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Woman Allegedly Assaulted By Da Brat Hires Attorney Willie Gary

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Shayla Stevens, the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleader who was allegedly assaulted by Da Brat earlier this month, has hired prominent attorneys Willie Gary and CK Hoffler and their firm, Gary, Williams, Finney, Lewis, Watson and Sperando P.L., AllHipHop.com has learned.

 

Gary and Hoffler’s high powered, Florida-based law firm will represent Stevens against not only Da Brat, but Jermaine Dupri’s new nightclub, Studio 72.

 

“Our client was physically attacked by Da Brat and has suffered significant head injuries, permanent disfigurement as well as mental distress,” Gary said.

 

Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris, allegedly struck Stevens with a 1.7 liter bottle of rum during a shoving match in the club in the early hours of November 1.

 

According to Gary, Stevens has suffered permanent injuries to her face, as well as possible neurological damage.

 

Additionally, she will miss upcoming games as cheerleader for the Falcons, as well as a scheduled role on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne sitcom.

 

“Ms. Stevens is a cheerleader, choreographer, dancer, actress and entrepreneur, whose career has been greatly affected by this incident,” Gary said.

 

Gary, who is nicknamed “The Giant Killer” for his judgments against corporations, is noted for winning a $240 million jury verdict against Walt Disney, for stealing his clients idea for a theme park.

 

He also claims that the owners of Club 72, hesitated to contact police due to the negative publicity the assault would cause.

 

A manager who witnessed the assault allegedly failed to help Stevens seek proper medical attention and she was eventually taken to the hospital by a family member.

 

Gary also said that prior to the assault, club owners and security had the opportunity to remove Da Brat from Club 72, but failed to do so.

 

Da Brat was charged with aggravated assault. She was released on $50,000 bond as a result of the incident.

BOOK REVIEW: Born In The Bronx

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

The average Hip-Hopper may not know the pioneers as well as he or she should, but that lack of awareness does not mean our forefathers have not been properly archived. Right, Joe Conzo?  While Busy Bee, Grandmaster Caz and Grand Wizard Theodore were creating an aerie of classic Hip-Hop, Conzo was right there saying, “Cheese!” Conzo was the cat snapping photos when fellaz were grabbing the mic and ciphering, before anybody had the inkling to ask, “Hey, who is documenting all this?”   His photos are now Born In The Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop (Universe), a book edited by Johan Kugelberg cataloguing snapshots, graffiti flyers, and advertisements for park jams and DJ functions at building rec centers. The impressive photo book also includes a thoroughly researched Hip-Hop timeline by Jeff Chang, the posterboy of Hip-Hop historians that dates back before 1973 BH (Before Hip Hop).It’s an ineffable feeling seeing rare photos of early b-boys popping and locking, emcees quartets grabbing the mic in four part harmony, handwritten raps from the early 80’s, and crates of old school vinyl. Thanks to Conzo’s film roll and Chang’s timeline, few can complain about Hip-Hop’s apocryphal origins. Timeline entries like “1973: Cindy Campbell throws a back to school party at Sedgwick  & Cedar; her brother DJ Kool Herc spins records,” leave little room for uncertainty about Hip-Hop’s beginnings. JDL, LA Sunshine, and Jorge “POPMASTER FABEL” Pabon, all give their stamp of approval for the surviving pictures and reminisce on photos from hot spots on Jerome Ave to T Connection to Ecstacy Garage Disco. It’s enough to mess around and overdose on nostalgia.Considering all this hubbub with 1520 Sedgwick Ave. and its struggle to be recognized as a historic landmark, Born in the Bronx could not have come at a better time. Hip-Hop’s veterans do not arrogate Hip-Hop’s creation for themselves; cats like Grand Wizard Theodore who invented scratching are proud of his achievements but also recognize the great achievements of his peers. Born in the Bronx shows that If Hip-Hop is indeed American History, the Bronx is 1600 Pennsylvania Ave and the pioneers need their monuments.  

Top Ten Rappers-Turned-Actors

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

 

 

As I was watching the repeat episode of Law and Order: SVU, the episode that Ludacris was on, I had to commend him on his acting skills. So this brought a topic to mind… who are the Top Ten rappers turned actors? I decided to do a list and see if you agree or can add others to it. Keep in mind that I am only listing 10, although I can probably give you as many as 20 just off the top of my head! 

 

Keep in mind that I do know there are some that are coming up now that could conceivably make and even top this list, but as of this writing, I stand by my choices! Prove me wrong!

 

In no particular order (or maybe it is…..)

 

1) Mark Wahlberg a.k.a. Marky Mark– Now you can’t front, you couldn’t stand Marky Mark or his damn Funky Bunch, but this Boston Beantown resident does his thing in the acting realm! I am quite sure that most of you didn’t even realize that Mark Wahlberg was indeed Marky Mark. Check out Four Brothers, The Departed, The Italian Job, Fear and Three Kings.

 

2) Chris Bridges a.k.a. Ludacris – As I mentioned above, Luda did a great job on that Law and Order episode as Darius Parker, relative of another Top Ten entry, Ice T. Although he doesn’t have an extensive acting resume, I think he will be one of the great rappers who is also a great actor in years to come. Check out Crash, Hustle and Flow and 2 Fast 2 Furious.

