homepage

Snake Oil Salesmen: What the Cash Money Oil Deal Might Mean For Hip-Hop

Rule #1 in Hip-Hop: Don’t Knock The Hustle.

And KRS-One stated clearly in the first principle of The Hip-Hop Declaration

of Peace that amongst the 9 elements fundamental to the kulture is Street

Entrepreneurialism. It is hard, I understand, to speak ill of a rapper or MC

making business moves to better their living and, in some cases, enrich the

communities from which they emerged.

And Jay-Z laid the statutes down a

decade and half ago: “Lets get together and make this whole world believers at

my arraignment/ Screaming, ‘all these blacks got is sports and entertainment’/

Until we even, thieving, as long as I’m breathing/ Can’t knock the way a ni**a

eating; f**k you even/.”

But if you adhere blindly to a “Can’t

Knock The Hustle” philosophy, there’s good chance you feel the same way about

the “Snitching Code”; meaning, in deference to a morally-decrepit conception of

solidarity, you’re willing to put at risk the lives of innocent victims.  

For the record, I hope Hip-Hop artists,

engineers, graffiti painters, b-boys and b-girls, DJs, educators, thinkers,

critics, fans, and non-reptilian executives make as much money is possible

without leaving the crime scene in blood-stained hands. As a cultural force

generating multi-billion dollar revenue for giant conglomerates, it’s critical

we harness the various avenues available for financial empowerment. I write a

great deal about artistic independence because I believe it is the only route

through which artists can double, if not triple, their income in the new

decade—while retaining an unblemished soul. My good colleague Cedric Muhammad

is more versed in the financial realm and runs a Hip-Hoppreneur™ column on this

site every Tuesday. And we both seem to agree that if the age of economic

liberation is upon us, artists would have to move with confidence into the

private sector and demand what’s theirs.

Thus, when Cash Money CEOs Bryan “Baby”

and Ronald “Slim” Williams announced

their new oil venture mid-last week, Bronald Oil, many took it up as sign that

Hip-Hop entrepreneurs were stepping on to higher grounds—making “power moves.”

Unfortunately, more is at stake than a mere business deal which could rake in

some serious money.

The oil industry is a dirty one,

confined to a different league—run by different breeds of men. It is marked by

corruption, graft, back-door deals and every other unethical invention

imaginable. It makes the music industry—for all its shadiness—look like a Girl

Scout lemonade sale. Safe for a limited few who try to do the right thing, most

tycoons are, in fact, over-zealous corporatists whose love of money is only

outlasted by their disregard for the communities and lives ruined from

pollution of the environment. It would be wrong to paint the entire oil field

business bad based on the crimes of a few major corporations, but, by-and-large,

most aren’t committed to doing right by communities—even if their mission

statements swear otherwise.

Bronald Oil is an “independent oil and gas

company focused, on the exploration, production and development of oil and gas

reserves from conventional and unconventional formations.” It should be noted

that independence for oil companies is defined, much like record labels, not by

choice or selection but staff size and retail sales. Though Bronald, based in

the U.S. and Central America, is “committed to preserving the environment,

promoting worker safety and maximizing the potential output of various oil and

gas assets,” it also leaves open the option of utilizing “testing grounds” to

discover “new and developing technologies”; not to mention pursuing potentially

“risky exploration and development opportunities”—all, nonetheless, in an “economic and environmentally efficient manner.”

And this is where those who truly value

the reputation of Hip-Hop as a life source for the empowerment and betterment

of everyday people, as refuge for those lost and forgotten, as security for the

vulnerable and disposable, ought to sit up and pay closer attention.

It is possible that the Williams

Brothers plan to show the world what stuff Hip-Hop is made off, and how, as a

community, top priority is always placed on people over profit; how, regardless

of whatever venture we partake in,

the neoliberal corporate policies that work men and women like slaves and

reward them with very little will never be a part of our culture; how oil

companies can be run with respect for life and the environment

front-and-center. Sadly, not only is this Utopian, it is almost impossible. Oil

companies, by nature, are usually built for one purpose only: profit. And in a

hostile world where severe competition is key to survival, many soon get lost

in the hysteria of Social Darwinism that they forget what “commitments” were

made at starting point to “preserving the environment” and “promoting worker safety.”

All the big oil companies champion

eco-friendly causes not unlike those Bronald Oil espouses. 5 of the top 10 have

this to say in that respect:

Royal Dutch Shell:

Environment: “Through

partnerships with environmental experts and by using new technologies we are

finding ways to help reduce the impact of our operations on the environment.”

Worker Safety:

“Safety remains our first priority at all times. Our goal is zero fatalities

and accidents. We want all of our staff and contractors to return home safely

every day.”

Exxon-Mobil:

Environment: “ExxonMobil

is committed to operating throughout the world in a way that protects the

environment and takes into account the economic and social needs of the

communities where we operate.”

Worker Safety: “ExxonMobil11

is committed to providing positive, productive and supportive work environments

throughout its global operations. The Company has long-established programs to

attract, develop and retain a highly talented workforce that is representative

of the regions in which it operates. ExxonMobil values the exceptional quality

and diversity of its employees.”

Chevron:

Environment: “To

tap new energy resources, Chevron is now operating in more difficult and

isolated areas than ever before. We are committed to seeing that new projects

are developed in an environmentally sound manner and that existing operations

continue to reduce their environmental impacts.”

Worker Safety: “Employee

health and safety lie at the foundation of our efforts to build a talented,

dynamic workforce. A fully productive employee must be safe and secure first.

The health and safety of our employees and contractors hold critical value for

our business.”

PetroChina:

Environment: “The

most important resources in the world are human beings and the natural

environment they are dependent on. … We stick to the principles of

people-oriented, prevention-driven, total participation and continuous

improvement to pursue zero injury, zero pollution and zero accident.”

Worker Safety: “We

respect and maintain the rights and interests of our employees, expand the

platform for their growth, and ensure that they realize their value through the

development of the Company and benefit from the Company’s achievements and

creations.”

British

Petroleum:

Environment: “We

are committed to the safety and development of our people and the communities

and societies in which we operate. We aim for no accidents, no harm to people

and no damage to the environment.”

Worker Safety: “BP’s

commitment to safety comes at the top, our leaders continue to emphasize the

key priority of safe operations for the future of the group.”

As you can see, even the super-rich conglomerates

consider—or, more accurately, state—environmental preservation and worker

safety as of optimum priority. Too bad their record indicates anything but active adherence to these tenets:

In June 2009,

Shell settled

a lawsuit brought by family and friends of Ken Saro Wiwa, a Nigerian activist

hanged alongside 8 others in 1995, following protests of the exploitation and

pollution of native land by Shell. $15.5 million was granted the plaintiffs to

avoid a trial which could have implicated Shell as aiding and abetting the

execution of innocent environmental activists.

In October 2009,

a federal jury awarded

New York City $104.7 million in compensatory damages over the contamination of

groundwater by Exxon Mobil.

In 2007, Ecuador

Amazonians filed

a $12 billion lawsuit against Chevron for contaminating its waterways.

30,000 natives of the indigenous tribe claim Chevron workers illegally dumped

toxic waste into its rivers which are used for washing, cooking, and drinking.

The same year,

China’s top environmental watchdog group fined

PetroChina the maximum penalty of 1 million yuan (125,000 U.S. dollars) for

“seriously” polluting a river which services 4 million people. An explosion, it

was reported, caused the dumping of 100 tons of waste, leading to lack of water

supply in the region for several days.

Last November,

95 Colombian farmers sued

British Petroleum over breach of contract and negligence. They claim adverse

effects of a pipeline construction project have led to destroyed farms and

malnourished crops. Colombian lawyers who tried to assist the farmers reported

intimidation by paramilitary gangs.

So, you notice a trend—a lapse,

perhaps—between what is affirmed in the mission statement, and business as

carried out. It never is enough for a company to claim to respect life and the

environment. Deed always outlives Word.

So, how will this enterprise redound to the

welfare of Hip-Hop? How will it look for Hip-Hop artists to involve themselves

in a scheme known notoriously for the exploitation of natural resources and

destruction of the environment? And how will other Hip-Hop artists respond if

Baby and his brother are one day front-page on The New York Times or The Los Angeles Times or The Huffington Post for a lawsuit filed

by Brown peasants in some Central American village or Black families in some

Louisiana town?  

How much value would be placed on

morality and justice—rather than the plaintiffs who, it might be said, are

simply trying to bring a brotha down,

trying to ****-block, trying to knock the

hustle?

I’m not certain what the official Hip-Hop response would be or

what the dominant claptrap would sound like, but I can predict today on whose

side I would be standing, and for what cause I would be fighting. As hint, it

would probably not be with the millionaire brothers; and not to further Neoliberalism

with a Blackface.

Tolu

Olorunda is a cultural critic whose work regularly appears on TheDailyVoice.com and other online journals. He can be

reached at: [email protected]

Hip-Hop Rumors:Lil Wayne’s Got Six Surprizes For Fans, Who PO’d Joell Ortiz? PETA Hates Kanye!

DISCLAIMER:

 

All

content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual

info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.LIL WAYNE’S GOT SIX NEW VIDS COMING!

