(AllHipHop News) Two controversial characters in the latest Transformers series have been axed from the upcoming third installment of the series. Autobot team Mudflap and Skids were the subject of intense criticism shortly after the release of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The controversial characters, who transformed from compact Chevys, spoke in exaggerated slang, couldn’t read and one even sported a gold tooth. According to director Michael Bay, the pair will not be included in the third installment of the film, which has reportedly gone into pre-production in Sherman Oaks, California. Bay denied the characters were racist.  African-American TV actor Reno Wilson provided the voice for Mudflap, while white actor Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) voiced Skids. “I don’t know if it’s stereotypes — they are robots, by the way. These are the voice actors,” Bay told the AP in defense, shortly after Transformers 2 was released. “This is kind of the direction they were taking the characters and we went with it.” No release date is available for the Transformers 3, which is also filming at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.“There’s going to be a lot of death, human death,” T3 star Shia LaBeouf. “This time, they’re targeting humans…It’s going to be the craziest action movie ever made, or we failed.”

(AllHipHop News) The backlash against producer Solar continues, as the unidentified individual who hacked his Twitter account is conducting full interviews. In a new interview with Vibe, a “female” hacker named only as “Renaldo,” claimed she was exposing Solar in order to defend rapper Guru, who died from cancer on April 19th. The hacker has released a number of shocking documents, including emails that imply that Solar was the author of a controversial “deathbed” letter written by Guru that slighted DJ Premier/Documents also hit the net from Solar’s inbox that revealed he may have been attempting to wrestle royalties away from Guru as he lay in a coma in the hospital. “I’m angry because [of the] things popped off on the Internet about Solar,” Renaldo said. “There were rumors going on about Solar selling Guru’s house while Guru was in the hospital. So when people came forward like Solar’s baby mother, I was like, ‘Let’s expose this guy.’ So that’s why I did it.”And while the hacker stated that she had already released the most damning evidence against Solar, there could be more explosive details on the way that have yet to be revealed “if Solar keeps lying.” “I’ve got a sh**load of pics of him cheating. I don’t think I leaked this completely…. When Guru was in the hospital fighting for his life, Solar sent an email from Guru’s email account to EMI and said, ‘I want to transfer 1K from my bank account to another bank account.’ And that bank account is Solar’s bank account. I’ve got several bank records indicating that he was stealing from Guru. And some documents indicating that all the royalties from EMI went to 7 Grand [his record label].”According to the hacker, it was easy to access Solar’s other accounts, because he had emailed his own user names and passwords to himself. At press time, Solar has yet to respond to interview an interview request by AllHipHop.com. To read the full interview go to vibe.com.

(AllHipHop News) Hundreds of angry Malaysians protested a concert featuring US rapper Pitbull and the recent approval of a gambling license to a gaming company set to do business in the country. Over 300 people demonstrated against the concert featuring the chart-topping Miami rapper, which takes place tomorrow (May 15th). A group of Muslims associated with the Pan Malaysian Islamic Party protested a mosque in the capital’s Malay district. “It’s bad enough that he is named after a dog, but if you watch his video clip on You Tube, his performance and lyrics are against Malaysian cultural norms,” said opposition leader Kamaruzaman Mohamad. In related news, Pitbull announced that he is canceling an upcoming concert in Arizona over the state’s controversial immigration laws. The rapper axed a show slated for May 31st in Phoenix, Arizona to protest the law that makes it a to be undocumented. “I am canceling my show in Phoenix on May 31. How’s the country we luv bcuz of its human rights, freedom, opprtnty — that immigrants built — now deny them?” Pitbull wrote on his Facebook page.

Yesterday and early this morning, DJ Kay Slay and Jay Electronica became embroiled in a heated debate over the latter’s outspoken statements on New York’s bias against Hip-Hop from the South.

The issue began when Electronica conducted a London interview, and revealed that in his younger days he held animosity to the RZA over a statement where he implied that southern rappers were less intelligent and making a mockery of Hip-Hop culture.

“Peace on RZA, that’s my brother,” Jay said. “RZA had a great effect on me via the Wu Tang Clan and the music he did, I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for the RZA and the Wu. But also RZA you said some crazy wild s###, and if you would have seen me at that time we might have had a physical altercation.”

Despite Jay prefacing and ending his comments by saying that he had love for RZA and no longer harbored any ill feelings, DJ Kay Slay took exception with the tone of Electronica’s interview, in particular his declaration that there were several emcees from the South that would “burn n#####” from New York.

“This Jay Electronica dude is getting real disrespectful towards New York n##### these days. If he hates us so f###### much why does he rap like us?” Kay Slay tweeted. “His f###### interview just made my blood boil…Can’t f### with sun no more.”

