AHH Stray News: Funkmaster Flex, 50 Cent, B.E.P., DMX

Popular New York DJ/personality Funkmaster Flex is up for The National Broadcaster Association?s prestigious Marconi Award. Flex is one of only two other New York personalities up for an award at this year?s ceremony, which takes place in Philadelphia on September 24. Flex is up for the Major Market Personality of the Year for his show "Funkmaster Flex Show", which airs on Hot 97 Monday-Thursday from 7PM to 12AM and on Friday?s from 10PM-2AM. In related news, Steve Harvey will battle Rush Limbaugh...(read more)

MC Hammer Says Cousin Was 'The Prey' In Rape Case

MC Hammer?s cousin/Hammertime reality show star Bigg Marv was arrested yesterday afternoon (July 30) on suspicion of raping a woman. Livermore, California police took Bigg Marv into custody without incident, after he failed to turn himself in to police on Wednesday (July 29), according to Lieutenant Matt Sarsfied. Police claim Bigg Marv, born Marvin Turell Grant, befriended a woman through popular micro-blogging site Twitter. The pair communicated via email, which led to phone...(read more)

Ludacris Announces 'Ludaversal'; New Projects

Hip-Hop star Ludacris has revealed the title for his upcoming album will be titled Ludaversal. In an exclusive interview with AllHIpHop.com, the Atlanta rapper/mogul commented on a number of upcoming projects, including Ludaversal, the follow-up to his 2008 album Theater of the Mind. According to Ludacris, he also putting the finishing touches on Battle of the Sexes, a collaborative album with Disturbin Tha Peace member Shawnna. Luda also commented on Conjure, his new...(read more)

Cam'ron Announces New Crew, New Businesses

Original Dipset co-founder Cam?ron has formed a new company called The U.N. and has launched a subdivision titled Dipset West. The new brand includes a film, music and DVD subdivision, which will be headed up by Omar ?Iceman? Sharif, the CEO and co-owner of the new company, which includes a new roster featuring Vado, Begetz, Fly Boyz, Charlie Clipse, Byrd Lady and Young Hustle. ?When we started Dipset, it was more than just a crew, it was a movement. The U.N. is a continuation...(read more)

Jay-Z: 'Time For Me to Lay My Blueprint on a Generation'

Jay-Z recently revealed his motivation for creating another Blueprint album came from his desire to establish a second trilogy of albums. ?I always wanted to finish the series because the first In My Lifetime series?you know I had three of those so I wanted to do three Blueprints,? Jay-Z said. ?I didn?t really have a direction and I didn?t want to just do it for the sake of just naming an album Blueprint. So as time passed, I finally got direction and it made sense to bring the trilogy...(read more)

Michael Jackson's Doctor Allegedly Gave Singer Fatal Drug

The investigation surrounding the death of Michael Jackson reached a new chapter yesterday (July 27), when a law enforcement official revealed that the entertainer?s personal physician administered the drug authorities believe killed him. The official, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity in light of the case being ongoing, added that Dr. Conrad Murray gave Jackson the anesthetic Propofol (Diprivan) on the last night of his life, as AllHipHop.com initially reported....(read more)

Australian Immigration Rejects Rapper Ja Rule

Queens, New York rapper Ja Rule has been forced to cancel a tour of Australia this weekend after running into issues with his visa. Ja Rule was supposed to perform August 25 at Big Top at Luna Park, but the gig has been scrapped due to ?visa processing? delays from the Immigration Department. The rapper, who has performed in Australia at least twice in the past, is hoping that immigration officials will approve his visa for the re-scheduled date, which is now slated for August...(read more)

Lil Wayne's AMW Tour Kicks Off Tonight; Nicki Minaj Added

Rapper Nicki Minaj has announced that she will join the America?s Most Wanted Music Festival, which features superstar rappers Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Drake and Soulja Boy. The female emcee will hit the road with her male counterparts to promote her latest mixtape, Beam Me Up Scotty. "It's been hectic for the last couple of months, with me promoting my mixtape and being back in the studio, but I'm definitely excited and looking forward to getting back on the road with Young Money....(read more)

AHH Stray News: Big Pun, Wyclef, Common, Slaughterhouse

Vivendi Entertainment has announced a September 15 release date for the highly anticipated documentary titled Big Pun: The Legacy. The documentary tells the life story of the Grammy nominated rapper, who died from a heart attack due on February 7, 2000 due to obesity. The documentary uses unreleased concert footage, videos and interviews with rappers like Snoop Dogg, DMX, Jim Jones, Method Man, Xzibit and others to tell the story of Big Pun, born Christopher Rios. "I hope that the fans will get a...(read more)

