Nelly Discusses Old Beef With Eminem

Nelly has had a few beefs like his highly publicized conflict with KRS-One. There is one other beef that lingered under the surface with a rapper also known for his lyrical prowess - Eminem. But, the Eminem confusion wasn't a conflict that would play itself out in song. AllHipHop.com asked Nelly about his situation with Eminem and how it almost got out of hand. He's also frank about how he's glad he's not that wild guy anymore.
 
You had a situation with Eminem a while back. Can you tell people what happened with that?

Nelly: A misunderstanding. Me being young in the game. Somebody said something that said something, and I reacted to it. Being young to the game and being real influential, and not checking to see if that’s what it was – which it wasn’t. But me, being from St. Louis. Hothead. Young kid. I got kicked out of four schools for fighting. I was just like [to Eminem], "What? Who? What’chu talking about?"

Coming in at that time with Country Grammar, you’re getting a lot of [beef], you know what I’m saying? But what people don’t understand is that when I made Country Grammar, that sh*t was gangster! I was coming “down down, baby/Your street in a Range Rover/With a street sweeper, baby/Cocked, ready to let it go.” You know what I’m saying? I didn’t change that record. The label changed that record to “boom boom/ahn ahn.”

I didn’t give a f**k. I was from St. Louis. I had a record deal, and they was gonna put this record out? Y’all can do whatever the f**k y’all want with that record. I don’t care, ‘cause y’all gon’ give me what? [holding up an imaginary check] I got this check,a nd sh*t back then, it was only like $40,000, but I didn’t give a sh*t. I was like, you guys are kidding me!

But again, that was that mentality. So, when I thought I heard something, and that something was true and someone was coming at me…I mean, I did have people coming at me at that time. I heard a lot of talk like, "He ain’t a rapper…he’s this, he’s that." And I’m just like "Well, muthaf**ka, where ya at?"

I’m tremendously glad that that’s not my mentality now, and nothing came from it, considering if you look at how so much has happened in hip-hop from misunderstandings and things and people being influenced by the wrong things. I’m real fortunate and thankful that that’s as far as it went.

Travis Porter Signs With Jive

Atlanta Hip-Hop trio Travis Porter has inked a deal with Jive Records last week, according to XXL Magazine. The group, which consists of Strap, Ali and Quez, is currently working on a full-length album that will drop on their own record label, Porter House/Jive. According to group member Quez, they decided to ink with Jive Records because there weren't too many Hip-Hop acts signed to the label's roster. “Jive is cool,” Quez told XXL Magazine. “They givin’ us the freedom to do what we wanna do."

Rapper Khia Unleashes Insults Aimed At Nicki Minaj, Labels Her A "B**ch"

Lil Kim may not be the only rival female rap star Nicki Minaj may have to contend with, after Tampa, Florida rapper Khia unleashed a personal attack on the Queens, New York rapper on her blog.

Khia took it upon herself to review Nicki Minaj's new album Pink Friday, and by the looks of the review and her comments, the album didn't sit well with the rapper, who is best known for her hit single "My Neck, My Back."

Khia review of Pink Friday is far from flattering. Additionally, the review is laced with insults and direct attacks against Nicki Minaj and her image.

"This b**ch needs to be SHOT on site…" Khia said. "It smells WORSER than the gas that’s coming out of my ASS, from all of the Turkey that I ate over the Thanksgiving weekend. Someone needs to give this B**CH a FLEET Enima [sic] and “FLUSH” her IMMEDIATELY, She is nothing but a “Ghostwritten”, Weezy-wannabe WHORE!"

During the track-by-track review, Khia made it clear that she was unhappy with Nicki Minaj's record, although she actually purchased a copy to help Nicki Minaj's sales.

She also lambasted Nicki Minaj's business deal, with claims that she wouldn't make any money off of Pink Friday, due to the amount of cameos, producers and executive producers involved with the release.

"I can’t believe I wasted my $13.99 on this BULL S**T, I told yall that it aint no damn Barbies in the hood," Khia wrote angrily. "I can’t wait for Matel [sic] to sue this b**tch for all of the $3.60 that she earned! When is this b**ch gonna learn that they stealing all of the money?"

Before the review was over, Khia took one last shot at Nicki Minaj, while insulting Brooklyn rapper Foxy Brown in the process.

"Nicki, please give Inga [Foxy Brown] the number to your plastic surgeon and your shrink while you are at! Maybe, you guys can tag team!"

To read Khia's review on her official blog visit http://www.motormouf.com.

Master P. Victim Of Scam Involving Felons In Tennessee

Master P. is considering legal action against a woman in Tennessee who is using his name and the name of Corey "C-Murder" Miller to promote a bogus organization named the Corey Miller Food Foundation.

State officials are requesting a federal investigation into a woman named Alisa R. Harris, who runs the organization.

Harris, who lives in a boarding house in Memphis, is allegedly operating a series of websites claiming to be affiliated with both Master P. and Corey Miller, who is currently appealing a life sentence for allegedly murdering a 16-year-old in 2002.

The websites also list a number of official state organizations that are allegedly in partnership with Harris, who claims that she hires ex-felons and welfare recipients at $10 an hour.

Her "workers" then use their cell-phones to solicit cash donations for the organization.

"This is crazy, she needs to be stopped," Master P. told Memphis' Action News 5.

