West Coast rapper Kurupt is gearing up for what he hopes to be an exceptional New Year.

In addition to three new projects slated for release in 2009, the Dogg Pound co-founder has created a new imprint to be distributed through Fontana/Universal, he told AllHipHop.com exclusively.

The newly founded Penagon Entertainment will be operated jointly by Kurupt and his Atlanta-based management firm Lakeshow Management.

The distribution agreement with Fontana/Universal will allow the former Death Row Records VP to retain all creative control over his music and those signed to the label.

It also provides for the continued expansion of the label’s roster, while growing his resume as a business man.

Kurupt is also adding to his lengthy catalog of collaborations, with the release of a new album with DJ Quik.

The new LP, entitled Blaqout, will be released via Quik’s Mad Science Records, which is also distributed by Fontana/Universal.

The idea for the project came about while the two worked together on Snoop Dogg’s album, Ego Trippin’.

During their many discussions about music, Kurupt said they came to the conclusion that they should create an album together.

“Me and Quik are like night and day,” Kurupt said. “You can’t have one without the other – the perfect combination.”

While putting the finishing touches on Blaqout, Kurupt is also preparing for the February release of his next solo LP, Street Lights, which will be the first project on Penagon/Fontana/Universal.

The album heavily features production by West Coast producer Terrance Martin, known for his work on Snoop’s last album.

Also in the pipeline is 100 Wayz, the latest offering by Tha Dogg Pound, which is the first official album from the group since 2005’s Dogg Food.

In past interviews, the group has said that their intermittent releases should be considered no more than official mixtapes.

In preparation for the new release, Daz and Kurupt recently partnered with DJ Drama for Tha Dogg Pound Gangsta Grill titled Full Circle.

The duo is also working on a collaborative project with producer Pete Rock.

The Los Angeles coroner’s office has determined that the August death of Andre Young, Jr. was due to an overdose of heroin and morphine.

The 20-year-old, born Andre Young, Jr. was found unconscious and not breathing on August 23 by his mother at the family’s Woodland Hills home.

He had spent the night partying with friends. An autopsy was completed within a few days, but the cause of a death was delayed per the results of a myriad of tests, including a toxicology report.

LA coroner spokesman Larry Dietz revealed that his division has officially closed the case as an “accidental death” due to “morphine and heroin intoxication.”

Since the untimely passing on his son, Dr. Dre has declined to speak on the matter, requesting that fans and media alike respect his family’s need for privacy.

“Dr. Dre is mourning the loss of his son,” stated Lori Earl, the producer’s publicist. “Please respect his family’s grief and privacy at this time.”

The devastating loss came as Dre was preparing a December release of the oft-delayed and long-awaited Detox, his third and alleged final studio album.

The LP is now expected to follow new albums in 2009’s first quarter from Eminem (Relapse) and 50 Cent (Before I Self-Destruct).

To date, the only confirmed appearances on the album are Nas, Jay-Z, Lil Wayne, Eminem, and 50 Cent.

Vincent Ford, the man credited with writing Bob Marley’s classic “No Woman, No Cry,” passed away in Jamaica on December 28.

According to Intrepid reporter Brittany Somerset, the songwriter’s death comes after a long struggle with diabetes.

Both of Ford’s legs had been amputated due to complications from the disease.

Ford became good friends with Bob Marley as the two grew up in the Trench Town ghetto of Kingston, Jamaica in the 1960s.

The song “No Woman, No Cry” first appeared on Bob Marley’s 1974 album Natty Dread.

The most well known version of the track remains the concert version off the 1975 album Live!

The song later gained even more international fame with its inclusion on the greatest hits compilation Legend (1984), now recognized as the best selling reggae album of all time.

Although Vincent Ford is officially credited as the sole songwriter of the seminal hit, rumors persist that Marley added Ford’s name to ensure his friend would have royalties for the rest of his life.

Despite the whisperings, Ford went on to write three more songs for Marley’s breakthrough album Rastaman Vibration: “Positive Vibration,” “Roots, Rock, Reggae,” and “Crazy Baldhead.”

After Marley succumbed to cancer in 1981, Ford ran a soup kitchen in his native Jamaica and made no further forays into songwriting.

