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Rapper Snoop Dogg Heading To New Zealand, Australia

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Long Beach, California rapper Snoop Dogg has been approved to tour Australia, according to reports.

 

Australian Immigration officials questioned the rapper’s eligibility to enter the country due to his criminal past. Now, the rapper is continuing with plans to appear in the region.

 

He will kick off a tour of New Zealand and Australia with Ice Cube and Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, starting on October 27, when the rappers will appear at the TSB Bank Arena in Wellington.

 

From there, the tour will hit Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.

 

Last week, Snoop, born Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr, was approved for a Visa, but the tour was jeopardized when local organizations protested his appearance.

 

As a result, Immigration Department carried out a full character assessment of Snoop Dogg.

 

“As a result of public concern and interest, the department has decided that in fact we will be undertaking a more thorough assessment of Mr Broadus’ character, however, the decision on the granting or refusal of a visa application is made on the individual merit of the case consistent with the legal criteria for the class of the visa,” an Immigration Department official said last week.

 

The approval overturns an August of 2007 decision, which kept the rapper out of the country.

 

Snoop Dogg was supposed to co-host the MTV Australian Video Music Awards, but he was banned from entering Australia after he failed the character test.

 

Tour dates are listed below: October 27, Wellington, TSB ArenaOctober 29, Brisbane, Entertainment Centre October 31, Sydney, Acer Arena November 2, Melbourne, Rod Laver Arena November 5, Adelaide, Entertainment Centre November 7, Perth, Burswood Dome

P. Miller Reflects on Katrina, Effects of Gustav

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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New Orleans residents had reason to rejoice yesterday (September 1) as a diminished Hurricane Gustav only caused minor damage in a city still rebuilding from the destruction of Katrina three years earlier.

 

On Friday forecasters ominously warned that Hurricane Gustav, which ravaged Cuba and Jamaica, would grow to a Category 4 storm on the 5 point scale, before hitting the Louisiana coast.

 

In preparation New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin enacted a mandatory evacuation of the city, hoping the rebuilt levees would prove strong enough to prevent the city from suffering any major devastation.

 

The levees did hold, due to Gustav arriving weaker than expected as a Category 2 storm.

 

Still, the hurricane hurt the city’s sewer system and left 1 million homes without power.

 

Despite the damage, entertainment mogul and Ninth Ward native P. Miller (p/k/a Master P) was thankful his community was spared the repeat nightmare of another Hurricane Katrina, which killed 1,600 people in 2005.

 

“It definitely had my people on edge and reminiscing on what happened with Katrina,” Miller told AllHipHop.com. “This is something you can’t really challenge or stop. It’s nature. We’re just praying for the best.”

 

City, state, and federal governments were better prepared this hurricane season, working together to ensure that 95% of the city was evacuated before the storm hit Monday morning.

 

With the third anniversary of Katrina just passing on August 23-30, P states his community still struggles to make sense of the aftermath, as thousands of displaced residents are still living in FEMA trailers.

 

“It’s almost like a curse. You look back and say ‘wow, it’s only been three years and here it is happening again,” Master P reflected. “This is a serious matter and time for change. Before the people come back into the city we have to figure out how to make these levees work to where they don’t break anymore.”

 

Early reports indicate there was no flooding, but several traffic lights, lights poles, and trees had been blown down.

 

At press time, city officials are holding off on bringing residents back into the city until the full damage is accessed.

 

According to Mayor Nagin, this process will cover the next several days and be concluded by week’s end.

Pussycat Dolls: On Dating Bow Wow, the Return of Nicole Scherzinger, and Working With R Kelly

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Alternatives
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A lot has changed his since

the Pussycat Dolls’ seven million selling debut album PCD, but the world’s biggest girl group are back – all grown up and

ready to send temperatures soaring with their new single taken from their new

album Doll Domination.

 

AHHA chats with Melody

Thornton about Carmit Bachar’s shocking departure, Nicole Scherzinger’s surprise return, and those rumors about her dating

Bow Wow!

 

AllHipHop.com Alternatives:

Hi Melody. Where are all the other Pussycat Dolls?

 

Melody: [Laughs] Well I’ve just not

long woken up, and the rest of the girls are really tired, as we stayed up all

night; last night in the studio recording.

 

AHHA: Can you tell us more

about your new album, Doll Domination?

 

Melody: We’re still recording Doll Domination, and we have been very blessed to work with Timbaland

who has been amazing. He executive produced half the album. We’ve done six songs in six days, so when you’re on a

roll, you’re on a roll. We’ve worked with

Cee-Lo – who we worked with on the first album with “Don’t Cha,” and we’ve worked with

Sean Garrett who wrote “Buttons.”

 

We’ve also worked with Rodney Jerkins, who did our first

single [off the new album] “When I Grow Up.” We have a lot of diverse songs that would surprise a

lot of people that don’t think the

Pussycat Dolls can pull off.

 

AHHA: Do you have any

collaborations on the album yet?

 

Melody: Well we have done a

collaboration with R Kelly on a song called “Out Of This Club,” but we’re still

recording, so I’m not sure what’s set in stone. But the possibilities are endless, and

we’re definitely trying to work with new people on the

album.

 

AHHA: What do you think of R

Kelly’s recent legal drama?

 

Melody: Well I think that

it’s really interesting how the law works if you’re an artist within the industry. Not to say I have an

opinion, because it’s one of those things that I don’t know. I wasn’t there so I can’t really pass judgment or make comments regarding the

situation, but I know it can be really hard when the media can get into your

personal life. 

 

AHHA: With Carmit leaving the group and Nicole coming back to the

Pussycat Dolls after a failed solo attempt, how is the morale?

 

Melody: Well to clarify one

thing, I don’t think Nicole had any intentions

of leaving the group. She was definitely pursuing and making a solo effort, but

her intentions were definitely to do both side by side. Fergie did the same

thing with her solo album. Carmit decided to leave the group, and it’s one of

those things where she is a very creative person and we have lost a major asset

to the Pussycat Dolls because she was a firecracker on stage. But she’s working on her solo effort, and she had a lot of

things she wanted to do; but we support her 100%. I personally talk to her all

the time.

 

AHHA: Were you shocked when

Carmit told you she wanted to leave?

 

Melody: Yeah. It came as a

surprise to me, but I knew that she had a number of things that she was working

on – one of them being a television show – and it was one of those

things were she couldn’t do both at

the same time. She couldn’t devote time

to the Pussycat Dolls and still make everything else that she wanted to do a

success, and it came out of nowhere. I still get sad, when we perform songs

like “Stick Wit Chu” because

we all did them together, but it’s one of them things. I can’t help but feel really happy and proud for her.

 

AHHA: Why do you think Nicole’s solo project failed to sell well?

 

Melody: I don’t know if it’s a

matter of her not selling, but Nicole decided not to do it. I thing that

everything comes with timing. If the stars are aligned and the time is right,

then it works out. I think she’s a smart girl,

she’s a very smart businesswoman. So “When I Grow Up” came along she said, “We should do this for the Pussycat Dolls” and when we got into the studio we started cranking

the songs out.

 

AHHA: Is it true that most of

the tracks from Nicole’s album have

been re-recorded by the Pussycat Dolls?

 

Melody: I don’t know, because Nicole did record a lot of songs for

her solo effort, but you never know what songs of her may end up on the album.

Like I said, we’re not done recording.

