Scott Storch Sued Over $100k Loan
Music producer Scott Storch is receiving legal pressure to pay back a $100,000 loan he received four years ago, according to a new lawsuit filed on May 9.
LA Confidential owner David Menefield is suing the hit making producer and his production company Tuff Jew Productions for more than $550,000.
According to documents filed in United States Central District Court, Menefield claims he lent $100,000 to Tuff Enough Productions in 2003.
Storch had agreed to be solely responsible for paying back the loan, as well as deliver four musical tracks to Menefield, who is the former manager of rapper Knocturnal.
"I wish it didn't have to come to this," David Menefield told AHH.com.According to the lawsuit, at the time of the loan, the producer was facing foreclosure on his home.
The complaint also included a copy of a promissory note and a copy of a wire transfer receipt that Menefield's claims confirms his transfer of the money to the production company.
Attempts were made by Menefield to get the money when he contacted Storch on Nov. 15, 2006 and demanded payment.
The businessman claims he talked to Storch months later on March 14, 2007, offering another opportunity to pay as well as forego any collection costs that might be imposed.
To date, no attempt has been made to repay the loan or provide the musical tracks, court documents stated.
Damages from Storch's refusal total $550,000 Menefield claims.
"We intend to prevail," attorney Bret Lewis added.
Talib Kweli Says Gangsta Rap Ain't Selling, "Because A Lot of it Ain't Good"
With violent and misogynistic rap being targeted by the media in Hip-Hop's post Imus climate, Talib Kweli may finally get some long deserved mainstream exposure. The BK emcee caught up with SOHH to chop it up on hardcore rap and address rumors of getting slapped at a 50 Cent party.
Hip-Hop seems to be headed for a change since Don Imus' "nappy headed h*es" controversy. Oprah Winfrey called a town meeting, reverend Al Sharpton challenged record labels and Russell Simmons is seeking to ban the n-word, "h*es" and "b**ches" from clean versions of rap songs. But after generating profit for labels all these years, can hardcore hip-hop realistically be shelved in favor of more progressive content. Kweli thinks so.
"I do see it [hardcore rap] getting less play, but it has nothing to do with Don Imus or anything like that. It has to do with the fact that people aren't buying that music anymore," Kwe said.
"If you look at the CD sales of rappers who are talking about that stuff, it's on the decline. It's been on the decline for years. And it's not because it's misogynistic, and it's not because they calling them h*es, it's because a lot of it ain't good," he continued. "The art of the music has suffered where everyone wanted to get in the game and just hustle. There's nothing wrong with hustling and getting your money, but when no one focuses on the art, when the art means nothing then people are gonna stop buying."
"High School Musical! is still selling millions, R&B, there's certain country acts and certain people who take their music seriously that the music is still selling," he continued. "But hardcore hip-hop, because it's fraudulent, it's not based on reality, it's not selling."
After years on Rawkus and MCA Records, Kweli founded his own imprint, Blacksmith Records with distribution from Warner Music Group. The transition from artist to executive has been an interesting learning experience.
"It's been tough. Only because it's hard for the major to accept my position as an executive. They still treat me like an artist like I need to be protected and I don't feel like they keep it real with me all the time. And I stress for them to keep it real with me," Kwe explained. "The other part is that I've had to step my game up and be responsible and pay attention to things I've never paid attention to."
Usually absent from headlines, Kwe recently found his name all over in gossip columns. The word spread that the BK lyricist was slapped by a woman during a party at 50 Cent's mansion. Kwe identified the woman as his girlfriend and admitted to being slapped, but had a few words for the incident's reporters.
"What's crazy though is that you realize that you're a public figure and these people don't have lives. You would think that somebody who's at a 50 party is pretty comfortable with theyself because they successful, they doing they thing," Kwe shared. "But there's a lot of these dudes who need to be DJs spinning records that's actually gossiping like chicks. It's funny to them, what happened is my negative situation becomes entertainment and I gotta live with that because I'm a public figure. I was just surprised with a lot of these people. They supposed to be all gangsta, but they all in my business like chicks."
Talib Kweli's Eardrum, featuring production by Hi-Tek, Pete Rock, Madlib, Kanye West and guest spots by Norah Jones, UGK and Jean Grae, hits stores in July.
Ludacris To Appear On 400th Episode of The Simpsons This Sunday
Ludacris will appear on the historic 400th episode of The Simpsons this Sunday night (May 20) on FOX.
Luda (Chris Bridges) will play himself on the show.The Simpsons' 400th episode is called “You Kent Always Say What You Want".
Ludacris is currently working on his next solo album entitled "Theater of The Mind" due for release in late 2007.
The next release from his DTP Records will be the second Disturbin' Tha Peace compilation album.
Shortly after releasing his sophomore album, Let’s Talk About It, Bad Boy crooner Carl Thomas seemingly disappeared. Rumors swirled that he fell out with Bad Boy label head, Sean “Diddy” Combs, but Thomas says that it was something far deeper that kept him away.
