Tila Tequila Sextape Coming In Mid-February

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50 Cent, Ciara Go At It On Twitter

They were were once rumored to be dating, and even engaged at one point, but if any relationship ever existed between 50 Cent and Ciara, the pair just don't seem to like each other these days.
50 visited the Playboy Mansion over the weekend, during which he got into Pimpin' Curly mode and started having a little fun on Twitter, saying how strong his pimp hand is.
"I just left the play boy mansion. I think I want to be a pimp now. Sh*t I have strong pimp qualities. lol," Fif' wrote (@50Cent), adding: "I'm looking for girls to start my new line of work. Are there any strong potential hoe's on tweeter right now. lol"
Apparently, that struck a cord with Ciara, who tweeted a little subliminal toward 50, sparking a response.
"The things people tweet say a lot about their character, pay attention! :)," Ciara wrote (@ciara), prompting this from 50: "Yea I tweet things that reflect my character b*tch. I have a sense of humor get one. lol that's why your 3 mill followers behind me.
"ooohh, tell em why u mad b," the singer said in response.
Finally after the mysterious back and forth, both music stars directly addressed each other.
"Who u callin a Bi*tch @50cent?" Ciara asked, tweeting a link to the music video for Queen Latifah's classic song, "U.N.I.T.Y.," where she uses the same line.
It's unclear if the two were serious, or just joking with each other. But, as most of 50's followers on Twitter know, the rap star loves attention, just like he did last week when he took credit for the downtime of popular website, WorldStarhiphop.com.
50 ended the Twitter tiff with Ciara, saying: "@ciara now I'm not going back n forth with you on twitter now cut it out."

Chris Brown Asks Judge To Remove Restraining Order Against Rihanna

Chris Brown appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Friday (January 28) for a reportedly "progress report" in the nearly two-year-old assault case on former girlfriend, Rihanna.
And get this, he asked that the restraining order against him be removed.
According to RadarOnline, the singer's attorney Mark Geragos told the judge that his client has completed his 52-week domestic violence counseling, and also requested the removal of the restraining order barring Brown from contacting -- and being within a certain distance -- from Rihanna.
But, it wasn't because he wants to get back in touch with her, Geragos said. Instead, because the former couple are regularly at the same major music events.
"It makes it difficult at award shows and such," he said.
Judge Patricia Schnegg did not immediately grant his request, said the report, suggesting that a modification be approved by Rihanna's attorney, David Etra.
During a brief recess, Geragos called Etra, but said he had to speak to Rihanna before agreeing to anything.
At press time, a modification to the current restraining order would be handled at a later court date.

T-Pain Gets New Facebook-Inspired Tattoo

Jay-Z, Will Smith Partner For Film Deal -- 'Annie' Remake Their First Project

Jay-Z continues to strengthen his already superior business resume. This time, he's moving into Hollywood by forging a partnership with heavy-hitter Will Smith to produce and develop films.
According to the Deadline.com, the two entertainment giants have formed a joint venture, the rapper partnering with Smith and Jada's Overbrook Entertainment.
At press time, the name of the entity was unknown.
"The Overbrook Entertainment family and I have a unified vision. We've already produced a Tony Award winning play and we're developing a true superstar in Willow," Jay said of the deal. "This venture into film development and production is a perfect next step with teams that are accomplished, creative, and innovative."
The first project from the deal with be the previously reported "Annie" remake, starring Will's daughter, Willow Smith.
Jay previously sampled the classic Annie song "It's the Hard Knock Life" for his smash hit, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)."
"The time is right to bring back Annie to the big screen. Of course, we're true believers in Willow's talent and believe she will be perfect in this role," Columbia Pictures President Doug Belgrad told Deadline. Combining Willow with the Overbrook team that re-imagined Karate Kid and the spectacular Jay-Z makes this a dream project.
"A decade ago, Jay-Z proved that the power of the underlying Broadway property remains, by showing how these songs could be reinterpreted for a new generation with 'Hard-Knock Life.' We couldn't be more thrilled to be working with our friends at Overbrook as they launch this new venture."
Overbrook Entertainment was founded by partners James Lassiter and Will Smith. The company has several feature films, generating more than $2.5 billion dollars -- including "Ali," "Hitch," "Pursuit of Happiness," "Hancock," "I Am Legend," and most recently "The Karate Kid."
Details surrounding the company's deal with Jay-Z were unknown at press time.

Nas Majorly Behind On Tax Payments, Owes Nearly $6.5 Million

It seems as though ever since Kelis took him to the cleaners in their divorce, Nas has been having money problems and it looks like it's continuing in the new year.
The rapper was hit with a new tax lien by the feds recently, tipping his bill to Uncle Sam to over $6.46 million.
Everybody knows times are tough right now, but Nas (real name: Nasir Jones) can't seem to catch a break.
The paper also reports that he is also behind in paying his condo association for his place in Queens. He reportedly owes $3,860 in common charges, according to this lien filed against him last fall by the condo managers.
They claim Nas hasn't paid the $420 monthly assessment since January 2010.
News of his tax troubles first surfaced in 2009, when documents revealed that he owed over $2.5 million in unpaid taxes, and it seems he wasn't able to straighten out the problem then.
Below is a breakdown of what he owes:
  • The IRS filed a $514,298 lien Jan. 10 with the New York City Register of Deeds.
  • The IRS filed a $3,365,671 lien Feb. 3, 2010, in New York.
  • The IRS filed a $2,584,236 lien Oct. 16, 2009, in New York.

