Method Man Arrested On Marijuana Charges In NY
Wu-Tang Clan rapper Method Man was arrested in New York on Thursday (May 17), after being pulled over by authorities with almost 30 grams of marijuana in his vehicle.
According to reports, the rapper was stopped around 10 p.m. as he attempted to enter the Battery Tunnel in Brooklyn, while enroute to Manhattan.
A Battery Tunnel police officer noticed that the tags on the Grammy Award winning rapper's 2005 Lincoln Navigator were expired and promptly pulled him over.
When Method Man rolled down his window, the officer said he noticed the strong scent of marijuana.
The arresting officer also said he noticed two "blunts" and a plastic bag with more marijuana in plain view.
The rapper also admitted to having more marijuana underneath the drivers seat.
He was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle under the influence and driving an uninspected motor vehicle.
Method Man, born Clifford Smith, was released on his own recognizance early yesterday (May 18) morning.
The rapper, who starred in the 2001 pot flick How High with fellow smoker Redman, is working on a new album with the Wu-Tang Clan titled 8 Diagrams and he is also featured DJ Jazzy Jeff's latest album, The Return of the Magnificent.
Busta Rhymes Settles Lawsuit
Busta Rhymes settled a suit yesterday just one day before he was supposed to appear in Manhattan Supreme Court to try to convince Justice Emily Jane Goodman to throw out Melvin Smith's $100,000 judgment against him.
Smith's suit charged that Rhymes and a bodyguard beat him when he approached the rapper for an autograph in 2005.
Rhymes defaulted in the case late last year, but recently filed papers saying he didn't know about the suit because he'd never been served with a copy of the legal papers. He said Smith's process servers had mistakenly gone to where his five cars were registered - his ex-girlfriend's home in Baldwin, L.I.
"While I own the property, I have no access to it," he said.
"I was required" by court order "to provide this home for the mother of my three children, from whom I am estranged and with whom I have been embroiled in child-custody proceedings for over two years," he said.
In the same affidavit, he insists he never assaulted Smith during their run-in at the Gramercy Deli on Park Avenue.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
R. Kelly Compares Himself To Martin Luther King Jr?
In a recent magazine interview, R. Kelly, compared himself to Muhammad Ali, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley and even the late Martin Luther King Jr. in preparation for the release of his double album entitled; Double Up.
Kelly, the Chicago R&B artist made the comments while being interviewed for the spring and summer issue of Hip-Hop Soul magazine.
The most surprising comment the artist makes is: "I'm the Ali of today. I'm the Marvin Gaye of today. I'm the Bob Marley of today. I'm the Martin Luther King, or all the other greats that have come before us. And a lot of people are starting to realize that now."
New York Post ran the quote last night and it's been a hot topic amongst music critics.
Kelly's publicist, Regina Daniels, said the interview took place about a month ago. Adding "He doesn't think he's Martin Luther King. He's comparing the fact that he is a prolific songwriter of his time; now it's turned into something else. Whatever Rob said, any way they can stick it to him. If he breathes it's a problem."
The interview and photo shoot took place in the presidential suite of the Hotel Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. The article also calls Kelly "our generation's answer to Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye" and "an ambidextrous soul genius." Kelly's quote came in response to this comment from the interviewer. "The things that have been written about you make lesser men wither or simply want to give up.."
And Kelly's reply also includes this comment: "So I have to walk with a certain humility. I have to walk with love in my heart for those that hate me. I have to. I have to get out and touch people in order for me to continue to feel the pulse of the world."
The Rev. James Meeks, the state senator who ministered to Kelly during the early days of his legal case, quoted Scripture: "We should be careful about praising ourselves and leave that to other people. That would be my admonition."
Kelly spokesman Allan Mayer protested the way the quote was lifted in the Post. "What I would suggest to anybody who is put off by that quote is read the entire interview, which I think much better reflects what Rob was trying to say."
Kelly will appear in court again Friday for the latest hearing in a case that started nearly five years ago.
Kelly is charged with 14 counts of child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself engaging in sex acts with an underage girl.
The Cook County state's attorney's office filed the charges in June 2002 after the Sun-Times turned over a videotape it received anonymously following an article about underage girls suing Kelly for allegedly engaging in sexual relationships with them. Those suits were all settled out of court.
Kanye West Prepares To Graduate
Kanye West is putting the finishing touches on one of the most anticipated albums in Hip-Hop, as he wraps up The Graduate. The Graduate is the follow up to his two critically acclaimed albums The College Dropout and Late Registration.
Expect to see a variety of collaborators on the album such as Lil' Wayne, but also expect collaborators off the album. One of those collaborators is Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, whom Ye has been working with lately.