“No Woman, No Cry” continues to be a popular cover song.

Throughout its 35 year history, the song has been reworked by The Fugees, Sean Kingston, Pearl Jam, Jimmy Cliff, Faith Hill, and Tila Tequila.

Vincent Ford was 68 years old.

The international Hip-Hop community has banded together to help French authorities in their search for Hip-Hop photographer Hermann Deza.

The 33-year-old was last seen leaving his house on December 26 and has not been heard from since.

Deza, known among his peers as Hermosdef, has neither his wallet nor his cell phone with him.

His family and friends have circulated a flyer with his picture and contact information for authorities in Puteaux, France, a northern suburb of Paris.

In addition to posting the flyer on several popular French and US blogs, Deza’s family and friends are also utilizing social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook to help in the search.

They have even encouraged supporters to help further by using the flyer as their profile avatars.

The French-born son of Ivory Coast immigrants in Paris, Deza first became interested in photography while studying in London.

Describing both music and photography as his passions, he has made a career of capturing Paris’ vibrant soul and Hip-Hop community through portraits he calls “Afropics.”

His works include photos of US artists performing in France, such as Musiq Soulchild and Method Man, as well as some of the artists at the forefront of American-inspired urban music in France, including Les Nubiennes, soul vocalist Agnes Paris, and rappers Booba and Tiemoko.

He is a member of the Jazzefique Hip-Hop collective.

Anyone with information about Hermann Deza’s whereabouts is asked to contact the police precinct in Puteaux at +33 01.55.91.91.40.

Calls can also be directed to +33 06.63.85.98.23 or 06.13.58.88.33

A representative for teen sensation Soulja Boy has confirmed the young entertainer was assaulted last week.

Unconfirmed reports began circulating on New Year’s Eve that Soulja Boy and several of his close friends were ambushed and robbed at gunpoint on Tuesday night (December 30) after six men invaded the rapper’s home.

Allegedly, Soulja Boy’s friend Jbar was nearly taken hostage during the robbery.

The following day (December 31), a video surfaced of two masked men claiming responsibility for the crime.

In the clip, the duo boasted of stalking Soulja Boy before the attack by attending his album release party and subsequently tailing the rapper to his home.

The alleged thieves further described the robbery in detail. They disputed initial reports of there being six assailants armed with pistols and Ak-47s.

Instead, the alleged robbers claimed the crime was completed between them with one weapon.

Due to the two minute video’s over the top content, the clip was initially met with skepticism by fans and media alike.

However, a representative for Soulja Boy has confirmed with AllHipHop.com that an incident did take place, but the rep refused to provide any concrete details, stating only that the crime is “a serious situation.”

Soulja Boy released his sophomore album iSouljaBoyTellem on December 16.

Earlier this week, the teen rapper again sparked controversy by releasing a Youtube video accusing legendary lyricist Nas of killing Hip-Hop and destroying economic opportunities of other emcees.

AllHipHop.com will continue to cover this story as more details emerge.

Oscar nominated rapper/singer Queen Latifah became the victim of thieves when more than $10,000 worth of jewelry was stolen from her luxury villa in Tobago on Monday (December 29).

Police investigating the incident believe the theft was an inside job that may have been committed by a member of the house and grounds staff at Stone Haven Villas, Black Rock Tobago.

According to Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday, authorities state there was no forced entry into the villa, which reinforces the inside job theory. Latifah was in Tobago last week for the Christmas holidays.

The 35-year-old entertainer, who checked into the $1,000 a night villa under the name Cynthia Hadden, reportedly stayed at the compound with a female friend.

Police were informed of Latifah’s visit by Stone Haven management, which asked that special attention be paid to the area.

Despite having three security guards on duty around the clock, a bracelet, two gold rings, a gold chain and a silver ring were taken, as Latifah attended a barbecue brunch in her honor.

Guards conducted a search of the villa after the rapper contacted the Stone Haven manager, when she discovered the jewelry was missing.

Police were notified when the search came up empty. A statement was later taken from Latifah, who has since checked out of Stone Haven.

The rapper was reportedly upset over the theft as she stated the jewelry had a sentimental value and that she would be willing to offer a reward for its return.

