" Hearns and Wladimir Klitschko. He was also a popular ringside commentator.
According to reports, Steward had recently been hospitalized for a stomach disorder.
Klitschko has released a statement saying, “Boxing has suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Emanuel Steward.”
Emanual's sister tells TMZ ...Steward passed away at 2:46pm with his family and chief doctor surrounding him ... noting, "He was at peace and in no pain."
She adds, "I deeply miss my brother but am overjoyed that he willingly went with God this afternoon. Thank you for your prayers and concern."
Disgraced LSU football star Tyrann Mathieu -- aka the Honey Badger -- was arrested earlier today on drug-related charges ... this according to the Baton Rouge Police Dept.
According to the police report, cops were called to an apartment around 3:30 PM after an alleged confrontation. When officers arrived to the scene, Honey Badger answered the door ... and cops say they could smell a strong odor of weed.
Honey Badger was with 3 other guys --Jordan Jefferson, Derrick Bryant and Karnell Hatcher -- all former members of the LSU football team. In fact, Jefferson was the starting QB for LSU last season.
Cops say they searched the apartment ... and found a marijuana grinder, digital scale and 10 bags of high grade marijuana. Cops say 7 of the bags were found inside Bryant's booksack.
All four men were taken into custody and arrested.
Honey Badger and Jefferson were charged with simple possession of marijuana. Hatcher was charged with 2nd Offense Simple Possession of Marijuana and Bryant was charged with Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana.
It's been a rough year for Honey Badger, a former Heisman Trophy finalist -- earlier this year he was kicked off the team after reportedly failing multiple drug tests.
Sheek Louch reveals Swizz Beatz and DJ Khaled will executive produce their long awaited third LP.
Fans of the L.O.X. have been patiently waiting for over decade for new material from the group, but they may soon have a reason to rejoice. Now, in a recent interview with MTV, one-third of the trio Sheek Louch gives some info on the Yonkers crew's long awaited release.
Sheek revealed that Styles P, Jadakiss and he have tapped DJ Khaled and Ruff Ryders partner Swizz Beatz to executive produce their upcoming effort. Although he made no mention of whether the trio has found a new label home, Sheek added that both Diddy and Lil Wayne have tried to sign them.
"The last meeting I had was with Swizz and Khaled and they're executive producing this new L.O.X. album," he explained. "So far, we've got like 12 bangers of big, big records. I was just in the studio the other night with us and Alicia Keys working on the Lox project and get ready y'all. Get ready y'all, I'm sorry for the delay and the wait, but this joint is gonna be monstrous, man."
He added, "Lil Wayne tried to sign us, Puff tried to re-sign us and paint that picture over, we done been in motherfuckers' living rooms and talkin' business. The meeting we just had with Swizz and Khaled about executive producing this project was the one that grabbed us and we're gonna give y'all some real, real big records."
Shyne calls out Diddy for not providing financial help to the family of his slain bodyguard.
Between attacking Rick Ross' latest mixtape, questioning Drake's credibility and even trashing Kendrick Lamar's debut LP, Shyne has been keeping himself busy taking other artists to task. Now, in an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, the former Bad Boy once again sets his sights on his old boss Diddy.
Shyne explained that the origins of his antipathy for Diddy stem from the lack of financial assistance Diddy has provided for the family of his slain bodyguard Anthony "Wolf" Jones. He said that he witnessed first-hand Jones laying his life on the line for the Bad Boy mogul, only to have Diddy shirk his responsibilities to Jones' family following his death.
“The testament to [my beef with Diddy] is the way he treats Anthony 'Wolf' Jones’ mother and his family. If it wasn’t for Anthony Wolf Jones, he [Diddy] wouldn’t be alive today. I know this for a fact,” he said. “Suge Knight was on his back and Wolf was the guy that kept Diddy alive. You would think that after he passed away he would have gratitude forever, especially when you think about the way that he’s rolling. How you not sending your man’s kid’s off to college? How you not take care of your man’s mother mortgage?”
Shyne also spoke on his plans to return to the United States to perform. The Belize-born emcee blames President Barack Obama for his current visa issues, saying that he plans to return to the States by March of next year, with or without the POTUS' help.
“We working on that and for whatever reason President Obama don’t see the benefit that I bring to the African and Latin-American impoverished communities throughout the United States of America,” he said. “He doesn’t seem to get the fact that [there is] nobody more [qualified] than myself to speak to these kids in an honest way with integrity, that can influence them to change their lives and turn their lives around. He doesn’t get the fact that I’m the spokesperson to combat the violence in inner cities. But we working on getting that visa, so I should be in the United States in March of 2013, with or without Obama.”
Young Money rapper Nicki Minaj has been tapped to headline “The 40th Anniversary American Music Awards.”
Nicki Minaj will join Taylor Swift and Linkin Park as the featured performers of “The 40th Anniversary American Music Awards.”
The AMA’s are determined by online voting, allowing fans to pick the top artists in Pop, Country, Hip-Hop, R&B, Alternative, Adult Contemporary, Latin and for the first year, Electronic Music.
Sean Kingston, Lance Bass, Kimberly Cole, Brad Goreski, Tristan Wilds and Andy Grammer will all host the live online pre show, being sponsored by Coca-Cola.
“The 40th Anniversary American Music Awards” are produced by dick clark productions, inc. Allen Shapiro and Orly Adelson.
The American Music Awards will take place in Los Angeles and will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, on Sunday, November 18 at 8:00pm est.
After 10 years, Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell's murder is still unsolved. While some suspects are named, Jay's mother feels that karma will catch up with her son's killer.
It has been nearly ten years since the shooting of Jason "Jam Master Jay" Mizell and the case is still unsolved. Most recently the New York Daily News reported that Curtis Scoon put a hit out on Jay after a dispute concerning a drug debt. However, Scoon has maintained his innocence in the process.
In a recent interview with AllHipHop, Scoon explained that he was "taken aback" by allegations made against him.
“I read the article in today's New York Daily News and was taken aback by the persistent efforts to connect me to the tragic death of Jason Mizell,” he shared. “I addressed my non-involvement in this crime several months back with ScoonTV, I believe readers will find it quite informative.”
Currently, Ronald Washington is serving a sentence for armed robbery. He reportedly admitted to having a role in the killing of Mizell. According to reports, Washington admitted guilt to a former girlfriend who reported this crime to police. However, another source claims that his former girlfriend's claims have changed "three or four times" since they were first reported.
While witnesses were on the scene, police have been unable to follow any leads. The head detective on the case, Vincent Santangelo, says it is because no one will or no one can cooperate information. As a result, law enforcement is still in search of the person who killed Jay.
Mizell's family member were also interviewed for the piece in the NY Daily News. Mizell's mother, Connie Mizell-Perry, expressed her feelings on the matter.
“One of these days, you're going to think you have it made and someone is going to tap you on the shoulder and say, ‘Gotcha!'”
Shyne explains why he doesn't like Kendrick Lamar's "good kid, m.A.A.d city."
Last night, Shyne took to Twitter to state that he thought Kendrick Lamar has talent but that good kid, m.A.A.d city is "trash." Clarifying his standpoint during an interview with the Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg show, the former Bad Boy rapper explained that he feels K. Dot was fed into the hype machine but that he failed to deliver on his promise.
"I ain't starting no trouble. Listen, y'all live in the United States of America. We don't live in the United States of Aftermath, Jimmy Iovine doesn't pay me, I can say whatever I want," said Shyne. "I'm not talking reckless. I said the young boy got potential and I said he was talented, but the album is trash. That's tough love.
"What I said wasn't not nice, I didn't attack him as an individual, I didn't say anything disrespectful," he continued. "It's trash! I don't really listen to these rappers, but I heard him on a few joints and I was like, shorty's nice. ... So when he was coming out with an album, I was like, I'ma hear more of that."
Po went on to explain that he wasn't feeling the production on the project, and that he'd rather hear a spoken word album if that's the route he wanted to take. "Beats is trash, number one. And once your beats are trash, you're finished because you can't handle a good flow. I don't really want to hear what you gotta say. I'll go buy Dr. Cornel West's album if I want to hear someone talk."
He said that he felt a responsibility to be honest about his opinion because he didn't want Kendrick to drink his own Kool-Aid. "I feel bad for him because everybody's gassing him right now, everyone's on him. He on fire because of that Interscope machine, he's on fire because of that Dr. Dre machine. He's nice, but that's a lot of hype. All I'm saying is, to show y'all I'm not a hater, 50 [Cent] delivered. I never had nothing positive to say about him, but he delivered. He lived up to the hype."
K'Naan is back on the charts for a second time in 2012 with "God, Country Or The Girl." Macklemore & Ryan Lewis prove they are no one-week sensation, as MGK, Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco move strong units.
Seattle, Washington's Macklemore & Ryan Lewis success last week continued. The DXnext certified duo just missed a sophomore week in the Top 10, coming in at #11 with The Heist.Machine Gun Kelly also held strong in the second week at retail with his own full-length debut on the Bad Boy imprint, Lace Up. Jay-Z's recent Live From Brooklyn souvenir album from his Barclay Center shows also crossed the 15,000 unit mark, as one of Roc Nation's less-publicized releases.
K'Naan hit the charts for a second time in 2012 with Country, God Or The Girl. The A&M Records release from the Somali-Canadian emcee/singer expanded his More Beautiful Than SilenceEP from January on this fourth studio effort. Appearances by Nas and Nelly Furtado are found both places.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Still Have The Charts By Heist
The Heist, the latest self-released album from emcee Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis sold another 18,000 records. Macklemore, approaching 30, has a career dating back to the late '90s within the Seattle underground. His latest self-released effort is approaching six-figures in sales, and features appearances from Black Hippy's Ab-Soul and ScHoolboy Q over Ryan's production.
Lil Wayne explains that he isn't sure which ones Dr. Dre will release.
Though their collaborative musical output has been scarce, Lil Wayne and Dr. Dre have an arsenal of tracks in the can. During an interview with MTV News, Weezy revealed that he's recorded "probably like 90 songs" for the West Coast veteran but that he's unsure which tracks will ever be released.
