P. Miller and his newly launched P. Miller Designs have become the targets of a lawsuit from Pepe Jeans, who alleges the mogul is committing trademark infringement.

Pepe’s lawsuit centers on Miller’s logo which encompasses the letter “P” encircled with wings.

According to P. Miller, formerly Master P, the US Patent and Trademark Office has his first use date recorded in public record as April 1, 2003, while Pepe’s registered mark falls on June 1, 2003.

“I went to the website of PepeJeans.com and couldn’t find a circled-P anywhere, on their clothing, or the brand advertising within the site,” Miller explained to AllHipHop.com. “I’m the future of affordable fashion and big brands will always hate me, but they shouldn’t throw stones if they live in a glass house!”

Since he’s revamped his image from gangsta rapper to community-conscious businessman, Miller further argues he’s become the target for frivolous lawsuits.

“I make clothes for underprivileged and underserved families. P. Miller designs is about diversity. We cater to the African-American and Latino customer,” Miller elaborated. “I’m doing something positive for the community and I’m giving back. What are they (Pepe) doing? Hating? I thought this kind of thing only happened in the rap game. I put out a charitable rap album last year, made no money on it, tried to send a message to the kids about taking profanity out of their music, and because it came through Wal-Mart I was targeted with a lawsuit.”

Despite the lawsuit coming just as Miller has finalized a partnership with Wal-Mart to carry his brand, he plans to not only fight the allegations but will also counter-sue on the ground of malicious interference with his company.

“I’m the brand of the community. I sell jeans for $20 and t-shirts for $10. People don’t buy my clothes for the logo. They buy them because it’s high-fashion at an affordable price,” Miller reasoned. “I guess they didn’t do their homework. I am also filing a countersuit against Nitin, Arun, Milan Shah and Pepe Jeans London, LLC for tortious interference with my business and future business with Wal-Mart. And since they saw fit to go after my retailer, I will return the favor and file suit against several of their retailers like Macy’s, Dr. Jay’s, Nordstrom, and Eastbay.”

At press time, Pepe Jeans has not released any public comments on their pending lawsuit.

Former 3rd Bass member/Hip-Hop mogul MC Serch and Chicago-based rap trio Hot Stylz will be on hand this weekend to share their experiences and knowledge of the music industry at this year’s Global Mixx (GMIXX) Music Retreat.

The fourth annual event, which starts today (Oct. 3) with an exclusive VIP Models and Bottles kickoff reception from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Victor Hotel in Chicago, will also include a Your Choice concert presented by the Cook County Young Democrats for Obama.

The concert is scheduled take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight at the Center for Performing Arts.

On Saturday (Oct. 4), the retreat will continue with a voter’s registration drive for unregistered voters which will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Blackstone Hotel.

Among the events taking place will be a Music Meets Politics forum moderated by Deborah Crable and music industry veteran George Daniels from noon to 2 p.m.

In addition to the forum, retreat goers will be able to attend various music, artist and marketing panels on topics such as Marketing and Branding, Producer and Songwriter, ’Artistry of Music’ – Artist and Development and DJ/Mixshow. MC Search and Hot Stylz will be among a diverse group of panelists that include mixtape DJ S&S, Bryan Michael Cox, producer Ezekiel ‘Zeke’ Lewis, producer No ID, attorney Dedra Davis, publicist Regina Daniels and others.

“We’re excited at the outpouring of support and anticipated attendance of this year’s Global Mixx Music Retreat,” said the event’s executive producer and creator Mary Datcher. “I hope to continue to build and recognize the importance of the music and entertainment industry in our beautiful city of Chicago.”

Top industry professional will also be on hand to critique record label listening party demos at the retreat, which will also allow independent artists the chance to perform at the “Unsigned and Unstoppable” artist showcase at the Shadow Bar.

A chairman’s ball presented by NYCE Marketing and A:M Vodka will be held Saturday evening at Carnivale.

The weekend will conclude on Sunday (Oct. 5) with brunch at the Sushi Samba and the GMIXX awards ceremony.

Radio personalities Nina Chantelle of KISS-103.5 and Leon Rogers of WGCI-107.5 will host of the event, which honors DJs, artists and key tastemakers for their impact on the music industry.