Murakami, who designed for Louis Vuitton, also helped The Louis Vuitton Don for the artwork on Ye's latest single "Can't Tell Me Nothing." Beyond this, he has helped design a necklace for West, and has also created an animated video clip for a track on the newest LP from the Chicago native.
"He did a three-minute animated piece for one of the songs...Murakami, his work has been stunning to me because pop art is really expressive, representative and expressive and emotional, and it looks like something you can do yourself. [But] you cannot do no Murakami sh-- yourself. You cannot do this at home. He has this studio out in Japan that has 30 artists working at one time. I love Japanese culture and I was always into art, and Murakami is really a god in the art world," Ye told MTV of his collaborative endeavors.
Later, West insisted that Murakami's artwork will also be seen on other Kanye projects in the near future.
"Every single that's coming out for my album, he did the artwork for the covers. ... And all the merchandising for the new album is Murakami."
The Chicago MC is currently planning a tour, which will be called "Glow in the Dark." No dates have been set yet but keep your eyes and ears open as they will be coming along soon.
Clipse Leave JIVE Records According To Group Member Malice
According to a recent interview with group member Malice, Clipse have left JIVE Records and are now free agents. In an interview conducted with Toronto publication Eye Weekly Malice said:
"Right now Clipse are free agents. There are a few labels that are interested."
JIVE has yet to confirm these claims however the troubles between the duo (Pusha T and Malice) and their label are well documented. In a 2006 interview group member Pusha T said:
“I hate Jive with all my heart and all the passion in my soul.”
Clipse most recent album "Hell Hath No Fury" was released in 2006 after many delays to huge critical acclaim but lackluster sales.
B.G. Addresses VL Mike's Departure From The Chopper City Boyz
After B.G. introduced his Chopper City Boyz crew earlier this year with their debut album, We Got This, one of the members have opted to part ways with the group.
Group member VL Mike has left to chase solo aspiration and although rumors have circulated citing beef as the culprit, the Chopper City Records camp say that is far from the truth.
"We are not beefing with Mike or anyone else," said Chopper City Records co-CEO Carol Dorsey and B.G., via a statement. "We have done our best to put our stamp of approval and endorsement on The Chopper City Boyz in effort to blossom their careers and create opportunity for the vast array of talent that New Orleans has to offer..."
According to the camp, B.G. felt as though the split with VL Mike was over a minor disagreement and ended in peace, but have learned different since then.
Mike is rumored to be holed up in the studio presently, as he records a mixtape about B.G., which the former Hot Boy can't understand, being that he gave him his start.
"In group settings, it is common to disagree, but we never imagined that Mike would overreact in such a manner," expressed Dorsey. "All me and B.G. offered him was an opportunity to become successful."
With or without Mike, the Chopper City Boyz' debut effort was an independent success for the label and has achieved gold sales in excess of 500,000 copies, according to the camp, so they plan to keep it moving.
Currently, B.G. is focusing on his soon-to-be-released Atlantic Records debut, Too Hood To Be Hollywood, which will executive produced by T.I., B.G. and Dorsey.
It is slated for release in September.
Additionally, B.G. plans on getting The Chopper City Boyz back into the studio to begin work on their second album. Being they are now down to three members, the label revealed that they plan is to host a contest to find a fourth member to bring the group back to its original four member ensemble.
More information will be released through their official website at ChopperCityMusic.com.
Ciara and Patti LaBelle To Star In New Film
Ciara, Patti LaBelle and Lynn Whitfield will star in CodeBlack Entertainment's "Mama, I Want to Sing!," the feature adaptation of the Off-Broadway gospel musical.
"Mama" will start production in Baton Rouge, La., next month. It's slated for theatrical release next February under CodeBlack's multi-picture deal with Fox's FoxFaith label.
Codeblack topper Jeff Clanagan will produce with Marvet Britto ("Shadowboxer" and "The Woodsman") and Holly Davis Carter ("The Gospel"). Pic's written and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright ("Preaching to the Choir").
"Mama, I Want to Sing!" tells the story of a preacher's daughter, who rises from the church choir to pop stardom; the character's based on Doris Troy, best known for the 1963 hit "Just One Look." The stage show played more than 2,400 performances between 1983 to 1991.
Deal marks the first feature role for Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter who will play the lead.
Shop Boyz Score #1 Ringtone In The Country With 'Party Like A Rockstar'
Atlanta Trio, Shop Boyz, have been riding high on the success of their bubbling single "Party Like A Rock Star" as of late and the rollercoaster ride isn't stopping any time soon.
The Universal Republic Records recording artists have just scored the no. 1 ringtone in the country for the smash single, which many critics are calling the "next level" of hip-hop.
