T.I's Album, Paper Trail, Pushed Back

This dude had a single out? I never heard it. Hmm.

Via HipHopDX.com

T.I.'s highly anticipated upcoming album, Paper Trail, has been delayed yet again. Originally slated for a release in September, the album was moved to August 12. It did not stay there for long, however, as the date changed to September 2 and then September 9.

According to Billboard, Paper Trail has been pushed back to September 30. "We're not ready yet," said the rapper's publicist, who explained that that the video for the first official single, "Whatever You Like," "is being shot today and we need more time." The clip will be available in roughly two weeks.

T.I.'s current single, "No Matter What," has been out since April and reached 42 on Billboard's "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" chart.

Currently, T.I. is working with the Hip-Hop Caucus to help a vote registration initiative, "Get Out the Vote," aimed at young adults aged 18 to 29. The campaign begins today, (July 28) with a press conference in Washington, D.C. T.I. will serve as the major spokesman, but other celebrities and key figures will join in the effort as well.

NaS and Kelis Duet Album?

Hmmm. Interesting thought.

Via HipHopDX.com

Nas and Kelis have been together for quite some time. During this time, the couple has gone into a studio to record their fair share of tracks. Those songs were served up to mixed reviews but they have shared some commercial success with Kelis' "Blindfold Me." Now, the duo is planning something else. This time, the two may be collaborating on an entire album together.

"Me and my wife was thinking about doing this record together," he recently told MTV. This follows last week's report that he had aspirations of doing two albums soon, one entire produced by Dr. Dre and another one entirely produced by DJ Premier.

"I'm doing my dream. If you could, wouldn't you do it? What else would you do?" Nas said last week. "Every time I do something, it's, 'Oh, he's doing it because this and that.' Since my first album, everybody has an explanation of why. What am I supposed to be doing here? So I wanna drop the Dre album and the Premier album on the same day. That's what I'm thinking."

Nasty's mind is still on Untitled, though. Soon, the Queens emcee is expected release a single to follow "Hero," which has been getting healthy spins on radio stations. While some may have been blindsided by a Polow Da Don produced track for the LP, Nas spoke on why he went that route.

"I was almost gonna not do a single, but I wanted a song I could hear in the clubs, 'cause I knew the album didn't have that. I wanted a song that I could hear when I'm poppin' bottles. That's what 'Hero' was for me. Polow was one of my favorite guys; he's just a nice-ass guy. ... I was like, 'No single, no video. Let's just make this a record that we talk about.' "

Lil Wayne Sued By Rolling Stones

...Unfair Competition...He must be a threat.

Via HiphopGame.com

Lil' Wayne has been sued by a music publishing company over claims he released a version of Rolling Stones song Play With Fire without permission.

Abkco Music Inc have said that Lil' Wayne's Playing with Fire was clearly derived from the Stones' original but used "explicit and offensive language".

They accuse the rapper of copyright infringement and unfair competition.

The legal action was filed in federal court in Manhattan against the rapper, his collaborators and his record company - which is a unit of Universal Music Group.

Abkco Music are seeking unspecified damages. They claim the public could have been misled into believing that the company and the Rolling Stones authorized and approved of Lil' Wayne's version

Daz's and Keyshia Cole's Mothers Team Up With Non-Profit Organization

I thought Keyshia's mom was a druggie?...Hmm. Oh well.

Via AllHipHop.com

Hip Hop Grows Up Inc, a non-profit centered on guiding youth emotional development, has announced a partnership with the mothers of Daz Dillinger and Keyshia Cole.



Both mothers, Dr. Allean Varnado and Dr.. Yvonne Cole, are evangelists who minister to youth around the country.



The non-profit states one of its main goals is to “help youth better prioritize images and words they receive from entertainment, and to greatly enhance the self-esteem within youth.”



"As an educator, evangelist, singer/songwriter, I am delighted to be a part of Hip Hop Grows Up, Inc. I want to see first above all things, (that) Hip Hop Grows Up Inc, train youth to put God first and His word first and make sure that they know, you want to be able to grow up spiritually and educationally," Dr. Varnado explained to AllHipHop.com. "We want the youth to find out who they are in Christ. Then they will know that no man can stand in the way, of getting what God has provided for them through Jesus Christ. We want them educated. It is very important that they get the best."



Founders Talia Ashley and Cece Morris are very excited about the partnership and feel the religious experience of both women will be vital to their success with the children.



“Having a spiritual connection to God is far too important to the growth and transformation of our youth and to Hip Hop Grows Up, Inc,” stated Morris.



As an elder, Dr. Cole also feels an obligation to impart the life lessons and wisdom she’s learned throughout her life.



“As a minister, I see the challenge our kids face today. I feel our kids want someone to hear them and Hip Hop Grows Up, Inc is that ear,” Cole said. “If the elders don’t hear the kids, then who will?”



For more information visit www.hiphopgrowsup.com

DJ K-Swift Death = Foul Play?

Shame. Once again.

Via HipHopDX.com

This morning, The Baltimore Sun's website profiled the life of pioneering club and radio personality DJ K-Swift who passed away in a swimming pool accident earlier this week [click to read]. The article reveals the importance Swift had on the city, with one record executive claiming that her programming determined "a B-more hit."

Although the article itself makes no allegations, online readers and numerous voices in the Baltimore music community are alleging foul play in Swift's death.

An online article, written anonymously last May alleged that stations, namely 92Q and K-Swift were among the few local artists given airplay. The deejay was managed and in business with Unruly Records, a label seemingly given preferential treatment in breaking regional records. The article reveals testimony of payola, specifically with deejays including Swift.

Unruly Records has released the following statement on their website, from president Shawn Caesar, "Unruly Records is deeply saddened by the loss of our friend, sister, label mate, and legendary female deejay 'K-Swift.' In this time of bereavement, it is our prayer that the memory of K-Swift remains in the heart and minds of those who knew her well." The site also has directed press and media to their legal council.

This morning, an anonymous source, claiming to be a longterm acquaintance of K-Swift contacted HipHopDX, adding that her death was suspicious. "The pool water was disgusting, from all that I've heard, not the kind that was going to be swam in by anyone," the source said. The pool was an above-ground pool without a platform, making the diving motives questionable in the five feet of water.

HipHopDX will keep you updated of further developments in this story.

And this blog.

NaS Behind A Petition Against Fox

Haha. NaS is my hero. Fox...no.

Via HipHopDX.com

When Nas dropped his Untitled LP with "Sly Fox" in the track listing, many saw the more political side of Mr. Jones. On the track, he goes in depth to speak on Fox News and what they refer to as "fair and balanced" reporting. He voices his distaste and attacks Bill O'Reilly in the process. Although that was simply one song about the matter, it appears that Nas is taking the inspiration for the track and being active about stopping the news corporation from continuing what he calls "patterns of racist attacks against black Americans."