IT would seem that Lil Wayne is getting all ready to hit the big house. In preparation for his time “away,” he is reportedly working on six new vids to hold us fans down as he goes away. SIX. Yes, we won’t even know that he’s gone. He’s about to do one video with Birdman and another with Playaz Circle. How lucky are they? (Source: NewLilWayne.com)

WHO WAS JOELL ORTIZ TALKING ABOUT?

 Somebody really p##### Joell Ortiz off! He didn’t say exactly who he was talking about, but I have my ideas. Tell me who!

one of your fav rappers was rude to me when I met his punk ass. Imma give yall a hint who it was- My fist is bigger than dude head.11:19 AM Jan 22nd from web

 

your fav rappers was rude to me when I met him. Imma give yall a hint who it was-He got 7th grader bird chest that he always show off11:22 AM Jan 22nd from web

 

Met dude at HOT97 and I asked him how his stay in NY was goin. He respond, “I been here plenty of times playboy” and walks off with security11:31 AM Jan 22nd from web

 

I’ll tell yall one of these days at the bar. He a rude little fella11:33 AM Jan 22nd from web

 

a real j#######. on a more positive note. Akon is one of the most down to earth youll ever meet in your life11:36 AM Jan 22nd from web

it was as if he was acting out a scene in a bad hiphop movie. the security, goons, the whole bit. Im there dolo like oh snap what up bro?11:38 AM Jan 22nd from web

 

I’m a fan first so I was kinda hype to meet dude. He killed that quik. i wanted to punch the s### out his face after meeting him11:39 AM Jan 22nd from web

 

Yo, n##### be asking me for verses and when I ask for reciprocal they act funny. Sendin me to to managers.I dont want your bum verse.f## it13 minutes ago from web

 

complex mag, mtv, JayZ and the whole industry can fool the world into likin u. but you know somewhere deep inside, YOUR WACK8 minutes ago from web

 

PETA HATES KANYE!

We all knew all that fur Kanye and Amber Rose wore would get them in “trouble” with the animal activists. Here is what they had to say.

West apparently lives by his lyrics. The ethical dropout—who horrified voters in PETA’s Worst-Dressed Celebrity competition last year—and his sleazy sidekick, Amber Rose, were snapped by paparazzi strutting around Paris in “the ugliest things,” indeed. Both were wearing head-to-toe fur, and Amber refused to remove her full-length lynx coat during a show at Paris Men’s Fashion Week.

As PETA V.P. Dan Mathews so eloquently put it, “Kanye can’t help making himself look like an idiot, whether at an award’s show or a fashion show. He and his girlfriend look like pathetic creatures from a shabby roadside zoo.”

HELP KID – N – PLAY!

Remember Kid-N-Play? They were the dudes that were the same as the New Boyz in the 90’s, but way more talented as rappers. Anyway, they are in the midst of some big things going on. They want your help! Check out what Play had to say:

On Tuesday, January 26th 2010 Kid and I are going to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the original House Party on The MoNique Show. We will be also celebrate with other well know cast members and looking forward to joining 2010 Critic’s Choice and Golden Globe Award winner MoNique as we have a great time in the name of classic “HIP HOP FUN”. Kid and I are celebrating a long great friendship between he, myself and millions of supporters who have made House Party and it’s sequels Hip Hop cinema classics. But we wanna do it right with the right Kid ‘n Play song. We would love every House Party fan to pick the best song to perform on The MoNique Show. Check out the video short with music mix by DJ Bro Rabb and let us know what you advise?

RIHANNA’S MAN RAN A TRAIN?

Trains are the nastiest thing in my opinion, but not according to Rihanna’s man, a girl charges. Back in 2002, a girl alleged the following:

A 19-year-old woman filed a report with Columbus police alleging Shelden Williams, 18, De’Angelo Alexander, 17, and Matthew Kemp, 17 forced her into sexual conduct at the Columbus Hyatt Hotel at about 2 a.m. Sunday morning while two other players watched.

They are saying they raped her and took turns. No charges were filed so perhaps its all lies! 

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

I am seriously wondering if this one is true. Rumor has it that Lupe Fiasco is dating Jennifer Biel, the chick Justin Timberlake used to date. I think this is just because they both climbed MT. Kilimanjaro in Africa.

Remember Larenz Tate? Well, that dude showed up to a Ludacris concert in Chicago over the weekend. I heard he kind of got blackballed from Hollywood after he refused to do degrading acting roles. Long love Ol’ Dog! 

Sisqo got kicked off UK Big Brother. Now, I ask…was it worth it to wear that thong? #epicfail! But, on the low, I heard Vinnie was the one that got Sissy kicked off. Shame.

Shout out to “Little Black Book” and my pal Mr. Oh No, who wrote a book of 7 stories about 18 people  exploring the sexual side of London life.

I am hearing T.I. is recording at a frenetic pace! The King is home! 

I heard Nelly may have gotten in a conversation that lead to a fracas out in “the Lou.” don’t quote me though. 

Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie is a wrap! I can’t believe they are breaking up.

Tiger Wood’s 19th mistress was paid $500k to keep her yap shut! This one is from Britain. 

SUPER ILLSEED VS “THE MAN”

Check this crazy video. Somebody wrote this about me as a super hero fighting “the man.” LOL! 

GARY COLEMAN’S MUGSHOT!

Poor dude got arrested over a misdemeanor of some sort. His bail was only 1,700 bucks. I hope he’s got the money to get out. 

RICK ROSS’ LIL HOMEY LIVING IT UP

Mikey T the Movie Star hit me up with this video of Ross’ lil homey Young Dice. I am also hearing that Bang ‘Em Smurf is the new vice president of Rick Ross’ Maybach Music. Damn! 

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY!

These damn cops keep getting away with everything, including murder! The jury in the case was HUNG. What more do they need to see? Look at how they attacked her over something dumb!

 

CRACKHEADS, WE LOVE YOU!!!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

-illseed

WHO: illseed.com

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

Swizz Beatz Associates Busted In Massive Phoenix Crime Ring

(AllHipHop News) The owners of a popular exotic auto dealership in Phoenix that was used by producer Swizz Beatz and other celebrities to purchase exotics cars, has been accused of massive fraud and using illicit money from Mexico to fund their businesses.

 

Swizz Beatz, who is the godfather to Nazreth Derboghossian and Jodi Upton’s 8-month old son, has bought or traded at least 25 cars through Exotic Auto and Leasing and Scottsdale Lotus.

 

In addition to Swizz Beatz, the dealerships counted Penny Hardaway, Mike Bibby and others as celebrity clients and specialized in customizing Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Mercedes-Benz’s.

 

Derboghossian, 50, is charged with 102 felony counts, which include assisting a criminal syndicate, theft by extortion, conspiracy and a host of other offenses.

 

Also charged are Katie Marie Peters, 28 and the couple’s lawyer Mario del Fuente Mix. Both face multiple charges that include money laundering, forgery and fraud.

 

Police uncovered the massive crime ring when Phoenix officials become suspicious of the popular Scorch Bar, after scrutinizing the company’s liquor license after a 2007 Super Bowl party.

 

Officials uncovered that a second company claimed ownership of the bar as well and an agent for the company named Bassam Nahas, was revealed to be a convicted drug trafficker.

 

Police now claim the bars, which hosted parties featuring major rappers and pop singers and the dealerships, were funded in part by money funneled in from Mexico.

 

The group allegedly began scamming banks in May of 2001, by borrowing $750,000 in loans for vehicles which were eventually sold.

 

According to the Phoenix New Times, the loans were never paid back, but an unusual an infusion of cash was wired in to the company from two unnamed Mexican nationals.

 

The suspects then purchased Exotic Auto Sales and Leasing, which allegedly funneled another $16 million dollars in from Mexico, which was then used to purchase Club CBNC.

 

The club, which was named “Best Club for Hip-Hop” in 2005 by The New Times, hosted parties for rappers and artists like LL Cool J., 50 Cent, Britney Spears, Busta Rhymes, Alicia Keys, Beyonce and others.

 

The person listed as owner of CBNC was Jodi Upton, a close friend of Swizz Beatz and Derboghossian’s girlfriend.

 

“Swizz Beatz befriended us,” Upton told the Arizona Republic when CBNC originally opened. “When we bought the club, he said, ‘Let’s blow it up.’ He tells people it’s his club.”

 

Authorities claim that Upton’s husband continued the criminal operation, by opening another Phoenix hot spot, RPM Ultra Club and Lounge, which was also bought using laundered money.

 

At press time, Upton is named as a fourth defendant, but hasn’t been apprehended or charged with a crime as of press time.

Knockout Nation: Gamboa and JuanMa Shine on HBO, Who Wins Showdown? UFC Moves for Mayweather-Mosley, Green to Super Six, Jones, Jr vs. Foster Mythical Clash!

Gamboa/Lopez KO Game Opponents

Last night, HBO’s showcase card for future champs Yuriorkis Gamboa and Juan Manuel Lopez went over perfectly as both young pugilists scored impressive KOs over solid competition.

Gamboa (17-0, 15 KOs) opened the card against battle-tested Rogers Mtagwa (26-14-2, 18 KOs), were nearly KO’d Lopez last year in a thrilling, Fight of the Year candidate decision loss.

There would be no such heroics this night.