DMC Trades Darkness for Happiness on New Album

Creating a follow-up to his debut solo album, Checks, Thugs and Rock and Roll, proved to be a motivational experience for rap pioneer DMC, who opted for a different musical path, after visiting Japan for a series of interviews to promote the 2006 release. The result of the encounter provided the foundation for DMC?s forthcoming release, The Origins of Block Music. ?Every time the Japanese journalists would come in the room, whether it was male or female, they would go ?Mr. McDaniels...(read more)

Shaq Jumps Into DVD Business With 'All-Star Comedy Jam'

Rapper/star NBA basketball player Shaquillle O?Neal will don his producer hat on September 8th with Codeblack?s DVD release of The All-Star Comedy Jam series. The comedy series, which was originally taped live in Phoenix, Arizona before the NBA All-Star Game, features standup routines by host Cedrick The Entertainer, Tommy Davidson, Aries Spears, Kevin Hart and DeRay Davis. O?Neal produced the 88-minute DVD in conjunction with Jeff Clanagan?s Codeblack Entertainment, one of the...(read more)

AHH Stray News: Flo Rida, Nate Mathers Plea, Charlie Mack, Kid Rock

Hip-Hop star Flo Rida will be among the artists performing during the 2009 Miss Universe Competition, organized announced today (July 25). Flo Rida will perform his huge hit ?Right Round? as well as his latest single ?Jump? during the pageant, which is hosted by Billy Bush of Access Hollywood and Claudia Jordan of Deal or No Deal and The Foxxhole Radio Show. The event will be aired live on NBC from Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas on August 23rd at 9:00 PM. Other performers during the night...(read more)

Diddy Forms New Group Dirty Money

In preparation for the release of his new LP Last Train to Paris, mogul Sean ?Diddy? Combs has announced the formation of the new band Dirty Money. The trio consists of Combs, former Danity Kane member Dawn Richard, and songwriter Kalenna. Diddy confirmed the group?s existence and laid out the focus of the trio for his upcoming projects. ?Dirty Money is not about no drug money, illegal money, or anything negative,? Combs explained. ?Dirty Money is a look, a sound, a...(read more)

Rap Boss 'Baby' Says Cash Money Planning Six New Albums

Cash Money Records and Lil? Wayne?s offshoot imprint, Young Money Entertainment, are staging a virtual coup on the industry this fall. In a recent interview with AllHipHop.com, Cash Money?s co-founder Bryan ?Baby? Williams revealed the label?s combined roster will release up to six albums between September and October of this year. Leading off the assault will be Hip-Hop?s newest star, Drake, who officially joined the Young Money roster in late June. ?We?re putting out...(read more)

Michael Jackson's Alleged Son A Rapper

A 25-year-old Norwegian rapper is making headlines, because he is claiming to be the fourth child of late pop superstar, Michael Jackson. Omer Bhatti traveled with Jackson and lived at the Neverland Ranch, after allegedly befriending the singer when he was 12-years-old. Bhatti, who sat with Michael Jackson?s family and siblings during a high profile memorial service last month, is seeking a DNA test to prove that Jackson is indeed his father. Jackson himself admitted...(read more)

UPDATE: Nas Ordered To Pay $40k in Support for Kelis and Child

UPDATE: Earlier reports of Nas having to pay over $55,000 in support have been proven false, as AllHipHop.com has confirmed the Queens emcee has been ordered to pay $39, 498.00 per month. The verdict was put in place until a September 8 hearing, when a judge will again review the monetary stipulations. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Louis Meisinger also ruled that Nas will have to pay Kelis? $45,000 lawyer and forensic accountant fees. Nas? lawyer Mark Kaplan...(read more)

BREAKING NEWS: Gunshots Interrupt Trae Day; Five Injured On TSU Campus

A day meant to pay homage to local rapper Trae the Truth ended in violence earlier today, when a shooting broke out on Texas Southern University?s campus, injuring several people. Last year, the city of Houston named July 22 ?Trae Day? due to the rapper?s work within the community. Today, the large family event at TSU Stadium parking lot, was interrupted by gunfire around 8:50 PM. At least a dozen shots were fired on the campus, a witness told AllHipHop.com. Up to five...(read more)

Yung Berg Denies Assaulting Woman; Planning Reality Show

Immediately upon reading reports of the recent accusations brought against his client, Yung Berg?s manager and attorney contacted AllHipHop.com vehemently denying the allegations reported Tuesday afternoon (July 21). Chelsea Berry, who claims she filed a police report in an LA suburb last Thursday evening (July 16), accused Berg of assaulting her while she visited the rapper at his Woodland Hills, California home last week. Berry stated that following a brief altercation during...(read more)