A petition has been signed by 620,000 people so that Fox News stops those said "patterns of racist attacks." Nas, ColorofChange.org and MoveOn.org have issued a statement noting that this petition will be sent to Fox offices in Manhattan today, July 23, 2008 at 2:00p.m EST.

Nas' statement on the matter cites Fox's declaration of Senator Barack Obama's wife Michelle Obama as "Obama's baby mama." He also cited Obama being confused with Osama Bin Laden on the network and a pundit claiming they both should be assassinated. Another instance of this cites Bill O'Reilly talking about a "lynching party" for Michelle Obama.

"Fox poisons the country with racist propaganda and tries to call it news," Nas said in the statement.

James Rucker, executive director of ColorofChange.org added to this.
"When Fox talks about lynching the woman who may soon be our first lady and then refers to this wife and mother as a 'baby mama,' they are maligning not only the Obamas, but black women and black people across this country," Rucker stated. "We have over 600,000 signatures -- more than half a million people -- saying that we won't stand for Fox's racism and hate-mongering."

Detox To Be A November or December Release

Via HipHopDX.com

According to Dr. Dre, his long-awaited third studio album Detox is nearing completion - and could be here before the year is up.

"I'm just now — over the last couple of months — starting to feel that it's going to be right and it's something I can be proud of, and everybody is going to love it," says Dr. Dre to USA Today. "In a perfect world, I'm shooting for a November or December release."

According to Dre, who does not often speak on the project, his goal is not necessarily to raise the bar for Hip Hop production values, like 2001 and The Chronic before it. "I've never set out to do that," says Dre. "I just make the music feel the way I want it to feel and I don't put it out until I'm totally happy with it. Then it does what it does."

Since he first hinted at the project in 2002, Dre's Detox has been a subject of speculation ever since. The project was slated to some out in 2004, yet faced constant delays. Mentions of the project appeared on albums by Eminem, The Game and Snoop Dogg, yet never amounted to anything. Further speculation was fueled by mixtapes like Pretox, hosted by Mick Boogie, as well as countless artists and producers revealing they had contributed to the album in some way.

"We have an entirely new thing going with the drums that's incredible, and we're still developing that." says Dre, who revealed all "the usual suspects" will make guest appearances, including Nas, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne.

And if you thought Detox was a long wait, Dre says the next one (if there is a next one) will be even longer. "I'm going to put this record out, promote it, tour and then become a hermit. I'm going to stay in the studio and produce."

As for future plans, Dre, who was instrumental in launching the careers of Snoop Dogg, Eminem and 50 Cent, is interested in working on new artists rather than established ones.

"All I want to do is sit in the studio with that person for a year and try to create another masterpiece."

NaS Leads Album Sales This Week

About time Wayne gets taken out.

Via HipHopDX.com

After endless weeks of controversy, Nas' Untitled [click to read] album reigns the charts with 186,600 copies sold in its first week. Grabbing the #2 spot is Lil Wayne's Tha Carter 3 [click to read] with just under 105,500 copies sold. If Wayne's sales continue at this pace, he'll be due for a double platinum plaque by next week! David Banner's latest effort The Greatest Story Ever Told [click to read] debuted this week at #8 selling 51,800 in its first week. Rihanna maintains her spot in the top 10 with the re-release of Good Girl Gone Bad selling 41,200 copies in its 59th week on the charts. Usher's Here I Stand [click to read] rounds out the top 5 leading Hip Hop/ R&B artists at #19 with 26,000 copies sold this week.

Top 200 Album Sales (Top 5 Hip Hop/R&B)

Rank Artist Album This Week Total
1. Nas
Untitled
This Week: 186,640
Total: 187,078

2. Lil Wayne
Tha Carter 3
This Week: 105,490
Total: 1,912,052

8. David Banner
Greatest Story Ever Told
This Week: 51,805
Total: 51,902

10. Rihanna
Good Girl Gone Bad
This Week: 41,269
Total: 1,482,574

19. Usher
Here I Stand
This Week: 26,071
Total: 906,641


G-Unit takes a drop from #9 last week to #24 this week with Terminate On Sight [click to read] selling 21,200 copies this week--a 42% decline from last week's numbers. Plies' Definition of Real [click to read] comes in at #26 selling 20,500 copies. Three 6 Mafia grabs the #29 spot with Last 2 Walk [click to read] selling 18,431 units this week. After reports surfaced that the self-proclaimed drug pushin', gun toting "boss" Rick Ross is in actuality a former corrections officer, his sales have yet to suffer this week. Trilla [click to read] sold 9,700 copies this week, only a 4% decline from last week. However, next week's numbers (the first full sales week after this week's revelations about Ross' past) will be the true sign of any fan backlash.

Other Notables

Rank Artist Album This Week Total
24. G-Unit
Terminate On Sight
This Week: 21,219
Total: 159,369

26. Plies
Definition of Real
This Week: 20,522
Total: 400,789

29. Three 6 Mafia
Last 2 Walk
This Week: 18,431
Total: 156,835

58. Rick Ross
Trilla
This Week: 9,702
Total: 629,610

74. Tech N9ne
Killer
This Week: 8,076
Total: 57,771


Will August heat up on the charts with new albums on the horizon from heavy-hitters like The Game, Ne-Yo and Nelly? Or will the youngins get schooled by new projects from Ice Cube and LL Cool J? Can femcee/ producer Missy Elliot come in for the sneak attack and shock the charts? Stay tuned as DX brings the play by play.

T-Wayne Album Coming Out?

I hope not. This would be terrible for real hip hop.

Via HipHopDX.com

Love him or hate him, T-Pain is a hard working man in the music business. He's already got a new album coming out this year titled Thr33 Ringz. He's also been featured on more than a few singles this year with a variety of artists in the rap and R&B worlds and he's already building buzz for the upcoming T-Wayne collaboration with Lil Wayne.
"T-Wayne is an entity that's just gonna take over a side of the game," Pain told MTV recently. "It's two artists that done collaborated with every artist in the industry except each other. Being that we getting together, this T-Wayne movement is getting crazy."
He went on to explain that even though they both have incredibly busy schedules, they are taking time to make sure the T-Wayne album begins taking shape as they continue recording away from one another.
"He's sending me blank tracks, I'm sending him blank tracks. He's sending me tracks with hooks, I'm sending him tracks with hooks. It's just our hectic schedules are keeping us from recording. ... But we both have studios on the bus. So we take that tour bus anywhere we go...it's a done deal."

Fans of the two or those anticipating the collab album will not really have to wait for work from the pair. They have already worked together on Wayne's Tha Carter III and they have a single coming out for Thr33 Ringz. Pain spoke on their most recent duet, the first official single off of his album, a track called "Can't Believe It."
"'Can't Believe It,' I just wanted to simplify things. Basically I got a lot of stuff on my albums that's not that simple. I'm not getting away from the simplicity of things, it's just basically a way to calm things down. Then I put Wayne on it and he keeps murdering tracks I'm sending him. It's just another world, it's unexplainable

The Seventh Seal Due This Fall

SO MUCH GOOD NEWS TODAY. GOOD NEWS OVERLOAD!!!