Wiz Khalifa Announces Title, Release Date For Debut Album

Coming off the success of his smash hit single, "Black and Yellow," rapper Wiz Khalifa has officially announced the title and release date for his upcoming debut album.
Shortly after midnight on Wednesday (January 26), the Pittsburgh native tweeted to the news to his fans, following a live broadcast on UStream.
"Rolling Papers: March 29", Wiz wrote (@RealWizKhalifa).
So there you have it, Rolling Papers is the title, and it's set to drop on March 29.
At press time, further details regarding his major label debut were unknown.
However, in recent months, Wiz has been in the studio with the likes of Snoop Dogg, The Game, Three 6 Mafia's Juicy J, and T-Pain, among others.

Sorry Guys, But There Will Be No Cheerleaders At Super Bowl XLV

This is some odd news, but at the upcoming Super Bowl, there will be no cheerleaders! Yes, you read right, no cheering squad for either team.
It's not because the NFL has banned them from the big game, or that the teams don't want them, but because both the Green Bay Packers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the small number of NFL franchises that do not have a professional cheerleading squad, according to ESPN.com.
Super Bowl XLV: Steelers or Packers?
Quantcast
Usually, the Super Bowl is the sole game of each season where both teams bring along their cheerleaders, so you get the eye candy on both sidelines. But not at Super Bowl XLV.
Sad, sad news, isn't it?
Oh well, everyone will have to focus on football strictly come Super Bowl Sunday on February 6, when Steelers take on the Packers in Dallas.
Who are you rooting for?

50 Cent Takes Credit For Downtime On WorldStarhiphop, Owner Says It's A Joke

Fans of popular urban tube site, WorldStarHipHop.com, have been greeted with a "not found" error message when trying to access the website on Monday (January 24), sparking widespread speculation about whether or not it had been shut down.
50 Cent then sent off a series of tweets taking credit for shutting down the website, squashing rumors that the site was seized by Homeland Security, like several other websites in November of 2010.
"I don't know why people underestimate me. I just shut down WORLDSTAR for future advertising contact thisis50.com suckers lol," 50 Cent tweeted (@50Cent). "I put worldstar to bed, you don't believe try me I will shut your sh*t down. Lol."
In November 2009, 50 Cent revealed that he had filed a lawsuit against Worldstarhiphop, citing infringement for this use of his image and content without permission.
"I gotta lawsuit against WorldStar for utilizing my likeness," 50 explained in 2009. "A lot of people felt like that was my site because they seen my face on the cover of [the website] for a long time.
"But Q (WSHH founder), you see, you should really be nice to me. Because you're not nice to me, I'm not nice. I have lawyers on retainers and I have to pay them so much money anyway, so we'll go back and forth to court until [they] can't afford a subway sandwich. I gotta pay them anyway. ... It's already too late for [them]," he continued.
In response to the closure, the website's owner Q appeared on New York's Hot 97, claiming 50 Cent is only kidding and that their site is having "technical difficulties", but should be back up shortly.
Following tweets about the closure of WorldStarhiphop, Fif warned that other websites were coming to a close as well, but didn't offer any details.
"I predict 2 more web sites will shut down this week. Take a guess who they are. I'm sick of the hate I'm to strong," 50 Cent tweeted.

Lil Wayne Announces The 'I Am Music II Tour' For March

40 Glocc Arrested On Gun Charges

G-Unit's west coast affiliate, 40 Glocc, was arrested Sunday afternoon (January 23) in the San Bernardino area of California on suspicion of weapons violations.
According to the LA Times, the rapper (real name: Lawrence White) was arrested by police after he was caught with a loaded 9-millimeter handgun while parked in his black Range Rover.
40 Glocc, also known as Big Bad 40, is a member of the Colton City Crips, say police, and was arrested less than a block away from their alleged stronghold, the Arbor Terrace Apartments, an area known as "The Zoo."
He and other alleged members of the gang were banned from congregating in the area, as part of a 2008 gang injunction.
Lt. Jarrod Burguon, of the San Bernardino Police Department, told the Times that officers were patrolling a nearby apartment complex when 40 and several others were spotted loitering near a carport area.
The rapper was sitting in his SUV with others, when police found the gun, Burguon said.
40 Glocc was subsequently arrested and booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino on suspicion of various weapons violations.
Several others were arrested at the scene for violating parole.

Bobby Brown's Mother Passes Away, Singer Mourns

Singer Bobby Brown lost his mother, Carole Brown, last Thursday (January 20) in Los Angeles. However details regarding his passing were unknown at press time.
Carole was 69 years old.
In a statement, releasing through his camp, Brown said his mother supported him through his rise in the music biz and through his rough patches -- which included multiple arrests and drug problems.
Although the 41-year-old R&B singer says it's a sad time in his life, he plans to celebrate her life.
"It is a sad time for me right now," Brown said. "I am experiencing a tremendous loss, but I vow to celebrate her life in every way that I can with my entire family, including my fiancé Alicia, and my children Bobbi Kristina, LaPrincia, Bobby Jr and Cassius."
A private funeral held for the family in Boston, Massachusetts.

