Def Jam is preparing
a new version of Young Jeezy’s solo album Let’s Get It: Thug Motivation
101, after portions of the rapper’s album was bootlegged. Jeezy went
back into the studio and recorded four new songs, after an unmixed and unmastered
version of Let’s Get it was stolen from an Atlanta studio. One
of the four new songs features a verse from Def Jam President, Jay-Z. A deluxe
edition of Let’s Get It will be available as well that comes with
a DVD featuring live performances and interviews. Let’s Get It: Thug
Motivation 101 hits stores July 26.
A new comedy is
being developed for Ice Cube, titled “Teacher of the Year.” Cube’s
company, Cubevision, has signed on as producer for the new comedy flick. According
to Variety, New Line wants to make Cube the star in the movie, which centers
around two junior high teachers who are in competition for Teacher of the Year
honors.
The Delfonics,
one of the groups that Hip-Hop music has often borrowed from to create new hits,
is taking Arista Records, Sony BMG and Clive Davis to court in a lawsuit that
claims they have been defrauded of royalties for over 30 years. Wilbert Hart
and Herbert Randall Cain III filed a RICO lawsuit claiming Davis, Arista and
BMG failed to pay royalties due under a 1976 contract with Arista, which Davis
formed in 1974. The group’s music has been reinterpreted by such Hip-Hop
artists as Nas & Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot, Ghostface and many others. The
group is seeking an undisclosed amount of punitive damages.
Sean “P.
Diddy” Combs hired famed fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh to shoot
Penelope Cruz for the upcoming advertising campaign to launch the Sean John
Women’s Collection. The campaign will feature the Cruz and Diddy as they
travel through Manhattan, attempting to ditch paparazzi on the way. In related
news, it is reported that Diddy will not be performing at the United States
Live 8 concert in Philadelphia, but the mogul will be present during the historic
concert. Five new acts, including the Black Eyed Peas, will perform as well.