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RSC 31st Anniversary

ROCKSTEADY CREW 31ST Anniversary JULY 24th - 27th 2008

Thursday, July 24

Location: The Cage - West 3rd Street & 6th Avenue (New York, NY) A, B, C, D, E, F & V train to West 4th - Celebrity Benefit Basketball Challenge Come watch members of the Hip-Hop and Film community compete for bragging rights. - Against The Grain: Concrete B-boy / B-girl battle. B-boys & B-girls from all over the world battle it out for the $500 prize. Location & Time: 11:00am - 3:00pm Hosted By: Y-not DJ: Servin' Ervin Admission: Free

- Workshop with Crazy Legs of Rock Steady Crew Time: 1:00pm - 5:00pm Location: Red Bull Space - 15 Watts St (By W. Broadway, NY, NY) Admission: $25.00 A, C & E train to Canal St.

- "For The Funk Of It" Funkstyles Party Time: 9:00pm - 1:00am Location: Red Bull Space - 40 Thompson St. (by Watts, NY, NY) DJ: Doc Admission: Free Self explanatory! Come get loose and show us what you got. Live Performance by Kurtis Blow

Friday, July 25 - Frienemies

UK B-boy Championships US Qualifier: U.S. contestants go at it to see who will represent the U.S. in the UK B-boy Championship. Location: 101 River View Grand Hall - 101 Sixth Ave. (btwn. Grand & Watt, NY, NY) 1, 2, A, C & E train to Canal St. Time: 3:00PM - 9:00PM Hosted By: Crazy Legs DJ: Crazy Legs & Red Alert (Celebrating his 25 years on Radio Anniversary) Admission: $20.00

About Frienemies: This event will bring an underground event to crown a 1 B-boy/1 B-girl as the BEST. Each one has to represent the most effectively throughout the day in a STRICTLY CIPHER driven event.

(Frienemies is about representing in the ciphers. Every B-boy and B-girl is on their own! No preset battles. In the early to mid 80's, breaking was at an all time high throughout the world. Crews were rolling thick and a lot of them were at peace. The only time they didn't get along was when it was time to battle in the club. Rock Steady Crew and New York City Breakers were going to places like Negril, The Roxy, Kennedy High School and other places where jams were going down. No one was worried about hurting someone's feelings or concerned with battling their own friends, but rather battled with a fierce will to win. We were all "FRIENEMIES". "Frienemies" is the place to battle that person that you chill with on a regular basis and show him/her that they're not as good as they brag about all the time.)

Saturday, July 26 5 on 5 crew battles. Location: 101 River View Grand Hall - 101 Sixth Ave. (btwn. Grand & Watt) (New York, NY) Time: 3:00PM - 9:00PM Hosted By: Crazy Legs Spy Awards: The Spy Award is being presented to BEBE and A-B-girl DJ: DV One & Skeme Richards Admission: $25.00

July 26 is Official Rock Steady Crew Day In NYC, as proclaimed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg

Sunday, July 27 Time: 12:00pm - 8:00pm 3rd Annual Lincoln Park Music Festival Free Outdoor Concert & Food Drive In Memory of "Frosty Freeze"

Location: Lincoln Park - 1 Lincoln, Newark, NJ (Broad St. & Clinton Ave.) Hosted by: E.O.W. DJ's: JS-1, Eclipse, Sucio Smash, Tony Touch Beat Battle: Meet The Producers vs. Big Tune Em Cee's: The Beatnuts, Buckshot, Craig G & Marley Marl, Sadat X, Soul Sonic Force, Positive K, Grand Master Caz, DJ Premier feat. NYG'z & Blaq Poet, Termanology & DJ Statik Selektah, A-OK, Akrobatik, Skyzoo, a Female Cipher - Lyric a.k.a. Sara Kana, Mala Reignz, Patty Dukes, Miss Nana & Rece Steele, Q-Unique, KRS-One, Double Barrel (Marco Polo & Torae),

For subway or bus directions go to: www.hopstop.com

Take PATH, Amtrak, or NJ Transit trains to Newark Penn Station. Buses: #70, #62 and #39 will bring you from Newark Penn Station to the corner of Broad and Lincoln Park . Cab fare to Lincoln Park from Penn Station is approximately $4.00. Log on to www.njtransit.com or call NJ Transit for up to date (800) 722-2222 bus and train schedules and travel information.

For driving directions go to: www.mapquest.com

Official After Party Location: Redbull Space - 40 Thompson St. (by Watts, New York, NY) Time: 9:00PM - 1:00AM DJ: Evil Dee Admission: Free

More info @ http://www.rocksteadycrew.com

Bumpy Knuckles drops New Track and old unreleased Demo/Album

7/20/08

Bumpy Knuckles' Crazy Like A Foxxx is set to drop July 29th as a double disc. This release comes after a song entitled "How To Rob 2008" released via Bumpy's MySpace Page. He uses the classic beat from 50's claim to fame track.

Crazy Like a Foxxx: "Freddie Foxxx, aka Bumpy Knuckles, is finally ready to step back into the spotlight with the official release of his 1994 demo tape, Crazy Like A Foxxx, as a two CD set on July 29th via Brooklyn-based record label Fat Beats. The album is a veritable time capsule from the early 1990's, with guest spots from legends such as 2Pac, Chuck D, and Kool G Rap."

"The original Crazy Like A Foxxx album was recorded in New York and intended for an official release by MCA. However, for reasons unknown, the album was shelved after promotional cassettes were serviced to radio and press."