 

3) Tracey Morrow a.k.a. Ice T – For a man to be labeled a pimp and who was responsible for a group that made a song called “Cop Killer,” his most memorable roles are that of a cop. But that’s the trademark of an actor, to play a character that isn’t in your everyday being. Now, I have to admit, seeing him in New Jack City gave me pains, as I just knew this would be his last acting job (don’t front, you thought the same thing!). But lo and behold, he is still around and has turned into a decent actor. Check out his stints on New York Undercover, Trespass and Ricochet, and keep in mind that Ice T is a regular cast member on one of the longest running television series in Law and Order.

 

4) O’Shea Jackson a.k.a. Ice Cube – Amerikkka’s Most Wanted had a great start with his starring role in John Singleton’s debut movie Boyz N Da Hood. From Cube’s performance in this movie, you knew he would continue on this path, but I didn’t realize he would actually become a major player in Hollywood (both on and off screen). Check out Barbershop 1 and 2, Friday, Next Friday and Friday After Next, Are We There Yet? And the sequel, Are We Done Yet? and All About The Benjamins. He is also producing and starring in the film version of Welcome Back Kotter amongst other things.

 

5) Dana Owens a.k.a. Queen Latifah – Now I am sure that 99.4% of you will agree with me when I state that Queen Latifah is one of the best and most positive images Hip-Hop can lay claim to. This multi-talented woman has shown that the many hats she wears are worn well. Her body of work speaks for itself, even her brief appearances in Juice and Jungle Fever. Check out Beauty Shop, Chicago, Last Holiday, The Bone Collector and the HBO movie, Life Support.

 

6) Will Smith a.k.a. Fresh Prince – Who would have figured that a skinny, big-eared rapping kid from Philly would end up making more money per movie than a more accomplished and trained actor such as Denzel Washington? Yes, Hip-Hop’s own Fresh Prince (nominated twice for an Oscar), who admittedly went through his first million as fast as he made it, catapulted himself into Hollywood’s stratosphere by being himself on his own self-titled TV show. He took that charm and character to the next level to make himself an unlikely movie star. Check out The Pursuit of Happyness, Hitch, Independence Day, Ali, Bad Boys 1 and 2, Wild Wild West, I Robot and Six Degrees of Separation.

 

7) James Todd Smith a.k.a. LL Cool Jay – In Krush Groove he couldn’t live without his radio, but he has proven otherwise as he has risen to stay on top of his game in the cross section of Hollywood and HollyHood. The man who has been around (as a recording artist) longer than the likes of Public Enemy, EPMD and The Beastie Boys still has a grip on some roles in Hollywood. One of the very few recording artists to star in his own sitcom (In The House), he is still recording and filming. Talk about a legend! Check out In Too Deep, Halloween H2O and Deliver Us From Eva.

 

8) Darryl Mitchell a.k.a. Chill – I am quite positive you didn’t know Chill was part of the Uptown group, Groove B. Chill – back when people were just finding out about Heavy D and The Boyz, Teddy Riley and Al B. Sure!. This rapper-turned-actor has starred in more TV series than any rapper alive (to my knowledge)! An unfortunate accident didn’t stop him from acting either, which makes his feat an even more accomplished one! Check out House Party 1 and 2, The John Larroquette Show and Veronica’s Closet.

 

9) Calvin Broadus a.k.a. Snoop Dogg – This man is another multi-talented, everywhere seen type of guy that exudes attention in whatever he is involved in! His laid-back persona and pimp talk is always ready to be displayed whether film, commercial, records or video! Check out Soul Plane (ok, maybe not Soul Plane), Starsky and Hutch, Baby Boy and The Wash.

 

10) Earl Simmons a.k.a. DMX – Dark Man X has made a transition from rapper to actor, though his recent ‘driving’ and alleged ‘drug use’ may have hampered his ability to directly compete for the jobs that some on this list are getting. Check out Romeo Must Die, Exit Wounds and Belly.

 

I know most of you are screaming, “But what about Tupac?” I do agree, but since his death short-changed his career, I thought I would keep it to the ones I listed.

 

And for real fans of rappers/actors, I am sure a few of you will ask about Mos Def, who I feel is the second best rapper/actor behind Mark Wahlberg. For those who don’t know, Mos Def was actually an actor (God Bless The Child– 1988) before he became a rapper, so he wasn’t included on my list…

 

On a sad note, I feel T.I. was next up on this list. Hopefully he has great lawyers, otherwise…

 

Big Ced is the founder of www.TheIndustryCosign.com

 

 

 

Widow Of Harlem OG Bumpy Johnson Calls Frank Lucas A “Flunky”

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Frank Lucas may be Hollywood’s man of the moment via Denzel Washington’s portrayal of him in the film American Gangster, but the former Harlem drug lord is anything but that, according to the widow of Johnson’s mentor Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson.

 

In her new book Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson, Mayme Johnson takes aim at Lucas’ larger than life image as she reveals the true extent of his relationship with the Black mafia boss.

 

“Frank wasn’t nothing but a flunky, and one that Bumpy never did really trust,” Johnson said. “Bumpy would let Frank drive him around, but you’d better believe that he was never in any important meetings or anything. He would say, you can trust a thief quicker than a liar, because a thief steals money because he needs money, but a liar lies for the hell of it!”

 

Mayme Johnson’s criticism of Lucas comes amid the success of American Gangster.

 

The film, which chronicles Lucas’ rise to power as a drug dealer in Harlem during the 1960s and 1970s, took the top spot at the box in its first weekend of release with $43.6 million.

 

Despite the movie’s focus on him, Lucas, admits that Bumpy Johnson was his mentor, the person who taught him everything he knew, while he served as Johnson’s second-in-command.

