New York was steady rockin’ at Rock the Bells on Governor’s Island.  The weather was right.  The energy was crazy.  And the show was jam-packed with Hip-Hop’s elite. 

From Rakim performing Paid In Full, to A Tribe Called Quest taking the people through Midnight Marauders, the show was memorable, to say the least.  Slick Rick, KRS & Boogie Down Productions, and Ms. Lauryn Hill all hit the stage with their classic albums, but when the Clan came out to perform Enter the Wu-Tang, the crowd went wild, rapping along word for word with every record.

While Hip-Hop’s heavyweights blazed the main stage, the youngins kept the small stage hot with acts like Yelawolf, Big Sean, and Taylor Gang General, Wiz Khalifa.

Your favorite celebs came out to support as well.  Jay and Beyonce, Swizzy and Alicia, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Estelle, Busta and John Legend were all in the building - some even made cameos on stage.

The big homie Snoop closed out the show with Doggystyle, performing with Lady of Rage, Warren G, RBX and Tha Dogg Pound.

A great night for Hip-Hop. Peep the flicks and check out the Rock the Bells Tour at its next and last stop.  D.C., what up!

Original Post

The New York Daily News reported this morning that gang members looking to avenge the shooting of a drug dealer stabbed two men - one fatally - in a Manhattan apartment building lobby on Monday.  Thirty-year-old Jason Black, and an 18-year-old man each suffered several stab wounds to their chests and faces, police said.  The teenager - whose name was not released - died a short time later, while Black is listed in critical condition at Bellevue Hospital.

Sources say the stabbing was in retaliation for a 4 a.m. shooting outside Pacha, a New York City nightclub.  Suspected drug dealer Michael Slater was shot in the abdomen and is listed in stable condition at Bellevue.  Investigators believe he was shot as part of an ongoing fight between Black and the brother of rapper Tru Life, a budding hip-hop star, police sources said.  As of now, no arrests have been made in either incident.

Beyonce has apparently filed a lawsuit against bootleggers who have been selling counterfeit items bearing her name near her concert venues.  The R&B hitmaker is seeking a court ban to prevent street vendors from selling unofficial concert merchandise outside New York's Madison Square Garden when she performs there this weekend.  TMZ.com reports that Bey is asking a judge to forbid the street hawkers from peddling fake goods anywhere near the building. 

Bootleggers beware - she can be a sweet dream, or a beautiful nightmare.

When Kanye said there would be no Auto-Tune on Jay-Z's upcoming Blueprint 3 release, he wasn╒t kidding.  Hov debuted the first single off the new album this past Friday entitled "D.O.A. (Death of Autotune)", on NYC's Hot 97 airwaves.  The track takes aim at the current state of rap music, and calls for rap artists to stop"singing" with voice manipulator. 

Last night at Hot 97's Summer Jam all-star concert in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Jay-Z made a surprise appearance to perform "D.O.A." with T-Pain, another producer and artist who has had a large hand in Auto-Tune╒s bump to center-stage.  As Jigga says in "D.O.A.," "You rappers singing too much, Get back to rap, you T-Pain-ing too much."

If you were in New York City this past weekend, you may have caught a glimpse of our President and the misses out on the town.  The couple jetted to New York on Saturday, hoping to share a romantic evening complete with dinner and a Broadway show.  Harmless right?  Maybe not. 

When word got out of the President╒s plan for the weekend, many members of the Republican National Committee chastised Obama, issuing this statement:  ╥As President Obama prepares to wing into Manhattan's theater district on Air Force One to take in a Broadway show, GM is preparing to file bankruptcy and families across America continue to struggle to pay their bills.... Have a great Saturday evening╤even if you're not jetting off somewhere at taxpayer expense."

The Today Show on NBC noted earlier this week that the timing and cost of the trip seemed awkward to some because of the recession and the fact that many American families are struggling.  Correspondent Savannah Guthrie said, "The Obamas took a smaller Air Force One to the city for a date night.  Press and staff followed in two smaller planes."

A White House official responded to Republican criticism that the trip was extravagant. "The president would have been happy to take the shuttle to New York City if they'd been permitted to do so," he said, indicating that the Secret Service insisted on government planes.