"I've always worked with Dre," he said. "I'm not sure if you guys know how Dre works, Dre always send you a song, so I done probably did like 90 songs for Dre. You just never know which one he gonna put out."
Wayne, who is working with Dre on his own line of Beats By Dre headphones, says that he's always open to collaborating with Dre. "I'll always be up to work with Dre, it's always cool with him," he said. "As far as the headphones, I'm super excited about that collaboration, I couldn't be more excited."
Diddy complained of pain following a car crash in Los Angeles, California.
Diddy was involved in a serious car accident earlier today in Los Angeles, California.
According to TMZ, a car turned left in front of his SUV and Diddy's driver t-boned the other car. Officers claim that everyone involved in the incident - Diddy, his driver and the other driver - complained of pain.
An ambulance was called to the scene, but law enforcement agents say that no one was taken to the hospital. It's also unclear how seriously all parties were injured in the crash.
A picture of Diddy's vehicle can be seen below. HipHopDX will keep you updated as more information comes to light.
Magic Johnson has been sued by a former employee who claims the NBA legend is SUPER SERIOUS when it comes to snacks ... because he forced her to "regularly squeeze his red vines to make sure they were soft."
The woman behind the lawsuit is 45-year-old Lanita Thomas -- who claims she served as Magic's personal flight attendant on his private jet from 2004 until last month ... when Magic fired her ass.
In her suit, filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Thomas claims Magic was full of crap when he told her she was let go because she showed up to work 15 minutes late one day.
Thomas claims the real reason Magic wanted her gone is because he wanted a "substantially younger woman" to service him in the air.
In her suit, Thomas admits she WAS 15 minutes late to work one day ... but says it was only because Magic insists on two specific types of turkey meat on his sandwiches ... and she was held up at the deli counter.
She also says Magic was "very particular that all snacks were fresh" ... especially when it came to liquorice.
*Editor's note -- stale Red Vines are delicious*
In addition to wrongful termination, Lanita also claims Magic failed to pay her overtime and provide her with legally required breaks during her work shifts. She's asking for unspecified damages.
Lil Wayne also confirms production from Juicy J, David Banner, Cool & Dre and Streetrunner.
Lil Wayne and Kanye West are back to making music together. During an interview with MTV News, Weezy revealed that in addition to production from Juicy J, David Banner and Cool & Dre, 'Ye will have a "big hand" in his upcoming album I Am Not a Human Being II, dropping in December.
"Production on the album, I got people like Juicy J, Cool & Dre, David Banner on down to uh — I mean it's so many, shoot. Streetrunner, 'Ye," said Weezy. "Yeah he got some music on there. It's crazy, actually I don't want to give too much up but he's got a big hand in the album, you'll see."
Adele better get ready to start humming some lullabies, because the British soul singer is officially a mom. She and beau Simon Konecki welcomed a baby boy, People reports.
A family source confirmed the news, saying, "We are all over the moon."
The new addition to their family joins Konecki's young daughter from his first marriage.
"Im delighted to announce that Simon and I are expecting our first child together," she wrote on June 29. "I wanted you to hear the news direct from me, obviously we’re over the moon and very excited but please respect our privacy at this precious time."
Shortly after the news of Adele's pregnancy broke, came rumors that she was further along in her pregnancy than everyone thought, with reports suggesting she was due in September.
In August, a photo of a very pregnant Adele landed on the cover of Life & Style Weekly, practically confirming that the singer was getting closer to her due date. Another rumor popped up that she and Konecki had secretly tied the knot. However, Adele was quick to shoot down any nuptial news.
"I'm not married...Zzzzzzz," she tweeted on August 30.
Perhaps marriage isn't too far away for Adele and Konecki, who have been dating since summer 2011, but right now it seems they are focused on their new bundle of joy. Congrats to the happy couple!
Wyclef Jean addresses his now infamous picture of him on a bike while wearing a Speedo.
Wyclef Jean became a punching bag after releasing a photograph of him wearing nothing but a Speedo while sitting on a motorcycle. During an interview with Power 105's The Breakfast Club, 'Clef finally broke his silence on the snapshot, stating that it was from an old photo shoot and had been on the Internet prior to him tweeting it on his birthday.
"First of all, the pic with the Speedo, that's an old pic. I'm part of a bike club. Bike-Clef wore Speedos at the time. That's actually an old photo shoot, and those photos are actually up on Facebook or Instagram," he said. "This is actually a photoshoot for a company in Italy. I said 'I turned 43, I feel 26' based on that photo shoot that I had did. I'm telling you when I did the photo shoot so that you clear, right?"
He turned his attention to Lauryn Hill, stating that he doesn't think she's gone crazy. He noted that he once called her crazy, but said that he was in a situation where he thought she might be suffering from bipolar disorder.
"First of all, I don't think Lauryn's crazy. I clearly said that. If y'all follow historically what I said, I just felt personally that there was a situation where I felt she was bipolar. I know people that's crazy, but I also have seen syndromes of people that I feel one day they're a certain way, another day they're a certain way. That was more of what I expressed."
Gunplay was released from jail in charges connected to a robbery at a tax business.
Gunplay was released on $150,000 bond earlier today and is on house arrest in connection with the robbery of a man at a Miami, Florida tax business.
According to NBC News, the Maybach Music Group rapper is out of prison and is facing charges of second degree aggravated assault with a firearm and armed robbery.
"The state did not prove that Mr. Morales was a flight risk or a threat to the community,” said Gunplay's attorney Michael Grieco. “He should be home with his family shortly. This is first step in clearing his name so he can continue his emerging music career.”
The Southern rapper was initially arrested after Gunplay reportedly stole a cell phone and gold chain from a man on April 13th. He also threatened the man with a gun, which was shown in footage released to the web.
Gunplay could face a life sentence if found guilty of both charges.
Barack Obama has been doing a good amount of radio interviews lately, and a DJ finally asked him the question on the lips of many a hip-hop fan: What do the president and Jay-Z talk about?
In a wide-ranging interview with Cleveland's z107.9, Obama said he gives the rapper a bit of advice on the parenting front. "I made sure that Jay-Z was helping Beyonce out [with the baby]," he said. "And not leaving it all with mom and the mother-in-law."
Jay-Z and Beyonce recently had their first daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.
Obama and Beyonce and Jay-Z's friendship has been a hot topic in recent weeks. The star couple hosted a lucrative fundraiser at the 40/40 Club and Jay appeared in a new campaign video. In the new ad, Jay describes Obama as a vital symbol of hope. The rapper's dialogue is intercut with footage from the Made In America festival, where the president introduced Jay via a video and said the rapper and businessman is a prime example of the American dream.
"I’ve gotten to know these guys over the first several years," Obama said on z107.9. "They’re good people. They're down to earth. Beyonce could not be sweeter to Michelle and the girls. So they’re good friends. They really are down-to-earth folks. We talk about the same things I talk about with all my friends."
The president also said he prefers Jay-Z's "My First Song" over "99 Problems," because the former track reminds him "to always stay hungry."
Public Enemy hype man Flavor Flav has been released from a Las Vegas jail, after being arrested in a domestic dispute with his fiancé and son.
Flavor Flav was freed on $23,000 bail, after being charged with assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence on Wednesday (October 17).
According to reports, police came to the rappers residence in Las Vegas in the early morning, after the 53-year-old rapper/reality star’s fiancé called and said he threatened her son with a knife.
“The caller advised she had been involved in a physical altercation with her fiancé who was identified as William Drayton,” a police statement said.
Flavor Flav, born William Drayton Jr, is due in court on Monday to answer the charges.
He faces up to six years in prison for the assault with a deadly weapon charge.
Memphis rap group Three Six Mafia will be among the first artists to ever be inducted into the Smithsonian’s new Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
Three Six Mafia is among the initial 25 musical legends from the state, who will be honored in a ceremony this November.
Artists like Otis Redding, Elvis Presley, Al Green, The Staple Singers, Jerry Lee Lewis, Isaac Hayes and others will be the first artists to be inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
Rapper Kanye West could be a married man before the weekend is out, according to personality, Ryan Seacrest.
Ryan Seacrest, host of “American Idol,” is also the executive producer of the “Keeping Up With The Kardashians” reality series franchise.
During an interview on his radio show on KIIS FM, Ryan Seacrest replied to a report from RadarOnline.com that claimed that Kim Kardashian is pressuring Kanye West for a ring.
The report on RadarOnline.com claimed that Kanye West has been deliberating the purchase of a ring for Kim Kardashian for quite some time.
The source said that Kanye West was planning to propose to Kim Kardashian as a present for her 32nd birthday, which is on Sunday.
Seacrest claimed there could be an update on the couple’s status as early as Monday.
The producers of "Basketball Wives" are probably screaming "SAVE IT FOR THE SHOW!!!" ... after it was revealed former NBA and soon-to-be reality star Stephon Marbury had an affair with his personal chef and paid her nearly A MILLION BUCKS to keep a lid on it.
Marbury -- who along with wife Latasha will appear next season on the show -- hooked up with the family's chef, Thurayyah Mitchell, five times during her employment ... this according to court docs obtained by the NY Post.
When Marbury let her go in 2006, she screamed sexual harassment, but Marbury (who felt he did nothing wrong) offered her $900,000 anyway to keep her trap shut. Marbury played for the Knicks at the time -- ironic, since the team was dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct by front office personnel.
According to the Post, Marbury shelled out nearly $600,000 to Mitchel but stopped making payments in 2010. Mitchell took Marbury before an arbitrator for the balance ... and the arbitrator ruled Marbury made Mitchell "believe that 'keeping him happy' was a requirement of keeping her job."
The arbitrator awarded Mitchell $330,000, saying Mitchell could have sued Marbury for more money or sold her story.
If this isn't a storyline for "BB Wives," we don't know what is.
Sporting his new wedding ring, Justin Timberlake was spotted out in Fasano, Italy this morning ... after tying the knot with Jessica Biel yesterday.