 

In addition, Lucas stated that he and Bumpy Johnson spent Johnson’s last moments alive, as he told a magazine writer that the Johnson died in his arms in 1968.

 

Lucas’ story conflicts with Mayme Johnson’s version, as the 93-year-old woman said that he was nowhere around the night her husband died from a heart attack, while dining at Wells Restaurant on Seventh Avenue in Harlem.

 

She says Lucas probably thought he could get away with the lie because he figured everyone who was around Bumpy at the time is now dead.

 

“Junie Byrd’s gone, Nat Pettigrew’s gone, Sonny Chance is gone, and Finley Hoskin’s gone. Frank would never have said any garbage like that if one of them were alive, because he’d know they’d come after him,” said Johnson. “I bet he thought I was gone, too, but I’m not. I’m 93, and I don’t have Alzheimer’s or dementia…Frank Lucas is a damn liar and I want the world to know it.”

 

To help bring Harlem Godfather to the masses, Mayme Johnson enlisted Essence Magazine best-selling author, Karen E. Quinones Miller as a co-author of Harlem Godfather.

 

For Miller, the project is a labor of love as she worked with Johnson to tell her story.

 

“This book is so important to me,” said the former Philadelphia Inquirer staff reporter, who met Bumpy Johnson when she was child and credits him for helping realize the value of education.

 

“Mrs. Johnson is a living treasure. Her memory is so sharp it’s absolutely astounding,” Miller said. “At 93, it is crucial that her story finally be told. She is the missing link to the urban legend that is Bumpy Johnson.”

 

“I’ve decided to publish the book via my own Oshun Publishing Company,” Miller continued. “If we waited for a mainstream publishing house, the book would not be released until late 2008 or 2009. Mayme Johnson wants to dance the Charleston at the book launch party and I want to make sure that happens!”

 

In addition to insights about Lucas, Mayme Johnson provides details about her married life to Bumpy Johnson as well as a vivid recollection of Harlem during its heyday.

 

But its her opinion of Lucas that has garnered the most attention.

 

In Johnson’s eyes, Lucas has pulled the wool over Hollywood’s eyes by making himself out to be bigger than he really is.

 

As a result, the widow is doubtful about what is portrayed in American Gangster.

 

“That’s why I’m writing this book after all this time,” explained Johnson, who has never spoken about the myths and rumors about Bumpy Johnson until now.

 

Harlem Godfather: The Rap on My Husband, Ellsworth “Bumpy” Johnson is scheduled to hit stores in February 2008.

For more information visit www.HarlemGodfather.com.

Nas: Greatest Hits

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Reviews / Music

Not many would argue that Nas is one of the top ten lyricists living.  The rap laureates debut Illmatic put a barely known, fresh-faced MC onto the cusp of greatness.  By the time he dropped his fourth album Nastradamus, a frisbee for many but still viable for his hardcore fan base, he was in this weird ambiguous space; seesawing between Italian gangster and pro-Black griot.  After the critical beat down Esco took for not living up to Illmatic’s standards, Mr. Jones disappeared for a minute and was all but forgotten.  Stillmatic, and a shot of beef from Shawn Carter, announced his subsequent resurrection and newfound hunger.  He has since cemented his lane with three subsequent releases.  Nasir Jones’ Greatest Hits (Columbia) reads like the cliffs notes of his career. Starting off in true Nas fashion is the autobiographical “Surviving The Times.” Produced by NBA star and former Fab Fiver Chris Webber, the track is laidback with an intermitted piano riff and loungy drum melody.  Nas breaks down his first steps into the rap game.  “I was with Akinyele in the streets trying to get us a deal/G Rap tried to get us to sign to Cold Chill/But Fly Ty didn’t have the contract we wanted/Clark Kent just signed Das he didn’t want us/Russell said I sounded like G the ni*** fronted.”This project is in chronological order and highlights the most influential hits Nas has created from his intellectual introspection to his grimier street tales. Earlier joints like “It Ain’t Hard To Tell” and “One Love” bring the listener through memory lane.  The album then moves into classic cuts from “If I Ruled The World” to “Bridging the Gap.”  Unfortunately “Ether” is missing from the album.  The monumental battle track would have served as the perfect turning point between the gaudy “Hate Me Now” and “One Mic”.  It fills in that gap of time when fans and critics alike were forgetting how ill Nas really is. His beef with Jay-Z was a moment of clarity for those who were foggy about Nas’s talent after his hiatus; “One Mic”, a lyrically gorgeous song, was the affirmation that the world needed.  While the track listing could have been more definitive, it’s only 14 tracks after all, this Greatest Hits is still good money.  It drops at a time when the Rap community is coming down from the whole “Hip-Hop Is Dead” theme and coming into the N-word fiasco that he recently started.  It’s obvious that Nas is not afraid of controversy but this album is a testament to why God’s Son is a Hip-Hop legend.  SOUNDCHECK:

Hip-Hop Rumors: Jay-Z Supports Kanye, ODB On George Bush, T.I. Bodyguard Has Friends!

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Rumors

ROC-A-FELLA MOURNS WITH KANYE WEST

“We love you Kanye. We got you. Stay strong,” Jay-Z.

