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Bits & Bytes
March 30, 2001 Juvenile Arrested After Brawl in Club The Associated Press reported that four fights broke out outside the club, including the one in which the New Orleans rap artist hit Jackson Saint Ange with a bottle of Moet champagne, said Miami police spokesman Delrish Moss. Ange fell unconscious and was taken to Mercy Hospital, where he was treated and released. Witnesses told police Ange had approached Juvenile during the show and was disrespectful. "As we were told, he dissed him," Moss said. "The entire fight was about disrespect shown to the rap artist." Police didn't learn of the alleged assault on Ange until they had interviewed witnesses. Off-duty officers were breaking up one of the other fights when Juvenile approached them. "The rap artist walks over to one of our police officers, grabs him and starts yelling obscenities at him insisting he be taken to jail rather than the person we were in the process of arresting,"' Moss added. Juvenile got away from the officers and ran across the street where he yelled obscenities at another man in the crowd. Police arrested him after going inside the bus he and several others were traveling in. Juvenile is scheduled to appear in court on April 18th. So So Def to Release "On the Come Up" The forthcoming film On the Come Up, the first in a series of three reality based films set in the world of hip hop music and entertainment, will be released on April 10th on both VHS and DVD. The film revolves around three beautiful women (Tamikko, Nadine and Oria), who use their looks, charm, and hustling skills to accomplish a series of sexy tasks that will win them entrance into the hip hop event of the year: The Source Awards. On the Come Up was produced by So So Def Recordings and Strange Fruit Films, and will be distributed by Ventura Distribution under their UrbanWorks banner.The film also takes a behind the scenes look at celebrities like Marlon Wayans, Jagged Edge, Da Brat, and Tyson Beckford partying, chilling, and interacting with the girls in the days before the Source Awards and a voyeuristic glimpse into Tamikko, Nadine, and Oria's adventures in and out of the most intimate settings. On The Come Up was created and financed by Strange Fruit Films and directed by Nia Hill of Strange Fruit Films. Jermaine Dupri, executive producer of the film, said, "The idea for the film was to take all of this reality programming like "Survivor," "Real World," and "Road Rules" and flip it into something that reflects urban culture. On The Come Up is a fly idea and perfect because of our desire to get into film and TV." The DVD version of On The Come Up contains bonus material including coverage of the infamous backstage brawls at The Source Awards and spicy, never-before-seen footage, interviews and commentary from the biggest stars in hip hop and R&B music. In addition to releasing On The Come Up, Strange Fruit is currently in production on the film Sacred Is The Flesh. Hip hop star Nas and Isaiah Washington will be starring in the low-budget dark comedy independent film. The movie is based on an idea by Nas that he co-wrote and is co-financing with Atlanta Hawks basketball player Alan Henderson. Sacred is the Flesh is about a local talent agent (Nas) in Gary, Indiana who, with his wife (Elise Neal), leaves their hometown with hopes of making it big in talent management in Hollywood, only to find himself swimming with sharks. His only connection to the business is a former high school classmate (Washington) who has made it as a music manager and is less than thrilled with the arrival of his former friend. The film was also co-written by Luce Gordon and began shooting earlier this month.
March 29, 2001 Fredro Starr Still Making You "Bacdafucup" Fredro also talked about the need to do a solo album since he and Sticky's schedules were so hectic. He said, "I was doing these movies and it's hard to do movies and be in a group. Sticky was doing movies too and when he's in New York, I'm in L.A. and vice versa. Sometimes we be in New York for a week at the same time and don't even see each other. Plus Sticky always had his own drive. He was his own leader. Me and him being in a group was cool, but I always thought we were soloist because we're two leaders in one group and you can't do that for too long. It was destined for us to have solo albums." Firestarr is currently ranked at number 120 on Soundscan. Fredro talked about his drive for his solo album stating, "The hunger is still here because I got something to prove with my solo shit. I ain't got no one to blame but myself this time if something don't sound right. If the beat ain't picked right, it's because of me. I still spit with them young cats on Rockaway Boulevard. I keep young hungry cats around me who don't have deals and always want to battle rhyme because they keep me focused and my ear to the streets." "The Brothers" Left Heartbroken at the Boxoffice Sigourney Weaver and Jennifer Love-Hewitt took top honors at the box office this week with their con-woman scheme inspired film Heartbreakers. The romance comedy The Brothers, which stars Morris Chestnut, Bill Bellamy, D.L. Hughley, and Shemar Moore, placed second grossing $10.7 million. The action drama Exit Wounds starring rapper DMX and martial arts expert Steven Seagal came in third followed by the World War II action drama Enemy at the Gates. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon rounded out the top five garnering $4.6 million this week.The Mexican, which stars Julia Roberts and Brad Pit, placed sixth, followed by the suspense drama Traffic, which examines the drug trade. Traffic grossed $3.9 million this week and stars Don Cheadle, Benicio Del Toro, Michael Douglas, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. David Arquette's latest comedy See Spot Run tied at eighth with Johnny Depp's latest film Chocolat. The romance comedy Say It Isn't So closed out the top ten. Here are this week's gross figures: 1. Heartbreakers $12.3 million 2. The Brothers $10.7 million 3. Exit Wounds $9.2 million 4. Enemy at the Gates $8.4 million 5. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon $4.6 million 6. The Mexican $4.3 million 7. Traffic $3.9 million 8. See Spot Run $3.3 million 9. Chocolat $3.3 million 10. Say It Isn't So $3.1 million
March 28, 2001 Michael Jackson Politicks with Israeli Prime Minister The rabbi said he set up the meeting because he and Jackson may travel to Israel for their charity this summer to promote peace. In related news, Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last week as a solo artist. He and his brothers had previously received the prestigious honor as members of the Jackson 5. Shyne Says Puffy Betrayed Him Jamal "Shyne" Barrow recently stated in The Village Voice that Sean "Puffy" Combs betrayed him during their trail and that Puff¹s defense lawyers had witnesses lie on the stand for the hip hop mogul. Shyne stated in the article, "He proved that he was just there to save himself. There are no boundaries to what he would do to exonerate himself. I had the Bible in front of me, and I was just praying that he wouldn't continue to lie. He sort of took himself out of the situation, that [we] were never involved in meeting together that night."The jailed rapper also said that witnesses lied for Puffy. He stated in the article, "[Witness Charise Myers] lied for him. Fine. But don't let her testify against me. That's when I couldn't take it anymore. I couldn't believe it. I couldn't even look at him anymore." Combs said these claims were "absolutely ridiculous," and his lawyer Benjamin Brafman added, "None of the defense witnesses lied in any way about anything." Puffy released a statement through his publicist responding to Shyne¹s allegations, saying, "I am deeply saddened about Shyne's conviction. I believe that Shyne had no intention of hurting anyone. My own victory is bittersweet because of what happened to Shyne and the victims. I want to make it clear that I was found innocent of all charges because I am innocent. It is absolutely ridiculous for anyone to blame me for anyone else's actions." Co-defendant and bodyguard Anthony "Wolf" Jones, who was also acquitted, released a statement through Combs' publicist as well, saying, "Even though Shyne is like my little brother, I do not agree with what he has said. Throughout the case Puff was supportive of both of us and generously helped us with our legal bills. I was right by Puff's side all evening and everything he has said about what happened was completely true. I'm upset for Shyne, but it's crazy to think that Puff could be responsible for anyone else's actions." Barrow was convicted on March 16th on assault, reckless endangerment, and gun possession charges, but was acquitted of the more serious charge of attempted murder. He is currently in jail awaiting an April 16th sentence hearing. He could face up to 25 years in prison.