Juelz Santana's New Jersey Studio Raided, Skull Gang Member Arrests

David Banner To Be Inducted Into Mississippi Musician Hall of Fame

Snoop Dogg Lands Deal With Adidas For Line Of Sneakers

Snoop Dogg has been working with Adidas for some time now. Back in early 2010, he helped in the promotion of a Star Wars-themed line by the athletic giant.
Today, he's continuing his relationship with the company, recently revealing that he's signed a deal with Adidas for a line of his own custom sneakers.
The first pair of custom Snoop Adidas will pay tribute to his hometown basketball team: the Los Angeles Lakers. He showed off the first pair during the video shoot for he and Game's "Purp and Yellow" track.
The kicks come in a high-top model, and boast a purple, yellow, and black colorway, with a white trim.
Snoop expects the shoes to hit stores just in time for the this year's NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles next month.
"They coming out real soon for NBA All-Star weekend," he told DJ Skee on set. "Be sure to get a pair of them."
In February 2010, Snoop helped Adidas launch a special collaborative line with Star Wars by walking around Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood with a faux Darth Vader and a group of Storm Troopers.
The new shoe isn't his first try in the sneaker realm. Snoop previously partnered with Pony for a line of kicks called Doggy Biscuits.

Russell Simmons Pushes For Stricter Gun Laws, Participates In 'Peace Week'

Due to the recent Arizona shootings, politicians and some celebrities are pushing for stricter gun laws, including hip-hop business pioneer Russell Simmons.
Simmons is among a group of politicians and moguls who have come together for another "Peace Week" -- a special week-long exploration of how youth violence has impacted lives across the country.
The music mogul joined New York City Councilman Charles Barron and others on the steps of City Hall in NYC to make the point that law enforcement can't keep total peace on its own.
Communities need leaders that set a proper example and resolve disputes without the use of weapons, speakers said.
The week's organizer, Erica Ford, told CBS that "Peace Week" also serves as a tribute to parents that have lost their children as a result of gun violence. As participants like Simmons would have it, gun laws would be stricter in many cases.
"From U.S. Representative Gabrielle Gifford, her staff and her constituents in Arizona to countless mothers who've lost their children to gun violence," said Ford when asked who benefits from the week.
In NYC, each borough will receive a week-long campaign that specifically targets young men of color who, unfortunately, are still disproportionately impacted by firearm violence.
Last year, the event drew over 1,000 volunteers to keep peace in their respective communities.

Willow Smith, Jay-Z In Talks For 'Annie' Remake

Young Willow Smith has really made her presence known since being signed by Jay-Z in September and then following with the hit song, "Whip My Hair." Now, she gearing up for a film, a classic one at that.
The young Willow is reportedly in talks to star in a remake of the classic 1977 musical Annie, with her father Will Smith negotiating a producer position and Jay-Z possibly handling duties for the film's soundtrack.
Apparently, Will is in talks with Sony to produce the film through his own Overbrook Entertainment, which boasts such films as Ali, iRobot, I Am Legend, Seven Pounds, and the upcoming Harriet the Spy: Making New Friends.
Will Smith also produced last year's remake for The Karate Kid, which starred his son Jaden.
Jay-Z has yet to sign on for the project. He did sample "It's the Hard Knock Life" from the musical on his 1998 hit, "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)."
Aside from the possible film role, Willow is hard at work on her debut album.

Lil Jon Owes IRS More Than $600K In Unpaid Taxes

At one time, Atlanta producer Lil Jon was one of the hottest guys around. However, his stock is not what it used to be. In fact, Jon is in debt to the IRS.
 Jon is the latest in a long line of celebrities sought after by Uncle Sam, owing more than $600K in unpaid back taxes.
The IRS filed a $638,937 lien against Lil Jon back in June 2008, listing a $1.9 million oceanfront South Carolina home as his address.
It's not any longer. The paper reports that the home was foreclosed on and sold in August 2010.
Lil Jon is set to appear in the upcoming season of Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice", alongside a number of celebrities who are also having their own tax issues.
Among them include Jose Canseco, who owes $320,000 in delinquent California state taxes; "Survivor" winner Richard Hatch, who failed to pay taxes on the $1 million prize for winning the show; Dionne Warwick; Star Jones; LaToya Jackson; and Gary Busey.