An Action News 5 investigation revealed that Harris doesn't have a license to solicit in the state, although her 2009 tax returns list an income of more than $150,000.

Harris' presentations and her legitimate tax status resulted in a relationship with an official partner of the Tennessee Community Services Agency, who referred workers to her organization.

According to Harris' own admission, she has hired over 116 ex-felons or welfare recipients  for the telephone jobs, through referrals.

"Within 30 days of our relationship with her, things started to pop up that didn't seem right," Meredith Hennessy told Action News 5. "We severed our ties with her, and we'll be working to remove our name from anything that she is affiliated with."

Master P. was adamant that he never met Harris a day in his life.

"I have never met her," said Master P. "Don't know who she is….just to have somebody use your name and don't even know you, it's not even fair," Master P. lamented.

Quincy Jones Dismisses Kanye West Comparison

UPDATE: Quincy responds to his Kanye remarks, says he meant to disrespect to his "little brother"

In an interview with Us Magazine legendary producer Quincy Jones brushed off a Kanye West comparison they made. After the interviewer said "Kanye West is similar to you in that he's the producer everybody wants to work with in the last decade...." before Quincy cut them off.

"How man? No way. Did he write for a symphony orchestra? Does he write for a jazz orchestra? Come on, man. He's just a rapper. There's no comparison. I'm not putting him down or making a judgement or anything, but we come from two different sides of the planet. I spent 28 years learning my first skill. I don't rap. It's not the same thing. A producer has to have some sort of skills that enable him to be a producer. It's totally different to know what to do with 16 woodwinds you know from piccolos down to bass clarinet. It's a whole different mindset. No comparison. None."

When pressed what he thinks about West, he didn't offer up much. "I don't think about him much. He's a great rapper, but there are a lot of good rappers. I just did The View with Ludacris, who's one of my favorites. He's a beautiful human being and college educated. I joke with him and say, 'How did 'Move Bitch Get Out The Way' come out of you?' But I was raised around the Mafia when I was a kid in Chicago in the 30s. Chicago's rough. I'm from the streets, I know what's up!"

(November 23)

UPDATE: Quincy Jones posted a response on his website to ensure people he meant no disrespect to Kanye West.

“I have nothing but respect for my little brother Kanye and what he has achieved in his young career and I look forward to watching his evolution as an artist. There is a reason why we put him on the new We Are The World 25 for Haiti – he’s a great rapper. But having been in the music business for more than 60 years and having been fortunate to accomplish what I have over that time, it’s not unreasonable to put a comparison of Kanye at this time in his career and myself into the proper perspective. This is not dissing Kanye, this is simply trying to express that I’m not a rapper! I don’t need to take anyone else’s props away from them. Let’s all just try and keep the record straight.”

Pharrell Says Lupe Fiasco Could be Fourth Member of N*E*R*D

Pharrell hints at Lupe Fiasco being the fourth member of N.E.R.D. and possibly recording an LP with the group.

In a recent interview with HardKnockTV, N.E.R.D.'s Pharrell talked about the trio's relationship with tour mate and frequent Neptunes collaborator Lupe Fiasco. During the interview, Skateboard P explained that they would be thrilled to work with the Chicago emcee on an extended projected, hinting that such a collaboration may not be too far from the truth.
"We just want to come through with the real attention to detail and nostalgia," he explained. "We want to make real collector's items [of our] albums...Lupe [Fiasco] is our brother, period. If there was...a fourth member of N.E.R.D., it would probably be Lupe. That's not to say that that wouldn't happen, by the way...I'd be honored to do an N.E.R.D. album with Lupe."
Pharrell also explained his philosophy when it comes to working with artists. He said that he likes to allow artists the room to to function autonomously, but that that he also doesn't only provide help to those signed to his Star Trak imprint. He said that like his work with the Clipse - and now, Pusha T in his solo career - he wants to aid artists in creating good music, regardless of ownership.
"Certain times with certain artists, I just let them go and do them, and anyway I can help and assist them I can," he said. "Like the Clipse: they've been on their on for like two albums now, and now Pusha [T]...went solo from the Clipse...[and now] he's over there at G.O.O.D. Music with Kanye [West], so he's doing some interesting things as well and I'm helping him there. I am interested in growing talent; it doesn't always have to be on my farm. I would just like the world to be speckled with good music for everybody to listen to...it's not always about ownership. It's about contributing to the greater scheme of things."

Lil' Kim Addresses Nicki Minaj In New Diss Track "Black Friday"

Kimberly takes it there, calling Nicki a "Lil' Kim clone clown," and inferring that she got her deal through sexual favors.

After Nicki Minaj released the Eminem-assisted "Roman's Revenge" earlier this month, an inclusion on her Pink Friday solo debut, it appeared that the Queens, New York emcee was addressing 1990s Brooklyn female Rap icon Lil' Kim. Lyrics included, "Word, that bitch mad ’cause I took the spot? / Well, bitch, if you ain’t shitting, then get off the pot / Got some niggas out in Brooklyn that’ll off your top." Additionally, many believed that Lil' Kim had been publicizing Minaj since a New York City Ray J concert this spring.
Now Lil' Kim has taken her own views to verse. Releasing "Black Friday," a clear holiday attack on Minaj's Pink Friday, Kim says, “Aight, you Lil' Kim clone clown / All this buffoonery shit stops now / Time for you to lay down / I’m sick of the fraud / I’ll put hands on this bitch like Obama’s guards." Kim also accuses Minaj or signing with Lil Wayne as a result of sexual favors. 
According to AllHipHop.com, "Black Friday" is presently in rotation on New York radio stations such as Hot 97 and Power 105.

