Mountain Dew Taps Lil Wayne For New Campaign Called 'DEWeezy'


Mountain Dew just announced a big partnership/endorsement deal with Lil Wayne, who they've teamed up with for a new campaign called DEWeezy.
The partnership is set to kick off at SXSW this week, but images from the campaign first started appearing on New York City wallscapes last week. Then, a press release by the rapper's management confirmed the deal as well.
The DEWeezy campaign will consists of advertisements, public appearances and the creation of a skate park in Lil Wayne's hometown of New Orleans. A press release also hinted at a possible touring component, noting that the deal was "anchored in Lil Wayne's touring presence and outside interests including skateboarding and the rebuilding of New Orleans."

Golden State Warriors Send Monta Ellis To Milwaukee For Andrew Bogut

Monta EllisWith the NBA's Thursday (March 15) trade deadline looming, the Milwaukee Bucks have made a move, agreeing to a deal to send Andrew Bogut to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for scoring threat Monta Ellis.
According to NBA.com, the Bucks will also receive forward Ekpe Udoh and center Kwame Brown, while also sending guard Stephen Jackson out west in the trade as well.
Speaking before Golden State's game at Sacramento, Ellis said he and Udoh were headed back to Oakland.
"It's not a bad thing, man," Ellis said. "Not at all. We are going to another team to do the same thing we love to do. I'm riding back home with him."
Ellis recently said he wanted to stay with the Warriors long term, but apparently, you don't always get what you want. "Sometimes it (doesn't) always work out like that."
Bogut is currently expected to sit out the rest of the season with a fractured left ankle, and that's been the story for the Australian 7-footer since entering the league. He was the Bucks' #1 overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, and when healthy has played very well, averaging 12.7 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots in 408 career games.
However, Bogut has missed a lot of games. He sat out the end of the 2009-10 season when he dislocated his right elbow, sprained his right wrist and broke his right hand in a hard fall to the floor. The injury bothered him for much of last season. He also missed significant time with an injured lower back in the 2008-09 season; and now will miss the rest of this season ... and the Bucks have struggled without him.
As far as Ellis, he has been the Warriors' main offensive threat for the last several seasons. This year, he's averaging 21.9 points.
But, the Warriors haven't reached the playoffs since 2007 -- that's when Baron Davis led the team to the second round after stunning the Dallas Mavericks in the first round to become the first eight-seeded team to beat a one-seeded team in a seven-game series.
Ellis signed a six-year, $66 million contract in July 2008.
Jackson is healthy, and so is Udoh. Kwame Brown is expected to be out for the season with a chest injury.

Dwight Howard Wants To Stay With The Orlando Magic For Rest Of Season

Dwight HowardOrlando Magic superstar Dwight Howard has been at the center of wide-ranging trade speculation for much of the season, because this summer, he has the ability to opt out of his contract and become a free agent.
Because of this, there's been speculation that the Magic would try to deal him to another team before the NBA's trade deadline Thursday afternoon (March 15) in an attempt to get something in exchange for Howard before they lose the big guy altogether.
However, Howard has come out, publicly, to say that he wants to stay in Orlando for the rest of the season.

Free Download: Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice (Mixtape)

Wiz Khalifa - Taylor Allderdice mixtapeWiz Khalifa stays busy. Fresh off the release of his collaborative film/soundtrack effort with Snoop Dogg, titled "Mac & Devin Go To High School," the Pittsburgh rap star has been in the studio recording ... and not just for his upcoming, second studio LP, O.N.I.F.C., but also a new mixtape.
And ... it's finally here.
As promised, Wiz delivers Taylor Allderdice, a new mixtape he previously said would take fans further into the genre of music he created with his past effort, Kush & Orange Juice.
The 17-track free download boasts guest appearances from Taylor Gang crew (Chevy Jones, Juicy J, and Lola Monroe), Smoke DZA, and his fiance Amber Rose on the Rick Ross-assisted "Never Been Part II."
It's also full of smokers' anthems such as "California," "Mary 3x," and "My Favorite Song"; and includes production from Lex Luger, Rob Holladay, Cardo, and Sledgren.
The mixtape is the prelude to his upcoming official release O.N.I.F.C., which had no release date as of press time.
Download Taylor Allderdice now, over at MixtapePass.com.