March 27, 2001 Life After Death: Tupac Legacy Grows Besides the fact that conspiracy-theorist fans of both artists believe their fallen heroes are still alive, Presley and 'Pac have become legendary in their respective genres, inspiring conferences and tributes - and enthralling fans with their music years after their deaths. And now, a fourth posthumous Tupac album, the double disc Until the End of Time, arrives in stores on Tuesday, garnering the rapper/actor's work even more attention. Tupac's first three albums after he was killed in Las Vegas in 1996 by unknown assailants - 1996's The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (under the name Makaveli), 1997's R U Still Down? (Remember Me) and 1999's Still I Rise (with the Outlawz) - have sold nearly 7 million copies, while the four albums he released while he was alive have sold 9 million. Add to that a triple-platinum greatest hits album released in 1998 and dozens of bootlegs of his material, not to mention assorted songs on various other releases, including Death Row Records' Too Gangsta for Radio. Another two-disc Tupac set is scheduled for release in November. "Now that he's gone, people are embracing him more than ever because he was really saying something," says producer DJ Hi-Tek. "He's a real role model because of his strength and his I-don't-give-a-f--- attitude toward bullsh--. He died too early, right at his peak. That's why I feel people can't let him go." Other rappers, such as the Notorious B.I.G., Big Punisher and Big L, have also had material released posthumously, but none of it has enjoyed the critical and commercial success of Tupac's posthumous releases. Many industry insiders say that's because Tupac was seen as more than just a rapper. "He was like a leader, not a rapper," said Trick Daddy, who is on the long list of rhymers accused of adopting Tupac's thug aesthetic. "He was like [Nation of Islam leader Louis] Farrakhan. People believed in what he said and they took it to heart. Other people just make music. Pac couldn't make a bad album, a bad song. Biggie was good too, but he [only] had good music. Pac was like a visionary." Added Big Boy, a radio personality for Power 106 in Tupac's adopted hometown of Los Angeles: "Tupac was so far ahead of his time. I haven't heard the entire [Until the End of Time] album, but he is right on target about things happening today." Tupac's vision, some feel, is what allows his music to remain relevant to hip-hop fans who choose new heroes almost as quickly as they choose which outfit they're going to wear to the club this weekend. Whereas many other popular rappers deal with material items that can change from season to season, Tupac tackled more personal, timeless issues: jealousy, pain, deceit, love, lust and rage. "I'm not really into Nelly and Jay-Z because all they talk about is being rich," says Priscilla Ochoa, a Long Beach, California, resident who is a die-hard Tupac fan. "I can't identify with that. ... Tupac has songs that are about being a player, but a lot of his songs are about his life and what he went through, which is why I think people can relate to him." It's also been much easier to relate to Tupac since his death because of the seemingly endless onslaught of new, good material from his estate. Unlike Biggie, whose second posthumous album, 1999's Born Again, and Big L, whose sole posthumous release, 2000's The Big Picture, featured previously released material from mix tapes, freestyles and B-sides, most of Tupac's posthumous material had never been released in any form. It is estimated that he left behind 150 unreleased songs when he died, far more than Biggie, Big L or Big Punisher, the latter of whom has a second posthumous album, Endangered Species, scheduled to arrive in stores April 3. "Tupac was prolific from the time that he began writing, which was probably about 6 years old," said Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, who was an executive producer of Until the End of Time. As long as there are unreleased Tupac songs there will be more albums, she said. "He didn't change and start to be prolific, change and start to be good. Before he was murdered, he did a lot with his time and his life." Said Julio G, an on-air personality for Los Angeles radio station 100.3 "The Beat": "I've worked with rappers before and they don't record like that. When I listen to his stuff, I really, really analyze what he was writing before his death. He must have known what was going to happen because had he lived, there's no way all of that could have been released during his lifetime." Since his death, however, much of the discussion surrounding Tupac has focused on his music, but Preston Holmes, a movie producer who worked with Tupac, said the medium wasn't even his strongest. "I think he was an extremely talented person on a number of levels and he found several outlets to express himself," said Holmes, a co-producer of "Juice" and the executive producer of "Gridlock'd," two of Tupac's most critically acclaimed roles. "I think his poetry gives a more accurate picture of who he is than anything else that he did," Holmes said. "When you're performing, you somewhat become what the audience wants, but when you're writing poetry, it's more of one-on-one conversations with yourself." As far as his musical legacy, it's clear that Tupac and his works - all of them - will continue to resonate. " 'Pac was a strong influence on the game," said Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's Krayzie Bone, whose group featured Tupac on its 1997 album, The Art of War. "He brought excitement and was the type of artist that always had you wondering what he was going to do next. I know that I buy every album that comes out." -Soren Baker Ray Parker Jr. Sues Ray Parker Jr. is suing Huey Lewis over comments he made in an episode of VH1's Behind the Music, accusing the pop singer of breaking a confidentiality agreement concerning Parker's 1984 hit "Ghostbusters."The suit, filed Thursday, March 22 in Los Angeles Superior Court, states that Lewis breached the agreement by publicly discussing the lawsuit he filed against Parker 17 years ago, claiming "Ghostbusters" infringed on the copyright of Huey Lewis & the News' hit "I Want a New Drug". The settlement agreement Lewis and Parker reached for that lawsuit in 1995 banned them from revealing any information that was not included in a press release they jointly issued at the time. The press release stated that the matter had been "amicably resolved." Parker's lawsuit quotes Lewis (born Hugh Cregg) saying on Behind the Music: "The offensive part was not so much that Ray Parker Jr. had ripped this song off, it was kind of symbolic of an industry that wants something - they wanted our wave, and they wanted to buy it … it's not for sale … In the end, I suppose they were right. I suppose it was for sale, because, basically, they bought it." That money was paid to resolve the lawsuit and was protected by the confidentiality agreement, Parker claims. The lawsuit states that the confidentiality agreement was "directly related to [Parker's] comfort, happiness and welfare," and that Lewis' comments were "inflammatory and disparaging" and "false" and caused Parker emotional distress. Parker is seeking an unspecified amount of compensatory and punitive damages, as well as lawyer's fees and "further relief as the Court deems just and proper." Huey Lewis' lawyer, Gerry Margolis, said he could not offer comment when reached Friday, March 23. He said he had just received a copy of the suit and had not had a chance to review it fully.
