Jermaine Dupri Booked As Music Director of AmsterJam Festival

August 18th, 2006 | By Administrator

Producer and Virgin Records president of urban music, Jermaine Dupri, has signed on to be musical director of the 2nd annual AmsterJam, an 8-hour music festival at Randalls Island.

The concert pairs musical acts together from various genres of music. As musical director, Dupri will be responsible for helping artists like Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers and Foo Fighters work together.

“I am delighted to be asked to do this,” Dupri told AllHipHop.com. “I always grew up wanting to be a part of stuff like this. And then to do a [mash-up], something I actually believe is gonna be the next big wave in music…it’s really fun.”

Other scheduled AmsterJam mash-ups include: Busta Rhymes with Yerba Buena and LL Cool J with Tego Calderon, who will all perform their own sets and then perform together.

Dupri is currently working on the launch of girlfriend Janet Jackson’s upcoming 20 Y.O., as well as releases from R&B singer Johnta Austin and Daz of Tha Dogg Pound.

C-Murder Back On House Arrest

August 18th, 2006 | By Administrator

No Limit Records artist Corey “C-Murder” Miller has been ordered back into house arrest.

The one-page order was handed down yesterday (Aug.17) by 24th Judicial District Court Judge Martha Sassone in response to a 5th Circuit Court of Appeal’s ruling on Tuesday (Aug. 15).

“Corey Miller is to be placed on complete home incarceration and is further ordered that he is not allowed to leave his residence at any time,” Sassone wrote, adding that the ruling would last until the rapper’s pending retrial on second-degree murder charges.

The Times-Picayune reports the judge also reinstated a gag order placed on everyone involved in the case in a separate order on Thursday.

The gag order also extends to the home incarceration program, according to Sassone.

The 5th Circuit Judges found error in Sassone’s “additional, unsolicited ruling” of removing Miller from house arrest when prosecutors sought to have his bond revoked.

Prosecutors attempted to put Miller back in jail, arguing the rapper violated house arrest rules on May 4, when he stopped by a Smoothie King in Metairie during a court-approved outing, as well as 13 occasions when the lyricist’s electronic monitoring equipment lost track of him at his home.

The incidents, which lasted no longer than about 20 minutes, amounted to violations, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors appealed Sassone’s three-page order, saying her decision did not take into account the seriousness of Miller’s other pending attempted-murder charges in Jefferson Parish and in Baton Rouge.

Sassone originally found “Miller had not violated the conditions of his bond including the home incarceration.”

“It was very clear that no one knew why this monitoring system was reporting these violations,” Sassone wrote. “There were discussions of electronic interference in that area that had nothing to do with the equipment of Mr. Miller.”

The new order is the latest twist in the ever changing legal events surrounding Miller, who is accused of shooting 16-year-old Steve Thomas in the chest during a fight on Jan. 12, 2002, in the now-closed Platinum Club in Harvey.

A date has not been set for the retrial of the rapper, who returned to house arrest after a month of freedom.

David Banner To Be Honored At Mississippi’s Best Awards

August 16th, 2006 | By Administrator

Rapper’s David Banner and Kamikaze (Crooked Lettaz) will be honored during the Mississippi’s Best Awards, scheduled to take place Saturday, Oct. 28 at the TelCom Center in downtown Jackson.

Over 1500 nomination ballots were received for the event, which honors natives of the state for their excellence and achievements in various. Banner and Kamikaze will be presented with the Best of the Best award, which is one of the five ?Committee?s Choice? awards.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by your home,” David Banner told AllHipHop.com. “It’s similar to your father saying he’s proud of you.”

?The people of the state are rallying around the project,” added Cyrus A. Webb,31, the event?s founder and the Chief Communications Director. “With so many stereotypes and prejudices against Mississippians, they are glad to see something good making the news.?

Other natives of Mississippi being honored include Oprah Winfrey, Willie Mosely Jr., Marshall Ramsey and Morgan Freeman.

Guest presenters include Tchula Mayor Yvonne Brown, Ben Allen (Jackson Cit Council President), Miss Mississippi Taryn Foshee and others.

Judge Defends Decision in C-Murder Case

August 16th, 2006 | By Administrator

A 24th Judicial District Court judge is speaking out concerning her July 13 decision to release No Limit Records rapper Corey “C-Murder” Miller from a home incarceration program.