Jay-Z's 40/40 Club Set To Expand To Several Cities

Jay-Z's 40/40 Club has faced its share of problems. Most recently, its Las Vegas location at the Palazzo Hotel Casino was closed after being open for just nine months, after its owners decided to use the space for more gambling.
Despite small setbacks, the franchise has proven to be successful. In December, news of a deal surfaced which would bring 40/40 Clubs into major airports around the country.
And now, in a new report by The Network Journal, there's plans to open new locations in Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, Tokyo and Macau through 2011. Currently, the 40/40 has its original location in Manhattan, as well as a chain restaurant in Atlantic City.
As far as the airport expansions, Jay and his partners have teamed up with Delaware North Companies, a hospitality and food service company, to open clubs at select airports. However, it still unknown what airports they are expected to open in.
Delaware North owns space at more than 20 major U.S. airports, as well as sports stadiums, entertainment complexes, parks, and resorts.
Experts say the move has the makings of turning the 40/40 chain into a major player in the restaurant industry, due to the sheer traffic through airports.
"The amount of traffic present in an airport justifies the business case for operating a food establishment there," Alex Askew, co-founder of the Black Culinarian Alliance, told The Network Journal. "The cost may be higher but customers are always guaranteed.
"I don't think that is the exact same clientele you will find on the airport side. But the frequent business traveler will likely be the customer with a color blind (that it is owned by a hip hop artist) traffic flow."
Despite the praise, Askew says there's still a chance the deal could water down the brand, so Jay has to choose where 40/40 Clubs open wisely.
"In the case of the food establishment that stays in business there usually is a formula of success that is comprised of operations, service and quality excellence and consistency," he explained. "The way to insure those items is maintained a highly qualified management team will be the key."
The 40/40 Club is named after the prestigious MLB achievement: when a player hits 40 home runs and steals 40 bases in a single season. In baseball history, only four professional baseball players have achieved the accomplishment: Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Jose Canseco and Alfonso Soriano. These players have their jerseys displayed in the 40/40 Club in New York City.
The original 40/40 Club in Manhattan is scheduled to shut down from April to July of 2011 to undergo renovations.

Game Hospitalized After Smashing Guitar At Music Video Shoot

Game had to make a trip to the hospital late Thursday night (January 13) after smashing a guitar during the filming of a music video for "Purp and Yellow," his version of Wiz Khalifa's hit "Black and Yellow".
While on the video's set in downtown Los Angeles, the Compton rapper slammed a guitar to the floor during the filming of one of the vid's scenes, much like a rock star would do during a performance on stage.
But, during the stunt, a piece of the instrumental slipped into Game's finger, causing a laceration and an abundance of blood to follow, as seen in photos the rapper shared on Twitter (@TheGame).
Game went to the hospital where he received several stitches to mend the wound.
"So this was my night," the rapper wrote on Twitter after the evening had passed. "Shot purp & yellow video wit @snoopdogg @djskee @mattbarnes & @ronartest http://twitpic.com/3pxrb5.
"Then the homie @shannonbrown came through http://twitpic.com/3pxsf3."
"Then I cut my f#ckin hand up !!!! & it was alot worse then this picture http://twitpic.com/3pxtj9.
"Then I went to the hospital & got that stitched up ASAP !!!! http://twitpic.com/3pzbgq [sic]," Game concluded in a series of tweeted accompanied by pics.
Game was fine, and went home, and was back to the work the very next day.

Lawrence Taylor Pleads Guilty In Rape Case, Gets Probation In Plea Deal

Retired NFL Hall of Famer, Lawrence Taylor, was in the midst of a scandal mid-last year when he was arrested and accused of the rape of a minor. But not until this week did the former star linebacker finally face the music.
As a part of a plea deal, Taylor reportedly pled guilty to two misdemeanor charges in court Thursday (January 13) in New York, stemming from a May 2010 arrest for felony statutory rape.
He is expected to be sentenced to six years of probation, and must register as a sex offender. He's also been ordered to pay $1,300 in fees.
Taylor pleaded guilty to one count of soliciting a prostitute and a second count of sexual misconduct in having sex with a woman without consent, in his Thursday court appearance.
Since the victim in the case was 16, by law, she was not old enough to give consent.
Sentencing is set for March 22, during which the level of sex offender status Taylor will have will be determined by the judge.
In court, Taylor admitted that he had sex with a 16-year-old and he said that he was aware that results of a DNA test identified him. However, he claims -- as he has since the arrest -- that she told him otherwise.
"She told me she was 19," he said.
In New York, ignorance of a person's age is not a defense against statutory rape, said reports. The age of consent in New York is 17.
The former NFL star was originally arrested in early May of last year at the Holiday Inn in Montebello, New York. Authorites said a 16-year-old victim led them to a hotel room occupied by Taylor, whom she alleged was forced into prostitution with by Rasheed Davis.
At the time of the arrest, Taylor told officers that "he had no idea the girl was underage."
In reponse, the offier said: "ignorance is not an excuse to an individual's age."
Taylor originally pleaded not guilty to charges of third-degree rape, patronizing a prostitute and endangering the welfare of a child. The original charge carried a maximum of four years in jail.
He posted a $75,000 bail later that day.
As an NFL player, Taylor led the Giants to two Super Bowl titles, in 1987 and 1991. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

Kanye West Cops Gold Watch With Own Face On The Dial

Rappers have been known for rocking obnoxiously gaudy jewelry since the late 1990s, but in the past year, Kanye West has taken his love for flashiness to new heights.
In June 2010, the Chicago rapper re-surfaced from hiding during the 2010 BET Awards for a performance of his single "Power," and during it, adorned a massive Egyptian style chain made of 24K yellow gold, costing a reported $300,000. It was accompanied by a four-finger pyramid ring as well. (See a close up photo of the chain here)
Most recently, Kanye was spotted around town rocking a new, custom-made Tiret watch, made of yellow gold and created with his own face on the dial, reports Luxist.com.
The timepiece reportedly set Kanye back $180,000. It is encrusted with 8 karats of yellow, black, brown and white diamonds in the shape of his own face, complete with shades.
Apparently, watchmaker Tiret took over five months to create the dial of the watch itself, which is made of a gold colored mother-of-pearl.
Kanye watch has caught the eye of some of his peers. Last month, singer Usher commissioned the New York luxury watch company to create a one-of-a-kind timepiece with his face on it for a cool $250,000.