Wale ft. Meek Mill & Rick Ross: Ambition (Music Video)

Wale continues to release visuals for nearly every track off his sophomore album Ambition, the latest being a clip for the Meek Mill and Rick Ross-featured title track.
On the song, Wale lives out his dreams in the inspirational video, featuring each artist telling their story of being a kid and how their "ambition" took them to the top of the hip-hop industry.
Ambition is out now. If you haven't already, you can get your copy of Ambition over at Amazon.com.

Machine Gun Kelly Reveals Release Date, Coverart For 'Half Naked & Almost Famous' EP/DVD

MGK - Half Naked & Almost FamousWith his 2012 mtvU Woodie Award performance and nomination for "The Breaking Woodie" later this week at SXSW, Bad Boy's spitfire rapper Machine Gun Kelly preps the release of a DVD/EP pack, titled Half Naked & Almost Famous, for later this month.
Dropping exclusive through iTunes first, followed by other retailers a week later, MGK announced Tuesday (March 13) that he'll host a Ustream chat with fans at 8 pm EST, where he'll debut the EP's coverart, tracklist, and explain the meaning behind it.
The five-track EP/DVD release will feature MGK's hit single "Wild Boy" that spawned the #1 voted BET 106 and Park music video. It also features a collabo with Cassie on "Warning Shot."
Half Naked & Almost Famous is slated for release March 20th on iTunes, then follow at other retailers on April 1, via EST 19XX/Bad Boy/Interscope Records. Below is the final tracklist:

Spurs' Guard T.J. Ford Retires From NBA Following Season-Ending Injury

T.J. FordSan Antonio Spurs veteran guard T.J. Ford announced Monday (March 12) that is retiring from the NBA, effective immediately, following a recent injury that made him miss the rest of the current season.
Ford is just 28 years old, but has suffered serious injury during his eight-year career, mostly recently during a game against New York on March 7.
He announced his decision via Twitter on Monday.
"Basketball has been great to me & my family for 28yrs," Ford wrote (@tj_ford). "It's official 'I Retire from the NBA' as of today."
Ford also released a statement through the team, saying retirement is the best decision for him and his family.
"While this was a tough decision to make, it is what is best for me and my family at this time," Ford said. "Regardless of what the future holds, I will carry the experiences, the friendships and the memories with me forever."
Ford signed with the Spurs in December, and in 14 games this season, he averaged 3.6 points, 3.2 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 13.6 minutes.
He entered the league as the eighth overall pick by Milwaukee in the 2003 NBA Draft. But, his rookie season was cut short when he suffered a spinal injury and surgery forced him to miss the entire 2004-05 season.
Ford would go on to play for the Toronto Raptors and then the Indiana Pacers before joining the Spurs last year. For his career, Ford played in 429 games, averaging 11.2 points, 5.8 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.16 steals in 27.7 minutes per game.

Estevan Oriol, Upper Playground Release 2012 Spring Tee Capsule Collection


Leading street/fashion photographer Estevan Oriol returns with his latest capsule collection of tees for Spring 2012 with San Francisco-based brand, Upper Playground.
Following successful, past collections together, the two re-up for their newest drops, boasting a variety of new tees created from Oriol's photos.
Created from a series of graphics mixed with his iconic photography of L.A. Women, the Estevan Oriol x Upper Playground capsule boasts 15 tees featuring various women, including Los Angeles film and TV actress Rachel Sterling.
The new tees are available in single colorways, such as white, black, grey, and heather; and retail for $26 each.

