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February 26, 2001

DMX Turns Himself In

From SOHH.com. The dog has finally arrived at the kennel. On Monday (2/26), DMX boarded a plane to upstate New York to turn himself in to the authorities to begin serving a 10-day prison sentence. Although he turned himself in at Wende Correctional Facility, he will be transported to Erie County Correctional Facility. The sentence stems from various driving and drug charges incurred after being pulled over post-show in Buffalo, N.Y. He was originally sentenced to fifteen days in jail with a $200 fine (which he coughed up), but the jail stint was lessened after various appeals.

Lil' Kim & CNN Camps Involved in Hot 97 shooting?

From SOHH.com. Sunday afternoon, shots were fired outside New York's blazin' hip-hop radio station, Hot 97. Queen bee, Lil' Kim, had just left the building, when a man, Efrain Ocasio, thought to be connected to rap duo CNN, was caught in the crossfire of 22 bullets and shot in the back. CNN and Lil' Kim were at the station celebrating on-air the release of the new DJ Clue album, The Professional--Part 2. According to police, beef eruped between people from Kim's camp and the CNN crew and, at least, six folks were involved in the altrication that ensued. The alleged group from both sides, managed to skate before cops arrived on the scene. Gun-fire had shattered a car window and shell casings from a .380-caliber and a 9-mm. gun were found at the scene, according to the New York Daily News. CNN was not involved in the shoot out and no one has been arrested as yet.

February 23, 2001

Lil' Kim Helps Raise $4 Mil for Aids

From SOHH.com. Along with Mary J. Blige, Lil' Kim helped raise $4 million for Canada's M.A.C. Cosmetics' AIDS Fund. The money was earned by the sales garnered from the company's Viva Glam III Lipstick (100% of the profits went directly to the fund), which was launched in March 2000. The campaign featured ads with both Blige and Kim sporting the lipstick. Since the one-year run was so successful, the company has signed them up for another year. New photographs of Mary and Kim will be seen in M.A.C. store windows nationwide including Vancouver, BC. In addition, Mary J donated $600,000 in tour profits on behalf of the fund to AIDS organizations in ten U.S. cities. Kim also gave extra support by hitting up M.A.C. stores nationwide to show her support for the fund during her promotion tour for her album, The Notorious K.I.M..

Company Flow Plan Farewell Show

From SOHH.com. After announcing their breakup last year, the original members of Company Flow are getting together one last time. El-P, Big Juss and Mr. Len will come together to say goodbye to their fans on March 28 at New York's Browery Ballroom. Opening for Co-Flow will be underground acts Cannibal Ox, Mr. Lif, Aesop Rock, Living Legends, among others. As far as other projects, El-P is working on his solo album, Fantastic Damage, due out this fall, producing his protégé group Cannibal Ox and helping put former Rage Against The Machine front man, Zack De La Rocha production-wise for his solo album. Big Juss is currently working on his album Black Mumba Cerums, Part One, due out in June and is running his label, Sub Verse Music. Mr. Len is currently signed to Matador Records and plans to release an album later this year.

February 18, 2001

Xzibit DVD Release Date

IN STORES MAY 22, 2001

RESTLESS XPOSED, is a full length all access view at the life of Y2K’s most anticipated artist Xzibit. The DVD features behind-the-scenes of the Anger Management Tour, where Xzibit spread his wings to the public along side Limp Bizkit, Eminem, D12 and Papa Roach, with concert footage, all access back stage footage, tour bus, hotel footage and much more. Featuring some of today’s hottest artists including: Dr. Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Fred Durst and Limp Bizkit, Papa Roach, D12, Kid Rock, Wu-Tang, The Lik's, Warren G, Carson Daley and many more Also featuring the music from the Restless LP and hit tracks Paparazzi, Year 2000, Bitch Please, What’s The Difference and many more. The most in depth DVD on any artist. Directed by Devin DeHaven. Available on DVD and VHS from Loud Records May 22, 2001. Look for updates soon on the Loud website, www.loud.com

WARNING EXPLICIT MATERIALS!!!

