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The Hurricanes are suing Tyrone Banks for trademark violations over the track Carolina Hurricanes, which the rapper promoted as the official Carolina Hurricanes song.

The Hurricanes did concede the rapper approached them first about promoting the selection during home games.

In court records, the team states they utilized the song during online, TV, and game segments.

Additionally, the Hurricanes brought Banks to a game where they displayed his name and flashed his face on the video screen when the song was played.

The legal issue arose when the Hurricanes accused Banks of promoting the song as if he were affiliated directly with the team.

Although Banks complied with the NHL teams request to remove the words official and anthem from his website, the team argues the affiliation is still there through the use of Hurricane jerseys.

We look at our name and our trademarks as our most valuable assets, and they need to be protected, stated Hurricanes attorney William Traurig to Fox Sports.

According to court filings, Banks has countered with a request for song compensation, stating that his agreement with the Hurricanes authorized use of the track only for games when the team showed his label, full name, and the songs title.

At press time, a verdict has not been reached in the case and Tyrone Banks could not be reached for comment.

Everybody I Know Is Struggling

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: UncategorizedAugust 13, 2009

The other day, I was really sitting down and thinking. I was playing with one of the kids and a wave of happiness-slash-sadness just splashed down on me. It was weird.

I was thinking of my own plight. You probably didn’t notice, but I haven’t written in the last couple of weeks. Life has delivered blow after blow, an apparent attempt to break my spirit. I’m no punk. I’ve been through my share of strife, and more importantly, am always down for the necessary, worthy struggle.

Then, it hit me like a ton of cinderblocks.

I took a brief inventory on all of my close friends and family and I came to a startling realization. Every single person close to me is struggling in some way or another. And when I say struggle, I mean, our way of life or ability to strive is in jeopardy. Struggle is nothing new, but this is different. This wrestling match with life is not limited to the seasoned adult, but even teens and recent college grads. Just about everybody!

Most of us have issues surrounding money, as is the case with Americans in a general sense. And for goodness sake, lets not forget those of us that are seemingly permanently disenfranchised as a people. All of this is in perspective. Still, pinching pennies is a regular happening, but it has gotten maddening the ways we are attempting to stretch a dollar with no elasticity. Pinching pennies…til Abe Lincoln gets bruises…

Also, not surprisingly, relationships around me are reaching their breaking point. I have friends that were in long-term relationships and those relationships are crumbling under the weight of the stress. According to my friends, there are other issues and I am sure there are, but more relationships end due to money.

In that regard, I don’t worry to much. OK, I’m lying. I do worry a lot, but I am working on that. There is a quote that goes, God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. There are things that I am working towards – that we are working towards – that are not going to come to life right now. But, as is always the case, we survive, because we are resilient by nature. I mean, think of the last time you went through some real MESS. When you were living it, it was the worst thing and a few years after it, you were probably proud of your ability to make it through. Sometimes we even affectionately recall our battles and brag about the scars. And, more importantly, you probably learned a lesson.

Collectively, I am not sure that we are learning a lot of lessons. Americans seem to ignore signs along the road and wonder why we plunge off a cliff. Usually, there are warning signs all along the trip. Are Americans approaching a cliff? It sure seems so, but perhaps we caught that last sign just in time. The America that we know is definitely a thing of the past. But that isn’t going to stop us, is it? Or is it? Nah…

I don’t know if Suzie Orman can help me now, but I am going to keep watching her and reading other financial authors for the wisdom to protect mine. I am also going to stay abreast of the Amero and all the other conspiracy theories as well. I laugh at my friends that “curse” Obama as if we didn’t know little would change even under his reign.

I’ve never looked at Obama as anything more than an inspirational figure for me and mine. Other than that, I’m making the most concerted effort to pull myself out of the struggle. But, we all know it doesn’t stop and this time next year, should things stabilize, most of us will be in some other difficulties.

An then my focus came back to my kid there, just playing without a care in the world…unaware of my un-docked stress. Man, there are choices and there are other times when you have no choice.

We’ll work it out.

Good Guy aka EveryMan is a columnist on AllHipHop.com and his

columns appear every Thursday or when he sends them over. Of course his

views are not necessarily that of AllHipHop.com, but we don’t hate

Drake either.

Texas Cops Face Termination Over Rap Video

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 13, 2009

Two police officers in the small town of Taft, Texas are under fire for their role in the creation of a controversial Hip-Hop video.

The video for the song Swangn, by Stubo, featuring True Enough Of Salty Water Records has caused outrage in Taft, a town of about 3,500.

The video was shot in downtown Taft in June, with the permission of City Manager Flo Sauceda.

The song has local police officers in the area up in arms, as the track contains numerous explicatives and makes references to smoking marijuana and dealing cocaine.

