Trick Daddy, Pitbull Spread Holiday Cheer Throughout Miami

December 15th, 2006 | By Administrator

In an effort to boost the Christmas spirit of Miami?s underprivileged youth, Trick Daddy recently announced that he will hold his annual Christmas toy drive for the two weekends leading up to the Christmas holiday.

For the fourth year, Trick Daddy will celebrate the holiday season by giving back and distributing food and gifts to Miami youth thru his Trick Luvs Da Kids Foundation.

The Trick Luvs Da Kids Foundation’s 4th annual Christmas Toy Drive takes place tomorrow (Dec. 16) at Miami’s Moore Park and Saturday, December 23rd at the city’s Gould Park.

Pitbull and Mobile Mike are scheduled to assist Trick in hosting both events, as well as providing entertainment to those in attendance.

The Slip-N-Slide/Atlantic recording artist has also partnered with KB Toys to invite the retail chain?s customers throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and West Palm Beach, to purchase a gift card to be donated to the Foundation.

In addition to the Christmas Toy Drive, Trick Daddy has challenged the Boys and Girls Clubs in New York, Florida and Atlanta to identify teen members who have gone beyond the call of duty to organize some type of community efforts for Christmas.

Sponsored by Trick Luvs DA Kids Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs, SNS/Atlantic Records, It’s Cool To Be Smart, Inc., and BET, the winner of the contest will receive a variety of gifts and prizes, including a $1000 contribution to their local Boys and Girls Club for a youth scholarship.

In related news, Trick Daddy is gearing up for his 7th studio album release, Back By Thug Demand, which arrives in stores on December 19.

The new disc features appearances from Baby, 8Ball, Jaheim, The Dunk Ryders, Trey Songz, Trina and Young Buck.

Trick Daddy will also make a special appearance on BET?s 106 & Park December 18 to announce the grand prize winner of his Christmas Toy Drive contest and to discuss his new album.

Pastor Troy Arrested In Georgia

December 15th, 2006 | By Administrator

Rapper Pastor Troy was arrested early this morning (Dec. 15) for an alleged probation violation.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Pastor Troy, born Micah Levar Troy, was conducting an interview with on Hot 107.9 when someone called the police and alerted officials that he was wanted in Fayette County.

Police confirmed the warrant and went to the Hot 107.9 studios around 9:00 am, where Troy, 29, was detained and arrested.

A spokeswoman for the Fayette Sheriff’s office said that the Atlanta bred rapper is currently on probation for having no insurance and driving with a suspended license, but could not offer details about the reason behind today’s arrest.

Lil Boosie Spreads Holiday Cheer With Day Care Initiative

December 13th, 2006 | By Administrator

Parents will get a little relief during the holidays, courtesy of Lil Boosie.

The Trill Entertainment/Asylum Records emcee is working in conjunction with radio stations to provide child care for listeners who send in stories explaining why they need help with their own little “bad azzes.”

Lil Boosie will provide winners with child care tuition as well as a pampers care package and a copy of his new CD Bad Azz.

The good cheer is his way of giving back to his community during this time of the year, according to Lil Boosie.

“It’s hard on parents and I should know,” he said. “I got three of my own. Got to give..from one bad azz to another.”

Powered by the hit Yung Joc-featured single “Zoom,” Bad Azz features Boosie collaborating with notable rhymesayers, including Pimp C. and Webbie.

The video for “Zoom” has received heavy rotation on BET’s Rap City while currently maintaining residence on the network’s 106 & Park countdown.

The album’s success is also bolstered by the Bad Azz DVD, which hit stores in mid-September.

The DVD chronicles Lil Boosie’s life as hit highlight’s the 23-year-old rapper’s childhood,the death of his father, his battle with diabetes and his rise to stardom.

B.G. Introduces Chopper City Boyz’ Debut

December 11th, 2006 | By Administrator

New Orleans native B.G. will introduce The Chopper City Boyz’ debut album We Got This on his Chopper City Records imprint this February.

B.G. has helped The Chopper City Boyz (Sniper, Hakim aka Hakizzle, VL Mike and Gar) develop a following by featuring the group on four of his last studio albums that were released through his Chopper City imprint, which is marketed and distributed by KOCH Records.

“After being in the game for 12 years, I’m introducing my new group,” B.G. said in a statement. “The Chopper City Boyz are the next step in the Chopper City movement. Since the breakup of my super group, The Hot Boyz, there’s been a lack of talented real Hip-Hop groups from the South. The Chopper City Boyz are gonna change all that.”