Lloyd Banks Talks G-Unity And Indie Success

Blue Hefner says his low sales in 2006 created the hunger for more, and now he's ready to spread the wealth for the holidays.

Lloyd Banks says his theme of The Hunger For More isn’t just a convenient sequel he chose to link his first and third albums, but also a mindset created by tough love from his mentor, 50 Cent. When Banks was dropped by Interscope following the lackluster sales of his sophomore effort, The Rotten Apple, he says a quote from 50 stuck with him.

“When you win, we all win together. When you lose, you lose by yourself,” Fif told Banks. While the quote didn’t offer much in the way of sympathy, Banks says he’s thankful for it in hindsight.

“But it's the truth. (50 Cent) is supportive, but to a certain extent,” Banks explained to the Associated Press. “He couldn't overextend himself. I was confused at the time. But it's what I needed. I became more hungry.” And so, the theme of a hunger for more was resurrected. And while Banks’ figurative hunger paid off with a gold single and another major distribution deal for his third album, the Queens native hasn’t forgotten about impoverished families who literally have a hunger for more during the holiday season.

Along with the G-Unity Foundation, Banks gave out dozens of Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need. Lloyd Banks also handed out a few scholarships to college-bound students in Queens. When asked for his motivation, Banks was quick and direct with his response.

“I remember when I was a little kid and never really had anybody to come and talk to me…not that I would listen to at least.”

Soulja Boy Addresses Kat Stacks, Cocaine Allegations

While he denies her Cocaine allegations, Soulja Boy has some kind words for Kat Stacks as she faces deportation.

Kat Stacks kept Soulja Boy’s name in Internet search engines for all the wrong reasons when she posted a video to the Web alleging the Rap star used cocaine during a weekend fling with her. Now that Hip Hop’s most infamous groupie since Karrine “Superhead” Steffans faces deportation back to her native Venezuela, Soulja Boy has some interesting thoughts.

“It’s sad that she’s getting deported,” Soulja Boy told Angie Ang of Washington D.C.’s WKYS 93.9 FM. “They taking my baby away…don’t want me to see her no more. When you love somebody you don’t argue; you’re gonna have arguments. I meant everything that I said. She’s all of that and more—scum of the Earth. That’s my baby though, man. I love her.”

The allegations led to a short-lived feud with Fabolous, which has since ended. Meanwhile, Kat Stacks was reportedly arrested in Nashville, Tennessee for immigration-related issues. As for Kat’s cocaine allegations against Soulja Boy, the rapper maintained his innocence and looked at the rumors as a positive.

“I ain’t never did coke a day in my life,” he added. “I ain’t never been in a rehab center a day in my life. Shouts out to the blogs making up stories on me. But at the end of the day it’s publicity. I got an album coming out November 30. Say whatever you want to say, because I know what’s true. I sold 22 off ‘Crank Dat,’ 10 million off ‘Turn My Swag On,’ 10 million off ‘Kiss Me Thru The Phone.’ Three years later I’m chillin, and they hating me. I ain’t never did no coke. I just hopped off a plane. I was talking to Wall Street Journal!”

Rick Ross To Perform At MTV African Music Awards

The Boss crosses the ocean to next month's Lagos, Nigeria awards ceremony, reportedly being his first trip.

With Eminem recently performing at the MTV Europe Music Awards, it has now been announced that another U.S. Hip Hop star is headed abroad to honor MTV's foreign awards. It has been announced that Miami, Florida emcee Rick Ross will perform at December 11's MTV African Music Awards, which will air the following Saturday, December 18 on MTV's Base.
The event will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, and marks Rick Ross' reported first trip to the continent of Africa. The full nominations and performances are available at MTV Base's website.
This summer, Rick Ross released Teflon Don on Def Jam Records.

T.I. Explains Drug Addiction, Says He's Been Treated Unfairly

Tip sits down with Vibe to explain how prescription drugs pushed him to addiction, and says a troubled past also influenced him.

In a telling interview this month, T.I. disclosed his feelings about his recent drug charges and subsequent jail time. Before the Atlanta rapper headed off to jail earlier this month, he'd sat down with Vibe magazine to describe what he thinks about the public's perception of him, and if he feels he's being treated unfairly.

"If I place my value in the way humans treat me, then maybe. But they're human, man--they can't help themselves," T.I. said. "They do that to people they know personally. So how can I expect them to treat me, only knowing me through television? They did that to Jesus. They did that to Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali. They did it to every great person you could possibly think of. When it was all good, they was with them. When things got bad, then they was against them."

While public sentiment has been one of disappointment with T.I.'s actions, the rapper has remained relatively quiet in explaining his behavior. However, he finally tried to vocalize why he thinks he's fallen back into old habits and also takes umbridge with those who've spoken against him.

