Def Jam President Kevin Liles has left the company due to internal friction with newly named CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid.According to reports, Liles was forced out due to pressures by Reid.Reid replaced ex-CEO Lyor Cohen, who now heads up Warner Music Group’s North American operations.Sources said Reid has been staffing Island/Def Jam with colleagues from […]

The Roots will come to Pay-Per-View on “The Roots Presents,” which kicks off a new concert series titled The Sonic Events. The concert was recorded June 10, 2004 when the group performed at Webster Hall in New York City to an invitation only crowd. In addition to performing selections from their upcoming release The Tipping […]

As self-proclaimed leader of “The Gentleman’s Movement,” Fonzworth Bentley is hoping the success of his character will translate into album sales when his untitled debut is released. Bentley, who recently changed his professional name from “Farnsworth” to “Fonzworth” for legal reasons, is recording the untitled album with Kanye West and others. “Kanye West called me […]

Ced Gee, producer and member of pioneering Bronx Hip-Hop group Ultramagnetic MC’s, recently launched a record label and is planning an Ultramagnetic reunion album. Ced Gee’s founded Factshen Entertainment along with Philly rapper Grafiq. The label has several new groups signed and is currently planning the Ultramagnetic reunion album, as well as a re-release of […]

A year long probe by The California Department of Corrections resulted in the firing of four state parole agents who were moonlighting as security guards for Snoop Dogg. The controversy erupted when it was discovered that three of the four officers state parole agents were part of a heavily armed entourage escorting Snoop during last […]

Rapper Jadakiss was charged with various offenses in Fayetteville, North Carolina on Monday (July 5) after police found guns and marijuana in an SUV he was travelling in.Police said an off-duty officer witnessed one of the occupants throwing firecrackers from the window of the SUV.In a report, the officer said he approached the vehicle and […]

New York City’s parks will be given a dose of Hip-Hop tomorrow evening when rapper Talib Kweli takes to the stage for a free concert tomorrow in Brooklyn. The City Parks Foundation will present the free live performance in Brower Park as part of an ongoing series in various city parks. DJ G Brown will […]

After acting as a co-host on New York’s Hot 97 Morning Show for the past few months, rapper Joe Budden announced he is quitting the position to focus on releasing his sophmore album. "I had to go back and make sure that I was pleased with the music I had put on the album," Budden […]

A host of Hip-Hop acts have signed on for Aesthetic Science’s inaugural 2004 Just Play Games Festival. De La Soul, Slum Village, The Beatnuts, Method Man, Dilated Peoples, Brand Nubian and a host of other punk rock acts will play the festival, which is designed to highlight the importance of play in everyone’s life. "Our […]

Despite a major falling out with marquee artist Lil Flip and major label backer Sony, Sucka Free Records hopes to keep pace by offering downloads from their website, suckafreerecords.com. According to CEO Duane “Hump” Hobbs, a growing number of songs from Sucka Free’s back catalog are are available for download for 99 cents. “I am […]

After experiencing success with their television show “Buckwild,” Playboy TV is now increasing their Hip-Hop oriented programming. The network will launch three new shows featuring Luke, Trina, Mekhi Phifer, Jadakiss, Lil Jon and The Eastside Boys, Trick Daddy and others as part of a four-week hip-hop programming block. Trina will host “Queen of Clubs” which […]

Public Enemy’s Chuck D. will take over programming at cable channel Trio for a week and will show viewers films relating to the African-American experience in the United States. From time to time the network hands programming duties over to celebrities, who are given creative control over a block of time. The first film to […]

Snoop Dogg has announced the title for his newest album, which is a co-production between Snoop’s Doggy Style imprint and The Neptunes’ Star Trak label. R&G: (Rhythm & Gangsta) The Masterpiece is slated to be released in time for the Thanksgiving holiday and will be distributed by Geffen Records. In a recent interview, Snoop said […]

Jeffery “Ja Rule” Atkins was arrested for allegedly possessing marijuana early yesterday morning in New York.According to reports, the rapper was driving his 2001 Mercedes Benz in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village around 2:00 am, when police spotted him making an illegal lane change.When police searched the car, they found a small amount of marijuana.In addition to […]

An underground mixtape remix to Usher’s#### song "Confessions" has come under fire by a pro-life group, due to some controversial lines by rapper Joe Budden. Black Americans for Life, an outreach of the National Right to Life Committee which represents 3000 chapters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia , took issue with […]

After the 2004 BET Awards, actress Vivica Fox angrily balked at the notion that she used 50 Cent’s popularity to further her own career during their short relationship. “50 Cent might like to think he made me sexy but I just had to get that out in the universe and let him know no he […]

Ghostface Killah’s new group Theodore Unit is preparing to drop their new album, 718, named after a New York area code. Ghostface has described Theodore Unit, which consists of Cappadonna, Kryme Life, Wigs, Du-Lilz, Trife Da God and Solomon Childs, as a consortium of deep thinkers. “You don’t necessarily have to be an emcee, it’s […]

Capitol Gainz Entertainment, a multi-faceted group based in Washington D.C., has created a 3D cartoon for G-Unit’s latest video, “My Buddy.” after being contracted by the rap outfit. The company, of emcee/co-CEO Blyss, co-CEO Broadway, Chewy and Dula, considers themselves a “complete entertainment company that deals with music, animation and videos.” After a chance meeting […]

The Beatnuts are still unhappy with Jennifer Lopez’ sampling of their hit song “Watch Out Now” and hurl insults at the actress/singer on their latest album, Milk Me. ”Confused Rappers” features Rahzel and showcases agitated group member Junkyard Juju taunting Lopez. J-Lo with producers The Track Masters turned The Beatnuts’ “Watch Out Now,” which flaunted […]