UNCUT Magazine.net

The Pimp C Collective
Pimp C, DJ Scream

Tracklist
1. Intro
2. Murder
3. Break em off sumthin
4. Like a pimp
5. Hogg in the game
6. Choppin blades
7. Look at me
8. Pimpin aint no illusion
9. Let me see it
10. Take it off
11. Like dat
12. Swang
13. Suppossed 2 bubble
14. Front back side 2 side
15. Diamonds and wood
16. Chunked up tha duece
17. Get throwed
18. Sippin on some syrup
19. Big pimpin
20. Family affair
21. Free
22. Corruptors execution
23. Down here
24. Tossed up
25. Murda man dance
26. Coming up
27. Play hard
28. Belts 2 match
29. Top notch hoes
30. Wood wheel
31. One day
32. In luv wit a stripper w. t-pain paul wall twista too short and mjg

"DJ Turn It Up"
Omillio Sparks

Pimp C's Funeral Scheduled For This Weekend In Port Arthur, TX

The funeral for Pimp C AKA Chad Butler will be held this weekend in his hometown of Port Arthur, TX.

According to the Port Arthur News, Hannah Funeral Home will be handling the services although the exact date and time hasn't been announced.

Adam Saunders, director of the Robert A. "Bob" Bowers Civic Center, told Port Arthur News that he has been in contact with the Butler family and is assisting in the planning of services which are expected to be held at the Civic Center either Saturday or Sunday.

Countless celebrities are expected to attend the services for Pimp C and local Police Chief Mark Blanton has been made aware of the services although no one has confirmed a specific location or time to him as of yet.

Pimp C was found dead in his Sunset Strip hotel room Tuesday (Dec. 4) in California. Early reports suggest the Grammy nominated rapper died of natural causes although toxicology results will not be ready for release for another month or more.


Remy To Lil Kim: "That little boy better leave me alone"

As if handling legal troubles wasn't enough for the Bronx rapper, Remy Ma has found her self amidst an unexpected beef with Brooklyn rapper Lil Kim.

Remy, who's now facing charges of witness intimidation and gang assault after she encouraged a group of associates to beat up the boyfriend of a potential witness in the rapper’s shooting case, has responded to Lil Kim's jabs in her "I Get Money Freestyle."

“That little boy better leave me alone,” Remy said referring to Lil Kim. “ She was saying ‘I’m going at [Remy] hard, she go hard to me so I go hard back’. I feel like if that’s going at me hard, like seriously, I’m just gonna chill out. That’s crazy to me.”

“What did she say? ‘Put it on my lipstick, I was to be busy being conceited’. Like, how could you be conceited, you don’t even like your own face,” Remy continued. “ What are you talking about? Are you serious? How was I supposed to take that offensive.”

“I don’t believe you,” stressed Remy. “ You don’t like your nose, you don’t like your cheek , you don’t like your chin, you don’t like your skin color, you don’t like your tits , you don’t like your stomach, you don’t like your teeth. What are you talking about?”

“At the end of the day it’s funny to me. When I really feel like it’s amusing, when I feel like someone’s getting at me, then I’ll drag them all over the first spot that I see them of course,” Remy retorted. “ But in the meantime, in between time…like this chic has more ghostwriters than Foxy [Brown]. I just feel like right now she’s reaching,”

“You dyked your whole bid away. You didn’t write no records. I don’t see the point of the whole thing. She wasn’t saying anything to me,” said Remy. “ This is probably the most press she’s got in forever because everyone wants to know what im going to say.”

“I’m laughing, this is funny to me. Somebody on crack cocaine told her go at Remy because Rem got the streets , you now she’s a hot head, you say one little slick thing about her, I’mma go in and write you stupid song and you gonna pop and get a deal,” Remy added. “But they forget to tell somewhere along the line you are gonna run into her ands she’s gonna put hands and feet on you."


