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January 30, 2001

The Puffy Trial Begins

From SOHH.com. After two weeks of jury selection in deciding Puffy and Shyne's fate, opening arguments in their trial will finally begin today. Puff and company will be judged by five women and seven men, of whom seven are black and five are white. The ages range from mid-30s to mid-60s with most in their 40s or 50s. There are also six alternates, which include two Latinos, two black and two whites of whom are four women and two men. During the past two weeks, prosecution and defense lawyers went back and forth at each other playing the racial card. Defense attorneys claimed that the prosecutor was biased against ethnic jurors due to his challenging of mostly Black and Latino prospects. Prosecutors also claimed that the defense was biased against white jurors, due to their challenging of mostly Caucasian potentials. Both sides denied using race as a factor. Today, the prosecution will be presenting their case first.

Made Men Member Files Lawsuit Against Macys

From SOHH.com. After being sentenced for one year of probation for disorderly conduct, Ray "Benzino" Scott is getting his retribution. The Made Men rapper has filed a civil lawsuit against Macy's Department store and the Braintree police for discrimination. The suit stems from the incident at South Shore Mall near Boston when Scott purchased $1000 worth of merchandise from Macy's. A Macy's rep then called security believing that the credit card Scott used was stolen. When Scott was approached by security and police, and arrested him without a "satisfactory explanation." When Scott refused to hand over his credit card, he was tackled and punched and sprayed with mace. Scott ad his attorneys expect an out of court settlement and would not comment on the amount of damages they are seeking.

January 29, 20001

DMX To Jail After Rejected Appeal

From MTV.com. DMX will be forced to party up behind bars after a New York judge refused to overturn his 15-day jail sentence on a traffic charge he attained last March. Acting State Supreme Court Justice Joseph P. McCarthy rejected the Grammy- nominated rapper's appeal Thursday, according to the Associated Press, and DMX is expected to surrender within two weeks to begin serving time in the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden. Murray Richman, the rapper's lawyer, was not available for comment. DMX, born Earl Simmons, was arrested March 3 on the Kensington Expressway for speeding, failing to signal a lane change, driving with a suspended permit and possessing marijuana (see "DMX Arrested On Driving, Drug Possession Charges"). The rapper, then touring on the Ruff Ryders/Cash Money tour, skipped a March 23 court date pertaining to the incident, and a New York State warrant was issued for his arrest (see "DMX Jailed On Warrant, Gun Charge"). He turned himself in nearly a week later in Cheektowaga, New York, where Town Justice Ronald E. Kmiotek ordered the maximum 15-day jail term and $400 in fines after DMX pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of driving without a license. Richman attempted to get a stay of sentence granted for the rapper, meaning he would not have to serve time and his case would go on appeal, but it was denied Thursday. DMX, who is nominated for two Grammys, including Best Hip-Hop Album for ... And Then There Was X, has several upcoming projects, according to a spokesperson at Def Jam Records. The rapper is recording tracks for The Ear, his fourth studio album and the follow-up to the multiplatinum ... And Then There Was X. The new album has a tentative release date of May 22, according to the spokesperson. A DVD set for release in March will include a 30-minute video for "Angel," starring Mary J. Blige and directed by Bill Duke; footage from the making of ... And Then There Was X; and videos for "What's My Name?," "Party Up" and "What These Bitches Want." DMX is also writing an autobiography, "A Dogz Life," due this summer. On the big screen, DMX will star with Steven Seagal in "Exit Wounds," which is due out on March 16, and will begin filming "The Crow: Lazarus," the fourth film in the "Crow" franchise, in the spring (see "Kahn To Direct DMX In Next 'Crow' Film").

Blaze Battle Video For Free?