On the real, the Hip-Hop community is feeling for Kanye and his loss. I heard that nearly all of Roc-A-Fella Records will be flying to Chicago for funeral and memorial services for Donda West, Kanye’s doting mother. Here is a statement I got from a rep at The Roc, “We are saddened by the loss of Ms. West. The offices of Roc-A-Fella will be totally empty today by request of Mr. Carter.” Kanye did what he said to do: “If you admire somebody, you should gon’ head [and] tell ‘em / People never get the flowers, while they can still smell ‘em.”” Kanye’s mother had mad flowers.

Instead of flowers, Kanye West and his family request that donations be made in Dr. West’s name to Kanye West Foundation/Loop Dreams Teacher Training Institute at 8560 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. Donations may also be made at http://www.kanyewestfoundation.org.

R.I.P O.D.B.

Russell Tyrone Jones (November 15, 1968 – November 13, 2004). You know, O.D.B. was a rare breed. I loved the guy for his lyrics, his humor and energy. AllHipHop.com got Ol’ Dirt Dog right as he got out of jail. He was funny, but at the same time, I think he was trying to say something. Peep this clip and tell me your thoughts. Also, check out my ODB dedication at the bottom.

A FRIEND OF T.I.’s FORMER BODYGUARD LASHES OUT!

Ironically, I got this on Veterans Day, but a friend of T.I.’s former bodyguard has strong words for those of you that have been talking bad about him. Check out the letter. I had to remove a couple of the names because I didn’t want to implicate any of your favorite trap stars.

“I am writing as a friend to the ex bodyguard of T I. I know the bodyguard very well and everything that’s being said isn’t true. He asked me not to say anything but, I’m getting tired of idiots talking about this man like they know the full story and they haven’t heard his side. I served in Iraq with the bodyguard. He was Special Forces and the man saved my life. He took a bullet for me. People think that this started with the bodyguard when actually it started with a young man in T.I. camp. He is a 16 or 17-year-old boy who runs his mouth to much. I also know that he never went into a gun store asking how could he buy some unregistered guns. We need to here both their stories before we cast judgments on them. I believe both of them made a mistake that they regret. I am a T.I. fan. I have bought all of his albums but, I am the bodyguard’s friend and he saved my life in Iraq. The man took a bullet for me. So believe me, if someone run up on him. They will have to deal with a lot more than just him. They may have goons but, he has soldiers watching his back. This isn’t a rumor.”

So, I had to edit some of the details, because I am not about to have the trial start on my rumor page. But I will say that this person places blame on somebody else within the T.I. camp on why the Feds came crashing down. I’m not co-signing at all.

RAY-J’S RAP ALBUM!

What’s this I hear? I heard Ray-J hanging out with Lil’ Kim for more reasons than the obvious. He’s about to drop his slammin’ new rap CD, which is supposed to be underground. We all know nothing Ray-J does is underground. Even his sex tapes come to the surface! Anyway, the album is called Ray-J Uncut and it’s a lot of raps where Rayster is bragging about the girls he taps like his name was Luke or something. Anyway, I heard Lil’ Kim is on this album…but I heard that Ray-J cold gets ill. He allegedly accuses Paris Hilton of giving him herpes. Then there is the question of this audio with Kim Kardashian…

Remember that voicemail tape released where Kim K. repeatedly called Ray-J “sick?” Well, I heard that was a set up. I heard that Ray and Kim K. were in cahoots and did the “angry” tape as promotion for his CD and the sex DVD that the two are in – again. .

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

Check out the pics of Jay-Z live on stage at the Hammerstein…Lil’ Wayne was even there. So was Jadakiss!

Who saw Frank Lucas on Star Jones on Court TV? Shout out to Jalewisxx for tipping me off. I’m having a hard time pinning Lucas down. Star called Frank the “most charming sociopath she has ever dealt with in her whole life.”

Uh-Oh…there is a rumor that Twista may have been dropped by Atlantic Records.

50 Cent had a hell of a time choosing what to drive to an after party in the UK –McLaren, top, or a Maybach! I forget what he picked…who cares!

Let Snoop back in the UK! Remember that fight Snoop had? The UK Hip-Hop community is rebelling! Here is a petition to get Snoop back in the UK!

Robin Thicke canceled his US tour at the last minute, because of a vocal ailment, according to reports.

Yo man! Saigon’s CD has been pushed back to 08. Sai has reportedly stated that its not ready. It’s been like crazy long! What’s up!?

Do you think its possible that Andre 3000 and Erykah Badu would ever do an album together? That’s what I am hearing.

Remember Jay-Z and Diddy got together and gave all that money to Katrina relief? Well, I heard they are doing something philanthropic again. No, not the American Gangster CD either.

My girl Toccara got a man? I heard she has been seen walking hand-in-hand with Lamman Rucker (Why Did I Get Married?) at the American Black Film Festival.

Kim Kardashian’s show has been picked up for a second season. Why aren’t Armenian people in an uproar!?

ILL PICS

AM I WRONG?

Am I wrong for thinking that Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa looks like LaToya Jackson, Michael’s sister?

AM I RIGHT?

Rumor has it, the lipstick Paris Hilton was wearing complained of a burning sensation. YUCK!

DO NOT MESS WITH A DENTIST NAMED DR. MOODY!

That fool is crazy – hitting that woman like that. Imagine him getting p##### during a root canal!

RANDOM QUOTES

Louisiana State Rep. Carla Blanchard Dartez to the NAACP’s rep Hazel Boykin, thanking her for driving voters to the polls:

“Talk to you later, Buckwheat.” [YO, I love the outright racism – in yo’ face, n-word!]