March 26, 2001 BET Leaves Tavis Smiley Hanging in the Wind Smiley responded to his firing on the syndicated Tom Joyner Morning Radio Show stating that he was upset because after five years of service, he received his termination via fax. He said, "Viacom and BET have the absolute right to cancel our contractual agreement, but after five years of hosting the signature talk show on the network, could not one person have picked up the phone to call me personally instead of choosing to fax a four sentence memo to my representative? Five years, four sentences." Since BET and Viacom didn't renew his contract, Smiley could have ended his show abruptly, however he has chosen to finish out his contract which expires on September 6th. Tavis chose to remain stating, "I'm concerned that the viewers who have been so loyal to me (despite changes in the time slot, run time and format of the show) need a voice on Black Entertainment Television that will speak truth to power about African American issues daily. In no way am I suggesting that I have always done that expertly or that I am the only voice in Black America capable of doing so. Not at all. I just do not know who BET now plans to assign that role to. And so I've decided not to resign as some advised me, but to keep representing as best I can for as long as I can --- or until such time as Viacom and BET pull the plug on the show. I have no intentions of letting you down now." He also added, "This entire situation is still a little hazy for me, but I'm clear about one thing: I am unapologetically an advocate. And you don't need a television show to advocate; to be a change agent. Dr. King never had a television show. Malcolm X never had a television show. Mary McCloud Bethune. Roger Wilkins. Ida B. Wells. Medgar Evers. Harriet Tubman. Then again, as I think about it, I guess Harriet Tubman would not have been well served anyway to be broadcasting on television what she was doing on the Underground Railroad! Indeed, many of you listening to me right now advocate on behalf of children, seniors, students, AIDS victims, the homeless, the unemployed and the underemployed, the incarcerated --- you advocate for the least among us --- those who are socially, politically and economically disenfranchised --- you represent for them everyday and you do it without a television show." In part of his conclusion, Smiley stated, "For the past five years, I have attempted every night as the host of "BET Tonight" on Black Entertainment Television to enlighten, encourage, empower and, yes, sometimes to entertain Black folk. BET has informed me that they no longer require my services, but the network has said that, The BET Tonight show will live on - but in a new direction.' I hope that direction will provide programming that aims to uplift and inform. I trust that the heads of Viacom and BET know better than to short-change our folks at this critical moment in history. And so, I close this morning just as I have every evening on BET Tonight for five seasons: KEEP THE FAITH!" To view Tavis Smiley's complete commentary and response to his firing, log on to www.tomjoyner.com. Joyner is also asking his listeners to let Viacom know that they are making a huge mistake especially since Tavis is such a powerful voice for "us." He has also given out the e-mail address and telephone number to Viacom CEO Mel Karmazin. If you wish to express your views on the firing of Smiley to Viacom, contact Karmazin at (212) 975-5361 or e-mail him at mkarmazin@viacom.com. His fax number is (212) 975-5361. Tentative Agreement Reached in Abner Louima Settlement According to the New York Daily News, a tentative settlement has been reached in a civil lawsuit brought by a Haitian immigrant tortured in a police station in 1997. Under terms of the proposal, Abner Louima would receive $9 million from the city and the Police Benevolent Association. In return, he would drop his demand for reform in the way the New York Police Department deals with officers accused of crimes. The proposed settlement was distributed to the parties Tuesday. Both sides are scheduled to meet March 28th to sign the deal, barring any disagreement. If finalized, the settlement would close the ugliest chapter in the department's history.Louima's beating sparked protests and led to convictions of six officers. When Louima filed the suit in federal court in 1998, he claimed that officers and the police union conspired to create a "blue wall of silence and lies to obstruct justice." Louima testified that after his arrest in a street brawl outside a Brooklyn nightclub in 1997, he was sodomized with a broken broomstick and threatened if he reported it. Officer Justin Volpe, who pleaded guilty, is serving 30 years. A jury found a second patrolman, Charles Schwarz, guilty of pinning Louima down during the assault. Four other officers were convicted of lying to investigators.
March 23, 2001 Carl Thomas Discusses Napster, Mase, and Mary J. Blige Thomas also talked about the rumors circulating a while back that he and songstress Mary J. Blige were dating. He stated, "Mary and I were never dating. But, we were spotted having dinner in a few places. We hung out a lot when she invited me to join her tour. Mary and I have a lot in common. We like to do kid things, play video games. I taught her how to play Playstation. But the media writing all those things kind of spoiled our friendship. But, we're okay know and she has a boyfriend that she's very happy with." Thomas also stated that he keeps tabs on his former label mate Mase. He said, " The last time I spoke to Mase was last Christmas. I keep posted on Mase's progress. He's a wonderful young minister doing great things. I mean fabulous and positive things. He's out there making a difference putting his time, money, and effort where his mouth is." Carl Thomas will also be singing the praises of GOD as he and fellow label mates 112, Faith Evans, and others will appear on Bad Boy Records' gospel album Thank You. The album is scheduled to hit stores this summer and also includes performances by Brandy, Kelly Price, and the Rev. Hezekiah Walker. Thomas' debut album, Emotional, has already sold more than two million copies and is currently riding high off the hit single "Cold, Cold, World." Shaggy Reclaims His # 1 Spot on Soundscan Reggae phenomenon Shaggy has reclaimed the number one spot on Soundscan this week, adding another 209,767 copies to the total sales of his latest album Hotshot. The album has already sold close to five million copies and features the hit singles "It Wasn't Me" and "Angel." The Dave Matthews Band placed second with their album Everyday followed by Aerosmith's Just Push Play. Dido's No Angel came in fourth as Eric Clapton's Reptile rounded out the top five, selling 101,583 copies.Hip hop starlet Eve placed sixth this week with her sophomore album Scorpion followed by R&B's latest jewel Tank. Tank's debut album, Forces of Nature, sold 97,896 copies and features the hit single "Maybe I Deserve." DJ Clue came in eighth with his album The Professional Part 2 trailed by soulful crooner Jaheim's debut album Ghetto Love. Limp Bizkit's Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water rounded out Soundscan's top ten.
