Sean “Diddy” Combs is teaming with actor/producer Mark Wahlberg in a joint venture with fitness and wellness water brand AQUAhydrate.

Diddy will work with Mark Wahlberg and AQUAhydrate CEO John Cochran, who was formerly the President of Fiji Water.

The trio of entrepreneurs will shape the vision for AQUAhydrate, in addition to securing retail partnerships to promote the brand.

So far, the executive team with AQUAhydrate has inked deals with Safeway, Kroger and GNC, to carry the product.

According to Diddy, he is going to put the same effort into AQUAhydrate as he did with his Ciroc brand.

“As a brand architect, I am incredibly passionate and equally committed to every aspect of the businesses that I get involved with,” Sean “Diddy” Combs said today. “Partnering with AQUAhydrate and Mark is an incredible opportunity for me and I am looking forward to making history in the process. It’s important for me to be part of something that drives me and is constantly pushing the boundaries, and that’s what AQUAhydrate does. Together, were going to take AQUAhydrate to the next level.”

Diddy put his business acumen to use as the driving force behind his liquor brand Ciroc, a 50-50 partnership between the mogul and Diageo.

That helped him earn the #1 spot on Forbes’ list of richest rappers, with a net worth of $550 million, while Ciroc soars towards a billion dollar valuation.

According to producer/actor Mark Wahlberg, he uses AQUAhydrate, which combines performance grade electrolytes “without sugar and calories found in traditional sports drinks.”

“This is a truly innovative company, and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” Wahlberg added. We all strive to do the best we can for our bodies but sometimes schedules, stress and other factors get in the way. AQUAhydrate helps me achieve the balance my body needs, no matter what. I enjoy being involved in every aspect of the AQUAhydrate brand and I’m looking forward to a very successful partnership.”

For more information visit AquaHydrate.com.

Macklemore and Ryan Lewis stay strong with "The Heist," while Trinidad James finds a spot on the charts with "Don't Be S.A.F.E."

Hip Hop loses its footing on the top 20 this week, but posts strong numbers down the charts. Riding the success of their breakout single "Thrift Shop," Macklemore and Ryan Lewis prove to be this week's strongest seller in the genre, helping their LP The Heist slowly inch towards gold status. Meanwhile, Kendrick Lamar continues to move copies of his major label debut good kid, m.A.A.d city in the weeks following an appearance as musical guest on NBC's "Saturday Night Live." A$AP Rocky delivers consistent numbers with Long.Live.A$AP, while artists with 2012 releases - Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz and Chief Keef - maintain their footing on the charts.

While it was a typical week for Hip Hop sales, the sole rapper to score a spot on the top 100 is Trinidad James, whose mixtape Don't Be S.A.F.E. makes its first appearance on the charts after it released to iTunes late last month. The "All Gold Everything" spitter initially dropped the project as a freebie, but his label Def Jam put it out as a downloadable product - no doubt achieving intended success.

Check below to see who had the strongest week on the charts.

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Stay Afloat With "The Heist"

Months after releasing their collaborative debut full-length The Heist, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are still pushing units. The duo, who found success with their chart-topping hit "Thrift Shop" (unseated from the top last week by Baauer's "Harlem Shake"), become this week's strongest Hip Hop seller, moving an additional 22,000 copies of the project and upping their overall cume to 379,000 units. While it's 2,000 sold copies less than last week's haul, the pair jumps from No. 33 to 16, edging out A$AP Rocky's Long.Live.A$AP for the top Hip Hop position.

Trinidad James Mines "Gold" On Chart With "Don't Be S.A.F.E."

It's unclear exactly why Trinidad James managed to post some strong numbers almost a month after releasing his mixtape to digital retail, but this week, Don't Be S.A.F.E. becomes the sole Hip Hop release to crack the chart. After it released to iTunes on January 29th, the mixtape manages to settle at No. 96, selling 4,000 copies and upping its overall tally to 11,000 units. The Def Jam rapper, who recently performed his breakout single "All Gold Everything" with The Roots on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," initially dropped the release as a gift to fans back in July and later re-released when his hit caught steam in October. He most recently remixed the cut to feature T.I, Young Jeezy and 2 Chainz, and is believed to be working on his official Def Jam debut.

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 2/24/2013

#16. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist - 22,000 (379,000)

#30. Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city - 15,000 (746,000)

#32. A$AP Rocky - Long.Live.A$AP - 14,000 (245,000)

#43. T.I. - Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head - 12,000 (401,000)

#59. 2 Chainz - Based On A T.R.U. Story - 7,600 (550,000)

#64. Wiz Khalifa - O.N.I.F.C. - 6,800 (330,000)

#69. Joe Budden - No Love Lost - 6,300 (47,000)

#81. Chief Keef - Finally Rich - 4,900 (134,000)

#92. Game - Jesus Piece - 4,100 (201,000)

#96. Trinidad James - Don't Be S.A.F.E. - 4,000 (11,000)

I think I know why Kanye has been acting so strange!

There are a number of reports that Yeezy has found out that he is going to have a girl!

RELATED: Hip-Hop Rumors: Video Of Kanye West SCREAMING After Jay-Z, Justin, Beyonce Snubs

I hope he, Jay and B are cool so that their girls can play together. The word is though, Kanye WANTED a girl. Here is what US magazine is reporting.

“They’re over the moon! Kanye always wanted a girl. If anyone knows Kanye, they just know how into fashion he is, and I think he’s going to have things specially made. So, I don’t think hand-me-downs are going to work.”

On “New Day” both Kanye and Jay rapped to their unborn SONS. Maybe they simply jinxed themselves? Either way….congrats!

RELATED: Hip-Hop Rumors: So, Why Did Kanye Say Those Things About Jay-Z?

RELATED: Hip-Hop Rumors: Is Kanye West Dissing Jay-Z, Beyonce, And Justin Timberlake?

Cute kids…

After setting the internet on fire this weekend with a on-stage rant targeting corporations, the Grammys, and Justin Timberlake’s “Suit & Tie,” Kanye West used another European performance to make more news last night.

While performing in Paris, West took a moment to tell the audience that he is working on “new sh*t.” He then went on to say that he will “back in a couple of months.”

West wasn’t specific about exactly where this new material will land. There have been rumors for months that his G.O.O.D. Music clique will be releasing a follow-up to last year’s Cruel Summer compilation. Various G.O.O.D. associates like Big Sean, John Legend, and Malik Yusef  have all stated that they have already recorded for a project that has been reported as Cruel Winter.

[ALSO READ: Will G.O.O.D Music’s Cruel Winter Album Ever Drop? A Timeline of Teases]

With winter drawing to a close in exactly three weeks, it seems that Kanye’s proclamation that he’s returning “in a couple of months” may suggest he’s not referring to G.O.O.D. Music’s Cruel Winter but rather his next solo album.

West hooked up with long time collaborator and mentor Jay-Z for the Watch The Throne joint album in 2011, but he has not released a solo LP since 2010′s critically acclaimed My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.

Earlier this month rumors began circulating that Kanye’s sixth album will be called Rich Black American after a screenshot of an iTunes tracklist with the title and seven songs leaked online. The photo showed tracks featuring Frank Ocean, Pusha T, Beyoncé, Florence Welch, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Skrillex. The tracklist nor the title have been confirmed by Kanye West or Def Jam Records.

[ALSO READ: Hip-Hop Rumors: Kanye West’s New Album Title Revealed?]

What has been confirmed is that Kanye West will headline the Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City in June. The question still remains- will Kanye be performing brand new hits by the time the summer festival rolls around?

Pusha T is asked if he's "ready" for a Drake beef. Pusha says he's "ready for anything and anybody."

While he waits for his album to drop, Pusha T says he's unafraid. His upcoming album, My Name is My Name, is on the way but Pusha is making it clear that he's ready for more feuds with emcees to battle on wax. In a recent interview with DJ Whoo Kid, Pusha explained that he's "ready for anything and anybody" and assured fans that he won't "shy away from anything," including Drake. 

When asked specifically about Drake, Pusha responded without fear. 

"At the end of the day, I'm ready for anything and anybody. This is music to me. It's something I'm good at. It's something I'm very good at," he explained. "I don't shy away from anything. I'm not into it like that. And I keep it tasteful. And I keep it Hip Hop. I keep it Rap. That's it. I ain't trippin'. I'm not even here to discredit what they've achieved or their skills. Drake is good."

He also took a shot at Consequence, rehashing a line he said earlier in the year. 

"If a man bought your teeth, you can never speak ill of that man," he said, quoting his tweet about Consequence's recent disgruntled statements towards Kanye West. "Confucius said it and I agree with that one belief. I don't care what nobody say. Ain't nobody ever bought my teeth." 

He also said a fellow G.O.O.D. Music artist, Common, is not scared of a battle on wax, either. 

"Common don't care. Y'all don't even realize," he shared. "I ain't even gon' sit here and expose Common, man. That man crazy, man. That's my homeboy. Common's my man."

Maybach Music Group member Gunplay is no longer facing jail time for an alleged violent encounter with his accountant last April.

The armed robbery and aggravated assault charges against Gunplay have been dismissed by a Miami-Dade judge because the prosecution is unable to locate the victim in the case.

Gunplay (Richard Morales) was accused of attacking and robbing Turron Woodside in his Miami office. The incident was captured on Woodside’s surveillance video.

[ALSO READ: Gunplay Robbery Footage Hits The Net; Rapper Faces Life]

In the video, a man, authorities say is Gunplay, can be seen physically attacking Woodside and garnishing a firearm before leaving with items said to be a cell phone and a gold chain.

Even with the video, the State Attorney’s office had to dropped the charges because they were unable to serve Woodside with a subpoena to testify in the case. Without Woodside authenticating the video the prosecution was not allowed to present the footage as evidence in court.

“Video alone is not enough to convict an individual of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt,” officials told TMZ. “Although the armed robbery is captured on the victim’s surveillance system, the victim, Turron Woodside, is uncooperative of the prosecution of this defendant Richard Morales.”

Gunplay turned himself in to police on October 10, 2012 after a warrant for his arrest had been issued in May of that year. Gunplay had recently been involved in a very publicized brawl at the BET Hip Hop Awards just weeks before reporting to police. The Triple C’s rapper was then placed on house arrest while awaiting trial.