Cee Lo, Chuck D of Public, Enemy, Scarface and others paid homage to the late Isaac Hayes last night during VH1’s Fifth Annual Hip-Hop Honors last night (October 2) at The Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.

A number of rappers and R&B singers paid homage to the Hayes, who influenced several generations of artists with his musical genius.

Public Enemy performed songs like “Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos,” which incorporated a portion of Hayes’ classic track “Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic.”

Scarface rapped his verse on “My Mind’s Playing Tricks on Me,” which utilized a sample from Hayes’ track “Hung Up On My Baby,” from the album Tough Guys.

Scarface was influenced by all of Hayes’ album, including Hayes’ groundbreaking release Black Moses, which earned acclaimed for its fold-out album artwork, in addition to its extended grooves, which was unheard of from a black artist.

“Black Moses, s**t, that’s my n**a, he’s a bad mother f***er,” Scarface told AllHipHop.com. “My most memorable moment [was] with Isaac Hayes in Virgin Studios for four or five hours. I was showing him my reels and we just kicked it talking about everything. After that, he had an interview in The Source, and spoke real highly of me.”

Estelle, Mos Def and Cee-Lo also played songs that Hayes composed or sang.

The awards, which airs Monday (Oct 6), was hosted by comedian Tracy Morgan.

The evening included performances by Cypress Hill and De La Soul, who performed their hits like “Me, Myself and I,” Buddy” and others.

Kid Rock performed a rendition of Too $hort’s classic “Life Is Too Short,” while Too $hort himself performed “Gettin’ It” and “Money In The Ghetto.”

Wyclef Jean, Juelz Santana, Big Boi and Naughty By Nature closed the show with Naughty’s classics “O.P.P,” “Uptown Anthem” and “Hip Hop Hooray.”

MC Lyte, Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star, Eve, Biz Markie, Slick Rick, Ghostface, Flavor Flav, EPMD, Fat Joe, Jim Jones, Mos Def, Gym Class Heroes and many others will be showcased on VH1’s Fifth Annual Hip-Hop Honors, which airs October 6 at 10:00 PM.

Duck Down Co-CEO and rapper Buckshot was released from a New York area hospital today (October 2) after an eight-day.

The rapper was hospitalized after suffering a series of seizures last week, when he returned home from a three-week tour of Europe.

According to representatives for the rapper, he suffered nine seizures in one day, which doctors believe was brought on by physical exhaustion and dehydration. Buckshot has made a full recovery and even left the hospital in good spirits, by reportedly doing the “Macarena” dance upon his discharge.

“I want to thank all the fans who called and wrote emails extending their well wishes and prayers,” Buckshot said. “All the support helped me recover that much quicker.”

Now, Buckshot will head back to work, as he prepares a group project with KRS-One, a new third album with producer 9th Wonder and a fourth studio album from his own group, Black Moon.

Successful independent label Definitive Jux and EMI Music’s Caroline Distribution have verified plans to renew their long-standing 2000 distribution agreement, which will now include expanded licensing and marketing promotion.

Under the revised agreement, EMI ‘s Brand Partnership, Licensing, and Synch team will work for the Def Jux roster to establish deals that create a closer connection between the artists and fans.

In addition, EMI will focus on expanding the label’s digital presence throughout US and Canadian markets.

Def Jux co-founder Amaechi Uzoigwe explained to AllHipHop.com that the expansion of the Jux brand through a more focused digital campaign is the next logical step for a label that’s been the driving force for Hip-Hop avant-garde since 1999.

“Caroline/EMI is our longest standing and most successful partnership and we look forward to extending it,” Uzoigwe revealed. “We’re also excited and intrigued by the way the organization is recalibrating itself for the future and look forward to accessing the dynamic resources being made available to help grow our brand and find continued success together.”

The first release from this new agreement will be The Mighty Underdogs, a highly anticipated collaborative effort between Gift of Gab (Blackalicious) and Latef (Quannum).

EMI Global Senior Vice President Dominic Pandiscia elaborated that the partnership’s first release will expose Def Jux’s music to previously unaware fans hungry for innovative Hip-Hop.