Via HipHopDX.com

After a brief stint on Aftermath Records that saw his highly anticipated collaborative album with Dr. Dre permanently shelved, it would be easy to assume Rakim picked up that nasty habit of only releasing a new album every six years. While most us of were scrambling to hear the limited amount of leaked material from Oh My God via the Internet, Ra promised what he felt was a less compromised sound via his own label.

With Hip Hop’s Digital Age in full effect, Rakim Allah has the arduous task of proving he can continue to evolve and adapt. During a brief encounter backstage at Rock The Bells, Ra explained the delay with The Seventh Seal and the process of seeing sounds.


HipHopDX: What’s going on with The Seventh Seal?
Rakim: You can expect that two to three months from now. I’m going hard on that and I’ve got some surprises on there. I’m really ready to just let the world hear it.


DX: You listened to jazz and played saxophone as a child. How did that influence your style and your ear for music?
R: I think it let me see music a little more and let me see more colors. My moms and my pops loved music. Coming up being around jazz and the Motown sound, and letting that soak in [helped]. I played the sax and the drums a little bit and that just helped me see the music a little more.


DX: You have such an extensive catalog, but you’re still creating music. As much as you respect your classics, is there ever a point where you want people to pay more attention to the newer material?
R: The old stuff is what got me here though. That’s like my foundation. I love that for what it is, and that’s what makes people understand me. They need that to know what I’m about to do next. So, in no way do I shrug my shoulders at the old stuff. That’s my legacy.


DX: With the industry the way it is with low sales and all the downloading, what would you consider a success for this project?
R: Well I have my own label [Ra Records] now, so I want to be a success in terms of sales. But, more importantly, I have to keep my integrity and hit that Rakim standard. If I can hit that standard I’m cool. I was never a big-selling artist. I was sort of underground my whole career, but eventually my albums touched platinum. So I still consider myself underground. Like I said, I just want to reach that Rakim standard and have everybody understand that I’m still that dude. If people see that I’ve progressed with it and I’m mature with it, then that’s my success.


DX: You’ve worked with some of the best producers out and you are rumored to have a very discriminating ear. What does a producer need to bring to put you in that zone?
R: You know what’s difficult for me? I hear music differently, so a lot of times I won’t pick the beats that are the norm. I don’t pick what people expect a rapper to rap on. I pick the more intricate beats, where as soon as I hear them I can see something—a title or a mood.


That’s what influenced me so much about jazz. A lot of jazz records didn’t have words, but as soon as you played them it put you right in the mood. You could almost see the smoky bar and the jazz players around you. So, when I can see the music before I even start to write to it, that’s the direction I tend to lean toward. A lot of times it’s not the big million dollar seller or the club banger. It’s really just something I can mess with to make people say, “Okay, that’s that Rakim classic thing right there.” So, yeah it’s a little difficult picking beats with me.
Rakim's latest effort, The Archive, Live Lost and Found, has been distributed via Koch and is currently available in retail and digital formats.

NaS's Next Two Albums To Be Produced By Dre and Premier?

...I...I...I am ecstatic. I HOPE TO GOD this is a reality.

Via HipHopDX.com

No matter how much anyone has enjoyed a Nas album, nearly everyone has clamored for the day that Nas and DJ Premier would link up for an entire album. There was rumor of the two collaborating awhile back but it unfortunately never came to fruition. While Premo has reportedly been busy with his own projects, he mentioned to DX awhile back that Nas never reached out to him for Untitled. But it appears that Nas is now taking the first step in making the dream album come true.

While performing at a concert on July 15th, Nas directed an appeal towards DJ Premier in front of the fans attending. What Nas wants is an entire album produced by the legendary Premo. Whether or not this dream comes true is still a mystery. But Nas isn’t done with his dream collaborations yet.

“I want to do an all-Dr. Dre album,” he told MTV News recently. “A whole thing with Dre and a whole thing with Premier, and drop ‘em on the same day. That’s the real thing. All right, I said it. That’s what I really wanna do.”

While there have been no preliminary talks with either Dr. Dre or DJ Premier, one has to wonder if either of these projects have the remote possibility of coming to life.

Stay tuned to DX for more on this as it develops.


AND THIS BLOG TOO.

DJ K-Swift Dies

Hmmm. Shame. Loss for words.

Via AllHipHop.com

Popular female DJ K-Swift died this morning (July 21) in a swimming pool accident in her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland AllHipHop.com has learned.



K-Swift, born Khia Edgerton, was just 28-years-old, at the time of her death, although she started DJ’ing at the age of 11, due to the influence of other pioneering DJ’s like Cocoa Channel and Jazzy Joyce.



K-Swift broke ground on Baltimore’s Radio One station 92Q Jams, where she rose to Female Mix Show Coordinator and was the only female in the country to hold the title.



She was also a member of the Violator-All Star DJ Coalition, as well as a member of the all female squad the Murda Mami’s.



"I'm at a loss for words right now,” Murda Mami founder 1st Lady El told AllHipHop.com. “K-Swift was not only one of my Murda Mami sisters, she was a great friend. She knocked down doors for women in this industry, so humble and hard working. Legendary in the club music scene and the number one DJ in Baltimore. She will be missed."



In addition to being the only female record pool director in Baltimore (Direct Drive Record Pool), K-Swift also owned Club Queen Entertainment, a graphics management and production company.



"DJ K-Swift was one of kindest individuals I have come across in my travels. She represented Violator and more importantly Hip-Hop," said Violator CEO Chris Lighty. "Our prayers go out to her family. She will be missed."



"I want to say thank you for being that role model, aunt, manager and friend that you were," added K-Swift's nephew, DJ The Kid. "I am gonna miss you more than anyone can imagine...I love you K, save that place in heaven for me so we can kick it like the old days when I get there."

Rick Ross...Confirmed Correction Officer

I haven't been keeping up with this story. But some pictures leaked on the internet with Rick Ross in a corrections uniform and blah blah blah, after he denied it more blah blah blah. And now we're here.

Via AllHipHop.com

The questions over Rick Ross’ previous employment status has seemingly been answered by website TheSmokingGun.com, which released records showing the Miami rapper was at one time a corrections officer.



Ross, born William Roberts, is known for his gritty tales of drug dealing and the street life, but he also apparently graduated from the Florida Department of Corrections (DoC) training academy.



The rapper's social security number matches that of a William Roberts, who was assigned to the South Florida Reception Center in Dade County.



The 32-year-old rapper was appointed a prison guard in December of 1995 at the tender age of 19. He left the job in 1997.



In a previous statement Ross denied the allegations and labeled pictures of him in a correctional officer’s uniform were fraudulent.



"My life is 100% real," Ross told AllHipHop.com in a previous statement regarding the photo. "These online hackers putting a picture of my face when I was a teenager in high school on other peoples' body. If this s**t was real don't you think they would have more specifics, like dates and everything? I'm in the entertainment business and a lot of people who like to hate because I'm on top of my game. Like I said before my life is 100% real. I live by this die by this. Fake pictures are created by the fake, meant to entertain the fake."