Darius “Eddie Winslow” McCrary on Karrine “Superhead” Steffans (Sister 2 Sister):

“If you’re gonna turn a ho into a housewife, that’s the one to get.” (That’s not right, Eddie!)

Ja Rule on being married (Sister 2 Sister):

“I’m a family man. I love my family…[I’ve] been married six years.”

Beyonce is not ghetto. Reno, Nevada people are heated at a billboard of Beyonce in a bikini (Las Vegas Sun):

“It’s obscene. I have my two little grand kids coming over here, and they don’t need to be seeing that. You can change the channel on the TV, but you can’t change that. If you come out here it now dominates the skyline. It just screams of degradation, it screams of ghettoizing a good neighborhood.” (So what is a beach considered?)

A reader wrote this:

“Why do you throw 911 conspiracy theories in a Rumors section made for Hip-Hop?

Have you forgotten what you are supposed to report? 911 was real and for any of you f**king morons that don’t believe it and think the U.S. is at fault, then do all of us a favor and go and fight with the terrorists…” (I do what I want, Jarred.)

YOU GONNA LOVE HER!!

Check out the Asian version of Jennifer Hudson!

What if Ghostwriters went on strike like the Hollywood types? See below!

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END!

King Kong ain’t got s**t on these kids! I can’t even write around this one. Check out part of an AP report right here.

Two thrill-seeking teenagers stabbed an adult acquaintance, took a blowtorch to his corpse and threw his severed head into a river, prosecutors said Monday as they charged the pair.

Alexander Letkemann, 18, left, and Jean Orlewicz, 17, are accused of planning the slaying of a 26-year-old acquaintance earlier this month. The victim’s hands and feet reportedly were burned with a blowtorch in a possible effort to conceal his identity.

Canton High School senior Jean Pierre Orlewicz, 17, and Alexander James Letkemann, 18, ambushed 26-year-old Daniel Sorenson on Wednesday in a garage owned by Orlewicz’s grandfather, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said. A tarp had been spread on the floor, she said.

“They lured him in the garage, where they prepared a space to kill him,” Worthy said at a news conference.

Sorenson, who had worked as a bouncer, was stabbed multiple times in the back, his head sawed off and his body wrapped in the tarp, authorities said. Orlewicz and Letkemann burned his hands and feet with a blowtorch, possibly in an effort to conceal his identity, Worthy said.

They are looking at life in jail and 10 other years for mutilating a dead body.

GET READY – ODB TIME!

Brooklyn Zoo!

Hey Dirty – Who gave Kelis her start?

“DIRTY MINDED” – A Documentary in four parts! (WARNING: Not safe for work or children.)

Part 1 of 4

Part 2 of 4

Part 3 of 4 – “I think Bush is my worseses nightmare. I think Bush is the most insanest MFer that ever MF’n lived.”

Part 4 of 4

Ol’ Dirty Bastard bumrushed the Grammys in a $5,000 suit! “Wu Tang is for the kids!”

TOMORROW, WE LOVE YOU!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!-illseedWHO: illseedWHAT: RumorsWHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseedHOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].– allhiphop rumors

Baileys Get Together With John Legend and Friends: Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC 11/9/07

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Uncategorized

Metropolitan was the theme and good music was definitely in the house, as the Bailey’s sponsored John Legend Showcase was in full effect. Hammerstein Ballroom, NYC was packed to the brim with hipsters and tastemakers all ready to see whether the Legend was myth or legit.The warm-up for the evening was a group called the James Gang.   They were a triplet of knicker-wearing Fonzworth lites, complete with suede-elbowed blazers and high socks, whose stage show consisted of a few Kappa-isms with pseudo stepping and cane play. The crowd crammed to understand whether they should dig it or not, resulting in an uneven response. Derbies and knickers played well during the Harlem Renaissance; not quite sure about now. Survey says…pass. The main event arrived in short order as John Legend assailed the stage with the lead single from his second album ”Heaven Only Knows.” The ladies sung the refrain along with the chorus. You could tell from the moment he took the mic that John Legend did not come to play. From there he hopped on the piano for a rousing rendition of “Get Lifted” from his first album titled same. Band in full swing to back him up, Legend belted out his hit in full sweat. His energy definitely translated to the crowd of women who hung on his every word.From his opening stanza, Legend introduced himself to the crowd over a guitar and subsequently brought out UK artist Estelle. With backup singers in full tow, she introduced the crowd to her song. She showed both strong crowd control and breath control, never stepping beyond her wide range. Estelle was definitely getting her Lauryn Hill on, singing and rapping her way to the crowd’s heart. Legend stepped in to duet the hook and it was all gravy. Estelle returned later for another performance infusing Hip-Hop, reggae, and R&B. Good, but all it did was make you remember and think about what Lauryn could have been if she didn’t wig out.All in all, the crowd expected a great show and Mr. Legend, along with his backup singers and his band, certainly delivered. Strong vocals and good energy combined for an efficient and heartfelt experience. Bailey’s was sipped, the crowd was entertained, and a good time was had by all. Get lifted if you know what’s good for you and check John Legend out at a town near you.

UPDATE: Dr. Donda West’s Funeral Info; Statement From West Family

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

The family of superstar rapper Kanye West are making funeral arrangements for Dr. Donda Williams-West in Oklahoma City, who passed away on Saturday.

 

A spokesperson for Howard-Harris Funeral home told KOCO Channel 5 in Oklahoma City that the family had contacted them in preparation for Dr. West’s funeral.

