The musical landscape for Cash Money Records just got more diverse with the addition of U.K. Indian pop star Jay Sean.

The U.K. based Indian pop star is currently riding a wave of momentum with his Lil Wayne assisted hit “Down.”

According to the label’s co-founder, Ronald “Slim” Williams, the eclectic line up of talent falls in line with its goal of shining an international spotlight on his label.

“It has been our goal from the beginning to move from a small, local, independent label into a world-wide major entertainment organization, and I think, with artists like Jay Sean and Drake added to Lil Wayne, we have done just that,” Williams told AllHipHop.com in a statement.

Jay Sean’s single currently sits at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 after rising from the No. 63 spot.

The addition of Jay Sean serves as an expansion of Cash Money’ recent string of success.

The New Orleans-based label, which recently marked the 10th anniversary of its deal with Universal Music Group, continues to reap the benefits of Lil Wayne’s Grammy-winning album, Tha Carter III, as well its first rock signee, Kevin Rudolf.

Lil Wayne has ventured beyond the mic to establish his Young Money imprint with the signing of Canadian rapper/actor Drake.

The entertainer’s popular hit “Best I Ever Had,” occupies the No. 2 position on the Hot 100. Top 25 singles on the charts from Drake, Jay Sean, Bird Man and Young Money embody a string of good fortune for Cash Money.

Signing with Cash Money opens a new chapter for Jay Sean, who began performing at the age of 11.

The pop star, whose U.K. hits include “Eyes on You” and “Stolen,” achieved multi-platinum success in India, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Bulgaria after appearing in the 2005 Bollywood film, Kya Kook Hain Hum.

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A representative for Raekwon issued a statement this afternoon (August 11) refuting all reports that the Wu-Tang rapper has spoken about Saturday’s (August 8) altercation with Joe Budden.

Since the confrontation between the two artists, which took place as Budden was doing a live webcast from backstage, multiple sources have claimed that Raekwon made an unofficial statement to fans during his performance at the San Manuel Ampitheater.

In an exclusive statement to AllHipHop.com, however, a representative for Raekwon’s IceH2O said otherwise.

“Contrary to various reports that have been circulating on the internet since Saturday, Raekwon has made no statement, either official or unofficial, about a reported altercation that supposedly involved members of his entourage and rap artist Joe Budden,” the rep maintained. “This includes statements allegedly made to the staff of Rock The Bells. Raekwon and his associates are busy focusing on his company, IceH2O and preparing for the highly anticipated release of Only Built 4 Cuban Linx Pt. II.”

Following the alleged incident, Budden appeared on camera to approximately 800 fans, holding a towel and ice to the side of his face.

The Slaughterhouse rapper told viewers he had been hit in the side of the face and in the right shoulder.

Throughout the webcast, Budden and the others present were clear that Raekwon was not the alleged assailant, although Budden has since challenged Raekwon to a “square dance” or fist fight.

Raekwon’s highly anticipated follow up to his 1995 debut Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is scheduled to hit stores September 8.

A New Orleans jury has found Corey “C-Murder” Miller of second-degree murder, in relation to January 12, 2002 death of 16-year-old Steve Thomas.

The jury reached the final verdict around 1:40 PM today (August 11), only 24 hours after starting their deliberations.

Yesterday (August 10) a jury of seven women and five men told Judge Hans Liljeberg they were initially deadlocked over Miller’s guilt regarding the shooting death of the teenager during a dispute in Club Platinum, a defunct nightclub in Harvey.

Judge Liljeberg ordered them to continue deliberating stating that he had juries with lessor charges deliberate for over eight hours.

Prosecutors wrapped up their closing arguments to the jury around 10:00 am, while Miller’s attorney finished his around 10:40 AM yesterday.

Today, the jury came back with a guilty verdict, although Judge Liljeberg voided the verdict, claiming one juror may have rushed to a decision of guilt in order to end the trial.

The trial comes seven years after Thomas’ death, who would have been 23-years-old this year.

Miller was convicted of second-degree murder in September of 2003, but the verdict was overturned in Louisiana Supreme Court, after it was revealed that prosecutors expunged several witnesses’ criminal backgrounds in hopes of boosting their credibility.

Under Louisiana law, Miller must serve a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A date for a sentencing schedule will take place this Friday (August 14).

Hip-Hop legend Ice Cube has awarded student Lindsay Miller a full scholarship ride at the prestigious McNally Smith College of Music.

Miller’s application won out over thousands submitted for the West Coast veteran’s Ice Cube Scholarship for Recording Technology.

Miller, a native of Holland, Michigan and already a first year student at McNally, was required to produce an original track personally reviewed by Cube.

The young scholar wrote and produced the song while simultaneously working a full time job and completing her freshman final exams.

“I was ecstatic when I learned that I won,” an excited Miller told AllHipHop.com. “The school offers the most hands-on and real-world experience working with record labels and studios anywhere in the world.”