The two police officers now face termination for their roles in the video.

On Tuesday (August 11), the Taft City Council took a vote to reprimand Sauceda for approving the video shoot.

“I don’t see what they’re mad about,” commented Israel Lopez, who produced the video for the group. There was nothing in the video to be mad about.”

Lopez told local Area 3 News that Swangn referred to a style of slow driving, which local cops maintained is illegal.

“We weren’t going to do it without the permission,” Lopez added. “They should have taken the time out to listen to the song and they didn’t. They just gave us permission so we came out here and did it.”

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Hip-Hop Rumors: Bow Wow Cracks Up More! Rick Ross’ Old T.I. Diss! Tru Life Disses The Game?

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: RumorsAugust 13, 2009

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 SENSE

The daily two sense. People that are spectating…don’t try to jump in the game and play ball after you see a foul. We do this daily even when we get fouled.

TRU LIFE VS THE GAME

The whole Jay-Z/Game thing is starting to dwindle to a close, it seems. That didnt stop me from getting this crazy rumor. A reader told me that he heard a song with The Game and 50 Cent on it (an oldie, of course). But after that he apparently played a song called L.E.S. Riderz. From what I was told the DJ prre-faced this by saying it was a song towards The Game for talking about the boss. He played the song and I heard the crowd went crazy for it. I dont know if this means anything or if the DJ was just exaggerating. Furthermore, I dont know what Tru Lifes status is. I thought he got pinched in some mess. Lastly, I thought Tru and Jay were no longer affiliated. These and other rumors.

JOE BUDDEN SILENCES WU TANG FAN

This is really a very POINTLESS blurb that I really shouldnt waste my time on, but if you read til the end, you might get a laugh out of it. One of my faithful readers went to Talib Kweli / Slaughterhouse concert on Monday in San Diego. Well, I heard the show went very well and everybody was happy that Hip-Hop was in the building. Well there was a dude in the audience that kept saying Wu-Tang and I heard Joe shut that down with the swiftness. From what I understand, Joe let dude know, he needed to stop disrespecting him and the group. I heard it was cool to see. Well, at least Wu and SH are no longer beefing. Anyway, this is the kicker. The reader that sent that to me said that this show was her first show since NWA. Oh snap! That is a long time ago!

Check out this video of Joe Budden pausing Crooked I.Pretty funny.

AMY WINEHOUSE, THE MUSICAL

Amy Winehouse has probably lived more lives in her short life that a lot of us through ourshort lives. But, shes had so much drama, there is a rumor that the singers life is about to be turned into a damn musical! Yep. Why? Liquor, drugs, a failed marriage and the fact that she is doing better have indicted that she has a story to tell. Since, she is ill as a singer, thats where the musical part kicks in. Who knows if this will come true, but word is Amys childhood was happy and it took a turn for the worse when she got in the music game. Remember what she used to look like?

I just found this rumorapparently, Amy Winehouse has claimed that the ghost of Michael Jackson paid her a lil visit and inspired her to stay off the drugs. She said she heard his voice HmmmmmI think it was the drugs! LOL!

MICHAEL JACKSON VISITED LL COOL J TOO!

Oh snap! This almost got past me too! LL Cool J recently said that the ghost of MJ ghost wrote a song for him. Well, not exactly, but LL did a remix of Billie Jean and he said Mike totally inspired him. “Michael was one of my childhood idols and has always been a great inspiration to me. After hearing the tragic news of Michael Jackson’s death, the lyrics for the ‘Billie Jean’ remix came to me in a dream.” I hope LL didnt use the same stuff that Amy used!

I BROKE UP REGGIE BUSH AND KIM KARDASHIAN

Remember that Latina stripper that reportedly was the root of the issue for Kim and Reggie? Shes surfaced. I guess Kanye is off the hook now? Well, anywaythis Ortega women has stepped up and said that she is the reason for the break up. She also claims that she has a sex tape with Reggie Bush! Oh boy, this could get ugly! She did an interview with Hot 97 where she aired it all out. Possibly Theres stuff that I have. I have no idea what Im gonna do with it, to be honest, she said of a sex tape. I now realize this kinda broke yesterdaysorry for that! Its newsworthy anyway!

Here is a dedication that some nerd did on youtube.

She also stated that she is not a stripper or call girl. (Wink wink!)

CHARLIE BALTIMORE WASHING CARS?

What is going on? They are saying that the girl on the left in the green is Charli Baltimore. She looks a bit thick to be Charli. This recession is kicking our tail huh?

