Pras Shuts Down Fugees Reunion

In a recent interview with SOHH, former Fugees member Pras shut down any hope of reuniting with Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean for another album with the 90s super group.

Just a year ago, The Fugees appeared poised to drop an album in time for the 10-year anniversary of their classic CD, 1996's The Score. The trio even released a single, "Take It Eazy" in late 2005, but the LP doesn't seem so likely now. [Watch Pras Interview]

"Straight dead," Pras said when asked of the status of The Fugees' reunion album. "You know, unfortunately Miss Hill, she got some things she needs to deal with. I wish her the best, but life goes on."

Pras is once again focusing on his solo career and is presently working on his third solo album. Though he's tight-lipped regarding the project, he offers that it will drop on Sony BMG this fall. In addition to music, he also has several films on the table.

"You know I'm doing movies hard, man. I'm doing a bunch of different movies," Pras revealed. "Actually I gotta shoot a movie after I finish my album with my man Josh Lucas, Tim Roth, doing another movie with Warren Beatty. So we're just making it happen, man."


Miri Ben-Ari Injured In Car Accident

Hip-Hop violinist Miri Ben-Ari was injured in a serious car accident today (May 23) and was sent to the hospital minor head injuries.



Sources told reporters that the Grammy Award winning violinist's Mercedes C Class 550 was hit by a UPS truck from behind today (May 23) around 3:15 pm.

Ben-Ari struck her her head on the dashboard and was thrown against her seatbelt.

Doctors ordered Ben-Ari to rest for 48 hours.

Ben-Ari has recorded with rappers like Twista, Kanye West and others.


Miri Ben-Ari's latest most recent album The Hip-Hop Violinist was released in 2005.

Lady Sovereign Cuts Show Short After On Stage Breakdown


UK Grime sensation Lady Sovereign, who released her US debut Public Warning on Def Jam Records in 2006, broke down on stage in New York recently, resulting in the rapper cutting her show short.

On stage at Studio B in Brooklyn, the pint-sized rapper was caught on video (which was posted and has since been removed from YouTube), as she complained about depression, then proceeded to spill out her personal problems -- including her finances -- to a crowd of shouting fans.

"I'm just about paying my rent, I'm gonna be homeless in two weeks. I'm not even joking," Lady Sov said while sipping a beer and puffing on a cigarette.

Pointing to "scars on my arms," the British rapper said, "You don't understand, I've just come out of depression... This is so painful to do," before walking off stage.

Although it is unclear if the rapper's outbursts were sincere or were to get a reaction from the crowd, Lady Sov looked very disturbed when she left the stage, leaving a crowd -- who began booing -- unsatisfied.

"F--- America," Lady Sov shouted. "I'm sorry, but I have to do this for the money; I'm so broke right now."

In April, Lady Sovereign reportedly cancelled the remaining dates of her U.K. tour, after failing to recover from a bout of exhaustion.

She has enjoyed success in the States with her single "Love Me Or Hate Me," off of her Stateside debut Public Warning, but it didn't do the numbers expected in her home country in the UK.

Lady Sovereign signed to Def Jam Records in late 2005, signed by label President Jay-Z who was impressed by the rapper's skill after seeing her live during a performance in New York.


‘NIGHT’ FALLS ON CED THE ENTERTAINER

Cedric the Entertainer is stepping up his Hollywood game to tackle a serious role in “Night Watch,” a cop drama to be directed and co-written by “Training Day” scribe, David Ayer.

Keanu Reeves stars in the film as a veteran LAPD cop who begins drinking after the death of his wife. Things get worse when he is framed by his former mentor, played by Forest Whitaker, in the murder of a fellow officer.

Cedric tells Blackfilm: "I play an informant named Scribbles. There are all these corrupt cops and they getting information from this modern day "Huggy Bear," but it's not comedic. I'm a street guy and I'm on some drugs a little bit. The director said that this would be a great serious role for me."

Also starring in “Night Watch” are rapper Common, “Everybody Hates Chris” star Terry Crews and “Pirates of the Carribean” actress Naomie Harris. The film is due in theaters next year.


CIARA FRUSTRATED WITH SINGLES SCENE

R&B songstress Ciara says it’s hard out here for a single gal looking for a long term relationship.