From SOHH.com. For those of you who missed HBO's Blaze Battle or forgot to hit record, here's your chance to get a free copy. Hip-Hop fans will be able to cop themselves a free sampler of the battle when they purchase a selected "hot hitz" home video or DVD. "Hot Hitz" titles include, Ghost Dog (starring Forrest Whitaker), Hot Boyz (starring Snoop Dogg, Master P), The Breaks (starring Carl Payne and Paula Jai Parker), Foolish (starring Eddie Griffith and Master P), Belly (starring Nas and DMX), Caught Up (starring Bokeem Woodbine), The Substitute, 1-3 (starring Treat Williams), and Out of Sync (starring LL Cool J). Fans must send in an original receipt with an original proof of purchase. More detailed information will be available on the packaging of the movie or you can visit HipHopFanClub.Com or just call 212-358-2500.

January 18, 2001

Tha' Liks To Release DVD

This is an exclusive to this site and remeber you heard it here first. With the release of their highly anticipated album just around the corner, tha alkoholiks a.k.a. tha' liks are going to drop a DVD video this summer. Production for the DVD is going to start next week and it is going to be directed and produced by Devin DeHaven who also directed and produced Xzibit's DVD that is due out soon!!!

January 17, 2001

Puffy's Lawyers To Attack Witness' TV Appearance

From MTV.com. Sean "Puffy" Combs' lawyers intend to use prosecution witness Natania Reuben's "People's Court" appearance against her when she testifies in his trial, they said in court Wednesday. Combs' lawyers alleged that Reuben lied and manufactured evidence during her appearance on the show, which found her suing the landlord of her Brooklyn, New York, beauty salon for allegedly not supplying heat. Reuben's "People's Court" past was first reported by MTV News (see "Shooting Victim In Puffy Case Has 'People's Court' Past"). Prosecutor Matthew Bogdanos argued that Reuben's appearance is not admissible, because it isn't a prior "bad act." He also pointed out that Reuben won the case. Reuben, who was shot in the face during the December 1999 altercation at Club New York that led to charges for Combs, rapper Jamal "Shyne" Barrow and bodyguard Anthony "Wolf" Jones, is expected to testify that she saw Combs brandish a gun at the time of the shooting (Click here for a complete explanation of the charges in the case). Reuben's lawyer, Debra Reiser, who is representing her in her $130 million civil suit in the case, did not immediately return a call for comment on the allegations against her client. Judge Charles Solomon will hear arguments on the issue next week. He will also hear arguments on whether Combs' statements to police upon his arrest are admissible. Combs' lawyers hope to introduce those statements, but the prosecutor will argue that they are inadmissible. On his way out of the court building, one of Combs' lawyers, Johnnie Cochran, praised his client's conduct. "His demeanor is that of an innocent person who would like to get this behind him and get on with his life," Cochran said. Jury selection, which began Wednesday in the case, is expected to continue through next week. Opening arguments are expected to begin January 24 or January 25.

"Welcome To Death Row" Film Shown At Film Festival

From SOHH.com. While Death Row Records is currently trying to climb their way back to the top, Xenon Pictures will debut their documentary, Welcome To Deathrow. The film will be shown at Hollywood Black Film Festival on Friday, February 2 at the Mann Culver Plaza Theatre in Culver City, Ca. The film chronicles the rise of Death Row Records in 1992-93 with successful albums from Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg to their fall in 1996 with the departure of Dre and the death of Tupac Shakur. "Telling the story of the rise and fall of Death Row Records presented any number of unique challenges for anyone who might have the temerity to pursue it," said Xenon Pictures CEO/Founder S. Leigh Savidge (he also directed the film). "The people close to the Death Row story generally fall into two categories: those that made out like bandits, aren't talking, and want the story to become buried history and those who are still stunned by Death Row's astonishing success, but who were humbled, misused or simply relieved to have survived the experience." The film also explains the role that Michael Harris aka Harry-O had in the launching of Death Row Records and his supposed betrayal by Suge Knight and label lawyer, David Kenner. Death Row Records provided no cooperation in making this film.

