(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.
I’m thinking back to a conversation I had with an old friend at an event late last week. “Bey’s pregnant,” he whispered. I replied, “I knew it,” recalling a recent picture I had seen of her performing in a shiny, red, typical Beyonce get-up. Her face was fat, her tatas were bigger, and the fringes on her outfit were covering an obviously swollen belly. Just as I prepared to ask my friend if I could run with the rumor, he read my face and said, “They’ll know soon enough.”Finally. Jay-Z had been allegedly calling for it like a crack fiend for a few years now – a child. And, as if his life couldn’t get any better, he had finally impregnated the biggest pop star on the planet. He and Beyonce revealed their joy live on the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards, arguably the biggest global pop awards show, for all to see. (Remember the days when Jay-Z wouldn’t even attend the VMAs???) Everyone cheered – whites, Blacks, women, men, and in-betweens – at Jay-Z and Beyonce’s shining moment. Mrs. Carter, performing in heels and gyrating just enough to still be sexy but not worry us all, had thrown down the mic and rubbed her growing belly. The camera panned to Jay-Z as he basked in the moment and the woman. The whole world went wild, but mostly we did.And who are we? Young Black adults who are striving to hold fast to some of the values of our parents and grandparents – things like career, hard work, ambition, marriage, children, and legacy. We don’t have of a lot of these images to draw from among today’s Black pop icons. But, we were the Cosby Show generation. Perhaps that’s why we clung so tight to the beautiful Obama family in 2008, or why we collectively cringed last week at rumors of a Will and Jada breakup. We don’t have many, but we do have some.Now, before I get all Disney movie-ish, I’m reminded that Jay-Z and Beyonce are not saints with perfect lives. In fact, the tabloids have rumored trouble in the Knowles/Carter union and business dealings several times during their nearly decade long relationship. But wait. Did you catch that? Decade long. In that time, they’ve weathered storms and catapulted themselves into the King and Queen of the Pop Culture Universe. Their work ethic and talents are unquestionable, and intelligently, they surround themselves with only a trusted few.Jay-Z and Beyonce have been relatively successful at keeping their private moments private. Just think back years ago to the look on Jay-Z’s face when Ron Isley, from a podium in front of thousands, encouraged Jay to marry Bey. That was back when they were still playing coy about being together. But, against the odds and perhaps the prevailing industry cool of staying single, they got married. They traveled the world on yachts, dined with world leaders, and accomplished it all – except for fulfilling Jay’s longing to have a family. But, at the 2011 VMAs, they changed the game, and I would argue, some of the world’s perceptions about Black men and the Black family.What they may represent is a lofty, last ditch effort by the Carters to remind others that Black love still exists. The statistics may say otherwise, but there are many holding true to their pursuit of the American Dream, with a good spouse/teammate at their side. In that respect, the mega-couple is just like the rest of us. For one shining moment, the TV cameras caught a glimpse of a very private Jay-Z and Beyonce being very public about their love and what they’ve created together. It was the world’s biggest and best publicity stunt ever, outshining Lil Wayne, Lady Gaga, and all others combined. I loved that they proclaimed it at the VMAs. At that moment, I believed it, and I wanted it, too.
Jay and Bey are finally having a baby and that’s a wonderful thing.
NYC-based marketing/PR firm the 135th Street Agency kicked off BET Hip Hop Awards Week with its 5th Annual BBQ, this year for the first time this took place in Atlanta. The aprty took place at Piedmont Park’s Magnolia Hall, including event co-hosts Fonzworth Bentley and Kelly G (BET’s EVP, Music Programming), along with featured DJs Drama, Trauma and Traci Steele. Guests sipped complimentary Remy V cocktails and FUZE drinks and food by Ambiance Network Catering cupcakes from Cocktail Cupcakes and Tasty Cakes ATL.
The celebs ranged from French Montana, Da Brat, Ray J, Devyne Stephens, Dondria, Lil Duval, Verse Simmonds, Jovita Moore (WSB TV anchor), Kwanza Hall (Atlanta City Council), Faune Watkins, D.Woods, Shanti Das, Derek J and comedian Shawty and many others out having a great time.
Universal Pictures Where also there promoting their action-comedy Tower Heist, starring Eddie Murphy and Ben Stiller. Party-goers experienced the Tower Heist in the ever-popular OMG Booth, and went home with gift bags filled with swag from Dr. Miracle’s, Carol’s Daughter, Rocksmith, Mixed Chicks, The Source and JUICY Magazine.
Prodigy and Havoc, known to the rap world as The Infamous Mobb Deep, were the first honorary guests and performers during Red Bull Music Academy’s “Five For Five” discussion and concert series in New York this week. The Studio at Webster Hall served as the backdrop for Mobb Deep’s detailed discussion and breakdown of their classic 1995 album, The Infamous, as well as for a performance that included a number of the album’s songs along with a few of their other Hip-Hop classics.