Now officially a free man Gunplay says he’s ready to focus back on his rap career. “Today I am grateful and blessed that the case was dismissed … I plan on picking up where I left off with my music and making hits with my upcoming debut album,” he’s reported telling TMZ.

Gunplay released his most recent mixtape Cops & Robbers in January. His debut studio album, Medellin, is currently scheduled for release this year on Def Jam Records.

STOP THE PRESSES!

This could be tragic. I can only hope that Kanye West knows what he is doing. On the flip side, he may be the voice of truth again. At a recent stop, Kanye made several statements that were overt and covert jabs at Jay-Z, B and Justin Timberlake. Peep what the blogs are saying about a concert in London….
Of the new Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake song, Ye said:

“I got love for Hov, but I ain’t f–kin’ with that ‘Suit & Tie.’”

That was in a freestyle rap to “My Clique.” Maybe it was a slip of the tongue in the midst of a freestyle. Some have speculated that Yeezy isn’t pleased that Jay is going on a world tour with Timbo. I don’t know.

Then he sent a shot at Beyonce, who just signed on a lucrative deal with Pepsi to peddle their soft drink.

“Can I sell your drink for you, please? So you can help me put on a better show, please, corporations? Can you please support me, please? Me, Kanye West? I swear I’m a nice n—a now. I swear I’ll put the pink Polo back on.”

What the! And, guess what? There is video. Here it is.

 

Marion “Suge” Knight is a wanted man by authorities, after blowing off a court date earlier this week.

TMZ.com reports that the rap mogul is being sought by California authorities in two different cases, one from 2011 and one from 2012.

Knight was supposed to be in court on Thursday (February 20), over two charges for driving with a suspended license.

But Suge Knight failed to appear in court, resulting in two warrants: one for $5,000 and the other for $30,000.

Suge Knight is currently serving three years unsupervised probation over a previous incident regarding driving with a suspended license as well.

YMCMB rapper-singer Drake edged closer to breaking another Billboard chart record this week when his latest single “Started From The Bottom” jumped from 19-3 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This is Drake’s 30th appearance on the chart’s top ten trailing only Lil Wayne (34) and R. Kelly (32).

Drake already owns the record for the most #1′s on the R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for a rapper. He took the title from Jay-Z last August as a guest on 2 Chain’z “No Lie.” It was the tenth time Drake topped the chart – 7 as a featured artist. His first single to break into the top ten and reach number one was 2009′s “Best I Ever I Had.”

[ALSO READ: AHH Stray News: Drake Surpasses Jay-Z]

The Toronto based artist also passed Diddy on the list for most #1 rap songs last February. His collaboration with Nicki Minaj, “Make Me Proud,” became his 11th single to reach number 1 on Billboard’s Rap chart.

“Started From The Bottom” will appear in the number two spot of the March 2 edition of Billboard’s rap chart behind Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “The Heist.”

Drake also appears at #3 on the same chart for A$AP Rocky’s “Fu**in’ Problem” and at #4 along with Lil Wayne and Future for “Love Me.” Psy’s “Gangnam Style” comes in at #5, and “I’m Different,” “Swimming Pools (Drank),” “All Gold Everything,” “Feel This Moment,” and “I Cry” round out the top ten.

The rest of the top ten for the R&B/Hip-Hop chart:  ”Thrift Shop” (1), “Suit & Tie” (2), “Girl On Fire” (4), “Fu**in’ Problems” (5), “Love Me” (6), “Diamonds” (7), “Pour It Up” (8), “Adorn” (9), and “I’m Different” (10).

“Started From The Bottom” is the first single off Drake’s upcoming third albumNothing Was The Same.

Cash Money records faces legal issues for sampling a song by The Persuaders.

Cash Money Records is facing yet another lawsuit—except this time, rather than a disgruntled producer who actually made a track for the label, it’s one who alleges an uncleared sample.

TMZ reports that Robert Poindexter of the ‘70s band The Persuaders claims Cash Money sampled his band’s song “Love Gotta Pack Up (and Walk Out)” for Bow Wow’s 2010 track “Still Ballin.”

The suit says that neither Cash Money nor Bow Wow obtained permission to use the 1972 song, which topped the charts.

Poindexter claims he reached out to Cash Money, and that the label redirected him to Bow Wow’s attorneys, who in turn pointed him towards Cash Money.

Poindexter is seeking $600,000 in punitive damages, plus interest.

Poindexter previously sued 50 Cent over the use of the same song, and Kanye West’s use of another on a 2006 mixtape.

The back-and-forth between Lil Wayne and Miami, Florida continues.

After Lil Wayne recently cursed out the Miami Heat (specifically LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh), Luther “Luke” Campbell wrote a letter taking not only Wayne to task, but his own city. Now, Wayne has responded.

“I can't change nobody's personal opinion. I can't change nobody's personal view,” said Wayne in an interview with 99 Jamz. “I can just keep doing what I do and keep putting food on the table for my family and that's what I'm going to do no matter what.

“I haven't [read Luke's letter], but I already know how he feels about me,” continued Wayne, referring specifically to the letter. “I've never met him actually. ...Ever since I got here, there were billboards and signs saying, ‘Lil Wayne, Go Back Home,’ you know what I mean? And I didn't do anything.”

Though Miami’s perception of Wayne has apparently become frosty, he has no intentions of leaving the city. “This is Miami, I can't move,” said the Young Money general. “I got the best skate weather, ever, down here. ... Like I said, the main thing I really want to get out there is that I do apologize for the misunderstanding to the city of Miami. I love everyone here, it's just I'm passionate about sports and I felt very disrespected, that's all. I felt very, very disrespected.”

The altercation between Lil Wayne and the Miami Heat began when Wayne claimed he was kicked out of a game for rooting for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Snoop Dogg and Suge Knight take a photo together at a club in Los Angeles, California.

Ever since Snoop Dogg’s contentious departure from Death Row Records in the mid-‘90s, he and co-founder (and then-CEO) of Death Row Suge Knight have been at odds. Now, it seems the two have buried the hatchet.

In a surprising turn of events, Snoop Dogg posted a picture of himself posing with Knight at the AV Club in Los Angeles earlier this week.

The move is unexpected, as the fallout with Death Row lead to songs such as “Pimp Slapp’d,” a diss aimed at Suge on Snoop’s 2002 release Paid Tha Cost To Be Da Boss.

Below is the image, which was posted on Snoop’s Instagram page with the caption, “N d club wit Suge miss those death row days!”

MC Hammer says that an officer pulled out a gun and randomly asked him if he was "on parole or probation."

MC Hammer was arrested for obstruction yesterday, but claims that it was actually a case of racial profiling.

According to TMZ, the "U Can't Touch This" rapper says he was arrested for obstructing an officer in the performance of their duties and resisting and officer. He claimed that the officer pulled out his gun and asked, "Are you on parole or probation?" He was booked and released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, California.

Taking to Twitter, Hammer detailed what he says actually went down. "Chubby elvis looking dude was tapping on my car window, I rolled down the window and he said 'Are you on parole or probation?'" he wrote. "While I was handing him my ID he reached in my car and tried to pull me out the car but forgot he was on a steady donut diet. .. It was comical to me until he pulled out his guns, blew his whistle and yelled for help (MallCop) !!! But make no mistake he's dangerous .. only thing more dangerous than a scared man with a gun, is a scared man with an agenda, a gun and a badge. I was citied for obstruction smh. You have to know me to understand I was laughing when he was grunting and pulling on me .. I had just left the weight room .. I will now answer his question, contrary to his personal beliefs, all people of color are not on parole or probation fat boy !!!"

Hammer was most recently in the news for failing to pay $780,000 in back taxes and was being sued by the government to recoup losses. The lawsuit was filed in December 2011.

Santa Rita police are yet to comment on the matter. HipHopDX will keep you updated as more information comes to light.

Ja Rule was supposed to be released from prison for a gun charge but will instead head into federal custody for a tax case.

After serving most of a two-year bid for an illegal gun case, Ja Rule was slated to leave an upstate prison today but will instead head straight into federal custody for a tax case.

According to AP, the rapper has some time remaining on a 28-month sentence for tax evasion, as his pair of sentences were expected to run concurrently. He may now have less than six months and could be eligible for a halfway house, and is excited to get back to work so that he can pay $1.1 million in back taxes.

"Many people are looking forward to experiencing his talent again," said defense attorney Stacey Richman, who also noted that he's looking forward to his daughter's graduation. "He's a devoted father."

The former Murder, Inc. star is getting out at his earliest release date. While incarcerated, he had two misbehavior reports for unauthorized phone calls in February 2012 and had work assignments on lawn and ground crews as well as participated in education programs.

Ja Rule began serving his bid in June 2011 following an arrest that took place in New York City, New York back in 2007 outside of Beacon Theater. After pulling him over, police found a loaded semi-automatic handgun in the vehicle. In July 2011, a judge ruled that he was sentenced to two additional years for tax evasion, though he would serve each sentence concurrently.

Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose welcome their first child as a couple.

Months after revealing that they were pregnant with their first child at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose welcomed their baby boy into the world earlier today.

With an original due date of February 24th, Rose went into labor early and gave birth to Sebastian Taylor Thomaz, who Khalifa has nicknamed "The Bash."

"Daddy time," tweeted Khalifa several hours ago, posting a picture of him in the hospital that can be viewed below. He later tweeted, "Happy Birthday Sebastian "The Bash" Taylor Thomaz!!! Y'Yo/ooY(TM)OE Everyone welcome this perfect young man into the world."

Prior to the birth, Khalifa and Rose appeared on Power 106's Big Boy's Neighborhood to discuss how they were preparing for the arrival of their baby. The rapper stated that he anticipated having a male baby shower.

"I'm at home full-time," he says. "I'm just working on videos for O.N.I.F.C., bringing that to life. We about to drop the group album as well. I'm really staying around because this is an important time for Amber. She needs that support."

RELATED: Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose Talk Male Baby Shower, Preparing For First Child

The new details claim Swagger was initially pulled over for speeding and was believed to be driving under the influence. The police then found marijuana in Swagger'spossession.

Click here for full article.

“Sunthin ain’t right.”