Also Look for a DVD from The Lik's (formerly the alkaholiks) later this year....

February 12, 2001

Ludacris Prepares To Disturb The Peace

From Sonicnet.com. Ludacris fulfilled one of his fantasies by becoming a hip-hop star, and he hopes to spread the wealth. The Atlanta rapper's Disturbing the Peace clique Ludacris, Shawna, 4-Ize, Infamous 2-0 and Fate Wilson is expected to release its Golden Grain compilation by the end of 2001. Also scheduled to release a debut album later this year is Shawna, whom 'Cris featured on his "What's Your Fantasy" single. Each member of Disturbing the Peace is featured on Ludacris' major-label debut, Back for the First Time. The LP, which features the hit singles "What's Your Fantasy" and "Southern Hospitality," is the #8 album on the Billboard 200 this week and has sold more than 1.3 million copies to date, according to SoundScan. The rapper enjoyed some Southern hospitality from Geto Boys member and Def Jam South president Scarface, who made Ludacris the first act on the Def Jam subsidiary. Having grown up listening to Scarface's groundbreaking music, Ludacris said it was an honor to work with the Houston pioneer. "I've always looked up to him," he said. "The man has been doing his thing for a very, very long time, so obviously he's got to know something." 'Cris and Slimm Calhoun are the opening acts for Outkast's national tour, which kicks off March 2 at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia.

Wu-Tang's New Video

From SOHH.com. The Wu-Tang Clan has just wrapped up filming the video for their next single, "I Can't Go To Sleep." The RZA-directed video features the whole crew with images of Malcolm X being interviewed, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination, civil rights marches and footage from JFK's Dallas motorcade before he was assassinated. The video also has a cameo appearance from the Black Moses aka Isaac Hayes singing the chorus. "The song was originally Ghostface's idea," said RZA regarding the track and video. "We came to the conclusion that no one in hip hop has been giving homage to our many great fallen heroes who paved the way in this society making it possible for brothers like myself and others to become successful black men getting a fair shot at the American dream. We also made the song because of current events: because of what's happening to some of our communities prominent politicians, entertainers, and sports personalities we realize that we can't go to sleep, we can't shut our eyes or the gains made by the previous generations will be reversed and the opportunities for the next generations will be snuffed out."

Lauryn Hill Lawsuit Settled

From SOHH.com. After two years of going back and forth, a settlement has finally been reached in Lauryn Hill's production lawsuit. Plaintiffs Vada Nobles, Rasheem Pugh, Tejumold and Johari Newton filed a lawsuit against the Grammy award winning rapper/singer, claiming that they did not receive proper credit or royalties for the thirteen songs on the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill album that they produced and arranged. Settlement details in the case were not disclosed. Ms. Hill will probably be returning to the courtroom again this year. Bassist Vince Isaac has filed a lawsuit against Hill stating that he came up with the melody for the Lauryn Hill-produced Aretha Franklin hit, "A Rose Is a Rose."

DMX A No Show, Warrant Issued

After having his appeal rejected for a second time, DMX was ordered to begin serving his 15-day jail sentence for driving without a license this past Friday at the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden, NY. The rapper was a no show. According to reports, DMX stayed in California for the weekend to finish up shooting promotional spots for his new film with Steven Segal, Exit Wounds. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. The rapper's lawyer, Mark Mahoney, sent a letter to the courts stating that Warner Bros. refused to let DMX out on his contractual obligation for these promotional spots. The letter also states that there are millions of dollars committed to this and if it isn't done on time could be very damaging to all parties involved in the project. The rapper should be finished with his commitments in 3 to 5 days and then will turn himself in to authorities to begin serving his sentence.