The discussion, which was moderated by Ego-Trip co-founder Sacha Jenkins, found the Mobb offering track by track details from The Infamous, stories about their past, the language they speak, and much, much more. One of the most intriguing topics of discussion was the number of groups, including one in particular, that hailed from parts of New York and may have followed in Mobb Deep’s footsteps:
Prodigy and Havoc share the secret of how “Eye For A Eye” came together, from their initial meeting with Raekwon in Staten Island, to their recruitment of Nas for the track:
The eighth song from The Infamous, “Up North Trip,” produced by Havoc and featuring samples from The Fatback Band’s “To Be With You” and The Spinners’ “I’m Tired of Giving” also lent a great deal to the discussion:
The discussion then turned to stories and breakdowns on both “Trife Life” and the beloved “Shook Ones Pt. II”:
Host Sacha finished up the talk by asking the duo where they think they would have ended up had The Infamous not taken off and propelled them into the upper Hip-Hop echelon. Prodigy’s answer, in particular, is both interesting and surprising:
Before Mobb Deep touched the stage, fellow Queens artist Lloyd Banks opened, performing his debut album, The Hunger For More, as well as a few of his more notable mixtape songs and singles:
The grand finale was a high-energy set by The Infamous Mobb Deep:
Red Bull Music Academy Five Boroughs tribute includes performers such as Wu-Tang in Staten Island, Black Moon performing in Brooklyn, and a concert by The Diplomats in Manhattan.
(AllHipHop News) Rap star T.I. is officially a free man, after he was released from an Atlanta area halfway house today (September 29th).
The rapper spent a full year behind bars, for violating the terms of his probation, after he was convicted for attempting to purchase machine guns and silencers, before the BET awards in October of 2007.
In September 2010, just months after his release on the original gun charges, T.I. was stopped in Los Angeles for making an illegal U-turn, while driving his Maybach on the Sunset Strip.
A search of T.I.’s person, revealed that he was carrying ecstasy, in violation of his probation.
In October of 2010, the rapper was sentenced to another 11 months in prison.
T.I. was released from a Forrest City, Arkansas prison on August 31st, but was sent back to a federal prison in Atlanta, after authorities took issue with his mode of transportation to the halfway house.
The rapper, born Clifford Harris Jr., was sent back to the halfway house to complete his sentence on September 15th.
On Sunday (October 2nd), T.I. will host an exclusive brunch at a private location in Atlanta, to celebrate the success of his AKOO Clothing brand, as well as his release from prison.
(AllHipHop News) Wylcef Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation continues to help rebuild the country of Haiti, after a devastating earthquake leveled the nation in January of 201X.
The Yele Haiti Foundation hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday (September 28th) when they opened the doors to their new vocational training program in Jacmel.
The program, which is supported by the Ministry of tourism and funded entirely by Yele Haiti, is named HEAT, short for Hospitality, Education and Training.
The pilot program will train 120 students in the hospitality and tourism trades, in hopes of accelerating job readiness in the poverty-stricken country.
The nonprofit has teamed with HVS, a leading global hospitality consulting and services firm.
The two companies will work together for the next six months to develop a curriculum that will focus on customer service, housekeeping, front desk and food and beverages.
“Yéle’s mission in Haiti has always been to help Haitians help themselves. A year ago that meant providing basic survival necessities for the people of Haiti – food, water, clothing and tents; we’ve now narrowed our focus to help rebuild lives by providing programs that offer job and career training,” said Derek Johnson, CEO of Yéle Haiti. “HEAT will do just that, by providing job training and assistance for Haitians ready, willing and able to work, but lacking the necessary skills or opportunity to do so.”
According to Johnson, over 75% of the students will land jobs in local hotels, restaurants and bars, at establishments that have already been identified as being in need of employees,
HEAT is the newest program offered by Yele Haiti, according to Johnson.
The organization, which was founded in 2004 by Wyclef and partner Jerry ‘Wonder’ Duplessis, already offers vocational training courses in carpentry, masonry and plumbing.
Over 111 students have already graduated from a similar program in Port-au-Prince earlier this year.
(AllHipHop News) The shipping company that James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond used to allegedly’s ship millions of dollars in cocaine and drug proceeds has issued a statement regarding the Federal government’s ongoing investigation into the drug dealing operation.
Rosemond is accused of using Rock-It Cargo to ship hundreds of kilos of cocaine per month to various recording studios and then sending the illegal proceeds back to the West Coast, in vacuum sealed bags stuffed with $20 and $50 dollar bills.
Rock-It Cargo, was founded in 1978, employs over 300 people and has 23 offices throughout the United States and the world.
“Rock-It Cargo is neither the subject of the investigation, nor implicated in any way. The Company has provided the U.S. Attorney with all the documentation it has requested,” Rock-It Cargo’s CEO told AllHipHop.com in a statement.
The company, which specializes in handling complex itineraries mainly for the global music and touring industry, assured its customers that it was committed to maintaining the highest levels of transportation security throughout the world.
“With regard to the current investigation, the company followed all of the government’s and its own required procedures and remains in compliance with all Federal and state regulations.”
James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond is facing a life sentence for allegedly heading up a cocaine dealing operation that distributed hundreds of kilos of cocaine per month and raked in over $10 million annually, since the investigation began in 2007.
Several of Rosemond’s former associates have become cooperating witnesses and have started testifying against him, including a former associate named Khalil Abdullah, while his 49-year-old brother Kesnar has already pleaded guilty.
In a statement released to AllHipHop.com a month before his capture, and during the time period that he was evading federal authorities, Rosemond accused federal prosecutors Todd Kaminski and Carolyn Pokorny of conspiring to bring him down.
“Todd Kaminsky is a 33-year-old Jewish Hip Hop head that if he weren’t a lawyer he would probably be a member of the Beastie Boys,” Rosemond wrote. “Second, Carolyn Porkony, who failed in convicting the Murder Inc. Irv Gotti brothers on trumped up charges of money laundering. Both have a personal stake in pursuing me and will stop at nothing to bring down an innocent man.”
James “Jimmy Henchman” Rosemond is facing 18 counts of distributing cocaine.