 

AHHA: You’ve got an amazing voice, but a constant criticism shared by

Pussycat Doll fans is that no one seems to share singing duties apart from

Nicole. How will the singing be shared out on the album this time?

 

Melody: Well first of all, I want to say thank you to all the fans more

than anything. Sometimes they send me messages, and they seem to know exactly

what I’m feeling and they know exactly what to say. They support me so much,

and that means more then anything.

 

I am recording more now than I did on the first

album. On the first album, I was very young and inexperienced so it’s

understandable that they wanted to give Nicole the responsibility as she had

been in two groups prior, but we’re definitely working on it. I appreciate you

saying that comment as well. All of us are recording songs also so we’ll see if

they make it.

 

AHHA: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been sent by a fan?

 

Melody: Well luckily I haven’t had anyone figure out where I live, so no one sent

anything to me directly, but we’ve gotten weird

tasting candy. It’s not like we don’t appreciate it, but some of them are awkward gifts. I

haven’t had anything too crazy. I once got a teddy bear, but

when you squeeze it, it laughs and heckles like a witch and I was like, “Ok thank you.”

 

AHHA: With groups like Danity

Kane and Girlicious, how do you see yourself in terms of the competition?

 

Melody: That’s the thing – I definitely believe that there is

room for everybody. I admire Danity Kane, because we were on tour together with

[them and] Christina Aguilera. They’ve grown

so much overnight from what they were, and I absolutely loved “Damaged.”

There’s room for everyone, like we say on “When I Grow Up” in the bridge, “I see you staring at me, oh I‘m a trendsetter.”

 

I think that the only way to

be a trendsetter is if you do it first and you can’t be afraid to do it first. Sometimes people talk

about you, but they do it themselves. That’s the one thing about the Pussycat Dolls that sets us

apart from everyone else is that we try to create different things that

eventually people follow in our footsteps.

 

AHHA: You’re new single is called “When I Grow Up.” How would you say you’ve grown up personally?

 

Melody: Wow, when I got into

PCD I was 19 years old, and I was very unaware of just the world and how to

deal with people. It’s really interesting once you take that leap and I was

very young – still a teen – and it can be harder on you. But I’ve constantly grown, I’ve grown a lot spiritually. I definitely feel a lot

more confident that I will get exactly where I’m going. As long as I maintain my integrity, which I

have thus far. It’s been an interesting run and we’re still doing it.

 

AHHA: Do you think you’re sending out a positive message on “When I Grow

Up” for being famous for famous sake?

 

Melody: Yeah that’s the one thing that we’ve been asked over and over

again, and I can only speak for myself. I never wanted to be famous; I always

said I wanted to be a singer, and with singing comes fame. Even if I wasn’t

famous for being a trendsetter, I would still like to be appreciated as a

vocalist for the music I make.

 

I think that nowadays with reality TV, there’s so many outlets for

people to gain more attention and exposure. We get a lot of people who just

want to be famous, but I think we still have show our appreciation to people

creating their art and music.

 

AHHA: What would you say is

the best thing about being famous?

 

Melody: I would say that one

of the best things that we always joke about is that we don’t have to wait in line. [laughs] Especially at the

clubs. In LA if you’re waiting in line for the clubs, it’s not cool.

 

AHHA: What’s the hardest thing to deal with being a Pussycat Doll?

 

Melody: One of the worst things is privacy and people making negative

preconceived notions about you just from looking at you because you’re a Pussycat

Doll. People don’t realize that the Pussycat Dolls are a brand. It’s a whole

machine, and there are a million different ideas and opinions that that come

together collectively apart from the five women you see that sell the records

and who are the Pussycat Dolls. So it’s hard sometimes when people pass

comments and make rude judgements about you when they don’t even know you.

 

AHHA: Is that a new piercing on your lip?

 

Melody: No, I have a Monroe piercing on my lower lip, but my bottom lip

is so big, sometimes you can’t see it! The piercing has been there before I

joined the Pussycat Dolls. I took it out, but I’ve put it back in. I like it

because I’m young and want to have fun, and it’s just a new and different thing

as opposed to how I was on the first album.

 

AHHA: Finally there’s been a whole lot of speculation about you dating

Bow Wow and Nicole dating the British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton. Can you

clarify?

 

Melody: Well I don’t think it’s my place to talk about Nicole and Lewis’

relationship, but she has confirmed that she is with Lewis Hamilton and I’m so

happy for them, but that’s as far as I’ll go on that topic. But as for Bow Wow,

we are just friends. I think he’s a wonderful person; he’s just a great friend

of mine. That’s about it.

When I Grow Up – The Pussycat Dolls

Jay-Z: Prelude To The Blueprint III

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Features
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Jay-Z is looking to lead a new era of Hip-Hop across the globe. AllHipHop.com watches S. Carter plot his latest blueprint. The story could end right here, right now, and it would be quite celebratory. But it doesn’t end. The saga continues. The year 2008, is just a new chapter in the legend of Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, who is quite unquestionably the biggest entity Hip-Hop has ever witnessed.The mogul momentarily reflects on the story thus far during a stop in Washington D.C., his appearance is mostly a favor for a friend overseas.“Wow. Yeah, I am definitely happy with the progress that I have made in my life. I am still hungry to keep achieving more but if anything happened today or tomorrow then I am more than happy with what I have achieved and the legacy that I would then leave,” Jay-Z says. With a lengthy, very pregnant pause, he continues, “Yeah, I can definitely say that I would be more than happy.”The mogul is clearly elated with his position in life, but that pause is already giving birth to new times and history. The resume is well known, from the creative legacy to business savvy to millions sold and more. Still, one can only believe that Jay-Z has found a new beast to conquer in the global market.

“I am still hungry to keep achieving more but if anything

happened today or tomorrow then I am more than happy with what I have

achieved and the legacy that I would then leave.”