Man, people have no respect and ZERO f**ks to give! First of all, Lil Wayne probably did stab Chris Bosh’s wife. Its been revealed that she scammed Weezy out of a large sum of money claiming she was stricken with cancer. Weezy, the nice guy that he is, gave her a large, undisclosed sum of money to help her.When he did, he never heard from her again. Boom.
But, that’s old gold.

Here is the newness. Cam’ron posted a pic on Instagram and revealed that she was around the way of his friends even before Wayne. Damn, Chris Bosh’s brain will be eating itself alive. This can’t be life!

Or can it?

MORE DRAMA FOR CHRIS AND RIHANNA!

Drake? Chris Brown and Rihanna have apparently broken up again over Drake? What now? Breezy col’ busted Rihanna sending Drake text messages. I guess, old flames die hard. Here is what the UK Sun is reporting.

RIHANNA and CHRIS BROWN have split up… for the time being, anyway.
The couple had a row on the night of the Grammys because the Bajan singer was sending text messages to her ex-boyfriend – rapper DRAKE.

The pair were seen looking unhappy leaving the event then spotted sat at opposite ends of a club last week.
A source said: “Chris and Rihanna had a big bust-up at the Grammys over Drake.

“She was messaging him and Chris saw and it didn’t go down well.
“Since that night they have barely spoken and have been doing their own things. For now they have split up but they will probably make up at some point.”

Platinum rapper and music mogul Jay-Z just signed his Roc Nation label to a worldwide publishing administration agreement with Warner Music Group’s Warner/Chappell Music.

The #1  music publishing company will immediately have the rights to all of Jay-Z’s future projects and hismusic dating back to 2008 which includes The Blueprint 3and Watch The Throne albums.

The deal will also give Warner/Chappell rights to most of Jay’s entire catalog by the end of 2013. Songs like “Hard Knock Life  (Ghetto Anthem),” “Big Pimpin’,” and “Dirt Off Your Shoulders” will then be administered by W/C.

In a separate deal, all artists signed to Roc Nation’s publishing wing will see their entire catalogs (including future works) transferred to W/C effective immediately. This includes “R.I.P.” singer Rita Ora, rising R&B artist Bridget Kelly, and frequent Meek Mill producer Jahlil Beats.

“I first partnered with Jay in 1996, and it’s been thrilling to work with my friend over the past 16 years as he’s grown into one of the world’s best songwriters and become a global icon,” said Warner/Chappell President, Creative  Jon Platt in a published statement. “At the same time, Roc Nation is one of the most dynamic and influential music companies around. It is home to an extraordinary collection of hit-makers, who are writing and producing many of today’s most popular songs and collaborating with the world’s most successful artists. I couldn’t be happier to continue my relationships with Jay and Roc Nation and build on our partnerships at Warner/Chappell.”

Warner/Chappell will be responsible for monitoring all copyrighted material of Roc Nation’s publishing roster. W/C will also collect royalties and promote licensing deals for television commercials and movie soundtracks for the artist’s music.

“The real meaning of success is being in the position to work with an individual you consider a friend,” said Jay. “Jon Platt is such a person. He’s a man of extraordinary character as well as a remarkably talented executive with an ear for music and an eye for talent. It’s great to watch him grow to be one the best in the business.”

Other artists signed with Warner/Chappell include Madonna, Led Zeppelin, and the estates of James Brown and Michael Jackson.

Gucci Mane manages to lodge his mixtape on the charts, while A$AP Rocky continues to sell strong.

After getting off to a strong start with his third straight-to-retail album No Love Lost, Joe Budden slips on the charts this week, sliding down considerably but still managing to move product. A month past dropping his studio debut LongLiveA$AP, A$AP Rocky has the highest-charting Hip Hop release of the week, and even though his sales are stronger than last week, he charts lower than before. Even so, this puts him ahead of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis with their independent debut The Heist, which drops further down but maintains sales numbers thanks to the success of their continuously No. 1 record "Thrift Shop."

While the charts stayed relatively static in terms of Hip Hop releases in the top 200, Gucci Mane becomes the sole rapper to lodge a new record on the chart. This week, his latest mixtape Trap God 2 managed to scan enough copies to find a place at the chart, even if it's at the bottom.

Check below to see who had the strongest week on the charts.

A$AP Rocky's Reign Ain't Short Like Leprechauns

That A$AP Rocky reign just won't let up. The rapper had a supreme debut with LongLiveA$AP last month, making a grand entry at the top of the charts. It's been a steady decline in terms of chart placement since, but sales have maintained on account of his climbing single and growing presence. The feat comes after years of making his name on the mixtape circuit, releasing his breakout project Live.Love.A$AP several years back. Because of his leg work, the first-week sales of LongLiveA$AP were mighty healthy, moving 140,000 copies sold and beating out Kidz Bop 23 by 58,000 units.

In the past few weeks, the LP went from No. 1 to 7, followed by 13 and 24. Now, the album is at a low point on the chart, holding court at No. 26. It's a relatively good place to be, considering that he actually went up in sales - from 20,000 to 24,000 - bringing his overal cume to 245,000 copies. That puts him ahead of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' The Heist, which maintains steady ground shortly behind him at No. 33. Rocky is still selling namely because of his gold-certified single "Fuckin' Problems," which features guest appearances from Drake, Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz, that has continued to soar up the singles chart.

Gucci Mane Creeps Onto The Chart With Trap God 2

It's bizarre to think that Gucci Mane could lodge a mixtape on the chart when it was released for free, but the Southern rapper moves in mysterious ways. Last week, Gooch unleashed his new street project Trap God 2, which featured Wiz Khalifa, Young Thug, Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Wayne, Lloyd, Verse Simmonds and more. The mixtape moved 2,900 copies, meaning that it must have been serviced to either physical or digital retail in some format. While he has cause to celebrate, he ended up beefing last week with A$AP Ferg over the "Trap God" title, taking to Twitter to put the rapper on blast by telling him to "get off my dick."

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 2/17/2013

#26. A$AP Rocky - Long.Live.A$AP - 24,000 (245,000)

#33. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist - 21,000 (357,000)

#35. Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city - 18,000 (731,000)

#46. T.I. - Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head - 15,000 (389,000)

#56. Joe Budden - No Love Lost - 11,000 (41,000)

#61. 2 Chainz - Based On A T.R.U. Story - 9,900 (543,000)

#64. Wiz Khalifa - O.N.F.I.C. - 8,900 (323,000)

#80. Chief Keef - Finally Rich - 6,400 (129,000)

#93. Game - Jesus Piece - 5,400 (197,000)

#182. Gucci Mane - Trap God 2 - 2,900 (2,900)

Wale addressed NBA commentators who referred to him as a "well-known local rapper."

Wale didn't take a pair of commentator's comments lightly. While at the Washington Wizards game last night, the Maybach Music Group member heckled Toronto Raptors’ Rudy Gay, an incident that elicited a response from the player. The commentators turned their attention to the emcee, branding him as a "local rapper" and stating that "he's not Drake, that's for sure."

"A fan heckling him and supposedly, this fan is a well-known local rapper. Wall-ay. Locally, here," said one commentator. "Wale is inspiring. I'm sure somebody on Twitter could tell me if they exactly had ever heard of Wale. He's not Drake, that's for sure."

The Washington, D.C. native then left his courtside seat to confront the commentators for belittling him on the mic. While the confrontation is without audio, someone uploaded a clip of Wale addressing the commentators to YouTube.

Wale, who recently dropped off his mixtape Folarin, is currently prepping the release of either an album or mixtape titled The Album About Nothing with comedian Jerry Seinfeld.

After Lil Wayne has words for the NBA's Miami Heat, Luther "Luke" Campbell says Weezy is disrespecting his city. He also asks what Rick Ross and DJ Khaled are going to do about this.

Recently, Lil Wayne caused a stir when he asked a crowd of fans to scream obscenities directed at the Miami Heat and the NBA. He went on to say that he had sex with Heat player Chris Bosh's wife, though in a more derogatory fashion.

Longtime Miami representative Luther "Luke" Campbell was deeply offended by Wayne's comments and he wrote a blog about how fed up he is with Weezy. In his blog, Luke explains that Lil Wayne "treats Miami like his bitch because people let him." He also says that this would have never gone down during his era, recalling that Dr. Dre had to cancel concerts in Miami as a result of their feud. Furthermore, he asks what other Miami artists are going to do about it, saying Rick Ross and DJ Khaled need to set Wayne straight. Luke's entire post against Lil Wayne's treatment of Miami can be read below, courtesy of his blog at Miami New Times.

Miamians are mad as hell at rapper Lil Wayne because he said fuck the Heat, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh on Sunday at a nightclub party in Houston. Lil Wayne even claimed he had sex with Bosh's wife. That was way out of line. However, don't blame Weezy for talking trash.

He has no respect for the city because people in Miami's entertainment industry -- from local radio DJs to South Beach nightclub promoters to the Heat's front office -- spread their legs for him and every out-of-town celebrity who rolls through town.

Lil Wayne treats Miami like his bitch because people let him.

When Weezy claimed he was thrown out of the Heat home game versus the Lakers, the franchise tried to downplay the incident, saying they only asked him to leave and he left on his own. That was a bitch move.
The Heat should have followed the Oklahoma City Thunder's lead. Last year, Oklahoma City representatives told Lil Wayne to take a hike when he asked for courtside seats to one of the Thunder's playoff games against the San Antonio Spurs. The

Miami Heat should be giving court-side seats to the city's true local hip-hop heroes, like Trick Daddy and Betty Wright.
Stars can call up the Heat and get a free front-row seat or have nightclubs give them free tables and bottles of liquor whenever they want. Lil Wayne gets away with it because venue promoters are desperate to get mentioned in the gossip blogs and magazines. Local record label owners and radio station programming directors are also guilty of brown-nosing these interlopers.

Up-and-coming local artists like Alyric, K Kutta, Blaze, and YD can't get their songs played on the radio because the stations are too busy playing shit from Cash Money Records. When the radio people get some balls and stop acting like groupies, they will stop playing Lil Wayne and company's music.

Hell, I want to know what Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, and all these so-called 305 rappers who hang with Lil Wayne have to say about him disrespecting our home team. They need to set Lil Wayne straight. When you disrespect Miami, you can't be allowed into any arena, restaurant, club, or even McDonald's to get a burger. And you better not show your face in the hood.