It has rocketed toward the top of urban radio, simultaneously holding down the no. 1 selling slot with the nation's leading ringtone distributors and wireless carriers, topping the mobile music charts of Verizon, Cingular, Sprint, Boost, and Jamster.
"Party Like A Rockstar," which hit radio in early April, was the second most added single the week of its kickoff. The video for the track has already been added to MTV2, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, BET and BET "Rap City."
Launched by OnDeck Records, the trio's initial breakthrough was forged by the Atlanta label's CEO, Brian "Bingo" Ward, who guided the groundbreaking trio's rapid trajectory into the mainstream.
The group's three members -- Fat, Meany, and Sheed -- hail from the Bankhead area of Atlanta. They inked a deal with Universal Republic back in early April (see "Atlanta Trio, Shop Boyz, Getting Into The Rockstar Mentality; Sign Deal With Universal Republic") and have been buzzing ever since.
"Party Like A Rockstar" is becoming the perfect intro for their forthcoming debut, Rockstar Mentality, slated for release June 19.
CHAPPELLE’S SHOW’ OFFERS ITS 25 BEST SKETCHES
The 25 most memorable sketches from Comedy Central’s "Chappelle's Show," including "A Night with Wayne Brady" and "Racial Draft," have been gathered for your convenience on a new DVD to be released via Comedy Central Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment.
"The Best of Chappelle's Show Uncensored" DVD” – due in stores and at http://shop.comedycentral.com on Tuesday, June 5 – will of course have the program’s most popular sketch - Charlie Murphy's "True Hollywood Stories" featuring Rick James. Also included are never-before-aired Charlie Murphy stories.
Other clips featured on the single disc include "Making the Band 2," "The Mad Real World," "Samuel Jackson Beer," and "Keeping It Real."
"Chappelle's Show" brought comedian Dave Chappelle's joke book to life, with episodes consisting of sketches, man-on-the-street pieces and pop culture parodies introduced by Chappelle in a stand-up format in front of a studio audience.
He left the show, as well as a lucrative television contract with Comedy Central, during pre-production of its fourth season.
Lawsuit Filed Against Aftermath and Interscope Over Eminem Royalties
The Bass Brothers' FBT Productions and Joel Martin's Em2M filed a lawsuit Monday (May 21) against Aftermath Records, Interscope Records and others over the split of digital royalties due for Eminem's recordings. The suit claims that the labels should be paying half of the net receipts from downloads and master ringtones rather than the lesser artist royalty rate based on sales.
According to the suit filed May 21 in the federal District Court in Los Angeles, FBT entered a recording agreement with Eminem in 1995. FBT then agreed with Aftermath in 1998 to furnish Eminem's recording services to that label. Through a series of amendments and other agreements, FBT and Em2M were to receive accounting statements and royalties in connection with certain Eminem recordings. Eminem is not a party to the suit, which names as defendants Aftermath, Interscope, UMG Recordings and ARY Inc.
The complaint alleges that an audit of defendants by FBT and Eminem revealed that FBT and Em2M were underpaid by more than $650,000 from 2002-2005 since they did not receive 50% of the net receipts from the sale of downloads and master ringtones, among other reasons.
FBT and Em2M claim the relevant contract requires payment of 50% of the net receipts from licenses entered into for the sale of records "or from other uses." Those "other uses" are downloads and master ringtones, they claim.
Older recording contracts typically provide that artists will receive a royalty for the sale of records based on the unit's retail or wholesale price -- often 10%-14% of the retail price or double that percentage of the wholesale price. When the recording is licensed, the label and artist often share equally the net receipts from licenses.
The FBT and Em2M suit is not a proposed class action lawsuit like the two suits filed last year against Sony BMG Music Entertainment in New York over the same issue of contract interpretation. The Allman Brothers Band, Cheap Trick and Elmo & Patsy class action suit targets the Sony labels, while the Youngbloods class action suit targets the BMG labels. Both suits are still pending.
Richard Busch with King & Ballow and Mark Block with Christensen, Glaser, Fink, Jacobs, Weil & Shapiro represent FBT and Em2M.
Flav Adds Flavor To Comedy Central Roast
This summer Flavor Flav has been selected as Comedy Central's latest target to be roasted on television.
Public Enemy hype man and VH1 reality star Flavor Flav is scheduled to be the subject of Comedy Central's upcoming roast; scheduled to air on Sunday, August 12.
"We only roast the ones we love -- and the world is clearly crazy about this guy. This event will be full of surprises as Flavor Flav is going to experience a whole new kind of love in this Roast," Elizabeth Porter, senior vice president of specials and talent for Comedy Central said via statement.