Unless the Brooklyn native started battles with extraterrestrial beings for Hip-Hop supremacy, conquering the rest of the terrestrial world is all that is left on the frontier for Jay-Z. The multimillionaire has completely triumphed over the American Hip-Hop scene on every front imaginable—Roc-A-Fella, Rocawear, Def Jam, the New Jersey Nets, Live Nation, blah, blah, blah. That portion of the tale has been chronicled ad nauseam.However, when he was bestowed the opportunity to headline the Glastonbury Festival, the Roc Boy found himself in an interesting predicament – challenged. Critics like Noel Gallagher of group Oasis impertinently questioned whether or not Jay, a decidedly Hip-Hop act, was musically fit to headline the mammoth UK rock festival. Jay-Z once proclaimed he could sell water to a well and he charmed some 100, 000 Brits like the savviest salesman. Furthermore, he coupled insult with injury by singing Oasis’ “Wonderwall” with a guitar strung over his shoulder, like a rock star (or is that Roc Star?).Then in July, the mogul traversed to Nigeria with the likes of Usher, Naomi Campbell, Tyson Beckford, Rihanna and her boo Chris Brown to play the ThisDay Festival, a traveling music/fashion event based in AfricaThisDay also offers the reasons why Jay is now in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Centre on this scorching summer day with Memphis Bleek in tow.ThisDay is committed to raising the consciousness of issues ailing Africa. Jay and supermodel Naomi Campbell were among the stars that helped disabled African children and brought needed awareness to environmental issues that face the nation.Jay was definitely down to help his brethren from the motherland and, in turn, act again as an ambassador for the Hip-Hop nation. “I know Nduka [Obaigbena, who owns the ThisDay corporation]. I see a young man trying to do something to bring awareness to Africa, being an entrepreneur about it,” Jay explains. “I thought it was cool. I come from that scheme myself. It was something that caught my interest, something I felt I should align myself with. You know, Africa is the homeland so anything like this, where I can help bring attention to or help out the motherland, well that’s a beautiful feeling.”Jay is still considering joining the ThisDay Festival stop in London later in the fall.One thing that is for certain, Bleek, Jay’s long-running friend, has joined his big homie every step of the way. He’s also got a unique and very personal take on the globalization of Jay-Z.“I’d be the same dead, broke or whatever [if not for Jay-Z]. I’m just here to enjoy the ride. I’m just a kid from Marcy and look at the chances I’ve had?” he admits. Bleek has accompanied Jay on his travels across the earth, including Nigeria.“The things that I’ve experienced? Even though it’s on the strength of Jay, I’ve had the chance to enjoy my life.”Life as a mogul seems perfect, but Jay’s new heights can only truly come to fruition if his long-anticipated opus, Blueprint 3, takes him into a more universal space creatively. He’s quite nonchalant, suggesting the stars will align themselves naturally.“I make great music,” he says evenly. “Anticipation is cool, the hype of it is fantastic, but if you look at my track record, I have had albums in ‘96, ‘97, ‘98, ‘99, ‘01, ‘02.… so I have always been an artist who’s been consistent not only for releasing albums but consistent with the quality of the music as well. The music will speak for itself.”These days in Hip-Hop, frankly the music seems secondary as peripheral matters such as trivial beef have taken center stage. Still critics of Jay-Z have looked for him to weaken to which he offers a rather philosophical response. “Well I try to look at it in a positive way. I think people do hold me to a higher standard because of the level of work that I have done,” he offers. “I think people have double standards when it comes to my music but for me that’s the challenge of it. It’s the reason to keep making music, if I was relaxed and no one was challenging or questioning me, then why do it?”The answer is simple: because he can.Love it or hate it, Jay-Z has yet to be knocked off his perch (The beef with Nas is certainly an exception to the general “perch”notion) and rappers from all walks of life are unable, unwilling or too respectful to take him out. As is required, Jay-Z is going to have to contend with his domestic matters, like The Game, who is completely unpredictable, and hot, courteous upstarts like Lil Wayne.Recently, Game lashed out on Jay-Z, balking he’d tear his own idol “limb from limb from bloody limb.”He recanted a day later, claiming it was rooted in conjecture and probably a misunderstanding.These days Jay travels along the high road and rarely dabbles in the muck, but is still encourages the younger generation to excel. Guest appearing on Lil Wayne’s “Mr. Carter,” Jay-Z appeared to be passing the baton to his New Orleans contemporary, but now says he was making a broader proclamation. “[That verse] just happened to be Wayne for that song but it’s for everybody. You know that’s what Russell [Simons] and those guys did for us. They paved the way so that we can get to our goals quicker,” he clarifies. “If it took Russell 10 years, then it took me and Puff five years. So hopefully it will take them two and a half. That was really a blanket statement for any up coming artist. For Lupe, for T.I., for everybody.”Swagger Like Us Ft. Kanye West, Jay-Z, & Lil Wayne – T.I.Some of the people he has sought to encourage have become first in a line of detractors.

“As far as Foxy or Tierra Marie, these are people that I have given

chances to. Sometimes it don’t work out. It’s understandable that they

would be upset, but you got to look at it in my point of view as well.

I did give them chances.”

In July, Teairra Marie told AllHipHop.com, “I called Jay-Z my father; he was like a second father to me. So to just be thrown out (dropped from Def Jam) – and I didn’t get a call…it was a bit heartbreaking.”Jay counters. “As far as Foxy or Teairra Marie, these are people that I have given chances to. It’s understandable that they would be upset, but you got to look at it in my point of view as well… I gave Teairra Marie the same shot I gave Rihanna. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.”Teairra Marie and Foxy Brown, once close affiliates, have questioned his loyalty to the emerging talent. Hov considers it collateral damage – casualties of a game gone awry. He’s not emotionless though and the topic gets a rise out of him.“You know that stuff is going to happen, eventually it’s going to happen. What I am very happy about is, that no matter what people say, no one has ever said that I am dishonest or that I have taken one dime from them,” he says raising his voice. “I’ve never cheated anyone out of a dime. No ones ever said that, right?”He proceeds, “As far as Foxy or Tierra Marie, these are people that I have given chances to. Sometimes it don’t work out. It’s understandable that they would be upset, but you got to look at it in my point of view as well. I did give them chances,” he counters. “I gave Tierra Marie the same shot I gave Rihanna. Look at where Rihanna is? Look how that turned out? Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. I wish I could make every single person successful, but that just is not a reality. That’s not even realistic.”

“I don’t ever over think it. I just believe in good music.”

So for now, Jay-Z continues the takeover he plotted over a decade ago, minus some friends.These days, the door is open to work with anybody, in the United States or abroad, but only if those stars are aligned. “I work more on the vibe, so if I can vibe with an artist out there in the UK that is making some noise and we happen to hook up then I’m cool with that,” he says. In true gentleman fashion, Jay has even left a cracked door to work with Noel Gallagher and Oasis.“I don’t have any preconceived notions or plans on trying certain things. I don’t ever over think it. I just believe in good music. I don’t care where you’re music is from, it can be from anywhere in the world. If the music is good and the vibe is good then who knows what the future holds.”Jockin Jay Z – Jay-ZSure, Jay-Z might play like he’s not pulling strings with destiny, but he knows what’s next. We saw the Euros in “Blue Magic” last year and in 2006 he brought awareness to poor water systems in Africa.Brooklyn’s king has always had a blueprint and people are just jockin’ Jay-Z…but now the international swagger is in effect. The Beginning.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Juelz Gets Jacked In UK? A Jay-Z/Beyonce Tour? Obama Gets Gangsta!

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

TODAY’S RUMORS!

JUELZ GETS JACKED IN LONDON?

Do you remember that house rap song “Move Jump Jack?”

That’s the song that popped into my head when I heard the following rumor. Somebody reportedly permanently borrowed Juelz’s jewels when the Dipset rapper was over in London. When I say “permanently borrowed,” I mean, I heard that that his jewels are never coming back home to America. Santana’s former manager reportedly stole (or “got”) some well known London show promoters for a cool 70K a few years ago, according to nahright.com. Rumor has it, the dudes that got got heard Mr. Santana was in town and decided it was time for some get back. Rumor says, Juelz was bumrushed at his hotel. The local cops helped Juelz get to a safe location, but these guys eventually found him at the new spot. It was at that point that they got him for all that expensive stuff that refracts off light. Poor dude. That’s why I wear Africa medallions. Anyway, rumor has it these dudes even recorded this and may put it on the net. The Hip-Hop way, eh? Blimey.WHO GOT JUELZ?

Well, after this was sent to me, I got another email

that reveals who the jackers MIGHT (MIGHT, people, MIGHT) be. I heard

that a few years ago, that Megaman and his crew booked Cam’ron and the

Dipset gang and got jipped. At some point, they seemed

very intent on getting their money back when Juelz splashed down in the

UK. For those that don’t know Megaman is a rap artist down with the So

Solid Crew. Well, if his chain is worth what Yung Berg’s was ($70k),

they broke dead even. Hey, they probably did even better than if they

got $70k cash since the dollar is doing some poorly.

