Chuck D spoke on the group’s two new albums to Billboard: “They’re twins, fraternal twins – not identical, but they will talk to each other. The statement with these albums isn’t so much just within the content, but in the audacity of the release, just like, ‘What the hell? Two albums that bookend the summer? What the hell?!’

“But we know we’ve got a fan base that’s kind of acclimated and used to albums,” he continued, “because we were the first to come along and kind of bring a concept album to the hip-hop marketplace. So we oblige this year by doing not one, but two.

“Maybe in the past one would’ve been an A side and the other a B side, or it would’ve been a long CD, but halfway into making it we decided to have two different aspects, one that dealt with the whole movement of people and the other that deals with the situation of everything coming at you at once, like a blizzard.”

To date, features on the album are set to include Brother Ali, DMC, Bumpy Knuckles and Large Professor with more announcements to surely come closer to the first album’s time of release.

Public Enemy will perform this Sunday, May 27 at the Movement Electronic Music Festival in Detroit, Michigan.

Andrea Gross has teamed with Musicares’ Memorial Fund to launch the DJ AM Fund, aimed at helping substance abusers within the music industry.

The charity will launch during the Eighth Annual Musicares Map Fund Benefit Concert on May 31.

This special dinner and concert will feature performances by Alice In Chains, Billy Idol And His Band, Heart, Mark Lanegan, Duff McKagan’s Loaded and will honor Alice In Chains’ Jerry Cantrell.

Tickets for the fundraiser range from $1,250 per person to $12,500 for a seating area for 10.

Comedian Steve-O will host the benefit concert for DJ AM, who died of a drug overdose on August 28 of 2009.

The benefit concert, which will be DJ’d by Moby, will take place at Club Nokia in Los Angeles.

On hand at the premiere was Kanye’s fellow Throne member Jay-Z, current flame Kim Kardashian, and G.O.O.D. Music members Pusha T, Big Sean, and Kid Cudi. Comedian Aziz Ansari was and Brooklyn MC Theophilus London were also present.

While details on the film itself have been heavily guarded, GQ Senior Editor Logan Hill was on hand at the premiere and tweeted a number of details and plot points about the film. In addition to stating that Kanye plans to bring Cruel Summer to New York, Qatar (where the film was mostly shot), and worldwide, Hill was told by Amanda Palmer of the DOHA Film Institute, co-producer of Cruel Summer, that Kanye plans to show the film on November 19 as part of a festival in DOHA.

Regarding the film’s plot Hill tweeted, “Cruel Summer is the story of a Lamborghini car thief who falls for a beautiful blind Arabic girl who’s father will let them……marry if he can help her see. So he (Kid Cudi) does using strings that lead her around palace to play music. @kanyewest talke synesthesia.”

“[Kanye] says it work in progress but it’s wildly stylish, huge booming soundtrack,” Hill continued. “Vanessa Beecroft production design. immersive fun. @kanyewest needed 20 camels, 100 extras and I’m guessing 20 Lambos. @kanyewest film features fashion he designed and pieces by local Arabic designers, shot in 4 days, 3 months start to almost-finish.”

Warner Bros. recording artist, Theophilus London, who is currently prepping his sophomore album, Rose Island, tweeted, “That was wild” and “Shout to YE ON HiS RARE CANNES PREMIERE 7 screens under a pyramid.”

A number of pictures from the premiere were tweeted by both the Brooklyn MC and WAD Magazine creative director Alex Sossah, which you can view below:

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Rosemond’s company Czar Entertainment managed Game’s career, by helping to book tours, releasing DVDs and marketing the rapper.

At one point, Game was signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath imprint, along with 50 Cent’s G-Unit imprint, all of which were being distributed by Interscope Records.

Federal authorities arrested Rosemond in June of 2011 after a month-long manhunt, and charged him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

During testimony this week, federal prosecutors introduced into evidence nine different Proffer Agreements, that contained admissions Rosemond allegedly made, in hopes of ultimately, obtaining a Cooperation Agreement with the government.

During a meeting on October 17, 2011, Rosemond allegedly detailed the method in which the cocaine gang shipped kilograms of the drug to the West Coast.

The drug gang used a New York-based courier service named Rock-It Cargo, to ship millions in money and drugs, in custom-made music crates.

Nas, Jimmy Henchman and Game

The crates were shipped to various rehearsal spaces in Los Angeles and intercepted by members of the drug operation.

According to Rosemond, they first did a test shipment, by sending a few pounds of marijuana to the West Coast.

And then, Rosemond allegedly told authorities that they took their test runs a step further.

IRS case agent Marc Van Driessche testified that Rosemond said the custom music crates were used in a test run, to send a shipment of firearms to Game.

Once the guns successfully arrived, the drug gang began shipping 5 to 10 kilograms of cocaine inside each individual music case.

Rosemond also admitted to investing money into various mailbox shops.

Rosemond and an associate named Lamont Bennett owned interests in a variety of stores in California during 2007-2009.

Testimony resumes on Tuesday.

Editors note: Game has not been charged with any crime relating to this case, these are allegations.

Hot 97 Host/DJ Peter Rosenberg, who is also host of the new television show, MTV2′s “Hip-Hop Squares”, took the call hyping the announcement with special effects bombs.

“Yeah, well, I actually talked to the guys [Slaughterhouse], and they wanna do it so, I mean, I guess we’ll just make it official? Slaughterhouse performing Summer Jam, June 3,” Eminem said.

With the announcement came instant praise for Slaughterhouse, a super-group that Eminem has been developing for several years, and he mixed their second album entitled, Welcome To: Our House.

When asked what advice he would give to Slaughterhouse before their performance, Eminem said he hopes for the group to just be themselves.

“I really feel like this group, Hip-Hop needs this, man, and I think people are going to see that when this album comes out man,” Eminem told Rosenberg.

While Eminem has been busy mixing the upcoming project as executive producer, he also confirmed that he has been busy on an album of his own.

“Well, right now, I’m actually finishing up everything up on the Slaughterhouse album and kind of getting into my next record a little bit, so that’ basically the couple of things that I’ve been working on,” Eminem reported.

Slaughterhouse’s album, Welcome To: Our House, releases on June 12 under Shady Records and Interscope Records.

His latest album Still Doubted? will be released on Wyte’s label Wyte Music Records, in conjunction with Three 6 Mafia’s Hypnotize Minds.

Memphis-based indie Select-O-Hits will handle the distribution for the 19-track release.

“DJ Paul and Juicy J have always wanted me to build a brand, and not be just another artist on the label,” Lil Wyte explained. “I started Wyte Music with Thug Therapy, and was able to sign such acts as $hamrock and Miscellaneous.”

New rapper Miscellaneous makes his nation-wide debut on the track “Sike.”

“It’s a fun track, something I usually don’t do in music. Both of the songs were produced by my in house producer Big BOI Beats,” Lil Wyte said.

Big BOI Beats handled most of the production on Still Doubted?, which features guest appearances from artists like Young Buck, Project Pat, Pastor Troy, Frayser Boy, Bubba Sparxxx and others.

“I want to be the guy who did whatever he wanted, he didn’t care, didn’t give a f**k,” Lil Wyte added. “People will understand my music was the gateway to doing everything I was supposed to do.”

Still Doubted? is due in stores on June 19, 2012.

Check out some Lil Wyte tour dates below:

05/25 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Bonner Springs Event Center

05/26 – Poplar Bluff, MO @ Eagles Lodge

05/27 – Cincinatti, OH @ Black Star-Line SoundStage

06/08 – Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews

06/09 – Clinton, IA @ Graffiti Bar

06/15 – Bethel, MN @ The Hydrant

06/16 – Bemidji, MN @ Eagles Club

06/17 – Minneapolis, Minnesota @ The Lounge

07/06 – Columbus, IN @ Caddies Pub

07/07 – Logansport, IN @ Fraternal Order of Eagles

07/13 – Smyrna, TN @ Bottoms Up

Upon the game’s debut, Short Dawg became the first recording artist to have a game application for Apple iTunes and Google Play that promotes and sells his music.

