The successful programming year for BET continues as the network scored on of its best prime time performances of 2006, with the new documentary American Gangster. The inaugural episode, which profiled LA’s infamous Crips gang co-founder Stanley Tookie Williams, earned a 1.6 rating (1.3 million households and 1.6 million total viewers), according to Nielsen Media […]

Days after completing a stint in a Durham, NC prison, Freekey Zekey is reaping the benefits of a new multi-million dollar deal with Asylum Records. The 31-year-old Diplomats affiliate, who signed the one-album deal with the label in correlation with Diplomat Records on Friday (Dec. 1), will launch Dipset South after the release of his […]

As the holiday season kicks into full swing, nationally acclaimed media personality and political activist Kevin Powell is set to kick off his 6th Annual Holiday Party and Clothing Drive at the famed Tribeca Cinemas in New York City. Taking place on Friday, December 8th, the one-day event is geared to helping young homeless people. […]

Nine years after Capone-N-Noreaga’s debut album The War Report was hailed as a Hip-Hop classic, the duo have ended a two-year rift and are considering a return to the recording studio to produce a new album. N.O.R.E., born Victor Santiago, is asking fans to vote on whether or not they want a new CNN album […]

Rap mogul Russell Simmons acknowledged the importance of World Aids Day Friday (Dec. 1) while urging the public to be more active in bringing awareness of the disease. The recognition came as the Simmons’ led a fact-finding delegation to Kimberley, South Africa. The expedition was for the hip-hop pioneer’s Simmons Jewelry Company. “Today is World […]

A major change in the landscape of Southern Hip-Hop has taken place, as Atlanta rap giants Michael "Mr. Collipark" Crooms and Ying Yang Twins have parted ways and will no longer work together. The announcement comes days after the release of the Twins’ new album Chemically Imbalanced, which hit stores November 28.Chemically Imbalanced will be […]

Many Def Jam artists, from LL Cool Jay to Nore have expressed discontent with the re-rise of Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, who recently released his comeback CD Kingdom Come.Young Jeezy isn’t among those nay-sayers."Everybody got their lane. This industry is a highway and everybody got their lane and me and Jay ain’t in the same lane," […]

Multi-platinum producer Jonathan "J.R." Rotem has entered into a deal with Epic Records and is launching his own record label, Beluga Heights, which will be run out of Rotem’s Chalice Recording Studios in Los Angeles, California. Rotem, who produced Rihanna’s #1 Billboard single "S.O.S.," Rick Ross’ "Push It" 50 Cent and Olivia’s "Best Friend" and […]

Memphis, Tenn. rap collective Three 6 Mafia recently settled a lawsuit filed by a man who claimed to have been severely beaten while attending a 2003 concert featuring the group. Although details of the financial settlement were not disclosed, the Associated Press reports Ramone Williams received the settlement last month. The payment concludes months of […]

Rap group Cypress Hill has been hit with a lawsuit from music promoters Wavecrest Media in Davidson County Court in Nashville, Tennessee. The lawsuit claims that the rappers refuse to return a $150,000 deposit, after a 2004 September 19 performance that was canceled because of Hurricane Ivan. The chart-topping West coast rap group was booked […]

In a sport that is typically associated with country music, the Pro Bull Riders (PBR) has tapped male country/rap artist Colt Ford to write a new rap anthem that will debut at the VERSUS Invitational Pro Bull Riders Competition. Sponsored by Amp’d Mobile, the competition will be held on January 6-7, 2007 at New York’s […]

Fort Worth rapper Twisted Black was sentenced to life in prison, after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. In July 2006, Twisted Black, born Tommy Burns, was arrested and charged by officers with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in Midland, Texas, shortly after signing a deal with New York based independent record label […]

Wyclef Jean has teamed with the United Nations’ World Food Programme agency to present a one-week festival in Haiti aimed at encouraging artistic and cultural development, to boost the economy of the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Jean’s nonprofit organization Yéle Haiti will present The Yéle Fest, which will take place from November. 30 […]

The working condition of two stun guns will be the deciding factor for comedian Katt Williams, who could stand trial on two counts of possession of an illegal weapon in a Kalamazoo, Mich. courtroom. Kalamazoo County District Judge Vincent Westra issued an order to test two stun guns to see if they were in working […]

Houston based rap label Swishahouse was honored Monday (Nov. 27) by the Texas Grammy Chapter in Austin, Texas. The event was hosted by renowned actor Billy Bob Thornton and Grammy Award winning singer Ray Benson. The label, founded by DJ Michael “5000” Watts and business partner G-Dash, was honored for its contributions to Texas music. […]

A group of activists gathered in Los Angeles on Monday (Nov. 27) and called for a boycott of the "n-word" and voiced support for an upcoming NAACP campaign to "just say ‘no’ to the n-word."The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rep. Maxine Waters, comedian Paul Mooney and other African-American leaders held a press conference to encourage people […]