(AllHipHop News) Houston, Texas rapper Trae Tha Truth will take his community activism to the next level, with the launch of an emergency children’s shelter that will launch on November 1st.
Trae Tha Truth and his Angel By Nature Foundation (ABN) will open and operate the facility, that will temporarily house homeless children, until a permanent residence is found for the children.
“I’m more happy for this than anything I’ve done.” Trae shares in a rare moment of excitement. “These kids are the world. It’s bigger than me and it’s bigger than the city.”
The 3000-square-foot facility will house 20 to 30 children, ranging in age from newborn to 17 years of age, and will be fully furnished with computers, television books and games.
Trae Tha Truth said he was inspired to create the facility, after he became acquainted with a woman named Marilyn Gambrel, a former parole officer who founded the nonprofit No More Victims, which helps children of incarcerated parents.
“The only bad thing is that it’s an emergency shelter,” Trae Tha Truth told AllHipHop.com in a statement today (October 4th). “The kids will only be there a few days. Realistically, I can’t adopt every kid. But this is a start. This is how we can help. I want them to feel comfortable when they’re there. Sometimes they’ll be placed with good families or new families that they don’t know, but when they’re there, I want them to know they are cared about.”
The new facility has already received support from Texas Wire Wheels, which helped complete the facility’s showers, along with Austin, Texas promoter Layne Schmerin, who will host a concert and donate 35% of the proceeds to Trae’s shelter.
The day-to-day management of the shelter will be handled by Angel By Nature supervisor, Robert Batson.
It is well known for his activism with youngsters in Houston, Texas.
In 2008, he was honored with “Trae Day” by former mayor, Bill White and each year on July 22nd, the rapper has hosted a block party, donated school supplies, provided immunization shots, hosted children’s games and concerts for the local community.
I guess T.I. decided to explain what happened with him and Diddy.
“Me and Puff go way back that’s like a brother to me. Whatever was said by me was said out of love to Puff not in no intent to belittle him or check him. Puff a grown man he do what he want to do.”
“I just felt it was necessary for me to separate myself form the situation that was going on, so people knew that I wasn’t involved because of my personal circumstance that’s the kind of activity I can’t afford to engage in right now. That was my purpose! Not to check Puff We too big and we too strong!”
“Our relationship goes too deep for that and of course I offered my opinion out of love. We spoke that night, we spoke the next day and we spoke today.”
Keffe D tells the cops he was offered $1 million to kill Death Row rapper Tupac Shakur and Suge Knight, the label’s former CEO. The informant tells his interrogators in plain language, albeit at a cool street clip, that Sean Combs — then known as Puff Daddy, the ringmaster of Bad Boy Entertainment, Death Row Records’ bitter cross-country rival — commissioned Shakur’s legendary murder in Vegas in September 1996. (Knight would survive that night’s shooting with a bullet wound to the head.)
Six months later, Bad Boy Entertainment rap star Christopher Wallace, best known as Biggie Smalls or Notorious B.I.G., was shot to death in L.A. In the decade and a half since the two most famous homicides in hip-hop history, police have made no arrests.
Now, in the pages of his potentially game-changing self-published book Murder Rap, set for release Oct. 4, former Los Angeles Police Department Detective Greg Kading reveals that LAPD has been sitting on extensive tapes and documents containing confessions from key players behind the alleged assassinations of Shakur and Smalls (Wallace). LAPD higher-ups pulled Kading off the double investigation right when he was poised to drive it home, he says. Then they shut it down completely. An LAPD spokesman insists in an email that the case is still “active/ongoing” but that no further information is available. If true, this means the LAPD has only in the past couple of months revived the probe.
Perhaps luckily for the rappers’ families and fans still seeking closure, Kading made copies of nearly every investigative report and taped confession before he left LAPD. His explosive book details the behind-the-scenes failure by LAPD to bring Shakur’s and Smalls’ killers to justice.
In a taped confession fully reviewed by L.A. Weekly, Keffe D says, “[Combs] took me downstairs and he’s like, ‘Man, I want to get rid of them dudes.’ … I was like, ‘We’ll wipe their ass out, quick. It’s nothing.’ … We wanted a million.” In another stunning confession, detailed in LAPD documents reviewed by the Weekly, the mother of one of Knight’s children, identified in Kading’s book as “Theresa Swann,” breaks down in tears, stating that the former Death Row boss gave her the money to pay Wardell “Poochie” Fouse — Knight’s close associate and a fellow member of the Mob Piru Bloods — to kill Smalls.