Short designed Drankenstein/Ridin’ Fresh to be a multifunctional and action packed game, which showcases Short Dawg’s likeness as a cartoon character

Fans can purchase his music via iTunes or Amazon on the video game, and can even win prizes like memorabilia and ringtones.

East House LLC, Fresh Muzik and Short Dawg all spent painstaking hours as joint producers of the application.

Short Dawg was born and raised in the Sunnyside area of Houston, and was originally signed to Russell Simmons Music Group (RSMG).

Currently, Short is signed to Fresh Muzik and is on a Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes 20-city tour, where he and his live band “The City” are the featured acts.

(AllHipHop News) In less than two months, the 8th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival (BKHHF) will kick off with a week’s worth of one-of-a-kind events, celebrating all things Hip-Hop via panels, MC competitions, concerts, and much more.

In early May, festival sponsors announced that Busta Rhymes, who signed with Cash Money in November, would be headlining the festival’s final-day concert with “Friends,” much like last year’s “Q-Tip and Friends” spectacle that included Black Thought, Kanye West, and 2012 headliner, Busta Rhymes.

The 2012 BKHHF, which takes place from July 9-14, will kick-off its week-long festivities with the Show & Prove Super Bowl. The Bowl will feature three winners from preliminaries rounds competing for a chance to perform on the festival’s main stage during the finale concert on Saturday, July 14.

Other events throughout the week include ”You Wasn’t With Me Shooting In the Gym” on Wednesday, July 11, The Dummy Clap Film Festival on Friday, July 10, Family Day and an After Party at the Knitting Factory on Saturday, July 14.

2012 will also mark the third year of both the BKHHF’s Salute the DJ event, which takes place on Thursday, July 12, as well as the Bodega Education Initiative (BEI) on Tuesday, July 10.

The week will come to a close on July 14 when Busta Rhymes and Friends’ headlining performance caps off a day that promises a number of other MCs who have yet to be named.  There will also be a special tribute t fallen Beastie Boys member, Adam “MCA” Yauch a.k.a. MCA, who recently passed away from cancer.

Tickets and week-long passes for the 2012 Brookyln Hip-Hop Festival are on sale now at BKHipHopFestival.com.

This year is no different as Red Bull has tapped Big K.R.I.T. as the special guest judge for the Red Bull EmSee National Finals in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 29 at the historic Masquerade venue.

Big K.R.I.T will participate as one of three artist judges set to pick the winner of the 2012 Red Bull EmSee competition, an invitation-only battle series designed to find the best freestyle rappers in the country.

Red Bull EmSee’s battle format challenges MCs to bring the true freestyle spirit back by adding a twist to the conventional head-to-head battle.

During the competition, MCs are posed with a variety of challenges designed to showcase their technique, creativity, and dexterity.

In addition, rappers rhyme acapella, and must come up with hard-hitting verses based on visual cues and inspirations.

This is not the first time that Red Bull and Big K.R.I.T. have teamed up as, the Mississippi rapper teamed up with the world’s #1 selling energy drink in Washington D.C. to pick the regional final winner, U.S. rapper Marine D’Meitz.

Additional celebrity judges and hosts will also be announced shortly. Take a look at few links below to get more info on the events.

Watch Big K.R.I.T Judge Red Bull EmSee D.C. (D’Meitz vs. Grande Marshall) HERE

For highlights from Red Bull EmSee’s regional finals, and to see what MC’s made the cut to the finals, visit www.RedBullUSA.com/EmSee.

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Today, Jadakiss’ artist Emanny released his debut “freeP,” Songs About HER after showcasing the whole collection of songs last week at an event hosted by radio host, Angela Yee.

“He’s a real singer that writes and arranges all of his music,” Jadakiss told AllHipHop.com exclusively. “He’s not pop or dance music. He just sings real R&B that I think the game is missing.”

In Manhattan last week, Jadakiss, along with Angela Yee, presented Emanny at a listening session that boasted a full band and intimate night of drinks, food and industry insiders.

“This project will give people insight to who I am personally as well, being that the music is based off my life experiences with loving and living,” Emanny told AllHipHop.com of Songs About HER.

[Read: "R&B’s Emanny On The “Blessing” Of Being Signed Under “Living Legend” Jadakiss"]

Emanny’s affiliation to Jadakiss has helped raise his profile, after being associated chiefly with Shady Records’ artist, Joe Budden.

“It’s been one of the most reassuring things to have happen in my career so far,” Emanny said of working with Jadakiss. “When a guy who has hits, worked with the best in the business and has lasted this long, and keeps himself relevant calls upon and believes in my talents, it only lets me know that my gift is truly appreciated, and that I’m viewed to be equally as talented and promising as any other big name in the game.”

Songs About HER can be found at Emannymusic.com or just by clicking here.

Photos by Johnny Nunez for WireImage:

Fast forward to director Decatur Dan’s original music video being re-edited and released by Eif Rivera to accompany 50′s Gangsta Grillz: The Lost Tape and issues have officially arisen.

After the video was released yesterday Decatur Dan tweeted, “I officially DO NOT f*ck with 50 Cent after that bullsh*t he just did to my work. Not cool man, lost all respect.” He later continued, “Who is your creative director? Fire them.”

Former G-Unit President Sha Money XL took an interesting stance on the matter as well. The man who is now VP of A&R at Def Jam, which 2 Chainz recently signed to, said, “Shout out Decatur Dan Quality over Quantity.”

No response has been issued by 50 Cent, his camp, or director Eif Rivera.

2 Chainz – “Riot (Remix)” ft. 50 Cent:

Rosemond is accused of organizing and leading a $10 million-a-year cocaine operation, that imported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into New York, while sending millions to the west coast.

Rosemond was a well-known urban executive, who managed artists like Game, Gucci Mane, Sean Kingston, Mario Winans, Brandy, Mike Tyson, and others.

Over the years, Rosemond has enjoyed a cozy relationship with fellow Haitian, Wyclef Jean.

Jimmy Henchman, Haitian President Michel Martelly, Wyclef, Pras

In March of 2011, both Wyclef Jean and Rosemond helped organize a concert for future Haitian President Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly.

Rosemond also supported Wyclef’s run for President of Haiti in 2010.

But during the trial, prosecutors introduced an October 13, 2011 Proffer Agreement, where Rosemond met with authorities in hopes of ultimately reaching a Cooperation Agreement with prosecutors.

During the session on October 13, Rosemond admitted to a number of illegal activities.

He admitted that 80 to 90 percent of his income was funded by drug money, and that he laundered the cocaine money through a variety of means.

Rosemond said that he paid for his Brooklyn condominiums renovations with drug money, as a way of laundering the money, in addition to a number of other means.

Rosemond told authorities during the session that he bought a Bentley that was eventually sold to an individual named “Shakim” for “clean money,” without the purchaser’s knowledge.

He also admitted that he gave Wyclef Jean $60,000 in cash from drug proceeds as a loan, with out Wyclef’s knowledge.

The government also said they began investigating Rosemond and Wyclef’s business dealings, after Rosemond received over $800,000 in checks associated companies controlled by Wyclef Jean and his tour manager.

In a blockbuster admission, Rosemond claimed that he had regularly sold Wyclef’s driver “E” a number of kilograms of coke.

In an October 17, 2011, session with the government, Rosemond also admitted that the first two shipments of drugs and money were sent to Interscope Records, while subsequent shipments of the illegal contraband went to rehearsal spaces in Los Angeles.

The only reason Rosemond did not receive a Cooperation Agreement with the government, was because they caught him in several lives.

After meeting with prosecutors a total of nine times, the deal was taken off the table when prison authorities found Rosemond with a live cell phone in his jail cell.

An agent testified that Rosemond was exchanging texts with a Mexico area code.

Eventually, the government found out that Rosemond was talking to his brother Mario, who was also charged in the case and was a fugitive from justice at the time.

Testimony continues this week.

The tour, presented by Karmaloop, also features Brooklyn rapper Mr. MFN eXquire and Queens native, Despot.

“Into the Wild” pays homage to Where the Wild Things Are creator, Maurice Sendak, who passed away on May 8 at the age of 87.

The “Into the Wild Tour” will kick off on June 19 in Atlanta, Georgia, and proceed to such cities as Dallas, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Chicago and New York before coming to a close on July 15.