ISN’T THIS CUTE: A JAY-Z / BEYONCE TOUR?

I’m telling you, this is a better deal than Kelly and Mary if the rumor comes true. I heard that Jay-Z and Beyonce are going to drop albums around the same time. As you know Jay has Blueprint III coming out. Well, I heard B and he may consider doing it together. You can’t really lose with that one. I heard they are going to come out later in the fourth quarter.

THE ONGOING SAGA OF YUNG BERG’S CHAIN

I don’t know if you saw the rumors yesterday, but I recommend to anybody out there. Why? Yung Berg has a darker twin brother that wasn’t offended by that Dark Butts comment. In fact he busts his gun on YouTube. Anybody that does that is not to be trifled with. So, click here for that.

Here is the latest. I heard that Berg’s chain is now on the road…a road trip of sorts. What I’ve heard is that Bow Wow was actually contacted and the chain may be driven to Ohio. I also heard that somebody actually wore the thing to a Madden challenge in NYC. That just sounds incredible to me. I am embarrassed for Berg.

YOUNG JEEZY NO BODYGUARDS!

So by now we have all heard what happened to Yung Berg out in Detroit. Most people would agree if Young Berg had a tight security team with him things would have been a lot different. Young Jeezy chatted with my homegirl Kendra G and DJ Touchtone (100.3 The Beat Philly) and he let it be known that he doesn’t travel with bodyguards, and what happened to Yung Berg would never happen to him! He might not have bodyguards, but he’s got security – that’s for sure!

WHO? WHAT? HUH?

Somebody hit me and SWORE to the God in the heavens that this was fact. You know, I really don’t like writing about artists I know nothing about. All I know about Bugsy is a bunch of nutty rumors. This singer Tiffany Evans was reportedly spotted in Houston, and then seen with Bugsy at a popular nightclub. My source says they chilled for maybe an hour and left quietly. Also, I am hearing that Bugsy is now beefing with the good people over there at Ozone Magazine. I heard he wanted the cover, but didn’t get it? I don’t know man…seriously, this is wack. I apologize to anybody that feels I wasted 30 seconds of their life.

ILLSEED’S QUICKIES

The Dark Knight is the second movie to rake in $500, a feat only achieved by The Titanic.

I heard The Game has suggested that Jesse Jackson had something to do with King’s death. Now, that’s a lil’ crazy, G.

Check out Barack Obama get purely Gangsta on some hecklers. Watch your back!

I am hearing that Bone Thugs-N-Harmony is going to be touring as a whole group together in October/November in Australia…“The Smoked Out Australian Tour.” I hear Snoop and Cube will be present too.

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN END

Well, as most of you know, this isn’t a true sign the world is coming to an end. While most of the Gulf Region is running for their lives and hoping Gustav doesn’t become Katrina 2, the Republicans are partying it up. Sure, McCain requested that these parties be suspended, you think they listened or cared? Nope, they got down and boogied like it was 1999.

Click here to see the video of all the debauchery.

People are also looking into this Palin babe and her 17 year old, who is definitely five months pregnant. SMH at them forcing the kid to get married. Now, I am hearing McCain’s people are a bit worried that there is something else out there on Palin. I personally think there is a sex tape out there. Her hubby has a babe that looks like Tina Fey…something is up!

Like Kanye said…”Republicans don’t care about people.” – well…he didn’t actually say that.

SIGNS PART TWO…

Since McCain just met Sarah Palin in February, but knows her so well as to have her as his running mate…I have to ask. Did she go through a job interview? This woman doesn’t know what a VP does…click here and see her ask the actual question. Scary!

SHELZ – A MILLI DJ’S, A SKITZO & A REPUBLICAN BUNDLE OF JOY!

Not Bi-Polar, Possibly Schizophrenic?

So with the drop of LAX, Game has squashed his beef; all of it. He reportedly says that he no longer wishes to p### folk off and in turn be chastised (or ignored). Those were the actions of his more juvenile personality and all his beef is water under the dismantled G-Unit bridge. His disdain for Budden has subsided and I guess stalking Hov through the media is done too. He reportedly said “I was young and wild then.” But wasn’t that like three days ago? But who am I to questions his turned over leaf? Big ups to instantaneous evolution!

Aaaaand he also attempted to explain to the good folk at MTV how he communicates to producers what he wants his tracks to sound like. Check the quote.

“Whenever I call a producer and tell them how I want the beat to be, I paint a picture,” he said. “I called Just Blaze, and I’ll be like, ‘Yo, picture Jay-Z being in an elevator in the Bronx. … It’s broke, and all of sudden he presses the garage button and it shoots through the roof. He lands on Jupiter. And he walks out in all black. I want that record!’ And Blaze will be like, ‘All right. I’m about to do that record.’

Yeah…ok. As long as Blaze understands what he’s talking about I suppose it’s all good.

DC or Bust (Emphasis On Bust)

The Million DJ March was this weekend in Washington DC. They were going to light candles and sing Kumbaya and fellowship in peace and harmony on the National Mall. One problem. It rained and there was no stand-by venue in place. Well that wasn’t the only problem. Seems plenty of DJ’s blew it off because they, like the rest of us, didn’t understand the point. And I swear a few who went must have been blogging it up on the plane on their way home because some wasted no time giving their opinion of the event. Disorganized, poorly promoted, poorly executed were just a few suggestions from the attendees. Raw66 XM station was to give up their airwaves for the attendees to put their skills on display. That didn’t happen. Some DJ’s reported there were more rappers than DJ’s. And the official website dismissed everyone on Sunday apologizing that the events were canceled and then posted shortly after saying they finally had it together. I really hope KRS-One and Green Lantern, the most well known proponents of the event, can tidy this up.

Babies Are a Blessing, Unless You’re John McCain

So as people continue to murmur about the possibility of Sarah Palin’s youngest kid actually being her grand-child, she has revealed that her 17-year-old daughter is pregnant right now. I guess there will be no Momma switcheroo this time as Sarah Barracuda has already announced that her girl will be marrying the baby-daddy. So sit back folks as we get to witness a real live shotgun wedding Alaskan style. Way to start off the bid for the White House John, who by the way, pretty much said this is none of our business.

JAY-Z AND NARDWUAR

AllHipHop needs to get a dude like this since he’s getting so much access to Jay-Z.

LMAO at the dude from 2 Live Crew trying to come off via a lawsuit. HAHAHA and SMH!

DEDICATED TO HATER SMILEY, I MEAN TAVIS.

Cut the crap, before I skewer you in an editorial, T-Bone.

DEDICATED TO JUELZ

Kyse and his Hip-Hop House Hit “Stomp (Move Jump Jack Your Body)”

DEDCATED TO YUNG BERG

Lori Perry “Up Against The Wind” aka the saddest song ever in the history of man and womankind.

I beg you…leave Yung Berg along. He’s just a kid (with a crazy twin). If you cried after hearing that song, let me know – ah*******@***il.com.

PALIN, WE LOVE YOU – WE JUST DON’T WANT YOU AS THE VP!

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 ah*******@***il.com.

– allhiphop rumors

Czar Ent. Drops ‘Belly 2’ Starring The Game; Expands Into Film

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Czar Entertainment CEO Jimmy Henchmen is looking to expand his success beyond the music industry, as the mogul has launched several high-profile film and television ventures this year.