LIL BOW WOWS CRACK UP CONTINUES

I didnt truly know if Wow Weezy is cracking up or bored with life. I reportedly wished he didnt live so much as a kid. Uhmok. Anyway, he is now resorting to new ways of getting attention. Lil Bow Wow has picked up a voice module to deepen his voice when he talks. I dont have it on me now, but the thing sounds like one of the monsters in a horror flick.

JAY-Z AND B ON A NIGHT OUT!

You know, these guys make a good couple. If I could get a steady girl, I would be regular like these guys. When Nicki Minaj comes off tour, I am going to make her name Nicki Monogamy. LOL! Anyway, they say Beyonce ran to Jay after an earthquake. Solange slept through the thing. Thats how I am.

[The Source]

REAL TALK: HOW DOES JERMAINE JACKSON DO IT?

I just wanted to pause on the rumors for a few to sayhow does Jermaine do it! His hair is so smooth, so perfect and mine is so nappy and unkempt! Shout out to JJ for keeping it up all these decades. No shots!

ILLSEEDS QUICKIES

Here is the latest on Yola Da Great, who is now in jail for the next year.

This one slipped past me. Actually, I didnt. I just didnt care. AJ sent it to me so I care again. Jamie Foxx is expecting his next kid. Nothing else really, but hes already got a daughter.

Jamie Foxx recently played a show in Toronto and Drake showed up. The fans got a lil show from Drizzy. He said he was going against management AGAIN! I wish Drake would allow himself to healif hes not.

Nia Long recently went nude for PETA, but I am not putting it up. She needs to be totally nude and not Photoshopped up.

A rapper is really mad at Kia Shine. He claims he paid Kia some money for a verse and Mr. Shine didnt record anything. Hes upset that he cant get his paper.

The 13-year-old girl that stabbed her grannys man was reportedly an abused child. Well see.

Ice Cube recently gave a full scholarship to a music student. Great Job, Cube!

50 Cent is transitioning nicely into Hollywood. He just signed on for a new movie about Poker. Somewhere Lorenz Tate has got to be p#####!

Ray-Js ex reality show winner Cocktail and Chris Brown are reportedly doing a lil press dance. They reportedly were partying and had a nice lil dinner together. I think fame might suck.

MISS MOUTHS REPORT!

Let me tell you, Mouth is crazy! She is certainly vocal about a lot of stuff that I am not. But, I am going to let her talk til the cops (or editors) come knocking. She speaks for herself and not illseed or AllHipHop.com.

With the exception of Superhead, usually I am not into reading tell all books. But I have just started reading Deeper Than Rap by Rick Rosss baby mama Tia and I cant put it down. She has promised to talk with me once Ive finish reading it. I wonder if she knows that I GO ALL IN!!!!

I wish these rappers would please stop saying that scared money dont make money. I tried that at Seminole last night and lost over a grand. My feelings are so hurt.

Could Vibe Magazine be making a comeback? I heard that its former publisher and the owners of Uptown Magazine have reached a deal to buy the magazines brand. I am really exited about that because it was one of my favorites.

With American Idol going through so many issues its good to see good old Tay Tay doing her thing. Check out her video below.

Solidifying the fact that he is no longer a gangsta rapper, Ice Cube has awarded an underprivileged student a full scholarship at McNally Smith College of Music. Where was he when I was in college? Im like up to my ass in student loans, hence why I like to frequent the casinos. But I love when rappers evolve like this. I mean you cant be like 40 plus rapping about blunts and broads. I heard that Plies also has a similar program for students with an incarcerated parent. And no, Im sure Plies isnt talking about your mamas live in boyfriend or play uncle.I MEAN YO DADDY!!!!!! How stereotypical of me to assume its the father, but more than likely I am probably right, sorry.

It seems as if the Atlanta Housewives arent the only ones with money troubles, former rapper MC Hammer allegedly owes $600,000 dollars in back taxes to the IRS. Hammer is the prime example of why you Cant Save the Hood. He epitomizes Dave Chappelles premise of WHEN KEEPING IT REAL GOES WRONG.

Speaking of The Housewives, I am totally addicted to that show. I love it. But I am hearing that Kim called the Po Po (Madea reference) on Ne Ne for choking her out allegedly. I hate people like Kim. They always want to provoke you but want to call the police as soon as they get the raw end of the deal. That sucks. I remember watching her on an interview a while back and she was playing phone messages sent to her by Lisa. The messages were threatening. She eventually filed for an order of protection against her.

Did anyone else see Garcelle Beauvias on The Wendy Williams show last night? She looks so beautiful. I would have never known that she was in her 40s. Damn!!! I also didnt know she was from Haiti. My mama told me that black dont crack and I think Tameka Raymonds mother should have told her the same. Why is she blogging about her own personal struggles of having a dark complexion? Its like 2009. Im not saying that those types of ignorant ideals no longer exist, I am just saying dont sweat it; embrace yourself and KEEP IT MOVING.