El-P, who recently entirely produced tour mate Killer Mike’s new album, R.A.P., released his fifth solo studio album, Cancer For Cure yesterday (May 22) via Fat Possum Records.

Check out a full list of tour dates and cities below:

06/19 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
06/20 – New Orleans, LA – House Of Blues
06/21 – Dallas, TX – Granada Theater
06/22 – Houston, TX – Warehouse Live
06/23 – Austin, TX – The Mohawk
06/25 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
06/26 – San Diego, CA – Casbah San Diego
06/28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echoplex
06/29 – San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
06/30 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
07/01 – Seattle, WA – Nuemos
07/02 – Vancouver, BC – Fourtune
07/05 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fineline
07/06 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
07/07 – Cleveland Heights, OH – Grog Shop
07/08 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig
07/09 – Toronto, ON – The Hoxton
07/11 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
07/12 – Providence, RI – The Met
07/13 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
07/14 – Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero
07/15 – Washington, DC – Rock And Roll Hotel

Tickets for the “Into the Wild Tour” are available now at Ticketmaster.com.

“There’s a lot more business involved [in putting out an album] than the general public is aware of. And that part causes the actual delay with [Interscope]. I’m releasing my album July 3rd, whether is has commercial promotions or not,” he told AllHipHop.com exclusively. “My birthday is July 6, and I planned for it. And I’m doing everything that I planned to do regardless if it’s huge airplay or not. I could care less, I’m putting the record out.”

The untitled album has been in the works for a number of months and is reportedly finished at press time. Another project, Black Magic, was almost the fifth album from 50, but he scraped the entire project. Since his debut, Get Rich Or Die Trying, all of 50′s albums have been released via Interscope.

He said that the freedom from concerns of sales and business have helped him produce music closer to his heart.

“I don’t need a record to sell. How much money you think I’ma make off record sales? You think I’ma sell 13 million records?” Its starting to feel like that corner that I left,” 50 Cent explained, stressing that music’s ability to make money is now very limited. “I ain’t going to keep sitting on the records. Even if everything ain’t in order, album five will be out July 3 and they can wait another two years for me to give them another one.”

“I have new ideas so my passion for making the music hasn’t gone anywhere. That’s why I’m making music for free. The mixtape is for free unless DJ Drama is getting some paper I don’t know about. I need a piece of that paper,” 50 joked.

“It’s not about the money,” Drama replied. “It’s about the music.”

And musically, 50 delivers.

The Lost Tape, a 15-track opus, features cameos from Eminem, Snoop Dogg, Jeremih, Precious Paris, Kidd Kidd and beats from a number of producers like !llMind, and Araab Muzik.

50 Cent explained The Lost Tape was the culmination of an attempted collaboration dating back to 2007.

“At the point is when the actual network of technology started kicking in. I started thisis50.com. So, started to put mixtapes out without actually having a DJ brand on it,” he explained. “It drove traffic to the site. It was effective there, so I said we might as well go and do [the mix tape with Drama.]“

He also said he wanted to get back to the real taste makers like DJ Drama, not bloggers that have begun to curate the culture.

“My entire career I’ve been happy with the launch of my material. I only put music out on the mixtapes to develop a consistency, because I believe consistency is the key to all success. And I’m giving out samples. If we selling dope, we gonna give out a few sample so the fiends know exactly what to expect. Drama and Gangsta Grillz is the biggest [mixtape] brand standing.”

Drama, a native of Philadelphia, explained his role in The Lost Tape at a time that seems particularly pivotal in 50 Cent’s illustrious career.

“I had my input, you know. I listened to the record upfront and we swapped out a few records to make this tape what is actually is today. When it becomes my brand, I like to treat them as albums,” Drama said. “And with Fif, because our brands are so strong, and the relevancy to the mix tape game, it would be a lot of eyes so I wanted to make sure we put the most potent project out – possible.”

Drama also said 50 Cent would be taking the mix tape hustle to the viral market as he has in the past, but to the next level.

“He’s doing a viral to every song. You know, every song will have a video. We worked on what were the strongest songs. Basically, treat it like an album, something people would flock to once they got an album,” Drama said.

Interscope has not release a statement or confirmation as to the release date for 50′s new album.

In the meantime, download or listen to The Lost Tape below.

The rapper expressed his exuberance on Twitter.

“RALEIGH, NC we on da wayyyyy!!! TurnUPPP,” he said via the social network.” 2 Chainz was en route to Raleigh to join Drake and Meek Mill for the Club Paradise.

He also posted a picture of himself boarding a private jet from Instagram (seen below).
The rapper also spoke to his detractors who expressed joy that he was temporaroily locked up. “Sorry to alll the negative people who wanted me out the way…kant let u have the game bak that ez…”

2 Chainz also expressed frustration that he lost other material goods from the airport, but was ultimately happy to be free.

After a number of comedians were tasked with hosting the awards show in years past, and for 2012 BET has given host duties to the highest grossing actor of all time, Samuel L. Jackson.

“We are massively excited about having Sam Jackson host the BET Awards,” Hill exclaimed. “His wit, presence, and gigantic personality are the perfect match for our show.”

Hill also revealed that, alongside a panel that included 2012 BET Awards nominees like A$AP Rocky, Big Sean, Melanie Fiona, DJ Khaled, Diggy Simmons, Astro, and Mindless Behavior, Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj would be performing at this year’s show. He promised that more announcements regarding performers would be made in the near future.

“Cadillac Lifetime Achievement Award” recipient Frankie Beverly was also on-hand at the nomination event to speak on the prestigious honor of being recognized as part of the group Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

Regarding nominees, Kanye West unsurprisingly leads the pack with seven nominations, some of which include “Best Collaboration,” “Video Director of the Year,” and five more with Watch The Throne member, Jay-Z.

Beyonce received six nominations, such as “Best Female R&B Artist” and two nods for “Video of the Year” for “Countdown” and “Love On Top.”

Speaking on his Best New Artist nomination, A$AP Rocky told AllHipHop.com, “It feels great, and I’m happy. That’s a really big deal so I’m happy for that. You couldn’t tell me in May of last year that we would be doing this. I wouldn’t have expected it, so I feel blessed and I just thank God all the time.

“The fans are the most ultimate importance of everything,” A$AP Rocky stated. “Without them there is no movement, and I’ve got a lot of supportive people right now and it’s crazy ’cause I didn’t expect this. I didn’t imagine none of this.”

For a full list of nominees, visit BET.com.

The 2012 BET Awards will air July 1 at 8pm only on BET

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Identity Theft, which stars comedians Jason Bateman (Horrible Bosses) and Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids), is the story of a man, played by Bateman, who has his identity stolen.

T.I. will play a bounty hunter who is after both Bateman and McCarthy, who eventually become allies on the run, despite McCarthy’s character being the culprit behind Bateman’s stolen identity.

Currently, T.I. can be seen on the second season of his VH1 reality show, “T.I. and Tiny’s Family Hustle,” as well as in a guest role on the Starz original series, “Boss.”  His previous film roles include Takers, American Gangster, and ATL.

Identity Theft also stars Jon Favreau (Swingers), Jon Cho (Harold and Kumar) and Clark Duke (Kick-Ass).

In Banner’s own words, “The 2M1 Movement is to start controlling our own music, movies, and content…period! We are not simply characters in a  video game being controlled by the invisible hand. Once the goal is met, I’m going to shoot a movie that will drop May 22nd, 2012, and a portion will go to charity.”

Banner assembled a well-known array of guest features for his new 20-track independent album, some of which include Big K.R.I.T., A$AP Rocky, Chris Brown, Bun B, Don Trip, Snoop Dogg, Game, Nipsey Hussle, Ras Kass, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, and more.

Production on Sex, Drugs & Video Games comes from David Banner himself, as well as Mr. Lee, M Phazes, Swiff D, THX, and Hector Delgado.

AllHipHop.com spoke with David Banner today (May 22) as he traveled across New York City to promote the album’s debut, where he noted that he hopes people – especially naysayers – will grasp the concept behind his unique fundraising, album-selling venture. He says his mission is to spotlight world-class artists over his production, raise $1 per album for charity and an upcoming movie project, and have an army of two million people who will work together on social issues when called upon.