None of this bullshit would have happened under my watch. In 1992, when I had a beef with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre, they had to cancel a concert in Miami. For years, they couldn't set foot in the 305 because it was so hot. Suge Knight had to come down and smoke a peace pipe with me.

We also kept it real at the old Miami Arena, where I had season tickets from the first tip-off on July 13, 1988. I sat in the fourth row behind the basket near former Miami City Manager Joe Arriola. For a game against the New York Knicks, filmmaker Spike Lee was sitting in front of me. It was right after he trashed me on The Arsenio Hall Show.

Joe and I cussed him out during the entire first quarter. Arriola ended up getting thrown out, but Spike didn't come back for the second half.

I'm gonna have to come out of retirement because Miami's entertainment industry has gone soft. I've got no problem telling Lil Wayne where he can go.

Wayne's original beef with the Miami Heat stems from a recent game where he claims to have been thrown out for rooting for the Los Angeles Lakers. He also claimed that the NBA banned him, a claim that the NBA has since refuted. Luke has been outspoken on his blog in the past, most recently warning Rick Ross to "squash beefs."

Th Game is pretty much the loosest cannon to ever come about in Hip-Hop. Dude is wild and unpredictable. Now, you already know the word on the street…there have been rumors that he’s going to join YMCMB. He mentioned it on his last album and he actually had Baby on his recent album, Jesus Piece. But, Drake…is that another story? Drake recently proclaimed that its YMCMB to the DEATH.

RELATED:Hip-Hop Rumors: GOTDAMN! Drake Shuts Down The Rumors AGAIN!

So, is this pic that The Game put on Instagram dissing Drake? I can’t see it as anything other than a diss.

I take that Game face and raise you one with the KOBE FACE

Which can only be combated with the classic SHAQ FACE!

What’s The Game doing?

Jay looks a bit nervous in this pic…or is that me?
I have to give it to Rihanna. That chick has withstood the B-Storm where most of the R&B chicks have just withered away. Think about the likes of Ciara and Keri Hilson. They just cannot withstand those hurricane winds. But. Rihanna has. Rihanna has not only survived but she has totally thrived in the era of Beyonce. They go back and forth for acclaim and magazine covers and stuff of that sort. Word on the street is that B is throwing a bit of shade in RiRi’s direction.

NOW…peep who won the big poll we all partook in for who had the hotter GQ Cover.

DEBATE: Beyonce Or Rihanna: Who Has The Hottest GQ Cover?

Per Rhymes With Snitch, Beyonce took a shot at Rihanna on her new “documentary” – peep the shade:

“People don’t make albums anymore. They just try to sell a bunch of little quick singles and they burn out and they put out a new one, and they burn out, and they put out a new one.”

Here are some stats to back that assertion up:

Rihanna has 12 #1 singles to Beyonce’s 8 and Rihanna’s 23 Top 10 singles compared to Beyonce’s 14 as evidence that Beyonce was taking shots.

Everyone deserves a second chance and after his juvenile bid, Chief Keef will have a second life. Chicago’s “Rooftop Pastor” Reverand Corey Brooks plans on baptizing the  trouble teen MC once he returns.

Rev. Brooks visited Chief Keef and claims the teen “is not a bad kid” and  mis-perception, not pure evil, is the reason for his mischief, according to Global Grind.  ”I think people forget he is 17 years old,” Brooks says. The New Beginnings Church pastor further humanized the destructive image ofChief Keef Keith Cozart:

“He is an entertainer, that is how he sees himself. But at the same time, he has a God-consciousness. He is not some terror who is wreaking havoc.”

The baptism is expected to take place at Rev. Brooks’ New Beginnings Church in Chicago’s  Woodlawn neighborhood.

Corey Brooks is known as the “rooftop pastor” for his 94-day vigil atop a  now-demolished Super Motel across from the New Beginnings Church aimed to bring acommunity center to the area in the midst of the recent violence. The innovative religious leader received $100,000 from Tyler Perry in February of last year.

In addition to a baptism, Chief Keef will be coming home to a child support case for a baby he allegedly fathered in 2011.

The Mount Rushmore of music executives has to include Clive Davis, the man who signed Whitney Houston, Sean “Diddy’ Combs, Alicia Keys, Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin.

However, he might have made his most shocking discovery over 25 years ago, when he figured out he was bisexual, he told Katie Couric today (February 19).

The 80-year-old music titan spoke on Katie about how he became open to the idea of a romantic relationship with men:

“I opened myself up to the possibility that I could have a relationship with a man as well as the two that I had with a woman. I’m still attracted to women. You don’t have to be only one thing or another. For me, it’s the person.”

Clive Davis has been married twice and states that it was after his second failed marriage in the late 1980′s that he began a 14- year relationship with a male doctor. In addition, of his four children and six grandchildren, it took a “trying year,” before one of his sons could come to terms with Mr. Davis’ sexual orientation.

This revelation comes on the same day as the release of his autobiography The Soundtrack To My Life where he reveals heated disagreements with artists such as Miles Davis, details on his controversial firing from Columbia Records in the 1970′s as well as other juicy details.

Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. has inked a deal a new deal that could make him the highest-paid athlete in all of sports this year.

The undefeated, eight-time world champion has teamed with Showtime PPV and CBS Corporation, to promote Floyd Mayweather’s fights on the CBS Television Network and its respective platforms.

According to reps for Showtime and CBS, the companies have struck a unique revenue-sharing deal with Floyd Mayweather, which will allow him to fight six times, over the next 30 months.

Mayweather averages over 1 million pay-per-view buys per event, the most of any boxer in history.

While terms of the deal were not disclosed due to confidentiality agreements, all parties involved said that it was highly lucrative for Floyd Mayweather Jr.

“At this record-setting PPV performance level, if all six fights contemplated by this deal occur, it will be the richest individual athlete deal in all of sports,” a rep for Showtime PPV said in a statement.

The first fight to take place under the new deal will happen on May 4, 2013, when Floyd Mayweather Jr. takes one Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero.

President Barack Obama’s speech to the Chicago youth at Hyde Park Career Academy was followed by the death of the sister of one of the students present. Destini Warren’s sister Janay MacFarlane was fatally shot around 11:30 P.M. on February 15th on the 1300 block of Jackson Avenue in the northern suburban while visiting family and friends.

[ALSO READ: Five Takeaways From The State Of The Union Address]

At the time of her killing, reports state MacFarlane was walking with friends, whom one is suspected at being the original target for the bullet that killed Janay MacFarlane. On February 17th, reported that an 18 year old and 20 year old man were “considered persons of interests”

MacFarlane’s distraught mother, Angela Blakely says the 18 year old was on the path to graduating high school this spring and was going to pursue future studies inculinary arts. Blakely also says the teenage homicide victim frequently asked her about the recent homicide of 15 year old Haidya Pendleton prior to her own untimely death:

“It’s terrible, it’s terrible the only thing I can remember is my daughter telling me, ‘Mommy, it’s so sad about Hadiya. That makes no sense,’ “

[ALSO READ: Chicago Police Say Gang Involved In Hadiya Pendleton's Death]

Pendleton, who was killed by stray gunfire days after performing at President Obama’s second inauguration, was a major reason for President Obama’s visit to Hyde Park Career Academy. During his speech, the President spoke on the horrendous state of violence in his hometown:

“Last year, there were 443 murders with a firearm in this city, and 65 of them were 18 and under. That’s the equivalent of a Newtown every four months.”

On Thursday (Feb. 21st), Janay’s family will hold visitation from 4 to 9 p.m. at Gatling’s Chapel. Her funeral has been scheduled for noon Friday(Feb. 22nd) at the Greater Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. Her body will be buried at Mount Hope Cemetery.

North Chicago official claim Janay MacFralane’s death was only the second homicide for the northern suburb in the over 13 months.

Meek Mill says that "if I could, I would" put an end to the beef between 50 Cent and Rick Ross.

50 Cent and Rick Ross have had a storied beef that's gone on for years, most recently flaring up at the 2012 BET Hip-Hop Awards after Fif's crew had an altercation with Maybach Music Group's Gunplay.

During an interview with Shade 45's "Sway in the Morning," Meek Mill said that he would put an end to the problems between Fif and his MMG boss, stating that he's known the G-Unit general longer than he has Ross and that he doesn't want to end up in the middle of their issues.

"What they got goin' on, they grown men. It's been going on for a long time. If I could, I would," he said. "I knew 50 before I ever even signed with Ross. When I signed with Ross, I couldn't just act like I don't like 50 at all. That would be fake of me. If I could, I would. I don't like seeing nobody I know go through anything. I don't want to be in the middle one day and gotta choose sides or anything like that."

The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania rapper said that if Ross and 50 encountered each other in person and he was present, he would try to mend fences between them. "I had plans on doing that. If I ever see them around each other, if I'm around, there ain't gonna be no fighting or nothing like that," he said.

Most recently, 50 Cent reportedly wore Gunplay's MMG chain in the video for "Major Distribution." When HipHopDX asked Gunplay for his thoughts on the clip, he replied, "No comment."

A spokesperson from the NBA says that Lil Wayne's claim that he is banned from league events is false.

It appears that Lil Wayne may have exaggerated reports that he has been barred from attending live NBA events.

In a recent report from TMZ, Mark Broussard, the Senior Director of Basketball Communications for the NBA, said that there is "no truth at all" to the New Orleans rapper's claims that he has been banned from attending any further NBA games. Broussard even went on to say that the rapper voluntarily left the Miami Heat game from which he was allegedly ejected.

Last week, Lil Wayne made headlines when he claimed that the Miami Heat basketball organization forcibly ejected him from a game for rooting for the Los Angeles Lakers. Wayne took his feud further at a concert this past weekend in Houston, claiming that he had an affair with the wife of Heat power-forward/center Chris Bosh.

This isn't the first time Lil Wayne has sparked a beef with the National Basketball Association. Last year, he said he was barred entry to an Oklahoma City Thunder play-off game, a claim the team organization later denied.

C-Murder will remain in prison to serve out his life sentence.

The Supreme Court  has denied C-Murder's appeal of a murder conviction, a last-ditch effort to spring the rapper from prison.