Rap Star Nas Talks New Son 'Knight'

Hip-Hop star Nas revealed the name of his new son during a concert last night in New York, just hours after Kelis gave birth to the child. A visibly intoxicated Nas gave a performance yesterday in the Queensbridge Housing Projects, the housing complex that has reared a number of rappers, including Marley Marl, Craig G., Mobb Deep, MC Shan and numerous others. ?This is like the best thing ever,? a tipsy Nas said flanked by rap legend Luv Bug Starski. ?My Son?s name is Knight. That?s...(read more)

Exclusive: Nas 'Not Allowed' To Witness Son's Birth

Hip-Hop star Nas is currently celebrating the birth of his son, although sources close to the rapper told AllHipHop.com that he was not allowed to witness the event. Nas' lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan stated that Nas rushed to the hospital to witness Kelis deliver his first son today (July 21). A source close to Nas told AllHipHop.com that the Queen's rapper missed the actual child birth. ?Nas is in New York City today, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his son. It...(read more)

50 Disses Game, Young Buck On BISD Snippet

Snippets from 50 Cent?s highly anticipated upcoming album Before I Self Destruct recently hit the Internet. At least four tracks reportedly taken from the G-Unit front man?s release are circulating on a 4:43 second snippet online. On one of the unnamed tracks, 50 reignites his beef with former G-Unit cohorts Young Buck and The Game, where he disses both rappers in one line. ?I?m like a zebra/I got so many stripes/ ?I?m the f**king general/I run my click right/It was...(read more)

Busta Rhymes Goes Independent With Publishing Deal

Hip-Hop star Busta Rhymes has taken a step towards independence via a new worldwide deal with independent publisher Kobalt Music Group. According to the terms of the deal, Kobalt will administer 27 of Busta Rhymes? tracks, including all songs on Back on My B.S., which contained the hit single ?Arab Money.? In July of 2010, Kobalt will begin administering over 150 of Rhymes tracks, which are currently being handled by Warner Chappell. "We are thrilled to conclude this...(read more)

Wiz Khalifa Leaves Warner Bros For Indie Route

AllHipHop.com Breeding Ground alumni Wiz Khalifa has announced that he has left Warner Bros. Records as his recording home, after numerous delays for his debut album. Wiz, a Pittsburgh native who is signed directly to Rostrum Records, was hopeful that the Warner Bros. machine would elevate his career to another level, after the success of his single ?Say Yeah? which was a Billboard Top 25 hit. While disappointed in the turn of events, the 21-year-old rapper remains confident...(read more)

Jermaine Dupri Addresses 'Pacman' Footage

Producer Jermaine Dupri recently addressed footage that features him encouraging Adam ?Pacman? Jones to ?make it rain? in a strip club, shortly before an infamous shooting involving the star NFL player. Jones is slated to take the stand as a star witness for the prosecution during the attempted murder trial of Arvin Edwards. Edwards is accused of shooting three people in 2007, after Jones had an altercation with security inside of a Las Vegas strip club over $40,000 that had gone...(read more)

Dead Prez Member M-1 Granted Access to Gaza with Viva Palestina U.S. Convoy

Efforts to provide aid to needy residents in Gaza were finally granted as a Viva Palestina U.S.-led humanitarian convoy entered the country on Wednesday (July 15). Among those traveling with the more than 200-member group were Dead Prez rapper M-1, New York City Councilman Charles Barron and former Georgia Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney as well as representatives from the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Middle East Children?s Alliance, Cuba Coalition, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement,...(read more)

Family Denies Rap Song Linked To Steve McNair's Death

Relatives of a local Nashville rapper have denied a rap song about a man prepared to commit murder had anything to do with the death of NFL Quarterback Steve McNair. A song by Keith Norfleet, the ex-boyfriend of Sahel Kazemi was posted on Soundclick, a popular website used by upcoming musicians to share their music. Norfleet, who wrote the song ?Closed Casket,? was questioned by police over the lyrics in the song, but was eventually allowed to leave with no charges filed. ...(read more)

AHH Stray News: 50/Jay-Z, Pharrell, BMF

Hip-Hop star 50 Cent has denied reports that he will go head-to-head with Roc-A-Fella boss Jay-Z on September 11. Jay-Z is slated to release his highly anticipated album The Blueprint 3 on September 11, the same date he dropped the first Blueprint album, which landed in stores on September 11, 2001. It was widely reported this week that Jay-Z, who ranked #1 on Forbes richest rapper list ($35 million) would face off against the #2 earner 50 Cent ($20 million). 50 Cent has confirmed that his album...(read more)