The woman identified in the pictures shaking hands with Ross is Marta Villacort, who was head of the South Florida Reception Center.



At press time, Rick Ross was unavailable for a comment on the prison report.

Untitled Will Be NaS's 5th Number One Album

About time someone recognizes real hip hop.

Via HipHopDX.com

Fueled by both controversy and critical praise, Nas' latest album Untitled is headed for the number one spot this week.

According to Billboard, the rap legend is projected to not only land in the top spot, but has sold approximately 113,000 units as of Friday (July 18) - better than the majority of first week sales in Hip Hop this year.

By comparison, this puts Nas just slightly behind Rick Ross' Trilla, a March release which managed 116,000 b y Friday. Whether the Queensbridge rapper's album will topple Ross' 198,000 mark by the end of the week remains to be seen.

Nas' last number one album was the December 2006 release Hip-Hop Is Dead, which sold 354,000 copies during Christmas week.

Kanye's Gettin' Down With The Obama's

Via HipHopDX.com

When Kanye West went on national television after Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the US and said "George Bush doesn't care about black people," he let it be known that he was politically aware and opinionated. Now, he's taking it into the new year and the new election.

Kanye West joins the artists tapped to appear at this year's Democratic Convention in Denver, CO. N.E.R.D. and Wyclef Jean will also perform at a party for MTV and the Rock the Vote Campaign going on during the Convention. Festivities for the Convention will begin August 25 and will go on for three days.

Call it a favor for a favor if you like, but Sen. Barack Obama is also scheduled to appear in support of Kanye. According to many reports including The Chicago Sun-Times and Billboard, the presidential nominee may be on hand at this year's Lollapalooza Music Festival. His appearance is said to be attributed to Kanye West's performance and many have speculated that the Senator will introduce West to the stage that night.
No official word has been made by the Obama campaign related to Lollapalooza as of yet and many have speculated that it could end up being a surprise appearance but DX will keep you posted as details unravel.

Keak Da Sneak Arrested

Via Hiphopdx.com

According to various sources, Oakland rapper Keak Da Sneak was arrested late last week on July 10 in Sacramento and charged with resisting arrest and carrying a firearm.

Due to the fact that he had an outstanding warrant, Keak Da Sneak will have to remain in jail until bail is posted.

On July 14, Keak faced a magistrate judge regarding the charges he was given.
Considered a Hyphy pioneer to many in the Bay area, Keak Da Sneak has released several albums since his solo debut Sneakacydal was released in 1999 and last appeared on E-40's 2006 hit "Tell Me When To Go." He was also a member of group 3xKrazy, which released albums on Virgin Records in the late '90s.

Most recently, Keak Da Sneak released his latest album Deified on Koch Records in June. The album featured appearances from Prodigy [click to read] and The Alchemist.

Eminem Has Been In The Studio

Well...I personally don't like Em. But I think he's talented. I'll probably check this out.

Via HipHopDX.com

It’s no secret that Eminem has been avoiding the limelight for some time now. In 2008, he sits four years away from his last solo effort Encore [click to read], and is two years removed from the fatal night that saw the tragic death of his best friend and fellow D12 member Proof.

However, Em may finally be ready for the stage again as Entertainment Weekly caught word from Bishop Lamont [click to read] that Eminem has recently been in the studio, and that he’s heard “some amazing stuff.”

A fellow member of the Aftermath camp, Bishop Lamont has been around Eminem long enough to understand the situation at hand. “He's been quiet too long, and he's got a lot to get off his chest,” stated Lamont, referring to Proof and other incidents that have occurred in the last four years.

Knowing that Eminem faced many struggles and adversities to get to this point though, Lamont appropriately described the process that has manifested within Em. “He went through what he had to go through, and now he's been able to take all the pain and stress and put it out in his music.”

To reiterate Lamont, the label (Aftermath/Shady) also confirmed that Eminem has indeed been in the studio.

Gym Class Heroes - Peace Up/Index Down

New Gym Class Heroes video featuring Busta Rhymes from what I'm guessing is a new album. Another great song from GCH. I'll probably buy this new cd.

Timbaland Is Producing Jay-Z's Next Album

...This album is gonna suck.

Via MTV.com

In an interview with MTV, Hip Hop super producer Timbaland announced that he will produce Jay-Z's next album.

"He wants me to do the whole thing this time around," Timbaland told MTV. "I'mma make it a classic too. You better believe it. It'll be a monster! I always say this: You get a first single from me, I'mma get you up to gold. And it's hard to get you up to gold in this day [and age]."

In 2000, Jay-Z and Timbaland created the summer anthem of 2000 when they teamed up for "Big Pimpin" featuring UGK.

"We wanna go to the world," Timbaland added. "The world is 'Big Pimpin'.' 'Big Pimpin' ' is an international hit, so we wanna do 10 of those."

Recently, Jay-Z has been on the road touring, but still plans on returning to making music full time in the near future.

"Jay should never chill," Timbaland shared with MTV. "We had a long talk, and I really talked to him. Jay-Z does it for the love. That's different. When somebody does it for the love, you don't stop. He has everything, but he's still current. A million people are buying his album regardless."

Neither Jay-Z or Timbaland have made any announcements yet on when they will begin working on the new album, but Timbaland already has plans on setting aside at least three months for the project.

Snoop Dogg Appearing on Johnny Cash Remix

...HAHAHA. I don't know what to say except, I can't wait to hear how this'll turn out.

Via HiphopDX.com

If 2008's Ego Trippin' has proved anything, it's that Snoop Dogg has eclectic tastes - at least for a rapper.

In his country-infused duet "My Medicine" with legend Willie Nelson, Snoop said, "I'd like to dedicate this record right here to my main man Johnny Cash - a real American gangsta." It seems now that Snoop will be able to further pay tribute to the late country star.

According to Billboard, Snoop will be appearing on one of many remixes for Johnny Cash Remixed," due Oct. 14 via Compadre Records/Music World Music. Snoop's version of "I Walk the Line" will also feature his QDT production team which includes Teddy Riley and DJ Quik.

The project was approved by John Carter Cash, Johnny Cash's son. The younger Cash said that his father "would have loved this remix record. While it stays true to the original recordings, this CD touches on undiscovered ground. This is what my father was about: staying true to tradition while creating groundbreaking new music."
Pete Rock will also be getting a crack at remixing "Folsom Prison Blues," another Cash song.

"If you take your time to listen to it, country music is very similar to rap," Snoop Dogg told Billboard last year. "Johnny Cash is the one who stood out to me. I love his style, his swag, the songs he made."