Kanye West released the following statement:”Kanye West, his family and friends would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support and kind words that have come in from across the country since the death of his mother, Dr. Donda West.””After working in higher education for 31 years, Dr. Donda West and Kanye West co-founded the Kanye West Foundation with the mission of helping to combat the severe dropout problem in high schools across the country. The first and signature initiative of the Kanye West Foundation is Loop Dreams. Designed to capitalize on students’ existing interest in hip-hop, Loop Dreams challenges students to learn more about what’s behind hip-hop culture in order to help them develop skills, express themselves creatively and be empowered.”

Instead of flowers, Kanye West and his family request that donations be made in Dr. West’s name to Kanye West Foundation/Loop Dreams Teacher Training Institute at 8560 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. Donations may also be made at  www.kanyewestfoundation.org.

Dr. West excelled in education. She was raised in Oklahoma City and graduated from Douglass High School in 1967.

She later earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Union University in 1971.

While officials expect to release the official autopsy report on Wednesday, tmz.com reports that weeks before Dr. West died, a plastic surgeon refused to perform a tummy tuck and breast reduction because of a medical condition that could have led to a heart attack.

It has also been revealed that Dr. West was at her home when paramedics responded to a 911 call on Saturday (November 10) and took her to Centinela Freeman Hospital in Marina del Rey, California.

 

Attempts to resuscitate Dr. West were unsuccessful and paramedics pronounced her dead around 8:30 PM that evening.

 

Dr. West, who headed up Chicago State University’s English Department, was also board President of the Kanye West Foundation and served as the rapper’s manager.

C-Murder Talks New DVD and Album

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Rapper C-Murder is hitting the ground running after an overturned prison conviction with a forthcoming DVD and album.

 

The DVD, titled The Movement, finds the artist (born Corey Miller) offering fans a peek into his current mind state as he gears up for the release of his first album in five years, Screamin’ 4 Vengeance

 

“I’ve been gone for a minute, and a lot of fans are missing me,” Miller said. “I felt I needed to give them some direction as to where my album is and how it’s coming, because a lot of people wanna know if it’s coming gutter or if I’ve changed. I just wanted to let them know that I’ve stepped my game up and I’m keeping it gutter.”

 

The rapper’s artists on his Tru Records label will make their presence known on the video journal.

 

“I was gone a lot, and they were there thick and thin through the storm. I made a promise to myself that when I came home, we’re gonna do it and we’re gonna do it together,” Miller continued. “I believe in loyalty myself, and to see that actually happen means a lot to me. A lot of my fans never had a chance to meet the TRU artists or get a picture of how they look, so that’s what I did with The Movement.”

 

While music may play a prominent role in his life, Miller is also using his fame to highlight the continuing struggle of those affected in his native New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina.

 

In The Movement, the rapper discusses his life and the difficult decisions he’s made with a group of young people during a visit to a New Orleans community center.

 

The DVD also includes images of the still-devastated areas of New Orleans, as Miller relays effect recent events have had on youth.

 

“I showed that these kids don’t have nowhere to play in the projects and urban areas. They can’t play because the government banned all that off and hasn’t built it back up,” said the rapper.

 

According to Miller, he has partnered with the NFL and has launched a new non-profit organization aimed at improving the parks in the city.

 

“At the same time, we’re gonna open up a teenage pregnancy group home, because they don’t have one in New Orleans – it’s like four hours from here,” Miller revealed. “We got a lot going on – we’re practicing what we preach.”

 

The Movement is slated to hit stores on Dec. 11.

 

In the meantime, fans can look forward to Screamin’ 4 Vengeance, a project that allows Miller to express his thoughts on those who have stood against him during his legal troubles.

 

Miller will stand trial for a second time in February for the alleged murder of 16-year-old Steve Thomas inside a Jefferson Parish nightclub in January 2002.

 

Miller was originally found guilty of the murder and sentenced to life in prison, but the ruling was overturned after it was revealed that prosecutors had expunged the criminal records of their witnesses in order to boost their credibility.

 

“I’ve been through so much and, at the same time, I’ve never had a chance to express myself,” the rapper stated. “Certain people in the state of Louisiana are against me — in the court system and the DAs, as well as all the haters that feel like I did it just because I was on the news and was found guilty…They did everything in their power to stop me, legal and illegal…they didn’t want me to get my music out to my fans and to the world. They tried to make an example out of me in the wrong way. After everything, I still came back. I’m unstoppable.”

 

Miller’s Asylum Records release, Screamin’ 4 Vengeance, is slated to hit stores in February 2008.

Big Tigger Signs On As DJ For Washington Wizards

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Syndicated radio personality Big Tigger has signed on to be the official DJ of the NBA’s Washington Wizards.

 

Tigger, born Darius Morgan, will provide the music for each one of the home games, as well as entertain the crowd.

 

“I am very pleased to be working with the Washington Wizards’ organization,” Big Tigger told AllHipHop.com. “I’m looking forward to the incredible interaction between myself, the fans, players and employees at all of their home games. I plan on adding to the overall excitement.”

 

Big Tigger attended school at the University of Maryland, College Park, and interned at Washington DC’s WPGC, before his rise at the station, as the top host of night radio.

 

Big Tigger was also co-host of Rap City from 1999-2005 and currently hosts his own syndicated radio show, Live In the Den with Big Tigger.

 

The announcement comes on the heels of the Wizard’s victory over the Atlanta Hawks last night (November 11), in Atlanta.