"This newly remastered release includes both the 1993 demo version on Disc 2 and the 1994 completed version of the album on Disc 1. Largely written for the emcee's friends in prison, the album has ominous overtones and provides insight into Bumpy's dark state of mind at that time period. The previously unheard demo album (Disc 2) features production exclusively from D.I.T.C.'s Showbiz, Lord Finesse, and Buckwild."

Crazy Like A Foxxx Tracklist:

DISC 1: JAILHOUSE VERSION

1. Can't Break Away

2. Crazy Like a Foxxx (Ultramagnetic dis)

3. Interlude

4. So Tough (video mix)

5. Daddy Boot Knock

6. Project Mice

7. Jailhouse Rock

8. Killa (feat. 2Pac)

9. Meet Some Skins

10. Interlude

11. Shotty in the Back

12. Interlude

13. Funk in yo Brain

14. Step (feat. Chuck D of Public Enemy)

15. Do What You Gotta Do

16. Pressure on the Brain

17. Rev Glock (skit)

18. Rev Glock

19. Crazy Like a Foxxx (alternate mix)

20. Amen

DISC 2: DITC VERSION

1993 Demo Version Produced by Showbiz, Lord Finesse, & Buckwild

1. Intro

2. Call of the Wild

3. Can't Break Away

4. Click Click

5. 8 Bars to Catch a Body

6. Project Mice

7. Rev. Glock

8. Crazy Like a Foxxx

9. Man Destroys Man

10. Pressure on the Brain

11. Who is the Middle Man

12. Cook a N*ggaz Ass (feat. Kool G Rap)

OG Freddy Foxxx’s MySpace

Hip Hop Don’t Stop Liverpool Aug 4-8

7/17/08

Hip Hop takes on Capital of Culture next month.

Following two sell out years in London, the Hip Hop Don’t Stop festival is bringing the finest hip hop and street dancers in Europe to Liverpool.

The festival will take place at Lipa from August 4-8.

Hip Hop Don’t Stop is a five-day Hip Hop dance event where people taking part get exclusive access to UK and world champions as well as world class choreographers who have worked with artists such as Dizze Rascal and Kanye West.

The week is being produced in conjunction with the Mount Street performing arts college and is the first event of its kind to be put on in Liverpool.

The producer of the event is Urban Strides, one the UK’s most successful street dance companies which has performed in arenas and has previously opened the Royal Variety Performance.

Artistic director Andy Instone, who is an associate of Lipa, said: “The Hip Hop dance event is for anyone who has a passion for dance

. “Hip Hop Don’t Stop focuses on representing the true nature of hip hop dance and culture; respect, unity and inclusiveness.

“With impromptu dance circles and the opportunity to talk to the instructors themselves the philosophy of the week is fun and passionate.”

ŠOn his last visit to Liverpool, Mr Instone taught Britain’s Got Talent winner George Sampson at a day of taster hip hop workshops also at Lipa.

To view an online video of the kind of hip hop that people will be taught visit www.urbanstrides.com/hhdsinfo.php

by Catherine Jones, Liverpool Echo

catherinejones@liverpoolecho.co.uk

50 Cent hits up Taco Bell Drive-Thru Orders $4 Million

7/23/08

50 Cent filed a lawsuit against Taco Bell on Wednesday in Manhattan federal court located in NYC. 50 is saying the food chain used his image with proper consent.

50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson) claimed “the run for the border” fast food chain has "diluting the value of his good name" and a guerrilla marketing advertising campaign to trick people into believing that he had endorsed the products and the company, said the lawsuit.

"Without seeking or obtaining Jackson's authorization, defendant Taco Bell made him the star and focus of its nationwide advertising campaign by using his name, persona and trademark to promote Taco Bell's business and products," court papers read. The lawsuit is based on proof of Taco Bell disseminating a letter, addressed to 50 Cent, that encourages the rapper to change his name to "79 Cent," "89 Cent" or "99 Cent." The letter was designed to promote the company's "79-89-99 Cent Why Pay More" campaign, while avoiding the multimillion-dollar fee the rapper might have charged to use his name, the lawsuit said. Rob Poetsch, a spokesman for Taco Bell Corp, said, "We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his name to either 79, 89, or 99 Cent for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we would have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice."

Taco Bell’s parent company is Yum! Brands. The lawsuit stated that the Taco Bell letter was eventually sent to the rapper, but only after it had been circulated to reporters.

"As Taco Bell intended, many customers believed that 50 Cent had agreed to endorse Taco Bell's products. Indeed, postings on numerous Internet 'blogs' castigated 50 Cent for 'selling out' by his apparent endorsement of Taco Bell," the lawsuit said.

This Day in Hip Hop History

7/17/73

The Godfather of Soul aka James Brown along w/ Alan Schwartzberg on Drums recorded "Funky President" @ Sound Ideas in NYC. The song became one of Hip Hop's earliest drum pattern for breakin and is still one of James Brown's most sampled songs.

Bone is Back in Full Effect

7/14/08

Spending close to a decade in the pin Flesh N Bone (born Stanley Howse) is officially roamin the streets a free man and free to do as he pleases, as long as he don’t violate his terms of parole.

Flesh was sentenced to 12 years for threatening a man with an AK 47 assault rifle.

This makes it the first time that all five of the original members of the legendary group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have been together in over ten years.

“It feels amazing, refreshing, exciting and I'm so happy for him to finally come home to his family and friends and fans,” Bone Thug’s longtime manager Steve Lobel told AllHipHop.com. “Flesh is a very great, loving, talented, creative individual. We have a lot of memories together. Hopefully we can have more.”