Puffy On Court TV

From SOHH.com. While Puffy is in court the coming weeks, Court TV will be keeping tabs on the proceedings. Although no cameras are allowed in the courtroom, the station will have a reporter inside and will keep hip-hop fans up to date on the latest information from outside the Manhattan Supreme Court. Coverage will begin today during jury selection and Court TV will provide live updates every hour on the half hour. In addition, Puffy will be featured in Court TV's series, "Mugshots," a show that the channel describes as "an irresistible blend of crime and biography that offers in-depth profiles of some of the country's most notorious criminals." The Puffy episode will debut on January 22.

DJ Hi-Tek Working On Solo Album

From SOHH.com. According to HipHopSite.Com, Reflection Eternal's DJ Hi-Tek is currently hard at work on his solo debut, Hi-Teknology. The album, to be released on Rawkus Records will feature appearances from Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli, and Vinia Mojica, among others. The album is scheduled for release later this year. In related news, Reflection Eternal may be heading out on the road with Erykah Badu this spring. Their album, Train of Thought has received rave reviews from critics and hip-hop fans alike. The current video, "The Blast," is out now.

January 14, 2001

Shyne Working On 'More Responsible Album'

From MTV.com. As rapper Shyne prepares to go to trial on attempted murder charges, he is also finishing a new album that he says will take a "more responsible" approach than his self-titled debut, with lyrics that will explore the societal causes of crime and urge kids to choose school over hustling. Shyne will continue to work on the album even after his trial begins next week with jury selection, he said Friday morning (January 12) while standing outside a Manhattan courtroom moments after a pretrial hearing in his case. "It's gonna be a lot of political stuff, social issues. I gave kind of a reckless perspective last time," Shyne (born Jamal Barrow) said. "This time around, I wanna give a more responsible perspective, [blaming] the people who really cause the problem which they say I cause, which they say the young black man causes." Sean "Puffy" Combs, who will be tried alongside Shyne on weapons and bribery charges related to the December 1999 shooting at Manhattan's Club New York, will not be directly involved with the new album. It will, however, be released on Combs' Bad Boy Records either in the summer or in the fall, a company spokesperson said. Producer Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie (a.k.a. the Madd Rapper), who is working on at least two tracks on Shyne's new album, said the rapper has shown an impressive ability to concentrate on his work, despite the charges hanging over his head. "From what I see, he's able to put everything aside and focus on the music," Angelettie said Friday. "He's a strong dude and ... I think this is all really just kinda more fuel for his rhymes. All the pressure and the stress that he's going through, he's one them dudes who's able to communicate that through his lyrics and his music." The album, which is expected to feature guest appearances from Prodigy of Mobb Deep, hard-core duo M.O.P. and Jadakiss, will include the track "It Ain't What It Seems," which will send a direct message to listeners, Shyne said. "I've got this song where this kid wants to be like me, wants to be a hustler, and I give him every reason not to be," he explained. Shyne, who is accused of shooting three people at Club New York, has appeared glum and lethargic in his courtroom appearances, rarely speaking above a mumble. But he lit up as he discussed his album, speaking animatedly of his plans as courthouse police standing nearby shot him curious glances. The rapper, who had pulled a fur-collared leather jacket over his suit and thrown a blue baseball hat on his head the moment he left the courtroom, declined to discuss the specifics of his criminal case, citing the gag order imposed by Judge Charles Solomon last week. "This is my life. I pray to God every day, but I gotta stay focused on what I'm meant to do," he said, adding that in the courtroom, he feels like an anonymous defendant, not a star. "The only reason people are here is just for Puffy," he said, and gestured at a group of young men sitting outside another courtroom. "I'm just like them." "He definitely wants to speak for a lot of the youth that don't have a voice," Angelettie said. "Because he's from that 'hood where a lot of these kids, they know what's right and what's wrong, but they don't really have a way to express their feelings." Shyne faces the possibility that prosecutors may question him about the violent lyrics of such past songs as "Bad Boyz" and "Bang" during his trial. He said his new album will convey one more message: "Hip-hop is not responsible for violence in America. America is responsible for violence in America."