 

The Wizard’s won their first game of the NBA season, snapping a 5-game losing streak.

Koch Records Inks Distribution Deal With Fat Beats

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Koch Records has signed Brooklyn-based Hip-Hop label Fat Beats to a physical and digital distribution deal.

 

Fat Beats, which was established in 1994, originally launched as a record store, but soon turned into a critically acclaimed record label, releasing projects from artists like Atmosphere, Edo G. & Pete Rock, Afu Ru, Krs-One and others.

 

Under the new agreement, Koch will distribute releases from the labels catalog, as well as future releases.

 

“We’re very excited to be working with Fat Beats as Koch continues to strengthen our roster. Fat Beats’ successful brand of true underground hip hop will further strengthen our status as the No.1 physical and digital supplier of urban music,” said Michael Rosenberg, President of Koch Entertainment Distribution.

 

New albums in the works from Fat Beats/Koch union include albums by Black Milk, Akrobatik and a Wu-Tang Clan cover album by El Michels.

 

“I’m happy to be back with Koch and I’m looking forward to advancing the label even farther with this new deal,” added Joseph Abajian, President and owner of Fat Beats Records.

Common Teams With Lincoln To Promote Navigator Brand

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

Chicago rapper Common has partnered with Lincoln to promote the 2008 Navigator.Common will be featured in a number of advertisements and promotional activities with Common’s community outreach programs.The rapper will appear in national TV, radio and print advertisements.The first spot, titled “Common,” will debut nationwide on November 25 during NFL Sunday Night Football on NBC.Lincoln will also assist Common in developing other businesses.The car company will license songs for implementation in television and the Web, as well as tie-ins with Common’s books and hat lines and an alignment with his concert tour.Common will also appear at various Lincoln events, including auto trade shows.”I am very enthused and honored to connect with Lincoln, ” Common said. “I believe that this union will be creative, fresh, and classic. Most importantly, it’s a way for Lincoln and me to give back to the community and people in need.”As part of the deal, Lincoln has aligned with Common’s nonprofit, the Common Ground Foundation to sponsor the 1st Annual Star the Show n’ Bowl fundraising event, which takes place in February during Grammy weekend.”Lincoln is excited to be associated with Common because his success story is gaining momentum at the same time that ours is,” said Mike Richards, general marketing manager for Lincoln. “Common has earned many accolades for his talents, yet he remains grounded and maintains a confident, unique style all his own. Lincoln shares these brand qualities and it makes us proud to have Common represent Lincoln and increase our brand appeal among consumers.”Lincoln’s print advertising campaign featuring Common will debut in 2008.

Hip-Hop Rumors: R.I.P. Dr. West, T.I.’s New CD, Diddy’s Heir, 50’s New Artist?

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: Rumors

R.I.P. TO DONDA WEST

Sad.

I don’t really have much else to say, you know? Read the story and send your condolences over here.

Just as a footnote, there are rumors out there, because the cause of death hasn’t exactly been revealed, but I am going to chill. I have respect for Kanye and definitely know that losing a parent is painful enough without gossip.

T.I. GET BUSY ON NEXT ALBUM!

Not sure of the origins of this one, but I heard that T.I. is bored while he is on house arrest. With nothing to really do, he’s resorted to recording new songs in his home studio. They are saying this new album in progress is Paper Trail. Apparently T.I. hasn’t written his raps down since his debut album. Hmmmm…I think we need an audit to verify rappers that make this claim. Anyway, T.I. is now writing his raps down and that’s the reason for the album title.

LARRY SMITH – GET BETTER!

Oh yeah, if you don’t know who Larry Smith is, let me help you.

Early in his Hip-Hop career, Smith crafted songs for Kurtis Blow and Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, rap’s early super stars. He later produced Run DMC’s first two albums, their self-titled debut (1984) and King of Rock (1985). Additionally, Smith wove a string of hits for Whodini, including their 1984 debut Escape with hits like “Friends.”

Anyway, now that you know he is a legend, you need to know that Larry had a stroke last week. He’s lost much of the use of his body, but expected to get better. You might remember Larry getting his props as Whodini was honored at the Hip-Hop Honors this year. Hey, he had a Caddy before Run DMC – nuff said.

“Took a test to become an emcee/ and Orange Krush became amazed at me / So Larry put me inside his Cadillac / The chauffeur drove off and we never came back…”

Read the whole story here. Get better, Larry!

50 CENT’S NEXT SIGNEE?

You know, I heard that 50 Cent and Jim Jones have a bit more in common. No, its not friction with Cam’ron! For what its worth, I am hearing that 50 Cent might have an interest in Max B as a member of the Unit. Don’t know for sure, but there is some talking going on. What I am hearing is that, since Max is already signed to Jim, this may be a joint venture in the making like The Roc did with Freeway. Maybe? I don’t know. I thought Max and pending cases though?

SHUT THE STORE DOWN!

I heard a certain so-called future of Hip-Hop rapper / conscious rapper was in the J. Crew Store inside the Time Warner building. Well, I won’t name names, but will say this is not Talib Kweli (the homey!). Anyway, I heard this artist wanted to shut the entire store down so that he could shop in peace. Well, the people in the store were like, “Who the f**k are you?” I heard the rapper then made a scene and nothing came out of it anyway. J. Crew is a Hip-Hop spot too…why would they front?

VIDEO FOR “HUSTERS” WITH NAS AND THE GAME!