"Let me just say this," he began. "If you look at a guy who came up, no pops in the house, moms on welfare, food stamps, started selling dope when he was 12, 13 years-old, came up handling guns, being in shoot-outs, started going to jail when he was 15. In all of this chaos and this mischief and lawlessness, the person who was just in jail for machine guns and silencers turns his life around. And now you want to crucify him--for what? Three pills. I mean, of course it's wrong and unacceptable and inexcusable. No problem. But in the grand scheme of things, it's rather petty. It's rather petty to hold someone's feet to the fire for something so small when they have overcome things that were so big. All that could have been going wrong--if I was riding with more guns, or if I had gotten into a shoot-out and killed somebody, then I could see that. But just think about it. I've gotten it down to this much."

Although T.I. and wife Tameka Cottle were arrested for possession of ecstasy, he says he first got into the drug habit because of prescription drugs.

"I had a lot of work done to my teeth. Oral surgery, extractions, six, seven, eight root canals. Between January to February. As soon as I got out, I had a lot of stuff done. In the joint, you eat shit that is unhealthy for you. I had fillings that fell out and stuff that had to get dealt with. Of course for the pain they gave me oxycotin and hydrocodon. And, mind you, on October 13, 2007, I had cut off everything--weed, alcohol. Then I get these pills and I start taking them for the pain at first. And then, I'm like, 'Wait--this shit makes me feel good. And it's legal.' After the pain went away, I kept taking it. I had like five, six prescriptions. So I had, like 80 pills. Everybody else might have a drink or smoke a blunt, I took a pain pill. Times when I had 18-20 hour days, I'd take a pain pill. And eventually I developed--I guess--the beginning stages of dependence."
The Vibe cover story will appear in next month's issue.

by Salima Koroma

Is Nicki Minaj The Hip-Hop Lady Gaga?

By Chris Yuscavage

For Nicki Minaj, there is no comparison.
When Billboard proclaimed her the "First Lady (Gaga) of Hip-Hop" last week, Nicki Minaj jumped on her Twitter account immediately to refute the comparison.
"I didn't 'borrow a page' out of anyone's book," she tweeted, before adding "It's ok 2 give everyone their individual props. No need to lump them all into 1. Undermines the work I've put in."
That's all well and good but, in a way, Nicki should have been flattered to be compared to one of the biggest pop stars in the world right now. With Lady Gaga recently nominated for the TIME Person of the Year award, it's actually a good thing for Nicki to be in the same category as her, especially given that she's a new artist and Pink Friday is her first project. She must be doing something right in the eyes of fans and critics.
We also happen to agree with the comparison. To show you why, RapFix gathered a list of the 10 reasons that Nicki Minaj is the second coming of Lady Gaga. No need to get your (pink leopard?) panties in a bunch, Barbies. This is one comparison Nicki can use to her advantage.

1. She has a rabid core fan base that are extremely loyal
It's wrong to insinuate that Nicki used the same exact approach to gain fans—or "Barbz" as she calls them—as Gaga. But they've certainly gotten the same result. Miss Minaj has gained much of her popularity by getting a rabid fan base behind her and letting them do some of her promotional work for her. Like Gaga, she's put her career into the fans' hands and let them mold her into a superstar. Just like a real-life Barbie doll.

2. She also has a laundry list of haters
Any successful person needs a ton of fans—and a ton of haters. Why else do you think rappers talk about all the "hate" they get so often? When Gaga's stock started to rise a couple of years ago, there were throngs of music fans who stood up and openly questioned everything from Gaga's sexuality to her ability to sing in order to try and discredit her as an artist. But by doing it, they only made her core fans that much more die-hard. The same thing has effectively driven Nicki's name to the top of the rap charts.

3. She has a unique sense of style that she sticks to religiously
People can clown Nicki for her colorful wigs and her sometimes—"Mad Max" stretch pants all they want. All she does is go back into the closet and pull out something even more outrageous. She hasn't quite come around to the idea of wearing a "meat dress" yet, but if she did, would you really be surprised?

4. She has worked hard to build an identity
To some degree, every famous person on the planet has to put on an act in order to entertain the masses. It just so happens that Gaga and Minaj have found the act—or, in their cases, the acts (what up, Roman Zolanski?)—that have worked best for them. And once they found their identity, they kept it up and kept at it until the world was forced to pay attention.

5. When she makes a guest appearance on a song, you know it
When is the last time you heard a song featuring Lady Gaga and walked away from it talking about the main artist? When is the last time you heard a song featuring Nicki Minaj and walked away from it talking about the main artist? Never and never. These two both make the most out of a guest appearance and leave people talking. Talking about them, of course.

6. She knows how to move a crowd
No matter how dope you are on a record, it does you no good if you can't perform it live. And both Nicki and Gaga have shown that, for as eccentric as they are on a song, they're just as eccentric in person. Nicki has her funny faces, Gaga has her crazy outfits and they've both garnered a huge audience as a result.

7. She thinks outside the box when it comes to recording music videos
Male singers and rappers could learn a thing or two from watching music videos by these two. Gaga's are usually ridiculously long and involve a whole lot of symbolism that we don't always get. Likewise, Nicki's usually try and follow some type of storyline that takes some deciphering to figure out exactly what she's portraying. But in both cases, they get the blogs and the message boards popping with people spewing their opinions on them. Love them? Hate them? Doesn't matter. You're talking about them.


8. She used a male cosign to get on—but didn't use it to stay there
At the beginning, Lady Gaga had Akon in her corner. Nicki had Lil Wayne cheering her on. Neither has moved away from her male mentor, but they've both made us forget that they were once so closely associated with them. They're strong, viable and, most importantly, independent artists that don't need a man to stand behind them to get things done.