Later Electronica visited Angela Yee’s Lip Service show, and defended his previous comments while framing the dispute as a case of others being too sensitive.

“I’m not rhyming like nobody, we all got influences. And no disrespect, I love Kay Slay,” he stated. “When I say New York n##### was dissing us and talking crazy s### about us; I’m not being hypothetical, I’m talking about what I experienced…I was real clear in the interview I have super respect for RZA. If it wasn’t for Wu, Nas, BIG, Jeru, Primo, by the way Primo’s from Texas, if it wasn’t for all these people I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”

“Check me on the facts, is what I’m saying true or false?” Jay continued. “My name is Jaree Understanding Allah. I’m on a mission from Almighty God. I ain’t on a mission from Kay Slay or Funk Flex…Nowadays it’s a shortage of men, n##### is acting like f######. N##### get sensitive when you speak how you really feel with conviction.”

At midnight Kay Slay addressed Electronica’s words on his Hot 97 radio show, questioning the timing and sincerity of the New Orleans emcee’s position.

“What happened in the past happened and the South is eating now and you got on. Why you keep bringing up old foolishness and keep throwing New York up?” Slay challenged. “I’m taking offense because when Ludacris came around before his first album dropped, he came to my crib to freestyle. T.I. when he first came out came to my crib to freestyle; he asked me to bring him on BET his first time around. Eightball’s first time when he came to New York, I took him through Harlem. You’re using these people like no one in New York supported the South and everybody was dogging them [and] that never was the case.”

Kay Slay also dismissed Jay Electronica’s belief that he didn’t owe New York’s Hip-Hop scene a detailed explanation, arguing that his current residence in Brooklyn did not entitle him to chastise the region.

“If I go in the South, Midwest, or West Coast talking crazy and somebody asks yo what you meant by that, yeah I do owe an explanation…This is our stopping ground, you’re a guest here!” he detailed. “We need lyricists, [and] I respect you as that. But the way you was talking and I seen your aggression, son I’m aggressive, too! And I’m true and living as well, I got knowledge of self, so I ain’t no savage…You eating now dog, let it go. This is New York, man…I can name 5 rappers from the street that I’ll put on stage with anybody you bring to the table, and I’ll put my bread up, son.”

In both broadcasts, each man appeared to be open to a private discussion to settle matters, if needed.

Jay Electronica collaborated with Sean “Diddy” Combs to release “The Ghost of Christopher Wallace” earlier this month, and is currently working on his debut album.

DJ Kay Slay third studio album, More Than Just a DJ, was released in February.

(AllHipHop News) Jay-Z has teamed with Skullcandy to release the Roc Nation Aviator headphones in a new joint venture between the two companies.According to reps for Skullcandy, the new partnership will “push new levels” of style and sound in the marketplace. “Our passion is creating amazing music,” Jay-Z said in a statement. “We’re dedicated to delivering the best in live performances. Now with the Roc Nation/Skullcandy partnership, we’re offering the best way for people to experience the soundtrack of their lives.” According to a press release, the Roc Nation Aviator is designed with superior metals, polycarbonate headphone cups, plush memory foam ear cushions and materials previously used in designer eyewear. “This partnership is an incredible opportunity for Skullcandy,” the company’s CEO Rick Alden said. “By teaming up with Roc Nation on both the creative and marketing direction of these new products, we are able to set the bar at a new high – challenging the future quality of what emerges in the industry from here on out.” The Roc Nation Aviators will be released this June.

(AllHipHop News) Atlanta rapper T.I. made a high profile appearance on CNN’s series Larry King Live tonight (May 13th), where he revealed scenes from his new movie Takers. The movie, which is being released by Columbia Pictures, also stars Chris Brown, Hayden Christensen and Paul Walker. The flick focuses on a group of high profile bank robbers, who pull off a $20 million dollar bank job, which detectives are attempting to solve. “My characters name is Ghost and he is a part of a very, very upscale extravagant band of bank robbers,” T.I. revealed on Larry King.The movie is due in stores this summer, while his upcoming album King Uncaged is due in stores on August 17th. The rapper wore a pink polo top and discussed his year long stint in jail for attempting to purchase silencers and machine guns in October of 2007 during the hour-long conversation. “This most recent incident came from an attempt on my life and my best friend died in my arms and that kind of caused a state of depression, paranoia and my judgment was jaded and I just felt my life was in danger,” T.I. told Larry King. T.I., born Clifford Harris Jr., was released from prison in March. The arms purchase was done out of fear for his life. He noted that deaths of rappers doesn’t seem to be high on the priority list of federal investigators. “Why Me? Why Tupac? Why Biggie? Why Jam Master Jay?” T.I. asked Larry King. “I mean, and if you do more research, you will see the death of a hip hop star is the least investigated. There have been no convictions on Biggie, there have been no convictions on Pac, there have been no convictions on Jam Master Jay. They die and then life goes on.  They die and then life goes on.”He expressed regret over the incident and impact it had on his family and career although he said he was content with his life.  “They say when you are completely happy, you die,” T.I. stated. “So I am they happiest I’ve ever been, but I think that right now since I’ve gotten out of that situation, this is the first time I have actually taken advantage of and being able to enjoy the fruits of my labor.” Larry King attempted to wrestle information out of T.I. regarding his probation status near the end of the interview, but was met with a stone faced T.I., who refused to divulge any information. “The specifics of my probation and the conditions, I’d rather keep that, you, know,” as he admitted he needed permission to leave Atlanta to conduct the interview in New York. T.I.’s new album King Uncaged is due in stores on August 17th. 