 

In addition to managing the career of superstar rapper The Game, who recently released his album L.A. X., Czar is expanding into film with Belly 2, the straight-to-DVD sequel to the cult classic 1998 original.

 

“We originally had a different title for the film,” Henchmen explained to AllHipHop.com. “We shot it about three years ago. When we struck our deal with Lion’s Gate Films [who owns the rights to Belly], they really wanted us to rename the project Belly 2. It was going to have a limited theater release, but due to the current market climate for urban films we opted for DVD.”

 

The August 12 release marked Henchmen’s second DVD project.

 

The first was the highly successful and controversial documentary Infamous Times: The Original 50 Cent (2003), which sold close to 200,000 copies.

 

Belly 2 stars The Game, but features none of principals of the original cast: DMX, Nas, Method Man, Taral Hicks, or T-Boz.

 

Director Hype Williams is also absent from the project.

 

Anticipating skepticism from fans, Henchmen clarified how this sequel will stack up to the original.

 

“Some of the expectations people are looking for in the movie may not be there,” Henchmen admits. “We don’t have all the beautiful shots and colors that Hype did, but it gets its point across. We just did one of those hood movies that reflect what goes on in California. We also put some interesting actors in there like Michael K. Williams [The Wire].”

 

The second major project for Czar Entertainment is Luther Campbell’s reality show Parental Advisory, which currently airs on VH1 each Monday night at 10:30 PM EST.

 

Henchmen detailed how an impromptu meeting birthed the project.

 

“I ran into Luke one day and he mentioned he wanted to do a reality show,” Henchmen revealed. “I was like ‘wow, that’d be different.’ Here’s someone known as the nasty man but is also a family man, business man, and philanthropist. People only know him one way so it’d be dope to show him as a father. A lot of us walk contradictory (paths) but Luke is just one of those guys who don’t mind showing that on TV.”

 

In addition to The Game, Czar Entertainment manages the careers of Sheek Louch, Mario Winans, Jibbs, Blood Raw, Pleasure P, Dominique Young, Gucci Mane boxer Hector Camacho Jr. and others.

 

Belly 2: Millionaire Boyz Club is available now.

Knockout Nation: De La Hoya-Pac Confirmed! Calderon Retains, Clottey-Margarito, Razor Ruddock

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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De La Hoya, Pacquiao Set to Battle on December 6

 

The legal wrangling and cryptic statements to the press are now over. Last Thursday (August 28), Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquaio formally announced plans to meet on December 6 for a super fight to be contested at the welterweight limit.

 

The bout was supposedly “dead” not even two weeks ago, and is now projected to gross more than $100 million.

 

In a teleconference call with media, both fighters explained their reasons for finally accepting the contest.

 

“I am older, I’m bigger and he’s younger and the pound-for-pound champion. But when people started saying ‘Manny can beat you, Manny can knock you out’ and Freddie Roach started saying, ‘Oscar can’t pull the trigger anymore,’ it started to become a challenge to me,” Oscar stated. “And now, it is very personal, especially when Manny Pacquiao beats all the legendary Mexican fighters. To me, it’s a challenge, especially because people are talking about Manny Pacquiao can beat me. We’ll see Dec. 6.”

 

For Pacquiao, the Filipino star sees the fight as one that will secure his legacy as an all time great fighter.

 

“This is my greatest challenge. When I take that walk to the ring to fight Oscar, I will carry all the people of the Philippines, the entire country, on my shoulders,” an impassioned Pacquaio revealed. “I promise I will fight with all of my heart and that I will give everything I have. Like my trainer Freddie Roach says, I have what it takes to win the biggest fight of my life.”

 

Pacquiao is coming off an impressive stoppage of David Diaz in June at 135 pounds, while De La Hoya won lopsided albeit lackluster decision over Steve Forbes at welterweight in May.

 

Pacquiao will jump two weight classes to the welterweight limit of 147 pounds and also concede four inches in height. Ever the strategist, the Golden Boy made sure to secure the bout with 8 ounce gloves which normally benefit punchers and larger fighters.

 

As expected hardcore fight fans have expressed their dissatisfaction with this fight taking place over more deserving challengers in each fighter’s weight class (Nate Campbell, Antonio Margarito etc). But we all know like every other mega fight we’ll be glued to the TV come December 6, especially after the inevitable blitzkrieg of promotion through such vehicles as HBO’s 24/7 series.

 

The one good thing I can see coming out of this is that if Manny can pull off the upset, it’s a sure bet that Floyd Mayweather would come out of the retirement to face him. Freddie Roach is on record as pushing that bout as well should Pacquiao take out the Golden Boy. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

 

 

Calderon Retains Light Flyweight Title

 

Pound-for-pound elite Ivan Calderon again turned back his toughest challenger Hugo Cazares in controversial fashion, securing a technical decision due to an accidental clash of heads in the seventh round.

 

Calderon bagged the early rounds with his usual superb defense and counter-punching. In many instances Cazares was visibly frustrated and resorted to rushing Calderon in hopes of landing a home run shot.

 

Cazares started to gain some traction in round six, landing some thudding shots to the head and body.

 

Unfortunately, an accidental head butt opened a nasty, blood spurting cut on Calderon’s forehead.

 

In accordance to the rules the bout went to scorecards, which all favored Calderon 67-66 and 68-68 twice.

 

Due to the controversial nature of this bout, it would not be surprising to see these two lock horns again.

 

With the win Calderon retains the WBO 108 pound title and ups his record to 32-0, 6 KOs. Hugo Cazares falls to 26-5-1, 19 KOs.

 

 

Margarito-Clottey II Targeted as November PPV

 

With De La Hoya officially off the market, disgruntled welterweight champ Antonio Margarito now has to focus back on defending his crown against the talented top 10 of his division.

 

However, Margarito couldn’t resist some parting shots at the man he’s been calling out since defeating Miguel Cotto last month.

 

“How is it possible that Oscar is going to fight with a fighter who used to be a flyweight?” Margarito fumed to boxingscene.com. “This is all about money. There is no title at stake. He fights him, but he doesn’t dare fight me. I don’t want to see the fight. Honestly it doesn’t interest me. Oscar deserves no respect.”

 

Ironically, Margarito only called out De La Hoya for money, the same reason he is deriding Oscar for. But all is forgiven since the champ will likely be facing tough Ghanaian Johsua Clottey this November.

 

In their 2006 bout, Clottey dominated Margarito in the early rounds with exceptional lateral movement and stinging counterpunching.

 

But a hand injury at the end of the fourth round handicapped Clottey against a surging Margarito who overtook the second half of the bout and secured the decision. Since then, Clottey has been adamant that he would’ve cruised to victory without the injury.

 

Margarito has improved significantly since that fight, particularly the fact he’s shortened his previously wide, looping punches. The bout with Cotto is a clear example of this, as Antonio secured the first knockdown with tight left and right uppercuts on the inside.

 

This fight will be competitive, but Clottey is too defensive minded and routinely lulls into periods of inactivity. Expect Margarito to take a clear decision which hopefully leads to showdown with Paul Williams early next year.

 

 

Heavyweight Results

 

This past Saturday (August 30) saw two heavyweights make comebacks in hopes of making noise in their woeful division.

 

Former WBO champ Lamon Brewster scored a 5th round KO over journeyman Danny Batchelder, picking up the fringe NABA heavyweight title. The bout marks Brewster’s first since being stopped by Wladimir Klitschko last July.