After his release Flesh-N-Bone went straight to the studio to start to work on their upcoming album, which is expected to be released via Interscope in collab with Swizz Beatz’ Full Surface imprint label.

The upcoming album will be the following their 2007 gold selling Bone album Strength and Loyalty which only featured three of the original 5 members.

Bizzy recently squashed all differences and reunited with the group, officially making the group whole again as founded by the late great Eazy-E when the were the Band-Aid Boys and before gave them their now known name.

"I know his Bone brothers are so excited he's home and now they can make history again,” Lobel said. “They all deserve it. They are amazing and unstoppable together as a team. Thanks to all the fans who wrote to Flesh while he was away and stuck by his side and supported him. I know his brother Layzie [born Steven Howse] couldn't wait for this time to come.”

Flesh-N-Bone has been working on his third solo album and is currently looking for a label to house his works.

The Cleveland born rapper greatest selling record to date was his 1996 Def Jam release entitled T.H.U.G.S. which was certified Gold the same year of its release.

T.I. leaves Booked Show because of Bar-Fight

7/11/08

Reports from multiple sources is that T.I. was at an Atlanta night club for a booked performance (July 10) when a fight broke out.

As soon as the brawl started T.I.’s security and court-appointed monitor got the rapper out of the venue, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The show was a paid performance slated for 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. at the Luckie Food Lounge.

T.I.’s defense attorney, Steve Sadow told the newspaper his client had nothing to do with the incident but could not provide any details on exactly what happened. Kulture News called Luckie’s but an the rep for the company who declined to answer his job-title nor did he have any comment, saying only, “the organization has declined to comment on this matter”

An Atlanta police department spokesman would only say cops had responded to a call at that location but nothing beyond that.

T.I. copted a plea a few months back in his federal fully auto weapons charges allowing the rapper his freedom for a year period while he serves at least 1,000 hours of community service, $100,000 fine & fees and obeys to a curfew (1am when working) set by the courts. As long as he does not get in any trouble between now and his set sentence to turn himself in to serve 1 year and 1 day.

Sadow said T.I. did everything that he’s supposed to under his contract with both the federal court and the government and that Sadow doesn't expect any negative consequences to come from the incident.

T.I.’s attorney said the rapper was at home tucked in bed by his 1am curfew.

Is it Gloves or No Gloves for Yayo Vs Buck?

7/10/08

Vs

Young Buck went on an XM radio show (July 9) and challenged Tony Yayo to a televised boxing match in the ring to show the world he thinks he can whip his ass. “I swear on my child’s life … if they line it up … me and Tony Yayo can fight on TV,” said Buck said on Mediatakeout.com.

According to reports, Yayo has accepted Buck’s invite to meet in the ring and is even in talks with boxing promoters to see how and when the event will be arranged.

People all over the world are already placing their bets.

The Game talks about Fight and Fam Funeral

7/09/08

The Game deriving from Compton, CA had the chance to voice what happened recently at his cousin’s funeral.

Game called into Phoenix, Arizona radio show “The Nutz in the Morning” on Power 98.3, to break down his silence about his dysfunctional family. “Ain’t never been like a real family,” he disclosed. “They fight at every single funeral I’ve ever been to. My uncle wants me to go to the hospital to see my cousin and I really want to see my cousin, she’s dying, she’s on her death bed and I don’t want to be around these people ‘cause I know how they are. They’re cruel…” He said its solely based on money and that they been calling him days on end… “My phone was just going off the hook,” he continued. “And everybody was calling [and] asking for money and just, you know, asking me to pay for the whole funeral, you know, which I didn’t have no problem doing but that’s not really my obligation. I just felt like they were trying to play me out for 17 grand.” The G-Unot rapper said his mother said he should only pay for the cost of the casket and flowers, but his distant fam said he should pay for the everything.

Game also said his cousin Robert “Kirky” Kirkwood called his brother Fase to set up a fight at the funeral.

“When I see him, I shake his hand and I go sit down and tell him I love him,” he recalled. “And then after the funeral, you know he’s a pallbearer. He’s supposed to be carrying my cousin to the hearse and getting her to the cemetery so she can go in the ground but he coming at me, pulling at me, and the first thing he said was ‘Eh homie, what’s up with that cheese.’ And I’m like ‘What, what’s up with that cheese’ and then he like ‘You The Game, right. You supposed to be big rapper, why you ain’t pay for the whole funeral, cuz?” Game continued saying that his cousin became enraged when he explained he had his own family to care of which led to him pushing the rapper. He punched Kirkwood claiming defense before the whole family jumped in.

Click Play to listen to Full Interview Game’s third studio album L.A.X. is scheduled to hit stores August 26th.

Lawsuit Filed Says that Eminem Assaulted Fan

7/06/08

According to a lawsuit filed Thursday (July 3), a Royal Oak man filed an assault and battery lawsuit on against Eminem, alleging that he was sucker-punched by the rapper two years ago while in a bathroom at a Eight Mile strip club in Detroit, Michigan.

Miad Jarbou claims that the assault occurred on July 13, 2006 at Cheeta's. His story states that he noticed Eminem enter the restroom with a large man appearing to be a bodyguard.

Jarbou says he was there at the establishment with a friend when he said, "Hey Eminem, what's up man?" The claim says that the bodyguard standing near the door told him to "Shut the (expletive) up, man! Don't say another word."