“Part of the problem – before we address the movement – is how we feel about ourselves. And that’s part of Sex, Drugs, and Video Games. For the amount of quality I’m giving? All those beats from a Grammy Award-winning producer, all those features, all those videos? Just on the concept alone, they should support,” said Banner.

About his continued goal of creating music that he can be proud of, he said, “I’m just being honest with you. I make the beats for a lot of the hits that people like. I know what to say. It just don’t sit right in my soul no more. It don’t. Even if I’m one of the people that has done the stuff they’re talking about, it don’t feel right. It just don’t feel right.

“The [album] interludes are very important – that’s what really tied this album together. At the end of the album, I said, ‘If I’m the only one that does this, then that’s fine,” he added.

“The goal of Sex, Drugs & Video Games is to show the world urban music is still valuable. And how am I going to do that? Well, I’m glad you asked. I need two million of you to download this free independent album, then I need the same two million of you to donate at least $1 to the movement, but feel free to donate more! There is no maximum donation, and you can even donate now,” he encouraged on his website.

Visit David Banner’s official website, or click the button below to support the 2M1 Movement.

Check out the tracklisting below and download Sex, Drugs & Video Games:

1. Intro
2. Sex, Drugs & Video Games
3. Believe ft. Big K.R.I.T.
4. Yao Ming (Remix) ft. Chris Brown & A$AP Rocky
5. Mothers and Sisters
6. Amazing ft. Chris Brown
7. Swag (Remix) ft. Kardinal Offishial
8. Who’s That
9. Smoked Out ft. Bun B & Raheem DeVaughn
10. Work ft. Don Trip
11. The Big Concert
12. Californication ft. Snoop Dogg, Game, Nipsey Hussle & Ras Kass
13. No Choice ft. J Doe
14. Castles In Brooklyn ft. Maino
15. Pushing
16. Malcolm X (A Song To Me)
17. I Look Good ft. Doe Hicks, Luck & Savvy
18. Let Me In ft. Tank
19. The End
20. Yao Ming ft. Lil Wayne & 2 Chainz

According to TMZ, 2 Chainz was detained at approximately 1:45PM for allegedly carrying a set of brass knuckles.  The rapper, born Tauheed Epps,  was entering the Delta terminal for a flight to North Carolina when TSA found the weapon in his bag.

Upon finding the brass knuckles, police were called and Chainz was taken into custody for misdemeanor possession of a criminal weapon.

At press time, 2 Chainz was still in custody with the New York police.

While Action has since clarified his comments on the photo and its caption, several outspoken members of the LGBT community have expressed their displeasure with Action Bronson’s words.

“Close up of Drunk Mexican Tranny after Bes poured a Bottle of water on its head,” Action Bronson said in his caption via his Instagram account, ActionBronson.

Now, in response to an outpouring of comments on the photo, Bronson has defended himself, asserting that he is not “anti-LGBT.”

“I don’t hate anyone. I like to laugh. He/She should be ashamed of He/She Self for giving y’all a bad wrap.ind u it was laying on the floor,” Bronson proclaimed. “In front of the Train Station. I’m only a documentarian of this event.”

Action Bronson is not the first rapper to ruffle a few feathers throughout the LGBT community over the past few years, as several rappers have faced scrutiny in the media for their remarks about those choosing an alternative lifestyle or sexual preference.

However, Action Bronson isn’t sorry for having posted the picture saying, “It’s simple. U don’t like what I say then don’t pay attention.

“If u DONT wanna get pissed on spit on and put on Instagram DONT GET DRUNK TO THE POINT U CANT STAND OR TALK,” he continued via Twitter.

Action Bronson summed up his thoughts on the situation by posting a candid photo for all those detractors unhappy with his comments, saying, “F**K YOU HATER.”

ACL 2012, which expects to attract over 70,000 attendees each day and is headlined by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young, and the Black Keys, will also include performances from the legendary Roots crew, Childish Gambino, Big K.R.I.T., A-Trak, Barrington Levy, and 2011 Grammy Award-winner for Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding, who last played the festival in 2009.

Spalding and A-Trak will be performing on Friday, October 12, while Big K.R.I.T. and The Roots are slated to appear on Saturday, October 13. Childish Gambino and Barrington Levy will help close out ACL 2012 on the festival’s last day, Sunday, October 14.

Other acts that will play at ACL 2012 include Jack White, Florence + the Machine, The Avett Brothers, Weezer, Bassnectar, Dev, M83, and over 70 other performers from around the world. View the entire lineup over at ACLFestival.com.

Past ACL performers have included Jay-Z, Gnarls Barkley, Mos Def, Kanye West, K’Naan, Nas, Theophilus London, and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley. All three-day passes for this year’s ACL have already sold out. Individual day tickets can still be purchased for $99 at ACLFestival.com.

With the rapid rise of artists like Three 6 Mafia, Yo Gotti, Don Trip, and others, Drumma Boy looks to shine light on a city he feel’s was overshadowed in the VH1 Hip-Hop Honors last year.

“Welcome to My City, first and foremost, is the unification process of Memphis. It’s like bringing the city together. Welcome To My City was inspired by Memphis being left out of and not being mentioned at VH1 Hip Hop Honors… I was like damn… How can Hip Hop Honors overlook Memphis?” Drumma Boy told AllHipHop.com in an exclusive interview.

“Many say it’s no unity here in Memephis, so I took it upon myself to create that unity through this Mixtape. By getting the hottest artist Memphis has to offer, new and established. I wanted to musically Welcome the world to my city,” he added.

Drumma attributes a lack of knowledge as a reason why many in the industry haven’t given Memphis its due credit in his eyes.

“A lack of knowledge, many not knowing Memphis history, lack of indie artists from the M not traveling and repping the city worldwide, is the reason Memphis has gone unnoticed,” Drumma Boy continued.

Drumma Boy is currently working on a new mixtape with DJ Paul titled Clash Of Da Titans, T.I.’s new album, 2Chainz’ new album, and Chris Brown’s album, along with new Jeezy projects in the works as well.

For more information on Drumma Boy’s Memphis unity project, visit Live Mixtapes.com to check it out.

Rosemond is accused of masterminding a $10 million-per-year cocaine operation, that imported hundreds of kilos of cocaine per week into New York.

Prosecutors claim that millions in cash was laundered through various companies controlled by Rosemond.

Today in court, testimony continued from a variety of prosecution witnesses.

The case agent assigned to the Rosemond investigation, Marc Van Driessche, testified today.

Agent Van Driessche investigated Rosemond starting in 2008, until his arrest in June 21, 2011, at a W Hotel after a month-long, nationwide manhunt.

Since then, Rosemond has met with authorities nine different times in an attempt to reach a cooperation agreement with the government.

After his arrest, Rosemond’s first meeting with prosecutors took place on October 4, 2011.

Agent Van Driessche said he attended a meeting with two prosecutors, agents, and an attorney representing Rosemond.

It was during this session that Rosemond admitted that he was a co-conspirator in the cocaine case.

During his first meeting with authorities, Rosemond admitted that he e-mailed an associate named Jason Williams on an encrypted Blackberry, so the pair could pick up “one of them things.”

Later, the two men went to an auto body shop in Newark, New Jersey, where an illegal trap was being fitted on to a black Dodge charger.

Rosemond picked up the charger and went to the LeFrak Housing Projects in Queens, where he received up a kilo of cocaine.

He then met with an associate named Winston “Winnie” Harris, who had already began cooperating with the DEA and was wearing a wire, with agents listening in.

“He was surprised Winston didn’t have the money, but he instructed Jason to handover a kilo of cocaine anyway,” agent Van Driessche testified.

Rosemond said that when he returned, he noticed police entering into his building, so he fled.

In the Proffer Agreement, Rosemond said he later he received a call from someone in Jamaica, who revealed that Winston Harris had been cooperating with authorities.

Rosemond put “two and two together” and fled Brooklyn for the Gowanus Housing Projects, where he spent the night in a staircase hiding from authorities.