"The Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav" is scheduled to tape in Los Angeles this July. The show will be executive produced by Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions, who also directed and executive produced previous Comedy Central roasts of William Shatner and Pamela Anderson. The roast is being sponsored by Anheuser Busch, Amp'd and Taco Bell.
Flavor Flav, born William J. Drayton, started his twenty-year career in entertainment as a hype man for Public Enemy and has more recently enjoyed reality television stardom via successful VH1 series' "Surreal Life," "Strange Love," and "Flavor of Love," which resulted in huge ratings. Flav is currently touring with Public Enemy front man Chuck D.
"The Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav" will air Sunday, August 12 on Comedy Central at 10 p.m. EST.
MASTER P's OPEN LETTER
IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE
Rapper-entrepreneur Master P issued the following open letter (below) in response to comments made by Curtis Jackson (AKA: 50 Cent) at a recent BET news conference.
May 20, 2007
Curtis Jackson's comment motivated me. There are a lot of immature people in the world. Oprah Winfrey is absolutely right, we need to grow up and be responsible for our own actions.
I paid for Curtis's first rap tour through the south. He was such a humble guy at the time. Most artists' mission is to sell records. My mission is to help save and change lives.
There's a lack of knowledge and false information out there. I could actually say Little Jay and Rap-A-Lot Records inspired my successful career and I will always respect them no matter what.
I wrote the blueprint for this generation. The only difference is there's no more honor and respect in the game.
Think about it: people in jail are not writing letters proclaiming to come out and do the same thing that landed them there in the first place. People in the hood don't want to stay poor for the rest of their lives. They want to change. Parents that really love their kids would rather sacrifice their own lives so that their kids could make a change to have a better life and a better education.
I'm glad that there are people like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and organizations like the NAACP that are out there fighting for our rights and dignity. I have finally realized that EVERY person is either a part of the problem or part of the solution and that is why I have decided to take a stand! I'm reaching out to corporate America to form an alliance for the sake of putting the value back into our communities by rebuilding and developing schools and businesses.
First of all, it's simply disappointing to see people that are in a position to help make a change just sit back and entertain the negativity. It's sad to see Steven Hill set all of these programming standards at BET, just to contradict himself for the sake of marketing dollars or artist performances in order to create the appearance of a successful award show. The record company with the biggest marketing check controls the music video stations so we need to go after the people who actually control these programming networks if we want real CHANGE.
I guess by taking a stand, my son and I will probably not be invited back to the BET awards. But it's O.K. I got love for BET; there are a lot of good people there. Hopefully, this will help people to see the real changes that need to be made. My son and I will sacrifice our airtime because this is bigger than us, this issue desperately needed to be addressed a long time ago.
There are four things that differentiate me from artists like Curtis Jackson. One, I can honestly admit that I was once part of the problem. Two, I don't want my son to grow up and be like me. I want him to be better and do better - and that is why he is taking the time to pursue a college degree. Three, money don't make me, I make money. My goal is to educate our people in building generational wealth and knowing how important it is to own real estate. Four, I'm a TRUE entrepreneur; my boss is God not Jimmy Iovine. From one brother to another, if you misunderstand my purpose you could always pick up the phone or talk to me in person. I'm trying to be part of the solution not the problem. The media thrives on entertaining, especially the negativity no matter what the cost. I'm praying for the brothers that are lost out there.
Throughout the years, I have lost so many relatives and friends. This year, I'd like to focus on the comedy movies because we need to laugh more. The first movie that I'm producing is "Black Supaman" and thereafter will be "The Mail Man" starring Tony Cox and myself. I'm setting up a book tour for "Guaranteed Success" and a Hip Hop Business class with financial expert Curtis Oakes for those seeking knowledge. I understand that I can't change the whole Hip Hop industry; I'm only trying to do my part. If you're real, be a part of the positive movement with Take A Stand Records.com Look for the first single "I Wanna Be Like You" from the album "Hip Hop History." I'm in negotiations with Wal-Mart and Target for direct distribution. Those are all examples of the positive difference I am trying to make in this industry.
I'm reaching out to my friends Shaquille O'Neal, Will Smith, Russell Simmons, Queen Latifah, Derek Anderson, Charles Barkley, Emmitt Smith, Beyonce, and Reverend Run to help contribute to this positive movement. I will also be holding a press conference with the president NAACP and will be able to answer any questions at that time.
I am not asking any other hip-hop or gangsta rap artist change what they do; that's how they make their money. Furthermore, I am not a preacher; I'm just telling the world what I'm doing and the changes that I am making because it's something I want to do. If that's sending mixed signals to people then they need to deal with their own conscience first.