January 12, 2001

More Info On DJ Screw's Death

From SOHH.com. An overdose of codeine, mixed with drugs, caused the November death of DJ Screw, according to a spokesperson for the Harris County Medical Examiner's office in Houston, the hip-hop producer's hometown. DJ Screw (born Robert Earl Davis Jr.), 30, was found dead in the bathroom of his studio, according to the New York Times, with the cause of death presumed to be a lethal combination of "syrup" the prescription-only, codeine-containing cough medicine Promethazine, popular in the South as a recreational intoxicant marijuana and alcohol, of which Screw was a known user. The producer became renowned on the Southern hip-hop scene and eventually around the United States for his "screwed down and chopped" or "screwed up" versions of hit tracks, which the producer would manually slow down using the pitch control on a turntable. Mixtapes full of screwed versions were his specialty, with an output rumored at close to 1,000 tapes. Among his best-selling mixes were June 27th and The Final Chapter, as well as the All Screwed Up! and 3 'N the Mornin' series. Screw also owned the Screwed Up record store and record label in Houston. The Screwed Up Click, a crew of local rappers including Lil' Keke and Big Pokey that formed around him, were among many to provide freestyle rhymes over his slowed-down beats.

Afu-Ra & GZA Team Up To Defend Title

From SOHH.com. Afu-Ra has been busy readying the video for his next single, "Big Acts Little Acts," off his DJ Premier-produced, debut album, Body of the Life Force (D&D/KOCH Records). "Gza [who is also featured on the song] directed the video, which was shot at a studio in Queens, NY. Basically, Afu, trained by Gza, goes up to defend his title against three opponents, including a sumo wrestler-and, with his 'Mental Stamina' manages to kick all their asses and win the large purse," says a spokesperson at the rapper's record label. Afu's long-awaited album features guest appearances by M.O.P., Masta Killa, and Cocoa Brovas, among others. The emcee sat down with SOHH.com recently and spit it about his hip-hop beginnings with Jeru the Damaja to how to bring it right in the '01. Click to hear the first rhyme Afu ever wrote back in the ninth grade, plus a few other stories about his early days. Also, if you've got the cake, head out to see Afu doing his thing live at the Fridge Magazine sponsored Brooklyn, Vermont Festival. On January 20, "The Body of the Life Force" will be warming up the stage for seminal rap duo, Gang Starr. For more info on the weekend-long snowboarding/hip-hop festival, you can hit up www.fridgemagazine.com.

Jay-Z & Hip Hop On CNN

From SOHH.com. This weekend, CNN's program, CNN WorldBeat, will do a feature story on Jay-Z. They show will focus on Jigga's success in the past couple years, as well as his tribulations from his pending case and the shadiness of the music industry. Jay-Z will also appear on the cover of USA Weekend Sunday, January 28. CNN WorldBeat will also feature a story on the spread of hip-hop worldwide. Hip-Hop crews from Cuba, Australia, France, Germany, U.K., Italy, Bahamas, Egypt, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Argentina and Mexico will all be represented. The show will air at midnight (ET) this Saturday January 13 and again on Sunday at 4:30 AM and 3:30 PM (ET).

Puffys' Lawyer Calls Shooting Victim A Liar

From SOHH.com. Yesterday, the pre-trial hearing was held in Puffy and Shyne's weapons and attempted murder case. Puff's lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, requested that the gag order on the trial be lifted due to the comments shooting victim Natania Reuben told the NY Daily News last week. Reuben claims that Puffy and Shyne both had guns that night. She also recently filed a $130 million lawsuit against Puffy, Shyne and bodyguard Anthony 'Wolf' Jones. Brafman blasted Reuben in the courtroom saying that he "can [present] 30 witnesses, all with impeccable credentials, who'll say they were in Club New York and this woman is a liar. This woman is a complete fraud - everything about her is a fraud." He also went on to say that he has information that can put Reuben behind bars. After hearing the arguments, Judge Solomon refused to lift the gag order.

