West Coast veteran Ice-T is releasing a special edition of his eight studio album which will be available solely for digital download starting Wednesday (June 18).   The Gangsta Rap Special Edition features two previously-unreleased tracks, as well as an alternative silhouette version of the album’s original controversial cover.   On Tuesday (June 17), Gangsta […]

Compton, California natives Lil’ Eazy E and pro skater Terry Kennedy have teamed to repair a Venice Skate Park and Community Center, in conjunction with Boost Mobile Rock Corps (BMRC).   The pair will roll up their sleeves tomorrow (June 18th) along with the Skate Park Association of the USA (SPAUSA) Lil’ Eazy and Terry […]

Veteran rap collective the Outlawz are planning a new album titled We Want In.   We Want In is labeled as the group’s “declaration to music moguls, program directors, industry gatekeepers and hip hop bosses that with all due respect, they want in the game.”   The album, which is being distributed by 1 Nation Entertainment/Gold […]

Critically-acclaimed actor Terrence Howard is exploring a different route to success with his forthcoming debut album, Shine Through It.   The 11-song Columbia Records release, which was written, arranged and produced by Howard, features the entertainer on vocals and lead guitar.   The album also features production by Miles Mosley, who has produced for artists […]

Couple Damon Dash and Rachel Roy have announced a joint venture with Jones Apparel, Inc to expand the Rachel Roy Collection fashion brand.   The Rachel Roy Collection was launched in spring 2005 to favorable reviews in the fashion industry.   The line is currently available in luxury department stores such as Nordstrom and Saks, […]

Rev. Al Sharpton is once again on the defensive after a New York Post article accused him of shaking down corporate CEOs through threats of boycotts.   The article, written by Isabel Vincent and Susan Edelman, alleges that CEOs have made large donations to Sharpton’s NAN (National Action Network) to placate the civil rights activist […]

Wu Tang Clan’s The GZA is embarking upon his first ever Liquid Swords Tour, which features the rapper performing selections from his 1995 album of the same name. The cross-country tour kicks off August 21st at the El Rey theater in Los Angeles, California and will hit 19 cities before winding down September 13th at […]

After years of inner-turmoil and label woes, Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony have reunited, with all five original group members.   According to founding member Krayzie Bone, the group has made amends with estranged member Bizzy, and when incarcerated group member Flesh is released next month, the group is planning a full return to the […]

In between legal woes and battling rivals to the throne, T.I. has managed to still handle business on the music side.   The popular Atlanta rapper has announced the signing of legends Eightball and MJG to Grand Hustle Records.   The huge announcement was made live during T.I.’s set at Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash on […]

Atlanta rappers Shawty Lo and T.I. continued their cold war of words June 14th at the sold out Hot 107.9 Birthday Bash in Phillips Area.   Shawty Lo began his set with a video package detailing his escape from an inept FBI agent who curiously resembled his rival T.I.    The amusing video featured the […]

Snoop Dogg’s wife was arrested this morning (June 14) in Fullerton, California on suspicion of drunk driving.   According to police, Shante Broadus, 32, was stopped around 12:15 am.   While police did not reveal test results, Broadus was arrested her on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, he said.   Broadus, also […]

Ralph “Ralphie” Simms, an incarcerated former Black Mafia Family member, has alleged in court that rapper Young Jeezy received kilos of cocaine from BMF.   The stunning claim was made in the cocaine-conspiracy trial of Fleming “Ill” Daniels, another alleged BMF member, according to Creative Loafing in Atlanta.   Justice Department spokesman Patrick Crosby would […]

Despite a recent leak of his latest album, Cash Money Records rapper Lil Wayne is expected to sell one million copies of Tha Carter III.   Billboard reports that the Cash Money/Universal release could reach the milestone by the time SoundScan closes out its tracking week on Sunday (June 15) night.   The last album […]

Rap veteran Coolio is planning to release a new album of material this summer. Coolio, born Artis Leon Ivey Jr., is best known for his hits “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “Fantastic Voyage.” The rapper updates his sounds on his newest album, Steal Hear, a clever play on words. According to Coolio, his skills have remained sharp, […]

On the eve of celebrating the solo debut of his artist Blood Raw, CTE Records founder and multi-platinum Def Jam artist Young Jeezy is releasing a new mixtape.   The Prime Minister, which will be available for free download starting Saturday (Jun 14), is to serve as a prequel to Jeezy’s highly anticipated third album, […]

Kevin Powell Talks Tupac’s Father

R. Kelly is now a free man in the eyes of the law, as the R&B singer was found not guilty of child pornography charges today (June 13).   The singer was facing up to 15 years if he had been convicted for charges related to an infamous video tape, which allegedly featured the singer […]

The latest volume in Continuum Books’ 33 1/3 Series takes an unprecedented look at how Hip-Hop touched what has been called “the ultimate thrash metal record.”   33 1/3: Reign of Blood recounts the making of heavy metal group Slayer’s 1986 Def Jam release through the eyes of Rick Rubin, Russell Simmons and the other […]

Damon Pryor, the surprise defense witness for R. Kelly and former fiancé to prosecution star witness Lisa Van Allen, has implicated Van Allen and two other men in a conspiracy plot against singer R. Kelly.   In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop.com, Pryor details the timeline of his relationship with Allen, whom he has a […]

Lil Wayne has an unlikely verbal opponent on the heels of the phenomenal first day sales of Tha Carter III.On the track “Misunderstood,” Wayne blasts Sharpton’s civil rights work as fraudulent and compares his tactics to boxing promoter Don King:“You see, you are no MLK/ You are no Jesse Jackson/ You are nobody to me/ […]