9. She loves making music, but wants to do more
Nicki makes music ... right now. In the future, she also wants to star in movies. And run a clothing line. And make makeup for girls. And  ... well, she wants to do a little of just about everything. She wants to turn the Nicki Minaj brand into the Nicki Minaj empire, just as Lady Gaga has started to do.

10. She is the most polarizing female artist in her genre
In the rap world, people love her. People hate her. People want to see her succeed. People want to see her fail. But if you mention her, people will talk about her, just like Lady Gaga.

KAT STACKS MAY NOT BE DEPORTED!

Oh nooooo! This is proof that there is a conspiracy against Hip-Hop! They have called off a deportation order against Stacky! Earlier in the week, Stacks said, ""the judge called OFF the deportating order , im just waiting for them to give me a bond price [sic]" According to VIBE, Andrea "Kat Stacks" Herrera-Cardena was detained in Nashville, Tennessee just three days after celebrating her 21st birthday.Technically, she is being held without bail at the Nashville Correctional Development Center For Females and SHOULD have been deported! Not looking good right now for America.

B.M.F. Story To Big Screen

The exploits of Big Meech and the Black Mafia Family have already been turned into a hit single by Rick Ross and a critically acclaimed book by Mara Shalhoup and now, the story of the drug dealing crew is coming to the big screen.

Award winning Producer/director James DuBose is currently working on his first feature film, "B.M.F.," along with BMF Entertainment's Tammy Cowins.

Rep's for DuBose told AllHipHop.com that the flick will center around the life story of Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory.

Flenory and his brother Terry "Southwest T" Flenory were both sentenced to 25-30 years in prison in 2007, for their role in leading BMF, which distributed thousands of kilos of cocaine around the country, earning over an estimated $270 million in the process.

According to DuBose, who produced the BET reality series Trey Songz: My Moment, The Michael Vick Project, Monica's Still Standing and Tiny & Toya, he has learned to appreciate Big Meech as a "mathematical genius."

In related news, James DuBose, an alumnus of Wake Forest University, will return to campus tomorrow (November 18th) to encourage the student body during the "Journey to Success Speaker Series."

The speaking engagement is part of DuBose's Entrepreneurial Nationwide College Tour, which is slated to take place throughout February and March.

During the tour, DuBose and a revolving panel of film, television and music executives will speak to students to inspire their creativity and entrepreneurial desires.

In 2011, DuBose will introduce his newest reality show "Young Moguls" starring Sean "Diddy" Combs' son Christian Combs.

A release date for the B.M.F. movie was not available as of press time.

Wiz Khalifa Lands Publishing Deal

The Pittsburgh emcee is making moves with Warner/Chappell.

Wiz Khalifa has singed worldwide co-publishing deal with Warner/Chappell, following an extremely successful 2010 which saw the release of numerous mixtapes, including the acclaimed Kush and Orange Juice.
The news came via press release, which highlighted Khalifa's now-massive online presence. With "more than 470,000 fans following him on Twitter, more than one million 'Likes' on his Facebook page, and nearly 9 million profile views and 33 million plays at his official MySpace page," the young rapper has certainly mastered the blueprint for emcees entering the game in this decade.
"Wiz Khalifa is one of those true, internet-success stories you always hear about. He released his music through the Web, it spread like wildfire, and his fans rallied around him until he broke through to the next level. He has worked extremely hard to get where he is and Warner/Chappell is a great place to ensure that that momentum keeps going," added Scott Francis, President, Warner/Chappell Music, and Chairman and CEO, Warner/Chappell Music U.S.
Currently Khalifa's single "Black & Yellow" is No. 29 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and No. 17 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

Suspect Charged in Akon's Road Manager's Murder

Six years after Robert Montanez's death in New Jersey, police have charged Almalik Ward with the murder.

Newark, New Jersey police have arrested and charged Almalik Ward with the murder of Akon's road manager, Robert Montanez, who was gunned down six years ago. According to reports, Montanez tried to prevent Ward from robbing Capone of C-N-N (Capone-N-Noreaga) outside of a bar in Jersey City. During a recent interview with AllHipHop.com, Rodini Almonacy, a co-Publisher of Promo Mag spoke on the incident.
“It was about 5 of us in front of the spot. We were discussing putting Capone in the magazine. This guy went through us and tugged on Capone’s chain. Capone said, 'You got one more time to touch my chain.' The guy was like, 'What?' That’s when Screw [Montanez] came in between them.”
According to Almonacy, a fight broke out that resulted in gun shots to Montanez's chest.
"The guy who shot him wasn’t threatened; all he had to do was walk away. Not only did he try to take the chain, he shot somebody," Almonacy added. "I think it was premeditated and they were scheming on Capone.”

While police say that Ward has been a suspect in the incident, witnesses recently identified him as the shooter.

Waka Flocka Flame Accused Of Skipping Out On Shows

Waka Flocka Flame is reaching near-MF DOOM levels of achievement when it comes to not attending shows, according to recent reports.
The young rapper apparently failed to preform at a charity concert in Melbourne, Florida due to a dispute with the event's promoters.
Waka Flocka reportedly refused to perform at Levelz nightclub's charity event "Hip Hop For Hunger" when promoters failed to hand over $10,000 in cash.
According to the event's promoter, Christopher Duncan, there was nothing in the contract that required him to pay the money in cash, and  he intends to file suit against the rapper to retrieve the deposit.
The rapper's booking agents were sued, again, just two months ago for similar issues.

by Slava Kuperstein

Nicki Minaj Officially Responds to Lil' Kim

Nicki finally goes at Lil' Kim openly.