Some of the famous peeps in attendance reportedly included JT's pals Andy Samberg and Timbaland, as well as Jessica's former "7th Heaven" co-star Beverly Mitchell.
The couple had been engaged since December after splitting for a brief time in 2011.
It's the first marriage for each, though Timberlake has been in several high profile relationships -- most notably with Cameron Diaz and Britney Spears.
Lil Wayne says he is clueless to the backlash against his comments towards New York.
Lil Wayne got under some people's skin when he said that he "flat out" doesn't like New York City, New York. After facing some backlash for his comment, Weezy spoke to MTV News about the response, stating that he doesn't pay any attention to what others are saying and that he's completely unaware of how people interpreted his words.
"I have to be honest with you, dog: All I do is work, and I swear to God, I don't even know the reaction," said Wayne. "If I knew the reaction I'd know how to be able to answer that question, but I don't know the reaction. I just say what I want to say, do what I want to do and fuck who don't like it."
He also said he hadn't heard Fabolous' "So NY," which responded to the comment with the rhyme, "I'm so New York, Weezy probably don't like me." "Nah, I don't listen to nothin' else but myself, 'cause I'm just tryin' to get better," he said. "I always listen to what I could've said or done better, so I'm sorry."
Gucci Mane is on a warpath today, and his two main targets are Young Jeezy and Yung Joc.
It looks the on-going feud between Young Jeezy and Gucci Mane is only going to get worse before it gets better. Not only did Gooch fire off a new diss aimed at his longtime nemesis earlier today, but apparently, he's taken potshots at fellow ATL rapper Yung Joc.
On the newly released song from Large On Da Streets 28, Gucci linked up with Jeezy's recent sparring partner Rick Ross for a not-so-subtly titled song "Respect Me." While Rozay's verse remains fairly low-key, Gucci takes direct shots at Jeezy, even recalling the fact that he shot and killing CTE associate Pookie Loc in 2005.
"Nigga gonna respect me, nigga best respect me/Ain't now way in Hell I'm let you disrespect me," Gucci chants on the chorus. "RPGs for your family 'cus your best friend tried to try me/Your rhyme game is so slimy, but all my niggas are grimy/My cover started firing - beefing over 'So Icy.'"
Yet that's not the only diss Gucci's put out on the market. According to AllHipHop, Gucci used his song "Fuck the World" off Trap God to throw jabs at both Yung Joc, who he claimed went broke, and Jeezy's former manager Kenneth “Block” Russell, whose deal with Bad Boy South went awry.
“I got all eyes on me like Pac did/But I ain’t tryin’ to go broke like Joc did/I ain’t tryin’ to fuck my deal up like Block did,” he raps.
Miami rapper Rick Ross is the subject of a lawsuit over a wild brawl that broke out during his birthday party at a club in the Bronx, in 2011.
Umbrella Lounge filed a lawsuit against Rick Ross earlier this month, claiming the rap star and his entourage were involved in an altercation during a January 28 birthday celebration.
The lawsuit claims that the fight spilled outside, and resulted in the injury of two men who required serious medical attention for their wounds.
One of the victims required 40 stitches, while another suffered lacerations and permanent scarring.
The victims originally sued Umbrella Lounge, who in turn, have filed a lawsuit against Rick Ross.
Umbrella Lounge claims they provided enough security, but the rap star’s entourage continued to fight outside, despite security’s efforts to quell the violence.
The lawsuit accuses Rick Ross of acting in a reckless and negligent manner, since he disobeyed the orders given by Umbrella Lounge’s security to halt the violence, which resulted in the injuries of the patrons.
Flavor Flav violently threw his fiancee to the ground last night, ripped out her earring, then chased her teenage son around the house while clutching TWO KNIVES -- this according to the police report from the rapper's domestic dispute yesterday.
According to the Vegas police report, the argument between the rapper and his 39-year-old fiancee started over accusations Flav had cheated on her -- and quickly turned violent, with Flav grabbing his fiancee and throwing her to the ground twice.
According to the report, Flav's fiancee claims her earring was ripped out during the altercation ... and her 17-year-old son jumped in to defend her.
At that point, the report continues, Flav grabbed two knives and chased her son around the house -- eventually kicking down a locked door to get to him. Flav then allegedly threatened to kill him.
According to the report, Flav denied chasing the teenager with the knives. He also denied the whole death threat thing.
TMZ broke the story ... Flav was arrested for domestic violence early yesterday morning and subsequently booked on two charges -- misdemeanor battery (for allegedly attacking his fiancee) and felony assault with a deadly weapon (for the knife thing).
Flav subsequently posted $23,000 bail and is due back in court next week.
Eagles head coach Andy Reid's son died from a self-injected heroin overdose ... according to the Coroner's investigation of Garrett Reid's death.
Garrett was found dead on August 5 in his room at Lehigh University ... where the Eagles were holding training camp.
The Northampton County Coroner and D.A.'s Office announced the results of their investigations -- and revealed they had found 47 syringes, 65 needles, and a number of spoons in Garrett's gym bag.
29-year-old Garrett had battled drug addiction for years.
The D.A. said they are still looking into where Garrett got the heroin and the paraphernalia.
Drake announces that he is proud to have graduated high school and thanks his teacher Kim Janzen for her work and support.
Rapper/singer/actor Drake announced that he has graduated high school. It seems Drake has been working diligently for some time on this accomplishment. In his announcement, done through his verified Twitter account, the Young Money emcee thanked his teacher for her work and said that it was "one of the greatest feelings in my entire life." In Drake's announcement, he also provided his final exam score and grade in the course. The announcement can be found below.
97% on my final exam. 88% in the course. One of the greatest feelings in my entire life. As of tonight I have graduated high school!
Drake also explained that his teacher, Kim Janzen, had an integral role in his graduation. Thanking his teacher, he explained that a lot of work went into this endeavor.
Thank you to my teacher Kim Janzen for spending the last 5 months working tirelessly with me!! OVO SOUND
News of Drake's plans to graduate school were first reported in August. Around this time, Drake explained that he only had one credit left and that he would be graduating after his OVO Fest run.
“I’m actually spending my summer graduating high school,” he said in an interview with Now Toronto. “That’s my main focus after OVO Fest. I only have one credit left, and I’m really excited about that.”
DJ Drama says that he feels like T.I. may be one of the only people that could end the beef between Young Jeezy and Rick Ross.
Between weathering potshots from Gucci Mane and dealing with Iggy Azalea's tiff with Azealia Banks, rapper T.I. has been playing the role of a diplomat as of late. Now, in a recent interview with ThisIs50's Young Jack Thriller, DJ Drama calls on the King of the South to mediate another feud between his musical peers.
DJ Drama said that he feels that T.I.'s friendship with both Young Jeezy and Rick Ross may be the only thing that ends the feud between the two emcees. He said that while he's sure it's not at the top of Tip's to-do list, he hopes that T.I. can somehow help Rozay and Jeezy to bury the hatchet.
"Maybe [Young Jeezy and Rick Ross are] not gonna be friends, maybe they're not gonna go out to dinner, but hopefully, we can probably get some music from it," he said. "I'm thinking now that it's a public situation, maybe that somebody can step in. Maybe Tip can do it…Tip is both of those guys' friend; those are friends of Tip. I'm not gonna say it's the first thing on his mind, but at the end of the day, just like of use - myself included…if it was something I could do, I would love to do that because I respect both of them. it doesn't seem like something that we can't get past."
Lupe Fiasco is one interesting person. All of the musical geniuses are, aren’t they? Well, Lupe may have had a little help with his talent from an extraterrestrial visit as a child. According to the politically outspoken rapper, he has a mysterious scar on his ankle from what he describes as a an “extra-worldly experience” in his hometown of Chicago when he was a kid. Check out what he toldPower 106in LA.
“When I was 11, I definitely had an extra-worldly experience,” he explained. “I got a scar on the bottom of my ankle, and I don’t know where it came from – I never had surgery there, I never remember falling there. I’ve done martial arts my whole life, it could be something from that…[but] I remember waking up and just being shocked, like I was surrounded by all this electricity. I was trying to call to wake my cousin up and roll out the bed and I couldn’t move, right? And then I was surrounded by this blue electricity, and then It stops and I look out the window and I see a black disc fly down in front of the window, sits there and then flies out.”
Flavor Flav ended up in prison after assaulting one person and threatening another with a knife.
Flavor Flav was arrested earlier this morning after allegedly assaulting someone in his Las Vegas, Nevada home with a deadly weapon.
According to TMZ, the Public Enemy rapper got into an argument with his fiancee and a teenager in his home. The fiancee soon called the police after Flav threatened one person with a knife and battered another. It is unclear who he threatened and attacked.
He was arrested at 3 a.m. and booked on felony assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor domestic violence. He is currently being held on $23,000 bail.
Chief Keef reportedly violated his probation order on two occasions.
Chief Keef could be returning to juvenile detention for allegedly violating his probation twice.
According to the Chicago Sun Times, Cook County prosecutors state that he violated his probation stemming from an incident where he pointed a gun at a police officer an was sentenced to 18 months of probation. He was later found delinquent on two other felonies.
Earlier today, prosecutors pointed to his video interview with Pitchfork, conducted in June at a gun range. In the video, the 17-year-old was holding a gun - a direct violation of his probation, which prohibits him from having guns, illegal drugs or associations with gang members.
Prosecutors also said he failed to complete his GED by a court-ordered deadline. Assistant State's Attorney Jullian Brevard noted that on September 30th, police responded to a call of gang disturbance and found him associating with Black Disciple gang members. Keef also failed to give his probation officer his most recent phone number.
Keef is currently recording his debut album in California, where he will return until his November 20th court hearing and what he suspects will play out in his favor. "It's a piece of cake," said Keef.
I was pretty impressed with the work that Dr. Dre has done with Kendrick Lamar. I’m sure KL wrote it, but it got me to thinking. “Maybe Dre is setting the table for his return.” So, I was close to doing a damn rumor, but I realized that would be doing something like other sites. So, I chilled and reached out to some people I know close to the situation. And they let me know unequivocally that Dre is NOT about to embark upon any sort of “comeback” to music. In fact, they made it clear that Dr. Dre is doing just fine off the sales of those Monster headphones. So, he may not announce or he may do some things here and there, but Dre ain’t about to jeopardize his paper.