Gucci Mane's New Ice Cream Cone Tattoo: Dope Or Fail?

Some rappers, like Pharrell and 50 Cent, have went out of their way to remove their tattoos as they continue to move into higher levels in their careers, but others just keep getting more.
Birdman got his whole head inked with huge red stars, Lil Wayne got some glow in the dark pieces adorned on his neck and face, and Gucci Mane is the latest to get some new, permanent art tattooed onto his body.
The Atlanta rapper walked into the Tenth Street Tattoo shop in his hometown to get tatted by artist/owner Shane Willoughby. When he was done, Gucci walked out with a three-scoop ice cream cone, marked with the word "brrr" on it, inked onto the side of his face.
Woah? What do you think? Dope or a major fail?

Wyclef Jean, Pras End Beef During Flight To Haiti

After years of tension and words being thrown back and forth, former band members Wyclef Jean and Pras has buried the hatchet.
Both artists found themselves in an awkward situation while boarding a plane headed for Haiti on Tuesday (January 12) and they were both on the same flight. Instead, of trying to make a flight chance, 'Clef made amends with Pras.
"On my way 2 Haiti ran into Praz, what should I do make peace or go sit somewhere Else! I Made peace 4 Haiti!" tweeted Wyclef (@Wyclef), who also posted a picture of them shaking hands.
"Yo clef we should of flown privately ... I'm sorry man for criticizing you for flying privately to Haiti. Differences are not intended to separate, but precisely in order to realize our need of one another," wrote Pras (@PrasMichel), who also tweeted a pic.
The original Fugees group members hit a rough patch last year when Wyclef was campaigning to run for the Haitian presidency, to which Pras said he was supporting his competition instead.
"It's official, the people are asking for it I'm here in the belly of Haiti I endorse Michel Martelly as the next president of Haiti!!!!!" tweeted Pras, at the time. He claimed Michel Martelly was the "most competent candidate for the job."
In response, Wyclef fired back during a show in New York City last September, poking fun at the rapper for being the weakest rapper in The Fugees: "I got a message for Praswell, even though you don't want to support me, I got love for you, even though you only kicked eight bars for the Fugees."

Cash Money Leaps In Book Game, Preps First Release

Birdman and his Cash Money Records label is looking to dip its hands into everything. Already a force in music, and with a foot in the oil game, the company has leaped into the book game ... via Cash Money Content.
Cash Money Content is a partnership that pairs the Cash Money Records brand with Atria Books, a division of the publishing powerhouse, Simon & Schuster.
It's first release will come in February in the form of a book called RAW LAW: An Urban Guide to Criminal Justice, penned by esteemed criminal attorney Muhammad Ibn Bashir.
In the book, Bashir gets "real" with readers about the inner workings of the criminal justice system, with a goal of informing those already in trouble about their rights and the intricate process they face, as well as discouraging those who are on the edge from wading further into the troubled waters of being on the wrong side of the law.
Despite containing facts that can explain a criminal his rights, Bashir makes it clear that RAW LAW is not intended to make you a better criminal.
"Even if you are a hardened criminal or just plain foolish, you deserve the best of what the system has to offer," he explains. "Unfortunately, the system is not equipped to give you what you deserve, 'equal justice under the law.' "
RAW LAW, filled with real-life stories pulled from his extensive legal career, was born out of Bashir's belief that there was not enough straight talk about the perils of becoming entangled in the criminal justice system for America's youth.
Throughout his career, he's found that he was teaching the same lessons over and over again, with few really absorbing his wisdom and counsel. So, the book was a step to change that.
Bashir wanted to be able to share his experience and insight into the criminal justice system on a much wider scale, helping to keep people out of the system before they got wrapped up in it.
"I have gone through that stage of faith whereby I despise the injustices of this system in my heart. I am now in the position to speak out against it ... I speak out, I challenge, I criticize, and I 'do work,' because if I don't, who will?" Bashir asks.
"I'm in it to win it. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, opening the door for us. If we disrespect their legacy, their history, the struggle, we lose. The result of a loss in the new millennium is two million persons in prison, the suspension of civil liberties, the destruction of the Constitution, and the entrenchment in the culture of the perception that young, black male equals criminal."
Raw Law will retail for $22 for a hardcover and $15.99 for a paperback version, and will drop on February 15. You can pre-order you copy now on Amazon.com.

50 Cent Helps Penny Stock Soar With A Few Tweets

Game Ordered To Pay $50K To Cousin Over 2008 Funeral Brawl

The Game has been ordered to pay one of his cousins $50,000 in damages over an incident in 2008 at a family funeral.
Back in July 2008, the Compton rapper (real name: Jayceon Taylor) got into a scuffle with his cousin Robert Kirkwood over costs of a funeral for his sister.
According to Kirkwood, he was assaulted by The Game and four others, when he confronted Game over costs -- he claims the rapper said he'd cover -- for the funeral. However, after he refused to pay up, an altercation ensued, leaving him with "severe and permanent injuries".
Kirkwood sued the rapper in 2009, and the civil suit has finally paid off, when a judge ruled in his favor, ordering the rapper to $50,580, covering his medical expenses and other damages.