Young Buck Attempted Suicide

After all that beef with 50 and G-Unit...Someone needs to get this dude some help. Grown gangsta rapping man getting all emotional and crying...Anyways

Via HipHopDX.com

rumor has surfaced that David Darnell Brown - also known as Young Buck – overdosed on prescription pain pills in what has been called a suicide attempt. HipHopDX.com caught wind of the rumor through several sources, however, none of this has been confirmed as of yet. According to the sources, Buck was depressed and told cops that he was trying to harm himself. Lizzie Grubman (Buck’s publicist) was allegedly with Buck and stated to police that the former G-Unit member received 40 pain pills and made an attempt to overdose by taking up to five. One source stated that he was treated at Metro Nashville General Hospital for a drug overdose last night and was admitted to an emergency room this morning after suffering an adverse reaction to the painkillers.

Below is the police report that came with one of the emails. In the report, there is no mention of David Darnell Brown or Lizzie Grubman.

“ON 07/08/08 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:45 PM, NV/S WERE DISPATCHED ON A CALL BY NAHSVILLE FIRE AND RESCUE REGARDING COMP ATTEMPTING SUICIDE BY PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION. UPON ARRIVAL NV/S FOUND COMP BEING STABILIZED BY DFD #705 IN THE AMBULANCE. NV/S THEN RESPONDED TO METRO NASHVILLE HOSPITAL PER DFD'S REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE TRANSPORT AND TREATMENT. RP #1 WAS INTERVIEWED BY NV/S AT METRO NASHVILLE HOSPITAL. RP STATED THAT COMP STATED THAT HE WAS DEPRESSED. RP NOTICED THAT COMP'S PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATION WAS EMPTY AND OBSERVED COMP PUTTING 2 PILLS IN HIS MOUTH. RP ATTEMPTED TO PUT HER FINGERS IN COMP'S MOUTH TO RETRIEVE THE PILLS. NV/S WERE TOLD BY RP THAT THE PRESCRIPTION OF 40 PILLS THAT WAS FILLED ON THE 29TH OF JUNE, AND THAT COMP HAD ONLY TAKEN 5 PILLS UP TO THIS DATE. DURING AN INTERVIEW OF THE COMP, COMP WAS ASKED IF HE HAD TAKEN THE REMAINDER OF THE PRESCRIPTION, AT WHICH TIME THE COMP STATED, "YES". ON FURTHER INTERVIEW OF COMP, COMP WAS ASKED IF HE WAS ATTEMPTING TO HARM HIMSELF, AT WHICH TIME THE COMP STATED, "YES". COMP WAS TREATED BY METRO NASHVILLE MEDICAL STAFF FOR A DRUG OVER DOSE. SGT. NVTOS #5374 AND DUTY COMMANDER WARD WERE NOTIFIED. .NFI. “

Once again, none of this has been confirmed as of press time and DX will bring you the latest as to whether these claims are true or false.

NaS Says What He Thinks About Mobb Deep & 50

There seems to be alot of NaS going around lately. Oh well, It's for the better.

Via Hiphopdx.com

King Magazine recently released some lost excerpts of their interview with Nas. While most of it had to do with Nas discussing his early years in Hip Hop, one question and accusation proved to be a bit eyebrow raising.

"I ran into Prodigy last week and asked him, 'What should I ask Nas?' He said, 'Ask him, ‘What happened backstage at the Central Park show in 2004,’” Thomas Golianopoulos inquired.

“Man, that was some classic Mobb Deep shit. They was rumbling,” Nas replied regarding a fight that took place backstage between Mobb Deep and others. But Prodigy thinks that those involved were Nas’ people.

“He thinks you set him up,” Golianopoulos responded.

Nas went on to discuss his relationship with Prodigy and addressed the situation.

“I did hear that. Nah, I would never do that to him,” Nas retorted. “We had our differences, which was really just hyped up bullshit. I wish everything for Prodigy. They caught a lot of bad breaks. I just wish the best for him. I wish he didn’t have to do this time. And I would love to see them come back again. I would be the first person in the record store buying a Mobb album. I want to see them give it to us however many more times.”

Nas also revealed how he felt about Mobb Deep joining G-Unit.

“I was really happy to see 50 embrace them. I thought that was G because that’s something that doesn’t happen from the higher ups. All these big companies, they don’t care about us. They don’t care about the talented ones that aren’t given a fair shot and I thought it was a good move on 50’s part to give them a deal.”

Nas' Untitled drops July 15th.

NaS - Be A Nigger Too

Here is NaS' highly anticipated video for the highly controversial Be A Nigger Too. It's 8:39 seconds long and was released a month ago,

NaS - Sly Fox

This is probably old news as this has been out for about a week. But here is a video off of NaS' Untitled album. It's a diss directly at Fox News. Enjoy.

Slept On Cd's: Round 3

Sorry for the lack of updates. It's been a busy summer. But I'm back for Round 3 of Slept On CD's. This week features *drum roll*


BlackStar by BlackStar

This cd is a true definition of what hip hop really is. Talib Kweli and Mos Def (From the Native Tounges) have given us what rarely comes along, good lyrics, great beats, and positive vibes. From the banging intro to the end track, you will not be disappointed. Definition, Respiration (with Common), and Brown Skin Lady are the standout tracks. Hi Tek has come with some of the best production I've heard in a long time while Mos Def and Talib Kweli NEVER slack off on the rhymes. While this cd came out in 1999, it was ahead of it's time and is still as enjoyable to ANYONE as Illmatic was to NaS fans and hip hop fans. It is, yet again, a cd you should NOT sleep on. Get it ASAP.

Slept On CD's:Round 2

Ok. Sorry for the lack of updating. SOHH.com was recently BOMBED with hackers, and I wasn't about to head over there and risk getting my stuff jacked. And I wasn't going to risk the other news sites. So...For the time being it's time for Slept On CD's: Round 2.

The Minstrel Show by Little Brother

From Phonte and Big Pooh's sleek rhymes and ridiculous flows to producer extraordinaire 9th Wonder's laid back beats, this cd just shines like a diamond. The cd is one smooth lyrical gem. Slow It Down, Lovin' It, and Cheatin are some of the best tracks. While every other track is just as good, those are my personal favorites. Cheatin' is actually a humourous RnB type ballad that has Phonte playing the role of singer Percy Miracles singing about his girlfriend cheating on him...or maybe her momma's house number changed. He never really finds out. Beautiful Morning is another stand out track. And the track after that is classic. "I had niggas telling me I really shouldn't rhyme//To dropping a classic Motherf**kers couldn't find." Indeed, it and The Minstrel Show are both classics. Go get 'em.

North American Gangster

I found this dude from youtube and deciced to dig deeper. He is an amazingly skilled remixer/producer. And this is some of his latest work. Taking the American Gangster accapellas from Jay Z and putting his own beats on them...He presents NORTH AMERICAN GANGSTER. Have a listen and if you like it, swing over to northamericangangster.com and download it for free.

Download Mixtape | Provided by DatPiff.com

Young Jeezy Arrested

Sorry about not updating, anyone that reads this site. I've been busy.