US News reports that the court rejected the appeal, which stemmed from C-Murder killing a 16-year-old fan in Louisiana.

C-Murder's attorneys argued that because federal juries must reach unanimous verdicts in criminal cases C-Murder should not have been convicted. A jury voted 10-2 to convict the rapper.

However, Louisiana is one of two states that allow for non-unanimous convictions.

C-Murder was sentenced to life in prison in 2009 for shooting and killing Steve Thomas at a nightclub in 2002. Lawyers for C-Murder, who is Master P's brother, filed an appeal in Louisiana in 2011. The conviction and life sentence were upheld in the Louisiana appeals court months later. He later filed to the Supreme Court, which delayed a ruling on the case in 2012.

The time Chief Keef is spending at a juvenile detention center might have him doing a lot of soul searching. A Chicago pastor apparently wants Sosa to give his life to God.

Rev. Corey Brooks, known as the “rooftop pastor,” said he plans to baptize the 17-year-old rapper when he’s released from juvenile detention.

According to Suntimes, Brooks said he has visited Keef at the state juvenile detention facility in west suburban St. Charles. Brooks said the young entertainer “has had a chance to think. He is an entertainer, that is how he sees himself. But at the same time, he has a God-consciousness. He is not some terror who is wreaking havoc.”

The pastor said he plans to baptize Keef at his non-denominational New Beginnings Church in the Woodlawn neighborhood.

via Suntimes

Chief Keef becoming a Christian?! No more bang, bang and O’block?!! I think not. Once Chief is released he will be as ratchet as ever. What you think?

Waka Flocka is a cold dude man! So many chicks look forward to this day for the whole year. And, some are single and others are not. But, one thing is to get dumped ON V-Day is the stuff suicide is made of. How can it get any worse. Generally, dude wait til the day after or the day before to break up. Not, Waka Flocka. He did it on the day!

His girl Tammy Rivera made the actual revelation…somewhere. Probably on Twitter. She’s cute, but we didn’t see her much when they were together. I bet we see her more now. Hell, she may get a reality show.

YEP.

Did you see Nicki Minaj’s Valentines Day gift to all men? And some women? DAMN. 

Rap star 2 Chainz is facing drug charges after an arrest by the Maryland State Police late last evening (February 14th).

According to reports, the rapper was traveling in a white van, on the way to a performance at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, when police stopped the vehicle on Route 50, around 10:00PM.

Although there were seven people in the van, only 2 Chainz, was arrested, charged with marijuana and paraphenelia possession.

According to 2 Chainz, the police were “f**kin” with him when they arrested him, since they recognized him and wanted pictures.

2 Chainz was released with a citation shortly after the arrest.

Stevie Wonder comments on Lil Wayne's reference to Emmett Till on the "Karate Chop" remix.

It looks like Lil Wayne isn't quite out of the woods with regard to his controversial lyric in the remix of Future's "Karate Chop." Now, one of R&B's most celebrated figures is taking Weezy to task over his notorious reference to Emmett Till.

In a recent report from the Associated Press, legendary singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder commented on Wayne's infamous lyric that he “beat that pussy up like Emmett Till.” Wonder said that the YMCMB rapper crossed a line in equating Till's racially motivated murder to sex, and added that someone should have been there put Weezy in check before the track's release. 

"You can't equate that to Emmett Till. You just cannot do that," he explained. "I think you got to have someone around you that - even if they are the same age or older - is wiser to say, 'Yo, that's not happening. Don't do that'...sometimes people have to put themselves in the place of people who they are talking about. Imagine if that happened to your mother, brother, daughter or your son. How would you feel? Have some discernment before we say certain things. That goes for me or any other writer."

In the wake of the song's release, the family of Emmett Till released a statement condemning the song and demanding an apology from Lil Wayne. Epic Records ultimately pulled the "unauthorized" remix and issued an apology.

Drake could not enter due to prior club incident with Chris Brown.

History was enough for one Los Angeles nightclub to deny Drake entry into its doors. According to TMZ, Playhouse in Hollywood did not let the Toronto native in because Chris Brown was already inside.

Sources say that Brown was already inside partying and that the club's bouncers were aware of his presence, which held Drizzy at bay. Rihanna was also supposed to show up, which could have also added possible gas to the fire. Drake apparently took the unfortunate news in stride and moved on.

Last June, the two parties were involved in the infamous fight at W.i.P. nightclub in New York City. Recently, Drizzy and Breezy decided to sue each other over the injuries incurred during the bottle-throwing incident.

Last November, authorities did not decide to file criminal charges against each and in December, Drake asked a judge to dismiss the case.

Snoop Lion owes the government a lump sum in unpaid tax bills.

Snoop Lion (also known as Snoop Dogg) owes the Internal Revenue Service $546,270.29.

According to documents retreived by TMZ, the Reincarnated rapper turned reggae artist owes money for two seperate years: 2009 ($101,952.44) and 2011 ($444,317.85).

Tax issues aren't a new thing to the West Coast veteran. Back in 2008, he reportedly owed over $476,000 in back taxes to the IRS but the issue was resolved quickly after the lien was brought to his attention.

Currently, Snoop Dogg is promoting his new album/movie entitled Reincarnated, which explains the Doggfather's transformation from gangster rapper into a person who is now embracing the Rastafarian faith.

Keke Palmer is set to join Lil Mama in VH1's upcoming TLC biopic.

Keke Palmer has been a TLC fan since for as long as she can remember. Now, according to Vibe, the 19-year-old Chicago native will get her shot at representing one of her favorite singers in VH1's upcoming TLC biopic.

Joining Lil Mama, who will play Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, as well as Drew Sidora, who has been cast as Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, Palmer becomes the third and final member of the TLC biopic cast, which begins filming in Atlanta, Georgia next month.

No stranger to a recording studio, Keke got her love for music from her mother, who was a background session singer and would often take Keke and her older sister, L’Oreal to the studio while she recorded. She also released her first studio album So Uncool in 2007.

Palmer's most recent music-related film gig was last year when she played in the musical comedy Joyful Noise alongside Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton. She also plans on releasing her next album this year, which will be self-titled.

When Kanye West was apart of one duo he once asked “who gon’ stop me, huh?” TSA gave the Kanye and Kim Kardashian (KimYe) duo that answer when the celebrity parents-to-be had their plane delayed due to bypassing security clearances at New York City’s John F Kennedy airport.

[ALSO READ: Kanye West Family "Shocked" By Pregnancy News]

Returning from their samba-filled Brazil trip with Will Smith and Duane Martin Tuesday (Feb. 12), the power couple received some unauthorized help reaching their connecting flight to LAX from an opportunistic American Airline staff member.

“An airline employee escorted the two travelers through a non-public area,” says a spokesman for the Transpiration Security Administration (TSA) ”in order to provide expedited access to their domestic flight.” Since the unnamed airline employee “violated security protocol” KimYe’s connecting flight was delayed an hour while TSA “conducted a private screening of the two passengers in the area of the jetway.”

[ALSO READ: Lord Jamar Calls Kanye "Pioneer of Queer Rap"]

It’s not all love and appreciation for the reality show beauty and the microphone beast recently. Ms. Kardashian’s laywer in her pending divorce case with ex-husband Kris Humphries claims the Brooklyn Nets star is holding the case “hostage” because of alleged “uncooperative third parties,” according to a report from E! Online. Humphries’ camp attributes the delay to Kris’ legal right to be present during Kim’s deposition, however his basketball season lasting until mid May complicates Kim’s request for an expedited trial in order for the divorce to be finalized by the time she gives birth in July.

[ALSO READ: Kim Kardashian Speaks On Relationship With Beyonce, Pregnancy and Kanye]

Her other half has drawn the critical ire from lauded electro-house  producer (and frat house legend) Deadmau5 in a recent interview with VIBE. When asked whom the Canadian musician would like to design a live show, he responded frankly with “Anyone other than f—ing Kanye. I f—ing hate him.”

The G.O.O.D. Music general is working on his as-of-yet untitled follow-up to his 2010 classic My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy with past collaborators The-Dream and Malik Yusef both praising the new recordings.

Epic Records has responded to the controversy over Lil Wayne comparing Emmett Till's death to sex.

Lil Wayne caused controversy with a lyric on Future's "Karate Chop" remix where he raps, “Beat that pussy up like Emmett Till," eliciting a fiery response from Till's family.

According to Associated Press, Epic Records has responded to the backlash. After the Rev. Jesse Jackson reached out to Wayne's management The Blueprint Group on the family's behalf, the label has released a statement claiming that the remix was "unauthorized" and that it leaked online. The label promised to make efforts to erase the track from the web, stating that an official version of the song will be released at a later time that "will not include such references."

"We regret the unauthorized remix version of Future's 'Karate Chop,' which was leaked online and contained hurtful lyrics," the statement said. "Out of respect for the legacy of Emmett Till and his family and the support of the Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. ... we are going through great efforts to take down the unauthorized version."

Additionally, a Facebook posting on the Mamie Till Mobley Memorial Foundation last night said that Epic Records Chairman and CEO LA Reid personally reached out to apologize.

After learning of the reference on the song, Airickca Gordon-Taylor, the founding director of the Foundation and cousin of Emmett Till, spoke out on behalf of the family and branded the reference "disrespectful." "We found it dishonorable to his name and what his death has meant to us as a people and as a culture," said Gordon-Taylor. "It was offensive not only to us, but to our ancestors and to women and to themselves as young, black men. I just couldn’t understand how you could compare the gateway of life to the brutality and punishment of death. And I feel as though they have no pride and no dignity as black men.”

Till was killed in 1955 while visiting his family in Mississippi. He was beaten severely and shot in the head before his attackers tied a cotton gin to his body with barbed wire and threw him into the Tallahatchie River. Two white men were acquitted of the killing by an all-white jury.

Drake and Chris Brown make matters legal in the aftermath of last year's nightclub brawl.

Drake and Chris Brown have filed suit against each other over last year's nightclub brawl in New York City, New York.

According to TMZ, the artists have filed legal documents blaming each other on injuries incurred during the bottle-throwing incident at the W.i.P. club. Drake and Brown both claim that they were not responsible for the fight and want the other party to pay any damages in the event that model Romain Julien, who sued them both over injuries, wins his lawsuit. This marks the first time that the two artists have gone after each other in court.