January 11, 2001

Prosecutor Wants To Put Shynes' Lyrics On Trial

From MTV.com. Rapper Shyne's lyrics took center stage during a pre-trial hearing in Manhattan court Wednesday (January 10) that also saw the rapper unsuccessfully attempt to fire his own lawyers for an alleged conflict of interest. Despite heated arguments from lawyers on both sides, Judge Charles Solomon declined to rule on whether lyrics from Shyne's self-titled debut album can be used against him in cross-examination during his upcoming trial on attempted murder charges, which stem from a shooting in Manhattan's Club New York in December 1999. Solomon asked for additional written arguments on the issue. "You [would] put in the mind of every artist that you've got to be careful what you write about, because it goes to the question of your intent," said Murray Richman, one of Shyne's lawyers, adding that using the lyrics in court would violate the First Amendment. "Here's what we're going to put in the mind of every artist don't shoot people," prosecutor Matthew Bogdanus responded. "And if you do it, don't brag about it, whether you brag about it speaking, whether you brag about it writing, whether you brag about it singing. You don't acquire some extra protection because you're an artist." Bogdanus said he is not required by law to tell defense lawyers in advance whether he actually plans to use Shyne's lyrics in the trial. Richman, who argued the opposite, also suggested that Shyne might not have written some of the lyrics on his own album. Crime and guns are central to the lyrics of Shyne's album, which was released last year, but the rapper has said that the scenarios in songs such as "Bad Boyz" and "Bang" are fictional. Earlier in the hearing, a glum, gray-suited Shyne who shook his head in apparent disgust during the discussion of his lyrics asked the judge to allow him to fire Richman and his other lawyer, Ian Niles. Shyne (born Jamal Barrow) cited a conflict of interest: Niles formerly represented rapper Gavin "Pretty Boy" Marchand, a friend of Shyne who is expected to testify for the prosecution. Judge Solomon summarily denied his request. Shyne will be back in court Thursday (January 11), along with Sean "Puffy" Combs and bodyguard Anthony "Wolf" Jones, who face weapons and bribery charges in connection with the Club New York incident. Jury selection in the case is scheduled to begin January 17.

Dr. Dre Passes On Michael Jackson Project

From MTV.com. Dr. Dre's achievements producing his own album and hits from Eminem, Snoop Dogg and Xzibit may have crowned him the King of Rap in 2000, but the hip-hop impresario has no interest in working with fellow musical royalty Michael Jackson. Dre told MTV Radio at the American Music Awards on Monday that he turned down an opportunity to produce the King of Pop's first album in a decade. "Somebody approached me about working with Michael Jackson, and I did say no because I like working with new artists or people that I've worked with in the past," Dre said. "I can develop them from the ground up. There's no set standard that I have to live up to or anything like that. All I have to do is go in the studio, and basically they're going to bust their ass to come in there and do their thing the way it's supposed to be done." Jackson's spokesperson confirmed there have been discussions between the two artists, but said nothing has been decided. Dre said he recently wrapped production on Eve's forthcoming album, Scorpion, and is now working with R&B newcomer Shari Watson, a.k.a. Truth Hurts, who is signed to his Aftermath label. Fellow Los Angeles rapper Ice-T also recently told L.A.'s Daily News that Dre will work on his next record. Dre leads the pack of contenders for the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards with five nominations, including Best Hip-Hop Album for Dr. Dre 2001.