P. Miller
A Battery Tunnel police officer noticed that the tags on the Grammy Award winning rapper's 2005 Lincoln Navigator were expired and promptly pulled him over.
When Method Man rolled down his window, the officer said he noticed the strong scent of marijuana.
The arresting officer also said he noticed two "blunts" and a plastic bag with more marijuana in plain view.
The rapper also admitted to having more marijuana underneath the drivers seat.
He was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle under the influence and driving an uninspected motor vehicle.
Method Man, born Clifford Smith, was released on his own recognizance early yesterday (May 18) morning.
The rapper, who starred in the 2001 pot flick How High with fellow smoker Redman, is working on a new album with the Wu-Tang Clan titled 8 Diagrams and he is also featured DJ Jazzy Jeff's latest album, The Return of the Magnificent.
Busta Rhymes Settles Lawsuit
Busta Rhymes settled a suit yesterday just one day before he was supposed to appear in Manhattan Supreme Court to try to convince Justice Emily Jane Goodman to throw out Melvin Smith's $100,000 judgment against him.
Smith's suit charged that Rhymes and a bodyguard beat him when he approached the rapper for an autograph in 2005.
Rhymes defaulted in the case late last year, but recently filed papers saying he didn't know about the suit because he'd never been served with a copy of the legal papers. He said Smith's process servers had mistakenly gone to where his five cars were registered - his ex-girlfriend's home in Baldwin, L.I.
"While I own the property, I have no access to it," he said.
"I was required" by court order "to provide this home for the mother of my three children, from whom I am estranged and with whom I have been embroiled in child-custody proceedings for over two years," he said.
In the same affidavit, he insists he never assaulted Smith during their run-in at the Gramercy Deli on Park Avenue.
The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
R. Kelly Compares Himself To Martin Luther King Jr?
In a recent magazine interview, R. Kelly, compared himself to Muhammad Ali, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley and even the late Martin Luther King Jr. in preparation for the release of his double album entitled; Double Up.
Kelly, the Chicago R&B artist made the comments while being interviewed for the spring and summer issue of Hip-Hop Soul magazine.
The most surprising comment the artist makes is: "I'm the Ali of today. I'm the Marvin Gaye of today. I'm the Bob Marley of today. I'm the Martin Luther King, or all the other greats that have come before us. And a lot of people are starting to realize that now."
New York Post ran the quote last night and it's been a hot topic amongst music critics.
Kelly's publicist, Regina Daniels, said the interview took place about a month ago. Adding "He doesn't think he's Martin Luther King. He's comparing the fact that he is a prolific songwriter of his time; now it's turned into something else. Whatever Rob said, any way they can stick it to him. If he breathes it's a problem."
The interview and photo shoot took place in the presidential suite of the Hotel Sofitel Chicago Water Tower. The article also calls Kelly "our generation's answer to Ray Charles and Marvin Gaye" and "an ambidextrous soul genius." Kelly's quote came in response to this comment from the interviewer. "The things that have been written about you make lesser men wither or simply want to give up.."
And Kelly's reply also includes this comment: "So I have to walk with a certain humility. I have to walk with love in my heart for those that hate me. I have to. I have to get out and touch people in order for me to continue to feel the pulse of the world."
The Rev. James Meeks, the state senator who ministered to Kelly during the early days of his legal case, quoted Scripture: "We should be careful about praising ourselves and leave that to other people. That would be my admonition."
Kelly spokesman Allan Mayer protested the way the quote was lifted in the Post. "What I would suggest to anybody who is put off by that quote is read the entire interview, which I think much better reflects what Rob was trying to say."
Kelly will appear in court again Friday for the latest hearing in a case that started nearly five years ago.
Kelly is charged with 14 counts of child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself engaging in sex acts with an underage girl.
The Cook County state's attorney's office filed the charges in June 2002 after the Sun-Times turned over a videotape it received anonymously following an article about underage girls suing Kelly for allegedly engaging in sexual relationships with them. Those suits were all settled out of court.
Kanye West Prepares To Graduate
Kanye West is putting the finishing touches on one of the most anticipated albums in Hip-Hop, as he wraps up The Graduate. The Graduate is the follow up to his two critically acclaimed albums The College Dropout and Late Registration.
Expect to see a variety of collaborators on the album such as Lil' Wayne, but also expect collaborators off the album. One of those collaborators is Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, whom Ye has been working with lately.
Murakami, who designed for Louis Vuitton, also helped The Louis Vuitton Don for the artwork on Ye's latest single "Can't Tell Me Nothing." Beyond this, he has helped design a necklace for West, and has also created an animated video clip for a track on the newest LP from the Chicago native.
