A host of top-selling rappers have been nominated for AskMen.com’s annual Top 49 Men list. Over 15,000 nominations were submitted for the list of men that best represent the male gender. Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Timbaland and others made the semi-finals, which have been narrowed down to just over 100 candidates. The rappers were nominated alongside such men as Steven Spielberg, Tom Clancy, LeBron James, Colin Powell, Howard Stern, Rick Rubin and others. The Top 49 Men list will be announced in Oct.
Bryan Barber, director of the new movie Idlewild which features rap group Outkast, has launched a record label. Barb Wire Entertainment’s first artist is Decatur, GA rapper Rye. The label also has a collective of artists signed to Barb Wire known as The Wire. Release dates for Rye and The Wire have yet-to-be announced.
Sean “Diddy” Combs was robbed of a necklace worth a reported $11 million while vacationing in Ibiza. Combs was staying at a luxury resort when the pricey necklace was stolen. “He was livid when he found out the necklace had been stolen. He loves being extravagant and his collection of flash jewelry is his prized possession,” a source told the UK’s Sun. “It’s a trademark for rappers, it’s a status symbol. He will feel lost without it.”
Ski Beatz, a producer that has worked with Jay-Z, has launched a new website, skibeatz.com. The site serves as a personal site, but also offers other beat maestros the chance to engage with the producer. “The site is a one stop spot for music producers where they can get drum kits, watch production videos, get tips and tricks on production,” Ski told AllHipHop.com. “People can also post up their hottest beats ask questions about the production game and basically network with other producers and artist that’s in the game.” In addition to his past work with Jay-Z, the North Carolina-based producer works with Now City, J. Bully and others.