I just wish I could get into the vault and hear the songs Dre has in it.
Kanye West had an epic meltdown over the weekend in Hollywood while coming out of a restaurant with his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian. An overzealous paparazzi began harassing Kim and Kanye with a series of questions about Kim’s ex boyfriend, Reggie Bush.
Bush has recently confirmed that his girlfriend, a Kim Kardashian look-alike, is pregnant with his child. According toTMZ, Kim played it cool and was smiling throughout the ordeal, but once the pap asked Kim if she wanted to“congratulate Reggie on the pregnancy,”Kanye snapped and rushed the photographer.
Luckily, Yeezy kept his cool and never laid a hand on the female photographer, but he sure did give her a scare. After the ordeal, the photog was quoted as saying,“Kanye West just tried to beat me up.”
Oh, and by the way, Reggie and his girlfriend were at the restaurant next door the whole time. Yikes!
I have to admit, my jaw dropped when I saw the photos of Rihanna at one of Jay-Z Barclays shows along with Chris Brown. We’ve all heard the rumors of Jay-Z despising Chris Brown because of the domestic violence attack he put her through a few years back.
It turns out, Jigga invited Breezy to the show himself! According toThe Sun, Hov invited him to the show so that he could sit him down and give Breezy a good, hard talking to. The heart-to-heart conversation consisted of Jay-Z flexing his industry muscle and allegedly telling Chris Brown that he would“end his career”if he hurt Rihanna again, either physically or emotionally.
No word on how Chris Brown responded to the threats, but how can C. B. ensure that he won’t hurt Rihanna emotionally again? Ish happens, especially in a relationship in the public eye.
Sidenote – Chris Brown was spotted going to a car wash with his ex-girlfriend Karruche in tow just this weekend! I wonder how Jigga will respond to that!
As for Rihanna, Jay-Z allegedly told her that if Chris makes her happy, she should“go for it.”
According to the rumor mill, Rihanna and Chris Brown were in the studio together working on a new dance track collaboration over the weekend, when things got a little freaky. The two allegedly wanted the simulated moans and groans on the track to sound like they were really having sex, and decided to go on and do the d*mn thing, According to a report byMediaTakeOut, Chris and Rihanna allegedly asked everyone except the sound engineer to leave — so they could allegedly have REAL sex to make the song more authentic.
The way these two are going, how long before the Chris Brown and Rihanna sex tape we heard about hits the market?
Oh, and Rihanna’s on the cover of the newVogue. Check her out in all her glory below!
In the magazine, Rihanna says that the public doesn’t have “closure” in regards to her incident with Chris Brown:
“To the world, I feel like there’s no closure. There’s some obsession that’s continued even throughout when we weren’t friends or couldn’t be friends at all. Hated each other. The world hasn’t let go. They haven’t seen any progress in our friendship, because they don’t see anything, really, besides the song.”
Well, now that the public is seeing these two together more, closure should be just around the corner.
Over the weekend, Gucci Mane released a mixtape track called “Truth” that’s s a certified Jeezy diss track. If you haven’t heard about it, take a quick look atillseed’srumor about it below:
Well, on that same track, Gucci also called out R&B singer and Jeezy’s ex-girlfriend, Keyshia Cole. Gucci accused Keyshia of sleeping with Diddy while she was with Jeezy.
Check out Gucci’s lyrics below:
“I ain’t playing wit ya, I ain’t trying to dance wit ya/I ain’t using hands, let them rubberbands get ya/It take money to go to war and we can go to war n*gga /I ain’t no real rapper, I’m a f*cking grave digger /I’m a old school fool, don’t make me show my age n*gga /Grab a Louisville and turn it to a batting cage n*gga/I did a song with Keyshia Cole and I know you still miss her /But Puff was f*cking her while you was falling in love wit her /Call you to do a song, wouldn’t even smoke no bud wit ya /I was screaming so icy and was a neighborhood n*gga /This AR is my back up cause I don’t need nan n*gga/Must didn’t hear when Flocka said “Let them guns blam n*gga!”
Wowzers! Keyshia Cole didn’t take too kindly to that alleged “Truth” being exposed, now that she’s a married woman with a child. She went off on Gucci on Twitter, calling him a a liar and basically talentless. Check out her tweets below (Read from the bottom up):
DJ Paul of Oscar Award-winning group Three 6 Mafia was arrested late yesterday evening (October 14) in New York.
Sources close to the platinum-plus, Memphis producer told AllHipHop.com that the incident unfolded after DJ Paul finished a dinner in Manhattan.
He stopped at a deli on 37th and 9th Avenue to purchase a beer and had the open container in a sleeve, when a police officer began following him.
During a search, DJ Paul informed the officer that he had a taser in his pocket.
The officer handed the taser to an assisting officer, who accidentally discharged the taser.
As DJ Paul was being booked, police officers allegedly took photos with him and singing the chorus to his hit single 2005 single “Stay Fly” featuring Young Buck and Eightball & MJG.
DJ Paul, born Paul Beauregard, was ultimately charged with misdemeanor possession of a weapon and carrying an open container in public.
He is expected to be released later this morning, but the arrest has already impacted his promotional schedule.
DJ Paul is preparing to release a new album, ironically titledA Person of Interest, on October 22.
A scheduled appearance on Power 105.1′s hit morning show “The Breakfast Club” with Charlamagne, Angela Yee and DJ Envy will be rescheduled for later in the week.
As a member of Three 6 Mafia, DJ Paul has produced hits like “2 Way Freak,” and “Sippin’ On Some Syrup.”
His production on the song “It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp” from the movie “Hustle and Flow” won the Oscar Award for Three 6 Mafia in March of 2006.
DJ Paul Arrested With A Taser, Open Container In NYC
DJ Paul Arrested With A Taser, Open Container In NYC
DJ Paul Arrested With A Taser, Open Container In NYC
DJ Paul Arrested With A Taser, Open Container In NYC
President Barack Obama has a message for Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey -- GIVE PEACE A CHANCE!!!!!
The war at the "American Idol" judges' table was escalated all the way to the Commander In Chief this weekend when POTUS appeared on Michael Yo's radio show.
"I think that they are going to be able to sort it out," Obama said ... "I am confident."
Obama continued, "I'm all about bringing people together, working for the same cause. I think both outstanding artists are going to be able to make sure that they're moving forward and not going backwards."
And when asked who's his favorite, Obama actually picked a side -- replying, "Mariah. She's actually done some events for us. I've gotten to know her and Nick [Cannon]. She's a wonderful lady."
He added ... "Nicki, I don't know, but I've got her on my iPod."
Hulk Hogan just announced ... he's suing for more than $100 MILLION over his leaked sex tape.
Hulk's attorney spoke at a news conference in Tampa moments ago, announcing two lawsuits filed today by the wrestler -- one against Bubba the Love Sponge and his ex-wife for illicitly recording Hulk without his permission, and another against Gawker for publishing the tape.
Hulk's attorney says the wrestler is seeking $100 MILLION in damages from Gawker stemming from the leaked footage. It's unclear what he's seeking from Bubba and Bubba's ex Heather Clem.
In the suit, obtained by TMZ, Hogan claims he "had a reasonable expectation of privacy in his consensual, intimate activities in a private bedroom and reasonably believed that his privacy was safe and protected."
Hulk's attorney says Bubba and Co.'s actions were "illegal, outrageous, and exceeded the bounds of human decency."
In addition to forking over damages, Hulk's team wants Bubba, Gawker, and anyone else in possession of the sex footage to turn it over asap in order for it to be destroyed forever.
Hulk's other attorney David R. Houston also reiterated -- they will continue to go after anyone who republishes the footage with a vengeance.
Young Dro is the latest to get hit for failing to pay his taxes.
According to TMZ, the Grand Hustle rapper neglected to cough up $45,139.99 in the State of Georgia dating back to 2007. The news has come to light through documents filed in the GA Dept. of Revenue.
Dro isn't having the best year for finances. Four months ago, his Maserati was reposessed after he allegedly defaulted on payments. Dro is yet to comment on his recent tax lien.
The Southern emcee comes in a line of artists who failed to pay taxes to Uncle Sam. Recent musicians to come under fire include Lil' Kim, R. Kelly, Mase, Bubba Sparxxx and more.
The veteran songwriter and producer has been named the SVP of Island Records.
Last August, it was rapper Young Jeezy who was appointed the Senior VP of A&R of Atlantic Recordings. Now, it looks like another musician has worked his way up the ranks in the music business.
In a recent report from Billboard, it was announced that producer and songwriter Dallas Austin has been named the Senior Vice President of A&R at Island Records. This new position will find Austin writing, producing and discovering new talent for the storied label.
"I am truly honored," said Austin in a statement.
In his twenty-plus years in the industry, Austin has won multiple Grammy awards for his work alongside artists like TLC, Boyz II Men, Colin Munroe and Michael Jackson. The Georgia native first got his start as a member of the short lived LaFace Hip Hop group Highland Place Mobsters.
As previously mentioned, Austin follows the likes of Jeezy, No I.D., and most recently The-Dream being named to high-up positions within labels.
Scott Storch is officially a wanted man -- a Florida court has ordered the legendary hip-hop producer to be arrested immediately for failing to pay over $20,000 in child support and other bills ... TMZ has learned.
According to court docs, Storch has failed to cough up $28,300 to his baby mama as ordered by the court -- then failed to appear in court to explain himself.
Following the missed court date, a judge issued an arrest order, directing cops to nab Storch asap and bring him to court.
Fun Fact -- Storch can make it all go away if he coughs up the $28,300 he allegedly owes.
Scott also has problems on the West Coast -- we've learned the Beverly Hills Hotel filed a police report this week, claiming the producer skipped out on a $4,000 bill ... and now cops are hoping for a chat. They even reached out to Bradford Cohen -- Stroch's former lawyer-- hoping to find him.