The first single from the album is “Make Em Mad,” which features The Chopper City Boyz and B.G. The single was produced by Mississippi producer and rapper, David Banner.

“I’m the s**t on the boards and this is the first part of my take over [on production],” David Banner told AllHipHop.com of the single. “I’m sick of playing!”

As a member of Cash Money Records’ group The Hot Boyz, B.G. helped usher in a new Southern sound in Hip-Hop along with former group members Lil’ Wayne, Juvenile and Turk, who is serving 10 years behind bars for weapons charges stemming from a Jan. 2004 shootout with Memphis SWAT Team members.

During his stint as a member of The Hot Boyz, B.G. was featured on critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums like Get It How U Live (1997), Guerrilla Warfare (1999) and Let ‘Em Burn (2003).

As a solo artist, B.G. had a massive hit with the single “Bling Bling,” which was taken from his 1997 album Chopper City in the Ghetto. The term, which is slang for expensive jewelry, eventually made its way into the Oxford English Dictionary and Websters dictionary.

We Got This hits stores February 27th 2007. Below is the album’s tracklisting:
(more…)

Big Cat Records, Gucci Mane Ink Seven Figure Deal With Atlantic

December 11th, 2006 | By Administrator

Atlanta-based Big Cat Records is ending 2006 on a high note, after signing a seven figure deal with Atlantic Records for Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane.

Atlantic’s track record of developing the careers of artists proved to be the catalyst for Big Cat owner Marlon “Big Cat” Rowe to make the deal official.

“We’re excited about the deal with Gucci Mane and Atlantic Records,” said Big Cat Records President Mel Breeden. “Major distribution will help artists who are really out there trying to tour. We have sold a great amount of albums with Gucci Mane, but Atlantic will create a bigger demand that will ultimately affect records sells as a whole.”

Gucci Mane, born Radric David, is best known for his hit single “Icy.”

The track, which features former friend-turned-foe Young Jeezy, stayed on the singles charts for almost eight weeks and helped the rapper’s album Trap House sell more than 130,000 copies when it was released in May 2005.

The placement of the single on Trap House sparked a deadly feud between Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy, who also wanted the single for his album Thug Motivation: Let’s Get It.

Gucci Mane Gucci Mane, born Radric David, was charged with the murder of Henry ?Pookie Loc? Clark III, after Clark and four other men burst into a house and attempted to rob and assault him in May of 2005.

Clark was shot and his body was found a short time later. In December of 2005, prosecutors dropped the murder charges against Gucci Mane, citing a lack of evidence.

Gucci Mane followed up Trap House’s success this year with Hard to Kill, which was powered by the song “Go Head.”

Big Cat Records is currently developing other artists while preparing albums for its current roster, which includes Maceo and Young Snead.

Maceo’s album, Black Magic, is scheduled to hit stores in the second quarter of 2007.

Lil’ Wayne Explains Jay-Z Comments, Clipse Fire Back At Lil’ Wayne

December 8th, 2006 | By Administrator

After setting the streets ablaze with controversial comments about Jay-Z, The Clipse, Young Buck and Pharrell in the December/January issue of Complex magazine, Lil’ Wayne recently called in to DJ Absolut’s Hot 97 show in an attempt to temper his words.

During the 7-minute interview, Weezy addresses comments he made to Complex about Jay-Z.

?I don?t like what he?s saying about how he had to come back because Hip-Hop?s dead and we need him. It?s not your house anymore, and I?m better than you,” Lil’ Wayne told the magazine.

When asked to explain, Lil Wayne explained that he didn’t like the concept that Jay-Z’s comeback album was built upon the notion that Hip-Hop is dead.

?I think I speak for everybody when I say it?s not dead as long as I?m still dropping albums,? Lil’ Wayne told DJ Absolut.

Wayne also disclosed that some of the comments stem from the brief courtship between him and Roc-A-Fella last year when he his weighing his label re-signing options.

?I want people to just look at it like that dude who came out of college that was supposed to get drafted by the #1 team, which was Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam,? stated Wayne. ?They passed on me and now I with a good team and a good coach and of course on every interview I?m gonna cut down the team that didn?t pick me.

Lil’ Wayne also stuck to his position that he is a better rapper than Jay-Z.

“I’m better than this game,” Lil’ Wayne declared. “We could be having this conversation about any other person in this game. It was who I was asked about at this time. Yall trying to build a case on me. But I tell you what. If you build a case against me and take me to trial, I will beat it.”