Nicki Minaj has finally made an official response to Lil' Kim.
While Kim has made no secret of her distaste for the Young Money emcee, Nicki Minaj has remained more guarded about overtly dissing Kim, preferring thinly-veiled subliminals in songs such as "Roman's Revenge" and "Monster."
In an interview with Angie Martinez, when asked about Kim, Nicki was more forthcoming than she had been in the past. "[Kim] just really jumped out the window. You gotta be really careful when you pick fights...I think people get me mistaken with a real Barbie. They forget where I'm from. And if I have to [respond], I can and I will. Don't play with me. It's one of those moments when you say, 'Don't play with me.'"
Minaj, who claimed Kim as an influence earlier in the interview, continued: "I respect you, I love you, I've said it in every interview time and time again. And if that's not good enough [for] you, mama, that's something deep-rooted in you. You need to get your -- something is bothering you inside. That's your insecurity bothering you. It's not Nicki Minaj, it would've been any girl that started poppin'. She picked a fight with Foxy, then she picked a fight with Eve, then she picked a fight with Remy, then it was Mrs. Wallace, then it was Nicki Minaj! Everytime you in the news, it's because you gettin' at somebody! Where is your music? ...When I see your name on Billboard, that's when I'll respond to you."

Wiz Khalifa Explains Why He Dismissed Drake's Tour Offer

Rap newcomer Wiz Khalifa has revealed the truth behind his decision not to join Drake for his recent Light Dreams & Nightmares tour and discussed the aftermath of his choice.
"I went out on a limb and went with my gut feeling," Wiz told MTV News. "It was risky when you go for what you know, but it's really easy to take the hand from someone. Not saying I didn't want it or couldn't use it, but I figured I'd try a different method, and it ended up working for me."
"It just lets me know that I'm doin' what I need to be doin' as far as stayin' relevant and stayin' poppin'. But I think to keep me poppin' and keep me relevant I gotta stay buildin' on top of what I'm doin' and what I been doin'. No disrespect to Cuz or anybody else who might wanna see me do some more collaborative things, but to keep buildin' and keep my brand as strong as what it is, I gotta keep focusin' on what it is. This is my first tour that I got comin' up, the Waken Baken tour, I gotta at least kick that off and make that it what it is so we can do ten more...I'm real happy for Drake and real proud of Drake. I was lookin' on the Internet and that [he] made $10 million this year. So maybe when I make $10 million then we can tour."

Eyedea's Death Ruled An Accidental Overdose

Veteran rapper Michael "Eyedea" Larsen died of an accidental overdose medical officials have disclosed.

Eyedea, 28, was found dead in his St. Paul, Minnesota apartment on October 16th. According to Ramsey County medical examiners office, the rapper died from opiate toxicity.

Chief investigator Don Gorrie told the St. Paul Pioneer Press that the specific drugs found in Eyedea's body was not disclosed because it is not public information.

Eyedea, who released three albums as Eyedea and Abilities with the Rhymesayers label, was a revered emcee who had been recording since the late 1990's.

DMX Arrested In Arizona Thursday Night

A week after his Scottsdale performance, DMX faces felony charges for another probation violation.

After expressing hopes of “staying under the radar” before a show in Scottsdale, Arizona last week, DMX found himself arrested in Maricopa County for the sixth time. Fox affiliate, KSAX, reports that officers arrested DMX—real name Earl Simmons—at his home after he failed to check in with his probation officer.

“I know if I was to get caught driving without a license or something, it would be on the news instantly and I would be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” X said last week. “I say I’ve been given a lot of unfair treatment. But I’m not gonna let that dictate where I go or what I do. If I like a place, I’m gonna stay there.”

DMX had his court appearance late Thursday night, since X was already on probation for aggravated assault, it’s unclear how the latest arrest will impact him.

R&B Singer Ne-Yo Is Father Of Baby Girl

Singer Ne-Yo is the proud father of a baby girl, as the child’s mother Monyetta gave birth to the child late Friday night in Atlanta.

The singer was at a charitty event for his Ne-Yo Foundation when he got the news that Monyetta went into labor.

He and his mother then left the event to see the child being born in an Atlanta hospital.

The is the first child for the entertainer. 

FLAVOR FLAV STARTS...LINE OF FRIED CHICKEN?

We're generally used to rapper starting lines of clothing or something typical like that. But, Flavor Flav is going to do something stereotypical and start a line of FRIED CHICKEN! He recently broke it down in a an interview:

I'm also launching FFC – ya'll heard of KFC right? – well this is FFC, Flav's Fried Chicken.The Colonel better watch his back, G! The Colonel might end up in my fryer!"

He's also got some vodka coming out too.

“I want you all to keep on the lookout – it should be on the shelves by January – I'm launching a thing called 'Le Flav Spirits'. I'm comin' out with a cherry vodka, a berry vodka, an olive vodka, a sweet tea vodka, a bubblegum vodka and grape vodka. Also, I'm comin' out with 'Le Flav Cognac' and 'Chateaux Le Flav' which'll be some bubbly. Champagne, that's right folks – Poppin'n'drinkin'!"