Rosemond then made it to a hotel in Brooklyn, borrowed a white BMW from a family member, and traveled to Virginia, where he met up with Jason Williams.

Later in the evening, Rosemond said he traveled to Miami alone by train, where he had his housekeeper to remove $25,000 in cash.

“We didn’t know what happened to the defendant after police entered his apartment in New York,” agent Van Driessche testified.

In the Proffer Agreement, Rosemond also acknowledged he was aware of the $1.2 million stashed in a music crate at Smash Studios, which was going to be delivered to criminal associates in California.

According to agent Van Driessche, Rosemond admitted that in 2010 alone, two associates in the conspiracy provided him almost 500 kilos of cocaine.

He also admitted that he gave a connect named Lamont Bennett $300,000 in cash to settle a cocaine debt.

Van Driessche testified that Rosemond complained that he was going to be forced to sell one kilo at a time, until his money was back up, since he lost hundreds-of-thousands due to seizures of packages.

Rosemond’s publicist issued an official statement to AllHipHop.com about the testimony today:

“As an official publicist for Jimmy for many years, I’ve been listening in on the trial,” Rosemond’s publicist, Sabrina Stowe de Fernandez, told AllHipHop.com. “Since day one, his defense attorney admitted that Jimmy apparently lied during proffering sessions. The prosecutors took the deal off the table and is basically trying to bring those lies into the case as evidence.”

Testimony continues today.

Pete Rock, who produced “T.R.O.Y.” in 1992 as a dedication to Troy “Trouble” Dixon of Heavy D and the Boyz, has taken to Twitter to lash out at the label and producers who were behind the sampling done on “Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free).”

Pete Rock took to Twitter last night (May 21) to air out all those involved: “No disrespect to lupe fiasco and i like him alot but TROY should be left alone. Feel so violated,the beat is next to my heart and was made. Outta anguish and pain. When it’s like that it should not be touched by no one! It’s so hard for folks to make original music, I possess that, but these dudes are scared of that and this is supposed to be HIP HOP?

He continued, “Man I’m a lupe fan and everything but TROY was my homie man. I think about him and Hev every f*cking day!!!! Smh. Who ever Re-created that didn’t do a good job @ all. #nohate.This business can be so lame, sometimes I make beats blindfolded with one hand tied behind my back and still these cats can’t be original to. So untalented and unoriginal. Makes me feel like I’m truly the best that ever did it. Yo hev and t-Roy I love and miss da shit outta y’all. U guys have been violated with no Vaseline. So f*cked up this business smmfh!!! And I don’t care who got something to say about it, kiss my entire black *ss. #violationtodafullest.

“Lame Ducks with absolutely no talent if u can’t make ur own hit. FOH. I’m not flattered @ all. Dat sh*t is wack, and the producer should be ashamed of his f*ckin self. Smh. That record is dear to me yo f*ck deez n*ggas!!!! I’m still Dat n*gga out here believe it or don’t. Ur ignorance not mine, lame duck bullsh*t. I think lupe is a great artist, I’m that angry with him but it’s a major label idea. I can feel it. And y’all need to stop the childish games, I’m a fan of lupe and he is a great artist and a great person.

“And let me be clear cuz a lot of y’all don’t know this. But Tom Scott himself gave me an approval for TROY, told me I did a great job!! As did Luther vandross as well spoke to me about how I covered “don’t u know that” and approved!! #official.”

The sentiments Pete Rock has shared on Twitter have mostly been aimed at producers and Lupe’s home of Atlantic Records, who he believes is behind the “violation.”

Lupe Fiasco may have a chance to clear things up during his appearance on this week’s edition of MTV’s “RapFix Live” which will air this Wednesday, May 23 at 4 pm EST.

Listen to Lupe Fiasco’s new single, “Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free),” below:

The rapper agreed to serve jail time after a raid on his home by the IRS in 2010, TMZ reports.

The embattled rapper agreed to plead guilty to possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon after federal agents located a .40 caliber Glock 22 and rounds in his mansion. This is the same mansion that the rapper has been evicted from. The rapper is a convicted felon, and he’s not permitted to own a firearm.

[Read: Young Buck evicted from Tennessee mansion.]

The felony stems from a well-publicized incident where Young Buck stabbed a man at the the 2004 VIBE Awards. He was defending producer Dr. Dre.

Young Buck will be formally sentenced on July 13.

Joining a select group of celebrity gamers as a Ghost, Kendrick Lamar joins the ranks with the most elite soldiers and represents a complete range of skills on the battlefield.

In the game, Lamar and his team members are a team of highly trained, spec ops soldiers. Armed with combat technology and cutting-edge military hardware, Ghost Recon takes gamers through deadly warzones to hunt down the highest value targets.

Kendrick joins NBA All-Star Kevin Love, NFL rookie Justin Blackmon, and reality star Coco as the fourth and final member of the team.

“I’m obviously a vocal guy, so I’m going to pave the way to victory for Team Ghost, and make sure you hear about it the entire time,” said Kendrick Lamar. “Playing Ghost Recon is no different from being a rapper, really going full force against the competition and breaking through the enemy lines, just like I do with my bars.”

In addition to his role in the video game, Kendrick Lamar is giving fans a new song inspired by Ghost Recon: Future Soldier entitled “War Is My Love,” which was released yesterday (May 21).

“Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon: Future Soldier” will be available Today (May 22) for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. It will be also be made available to fans on PC on June 12, 2012.

The Made festival takes place on Sept. 1-2 in Philadelphia.

Read: Jay-Z To Launch “Made In America” Music Festival

A number of other acts were added to the line up as well, including Rick Ross, indie rockers Dirty Projectors, Janelle Monae, reclusive soulster D’Angelo, Meek Mill, Santigold, Skrillex, Odd Future, electronic band Passion Pit, and Wale. The Budweiser-sponsored has more to offer with Calvin Harris, The Knocks, and Roc Nation’s Rita Ora, Brit pop act Miike Snow and Latino pop star Prince Royce.

Jay-Z and Pearl Jam will play both nights.

Tickets to the Made In America festival go on sale this Wednesday at 10 am on Ticketmaster.com and LiveNation.com. Ticket prices start at $99.

The album’s tracklisting was revealed by Beiber via Twitter, prior to him taking the stage last night where he performed the Believe’s first single, “Boyfriend“, produced by Mike Posner.

As for the Hip-Hop talent Bieber has gathered, Ludacris will be featured on the album’s opening track, “All Around the World,” while Nicki Minaj and Drake will appear separately on the tracks, “Beauty and the Beat” and “Right Here.” G.O.O.D. Music’s Big Sean will appear on the Hit-Boy-produced “As Long As You Love Me”.

The 18-year-old singer and pop star has also enlisted producers such as Hit-Boy, Diplo, Kanye West, Timbaland, and Rodney Jerkins for Believe, to be released on June 19.

Image from GQ.

The Harlem MC has enlisted Curren$y, Sean Price, Action Bronson, Domo Genesis, Schoolboy Q, and more for his 12-track album that follows April’s Cuz I Felt Like It EP.

DZA spoke on his Harry Fraud produced album with AllHipHop.com: “It’s always a pleasure to work with somebody as talented as Harry, you know, I’m blessed to be able to work with him and put out a whole project with him. Harry Fraud is one of the best producers out, and that’s my brother man.”

“We’ve got an ill chemistry,” he said, “and we knock out a lot of records quick and they’re really hot. I got the same feeling from him that I got from Ski [Beatz] when I worked on George Kush Da Button. When me and Harry are in the studio, we just push each other. We’ve got big, big records on there. I’m just excited for the next chapter”

Rugby Thompson can be pre-ordered now at HighTimes.com.

Check out the tracklisting for Rugby Thompson below:

01. Rugby Thompson
02. New Jack
03. Baleedat ft. Curren$y
04. Playground Legend
05. Ashtray ft. Domo Genesis & ScHoolboy Q
06. F*ck Ya Mother ft. Sean Price
07. Game 7 ft. A$AP Twelvyy
08. Kenny Powers
09. Turnbuckle Music ft. Action Bronson
10. Rivermonts
11. Lo Horsemen ft. NYM LO, Meyhem Lauren & Thirstin Howl III
12. The Prelude To Judgement Day

Image by Steve-Ography.