Lil Kanye, not Drake, is on the cover of Complex Magazine. I think that she is very intriguing. I wonder what else she does, other than model. Is she a rapper, actress or DJ? Please give me somethingmaybe she is a writer who plans on writing a book when the relationship is over, who knows. But I cant keep seeing this broads face plastered all over the internet just for DATING KANYE WEST.

Did someone really fly a small plan over the Southern California cost line telling Reggie Miller Stop Pursing Married Women? I want the pictures? I would have been crying laughing if I saw that first hand. Rumors have been circulating lately, that he has been dating the wife of Alex von Furstenberg, son of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg.Back to illseed we go!

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

Amazing. A worker at a church is in some real serious deep water and now faces sexual battery charges. Jere Temple, 58, stands accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy that he met in a program at the at a church in Auburndale, Florida. The kids mother allowed her son to spend most of his weekends at Temples home. Bad move. The teen finally admitted to mom that he had several sexual encounters with Temple. OH, there is more. Jere Temple is HIV POSITIVE. The boy is now in the process of being tested for the virus. All this happened while Temples life partner was sleeping. Temple is in jail on $1.25 million bond. Hes going nowhere.

EPIC FAIL OF THE DAY

I scooped this off the AP. The people are getting weirder and weirder. The cops are going after this dude that reportedly committed the vile crime of ringing doorbells. When the bells get rung, dude is naked. Police say Peter Allen Steele walked up to six houses, rang the ding dong and showed off his ding dong. Pause! Anyway, this had to be scary to anybody with some sense in their head. Steele is 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 250 pounds! Dude! On top of it all, they are saying he was drunk when he tried to get away from the cops. They caught dude and have him on $60,000 bail. He plead not guilty to a colorfully assorted list of charges, including driving under the influence, evading a peace officer, indecent exposure and entering a house without permission. Dude is 38 years old. The cops took him down creatively. They tasered his nasty a** and shot him with a bean bag gun. FAIL.

FOR THE LADIES

I guess this is for the ladies, but Trey Songz had the cameras on him behind the scenes of the new video for Successful.

I didnt realize, but this song is for TREYS ALBUM. Click here to listen to HIS version. I gotta admit, I like Drakes better.

2006: RICK ROSS DISSES T.I.

I never really ever got WHY Rick Ross and T.I. were going back and forth a ways back, but I got this vid from my homey Luxx. Check out Rick Ross from 2006. A lot has changed.

OK! AMBER ROSE PIX!

You know, I try to keep the variety up with these dumb rumors but the same people keep coming up over and over. Here she is. Its not new or anything, but I am just changing my mind, which was not to post it previously.

WONDER WHAT THE GAME and T-PAIN WILL SAY?

For more, go to illseed.com. Or just follow me at http://twitter.com/illseed

HIP-HOP, 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].

Rapper 50 Cent Comments On Busing Children To Amusement Park

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 13, 2009

50 Cent recently commented on his motivation for hosting a benefit concert at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, where the rapper will bus hundreds of children from his former neighborhood.

50s G-Unity Foundation will host the concert at the Northern Star Arena at the end of this month, as part of Six Flags Summer Concert Series.

“I am constantly searching for ways to give back to the community that helped create me and contributed to my success,” 50 Cent said “I can think of no better way to do this than to help improve the lives of the young people that reside there through programs created by my foundation.”

The G-Unity Foundation was created to improve the quality of life for children living in poverty.

In addition to the benefit concert, 50s organization donated $150,000 to restore Baisley Park in Jamaica, Queens, and another $60,000 to Queensboro Community College in support of ten incoming students.

Transportation to the concert will be provided by Vitaminwater and proceeds from the concert will go to establishing an academic program to benefit children in Northern New Jersey.

The G-Unity Foundation Benefit concert takes place at August 29 at 7:00 PM.

Tour Log: De La Soul 20th Anniversary Concert

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / MusicAugust 13, 2009

Tour Log: De La Soul 20th Anniversary Concert Atlanta, 8/7/09

Venue: The Masquerade The secret desire of all Hip-Hop artists is to remain forever young. In an art form centered on youth and freshness, the death knell is when youre viewed as aged, obsolete. The chase for the fountain of youth can manifest in many ways: ranging from mature musicians conceding to making bubble gum, juvenile music, to men in their late 20s and 30s sagging their pants to their kneecaps.

This is not the dilemma for De La Soul. Rarely, an artist can craft an album that transcends time periods, and forever encapsulates the beauty and power that is music. A clear example is their influential debut 3 Feet High and Rising, which the Long Island trio is celebrating through a nationwide, 20th anniversary tour.