Gamboa came out guns blazing in round one, stunning Mtagwa with a hard left hook. Mtagwa was considerably slower, and repeatedly was smashed flush with right and left hooks to the head and body. Near the end of the stanza, Mtagwa was dropped to the canvas with a left hook to the top of the head. Rogers made it to his feet, clearly stunned but able to continue.

Gamboa showed no mercy in round two, punishing Mtagwa for getting wild with more right-left hooks. Mtagwa was staggered badly several times, and knocked down again from a flurry of hooks.

Mtagwa made it to his feet, but was flattened to the canvas for a third time from a right hook, prompting referee Steve Smoger to halt the contest.

In the post-fight interview, Gamboa boasted on how easily he disposed of Mtagwa in relation to rival Juan Manuel Lopez.

“Two different boxers, two different categories, and you can’t compare Juan Manuel Lopez to Yuriorkis Gamboa,” he explained. “It’s in the hands of the promoters. I’m ready for any boxer they put out in front of me.”

The main event saw Juan Manuel Lopez (28-0, 25 KOs) capture the WBO featherweight title with a 7th round TKO over technician Steven Luevano (37-2-1, 15 KOs).

The southpaw Luevano was able to counter Lopez at times early with straight lefts and right hooks, but lacked the firepower to keep the stalking challenger from walking him down.

In the 3rd, Lopez stunned Luevano with counter straight lefts off the champion’s jab, and followed up with a strong left uppercut against the ropes. Luevano reset and tried to work the body, but consistently got caught with right hooks on his way out.

Rounds 5 and 6 showcased Lopez taking the fight more inside and forcing Luevano into dangerous exchanges. Each time, the champion got the worst of it, catching flush hooks and uppercuts. Still Luevano refused to yield, despite being forced to retreat at the end of round 6 after being hurt by a series of hooks to the body.

JuanMa started the ending sequence early in the 7th courtesy of a sneaky right uppercut that wobbled Luevano. The champion stumbled backward, trapping himself in a corner where Lopez finished him with a right hook-straight left combination.

Luevano made it to his feet, but referee Benji Estevez wisely stopped the contest just 44 seconds into the round.

When asked about Gamboa’s explosive win against his struggles with Mtagwa, Juan Manuel Lopez proclaimed the he would not suffer the same KO fate.

“My dream is to be champion in 4 divisions, this is number 2, and I’m very happy to have shown the crowd a great fight,” Lopez told HBO’s Max Kellerman. “It doesn’t matter what he did. Mtagwa weighed 122 pound and the fight was at 126. What happened with Mtagwa won’t happen to me, 2 different styles. If it’s Gamboa, [Israel] Vazquez, or [Rafael] Marquez, it doesn’t matter.”

Juan Manuel Lopez-Yuriorkis Gamboa is likely the most exciting fight that can be made below junior welterweight. Lopez is more experienced, has fought better opposition, and proven he can survive a dogfight. On the other hand, Gamboa is much more explosive with combinations, and possesses better handspeed.

For Lopez to win, he’ll want to take the fight inside. Lopez is much better at unleashing short, sneaky punches on the inside that opponents don’t see. There, Gamboa’s speed edge won’t be as significant, and the Cuban won’t be able to generate as much leverage.

Gamboa will seek to keep the contest outside and from mid range. Both fighters are hook happy and can be tagged, but Gamboa’s faster hands ensure that most times he’ll land first. And with dynamite in both hands, he retains the power to possibly score a knockdown and eventually a knockout.

The fight is pretty much even money if it’s made later this year. Who’s your pick?

 

 

Dana White Reveals Possible May 1 Date for Mayweather-Mosley

The boxing world has been abuzz the last week over the ongoing negotiations between welterweight stars Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather. At press time, an official fight announcement is imminent .

 Not everyone is happy about the superfight. UFC president Dana White, a long outspoken critic of the current boxing scene, revealed that he has moved his PPV card UFC 113 from May 1 to May 8 to prevent another PPV wipeout. Last September, UFC’s 103 card was soundly trounced when it went head on against Mayweather-Marquez, posting 400,000 buys to Mayweather-Marquez’s 1 million.

“We were trying to not go the same night as boxing, but these f###### guys can’t get out of their own way,” fumed White to Yahoo! Sports. “I have never seen anything so unorganized, selfish, and dysfunctional as boxing. It’s a joke.”

Mayweather and Mosley’s camps are continuing to scramble to make the fight, following Berto-Mosley being cancelled over Berto’s loss of several family members in Haiti. To date, the negotiations are said to have hit no snag point. Mosley has agreed to random, Olympic style blood testing (which destroyed the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight), and the site will be in Las Vegas, likely the MGM Grand.

Sources stated a press release may have come last Friday, so expect the fight to be announced sometime this week.

Allan Green Enters Super Six Tournament

With Jermain Taylor resigning from the Super Six tournament following 2 bad KO losses, contender Allan Green will step up to face new WBA Super-middleweight champion Andre Ward on April 17.

Green was originally supposed to face Sakio Bika on February 5, but got the call after Bika decided not to sign for unverified reasons.

Unlike the remaining Super Six (Arthur Abraham, Carl Froch, Mikkel Kessler, Andre Ward, Andre Dirrell), Green enters the Group Stage 2 without a fight under his belt, meaning no points and having to play catch-up to winners Abraham, Froch, and Ward.

Green’s promoter, Lou DiBella, promoted Jermain Taylor before stepping down in December in fear of Taylor’s health.

“It wasn’t like it was planned for Allan to take over for Jermain,” DiBella told ESPN.com. “Had we not had the tournament available for us, we were in consideration to fight [titleholder] Lucian Bute [in April]. Allan would have had other opportunities. That said, I think Allan is the right guy for the spot.”

“He’s a big puncher and that’s his great equalizer. Ward is a tremendously talented boxer but if you get hit flush by Green, you’re going to have problems, and I think that will be a real issue for Andre. That will make it an interesting fight…He has a disadvantage [from the points system], but he has that great ability to get the three points in any fight as well as anyone in the tournament outside of Abraham. He was prepared to fight his way into the tournament by fighting Bika and the cancellation of that fight gave him the opportunity to walk in. Now it’s up to him to take advantage of that opportunity.”

Andre Ward’s last fight was a stunningly lopsided upset win over Mikkel Kessler inNovember. Green last bout was a unanimous decision over Tarvis Simms in October.

News and Notes

–          Antonio Margarito (37-6, 27 KOs) has signed to fight Carson Jones (24-7-1) on the undercard of Pacquiao-Clottey in March. Margarito has applied to have his license reinstated in Texas. He was suspended for 1 year last January in California for attempting to fight Shane Mosley with illegal, plaster-covered hand wraps. Mosley TKO’d him in 9 rounds

–          WBA 140 pound champ Amir Khan has received a 2-week extension from the WBA to work out a contract to face mandatory challenger Marcos Maidana. Other potential opponents for Khan include Paulie Malignaggi, Nate Campbell, and Juan Diaz

–          Paul Williams will make his return to HBO on April 10. An opponent hasn’t been named.Williams’ last fight was a controversial unanimous decision win over Sergio Martinez in December

 

 

 

 vs.

Mythical Matchup of the Week: Roy Jones, Jr vs. Bob Foster (At Light-Heavyweight)

This week, I’m matching two of the best ever from the 175 pound division: pound for pound phenom Roy Jones, Jr and feared knockout artist Bob Foster.

Jones entered the light-heavyweight in his physical prime at the age of 27, kicking off his campaign with an easy victory over the faded Mike McCallum to pick up the interim WBC title.

After a dubious DQ loss in his next bout against Montell Griffin, Roy went on a tear, KO’ing Griffin in 1 round in the rematch, and making 11 title defenses from 1998-2002. He was simply too fast and skilled for his hopelessly overmatched opponents. With the lack of competition and being unable to come to terms with WBO champ Dariusz Michalczewski, Jones jumped to heavyweight and made history defeating John Ruiz for the WBA title.

Upon his return to light-heavyweight in 2003, Jones was diminished due to age and the strain of dropping nearly 20 pounds. He has gone 6-5 since, the bulk of his defeats coming to every elite opponent he’s faced.

At his best, Roy Jones was near impossible to hit clean due to inhuman reflexes and countering ability. He could launch 5-6 punch combinations in seconds, and leap in and out of range before opponents could reset or properly adjust their guards.

Bob Foster was the king of the light-heavyweights in the late 60s through the mid-70s. His reign began with a crushing KO of Dick Tiger, who previously had only been stopped 15 years earlier in his pro debut.

With a lithe 6’3 frame and 79 inch reach, Foster was able to generate massive, whiplash-like power. Of his 14 title defenses from 1968-1974, 10 were won by knockout. His only losses in this period were attempts to move up and beat 2 all-time great heavyweights in Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali. In the latter contest, Foster became the only man to ever cut Muhammad Ali and at times outjabbed the Greatest before suffering a TKO in the 8th.

Both men have never seen a fighter like the other. In spite of the vast array of opponents he faced, Foster would be surprised by the sheer speed and unorthodox combination punching of Jones. On his end, Jones would be contending with a 5 inch reach disadvantage, and giving up 4 inches in height. Roy would be putting his speed to the test, as he’d have to be get off and leap away from the countering danger of Foster’s lethal left hook and straight right.