Birdman Reacts to Pimp C, Production Deal In Place

Throughout recent years, UGK had been supported in the major label mainstream by platinum releases from Young Jeezy, T.I. and Young Buck. One of the first artists to work with the duo though, from beyond Texas, was The Big Tymers. On 1998's How You Luv That Volume 2, the neighboring Texas rappers collaborated with their New Orleans brethren.

On Thursday afternoon, Birdman, whose rap career started with The Big Tymers, spoke about his reaction to Pimp C's death in a Hollywood hotel room Tuesday. "I was hurt," said Birdman of Tuesday's news. "[Pimp C] and I talked at least once or twice a month, all the time. I'm like that with Bun too. I feel like them niggas is inspiration to me. I talk to Bun just about projects, and Pimp about everything. I was kind of schooling them niggas from my perspective too. I be fuckin' with them on some artist shit, but the CEO shit I was fuckin' with them on too, because they wanted the knowledge of it."

Despite numerous collaborations throughout the last decade, Birdman also explained that he was days away from signing the late rapper/producer. "I was about to do a production deal with Pimp on some beats and shit. I just feel like me, myself, I want ties with everybody. In some kinda way, we need to be linked up and getting some money together. When I heard that, I knew he was out there [in Los Angeles] going to school and everything, it fucked everybody up."

Looking back at The Big Tymers' inception, Birdman added that his duo with Mannie Fresh was largely inspired by their being fans of UGK. "We followed them; We looked up to Bun and Pimp. We formed our whole group around them niggas."

The CEO of Cash Money Records continued, and stated that Pimp C's death was just another event in the string of negativity happening as of late. "We go through so much down here...with [legal woes from] T.I., my son [Lil Wayne], all that, this just looks like a chop. Niggas just got to stand up. Niggas got to be more focused, more aware, because we gone' ride like we ride; that ain't about to change. I think niggas just need to be more educated 'cause we don't need to be in the penitentiary, 'cause ain't nothin' happenin' in that muh'fucka; we can't feed our families."

Birdman's third solo album, 5 * Stunna, will release next Tuesday, December 11 on Cash Money/Universal Records.


SEAN TAYLOR STILL LEADS PRO BOWL VOTING AT SAFETY

According to numbers released this week by the NFL, slain Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor led NFC Pro Bowl voting at his position with 187,064 fan votes, despite his death last week.

Taylor, who was shot and killed by an intruder at his Florida home, had five interceptions this year and ranked among the league leaders for most of the season.

The 24-year-old Florida native was voted as a first alternate last season. He ended up playing in the game -- his only Pro Bowl appearance -- after Philadelphia's Brian Dawkins withdrew due to personal reasons.

The deadline for this year's voting is Dec. 11. Fan favorites will count for one-third of the total vote to determine who plays in the Pro Bowl in Honolulu on Feb. 10. Coaches and players count for the other two-thirds.


The Pro Bowl teams will be announced Dec. 18.

Kanye West Hooks Up W/ Madonna For Singer's New Album

Kanye West will be guesting on pop icon Madonna's upcoming album Licorice, which is set to hit stores in April.

Madonna is expected to deliver her latest Warner Bros. studio album in April and according to recent Billboard, Kanye West will make a guest appearance on the track "The Beat Goes On." It is rumored that Pharell Williams will also appear on the album.

After the release of Licorice and a greatest hits collection, Madonna will fulfill all her obligations to Warner Bros. She has already agreed to a new 10-year deal with Artist Nation.

Snoop Dogg Reality Show Debuts This Weekend

Jumping into the ever expanding world of reality TV, Snoop Dogg is set to give fans an inside look into his family life with the premiere of his new show "Snoop Dogg's Father Hood."

The show will premiere this Sunday, December 9 on the E! network. It will center around the family life of Snoop and his many friends as he and his wife, Shante, raise their three children Corde, Cori, Cordell and 21-year-old Anthony, Snoop's hairstylist's son, who was "adopted" into the family.