Randy Moss Signs One-Year Deal With The San Francisco 49ers

Randy MossReceiver Randy Moss has officially found a home in his return from a brief retirement. It is the San Francisco 49ers.
The 35-year-old deep threat has signed a one-year deal with the club, worth $2.5 million with added incentives that could bring its value to more than $4 million.
"I'm not a free agent. I'm a guy straight off the couch, straight off the street," Moss said. "One thing I want the sports world to understand is the love and passion I have for football."
Moss has a past of not being a team player, and ESPN analysts have even questioned if he would come to the 49ers on his best behavior. However, following the signing to the Niners, Moss didn't wanna reflect on those aspects, but instead, hopes this can be a fresh start for him.

Mystikal Reveals Album Title For Cash Money Debut, Explains How Deal Happened

MystikalNew Orleans rapper Mystikal followed the release of his new music video/single "Original" this week, by heading to BET's "106 & Park" in support of the record.
During his visit, the YMCMB signee debuted the Lil Wayne and Birdman-featured video on the show, and explained how he ended up on Cash Money Records.
Mystikal admits that he and label co-founder Birdman have been talking about him joining the roster for years, even before his six-year prison sentence.
"It's been a long time in the making," the rapper said. "Me and Baby been having conversations even during the No Limit days."

Chris Brown's Girlfriend Karrueche Tran Terrified By Rihanna's Fans

Chris Brown and Karrueche TranChris Brown's girlfriend Karrueche Tran is reportedly so terrified of Rihanna's hordes of fans, she's scared to leave her house without the singer's bodyguards.
this is how the story goes:

Iggy Azalea Apologizes For 'Runaway Slave Master' Line


White rapper Iggy Azalea stirred up controversy last year with a bar on her "D.R.U.G.S." track where she refers to herself as a "runaway slave master."
Harlem newcomer/female rap peer Azealia Banks called her out on the line and has since dissed Iggy for various things, including her recent 2012 XXL Freshman Class honor.
"Tire marks, tire marks / Finish line with the fire marks / When the relay starts, I'm a runaway slave / Master," Iggy spits on the track.
Due to all the backlash, the sole female rapper on TIP's Grand Hustle imprint has decided to address the song/bar, posting an open letter at MissJia.com, admitting that it was a "tacky and careless thing to say."
"In all fairness, it was a tacky and careless thing to say and if you are offended, I am sorry," Iggy wrote. "Sometimes we get so caught up in our art and creating or trying to push boundaries, we don't stop to think how others may be hurt by it. In this situation, I am guilty of doing that and I regret not thinking things through more."
Iggy goes on to explain that the track is inspired by Kendrick Lamar"s "Look Out for Detox," and that she was playing on his line "When the relay starts I'm a runaway slave."
Despite how it sounds, coming from a white rapper, Iggy swears that she is neither racist nor filled with hate, and knows that her words can be used as weapons. "I don't hate any race of people, and it pains me to wake up to other young people being misled to believe I do," she said. "I am for unity and equality. People should get a fair shot at whatever they want to do no matter what color they are; rap and hip hop as a culture is not exempt from this."
Read Iggy's letter, in its entirety, below:

CUBANA LUST Promo :::: Video



 

Ice Cube Discusses Chris Tucker Reprising 'Smokey' Role In New 'Friday' Movie

Ice Cube and Chris Tucker in FridayIce Cube revealed plans for a new movie in his "Friday" film franchise last year, and has just recently discussed the film even further, confirming rumors that he is, in fact, hoping to bring Chris Tucker back to reprise his role as "Smokey."
In an interview with Sway Calloway's SiriusXM show, Sway In The Morning, Cube confirmed that a new "Friday" is in the works... but says it's still in the beginning stages.
"We was waiting on New Line to cut a check. They did that, and now, I'm writing the next 'Friday' movie," he told Sway. "To me, it's really about not asking Chris [Tucker] over and over again. It's about putting the script in his hand and getting the ball rollin' for real. He's not gonna say yes until he see the script and like what he's doing in the new movie. That, to me, is the next step."
When asked about Tucker's life changes, becoming a born-again Christian, Cube made it clear that he wouldn't change the direction of the film ... for anybody. But, hopes Tucker would consider coming aboard and it trying to make it happen.