(AllHipHop News) Rising Hip-Hop artist Mickey Factz has found a home at Battery Records, the label revealed to AllHipHop.com today (May 13th). After releasing six mixtapes independently and landing spots in advertising campaigns with Honda, the 24-year-old New Yorker signed with Battery because of the label’s “creative vision.”“My career as an artist has been a grand journey up to this point for my team GFCnewyork, and myself,“ Mickey Factz told AllHipHop.com. “Battery is the greatest compromise as they understand my vision and where we will be taking it. I’m glad to welcome them as a part of my team and The Black Apple experience. Truthfully, let the games begin.” Mickey Factz was one of the most sought after unsigned artists before inking his deal with Battery. According to Neil Levine, GM and Senior Vice President of Battery Records, Mickey Factz is a complete artist. “He’s really put the work in to be a real star and Battery is very pleased to welcome him as our newest signing,” Neil Levine said of Factz’ independent hustle. Mickey Factz left NYU Law School in order to pursue his career as a rapper. According to Jeff Sledge, Battery’s VP of A&R, the rapper has developed his skills considerably while honing a unique sound. “I have been working with Mickey for four years now. He has grown as an artist and developed a sound that separates him from other artists,” Sledge said. “I am excited to sign Mickey and have the opportunity to show the world the amazing artist that he has become.”There is no release date for Mickey Factz’ upcoming album.

G-Unit rapper Lloyd Banks will give a special performance at the end of this month at BB Kings Blues Club & Grill. Banks will hit the stage with Power 105.1’s DJ Envy for the performance, which will include special guests, a source told AllHipHop.com. Banks is expected to perform a medley of his songs, including his most recent song “Beamer Benz or Bentley,” which is currently being re-worked into regional mixes that will feature different artists. “I’ve got so much love and a good response on this record that it’s actually going to have to be more than one remix because it goes by markets,” Banks told VIBE. Lloyd Banks will hit the stage May 26th. Rapper Common is taking his relationship with Tennis champion Serena William serious. The rapper stopped by the Ellen DeGeneres show to promote his new flick Just Wright which co-stars Queen Latifah. During the interview, Common told DeGeneres he “definitely” wants to get married. “I definitely want to get married. I would love to get married and have kids,” said Common of his 28-year-old girlfriend. “Actually, Serena and I have been close for about two years. It’s been evolving.” Common said that he gets “emotionally” involved in Williams’ tennis matches. “I sit there, and I’m just tense.  People try and talk to me, and I tell them to be quiet. I was sitting next to Richard Branson and I didn’t pay attention. I don’t care who is there. I’m focused on this tennis match.” The episode is slated to air tomorrow (May 14th) on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Rapper Jay-Z will be releasing greatest hits collection this summer, according to a new website that recently launched. The Hits Collection Vol. 1 is the first greatest hits collection to be released by Jay-Z. Tracks included on the album will include some of Jay-Z’s biggest hits, including recent hits like “Empire State of Mind,” and “Run This Town,” while other hits like “D.O.A.” and “Public Service Announcement” are also included on the compilation. The Hits Collection Vol. 1 is due in stores on June 29th. For more information visit: http://www.jayzhitscollection.com/

(AllHipHop News) New Orleans rapper Juvenile is wasting no time releasing the follow up to last year’s album Cocky and Confident. The rapper has revealed he will release a brand new album this July titled Beast Mode, which will hit stores via a deal between his label UTP and E1 Music.“The main reason for putting out this record in the summer is that it’s a summer album,” Juvenile told AllHipHop.com. “I made this album for my fans, especially for my female fans out there.”The first single from Beast Mode will be the track “Drop That Azz,” which is currently being serviced to radio outlets and mix shows nationwide.  Beast Mode is due in stores on July 6th, 2010.