"It's definitely tough at times," the 21-year-old tells People. "I'm now past my year mark of being single, and I've got to say I'm a big fan of love. Being in a relationship is one of the most beautiful things, and I'm looking forward to being in a relationship."

Ciara famously dated rapper Bow Wow for a year before they broke up in April 2006. Despite her single girl woes, the entertainer says she’s taking her time to find a bonafide keeper.

"I'm also at a place where I want to be patient and do it right," she says. "I'm one of those girls that when I date, I date to marry, so I like to take my time and really get to know a person. I do meet people and run across people, but it's all about building a friendship."

Her wish list when it comes to a potential mate? "I look for someone who is down to earth, has a great personality and is respectful – someone who just loves to have fun and has goals," she says.

As previously reported, Ciara will make her film debut in the big screen adaptation of the off-Broadway musical "Mama, I Want to Sing!," which begins filming next month.

Lil' Wayne Inks Deal With Straight Up Brands Liquor

Lil' Wayne has signed a deal to develop a new Wayne branded alcoholic beverage with the assistance of Straight Up Brands liquor.

Lil' Wayne will assist in the development of the liquor and will play a big role in the marketing and branding of the product.

Straight Up Brands acquired Diplomats backed Sizzurp liquor via its acquisition of Rappin' Brands earlier this year. The company also currently has deals with Foxy Brown, Lil' Flip (Lucky Nites) and DJ Clue (Storm Vodka).











Xzibit Signs Independent Deal With Australian Record Label Illusive

Xzibit has inked a deal with Australian record label Illusive. The rapper will release his album Full Circle in the country independently, according to The Herald Sun.

"I am in total control of every aspect of my career," said Xzibit, who is currently in talks to host a new season of the hit MTV series, Pimp My Ride. "Even though the popularity of my film and television career have taken off, it doesn't mean I have to make music to appeal to that audience." According to Xzibit, the new album features production by legendary Bomb Squad producer, Keith Shocklee. "I've worked with Dre and Timbaland. I've worked with a lot of different producers, but there is a special place in my heart for the Bomb Squad," Xzibit said.

The rapper is scheduled to perform at the Metro in Melbourne, Australia on June 29.

Jay-Z, Omarion, 50 Cent and More Join Forces On "The Simpsons Movie" Soundtrack

A Hip-Hop and R&B heavy guestlist, with a touch of Rock, make up the soundtrack for the much anticipated "The Simpsons Movie" set to hit theatres worldwide July 27th.

Tracklisting:

U Can't Shine Like Me- Lil' Romeo
If You Let Me Go - Jay-Z featuring Omarion
So Emotional - 1 Chance
High Away from You - Lifehouse
I Don't Wanna Understand - Jennifer Lopez featuring Three 6 Mafia
I Believe You - Lyfe Jennings
The Way You Roll With Me - T.I.
Dancing Machine - Maroon 5 featuring Lil' Flip
Simpson - Beanie Sigel featuring Jazze Pha
Since You Get Off The Computer - Fall Out Boy
Back Again - Kai featuring Akon
I Will Kill You - Panic! at the Disco
You Gave My Heart - Keyshia Cole featuring Ludacris
The World Is Yours - N.W.A.
In the Rain - Young Jeezy featuring Lil' Wayne
Lockdown - Joe Budden featuring The Game and Mike Jones
Roll Tide - Ja Rule featuring Lloyd and Nelly
I'm Your Mama - Chris Brown featuring Nas
Go to Bed - David Banner
I Don't Wanna Your Stupid Of Me - Ben Folds
Get Off The Porch - Obie Trice featuring 50 Cent and Eminem

Tank Is Back, Ne-Yo "Makes Things Better," Bone Thugs Show Their "Strength"

In this week's Hip-Hop and R&B charts, Tank comes back with a vengeance, Ne-Yo continues his quest for R&B's top spot and Bone Thugs lose some ground.

Debuting at No. 2 this week is R&B crooner Tank, who, after a short hiatus, returns with his latest offering Sex, Love and Pain. On the heels of the success of the record's first single "Please Don't Go," the muscle-bound singer moved 103,100 copies of his new release.