Eminem To Perform With Elton John Tonight

From SOHH.com. Last week, the Grammy Award show organizers announced that Eminem will perform for the February 21 broadcast. Not only will he perform, but also openly bisexual superstar, Elton John will join Em on stage to sing the chorus to the hit "Stan". "We view this moment not only as musically significant, but also as an opportunity to help tear down some of the unfortunate walls of division that Eminem's lyrics have built," said Michael Greene, NARAS president and CEO. Of course this announcement is to the displeasure of the Anti-Eminem organizations such as GLAAD and the Family Violence Protection Fund (FVPF). Both organization released statements shortly after the announcement. GLAAD Executive Director Joan M. Garry said, "We are disappointed that Sir Elton John will be performing with Eminem at the Grammy Awards. John has played an enormous role in educating the world about AIDS and gay issues through his music and charitable work. GLAAD is appalled that John would share a stage with Eminem, whose words and actions promote hate and violence against gays and lesbians. Last year GLAAD bestowed upon John one of our most prestigious honors, named in honor of GLAAD founder Vito Russo, for outstanding contributions to combating homophobia. We believe John's actions today violate the spirit of this award." FVPF Executive Director Esta Soler said, "We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn that the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) and CBS have turned their backs on the millions of Americans whose lives have been devastated by domestic violence. Allowing Eminem to perform before millions of people on the Grammy Awards is grossly irresponsible, because his hate-filled lyrics de-sensitize people to abuse. Certainly, Eminem has the right to make and sell his music, but he should not be granted a national platform to perform songs that glorify brutal domestic violence and murder. It is more important than ever that CBS air at least one public service announcement on domestic violence during the program, and that NARAS check Eminem's messages of hate by having the host and/or other performers discuss the dangers of domestic violence. It is particularly ironic that NARAS, which says its mission is to positively impact the lives of musicians, industry members and our society at large, is promoting this artist. We will consider a boycott of sponsors of the program if our demands are not met." Whew! Seems like some folks are a little upset.

February 9, 2001

Lik's DVD "XO - The Lik's Experience" Info

As the headline states the Lik's DVD will be titled "XO - The Lik's Experience" is set to be released around two to three weeks after the release of their highly anticipated album.

Puffy Trial Update

From SOHH.com. More damaging testimony was given in Puffy's weapons possession trial this week, as another witness places a gun in the rapper's hand and the arresting officers testify. Julius Jones testified this week that he also saw Puffy with a gun after he was shot in shoulder by Shyne. Jones admitted to smoking weed and drinking malt liquor at the club, but kept his story straight during hours of tough cross-examination. "I saw my shooter, and I saw another man with a gun," Jones said several times. Puffy remained calm during the whole testimony and read his miniature edition of the New Testament and paged through a book of short stories. Jones testified that while Puff weaved through the crowd with his entourage he ran into a man, several witnesses testified as being known only as "Scar", who threatened Puff. Another man threw a wad of money at Puffy's face and that's when the drama started. Jones said that he saw Puffy pull out a black gun and saw Shyne point a gun in his direction and then all of sudden "fire" came from it. Jones said that he felt dizzy, fell to the ground and realized he was shot. He was taken to the hospital and doctors found the bullet lodged against his spine. Jones has filed a $700 million lawsuit against Puffy and company, but said he would drop it if someone would pay his hospital bills. About six officers testified Thursday, giving their accounts on what happened after Puffy was pulled over the night of the shooting. Police say that while they were chasing the Lincoln Navigator that Puff and Jennifer Lopez were in, that it ran 11 red lights and ignored the officer's sirens and flashing lights. They finally got the SUV to pull over with the help of another car and made everyone exit one by one. Sgt. Jack Konstantinidis testified that when they were cuffing Puffy and the driver, Wardel Fenderson, after they found a gun under the front seat, that Jennifer began walking away from the scene. The sergeant called Jennifer back to car, but she kept walking saying that she was going home. Another officer stepped in her path and she told him that she was leaving in the limo she arrived in. The officer told her she was under arrest and she replied, "It's not my gun." He also testified that at the station he saw Puffy whispering with Fenderson and his bodyguard Anthony 'Wolf' Jones. Jones was shaking his head 'no' and Fenderson didn't say anything. Later that day, Fenderson came up to the officer and said the gun was his, but several hours later; he came back and said the gun was not his and he's not taking the rap for nobody. For more in depth coverage, check out CourtTV.Com. Testimony will continue today and next week, when Fenderson will take the stand.