(AllHipHop News) California State Senator Leland Yee is in the hot seat over a fundraiser featuring rapper Too $hort, who is supporting his run for Mayor of San Francisco.
Senator Yee is hosting a VIP reception/fundraiser featuring Too $hort on Wednesday (October 12th), along with a 7:00-9:00 PM performance and program at the Rasselas Jazz Club.
Tickets cost as much as $40 to meet Too $hort, who is world renowned for his raunchy lyrics and explicit tales about the pimping game.
During the event, Too $hort will help Senator Yee register voters and involve young people in the upcoming elections.
But Too $hort’s lyrics have some questioning Senator Yee’s affiliation with the Bay Area rap legend, who is well known for promoting prostitution and drug use, most recently in the hit single “On My Level,’ featuring award-winning Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa.
A member of Senator Yee’s staff defend the campaign’s choice of homegrown talent.
“Does Leland agree with everything Too $hort has ever said or sung about? No, of course not,” Laura Hahn, a rep for Senator Yee, told The San Francisco Gate.“Too $hort wanted to use his celebrity to help elect Leland Yee and to get young people involved in the political process. We think that’s a good thing.”
Senator Yee is the first Chinese American ever elected to the California State Senate.
(AllHipHop News) A bidding war has broken out over an explicit sex tape featuring legendary, deceased rapper Tupac Shakur.
According to TMZ.com, the pornographic websites are in a bidding war over the tape, which is being sold for at least $150,000.
The 1991 sex tape features Tupac smoking marijuana, drinking and receiving oral sex from an unknown woman, during a wild party featuring members of rap group Digital underground.
During the time period, the group was riding high on the charts with their hit single “The Humpty Dance.”
The explicit video was taken around the time Tupac’s career was just beginning to take off, around the time he released his debut album 2Pacalypse Now, which was released in 1991.
According to TMZ.com, one of the p### sites that is attempting to purchase the tape is YouPorn.com, while the second bidder’s identity has not been revealed.
Red Bull Music Academy’s “Five Out of Five” series hit New York’s five boroughs this past week with a vengeance, including discussions and concerts over the course of five nights with featured artists Mobb Deep, Slick Rick, Black Moon, The Diplomats, and the Wu-Tang Clan.
At Eve Ultra Lounge in their home base of Staten Island, Wu-Tang members Ghostface Killah, Masta Killa, Cappadonna, and Raekwon shared little known secrets about two of Hip-Hop’s most classic albums: the group’s 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and Raekwon’s 1995 solo showcase, Only Built For Cuban Linx.
Raekwon and Ghostface, the Wu’s most open and outspoken members during the event, lent some candid commentary about their past, their mind-states during recording, the Wu’s legacy in rap, and much more. It was a night to remember, as Wu-Tang’s distinctive characters elicited laughter and nods from the Staten Island crowd from start to finish.
Alvin “Aqua” Blanco, author of The Wu-Tang Clan and RZA: A Trip Through Hip-Hop’s 36 Chambers, moderated the discussion, touching on the realness of Wu-Tang’s lyrics and the “Staten Island sound.” The Wu also shared how Masta Killa made his introduction as a member of the Clan on Chambers’ sixth track, “Da Mystery of Chessboxin.”
The conversation then found both Ghostface and Raekwon reminiscing on the creation of tracks from Rae’s Only Built For Cuban Linx, such as “Striving For Perfection,” “Incarcerated Scarfaces,” “Verbal Intercourse,” and “Meth vs. Chef.” Check out videos breaking down each one below:
Ghostface closed out the discussion with reflections on the importance of RZA to both the creation of the group and his role as their “general.” He was also asked about his favorite Wu album, to which the man also known as “Tony Starks” gave an honest and humorous response:
For more info on the Red Bull series, visit: http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Video/RBMA-World-Tour-2011–New-York-Five-out-of-Five-021243089885519.
(AllHipHop News) Music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs has put out an impassioned plea for help after a rant at an Atlanta club, which involved rapper T.I.
“To all my childen of God … I have backslid and regressed. Forgive me for my ignorance. Pray for me pls. I know better and I am better,” he said on Twitter. “I’m a child God and I should be better no matter what somone says to me. I’m sorry for the ignorant way I repesented myself and us.”
Diddy got into an argument of sorts over liquor brand Grey Goose being served over his Ciroc brand at an event at club Compound over the BET Hip-Hop Awards weekend in Atlanta. The business mogul admitted to being wrong.