De La hit the stage past the 11 oclock hour after sufficient performances from local eclectic act Psyche Origami and Little Brothers Big Pooh (suffering from a severe sore throat). Even though the bill professed to focus on 3 Feet High and Rising, the group obliged to cover tracks from their other celebrated LPs with the full backing of the 10 piece band Rhythm Roots All-Stars.

Already melodic, up-tempo tracks like Saturday and Potholes In My Lawn became more lush and filled out courtesy of the backing bands strong bass, guitar, and horn instrumentation. This was no easy task, as De La Soul holds the distinction of using more samples that any group in history. To balance out, Maceo helmed the turntables and made sure the original album scratches and other distinct sounds were still present for long time fans.

Their mid 90s social critiques on Stakes Is High still prove to relevant 13 years later in todays ever-changing but cyclic Hip-Hop scene. The dangers unimaginative trend-hopping and materialism was addressed on Itsoweezee (Hot) and the classic single Stakes Is High. The latter samples Ahmad Jamals ethereal jazz piece Swahililand, and with the live instrumentation, hot crowd, and challenging lyrics, the song morphed into a defiant, blazing assault on all that is wrong with Hip-Hop culture.

When the rhythms of Buddy hit, the crowd exploded in instant recognition. While The Jungle Brothers and Q-Tip werent present to handle their guest spots, Phife and Jarobi casually appeared on stage to pick up the slack. At first, the crowd appeared dumbfounded before recognizing the extended Native Tongue royalty in front of them. The atmosphere reached an even more fevered pitch when Maceo dropped the beginning bass line for Tribes Buggin Out, causing a near riot.

With their set now extending past 1am, De La took time to remind the younger audience members that rocking a true live show has become a lost art in 2009.

We didnt come here to do four songs then bounce to the afterparty, explained Posdnous. Were from the era where you rock on stage for 3 and 4 hours. I can tell some of yall arent used to that. If youre about 35 and older, you know what time it is.

The DAISY originators finished up as strong as when they came on, hitting off the crowd with a perfect rendition of Run DMCs Rock Box, and their biggest singles in Ring, Ring, Ring and Me, Myself, and I.

Say No Go (1989)

Next year, De La Soul will enter their 4th decade as Hip-Hop artists. They continue to build their legacy, and be living examples that Hip-Hop doesnt end past your mid 30s. And even 20 years on from when they surprised the music world with 3 Feet High and Rising, De La Soul remain as one of the best examples of Hip-Hop done in its purest form.

Floyd Mayweather: The King Is Back, Part 1

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: FeaturesAugust 13, 2009

Admit it, youve missed Floyd Mayweather. His trash-talking and lavish lifestyle aside, Money Mayweather is one of the most skilled and gifted athletes sports have seen in the last 25 years. In boxing, pound for pound talent like him comes around once in a lifetime, and has guided Mayweather so far to a perfect fighting record of 39-0.

Mayweather retired in 2007, and left fans and critics wanting him back to face a handful of final challenges in the welterweight division. On September 19, 2009, Floyd will face number 2 pound-for-pound fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez in a bout to be televised on HBO PPV and live at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Now that hes returned, Floyd is on record as stating everyone can get it, one by one. But in his early 30s, does the self-professed GOAT still have what it takes to be boxing #1 pound for pound?

AllHipHop.com: Welcome back, champ. About a month ago when the fight was postponed due to your rib injury, you stated you physically felt fine but wouldnt know for sure until you started having physical contact. How are you feeling now that youve been sparring?

Mayweather: I feel great. Once you engage in combat, you try to focus on offense and mixing up your arsenal to take as less punishment as possible. Ive been working on a lot of offense [for Marquez] but my defense has always been tight. With everything in the sport of boxing youre always trying to be a better fighter overall.

AllHipHop.com: Since you mentioned the focus on offense, how has your timing been since youve been out for nearly two years?

Mayweather: My team uncle Roger [Mayweather], Leonard Ellerbe, Rafael Garcia, Nate Jones, and Juan Blake has stated my timing has been tremendous, and it looks like I never even left the sport. Im working extremely hard and pushing myself to the limit to come back better than when I left. The point is to come back faster, stronger, and be a complete, intelligent fighter. And this time of course an exciting fighter for the fans, because I want to bring [that] excitement to the sport. Of course for myself first, but the fans do count. The performance has to be there for them.

AllHipHop.com: As this fight shows, the field is open to you as far as fighters ranging from lightweight up to welterweight. A lot of people still bring up how good you looked at 140 pounds against DeMarcus Corley, Henry Bruseles, and Arturo Gatti. With guys like Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley at 140, do you feel you could still make that weight, or is your comfort level at 147 pounds?