The official said he couldn't immediately provide an estimate of the cost, but it seemed likely to run into tens of thousands of taxpayers' dollars.

According to an official press release from Black PR Wire, The Queen was in Chi-Town this weekend for the “My Black Is Beautiful” tour.  Over 3,500 women attended the affair – a free all-day event, sponsored by CoverGirl® Queen Collection, Olay® Definity, Always® and Tampax® among other P&G brands, filled with workshops, celebrity panels, beauty makeovers and entertainment.  “My Black Is Beautiful” started back in ’06 with a group of African-American women at Proctor & Gamble in an event to celebrate the diversity and collective beauty of African-American women.  The campaign encourages black women to define their own beauty standards and promote it through various avenues.  Check out the final stop on the tour during the Essence Music Festival – New Orleans, July 3-5.

Fifty is reportedly off to court, taking on BVH Integrated Services, and engineering firm that made some repairs to his Connecticut mansion.  Curtis Jackson hired the company back in 2003 when he purchased the Farmington mansion.  The repairs on the estate where to cost $44,000 however the lawsuit said the company billed him for $2.7 million.

Filed back in 2006, the lawsuit which BVH calls ╥fabricated╙, is being heard by a Hartford Superior Court Judge.  BVH clams they received no complaints from Jackson until the lawsuit was filed.

Boxing champ, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., is the target of a lawsuit by the bosses of Just For You Entertainment, a Long Island based company.  Floyd, who is the owner of Philthy Rich Recods, allegedly stole JYE’s artist, Freck Billionaire, after they claimed to have spent over $155,000 in developing the rapper’s career – studio time, living costs, and travel expenses included.  The company is now seeking at least $600,000 in a civil suit against the star boxer.

Mr. Mayweather is set to be back in the ring on July 18 with Juan Manuel Marquez, coming out of a 17-month retirement.

Boxing champ, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., is the target of a lawsuit by the bosses of Just For You Entertainment, a Long Island based company.  Floyd, who is the owner of Philthy Rich Recods, allegedly stole JYE’s artist, Freck Billionaire, after they claimed to have spent over $155,000 in developing the rapper’s career – studio time, living costs, and travel expenses included.  The company is now seeking at least $600,000 in a civil suit against the star boxer.

Mr. Mayweather is set to be back in the ring on July 18 with Juan Manuel Marquez, coming out of a 17-month retirement.

Rosecraft Raceway along with W.I.S.T. (Women In Support Together) are set to host a series of ALL FEMALE amateur boxing shows beginning on Saturday, June 20 at 6pm, according to a press release. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to see female amateur boxers in action,” said Wanda Bruce, Female Boxing Promoter. “Everyone is welcomed to attend and show support for our female boxers who often get overlooked,” Bruce added.

Rosecroft Raceway is located at 6336 Rosecroft Drive, Ft. Washington, MD 20744. Admission to the event is $20 for Adults and $10 for children under the age of 10.  A portion of the proceeds will go to help the Diabetes Association of Maryland.

For more information on this event or to register, log on to www.fightlady.org.

Rosecraft Raceway along with W.I.S.T. (Women In Support Together) are set to host a series of ALL FEMALE amateur boxing shows beginning on Saturday, June 20 at 6pm, according to a press release. 

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to see female amateur boxers in action,” said Wanda Bruce, Female Boxing Promoter. “Everyone is welcomed to attend and show support for our female boxers who often get overlooked,” Bruce added.

Rosecroft Raceway is located at 6336 Rosecroft Drive, Ft. Washington, MD 20744. Admission to the event is $20 for Adults and $10 for children under the age of 10.  A portion of the proceeds will go to help the Diabetes Association of Maryland.

For more information on this event or to register, log on to www.fightlady.org.

Premiering on June 30 at 10pm, T.I.’s wife and former Xscape member Tameka "Tiny" Cottle will pair up with Lil Wayne's ex-wife Antonia "Toya" Carter for their own reality TV show on BET.

According to the official press release for the show, the program will show the two friends as independent:

"Each episode will give the audience an inside look into Tiny and Toya’s lives. They take us on an exciting rollercoaster ride in search of independence and a quest to set the record straight.  We watch them flip the script and create new business ventures of their own.  They will be faced with real choices that will potentially change their lives and the lives of those around them forever.  We learn why this magnetic and mesmerizing duo won the hearts of T.I. and Lil Wayne, as they win over ours."