Jarbou defended his friend, responding: "Hey, man, my friend ain't starting trouble. It's just cool to see Eminem." According to Jarbou, Em proceed to step back from the urinal, and "without warning or provocation ... drove his fist in a violent punching manner" into Jarbou's face, knocking him to the ground. The complaint says that Em and his bodyguard left afterwards.

Jarbou's claim says he has "undergone physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, ongoing serious injuries requiring medical treatment" and "embarrassment, humiliation, medical expenses, wage loss and other economic and non-economic" damages.

The complaint seeks $25,000 in compensation.

Proof was killed right down the road from Cheetah's at an after hours club that has since been shut down. Details of the shooting are sketchy and stories are Proof was killed solely by a man who is now free winning the case in self-defense.

RZA Airs out Wu-Tang Members Concerns

7/04/08

After almost a year after Wu Tang members U-God, Ghostface and Raekwon as well as others voiced concerns, the RZA has decided to clear the air.

RZA has been accused of jacking funds and shortening others from the group, RZA says its all hype.

“It’s like the family stuff is definitely getting out to the public, and the issues that got to be resolved, everybody got their own manager, everybody got their own lawyer, and they got these motherf**kers that are looking at me like a hamburger,“ RZA told AllHipHop.com. “And so for the people on the outside looking in, they looking at what RZA’s doing, he’s on that, he’s on this, he must be robbing y’all or something. I don’t make money off of the Wu-Tang Clan. The money I’ve been making, I had to clear a whole new career for myself…I was telling Rae one day, ‘Yo n***a, I never got a Wu-Tang royalty check in my life. I never got a royalty check for record sales in my life. That’s why I’m letting brothers know that I’m not getting paid off the hard work we did together.”

RZA is also in the proceedings of a suit where he is being sued for $170,000 by U-God, who claims the RZA owes him back money from previous work, shows and recordings.

“They sayin’ U-God suing the RZA for a $170,000. You know what? I could never owe you $170,000,” RZA states incredulously. “But even if I did owe you [that], U-God, after all these years of millions you made, motherf*cka, you gonna come back and b*tch about a $170,000? I’m the one who gave you, when nobody would sign U-God, I gave him a million dollar f**king deal! And of that million dollars, I put seven hundred thousand that’s in his pocket. And the rest went to making the record U-God’s debut, Golden Arms Redemption, and I still spent hundreds of thousands on videos for ‘That’s Gangsta’ and ‘The Bizarre,’ and all that.”

Cappadonna, who made headlines back in 2001 for opting to work as a taxicab driver, rather than continue recording with the group.

Cappadonna claimed the steady income from the cabbie job was more financial sufficient than what he was making from the music business.

“Same thing with Cappadonna, he couldn’t secure a deal.” RZA said. “I’ll give him a deal with Razor Sharp. Put a record out, put out a gold album, n***a. If he listened to his manager, who was Mike Caruso at the time, he would have f**ked around, tried to go to Sony, sign to Sony without me. Put out a record out and sell 1000 units. Alright then.”

RZA thinks that its because some of the members are confused and don’t understand completely about the financial side and how the industry is suffering.

“Nobody is doing something wrong, this industry has been like this since the 60s, homey,” RZA stated. “It’s very rare that a black artist even makes it 10 years in this business. It’s very rare that Hip-Hop artists make it this far. We was getting top dollar compared to what some of these n*ggas was getting. You can write that off, it’s not coming back. If I give you a million and you only get a dime a record after deduction and everything, all that sh*t, from that dollar, you sell 50,000 you gonna owe me. That’s the system. That’s how it is.”

RZA’s new album Digi Snacks under the alter-ego Bobby Digital was released last week on Koch Records.

Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort to Host Hip Hop International Annual Dance Championships

7/04/08

Thousands of B-Boys, B-Girls and other forms of Hiphop Street Dancing will be in Las Vegas July 28-Aug 3 for the Annual Dance Competition. Hip Hop International has been doing these events for over 5 years to help spread the spotlight on Dance Forms deriving from the Hiphop Community.

World Popping & Locking Battles, USA Hip Hop Dance Championship, World Hip Hop Dance Championship.

The five-day event includes panel discussions with respected living legends and icons of hip hop dance, a funk styles room for traditional old schoolers, popping and locking competition and the Urban Moves dance workshops presented by the most celebrated hip hop dancers and choreographers. Above all, crews meet others from around the world who are equally passionate about hip hop culture and dance.

Participating countries to date: USA, Canada, Mexico, Finland, Trinidad & Tobago, Nigeria, Colombia, Brazil, Russia, Argentina, Spain, UK, Italy, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, South Africa, Denmark, Australia, India, New Zealand, Nigeria, Singapore, China, Japan, Philippines, Morocco, Portugal, Latvia, Belgium and more to come…

Official Rules for Hip Hop Dance Championships and Battles The World Hip Hop Dance Championship and World Battles will be conducted under the official rules and guidelines of Hip Hop International – see rules and guidelines on their website.

More info @ Hip Hop International

Any questions with the criteria email us at info@hiphopinternational.com

DMX Arrested 3 times within a few days

7/02/08

DMX was arrested today (July 2) as he got of the plane in Arizona. He was just getting home from a trip to Miami, Florida where he was also arrested there not once but twice.

According to TMZ.com, DMX was arrested over two outstanding warrants in Phoenix, Arizona.

Its been suggested that he violated the terms of his bond, which was one of the reasons for the arrest.