Pacman Jones Incident Vid w/ Nelly, Dupri Surfaces

A just released amateur video has shed light on the 2007 Las Vegas strip club incident that resulted in the NFL suspension of Adam ?Pacman? Jones, and three individuals being shot. The video, which will be used in the attempted murder trial of accused shooter Arvin Edwards, shows Jones and Nelly throwing thick wads of cash (?making it rain?) at the various gyrating strippers in the venue. Upon realizing he?s being filmed, Nelly motions for the cameraman to take him out of the...(read more)

Jo Jo Simmons Sentenced To 1 Day of Community Service

Reverend Run?s son Joseph Simmons Jr. plead guilty to a charge of disorderly conduct after being busted in Manhattan with marijuana in May. The 19-year-old was original was caught rolling a joint by police on May 8th, while he was in a car along the Upper West Side. Police accused the rapper of backing up and attempting to flee when he was caught, which added resisting arrest to the list of charges, which included drug possession, reckless endangerment and criminal use of drug...(read more)

Q-Tip Pens New Book "Industry Rules"

Former Tribe Called Quest front man Q-Tip has teamed with Ballantine Books to publish Industry Rules which will contain the rapper?s thoughts on the entertainment business, fashion, love and morality. The book?s concept will expand upon a classic Q-Tip line on A Tribe Called Quest?s classic song ?Check the Rhime,? in which he states: "Industry rule #4080/Record company people are shady.? The 4080 line became popular in Hip-Hop circles and was even the name of a popular rap magazine...(read more)

Bone Thugs, Akon, Swizz Beatz Sued Over "I Tried"

Popular Hip-Hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, producer Swizz Beatz and R&B singer Akon have been hit with a lawsuit by a Texas-based music publisher. Songster, which is located in Fort Worth, Texas, filed the lawsuit in the Central District of California yesterday (July 14). The company claims the Bone Thug's lead single from their 2007 album Strength and Loyalty illegally lifted portions of the 1978 track "When The Day Will Come (aka KRSNA)" by group Rasa. The lawsuit...(read more)

Three 6 Mafia Lands Reality Cooking Show

The remaining two members of Three 6 Mafia are continuing to capitalize on their crossover success with yet another unexpected new venture. DJ Paul and Juicy J have developed a new television project which will introduce the world to their love of cooking. Cookin? Ain?t Easy will find the two longtime friends and collaborators hosting a weekly dinner party for friends, fans and celebrity guests. But prior to the arrival of the guests and the start of the meal, the show...(read more)

Police In New Zealand Lash Out At The Game Over Upcoming Concert

Police in Rotorua, New Zealand, have expressed their disappointment and concerns over an upcoming concert featuring Compton rapper The Game. On August 15, The Game is due in New Zealand as part of his tour across Europe. According to New Zealand's Daily Post, police are organizing a special "operation" and will have a more noticeable presence when The Game performs. "I understand [the] concerns of a lot of people. We know from experience having these sorts of performers...(read more)

Beenie Man Goes Indie; Sgns With Brookland Ent/Universal Republic

The freedom to dictate his musical direction provided the motivation for famed reggae/dancehall artist Beenie Man to align with New York-based independent record label Brookland Entertainment/Universal Republic. According to the Kingston, Jamaica native, transitioning from a major label to an independent was a no-brainer, considering his track record with well-known labels. ?Being signed to a major label, you lose creative control,? Beenie Man said, as he cited Brookland president...(read more)

Nas Responds To Kelis Allegations In Divorce Case

As his less-than-amicable divorce from singer Kelis rages on, rapper Nas has disclosed his earnings and expenses to support the fact that his financial state is not quite what his estranged wife believes it is. According to TMZ.com, the Queensbridge native reports that while Kelis? divorce petition indicated that he had received $11 million for his deal with Def Jam in 2006, he in fact only received close to $4 million. Since then, he says, his monthly income has decreased to...(read more)

Guru, Solar Speak On World Tour Success, Latest Album

Although two months removed from their latest effort (Guru 8.0: Lost and Found), former Gangstarr frontman Guru and producer Solar are just getting warmed up in promoting the LP through a world tour. Marketing themselves as the ?#1 Hip-Hop/Jazz act on the planet,? the group has recently completed shows in Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, and London. While the reception back home has been mixed, Guru explained that their experimental sound has been enthusiastically embraced overseas....(read more)

Jacob The Jeweler Forfeits $2 Million To Authorities

The imprisoned celebrity jeweler makes a government sponsored donation as part of his plea agreement.