Are these leading ladies tired of living in the shadows of their high-profile counterparts?

Toya told Sister 2 Sister Magazine, “We do a little shopping, but that’s not what it’s all about…It’s just about things that we’re trying to accomplish on our own, like just us being parents, good friends.”

Check out a preview of the show on June 15.  Another sneak peak will also air on June 28.

Nas blamed his no-show at a Newfoundland concert this past Thursday (May 28) on “janky” Canadian promoters.  Several of his fans were arrested after a mini-riot erupted when local promoter ODC told them Nas would not be performing.  In a post on GlobalGrind.com, Nas explains his absence: 

"I had this show booked for sometime now and found it interesting to see St John's, Canada since I never had been there, and heard great things," Nas explained.  "So we decided, let's do it real quick and get warmed up for Rock The Bells!  So, I didn't expect no f**kery but was quickly reminded how things like this still happen to people in the game! [laughs] Bad business is bad business!  Every now and again artists are asked to travel to another country to do their thing! But instead they arrive and are met by some strange people and instead of doing real business, these "JP's" [janky promoters] are saying they have insufficient funds!"

Craig Cantwell of ODC Productions told CBC News that the company paid Nas about half of his fee, and thought that Lux Entertainment of Halifax had paid the rest.  Instead, he learned that the money was not available.  Cantwell also said that Lux even failed to procure return air tickets for the show's opening act, Canadian hip-hop star Kardinal Offishall. 

Nas had some words for promoters out there: 

“My advice to wanna be promoters anywhere they are.... Take business serious....?Learn about being professional. Always. Its very important to be real with people. Don't continue to pull these 1950 style ways of doin business. Its wack.”

Let’s hope there’s an end to this “jankiness” before the Rock the Bells Tour – 1st stop, Chicago!

Iconix Brand Group announced today that Iconix China, its 50-50 joint venture with Novel Fashion Holding Limited ("Novel"), would continue to expand with the development of the Rocawear brand in China.  The deal was signed with Bosideng International Holdings.  According to the press release, Bosideng will both manufacture and distribute both men’s and women’s products in Greater China.  Bosideng is set to launch in Spring 2010, and plans to open over 300 freestanding Rocawear stores and ship-in-shop concepts within the next three years. 

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter commented, "When Iconix purchased the Rocawear trademark two years ago, Neil Cole and I made a commitment to building Rocawear into a global lifestyle brand.  Our expansion into China is a validation of our joint efforts to bring an authentic interpretation of American fashion to young people around the world."

Looks like Jay continues to make major moves.  Since Rocawear’s inception in 1999, its significance has gone from national to international with annual retail sales of over $700 million.

Rapper Anthony Terrell Smith, also known as Tone Loc, collapsed early Friday morning at the Capt’n Fun Beach Club and was rushed to a nearby hospital.  Reports from the Escambia Beach Sheriff’s Department say that it appeared Tone collapsed and had a seizure due to overheating.  Apparently, he had made several references to the hot weather before he passed out on stage.  Latest reports confirm that he has been released from the hospital.

Tone was best known for his hit singles “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina” in the 1980s.

We’ve been jamming to the first two singles off the upcoming album, Loso’s Way.  Fabolous has just released the album cover via his twitter today, looking for feedback from his followers:

“Check out the album cover my twiggas.. What yall think??”

Seems like Fab channels his inner Al Pacino on this one.  Loso’s Way is due in stores on June 30 off Desert Storm Records.

If you don’t know who he his by now, you might be living under a rock.  He says it himself, “Buzz so big, I could probably sell a blank disc”.  On Tuesday night, Drake brought the house down at S.O.B.’s in New York City.  Hot 97’s “Who’s Next” concert series featured Drizzy Drake along with other artists; but by all the sold out concerts he’s had already, Drake isn’t who’s next, but who’s already here!

Drizzy’s fan base is pretty crazy – especially for not having an actual album out yet.  It was more than just teenage girls hoping to catch a glimpse of the Degrassi TV star turned rapper/singer.  In the audience were some of the entertainment industry’s elite: Kanye West, MC Lyte, BET’s Stephen Hill and Warner Music Group COO, Julie Greenwald.