“My brother Duranthany was murdered on Halloween Night in 2004," he says. "I really didn’t have anything to say as far as R&B and music,” he explains. “It was really hard going through that at that time.”
Thomas says it was the gentle pushing from friend and producer Mike City that helped pull him out of his creative rut. “He really got me back on my feet as far as getting back into the studio. He helped me to realize that I had something to say again,” he recalls.
After reuniting with City, Thomas is now ready to release his third album, So Much Better on Thom Tunes/Unsung Entertainment.
While he’s no longer signed to Bad Boy, Thomas says things ended amicably with Combs. “I never had any personal problems with Puff. I just felt like I was really pacified there. We started to bump heads creatively in the studio and I didn’t want those differences to reflect itself in the music,” he says.
Thomas’ album, So Much Better, is due in stores June 5.
RAY J TELLS ALL IN SISTER 2 SISTER
The June issue of Sister 2 Sister features a candid article on Ray J, the 26-year-old brother of singer Brandy whose private life has generated much more attention than anything he has done in a recording studio.
Regarding his sex tape with ex-girlfriend Kim Kardashian, Ray J tells Sister 2 Sister’s Jamie Foster Brown: “A lot of the times when I have sex, and after I’m done, I think to myself, man, I hope my performance was something that she’ll always remember…it’s important to me.”
The singer, who claims he has a sponsorship deal with Trojan condoms, also talks about his post-tape relationship with Kardashian, as well as his romances with notorious “video vixen” Karrine Steffans and superstar Whitney Houston.
• “Everybody makes tapes. I’ve spoken with her briefly,” he said of his ex-girlfriend and sex tape co-star Kardashian. “I’m going to try to reach out to her more and more because I want to continue to be friends with her and she’s always been a positive influence in my life.”
• “I walked down the red carpet and they’re snapping, and guess who’s standing by me? Superhead, trying to get closer and closer,” Ray J recalls of an incident at an event he attended, which was also attended by Karrine “Superhead” Steffans. I’m like, wait a minute. This ain’t no good look.”
• “I love Whitney,” he admits, adding that he and his mother consider the superstar singer “family.”
Mary J. Blige Receives Top Honors at ASCAP Awards
The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) will present Mary J. Blige with the Voice of Music Award during the its 20th annual Rhythm & Soul Awards.
The esteemed Voice of Music Award is bestowed upon a select group of artists and songwriters whose music gives people's lives a voice. Blige follows in the footsteps of past honorees such as GarthBrooks, Diane Warren and Jimmy Webb.
"Through all of her struggles, [Mary J. Blige] was determined to find and maintain her own musical voice. By doing so, she has become one of the most successful R&B/hip-hop writer/performers in the country and has paved the way for many others," ASCAP president/chairman Marilyn Bergman said via a statement.
The ceremony, held on June 25 at Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, will also salute ASCAP's top songwriters and publishers of 2006. 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Alicia Keys and Timbaland have all been honored in the past.
In related news, Blige appears in the latest issue of Essence magazine. In the interview she discusses the public's reaction to her recent personal and professional triumphs.
"People are saying, 'okay, Mary, you broke through. What are you going to do now?' What the hell do you mean, 'going to do now?' This is a whole 'nother level," Blige says about her intention to keep climbing to a higher place.
The June issue of Essence is currently on newsstands.
Afeni Shakur Teams With Evergreen Copyrights
Afeni Shakur, mother of slain hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur, has inked a deal with Evergreen Copyrights to market and promote her son’s work on a global scale.Through the deal, Evergreen—an independent music publishing and marketing company—will seek out new opportunities for ‘Pac’s extensive catalog of recorded material.
“I believe that after 10 years I have done as much as I can on my own to further the creative aspect of Tupac’s music,” says Afeni. “I’m looking forward to working with Evergreen’s publishing and creative marketing teams to reach a more global market and to expand the opportunities for my son’s music.”
Some projects that are already in the works include a remix project for material from the All Eyez on Me and Makaveli LPs, a Tupac based Broadway play and a video game. Tupac Remembered, a book of interviews with political leaders, actors and rap artists about ‘Pac is also due out in 2008.
To date, Tupac’s catalog has sold 67 million records worldwide, with his posthumous releases exceeding sales of 20 million.
Snoop Dogg Hopes 'Entourage' Role Leads To A 'Wire' Hookup
Snoop Dogg is taking it from the LBC to Hollywood once again: The legendary MC recently filmed a role for the HBO dramedy "Entourage."The Dogg admitted he's a huge fan of the program but did have a hidden agenda for wanting to mix it up with Ari, Turtle and the gang.
"That's a great show," he explained. "I'm glad they had me do that. I love good TV. HBO is doing their thing with 'Entourage' and 'The Wire' and 'Sopranos.'