"He did a three-minute animated piece for one of the songs...Murakami, his work has been stunning to me because pop art is really expressive, representative and expressive and emotional, and it looks like something you can do yourself. [But] you cannot do no Murakami sh-- yourself. You cannot do this at home. He has this studio out in Japan that has 30 artists working at one time. I love Japanese culture and I was always into art, and Murakami is really a god in the art world," Ye told MTV of his collaborative endeavors.
Later, West insisted that Murakami's artwork will also be seen on other Kanye projects in the near future.
"Every single that's coming out for my album, he did the artwork for the covers. ... And all the merchandising for the new album is Murakami."
The Chicago MC is currently planning a tour, which will be called "Glow in the Dark." No dates have been set yet but keep your eyes and ears open as they will be coming along soon.
Clipse Leave JIVE Records According To Group Member Malice
According to a recent interview with group member Malice, Clipse have left JIVE Records and are now free agents. In an interview conducted with Toronto publication Eye Weekly Malice said:
"Right now Clipse are free agents. There are a few labels that are interested."
JIVE has yet to confirm these claims however the troubles between the duo (Pusha T and Malice) and their label are well documented. In a 2006 interview group member Pusha T said:
“I hate Jive with all my heart and all the passion in my soul.”
Clipse most recent album "Hell Hath No Fury" was released in 2006 after many delays to huge critical acclaim but lackluster sales.
B.G. Addresses VL Mike's Departure From The Chopper City Boyz
After B.G. introduced his Chopper City Boyz crew earlier this year with their debut album, We Got This, one of the members have opted to part ways with the group.
Group member VL Mike has left to chase solo aspiration and although rumors have circulated citing beef as the culprit, the Chopper City Records camp say that is far from the truth.
"We are not beefing with Mike or anyone else," said Chopper City Records co-CEO Carol Dorsey and B.G., via a statement. "We have done our best to put our stamp of approval and endorsement on The Chopper City Boyz in effort to blossom their careers and create opportunity for the vast array of talent that New Orleans has to offer..."
According to the camp, B.G. felt as though the split with VL Mike was over a minor disagreement and ended in peace, but have learned different since then.
Mike is rumored to be holed up in the studio presently, as he records a mixtape about B.G., which the former Hot Boy can't understand, being that he gave him his start.
"In group settings, it is common to disagree, but we never imagined that Mike would overreact in such a manner," expressed Dorsey. "All me and B.G. offered him was an opportunity to become successful."
With or without Mike, the Chopper City Boyz' debut effort was an independent success for the label and has achieved gold sales in excess of 500,000 copies, according to the camp, so they plan to keep it moving.
Currently, B.G. is focusing on his soon-to-be-released Atlantic Records debut, Too Hood To Be Hollywood, which will executive produced by T.I., B.G. and Dorsey.
It is slated for release in September.
Additionally, B.G. plans on getting The Chopper City Boyz back into the studio to begin work on their second album. Being they are now down to three members, the label revealed that they plan is to host a contest to find a fourth member to bring the group back to its original four member ensemble.
More information will be released through their official website at ChopperCityMusic.com.
Ciara and Patti LaBelle To Star In New Film
Ciara, Patti LaBelle and Lynn Whitfield will star in CodeBlack Entertainment's "Mama, I Want to Sing!," the feature adaptation of the Off-Broadway gospel musical.
"Mama" will start production in Baton Rouge, La., next month. It's slated for theatrical release next February under CodeBlack's multi-picture deal with Fox's FoxFaith label.
Codeblack topper Jeff Clanagan will produce with Marvet Britto ("Shadowboxer" and "The Woodsman") and Holly Davis Carter ("The Gospel"). Pic's written and directed by Charles Randolph-Wright ("Preaching to the Choir").
"Mama, I Want to Sing!" tells the story of a preacher's daughter, who rises from the church choir to pop stardom; the character's based on Doris Troy, best known for the 1963 hit "Just One Look." The stage show played more than 2,400 performances between 1983 to 1991.
Deal marks the first feature role for Ciara, a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter who will play the lead.
Shop Boyz Score #1 Ringtone In The Country With 'Party Like A Rockstar'
Atlanta Trio, Shop Boyz, have been riding high on the success of their bubbling single "Party Like A Rock Star" as of late and the rollercoaster ride isn't stopping any time soon.
The Universal Republic Records recording artists have just scored the no. 1 ringtone in the country for the smash single, which many critics are calling the "next level" of hip-hop.
