Atlanta producer/rapper Lil’ Jon has launched a new wine business, The Associated Press reports. The self-proclaimed King of Crunk has launched Little Jonathan Winery. “I’m not no drink wine every day kind of dude,” the rapper told the AP. “Don’t ask me no questions…I just like the taste….this is not no ghetto Boone’s Farm; this… Read more »

More

Hip-Hop is mourning the passing of another legend today, as news spreads of the passing of pioneer B-Boy Frosty Freeze, who died yesterday (April 3) at the age of 44.   The former Rock Steady Crew vice-president died in Manhattan following a prolonged illness.   Hospitalized at Mount Sinai Medical Center since March 27, Frosty,… Read more »

More

A welcome return to his hometown of Flint, Michigan has resulted in jail time for rapper MC Breed.   The Flint Journal reports that Breed was apprehended yesterday (April 3), shortly after he and his documentary crew left an autograph signing at the Music Planet record store in Flint.   The entertainer was picked up… Read more »

More

After months of speculation, MySpace has struck a deal with three major record labels to launch a new joint venture, MySpace Music, it was announced today (April 3).   MySpace Music, which receives over 30 million unique visitors per month, will offer DRM-free digital downloads, ad-supported audio and video, a mobile storefront and various sponsorship… Read more »

More

The state of Texas has tapped rapper Chamillionaire to star in a new “Don’t Mess with Texas” anti-littering campaign.   The rapper has volunteered for the campaign, which also features designer and Corpus Christi native Todd Oldham, who launched the “Rock the Bag” program last month, when he donated specially designed litterbags.   The bags… Read more »

More

A number of rappers and R&B artists are headlining an exclusive five-city concert series sponsored by The Recording Academy (Grammy’s) and T-Mobile USA, to celebrate the Grammy’s 50th Anniversary.   Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, Kid Rock, Pitbull, John Legend and Sean Kingston will headline concerts featuring Cat Power, Colbie Caillat, Kat Deluna, Ozomatli and Seal… Read more »

More

Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is expected to sign a 10-year-deal, $150 million dollar “360” deal with Live Nation, that will include Roc Nation, a new entertainment venture for the rapper, The New York Times reports.   If the deal goes through, Jay-Z, 38, will add more than $60 million dollars in cash to his bottom line…. Read more »

More

On his latest release, the legendary Al Green is appealing to a younger audience with a little help from some contemporary heavyweights.   Celebrated Roots drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson and keyboardist James Poyser co-produced the R&B pioneer’s new studio album, Lay It Down, creating an updated vibe for the veteran soul/gospel crooner.   “They didn’t… Read more »

More

It took rapper T.I. less than 24 hours to fall into compliance with the terms of his plea agreement, AllHipHop.com has learned.   According to attorney Dwight Thomas, who was part of T.I.‘s defense team, the rapper started fulfilling his court mandated 1500 hours of community service on Friday (March 28), just one day after… Read more »

More

A slew of drug charges against D4L group member Fabo were recently dropped, after a co-defendant pled guilty to the charges in the case. Fabo, born Lafabaian Williams, was stopped in Laurens County in February of 2006. A search of the car uncovered marijuana, Ecstasy and a gun. According to the Courier Herald, both men… Read more »

More

Rap star Kanye West is diversifying his business portfolio with the launch of Kanye Travel Ventures (KTV), a new travel program geared at “serving the business and leisure travel demands” of West’s world-wide fan base.   KTV, which is owned by the rapper’s West Brands LLC, has assembled travel experts and consultants who created a… Read more »

More

Wake Up Show hosts Sway and King Tech are issuing an open call to aspiring entertainers to enter their urSession.com “100K Battle“ rap battle contest.   The competition, which kicks off today (April 2), is open to new or unsigned artists. Contestants can enter the battle by signing up for free at urSession.com and downloading… Read more »

More

  Fox Searchlight has announced that newcomer Edwin Freeman will play the role of famed Brooklyn DJ, Mister Cee in the upcoming biopic Notorious, which is based on the life of Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace.   Freeman, a Brooklyn, New York native, has been seen in 2000’s direct-to-DVD Da Mission. He has also been seen… Read more »

More

Block Entertainment CEO Russell “Block” Spencer is expanding the scope of his label. Following the success of rappers Young Joc, Gorilla Zoe, and Boyz N Da Hood, the Bad Boy South imprint is foraying into R&B with its newest artist JC.   “I met him through his manager and eventually took the time out to… Read more »

More

Hip-Hop star Ludacris has teamed with Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee have teamed with Discovery Channel’s new eco-friendly network PlanetGreen to star in a new primetime series.   Battleground Earth will be featured on PlanetGreen, which Discovery Communications will launch on June 4, to over 50 million homes.   The series features Ludacris and Tommy… Read more »

More