“I have a responibility that I promise I will live up to. And I’m more dissapointed in myself than you know. I will humble myself and learn,” he continued. ”
Bottom line is I’m sorry to all! Pls find it in your heart to accept my apology. I will do better and be Greater And a source of positivity!”
T.I., who was recently released from prison, also commented on the Diddy rant in a recent interview.
He told Atlanta’s WiLD 105.7:
“Me and Puff go way back that’s like a brother to me. Whatever was said by me was said out of love to Puff not in no intent to belittle him or check him. Puff a grown man he do what he want to do,” T.I. explained. “I just felt it was necessary for me to separate myself from the situation that was going on, so people knew that I wasn’t involved. Because of my personal circumstance, that’s the kind of activity I can’t afford to engage in right now. That was my purpose. Not to check Puff. We too big and we too strong.”
(AllHipHop News) Jamaican dancehall star Vybz Kartel has officially been charged with murder, according to Jamaican police.
The 27-year-old DJ/rapper/dancehall artist is accused of killing a 27-year-old promoter, who was murdered on the street earlier this year.
Vybz Kartel is accused of a murder that took place on Monday, July 11th, 2011. Vybz, along with a group of other men, killed a man named Barrington “Bossie” Burton.
The man was killed as he was standing with friends in the Gregory Park section of Jamaica.
Vybz was arrested and charged by the Major Investigation Task force (MIT) yesterday (October 3rd).
Earlier last week, police closed in on Vybz Kartel, when he was arrested in new Kingston and found with a small quantity of marijuana.
The arrest presumably occurred, so authorities could hold Vybz until he was officially charged with Burton’s murder.
Vybz, born Adijah almer, was officially charged with murder, conspiracy to murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
(AllHipHop News) The funeral of legendary Sugarhill Records executive Sylvia Robinson will take place on October 11th in Englewood, New Jersey.
Ms. Robinson will be laid to rest at the Community Baptist Church, where her life will be honored during the service, which is expected to be attended by family, friends, artists whom she influenced.
Sylvia Robinson’s influence over pop music goes back to 1956, when she sang on the #1 hit single “Love is Strange,” with partner Mickey Baker.
That song alone, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for its influence on pop music.
The song has been a hit for many artists over the years, including Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, Peaches & Herb, Jackson Browne and even B.o.B., who sampled on the song “My Sweet Baby.”
In 1968, Sylvia Robinson started the All Platinum label, which churned out a number of influential soul groups and singles, including The Moments’ song classic “Love On a Two Way Street,” which has also been covered by numerous artists including Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, who sampled it for their hit single “Empire State of Mind.”
In 1979, Sylvia Robinson founded Sugarhill Records with her husband Joe Robinson.
They released a number of influential sides, including Sugarhill Gang’s “Rappers Delight,” Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Fives “The Message,” which is recognized as one of the the first socially conscious Hip-Hop songs to achieve success on record, and West Street Mob’s breakdancing anthem “Break Dancing – Electric Boogie.”
Sylvia Robinson was also a shrewd businesswoman, and acquired the catalog of chess records in the early 1980s, before selling it to MCA records for a hefty profit.
Sylvia Robinson’s funeral will take place at 6:30 PM at community Baptist Church in Inglewood, while the burial will take place at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus.
So, you know the word is out on T.I. Tip is NOT going back to jail and people are making sure he doesn’t, from what I am hearing. One thing that will be cool for people into the environment is, I heard T.I. will be in a super high tech state of the art “green studio” in Atlanta. I heard this place is awesome! I heard they use stuff like recycled materials and solar energy. Most of all, I heard there’s not alcohol or other such items allowed that may create and unsavory climate for Tip. Waiting for the King to take that throne back.
JOE BUDDEN’S SHOT AT JAY-Z?
So, the word on the streets is that Joe Budden took a lil’ shot at Kanye and Jay-Z in his freestyle at the BET Hip-Hop Awards cypher. He said:
“I’m not watching the throne / I’m sabotaging it.”
Interesting. But, here is the other side, Joe Budden has reportedly claimed that this IS NOT a SHOT at Jay and ‘Ye. How can he expect us to take it any other way? Some of you yung bucks may not be aware, but Joe and Jay have been beefing in varying degrees for years. This is just another page in the continuing saga.
AllHipHop.com caught up with The Bawse, @RickyRozay, on the BET Hip-Hop Awards Red Carpet. Ross spoke to us about his upcoming BET Hip-Hop Awards performance and the projects on MMG including Wale!
(AllHipHop News) Rapper Tone Loc has pleaded no contest to domestic violence and assault weapons charges related to an arrest on June 18, according to published reports.