March 22, 2001 Whitney Houston to Star Alongside 007 The British tabloid The Sun reported an unidentified source as saying, "The movie bosses think Whitney would make a fantastic Bond girl and are desperately working out a deal which will be acceptable." However, the final decision will rest with Dana Broccoli, widow of famous Bond film producer Albert Broccoli, who has the last word on everything to do with the 007 franchise, the tabloid also said. The new James Bond film is scheduled to begin filming later this year and is scheduled to hit theatres in late 2002. Lil Bow Wow Prepares to Hit the Road Hip hop star Lil Bow Wow will kick off his first headlining tour in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio on April 13th at the Taft Theatre. The tour will include stops in Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, and New York, and will be held on the weekends so his young audience can attend. Many of the performances will also be matinees.In related news, the diminutive rapper will also be starring in the made-for-TV movie "Carmen: A Hip Hopera." The movie is an updated version of the 19th century opera "Carmen" and also stars Beyonce of Destiny's Child, Mos Def, and Wyclef Jean. The 14-year-old teenage heartthrob will also be performing at Nickelodeon's 14th annual Kids Choice awards on April 21st at the Barker Hanger in Santa Monica, California. Lil Bow Wow is nominated in the categories of "Favorite Male Singer" and "Favorite Song" for his hit "Bounce With Me" at the awards. To cast your vote for him at the Kids Choice awards, log on to www.nick.com. Lil Bow Wow's debut album Beware of Dog has sold close to two million copies and is currently ranked at number 35 on Soundscan. For more information on the rapper, log on to www.lilbowwow.com. Here is Lil Bow Wow's current tour itinerary: 4/13 - Cincinnati, OH - Taft Theatre 4/14 - Louisville, KY - Palace 4/15 - Cleveland, OH - State Theatre 4/19 - Oakland, CA - Paramount Theatre 4/20 - San Diego, CA - Spreckels Theatre 4/22 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern Theatre 4/27 - Tulsa, OK - Brady Theatre 4/28 - Dallas, TX - Bronco Bowl 5/4 - Kansas City, MO - Midland Theatre 5/5 - St. Louis, MO - Pageant 5/6 - Columbia, OH - Vets Memorial Auditorium 5/11 - Milwaukee, WI - Riverside Theatre 5/13 - Detroit, MI - State Theatre 5/18 - Atlanta, GA - Earthlink Live 5/19 - Atlanta, GA - Earthlink Live 5/20 - Atlanta, GA - Earthlink Live 5/25 - Orlando, FL - Hard Rock Live 5/26 - Miami, FL - Sunrise 5/27 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center 6/1 - Richmond, VA - Landmark Theatre 6/2 - Washington, DC - Constitution Hall 6/3 - Charlotte, NC or Greensboro, NC - TBA 6/8 - Philadelphia, PA - TBA 6/9 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre 6/10 - New York, NY - TBA
March 21, 2001 Puffy's Baby Mama Drama Despite the claims, Puffy was defended by Misa Hylton-Brim, the mother of his 7-year- old son Justin. She said, "He takes very good care of his kids, and he's not cheap with them at all. They have the best." Suzanne Kimberly Bracker, an attorney representing Porter said, "No one has said he is a dead beat daddy. Child support is about child support, it's not about what he feels they need. The child is deserveant of a standard of living equal to that of his father." Porter's other lawyer Barry Ivan Slotnick added, "Puffy loves his son with Kim, but his head is in the sand. Asking Puffy for the child support this young boy needs is like asking Puffy to buy Kim a cup of coffee. Understand, he spends over a quarter of a million dollars on parties that strangers attend." DMX Leaves The Box Office Wounded The action drama Exit Wounds starring rapper DMX and martial arts expert Steven Seagal took top honors at the box office this week grossing $19 million. The World War II action drama Enemy at the Gates starring Jude Law and Ed Harris placed second followed by The Mexican. The Mexican, which stars Julia Roberts and Brad Pit, previously held the top honors. David Arquette's latest comedy See Spot Run placed fourth as the crime thriller 15 Minutes starring Robert De Niro and Edward Burns rounded out the top five, grossing $4.3 million.Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon placed sixth this week grossing another $4.1 million. Chris Rock's hilarious comedy Down to Earth came in seventh followed by Hannibal. The sadistic thriller stars Anthony Hopkins and is a sequel to the 1991 blockbuster The Silence of the Lambs. The suspense drama Traffic which examines the drug trade placed ninth as Johnny Depp's latest film Chocolat closed out the top ten, grossing $3.4 million. Here are this week's gross figures: 1. Exit Wounds $19 million 2. Enemy at the Gates $13.6 million 3. The Mexican $8.1 million 4. See Spot Run $5.2 million 5. 15 Minutes $4.3 million 6. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon $4.1 million 7. Down to Earth $4 million 8. Hannibal $3.7 million 9. Traffic $ 3.41 million 10. Chocolat $3.4 million
March 20, 2001 Nas to Star in Independent Film Outkast to Assist Youth in Speaking Up With the recent shooting at a San Diego, California high school and other similar incidents, Outkast has teamed with the Nike Youth Action program to assist kids in fostering positive change in their communities. The organization was created to eliminate the inherent fear that kids have in speaking up to prevent tragic incidents. It will also be distributing $1,000 grants to nonprofit youth organizations on nine of Outkast's 40 tour stops. Outkast will also visit the organizations, outlining the need for youth activism and moderating discussions about the recent high school shootings. In turn, participating kids receive free concert tickets. Big Boi and Dre will present the grant to a designated youth representative onstage during each show. They will be performing tonight at the Aragon Theatre in Chicago, Illinois. Outkast's fourth album, Stankonia, has sold close to four million copies and is currently ranked at 30 on Soundscan. For their complete tour itinerary, log on to the group's official website at www.outkast.com.
March 19, 2001 Snoop To Give His Testament on BET In related Snoop news, his latest album Tha Last Meal is currently ranked at number 24 on Soundscan and has already sold more than a million copies. His protégé Bad Azz will release his sophomore album on Dogg House/Priority Records on March 27th entitled Personal Business. The album will feature collaborations with Snoop, Ras Kass, Xzibit, and Ice Cube. Mary J. Blige and Janet Jackson to Pay Tribute to Aretha Franklin Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin will be honored on VH-1's fourth annual "Divas Live" special. "VH-1 Divas Live: The One and Only Aretha Franklin" will be broadcast live from New York's Radio City Music Hall and will be aired on the cable channel on April 10th. The star-studded tribute will also feature performances by Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, and Jill Scott. Franklin will also perform some of her classics such as "Natural Woman" and Respect" at the gala. The presentation will also raise funds for VH-1's Save the Music Foundation, which generates funds for inner city schools. Last year's "Diva's" program marked the first time that the special paid tribute to an artist, as Diana Ross was commemorated. That line up included such stars as Mariah Carey, Destiny's Child, and Donna Summers. Tickets for "VH-1 Divas Live: The One and Only Aretha Franklin" went on sale March 16th via Ticketmaster.