Mayweather: I feel that all roads lead to Floyd Mayweather, so well take one fight at a time. Marquez is one of the best fighters pound for pound, and Mexicos best fighter. Mexicans have always produced exciting fighters and champions going back over a hundred years. My main focus is Marquez, you cant overlook guys. I think when fighters tend to overlook guys they come up short. Were going to execute the gameplan, get him out the way, and see where we go from here.

AllHipHop.com: This will be one of the biggest matchups of the year. Usually, you wage a lot of psychological warfare on your opponents to rile them up. But with Marquez, youve really laid off that. Is that because of your respect for him as a fighter?

Mayweather: No, its not that. Thats just versatility. Every fight cant be approached and marketed the same. Some fights well talk trash and other well just go out there and do what we have to do.

AllHipHop.com: Just based on resume, do you feel Marquez will be the most skilled fighter youll have faced in your career?

Mayweather: [Pauses] Uh, I cant really say since weve never engaged in combat before. Some Im able to tell [beforehand]of course hes a very good counter-puncher and boxer. Hes solid, but I cant give him the best until we have battle. Then Ill tell you where he ranks.

AllHipHop.com: Even in retirement you were still present at a lot of boxing cards, and you co-signed light-heavyweight champion Chad Dawson as one of the future stars in the sport. When you look at him and other young stars like Andre Berto and Paul Williams, how do you think they carried the sport in your absence? And how was the overall health of boxing?

Mayweather: I have nothing but respect for all fighters going out there and working hard to put food on the table. But theres only one Floyd Mayweather. I dont believe everybody was born to be a flashy entertainer and sell tickets. And sell PPVs like Ive done. I think Dawsons a hell of a fighter, and so are Berto and Paul Williams. You have to realize we all come from the same background and had to work our way from the bottom to the top. I have respect for these fighters trying to reach the highest level you can possibly reach, and thats the Mayweather level.

AllHipHop.com: You made a profound statement during your last run in regards to marketing fights. You said that a lot of times you approach fights akin to a rap beef because thats what people want to see and confrontation always sells tickets

Mayweather: Well, boxing is entertainment. Im in the show business. But also look at this; Im in the check-cashing business! As far as PPV, I hold the record, and the highest grossing gate. [Writers Note: The 2007 bout with Oscar De La Hoya sold 2.4 million Pay-Per-Views and posted $120 million in revenue]. Ive won six world championships, and did that all in a decade. So Ive brought a lot to the sport of boxing. I took care of things inside the ring, and now have added a tremendous team outside on the business end.

AllHipHop.com: We can look at the 2005 Gatti fight as the beginning of your ascent to superstardom being that it was your first PPV. Is that when you began cultivating the Money Mayweather persona that youve been presenting to fans over the last few years?

Mayweather: I think I was just held back. I could have been a bigger quicker if I wasnt held back from PPV by [my former promoter] Bob Arum. I feel that my first PPV fight should have been with Angel Manfredy. Bob Arum is biased against black fighters; he leans towards Hispanic fighters and keeps them on PPV. He tried to install in our minds that blacks cant sell PPV or sell out arenas. But thats not true; we are known for having the best entertainers and the best athletes. Thats been known for many years. But you live, learn, and keep striving.

AllHipHop.com: Lets switch gears to your music label Philthy Rich Records. How has that been going being that youre managing it simultaneously with your ring career?

Mayweather: Yeah! People want to know why we really never came out with any artists or albums. In the beginning we were working with a cousin of mine whose rap name was Sacrifice and [another artist named] Jumbo, but he had problems back home. And with my cousin, sometimes family and business get mixed up. So they never got off the ground.

The next artist was real underground, and at the time there were really no underground artists that were taking off. We moved on to H-Flow, and H had manager problems and everyone felt like we owed them something. The next one, Lombardi, he fell in love with a girl. Things just kept happening.

Then we started Mayweather Music. Tasha White was running that, and I think it was too much for her. She was more like a mid-level manager instead of an executive. We needed someone who had been around the game and knew the ins and outs to run Mayweather Music, which was more for R&B.

We were working with an artist named Freck Billionaire. When he came aboard we asked if he had any contracts and he said no. Come to find out he was signed with somebody. The guy was trying to sue us and Freck stole one of our watches and left. So weve been looking for Freck Billionaire but hes been ducking and dodging us. He stole a diamond watch and left.

So thats what has been going on. The business is so dirty.

AllHipHop.com: What all that said which do you see as more difficult and cutthroat, boxing or the music business?

Mayweather: Which is more cutthroat? Both!

AllHipHop.com: Since your good friends with 50 Cent, did you consult him for advice being that hes probably went through similar issues with his own label?