The initial incident occurred in June 2012 after Drake and Brown allegedly threw bottles at one another at the club. Meek Mill, who was present during the melee, said that he didn't see either artist hurl a bottle.

In the wake of the fracas, Brooklyn resident Howard Clement sued W.i.P. over injuries he sustained during the incident. Two club-goers as well as San Antonio Spurs player Tony Parker also filed multi-million dollar suits over the matter.

Last November, authorities decided not to file criminal charges against Drizzy and Breezy. In December, Drake asked a judge to dismiss the case and said that the club had "a history of violence and other problems."

I can’t believe I am writing this. Dissing me is acceptable on this one and I accept the scorn and chagrin and hatred I am sure you will muster. HATE ME!

There is a rumor, stemming from Media Take Out, that Jay-Z and Beyonce are considering buying Michael Jackson’s Neverland! It looks like they may be copping the property for $100 million if they are really making a move on the property. I’m not sure I believe that. But, they are saying that this may never happen, because the land may not even be for sale! The plot is 2,500 Acres of land about an hour outside of Los Angeles. They say Jay hopes to create a massive studio to record out of. The better find Bubbles and get him in there.

Jay was a fool for this one! MJ at Summer Jam! 

Just days before Houston, Texas plays host to the 2013 NBA All Star Game, The Houston Press has announced the development of a column written by Willie D of groundbreaking Houston rap group, The Geto Boys.

This isn’t Willie’s first go-round at writing as he once held a column at Vice.com called “Filibustin’ With Willie D.”

“The style would be me, Willie D,” he proposed to the Houston Press. “Funny, serious, unpredictable, diverse coverage of real-life shit, straight no chase [sic]. Sort of like the HP.”

The Houston Press has dubbed the column “Ask Willie D” and it will officially first appear online this Thursday at the alternative weekly newspaper, The Houston Press website, and followed by a paper version one week later.

Willie D said he created the column as a way to directly communicate with fans and others seeking advise on everything from relationships to parenting, politics to bullying and more.

Plans are also underway to syndicate the column in other U.S. and foreign markets.

Check out the Introduction to Ask Willie D here.

Joe Budden makes a nice debut on the charts, while Brotha Lynch Hung has a solid entry with "Mannibalector."

Joe Budden makes a strong debut on the charts this week with his third straight-to-retail album No Love Lost, which enters the top 20 straight out the gate. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, whose single "Thrift Shop" has now spent consecutive weeks atop the singles chart, continue scanning product and pull ahead of A$AP Rocky's debut studio album Long.Live.A$AP, which continues to slide down.

With a few artists getting a bump thanks to one day of post-Grammy Award Sales (2 Chainz, Nas), Brotha Lynch Hung manages to be the sole Hip Hop artist to debut in the top 200 this week, scoring a nice placement above No. 70 with a solid number of copies sold.

Check below to see who had the strongest week on the charts.

Joe Budden Finds Love Isn't Lost On The Charts

Joe Budden has scored his highest chart debut to date since the release of his eponymous debut, which peaked at No. 8 in 2003. This week, the Jersey native bows at No. 15 with a solid 30,000 copies sold of No Love Lost, putting it at the high-end of the sales projections released last week. The success stems from the attention gleaned from both his charting single "She Don't Put It Down" featuring Lil Wayne and Tank, which is becoming his best-performing track to date, and his appearance on VH1's "Love & Hip Hop," which has been airing over the past month.

For No Love Lost, the Slaughterhouse rapper took a different approach. He relies heavily on guests for the LP, which features appearances from Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Juicy J, Lloyd Banks and a crew of others. Joey Jumpoff's last album, the digital offering Mood Muzik 4: A Turn 4 The Worst, picked up in sales after its subsequent retail release, peaking at No. 9 on the Rap Albums chart.

Brotha Lynch Hung Attacks The Chart With Mannibalector

Strange Music's Brotha Lynch Hung shows that hard work continues to pay off. His third album for the label, Mannibalector, makes a solid chart debut, entering at No. 67 with 7,900 copies sold. The LP, which marks the third in a trilogy following the story of a man evolving into a cannibalistic killer, co-stars a handful of guests including Yelawolf, Tech N9ne and Hopsin, picking up where prior releases Coathanga Strangla (2011) and Dinner and a Movie (2010) left off. Brotha Lynch recently spoke to HipHopDX about his thoughts on the album as well as hoping to meet Eminem.

Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 1/27/2013

#15. Joe Budden - No Love Lost - 30,000 (30,000)

#19. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - The Heist - 23,000 (336,000)

#24. A$AP Rocky - Long.Live.A$AP - 20,000 (221,000)

#26. Kendrick Lamar - good kid, m.A.A.d city - 20,000 (712,000)

#38. T.I. - Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head - 15,000 (374,000)

#51. 2 Chainz - Based On A T.R.U. Story - 10,000 (533,000)

#57. Wiz Khalifa - O.N.F.I.C. - 9,200 (314,000)

#67. Brotha Lynch Hung - Mannibalector - 7,900 (8,000)

#79. Chief Keef - Finally Rich - 6,300 (123,000)

#93. Future - Pluto - 5,300 (271,000)

#97. Game - Jesus Piece - 5,000 (192,000)

#200. Nas - Life is Good - 2,200 (354,000)

Legal troubles continue for DMX, who was behind bars in Spartanburg, South Carolina for driving without a license.

DMX can't seem to keep himself out of trouble.

According to FOX Carolina 21, Dark Man X was arrested for driving without a license in Spartanburg, South Carolina earlier this morning. He claims that he left a local gas station and an officer followed him a short distance, only to pull him over and arrest him. He was booked into the Spartanburg County jail around 2 a.m.

"When I could have just paid the money right there on the spot," said DMX, who had his five-month-old daughter in the car at the time of arrest. "Basically it was just five hours wasted for nothing. I don't have a court date or a court appearance."

At 6 a.m., the gruff rapper went before a judge and was released shortly after. Deputies say that he had been issued tickets in Greer and Duncan, accused of driving without a license and only had a state ID card on him. After pulling him over, deputies claimed that the car was turned over to a different licensed passenger who was in the car.

In July 2011, DMX was released from prison after serving a seven-month bid for violating probation. A judge said that X, who at the time had been incarcerated 13 times, had "an undiagnosed mental condition" and possibly suffered from bi-polar disorder.

Last May, X said that he wanted "less trouble" and was going to try to clean up his act. He released his comeback album Undisputed in September, though it only moved 17,000 copies in its first week. The project is the point of a multi-million dollar legal war between Seven Arts Entertainment and In The Zone Entertainment over distribution rights to the LP.

T-Pain addresses Future's use of Auto-Tune but says that he respects the rapper's movement.

T-Pain came at Future earlier this week after posting a picture on Instagram that insinuated that the latter stole the idea to feature a Bugatti in his music video.

During an interview with Hot 93.7, Teddy P turned his focuse to Future's music, stating that he doesn't know how to use Auto-Tune. While he was quick to point out his technological shortcomings, he did commend Future for his songwriting abilities.

“I don’t think Future gets the technology very well. I don’t think he understands how it actually works," he said. "He’s writing great songs. He's a great writer. Keep in mind, you can use Auto-Tune and you can know how to work perfectly, but you still have to know how to write a good song. Just because he sound good doesn't mean he's saying good stuff. As far as how he uses Auto-Tune, I don't think he knows how it works. I think he’s thinking that you just turn it on, and then it just happens. But nah, he writes great, great hooks and great songs themselves. I just don't think he actually knows how to use Auto-Tune yet."

He also noted that many musicians don't know how to properly use the plug-in, recording their vocals and then adding on the filter after. While he suggested that Future was one of those artists, he bigged up his movement and said that he's "great."

“A lot of people don’t sing with it, a lot of people just sing and then put it on after, which is a terrible mistake. There’s a lot of stuff you’ve gotta know about Auto-Tune before you can start using it, because it’s the hot thing to do. But Future’s still great right now, he’s doing his thing.”

T-Pain most recently released his new mixtape Stoic, while Future dropped the repackaged version of his debut Pluto as Pluto 3D.

Jim Jones was arrested near his New Jersey home earlier today for disorderly conduct.

Harlem, New York rapper Jim Jones was arrested earlier today near his home in Fair Lawn, New Jersey.

According to a report from the Fair Lawn-Saddle Brook Patch, the Diplomats alum was arrested earlier today outside his New Jersey home. Jones was apparently charged with disorderly conduct and obstruction involving two outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Sgt. James Corcoran was responding to a parking complaint over Jones' snowbound vehicle, which was illegally parked in front of his residence. After Jones approached the officer, Sgt. Corcoran ran his name through a police database and found two warrants for his arrest involving an auto vehicle violation and failure to remove snow from his sidewalk. 

The report indicates that Jones "got out of line" with the officer, denying the warrants' existence and refusing to travel to the police headquarters to settle the warrants. As a result, the Dipset emcee was taken into police custody.

Lt. Derek Bastinck of the Fair Lawn Police Department explained that residents with outstanding warrants of this nature are given the chance to comply with police and pay the necessary fines at the station. If they refuse, however, they are to be taken into police custody.

"If [people with oustanding warrants] agree, we'll just have them come down and pay what they owe, but if they don't agree, they're placed under arrest," Bastinck said.

This isn't the first time Jim Jones has been arrested for an auto-related issue. Last February, the rapper was arrested for driving with a suspended drivers liscense in New York City.

Yup, you’ve read correctly. We recently broke the news of Tahiry alleged affairs (we say affair in light of her alleged marriage). And obviously she isn’t happy about it, having put this on Instagram swerving the rumors:

While they continue to deny the claims, images are surfacing. We just got a hold of Drake and Tahiry on vacation swimming with the dolphins in the Dominican Republic. But we thought nothing happened between you two? Did Drake touch it in DR? Owwwwww!!

Check out a few pictures of the two enjoying each other’s company:

AW HELL NO!

They saying that OJ Simpson has turned gay in jail! That gives new meaning to his nickname “The Juice.” FOH!

“The Man” got another brother! Here is what the National Enquirer is saying!

Incredibly, Simpson puts on a one-man show for fellow inmates when they go to exercise. “He’s like a God to the other in­mates,” said the insider. “He prances around flexing his muscles, wearing only a pair of gym shorts.