In addition to Jay Z, Wayne also had choice words for The Clipse and Pharrell saying, ?”I don?t see no f?ing Clipse. How many years them n? been around? Who the f? is Pharrell? Do you really respect him??

Upon hearing his comments, The Clipse took to the airwaves in WWHV Hot 102.1 FM in Virginia to respond to an already tense situation.

?Wayne, you sort of copying The Clipse right now,? Pusha T told DJ Derrick Da Franchise. ?I think he made a bad judgment call and just decided to take a swipe at us?maybe he?s got an album coming out. This is a small thing to a giant, he?s just acting out.?

“If anything, I am upset about him using the F word before my name, being as though he likes to sit around and kiss men. If you gonna kiss men, you can’t even use them words in conjunction with The Clipse, Pharrell, or any of the [Star Trak ] family. He’s definitely acting out right now. Jay-Z? Do what you gotta do. But involve The Clipse? You don’t want to do that. I already don’t look at him like a G. He aint nothing like me.”

Andre 3000 To Star Opposite Will Ferrell In ‘Semi-Pro’

December 8th, 2006 | By Administrator

Rapper Andre “3000″ Benjamin continues his foray into the world of film with a new basketball comedy titled Semi-Pro.

Benjamin joins an all-star cast that includes Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson. Semi-Pro, which is being produced by New Line Cinema, centers around a fictional 1970′s American Basketball League Association (ABA) team, the Flint Michigan Tropics.

As the owner/coach/player, Ferrell’s character Jackie Moon attempts to lead The Tropics to the big time.

Semi-Pro is being directed by newcomer Kent Alterman and was written by Scot Armstrong, who is credited with crafting some of Ferrell’s biggest hit movies, including Old School, Starsky & Hutch and the upcoming sequel to Old School, Old School Dos.

Last month, Benjamin debuted his new animated series Class of 3000 on The Cartoon Network. The lighthearted cartoon focuses on a superstar music teacher’s relationship with his students at a performing performing arts school in Atlanta.

Semi-Pro is slated for a theatrical release in 2008.

Andre 3000 remains active in the rap world as well, as a guest artist on a remix to Unk’s hit single “Walk It Out,” which also features Jim Jones.

Atlanta Rap Scene Shaken Up As Ying Yang Twins, Producer Mr. Collipark Part Ways

December 1st, 2006 | By Administrator

A major change in the landscape of Southern Hip-Hop has taken place, as Atlanta rap giants Michael “Mr. Collipark” Crooms and Ying Yang Twins have parted ways and will no longer work together.

The announcement comes days after the release of the Twins’ new album Chemically Imbalanced, which hit stores November 28.

Chemically Imbalanced will be the final release the group will release for Mr. Collipark’s Collipark Music record label.

“We’ve done five albums together and I just think we have done all we can together,” Mr. Collipark told AllHipHop.com. “It’s everybody wanting to do their own thing. And sometimes there are disagreements involved. At the end of the day it’s not bitter, it’s just people growing apart.”

Collipark serves as executive producer of Chemically Imbalanced, along with rapper/producer Wyclef Jean and Jerry “Wonder” Duplesis.

The production of Mr. Collipark helped take the Ying Yang Twins from a local Atlanta act, to an internationally known Southern Hip-Hop group.

He was the group’s main producer and crafted hit singles for the group like “Whistle While You Twurk,” “Wait (The Whisper Song), Bubba Sparxxx’s “Ms. New Booty” (which featured The Ying Yang Twins) ” What’s Happnin!/Salt Shaker ( Remix )” and others.

Mr. Collipark said that a disagreement over the groups creative direction was the main reason his 7-year plus relationship with the group has come to an end.

“I have to be creative and a boss at the same time,” Mr. Collipark told AllHipHop.com. “Artistically an artist wants to do what they want to do. So, its only so long you can fight that. Rather than go out bad with what we started, just go do you and I’ll go do me. And let the legacy be what the legacy is.”

The Ying Yang Twins will remained signed to TVT Records, while Mr. Collipark’s label, Collipark Music will no longer have a professional relationship with the chart-topping group.

Collipark Music will focus on developing three new Atlanta-area acts in 2007, Kadillak Boyz, P. Stone and female R&B trio Taurus.

Kadillak Boyz are signed to a deal with Asylum, while rapper P.Stone will release an album via a deal with Interscope Records.