T.I.: Letter From Jail #3

This experience is truly a pain I have never felt before and that's saying a lot for a n***a who's been down locked up as many times as I have. I see this as a real ass whoopin'. The kind you don't just go back outside to play afterwards. You take ya ass to bed and don't come out of your room until it's time to go to school. I don' t know what effect this will have on my life moving forward but I'm certainly sick and mother f*cking tired of going to jail, juve, prison, the pen, correctional facilities or whatever else you want to call it. I'd have been better off doing a 5-10 year bid one time than going in time and time again for days, weeks and months for the last 15 years of my life. Even though it's been a long road, I'm still standing, barely but nevertheless still standing. At one time I thought my motivation for continuing was for my fans, my partna Philant, my pops, my grandmama, even for the haters or the people I let down. But nah... I got to do this s**tfor me!!! I'll be God damned if I've come all this way and made it through so much hell to let it go down like this! F*ck that! If an hour in the dark is worth a second in the sun then pass me my mother f*ckin' shades cause I'm ready to cash my darkest hours in...ASAP!!! A lot of folks had fathers or father figures in the house to raise them into manhood. I'm not trying to make any excuses for my situation but my father was a hustler that lived in New York. My uncle was a local big time dope boy turned 10 year federal inmate. My mother and grandparents did the best they could but I found my manhood in the trap and in prison systems. But I found it. And nan one of mine will ever have to feel the cold tight grip of a handcuff or grace the presence of a jail cell if I can help it. Over my dead body! So if you can't respect that you ain't rocking with my movement then F*ck you dog! I know a bunch of mother f*ckers who are.....

- Love KING

Lil' Kim Disses Nicki Minaj Again, After "Roman's Revenge"

Lil Kim says her old hits are more than enough to take out Nicki Minaj, after listeners implied Minaj was talking about the Queen Bee in "Roman's Revenge."

Although Nicki Minaj says that she didn't diss Lil Kim on "Roman's Revenge," the Queen Bee isn't having it, insisting that she could dig into her catalogue to find the appropriate response.
"I got more love for Queens than this bitch do," said Kim to a packed crowd at a Queens, New York concert. "I will erase this bitch's social security number. First of all I don't even need a record right now and I'd kill that bitch with my old shit. I'll kill that bitch with my old shit."
"Right now I'm in Queens, repping, because I got love for all the boroughs," continued Kim, clearly incensed. "Y'all see me in places where y'all be like, 'How the fuck she there?' I touch my people -- like I said, I got a catalogue, this catalogue pussy. I'll kill this bitch with my old shit. My records ain't just enter the charts, they made history. What the fuck is this bullshit, this shit come and go. What the fuck, is you kidding me?"
Although Kim didn't say she would record an official diss track, she seemed to imply some sort of response, saying, "...I just want to let y'all know, right, I don't ever let nothing take me off my grind..."

Rick Ross Says "Teflon Don" Has Reached Gold Status

Although just 453,000 units are listed on the charts, Rozay says he's struck gold worldwide, with an "MC Hammer" video premiering tomorrow.

Although his domestic chart sales show approximately 453,000 units sold, Miami, Florida emcee Rick Ross has claimed that Teflon Don has reached gold. The Def Jam Records star tweeted that he has reached 500,000 units sold of the July 20 release featuring Jay-Z, Drake and Cee-Lo Green.

Suge Knight's Lawsuit Against Kanye West Tossed Out In Miami Court

UPDATE: The former Death Row Records co-founder's million-dollar suit against West related to a 2005 shooting does not even make trial.

In the hopes of reaching some sort of a resolution rapper Kanye West and former Death Row CEO Suge Knight will take part in an over the phone mediation session. AllHipHop.com reports that both West and Knight will discuss the one-million dollars Knight is seeking following an incident at Miami’s Shore Club.
A phone mediation session was put in place because West would be out of the country due to prior commitments. The decision to conduct the session over the phone was made by a Miami federal judge.
"I figured I could sit him down, man to man, and get this resolved," said Knight, according to AllHipHop.com. "I'm disappointed."
Back in 2005, West held a party at Shore Club in celebration of the MTV Video Music Awards. Knight, who was in attendance at the party, was shot in the leg by an unknown gunman. The former CEO also claims that a diamond earring worth over $100,000 was stolen from him during the party.
It is unsure when exactly the mediation session between the two men will take place. (August 19)
UPDATE: A Miami, Florida judge has tossed out the suit Marion "Suge" Knight filed against Kanye West over the 2005 shooting yesterday. According to The Associated Press, with plans to go to trial next month, the judge cites lack of evidence for the seven-figures the former Death Row Records co-founder was seeking.
West's attorney Adam Josephs, expressed his gratitude for the decision, and called Knight's suit "ill-conceived."

Soulja Boy Takes A Shot At Lupe Fiasco?