“He spends hours in the gym trying to look as good as those guys in the muscle magazines. He works out with several inmates who are really built.”

Perhaps the biggest tip-off that O.J. may now be playing for the other side is his choice of prison companions, according to the source. He says the former la­dies’ man hangs out with a group of open­ly homosexual men known as “The Girls.”

“WHENEVER HE’S LET out into the prison yard, he stays with them,” revealed the insider. “He says, ‘The Girls treat me like I was a king!’

“He claims they flirt with him and even give him massages. Some even call him ‘DJ’ – short for ‘Daddy Juice.’ ”

O.J. has used “The Girls” as his per­sonal posse for years now, added the insider.

“He says he has even gifted a few of the ‘girls’ with candy bars, sodas and toiletries from the prison canteen,” continued the insider. “I’ve asked O.J. why he doesn’t talk about women anymore, but he just laughs it off. He says, ‘Man, what do you think I am? You’ve known me for many years. C’mon, get off all this. There ain’t no women in here! Of course I talk about guys. We’re all guys in here.’

He gonna need a different kind of glove now!

Roc Nation emcee J. Cole surprised his fans early Tuesday morning by dropping a previously unannounced new project.

Cole announced the release of Truly Yours, a 5-track EP, on his DreamVillain blog.

In a letter addressed to his supporters, Cole explained that while he continues to work on his sophomore studio album,Born Sinner, he felt he needed to share some of the material that wouldn’t make it on to the follow-up to Cole World: The Sideline Story.

[ALSO READ: Hip-Hop Rumors: J. Cole Is Working Feverishly On New Album! Kobe Comments!]

“It’s hard as f**k for me to keep all this music from you for so long, so I know it’s been hard for you to wait,” wrote Cole. “Thank you for your patience. Vibe out to these songs in their raw form, no polish.. just a lot of my soul..”

The opening track, “Can I Holla At Ya,” features Cole rapping about a past love, issues with his stepfather, and an old friend who’s now addicted to drugs over Lauyrn Hill’s “Zion.”

The Fayetteville, North Carolina native also jumped on a Nas track for his version of “Stay,” and he addresses social issues on “Rise Above.”

In another bit of big music news, Cole also announced in his blog post that he will be releasing his next single this week.

He did not reveal the name of the song, but he did add that he believes his new LP will be his greatest project to date.

“1st single coming this week. The album is hands down my best work yet,” wrote Cole.

Cole had previously released the buzz single “Miss America” last November. Born Sinner was originally scheduled to be released on January 28th but has been delayed to a later date.

To download Truly Yours visit www.dreamvillain.net

While no official word has been given, reports indicate that Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake are planning to head out on a 10-city stadium tour.

Fresh off their Grammy performance, Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z may be on the verge of a stadium tour. According to the New York Post, Timberlake and Jigga could be close to revealing their plans for a 10-city tour. No official word has been given.  

Their relationship has gotten closer, as The Post explained, with Timberlake and wife Jessica Biel sitting next to Jay-Z and wife Beyonce at the Grammys. The paper also says Timberlake may have hinted towards the tour on the red carpet. 

“We’re definitely going to go on tour . . . I don’t know how much I should say . . . It’s going to be a lot of fun, I know that,” he reportedly said.

No word yet on who Timberlake was referring to when he used "we" in the statement. Jay-Z and Timberlake's current bond may stem from a collaboration for "Suit & Tie." Before this, Timberlake was unhappy that the two hadn't worked together on his previous albums.

Ace Hood splits with his previous label and is housed under DJ Khaled's We The Best Music.

Ace Hood has confirmed his departure from Def Jam and is currently with DJ Khaled's We The Best Music via Cash Money Records.

During an interview with Power 105's The Breakfast Club, the Southern rapper said that he signed a three-album deal with Def Jam at the onset of his career. After fulfilling his contract with Gutta, Ruthless and Blood, Sweat & Tears, Ace explained that he wanted to take his label situation elsewhere and that he has nothing but love for his former imprint.

"The situation was over with Def Jam. What I have with them? I had three albums with them. My situation with them was up," he said. "We chose to take the label situation to another place, to another home. It's no knock to Def Jam, shout out to Def Jam. I will always be forever grateful to Def Jam for supporting my career and being there. I'm definitely a lot more happy with the situation I got now, in all honesty, because I'm able to do me. There's no pressure. Nobody's calling me, forcing an album on me or forcing this on me. It's what's your vision? What do you want to do? We're willing to do what you want to do."

Ace, who recently released his single "Bugatti" featuring Rick Ross and Future, debuted in 2008 with Gutta, which entered the charts at No. 36 with 25,000 copies sold. The following year, he dropped Ruthless, which bowed at No. 23, and in 2011, he released Blood, Sweat & Tears that topped at No. 8 with 26,000 copies sold. He is currently gearing up for his fourth album Trials & Tribulations, releasing this summer.

Waka Flocka Flame says that he never had real issues with Wiz Khalifa.

After Waka Flocka Flame and Wiz Khalifa engaged in beef because the former made jokes about the latter's weed-smoking habits, Flocka has explained that they had no real issues to begin with.

During an interview with Shade 45's Superstar Jay, Flockaveli said that their past problems were small in the grand scheme of things and that he's focused on dealing with more serious manners.

"You know what it is? It's 2013. I'm like fuck it, you know what I mean? All fake beef and real beef, I'ma spread 'em apart. That's fake beef," he said. "I got real shit going on right now. Real shit I gotta focus on right now. No shit you put in metaphors, no shit you put in bars, nigga. None of that. I'ma cut every throat right now. I don't want no nigga to block no door, but the one he standing in.

"I looked this nigga like, this nigga ain't do nothing remotely dangerously to me," he continued. "When it could have been something, it was nothing. It was dead. That's why I never pressed it later on in the year."

The beef originated back in December 2011 when Waka said that Khalifa was all hype. In April of last year, he said that the issue was "deaded" and that it stemmed from comments he made about weed.

The Police Chief of the Richmond, Virginia Police Department has stepped down from his post after being accused of helping Chris Brown falsify community service records.

The Police Chief accused of signing off on false community service hours for Chris Brown has resigned.

TMZ reports that Bryan Norwood, Chief of the Richmond, Virginia Police Department, has removed himself from his post after the Los Angeles County District Attorney claimed in a report that Norwood was involved in certifying Brown's community service hours in relation to the singer's Rihanna assault case.

The report provides that the hours were never performed, that Norwood personally oversaw recording the hours, and that he vouched for Brown.

The Mayor of Richmond says his office reached a "mutual agreement" with the Chief regarding his resignation.

The judge in the Rihanna case now wants Brown to verify his hours.  

Norwood will be replaced by former Assistant Chief of Police Ray J. Tarasovic, who will come out of retirement to fill the position.

Lil Wayne has become a regular at Miami Heat games,however Weezy still struggles to develop a relationship with the team. Lil Wayne previously complained about being ignored by forward LeBron James and guard Dwyane Wade at Miami Heat games. Lil Wayne again became the center of another sports event after he was kicked out from American Airlines Arena when the Miami Heat hosted the Los Angeles Lakers. Well, the rapper claims he was kicked out of the game on grounds of rooting for the Los Angeles Lakers.

A fan named Danny Vega, who said he was near the rapper, had a different version of the incident:

“Random guy yelled at Lil Wayne at #MiamiHEAT game, Weezy looked back, gave him a mean stare & gestured he had a gun,” tweeted Vega, who said he was at the game and sitting near Lil Wayne. “Weezy just got into argument with security at the #MiamiHEAT game. He got kicked out for gun gesture.”

Uh-oh! I think the battle of “Auto-tune King” just begun. In an instagram photo of Ace Hood’s video shoot for his single “Bugatti” which features Future, T-Pain writes a comment saying:

“Funny thing about that Bugatti you woke up in, #ItsMine #OhTheIrony hahahaaaa funny how “the new T-Pain” has to use “The old T-Pain’s Bugatti for his Bugatti hook hahaaaaa yea. So. There’s That. Not at all throwing shots at @Acehood that’s my man 100 grand.”

The comment was later deleted but if you think I’m lying, we luckily got the screenshot thanks to RealTalkNY. You can see for yourself after the jump.

He says he’s not throwing shots at Ace, so he’s obviously aiming for Future. Besides, Future is on top right now using the audio processer T-Pain was made famous for. Pain said, “The new T-Pain ” has to use “The old T-Pain’s” Bugatti.” Wow! Those are some fighting words right there. Is this a matter of T-Pain being bitter because Future took his spotlight? Should Future respond? Should they just bury the hatchet and collab? Share your thoughts.

Music mogul Dr. Dre is suing electronics giant Yamaha, over headphones the company is manufacturing, which Dr. Dre claims infringes upon his Beats Electronics patents.

Lawyers for Beats Electronics filed the lawsuit against Yamaha Corporation of America last week, in US District Court, Central District of California.

The lawsuit claims that Yamaha is marketing a line of “PRO” headphones that copy the design of Dr. Dre’s world-famous Beats line of headphones.

“Consumers appreciated the design, as well as the sound quality, of Beats and began wearing the Beats headphones around their necks as a fashion accessory even when not listening to music,” the lawsuit reads. “In fact the design of the Beats headphones has been a significant driver of the commercial success of the products.”

According to Dr. Dre, a side-by-side comparison of Yamaha’s “PRO” is so similar, that it will confuse consumers.

To make matters worse, Yamaha is running ads that trade-off of Dr. Dre’s name and the Beats name as well.

In November 2012, Dr. Dre’s lawyers fired off a warning to Yamaha’s counsel, informing them of their infringement.

But, Yamaha continues to market the knock off line of headphones.

Dr. Dre is suing for at least $75,000 in damages, claiming Trade Dress Infringement, Unfair Competition and Patent Infringement.

Check out a copy of the lawsuit below:

 

Rick Ross finally speaks about his shooting, saying that he's going to continue to live his life and do what he loves to do.

Although he has remained quiet throughout the controversy surrounding his recent shooting incident, Rick Ross has finally broken his silence. Ross spoke with MTV's Sway Calloway, explaining that he's "staying positive" and "moving forward." 