As Kulture News previously reported, last week (June 27) DMX (born Earl Simmons) was arrested in Miami after purchasing $30 dollars worth of powdered cocaine and $15 dollars worth of marijuana from an undercover narcotics officer.

Four days prior to that on June 23, DMX was arrested for driving in Miami with a suspended license.

Back in May, DMX was arrested for driving on an Arizona highway at a speed clocked over 110 MPH and also had suspended license then too.

DMX was detained at Sky Harbour International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona, after missing a scheduled court appearance in reference to the animal cruelty and drug possession charges.

First time Hip Hop headlines at Glastonbury

7/01/04

History was made when Founder of the event, Michael Eavis and his daughter Emily decided to book Jay-Z as the main headliner.

Noel Gallagher was opposed to the idea of having Hip Hop there and Jay-Z used that to his advantage. The BK native opened his set to the Oasis megahit Wonderwall after playing a recorded tape of Gallagher saying he was wrong for Glasto.

The Jiggaman’s headline slot on Saturday night split the festival crowd right down the middle but it also assures the future change is here.

Some seen Hov perform 2 years prior to the Glasto show at The Royal Albert Hall and say that show was one of the best gigs they’ve ever saw. This year some were happy and others felt seriously short-changed. Rumored appearances by wife Beyonce, Rhianna, ColdPlay and others did not happen and it was just Hov and a mic.

Glasto boss Michael Eavis was ecstatic from the show calling it “absolutely brilliant”. He boasted: “It was incredible to bring hip-hop from the streets of New York to Glastonbury.” And also confirming that he is not worried about anything the critics have to say by the future saying “We’ve a much younger audience this year. Despite all the doom and gloom, we’re now in a stronger position. Headline acts will now come to us.” Amy Winehouse’s career has been in a turmoil over the last year. After delivering one of the finest stateside debut albums in recent memory with Back To Black, Winehouse has found herself in the middle of controversy dealing with her health, behavior and career. Everything from suicide attempts, ailments, assault and much more have helped find Winehouse in the headlines for more than just her music.

Winehouse dropped a diss on Kanye saying “Imagine if it was a cunt like Kanye West,” Winehouse stated during her set.

“'Cunts like Kanye' should be his next album title!”

It is not known why Winehouse verbally attacked Kanye but it has raised more than a few eyebrows. Jay-Z said in a interview with MTV News

“She said something about Kanye late on (in her set) but I didn’t hear it and I don’t agree with it. He’s my brother and the biggest artist on Roc-A-Fella (records) right now," explained Hov “I guess I should hook them up because he’s a great guy too. I don’t know what the problem is- I don’t know where that comment came from.”

Also worth mentioning Kool Keith & Kutmaster Kurt, Massive Attack, Lupe Fiasco, Dizzee Rascal and other artist that were there.

Watch Full Performance @ BBC's Coverage of Glastonbury

Obie Trice Departs from Shady Records Starts his own Label

6/30/08

After all the smoke cleared from recent rumors Detroit rapper Obie Trice has confirmed his departure from Shady Records. A track titles "The Giant" from the forthcoming album has been leaked where the issue is put to rest. Obie raps "Well, no more Shady. Maybe it was meant / For me to branch off from my Caucasian friend / Nope, no more 2nd place to Eminem / Question if I was second is the question to many men / No disrespect to Em, he's first / Anything after, research the verses."

Obie's manager said in a statement, "Obie and Shady were moving in different directions but he still has a great relationship with Shady Records. He has some big plans for his World Wide Hustle label."

With nearly 8 years signed to Interscope and 2 albums his Debut Cheers, which went platinum; and Second Round's On Me, which didn't push numbers nowhere near his debut.

His next album is titled Bottoms Up and will be released via Obie's newly started label, World Wide Hustle.

Jay-Z may become part owner of the New York Yankees

6/26/08

Jay-Z (born Shawn Carter) may expand his investments into Major League baseball by possibly buying shares in the New York Yankees.

The Hip-Hop Mogul's empire includes Roc-A-Fella Records music label, Rocawear clothing and Armadale vodka, Club Owner and is also a shareholder in the New Jersey Nets NBA team.

He was previously linked to a deal with the London soccer team Arsenal Football Club but the plans fell though Hov admits.

He told London's Time Out magazine, "I had invested in the Nets, and they (Arsenal bosses) asked me if I was interested in investing. But I get that from time to time.

"Someone told me yesterday that someone else had a piece of the New York Yankees, 'We wanna talk to you, yadda yadda yadda.' I mean, I love the Yankees so I'm in the middle of following that through, but sometimes it comes to be nothing.

"That (Arsenal) was one of the times it came to nothing."

DMX arrested Again!

6/28/08

DMX hit for trying to buy Drugs. The Yonkers bred rapper was busted while attempting to buy drugs from an undercover officer in Miami on Friday (June 27).

According to police reports, X approached the officer and asked for ''30 powder and 15 weed.'' The rapper then gave the cop $45 for the drugs and was arrested and taken to Miami-Dade County jail. DMX has still not been released and no more info is available at this time. Updates will be provided as they come in.

DMX's Drives into Trouble

06/24/08

DMX (born Earl Simmons) was arrested in Miami yesterday (June 23) for driving without a driver's license.

According to The Associated Press, DMX was picked up around 1:30 p.m. Monday on an arrest warrant for not providing a valid driver's license.

The rapper was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Institute and would be released a few hours later on a bond.

Just a few months back he was hit up for driving over 100 MPH in Arizona.