Dj Clue? Prepares Sophomore Lp

From SOHH.com. DJ Clue (Clue, Clue) is back once again (again, again), Desert Storm (Storm, Storm)! The mixtape DJ has finally put the finishing touches on his second album, The Professional, Part II. The album features guest appearances from Eminem, DMX, Snoop Dogg, Lil Kim, Wu-Tang Clan, Busta Rhymes, Foxy Brown, Mobb Deep, Beanie Sigel, Redman, Trina, Trick Daddy, Memphis Bleek, CNN, and Nas. The album will hit stores on February 27, with first the single as "Back To Life 2001" featuring Jadakiss and Mary J. Blige. The track is a remake of Soul 2 Soul's 1989 hit, "Back To Life". The entire album will be mixed similar to Clue mixtapes.

Eminem On PPV

From SOHH.com. Uh-oh, Eminem's concert on television? Yeah, but you'll have to pay for it. On January 20, In Demand Pay-Per View will tape Eminem and D-12's show when he performs in Los Angeles. The company will then televise the concert on your local pay-per-view channels on February 17 at 9pm for $19.95 a pop. In related news, Em's animated website, SlimShadyWorld.Com continues to bring his humorous webisodes. The new webisodes takes a shot at Christina Aguilera among others. Over 18 only!

Beatnuts Prepare New Lp

After being absent from the hip-hop scene in 2000, The Beatnuts are preparing to blow up 2001. Psycho Les and Juju have completed their new album for LOUD Records, Take It or Squeeze It. Scheduled for release on March 6, the album will feature appearances from Greg Nice, Tony Touch, Triple Seis, Fatman Scoop, Problemz, Willie Stubz, Ms. Loca and others. When rumors of Al Tariq (formerly Fashion) recording with the Beatnuts for this spread across the industry, many hip-hop fans thought that the rapper was rejoining the group. Apparently, Al Tariq is featured on only two tracks. Well, at least their recording together again, hip-hop fans can still hope.

January 5, 2001

KRS-One Leaves Jive, Readies New Album

From SOHH.com. The self-proclaimed "God of Rap" KRS-One is making his return on record in 2001. After being signed with Jive Records for 13 years, the Blastmaster now has left to join his underground label Front Page Entertainment with In the Paint Records, the A&R arm of Koch International/Entertainment. The new album, Sneak Attack, is scheduled for release on March 27, 2001 and is KRS' ninth in-studio album. "Sneak Attack will restore the focus of Hip-Hop Kulture," KRS said in a statement. "It will offer an alternative to the sometimes over-commercialized rap product of today. I don't perform solely for money, I only rhyme when it is necessary, and it has become necessary... " The first single, "Hot," was produced by Grand Daddy I.U. and Jazzy Jeff (of Funky Four) and will be released on January 9.

Outkast Planning To Drop Two Disc Album

From SOHH.com. After going multi-platinum and garnering much critical praise for Stankonia, OutKast have already begun work on their next album. Big Boi told Entertainment Weekly that the next album will be a two-CD set. "One disc will be all my music, the other will be all Dre," Big Boi said. "I don't think anyone's ever done that before. We've got a lot of songs, maybe 40-when we finished Stankonia, we just kept recording." Big Boi said to look for the album either late fall 2001 or early 2002.

Star Calls Prodigy Out

From SOHH.com. During The Funkmaster Flex Show on Hot97, Star took a moment to call Prodigy out on the airwaves. Known for being a hater, Star talked about Prodigy recently getting ganked of $343,000 in jewels and requested that the rapper call up the show to assure everyone he "was safe." Eventually, the HNIC phoned in to the show. The two went back and forth for a few minutes until a frustrated Prodigy offered words of advice to Star, urging him to be careful. The conversation ended with Star inviting Prodigy to Hot97's Morning Show at 7am, which he graciously accepted. However from the sound of P's voice, don't count on him showing up.