Swizz Beatz Owes Over $2.6 Million To IRS: Report

Swizz Beatz may be one of the most successful producers in hip-hop, but apparently, his taxes aren't exactly in line.
Swizzy (real name: Kasseem Dean) is in debt to Uncle Same for more than $2.6 million for delinquent taxes.
The producer and new wife, Alicia Keys, welcomed a new baby boy in October of last year. But days after the birth, Swizzy was slapped with a tax lien by the state of New York for over $130,000.
Then, at the beginning of this month (January 3), the IRS filed a $283,000 lien against him with the New York City Register.
Reports first surfaced of Swizz Beatz' problems with the IRS last summer, in which documents showed he owed more than $2.2 million in back taxes. Now, it seems as though that amount just keeps getting bigger.
Below is a breakdown, reported by The Detroit News:
  • The IRS filed a $283,562 lien against Swizz Beatz on Monday with the New York City Register.
  • The state of New York filed a $134,738 tax warrant against him and his ex-wife, R&B singer Mashonda on Oct. 23. The warrant is filed with the New York County Clerk.
  • The IRS filed a $652,727 lien against Swizz Beatz, real name Kasseem Dean, on June 3 with the Rockland County (N.Y.) Clerk. According to the lien, which you can see here, he owes income taxes from 2008.
  • The state of New York filed a $162,300 tax warrant against Dean and his ex-wife Feb. 4, 2009, with the New York County Clerk.
  • The IRS filed a $556,986 lien against Dean and his ex-wife on Aug. 18, 2008, in Rockland County. They owe 2007 income taxes, according to this public record.
  • The IRS filed an $842,645 lien against Dean and his ex-wife March 4, 2008, with the Somerset County (N.J.) Clerk. According to this lien, they owe income taxes from 2006.

50 Cent Hops Into Headphone Game With Sleek Audio

50 Cent is taking a page out of his mentor Dr. Dre's page and jumping into the headphone game, becoming the latest in a long line of musicians to try to ride the headphone craze.
The rapper unveiled a partnership with Sleek Audio on Thursday (January 6) at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, in which he introduced a line of premium wireless headphones called "Sleek by 50 Cent."
With an expected retail tag of $350, Fif' was quick to debunk any chatter that his headphones are not in direct competition with Dre.
"I took the time [and] made sure [that] I secured myself before releasing the product to the general public [and that] it might be matched up against Beats By Dre," the dapper 50 Cent explained. "I knew that immediately that they would make those comparisons and I made sure I secured myself by having something that wasn't actually in the marketplace. It's exciting, new and innovative."
The Sleek By 50 Cent Platinum headphones feature Kleer lossless wireless technology, allowing up to a 60 foot range, and a micro-USB rechargeable battery.
While the headphone market is pretty crowded -- with celebrities such as Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, LeBron James and legendary Thriller producer Quincy Jones -- reports said that Sleek's stock shot up since the announcement that 50 has come aboard.
"You can double your money right now," 50 advised his Twitter followers (@50Cent). "Just get what you can afford."

Slim Thug Looks For Love On Craigslist?

Is Slim Thug looking for love? On the Internet?
The Houston rapper, known for writing wild tweets, recently posed an ad on Craigslist soliciting sex ... but it was just for laughs.
In the ad, which was titled "Looking for a good time!!!!! - m4ww - 30 (houston," Slim Thug posted pictures of himself along with a message that said he just got out of a relationship and was looking for a rebound.
"I'm a 6'6" handsome, rich black male looking for a sex with no strings attached ;-) i just got out of a relationship and looking to get my rocks off," the rapper wrote, attaching three pictures of himself looking into the camera.
Slim Thugga is known for wilding out on Twitter, so for those aware of that, they'd know this was a joke. But after a few media outlets caught wind of his CL post, the rapper took to his Twitter account to assure followers that the posting was strictly to fool the media.
"See how easy it is to trick the media they got me on all the websites for being on craigslist and y'all seen me make it the other day," he wrote (@SlimThugga). "I probably f***ed your bitch if she's bad so if u believe I need craigslist to get p**** u win tge #DFA(dumbf***award) congrats."
It seems as though since Slim Thug has embraced the digital era with open arms, he loves to stir up things. In June 2010, he spoke to Playboy magazine about the trappings that come with dating black women, which garnered backlask from detractors. However, like his CL posting, he said it was all in good fun.
"I said a few things that I guess offended a lot of black women or whatever, so they mad. But a blog is opinion though, so I don't understand why they mad at me," he later said, assuring that the conversation initially began in a "joking mood."