Nelly's employee says the drugs found on the rapper's tour bus weren't his.
Earlier this week, police raided Nelly's tour bus, uncovering heroin, marijuana, and a loaded gun.
In response, the St. Louis rapper blamed a member of his staff for making an "unfortunate decision to bring unlawful materials" onto the tour bus, and claimed no one else was aware of the contraband.
It appears that staff member has a different view of the situation.
TMZ reports that Brian Keith Jones has pleaded no guilty to felony drug possession, though at the time of the arrest, he admitted that the drugs and the gun were his.
Jones was released on bail on Friday (October 13).
Yesterday, Nelly’s tour bus was pulled over by border patrol at a checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas. Authorities found 36 small baggies of heroin (totaling .64 ounces) and over 10 pounds of marijuana inside a large green duffle bag.
According toTMZsources, a man named Brian Keith Jones admitted to owning the drugs and gun, and was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
Late last night, Nelly released a statement about the incident. Check out what he said below:
“It is my understanding a member of my staff made an unfortunate decision to bring unlawful materials onto our tour bus that resulted in his arrest this morning, October 11th. Neither I nor anyone else on the tour bus was aware of his decision to bring these on board. Law enforcement officials in Sierra Blanca, Texas did not press charges against anyone other than that individual.”
The rapper was less diplomatic about the situation on his Twitter account? and roasted his “fam” for “jeopardizing his life.” Check out Nelly’s tweets below:
I can’t front, when I first heard about the story, I thought one of Nelly’s homeboys was covering for him – but after reading his tweets, I don’t know anymore. What do you think? Either way, hopefully Nelly helps his man out with a good lawyer. He’s going to need it.
Sidenote – It seems as if Nelly and Ashanti are still going strong. The rapper tweeted an invite to her birthday party, which he is hosting.
These two need to go ahead and make it official already. They could make tons of money and actually get hot again if they parlay their relationship into a reality show! Get that money Nelly and Ashanti!
Dr. Cornel West speaks on how Jay-Z should be completely honest about how much of the team he actually owns.
There's been some speculation that Jay-Z doesn't own as much of the Brooklyn Nets as he lets on, with some stating that he only holds a stake of one-fifteenth of one percent. Dr. Cornel West, who has been friends with Hov for some time, recently spoke on the
"Jay-Z came from the Marcy projects, but look at him now. He owns the whole - no, he owns one-fifteenth of one percent of the whole stadium. Let's get it right, now," he said. "They got a Russian gangster who owns 80 percent."
He said that Jay should be held accountable for how much he actually owns of the team and that he's only encouraging him to be honest "out of love."
"Now I love Jay-Z, I've spent much time with the brother. He's a lyrical genius. But we've got to tell him the truth," he said. "Tell the truth, Jay-Z. You tell the truth on Reasonable Doubt in 1996, that's what he started out with. He's telling the truth, we love you negro. But we gon' make sure you're accountable too. All of us in this together, and I'm saying it out of love."
Hot Boys member Turk was released from prison after spending almost a decade behind bars.
Hot Boys member Turk has been released from prison after spending nine years behind bars.
According to AHH, the New Orleans, Louisiana rapper was freed from the Forrest City, Arkansas Federal Prison earlier this morning. He is in "good spirits on his first day of freedom.
Turk, whose real name is Tab Virgil, Jr., was convicted in 2005 on federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as being a fugitive and using a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.
He is currently working on new music and an autobiography titled The AutoThugography of Turk. He is also penning a screenplay about his life titled Reckless.
Young Jeezy says he wasn't touched during the fight that broke out at the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards.
Young Jeezy and Rick Ross' camps threw it down at the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards, engaging in a fight backstage. But during an interview with Power 106's Big Boy's Neighborhood, he said that he was never touched during the melee but didn't go in-depth as to his feelings on Rozay.
"I mean first of all, it was a great awards show. I mean basically, it was just a good show. I went there, got out with Wiz, it was cool, we did our thing," he said. "So in the hallway, we're walking out whatever whatever. So me and him never really seen each other face to face before, and I just felt like he spoke, I spoke, and that was basically it. But at the end of the day, it's been going on for a while so I just felt like if it was to be handled, it should have been handled there. We either gon' get past it or keep moving. So in my words, I just feel like a lot of these cats are actor rappers. And I'm Jeezy - they could never be me. That's just pretty much that.
"At the end of the day, I refuse to be part of this WWF propaganda and B.S. to sell records," he continued. "If that's who you want to be, you want to be a tough guy, you be that way. I'm a boss, I'm a G. That's just how it is."
He also addressed his ongoing feud with Gucci Mane, who recently said he has "no respect" for Jeezy and that they'll "never" reconcile. The Snowman didn't have kind words for Gooch, calling him "retarded" and stating that he turned down several requests to collaborate on a song.
"I mean, I feel like everybody know that boy retarded, nobody take him seriously. He got an ice cream cone on his face. That being said, I'm not going back. I'm going forward. And then it's crazy because they'll call you and want you on a song. And then when you don't get on a song, that's what happens. Of course [he called me]. He called me a few times. I just said it wasn't a good idea. We past that. I don't want to go backwards. He reached out a few times and I didn't do the record, so I guess he feel a way. He didn't take his medicine that day. Shortbus shorty."
Shyne has set his latest sights on Drake, sending shots at the YMCMB rapper in an interview with MTV News.
"What does he do?" asked Shyne Po rhetorically "He's an actor from Canada."
Shyne suggested that Drake bit others' styles to reach his level of success. "So he just studied Lil Wayne, studied Kanye... he studied them and he just acts like a street kid?"
"These dudes couldn't exist in the Raekwon, Ghostface era," surmised Shyne. "If Big and 'em was around and 'Pac, c'mon man, they'd have these dudes for lunch."
"That's my problem with this culture, you can say anything you want, you can promote anything you want and nobody's held accountable, and then they'll say that I'm hatin'," he added. "I would really prefer Drake to sing about girls and sing about being a good kid from Canada and whatever that entails."
Shyne has had a busy few weeks, dissing Rick Ross and 50 Cent recently.
Actor Leo O’Brien, who starred in the hit movie “The Last Dragon,” died in New York City yesterday (October 10).
TMZ.com reports that an autopsy is currently under way to determine the cause of O’Brien’s death.
The actor, 44, played the character “Richie Green” in the movie “The Last Dragon” and he also had roles in other Hip-Hop inspired movies.
O’Brien played the character “Allan” in the 1985 cult-classic “Rappin’,” which starred Mario Van Peebles and Eriq La Salle as warring rappers in a country town.
Mario Van Peebles also cast O’Brien in a bit role in 1991′s hit movie “New Jack City.”
Last year, Leo O’Brien was shot two times in Harlem. Police arrested a suspect and charged the man with attempted murder.
Hip-Hop culture will get a boost in coverage thanks to a new programming initiative that was launched by MTV today (October 11).
MTV has announced plans to expand and unify Hip-Hop music coverage and content across all of its channels, under the MTV Jams brand name.
The goal is to extend the MTV Jams brand from its current, 24-hour digital channel, to all of MTV’s properties, including MTV, MTV2 and MTV.com.
The new programming initiative will see MTV2′s “Sucker Free Countdown” re-launched as “The Week in Jams,” starting on October 28.
“The Week in Jams” will include Hip-Hop lifestyle related content, from music and fashion, to sports and gossip.
In addition to the programming initiative, MTV is planning a series of tours throughout 2013 that will highlight a variety of artists who are featured in the new programming initiative.
The first outing will feature R&B singers Trey Songz and Miguel. For more information visit Jams.MTV.com.
Former LA Lakers point guard Smush Parker is calling out Kobe Bryant for being a diva who treated his teammates like crap -- and it comes just hours after Kobe blamed Parker for costing him a huge trophy 7 years ago.
Parker played with Kobe during the 2005-06 season, and tells TMZ the Lakers great is only lashing out because he once dared to say Kobe was "overrated" as a teammate.
Parker's never explained what he meant by that, but now tells us ... Kobe "told me out of his own mouth that I couldn't talk to him. That my accolades under my belt weren't deserving enough for me to talk to him." He also says Kobe didn't talk to most of his teammates.
Parker says he's opening up about Kobe's diss because Kobe told reporters earlier today ... he lost the '05-'06 NBA MVP trophy to Steve Nash because he was surrounded with no-talent players that season.
Kobe said, "I tell Steve, you won MVP, but I was playing with Smush Parker."
Kobe piled on more, saying ... "He shouldn't have been in the NBA but we were too cheap to pay for a point guard. So we let him walk on."
Parker, who's currently hooping overseas, says his stats prove he was far from "the worst" ... as Kobe claims ... and adds, "People lie, numbers don't."
Nelly's tour bus was stopped in Texas at a checkpoint in Sierra Blanca.
Last night, police raided Nelly's tour bus at a checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, Texas, discovering heroin, marijuana and a loaded gun.
According to TMZ, cops pulled the bus over and performed a search. During the inspection, they discovered 36 small bags of heroin totaling .64 ounces, over 10 pounds of marijuana in a large green duffle bag and a loaded .45 pistol.
Seven people were on Nelly's bus at the time, including the rapper, and were all detained during the inspection. One of the passengers named Brian Keith Jones admitted that the contraband was his. Nelly and the others were released.
This is the same checkpoint where celebrities including Fiona Apple, Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson have been pinched for drugs over the past few years.
UPDATE: Nelly has denied any involvement with the bust on his bus last night. In a statement to TMZ, he says that it all lies in the hands of the sole individual who brought the contraband on the bus.
"It is my understanding a member of my staff made an unfortunate decision to bring unlawful materials onto our tour bus that resulted in his arrest this morning," said Nelly. “Neither I nor anyone else on the tour bus was aware of his decision to bring these on board. Law enforcement officials did not press charges against anyone other than that individual.”
