A federal judge has ruled in favor of seven graffiti artists who filed a first amendment lawsuit against the City of New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr. Judge George B. Daniels today (May 2) granted the group’s request for a preliminary injunction against recent amendments to anti-graffiti legislation that went into […]

Rapper and Screwed Up Click member Big Hawk was shot and killed last night (May 1) in Houston. Big Hawk, born John Hawkins, was struck multiple times around 10:30 pm in front of an associate’s house. Sources said Hawkins’ car was still running when he was shot and according to police, no one witnessed the […]

The family of slain bouncer Keith Bender filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Detroit rapper, Proof’s estate. Bender was allegedly shot by Proof last month in an altercation at the CCC Nightclub on 8 Mile Road in Detroit – an incident which led to the death of the 35 year – old Army veteran. According […]

The Philadelphia unit where Lil’ Kim and other women prisoners are being housed is on lock-down, after a visitor attempted to smuggle in a cell phone. Over half of the female population in the Federal Detention Center has been on lock-down since April 21. FDC Authorities refused to comment on the case, but sources said […]

Kirk “Sticky Fingaz” Jones recently went into post-production on the movie Caught on Tape, the second feature film directed by the rapper. Jones, who also wrote and stars in the movie, directs a cast that includes Cedric the Entertainer, Vivica A. Fox, Bokeem Woodbine and others. Jones’ directorial debut, a Hip-Hop musical entitled A Day […]

Atlanta Hip-Hop stars Jermaine Dupri and Lil Jon recently wrapped a thirty second television spot for Heineken titled “Jet Bet.” In the ad, the pair wager on who will take home the most Grammy’s, with the winner receiving a 12-pack of Heineken, personally delivered by the loser of the bet. After Dupri wins, Lil Jon […]

BBC 1xtra DJs Mistajam and Rodney P have signed on to host UK Takeover 4, one of the largest independent British Hip-Hop showcases. The main event will be held May 29 in Nottingham, at Rock City. Headlining artists include Kano, Klashnekoff, Jehst, Professor Green and MOBO award winner Sway. The showcase was launched in 2003 […]

Busta Rhymes, Sean Paul and Mary J. Blige are among the performers slated to take the stage June 4 at New York radio station Hot 97’s 13th annual Summer Jam concert. More than 50,000 people are expected to turn out for the event, which will also feature performances by Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, T.I., […]

Rapper Snoop Dogg was released on bail, without charge, this afternoon after he and five other men were arrested during a disturbance at Heathrow Airport in London. According to police, a fight broke out after the rapper’s entourage was refused entry to the British Airways first class lounge. One police officer suffered a broken hand, […]

College students from around the country gathered last week to attend the music industry seminar Music Biz 101 at Club Pacha in New York. The 25 students were selected from 500 applicants for their academic achievements and outstanding essays. Rapper MC Lyte, Timbaland, the Roots’ Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson, Mimi Valdés (Vibe), Will Griffin (Def On […]

Brooklyn rapper Gravy was shot Wednesday (April 26) outside New York’s Hot 97, moments before conducting a radio interview. The 28-year-old MC (born Jamal Wollard) was hit with one bullet in the buttocks after arriving at the radio station at about 9:30 p.m. Police said a group of men got out of a black Escalade […]

A New York Judge has ruled in favor of releasing a portion of Shyne’s assets that had been frozen under the “Son of Sam” law. Today (April 26), Judge David Vaughan granted a motion for release of $100,000 from the funds that are presently frozen under the “Son of Sam” NY Executive Law section 632-A. […]

Snoop Dogg was arrested in London last night after allegedly causing disturbance at Heathrow airport. It has been reported that a fight broke out after the rapper’s entourage was first refused entry to the British Airways first class lounge. Later, they were not permitted to board their flight, which was due to fly to Johannesburg, South Africa. […]

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Celebrity Cooking Showdown, a reality series created by the Hip-Hop mogul and Ben Silverman, has been canceled by NBC. The show, hosted by Alan Thicke, featured various celebrities including singer Patti LaBelle, model Cindy Margolis and actor Tom Arnold in a boot camp-style race to complete a fancy meal before a frenzied […]

Roc-A-Fella rapper Freeway is hard at work on his upcoming album Free At Last, co-executive produced by longtime friend and Def Jam CEO Jay-Z and G-Unit President 50 Cent. The album is slated to drop July 25 and features guest appearances by several Roc-A-Fella and G-Unit members, including 50 Cent, Young Buck and State Property. […]

Jive Records, BMI and Shine Network have joined forces to launch a national tour to find the next big star. The tour, which kicks off in Oakland, Calif., April 30, will showcase the best talent in each area as they perform for industry executives with hopes of walking away with a record deal with Jive, […]

Public Enemy front man Chuck D is entering the wireless communication market with his new mobile-content aggregation company, Chuck D Mobile. The goal of the service, launched earlier this month at the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Wireless Show in Las Vegas, is to wirelessly distribute music and videos to cell phones. The rapper is working […]