Via Defsounds.com

Rapper Young Jeezy was arrested this morning after being pulled over for erratic driving.
According to TMZ, at around 2:30 AM, cops apprehended and charged Jeezy on a list of vehicular and driving violations. At the time of the report, known charges the rapper faced included DUI, speeding, reckless driving, having no tags, driving with an open container and no proof of insurance.

Young Jeezy was released shortly this morning on bail, and will be back in court on July 17th.

At press time no comments were avail from his reps.

As reported earlier this week, in other legal news concerning Young Jeezy, a former BMF (Black Mafia Family) member, admitted according to court documents, that Jeezy received kilos of cocaine from BMF. The statement was made in hopes to receive a lighter sentence.

Tha Carter III...423K Sales In The First Day

WHY? HOW? WHAT HAS THIS EARTH COME TO? Lupe has been struggling since December and finally broke 500K and earned himself a gold record just recently. Lil Wayne sells 423,000 THE FIRST DAY! Think about this. If people keep doing this...he might just beat Outkast's record for a Diamond disc. 500K = Gold. 1M = Platinum. 10M = Diamond...Outkast>>>>>>Lil Wayne. The self proclaimed "Best Rapper Alive" obviously hasn't seen the impact he's had on hip hop compared to the impact Rakim, NaS, KRS-One, or OutKast has had. WEEZY F. JAILHOUSE LOVE BABY CANNOT RAP. He's just another long haired, club hit making, sex addict who occasionally kisses dudes on the mouth...But you know...that makes him totally acceptable in todays culture. With that said...

BOYCOTT LIL WAYNE!!!

Slept On CD's: Round One

This is my first post on my new "segment" or whatever. Underrated cds or rarely heard cds from people that are underground artists.

First up...Below The Heavens by Blu & Exile

This cd is a definite must have for ANY hip hop fan. If you like music with substance and meaning, then get this. You will not regret it. This cd is cheap on Amazon.com if you order it as MP3's. It's only 6.99 and it's WELL worth the money. The lyrics are solid being rapped by Blu and they have that natural feel that only underground or non-sell outs *cough*Lil Wayne*cough* can give. His voice and flow compliments Exile's bass heavy beats and orchestra style strings. From the opening track to the end track, it is one of a handful that I can listen to all the way through. Whether you like hip hop or not, you have to recognize the talent and emotions put into the lyrics and, dare I say, the beats. Exile basically pours his heart into this cd's production. It will not disappoint. Check out the videos on the side section in 2007.

Free Download for NaS' and DJ Green Lantern's 'The Nigger Tape'

Ok...If any of you are as big a fan of NaS as me...then this is a treat. DJ Green Lantern and NaS' mixtape 'The Nigger Tape' has finally been released.

Tracklisting and link via Hiphopgame.com

1. Intro
2. Gangsta Rap rmx.(Prod by Dj Greenlantern)
3. Cops Keep Firing (Prod. By Dj Greenlantern)
4. Hero (Prod by Polow Da Don)
5. Black President feat. Johnny Polygon (Prod. By Dj Greenlantern) 6.Association (feat. and Prod. by Stic Man of Dead Prez)
7..Legendary (Mike Tyson)..(Prod by Salaam Remi)
8. Ghetto rmx feat. Joell Ortiz (Prod by Dj Greenlantern.
9. Seen it All (Green Mix)
10. Esco Let's Go (Full Song).(Prod by Dj Khallil)
11. N.I.G.G.E.R. (Slave and Master). (Prod by Dj Toomp)
12 "Be a Nigger too" rmx feat. Dante Hawkins (Prod. by Dj Greenlantern)
13.Surviving the times (Original Cool and Dre Version)
14. Nas Timeline mixed by Statik Selektah (Nararated by Nas)
15.Outro feat. Richard Pryor

Link: http://www.sendspace.com/file/1et0c3

C-Murder Murder Trial Delayed

via allhiphop.com


The murder trial of New Orleans rapper Corey “C-Murder” Miller has been pushed back until October.



The rapper was slated to go on trial on June 9, but after attorneys on both sides of the case met with Judge Martha Sassone, the trial was delayed until October 14.



C-Murder is charged with second-degree murder for allegedly shooting a 16-year-old to death inside a Harvey nightclub named Club Platinum.



According to the Associated Press, lawyers are haggling over some of the witnesses’ backgrounds, which was a major issue in the rapper’s first trial.



In September of 2003, a jury convicted Miller for shooting Steve Thomas during an altercation in the club.



In March of 2006, the rapper’s mandatory life sentence was overturned, by the Louisiana Supreme Court, after it was learned the prosecution expunged some of their witnesses criminal records, in order to boost their credibility in court.



C-Murder, 37, is currently free on $500,000 dollars bail, but is under strict house arrest.

T-Pain Kills A Man Over Chain

Via Sohh.com

Don't let that happy-go-lucky chubby exterior fool you, T-Pain don't play that! The Tallahassee tunesmith recently revealed his stone cold side in an interview with Blender:

"There's one [song] called 'Havoc.' It's a true story about when I got my chain snatched in New York the night before my first album dropped," T-Pain recalled. "Somebody snuck a gun in the club and stuck it in my stomach, but I wasn't going to give my chain up - it was my first chain. He pushed me back and as I was fallin' he snatched the chain and ran out the club. It was pretty weird. It's such an in-depth story, it's like a 5 minute song."

T-Pain hinted he may have resorted to deadly means to recover his chain, but eventually got the jewelry back. "He stole it to sell back to me ... but I didn't buy it back," the singer revealed. When Blender inquired whether the thief was still breathing, Pain's ominous reply was, "No, he's not alive."

Rebel Talking... T-Pain probably took the voicebox out and Auto-Tuned ol' boy to death.

Xzibit Loses Son To Lung Problems

Via hiphopdx.com

Less than a day after emcee Camo Tao died due to lung cancer [click to read], another tragedy has hurt the Hip Hop community. In the early hours of Monday May 26, emcee and actor Xzibit lost his infant son Xavier from lung complications.
The veteran announced the news through a MySpace blog post, stating, "I am telling you this because of the same reason I tell you when I'm having great times, life is too short to be fake. Hold on to your kids, if you have them. Protect them and show them you love them everyday you wake up and see them. Don't take a second you get to hug them, teach them and care for them for granted. You can have all the material wealth in the universe, but it is NOTHING compared to having your family."
Xavier Joiner was born May 15, and from premature birth, displayed problems with inhaling oxygen. Xzibit added, "I am keeping faith that everything will work out fine. I tell you people, bringing a life into this world right now is a blessing for me. I have had time to focus and put A LOT of shit into perspective over the last few years. And at the end of the day, if you don’t have FAMILY around you ... you don't have shit."
"X-to-the-Z" has not released an album since 2006's Full Circle [click to read] Earlier this month, he appeared on Bishop Lamont's "Be Cool" [click to listen], reportedly a mixtape track. The rapper has recently been furthering his film career in the X-Files sequel, playing an FBI agent.
-------------------------
Xzibit, even though you will probably never read this, I pray that things will work themselves out. I'm sorry for your loss, and not from the standpoint of another sappy fan. You didn't deserve this, but maybe this is setting the groundwork for your future and your next childs future. It'll all work out.