T.I. Wife Tiny Has Drug Case Dismissed

Waka Flocka Flame Freed From Jail On $40K Bond

Waka Flocka was released from jail Wednesday night (January 5), after posting $40,000 bond.
The rapper (real name: Juaquin Malphurs) was hit with a slew of charges when he turned himself in to authorities earlier this week (January 3), following a raid of his home last month, including possession of marijuana and hydrocodone, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and violation of probation for driving on a suspended license.
During the raid, which initial reports said was for an investigation into prostitution, police found drugs and guns instead.
Waka was not home at the time of the police raid, but surrendered on Monday and remained behind bars until he was allowed to post his bond on Wednesday.
His mother/manager, Debra Antney voiced her criticism over the arrest, claiming that the police were bullying her son, and that the charges were trumped up, as the weapons found during the raid were all allegedly legal.
"They found a bunch of guns and twice as much of cash," Antney explained. "They found the security ... his gun [he's] licensed to carry. Waka's security and his cousin was sleeping in the room. The door was locked and what they kicked it in for I don't know, because if they would have asked for the code, we would have given it."
Antney also claimed that the raid was overblown by the media. "You put this big thing out there and start scaring sponsors," Antney continued. "It was two officers there that let us know and that sh** was bullsh**."
Waka Flocka is due back in court at a later date.

Toni Braxton & Family Land Reality Show On WE Network

Swollen Members' Mad Child Banned From Entering The U.S.

Madchild, best known as a member of Vancouver-based hip-hop group Swollen Members, was recently denied entry into the U.S. for unknown reasons ... and is unable to enter to tour or record until the issue is resolved.
The group is currently preparing the March release of a new album, titled Dagger Mouth, through Battle Axe/Suburban Noize Records, and are currently touring in promotion of the project. That is, expect Mad Child, who is unable to.
Apparently, while passing through the customs unit at the Vancouver Airport, he was pulled to the side and questioned for multiple hours about his past and/or if he had affiliations to the notorious biker gang, Hell Angels, which he denied.
"When I was finally called up, the agent started questioning me about being a member of the Hells Angels motorcycle club and when I replied, 'No', he just continued to repeat the question over and over again," Mad Child explained. "After five more hours of waiting, watching him go back and forth, looking on the internet and asking me the same questions over and over again, I was finally called to the front desk. He asked me another series of questions and after a total of eight and a half hours of questioning I was told that I was officially banned from entering the United States."
Mad Child finds it frustrating that he is being judged for things in his past when in recent years, he's turned his life around. He has even given back, by speaking with youth about the perils of drug addiction, which he's suffered from for years.
"It's extremely disheartening to me to know that after turning my life around, it feels like a second chance is evading me," the rapper said. "Unfortunately when entering the United States, I'm not judged on the person I am today, but rather on my appearance and whoever the customs officials perceive me to be, which is discrimination."
Mad Child is preparing the release of his solo debut, titled Dope Sick, sometime this year. It's inspired by his ongoing battle with drug addiction and his descent into severe Oxycontin dependence.

Cymphonique Miller Lands Starring Role Of New Nickelodeon Show

Cymphonique Miller, the 14-year-old daughter of Master P, is starting to really sign on her own these days. The latest in her entertainment career is a starring role in a pilot just picked up by Nickelodeon.
The young singer/actress is set to star in a new show, called "How to Rock Braces and Glasses," based on a book series from Alloy Entertainment, and written by Jim O'Doherty ("Grounded for Life") and David Israel, who also serves as executive producer.
The show stars Cymphonique as Kacey, a popular girl whose status takes a dive after she's saddled with braces and glasses. Now shunned by the mean girls, Kacey finds a new way to shine -- through her music.
"How to Rock Braces and Glasses" was developed at Alloy, as both a book and TV property simultaneously. The book series is due out in September.
At press time, its unclear when the show will premiere.
Cymphonique previously appeared on other Nick series, such as "Big Time Rush", "The Troop", "True Jackson VP" and "Just Jordan."
Cymphonique is the daughter of music mogul and philanthropist Percy Miller, also known as Master P, and the younger sister of rapper/college student-athlete, Romeo Miller.
Using the Internet, the young singer has built her own fanbase by releasing music directly to fans, and touring schools to perform live. With her new songs, "Daddy I'm A Rockstar" and "All That", Cymphonique is plans to usher in a new sub-genre, she calls "Hip Rock Pop".
As a singer, she has toured with Ashley Tisdale, Raven Symone, Demi Lovato and JoJo.
In addition to her entertainment career, Cymphonique is an honor roll student, who -- like her famous brother -- leads by example, showing kids that look up to her that school is important. SHe says that her mission is to empower young girls and is leading by example that hard work, dedication, and commitment results in success.

Tone Loc was reportedly arrested for DUI

Tone Loc was reportedly arrested for DUI back in December, but the rapper says he wasn't drunk. In fact, he says he doesn't drink at all ... and instead, was having a seizure behind the wheel.
The 44-year-old rapper (real name: Anthony Terrell Smith) was pulled over by police in Los Angeles on December 13th, at around 3:00 a.m., after he was spotted driving erratically.
From there, Tone was arrested and booked at a nearby police station on a DUI charge.
He was released 12 hours later on $5,000 bail.
Tone Loc's manager told Reader that hasn't drinken for many years, but has a "storied history with seizures."
His manager said that Tone was released once police "realized" he had a medical condition.
Tone checked himself into a hospital later that day and believes the seizure could have been caused by "bad food he had earlier that day."