The stage was lit, the venue was packed and Drake definitely put it down.  From the smooth sounds of his R&B track “Brand New” to the trancelike flow of “Uptown” (which he performed with Bun B), fans were definitely musically satiated.

Boxing champion Mike Tyson’s 4-year old daughter, Exodus, has died in a Phoenix hospital.  A statement from a representative for the Phoenix Police Department has just been released:

I was just advised by investigators that Exodus Tyson was pronounced deceased at 11:45 AM today at the hospital. Our sympathies go out to the family.

At around 10:30am Monday morning, paramedics were called to Tyson’s home in Phoenix when his 7-year old son found the young girl with her neck caught on a cable attached to a treadmill.

Before her death was announced, Tyson released his own statement saying, “The Tyson family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and support, and we ask that we be allowed our privacy at this difficult time.”

Looking forward to Fab’s Loso’s Way?  So are we!  And Rap-Up has recently confirmed the tracklisting for the album, due in stores June 30th.  The first single, “Throw It In The Bag”, features The-Dream, while the second single off the album, “It’s My Time”, features Jeremih. 

Looks like we’ll also have appearances from Weezy, Jay, R-Les and other heavy hitters.

1. “The Way (Intro)” (StreetRunner)
2. “Imma Do It” (DJ Khalil)
3. “My Time” featuring Jeremih (The Runners)
4. “Please Don’t Go” featuring Marsha Ambrosius (Syience)
5. “Lullaby” (The Alchemist)
6. “When the Money Goes” featuring Jay-Z (Jermaine Dupri)
7. “Throw It in the Bag” featuring The-Dream (Tricky Stewart)
8. “General” featuring Lil Wayne (Miguel)
9. “Pachanga” (Sid V)
10. “Last Time” featuring Trey Songz (Jermaine Dupri)
11. “I’m Back” (J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League)
12. “All My Ladies” featuring Keri Hilson (Ryan Leslie)
13. “Fabolous Life” featuring Ryan Leslie (Ryan Leslie)
14. “Let’s Make Love” featuring Ne-Yo (Jermaine Dupri)

Seems like it's gonna be a dope album!

According to HITS Daily Double, the Jiggaman has purchased back his 11th studio album, Blueprint 3, from Island Def Jam for $5 million.  If you remember, Jay-Z signed a $150 million deal with Live Nation called Roc Nation back in April 2008.  This deal was supposed to fund all of Jay’s entertainment ventures.  However, for this deal to be in motion, he would have had to finish his contract with Def Jam, which included one more studio album. 

Is Jay in a hurry to leave Def Jam behind? Who knows! 

Blueprint 3 is supposed to be released in September 2009.

Monster is going to be the name of Usher’s sixth studio album.  The Grammy Award winning heartthrob revealed the album title to People Magazine today.  Wonder where the inspiration for that title came from?  Whatever it was, let’s hope the album goes platinum like ‘Here I Stand’.  Monster is set for release this fall on Jive Records.

Ms. Carey has announced the title for her 12th studio album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel.  The songstress broke the news via Twitter earlier today:

“Bcuz I Love U, I want u to be the first to know the title of my new album Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel. It’s very personal & dedicated to u”.

Mariah plans to work with producers Christopher “Tricky” Stewart , Jermaine Dupri, The Dream, Timbaland and Bryan-Michael Cox.  Memoirs is set to be released later this year.

Word on the street is that CW’s ‘The Game’ has officially been given the boot.  Last year it was WWE.  Now, despite efforts from fans who have gone as far as to record YouTube videos against the show’s cancellation, sources say ‘The Game’, along with ‘Everybody Hates Chris’, have been removed from UPN’s Fall 2009 lineup.  ‘The Game’ was not picked up for what would have been its fourth season – rumor has it that BET might pick up the show.  In the meantime, Med School and Rookie will be missed!

What do you think about CW’s decision to rid itself of these black sitcoms?

It was a Ruff Ryder reunion on the set of Jadakiss’ street banger “Who’s Real” as Swizz Beatz (featured on the track with OJ Da Juiceman), Sheek Louch and Styles P came through for the video shoot.  

Check out the video from WorldStarHipHop.com.

http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshhF5I95946u6S2QD6l

Make sure to pick up Jadakiss’ The Last Kiss, in stores now!