 

Towering 7-foot tall Nikolai Valuev again prevailed over former titlist John Ruiz, taking a lackluster decision to pick up the vacant WBA heavyweight title. The Russian giant used his awkward jab to keep Ruiz’s mauling tactics at bay, winning with scores of 114-113, 116-113, and 116-111.

 

 

HBO Hosts War on September 6

 

Mark your calendars for this weekend, the lightweights are going to war.

 

Juan Diaz and Michael Katsidis are set to do battle in a must-win bout for both men. Diaz is coming off a decisive decision loss to Nate Campbell in March, while Katsidis is trying to rebound from a heartbreaking KO loss to Joel Casamayor.

 

Both men come forward and through tons of shots. Expect fireworks from the opening bell in a bout which likely won’t last the distance.

 

Since Diaz is the more skillful and less reckless fighter, he should have the edge but who knows the condition of both men after the beatings they took in their last bouts?

 

Above all, make sure you see this fight on Saturday night.

 

 

Barrera Signs with Don King

 

Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera has signed a five year deal with Don King just two months after severing ties with Golden Boy Promotions.

 

Barrera has already made his intentions known that he’ll be moving to the lightweight division. There he may serve as an opponent for stablemate Nate Campbell pending Campbell’s successful defense later this month against Joan Guzman.

 

At 34, Barrera has been engaged in classic wars for over a decade. It’s difficult to fathom he’ll actually fight out the full five years on this contract.

 

Throwback Fighter of the Week: Donovan “Razor” Ruddock

 

Today’s heavyweight division could sure use an exciting power puncher like Razor Ruddock.

 

Nicknaming his lethal left hook “The Smash,” Ruddock most notably used this punch to devastating effect against contender Michael Dokes in one of the most memorable KOs of the 90s.

 

Ruddock is most famous for his two entertaining grudge matches with then comebacking Mike Tyson. In the first bout Ruddock stunned Tyson with a hard uppercut in the sixth before being stopped in the next round. Ruddock faired worse in the rematch, getting dropped twice in route to losing a decision.

 

Despite the respect he gained from those fights, he continued to come up short against top tier opposition. In 1992, he was blasted out in two rounds against Lennox Lewis in a minor upset. In 1995, he was dominating Tommy Morrison before getting caught with a left hook and stopped.

 

He continued fighting through 2001, winning all his bouts but never again facing the elite. Razor Ruddock’s final record stands at 37-5-1, 28 KOs.

 

The Smash

 

Ruddock Vs. Dokes

 

Ruddock Vs. Dokes – AllHipHop

 

Ruddock Vs. “Bone Crusher” Smith

 

 

Ruddock Vs. Mike Tyson

 

Yo Kangol!: INDUSTRY ADVISOR

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Uncategorized
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Wow!!!  There is honestly no other way to start this without thanking AllHipHop.com for this opportunity. I especially wanna thank my dude Chuck “Jigsaw” Creekmur for seeing my vision and being more than just talk (unlike the d**kheads that saturate the industry today).  So before I tell you about this new column and how you will benefit from it, I’m gonna take a minute to introduce myself and share with you what qualifies me for a column of this magnitude. I am professionally known as “Kangol Kid” and I am a member of one of the first nationally recognized rap groups.  The group was UTFO (Untouchable Force Organization) and was made popular by the mid 80’s classic “Roxanne, Roxanne”.  In that I song, I said, “Baby don’t you know/I could sing, rap and dance in just one show.” No other lyric has ever been truer in describing my abilities as a performer.  At the age of eight as an avid AM radio listener, I decided to become an entertainer, began singing and wrote my first Pop song “Rain Go Away.”  By the age of 16, I had become the most popular rapper/breakdancer in my hood of East Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York as well as won a dance contest at Radio Music Hall which led me to become the first dancer ever for a rap group. The group was Whodini (“Friends,,” “Freaks Come Out At Night”) which allowed me to travel the world with them as we introduced foreigners to Hip-Hop.Whodini “Freaks Come Out At Night” Video

At the age of 17, I signed my first recording contract (as a minor and without a lawyer present) which led my group and me to our legendary status with accomplishments such as:•        First Rap Group to appear/perform at the world famous Apollo Theater.•        First rap group to record an R&B Love Ballad (“Fairytale Lover”)•        First rap group to integrate Rap with Reggae (“Pick Up The Pace”)•        First Breakdancers to appear on a national talk show (Phil Donahue (see video below)

•        First Dancers for a rap group (Whodini)•        First rap group Rap & Breakdance Group•        First Haitian-American rap artist (Kangol Kid)•        First Hip-Hop Beef (UTFO vs. Roxanne Shante (see video below)) 

•        One of Hip-Hop’s First Sex Symbols (Kangol according to The Source Magazine)•        ….and the only group ever to have over 25 remakes to a record in one year (The Roxanne Phenomenon) which is worthy of appearing in the Guinness Book of World Records.  Though being a rap star was fun, that s**t was absolutely hard work and nothing like I dreamt it would be. I wish someone would have schooled me before I became this dude.  For example:  I thought making a girl faint would be the coolest thing in the world, until one day while in an arena before our show, I wander away from backstage into an area that I had no business being in and found myself among the fans that came to see us.  This one chick saw me and began screaming with excitement while crying happy-tears and within seconds she fainted then hit the ground HARD and passed the f**k Out.  As I reached down to help her, security guards ran toward us while yelling at me.  I explained that I was just trying to help her up and they angrily replied, “If she wakes up and sees you…she’s gonna pass out again.”  I was like, Duh?  They’re f**kin’ right.  I was then forced to leave the area like I had committed some crime.  Honestly, I was guilty of not understanding how the world viewed celebrity status and with no one to teach me any better, I continued to make more mistakes that can not be taught in any school or by any teacher.  This brings me to why I’ve decided to take on this project. I’ve been in this entertainment business for 25 years.  I am a father to my three sons.  My daddy skills is a combination of Mr. Huxtable meets Damon Wayans in “My Wife and Kids” meets Joe Jackson. As an official “Hip-Hop Pop”, I know what it takes to penetrate the entertainment industry and how to achieve that well-needed initial recognition.  That first impression is truly everything. Unfortunately, record companies find it no longer necessary to provide a true Artist Development division to prepare our up & coming artists for the challenges they face ahead.  If you’re like most starving artists, you can’t afford a lawyer nor do you know where to find publishers, promoters and/or proper management, and you don’t know where else turn and get the answers you need to succeed.  Well today we’re changing that. Introducing … “Yo Kangol”- The industry’s informative-advice column for aspiring artists that has found their talent but cannot find the answer of what to do with their God given talents.  This column is NOT for the stars and will not feature the stars.  This column is for the “Star Maker.”  The individuals whose titles mean nothing to the fans, but means everything towards one generating their own fans.  The A&R Department, Program Director, Choreographer, Manager, Designers, Stylists, Make-Up Artists, Sound Engineer, Video Director, Music Publisher, Photographer, Event Planners, Promoters… and more are never recognized for their contributions.  Fortunately, they will be the focus in this column as they help mold you into individuals that better understand and respect this culture. So how do we get started?  It’s simple.  Ask me anything.  You’ll notice that I am well versed in Language Arts as well as an Ebonic Scholar (LOL).  I swear like a sailor while verbally disarming you like an attorney. Just think of me as your Hip-Hop Dr. Phil and ask me questions like: Yo Kangol, My producer said we will go 50/50 on the songs I wrote but he sampled all his music.  Is that fair? – G. Thomas, Bklyn NY.   And I will reply, “Yo G, tell dat [redacted] to keep his hands out ur pockets.  If he didn’t write lyrics, he don’t get lyric money.  If he sampled tracks, he don’t own s**t.  The publishing belongs to the owners of the tracks he sampled.  After you’re sued, the money he steals from you will be stolen from him and awarded to it rightful owners.”  Or, think of me as your Hip-Hop Encyclopedia and ask me questions like:  Yo Kangol, Who was the first rapper and/or rap group to be signed to a major record company? – Bree Peeler, ATL, GA.  And I will reply, “Yo Bree, The first rapper was Kurtis Blow, signed to Mercury/Polygram Records and the first rap group was The Fearless Four which was signed to Warner Bros.” Send your questions to: yo******@***il.com and don’t forget to include your name and the city & state you’re from.  I look forward to giving you what I wish I had…GUIDANCE. Respectfully yours,Kangol