R.I.P

T-Pain Plans To Go Digital, and Bashes Artists Using His "Techniques"

Via Hiphopdx.com

Very few can argue against the point that T-Pain has distinguished himself as a savvy hit maker with a rather distinct style.
Sitting down with DJ Cipha Sounds, T-Pain explained a new song that he has in the works, which happens to be about his now infamous auto-tune voice. “You know it’s just issue addressing time. Like I say in the song, ain’t no disrespect, I just want everybody to know that there are a couple of people that I ain’t cool with doing it. You know, 'cause a couple people came to me and ask me can they use it, and it was cool. Weezy came and ask me before he did it, I said cool; Weezy started doing it. Kanye said, 'Let me borrow your style for a second;' I’m cool with that, you know what I’m saying? I just addressed a couple issues. You know, a lot of people were taking me for a joke when I first came out doing it, and they feel like they gotta do it to get hot now.”
In addition to Lil Wayne and Kanye West, 50 Cent recently used auto-tune with G-Unit's single "Rider pt. 2" [click to view].
Being one of the biggest ringtone sellers himself, T-Pain is looking to a new business venture that will make his company “all digital.” “On Nappy Boy Digital right now we gettin’ it on straight. I’m trying to lead the pack with the first digital record label. We going all digital downloads, iTunes, ringtones, a couple physical sales here and there. We don’t wanna cancel that out, but right now we’re on the regular [record label] but going digital.”
----------------
I really don't have much to say other than, T-Pain would not be good if he didn't have computer editing done to his voice. He cannot sing live. He makes more money than 90% of the general population and yet still claims he's "So Hood"...BREAK HIS JAWS!!!

Kanye Speaks on the Flashing Lights Videos

Via Hiphopdx.com

Just in case there was any confusion, Kanye West wants fans to know that the only version of the “Flashing Lights” video that he wanted released was the one he released himself.
“I shot [three] vids for “Flashing Lights” [‘cause] I ain't like the first [two],” Kanye typed on his blog. “No rant's here just an explanation of why y’all getting those other vids [right] now that I ain't approve and why I ain't finna post neither on my blog. So I hope whoever leaked them got the shine they was looking [for] ‘cause that's all they'll get now.”
Two other videos for the song leaked earlier this week. The first leak shows a woman’s dual life of glamor and instability, while the second tells a supernatural murder mystery. Published reports said that the last video to leak was actually the first video that was shot, while the previous leak was the second version filmed.
In the blog, Kanye said that he enlisted Sam Speigal—brother of Spike Jonze, director of the released video—to remix “Flashing Lights” so that that the music would match the latter video. Speigal also co-orchestrated the music on the Glow In The Dark Tour.

Lil Wayne Explains His Mixtape DJ Diss

Via Hiphopdx.com

After Lil’ Wayne torched the mixtape scene with scathing comments in an interview with Foundation Magazine [click to read], the entire mixtape scene was up in arms. Even the legendary DJ Doo Wop decided to get in on the mix and fire back at Weezy F Baby [click to read]. Late last night, Lil Wayne called in to DJ Drama’s Shade 45 Sirius Satellite Radio show to explain his position to the world.
“First off I ain’t mean to disrespect no deejays, no mixtape deejays, whatever kind of deejay you is, there was no kind of disrespect,” Wayne said on the air. “Especially given the fact that me and Drama, me and [DJ] Khaled and me and my homeboy Raj Smooth from New Orleans, we all get it in and do the mixtape thing. So given that fact, I think things were blew out of proportion."
Many may know that Wayne has been a fixture in the mixtape scene and recorded some of his most popular work with the likes of DJ Drama, Smoov and DJ Khaled. So who exactly was Wayne coming after with those sentiments?
“This Empire nigga, I don’t fuck with him. For all deejays I just want you to know that [the diss] was meant for that Empire nigga. I don’t fuck the Empire nigga. The nigga put a CD out on me every month and I couldn’t tell you how none of them niggas look in person,” Weezy said in regard to Worldwide Legacy’s brand of mixtapes. There is a popular series produced by The Empire titled The Drought Is Over which has been making its rounds in mixtape circles for some time.
Weezy still stands by what he said and made sure that he wanted those upset with him over the statements to feel the same way they did even after Wayne appeared on Drama’s show.
“Whoever got soft feelings and whoever took what I said and wants to feel some kind of way, I want you to know, please don’t feel different after you hear me on this right here,” Wayne said as his tone changed. “I want you to still feel [like saying] ‘fuck that nigga’ cause when you see me in the streets I want it to be that because I’m going to bite your fucking face off.”
Wayne also sent a special shout out DJ Keyz and DJ Pratt who put out the Wayne’s World series.
“If you made the Wayne’s World Vol 1-7 then your mama’s a bitch! And if you the Empire nigga, I hope you die twice tomorrow!”
But after it was all said and done, Weezy spread love to people like Drama, Kahled, Tony Neal of the Core DJs and others.
“But for the other mixtape deejays I love you. No homo. I wouldn’t be shit without you.”
---------------------------------------

Lil Wayne never learns. He's not a good rapper. He's basic. And he's gay. No one kisses a full grown man on the mouth and calls him Daddy and still says he's straight.

Flashing Lights Videos 1, 2, and 3

I'm not entirely sure what Mr. West was thinking making 3 different versions to one song...but he sure did a great job. But, according to him the 2nd and 3rd versions were leaked and not supposed to be seen. I think he should have kept the third, but that's my personal opinion. And just so you guys don't have to look around, the lyrics and all three videos are posted here. Enjoy.


Version 1 (official version)


Version 2

Version 3

Flashing lights, lights
Flashing lights, lights
Flashing lights, lights
Flashing lights, lights

She don't believe in shootin' stars,
but she believe in shoes & cars
Wood floors in the new apartment,
couture from the store's department
You more like L'eau de Stardee shit,
I'm more of the, trips to Florida
Order the h'orderves, views of the Water
Straight from the page of your favorite author
nd the weather so breezy,man why can't life always be this easy
She in the mirror dancing so sleazy,
I get a call like where are you Yeezy
Try to hit you with a 'Oeur de Whopee'
Till I get flashed by the paparazzi
Damn, these nigga's got me,
I hate these nigga's more than the Nazis

As I recall, I know you love to show off
But I never thought that you would take it this far
What do I know?
Flashing lights, lights
What do I know?
Flashing lights, lights

I know it's been a while,Sweetheart,
we hard-ly talk, I was doing my thing
I know I was foul bay-bay,
a-bay late-ly you been all on my brain,
And if somebody would've told me a month ago
Fronting though, yo I wouldn't wanna know
If somebody would've told me a year ago
it'd go, get this difficult
Feeling like Katrina with no fema
Like Martin with no Gina
Like a flight with no visa
First class with the seat back I still see ya
In my past, you on the other side of the glass
Of my memory's museum,I'm just saying,
Hey Mona Lisa,come home you know you can't Rome without Caesar

As I recall, I know you love to show off
But I never thought that you would take it this far
What do I know?
Flashing lights, lights
What do I know?
Flashing lights, lights
As you recall, you know I love to show off
But you never thought that I would take it this far
What do you know?
Flashing lights, lights
What do you know?
Flashing lights, lights
Flashing lights, lights
Flashing lights, lights
[Fade out]Lights, lights, lights, lights...