Close behind but slipping three spots from last week to No. 7 is singer/songwriter Ne-Yo with Because Of You. Still riding the wave the album's title track, Ne-Yo pushed 54,700 more CDs to bring him to a total of 395,400 records sold.

Just barely staying in the Top 10 is Bone Thugs-N-Harmony with their seventh album, Strength and Loyalty. Tumbling seven spots and landing at No. 9 the Cleveland trio hustled an extra 52,700 discs to round out their total sales at 172,300 units moved.

Coming in at No. 12 is the newly wed Amy Winehouse who got a 7% sales increase from last week as a wedding gift. Her set Back to Black sold an additional 38,100 records to bring her numbers to 404,600 albums sold overall.

At No. 14 and 15 are Bobby Valentino and Akon, respectively. After entering the charts last week at No. 3, Bobby V dropped eleven places this week, with his Special Occasion shifting another 33,500 copies across registers to balance his total sales at 125,500 records scanned. Already reaching double-platinum status, Akon's Konvicted continues to rake in the sales, with another 32,400 copies finding their way into fans' hands. The set has now sold 2,345,000 discs.

Fergie's The Dutchess is still making waves on the charts in its quest for the double-platinum status, settling into the No. 18 position this week. Pushing another 25,900 long-players, her solo set has managed to move a total of 1,899,900 copies.

Blue-eyed soul champion Robin Thicke is continuing his steady stride on the charts, coming in at No. 21 with The Evolution Of Robin Thicke. Peddling 25,300 more copies of his version of mood music and recently conquering the platinum plateau, The Evolution's numbers round at 1,102,100 albums moved overall.

At No. 24 this week is Justin Timberlake with his FutureSex/LoveSounds. Still bringing sexy back, the album popped off 23,200 more units to bring it's grand total to 3,251,000 records sold.

Beyonce's B-Day celebration is still going on with 21,200 additional party favors handed out this week. At No. 27 on the charts, the album's total reads 2,688,700 units pushed.

Virginia beat-king Timbaland found a home at No. 33 this week with his CD Shock Value. Taking a slight 5% dip, Timbo still got off 17,900 copies, with the grand total coming in at 328,200 albums sold.

Dropping five spots this week is Joe who comes to a stop at No. 39. Shoveling off 16,600 discs of Ain't Nothing Like Me, the crooner's LP has raked in a total of 168,900 records. Corrine Bailey Rae's self titled album pushes 16,500 more copies, rounding out at 1,509,600 and landing at no.41. Following is Philly singer Musiq Soulchild at No. 42. After 16,400 copies of Luvanmusiq left shelves for the week, the record's total sales come in at 379,400 copies.

Joss Stone's Introducing Joss Stone finds itself at the No. 43 spot, moving 15,900 records this week and 368,600 total units. With some help from his single "Get It Shawty," Lloyd' s Street Love put 14,300 more copies on the street and lands at No. 48. The album has moved 385,100 units so far.

G-Unit's Young Buck claims the No. 57 spot with his Buck The World dropping five more places this week. The record moved an additional 11,400 pieces this week to bring the album's numbers to 312,200 copies scanned. Close behind is Paul Wall's Get Money Stay True, coming in at No. 60. Slinging 11,000 copies, the discs weighs in at 214,600 records pushed.

MIMS and Young Jeezy, holding down No. 73 and 76 respectively, are separated by only 200 disc-buying fans. MIMS' Music Is My Savior brought in 9,400 barcode scans to push the album to 207,200 total sales, while the Snowman's Inspiration: Thug Motivation says goodbye to 9,200 more inspirational tools, bringing it's total to 1,062,700 units sold.

Rounding out the rest is DukeDaGod at No. 87, Fantasia at No. 91, Ciara at No. 92 and Rich Boy bringing up the rear at No. 96. DukeDaGod's More Than Music Vol. 2 sold 8,200, bringing it to 31,600 total. "The Color Purple's" Fantasia moved 7,900 more units of her self-titled CD, bringing her grand total to 380,500 records sold. Ciara's Evolution squeeked out 7,800 more units, bringing it to 1,159,700 CD's moved and Rich Boy's self-titled debut managed to shell out 7,500 more discs, taking it to 296,800 total scanned.

Next week look for Young Jeezy and his crew USDA to make an appearance on the Hip-Hop and R&B charts.

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