A successful rap career turned acting career has not slowed founding members of the Wu-Tang Clan down. RZA is currently promotingThe Man with the Iron Fists, while collaborating on two films about his late group member, Ol’ Dirty Bastard (ODB).
The first project,Dirt: One Word Could Change the World,is a coming of age story chronicling the life of ODB from a young boy to the beginning of the Wu-Tang Era. With heavy collaboration from the family and RZA, the collaboration paints a vivid picture as to who the eccentric rapper was.
In a recent interview with The Playlist, RZA discussed his role with the ODB projects:
“… anything about his life, I want to help out with any capacity. His mother told me I should come in and help.”
RZA continued, “Me and [ODB] ran through this city, man, cutting school, stealin’ pretzels from the hot dog stand, being vagabonds, sleeping on the trains, drinking ’40s on the back of the A Train, rapping, getting chased by the police.”
The second film,Dirty White Boy, looks at the later part of ODB’s life through the eyes of his manager, Jarred Weisfeld. ODB’s character is slated to be played by Michael Kenneth Williams,(Omar from HBO’s “The Wire”) in the biopic.
In keeping true to his production roots, RZA may add to the score of this film.
“Maybe for that one, I’ll score it, they told me they need someone to music supervise,” he said.
Expect to see more from RZA with his release ofThe Man with the Iron Fists, due out in theaters on November 2.
DJ Drama snags the highest-charting album of his career with "Quality Street Music." Meanwhile, Skyzoo, Flying Lotus, Z-Ro and Kutt Calhoun all debut in the Top 200.
New releases flooded the charts from last week. DJ Drama scored his highest-ranking debut to date in Quality Street Music. At #15, the E1 Entertainment album is the second compilation release in as many years from The Aphilliates leader, and marks the first time he cracked the Top 20 of the overall charts. Producer Flying Lotus shocked the charts with his own Top 40 appearance for Until The Quiet Comes. Previously, Fly-Lo has worked with Killer Mike, Finale and Blu.
Duck Down's Skyzoo also debuted on the charts with his latest release, A Dream Deferred. The Brooklyn, New York emcee is no stranger to the charts, having witnessed success with The Salvation and Live From The Tapedeck in years past. Meanwhile, Rap-A-Lot Records released another winning-project from Z-Ro in the Houston, Texas emcee/singer's drug series. Angel Dust sold nearly 4,000 first-week copies. Lastly, Strange Music's homegrown star Kutt Calhoun is the latest label act to crack the charts with Kelvin. The Kansas City, Missouri's second full-length album comes a year following his first LP.
DJ Drama Tells The Charts That He Makes Quality Street Music
Veteran mixtape/album-maker DJ Drama's fourth studio album Quality Street Music scored the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native a Top 20. Mr. Thanksgiving's second independent album maintained the high-profile guests that were witnessed during his Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records tenure. T.I., Young Jeezy and Birdman are featured, along with rising stars Kendrick Lamar and Childish Gambino. Drama sold nearly 25,000 first-week units with the E1 release.
Skyzoo Is Living His Dream
Following the success of Murs & Fashawn'sThis Generation chart appearance last week, Duck Down found a Top 200 winner in Skyzoo's A Dream Deferred. Billed as Sky's second studio album, the effort follows 2009's The Salvation, and has been met with critical acclaim. Freeway and Talib Kweli are notable guests, as Sky's album includes concept track dedications to both filmmaker Spike Lee and newly-released '90s emcee Chi-Ali (who later appeared on a remix of his dedication). No longer a Jamla Records artist, this album also features involvement from longtime Sky-endorser 9th Wonder.
Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 10/7/2012
#12. G.O.O.D. Music - Cruel Summer - 28,000 (289,000)
50 Cent responds to French Montana's comments that he sabotaged his own career by beefing with others.
Earlier this morning, 50 Cent went on a Twitter rant aimed at French Montana after the Bad Boy rapper made comments that he sabotaged his own career by beefing with others.
"I feel like beef hurt him. I feel like it helped [Rick] Ross unite people," French originally said. "When 50 came up, 50 sold 10 million. Then after his first album he just kept on going down. You think 50 could come out and sell 10 million now?”
Fif took to Twitter to put Frenchie on blast. "French Montana you ain't Sh!t boy. You out your league talking about me you hoe.i read your little interview what the fucx is you high," he wrote. "French your Sh!t so weak you never had a song by your self fool. Ain't nobody's waiting to hear your verse. Girl."
He retweeted a number of Twitter followers talking down to French, and elicited a few responses from the Moroccan rapper: "damnnn homie last year u was da mannnnn homieeeeeee wat da fuuuckkk happen to uuuuuu" and "stop wearing jean shorts wit your knee cap showin swagless monkeyyyyyyyyy #cokeboyyssss lol."
Gucci Mane also explains why OJ Da Juiceman has been relatively quiet.
Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy famously sparred some years back, but according to Gooch, their issues will "never" be resolved. During an interview with Power 105's The Breakfast Club, the trap rapper weighed in on the fight between the Snowman and Rick Ross at the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards, stating that he "don't care" about what happened to Jeezy during the scuffle and that he has no respect for him.
"Ross is a friend of mine, of course Jeezy is not. I don't care about nothing that happened to him," he said. "Ain't nobody finna do nothing to Gucci period. Never. And that didn't happen. I ain't let nobody push me, mush me."
Asked if he would ever reconcile with Jeezy, Gucci responded, "Never. It's respect, walk over here and there gon' be some problems. I ain't got no respect for him. I just did what I have to do."
He also explained why OJ Da Juiceman slowed down on releasing new music. He rationalized that OJ came into the game with money, which made him less incentivized to record music.
"OJ was unfortunately... He already had money gfrom diong what he doing and he kept money. He was so spoiled that he got everything that a rapper want when he came in the game, so he don't have the drive a starving artist would have," he said. "Juicy is so turned up that he wasn't as passionate about music as he is about the money. If there's some money, you've got his 100 percent attention. But if you talk about going to the studio everyday, Juice ain't doing it."
Beanie Sigel recalls the time he rescued Kanye West from a potential chain jacking.
Even though they may be at odds now, Kanye West and Beanie Sigel have a history that goes as far back as the self-titled opener from Beans' debut The Truth. Now, in an interview with DJ Vlad, Sigel reminisces about the time that he had Kanye's back in a very tight situation.
Beans recalled saving Kanye West from a possible Roc-a-Fella chain jacking one time in a diner. He says that a couple of strangers had sat down with 'Ye and his friends while they were eating and began to menace the crew. Kanye put out a call to Beans, who came to the diner and muscled the potential robbers away from the producer.
"He felt threatened," he recalled. "[I let the potential robbers knows] nothing was going to go down - not while I was there. Nothing was going to happen to him…[Kanye] wasn't being paranoid; they had chairs pulled up to his table where he was eating at with his friends, and they wasn't eating…it was real. They're plates of food was cold; they ate only a couple of bites, and it was just like a wait off, like, 'Hurry up, and would you come out here?' It was going down. So I got there and I asked Kanye, 'Yo, do you know this guy right here?' He was like, 'Nah,' and I just pulled the charm from [under] him, and Kanye had his jewelry tucked in on him, and I was like, 'Take your chain out' - that was like a badge, that Roc-a-Fella chain...[the jackers reacted to me] as they should [and took] a little more than a few steps [back]."
Gunplay's lawyer is confident that the Maybach Music Group member will face no jail time.
Maybach Music Group's Gunplay turned himself into the authorities on Tuesday (April 9) on an arrest warrant for an armed robbery charge.
“The likelihood of [Gunplay] being out by the weekend is slim to none,” said the rapper's attorney, Mike Greico, to Hip-Hop Wired, essentially confirming that the rapper will miss the A3C Festival.
“It was either he turned himself in, or if he performed this weekend they would have just pulled him off the stage,” explained Greico. “He was in handcuffs at one point up in Atlanta and they released him without knowing that they had a warrant. But they know now.”
Greico continued, adding that Gunplay turning himself in was a strategic decision. “It gave us an opportunity to surrender him voluntarily down here in lieu of him sitting up in a jail in Atlanta for 30 days.”
Greico remains confident that his client will have a favorable resolution. “My gut tells me he's going to be exonerated on this. It's going to take some time though. But for now he'll be in the jail, he'll be in the court tomorrow, he looks forward to clearing his name. He wants to get out there and get back in the game.”
In what sounded at times like a locker room pep talk, Jerry Sandusky rambled in his red prison suit about being the underdog in the fourth quarter, about forgiveness, about dogs and about the movie Seabiscuit.
With his accusers seated behind him in the courtroom, he denied committing "disgusting acts" against children and instead painted himself as the victim.
And then, after he had said his piece, a judge sentenced him to 30 to 60 years in prison Tuesday, all but ensuring the 68-year-old Sandusky will spend the rest of his life behind bars for the child sexual abuse scandal that brought disgrace to Penn State and triggered the downfall of his former boss, football coach Joe Paterno.
He leaves behind a trail of human and legal wreckage that could take years for the university to clear away.
"The tragedy of this crime is that it's a story of betrayal. The most obvious aspect is your betrayal of 10 children," Judge John Cleland said after a hearing in which three of the men Sandusky was convicted of molesting as boys confronted him face to face and told of the lasting pain he had inflicted.
The judge said he expects Sandusky to die in prison.
In a disjointed, 15-minute address before he learned his sentence, Sandusky said: "In my heart I did not do these alleged disgusting acts."
Sprinkling his remarks with sports references, the former assistant coach spoke of being locked up in a jail cell, subjected to outbursts from fellow inmates, reading inspirational books and trying to find a purpose in his fate. His voice cracked as he talked about missing his loved ones, including his wife, Dottie, who was in the gallery.
"Hopefully we can get better as a result of our hardship and suffering, that somehow, some way, something good will come out of this," Sandusky said.
He also spoke of instances in which he helped children and did good works in the community, adding: "I've forgiven, I've been forgiven. I've comforted others, I've been comforted. I've been kissed by dogs, I've been bit by dogs. I've conformed, I've also been different. I've been me. I've been loved, I've been hated."