Los Angeles County prosecutors revealed that the rapper would serve a day in the county jail coupled with three years of probation, 30 days community service and 52 weeks of anger management counseling.
The rapper was initially arrested for domestic violence, but an investigation turned up an illegal, unregistered firearm.
Tone Loc experienced great success in the 80’s as a rap star that performed hits like “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina.” His unique, gravely voice also has allowed him to do some acting work.
Last week The Bumbsqaud DJz Worldwide Family Reunion was celebrated in the Monte Carlo in Las Vegas. West Coast MC and 1/3 of Strong Arm Steady, Mitchy Slick, was in his suite before hitting the Bumsquad DJz conference and AllHipHop.com and Surve TV.com. Mitchy talks about the Strong Arm Steady Tour, His new artists and he new song “Michael Vick.”
A BET Hip-Hop Awards after party at Compound in Atlanta last
night got very interesting when Diddy was seen shouting and later smacking a
drink out of a patron’s hand who was drinking Grey Goose instead of his beloved
Ciroc. Both Diddy and the recently released T.I., who ended up getting into a brief
“war of words” with Mr. Combs towards the end of the video, were hosting the
party. Check it out for yourself:
(AllHipHop News) Recently freed rappers T.I. and DMX were the surprise performers at the BET Hip-Hop awards, which took place tonight (October 1st) in Atlanta, Georgia.
A Who’s-who in the Hip-Hop community gathered at the BET Hip-Hop awards, where artists like Young Jeezy, Wiz Khalifa, Red Cross, and others graced the stage.
Mike Epps entertained the crowd, by taking shots at a number of popular Hip-Hop figures, including Lil Wayne, Russell Simmons and others, and opened the show with a humorous “Hip-Hop Telethon,” sketch.
“We can survive without Hip-Hop,” Mike Epps said. “I’m doing my part. I decided a rapper from Iraq last week, and I know he’s going to blow up. I need you to dig deep in your pockets. Baby I need some of that cash money, where yet.”
Young Jeezy kicked off the show with a performance that featured explosions and pyrotechnics, as well as a surprise appearance from recently freed rapper T.I.
T.I. then took to the stage to give an energetic performance, looking fresh and healthy, just two days since he was released from an Atlanta halfway house, after serving almost a year in prison for probation violation.
A shirtless Wiz Khalifa gave a rousing performance of his hit single “Taylor Gang”, while Rick Ross, Meek Mill, and Wale performed with surprise guest, El DeBarge.
DMX and Swizz Beatz brought the crowd to their feet when the recently freed rapper hit the stage to perform a medley of his hits, including “Get At Me Dog,” “Ruff Ryders Anthem,” and “Up In Here.”
Too $hort introduced Lupe Fiasco, who performed and expressing solidarity with the Palestinians. At the end of his performance, which featured a live band, the background singer who was wearing a burqa turn out to be R&B singer Erykah Badu.
Big Sean hit the stage with Roscoe Dash, while Heavy D. closed the live performances with a medley of his hit single.
This year’s BET Cyphers contained a number of notable acts.
DJ Premier manned the turntables on each one of the ciphers which included artists like Wais P., Termanology, French Montana, Big K.R.I.T.. Tech N9Ne, Machine Gun Kelly, B.o.B., 2 Chainz, Ludacris, Jay Rock, Skillz, Lady of Rage, Blind Fury, Don Kennedy, Wale, Pill, Stalley, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Estelle, French rapper Soprano and Nitti.
Shady Records’ Cypher made the crowd cheer, with standout verses from each member of Slaughterhouse, as well as Yelawolf, and an amazing verse from Eminem himself.
Winners for the evening included Busta Rhymes, who won the “Sweet 16” award for his hit single “Look at Me Now.” Chris Brown and Busta also won the “Perfect Combo Award” for the same single, and Lil Wayne, Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes once again took home “The People’s Champ Award.”
“You know what the best thing about winning an award is,” Busta Rhymes asked the crowd. “For me the best thing about winning an award is when the people cheer for your win. When you can see that the people are really happy that you are winning something, that’s the most reward thing in the world. Thank you.”
LL Cool J was honored with the “I Am Hip-Hop Award,” and delivered an amazing rhyme as a thank you speech, which he wrote on the way over to the Atlanta Civic Center.