The Grouch and Eligh On Video Release and Future Plans

Exclusive: The Grouch and Eligh speak to DX about their upcoming video and forthcoming solo projects.

Making the Band Franchise at the Center of MTV Court Case

Hip-Hop mogul Sean ?P. Diddy? Combs may make a possible appearance in court in regards to a case involving MTV and its hit reality show, Making the Band. The case, which was scheduled to go to mediation this month, stems from efforts to sue MTV Networks by Soneet Kapila, a trustee in former boy band creator Lou Pearlman?s ongoing bankruptcy case. The talent manager, who?s Trans Continental Records introduced The Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC, made headlines in 2006 after reports...(read more)

Mos Def Talks Black Star, Islam, and Haters

The rapper-cum-actor sounds off on politically silent rappers, and says he doesn’t care if he’s called a “hater.”

Naughty By Nature Talks Microsoft Partnership, Album

Exclusive: Vin Rock tells DX how the Jersey trio's love of mobile devices may make them Windows Mobile's partners.

The Scratch DJ Academy Offers Tutorial Book

The academy founded by the late Jam Master Jay presents a self-help resource for aspiring deejays.

Accident At Snoop's House Sends Child To Hospital

A three-year-old child was hospitalized after an accident at the home of rapper Snoop Dogg. Police in Diamond Bar, California responded to a call shortly after 10:00 PM, from the gated community where Snoop resides. The three-year-old boy toddler slipped and fell underwater into a spa, but was rescued by an adult shortly after the fall. A concerned adult called for medical treatment for the toddler, who was briefly hospitalized with breathing problems. ...(read more)

Jay-Z Lawyer Wants Off 40/40 Labor Case

Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z has been hit with another federal lawsuit, stemming from his trendy Manhattan 40/40 club. The lawyer defending Jay-Z against a lawsuit filed by former employees is seeking to withdraw from the lawsuit, claiming the mogul has failed to pay the legal firm for their work. According to The New York Post, Michael DiMattia recently wrote a letter to Manhattan Federal Court Judge Loretta Preska, who is presiding over the case. Certain employees of Jay-Z?s...(read more)

AHH Stray News: Common, Grandmaster Flash, Eminem

Common has dropped out of an upcoming performance in Toronto, Canada during the Rock The Bells festival. According to reports, the budding actor?s film schedule is preventing him from making the date, which takes place tomorrow (July 5) at the Molson Amphitheater. Mos Def will fly in from the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland to fill the date for Common. Toronto?s Rock The Bells stop features performances from Nas, Damian Marley, Slum Village, Big Boi from Outkast and numerous others. ...(read more)

50 Cent Releases 'Forever King' On AllHipHop.com And Other Websites At 10:00 PM

Rapper 50 Cent will release his new mixtape Forever King tonight (July 3) online. Forever King is the second mixtape from 50 Cent to be released this month. Two weeks ago on June 16, 50 Cent released the gritty War Angel mixtape, an 11-track collection from the G-Unit general. The new 12-track collection features 50 Cent rapping over 90?s classic R&B tracks provided by DJ Mister Cee. The mixtape is the second installment of three releases that 50 Cent has...(read more)

Exclusive: BET Denounces Lil Wayne Performance, Drake Apologizes

BET has expressed remorse over a performance by Lil Wayne, Drake and Young Money Records that involved underage girls during songs "Best I Ever Had" and "Every Girl."The songs, which have overt sexual references, were performed during the Sunday BET Awards '09 show as a bevy of young girls danced on stage. The group of girls consisted of Lil Wayne?s daughters and her friends. In an exclusive statement, BET has responded to the criticism and the public outcry over the segment.?BET Networks...(read more)

The Game Apologizes To 50 Cent, Interscope

Compton's Most compares his and 50's chemistry to Red & Meth's, says without beef, Detox would have released.

DJ Big Mike Raided By The RIAA?

DJ Big Mike has responded to the allegations of being raided at his house on May 29.

Michael Jackson Body To Be Displayed; Possible OD On Diprivan

Michael Jackson's body is set to be returned to Neverland for a public viewing, which will take place this Friday (July 3). A private funeral for the pop legend will take place on Sunday (July 5) with family members and numerous celebrity mourners who are said to be in attending. The legendary singer?s body is currently traveling in a 30-car-motorcade to a secret location. The family, however, is still unsure of where to bury Jackson. When Jackson's father...(read more)