Sandusky was convicted in June of 45 counts, found guilty of raping or fondling boys he had met through the acclaimed youth charity he founded, The Second Mile. He plans to appeal, arguing among other things that his defense was not given enough time to prepare for trial after his arrest last November.
Among the victims who spoke in court Tuesday was a young man who said he was 11 when Sandusky groped him in a shower in 1998. He said Sandusky is in denial and should "stop coming up with excuses."
"I've been left with deep painful wounds that you caused and had been buried in the garden of my heart for many years," he said.
Another man said he was 13 in 2001 when Sandusky lured him into a Penn State sauna and then a shower and forced him to touch the ex-coach. "I am troubled with flashbacks of his naked body, something that will never be erased from my memory," he said.
After the sentencing, prosecutor Joe McGettigan praised the victims' courage and dismissed Sandusky's comments as "a masterpiece of banal self-delusion, completely untethered from reality and without any acceptance of responsibility."
"It was entirely self-focused as if he, again, were the victim," McGettigan said.
Lawyers for the victims said they were satisfied with the sentence, but with four lawsuits brought against Penn State and several more expected, and Penn State laboring under severe NCAA penalties, cleaning up in the wake of what may be the biggest scandal in college sports history may take years.
Ben Andreozzi, an attorney for one the victims, said the university needs to do more: "It's important they understand before we get into serious discussions about money, that there are other, noneconomic issues. We need apologies. We need changes in policy. This isn't just about money."
Penn State fired Paterno after Sandusky's arrest, and the coach died of lung cancer three months later. The scandal also brought down university President Graham Spanier.
Two university administrators, Gary Schultz and Tim Curley, are awaiting trial in January on charges they failed to properly report suspicions about Sandusky and lied to the grand jury that investigated him.
Over the summer, an investigation commissioned by Penn State and led by former FBI Director Louis Freeh concluded that Paterno and other top officials covered up allegations against Sandusky for more than a decade to avoid bad publicity.
After the report came out, the NCAA fined Penn State a record $60 million, barred the football team from postseason play for four years, cut the number of scholarships it can award, and erased 14 years of victories for Paterno, stripping him of his standing as the winningest coach in the history of big-time college football.
In a three-minute recorded statement aired Monday night by Penn State radio, Sandusky described himself as the victim of a "well-orchestrated effort" by his accusers, the media, Penn State, plaintiffs' attorneys and others - a claim the judge dismissed on Tuesday as an unbelievable conspiracy theory.
"I speak today with hope in my heart for a brighter day, not knowing if that day will come," Sandusky said. "Many moments have been spent looking for a purpose. Maybe it will help others, some vulnerable children who might have been abused, might not be, as a result of the publicity."
After the sentencing, Penn State President Rodney Erickson said in a statement: "Our thoughts today, as they have been for the last year, go out to the victims of Jerry Sandusky's abuse. While today's sentence cannot erase what has happened, hopefully it will provide comfort to those affected by these horrible events."
Legendary Hip-Hop label Def Jam Recordings has announced the expansion of its senior management team, with the appointment of singer/producer The-Dream as Executive Vice President of A&R.
Under the new deal, The-Dream will be responsible for overseeing current and new projects by various artists on the label, in addition to seeking and signing new talent.
The-Dream while also continue to produce for artists on the Def Jam Recordings label and it’s affiliates.
“I am committed as I have been previously to bringing the power of belief in the artist back to the forefront,” The-Dream said. “I share a unique view of an artist and as well as the business of music. I, with the help of many others, have ran a successful business for the last five years in the midst of the ‘Digital Change.’ My concentration and effort will be to the artist to succeed in their dreams and goals.”
Current projects The-Dream is working on include Pusha-T’s solo album for G.O.O.D. Music, in addition to Rihanna, who is in the studio working on her new album.
The new deal for The-Dream also calls for Def Jam Recordings to market and distribute his record label, Radio Killa.
The new imprint has already inked a deal with August Alsina.
“I’ve been a part of watching and participating in the success of many great women and men including Beyonce, Rihanna, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion to name a few,” The-Dream continued. “Music means more than just a download, it’s life to the culture and also the people who listen. This is a new exciting yet critical time for music – ‘You Meet Change with Change!’
Waka Flocka Flame has cast his vote for the 2012 Presidential Elections and the Atlanta rapper has revealed he has cast his vote for President Barack Obama.
Waka Flocka of is one of tens-of-thousands of people who are taking advantage of early voting in over 30 states.
The majority of the early votes are done through mail, while in person voting is slated to start next week, in a number of states.
“I’ve been voted early,” Waka Flocka revealed on The Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg Show with K. Foxx, on Hot 97. “It’s my first time voting. I’m a taxpayer now, so you know you got to vote for the right guy. They say every vote counts, I had to make sure mines did.”
Although none of the early votes will be counted until after the November 6 election date, that didn’t deter Waka Flocka from making sure he took advantage of his constitutional right to vote.
Waka, who said he has been a homeowner for over five years, has been paying taxes that stretched into the six-figures, since his rap career took off, although he had not voted until this year.
The rapper offered up a very logical explanation for not participating, as well as his change of heart, to take part in this year’s election.
“Not trying to be hard, not trying to be tough, but if you’re from the streets, how can voting hope your life?” Waka Flocka asked. “How can tax dollars help your life?…taxes, medical, insurances, you don’t need none of that. But when you start living like a civilized person, you got to follow the rules.”
Hulk Hogan just called in to "TMZ Live" ... and was completely stunned when we told him about the footage of his BFF Bubba the Love Sponge plotting to profit off of his sex tape ... telling us, "I'm sick to my stomach right now."
Hogan says Bubba had adamantly denied having any knowledge about the sex tape ... and told Hulk he didn't know there was a camera capturing Hogan's X-rated session with his former wife Heather Clem.
Hulk says he had warned Bubba ... "If you had anything to do with this, that means we were never friends."
We broke the story ... Bubba appears at the very end of the sex tape, after Hogan had left the room, and told Heather, "If we ever did want to retire, all we'd have to do is use this footage."
Hulk says he is exploring all of his legal options -- and promises someone WILL PAY for recording and releasing the tape.
Beyonce has dropped out of Clint Eastwood's new film.
After last night's surprise pregnancy announcement at the MTV Video Music Awards, Beyonce and Jay-Z have much to plan for. The pregnancy has already impacted production on a new film Beyonce has been tied to, Clint Eastwood's A Star Is Born. According to Deadline, Warner Bros. hoped to begin production for the film in February of 2012, but the start date could be pushed back now that Beyonce's pregnancy has been announced.
The push can also be a positive tool for the studio because it still has yet to find a male lead in the film. Some speculate Christian Bale, Will Smith and Leonardo DiCaprio have been approached about co-starring with Beyonce. No actor has finalized the deal as of yet.
Beyonce expressed her emotions last night, during the Video Music Awards by saying, "Tonight...I want you to feel the love that's growing inside of me."
[August 29, 2011]
UPDATE: Beyonce has exited Clint Eastwood's A Star is Born remake, reports Variety. Warner Bros. had no comment, but sources say that her schedule was too packed and an unconfirmed start date made it complicated for her to commit.
Did you know that Mystikal was very close to signing to G-Unit before his Young Money deal came through? Not saying that his career is poppin’ now like it was before…but imagine if Mystikal had signed with G-Unit? He’d really be in the abyss, right along with…..oh never mind!
In a recent interview withThis is 50, Mystikal explained why he chose to sign with YMCMB, and it sounds like an inadvertent diss toward 50 Cent and G-Unit if you ask me. Check out what he said below:
“I had to go with my move. I had to go with something that’s relevant, and that’s going to be effective. Then that’s home team. When I got over there, the love was through the roof.”
Jerry Sandusky recorded a dramatic statement from his jail cell -- on the eve of his sentencing for the Penn State child sex abuse scandal -- and accused everyone from his victims to the media ... to the university for orchestrating his conviction.
In his statement, the disgraced ex football coach says, "A young man who was dramatic, a veteran accuser, and always sought attention, started everything."
Sandusky goes on to say the initial accuser "was joined by a well-orchestrated effort of the media, investigators, the system, Penn State, psychologists, civil attorneys and other accusers. They won. I've wondered what they really won: Attention, financial gain, prestige… will all be temporary."
Sandusky also rambles about his attorneys not having enough time to prepare for the trial -- in which the jury found him guilty of 45 counts of child sex deviance -- and insinuates all his accusers came forward purely for financial gain.
And there's this odd claim -- on the recording, for PSU's ComRadio, Sandusky says his wife "has been his only sex partner that was after marriage. Our love continues."
Sandusky is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow morning ... and faces up to 400 years in prison.
Shyne isn't too terribly happy about the title of Rick Ross' latest mixtape.
Fans were confused enough when news broke that Rick Ross was planning to release a new mixtape titled The Black Bar Mitzvah. Now, it looks like Shyne has taken offense to Rozay's appropriation of one of his faith's most sacred rituals.
Earlier today, Shyne blasted Rick Ross on Twitter over the use of the Jewish tradition in the title of his latest mixtape. Shyne explained that he feels it's wrong that Ross is profiting off of his faith's practices, especially when he received so much criticism for it.
State police unearthed the long-buried body of a 17-month-old boy from a Long Island backyard where his family just hosted revelers at an August birthday party.
The remains of tiny Justin Kowalczik were entombed more than two years ago behind the suburban home where his mother kept the dark secret while raising his two half-siblings, cops said Saturday.
No arrests were made after the body was dug up from the far right corner of the Farmingdale backyard — but police quickly identified the mom’s boyfriend as a person of interest.
Robert Rodriguez was not cooperating with state police as they investigated the child’s death, said state police Major Patrick Regan, commander of Troop L in Famingdale.
Stephen Barcelo/For New York Daily News
Justin Kowalczik's body was found in the backyard of a Farmingdale, L.I. house.
The boy’s body was apparently buried in July 2010, shortly after the family moved to Long Island from upstate Orange County.