Shaq Drops Diss on Kobe at Club

6/24/08

Shaq was at a club Improv in NYC when he decided to air out a few things. First he came off rappin about how dope he was saying “You know how I be/Last week, Kobe couldn’t do without me.” And then said Kobe snitched on him about his alleged affairs saying “I’m a horse/Kobe ratted me out, that’s why I’m gettin’ divorced”; referring to Bryant’s statements to Colorado police about O’Neal’s alleged affairs during Kobe’s Rape Incident. Then Shaq took shots at Kobe personally chanting and later had the crowd repeating the verse “Kobe, tell me how my ass taste!”

Shaq has dropped a total of 8 albums and was featured on a song with B-Real, Ice Cube, Peter Gunz and KRS-One called “Men of Steel”.

It is not known if Shaq plans to drop any music anytime soon but he still got skills on the mic.

Shaq told ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. “It was all done in fun, nothing serious whatsoever. …I’m totally cool with Kobe. …Please tell everybody don’t make something out of nothing.

Watch Video!

ASCAP'S 21st Annual Music Awards

6/24/08

600+ songwriters, recording artists, producers and other music industry leaders came together for the 21st Annual ASCAP Rhythm and Soul Music Awards, held last night June 23 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles, CA.

The awards were set to recognize and honor the top songwriters, producers and publishers of the most popular music of the year.

Grammy Award-winning songwriter Johntá Austin hosted the all-star gathering, which included special guest presenters MC Lyte, Ne-Yo and T-Boz, plus live performances by some of today's hottest stars and emerging artists, including Marsha Ambrosius (Aftermath), Brutha (Def Jam), Raheem DeVaughn (Jive), The Dream (Def Jam), Flo-Rida (Poe Boy/Atlantic), J. Holiday (Capitol), Krave (Upfront/Interscope), Jacob Latimore (Crown World Entertainment), Karina Pasian (Def Jam), Shawty Lo (D4L/Asylum) and Tank (Blackground).

Top awards:

Songwriter of the Year: Timbaland

Publisher of the Year: EMI Music Publishing

Ringtone of the Year: "This is Why I'm Hot" by MIMS

R&B/Hip-Hop Song of the Year: "Lost Without U"

Rap Song of the Year: "Make Me Better" by Fabolous feat. Ne-Yo

ASCAP's Songwriter of the Year award went to Timbaland in recognition of the songs "Ice Box" (Omarion), "Make Me Better" (Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo), "My Love" (Justin Timberlake featuring T.I.) and "Until the End of Time" (Justin Timberlake with Beyoncé). This makes it the third time Timbaland has taken home this award.

"This is Why I'm Hot" claimed the award for Ringtone of the Year, and was also recognized in both the R&B/Hip-Hop and Rap categories. The song was co-written by Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Havoc, Danny "Styles" Schofield, Thomas "Tommy Gunz" Simons, Winston "Blackout" Thomas and Charles "Keak Da Sneak" Williams. Performed by Mims, the single debuted at number one on Billboard's Hot Digital Songs chart, reached #2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and took the #1 spot on the Hot Rap Tracks chart.

The Top R&B/Hip-Hop Song was "Lost Without U" Co-written by Sean Hurley and Robin Thicke, and performed by Thicke, the song topped both Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Adult R&B Airplay charts all at the same time.

"Make Me Better" co-written by Timbaland and Fabolous, was named Top Rap Song and also earned an award in the R&B/Hip-Hop category. The song reached #1 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks chart and Timbaland was awarded a Grammy nomination for Producer of the Year.

Other songwriters with multi-award winning song: Timbaland - 4 songs; Keri Hilson - 3; and Johntá Austin, Ivan Barias, Beyoncé, Jermaine "JD" Dupri, Mikkel Eriksen, Carvin Haggins, Tor Hermansen, Ronnie "Lil Ronnie" Jackson, The Dream and Justin Timberlake all with 2 a piece.

EMI Music Publishing was named the victor of Publisher of the Year for their 17 award-winning songs. This is the 14th consecutive win for EMI and the 16th time in the 21-year history of the awards.

Honorees and notables in attendance included: New Edition( all of em), Maurice Starr, Johntá Austin, MC Lyte, Ne-Yo, T-Boz, Akon, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Karen Clark-Sheard, Drumma Boy, Verdine White, Marsha Ambrosius, Brutha, Raheem DeVaughn, Flo-Rida, J. Holiday, Torence "Lil Boosie" Hatch, Keri Hilson, Ronnie "Lil Ronnie" Jackson, Ludacris, Midi Mafia, Musiq Soulchild, Kelly Price, Stargate, Polow Da Don , Tricky Stewart, Tank, Rhymefest, Rick Rock, Jordin Sparks, Shakir Stewart, Clarence Avant, Timothy "Attitude" Clayton, Crime Mob, Ron Fair, Fantasia, Webbie, Krave, Jacob Latimore, Karina Pasian, Shawty Lo, The Dream, The Pussycat Dolls' Melody Thornton, Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker and Chaka Zulu, Kenny Lattimore, Lil' Kim, Kevin Liles, Chante Moore, Eddie Murphy, Sylvia Rhone, Al B. Sure, among others.

New Edition (w/ all members in attendance) Received the ASCAP Golden Note Award.

Complete list of winners @ www.ascap.com

Uncle Ralph to host BK Hip Hop Festival 2008

6/23/08

25 years in the game, a living legend returns to hold down the Festival.