Tobago police, who have conducted searches, have questioned staff assigned to the villa and Stone Haven employees.

Acting police commissioner James Philbert expressed his department’s desire to retrieve the jewelry as he told Newsday that “several searches are being carried out and the police are trying to have the jewelry returned to Queen Latifah.”

“Investigators said the larceny seems to be an inside job and efforts are being made round the clock to make a breakthrough,” he shared with the paper.

Now that a tumultuous 2008 has come to an end, a number of rappers and producers took time this week to plan the new year and reveal their resolutions for 2009.

The year which has now passed seems to have brought these artists closer to their fans, as their resolutions reflect that of the public at large.

Like most people in the United States, the most pressing concern for the artists who shared their resolutions with AllHipHop.com is financial.

Some, like Nappy Roots’ Fishscale are hoping to recover from losses suffered in the real estate market last year.

For Queens veteran Noreaga, the plan is simply to conduct business with a calm mind, leaving all emotion out of it.

“My New Year’s Resolution is to first and foremost keep a clear mind,” Naughty By Nature’s Vinnie told AllHipHop.com.

“Also to work hard promoting our new LP and to purchase more investment property to futher secure my retirement,” Vinnie added, a sentiment echoed by Grand Hustle recording artist Alfamega, who hopes to see the release of his debut album this year.

While the more seasoned artists are thinking in terms of investment, a bevy of newcomers are planning to take the entertainment industry by storm with new projects in 2009.

From Lil’ Jon’s latest discovery, Shawty Putt, to Hot Stylz, the marquee artists on Yung Joc’s new label, a new wave of artists are hoping to sustain the region’s hold on the airwaves. For one artist in particular, however, there is a little more at stake.

“I plan on putting out one of the best female albums of all time,” Warner Bros. recording artist Diamond told AllHipHop.com, after spending a relatively quiet year in the wake of her split from Crime Mob.

Despite their tremendous success in 08, producers like Swizz Beatz, Bangladesh, Don Cannon, and Shawty Redd have no plans on taking it easy in 2009.

As a matter of fact, all four revealed that they plan on using the momentum they built with their most recent accomplishments to achieve new career heights.

“Mine is simple: to win a Grammy and make more hits,” said Redd, who is up for his first Grammy this year, thanks to his production work on Snoop Dogg’s#### single “Sensual Seduction.”

Of course, like millions of Americans, several artists including Diamond D, Lil’ Scrappy and Shawty Lo plan on making 2009 a healthier year.

At the forefront is Bad Boy South recording artist Gorilla Zoe, who is determined to keep the changes he adapted with his “Don’t Feed The Animal” weight loss challenge at the end of the year.

Still, perhaps inspired by the unprecedented social impact the Hip-Hop generation had on the world during this year‘s presidential election, many are looking at 2009 as an opportunity to become better citizens.

“My resolution is to become more involved with giving,” Heavy D told AllHipHop.com. “I’ve never been a selfish person by nature. But seeing all of my blessing and recognizing them are two separate issues. Since the birth of my child nine years ago, I recognize all of my blessings. Now I want more so that I can give more. I want my daughter to understand that the pleasure of [lending] a helping hand is greater than any material gift.”

Ronelle “Big Gates” Levatte, manager/brother of rapper Plies, has responded to rumors that his younger brother was incarcerated after a show in Atlanta last week.

According to reports, Plies born Algernod Washington, was allegedly arrested by federal agents after a performance at the Hot 107.9’s Jingle Bash.

The show, which took place on December 26th, featured performances by Lil Wayne, Keri Hilson, Soulja Boy and Trey Songz.

In an exclusive statement to AllHipHop.com, Big Gates, also founder and co-owner of Plies’ label Big Gates Records, claimed an unknown person called the police on Plies prior to his performance.

“Enemies of my little brother Plies contacted police in a failed attempt to have him arrested prior to his performance in Atlanta,” Big Gates told AllHipHop.com. “Plies was not detained Nor arrested.”

Big Gates said that Plies is not in the custody of federal agents.

The rapper recently shot a video for “Medicine” featuring Keri Hilson in addition to preparing material for his upcoming album, Goon Affiliated, which is due in stores in Spring 2010.