We all wanted to know what was up with this video. I heard Nas and the director had creative differences, but the should have put this out last year. This is an OK video for me. I like it a lot.

JAY-Z VS DMX!

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

The experts are estimating that bootleggers cost “American Gangster” about $10 million at the box office in lost revenue. D-D-D-DAMN!

Amy Winehouse’s hubby is in jail for assault. Maybe Amy can get free now! Don’t bet on it. She said he’s been set up…right.

One bit of good news is Kanye West is that Graduation just went 2x plat. I can just say that his mother got to see all that a proud parent could see.

I heard Lil’ Wayne showed up to the Jay-Z concert yesterday in New York.

In an interview on Atlanta radio, Diddy reportedly referred to his new daughter, Chance, as another “heir to the throne.”

You know how the writers are going on strike in Hollywood? I heard the networks are firing them and hiring new ones in droves.

Here is a lil’ Diddy of a video. Sharon Jones is the woman that inspired Amy Winehouse. No, this video isn’t old, but they shot it like that to rep her style. Check her.

K-Fed and his lawyer are calling for Brit Spears to have her driver’s license revoked.

Duane “Dog” Chapman has reportedly forgiven his son for snitching on him using the “N-Word.” The son’s girlfriend is not as forgiving for being called the “N-Word.”

RANDOM QUOTE

One of my readers on Kanye West’s mother:

“That woman was a part of Chicago that people don’t even understand. Anybody that took an English class at Chi State knew that lady was truly an angel.”

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

Sometimes…the beef is never over.

Well, this is what happened in Orlando, Florida – where Mickey and Minnie can catch a hot one on the way to Disney. According to police, Timothy Cleary of Apopka started punching the body of a dead person in a casket – during a funeral. Well, you know the people mourning tore Cleary up and then somebody called 911 for him. I can’t believe this madness. What is the law for something like this? Bond was set at $350. Nobody knows what prompted this fool to do that.

He’s probably going to have beef with the family for the rest of his life now.

ON FRANK LUCAS:

So, if you didn’t read our Frank Lucas feature story, please do. You have to see the tension! You know I stay connected to the people that know the people. So, here is a commentary on Frank Lucas from one of the OGs that I talk to regularly.

Frank Lucas is such a pathological liar. I’m not mad at him though because he pulled it off. No one knew who this joker was until American Gangster but everyone knew who Nicky Barnes was/is. Frank has waffled on his rep as a killer in various interviews. In his first article 7 yrs ago he claimed to have killed some dude in front of a crowd like the scene in the movie. There’s no way that n***a had $250 million in cash and assets in the 70’s and not make national headlines. I knew he was lying all the time but the amazing thing to me is he actually tries to defend his lies. He knows he told on 100 people and they all weren’t cops. To me that’s not an issue because common sense would tell anyone the only way for him to be on the street is if he gave everyone up. Snitching is not selective. You tell it all or you tell nothing if you wanna walk. But that’s show biz and another example of how entertainment is just that… entertainment. I wish black people would stop acting as if any of this is GOSPEL. Rather than pick up a book and do some research we just pop in a DVD or CD or go to the movies. When I listen to all the back and forth I get nauseous. Some of us are so gullible we’re sheep-like. I we understand that every sheep’s ultimate destination is the slaughter house.

BILL MAHER GETS SONNED!

Normally, I like Bill Maher, but this time, he just got sonned – and he deserved to get sonned. I am not going to go all into 911, because you know and I know I’ve been there. But this time, I am just going to play the sonnery.

ILL PICS!

Halle Berry is either giving some really sexy looks or is really tired of being pregnant. Maybe both. (Thanks LayLa for sending the pic!)

Vibe recently held a party for their upcoming awards show. Well, I wasn’t even invited, but I got pictures of people that were. Here are some.

Keesha Sharp looking super duper dope.

Chrisette Michelle and her cute smile showed up.

This is the dude from “New York Undercover.” Maybe he was really undercover, because he looked way different back in the day.

Cee-Lo is the man. How can a chubby dude be cool enough to rock a tight shirt?

David Banner isn’t looking like the Hulk these days. More like…“Dr. David Banner: physician; scientist. Searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have.”

Somebody must have dropped some bread crumbs, because a bird came to the Vibe Awards.

GOOD MORNING!

Kanye keeps pushing the boundaries. Check out a leaked version of “Good Morning.” I heard that “Flashing Lights” is actually the next song.

TOMORROW, WE LOVE YOU!

They keep us talking, but if we stop talking about them then they should worry!-illseedWHO: illseedWHAT: RumorsWHERE: AllHipHop.com, MySpace.com/TheIllseedHOW: Send your rumors and ill pics to illseed at [email protected].– allhiphop rumors

Xzibit Starring In New Oliver Stone Flick ‘Pinkville’

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg)Category: News

West Coast rapper/actor Xzibit has landed a high profile role in Oliver Stone’s upcoming war drama titled Pinkville.

 

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Xzibit will join an all-star cast that includes Woody Harrelson, Bruce Willis and Channing Tatum.

 

Pinkville centers around the 1968 My Lai Massacre in Vietnam.

 

Willis stars as Army general William R. Peers who is investigating the massacre, in which several hundred Vietnamese civilians were murdered by U.S. soldiers.

 

Xzibit stars as a soldier who believes he carried out his orders in a “moral way.”

 

The rapper is also shooting a movie titled American Inquisition, which stars Alfre Woodard, Charles Dutton and others.