In an interview with Billboard.com, Raekwon talks about his upcoming album set to be released on August 11 (“Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II”).  He also sets the record straight on the recent Joe Budden vs. Method Man battle over rapping skills that took place on NYC’s Power 105.1 last week.

"I was hurt by Joe's comment. He seems like a cool dude, but I don't appreciate him going at Meth like that. He [Joe Budden] must've been feeling himself. You don't play a legend who, like Method Man, did a lot for hip-hop," says Raekwon.  "Joe bit off him anyway. When you listen to 'Pump It Up,' real n*ggas know where that flow came from. I'm not a battle rapper, but I will skin a n*gga - I will skin anybody.  And, in my opinion, he isn't better than Meth, never.  You gotta watch your mouth.  Joe was out of character."

It is clear that Raekwon has no qualms with expressing his sentiments on the situation.

The Chef, who has worked on ‘Linx II’ with top name producers including Dr. Dre, says he will start touring shortly to promote his album.

According to the LA Times, police have identified the alleged shooter of up and coming Atlanta-based rapper, Dolla.  Aubrey Louis Berry, 23, was arrested on murder suspicions Monday afternoon at Los Angeles International Airport as he attempted to board a plane, said officials with the Los Angeles Police Department.

Roderick Anthony Burton II, known as Dolla, was shot in the head as he and fellow rapper, D.J. Shabbazz, waited in the valet parking area, according to his publicist, Sue Vannasing.  She also said that Burton had been involved in an altercation with passengers on a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles, but it is not clear whether or not it is related to the shooting.

"They followed him to the mall because they knew he was coming," Vannasing told the Times.

Berry is being held on $1-million bail.  He was one of two suspected suspects who allegedly fled the scene in a silver Mercedes-Benz SUV after the 3pm shooting.

Chicago-born Dolla had signed a deal with Akon's Konvict Muzik, with singles including "Feelin Myself" and "I'm Tore Up."  Dolla had arrived in Los Angeles to prep for his debut album.

In an exclusive conversation with MuchMusic.com, Canadian rapper Drake announced that there was a tour in the works for late summer that would include him and other big names in the rap game.

“God willing, if everything goes according to plan and everybody’s schedule is in place, then I will be on tour with some amazing people,” Drake said.  “One of them being Jay-Z, one of them being Lil Wayne, one of them being Young Jeezy and one of them being me.”

If this tour does happen, it will be a long summer for Drake.  Fan or not, you can’t deny that Drake is gettin’ it in right now.  Catch Drizzy this week as he makes the last two stops on his “So Far Gone” Tour - May 22 (San Bernadino, CA) and May 23 (Los Angeles, CA).

Ultimate Ears, a business unit of Logitech, has announced its new UE 4 Pro custom-fit monitors.  Now, touring bands and musicians can experience high-end custom fit earphones for cheaper than usual ($399).  It may sound like a lot of cash, but it beats the cost of getting custom ear molds made.

Philippe Depallens, the Logitech vice president and general manager of the Ultimate Ears product unit had this to say: “When you invest in a set of custom earphones from Ultimate Ears, you know that you’re getting a sophisticated professional monitor.”

Mark McGrath had nothing but good things to say about the new monitors.  “I have got to hear myself,” said the lead singer of Sugar Ray, “Using in-ear monitors has been a revolution for me. They have helped me take my show to the next level. Having these Ultimate Ears – it’s been like night and day. They are a godsend.”

Check out ultimateears.com to learn more about ordering the monitors.

Tragedy struck at the House of Blues in Chicago when a 21-year old man was shot outside a Drake concert early Saturday morning (May 16).  The Lil Wayne protégé, was reported to have performed a 45-minute set around 3:00am when several fights broke out at the venue.  Reports say that the unidentified male was shot around 4:00am as over 1,000 concert-goers evacuated the building.  The victim got into an altercation with a man who displayed a gun, fired it and then fled the scene.  The victim was sent to Northwestern Hospital and is reported to be in stable condition.  

According to Allhiphop.com, Drake cancelled an after-party appearance following the unpleasant incident due to violence in Chicago.  There have been no arrests in connection with the case, one of 11 shootings in the Windy City on Saturday alone.