Queens, NY drug lord Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff was spared the death penalty yesterday for orchestrating the murder of two rivals in 2001. Jurors in a federal court in Brooklyn deliberated for two and a half hours but were split on sentencing McGriff to death. McGriff, who remained stone faced when sentenced, will be sent to […]

Legendary rapper Biz Markie will offer fans a glimpse into his past with a new Scion documentary, titled Stomping Grounds. The 22-minute film follows the rhymesayer as he journeys to his old neighborhood in Long Island and revisits places that shaped his musical destiny such as barber shops, food joints, nightclubs, sneaker shops, arcades and […]

R&B musician and producer Charles "Express Yourself" Wright will honored today (Feb. 9) for a music career that spans five decades. Wright, a lyricist noted for being the founder and leader of the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, will be in good company as honorees include legendary singer/musician Stevie Wonder, former Los Angeles Mayor Tom […]

Voletta Wallace, mother of Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, is expanding the slain rapper’s Brooklyn Mint clothing line with the launch of Notorious B.I.G., a full collection of mens, young mens and boys apparel. The launch of the line commemorates the 10-year anniversary of B.I.G.’s death and according to Ms. Wallace, the clothing is inspired by […]

A little more than four months after being arrested with three other men, D-Block member Jadakiss was indicted Thursday (Feb. 8) on gun and drug charges. The Associated Press reports the rapper (born Jason Phillips) pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing a loaded handgun and marijuana in a Westchester County courtroom. He was arrested Oct. 7 […]

Block Entertainment rapper Yung Joc has been tapped to star in a new national ad campaign promoting Rockport’s Established 1971 collection. Launching in the Spring of 2007 in select magazines, the print ads also features R&B singer Lyfe Jennings, actor Wood Harris and MTV television personality, Coltrane Curtis. “I’m pleased to be in a position […]

Rap trio Onyx is planning a long-awaited return to the scene with a new clothing line. The group, comprised of Sticky Fingaz, Fredro Starr and Sonee Seeza, will launch Madface clothing, a new line consisting of jeans, hoodies, T-shirts, hats and accessories. The clothing, which will be available in lines for men, women and children, […]

Philadelphia born rapper Gillie Da Kid was arrested on Tuesday (Feb. 6), after authorities learned he was allegedly running two drug houses. Gillie and five associates were arrested, after authorities received a tip and searched the houses on Passmore Street in Philadelphia. Police confiscated 89 pounds of marijuana worth $404,000. All five were charged with […]

Days after being honored for giving back to the community by the city of Houston, James “J. Prince” Prince is leading the charge to educate youth about the importance of HIV education, prevention and testing. The Rap-A-Lot Records and Prince Complex CEO has partnered with the Pink Rose Organization, Special Treasures, The African-American State of […]

Today marks the seven year anniversary of the death of Bronx, NY rapper Christopher “Big Punisher” Rios. Pun, born Nov. 10, 1971, died on Feb. 7, 2000 of a fatal heart attack. He is survived Liza Rios, his two daughters and his son, who now raps under the moniker “Baby Pun.” Pun’s son is signed […]

Rapper N.O.R.E. has confirmed with AllHipHop.com that he has severed his ties with Def Jam and will no longer record for the label. The tumultuous relationship was marked by a studio album that was never released and in the past, N.O.R.E. voiced his displeasure about the lack of promotional support of his previous projects, including […]

Rapper/producer Jermaine Dupri has been appointed President of Island Records Urban Music, a new division of the Island Def Jam Music Group (IDJ). Dupri, who vacated his position as President of Urban Music at Virgin Records in Oct. 2006, will now oversee Island’s entire urban music operation. Additionally, he will produce artists on IDJ and the […]

G-Unit front man 50 Cent is putting his pen to work for his second literary endeavor. The rapper is teaming up with author Robert Greene for a new book, titled The 50th Law. The hardcover MTV/Pocket Books release will “capture and create a visible parallel between street life and corporate America standard and structure,” according […]

As Black History Month kicks into full swing, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Foundation has issued a nationwide challenge to raise funding for the memorial to $80 Million. With current fundraising donations totaling $77 million, the foundation is challenging corporations, foundations and individuals to raise an additional $3 million during the month of […]

Bronx bred rapper Remy Ma recently revealed that she will star in her own untitled reality show, which will hit screens before the end of 2007. Remy remained tightlipped about the untitled television show, which will hit the small screen before the end of 2007. “Right I’m just in the process of getting my build […]

Pioneering rapper LL Cool J will host the first ever live 38th NAACP Image Awards in March, organizers announced today (Feb. 5). LL, born James Todd Smith, is a previous recipient of the NAACP Image Award and has sold tens of millions of records since launching his career in 1985 at the age of 17, […]

Super producer Rick Rubin, founder of Def Jam Records, has been offered a job as co-chairman of Columbia Records, according to an article published today (Feb. 5) in the New York Times. Rubin, 44, is acclaimed for his work with major artists such as LL Cool J, Run DMC, Beastie Boys and even Johnny Cash.His […]