The program will also show Snoop as manages his career and many business ventures including a line of pet supplies, a clothing line, films, commercials, books and his label, Doggy Style Records. The rapper is also seen as he takes his family overseas to Germany as he hosts the MTV Europe Music Awards, as well as the VH1 "Hip Hop Honors" and on the set of some of the Doggfather's video shoots. Several celebrities will also pop up on the show throughout the season, including international soccer star David Beckham.

"Snoop Dogg's Father Hood" premieres Sunday, December 9 at 10:30 p.m., ET/PT on E!


Usher's Brother JLack Signs Worldwide Publishing Deal with EMI

Producer JLack (Usher’s brother) recently signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with EMI Music Publishing. JLack has already achieved success producing R&B artist Lloyd’s #2 hit single “Get It Shawty.” Additionally, he produced the music featured in the national launch of Usher’s men’s and women’s fragrance. The publishing deal was arranged by JLack’s manager and mom, Jonnetta Patton of J-Pat Management.

Recently, JLack produced a remake of the Gene Kelly classic “Singin’ In The Rain” for Usher’s performance on MOVIES ROCK, the two-hour CBS special celebrating the role that music has played in films, airing on December 7th at 9 pm et/pt.

“JLack is an incredibly talented songwriter and producer. He has a true musical sensitivity and this, coupled with his incredible drive, is the combination for a bright future. He has emerged gracefully as a true songwriter,” says Big Jon Platt, Executive Vice President/Head of Urban at EMI Music Publishing.

JLack is currently in the studio working on music for Lloyd’s new album and has already produced tracks for Usher’s upcoming album.

Part 1


Part 2


(L note: Give will his credit, he's still hip hop, he's just on a different scale now.) Read more here

"Theme Song" (Hoggs On Da Grind)
Slim Thug

Start with joy

There's a reason why the sunrise is so beautiful and magnificent. It sets the stage for a positive, fulfilling day.

When you start the day by choosing to be joyful, you put yourself in a creative, effective state of mind. You'll make yourself better able to handle whatever may come your way during the day.

A relationship that gets off to a positive start at the very beginning will quickly flourish and build great value. You can forge a positive relationship with each day when you begin it in a joyful way.

Even if the day is gray and gloomy you can choose to start it with a positive experience of your own making. Fulfillment comes to those who make it happen, and there's no better time than the beginning of your day to start moving forward.

There's an endless list of ways in which you can begin the day on a positive note. And the days that start well have the best chance of going well.

A new day arrives, ready to be lived. Choose to start it with joy.

-- Ralph Marston
Read more here

"Speedin'"
Rick Ross Feat. R. Kelly
Read more here

"5 Star Stunna"
Birdman

Tracklist
1.Intro
2.Fully Loaded
3.I Run This (Feat. Lil Wayne)
4.The Money So Fresh
5.Interlude (The Old Man #1)
6.100 Million (Feat. Rick, Ross, Young Jeezy & Lil Wayne)
7.Belive Dat (Feat. Lil Wayne)
8.Do The Thang
9.Grind (Feat. Lil Wayne & Brisco)
10.All The Time
11.Interude (The Old Man #2)
12.Head Busta
13.Pop Bottles (Feat. Lil Wayne)
14.Love MY Hood
15.I'm A Stunna
16.Interlude (The Old Man #3)
17.Make Way (Feat. Fat Joe & Lil Wayne)
18.So Tried (Feat. Lil Wayne)
19.Outro
20.We Gangsta (Feat. Star & Yo Gotti) [Bonus Track]
21.Bossy (Feat. Jason Derulo) [Bonus Track]

(L note: Ok, i know dude your "son", but damn u might has well did a baby and weezy album, He on like every other track.)