“Kadillak Boyz are like the muscle of the label,” Mr. Collipark said. “I aint never had no street n***as in my camp but the energy the bring to the table is crazy. Then you have P. Stone, who is this young, crazy lyrical guy. He’s the future. The whole vibe of music down here [in Atlanta] is going more street. Sonically, I am looking to reinvent my sound. I want to build Collipark Music into something that is going to be legendary, something that’s not just a bunch of hype, but a label that puts up numbers.”

In addition to concentrating on his new artists, Mr. Collipark will produce upcoming records by Young Jeezy, Mario, Ciara, E-40, Daddy Yankee and others.

Kadillak Boyz are slated to drop in late 2007 on Asylum, while P. Stone is slated top drop in 2007 on Interscope Records.

Jeezy Not Mad At Jay-Z’s Return

December 1st, 2006 | By Administrator

Many Def Jam artists, from LL Cool Jay to Nore have expressed discontent with the re-rise of Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, who recently released his comeback CD Kingdom Come.

Young Jeezy isn’t among those nay-sayers.

“Everybody got their lane. This industry is a highway and everybody got their lane and me and Jay ain’t in the same lane,” Young Jeezy told AllHipHop.com. “I don’t feel what he’s doing is interfering with what I’m doing. We do two different types of music for two different types of movements. Real n***as are glad he’s back.”

The Georgia native’s sophomore album comes out on December 12, as Jay-Z continues to move major units.

Jay-Z’s Kingdom Come sold nearly 700,000 its first week in stores.

LL Cool J, the first artist signed to Def Jam, has been vocal about his disenchantment, to the extent that he would depart his only recording home.

“How am I gonna re-sign with competition? I’m not an idiot,” LL Cool J told MTV. “I can’t depend on that man (Jay-Z) to promote my record while he’s somewhere writing rhymes.”

Jay-Z hasn’t responded publicly to LL’s most recent statement, but Jeezy didn’t feel Jay-Z’s comeback as a recording artist would interrupt his career.

“He’s back for a lot of different reasons,” Jeezy said. “As a hustler, I’m not worried about him being back. This is what I do. For a n***a that ain’t on his s**t, he might want to be worried.”

Jeezy’s own album The Inspiration: Thug Motivation 102, is set to be released on December 12 and the rapper maintains that he’s been extremely proactive in all facets of production.

“As far as my project, I’m hands on with everything. Ain’t nothing about to happen with my project that I ain’t got to do with,” he said. “I got good relationships [with Def Jam].

Three Six Mafia Settle Pittsburgh Lawsuit

December 1st, 2006 | By Administrator

Memphis, Tenn. rap collective Three 6 Mafia recently settled a lawsuit filed by a man who claimed to have been severely beaten while attending a 2003 concert featuring the group.

Although details of the financial settlement were not disclosed, the Associated Press reports Ramone Williams received the settlement last month.

The payment concludes months of turmoil surrounding the suit, which stemmed from an August 2003 Three 6 Mafia concert at a now-closed Rock Jungle night club in Station Square.

In the suit, Williams stated he was not a fan of the group and that he wandered into the bar on a whim.

Williams said he felt uneasy when the Oscar-winning group began performing the song “Let’s Start A Riot.”

As fans began acting out the song’s lyrics, Williams stated that he was thrown to the floor, hit with a chair, stomped on and kicked in the face.

He received numerous injuries from the incident, including a fractured jaw.

Williams, who was 19 at the time of the incident, also accused the group of failing to warn the concertgoers of the violence that might occur before inciting the audience as well as failing to stop the violent behavior at the onset.

Attorneys for Three 6 Mafia tried to have the lawsuit dismissed in September, saying the group’s lyrics are protected under the First Amendment of the Constitution.

Williams released Three 6 members DJ Paul (born Paul Beauregard) and Juicy J (born Jordan Houston) from the suit in April 2005, stating that the rappers were not present at the time of the assault, and thus should not be sued.

The volatile lyrics, the group claimed, were performed by Robert “Koopsta Knicca” Cooper and Darnell “Crunchy Black” Carlton, two rappers who were not regular members of Three 6 Mafia.

Williams previously won a default judgment against the club before settling with Three 6 Mafia, the AP reported.

The lawsuit was among the turbulence Three 6 Mafia endured this year.

In June, the group parted ways with Crunchy Black, who accused his former rhyme partners of putting off for years a solo album he wanted to make.