March 16, 2001 Lenny Kravitz to Release Collaboration with Outkast Kravitz's Greatest Hits compilation is currently ranked at number eight on Soundscan and has already sold more than two million copies. He is also working on a follow up album to his 1998 multi-platinum selling album 5. Kravitz also stated that he has "jammed with Prince" but isn't sure if the material will ever be commercially released. He stated, "The tapes are locked away. We really did that for our own memory, but one day we may do something together that the public will hear." He also expressed his views on Napster stating, "I think it's interesting technology but artist should be paid for their work." For more information on Kravitz, log on to his official website at www.lennykravitz.com. "King of Pop" Cleared of Plagiarism Charges Michael Jackson has been found not guilty of plagiarism by a Roman Court of Appeals from a lawsuit stemming from the early 1990s. The Roman Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's May, 1999 ruling in a criminal trial that found Jackson's song "Will You Be There" was a plagiarized version of Italian songwriter Albano Carrisi's song "I Cigni di Balaka." Jackson was also acquitted of copyright infringement in a civil case in Milan involving the same songs. Jackson's copyright lawyer Eve Wagner said in a written statement, "While Michael Jackson is often the target of meritless claims, he has won every single copyright infringement case ever brought against him."In a related Jackson lawsuit, Motown Records, which owns the name Jackson 5, has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in California against six defendants. The suit complains of trademark infringement, cybersquatting, unfair competition, and false designation of origin. In the complaint, filed on Wednesday (March 14), council for Motown claims that said defendants (Creston Group, Inc; Africawatch.net; Midland Group; Dalpo Asiru; AIM Internet Services; Alexander G. Cardonell) "are seeking to profit from the fame of the Jackson 5 by registering and using the domain name 'jackson 5.com'." The lawsuit seeks an injunction to prevent the defendants from using the domain name or any other Jackson 5 mark. It also asks that the defendants be required to account for all profits resulting from the alleged illegal activities, and that such profits be recovered by Motown, as well as the cost of the lawsuit.
March 15, 2001 Sisqo and Bob Newhart to Star in Sitcom Chi Ali Captured Former hip hop star Chi Ali Griffith, 23, was arrested in the South Bronx, New York on February 25th, just one day after he was featured for a second time on Fox-TV's popular program, "America's Most Wanted: America Fights Back." It was the second time the accused murderer was profiled on the hit FOX network crime show in the past five months. Police had tracked Griffith in Atlanta last summer but missed arresting him by about ten minutes since the suspect constantly stayed on the move. Griffith was first profiled on "America's Most Wanted" in November of 2000, but no solid leads were generated by the broadcast. Police say Griffith shot and killed his girlfriend's brother over a three-hundred-dollar debt, and a dispute over a collection of rare CD's.Chi Ali Griffith was once a rising star in the world of hip hop music. In 1992, at the age of fifteen, Griffith's single, "Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number" was a top ten hit on the Billboard music charts. His follow-up single, "Roadrunner" was also a hit, but after that his music career stalled. According to the crime fighter's official website, www.americasmostwanted.com, by the late 1990's Griffith was working in the mailroom of an insurance company and was considered a has-been in the rap world. Police say in 1999, Griffith was dating Sean Raymond's sister and moved into an apartment with them in the Throgs Neck Houses in the Bronx. Sean, an avid CD collector didn't get along with Griffith and had numerous disputes with him over CD's that kept disappearing from his collection. On February 14th, police say Sean confronted Griffith during a telephone conversation about a case of rare CD's that had been stolen from his collection. Hours after the conversation, police say Griffith confronted Sean on the street near his home and shot him to death.
March 14, 2001 Slim Shady Set To Take Over Toys 'R' Us Also joining Eminem in toy stores will be his cohort in controversy, shock rocker Marilyn Manson. A four-figure collection of the rocker will be released by California based Fewture Models. In related news, Eminem's lyrics will be scrutinized this week on Tuesday and Wednesday on "BET's Tonight With Tavis Smiley." The show's topic, "Hate Lyrics and Eminem," will feature panel discussions with hip hop author Eric Michael Dyson and Todd Boyd. Force M.D.'s to Release "Greatest Hits" Album Tommy Boy Records will release The Force M.D.'s Let Me Love You: The Greatest Hits on March 20th. The album will contain such classic cuts as "Itchin' for a Scratch," "Tears," "Tender Love," and "I Wanna Know Your Name." The release is in unison with the labels 20th anniversary. As part of the celebration, Tommy Boy has also re-released classic albums by Stetsasonic, the Jonzun Crew, and Planet Patrol. Greatest hits albums and reissues by Coolio, Digital Underground, Queen Latifah, and Afrika Bambaataa are also scheduled to be released later this year. The Force M.D.'s also released an album last year entitled The Reunion. The album featured fellow Staten Island native Raekwon and was also executive produced by the Wu-Tang Clan. Here is the track listing for the Force M.D.'s Let Me Love You: Greatest Hits:1. Let Me Love You 2. Tears 3. Forgive Me Girl 4. Itchin' For a Scratch 5. Here I Go Again 6. Force M.D.'s Meet The Fat Boys 7. Tender Love 8. I Wanna Know Your Name 9. Love Is a House 10. Touch And Go 11. Couldn't Care Less 12. Your Love Drives Me Crazy 13. Deep Check 14. Are You Really Real? 15. Step to Me 16. What's the Name of That Song? 17. Auld Lang Syne
March 13, 2001 Ludacris' Story To hear him tell it, he was literally born to rap. At the age of 3, little Chris Bridges was already going to college parties with his parents. He recorded his first rap at age 9 and joined his first rap crew three years later. After making a name for himself with his between-song promotional spots on WHAT-FM in his hometown of Atlanta, Ludacris, 21, self-released his debut, Incognegro, on his Disturbing the Peace Entertainment label, selling more than 30,000 copies with virtually no promotion. The album caught the ear of new Def Jam South head rapper Scarface, who made the rowdy, raunchy MC the first signing to the label. With hot-shot producers the Neptunes, Organized Noize, Jermaine Dupri and Timbaland on board to freshen up the sound of Incognegro, the album was re-released in October with the new title Back for the First Time. The fat bounce of songs such as the stuttering breakout hit "What's Your Fantasy" and the minimal funk tune "Southern Hospitality" has helped propel the album past the platinum mark and into the Billboard top 10. Rahman Dukes and Shari Scorca threw some 'bows with Ludacris, who talked
about the origins of his sound, having all his fantasies come true and why
Napster might not be such a bad thing ... for other folks.