Mayweather: We just talk on a friendship level. I dont ask him about music, but Im sure he would give me advice if I asked for it.

AllHipHop.com: You already have a Hip-Hop collaboration under your belt with the Ludacris song Undisputed. With what has happened with the label so far, do you think youll now take a more visible approach ala Diddy or keep yourself in the background?

Mayweather: I love music, and right now the most talented artist Ive come across is Freck Billionaire. But he does business so dirty we couldnt work with him. We let him walk in our studio for free and put him up in a hotel free of charge. Anything he needed he got, he was comfortable. Its the people around you. They all end up being the same way. Leonard Ellerbe, Al Haymon, James McNair, and the rest of my team have never let me down. Everybody else comes and goes while feeling like you owe them something. But they never get in the ring for you and throw the punches, or run on the ropes, the roadwork, hit the heavy bag, they dont do anything.

In the Hip-Hop world today, everybody is a gang-banger. Its a fad. Its so crazy; you got Blood and Crips in New York City. I see a lot of things in Hip-Hop that arent cool. I just like to hear good music.

AllHipHop.com: On that note, your popularity has caused rappers to mention your name on occasion. When you have an instance like the Rick Ross line on Mafia Music, (That Mayweather money looking funny in the light) does that bother you or do you feel flattered at any type of crossover recognition?

Mayweather: Nah, they say Rick Ross was throwing shots at me. I feel like this, Cassidy already did Im a Hustla, [and] hes an East Coast rapper. Thats already been done. Freeway already came out with the beard look. And then the real Rick Ross was really getting it as a hustler. I dont have to take no shots at Rick Ross. I dont think hes making $20-$30 million every time he goes out there to perform. I got my own name, Floyd Money Mayweather. Thats original. With his rap career, I wish him nothing but the best.

[His] stats and credentials dont rhyme. One minute he said he wasnt a CO or cop, next minute he is. He can learn how to get money from me. If hes a cop and rapping about selling drugs, I guess he was a dirty cop! You know me, Im not ducking and dodging no one, its not hard to find me. Im in Miami all the time, Atlanta, everywhere.

Its crazy because me and my manager Al Haymon were the ones that did Lil Waynes last tour. So when I seen Rick Ross in Miami on the first show, he broke his neck to speak to me. Rap has truly changed. He was at my Hatton fight, cheering me on. I guess he got upset because Im cool with 50 Cent. But like I said if I need someone arrested Ill call him.

Part 2 Coming Soon, where Mayweather Talks His Welterweight Rivals (Cotto, Mosley,etc)

DG Yola Starts Bid For Shooting Cousin

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 12, 2009

Upcoming Atlanta rapper DG Yola confirmed reports that the rapper surrendered to authorities last Friday (August 7), to serve a one-year prison sentence.

DG Yola, born Mario Talley, is an independent rapper from the Westside of Atlanta, best known for his single Aint Gon Let Up, released via his Power Hitter Records, which is distributed by Atlantic Records.

According to DG Yolas manager Lady B., the rapper was out on a $100,000 bond, while waiting to serve a one-year sentence for aggravated assault.

DG Yola, 23, is serving the time behind bars for shooting his cousin in the chest, after the man allegedly attempted to rob the rapper of a 2009 Jaguar and an undisclosed amount of cash.

DG Yola was also shot, in the face during the robbery attempt, which occurred on March 24th in 2007.

He is already up and about and writing. Yola aint gonna let up, his family told AllHipHop.com shortly after the shooting. We respectfully request privacy and appreciate the well wishes and prayers of Yolas fans during this time.

Despite his incarceration, DG Yola is still planning to release his debut album Gutta World, which he has described as a handbook for self-determination.

DG Yolas Gutta World is due in stores this October on Power Hitter Records/Atlantic.

AHH Stray News: Kanye, Jay-Z, Ludacris, Lil Wayne

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 12, 2009

A new short film featuring rapper Kanye West is slated to be released this September. Spike Jonze, who directed Wests Flashing Lights video, directed We Were Once A Fairytale. The short was originally supposed to be the video for “See You In My Nightmares,” but ended up becoming a bit lengthier. We Were Once A Fairytale debuted at the Los Angeles Film Festival, features Kanye West as himself, drunk in a club. The 15-minute clip will be released through iTunes on September 8.

Jay-Z will be the headlining performer along with Lady Gaga at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Jay-Z will take center stage in an evening that also features performances by Green Day, Pink, Muse and others. Jay-Zs single D.O.A. (Death of Auto-Tune) is up for three awards this year for Best Male Video, Best Hip-Hop Video and Video of the Year. Nelly Furtado, Miranda Cosgrove, Ne-Yo and others have already been announced as presenters during this years ceremony, which takes place September 13 in New York.