For the third straight year legendary VJ and Hip-Hop pioneer Ralph McDaniels will serve as host of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.

Uncle Ralph, as he is also affectionately known, has been hosting the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival since it moved to Empire Fulton Ferry State Park in 2006. More than just a host Ralph has been an ambassador for the Festival. "A student of Hip-Hop will know that you cannot underestimate the importance of Ralph McDaniels and Video Music Box. He saw the need to archive and document our culture before MTV, and before YouTube. Without him I am not sure Hip-Hop as an art form or as a business would be the multi- billion dollar industry that it is. We are his children and the Festival is a continuation of the trailblazing spirit manifested by Ralph and all of our other elders," Wes Jackson, Festival Chair and Executive Director.

Uncle Ralph is also celebrating 25 years of Video Music Box, his groundbreaking music video show. In the 80's, Video Music Box was the only place to see music videos for much of New York City. Before Yo MTV Raps!, or 106th and Park there was one game in town, Video Music Box. Video Music Box gave Ralph the platform to help launch the careers of Jay Z, Black Moon, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS ONE, De La Soul, Leaders Of The New School and more.

In addition to continuing to host and produce Video Music Box, Ralph also hosts "The Bridge" on WNYC. "The Bridge" focuses on classic videos and interviews from legendary groups and artists. The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival takes place July 10th - 12th Ralph McDaniels will be hosting the Main Day at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park on July 12th

Tickets are available at Fat Beats NYC, Halcyon in DUMBO, Brooklyn and via www.brooklyn bodega.com, the Festival's home site.

Brooklyn Bodega

John Davis

john@brooklynbodega.com

Craig Hackey

craig@brooklynbodega.com

50 Cent Touched in More Ways than 1, by Fans in Africa

6/17/08

50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson) was touched by his tour in Africa with his G-Unit because it has made him aware of how much African fans had to spend in order to come out and watch the show.

50 Cent, Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks, among others, have hit South Africa and Tanzania, and the G-Unit Don has given the love back.

He told Mtv News, "It's a bigger sacrifice for them to actually attend these shows... Something is not happening in their lives for a month because they decided to spend money to buy tickets. It's, like, 'OK, we're not driving this month because we're going to see that show.' It's a big deal to them. It means something more to them than it means to attend a concert in the U.S".

Fiddy also took time to hook up with Nelson Mandela and was brought up to par on the history of anti-Apartheid.

50 was robbed during a show in Luanda Angola (Paris of Africa), Africa in which a fan snatched a chain off 50’s neck during his performance. 50 later filed charges after the kids parents turned the boy in.

with chain

without chain

Watch the Video below to see the Chain-Snatching incident. The kid jumps on stage about 3/4 through the video around 1:40

Watch it in full screen mode on YouTube.

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are Back in Full Effect

6/16/08

Cleveland Hip-Hop Super group founded by the late and great Eazy-E, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have returned, well not exactly yet but they will soon. That is as soon as Flesh-n-Bone (born Stanley Howse) is released from Prison. Flesh was sentenced to 11 years after he threatened another man with a loaded AK-47 rifle. A Police raid on his California residence in July of 1997 revealed numerous explosives, including dynamite sticks.

Flesh, who is not only a member of the group but also Layzie Bone’s brother, was also wanted for of seven assault charges that dated back to 1993.

The arrest and conviction put a stop to Flesh’s career, even though he can be heard on classic Bone albums like Creepin On Ah Come Up, E 1999 Eternal and The Art of War. Bizzy Bone was tossed out the group in 2002 because of excess drug and alcohol abuse and other personal issues.

Bizzy Bone (born Bryon Anthony McCane) just dropped an independent album A Song For You in April 2008. The title track from the album features DMX and hit #1 on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.

Bizzy squashed differences with the group recently while out in Cali. Krayzie said “Flesh will be home July 10th, he’s supposed to be getting out. Bizzy was at one of last shows in Riverside [California]. We had a good conversation there," Krayzie Bone revealed. We told people what it was. When everything got right, we was gonna come back together and what we had to do.”

So with the release of Flesh their will be all five original group members. The group originally featured Krayzie Bone, Layzie Bone, Wish Bone, Bizzy Bone and Flesh-n-Bone,

Krayzie Bone also said the only thing that would stop the Grammy Award winning group’s signature singing/rapping from return to radio airwaves is record label politics.

“We all just been hibernating, trying to come up with the concept for the album,” Krayzie Bone continued. “It’s definitely going down. I ain't gonna say its 100 percent just because of the label situation and the technical stuff, like if the label wants to pay what we deserver. As far as bone as group and us, we together. It aint just a rumor... We are trying to put it all back together for real.”

The group is prepping to get in the studio with Swizz Beatz, who is a confirmed producer on the group’s untitled reunion project.

“We ain't started yet, because we are trying to get paperwork together. We done talked to Swizz, Swizz is on deck and we are ready to roll and make it do what it do baby.”

Multi-Platinum Producer Launches Video Sharing Site To Help Beat Makers get Exposure

6/12/08

Music producer Darrell "Digga" Branch, a well known and respected producer in the music industry. He has made hits for Jay-Z "Dopeman", 50 Cent "Many Men", Jennifer Lopez, Busta Rhymes, Ghostface, Big L, "Can't Stop Won't Stop" by the Young Gunz and more. Digga now launches a new website, OnlineBeatTutor.com.