In a three-page order issued Wednesday (Aug. 9), Judge Martha Sassone wrote that Miller was punished for violating the conditions of his house arrest only once, despite arguments from prosecutors, who claim Miller violated the program’s rules several times.

Sassone stated “Mr. Miller has not violated the conditions of his bond, including the home incarceration” after carefully reviewing reports and evidence covering Miller’s time out on bond.

The explanation is the latest in the ongoing saga surrounding Miller, who is charged with second-degree murder in the Jan. 12, 2002 slaying of Steve Thomas. The 16-year-old was shot in the chest in the now-closed Platinum Club in Harvey.

If convicted as charged, Miller would spend the rest of his life in prison.

Although he was convicted of the crime, Sassone sided with Miller’s attorneys as she granted the rhymesayer a new trial. Attorneys believe the district attorney’s office withheld criminal background information about witnesses. The information, they argued, could have helped Miller’s defense.

In March, the state Supreme Court upheld Sassone’s order for a new trial. She later set bail and ordered Miller into house arrest as a condition of bond, despite objections from prosecutors.

The written explanation comes nearly a month after Sassone gave Miller a 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. nightly curfew instead of house arrest.

Although she ordered the curfew, Sassone retained the $500,000 bond she set on March 15. Miller is also barred from drinking alcohol, has restrictions on visitors to his residence and must stay in Jefferson and Orleans parishes.

Lil’ Flip Signs With Warner Bros. Records/Asylum

August 15th, 2006 | By Administrator

Platinum-selling rapper Lil’ Flip has signed with Warner Bros. Records/Asylum and is preparing to release a new version of his highly anticipated album, I Need Mine.

Lil’ Flip, who released his previous albums Underground Legend, and U Gotta Feel me for Sony, re-recorded songs for I Need Mine after the original version was leaked on the Internet as the rapper was finalizing his deal with Warner Bros. Records/Asylum.

“We held out on releasing this album on Sony because the set up was never right and I felt that my fans deserved the best from me,” Lil’ Flip said. “I’ve written and recorded a bunch of songs that I’m sure my fans will love and now that I am with Warner Bros. Records/Asylum, I am confident that I am in the right place to take my career to the next level.”

According to Lil’ Flip’s manager Sandy Lal, Asylum was a logical choice to sign, given the label’s Texas-heavy roster, which includes Paul Wall, UGK, Mike Jones, Rap-A-Lot Records and others.

“We are excited to be a part of the Warner Bros. Records/Asylum organization,” Lal commented. “They both understand what we are trying to accomplish with Flip’s career and I believe they are the best companies to execute our goals. One look at Asylum’s success and overall embracement of the Houston hip-hop culture and Warner’s relentless dedication to their artists illustrates their competency and expertise to continue what Lil Flip started.”

No released date was available for the new version of I Need Mine.

Lil’ Wayne Arrested In Atlanta For Drug Possession

August 15th, 2006 | By Administrator

Rapper Lil’ Wayne was arrested in Atlanta, GA on various drug charges, after police found drugs in his possession.

Police told AllHipHop.com that Lil’ Wayne was stopped in mid-town Atlanta yesterday (Aug. 14) and charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, purchase of a controlled substance and other, minor offenses.

The rapper was released on bond from the Fulton County Jail.

Cash Money CEO’s Donate Thousands To NY Soccer Program

August 8th, 2006 | By Administrator

Cash Money Records CEO Bryan “Birdman” Williams, along with his brother and co-CEO Ronald “Slim” Williams, opened his wallet Monday (Aug. 7) and donated $3,000 to the Morningside Park Soccer Program in New York City.

The donation, made on behalf of the label’s foundation, “Cash Money For Kids,” was sent directly to the program to purchase new equipment.

“It’s important for young kids to be able to play safe and have fun,” Birdman said of his foundation’s donation. “Hopefully this will help the children of Morningside Park enjoy their day a little more.”

Cash Money has previously donated funds to those in need by hosting events like the annual “Turkey Give Away” in their hometown of New Orleans.

T.I. To Star Opposite Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe In ‘American Gangster’

August 2nd, 2006 | By Administrator

Rapper T.I. continues to further his acting career, adding the film American Gangster to his resume.