The operation allegedly imported hundreds of kilos of the drug from the West Coast using overnight courier services and then sold them into the New York area.

The government claims the proceeds were sent to the West Coast, and then laundered through various companies controlled by Rosemond.

Today, Czar Entertainment’s former business manager, John Dash, took the stand to testify for the prosecution.

Dash is also currently the business manager for rapper Game and has handled the rapper’s finances since about 2005.

Dash testified that he regularly deposited money orders into Czar’s accounts and paid for expenses that he claimed he was told “was income derived from studio rental time.”

According to Dash, Rosemond earned most of his money through management commission checks issued to Czar Entertainment.

Dash said that in 2006-2007, Czar handled the careers of Mario Winans, Guerilla Black, and Game.

Dash said promoters often paid Game through wires, while smaller promoters often paid the rapper in cash.

Prosecutors for the government focused on Game’s tour revenue in the United States and overseas in 2007.

According to Dash, around this time about 80 percent of Game’s income was made from touring derived from overseas, which Czar would also get a piece of.

Dash said that around 2007, checks for as much as $100,000 would mysteriously arrive at the Czar offices, with no invoices or sender attached to them.

Dash revealed that Rosemond was also in business with a company named Flava Foods, which was a money losing venture that owned a chain of Fat Burger restaurants.

He said that Rosemond would make capital investments in the company, and also received one royalty check from a $200,000 investment in the movie, Cookout 2.

Dash claimed that although Rosemond’s income decreased starting in 2007, he was still making payments for a variety of expenses for his clients, including Game, Mike Tyson, and others.

Things came crashing down for Dash in 2010, when two IRS agents showed up to his house and began questioning him about his bank account records and his book keeping for companies owned by Rosemond.

But Dash’s reputation and credibility were severely damaged by James Rosemond’s attorney, Gerald Shargel.

Dash admitted that he was “relieved” that agents did not seize his own books during the initial raid, because he had already committed numerous bank fraud crimes, which had nothing to do with Rosemond or Czar Entertainment.

“I created fake W-2s, fake pay stubs, and mortgage loan applications for myself and some clients,” John Dash admitted on the stand.

He also admitted to several other crimes, including writing off over $1 million in business expenses, without Rosemond’s knowledge.

But, the most shocking information came when Dash admitted that he had no legal certification, educational background, or any other formal training to represent himself as an accountant for a variety of entertainers.

Shargel also made Dash admit that it was his idea to deposit cash payments in increments of less than $10,000, which is a crime called “structuring.”

Like other witnesses the prosecution has presented, Dash has a cooperation agreement with authorities to cover crimes he committed from 2004 until present.

Testimony continues today.

Sponsored by AllHipHop.com, Rocksmith, Real Talk NYC, and Fusicology, the party will bring together performances from Bush Babies and Homeboy Sandman, along with several surprise performances in a legendary “ALL-STAR Cypher.”

Beyond Wednesday, the “Lyricist Lounge 20 Year Anniversary” celebration will continue with several commemorative events throughout New York following the kickoff party, including outdoor concerts in city parks in partnership with Summerstage and Celebrate Brooklyn.

Paying homage to the pioneers of Hip-Hop culture since 1991, the Lyricist Lounge has sought to promote up-and-coming raw artists, and in doing so, has facilitated three albums, seven domestic tours, two seasons of an MTV sketch comedy, called “The Lyricist Lounge Show“, and two DVD releases.

Mos Def, Invincible, Wordsworth, & Thirstin Howl III – “Lyricist Lounge Show Freestyle“

Over the years, the Lyricist Lounge has produced events for a host of stars, featuring Mos Def, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, The Roots, Common, MOP, Foxy Brown, Black Eyed Peas, and many more.

The “Lyricist Lounge 20 Year Anniversary” All-Star Reunion is open to the public – Hip-Hop fans, documentary filmmakers, and Lyricist Lounge alumni can expect a host of surprise guest appearances.

For more information on the All Star Reunion Party (to be held at Le Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St, NY, NY 10012), visit HERE.

The exact details surrounding the eviction are unclear at press time.

Still, the rapper owes $333,975.69 in unpaid back taxes, according to news/gossip site TMZ.

Per court order, Buck was to be out of the 5,000 foot mansion by May 16, but whether or not he’s fully left is not known. He was seen moving boxes from the residence last week though.

A court order has already determined the home will be sold in order to pay off the tax debt, but it does not fully explain the eviction yet.

Over the weekend, reports surfaced that Young Buck would also be heading back to jail in the coming weeks.

While the details have not been released about the nature of his crime, Young Buck himself admitted that he would be serving two months in jail.

Young Buck had yet not commented on the eviction matter at press time.

Recently, 50 Cent filed a motion to block Young Buck’s sale of his intellectual property, in an attempt to pay off creditors, as part of his bankruptcy filing.

According to TMZ, a fan by the name of Alfredo Marino claims to have been knocked to the ground from behind with a skateboard, which casued him to bleed from the head.

Marino also says that he suffered a concussion and vertigo during the incident.

Marino asserts that Wayne and his crew began making threats to him.

“Don’t you know all it takes is a word and these motherf**kers are going to f**k you up?” Wayne allegedly said.

“[Marino] will enforce all of his rights under the law and all individuals responsible for this outrageous incident will be blamed for the damages that my client has suffered and continues to suffer,” said the victim’s lawyer, Craig Chisvin.

Kim hit the stage dressed to kill in a red military inspired jacket with a tan body suit underneath and a full band backing her up. She began her set with the twista-esque “Queen Bitch”, then performed with a vengeance, and even kicked a few dance moves with her backup dancers, nailing the choreography. Kimmy Blanco then ran through a catalog of her 2000s hits, including “The Jump Off”, “Big Mama Thing”, “Magic Stick” and “Lighters Up”.

One of the biggest moments during the show was when Lil’ Kim brought out Missy Elliott and Eve to perform the “Hot Boyz (Remix)”. The crowd was entranced, seeing what could truly be a momentous moment in Hip-Hop – one that could possibly start a unity among the female rappers of our time.

Lil’ Kim closed out the show spitting verses from her features on two classics – Mobb Deep’s “The Quiet Storm” and Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Get Money (Remix)”.  Although a few of the costume changes slowed down the momentum at times, Lil’ Kim did a great job at showing the crowd she still has what it takes to compete with the younger female rappers out there.  And no, there was not one mention of a certain Ms. Nicki Minaj.

Check out the video below to watch some clips from Lil’ Kim’s “The Return Of The Queen” stop in the Bronx:

The first Self Made was released one year ago and produced multiple hit singles, including “600 Benz” with Wale and Rick Ross, “Tupac Back” and “Ima Boss” with Meek Mill and Rick Ross, and “Pacman” with former MMG member, Pill, and Rozay. Other singles included “That Way,” “Fitted Cap”, and “By Any Means.”

Self-Made 2′s 14 track LP showcases collaborations within the MMG family like Meek Mill, Wale, new recruit Omarion, Stalley, and Gunplay, as well as some Hip-Hop heavyweights like Kendrick Lamar, Nas, Gunplay, French Montana, Nipsey Hussle, Wiz Khalifa, Roscoe Dash, T-Pain, T.I., Ace Hood, and Bun B.

The album, which will be released on June 26, can be pre-ordered two ways: the first as a part of a “Made” Deluxe Bundle that will include Self Made 2, a MMG patch and a limited edition MMG t-shirt for $29.99; and secondly, to pre-order the album is with the “Affiliated” Bundle ,which costs $14.99 and includes a MMG patch and Self Made 2. Both bundles can be pre-ordered here.