January 4, 2001

Grammy Nominations Announced

From SOHH.com. The nominees for the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards were announced yesterday at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. which will air live on February 21 on CBS from the Staples Center in L.A. Dr, Dre and Eminem garnered the most nominations out of all the hip artists nominated. In the general category, Eminem snatched an Album of The Year nomination for his Marshall Mathers LP. Dr. Dre was also nominated for Producer of the year for his work on 2001, Em's album, Ice Cube's "Hello" and the NWA track "Chin Check". The hip-hop categories are as follows: Best Rap Solo Performance "The Light" - Common "Party Up" - DMX "The Real Slim Shady" - Eminem "Shake Ya Ass" - Mystikal "Country Grammar" - Nelly Best Rap Performance By Duo or Group "Alive" - Beastie Boys "Ooh" - De La Soul featuring Redman "Forget About Dre" - Dr. Dre featuring Eminem "The Next Episode" - Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg "Big Pimpin'" - Jay-Z featuring UGK Best Rap Album .... And Then There Was X - DMX Dr. Dre 2001 - Dr. Dre The Marshall Mathers LP - Eminem Volume 3: The Life and Times of S. Carter - Jay-Z Country Grammar - Nelly Lauryn Hill is also nominated for Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals for her duet with Bob Marley, "Turn Your Lights Down Low." Wyclef Jean is nominated for Best R&B Performance By a Duo or Group for his duet with Mary J Blige, "911". Lastly, in the Best Short Form Music Video category Busta Rhymes was nominated for his video "Fire" and Will Smith for his video "Will2k".

Glaad Releases Statement About Eminem & Grammys

From SOHH.com. As the nominees for the Grammys awards were announced yesterday, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation released a statement to the media regarding Eminem's Grammy nominations. "GLAAD appreciates the conflicts and complexities inherent in reporting on Eminem and his music. Eminem's music and production values have been acclaimed as artistic breakthroughs by many of the nation's music critics. Yet his lyrics advocating violence against lesbians and gay men send explicit messages that endorse hatred," the statement reads. "Because Eminem's target audience is largely comprised of adolescent boys beginning to form their adult attitudes towards gays, lesbians and women in general, GLAAD believes it is important for journalists to discuss issues of lyrical and corporate responsibility when reporting on Eminem, especially if his work is recognized in the general categories (e.g., Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Record of the Year). Here are some aspects of the controversy for consideration in your coverage: -- The inseparability of Eminem's music and his violent, anti-social lyrics. -- The refusal of Eminem, Interscope Records and Universal Music Group to take personal/corporate responsibility for the lyrical content of "The Marshall Mathers LP." -- The implications of general category Grammy nominations as a high-profile platform for Eminem's messages of violence." They also encouraged journalists to visit their website at GLAAD.Org to find out more about Em and his lyrical content.

ODB Pleads Not Guilty

From SOHH.com. On Tuesday morning, ODB pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing 20 bags of crack and a small glassine envelope of marijuana at his arraignment hearing in Queens, New York. The rapper was ordered held without bail. During the hearing, prosecutors entered a statement that ODB allegedly told police when he was arrested in July 1999 after he was pulled over for running a red light. "I have a license, but I don't have it on me. I ain't got no I.D. on me," ODB allegedly told police. "Can you make the drugs disappear? The marijuana charge, I'll take. Make the rocks disappear - the kids look up to me. They listen to my music; I'm a role model. Do the right thing. You're gonna know who I am." ODB's next court date in Queens is February 9 where the case may go to trial.