"[There are] no suspects and we not here to speculate on any suspects," he shared on Grammy night regarding his shooting. "I'm just staying positive, I'm moving forward and I'm just staying on top of my game."

He also acknowledged that his life has been altered by the shooting but that he hopes to keep doing what he loves.

"You most definitely gotta make some adjustments, but at the same time I'ma live my life and I'ma do what I love to do, and that's make music," he noted.

According to Ross, his focus is on music. He explained that MMG has much to look forward to in 2013.  

"MMG, we got the biggest releases of this year coming so that's my focus. Mastermind this year, Wale coming, Stalley coming, Omarion coming — the team coming. We working."

Late last month, Rick Ross reportedly crashed his Rolls Royce while escaping a shooting.

Drake puts an end to his legal battle with a woman who says her voice was illegally used on "Marvin's Room."

Last year, Drake found himself in the legal crosshairs after a woman named Ericka Lee sued the rapper for failing to compensate her for co-writing and lending her vocals to "Marvin's Room."

According to TMZ, Drizzy has settled the suit with Lee, who also claimed that they had a relationship between 2010 and '11. She said that he threatened her when she didn't budge on her lawsuit and denied her allegations. Now, the case was dismissed on February 2nd, and it is unclear if the settlement was financial.

Lee, whose stage name is Syren Lyric Muse, initially filed suit in July 2011 and received a counter-suit from Cash Money/Universal Records six weeks later. She said she was offered a $50,000 payment in conjunction with four-to-five percent of royalties prior to filing suit.

Drake's camp responded shortly after, issuing a statement that dismissed her allegations. "This claim is entirely without merit and our client has not engaged in any wrongful conduct. Ericka Lee consented to the use of her voice in the song 'Marvin’s Room' prior to its release. Lee asked only for the credit she received as 'Syren Lyric Muse,' and she did not ask for any compensation," said the rep. "It was only after she retained a lawyer that there was a demand for payment. Drake tried for months to resolve the matter amicably, and he now looks forward to being vindicated in court."

In February 2012, the rapper said that he never said he would pay her and that "she consented to the use of her voice in the song 'Marvin’s Room' for no compensation." He also said that they did not have a romantic relationship.

Drake, who recently won Best Rap Album for Take Care at the 2013 Grammy Awards, is prepping the release of his third studio album Nothing Was the Same.

Pusha T explains why he went at Lil Wayne during his verse on Ludacris' track "What They Mad At."

Pusha T hasn't been shy about dissing Lil Wayne on records, most recently going at the Young Money captain on the Ludacris track "What They Mad At," also featuring Swizz Beatz.

During an interview with ThisIs50.com, the G.O.O.D. Music rapper downplayed the beef, insisting that he has no real issues with Weezy but felt compelled to respond to jabs in his lyrics and on social media.

"Let's not get it twisted. It's not a real issue. I do a lot in response to what they may say and other members of the camp may say," he said. "You gotta remember, it's really only me acting, and they go on all different mediums, whether it be records, whether it be Twitter - they do all of these things. So me, I just choose to keep it Hip Hop and keep it on wax and choose to keep it in the spirit of good raps and good verses."

With "Tell Me What They Mad For," the Clipse member said that he had recorded tracks with Swizz before but was unaware that he had worked with Wayne on "Goulish," which began with the line, "Fuck Pusha T and anybody that love 'em." He decided to go in on Wayne on the Ludacris track as retaliation.

"I chose that particular record because just like you said, Swizz did that joint. He did ['Ghoulish'] and then he did this one. So I always said, when I come across a Swizz joint, I'ma black out like you supposed to black out," he said. "When I heard the 'Goulish' joint, I was like man, I heard about it and I was like man, I was upset. Me and Swizz had done records together. I ain't heard nothing about this, I didn't know nothing about it. But I was like OK cool, he did what he did. So I was like when I come across one, I'ma do my thing on it.

"It's nothing personal that's happened," he added. "It ain't no real problem."

Pusha T most recently dropped off his Wrath of Caine mixtape and is prepping the release of his solo studio debut My Name is My Name, impacting in May.

Starting to think Grammy weekend and Chris Brown simply DON’T mix. At about noon yesterday, the young star supposedly tried to run away from the gawking paps. In attempt to back away, Chris faced a collision that destroyed the front of his Porsche Turbo. Chris says he is okay and I am sure his recked car won’t really hurt his pockets. TMZ reports:

Chris Brown‘s car was totaled this afternoon after an alleged run-in with a pair of paparazzi, this according to the singer’s rep.
A rep for Brown tells TMZ he was driving in his car — on his way to a charity event — when he was cut off by two vehicles. The rep claims “the occupants jumped out, with cameras, and aggressively approached his vehicle. In an effort to remove himself from the situation, he began to back down an alley at which point his was cut off by two additional vehicles.”
The rep continued, “Chris’ vehicle was totaled due to this agressive pursuit by the paparazzi. He is okay.”A spokesman for the Beverly Hills Police department released a statement saying:

“On February 9, 2013 at approximately 1203pm, entertainer Chris Brown was involved in a solo, non-injury traffic collision in the 600 Block Bedford Drive/Camden Drive alley. Mr. Brown was the driver of the vehicle and collided with a wall. Brown stated that he was being chased by paparazzi causing him to lose control of his vehicle. Brown’s Black Porsche was towed from the scene at his request.”

After the accident, Chris Brown head to the Roc Nation Pre-Grammy brunch where he and Rihanna were spotted coupling up with zero problems. 

The Roc Nation Brunch was obviously the spot to be. Solange, Justin Timberlake, Jay Z, Beyonce, Toccara and more were spotted enjoying the pre-Grammy rush over food, drinks and laughs:

Source: TMZ

“We about to get this money, boy! Right?”

“We gotta talk, hoser.”
These cats beefing? What’s the deal? I can’t even call it. But, beefing they supposedly are. What’s beef you may ask? This ain’t the stuff Biggie used to rap about. Seems like The Weeknd opted not to sign with Drake, because that deal is linked to YMCMB. I mistakenly thought that the OVO Label was under the Warner Brand and only Warner. But, nope. Streets say that The Weeknd didn’t like that deal and opted to go a different route to the chagrin of Drizzy. Now, this new song called “Started From The Bottom” is licking shots at The Weeknd. I thought that boy was like Drake’s best friend, but I guess he’s just smart. That’s a lot of hands in your pockets! Hands all in the weed pockets and all that! Anyway, if there is a beef, who cares…just sounds like business to me.

Future's legal issues mount early on in 2013.

The courts haven't been kind to Future in 2013, as the rapper faces new paternity suit drama.

TMZ reports that a woman has filed suit against Future earlier this month, claiming that she gave birth to his son on December 4th.The woman is seeking child support payments.

In the suit, the documents provide that if Future disputes the paternity, the woman wants a judge to order a DNA test.

Earlier in January, Future settled another paternity suit that resulted in him agreeing to pay $1,662 a month in child support for his 10-year-old son.

Future recently dropped the mixtape FBG: The Movie.

Lil Mama has landed the role of the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes in the upcoming TLC biopic.

A major detail in the upcoming biopic about R&B group TLC has been revealed.

In an interview with Hip Hollywood, MC Lyte revealed that rapper Lil Mama has landed the role of Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, who died in 2002 in a car crash in La Ceiba, Honduras.

"I'm gonna put a little bit of my concentration and focus on helping to uplift a sister who is talented, smart, witty, and just had her chances just cut too short," explained Lyte. "And that's Lil Mama. She is a talented young lady, and I want to see her do some beautiful things."

"And, I don't know if I'm supposed to say, but I will: she just got the role of Left Eye in TLC's new movie. So I am just so excited for her."

MC Lyte also revealed that she, Lil Mama, and others are working on a Hip Hop Sisters album together.

Lil Mama was featured on Left Eye's 2009 posthumous release, Eye-Legacy.

I got this crazy rumor and I’m not even going to play with the rumor, because its potentially false. I think this is crazy, but peep it. Somebody sent the following. There is a longer letter, but this is the “run of show,” so to speak.

[ALSO READ: Tahiry's New Song "Devil"]

“As stated in the previous email a documentary on Mrs Jose will be released comprised of what was detailed in that email. Attached you will see Mrs Jose marriage certificate, as well as a purchase she made during her sexual relationship with Trey Songz. This is in good faith to assure you that what is said to being produced is factual. As you see Mrs Jose was indeed married to Nicholas J Brown on 6/25/2004 and is still married to this day!  Also as you see a Star that is registered in Trey Songz name was purchased by her archives show the purchase was made with her credit card. Her commentary texts and pics in the documentary will in fact show and prove the nature of there sexual relationship. He is definitely a victim of her willful exposure to the disease she carries.”

I wish I had some of that Tahiry booty even with these lies, but I cannot validate the sensational claims here and I bet its just bogus. Tahiry has not responded. The supposed marriage license is below.

RELATED: Love & War: Tahiry on Joe Budden, Her New Music and Almost Becoming a Cop

VH1 “Love & Hip Hop” star Mandeecees Harris was acquitted of sexually assaulting a teenager earlier today (February 8).

The Cliffview Pilot reports that jurors returned the verdict just after 4:00 PM, causing an outburst of cheers in court.

Mandeecees Harris was charged with having a sexual relationship with the daughter of his live-in girlfriend, in Lodi, New Jersey.

Prosecutors claimed that Harris received oral sex from the girl in September 2009 and April 2010.

Harris was arrested in 2010 and charged with aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual assault and child endangerment.

Earlier this week, Harris took this stand to defend himself.

“I never had a relationship with her, she never extended herself,” Harris claimed. “She didn’t play basketball, she didn’t play PlayStation, didn’t want to go to the movies. She always walked around the house like she had an attitude. I never committed none of them asked to that girl in my life.”

Not all those were in agreement with the verdict.

The teenaged victim’s grandmother and aunt left the courtroom as the verdict was being read and promised that the “truth” would eventually come out.

Mandeecees Harris is not out his legal quandary just yet.

Harris is facing drug charges in Rochester New York, over claims that he trafficked $2.5 million worth of heroin and with cocaine between 2005 and 2012.

Mandeecees Harris, is the boyfriend of Yandy Smith, who also stars in “Love & Hip Hop” and used to manage rapper Jim Jones.

Harris also manages Vado and Webstar.