AHH Strays News: Mos Def, Pharcyde Celebrate Labor Day

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Rappers Mos Def, The Pharcyde and Atmosphere will join The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) today (September 1) during the Take Back Labor Day Festival in St. Paul, Minnesota. This is the inaugural year for SEIU’s festival, which celebrates the many contributions of organized labor in the United States. The concert will take place from 3-7 PM and will also feature performances by Steve Earle, Billy Bragg, Tom Morello and friends, Allison Moorer and others. The Take Back Labor Day Festival takes place at Harriet Island Regional Park. Tickets are $15 to attend the concert.

Hip-Hop Rumors: Rick Ross Is Pipin’ MAD!! Bow Wow & Berg’s Chain!? Suge’s Ex Tried To Check Him?

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

SUGE DID WHAT? WHY?As you know, Suge Knight was arrested by the cops for beating up his most recent girlfriend, who he has been with for about three years. Well, apparently the truth has come out why he allegedly assaulted her. They were reportedly headed to a strip club. Well, some bird calls Suge and she noticed that it was a female. Well, homegirl wasn’t having it (for a second) and tried to Check Mr. Death Row Records. She allegedly got mopped up and woke up butt naked. She doesn’t even remember what happened, which I am sure is a good loophole for any good lawyer. THE GAME HEADED TO JAIL?I thought The Game’s cousin Kirky was a gang banger? Game and this particular cousin got into a fight at a funeral. The Game supposedly promised to cover half of the cost of the service, but didn’t. Fighting at a funeral is cause for shaking one’s head, but now Kirky has stepped it up a notch. The cousin has reportedly pressed charges and sued Jayceon for kicking his butt. I am hearing Game has been charged with criminal battery. Game’s already serving probation from a previous case. I don’t think this happens to be good for L.A.X.RICK ROSS IS P##### AT HIP HOP WEEKLYCheck what I got in my inbox:Hip-Hop Weekly once again gets it wrong; this time after relying on information provided by interviewer Sam Ferguson. After claiming he was conducting an interview for Don Diva Magazine, The Boss granted Ferguson an interview in which The Boss took him to his hood in Carol City where The Boss reflected on his early days of hustling and his current success. The story was later ran and titled by Hip-Hop Weekly as “The Man Behind the Admission” and contained questions with answers that where never asked while Rick Ross was present.”There is nothing to admit. I’m a made man with nothing to prove. I’mma 10millionaire” Ross later added, “n##### must really be broke to be going to these measures. I’m happy to help n##### sell they magazines but don’t feel you can disrespect the set. Sam Ferguson is a liar, he’s an informant, he’s a rat, he’s a B####. I hope he’s offended; get at me in the streets n#### you know how we play. This sh*t about to get Deeper Than Rap.” If Hip-Hop Weekly disputes this they should release the audio and play the world the so called “Admission”. Which they won’t do; it doesn’t exist.DOES BOW WOW HAVE THE YUNG BERG CHAIN?I know this is old. I know this is old, but I have to say and ask the question: does Bow Wow have Yung Berg’s chain? I don’t know but in a recent interview, Trick Trick said that Berg needs to give Bow Wow a call. I know that they have some level of beef, but I didn’t know that it could possibly come to this! Hopefully Bow Wow didn’t stoop to such levels for cred. If he does, I am going to have to start calling him Wow Bow again.Jeez – Royce Da 5’ 9” is a BEAST! Where is Eminem? They need to work it out! Em, please sign this man. There are a few shots at Yung Berg in this rugged song with Trick Trick.

YUNG BERG’S DARKER TWIN BROTHER GOES OFF!!!!! I’m scared. These dudes are some bad MFers. They bussin’ guns on the internet.

They shoulda never gave you N-words internet! This is like the hood star wars! I’m definitely fearful for the life of all that oppose Yung Berg.ILLSEED’S QUICKIESMel B if the Spice Girls has suggested that’s she’s going to pose nude for Playboy. That would be an instant collectors edition.Did Lauryn Hill name her most recent baby yet?Monica’s next CD, Still Standing, has been pushed way back to the year 2009. Anybody that needs to be told, don’t mess with Hurricane Gustav.I heard Budden might sign with The Game…AHH been pushing for that. Sheeeesh.How cool is it that 50 Cent deaded his beef with Jadakiss. That’s what happening, Jack! Check it:

SIGNS THE WORLD IS COMING TO AN ENDUPDATE: Republican and conservative VP candidate Sarah Palin has admitted that she is not the mother of that “5th child.” That baby is actually her daughter’s newborn, who is now 17. I believe she was 16 when the child was conceived. SMH. Whats good with this on McCain’s VP? Look what somebody sent me.

On March 5th, 2008 Alaska”s Republican Governor, Sarah Palin, announced

to the media that she was 7 months pregnant with her 5th child. She is

currently 44.

Palin”s daughter Bristol is 16 and attends an Anchorage high school.

Students who have attended class with her report that she has been out

of school for months, claiming a prolonged case of mono.

Palin does not appear pregnant in any recent photographs. The

announcement came as quite a shock to people who had worked closely

with her, and have been quoted as saying that she did not appear

pregnant whatsoever during the prior 7 months.

And there”s more ” check out the photo above taken with Palin”s

daughter having a bulge in her stomach.

I want a fact-finding mission!DIDDY DISSES MCCAIN…This is cool, but I like my “diss” better. Read up on THAT right here.