McNally Smith College was founded in 1985, and is the first music institution of higher learning to offer a degree in Hip-Hop. Currently, the school has an estimated enrollment of over 700 students.

Ice Cube’s program was done in partnership with the school, which awarded two other scholarships under the Diana Ross Scholarship for Music Performance (Leah Tousignant), and the Conclave Music Business Scholarship (Danielle Huey).

“Lindsay, Leah and Danielle all demonstrate the requisite talent, ambition and academic achievement that McNally Smith College of Music likes to see in students who want to attend this outstanding music college,” explained Jeff Aalbers, school Director of Administrative Services. “Each one also meets the requirements for financial aid, which more students are asking for in the current economic environment. We view these top scholarships as investments in the future of outstanding recording artists and in the music business professionals of tomorrow. The faculty and their fellow students look forward to seeing them reach their goals.”

Ice Cube’s released his 8th solo LP, Raw Footage, to critical acclaim last year, and sold over 300,000 copies through his own Lench Mob Records.

A popular UK bodybuilder/bodyguard for 50 Cent and other stars is going against the G-Unit front man’s rival The Game – for a role as B.A. Baracus in the upcoming A-Team remake.

Tiny Iron, 28, is a bodybuilder who has done security for artists like Akon, Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.

He also currently holds the record Guinness Book of Worlds Records title for having the biggest biceps in Britain, at 24-inches.

Rappers like Ice Cube and The Game have vied for the role of B.A. Baracus, originally played by icon Mr. T in the upcoming remake, which currently lists Liam Neeson and Bradley Cooper as cast members.

Tiny Iron, born Andrew Harrison is being considered for the role in the movie, which is slated to be released in June of 2010.

“Mr. T is my idol,” Tiny Iron recently told the AutoTrader during a photo shoot. “I’ve always wanted to be like him. Clubber Lang is the best character in the Rocky series. I’ve had a van on hire and I’ve just been driving round with The A Team theme tune on repeat, I love it.”

Tiny Iron completed dismissed The Game as a viable candidate for the role of B.A. Baracus.

“He looks like my finger,” Tiny said of The Game. “I should play B.A. Baracus because no one else on this planet can beat me. I look like the strongest man in the world. No one else is as brutal as Tiny Iron.”

Tiny Iron has starred in films like The Number One Girl featuring Vinne Jones and Pat Morita, as well as the flick Cash & Carry.

Norfolk, Virginia based group The Clipse has officially announced the release date for their highly anticipated album Til The Casket Drops. The group’s third major label release will hit stores October 20 via a new partnership with Columbia Records. The album features production by the group’s longtime collaborators, The Neptunes. Neptunes producer Pharrell Williams is featured on the album’s first official single, “I’m Good.” In related news, The Clipse will hit the road with The Cool Kids this summer in support of Til The Casket Drops.

Organizers of the annual Scribble Jam festival announced that this year’s event would be canceled due to the economy. According to Scribble Jam co-founder Nick Accurso, the annual festival, which is held at Annie’s Entertainment Complex in Cincinnati, Ohio, costs about $100,000 to produce. Accurso stated that they simply could not find enough sponsors to cover the costs of this year’s 13th Scribble Jam. Major sponsors of the event included automobile sponsors, a category that has been hit particularly hard during the recession.

The state of California has placed three tax liens on rapper/reality star show/preacher MC Hammer. Hammer, born Stanley Burrell and his wife reportedly owe over $600,000 in back taxes to the state. In May, a tax lien was filed against Hammer and his wife Stephanie for $32,926, while another one was filed in June in the amount of $12,464. Just last month a third lien was placed against the couple in the amount of $625,792. Hammer is currently starring in his own reality show Hammertime on A&E. Hammer is not alone. Other notables that owe the struggling state of California include Snoop Dogg, Burt Reynolds, Dionne Warwick, Janice Dickerson, comedian Sinbad and a man by the name of Winson Lee, who owes the state a whopping $10 million dollars.

Sara Stokes, a former member of Hip-Hop group Da Band, was arrested last week for domestic violence in Moreno Valley, California.

According to TMZ.com, Stokes was arrested by police after she was involved in a physical altercation with her husband.

Stokes and her husband Tony fought on August 2. During the argument, Stokes stormed out of the house when she tripped and fell. She accused her husband of him of doing it and allegedly stabbed him in the arm as her three children watched.

Stokes was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence, although the District Attorney is deciding whether charges will be filed or not. Stokes was discovered by Sean “Diddy” Combs on the hit MTV reality show, Making Da Band 2.

The group, which also included Dylinjah, Chopper, Babs Bunny, E-Ness and Freddy P., released one album, Too Hot For TV in 2003.

Since then Stokes has dabbled in acting and reportedly developing a new make up line called SASS.