This matchup is tough to gauge because Roy was so dominant in his prime, first light-heavy career. Unfortunately, after the drop down from heavyweight he faced his toughest competition in Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson, and Joe Calzaghe when clearly past prime.

Jones has pop at 175, but Foster through his near 20 year career only ran into problems with power when he ventured to heavyweight, and the final years of the 70s when he was on the slide. I feel Foster’s piston-jab will serve to be an essential rhythm-disruptor to Jones, who won’t be able to counter over it without putting himself in danger due to Foster’s reach and height. Jones would be wise to target Bob’s body (think the right hook shot on Virgil Hill).

Based on Foster’s numbing power, skill, and Roy’s chin issues, I cannot fathom Jones being able to evade Foster’s shots for 12-15 rounds. My prediction is Bob Foster by KO between the 9-12th rounds, likely coming from a left hook.

Your thoughts?

 

QuestionsView Results

 

 

 

 

Nate Dogg In Therapy: ‘He can lift his head’

(AllHipHop News) Long beach singer Nate Dogg is recovering from a stroke and doing well in therapy, according to childhood friend and longtime collaborator, Warren G.

 

Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel Hale has suffered two strokes since January of 2008.

 

The strokes left the Grammy-nominated singer partially paralyzed and he was also using an assisted breathing tube, to make breathing easier.

 

“He’s in therapy getting himself together, that’s all I can tell people,” Warren G. told HardKnock.tv. “I see him any and every time I want to. It’s hard when you have somebody that got two strokes, usually the person don’t make it. But he’s strong. He’s getting good therapy and he’s pulling out of it.”

 

According to Warren G., Nate Dogg was relearning to use basic human functions and that he “can lift his head up.”

 

“It’s hard when you first have a stroke, you got to learn everything over again, Warren G. stated. “It’s like you’re a baby again. You gotta learn everything.”

 

Between collaborations with artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Fabolous and Warren G. and solo releases, Nate Dogg has sold close to 60 million records over the past 20 years.

Celebs Raise $58 Mil For Haiti; Rich Countries Fail To Donate

(AllHipHop News) MTV Networks’ Hope For Haiti telethon on Saturday (January 23) raised a record breaking $58 million dollars in the effort to help the country recover from a 7.0 earthquake which has left at least 200,000 people dead.

 

A number of actors, athletes, rappers and entertainers took part in the telethon, which was hosted by Wyclef Jean in New York, actor George Clooney in Los Angeles and CNN’s Anderson Cooper in Haiti.

 

Over 100 celebrities participated in the event, by answering phones, appearing or performing during the telethon, which was broadcast simultaneously over 25 networks.

 

Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kid Rock, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, Coldplay, Madonna, Christina Aguilera and John Legend were among the evening’s performers.

 

Donations continue to come in from around the world, while the Hope for Haiti Now album hit #1 on iTunes in 18 different countries.

 

The funds will be donated to Wyclef’s Yele Haiti Foundation, Oxfam America, the Red Cross, UNICEF, the U.N. World Food Programme and other non-profit relief agencies.

 

The numbers eclipse the amount donated to Haiti by some of the largest countries in the world.

 

A total of about $500 million has been raised by donors across the world, with the United States representing the bulk of aid money.

 

Neither Iran, nor Saudi Arabia has yet to donate a penny and India, which has one of the world’s highest gross domestic products, has donated $1 million dollars, the same amount as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, George Clooney, Sandra Bullock and the NBA.

Trina Seeks To Adopt Child From Haiti

(AllHipHop News) Miami rapper Trina seeks to get involved with the effort to aid the millions of people in Haiti who were impacted by a devastating 7.0 earthquake on January 12, that has killed at least 200,000 people.

 

According to Trina, she is seeking to contribute more than money and/or other relief by adopting a child from Haiti.

 

“I would like to contribute on a higher level for more personal reasons in addition to being ready to raise/nurture a child; by being involved on a day to day bases,” Trina told AllHipHop.com.

 

According to Trina, she had been considering adopting a child from the impoverished island nation, which has been bombarded with a series of natural disasters since.

 

Thousands of children lost their parents during natural disasters that have included flooding, hurricanes and now the massive earthquake.

 

Additionally, a series of aftershocks, including a 6.1 tremor, hampered rescue efforts last week and injured and killed more people.

 

“The tragic and untimely list of events that have happened in Haiti even before the recent ‘Earthquake’ have made me realized how blessed I am as a individual and I want to share that with a child that is a victim in this disturbing time,” Trina stated.

 

Trina, who is planning to release a new album titled Amazin’ this year, believes that she is at a point in her career where she is mature enough to handle the responsibilities of motherhood, in addition to juggling her famed rap career.

 

“I am in the financial position to adopt; therefore I am taking it into deep consideration at this time,” Trina revealed. “I have always admired other individuals for adopting children, not so much for their celebrity status, but more so because of the nurturing and invaluable change and joy it will bring to a child’s life.”

 

The rapper stated that she also has family members from Haiti, which would make the adoption of a child a logical choice.

 

“The fact that I am considering adopting a child from Haiti is even more significant to me seeing that a great deal of adopted children that come into the United States are from ‘larger countries’ such as China, Russia and Africa,” Trina said.

Christian Rapper Explains Jay-Z Diss

Bizzle. Before his Jay-Z diss “Some Explaining To Do,” the masses didn’t know nor care much about a Christian rapper named Bizzle. But, he quickly garnered the internet’s attention with the song that scathingly charged that Hip-Hop’s biggest star was “dissing Jesus” and “Satan’s soldier.” Bizzle even used his poetic license to out Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Kanye West and Beyonce. All of these allegations, Jay-Z  has flatly denied in recent interviews, but the gossip and conspiracy theory persist. (Click here to read Jay-Z’s explanation in “Jay-Z Denies Connection To The Illuminati, Distances Himself From Religion”)

 

Bizzle issued a lengthy statement explaining his stance and reasons for his remarks, which were ironically set to Jay’s “Renegade.”

   

Well, it’s been a couple of days and the Jay-Z record has done more than I ever expected it to. I’ve read hundreds and hundreds of comments and feel that I should provide some clarification. Below is the song and the interview follows, along with a poll for readers to “judge” for themselves.

 

video platform

video management

video solutions

free video player

From Bizzle to you:

    

    1. Why I did it? For a few reasons. To those who feel I did it for exposure; who am I? LOL! If you can’t answer that, then I’m no good at advertising because I didn’t even tell you the product or where you can go to find it. If I wanted exposure, I would have given out my myspace and twitter at the end. =) The truth is, I don’t want to be famous, but after watching Christ be disrespected and learning about Jay-Z and a couple of others, I guess my emotions and Love for God got the best of me. I mean, most of you would defend your best friend if someone slandered their name, so I guess you can say Jesus is my best friend.

    

    2. To those who have a problem with me using the N-Word; I apologize for any offense. But I did think it through before hand and decided to include it, because I’m not perfect and I use that word everyday. I felt it would be fake of me to leave it out of the record just so I could look like a better Christian. Being Christian doesn’t mean I’m perfect. It just means I’m forgiven and I strive daily to be better and get closer to God.

    

    3. Am I a Christian rapper or just a rapper that’s Christian? I guess if there’s a difference between the two, you would say I’m a rapper that’s Christian. I’m not a Gospel rapper, though I am working on my music and moving in that direction. I’m sure you may hear some older records surface and maybe you should so that you can see how far I’ve come rather then seeing the word Christian and assuming where I should be.

    

    4. Can Jay worship or believe in what he wants? Yes! This record is not about that. It’s not a diss record. It’s a “let you know the truth so you can make an informed decision on whether or not you still want to listen to him” record. LOL! It was for those people who heard the record and chose to delete him out of their ipods and jump off the boat when they found out what the destination was. I was also inspired by young singer/actress Tiffany Evans’ heart to come out and make the statements she did about Satanism in the industry. It took a teenage girl to speak up when a lot of these so-called hard men in the game wouldn’t.

    

    One thing this song did that I didn’t expect it to do, was let us know how far we are from Christ. I never expected to see so many “F God” and “F Jesus” comments. It hurt my stomach to read some of those. I’m sure a lot of us didn’t know that so many of our peers felt that way. But never the less, God loves them all the same.

    

    Once again, sorry If I offended some of you with the N-Word. I’ll work on that. I may be a little rough around the edges but my heart was definitely in the right place. I appreciate all of the love. To my fellow Christians, in no way did I intend to set a bad example for the Kingdom. But people need to see that we too have flaws and that God will accept you with them. Love yall, and God Bless!!!

 

QuestionsView Results

Wyclef Hires New Accountants; Other Non-Profits Examined

(AllHipHop News) Rapper and activist Wyclef Jean has already denied any conscious wrongdoings involving his Yele Haiti charity, but he has gone one step further to clear his reputation, by hiring new accountants.

 

Just hours before yesterday’s Hope For Haiti telethon, Wyclef announced he has hired accounting firm RSM McGladrey to administer the millions in donations that are being pledged to Haiti through the non-profit.

 

His non-profit organization came under scrutiny when the non-profit’s tax records hit the Internet last week.

 

The rapper was accused of wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars and over paying himself and his partner Jerry Duplessis through the charity.

 

Yesterday afternoon (January 22), Gawker.com also reported that the rapper’s $100,000 performance fee was the reason a 2006 concert for the organization was cancelled.

 

Wyclef already admitted to wrong doing, although he blamed it on inexperience, hence the new accounting firm.

 

“Have we made mistakes? Yes,” Jean admitted. “Did I ever use Yele money for personal benefit? Absolutely not.”

 

According to reports, Jean’s non-profit is raising around $1 million dollars per day.

 

Jean told Oprah Winfrey that he has learned from his past mistakes with the charity.

 “I think we have learned from our mistakes,” Jean told Oprah Winfrey. “In moving forward, I think we’re going to be stronger than ever.”

 

In a report on ABC.com yesterday, a number of other charities were scrutinized, including the Red Cross, The Salvation Army and The United Way.

 

The Red Cross’ former President Mark Everson resigned in 2007 after an affair with an employee, while others have resigned over the management of donations for Hurricane Katrina and September 11.

 

The Salvation Army was accused of discrimination in December and has labeled unfriendly to the Gay and Lesbian communities.

 

As for the United Way, its former CEO Oral Suer was sent to prison on 2004 for stealing funds.

 

His replacement, Normal Taylor was forced to resign when it was revealed that he was aware of the abuses of his predecessor and did nothing to stop them.

 

Fans who wish to donate to Wyclef Jean’s Haiti relief fund can pledge $5 by texting the word “Yele” to 501501.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z In France! No Shyne/Royce Beef! Crackhead Speaker!

DISCLAIMER:

 

All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.

R.I.P. APACHE

 Apache was the man, yo. I loved that song “Gangsta B***h” from back in the days. Man…death SUCKS! What’s really dope is that Apache had done his thing in the streets, but he had also found God too. And that’s really dope. He also did a lot of things and, I heard wrote “U.N.I.T.Y.” for Latifah… (Remember her saying “Who you callin’ a b***h?”) There was a lot of irony. While nothing formal has been announced about how Apache died, my sources say it was heart complications. Shout out to Apache!

Somebody from the staff brought this to my attention,the similarities to Apache’s “Gangsta B***h” and Biggie’s “Me & My B***h.”

Biggie:

Apache:

 Both are dope, no hate.

NO SHYNE / ROYCE BEEF

 Just to be 100% clear – there is no beef with Shyne and Royce da 5’9”…I think I said that. But, I wasn’t 100% clear at that time…I was like 99.9%. It was a clown pretending to be Shyne and Royce was talking to him…for entertainment purposes. That’s all – bye.

  Wait…that’s not all.

Shyne is also working with Swizz Beatz on his new album. That’s Storch and Swizz. Not bad.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

 Trey Songz may need to do some PR like Ne-Yo did a few years ago. These bi-sexual rumors are running wild. 

 Some steroids dealer died, but before he passed he alleged that Mike Vick used ‘roids when he played for the Atlanta Falcons. Shout out to the homey – gunot_17!

 

Nas’s collab album with Damian Marley has been pushed back.Remember that American Basketball League?  The one with no Blacks allowed? Well, the weird irony is that Blacks can OWN an all White-team, but cannot be players. This is a stupid joke.

 Tiger Woods has smartened  up. Now they are using decoys outside of a sex rehab facility.

Now they are suggesting the either Jamie Foxx or Madonna may replace Simon. OH BOY.

JAY-Z CONFUSES BEYONCE AND RIHANNA?

 It was almost torturous watching this video, but there’s a moment of humor when Jay-Z seemingly confuses Rihanna and Beyonce.

 

 

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

There is some fail in there, but I’m not going to say who. This lady named Mia Landingham and her man used to fight all the time and she just got sick of it. What did she do? Before I say that, I want to tell you. Investigators say the victim, her man, was 5’10” tall and weighed 126 pounds but Landingham is 5’9″ tall and weighed over 300. Po pop says for some reason, she sat on dude and he suffocated to death. She’s not even going to do any time, but she’s got three years probation. At this time, she weighs over 350 pounds. Where is the fail? There’s a fail in there.

 WHAT HAPPENED TO THESE DUDES?

 

 

JAY& B IN FRANCE

 I hope B didn’t giveJay any issues over the RiRi slip up!

 

 

 

KEYSHIA COLE DID THE RIGHT THING

 

What the hell!?

 

 

THEN AGAIN!

 

It looks like Frankie could be a motivational speaker for crackheads. Real talk…look at this video!

 

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player

 

SORRY!

 

Hey, some days there just isn’t much happening. Email me. Let us make the rumors a better place. [email protected].

CRACKHEADS, WE LOVE YOU!!!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

-illseed

WHO: illseed.com

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

T-Pain Announces Dance Contest for World Tour

(AllHipHop News) In preparation for his new album Revolver, Grammy winner T-Pain is seeking 3 undiscovered dancers for an upcoming world tour.

The contest, named “Blood, Sweat, and Dance,” officially launched on Thursday (January 21) at www.dancejam.com. Through the site, contestants can upload their best dance video to be reviewed by T-Pain himself.

Each hopeful must dance for 1 minute to Omarion’s “I Get It In,” and for an additional 30 seconds showcase another talent outside of dancing.

“I wanted to find some fresh dancers for my upcoming tour, but not through the usual channels,” T-Pain told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “This time I wanted to do an open call for anyone and everyone to submit videos and Dancejam.com was the obvious choice to partner up with,” said T-Pain.”

The contest runs until February 16, with the singer selecting one male and two female dance winners on February 22.

In addition to the T-Pain contest, Dancejam.com has verified a partnership/merger with the LA-based content distribution, production, and marketing company Skee.TV, (www.skeetv.com) and media publisher Grind Networks.

Through the deal, Skee.TV duties will be site management, day to day operations, content, and creative direction of dancejam.com.

“We are excited to bring the DanceJam community another opportunity to launch a professional dance career and live the dream,” stated DJ Skee.

Grind Networks founder Greg Morrow echoed Skee’s words, and expects dancejam.com to grow its Hip-Hop presence that began through the site’s earlier affiliation with MC Hammer.

“We have found a great partner in DJ Skee and his team at Skee.tv to take DanceJam.com to the next level” said Morrow.

Dancers can upload their videos and fans can vote at http://dancejam.com/contests/tpain.

Rappers, Entertainers Unite For Hope for Haiti Now Telethon

 (AllHipHop News) The spirit, faith and determination of the people of Haiti stood front and center Friday night as actors, musicians and Haitians united for the Hope for Haiti Now telethon.

 

The event, which dominated primetime viewing on more than 25 networks, featured an all-star line up of performers, many of whom wore black while pouring emotion into inspirational songs for the telethon. R&B songstress Alicia Keys set the tone early by opening the two-hour show with “Prelude to a Kiss.”

 

The hip-hop nation was prominently featured in the Hope for Haiti Now telethon, with the Roots backing performers such as Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige in New York. In London, Jay-Z was on hand to debut his new Swizz Beatz-produced collaboration with Rihanna and U2 members Bono and The Edge, “Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour)”

 

“Not gonna leave you stranded. Oh no, “ sang Rihanna and Bono as a focused Jay-Z brought home the importance of  helping Haiti rebound from the 7.0 earthquake that has displaced, injured and killed many Haitians since January 12.

 

“We right by your side/ While we trying to make sense of this/ Heavenly Father/ Help us see through these problems/ For those that’s left/ Welcome them into your garden,” the rapper rhymed. “Let’s get involved with ’em/Hand in hand with ’em/ Arm and arm with ’em/ Till they get strong again.”

 

“When the sky falls and the earth quakes/ We gonna put this back together/ We won’t break,” said Jay-Z, who referenced another devastating disaster in Hurricane Katrina and the lesson taken away from that 2005 ordeal in the second verse of “Stranded.”

 

“We learned from the past/ New Orleans was flooded/ So we know we just can’t rely on the government,” he said.

 

While Jay-Z  took the stage in London, Haitian born rapper Wyclef Jean made his case for relief in Haiti in New York. The rapper/producer recalled his personal anguish as he ”carried bodies of my people to the cemetery.”

 

“They should’ve been laughing, singing, said Jean, who mentioned the arrival of a second wave of disaster coming and spoke to his fellow Haitians in Creole who were watching the telethon. “We have to make sure the second wave doesn’t reach Haiti…From the ashes we shall rise, so please give what you can.”

 

The entertainer returned to the stage to close the show with “Rivers of Babylon.”The somber mood soon turned upbeat as Jean switched gears to end his set with a rousing finale meant to highlight the resiliency of his people.  

 

“Enough of the mopin’. Let’s rebuild Haiti and show them where we come from,” said Jean, who was introduced by Denzel Washington.  “Earth quake, we seen the earth shake. The soul of the Haitian people will never break.”

 

Jean’s closing set was among a string of memorable turns from artists who let did not shield their emotions while singing stripped down versions of their chosen songs. Performers included Hudson, (“Let It Be”), Blige (“Hard Times”), John Legend (“Motherless Child”), Stevie Wonder (“A Time to Love”/”Bridge Over Troubled Water”), Madonna (“Like a Prayer”), Shakira (“I’ll Stand by You”); Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow and Kid Rock (“Lean On Me); Dave Matthews and Neil Young (“Alone and Forsaken” ), Justin Timberlake  and Matt Morris (“Hallelujah”), Coldplay (“A Message” ), Bruce Springsteen (“We Shall Overcome”), Emeline Michel (“Many Rivers To Cross”), Christina Aguilera (“Lift Me Up”), Sting  (“Driven to Tears”) and Taylor Swift (“Breathless).

 

During her set, Beyonce altered the lyrics to her hit “Halo” to reference the Haiti ordeal.

 

“Haiti, we can see your halo/ You know you’re my saving grace,” the songbird sang. “You’re everything I need and more, it’s written all over your face/ Haiti, we can see your halo/ I pray you won’t fade away.”

 

Jean wasn’t the only person urging viewers to stay motivated in helping his native land.  Throughout  the telethon, more than 100 celebrities put their fame aside to take phone calls and thank contributors for their donations.

 

Among those manning the phones was Reese Weatherspoon, Julia Roberts, Robin Williams, Colin Farrell, Ringo Star, Taylor Swift, Sandra Bullock, Tobey Macguire and Steven Spielberg.  Like Jean, Roberts and Swift did double duty at the telethon with Swift performing  and Roberts sharing a story about a mother who spent hours digging among the rubble to rescue her child, who was ultimately rescued.

 

“For 15 hours she refused to give up,” Roberts said.  “Now it’s our turn to not give up.”

 

Personal stories of earthquake survivors and victims  were the centerpiece of Hope for Haiti Now.  George Clooney, President Bill Clinton, Chris Rock, Muhammad Ali, Halle Berry , Robert Pattinson, Leonardo DiCaprio ,Morgan Freeman,  Nicole Kidman, Ben Stiller, John Stewart, Clint Eastwood, Matt Damon each conveyed   tales of sacrifice, hope and faith while praising Haitian residents and volunteers for remaining resourceful and motivated in spite of their plight.

 

The praise was combined with themes of determination, continuous faith and perseverance as the entertainers noted the importance of even the smallest donation in helping rebuilding schools, obtaining much needed medical supplies for life saving surgeries and treating injuries.

 

The CNN news anchor provided live coverage and updates from Haiti while video footage of the earthquake and its effect on the Haitians played.

 

This is such an epic disaster. There is so much more for us to do,” said Cooper, who predicted an increase in orphans because of the disaster.

 

In addition to the actors, Hope for Haiti Now included heartfelt testimonies from Haitians currently living in the United States, urging viewers to continue to help Haiti.

 

To contribute to the Hope for Haiit telethon, visit hopeforhaitinow.org or call 1-877-99-HAITI. An album featuring live performances from the telethon will be available on iTunes. Proceeds will go to the Yele Haiti Foundation, Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation, the Red Cross, Oxfam America, United Nations World Food Programme, Partners in Health and UNICEF.

R.I.P. Apache: In Photos

Flavor Unit, a crew from Jersey. Hard core, street, original and fresh as Jersey Tomatoes. Naughty By Nature, Latifah (Queen Latifah then), Lakim Shabazz, Chill Rob G, Apache, Latee were the actual core.

Apache was probably the most raw and stunned everyone when his street credo became a hit. “Gangsta B**ch” is still used today in schools to define street poetry and how trans formative lyrics evolve from real experiences.

Apache and Almond Joy. Unlike many of the industry creations and fake gangstas produced by the labels today, everyone back then knew that Apache, Treach and Latifah would knock you the f*** out if you stepped to them and I bear witness to that reality.

“Gangsta B**ch” and “Who You Calling A B**ch” defined real life in the hood as good as, or better than anything before or since.”

Peace, Ernie Paniccioli R.I.P. Anthony “Apache” Teaks

http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=1751749

http://www.hiphopotherside.com

BREAKING NEWS: Rapper Apache Dies

(AllHipHop News) Flavor Unit emcee Apache, born Anthony Teaks, passed away today (January 22) after a protracted illness.

 

As an original member of Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit, Apache first appeared on 45 King Presents The Flavor Unit and his best known single “Gangsta B**ch” peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart.

 

Shakim Compere, CEO and Co-Founder of Flavor Unit Records, remembered Apache.

 

“Without Apache there would have been no Queen Latifah, no Naughty By Nature, no Chill Rob G., no anything” Compere told AllHipHop.com. “Apache was the string that tied all of Flavor Unit together. Without Apache none of this would be.”

 

Apache was one of the three original rappers in Flavor Unit, which also counted Queen Latifah and Latee as early group members.

 

The rap crew consisted of groups or rappers like Lakim Shabazz, Lord Alibaski, Chill Rob G., Naughty By Nature, Freddie Foxxx, Nikki D and Queen Latifah.

 

Apache’s appearances included collaborations with Naughty by Nature, Fat Joe, Tupac, and A Tribe Called Quest.

 

“That’s my g, r.i.p in peace big homie, you will be missed, shout out to his family naughty by nature, I just did a show with them, god bless,” DJ Kid Capri said via Twitter.

 

 

Hip-Hop Rumors: Rick Ross & Kool G Rap? Drake’s First Rap Song!

DISCLAIMER:

 

All content within this section is pure rumor and generally have no factual info outside of what the streets have whispered in our ear. Read on.

THE DAILY TWO SENSEIf  you see something, say something! Email me you rumors and sightings! [email protected].KOOL G RAP AND RICK ROSS?

 

I got an interesting one here. I am hearing that Rick Ross has gotten Kool G Rap for his new album, Teflon Don. I’m telling you, Rick’s not playing. I know some people may say he’s Officer Ricky, but Kool G Rap is Official beyond belief! I heard G Rap killed it too so stay tuned for that one. The irony of all of this is that years ago, there were HEAVY rumors that 50 Cent was going over to G-Unit. He never did sign, but he and 50 Cent did a Queens song with a bunch of other vets. What I heard was that G Rap had other offers on the table but though G-Unit was going to happen and they didn’t! Then the other deals fizzled.

 

In related rumors, Kool G Rap is going to be retiring, I am hearing. But, before he does, he’s going to record one last masterful album called Offer You Can’t Refuse.

 

DRAKES FIRST RAP SONG

 

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsfree video player

 

“You a playa  hata!”

 

KANYE BANNED FROM HAITI TELETHON?

 

Now, this is a silly one. I am getting word (you may have already heard this) that Kanye West is not permitted to be a part of the Haiti benefit. Why? You already know. They want to make sure than everybody sticks to the script and Kanye has been known to break protocol. Everybody remembers the Katrina moment of truth and now the Taylor Swift stuff is lingering. Oh well…their loss. Dude gives us all things to talk about for years.

 

The telethon is today. And all Kanye’s friends are in it. How cruel.

FYI: MTV has denied this. 

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

 

I think Jay-Z literally rolled on Nick Cannon when he was serious about riding with him.

 

 

These people are not your friends, Nick! Nick is a good sport.

 

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

 

DAMN! This is just sad! Facebook and Twitter are EVIL!!!! Peep this from the New York Daily News:

 

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Detectives have left the St. George apartment of a man who, sources say, hanged himself moments after stating his intention to do so on his public Facebook.com profile.

 

“When I take my meds I’m manic when I don’t I’m severely depressed like I am now,” the note said. “ I can’t go on anymore. I just hung myself.”

 

Friends began posting panicked messages on Rodriguez’s Facebook page and one alerted emergency officials.

 

“What the [expletive],” one friend wrote. “I don’t like this!! I’m calling you now.”

 

“Answer your cell phone now,” another pleaded.

 

Man, that’s sad. Pathetic even.

 

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

 

That Shyne beef Royce had was nothing but a bad prank by some clown. Even Royce said that later on after my posting.

 

Matt Kemp, the man that may forever be known as “that dude after Chris,” has denied allegations that he beat up his ex.

 

The dude from Pretty Ricky is easing back on those allegations that he impregnated Tisha Campbell’s sister. Now, he’s admitting to tapping it, but saying he’s pretty sure its not his.

 

Wow, Atlanta. THE A has been voted the gayest city in America by gay magazine The Advocate. I wonder if the gay rapper lives there too?

 

Man, poor Amy Winehouse. There are rumors that her ex-spouse (but re-marrying) Blake Fielder-Civil has linked up with Mia McHugh, a transsexual Winehouse impersonator.

 

Cher is about to lose her house to foreclosure.

 

Mariah Carey is said to be leaving Def Jam to go back to her old home of Sony. Not enough labels.

 

They are saying that LaToya Jackson may replace Simon on “American Idol.” NO…don’t do that.

 

Jay-Z and Beyonce to raise their kids in Orlando? That just doesn’t even sound right.

NICK CANNON, WE LOVE YOU!!!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!

-illseed

WHO: illseed.com

WHAT: Rumors

WHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseed

HOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].

Swizz Beatz To Be Honored During Pre-Grammy Brunch

(AllHipHop News) Producer/songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox and SESAC will host a brunch during the Grammy Awards to honor producer Swizz Beatz.

 

The sixth annual event was started by Cox to acknowledge singers, songwriters and producers who’s accomplishments sometimes go unnoticed.

 

According to Cox, the event also serves as a networking vehicle for members of the music industry.

 

“Every year I look forward to celebrating the achievements of my comrades in music,” says Cox. “This year I am especially thrilled to recognize the accomplishments of my friend and fellow music producer Swizz Beatz for his continued success and dedication to music.”

 

Swizz, born Kasseem Dean, who is also a member of SESAC, a performing rights society, started his career at the age of 16.

 

He was produced this for a number of artists, including Jay-Z, Eve, Chris Brown, Whitney Houston, Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Ludacris and others.

 

This year’s brunch will also acknowledge Cox’s recent induction into the Georgia Hall of Fame, after being named one of Billboard Magazine’s top ten producers of the decade.

Friday Fashion Feature: INSIDE STYLE: Capsule Trade Show Highlights

 

The setting for the men’s (capsule) show was almost as impressive as scouting the over 100 fall 2010 collections of fashion’s newest and most innovative labels. The brands were split between two locations, both located in the hippest neighborhoods of New York City and, as usual, it did not disappoint. The first half of the trade show was set in The Angel Orensanz Foundation For The Arts, a synagogue-turned-modern art gallery in the Lower East Side. This four-tiered venue, basement included, was the perfect stage to change “the way things are done and worn in the world.” With tons of exposed brick, a series of paintings by (capsule) artist Tina Berning, and a fun house feel, this was probably one of the coolest (capsule) shows of all time.

 

Judging by the brand selection it was pretty clear that the directors were seeking a highly-edited series of both local and international designers, and you better believe that DJPremium.com’s hottest brands were represented. SUPER Staying true to they’re revisions of the classic Wayfayer, SUPER upped the ante for the eyewear industry. New colors, new shapes, new patterns, the brand covered it all:

 

 

Creative Recreation

 

Although we were not permitted to take pictures at the trade show, Creative Recreation showed the much anticipated relaunch of their “Select” line which is more chic, more sleek and modern that any of their previous designs.

 

If you wondered what Creative Recreation would look like if they toned down the sneaker feel I present to you Creative Recreation Select:

 

 

Timberland

 

Timberland showed once again that they can adjust to a changing market. We caught a peek at Timberland’s extremely popular premium shoe collections, Timberland Boot Company and Timberland Abington Collection.

 

Both collections showed high-quality, vintage inspired boots for the modern man. Their shapes are newer, leather more premium, and shoe molds perfected to offer the best boot for the best price. With younger labels popping up like fruit flies, it was amazing to see such veteran keeping things fresh and relevant.

 

Abington spring 2010 (via Hypebeast)

 

We were escorted to the second half of the show, at the Puck Building in Nolita, via a Cadillac Escalade shuttle service.

 

 

DJPremium.com brands like Supra and KR3W displayed their goods, along with a potential new brand for the site – Florsheim.

 

 

Florsheim showed off luxurious leather and suede shoes in pop colors, like bright blue and neon yellow, as well as more conventional browns and tans:

 

 

The brand blended the Oxford shoe into a unique boot creation, and also displayed these styles with tonal soles and heels:

 

 

Florsheim is doing a great job in adapting classic men’s footwear into modern, fresh designs.

 

What do you think – is it a good look for DJPremium.com?

 

Unfortunately, Supra and KR3W did not allow for pictures to be taken at the show, but the brands do have some exciting goods coming up soon!

 

KR3W has launched a footwear line, and Supra has launched a clothing line.

 

Whereas Supra’s new clothing has a more athletic street feel, KR3W’s apparel is sticking with that contemporary, premium street look.

 

The footwear is cleaning up more and more across the board, but unique fabric usage, overall designs and bodies of the kicks still provide for eye catching styles.

 

There were a couple of new Supra styles that had a nautical feel, with navy and white stripes, and one that stood out to us was a burgundy patent leather low top shoe with lacing detail slightly off to the side of it. Nice look.

 

Like KR3W clothing, the footwear is more sophisticated, fashion forward – although still supposedly good for skating.

 

KR3W Footwear via HighSnobiety

 

The overall feel of what’s to come in fall 2010 menswear is reminiscent of the wilderness – rich, rustic and preppy looks with lots of wool, knits, leathers and high tech fabrics.

 

Sneakers are cleaning up, leaving it to the quality, materials and other details to do the talking.

 

What’s continuously gaining popularity is the boot. From hiking to duck boots, a classy lumberjack look is full in effect.

 

Red Wing

 

The young man is growing up, wearing gear they may have caught grandpa in, but adding unique and edgy twists to keep it fresh.

 

White Raven

It’s steadily becoming more about detail and quality of goods rather than the “bling” factor. The looks scream luxury rather than flash.

 

Stay tuned for more trade show high lights to come, and check out DJPremium.com for the latest in the brands mentioned above!

MTV Reps Deny Kanye West Was Banned From Telethon Tonight

(AllHipHop News) Organizers of an upcoming telethon produced by MTV to benefit Haiti have denied reports that rapper Kanye West not invited to the event.

 

The Hope for Haiti telethon is slated to air tonight (January 22) on a number of television networks and will feature various stars campaigning to raise money for the Haiti.

 

Guests include former President Bill Clinton, Clint Eastwood, Chris Rock, Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Tom Hanks and others.

 

Performers on the telethon include Wyclef Jean, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Kid Rock, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Mary J. Blige, U2 and numerous others.

 

Reports have been circulating that West was banned from the event, due to his infamous outbursts, most notably during a 2005 telethon to raise money for Hurricane Katrina victims and again in 2009, when he interrupted country singer Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for Best New Artist during the MTV Music Awards.

 

Representatives for MTV claimed that they did indeed approach Kanye West to participate, but he was unavailable.

 

“The report is absolutely false. MTV talent executives involved with booking the telethon contacted Kanye’s management and label about having him perform,” a source told Access Hollywood. “Unfortunately, he is unavailable and regrettably unable to participate.”

 

Kanye West is in the recording studio working on new material.

 

The Hope for Haiti Now two-hour telethon starts tonight at 8:00 PM and will be hosted by Wyclef Jean in New York, George Clooney in Los Angeles and CNN‘s Anderson Cooper, direct from Haiti.

The Last Word: Beyonce Kills Sasha Fierce, A New “We Are The World,” Don’t Diss Michelle Obama,

How’s the life

folks? Things continue to be all over the place with aftershocks in

Haiti, a Republican occupying the Senate seat formerly held by the late

Ted Kennedy, the one-year anniversary of President Obama’s

inauguration, John Edwards finally admitting he’s the biological father

of his former mistress’ daughter and the Supreme Court overturning

federal laws that prevented corporations from using their money to buy

political ads.

Congratulations to

Save the Last Dance/Barbershop star Sean Patrick Thomas and his wife,

who are expecting a new addition to their family. Shout out to the

sounding boards for never forgetting that a beautiful woman never stays

single for long.

Now let’s get down to business. Here is…the Last Word for the week ending Jan. 22, 2010.

 

1.       Quincy Jones and Lionel Ritchie Recruit New All-Star Line-Up for “We Are the World” Remake

 

The crisis in Haiti has become a catalyst for Quincy Jones and Lionel Ritchie, who are marking the 25th

anniversary of their Michael Jackson-assisted star-studded benefit

single, “We Are the World,” with a remake of the classic song.

 

The folks at The Hollywood Reporter

reveal that history will repeat itself, as the pair will extend an

invitation for artists to re-record the tune the day after the Grammys

on Feb. 1 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

The original version

of “We Are the World,” produced by Jones, was recorded in 1985 after

the American Music Awards and featured a who’s who of singers such as

Jackson, Ritchie, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper, Ray Charles, Bob

Dylan, Tina Turner and Billy Joel. Proceeds from the song went to

famine relief in Africa.

Those invited to

take part in the remake include Usher, Natalie Cole and John Legend,

with a lot more artists to follow in the coming days.  

“We Are the World”

was originally scheduled to be performed during a 25th anniversary

celebration on Jan. 28, but those plans were scrapped after Haiti’s 7.0

magnitude earthquake. As a result, the effort will turn into a

fundraiser. The celebration has now been rescheduled for Feb. 1 with a

single and music video highlighting the session is set to debut soon

after. 

Money from the song

will go to relief efforts in Haiti. Although plans are still sketchy,

there is talk of Jackson being apart of the remake in some fashion.

 

 

2. Kelly Rowland Goes on a Sugar-Free Diet, Takes up Pole-Dancing

 

Look at a current picture of Kelly Rowland and you may notice that she’s lost some weight.

In fact, the singer

is happy to be without the extra pounds as she confesses to taking up a

new skill that played a role in creating a slimmer version of her.

“Right now, I have a

pole dance instructor in Miami and she teaches me a lot,” Rowland

shared with People.. “You’d be surprised how hard those ladies work.”

To help the effort, Kelly combined rocking the pole with a healthy diet. One that doesn’t include sugar.

“I’m telling you, I’m not eating sugar. I didn’t even try to lose weight,” the songbird  said.

“I read this book, called You Are What You Eat. [The author, Gillian

McKeith,] is talking about sugar, she’s talking about meat, she’s

talking about cheese. I did some of those things for a month, but for

the most part, it is just sugar that is gone from my diet.”

So much weight did Kelly lose?

“I lost weight,

probably almost 10 pounds. But 10 pounds did a lot,” she said. “ … It’s

more here, in the hip and [rear] area, but it’s definitely trimmed down

since no sugar has taken place.”