Ludacris continues to diversify his business portfolio with the launch of a new cologne. Ludacris recently entered a deal with Tag to produce a scent for its Signature Scents line. In addition to creating his own scent, Ludacris, born Christopher Bridges, will also design the can for the fragrance. Ludacris recently revealed to AllHipHop.com that he is working on Ludaversal, the follow up to his 2008 album Theater of the Mind.

Lil Waynes lawyers were busy this week, as two high profile cases involving the rapper were in two separate courts. On Tuesday (August 11), Lil Wayne appeared in a Manhattan court for a hearing in relation to his gun-posession case. Lil Wayne has pleaded not guilty to second-degree felony count of criminal posession with a weapon. The charges stem from a 2007 incident when police searched his tour bus and found a .40 calibre handgun. Prosecutors claim DNA evidence links Lil Wayne to the gun. Yesterday, Lil Wayne and his attorney Stacy Richman disputed the evidence and claimed the gun is legally registered to the rappers manager, Cortez Bryant. In related news, a copyright infringment case involving Lil Wayne was postponed today (August 12). Lil Wayne is accused of illegally sampling Karma-Ann Swanepoels tune Once for his song I Feel Like Dying. The trial, which was scheduled to start October 26 but has been pushed back. A new date has not been set.

Masta Ace, EDO G. Form ‘A&E’; Prep Album

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 12, 2009

Hip-Hop veterans Masta Ace and EDO. G. have announced they have formed a new group that will release an album next month. Brooklyn -bred rapper Masta Ace and Boston emcee

EDO. G. are known as A&E and will drop their debut, Arts & Entertainment in October.

The new album features guest appearances or production by a number revered rappers, producers and artists, including Large Professor, Posdnus, KRS-One, Double-O, Do It All, M-Phazes, DJ Spinna, Marsha Ambrosious, Chester French and others.

The first single from Arts & Entertainment is titled Little Young and was produced by M-Phazes.

The single was released to the Internet last night (August 11).

Masta Ace is a member of the famed Juice Crew, which featured legendary producer Marley Marl and rappers like MC Shan, Craig G., Roxanne Shante, Kool G. Rap, Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie.

EDO. G. hit big with his group The Bulldogs in 1991 with the singles Be A Father To Your Child and I Got To Have It.

The release date for A&Es Arts & Entertainment album is October 6, 2009.

A full track listing is below: 1.) Hands High (produced by M-Phazes) 2.) As &Es f/Marsha Ambrosious (produced by Baby Dooks) 3.) Fans f/Large professor produced by (DJ Supreme One) 4.) Little Young produced by (M-Phazes) 5.) Ei8ht Is Enough (produced by Frank Dukes) 6.) Good Music f/Posdnus of De La Soul (produced by DJ Spinna) 7.) Pass The Mic f/KRS-One (Produced by Double-O) 8.) Reminds Me (produced by DJ Supreme One) 9.) Rounds And Round f/DOITALL of Lords Of The Underground (Produced by DJ Supreme One) 10.) Over There (produced by M-Phazes) 11.) Here I Go f/Jamelle Bundy (produced by Rain) 12.) Dancing Like A W.G. f/Chester French & Pav Bundy (produced by Pav Bundy)

Dr. Dre Teams With Hewlett-Packard To Improve Sound

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: NewsAugust 12, 2009

Dr. Dre is part of an ambitious plan being launched by Hewlett-Packard and Interscope CEO Jimmy Iovine, to improve the sound quality of digital music.

Under the new agreement, Hewlett-Packards laptops and headsets will feature the Beats by Dr. Dre software starting this Fall according to CNET.

“We have to fix the entire chain,” Iovine told CNET. “Our position is to go to all the sources and try to improve sound and educate people. We can’t put anything weak in the line. Whoever puts out things that sound bad shouldn’t be as cool as something that sounds great.”

The goal is to improve the quality of digital sound files. Last year, Dr. Dre and Iovine teamed with Monster Cable and released their Beats By Dr. Dre headphones in a first attempt to address the issues with digital files.

Celebrities like LeBron James, Snoop Dogg and Kobe Bryant have been seen wearing the high-end headphones, which retail for around $300 dollars.

“I just want our product to sound better,” Iovine said. “The record business committed many, many mistakes in the last 10 years, and I’m right in there. One of them was letting its product get degraded. It’s one thing to let it get stolen, it’s another to allow it to be degraded because then you really don’t have a chance…video games and TV quality are getting better and the quality of our work is getting lower. If that happens, then music will become disposable. That’s something we can fix.”

The news comes as Dr. Dre puts the finishing touches on his long-awaited album, Detox, which is scheduled to hit stores sometime this year.