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Jury Finds Plies Civilly Liable For 2006 Shooting

(AllHipHop News)A jury has found Florida rapper Plies and his brother Ronell Levatte civilly liable for a 2006 shooting inside of a nightclub that left seven people injured.

The rapper has been ordered to pay $200,000 to a group of men who were injured during the shooting, which occurred in July of 2006 in a Gainesville, Florida nightclub.

Plies’ brother, also known as “Big Gates” and members of his entourage open fired during a dispute with the promoter over Plies’ allotted time to perform.

His brother served three years in prison for the shooting.

Plies, born Algernod Lanier Washington, was charged with misdemeanor possession of a concealed weapon and received probation for the incident.

The victims accused Plies of using the incident to bolster his credibility, and ultimately his career, which the jury agreed with, after seven days of testimony.

According to Plies’ lawyer, the case was almost settled of court, for four times the $200,000 in damages.

Jury: PLIES Civilly Liable For Nightclub Shooting.

Common: On Dreams, Beliefs and Generational Gaps

Common is slick. We tried, as many others have, to get him to reveal that Drake was the inspiration for his abrasive cut “Sweet.” What we got was a smile that would shame the Cheshire Cat and then more. He also relinquished, after the interview, that Drake was not his “arch rival” as has been played up by the spectating social media masses. Common does address the growing fissure among lyricist, as well as his own dreams and beliefs. The Chi-town rep is as poignant and compelling as ever.

Click here for Part 1, where Common talks about his new album The Dreamer/ The Believer and more!

Diddy Channels Frank Sinatra In New Ciroc Ad; Gives Out Free Metro Cards On New Year’s Eve

(AllHipHop News) Sean “Diddy” Combs is channeling Frank Sinatra in a new advertising campaign promoting the Ciroc line of vodka.

In the advertising campaign, the rap mogul takes his fans on a first person journey through Las Vegas.

The commercial is set to Sinatra’s classic song “Luck Be a Lady.”

Diddy praised Frank Sinatra, who would have turned 96 on December 12.

“Frank Sinatra made some of the most iconic records of our time; it is truly an honor to use his music again for this campaign,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs. “The Rat Pack defined the art of celebrating in style. I cannot imagine a Spirit more suitable for commemorating life with family and friends than Ciroc; a brand that has become synonymous with celebratory occasions.”

Diddy utilizes a number of up and coming Hollywood actors and actresses in the advertisement, which was directed by Anthony Mandler.

Rising stars like Chad Michael Murray (One Tree Hill), Michael K. Williams (Boardwalk Empire), Jesse Williams (Grey’s Anatomy), Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad) and super model Lisa Seiffert are featured in the commercial.

The advertisement will start airing today on ESPN, E!, Bravo, TBS, VH1, Comedy Central and other cable channels.

Diddy is also encouraging fans to be responsible during the holiday season.

Ciroc will distribute prepaid debit and Metro cards around the country on New Year’s Eve, to ensure his consumers make it home safe to start the new year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-oCa3CJMEA

9th Annual KISS Cares Coat Drive

A variety of artists showed up to support WRKS, 98.7 KISS FM’s 9th Annual KISS Cares Coat Drive, in partnership with the New York Cares Coat Drive Friday.

Over 1,200 coats were collected during the charitable event, which was held at Regal Cinema in Union Square.

Guests that attended included Anthony Hamilton, Carl Thomas, Miss Black New York 2012, Selena Watkins, Essence Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief, Constance White, President of the NAACP, Benjamin Jealous, Hip-Hop legends, Treach from Naughty By Nature, Reggie Reg from the Crash Crew and others.

“We all complain about what we don’t have, but we go out and waste money on stuff that we don’t need,” says Anthony Hamilton. “At times like this…I just think if somebody is there to take care of somebody else, then that’s less people doing without.”

Check out some flicks below: