50 Cent Tops Kanye West In Europe
After losing the battle for first week sales in the States, 50 Cent can enjoy a little taste of revenge as European charts put 50's Curtis way over Kanye West's Graduation.
According to Billboard, Curtis made its debut at No. 1 on the European Top 100 Albums chart, while Graduation came in at No. 3. Billboard's European Top 100 collects data from charts in 19 major European countries. 50's album had a strong showing, scoring a chart-topping debut in both Switzerland and Ireland, while West is on top only in the United Kingdom.
In the U.K., Ye's total of 84,000 copies sold helped him debut at No.1 there, just edging out 50's tally of 72,000. Fif also managed to score an additional five other top five entries across the pond in countries like France, Germany, Austria, Holland and Norway, versus only three top five slots for Graduation, in Norway, Ireland and Switzerland. Kanye's album failed to chart well in countries like France, where the record debuted at No. 33 and Spain, where the album has yet to earn a chart position.
Both artists are also in the top 10 of the Eurochart Hot 100 Singles, with 50's "Ayo Technology," featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, holding down the No. 4 spot and West's "Stronger" at No. 6.
If the news of 50's European victory got Kanye down, the Louis Vuitton Don can take comfort in the fact that he can also add another No. 1 to his resume this week back home, as his single "Stronger" rebounded to overtake the Billboard Hot 100, selling a total of 205,000 digital downloads this week.
Snoop Dogg Pleads Guilty In Baton Case
Snoop Dogg has pleaded guilty to one count of felony possession of a dangerous weapon. Snoop was sentenced to 160 hours of community service and three years' probation, his attorney said.
Snoop was arrested in September 2006 after authorities discovered a collapsible baton in his computer bag at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, Calif. Authorities said it was a dangerous weapon. He said it was a prop for a video he was filming in New York.
His attorney, Donald Etra, said the felony conviction would be reduced to a misdemeanor after one year if Snoop Dogg stayed out of trouble. "We are very pleased with the outcome," Etra said yesterday (Sept. 20). "Snoop's goal is to make music, not make court appearances."
In the plea deal, Snoop Dogg was also ordered to make a $10,000 charitable donation, Etra said. "He wants to get on with his life," Etra said. "He will continue his music and his filming and performing."
Webbie and Lil' Boosie Hit With $1 Million Dollar Lawsuit
Webbie and Lil' Boosie have been hit with a $1 million dollar lawsuit by a Baton Rouge, Louisiana promoter who alleges they failed to perform at a concert in January.
The lawsuit says Boosie and Webbie were hired by Tracye Stafford of Ikon Entertainment to perform at Club Sonar on January 20, but they failed to show up to the concert to perform.
Stafford claims that Lil' Boosie and Webbie had agreed on January 20 to reschedule the event, but the rappers failed to show up again.
Stafford seeks $1 million for direct and consequential damages, expenses, attorney's fees, plus interest and costs.
The lawsuit also names Trill and Asylum Records as defendants.
Dr. Dre Says No Detox Until Next Year; Speaks on 50 Cent’s Beef With The Game
In his first interview in three years, Dr. Dre told the LA Times that although he is only “two or three tracks” from completing his long awaited album, Detox, the project will definitely not be released until 2008.
Earlier this year, Dre appeared in a short YouTube video with Aftermath artist Bishop Lamont and promised that his highly anticipated third solo LP would finally hit stores in September of this year.
“I was really hoping to have it out this year, but it’s going to have to be pushed back a while because of some other things I’ve got to work on,” Dre told the Times.
On of those projects includes the next Eminem album, which the legendary producer says he is devoting the next two months to finishing up. Dre also broke his silence on the subject of the high profile beef between his two former protégés, 50 Cent and The Game.
When asked whether Game’s move from Aftermath to Geffen Records came as a result of Dre favoring the higher selling 50 Cent, he emphatically denied it. “I told them, ‘I love working with both you guys. I don’t have a problem with either of you,’ ” he explains. “It was more like what is going to be the best move under the circumstances. I don’t even remember who came up with the idea of putting Game on Geffen, but it was absolutely not me picking 50 over him.”
Gucci Mane Drops The Controversy As He Preps Major Label Debut
Atlanta based rapper, Gucci Mane, is gearing up for his major label debut, Back To The Traphouse, which will drop through his own imprint So Icey Entertainment with backing from Asylum/Atlantic Records.
The rapper's major label debut is the follow-up to his wildly successful independently released gold albums, Trap House and Hard 2 Kill.
"This album is perfect for my major label debut. It felt like the first time all over again, just so fresh and driven," Gucci Mane says, describing the energy he felt when recording the forthcoming album. "I bring a lot of experience, creative wordplay, and a crazy style, and I can't wait to showcase the album to my fans and open up to millions of new fans."
Longtime fans of Gucci Mane will immediately be hooked in by the first single, a reworked past favorite, the club bouncer "Freaky Gurl," featuring Ludacris on the remix. The single is currently no. 33 and rising on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
A Daymond John and Dr. Teeth directed video is out and also gaining momentum on MTV and BET.
The album boasts guest spots from Rich Boy and Pimp C of UGK, and Shawnna, formerly of DTP and newly signed to So Icey Entertainment.
With major backing, Gucci Mane is confident that the new album will take him to new heights in his career. And this time around, he is leaving the controversy and beefs behind him.
It all started when he was jailed for murder in May of 2005 (and later cleared for self-defense) the month his first independent album came out (see "Gucci Mane Arrested On Murder Charge"). It was a sign of things to come, with a string of beefs with former collaborators. He was cleared of the aforementioned murder charge in January of 2006 (see "Murder Charges Against Gucci Mane Dropped").
"A lot gets made about the beefs, but it isn't even about Young Jeezy or any rapper out there. This is hip-hop. It's about your swagger, showing off your skills, one-upping everyone else," Gucci explains of the controversy. "No one can rest on their laurels because they're only as hot as their last hot song. I'm out to prove myself as the cat with the best swagger, and if one-upping everyone means taking shots at those people who are supposedly at the top, so be it."
Back To The TrapHouse is slated to drop November 13.
Gucci Mane Drops The Controversy As He Preps Major Label Debut
Atlanta based rapper, Gucci Mane, is gearing up for his major label debut, Back To The Traphouse, which will drop through his own imprint So Icey Entertainment with backing from Asylum/Atlantic Records.
The rapper's major label debut is the follow-up to his wildly successful independently released gold albums, Trap House and Hard 2 Kill.
"This album is perfect for my major label debut. It felt like the first time all over again, just so fresh and driven," Gucci Mane says, describing the energy he felt when recording the forthcoming album. "I bring a lot of experience, creative wordplay, and a crazy style, and I can't wait to showcase the album to my fans and open up to millions of new fans."
Longtime fans of Gucci Mane will immediately be hooked in by the first single, a reworked past favorite, the club bouncer "Freaky Gurl," featuring Ludacris on the remix. The single is currently no. 33 and rising on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
A Daymond John and Dr. Teeth directed video is out and also gaining momentum on MTV and BET.
The album boasts guest spots from Rich Boy and Pimp C of UGK, and Shawnna, formerly of DTP and newly signed to So Icey Entertainment.
With major backing, Gucci Mane is confident that the new album will take him to new heights in his career. And this time around, he is leaving the controversy and beefs behind him.
It all started when he was jailed for murder in May of 2005 (and later cleared for self-defense) the month his first independent album came out (see "Gucci Mane Arrested On Murder Charge"). It was a sign of things to come, with a string of beefs with former collaborators. He was cleared of the aforementioned murder charge in January of 2006 (see "Murder Charges Against Gucci Mane Dropped").
"A lot gets made about the beefs, but it isn't even about Young Jeezy or any rapper out there. This is hip-hop. It's about your swagger, showing off your skills, one-upping everyone else," Gucci explains of the controversy. "No one can rest on their laurels because they're only as hot as their last hot song. I'm out to prove myself as the cat with the best swagger, and if one-upping everyone means taking shots at those people who are supposedly at the top, so be it."
Back To The TrapHouse is slated to drop November 13.
Mos Def Expresses Outrage at Lack of Support for the “Jena 6”
Mos Def, who is currently in Jena, Louisiana for the rally in support of the “Jena 6,” is not happy with the response the Hip-Hop community has shown over the incident.
Speaking to MTV News from Jena, Mos criticized his fellow artists, whom he noted seem to have no problem showing up at parties and award shows, for not traveling to Jena for the rally. “Shame on everybody who’s not here,” the rapper told MTV News.
“I’m fuckin’ mad. I’m disappointed to always be coming to these things and it’s only one or two people [from the industry here]. If you ain’t gonna use your voice, then be quiet. I’m disappointed and ashamed.” Mos recently called upon his peers and any “influential African-Americans” to join him at the rally.
Also in Jena this week is Port Arthur, TX native and UGK group member Bun B, who jumped in his car and drove over when he heard about the demonstration. “I grew up right next to a town where it’s strictly white people,” Bun explained. “I’ve been privy to these small incidents of violence in these all-white towns. We were blessed to find out about the Jena Six and were blessed to try to make some type of impact in this community before things went too far.”
Sexual Harassment Suit Dropped Against LAPD Chief In Notorious B.I.G. Case
A sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the former internal affairs LAPD deputy chief who played a part in the Notorious B.I.G murder investigation was dismissed yesterday (September 19).
As previously reported, LAPD Sgt. Ya-May Christle accused Berkow of giving preferential treatment and promotions to several female officers in exchange for sex.
In addition to sexual harassment claims, Christle also charged that her computer was confiscated by Berkow and other members of internal affairs and that data she entered while investigating Biggie's murder was destroyed. After accusing Berkow of taking her computer, Christle claimed she was demoted.
According to Savannah's WSAV, a Superior Court Judge dismissed all elements of the case relating to sexual harassment and dropped Berkow as a defendant claiming that after a year of investigation and deposition, no admissible evidence supports Christle's accusations of sexual harassment.
Berkow is still slated to got to trial next week for other aspects in the case and he will be called to testify, but not as a defendant.
This marks the second time Berkow has been dismissed as a defendant in a lawsuit affiliated with the murder of Notorious B.I.G. Last month, Berkow was dropped from a lawsuit accusing him of ordering searches without warrants on the work areas of detectives investigating Biggie's murder.
Berkow's investigation reportedly was in connection with a lawsuit filed by Biggie's family, alleging rogue LAPD officers were involved in the rapper's unsolved shooting death.
Berkow, who resigned from the LAPD, is currently serving as the chief of Georgia's Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.
B.I.G. (born Christopher Wallace) was shot and killed on March 9, 1997 after a party at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. His murder is still unsolved.
Sexual Harassment Suit Dropped Against LAPD Chief In Notorious B.I.G. Case
A sexual harassment lawsuit filed against the former internal affairs LAPD deputy chief who played a part in the Notorious B.I.G murder investigation was dismissed yesterday (September 19).
As previously reported, LAPD Sgt. Ya-May Christle accused Berkow of giving preferential treatment and promotions to several female officers in exchange for sex.
In addition to sexual harassment claims, Christle also charged that her computer was confiscated by Berkow and other members of internal affairs and that data she entered while investigating Biggie's murder was destroyed. After accusing Berkow of taking her computer, Christle claimed she was demoted.
According to Savannah's WSAV, a Superior Court Judge dismissed all elements of the case relating to sexual harassment and dropped Berkow as a defendant claiming that after a year of investigation and deposition, no admissible evidence supports Christle's accusations of sexual harassment.
Berkow is still slated to got to trial next week for other aspects in the case and he will be called to testify, but not as a defendant.
This marks the second time Berkow has been dismissed as a defendant in a lawsuit affiliated with the murder of Notorious B.I.G. Last month, Berkow was dropped from a lawsuit accusing him of ordering searches without warrants on the work areas of detectives investigating Biggie's murder.
Berkow's investigation reportedly was in connection with a lawsuit filed by Biggie's family, alleging rogue LAPD officers were involved in the rapper's unsolved shooting death.
Berkow, who resigned from the LAPD, is currently serving as the chief of Georgia's Savannah-Chatham Metropolitan Police Department.
B.I.G. (born Christopher Wallace) was shot and killed on March 9, 1997 after a party at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. His murder is still unsolved.
VH1 Hip-Hop Honors Weekend Begins October 5th
VH1 and NYC & Company have come together once again to create VH1 Hip Hop Honors Weekend, a jam packed weekend of events, performances, exhibits, and workshops throughout the five boroughs to celebrate the history, culture and style of hip hop. Inspired by the success of last year's collaboration with NYC & Company, the official marketing and tourism organization for the City of New York, which kicked off with a press conference with Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and propelled into a full week of activities throughout NYC; VH1's Hip Hop Honors Weekend is a celebration of the heritage and tremendous impact of hip hop since its birth decades ago on the streets of New York City.
Beginning Friday, October 5 and culminating with the premiere of the 4th annual VH1 Hip Hop Honors telecast on October 8, VH1 Hip Hop Honors Weekend will be anchored each day by events throughout NYC. Highlights of VH1 Hip Hop Honors Weekend include the VH1 Hip Hop Honors tour featuring The Roots with Big Daddy Kane and MC Lyte at the Nokia Theatre in New York City on Friday, October 5 at 8PM, and our 2nd annual Hip Hop Honors Celebrity Hoops exhibition, which will take place at the Brooklyn campus of Long Island University on Sunday, October 7 at 3PM.
Players for this year's VH1's Hip Hop Honors Celebrity Hoops "Old Skool vs. New School" game include Common, Fatman Scoop, MIMS, Lyfe Jennings, Nuttin' But Stringz, Matthew Knowles, Luv Bug Starski, Grand Master Caz, LA Sunshine, DJ Envy, CL Smooth, Positive K, Chubb Rock, Dana Dane, Mike C, Stevie D., Saigon, DJ Unk and more. Celebrity coaches include Grandmaster Melle Mel, Tyrone Williams, and HOT 97's EBRO. Special guests in attendance will be Salt N' Pepa, Irv Gotti, Tiffany Pollard (aka New York) and Melyssa Ford as celebrity MC. Halftime performance by Swizz Beatz, and the national anthem will be rendered by Chrisette Michele. The game is presented by VH1, Entertainer's Basketball Classic, Long Island University and HOT 97 with proceeds to benefit the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club. Tickets will be on sale beginning Wednesday, September 12. The price is $10 for general admission and available through Ticketmaster at 212-307-7171 or at Ticketmaster.com.
This special weekend also includes over 20 hip hop-themed events with over 60 partners throughout the weekend at venues throughout New York City. For information on additional activities throughout the weekend, please visit hiphop.vh1.com.
The 4th Annual Hip Hop Honors show will premiere on VH1 and VH1 Soul on Monday, October 8 at 10PM*. Hosted by Tracy Morgan, this year's show will honor A Tribe Called Quest, Snoop Dogg, WHODINI, Missy Elliott, and Teddy Riley and Andre Harrell for New Jack Swing as well as a tribute to the seminal hip hop film "Wild Style." VH1 will once again pay tribute to the hip hop luminaries who broke new ground and pioneered the genre into a true cultural phenomenon and will feature performances by the honorees, along with Ciara, Eve, Pharrell Williams, The Game, T.I., Timbaland, Bow Wow, Busta Rhymes, Common, T-Pain, Keyshia Cole and Nick Cannon as well as an appearance by Chris Rock.
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