Check out the full tracklisting for MMG’s Self Made 2. below:

1. Stalley,Wale & Meek Mill – “Power Circle” featuring Rick Ross, Gunplay & Kendrick Lamar
2. Meek Mill – “Black Magic” featuring Rick Ross
3. Wale & Omarion – “This Thing Of Ours” featuring Rick Ross & Nas
4. Wale & Omarion – “All Birds” featuring French Montana
5. Wale & Meek Mill – “Actin Up” featuring French Montana
6. Stalley – “Fountain Of Youth” featuring Rick Ross & Nipsey Hussle
7. Stalley – “I Be Puttin’ On” featuring Wiz Khalifa, French Montana & Roscoe Dash
8. Wale & Stalley – “The Zenith” featuring Rick Ross
9. Omarion & Wale – “M.I.A.”
10. Wale & Meek Mill – “Bag Of Money” featuring Rick Ross & T-Pain
11. Omarion – “Let’s Talk” featuring Rick Ross
12. Gunplay – “Black On Black” featuring Ace Hood & Bun B
13. Stalley & Wale – “Fluorescent Ink” featuring Rick Ross
14. Rick Ross – “Bury Me A G” featuring T.I.

MMG’s Self Made 2 hits stores on June 26.

Details for the event include its live broadcast pitting Canibus against an MC named Dizaster, who has faced some of the most well respected and seasoned battle MCs in the game.

Some fans of rap battles might remember the historic battle between former Ruff Ryder, Jin, and Dizaster back in 2009, but this one is even more hyped with Pay-Per View on the bill.

For those unable to make the live showdown, the event will also be available live via the KOTD Ustream channel in association with Pay-Per View.

There will also be a chat where participants can interact with fans from across the world, live as the battles happen.  The event is also set to feature exclusive interviews and two camera angles with a live editor on site.

Clockwork Music filed a lawsuit against Action Bronson in the Supreme Court of New York, on May 14.

The lawsuit claims Action Bronson entered into an agreement with Clockwork Music to perform 17-dates on the European tour.

According to Clockwork’s lawsuit, Action Bronson was paid in full for the seven dates he performed.

But the rapper bailed on the remaining ten dates, which he received deposits for.

Clockwork claims Action Bronson held almost $10,000 in deposit money, without returning a dime.

The lawsuit accuses Action Bronson of canceling the canceled dates as well, with the intention of harming Clockwork Music’s reputation with European promoters.

In total, Clockwork Music is seeking almost $70,000 in damages from Action Bronson.

Federal prosecutors and the DEA accuse Rosemond of masterminding a drug operation that imported hundreds of kilos of cocaine into the New York area and sent the proceeds to the West Coast.

Rosemond has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Yesterday (May 17) in court, Rosemond’s alleged main cocaine connect, Henry “Black” Butler took the stand.

Butler, who appeared in his green prison jumpsuit, is facing 10 years-to-life in prison, after being charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, a firearms possession violation, and getting caught with hundreds of ecstasy tabs.

Henry Butler is a Los Angeles gang member, who was arrested in 2010, in Thousand Oaks, California, for his role in the cocaine operation.

Butler, who is married to the sister of Hollywood director Lee Daniels, told prosecutors that James Rosemond was his biggest cocaine customer.

Butler said that he owned an urban event planning company (Mogul Media Group) and had known Rosemond for over 18 years, since 1994.

At that time, Butler said he was working as a road manager for various artists and Rosemond was managing acts as well. The pair was also partnered in the legendary “How Can I Be Down” conferences of the 1990′s.

Their relationship turned into criminal activities in 1995, when Rosemond began ordering hundreds-of-pounds of marijuana from Butler.

The marijuana orders soon turned into small orders of cocaine later that year.

In 1995, Butler said he and Rosemond began selling 2 to 10 kilograms of cocaine in various frequencies, supplied from a connection Butler identified as a man named Adolpho Guzmán.

The cocaine was first sent to Rosemond to New York in a variety of means before they perfected the shipping method.

At first, Butler and an associate would go to Best Buy and buy computer routers, unseal the packages, put the kilos of cocaine inside the router boxes and then re-seal and ship the packages.

Jimmy Henchman

Soon, Butler and an associate began printing their own custom-made router boxes and packaging and sending their cocaine inside of those.

The pair began shipping the kilos of cocaine and money via overnight services, after two criminal associates taught Henry Butler the proper methods of sending the illegal contraband without being detected.

Butler claimed that he and Rosemond regularly transferred hundreds-of-thousands of dollars in cash between each other for large shipments of cocaine.

But in 2010, shortly before Butler’s arrest, the pair decided to scale back the operation.

“He didn’t want to talk on the phone because things were getting hot, and he felt like he was being investigated,” Butler told the jury.

Butler claimed Rosemond began accepting cocaine and shipments of money in Philadelphia, organized by a man named Leonard Bostic.

Butler also claimed the gang used encrypted Blackberrys to send and receive messages, and they almost never spoke on the phone.

After Butler was arrested, he claimed that Rosemond hired an attorney for him, and he was later visited by a private investigator and attorney Jeffery Lichtman, who allegedly passed a note to Butler, containing sensitive information about Butler’s possibility of cooperating with authorities.

This, plus the possibility of life in prison without parole, led Henry Butler to cooperate with authorities.

But, Rosemond’s attorney Gerald Shargel attacked Butler’s credibility, noting that he had already lied about several key factors in the case.

Shargel revealed that Butler also had a Proffer Agreement with authorities that would allow him to receive a reduced prison sentence, if he supplied truthful testimony about Rosemond.

But Butler allegedly lied to agents when he was interviewed, not just once, but several times, in regards to the case.

At first, Butler told prosecutors that he and Rosemond were trafficking much smaller amounts, but those amounts increased as the case continued to build.

Butler said he lied because he wasn’t sure of how much information the government had gathered about the drug gang.

Shargel also revealed that Butler’s agreement with authorities should already be off the table, since he blatantly lied about being a gang member.

During testimony, Henry Butler revealed that he was an “OG” member of the Rolling 60′s Crips in California, a fact that Butler officially denied until last week (May 7).

“Yeah, my voice counted in the neighborhood,” Butler told the jury.

Shargel claimed that Butler has already been caught in several lies and was exaggerating his testimony for a reduced sentence.

Butler said he has met with prosecutors at least 14 times since his arrest, with several sessions dedicated to testifying.

Butler also said that he received documents from Chuck Philips that stated that Rosemond had cooperated with authorities in two separate cases in North Carolina and Florida.

Butler said he ignored the documents, along with a New York Daily News article and continued to do business with Rosemond.

James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond is a well-known urban music executive, who frequently did business with artists like Queen Latifah, Game, Sean Kingston and others.

His company Czar Entertainment managed rapper Game during a violent feud between 50 Cent, G-Unit, and Tony Yayo.

Their feud escalated and ultimately ended in death, when Lowell “Lodi Mack” Fletcher, an associate of Tony Yayo, was allegedly murdered on orders of Rosemond.

Fletcher had been released from prison several months earlier, after serving time for striking Rosemond’s young son.

The incident caused outrage at the time, as well as condemnation from activists like Al Sharpton.

Tony Yayo was put on probation for the incident as well.

The first season of “Loiter Squad” premiered in March and has already aired eight of the group’s 15-minute episodes. Although no premiere date was announced at press time, fans can anticipate the show’s second season to air in late summer or early fall.

In music news, the Odd Future gang recently released the group’s second compilation record, The O.F. Tape Vol. 2, on March 20, and Tyler the Creator’s follow-up to last year’s solo album Goblin, titled Wolf, is expected to be released this summer. In addition, O.F. member Earl Sweatshirt is currently working on a number of projects, including a solo album and a collaborative project with Tyler. Dates for each release have not yet been revealed.

Check out the “Loiter Squad” Season 1 trailer below:

The statement from the  New York Senate, which came two week after the world mourned the untimely death of The Beastie Boys member, praised Yauch for his “extracurricular activities, which included his pro-Tibet Milarepa Fund and the film distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories.”

The resolution also described MCA as a “man of colossal talent and charisma.”

In addition to the news from the New York Senate, their will be an unofficial “MCA Day NYC” taking place tomorrow (May 19) at 11 a.m. in New York City’s Union Square Park. It will be a day of “humble tribute and colorful celebration of the life and music of Adam Yauch.”

Adam “MCA” Yauch died at age 47 on this past May 4 after a long battle with cancer.

For more information on “MCA Day,” visit the event’s FaceBook page.

The inaugural show will feature Mac Miller, Fat Joe, Childish Gambino, MGK, Ghostface Killah, DJ Khaled, Tech N9ne, comedian Donnell, Kat Graham, and host Peter Rosenberg of Hot 97.