DMX To Jail

From SOHH.com. After submitting two appeals to get out of a sentence, it looks like DMX will have to spend a couple of weeks behind bars. A U.S. District Court judge rejected the rapper's appeal for stay of sentence while the courts reviewed a petition filed by his lawyer last month. DMX must surrender himself today to the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden, New York to begin serving his 15-day jail sentence for driving without a license (check related stories below). The petition that was filed on the rapper's behalf asked the courts to review the case and justify its sentence and investigate alleged constitutional violations in the court proceedings. This was the second appeal of DMX's sentence but was denied by Judge Joseph P. McCarthy on grounds that once a defendant pleads guilty, they lose the right to appeal their conviction or the harshness of the sentence.

February 8, 2001

Vote For Lil' Kims' Next Single

From SOHH.com. Now that Lil Kim has made a little noise with her first two singles, "How Many Licks" and "No Matter What They Say", the Queen Bee is letting her fans help her decide on what her single should be. Fans can go vote for the next single from a list of tracks from her album, The Notorious K.I.M.. Currently in the lead is "Aunt Dot" featuring Lil Shanice with "Hold On" featuring Mary J Blige not too far behind. Kim recently filmed a video with Ray-J for his first single, "Wait A Minute". The Queen Bee spits a verse on the Neptunes-produced track. For more Lil Kim information, check out LilKim.Com.

Evidence Fights Back

From SOHH.com. Ah yes, the ever-sweet smell of a lyrical battle gets even sweeter. While calling out Everlast in the underground track, "Quitter," Eminem also took the time out call out Evidence and his crew Dilated Peoples (also consisting of Rakaa Iriscience and DJ Babu). In the song, Em says, "Dilated, go ask your people how I leave ya/with your three CD's, nobody sees, when they released/Evidence, don't f*ck around with real MC's/who ain't ready for no underground beef, so f*ck geeks." In the same song, D-12 member, Proof says, "Get the sh*t out of our stereo, Dilated you violated/Now you 'bout to get annihilated, we gon' bury you/Iriscience get choked up and yoked up/ All you underground bitches get your throats cut." Now, Evidence has shot back with a response in the one verse track, "Search 4 Bobby Fisher." The song starts off a bit slow, but heats up as Evidence bashes Em's family and even his dead uncle Ronnie. Some of the best lines are making fun of Em, calling him a "fake Chino XL," saying, "you call me a geek? You jockin' Fred from Limp Bizkit!" and that his fans are "only little girls and the Trenchcoat Mafia." Overall, the response was good, but not as witty and funny as Em's songs. It's now Eminem's move.

Online Hip Hop Awards Coming Soon!!

From SOHH.com. Now is the time to start taking note of your favorite websites and artists of the year 2000. Brought to you by SOHH.com.Com, The 5th Annual Online Hip-Hop Awards (OHHA) will be held May 3 at Manhattan Center in New York City with a live webcast and for the first time, broadcast on national television. Dubbed the "Grammys of online hip-hop" by Entertainment Weekly, the OHHA lets fans decide who will win in 21 categories, including Website of The Year, Artist of The Year, Best Artist Website, Best New Artist and more. This the only hip-hop Award show ceremony where the outcome decided 100% by hip-hop fans worldwide. "The dot.com industry is going through some shaky times right now, but the hip-hop community online continues to thrive and we are excited to once again celebrate hip-hop on the Web with the participation of a global audience," states Felicia Palmer, executive producer and co-founder of The Online Hip-Hop Awards. Last year, the Online Hip-Hop Awards featured hosts LL Cool J and Angie Martinez with performances by Wyclef Jean, Rah Digga, Busta Rhymes and Dead Prez. The nomination process begins March 1 at OnlineHipHopAwards.Com where fans can nominate their favorite sites and artists. Then in April, the final voting will begin with the award show on May 3. Hosts, performers, and presenters will be announced in March, along with the television broadcast information so stay tuned.