An Arizona Superior Court judge ruled last Friday (May 8) that cameras will not be allowed during the weapons trial of Grammy winner Lil Wayne.   Judge Mark Wayne Reeves decreed that the press will be able to attend and report the trial proceedings.   However, Reeves added that the rap superstar’s legal right to […]

Critically acclaimed turntablist DJ Qbert has launched the first ever video-based online DJ school.   Now known as QSU (Qbert Scratch University), the San Francisco native brings over 20-years of experience to the online curriculum.   The courses range from basic cutting techniques, to advance classes detailing “battle” strategies to be used in competition with […]

Rap star Talib Kweli cemented his relationship with DJ Eque yesterday (May 9) when the pair were married in Bel Air, California at a private residence. Kweli and DJ Eque tied the not during an intimate ceremony which included family and friends, including Queen Latifah, ?uestlove, Adam Rodriguez of CSI, DJ Rashida and others. The […]

Despite being cleared of assaulting a fan at a 2005 concert, the man who sued rapper Snoop Dogg will still receive compensation for injuries suffered from the incident.   Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle Records, rapper Soopafly and other unnamed parties will pay Richard Monroe Jr. nearly $449,000 in damages, a jury found on Friday (May 8) […]

The son of legendary rapper Joseph “Run” Simmons of Run-DMC was arrested for possession of marijuana on Friday night, according to published reports. Joseph “JoJo” Simmons Jr. allegedly bought weed and was seen rolling the illegal substance in the Upper West Side of Manhattan, according to gossip news site tmz.com. Sources within the police department […]

While claiming to be “past” his on-going feud with 50 Cent, Def Jam recording artist Rick Ross continues to be vocal in the press about his disdain for his rival and those affiliated to him.   In a recent interview with Canadian television network Much Music, Ross takes more jabs at the G-Unit/Shady camp.   […]

Grammy winner and multi-platinum artist T.I. will utilize his non-profit K.I.N.G. foundation next week to hold an anti-gun and violence rally in Harlem, NY.   Assisting the Atlanta native’s endeavor are Reverend Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the LIFE Camp, and the Political Swagger Foundation. Announced as “Responsibility is a Lifestyle: it’s Time to Bury […]

Snoop Dogg made an appearance at Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary school yesterday (May 7), where he offered the young students positive encouragement and words of advice. The rapper appeared at the school with Rev. Toris Young and the Louisiana Ministerial Alliance of Churches For All People. Young is currently coordinating a program in New […]

Bizzy Bone and B-Real of the veteran groups Bone Thugs N Harmony and Cypress Hill have joined forces for a special 17-city tour.   Christened the “Unite the Mic Tour,” the dates will cover select markets across the West and Midwest.    While both artists are well known due to their popular groups, Bizzy Bone […]

T.I. has decided to kick rapper AlfaMega out of his rap crew after the news that Mega once served as an informant for the DEA in Atlanta.   The rapper made the announcement on the radio HOT 107.9 in Atlanta late Thursday night. “I am stunned and totally surprised by the news about Alpha ‘Ced’ […]

The impact of Hip-Hop culture on buying public and how they live is the subject of a new book by former Nike/Jordan brand executive and SMU Cox Marketing adjunct lecturer Erin Patton.   The book, titled Under the Influence: Tracing the Hip-Hop Generation’s Impact on Brands, Sports & Pop Culture, is regarded as a references […]

Harlem rappers Jim Jones and Webstar have announced a joint album through E1 (formerly Koch) that will hit stores this summer.   The pair are already experiencing success with their debut single “Dancing On Me,” which features fellow Diplomat member Juelz Santana.   The track is currently the most played song on New York’s Hot […]

California emcee Jay Rock was recently exonerated as the lead suspect of a drive by shooting in his Watts neighborhood. Jay Rock, real name Johnnie McKenzie, was arrested on Wednesday April 29 as the primary suspect in the shooting. Footage of the arrest was disseminated throughout the internet last week. In the 3 minute clip, […]

Shawnna has been revered for her aggressive style, but she’s accepted a new battle: steering clear of the swine flu (also known as H1N1 virus).   The rapper hasn’t contracted the virus, but she said it’s forced her to make several changes, both personally and professionally.   A recent tour date was cancelled because of […]

Maino has offered a glipse into his mind state when he experienced an emotional overload on stage at a recent performance in New York. The rapper began weeping visibly while performing his hit record “All Of The Above” at the White House Night Club in Hampton Bays, Long Island on a Saturday in April. The […]

Atlanta rapper Soulja Boy Tellem has landed his third #1 nationwide single, as his track “Turn My Swag On” will top Billboard’s Urban Airplay chart next week. Just last month, Soulja Boy’s single “Kiss Me Thru The Phone” also hit #1 on Urban and Crossover radio. Both singles have sold a combined 2.5 million digital […]

Trick Daddy has chastised Rick Ross as his “child,” stating that he’s going to “gonna start beating my kid’s ass.” The veteran rapper interviewed with on Angela Yee on Shade 45 satellite-radio and expressed discontent for the way Ross represented his health in the song “Valley of Death” from Ross’ Deeper than Rap CD. On […]

Rapper Andre 3000 continued to make amends for his speeding violation yesterday (May 5), by making a high profile appearance with the Governor of Georgia, who signed a new “Super Speeder” law in the state.   Andre “3000” Benjamin appeared with Governor Sonny Perdue yesterday at the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite campus.   […]

Bryan “Baby” Williams has explained why his “son” Lil Wayne opted not to respond to the numerous taunts by rapper 50 Cent. “We got money man,” Baby said, in an online interview, which had no specific date. “We on islands and jets f***ing hoes. We ain’t trippin’ off petty s**t. We got money. Ain’t ever […]

Bay Area rap stars Too $hort, E-40 and MC Hammer have been tapped to serve as consultants on the upcoming docu-drama film, Weight.   Weight is based on the life story of one of Oakland’s youngest drug kingpins, Darryl “Lil’ D” Reed, who took control of the local drug trade after the incarceration of Felix “The […]