It has rocketed toward the top of urban radio, simultaneously holding down the no. 1 selling slot with the nation's leading ringtone distributors and wireless carriers, topping the mobile music charts of Verizon, Cingular, Sprint, Boost, and Jamster.
"Party Like A Rockstar," which hit radio in early April, was the second most added single the week of its kickoff. The video for the track has already been added to MTV2, MTV Jams, MTV Hits, BET and BET "Rap City."
Launched by OnDeck Records, the trio's initial breakthrough was forged by the Atlanta label's CEO, Brian "Bingo" Ward, who guided the groundbreaking trio's rapid trajectory into the mainstream.
The group's three members -- Fat, Meany, and Sheed -- hail from the Bankhead area of Atlanta. They inked a deal with Universal Republic back in early April (see "Atlanta Trio, Shop Boyz, Getting Into The Rockstar Mentality; Sign Deal With Universal Republic") and have been buzzing ever since.
"Party Like A Rockstar" is becoming the perfect intro for their forthcoming debut, Rockstar Mentality, slated for release June 19.
CHAPPELLE’S SHOW’ OFFERS ITS 25 BEST SKETCHES
The 25 most memorable sketches from Comedy Central’s "Chappelle's Show," including "A Night with Wayne Brady" and "Racial Draft," have been gathered for your convenience on a new DVD to be released via Comedy Central Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment.
"The Best of Chappelle's Show Uncensored" DVD” – due in stores and at http://shop.comedycentral.com on Tuesday, June 5 – will of course have the program’s most popular sketch - Charlie Murphy's "True Hollywood Stories" featuring Rick James. Also included are never-before-aired Charlie Murphy stories.
Other clips featured on the single disc include "Making the Band 2," "The Mad Real World," "Samuel Jackson Beer," and "Keeping It Real."
"Chappelle's Show" brought comedian Dave Chappelle's joke book to life, with episodes consisting of sketches, man-on-the-street pieces and pop culture parodies introduced by Chappelle in a stand-up format in front of a studio audience.
He left the show, as well as a lucrative television contract with Comedy Central, during pre-production of its fourth season.
Lawsuit Filed Against Aftermath and Interscope Over Eminem Royalties
The Bass Brothers' FBT Productions and Joel Martin's Em2M filed a lawsuit Monday (May 21) against Aftermath Records, Interscope Records and others over the split of digital royalties due for Eminem's recordings. The suit claims that the labels should be paying half of the net receipts from downloads and master ringtones rather than the lesser artist royalty rate based on sales.
According to the suit filed May 21 in the federal District Court in Los Angeles, FBT entered a recording agreement with Eminem in 1995. FBT then agreed with Aftermath in 1998 to furnish Eminem's recording services to that label. Through a series of amendments and other agreements, FBT and Em2M were to receive accounting statements and royalties in connection with certain Eminem recordings. Eminem is not a party to the suit, which names as defendants Aftermath, Interscope, UMG Recordings and ARY Inc.
The complaint alleges that an audit of defendants by FBT and Eminem revealed that FBT and Em2M were underpaid by more than $650,000 from 2002-2005 since they did not receive 50% of the net receipts from the sale of downloads and master ringtones, among other reasons.
FBT and Em2M claim the relevant contract requires payment of 50% of the net receipts from licenses entered into for the sale of records "or from other uses." Those "other uses" are downloads and master ringtones, they claim.
Older recording contracts typically provide that artists will receive a royalty for the sale of records based on the unit's retail or wholesale price -- often 10%-14% of the retail price or double that percentage of the wholesale price. When the recording is licensed, the label and artist often share equally the net receipts from licenses.
The FBT and Em2M suit is not a proposed class action lawsuit like the two suits filed last year against Sony BMG Music Entertainment in New York over the same issue of contract interpretation. The Allman Brothers Band, Cheap Trick and Elmo & Patsy class action suit targets the Sony labels, while the Youngbloods class action suit targets the BMG labels. Both suits are still pending.
Richard Busch with King & Ballow and Mark Block with Christensen, Glaser, Fink, Jacobs, Weil & Shapiro represent FBT and Em2M.
Flav Adds Flavor To Comedy Central Roast
This summer Flavor Flav has been selected as Comedy Central's latest target to be roasted on television.
Public Enemy hype man and VH1 reality star Flavor Flav is scheduled to be the subject of Comedy Central's upcoming roast; scheduled to air on Sunday, August 12.
"We only roast the ones we love -- and the world is clearly crazy about this guy. This event will be full of surprises as Flavor Flav is going to experience a whole new kind of love in this Roast," Elizabeth Porter, senior vice president of specials and talent for Comedy Central said via statement.