In his first full interview since the death of Pimp C, his partner in legendary hip-hop group UGK, Bun B speaks in depth to MTV about Pimp’s passion for music, his influences, and their recent Grammy nomination. Check out this especially insightful excerpt:

MTV: Pimp was recently in the news for some outspoken comments he made about Atlanta not really being “the South,” and some unflattering comments about his peers. But instead of these comments painting him in a negative light, in ways they humanized him as a real person, not just a rapper.

Bun B: He was passionate. He wanted to be as honest with people as he could — almost to a fault, you know? And it’s just … it’s kind of hard to really put a lot of that into words, the kind of man he was. But everything he loved — everyone he loved — he loved hard and embraced it fully. He was very passionate if he felt a certain way about things; he couldn’t hold it in, he couldn’t filter himself, he couldn’t be politically correct. It just wasn’t in him to not say what he felt. Whether he felt he was right or wrong at the time, he spoke from his heart.

He said a lot of things over the years to a lot of different people about a lot of subjects. And at the end of the day, even if you didn’t agree with him, you have to give him credit and respect the fact he was willing to stand by what he said. So many people can be wishy-washy about statements and what they do, and very few give a damn about anything anymore. You know what I’m saying? And he really cared about everything and everyone, and just wanted everyone to be their best. He wanted rap to be the best. He wanted Southern hip-hop to be the best. He wanted everyone involved to be the best. He never looked down on anybody. He never made anybody feel small. He tried to uplift, especially. Sometimes that honesty can come across the wrong way, and sometimes it can be taken the wrong way, and sometimes people don’t want to hear it. And that’s why, even though if I [didn’t agree with] how he felt, I couldn’t tell him to not speak from his heart. There’s a lot of things that we didn’t agree on. There’s a lot of opinions I had on things that he didn’t agree on, but he was down with me. It was documented he didn’t want to do [the Jay-Z collaboration] “Big Pimpin’,” but he rolled with me on that. And that’s just the relationship we had. That’s just the kind of person that he was. He didn’t know how to love a little; he didn’t know how to care a little.

Big Meech Cops A Plea, Sentenced To 30 Years

Demetrius "Big Meech" Flenory was sentenced to 30 years in prison yesterday (Dec. 5) for running the infamous drug organization the Black Mafia Family (BMF).

Flenory pled guilty to multiple counts of charges of running a criminal enterprise and conspiracy to laundering monetary instruments.

The conviction is the latest chapter in the investigation of the Black Mafia Family, which ran an interstate drug ring that sold thousands of kilos of cocaine a week, while raking in over $270 million dollars in cash, real estate and jewelry.

According to court documents, Flenory was accused of serving as a supervisor and organizer of the BMF operation, which utilized more than 50 people to distribute the cocaine in Detroit, Michigan, Orlando, Florida and Atlanta, between 1990 and 2005. Through his dealings, Flenory reaped millions.

Court documents show that he used the profits from his sales to "purchase real estate, vehicles and jewelry in order to promote the drug-trafficking activities of the organization."

The BMF was investigated for over 15-years, before Flenory and his brother Terry "Southwest T" Flenory and dozens of others were arrested late last year and throughout the course of 2007.

Suspect Found In Fabolous Associate's Murder

A Brooklyn man thought to be connected to the fatal stabbing of rapper Fabolous' friend was caught in Atlanta.

26-year-old Anthony Taylor could be brought to New York from Atlanta to face murder charges as early as today (Dec. 6), according to the New York Daily News.

Taylor is accused of knifing to death Shamel Mckinney outside Duvet on Nov. 23. McKinney and Fabolous are long-time friends and were said to be at the club together that night, though Fab has denied being there.

Police say the altercation took place when McKinney tried to nab a $10,000 chain that Taylor was wearing.

McKinney, who had an arrest record for drugs and robbery, is believed to be part of an alleged crew of thieves who call themselves Street Family who hit up clubs looking for celebrities to ambush and snatch jewelry from. Fabolous (born John Jackson) is said to be down with the group as well, even footing the bill for each member, up to 20 friends, to sport blinged out SF chains.