The Atlanta-bred MC has signed on to star in American Gangster opposite veterans Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe in the movie, which is being directed by Ridley Scott (Black Hawk Down, Gladiator, Thelma & Louise, Hannibal).

American Gangster tells the story of a 1970’s drug lord who smuggles heroin into Harlem inside of Vietnam soldiers coffins. T.I. has signed on to play the nephew of Denzel Washington’s character Frank Lucas, while Crowe will star in the film as Detective Richie Roberts.

The Wu-Tang Clan’s RZA is also attached to the movie, which was written by Steven Zaillian.

American Gangster is slated to hit theaters in 2007.

UGK Working On New Album, Bun B. Addresses Fellie Fel Diss Rumors

August 1st, 2006 | By Administrator

Bun B. of UGK is setting up the next leg of their career by positioning their status as mature, vets amid a rush of new talents.

According to Bun B., maturity and perseverance is what allowed the group to remain longtime fixtures in the rap industry.

“Being a southern n***a, we used to have to fight for our position. But now southern rappers are valid and we just have to make the most of it. We know all the drills and all the plays. I know the play book and that’s what’s important. We learned how to deal with radio, record stores. We just didn’t have the push and that’s what all Southern acts were missing at one time.”

To continue, the Texas rappers UGK are preparing their final solo album as Jive recording artists and are assembling a team of all-star producers to help create the self-titled album.

An all-star line up of hit making producers have lined up for the group’s latest effort, according to Bun B.

“We are about to go to Las Vegas for a week to lock in with Timbaland, 36 Mafia, Cool and Dre,” Bun B. revealed to AllHipHop.com. “This album is going to be a beast, I wouldn’t bullshit you. Jazzy [Pha], Manny [Fresh], Timbaland, Blackout Movement [and] The Runnaz.

“We [are] trying to make a well rounded album,” Bun B. said. “We want to take Southern rap back to a certain feel. Banging ass music and real talk. The solo albums were to keep this UGK going and this is new album is for the hardcore fans.”

As artists, the new album will reflect the continued growth of UGK, who released their first album The Southern Way for Big Tyme Records in 1991.

Bun B. also addressed a growing controversy stemming from a lyric on the new single “Can’t Stop the Rain 2006″ featuring Shaq and Papoose, from Kay Slay and Greg Street’s compilation, The Champions: North Meets South.

Rumors started speculating the Bun B. took a swipe at West coast DJ Felli Fel of Power 106, with the line “n***as used to be on top/but now you fell like Felli/”

“Fellie knows I f**k with him,” Bun B. clarified. I don’t have any issues with Fellie Fel. He knows I f**k with him. But then everyone calling saying ‘that n***a dissed you, when really I bigged him up. Instead I got some backlash. We don’t need anything hindering this project because of what we are trying to do, bringing the north and south together. If I don’t squash it, it’s going to give the beef validity. I was giving Fellie a shout out.”

The misunderstanding is minor compared to the tribulations the group has seen in its 15-year history.

UGK suffered a minor set back when group member Chad “Pimp C” Butler was incarcerated in 2002 for parole violations. He served 3 years in prison and was released in 2005.

During Pimp C’s three year incarceration, Bun B. made numerous cameo appearances and dropped a solo album Trill, while Pimp C. released The Sweet James Jones Stories from jail in 2005, as well as his album Pimpilation, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Ludacris Sports New Look In “Money Maker” Video

July 29th, 2006 | By Administrator

Rapper Ludacris will head to Miami to shoot the video for “Money Maker” with Pharrell Williams on Monday (July 31) and the video will debut a new look for the Disturbing Tha Peace CEO.

Ludacris, born Chris Bridges, has cut off his trademark braids and afro for a shorter haircut.

According to the rapper, who is preparing his new album Release Therapy, the time had come for a new look.

“Release Therapy marks a new phase in my life,” Ludacris told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “I’m very excited to move forward and try new things. Life is all about change and this album will hopefully reflect some of my growth as an artist and a person. With that said, it only makes sense that I ’shake things up’ and try something different. Who knows what I’ll come up with next?”

The video for “Money Maker” will debut on MTV in the fall.

In related news, Ludacris and Disturbing Tha Peace will host AllHipHop.com’s invitation only Battle Royale “The War” during AllHipHop Week.

Various MC’s will square off at the invitation event to compete for the $5,000 prize and championship title. For more information click here.