Soulja talks about his career aspirations and makes it clear who he does not want to be like

Soulja Boy's third album The DeAndre Way drops on November 30 and the 20 year old rapper landed the cover of the latest issue of XXL with 50 Cent. In the issue's interview Soulja Boy talks about his goals and aspirations, and makes a comment about Lupe Fiasco that could be taken the wrong way.
“I can’t keep playin’ around, because if you keep playin’ around, people are gonna think you’re a joke,” he said in the new issue. “At some point, you have to get serious.”  
“I don’t want to be super-Lupe-Fiasco-lyrical and niggas don’t know what the fuck I’m talking about,” he specified. “I want to be the best, I want to be recognized in that category where I’m nominated for Best Rapper with Jay-Z and Kanye and Wayne. I wanna get a Grammy. I want Best Rap Album of the Year… I’ve made millions of dollars off of doing my style, but, hey, I can rap, too.”
Lupe Fiasco has in fact been nominated for several Grammys, including Best Rap Album both his releases, and has won the award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance with Jill Scott for Daydreamin'.
Do you think "niggas don’t know what the fuck I’m talking about" and drawing a line between Lupe and Kanye, Jay and Wayne is disrespectful? Or just a harmless comment? Let us know what you think below.

Breaking News: Willie D of the Geto Boys Sentenced To One Year In Prison

 Willie D, a rap icon from The Geto Boys, has been sentenced to one year and a day in federal prison after he was convicted on wire fraud charges stemming from the false sale of Apple iPhones.

Willie D, real name William Dennis, was caught in a sting operation in May  2009 after fronting a company called Texas One Wireless and selling purported iPhones, but never sending the product to customers, according to an FBI report.

United States Attorney José Angel Moreno and FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard C. Powers made the announcement late afternoon on November 2.

Willie D was sentenced at a hearing before United States District Court Judge Gray Miller who committeed the rapper to 12 months and one day in federal prison.

In court, Willie D admitted to acting as an electronics salesman via eBay.

Willie D was ordered to pay $194,087.17 in restitution, the amount that 35 people were scammed between September of 2008 and April 2009.

Willie D is presently on bond until a prison facility is determined for him.

The rapper was originally arrested on May 13, 2009 after returning to the United States from a business trip.

A native of Houston, Willie D is a gold and platinum selling artist from the Geto Boy and is a pioneer that brought Southern Hip-Hop to national prominence in the late 80’s though the 90’s.

President Clinton Comments On Lil Wayne's Pending Release From Prison

(AllHipHop News) Another former United States President has issued his thoughts on a rap star, with the latest commentary coming from former Chief-of-Staff Bill Clinton, who spoke on Lil Wayne's pending release from Riker's Island this Thursday (November 4th).

Bill Clinton appeared on "The Morning Freak Show" yesterday (November 2nd) on 96.1 Kiss FM, to drum up support for Democratic candidates running in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

During the interview hosts Mikey and Big Bob asked Bill Clinton about his thoughts on Lil Wayne, who will be freed after eight months in prison, for carrying a loaded handgun on his tour bus in July of 2007.

"I tell you what I think about that. I know this is kinda a funny question for you to ask me. My daughter introduced me to rap and hip-hop music, after I said somethings she thought were not very smart. She said 'dad you need to listen, a lot of these people are smart.' This guy's smart and he's got ability and he's got a new chance now," President Clinton said.

President Clinton continued his thoughts on the New Orleans rapper, whose music is also on President Barack Obama's iPod.

"I hope is that this is not something just to brand him as a cool guy, but that it will never happen again to him," Clinton said of Lil Wayne's time spent behind bars.

"A lot of these people they don't get successful in that, just like any area of life by being really dumb, their really smart," Clinton continued. "But a lot of them have had really tough lives and they almost think its cool to get in trouble every now and then or they don't know how to stay out. What I hope will happen is that he has a good life now."

If all goes according to plan, Lil Wayne will be freed from prison on Thursday.

"When I'm released, I'll be giving my musical attention to The Carter IV and promoting I Am Not A Human being I may drop a mixtape! You know me!…the first five things I will do is kiss Reginae, kiss little Dwayne, kiss Neal, kiss Kameron and kiss my wonderful mother Cita," Lil Wayne told Billboard.

T.I. Back In Prison

 T.I. officially started his 11-month bid in an Arkansas prison.

The rapper entered in the facility this afternoon, according to sources.

T.I., real name Clifford Harris, was forced back to jail after he was found in violation of his probation in September. He was then arrested in Los Angeles with the drug ecstasy on his person.

A spokesperson told TMZ that the rapper will go through a normal entry process, including a prison photo, bunk assignment an will have a “community shower situation.”

T.I. has roughly 300 hours of phone time per month.

Breaking News: Gucci Mane Arrested & restrained with pepper spray

 Rapper Gucci Man has been arrested for a myriad of traffic infractions and had to be restrained with pepper spray, according to published reports.

Gucci, real name Radric Davis, is charged with driving on the wrong side of the road, running a red light or stop sign, damage to government property, obstruction, no license, no proof of insurance and other traffic charges, Atlanta Police spokesman Curtis Davenport told the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Furthermore, the report says Gucci had to be subdued by police with pepper spray. The rapper was taken to Grady Memorial Hospital for a medical check up. From there, he is expected to be moved to Fulton County Jail.

Gucci Mane was just released from Fulton County jail in May for violating parole.

"I have made some mistakes in my life that have hurt a lot of people who care about me," Gucci Mane said just after being released from prison in May.

“I have worked very hard to get past them, but those mistakes have brought me to where I am today, and they will not be repeated," Gucci Mane said. "These past six months have been a difficult time, but fortunately I have learned a great deal from my experience. I was able to do a great deal of soul searching; I am coming out with a new attitude towards life."