Lawyer's Closing: 'Bad People' Trying To Frame Combs Sean "Puffy" Combs is the innocent victim of "bad people" who sought to frame him to profit from multimillion dollar lawsuits, Combs' lawyer Benjamin Brafman said in his closing argument Monday afternoon (March 12).The prosecution's gun possession and bribery case against Combs is riddled with inconsistencies and ultimately doesn't make sense, Brafman argued. "If it doesn't make sense, you must find for the defense," he said, quoting a phrase coined by his co-counsel Johnnie Cochran. Cochran, famed for his effective - and rhyming - closing argument in O.J. Simpson's murder trial, chose not to speak for Combs because he feared his fame would overshadow his arguments, Brafman told the jury. Speaking in a near shout, Brafman paced the courtroom as he launched a withering attack on the character and credibility of the prosecution's main witnesses, including driver Wardel Fenderson and shooting victims Natania Reuben and Julius Jones. "What are the odds that in a nightclub packed with 800 to 1,000 people, the only people who would suggest to you that Mr. Combs had a gun are the people who are suing for hundreds of millions of dollars?" Brafman said. Brafman suggested that Reuben and Jones were involved in some sort of conspiracy with Matthew "Scar" Allen, the man accused of starting the argument with Combs that allegedly sparked the Club New York shootings. Reuben testified that she knew Allen before the shootings, while Jones said that he had at least heard of him. Allen, Jones and Reuben - who are all from Brooklyn - each said Combs had a gun during the shootings. "What are the odds that Natania Reuben and Julius Jones also know Scar?" Brafman asked. "It's not possible, unless there's more that you're not hearing." Brafman contemptuously described Jones as a pot-smoking layabout who has never worked a full-time job, but who can somehow afford to attend clubs and buy expensive clothes and drugs. "What does Julius Jones do when he wakes up in the morning? What does he do? [And] you're supposed to rely on him to end a man's life," Brafman said. Jones testified that he worked occasionally in construction and for the New York City Parks Department. Reuben, meanwhile, decided immediately after getting shot to pin the blame on Combs solely because of his "deep pockets," the lawyer argued. He pointed to testimony from a friend of Reuben, who said Reuben told her she didn't remember who had a gun at the club, as well as to Reuben's claim that Combs wore a coat during the shootings, a claim contradicted by every other witness. "If Natania Reuben is a liar, Mr. Combs must be acquitted," he said. Brafman dismissed Fenderson - who claimed that he saw Combs with a gun and that the rap mogul tried to bribe him - as a "deadbeat dad," whose alleged failure to pay child support over more than a decade ruins his credibility. He also pointed to what he described as numerous fabrications and contradictions in his testimony. Brafman was even more scornful of what he called "the most preposterous part of this case" - the gun Combs is accused of throwing out of the window of the Lincoln Navigator he used to flee the club. George Pappas, a driver for what he called an escort agency and the defense characterized as a prostitution service, claimed to have found the gun. He turned it over to Anthony Nastasi, a paid FBI informant who owned the service. "Anthony Nastasi has been a pimp his entire life [and] George Pappas is like an extra from The Sopranos," Brafman said. "For safekeeping, [Pappas] turned [the gun] in to Anthony Nastasi - I guess because Charles Manson's in jail, he gave it to Nastasi." Since Pappas doesn't even claim to have seen the gun thrown from the Navigator - only to have heard it hit his car - there's no evidence linking it to Combs, Brafman argued. "If ever there was a case where the reasonable doubt jumps off the page at you ... it's this case," the lawyer said.
March 12, 2001 K-Ci & Jo Jo Hit With Lawsuit The suit reads, in part, "Since 1997, defendants have wrongfully manufactured, distributed for sale, and sold millions of copies of phonorecords containing the infringing work '"Just for Your Love" throughout the world and have done so without first obtaining a license of any nature from plaintiff. Despite notice from plaintiff of such wrongful conduct, defendants have ignored and continue to ignore plaintiff's rights and entitlement to royalties." The suit also names Genard Parker and Gloria Stewart as defendants as well as MCA Records, and EMI Music Publishing, Inc., among others. Parker and Stewart also helped co-write the song. Townsend is suing for copyright infringement, unfair competition, and the Lanham Act. Dave Matthews Band Dethrones Shaggy The Dave Matthews Band debuted at number one this week on Soundscan with their album Everyday selling 732,720 copies. Shaggy's Hotshot slipped down to second and was followed by DJ Clue's The Professional - Part 2. Project Pat also debuted this week as his albumMista Don't Play placed fourth, selling 126,237 units. The album features the hit single "Chichenhead." Dido's No Angel rounded out the top five this week selling 125,226 copies.The Beatles 1 came in sixth followed by the Save the Last Dance soundtrack. The Save the Last Dance soundtrack features songs by Fredro Starr, Jill Scott, Athena Cage, and K-Ci and Jo Jo. Ja Rule's Rule 3:36 placed eighth selling another 84,283 copies. WWF: The Music Vol. 5 came in ninth as Lenny Kravitz's Greatest Hits rounded out Soundscan's top ten.
March 9, 2001 Jermaine Dupri Does 3-Day Bid In related news, Dupri recently signed a deal that keeps long time distributor Columbia Records putting out his records. So So Def's roster includes Lil' Bow Wow, Jagged Edge, and Da Brat. The label's earlier successes included Kris Kross and Xscape. Jagged Edge's sophomore album, J.E. Heartbreak, has sold more than 2 million copies and is currently ranked at number 65 on Soundscan. Lil Bow Wow's Beware of Dog has also sold more than one million copies and is ranked at number 27 on Soundscan. Malcolm Lee to Direct "Undercover Brother" Malcolm Lee, director of the blockbuster hit The Best Man, has signed on to direct the action-comedy Undercover Brother. The film will star Eddie Griffin as Anton Jackson, an African-American man who seems harmless enough on the surface, but is secretly a secret agent in the all-black B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D. As Undercover Brother, a high-afroed secret agent, he fights in the never-ending battle against the all-white establishment known nefariously as The Man. The film will also star Aunjanue Ellis as "Sistah Girl." Ellis previously appeared in Men of Honor with Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Robert DeNiro. Undercover Brother is scheduled to begin filming later this month in Toronto, Canada. The film will be distributed by Universal Pictures and is scheduled to hit theatres in early 2002. The movie is based on the animated internet cartoon of the same name, which is featured on www.urbanentertainment.com.
March 8, 2001 Steve Harvey Named "Entertainer of the Year" The 32nd NAACP Image Awards were held on Saturday at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles and were hosted by comedian Chris Rock. The awards recognize excellence in the entertainment industry in 41 categories. Other winners included R. Kelly, LL Cool J, Aaron Neville, Cedric The Entertainer, and Carl Thomas. The ceremony will be broadcast on March 9th on FOX. Here is a partial list of NAACP Image Award winners: Outstanding new artist: Carl Thomas, "Emotional" Outstanding male artist: R. Kelly, "I Wish" Outstanding female artist: Yolanda Adams, "Open My Heart" Outstanding duo or group: Destiny's Child, "Say My Name" Outstanding hip-hop/rap artist: LL Cool J, "G.O.A.T." Outstanding jazz artist: Grover Washington Jr., "The Best of Grover Washington Jr." Outstanding gospel artist - traditional: Aaron Neville, "Mary Don't You Weep" Outstanding gospel artist - contemporary: Yolanda Adams, "Open My Heart" Outstanding music video: R. Kelly, "I Wish" Outstanding song: Yolanda Adams, "Open My Heart" Outstanding album: Stevie Wonder, "At the Close of the Century" Outstanding performance in a variety series/special: Yolanda Adams, "Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards" Outstanding Film: Remember the Titans Best Actress in a Comedy Series: Mo'nique, "The Parkers" Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series: Cedric the Entertainer, "The Steve Harvey Show" Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: Terri J. Vaughn, "The Steve Harvey Show" Wayans Brothers Snag Tori Spelling for "Scary Movie II" Former "Beverly Hills 90210" star Tori Spelling has been cast to star in the comedy Scary Movie II. The film will follow in the same vein as its 2000 predecessor which made fun of classic horror flicks such as Scream and Friday the 13th. The film will also feature returning cast mates, Shawn and Marlon Wayans, as well as Chris Elliott, and Anna Faris. Marlon and Shawn also wrote the screenplay for the original as well as the upcoming sequel. Their older brother, Keenen Ivory Wayans, is also back on board to direct the sequel, which is scheduled to begin filming at the end of the month. Scary Movie II is scheduled to hit theatres on the 4th of July. It will be distributed through Dimension Films.