Waka Flocka Arrested On Multiple Charges, Gucci Mane Committed to Mental Facility

Gucci Mane Faces Over A Year In Prison For A Probation Violation

So, Gucci Mane appeared in a Georgia courtroom Monday morning (January 3), where a judge reportedly recommended that the rapper be sent to prison for a probation violation.
The violation stems from an altercation in November 2010, where was arrested for various traffic charges after he was spotted driving recklessly by an off-duty office and later found arguing with an unknown individual.
The rapper's attorney requested Gucci be given house arrest, monitored by an ankle bracelet, but his probation officer insisted he be placed in custody, which the judge agreed with.
Gucci Mane (real name: Radric Davis) could face over a year in prison, up to 17 months.
A hearing date has been set for January 24.
The aforementioned November arrest came just six months after Gucci Mane was released from prison, after serving six months for a previous probation violation.
Upon release, he read a prepared statement for reporters outside the jail, saying he had a new outlook on life and vowed to stay out of trouble and lead a more positive life.

Ja Rule Says New Album Will Drop Before Beginning Prison Term


Ja Rule may be going away sometime following a February hearing, after being sentenced to two years in prison for a 2007 gun charge, but he's making sure he gets some music out before then.
The rapper revealed in a Twitter update that he'll be dropping his first new album, since 2009's The Mirror, which he leaked for free, before he is incarcerated.
"Damn some of u act like 18 months is forever... It ain't Hard to tell who the snitches are!!!" Ja Rule wrote (@RuleYork). "Renaissance Project will be dropping before I go in #Supportrealhiphop!!!"
In an interview with XXL, which aired on MTV2, Ja explained why the new album got a title change, after it was previously titled Venni Vetti Vecci 2010.
"I changed the name of my album from Venni Vetti Vecci 2010 ... first of all, Venni Vetti Vecci was my baby; that was my first album," explained Ja. "You can never duplicate that era in time. That was my whole life's work in that album up until that time.
"And then number two, I went to Africa -- it took on a hold of me, when I was doing my album and the whole project, what I was going through right now, with the new beginning, I'm not with Murder Inc. anymore, but they're still the family," he continued. "I'm on my own venture, so it was a sign of a new beginning, new ambitions, new everything. They built this statue out there, it's called The Renaissance, and it's a statue of a man holding his baby on his shoulders with his wife in his arms, pointing to the heavens. To me, it just symbolized what I'm about right now and just the word -- fresh start, I said that's what I want to call my project, The Renaissance Project and it represents what I'm about..."
The Renaissance Project will be released through Ja Rule own MPire Music Group. But, as of press time, there was no release date.
Ja Rule is scheduled to be in court on February 9th, when the court will set a day for the rapper to begin serving his prison sentence.

Singer Jazmine Sullivan Says She's Taking A Break From Music

Jazmine Sullivan broke onto the music scene in 2008 with her debut single "Need U Bad," then followed with the hit "Bust Your Window" -- both of which helped her debut album, Fearless, hit gold sales and be nominated for a Grammy.
Despite her success, the singer isn't feelin' what's going on in music, and shocked fans Sunday evening (January 2) when she announced she would be taking a break.
Sullivan took to her Twitter page (@JSullivanMusic) to reveal the news to more than 90,000 of her fans/followers.
"i'm making an official announcement that i am taking a break from music," the singer wrote. "i'm trying to figure out who i am... w/out a mike, paper or pen. i promised myself when it wasn't fun anymore i wouldn't do it. and here i am. [sic]"
Mysteriously, the tweets disappeared, and later, Sillivan explained that she is just "switching things up", after fans inquired about her sudden change of heart from what made her famous.
"i'm fine everyone. just switching things up a bit till i get it right," she wrote. "now kanye... thats who we should have a prayer circle for. lolol"
At press time, there was no official statement regarding her comments.

Skillz Runs Down Past Year With His Annual '2010 Rap Up'

Virginia rapper Skillz hit fans with his fifth solo album, The World Needs More Skillz, back in October ... but it was his annual year-end rap-up track that gets everyone hype when a New Year approaches.
From Sade making a return and Lebron leaving Cleveland to Erykah Badu's "Window Seat" video and BP's oil spill, the lyrically gifted Skillz runs down all the big things hip-hop talked about in 2010.
Here's just a few of the bars, he spits:
"Waka Flocka went hard and got shot in the paint / Kelis went a lil harder, took Nas to the bank / All that bread on the monthly, son that's crazy / Did I mention the fact that she only had one baby?"
"Yung Berg got robbed by his peers / it's not '09 though, he just seems to do that every year / 50 Cent tried to take out Ross / Like, it didn't work Fif', you might have to take that loss."
Before concluding the "Rap Up," the rapper shouts out many of those who lost their lives in the past year, including Apache, Guru, and Teena Marie, among others.
"May they all rest in heaven, the 'Rap Up' is wrapped up, I'll catch ya'll in 2011," Skillz spits at the end of this freestyle.
Every year, Skillz drops his annual "Rap Up" for free, one year even releasing a music video for it. While you may be able to find a download of it online, he upped it to iTunes for just $0.99, so support the homie for his consistent work in entertaining us all at the beginning of every year.