"They called me to be a part of ['Entourage'], I used that as leverage to try and be on 'The Wire,' " he continued with a smile. "You know how I get down. I'm trying to get in the system. I'm the type of person that if I love something, I'mma say it. If you an artist and you fly, I'mma tell you, 'Yo homie, I like what you do. You fly, you off the hook. Can I get with you?' That's how I was with 'Entourage,' that's how I am with 'The Wire.' They ain't call me yet. They just using my name in there."
Snoop Dogg is referring to Snoop from "The Wire" — the homicidally unabashed hit woman who goes by the same name and is played by Felicia Pearson. The Snoop born Calvin Broadus appears on "Entourage" in July. He plays himself.
MIKE TYSON DOCUMENTARY IN THE WORKS
Filmmaker James Toback first met Mike Tyson in 1985, when the boxer from the Brownsville section of Brooklyn, NY was just 19 and on the verge of winning his first heavyweight title.
The director’s fascination with the former champ would increase throughout the years; Tyson was even granted bit parts in two of Toback’s films: "Black and White" (1999) and "When Will I Be Loved" (2004). Iron Mike will appear in yet another Toback project this year, but for the first time he’ll serve as the film’s main attraction.
“Tyson,” Toback’s forthcoming documentary about the ex-fighter, will use more than 30 hours of recently completed interviews with the former boxer and is expected to be completed in the fall, reports Daily Variety.
The film will chronicle every aspect of his rise and fall – including his marriage to actress Robin Givens, being knocked out by Buster Douglas, his prison stint for rape and biting off Evander Holyfield's ear in the ring. After Tyson emerged clean and sober following a recent rehab stint, he and Toback decided it was time to tell his story in full detail.
"The point is not to polish his image or make a cinematic apology, but rather to get a firsthand look at a very complex and epic story," Toback told Variety. "He was honest about all the things that have highlighted his life, from the bitter divorce, the ear-biting, prison, to his becoming a sex addict. He is self-aware, smart and a totally fractured personality, and he made himself completely vulnerable."
Tyson said he was "humbled and appreciate that Mr. Toback gave me an opportunity to be involved in this project. I will, to the best of my abilities, give a truthful account of myself."
Dr. Cornel West Preparing To Release Debut Album
Dr. Cornel West's upcoming album, "Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations," touches down at a time when renewed debate over hip-hop lyrics and video imaging is still swirling post-Don Imus.
Due in stores June 19, "Never Forget" will be the first release on Hidden Beach's new Hidden Beach Forum label. Tapping into R&B/hip-hop's historical role as a social force, the recording is the brainchild of Black Men Who Mean Business, an organization established by West, his brother Clifton and songwriter/producer Mike Dailey.
Prince, Talib Kweli, OutKast's Andre 3000, KRS-One, Rhymefest, the late Gerald Levert and Killer Mike are just some of the R&B/hip-hop artists featured on the disc who musically tackle such subjects as the events of Sept. 11, 2001, racial profiling, the Bush administration and the "N-word."
"It isn't a commentary on hip-hop. And I'm not coming in as a hip-hop scholar or critic," West tells Billboard. "This is an attempt to go back to hip-hop's prophetic roots, which are about truth-telling, exposing lies and having fun. It's what I call a danceable education or a singing paideia, the Greek word for deep education. If there is one person whose spirit I try to embody on this CD, it's Curtis Mayfield. His music is about love and freedom and really informs.
"This is a very political album that doesn't pull any punches," he continues. "There are critiques of the Bush administration as well as of unaccountable corporate power, unaccountable police power and homophobia. We're trying to get young people to wake up and recognize they're part of a great tradition of struggle, to become organized and fight for freedom and justice."
Although West says he is "unabashedly of the Motown, Philly Sound, Mayfield generation," he adds, "I've never met Lupe Fiasco, but I like that brother. Oh, lord, he's a free, young brother who honestly speaks his mind. That brother hits American terrorism, the American empire and still talks about his skateboard. I love that kind of freedom because, in the end, we've all got to be ourselves and that takes courage.
"TRACKLISTING:
"Bushanomics," featuring Talib Kweli
"America," featuring Black Thought, Rah Digga, Iriz & Lucky Witherspoon
"Still Here"
"Dear Mr. Man," featuring Prince
"911"
"N Word," featuring Tavis Smiley & Michael Eric Dyson
"Welcome to Chi," featuring Rhymefest, Neo-Abassy & Malik Yosef
"Mr. President," featuring KRS-One & M-1
"Keep It PI," featuring Killer Mike, Doey, Roc & Lucky Witherspoon
"Chronometrophobia," featuring Andre 3000
"Gonne Be Alright," featuring Dave Hollister & Chuckii Booker
"Matter Of," featuring Lenny Williams
"Soul Sista," featuring Daryl Moore
"The Man's Gonna Getcha," featuring Gerald Levert
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