LADY DRAMA ROUNDS OUT THE WEEKENDWeekend Round up for all those loose off the goose…. hell ya’ll are probably still loose off the goose it’s a holiday weekend! Enjoy: Teairra Mari lets it all hang out like a stripper on the pole…….When asked about her former label, Jay Z and former label mate Rihanna Teairra set the record straight! It’s too good for me to write or make up so check it out yourself: On Jay Z:“I was calling Jay my father. I love you like my father because my father is not in my life. Jay didn’t even call and tell me [I was dropped]. I was hurt.” On Rihanna and her comments about Teairra playing second fiddle to her:‘Why would she ever go there? Keep my name out your mouth, sweetie.”Not for nothing but if they were to brawl I’ve got ten on Rih-Rih dem island girls don’t play and they’re mean with machete’s stop playin;-) Guess Teairra’s mouthpiece wasn’t equipped enough for the business (if you know what I’m sayin) The Dream puts a new spin on Jeezy’s ‘Put On’

Any thoughts? While we are on the subject check out Lil Kim on the Put On Remix….HERE! Out with the old in with the New: Dr.Julianne Malveaux & Dr.Cornel West bad mouth Obama’s Speech! Barack is only one man damn! Not to mention he has to appeal to ALL people not just blacks….Why can’t we keep family business private my gosh! [Illseed note: Tavis knows that he just wanted to create a forum to hate on Barack since he didn’t agree to do his Black of the State Union. SMH at intellectual hate!] Queen Pen Tells Rocsi to kick rocks… In so many words! Let me find out….. Can’t we all just get along? Hell no then what would happen to my job! I’m more concerned with getting Queen Pen as a friend, I need someone like her in my entourage! Exclusive Video: Angela and Bow Wow Out!I know you all remember a while back when we stated Bow Wow and Angela were back at it again! If you dont run it back. Well a video of Vanessa Simmons’ party was posted on Pastry.com and it shows Bow Wow there kickin it! Check out the video evidence HERE! Mmmm…. hmmmm…… Introducing…… Halle’s Daughter Nahla! Halle has finally brought Nahla out to play and it was worth the wait she’s adorable! Halle and the fam were spotted kicking back at the zoo! How cute I hope now that she’s out we’ll be seeing a lot more of her! Oh Halle you look good too girl 😉

 Lady Drama’s Food For Thought: The Game is saying Jesse Jackson may have been involved in the assassination of MLK….. No I’m not joking I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried! Stick to Madden homey Some photo’s have surfaced of Venus Williams with large amounts of cellulite! If Venus has no _____ and lots of cellulite then Serena’s ______ must look like _______! Have fun with that one 😉 Am I the only one who hopes illseed is back on this week! As much as I love the milder version of my boss man I much rather prefer the unrated version! Don’t take my words out of context… I aint calling out no names BOSS UP! LOL Go hard or go home, wait…..it was an extended weekend… I’ll just be happy that you all make it to a bed safe and SOBER!SHELZ – THE LAST WORD!I apologize for having nothing but this and its not hip hop related.  Gustav is coming and the N.O. has again been strongly warned to get the hell out.  I

live in the A so I have a number of relatively new friends who I’ve met

because of the tragedy known as Katrina. As a features writer I have

spoken with plenty of artists from the area who create a horrific

picture of moldy FEMA trailers, dead trees sitting stoic across front

yards, abandoned homes and previous neighbors who seem to have fallen

off the face of the earth. The last I spoke with The Chopper City Boyz,

the interview took a hard left to Katrina and we never got back to the

questions I had in my hand.  It is predicted that Gustav could pose a larger threat to the Gulf Coast than Katrina due to its weakened state.  And with that said, I pray for those I know in the area and those I don’t.  For

my peeps who recently moved back to New Orleans just to once again

evacuate, know as long as I have a roof over my head you will not

wander.  My thoughts, prayers and actions are with you and everyone else in Gustav’s path.YESTERDAY, 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 ah*******@***il.com.

– allhiphop rumors

Sunday Selection: Monica ft. Ludacris “Still Standing”

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: Alternatives
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It’s ironic that I am talking about a new single from Monica only two weeks after talking about a new one from Brandy. These ladies have had parallel singing careers, and it’s ironic that they have both decided to make a comeback around the same time.We’ve watched Monica grow from her start back in 1995 and blossom into a woman and now a mother of two. While Monica has had her own set of trials and tribulations along with a host of growing pains, her new single “Still Standing” is a true testament to how she’s weathered the storm.When I heard this song for the first time I liked it, and I think that’s because it helps define who Monica is now. It’s always good for an artist to connect with her fan base and I think with this song she does just that.There’s one thing about Monica that I always appreciate; she always sings with soul. No matter what she’s singing about her sound always stays consistent and because of that I am looking forward to a new album from her. From what I’ve read about Monica’s new album its set for a 2008 release and the song “Still Standing” isn’t necessarily what her and her record company agreed to as a first single. It’s something they’ve decided to put out to see what kind of response they will get. Take a listen and tell me what you think it about “Still Standing” and how do you think it compares to Brandy’s new single “Right Here (Departed)”? Not to get into a Brandy/Monica debate, but I just wonder how well the ladies will do in 2008. After all, they better time their albums correctly, because Mrs. Carter is in the studio and set for a fourth quarter release. And you know when she bounces back, she stomps on the competition. Until next week, y’all enjoy this week’s Sunday Selection – “Still Standing”

Boxer Lamon Brewster Taps Yung Joc, Keri Hilson For Return Bout

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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Grammy-nominated Hip-Hop artist Yung Joc and R&B upstart Keri Hilson will perform tonight as former heavyweight champion Lamon Brewster makes his in-ring return tonight (August 30) against Danny Batchelder for the vacant heavyweight NABA title.

 

The 20-minute performance is scheduled to precede Brewster’s entrance for the main event at Cincinnati Gardens in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is being co-promoted by Brewster’s own Relentless Events.

 

The card will also feature Aaron Pryor Jr., son of Hall of Famer and legend Aaron Pryor.

 

Lamon Brewster (33-4, 29 KOs) is seeking to rebound from a stoppage loss to current world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko in July 2007.

 

No stranger to boxing events, Yung Joc accompanied former welterweight and junior middleweight champ Cory Spinks to the ring for his title-winning effort against Roman Karmazin in 2006.

 

He is currently riding momentum from his guest spot on Hotstylz “Lookin Boy” and putting the finishes touches on his third LP Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood, due out in early 2009.

 

Keri Hilson is prepping the October 7 release of her debut In a Perfect World, powered by the lead single “Energy.”

 

Both artists will perform again at Club Ritz for the official after-party.

 

The venue is located on 1752 Seymour Ave. in Cincinnati.

 

The untelevised bout can be viewed online for $1.99 at www.gofightlive.com, beginning at 8pm eastern time.

 

Tickets for the event ranging from $12-$102 are still available at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Rap Stars, Execs Attending Core DJ Retreat In SC

By: Grouchy Greg Watkins (@GrouchyGreg) Updated Category: News
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The 9th annual Core DJ Retreat looks to again bring the best in urban music to South Carolina, as fans, executives, and artists will converge on Myrtle Beach strategize on navigating through the music business.

 

The Core DJ Retreat kicks off September 5 and runs though September 8 at the Myrtle Beach Hilton Hotel.

 

The turntablist-centered retreat offers free registration for DJs, artist meet and greats, listening sessions, and discussion panels.

 

The retreat is the brainchild of Tony Neal, also the founder of the coalition known at the Core DJ’s.

 

He promises that this year’s showcase will be “entertaining for anyone who loves urban music but educational for those wishing to step their game up in this ever-changing whirlwind we call the record business.”

 

The event’s interactive seminar offers attendees the opportunity to learn from some of the most accomplished executives from today’s giants in urban music: Def Jam, Atlantic, Jive, Sony BMG, J Records, Bad Boy, Cash Money, Asylum, and Grand Hustle.

 

Artists confirmed to attend are Akon, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Maino, 3-6 Mafia,Trina, Diamond, Farnsworth Bentley, Flo Rida, Pitbull, Rocko, Jim Jones, Dem Franchise Boyz and many more.

 

Over 500 DJs are expected this year’s retreat.

 

To register, visit http://shadowboy.com/coredjs/contact.php.