March 7, 2001 Koffee Brown Prepares for the "After Party" The duo also stated that they worked on their album for three years and put a lot of their previous experiences with the music industry into their project. Vee previously sung back up for Case, Mary J. Blige, and Faith Evans, while Fonz has produced tracks for such artists as Will Smith, Naughty by Nature, Next, Krayzie Bone, and Destiny's Child. He also produced Kelly Rowland of Destiny's Child solo single from the Down to Earth soundtrack. Fonz added that that the album's title Mars/Venus is based on the book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus. The talented duo also wrote and produced a few cuts on the album, which also contains production and writing credits from Kay Gee, RL of Next, and Chris Lighty. For more information on the duo and their forthcoming album, log on to their official websites at www.koffeebrown and www.divinemill.com. Here is the track listing for Mars/Venus: 1. Intro 2. Weekend Thing (featuring B-12 of Midwikid) 3. After Party 4. Didn't Mean to Turn You On (featuring Du-Ganz) 5. Chick on da Side 6. Fingerpointing 7. Blackout (featuring Lady Luck) 8. All I Need (Bonnie and Clyde) - featuring Du-Gunz 9. All Those Fancy Things 10. Quickie 11. The View (Interlude) 12. I Got Love (Scars) 13. Hater's Disease 14. Qualified 15. Mars/Venus (Interlude) 16. Do U See Stylists Plan Michael Jackson's Makeover As Michael Jackson prepares to launch version 4.0 of himself, many of his fashion staples -- military epaulets, single sequined gloves -- have beat it from his wardrobe. By mandate. According to stylists hired for recent Jackson photo shoots, Sony insists that fashion consultants sign a contract agreeing not to outfit the star in his old style relics. (Sony's Michele Schweitzer downplayed the label's role: ''Many artists have a standard contract when you do a photo shoot.'')So what should the 21st century Jacko look like? No more socks and gloves, insists Rodney Jerkins, who's worked on Jackson's new album. ''He needs to change, come out totally fresh.'' Tameka Foster, a stylist for Lauryn Hill and Toni Braxton, suggests a more subtle vibe. ''He's always been larger than life. He needs to be a bit more regular.'' Her suggestion? Cornrows and clothing that's ''halfway between hip hop and haute couture.'' Jamie Kimmelman, an image consultant for Shania Twain and others, would dump the androgynous theatrics. Stealing a page from the recent men's fashion shows, Kimmelman urges ''a return to gentlemanly elegance...impeccably tailored suits, but with a bright orange shirt and tie, and a lining [that] is bright orange satin, so it's not a boring pinstriped banker's suit.''
March 6, 2001 Jagged Edge Wins Big at Soul Train Awards The 15th Annual Soul Train Music Awards were co-hosted by Queen Latifah, Mya, and Shemar Moore. Awards nominees were chosen by a panel of radio programmers, retail personnel, and artists, based on chart positions in several national trade publications. Produced by Don Cornelius Productions in association with Tribune Entertainment, this year's awards show also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the weekly "Soul Train" TV series. For more information on the awards and on Soul Train's television programs, log on to www.soultraintv.com. Here is the complete list of winners: Best R&B/Soul Single (female): Yolanda Adams, "Open My Heart" Best R&B/Soul Single (male): R. Kelly, "I Wish" Best R&B/Soul Single (group, band, or duo): Jagged Edge, "Let's Get Married" Best R&B/Soul Album (female): Jill Scott, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 Best R&B/Soul Album (male): R. Kelly, TP-2.Com Best R&B/Soul Album (group, band, or duo): Jagged Edge, J.E. Heartbreak R&B/Soul or Rap Album of the Year: Dr. Dre, Dr. Dre-2001 Best R&B/Soul or Rap, New Artist: Nelly, Country Grammar Best R&B/Soul or Rap Music Video: Mystikal, "Shake Ya Ass" Best gospel album: Mary Mary, Thankful Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year: Destiny's Child, Jay-Z Quincy Jones Award for Outstanding Career Achievement: Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley Bizzy Bone Files Lawsuit Bizzy Bone of the hip hop group Bone Thugs-N-Harmony filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on Monday against Southwest Wholesale Tapes and Records, Inc. The suit accuses the distribution company of interfering with the distribution of his solo album, The Gift. Bizzy Bone, whose real name is Bryon McCane, claims that he entered into an exclusive agreement with American Music Corp. in September of 2000 to reproduce and distribute his upcoming album. After the deal, AMC began looking for a distributor capable of handling a release of this size. In October, AMC allegedly contacted Southwest about the possibility of distributing the album before coming to the conclusion that the company was "financially incapable of distributing the album to the extent desired," according to the suit.An agreement was then made between AMC and the Innovative Distribution Network, prompting Southwest to allegedly begin sending cease and desist letters, which claimed it owned the exclusive rights to distribute the album. AMC and McCane then responded to the letters with a cease and desist of their own earlier this month, demanding that Southwest refrain from contacting third parties and from falsely claiming distribution rights to the album. Southwest allegedly followed with another letter asking IDN to refrain from manufacturing, distributing, selling, or offering the album. McKane and AMC are suing Southwest for copyright infringement, violation of right of publicity, false designation of origin, unfair competition, interference with prospective economic advantage, intentional interference with contractual relations, and declaratory relief. The Gift is scheduled to be released on March 20th.
March 5, 2001 Whitney Houston Stalker Continues Her Reign of Terror Weeks has been sending Houston packages since August 1999, which have included numerous letters, greeting cards, Valentines Day chocolates, and a four-tiered cake. In December 1999, she mailed the singer a bra and underwear, pajamas for Houston's husband Bobby Brown, and pillows for the couple's daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown, according to court papers. The items showed that Weeks believed the pop singer was her "supernatural reincarnated mother" while Weeks also referred to Houston as "mommy" in the letters and Bobbi Kristina as her "sister." The judge also reinstated a lawsuit Houston filed against Weeks last year. Houston had dropped the suit and another temporary restraining order after Weeks was involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital in New York. However, Houston returned to court earlier this month after Weeks briefly escaped from a Bronx psychiatric hospital on January 26th. No physical harm has been done to Houston or her family, but the order bars Weeks from having any contact personally, through correspondence, by phone, or with her management company, Nippy Inc. Janet Returns Unclothed Sex sells. At least that's the plan for Janet Jackson's new video. Her new single, "All For You," will be out on radio air waves March 6 and is rumored to also be the title for the highly-aniticpated new album. Filming for Janet's spicy new piece is planned for production in the Arizona desert, somewhat reminiscent of the video for her 1989 hit, "Love will Never Do (Without You)." If the video is anything like her single sleeve, it looks like this time Janet will be minus the wispy up-do and much, much more.
