R. Kelly was hit with a lawsuit last week in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming that he fired superstar singer Ne-Yo without just cause, owing him a six-figure payment.   According to Ne-Yo, born Shaffer Smith, R. Kelly fired him because he upstaged Kelly during the “Double Up Tour,” which Kelly kicked off in November […]

Virginia-based rapper Skillz continued his year end tradition with a twist for 2007, releasing a video for his annual “Rap-Up.”   The clip, directed by Chris Robinson, features appearances by comedians including D.Ray Davis and Affion Crocket, as well as impersonations of various artists who made the news in 2007, including rapper-turned-singer T-Pain and Bobby […]

In a year full of huge announcements comprising deaths, press conferences, arrests, and big album releases, these are the biggest news headlines in terms of reader volume.  Not necessarily the biggest stories, but the most read headlines of 2007. Sit back, relax, and review the year that was, in headlines.   Details Emerge In Pimp […]

The estate of Wu-Tang Clan member Ol’ Dirty Bastard has entered into an agreement with Long Island, New York based company MerchDirect, to produce a new line of Ol’ Dirty t-shirts, posters and other accessories featuring the late rapper’s image.   According to Newsday, Ol’ Dirty Bastards widow Icelene Jones entered into an agreement with […]

Rapper/actor Mos Def will host the “Sneakers Required New Year’s Eve Ball 2008” at La Terra in San Francisco tomorrow (December 31). Contrary to the normal dress code restrictions often placed upon Hip-Hop fans at various establishments, organizers are requiring attendees to wear their most fashionable pair of sneakers. Those who attend are also being […]

Performers from the worlds of Hip-Hop and R&B have come out to show support for celebrity fitness trainer Darius Miller, who was beaten into a coma early Wednesday (December 26) morning.   Miller attempted to stop a group of men from videotaping Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin’s two daughters outside of a downtown Atlanta club.   […]

A father in Volusia, Florida was shocked to find out that the Disney Channel Hits CD    purchased for his 6-year-old daughter as a Christmas gift was filled with unedited songs from the Diplomats.   While typically filled with music from such Disney acts as Hannah Montana, the Disney Channel Hits CD Jay Scott contained […]

Yung Joc hasn’t said much since his arrested at a Cleveland airport, but the rapper has broken his brief silence and now claims that the media and the public has it all wrong.   “I have the utmost respect for the laws of this country and would never deliberately commit an act that would jeopardize […]

As Jay-Z vacates his post as Def Jam president, another Def Jam legend is vying for the high-level music industry position.   Chuck D of iconic group Public Enemy says he is the person for the job.   “After 10 years looking on the collapsing of the record industry, and upon hearing the news of […]

Brooklyn bred rapper/mogul Jay-Z has teamed up with Charlie Blaichman of CB Developers and Abe and Scott Shnay of SK Development group to launch a five-star hotel chain.   According to reports, J Hotels, will be a five-star luxury hotel with a flagship location in the heart of New York City’s Chelsea District.   The […]

Eleven years after the death of Tupac Shakur, Las Vegas investigators are heading to Los Angeles to see if any questions can be answered regarding the 1996 shooting.   Possibly brought on by allegations in the documentary Tupac Assassination: Conspiracy Of Revenge, which was released in October, investigators are once again looking for clues and […]

After making a questionable comment on Adolph Hitler in The Daily Record, a Scottish newspaper and later apologizing for it, actor Will Smith and his apology have been accepted by the Anti-Defamation League.   “He took immediate steps to clarify his words and unequivocally condemn Hitler as an evil person,” said Abraham H. Foxman, ADL […]

Atlanta rapper Yung Joc finally appeared in court yesterday (December 26) a surprising seven hours late, to face arraignment on a felony gun possession charge.   The 27-year-old rapper was considered a fugitive earlier, when it appeared that he would be a no show.   An arrest warrant was issued and bond was increased to $100,000, […]

Rap star Yung Joc was a no show at his arraignment on a felony gun possession charge today (December 26) in Cleveland, Ohio and is now considered a fugitive.   Yung Joc, born Jasiel Robinson, was arrested on December 24 in the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, for allegedly attempting to bring a loaded handgun and […]

Mobb Deep member Prodigy will begin 2008 by starting a 3 1/2 year prison stint, on January 9th, after he pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a loaded gun.   Prodigy, born Albert Jackson, announced today (December 25) that his second solo album H.N.I.C. 2 will be released worldwide via a distribution deal with Voxonic […]

Atlanta rapper Yung Joc was released from an Cuyahoga County, Ohio jail yesterday (December 24) on $50,000 bond, after being arrested for allegedly carrying a gun through an airport security checkpoint.   Yung Joc was arrested on December 23, after security found a fully loaded firearm and ammunition in his carry on luggage, as he […]

After months of speculation, Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z  announced on December 24 that he will officially vacate his position as President of Def Jam Records at the end of his term.The 38-year-old rapper issued a statement today (December 24) stating he will step down as president in 2008.“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have served as President […]

The Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Foundation’s second annual Celebrity Gift Wrap and Fundraiser came to a close this weekend, ending its three-week run at the Mall at Stone Crest in Lithonia, GA, just east of Atlanta.   Celebrity volunteers Case, Donnell Jones, Slim of the group 112, Ronnie Devoe, Jagged Edge and others were on […]

Grammy nominated rapper Yung Joc was arrested in Cleveland, Ohio this morning, after he allegedly attempted to pass through an airport security check point with a fully loaded handgun.   According to police, Yung Joc attempted to pass through a security checkpoint at the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, when police found the fully loaded firearm. […]

Rap star Beanie Sigel generated talk of a different kind during Philadelphia’s Peace Week 2007, when he walked hand-in-hand with actor/comedian Bill Cosby, during an anti-crime march.   The pair, who marched alongside each other on Thursday (December 20), spoke earlier that day to 30 at risk youths at William Penn High School in Philadelphia. […]