NFL Receiver Jerome Simpson Pleads Guilty To Felony Drug Charge

Jerome SimpsonCincinnati Bengals receiver Jerome Simpson pleaded guilty in court on Thursday (March 1) to felony drug-trafficking charges, stemming from an arrest in late 2011.
He could face a 60-day jail sentence, and jeopardize his future in the NFL, reports ESPN.com.
Simpson was indicted on drug charges in January, for trafficking more than eight ounces and less than five pounds of marijuana, after federal agents confiscated 2.5 pounds of marijuana in 2011 that was allegedly shipped from California to Simpson's northern Kentucky home.
A judge will decide, next month, whether to accept the prosecutors' recommendation (60 days) or give him a more lenient sentence.
The four-year veteran is currently a free agent, after completing his contract with the Bengals last season. However, his guilty plea could bring a suspension from the league, which would make him less attractive on the free-agent market.
But, the case has to be first reviewed under the league's substance abuse policy, reports ESPN.
As part of his plea deal, Simpson would also get three years' probation, 200 hours of community service and have to undergo drug treatment.

Nicki Minaj Unveils 'Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded' Cover Art -- Hit Or Miss?

Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday Reloaded coverart
Following a massively successful 2011, Nicki Minaj went right into 2012 with one thing in mind -- the release of Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, and has done quite q job in its promotion.
With the project's April 3rd release date nearly a month away, the female hip-hop star unveils a colorful cover of her sophomore project, featuring Nicki sporting a blonde wig with paint splattered across her face and on the white wall behind her.

Iggy Azalea Joins T.I.’s Grand Hustle Imprint

Iggy Azalea and T.I.Iggy Azalea may have announced her record deal with Interscope in late January, but if you’ve noticed, she’s been hanging pretty closely with T.I. as of late.
Why, you ask? Because she’s officially one of the newest members of the Grand Hustle family, alongside Trae Tha Truth and British artist Chipmunk.
In a recent interview with MTV’s RapFix Live, TIP and Iggy revealed their partnership, but declined to discuss the specifics of the deal.
Instead, the ATL hip-hop star said, “It’s going down.”
“The business has definitely been worked out and agreed upon by the powers that be and those that need to agree upon it. I don’t think it’s completely necessary to showcase that. Just know it’s going down,” TIP said, while the female newcomer added, “It’s more than just one album…”

Wiz Khalifa & Amber Rose Finally Get Engaged, Tweets Photo Of Ring

Amber Rose engagement ring with Wiz Khalifa
Following months of speculation and constant talk about tying the knot, Wiz Khalifa has finally done it... proposed to girlfriend Amber Rose.
The Pittsburgh hip-hop star revealed the news via Twitter (@RealWizKhalifa) on Thursday (March 1), writing "She Said Yes!!!", accompanied by a photo of the ring. Rose responded shortly after, adding (@DaRealAmberRose), "He has made me the Happiest Woman in the World!!!!"

Birthday Girl Ke$ha’s 25 Wildest Poses


News flash: Ke$ha is a party animal. The tattoo artist by day, electro-pop star by night recently revealed that favorite pastimes are making her assistant dress up in a penis costume and holding nude parties. When the singer-songwriter isn’t killing the stage with raunchy moves and some pretty provocative outfits, Ke$ha is comparing herself to Diddy. As if having the #1 album in 2010 with Animal wasn’t a big deal, our favorite wild child looks to claim the top spot again this year. The “Tik Tok” singer said she’s aiming to reinvent pop music with her next album scheduled to release May 2012, which she’s recorded all while on tour this past year. Ke$ha clearly loves her fishnets, feathers, and her gold tooth — despite how good she looked in her recent make-under. In honor of her 25th birthday, Ke$ha already shared a photo of her new, studly hairdo. We’d like to keep the party going with 25 pics of Ke$ha’s wildest poses.

Bernie Mac Gets A Street Named After Him In Chicago

bernie mac
Bernie Mac gets his just due.
A sign bearing the name of the late comedian Bernie Mac has been raised over a street in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. About 200 people, including his widow Rhoda McCullough, daughter Je’Niece McCullough and the Rev. Jesse Jackson, gathered Tuesday on a corner near the home where he grew up.