“My acceptance speech/what I won’t do is try preach/I won’t assume that I am smarter than you and try to teach/What I will do is set an example for you and inspire you to reach for the stars that’s beyond mars that space bars can’t delete/Because without a dream fulfilled your life’s incomplete/A hearst, a limousine without a backseat/the worst, this Usain Bolt without feet/Real life aint Hollywood, it’s Halloween/Every day is trick or treat/It aint a red carpet it’s a bloody sidewalk from the wolves eating red meat/and these spotlights don’t come with money they come with police/Millionaires cry about raising taxes on the elite/they won’t feed us, as they’d rather defeat us/like an aborted fetus/but your greatest feat is to get back up on your feet/Did I mention, life aint a sprint it’s a marathon/Really stressful on your tendons/and with the shape the economy is in today, you better run to the polls like skinny Kenyans/26 miles miles and two hours and three minutes/It wasn’t weeks or months/It took us 400 years to raise the debt limit/So don’t lose faith, there’s a sweet life out there and one day you will taste/And just like any marathon, you must monitor your pace/and watch out for the haters pushing drinks up in your face/maintain your focus through the ups and downs and debates/and when you win your award, make sure you put in a safe place/and be prepared for whatever…just in case.
More winners in other categories are slated to be announced when the show airs on October 11th on BET.
You know the rumors have been co-opted by my girl Xaviera. I don’t even know how to say her name yet. Anyway, check out the latest.
T.I. Is Flexin On ‘Em!
Less than 48 hours after walking out of a halfway house, T.I. teamed up with Hip Hop’s new hotshot, Big K.R.I.T. to drop the banger, “I’m Flexin.” Gotta love how it’s just in time for the BET Hip Hop Awards weekend in Atlanta. Take a listen below:
Delonte West Hustles Hawd!
While many NBA players are scrambling trying to figure out how they are going to maintain their lavish lifestyles during the lockout, Delonte West kept it real G and got a job working at the Regency Furniture Showroom, a furniture chain in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Please believe there’s no shame in Delonte’s game either (You can ask Gloria James). He posted pictures of his first day at work and even said he’s applied to Home Depot, Sam’s Club, and BJs. What’s most priceless about all of this is what Delonte wrote on his job application. When asked if he was ever convicted of a felony he replied, “Yes” and his reason was “Misunderstanding.”
Hey, I respect his grind. Scared money don’t make no money!
Wale Releases “Ambition” Album Cover
Wale is rocking a simple yet optimistic swag on the cover of his sophomore album, Ambition. This will be Wale’s first release under Rick Rosay’s Maybach Music Group imprint. Wale has been getting it in! Have you heard his joint, “Lotus Flower Bomb” with Miguel?! *makes Jay-Z stanky face* Straight fire! You can scoop your copy of Ambition on November 1st!
Waka Flocka was giving a charity bowling event and suddenly, one of his artists popped up causing a ruckus. Well, somebody got beat down and it wasn’t Waka.
(AllHipHop News) Embattled Hip-Hop mogul James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond has been indicted for allegedly possessing a machine gun and a silencer.
The New York Post reports that assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Kaminsky unveiled the new charges yesterday (September 23rd) in court.
The machine gun and silencer was found in one of Rosemond’s properties during raids conducted by the DEA, during the investigation into his $10,000,000 a year cocaine ring.
To defend himself from the cocaine and machine gun charges, Rosemond has retained the services of high-powered attorney Gerald Shargel.
“This is my kind of case and it is my privilege to represent Jimmy,” Gerald Shargel told AllHipHop.com, while remaining tightlipped about the defense strategy for obvious reasons.
Rosemond could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison on the machine gun charges alone, while he is facing life in prison for allegedly running a continuous criminal enterprise.
Meanwhile, the New York Post reports that during a hearing yesterday, assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Kaminsky revealed more details into how Rosemond’s drug operation managed to ship cocaine across the country, in shipping crates used to house musical equipment.
Members of the organization, including Rosemond’s older brother Kesnar Rosemond, 50, would obtain the identities of people from loan applications that were submitted to an unnamed New York car dealership.
Accounts were then opened at FedEx and Rock–It Cargo, where millions of dollars in cocaine was sent to various recording studios in New York and Los Angeles, with the proceeds being sent to drop boxes on the West coast, in vacuum sealed bags with mustard, to throw off the scent of any dogs sniffing for currency.
Rosemond’s brother Kesnar has already pleaded guilty to the charges of distributing cocaine and he is also accused of making side deals with various suppliers, without the knowledge of his younger brother.
At its height, Rosemond’s company CZAR Entertainment handled the careers of artists like Game, Akon, Brandy, Sean Kingston, Wyclef, Mario Winans and others.