OnlineBeatTutor.com is the very first site of its kind. It's a video sharing website for music producers to network and learn. Beat makers and producers can learn, teach and discover everything known about beat production. This site will teach aspiring music producers/ beat makers to sharpen their skills on sampling, sequencing, programming, song structure and more.

OnlineBeatTutor.com is similar to YouTube but exclusive just for music producers. OnlineBeatTutor.com is expected to become the most effective tool available for beat makers today. When help is needed, instant solutions and answers are just a few clicks away. Users can log on and search a wide variety of topics including sampling, software, equipment and or music production. Also included are tutorials to help fix your problem instantly.

This site is for people who are interested in sharing and gaining knowledge about making beats. OnlineBeatTutor.com is for basic, intermediate and advanced producers. "I wanted to create a central place where beatmakers and producers could get useful tips immediately on their problems instead of searching through a gigantic database of videos, waiting for an email response from me or technical support, said Digga."

Not only does the site provide video tutorials, music producers and beat makers will have access to channels specifically related to sampling, sequencing, programming and other area’s. They’ll be able to upload their own instructional videos or view other step by step videos from other members.

Users create personal profiles, peer groups and save their favorite videos and communicate with other users online.

He has make records that have sold over 30 million records together. 2008 Digga formed Producers Skill Inc. the parent company of OnlineBeatTutor.com

For more info about OnlineBeatTutor.com or its parent company, Producers Skill, Inc, contact: Sidney Roman-Chase at BeatTutor@gmail.com or visit http://www.OnlineBeatTutor.com

Numskull of Luniz is Facing Life in Prison

6/09/08

Bay Area rapper deriving from OakTown, Numskull, one half of group The Luniz (consisting of Numskull and Yukmouth), is currently in police custody at the Santa Rita Jail located in Dublin, CA, just south of Oakland.

Numskull who has been in jail awaiting trial since January 24, is facing 15 felony charges.

The list of charges includes two counts of sodomy, one count of rape of a victim incapable of consent, one count of oral copulation against the victim’s will and three counts of corporal injury to a cohabitant.

Numskull, who was previously convicted on drug charges back in 93’ is also being charged with three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of dissuading a victim from reporting a crime, one count of making criminal threats and two counts of vandalism over $400 in damages.

If found guilty of his multiple charges, Numskull (born Garrick Demond Husbands) could face a minimum of 25 years to a maximum life sentence. Also if convicted of sex crimes and if released from prison he would have to register with the State of California as a sex offender.

The victim is identified only as Jane Doe in a complaint filed by the Alameda County Deputy District Attorney on May 22.

The alleged crimes took place between March 15 and April 9, 2007, when Numskull was originally arrested. The documents indicate the victim, identified as Numskull’s “cohabitant” reported the other previous domestic violence cases around that time.

Numskull is next scheduled in court on June 18, for a pre-trial hearing.

His bail has been set at $245,000.

DJ Vlad Directing Mac Dre American Gangster Episode

6/06/08

Mixtape DJ Vlad the Butcher will bring the story of Mac Dre and his infamous Romper Room Gang to a BET’s episode of American Gangster.

DJ Vlad, who reps the Bay area, was named director of that episode, which is expected to air sometime in November as apart of BET’s new programming.

DJ Vlad said he was interested in The Romper Room Gang’s legendary story while shooting his debut documentary, Ghost Ride the Whip, which tells the story of The Bay Area, the Hyphy movement and of legendary rapper Mac Dre.

“Mac Dre went on one of the robberies cause he wanted to see a girl in Fresno and he stayed in a hotel there. He ended up getting hit with a conspiracy charge because he refused to rat on his friends and ends up doing years,” DJ Vlad told AllHipHop.com. “Thizz Entertainment provided a lot of the footage. With American Gangster, the main thing is access and getting people to talk about what had happened. It’s pretty serious subject matter.”

Mac Dre (born Andre Hicks) was a Bay Area rapper who is considered the originator of the Hyphy and Thizz style’s of music.

The rapper put out a controversial compilation titled The Rompilation, which featured a number of Bay Area rappers.

A song on the album was said to been the reason behind Mac Dre’s arrest, after the Vallejo Police Department took lyrics in one of the tracks and which described a series of credit union robberies.

According to the National Drug Intelligence Center, The Romper Room Gang was also responsible for a series of pizza parlor robberies, vehicle theft, drug sales, drive-by shootings and other acts of violence.

They were credited to a total of 8 different credit unions robberies and were suspected in over 25 more. The total estimated dollar amount from the 30+ robberies was $1.4 million.

Mac Dre and 53 other members of the gang were arrested in connection to the string of hold-ups. Mac Dre was convicted and spent six years in prison on a charge of conspiracy to commit bank robbery.

Mac Dre was fatally shot November of 2004 on a Kansas, City, Missouri highway.

Mac Dre’s murder set off a war in the underworld, which resulted in murder charges for fellow Bay Area rapper Mac Minister, who allegedly murdered two others in retaliation for the Mac Dre’s murder.

"This [episode] is like ‘yeah I ran into banks with guns and ski masks and had shootout with cops.‘ Because of my experience of directing a movie in the similar vein really helped and the fact that I’ve been immersed in the Bay Area scene for years.”

Stay tuned in November 2008 for Mac Dre and the Romper Room Gang on American Gangster.

Def Jam to Release New Albums from LL Cool J and NAS

6/04/08

Yesterday (Tuesday) L.A. Reid announced in a public statement that Shakir Stewart has taken the executive vice president position at Def Jam Records.

As Kulture News previously reported, Stewart was the former Def Jam A&R. He is bes