Rodriguez and the dead boy’s mother, Heather Kowalczik, had two older sons: Robert, 9, and Alex, 6. Heather was the mother of the dead child, but Rodriguez was not Justin’s father.
Neighbors were mortified by the thought of attending the birthday celebration with the little boy’s body so close to the candles and cakes.
“We were all out there having a good time ,” said Takiera McCormick, 32. “The kids were playing on the trampoline. I’m just shocked. There is no explanation.”
The fenced-in backyard was scattered with soccer balls near a goal, with plenty of plants alongside a ceramic deer and a companion frog.
But the grassy expanse behind 1 Hallock Rd. covered a gruesome reality.
Stephen Barcelo/For New York Daily News
Body of 17-month-old Justin Kowalczik was found buried in Long Island backyard for more than 2 years.
“I'm disgusted,” said landlord Louis Lancia. “I don't want them coming back. I want to change the locks.”
Rodriguez, after learning that the body was discovered, grabbed his 9-year-old from school Friday and took off, police said. An Amber Alert was issued, with police locating both father and son.
If you’ve ever watched “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,” you know that producer Stevie J and his artist/girlfriend, Joseline Hernandez, have a very volatile relationship. These two fight and make up like it’s nobody’s business!
As of late the two seemed to be getting along, being spotted everywhere from L.A. to NY – but that all seemed changed last night. Stevie must have done something to really get under Joseline’s skin because she went H.A.M. on Twitter last night and threatened to expose a certain someone and their down low lifestyle. Now I don’t know if this is 100% about Stevie J, but what else does this broad have to tweet about?
Check out a few screen shots of her tweets below:
Wow, she went in! Do you think she was talking about Stevie J?
French Montana’s hit song “Pop That” samples Uncle Luke and 2 Live Crew’s “I Wanna Rock” – and Uncle Luke is looking to get that check cut for his contribution to the record.MTVcaught up with the rapper / part-time politician on the red carpet at the BET Hip-Hop Awards, where Uncle Luke made it clear that he was looking to catch up with Diddy backstage about the payment.
“When I heard the song, I said, ‘Oh this is a hit,’ and the next thing I said is, ‘Where’s my check?”
“Ain’t nobody told me about my check yet. I have not gotten the check yet, so I’m looking for the check. I’m gonna talk to Diddy in the back about it.”
Gotta say ... we were scoffing at Bow Wow this week when he told a child custody judge he was only pulling in $4,000 a month ... and then announced just hours later he was becoming the host of 106 & Park ... but we just found some documents that show creditors have been chasing him for 3 years over a car.
B.W. leased a 2005 Ferrari F430 back in 2008. It didn't take long for the rapper to fall behind, because in February, 2009, the leasing company sued him and got a judgment for $216,084 ... oh, and 75 cents.
Since getting the judgment, the leasing company has been on the hunt for payment, using a collection agent to track down Bow Wow.
Mr. Wow never paid, and now with interest the judgment has swelled to $283,785 ... oh, and 13 cents.
Bow Wow told the custody judge he only had $1,500 in his bank account and leases a jeep. Wow, maybe Bow was telling the truth.
You would think Joe Jackson would be flattered when anyone wanted to take a picture of him ... but he flipped out when a Vegas tourist tried photographing him, and it almost landed the famous dad in the pokey.
Here's the low down. Joe was at The Palms Thursday when a hotel guest recognized the famous dad and aimed his camera in Joe's direction. Jackson allegedly went ballistic, screaming "Don't take pictures of me!" The guest claims Joe lunged at him, making contact.
Joe almost got more publicity than the time he announced he signed a new rap artist days after Michael died ... because the guest called security and demanded to get Vegas cops involved.
But Joe got a reprieve ... by the time cops arrived the guest cooled down and decided not to press charges.
But here's the thing. We don't think the guest got his picture, so here you go
The Game fights dirty -- at least according to rapper 2Eleven, who tells TMZ, Game sucker punched his ass at Lil Wayne's birthday party last week ... and that's why Game got his ass kicked out.
2Eleven tells us, he had no idea Game even wanted to fight him -- but last Thursday at Weezy's 30th birthday celebration at a Hollywood nightclub, 2Eleven says Game sucker punched him out of nowhere in the back of the head. TMZ posted video footage of the aftermath.
2Eleven says it came as a total shock -- because he had been sitting at the same table with Game, Birdman, Chris Brown and others for a full hour with no problems ... no words, nothing.
As we reported, Game's telling the opposite story -- saying 2Eleven was talking smack, and that's what started it -- but 2Eleven insists he was just minding his own business.
2Eleven says he has no plans to press charges -- telling TMZ, "I just want to put out the true story."
A porn company DESPERATELY wants to put Hulk Hogan's sex tape on their site ... so much so that they are offering him an "open checkbook" and gratuitously stroking his ego at the same time.
TMZ has obtained an offer letter from Sex.com to Hulk ... and they're looking to lock up the rights to his sex tape, which made the rounds on the internet this week without Hulk's permission.
In the letter, Sex.com says they can help Hogan with his leaked situation and, of course, they're are asking to release the tape on their site.
The letter states, "While this may be an embarrassing ordeal for you to go through right now, it doesn't need to be ... you are 'bigger' than Andre the Giant where it matters."
The site says they have an "open checkbook" if Hulk is interested in signing a deal.
We reached out to Hogan for his response -- but so far, no word back.
Some of Young Buck's personal items are currently on sale on on eBay.
It looks like fans may have the opportunity to own a piece of Young Buck history. According to XXL, the currently incarcerated emcee has number of his personal possessions on sale on eBay.
A number of the former G-Unit member's personal goods are currently on sale on eBay through noted music memorabilia seller Vintagemusicgear. As of right now, Buck is selling a Live Mechanics jacket, an Artful Dodger coat, a Bachrach pinstripe suit and a full craps table.
The first three clothing items from Buck's collection are currently selling for $300 bid price, and the craps table is selling for a $4,000 starting bid. The items currently listed on eBay reportedly came from the recent IRS auction of Buck's estate.
Young Buck is currently serving an 18 month stint in prison for possession of a deadly weapon. The complete list of items for sale can be found over at XXL.
Nicki Minaj is clearly “on one” today. First, the rapstress “po dat tea” on Mariah Carey via her Twitter account, claiming that Mariah is after a “pity party.
And now, we see that Nicki has flown off the handle again. This time her venom was spewed towards rapper, Da Brat.
Nicki spazzed on Da Brat because a blog falsely reported that Da Brat had tweeted something in defense of Mariah Carey. We all have heard about the strong friendship between Da Brat and Mariah Carey, so the tweet seemed plausible.
The fake tweet, allegedly from Da Brat, reads as follows:
“I ALREADY HAD TO BUST ONE B!TCH OVER THE HEAD WITH A BOTTLE, AND I WILL DO IT AGAIN. DON’T F@CK WITH MY PEOPLES CAUSE I WILL F@CK WITH U EVEN HARDER. IT’S NOT A GAME AND I’M NOT A JOKE. B!TCHES GOT IT TWISTED AND I’M A UNTWIST SOME SH!T”
Instead of finding out the real, Nicki Minaj immediately went in on Da Brat, subliminally tweeting the message below:
Wow, Nicki called her “sir!” Well, Ms. Minaj was left with some egg on her face when Da Brat tweeted that she never sent out that tweet, and said that she has nothing but respect for Nicki. Check out Da Brat’s tweet below:
Nicki was woman enough to apologize, once she realized that the tweet circulating from Da Brat was a faKe.
All I can say is wow! Do you think Da Brat is going to let that go, or should we expect a diss record any day now? Shoot if I was Da Brat, I might use this “beef” to get myself a little buzz!
Chris Brown's ex-girlfriend ain't buyin' that Chris is "just friends" with Rihanna ... telling her peeps she's convinced they were bangin' behind her back.
We spoke to multiple sources connected to Karrueche Tran ... who tell us KT feels betrayed by Chris because he had promised her that she was the only woman in his life ... especially when she probed him about his feelings toward Rihanna.
We're told Karrueche had suspected something was up between the two of them for weeks because Chris was acting differently -- going to clubs alone, acting distant and ramping up his public appearances with Rihanna.
Sources say Karrueche told friends she truly loved Chris ... and felt that the relationship was great until Rihanna let Brown back into her life.
We reached out to Karrueche for comment -- so far, no word back.
Rihanna preps the release of her aptly titled seventh LP.
Rihanna has reportedly named her upcoming album Seven, due November 19th via Def Jam/Island Def Jam.
While unconfirmed by her label or the singer herself, the album title and release date have been posted to HitsDailyDouble's release calendar.
Ri has been quietly at work on the upcoming LP, which marks her seventh album over the past eight years. She most recently released the album's lead single "Diamonds" and announced her "Diamonds World Tour."
She last dropped Talk That Talk in November 2011. Upon its release, the album debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 with 198,000 copies sold.
Nicki Minaj dismisses Mariah Carey's claims that if she had a gun, she would shoot her.
Earlier this week, footage was released of Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey in a heated argument while serving on the audition panel at American Idol.
On "The View" earlier today, Barbara Walters said that she called Carey before the program. Carey said that multiple people heard Minaj when she walked off the AI set say, "If I had a gun, I would shoot the bitch." Carey has since hired extra security and said she feels "emotionally uncomfortable."
Breaking her silence on the matter, the Harajuku Barbie took to Twitter to speak on the feud, stating that Carey is making herself out to be a victim and that "insecurity" is what prompted Carey to say that Minaj threatened her with a gun.
"Hey yAll. Lets just say nicki said smthn about a gun. ppl will believe it cuz she's a black rapper. Lmao. I'll then hit up Barbara n milk it," she wrote. "Ironically no camera or mic heard the gun comment tho. Lol @ the struggle. Not even the producers believed u. Say no to violence barbz. Y~oe"
She ended her rant by stating that she thought the issue had been resolved yesterday, but that it apparently hasn't. "I guess it hurts 2 have the producers tell u to ur face that nicki is the best judge we've had since simon. Awww, poor u. Keep them lies cmn."