March 2, 2001 Silkk the Shocker Responds to No Limit Lawsuit During a recent interview with Silkk the Shocker, he responded to the lawsuit, saying, "I don't really know about the Marc in the Dark lawsuit. I know of him and he cool people so hopefully they can work everything out. I don't really know what the suit is really about and whatever, but he cool with me. I met him before and he did some beats for us, but I don't think he did any work on my album. I think he worked on the 504 and Magic album, but hopefully, he'll get whatever he deserves. I'm about paying a person what they deserve." Silkk the Shocker also released his fourth solo album on Tuesday entitled My World, My Way. The album contains the hit singles "That's Cool" with Trina and "He Did That." Silkk spoke about his latest release stating, "I did the album in three weeks. I did all my albums in three weeks. It doesn't take me a long time to do it, because I feel like if you study long, you study wrong, so I just do it. And I feel that if I feel it, then everybody else will too." Silkk also addressed the naysayers who are saying that No Limit is falling off. He said, "You got people who love you and people that hate you, that's life. You got to deal with that. But to the ones who say that we're falling off, you can't say platinum is falling off just because you went double platinum last year and the year before that. That's (negative talking) what sells records. I mean, you wouldn't know we was falling off if you didn't buy the record. You gotta buy the record in order to say that it didn't sound good or whatever. I mean, I think haters is definitely something you need because how you gonna know how good you are if people don't hate. People won't know you're a player if people don't hate you." My World, My Way also contains collaborations with Master P, Snoop Dogg, Mystikal, and C-Murder. Here is the tracklisting for the album: 1. Intro 2. Na Na Na 3. Run 4. He Did That 5. That's Cool 6. Pop Lockin' 7. Uh Ha 8. Funny Guy 9. Interlude 1 10. Haters 11. Interlude 2 12. Seem Like A Thug 13. Them Boyz 14. My World, My Way 15. Go Down 16. Beef 17. What's Heaven Like 18. I Wish 19. D-Game (Remix) 20. What I'm Looking For 21. Executive Thug 22. What You Know 23. The Day After Lil' Kim Videotaped at Scene of Shooting According to The New York Daily News, several men suspected of taking part in a shootout outside of a New York radio station were videotaped jumping into rapper Lil' Kim's limousine as it traced away, police sources said yesterday. It was previously reported that Kim had evacuated before the gunfire started. A security camera mounted on a building near the Hudson St. headquarters of hip-hop radio station Hot 97 WQHT shows Kim being hustled into the car as gunfire broke out Sunday afternoon, sources said. In the video, the car swiftly pulls away from the curb, then suddenly stops to let four or five men jump in. The tape however didn't show the barrage of gunfire.A war of words came to a head on Sunday as gunshots rang out in front of the radio station. The gunfight involved entourages of rappers Lil' Kim and Capone-N-Noreaga. According to reports, more than 20 shots were fired from at least two different guns shortly after 3 p.m. Efrain Ocasio, described by sources as a "hanger-on" with Capone-N-Noreaga, was shot in the back. He has since been released from St. Vincent's Medical Center. The tension is believed to have escalated when words were exchanged between the two camps as Kim's entourage was leaving after appearing on DJ Clue's show and Capone of the hip hop duo was entering the building. Foxy Brown previously dissed Lil' Kim on her guest appearance on Capone-n-Noreaga's single "Bang Bang" from their album The Reunion. Detectives are obtaining more information about the shooting from a confiscated security tape from the carpenters-union building next door to Hot 97. The grainy video showed about 15 to 20 people milling outside before the gunshots sounded, investigators said. Jeff Kempler, Kim's entertainment lawyer, said the rapper would cooperate with police. However, detectives weren't having much luck yesterday getting any information out of Kim or members of her entourage and no arrests have been made. Capone N' Noreaga released the following statement through their management company Violator. "We're very sorry that this situation occurred. Capone ŒN' Noreaga had nothing to do with the shooting. It's unfortunate that the normally healthy competitive spirit in the music industry has been compromised by people who have nothing to do with the making of the records. We are cooperating fully with the police, and hope that whoever is responsible for this is brought to justice."
March 1, 2001 Eminem Eclipsed At Soul Train Music Awards Exactly one week after winning three Grammy Awards, the 28-year-old Detroit performer lost both Soul Train categories in which he was nominated. Eminem did not attend the event, which was taped at the Shrine Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, and will be broadcast in syndication across the United States on March 3. Nor was he the evening's big loser: soulful newcomer Carl Thomas and R&B heartthrob D'Angelo, with three nominations each, also went home empty-handed. The main winners were male vocal quartet Jagged Edge and R&B star R. Kelly, who each won two awards. The Jagged Edge tune "Let's Get Married" was named best R&B/soul single and the group's second LP "J.E. Heartbreak" best R&B/soul album, both in the group category. Kelly took the male single and album prizes for "I Wish" and "TP-2.Com," respectively. In the female race, gospel singer Yolanda Adams won the single prize for "Open My Heart" while acclaimed newcomer Jill Scott took the album trophy for her debut release "Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1." Eminem's "The Marshall Mathers LP" lost the album of the year prize to his mentor Dr. Dre's "Dr. Dre -- 2001." His clip for "Stan" was shut out for best video by rapper Mystikal's "Shake Ya Ass." Eminem, whose lyrics have come under fire for their apparent misogyny and homophobia, scored three rap Grammys, including album of the year, last week. Soul Train nominees and winners are determined by a poll of radio station programmers, active recording artists and retail personnel. The awards, now in their 15th year, are an outgrowth of "Soul Train," a popular syndicated TV show. This year's event was co-hosted by rapper Queen Latifah, singer Mya and
"Soul Train" series host Shemar Moore. Mya also performed, as did Scott,
Mystikal, Thomas, best new artist winner Nelly and female R&B trio
Destiny's Child.
I Second That 'Emotion' Destiny's Child are to release their cover of a song penned by the Bee Gees as a single.The song 'Emotion', penned by Barry and Maurice Gibb, was a hit for Australian singer Samantha Sang, who reached Number 11 with the track in the UK in February 1978. Now it is scheduled to be the third single which will be taken from Destiny's Child's new album, 'Survivor', which is set for release in the US on May 1 and in the UK on April 30. Destiny's Child singer Beyonce Knowles told MTV that it was likely to follow the album's title track and a song called 'Bootylicious' as a single. "It's an acoustic guitar and everybody has their verse and it is so great how the arrangement is and it's just a great song. Thank you for writing that song, Bee Gees. Y'all is tight," Knowles said. The Texas trio jetted out from their Brit Awards performance in London on Monday (February 26) to take the stage at the Soul Train Awards at the Los Angeles Shrine Auditorium last night. | March 13, 2010 | ||||||||||||||||||||
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