MTV2 will also dedicate this Sunday to “Hip Hop Squares” on their countdown show “Sucka Free Countdown.”

This Sunday’s edition of “Sucka Free” will feature Asher Roth, Biz Markie, and 2Chainz inside the celebrity green room on the set of “Hip Hop Squares.”

“Hip Hop Squares” will debut on Tuesday, May 22 at 11:00 PM ET.

Check out some behind the scenes footage and the trailer below:

Drake teamed with OurStage.com for the “Rise” contest and the winner has officially been selected.

Rapper Jitta On The Track, an artist based out of Connecticut, will join Drake, J. Cole, Meek Mill, 2Chainz and French Montana on 20 stops on the “Club Paradise” tour.

“Congratulations to Jitta on winning the OurStage.com ‘Rise’ competition,” Drake said. “OurStage is helping emerging artists get an opportunity to be heard and as an artist, that’s something I can support.”

Jitta On The Track already has a buzz for his latest track “Drink Face,” which has received over 450,000 views on Youtube.com.

“This is a life-changing opportunity for any artist and we are thrilled to be giving Jitta On the Track this moment,” said Derrick Brown, OurStage Vice President of Development. “This tour will help introduce thousands of new fans to Jitta’s great hip hop style and help propel him into the mainstream market.”

When he was further pressed for information regarding his work with Jeezy, Tip told show host Sway, “It’s not the recording, the recording is easy. It’s a matter of when we would have time to market and promote ‘em and release ‘em,” T.I. said. “We got maybe 30 or 40 [percent done]. Between the two of us, we probably got five or six records.”

Def Jam recording artist The-Dream has announced  the release date for his upcoming fourth studio album, Love IV. The three-time, Grammy Award-winning singer released a statement recently that read: “Love IV is the best album I’ve made. I don’t care what the sales will be.

“I will do my best to Challenge your Taste And Knowledge…….I will Leave no Holes in this Album Period, no room to be Hated only Adored or simply just say “you don’t fuck with me” but what U won’t….Say is Dream Album is Mediocre or Sucks. I will Never Be your Star I’m to G and to Westside for that. I will never Sellout Arenas…..Because Since Love Hate I didn’t Sellout! And no matter how much you hate me you got to Respect that! AUGUST 14.”

According to KicksOnFire, Kanye West and Nike’s highly-anticipated new shoe, the Air Yeezy 2, will be available at retailers on June 9. Word is that the sneakers will be released in extremely limited quantities. For example, Australia is being said to only be receiving about 30 pairs of each color-way. The price-tag, although not confirmed by Nike, is said to exceed $350. Upon release, the Air Yeezy 2 will be available in two color-ways: wolf grey/pure platinum and black/solar red.

The Queen Bee will perform at The Paradise Theater in the Bronx tonight.

The rapper will host a meet and greet, as well as an interview session with press, just before the concert kicks off.

The stop in New York is the third date on Lil Kim’s “Return of the Queen” tour, which is the rapper’s first major outing on the road in two years.

The tour will make stops in Philadelphia, Milwaukee, San Francisco, Hollywood and other major markets.

May 19 – Albany, NY – Northern Lights

May 20 – Philadelphia, PA – Club ONYX

May 22 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground

May 25 – Markham, IL – Adrianna’s Night Club

May 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theatre

June 1 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s

June 11 – San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine

June 13 – West Hollywood, CA – Key Club

The debut will take place next Wednesday, the rapper said Friday in a release.

The move will apparently have seven screens and meld art with film during its run.

Cannes takes place from March 24-25.

Those that want to see the film at Cannes may RSVP via West’s site, kanyewest.com.

Kanye West has directed a number of music videos.

The rap star appeared at his alma mater, where he donated iPads to the high school, for students to use.

“We commend Rick Ross for giving back to Miami Carol City Senior High School. By doing so, he is setting a wonderful example for our students and community,” said Principal Mr. Dunn.

Most of the iPads donated by Rick Ross will be used for students to complete their college applications.

Rick Ross and Swizz also gave out Reeboks to high school seniors, who placed well on college aptitude tests.

Rick Ross and Swizz greeted students, signed autographs and met with faculty members.

“Rick Ross made history coming back to his high school; many celebrities and politicians have graduated from Carol City Senior High School but he’s the first to come back and connect with the new students,” added Ms. White, the school’s CAP Advisor.

Check out pictures below.

Photos: Thaddeaus McAdams

Federal authorities claim Rosemond headed up a $10 million-per-year cocaine operation that sold hundreds of kilos each month in the New York area, and sent millions in proceeds to the West Coast.

Today in court, federal prosecutors unveiled a number of purchases Rosemond made in cash for renovations to his luxury Brooklyn condominium.

Prosecutors produced receipts showing that Rosemond had hired a Miami, Florida company to install an audio/visual system in his condominium, which totaled $153,000.

Rosemond allegedly paid for some of the renovations by handing one contractor a bag of cash totaling $21,000.

He also paid another contractor a total of over $300,000 in cash to have to his luxury condominium refurbished.

Rosemond’s lawyer Gerald Shargel did not dispute the fact that Rosemond made a number of large purchases in cash, and implied that the proceeds came from Rosemond’s legitimate business, Czar Entertainment.

Another witness was produced, named Jillianna Quinones, who Rosemond used to date.

Quinones testified that in May of 2011, Rosemond gave her a large amount of cash to take to Los Angeles, where he planned to meet with her to pick up the money.

Quinones attempted to fly to Los Angeles, but was stopped by Federal agents, who questioned her about where the cash originated.

When she landed in Los Angeles, two more agents further questioned Quinones, took pictures of her holding a large bag of money, and allegedly forced her to sign a cooperation agreement.

“They [agents] said it was drug money,” Quinones testified. “But he [Jimmy] said that was not the case.”

According to Quinones, the agents coached her on what to write on a cooperation agreement.

Quinones, 25, even said agents told her to write that the proceeds were derived from illegal activities.

She then gave authorities Rosemond’s cell phone number, and authorities promptly seized the cash, which was still stuffed inside her Louis Vuitton knapsack, as well as another carry-on bag.

Testimony continues.

From his trips to Africa, to his Street King Energy drink charity initiatives, 50 Cent has ramped up his efforts to help those in need.

50′s embrace of those in need was most recently showcased via his efforts to support City Harvest & Feeding America, where the G-Unit mogul served over 250 meals for starving homeless people.

In association with SMS Audio, 50 has also offered to donate 250 meals to Feeding America for every set of headphones that is purchased domestically on SMSAudio.com.

View video below of 50 Cent participating in helping out people in need.

Summer was 63.

Summer, a Grammy Award-winner, had a number of hits in the 70′s and 80′s. Songs like “Last Dance” and “Bad Girls” represented the sound of a generation.

Summer continued to make music as she battled cancer.

“We spoke to someone who was with Summer a couple of weeks ago … who says she didn’t seem too bad.,” reported news/gossip site TMZ. “In fact, we’re told she was focused on trying to finish up an album she had been working on. “

Incidentally Donna Summer’s nephew is a rapper named Omega Red. They recorded a song called Angel. The song is below with other hits from the legendary songstress.

“Angel” – Omega Red featured Donna Summer

Donna Summer Master Mix

According to the New York Post, longtime co-host Rocsi Diaz is leaving the show to pursue an acting career.

Rocsi will reportedly be relocating to the West Coast, in an effort to pursue a career in Hollywood.

According to sources, Terrence J. is also making plans to leave the show as a host, to pursue an acting career as well.

Both have appeared in high-profile movies in the past year.

Rocsi will be featured in the movie “Soul Ties,” while Terrence J. had a starring role in Steve Harvey’s movie “Think Like a Man.”

There was no time frame for the their departure from “106 & Park.”

Terrence J. and Rocsi were the third set of hosts for “106 & Park,” since the show’s launch in 2000.

Free and AJ Calloway were the original hosts from 2000-2005, while Big Tigger and Julissa Bermudez hosted the show for one year, from 2005-2006.

Rocsi and Terrence J. held down the hosting duties from 2006 until present.