One Of 50 Cent's Houses Burns Down

Via allhiphop.com

It has been confirmed that 50 Cent’s ex-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins and two of her children, including 50 Cent's son, were among those injured in an early morning fire this morning (May 30).

The $1.4 million dollar mansion in Dix Hills, Long Island, was burned to the ground around 5:00 am this morning, just days after a confrontation between Tompkins and 50 Cent.

Six people, including Tompkins and 50 Cent’s ten-year-old son Marquise were taken to Huntington Hospital, where they were treated for complications from smoke inhalation and released.

A firefighter was also injured and treated for an eye injury.

According to the Associated Press, Dix Hills Fire Chief Larry Feld has deemed the blaze suspicious, because of the intensity of the fire, which lasted for almost 45 minutes.

The pair are currently involved in a court battle over the mansion, as 50 Cent is attempting to evict the woman from the residence.

Tompkins claims that 50 Cent bought the mansion for her, a claim the rapper, born Curtis Jackson, disputed in court.

"To have her living there with her boyfriend and several other people is inappropriate," 50 Cent said. "She's in the house with people I'm not responsible to pay housing for."

On Monday (May 26), the pair were involved in a violent confrontation inside of Tompkins’ Manhattan attorney’s office.
Tompkins' lawyer, Paul Catsandonis said an "extremely dangerous incident" took place inside of his office but did not elaborate.
50 Cent was not in New York at the time the house burned down and is currently on location in Louisiana filming a new motion picture.

“Curtis Jackson expressed deep concern over this fire at his property,” a representative said in a statement. "He is extremely thankful that everyone including his son, Marquise, escaped the burning house safely. He is confident that authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and is eager to review their findings."

TMZ.com obtained exclusive footage of 50 Cent and Shaniqua Tompkins arguing on the street on Monday, just days before the house burned down.

Tompkins said she heard an intruder around 4:00 am, just before the inferno erupted and burned the mansion to the ground.

The dispute over the mansion will be heard again in State Supreme Court in Manhattan on June 10.

GLACIER Artist Versatai: Album Details and Interview

Our very own Versatai who has been making a name on the underground circuit is close to completing his first solo album, The Evolution of Communication. The release date is scheduled for August 1st, but may change due to feature artists needing to finish their part. I have asked for an interview and he agreed to give me one. Here's how it went:

Rara Avis: So who all is going to be featured on this album?
Versatai: The Saurus, Phathom, Marvwon, Sick for Brains, XI of the North Starz, Atlaz, Venom, EyeDrop, JLR, A.D.D., Quality, yourself (Rara Avis), Nero, LoLo, and The Cleanest.

Rara Avis: How long have you been working on the album?
Versatai: Honestly, about two or three months. Not that long at all.

Rara Avis: So how did you manage to start working on this album that soon and still get all those names? Some of them are pretty big on the underground circuit.
Versatai:I've always believed in promotion, and working as hard as possible to create a quality product. I've had ideas for my own solo album for quite awhile, so once I decided to actually sit down to do it, I knew getting some more recognizable names on the album would be a plus. So I contacted a few artists with whom I felt would contribute a great sound to my album. Some of them required money to put a verse down with me, so I put together some cash and made sure to get the artists I desired.

Rara Avis: But The Saurus did a verse for free right?
Versatai:He ended up charging me just because I took too long to get everything around to get to him. I wasnt sure what song I wanted him on, and was waiting for JLR to get his studio together...you know, that sorta thing.

Rara Avis: Either way, it's still a plus getting him on the track right?
Versatai: Yeah. He's one of my idols. It's weird that his internet fame has gotten him to the point he is, and that he's never put out a real album, but I just love the way he flows, his wordplays, etc. So it's a huge plus to have a beast like that on the album.

Rara Avis: So how long have you been rapping?
Versatai: In a musical sense, since I was 18, but I've been writing poetry since I was 10. I wrote verses in hip hop form starting at 16, but I never put them to beats til I hit 18 or so.

Rara Avis:And how old are you now?
Versatai: I will be 24 in August

Rara Avis: So, in such a short time, you've managed to elevate yourself to a status that makes well known rap battles want to be on a track with you. How did you do it?
Versatai: Hard work and perseverance. I have really evolved my rhymes over the years, and now feel confident about the fact that I can hang with a good number of very talented artists. I've practically immersed myself in music the last 2 years, trying to learn different styles, wordplays, and flow schemes of many of the highest talented artists. I just strive to be half the rapper they are, or even to be on their level one day, and there's no way to even think about getting there without extreme dedication.

Rara Avis: Is there anything else you would like to say before we end this interview?
Versatai: The Evolution of Communication is just that; an evolution of my hip hop communication skills, among other things. We as a culture have taken communicating as second nature, and reduced it to a strictly technological level. This album is my way of trying to shock society, or my listeners, into realizing the error of our ways, and to try to think outside the box more often. It's tentatively set to release August 1st, although that is subject to change. I am just one man, but if I can invoke change in just one other human being, well then I've evolved someone's thought process, and that's half the battle.

Rara Avis: Well, I'm sure it'll be a great album once it's finished from what I've heard. But I think this will end our interview.
Versatai: Thank you very much, and I look forward to an album review in the future.

Well There you have it, an interview and details on the album with Tha Mercurial One himself. Sure to be a great album from a very talented artist. More details later.

T.I could be getting reality show on MTV

Via hiphopdx.com
According to Variety, rapper T.I. (real name Clifford Harris Jr) is in talks with MTV to have his own reality TV show. MTV will follow the Grammy Award-winning rapper as he continues to work on his new album Paper Trail, performs his mandatory 1,000 hours of community service and prepares for his one-year prison sentence-- punishment for being caught in possession of an arsenal of unregistered guns last October just before he was scheduled to perform at the BET Awards.

MTV has already reportedly ordered eight episodes of the series, which is being produced by Ish Entertainment and co-executive produced by T.I.

Ish Entertainment's Michael Hirschorn told Variety."We began the conversations in the middle of deliberations over what would happen to him. The original idea for the show had him staging a series of interventions in each episode with people in danger. But when we visited him under house arrest, it felt much bigger and more powerful than we anticipated."

T.I.'s highly anticipated new album Paper Trail is due in stores in August.

The MTV reality show featuring T.I. is scheduled for 2009.