“Definitive Jux is one of the most creative forces in Hip-Hop today,” Pandiscia stated emphatically. “It’s an honor to build upon the relationship we’ve had by lending our brand partnership, promotion and digital expertise to help its artists connect with an even greater number of fans.”

In early 2009, the label will drop a new album from Cage, who will also release a autobiographical film through Shia LeBeouf’s Grassy Slope Films.

The Mighty Underdogs is set for release of October 14.

Rapper/actor Ludacris and mixtape turntablist DJ Drama will be among those addressing the current economic crisis crippling the country at a National Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment.

The event, which organized by the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) is scheduled to take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17 at Clark Atlanta University’s Cornelius L. Henderson Student Center in Atlanta.

The summit is designed to help facilitate discussion among young people, families and communities about the importance of personal finance through HSAN’s “Get Your Money Right” summit and the coalition’s “Get Your House Right” workshop.

An interactive panel discussion on financial literacy will take place at the Get Your Money Right summit with participants such as DJ Drama, Fat Joe, Gorilla Zoe, Asher Roth, R&B singer Monica, BET’s 106 & Park hosts Rocsi and Terrence J, DJ Toomp, Bryan-Michael Cox and Universal Motown music executive Shanti Das.

Participants will explore topics ranging from the basics of banking to repairing and understanding credit scores to asset and wealth management, vehicle financing and home ownership.

For HSAN co-founder Russell Simmons, the financial empowerment summit could not come at a better time as the nation deals with high gas prices and the recent credit shakeup affecting banks, colleges and consumers.

“The interest of the Hip-Hop community, ultimately, is always about empowerment,” Simmons said. “Given the profound financial challenges facing our nation and world, HSAN’s National Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment is very timely. Beyond being reactive, we will be proactive.”

According to government data obtained by The Associated Press, weekly jobless claims surged to the highest level in seven years, while new home sales plunged to the slowest pace in 17 years.

On Monday (Sept. 29), the House of Representatives rejected an earlier version of a proposed $700 billion bailout plan that will help restore the financial system.

Senate leaders debated Wednesday (October 1) before voting on the economic recovery package, which was passed by a 74-25 vote late last night.

Although many people are frustrated by the economic downturn, HSAN CEO/president Dr. Benjamin Chavis emphasized the importance of remaining strong.

“This is not the time to panic. It is a global crisis, but we’ve been through crises before,” stated the activist, who noted the relevance of Hip-Hop in dire situations. “Hip-Hop emerged out of the crucible of the crisis of poverty over thirty years ago, but maintains a transformative message of empowerment. The truth is, young people will be listening and watching for solutions to the economic challenges of our time. The poetry and music of Hip-Hop have always reflected both the hopes and the contradictions of life. ‘Get Your Money Right’ and ‘Get Your House Right’ will offer paths to a better future.”

Doors open at 4 p.m. for the National Hip-Hop Summit on Financial Empowerment, which is sponsored by HSAN, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., BET Networks and Enterprise Rent-A-Car.

Earlier this week Jay-Z’s philanthropic efforts were recognized in a private New York ceremony, as the mogul received a special humanitarian award from the United Nations.

The esteemed distinction was bestowed by actor and host Michael Douglas for the rapper’s extensive work over the past two years raising funds and organizing awareness of the world water crisis.

According to reports, a child dies every 15 seconds from not having adequate drinking water.

In 2006, Jay embarked on a worldwide tour to bring awareness to the water epidemic.

The effort culminated with a MTV diary chronicling the tour and the mogul creating over 1,000 water pumps in African communities.

Now a staple contributor to social issues in his veteran Hip-Hop years, Jay reasons that as a worldwide human family people have to stop looking to others for community responsibility and take initiative to combat societal issues.

“If you bring awareness to young people, they’re going to see and want to be involved,” Jay-Z stated. “I’m not a politician; I’m just a regular person with a heart. If you see a problem like that and do nothing about it, there’s something wrong with you.”

At press time Jay-Z is prepping his final Def Jam and eleventh studio album Blueprint 3 for a December 2 release.