In an attempt to thwart a violent retaliation, Cincinnati police have increased their patrols and undercover officers’ work, after a shooting that killed one person and hurt three members of Atlanta rapper T.I.’s entourage. The extra security measures were taken after detectives received several credible tips that retaliation was planned. Lt. Col. James Whalen reported that many sources, including Atlanta-area law enforcement officials, Cincinnati-area residents and covert operatives, indicated that people from the Atlanta area might be in the area looking for revenge. Police have increased uniformed and undercover officers in key areas. Killed in the shooting was Philant Johnson, 26, from Union City, GA. Johnson died Tuesday (May 2) after an altercation at a T.I./Young Joc concert after-party in Cincinnati. Two other men were treated for their wounds and released. As of press time, police had not taken anyone into custody.
DJ Whoo Kid is giving away more than 50,000 copies of his new mixtape to the high schools and streets of New York. DJ Whoo Kid presents POW!!! Volume #1 features exclusive new music and remixes from Lloyd Banks, Mobb Deep, T.I. and Pimp C. Fans can call into Whoo Kid’s Monday night radio show for their copy of the CD, or look out for the G-Unit street team van as it travels the city with copies. The van will also be making the rounds at each of the Tri-State area high schools. The newest face of New York’s Hot 97, DJ Whoo Kid’s Monday night show replaces the 12AM til 2AM slot held by DJ Clue.
Hip-Hop icons Public Enemy will perform Sunday (May 7) at B.B. Kings in New York, with West Coast rapper/actor Ice-T for a taping of his new reality show Ice-T’s Rap School. In the new VH1 series, Ice-T teaches young students from New York City’s exclusive York Prep the fundamentals of Hip-Hop and emceeing. After auditions and recording sessions, students must open up for Public Enemy at the club as their final exam.
Damien Patrick Holland, son of famed R&B legend Chaka Khan, was acquitted of murder charges on Friday (May 5) in the shooting death of a teenager during a party two years ago. Holland was found not guilty of murder, voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter. Holland was accused of killing Christopher Bailey, an aspiring rapper, after confronting him about an affair Bailey allegedly had with his girlfriend. Bailey was killed as the two struggled for a gun during the fight. Court transcripts reveal that Holland testified that he never intended to kill Bailey when he poked at him with an M-16 assault rifle. Khan, who also testified, said Bailey could have survived the shooting had police permitted emergency medical workers to enter her home sooner.