R.I.P.: Davy Jones Of The Monkees Dead At 66 From Heart Attack

Peter Tork, Mickey Dolenz and Davy Jones of The Monkees at a photocall with the Monkeymobile at Manchester O2 Apollo Theatre

Davy Jones — lead singer of The Monkees — died after suffering a heart attack this morning …
An official from the medical examiner’s office for Martin County, Florida confirmed with the News they received a call from Martin Memorial Hospital informing them that Jones had passed away.
A rep for the singer tells us Jones suffered a heart attack at his home this morning … and was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Freeway Ricky Ross Getting Trial Date In Case Against Rapper Rick Ross, Calls Him A 'Complete Idiot'

Freeway Ricky RossFormer Los Angeles drug kingpin "Freeway" Rick Ross has been battling to regain control of his name from the Miami rapper -- who he accuses of stealing it -- since his release from prison in 2009.
Although his initial lawsuit was dismissed in 2010, because the judge ruled that his name was associated with illegal activity, the 52-year-old businessman promised to appeal the decision ... and file a new lawsuit.
Well, last April, Ross took his case to a state court, explaining that state law (in California) "protects people with their names and their likenesses."
I Freeway Rick revealed that the judge presiding over his current suit has ruled in his favor, and has decided to bring it to a public trial and a date is forthcoming.
"We're still going to be doing depositions for the next couple weeks. The judge ruled that she's going to make this a public trial," Ross said.

Free Download: Miguel - Art Dealer Chic, Vol. 1 (EP)

Miguel - Art Dealer Chic Vol. 1 EPIt's was 2010 when singer Miguel dropped his debut All I Want Is You, and now as he works on his sophomore release coming this year, he gives fans some free music to hold them over.
On Tuesday (February 28), the Los Angeles-bred crooner released a three-song EP, titled Art Dealer Chic Vol. 1, the first of three micro EPs dropping in the coming months.
The free download, which was produced almost entirely by Miguel, features his electro-influenced love ballad "Adorn," "That I Do (FTRMX)" and grooving closer "Gravity."

Happy Birthday Justin Bieber! Cougars Rejoice, The Boy Is Finally Legal!


The day that some women have been waiting for has finally arrived!
The teenage superstar celebrates a milestone birthday March 1 when he turns 18 years old — making him legally allowed to do such things as vote and get a tattoo, though that hasn’t stopped him from getting some ink before.
Let’s take a look back at 2011, which was a was a whirlwind year for the pop star, both professionally and personally.
The biopic about his rise to fame, “Never Say Never” was released in February 2011 and was a box office boom, and his “My World” tour had fans screaming around the world to get a glimpse of their idol up on the big stage. While Bieber is preparing for a new album to drop this spring, he didn’t leave his fans empty-handed this Christmas, and released a holiday album, “Under the Mistletoe,” as a special treat.

Frank Ocean Threatened With Lawsuit Over 'Hotel California' Sample

Frank OceanOFWGKTA singer Frank Ocean dropped his debut mixtape/shelved Def Jam LP Nostalgia, Ultra last year to critical acclaim, which helped push him into a space where hip-hop heavyweights like Nas, Jay-Z and Kanye West reached out for collaborations.
Despite all the positives the release had, Ocean is being threatened with legal action by iconic Eagles singer Don Henley over the tape's cut "American Wedding", which features an uncleared sample 1977 Eagles classic, "Hotel California."

Michael Jordan Puts Chicago Mansion On Market For $29 Million


NBA legend Michael Jordan just put his longtime Chicago residence on the market this week for the asking price of $29 million, reports the Associated Press.
The estate is located in Chicago suburb Highland Park, along Lake Michigan, boasts 56,000 square feet of living space -- including nine bedrooms, 15 baths and five fireplaces.
Additionally, the property has a three-bedroom guesthouse, pool area, outdoor tennis court, and three climate-controlled multi-car garages.
Other features includes an indoor basketball complex, featuring a full-size regulation court with specially cushioned hardwood flooring and competition-quality high intensity lighting, as well as a high-tech sound system.