So there you have it. More proof that if you eat right and  make your stripper fantasy  come to life, you too can be slim, freaky and make your man a happy camper.

3.       Kirk Franklin Organizes Gospel-Inspired “We Are the World” Effort

 

While Quincy and Co.

gearing up for their redo, Kirk Franklin has put together a “We Are the

World” type effort of his own. Only this one involves a star-packed

cadre of gospel singers. The Franklin-produced collaboration, titled

“’A Song for Pain,” was recorded over the weekend during this year’s

Stellar Awards in Nashville, Tenn.

 

Among the gospel

greats lending vocals for “A Song for Pain” are Yolanda Adams, Jeremy

Camp, Shirley Caesar, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Natalie Grant, Fred Hammond,

Tamela and David Mann, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Bishop Paul S.

Morton, J. Moss, Smokey Norful, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark-Sheard, Kiera

“KiKi” Sheard, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans and Marvin Winans.

 

A spokesperson for

Franklin says the singer is currently mastering the track with plans to

release it later this week via iTunes and other digital retailers.  To

coincide with the song’s release, the Gospel Music Channel will air a

one-hour special featuring the official “A Song for Pain” music video

in the coming weeks. Proceeds from “A Song for Pain” will go to a fund

in support of victims affected by the Haiti earthquake.

 

 

 

4.       Scott Baio Makes Twitter Death Threat List over Michelle Obama Joke

 

Be careful what you say. Or if you’re Scott Baio, what you tweet.

 

The actor, who’s best known for his work on Charles in Charge and Happy Days, has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way as he’s been on the receiving end of death threats.

 

According to

reports, Baio’s problems stemmed from a joke he made about Michelle

Obama. The joke in question came when the actor posted an unflattering

photo of the First Lady on Wednesday (Jan. 20) and tweeted the

following comment: “WOW He wakes up to this every morning,”

 

Baio’s remark drew

the wrath of Twitter users, who labeled the proud Republican as

everything from an a**hole to a racist idiot and suggested he kill

himself.

 

“Timafi: ‘easy to find your house Scottie boy and finish YOU. I am a republican and I love Mrs O,'”  wrote one Twitter user, while Ishatonu  predicted

the downfall of Baio’s time as an actor by pondering “how long until

@RealScottBaio realizes his career is dead. Resorting to insulting

Michelle Obama will only further his irrelevancy.”

 

Baio later came to his defense, saying his remark was meant as a joke and nothing serious against Mrs. Obama.

 

“People need to

relax and laugh a bit,” tweeted the entertainer. “Life is too short no

matter what party you are with. A joke is just that, a joke.”

 

After informing the

Twitterverse that “The FBI has been contacted & we have a file

number for the threats, along with twitter support,”  Baio continued defending himself.

 “I’m NOT racist for posting a pic of M.O. My WIFE’S BEST FRD IS BLACK,HELLO”  the

actor tweeted after posting the picture. “Do I look like I’m racist?

This is [his wife] Renee’s BEST frd. STOP USING THE RACE CARD!!!”

 

“If I’m racist, don’t think I would have Directed shows like The Parkers & The Wayans Bros. or worked 41 eps w/ Victoria Rowell on D.Murder

continued Baio, who stated his following had swelled to 5000 because

“people love to hate” and the FBI is after all “death threaters.”

 

“For New followers:

I POST A LOT OF JOKES WITH PICS. They are JUST that, a joke. NOT

targeting anyone. Laughter IS the best medicine,” Baio said.

 

Ladies and gentlemen

of the jury, that is the case. Did Chachi/Charles go too far with the

humor or was it a harmless joke on his part?  What say you?5.       Beyonce Outgrows Sasha Fierce

 

She is Sasha Fierce no more. After only one album, Beyonce is laying to rest her bold alter ego.

In an interview with Allure

magazine, the songstress made her piece with Sasha while making a vow

to have her two sides peacefully live as one. In short, the real

Beyonce is standing up and she wants everyone to notice.

“Sasha Fierce is my

alter ego, this other side of me that’s almost animalistic and strong

and fearless, and I have used this person to take over when I’m too

scared or too shy,” the singer/actress said. “The thing that’s

interesting is I don’t need Sasha Fierce anymore, because I’ve grown,

and I’m now able to merge the two. I want people to see me. I want

people to see who I am.”

Not that I really

noticed the two sides, but Beyonce was always Beyonce to me. Still

talented. Still beautiful. Still able to stand out. No matter what. But

I can always remember the good times Sasha provided. Whether she was

representing the single ladies with that roboglove, hustling as a diva

or chatting back and forth with me and Lady Gaga on the video, it was a

slice knowing Sasha.

Sweet dreams Miss Fierce.

In Other Words…

 

If you want to pay

your respects in person to the late Teddy Pendergrass, there will be a

chance to do so this weekend with an official public viewing. The

viewing  will take place today (Jan. 22) from

noon to 8 p.m. at the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church, 2800 West

Cheltenham Ave., in Philadelphia . A private viewing and memorial will

be held on Saturday (Jan. 23).

Actor. Comedian.

Radio show host. Author. Now Steve Harvey can add game show host to his

resume. The entertainer is on deck to become the new host of Family

Feud. Harvey, who will replace outgoing host John O’Hurley, will begin

his stint on Family Feud when the show’s new season premieres next

fall.Not one to forget

where he came from Judge Greg Mathis is doing his part to work with

inmates in prison via his new black prisoner initiative Empowerment

Education and Respect (PEER). 

According to Black

Voices, Mathis will take time out to visit jails and prisons throughout

the country to encourage inmates to change their lives as part of the

initiative. To date, he has visited the Wayne County Jail in his

hometown of Detroit, where he served his one-year sentence, as well as

the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta and the State Correctional

Institution at Chester, PA. Mathis’ next stop will be the Golden Grove

Correctional Facility in St. Croix, Virgin Islands on Feb.8.

Kandi Burruss is on her way back to the music scene, now that she’s signed with Asylum

Records through her label, Kandi Koated Entertainment. The

singer/reality show star’s as yet untitled forthcoming album, which is

slated for release this spring, will feature appearance from Gucci

Mane, Rick Ross, Rasheeda and Burris’ former Xscape groupmate, Tameka

“Tiny” Cottle. Production will be handled by Jazze Phae and Drumma Boy,

among others.

March looks to

be a good month for Raheem DeVaughn, who is gearing up for the release

of his upcoming album, The Love and War Masterpiece. The offering,

which includes the single “Bulletproof,” stands as evidence of the

singer’s current mindstate.

“I named the album The Love and War Masterpeace because I feel that is where I am as a

person and where we are as a people,” DeVaughn told Singersroom.com.

“We are all trying to master that internal peace and happiness in a

very strange time.”

 

Look for DeVaughn’s second single “I Don’t Care,” to hit radio on Monday (Jan. 25). The Love and War Masterpeace is slated to hit stores March 2.Prince is making his support of the Minnesota Vikings official with the release of a new song  he’s

written. MyFoxTwinCities.com reports the tune, titled “Purple and

Gold,” was written after the Purple One came home after seeing the

Vikings beat the Dallas Cowboys last week. To hear Prince tell, the

victory was a sign of things to come.  

“I saw the future,”

said the crooner, who admitted that “Purple and Gold” came easy and

fast as it was written for the Viking’s upcoming NFC Championship game

matchup against the New Orleans Saints. It’s no surprise that the

Vikings love the new song and plan to put it on their site.

Ron Artest Talks Fitness, Rap Career

(AllHipHop News) The days of being a controversial bad boy are over for Ron Artest.

 

The NBA all-star, who garnered negative attention after an on-court fight on November 19, 2004, is moving forward towards more positive endeavors while reflecting on his past mind state.

 

“When I got to the NBA, I always made a conscious effort to never change and kept my hood mentality,” Artest reveals in the March issue of Men’s Fitness. “It was erratic to a lot of people from the outside. So I had to find a way to stay true and not be so erratic. People know I’m a good person, so they take me for what I am now. I just want them to see somebody that they can always relate to. That’s real important.”

 

Artest’s role in the fight resulted in a lengthy suspension and approximately $7 million in salary lost. Five years later, Artest joined his current team, the Los Angeles Lakers as a small forward/shooting guard.

 

With a renewed focus on being the best on and off the basketball court, the athlete’s energy is put on bettering his body. According to the Lakers forward, being mindful of what he puts into his body now is a far cry from the foods he ate out of necessity.

 

“I grew up not having a lot of money, so I ate no-frills brand fried chicken,” Artest said. “Everything was no-frills brand oils, butter, lots of salts—the cheapest way to make it. Luckily I ran a lot.”

 

Artest’s youthful motivation to stay fit carried over into his adult life and work on the court. The sports figure is adamant about working out regularly as he confessed to pushing himself to the limit whenever he exercises.

 

Like many visitors to the gym, Artest utilizes music to help make his workouts more fun. So much so that he has created a rap song about working out, a move he does not regret.

 

“I’m an athlete, and I rap,” said Artest, who officially entered the world of rap with the 2006 release of his debut album, My World. “People ask me ‘Why [did] you make a song like that?’ Because that’s what I do. I workout.”

 

The March issue of Men’s Fitness featuring Ron Artest hits newsstands on Monday (January 25).