January 3, 2001

Mystikal Misses New Years Performance

From MTV.com. Mystikal didn't shake it fast enough to help fans ring in the New Year, turning up too late to perform his scheduled set at the Staples Center. The rapper, who was to take the stage at 12:02 a.m. New Year's morning, didn't arrive at the venue until 1:20, 20 minutes after the concert was over, organizers said. "By that time, everyone had gone home," said Oscar Finley, CEO of Prime Time Concerts, which organized the concert. "We were disturbed that he didn't make it. People paid to see him, and we feel he should have made a better effort to be there." Finley said a representative for the rapper showed up at the Staples Center on Sunday night between 11 p.m. and midnight, explaining that Mystikal was at a nearby hotel after flying into Los Angeles several hours later than planned due to bad weather. The representative said the rapper, who was given a deposit when he agreed to play the show, wanted the remainder of his night's pay before he would come to the venue. Finley said he refused to hand over the money until Mystikal was there in person, and the representative assured him that the MC would turn up shortly thereafter to collect his money and play his set. Mystikal's scheduled 20-minute set was positioned between Destiny's Child and Jon B to allow for an extensive set change while he performed. But instead of seeing the rapper deliver songs like "Shake It Fast" (a.k.a. "Shake Ya Ass"), the audience was left with nearly a half-hour of stillness onstage. Finley claims that the inactivity caused many fans to leave the concert early and unhappy. Neither Mystikal's Jive Records publicist nor his booking agent returned calls for comment by press time. With between 6,000 and 8,000 attendees, including comp guests, the Staples Center was less than half-full for the show, which also included a performance by Ideal. Finley blamed the concert's disappointing turnout on a ticketing glitch, claiming that fans attempting to buy tickets through Ticketmaster throughout December were told that the lowest-priced tickets for $100 were sold out when in fact there were several thousand remaining. A spokesperson for Ticketmaster could not be reached by press time. A Staples Center representative had no comment.

Jay-z In Court On Valentines Day

From SOHH.com. After ruling urban music in 2000, Jay-Z's next date is February 14 in the courthouse. The rapper will be facing first and second degree assault charges stemming from the December 1999 incident where Lance 'Un' Rivera was stabbed during a melee at New York's Kit Kat Club. If convicted, Jigga can face up to 15 years in prison. Prosecutors claim that the rapper's motive for the stabbing stems from the thought that Rivera was responsible for the bootlegging of Jay's album, Volume 3: The Life and Times of S. Carter. The defense claims that Jay was nowhere near the vicinity of the altercation and even has video footage proving that the rapper was not involved in the stabbing. Check out a live chat with Jay-Z tonight at 9pm EST on MSN.Com. If you miss that one, on January 5, he will be chatting on USAToday.Com at 4pm EST.

Ja Rule Working On Next Album

From SOHH.com. After receiving mad airplay for his hit, "Between Me & You," Ja Rule has already begun work on his third album. Pain Is Love is the name of the new album, but not much other information has been released. He will possibly be working with producer Irv Gotti and looking for a release date in mid-2001. Ja has also been working in the film industry this past year as he's been cast to play opposite Denzel Washington in the movie, Training Day. The rapper will also make a cameo appearance in the film Redline, as well as work on his own film Crime Partners with Irv Gotti and the rest of The Murderers crew. Look for that to hit theatres in Summer 2001.

Eves' Album Delayed Once Again

From SOHH.com. After announcing a January 30 release date for Eve's sophomore album Scorpion, Interscope Records has now delayed the date once again. The album has been pushed back to February 27, due to a scheduling conflict for the video shoot for the first single, "Who's That Girl." The original Scorpion release date was December 5. The much-anticipated album features appearances from DMX, The LOX, Trina, Da Brat and Teena Marie. Production duties will be handled by Dr. Dre, Swizz Beats, The Neptunes, Shok and Eve's boyfriend, Stevie J.

January 2, 2001

Salt Ties The Knot

According to Launch, on Christmas Eve, Cheryl 'Salt' James (of Salt N Pepa), tied the knot with her 10-year boyfriend, Gavin Wray. The couple has a 10-year-old daughter and a year and half old son together and recently launched a record label together Gav Fam Records. Salt will be releasing her solo album, Salt of The Earth, later this month on her own Gav Fam imprint. The project will be in conjunction with Rap-A-Lot Records and Virgin Records. As for the other group members, Pepa and Spinderella, they will be working on other individual projects and business ventures.