"The Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav" is scheduled to tape in Los Angeles this July. The show will be executive produced by Joel Gallen of Tenth Planet Productions, who also directed and executive produced previous Comedy Central roasts of William Shatner and Pamela Anderson. The roast is being sponsored by Anheuser Busch, Amp'd and Taco Bell.
Flavor Flav, born William J. Drayton, started his twenty-year career in entertainment as a hype man for Public Enemy and has more recently enjoyed reality television stardom via successful VH1 series' "Surreal Life," "Strange Love," and "Flavor of Love," which resulted in huge ratings. Flav is currently touring with Public Enemy front man Chuck D.
"The Comedy Central Roast of Flavor Flav" will air Sunday, August 12 on Comedy Central at 10 p.m. EST.
MASTER P's OPEN LETTER
IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE
Rapper-entrepreneur Master P issued the following open letter (below) in response to comments made by Curtis Jackson (AKA: 50 Cent) at a recent BET news conference.
May 20, 2007
Curtis Jackson's comment motivated me. There are a lot of immature people in the world. Oprah Winfrey is absolutely right, we need to grow up and be responsible for our own actions.
I paid for Curtis's first rap tour through the south. He was such a humble guy at the time. Most artists' mission is to sell records. My mission is to help save and change lives.
There's a lack of knowledge and false information out there. I could actually say Little Jay and Rap-A-Lot Records inspired my successful career and I will always respect them no matter what.
I wrote the blueprint for this generation. The only difference is there's no more honor and respect in the game.
Think about it: people in jail are not writing letters proclaiming to come out and do the same thing that landed them there in the first place. People in the hood don't want to stay poor for the rest of their lives. They want to change. Parents that really love their kids would rather sacrifice their own lives so that their kids could make a change to have a better life and a better education.
I'm glad that there are people like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson and organizations like the NAACP that are out there fighting for our rights and dignity. I have finally realized that EVERY person is either a part of the problem or part of the solution and that is why I have decided to take a stand! I'm reaching out to corporate America to form an alliance for the sake of putting the value back into our communities by rebuilding and developing schools and businesses.
First of all, it's simply disappointing to see people that are in a position to help make a change just sit back and entertain the negativity. It's sad to see Steven Hill set all of these programming standards at BET, just to contradict himself for the sake of marketing dollars or artist performances in order to create the appearance of a successful award show. The record company with the biggest marketing check controls the music video stations so we need to go after the people who actually control these programming networks if we want real CHANGE.
I guess by taking a stand, my son and I will probably not be invited back to the BET awards. But it's O.K. I got love for BET; there are a lot of good people there. Hopefully, this will help people to see the real changes that need to be made. My son and I will sacrifice our airtime because this is bigger than us, this issue desperately needed to be addressed a long time ago.
There are four things that differentiate me from artists like Curtis Jackson. One, I can honestly admit that I was once part of the problem. Two, I don't want my son to grow up and be like me. I want him to be better and do better - and that is why he is taking the time to pursue a college degree. Three, money don't make me, I make money. My goal is to educate our people in building generational wealth and knowing how important it is to own real estate. Four, I'm a TRUE entrepreneur; my boss is God not Jimmy Iovine. From one brother to another, if you misunderstand my purpose you could always pick up the phone or talk to me in person. I'm trying to be part of the solution not the problem. The media thrives on entertaining, especially the negativity no matter what the cost. I'm praying for the brothers that are lost out there.
Throughout the years, I have lost so many relatives and friends. This year, I'd like to focus on the comedy movies because we need to laugh more. The first movie that I'm producing is "Black Supaman" and thereafter will be "The Mail Man" starring Tony Cox and myself. I'm setting up a book tour for "Guaranteed Success" and a Hip Hop Business class with financial expert Curtis Oakes for those seeking knowledge. I understand that I can't change the whole Hip Hop industry; I'm only trying to do my part. If you're real, be a part of the positive movement with Take A Stand Records.com Look for the first single "I Wanna Be Like You" from the album "Hip Hop History." I'm in negotiations with Wal-Mart and Target for direct distribution. Those are all examples of the positive difference I am trying to make in this industry.
I'm reaching out to my friends Shaquille O'Neal, Will Smith, Russell Simmons, Queen Latifah, Derek Anderson, Charles Barkley, Emmitt Smith, Beyonce, and Reverend Run to help contribute to this positive movement. I will also be holding a press conference with the president NAACP and will be able to answer any questions at that time.
I am not asking any other hip-hop or gangsta rap artist change what they do; that's how they make their money. Furthermore, I am not a preacher; I'm just telling the world what I'm doing and the changes that I am making because it's something I want to do. If that's sending mixed signals to people then they need to deal with their own conscience first.
P. Miller
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