The rapper denied being involved with any chain-snatching operation, saying, "I do not want the young people who listen to my music and watch my videos to believe that I am engaged in any illegal activities that would discredit my character."

He also denies even being at the club the night his pal was murdered, though a club promoter said he saw him there.

The murder suspect's family can't believe he would be involved in the stabbing.

"He's just not that type of person," said Taylor's uncle Keith. "I can't believe he did it. He was in the rap industry. He sold his own CDs on the street. That's it. He was just a quiet guy."

Police said Taylor, had an arrest record in New York, but gave no further details.

On the night of McKinney's death, McKinney and Taylor were kicked out of the club for fighting. The two continued to scrap outside, where McKinney was fatally stabbed. Police found a bloody, 7-inch switchblade in a nearby dumpster.

Spice 1 Recovering in Bay Area Hospital

Since being shot on Monday, rapper Spice 1 is reportedly recovering in an East Bay hospital outside of his home in San Francisco. According to Hayward Police Lt. Reid Lindblom, the rapper was shot in the chest while in his car in Hayward on Monday.

According to what Spice had told police, he was sleeping in his car, parked in the rapper's parents' driveway for approximately 30 minutes. When he awoke, there was a man, described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5'7", standing outside of the vehicle. A subsequent shot was fired, and an injured Spice was able to get into his parents' house where a 911 call was made, bringing ambulances.

Hayward City Councilwoman Doris Rodriguez lived less than a block away from the shooting, though denied she knew Spice 1. "It's pretty close to home. It's always been a fairly quiet neighborhood, but periodically things have happened," Rodriguez told Bay news station KTVU.

Spice 1's manager Six also told local media that the bullet was within inches of the rapper's heart, and asked to please keep praying for Spice, who has been releasing albums since 1991. Spice, who was signed to Jive Records throughout the 1990s, was shot a day before the death of former collaborator and label-mate Pimp C.

Kanye West Snags 8 Grammy Nominations

The nominees for the 50th Annual Grammy Awards were announced on Thursday (December 6) and Kanye West leads the pack with a total of eight nominations across six categories. Yeezy joins Amy Winehouse, The Foo Fighters, Vince Gill and Herbie Hancock in the Best Album category for his latest release Graduation. The Chi-town native also grabbed nods for Best Rap Album, Best Solo Performance, Best Rap Sung Collaboration, and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Other Hip-Hop artists who received nominations include Jay-Z, Nas, 50 Cent, Common, Timbaland, Lupe Fiasco, The Beastie Boys, Snoop Dogg, T.I. and Soulja Boy.

Complete list of nominees in the Hip-Hop categories

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration

“I Wanna Love You” — Akon Featuring Snoop Dogg
“Kiss, Kiss” — Chris Brown & T-Pain
“Let It Go” — Keyshia Cole Featuring Missy Elliott & Lil’ Kim
“Umbrella” — Rihanna Featuring Jay-Z
“Good Life” — Kanye West Featuring T-Pain

Best Rap Song

“Ayo Technology” — N. Hills, Curtis Jackson, Timothy Mosley & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (50 Cent Featuring Justin Timberlake & Timbaland)
“Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)” — Clifford Harris & Byron Thomas, songwriters (T.I.)
“Can’t Tell Me Nothing” — A. Davis & Kanye West, songwriters (Kanye West)
“Crank That (Soulja Boy)” — Soulja Boy Tell’Em, songwriter (Soulja Boy Tell’Em)
“Good Life” — A. Davis, F. Najm & K. West, songwriters (Kanye West Featuring T-Pain)

Best Rap Album

Finding Forever — Common
Kingdom Come — Jay-Z
Hip-Hop Is Dead — Nas
T.I. vs T.I.P. — T.I.
Graduation — Kanye West

Jay-Z's Def Jam Demands Said To Be ''Excessive''

Jay-Z's Def Jam contract expires at the end of this month but renewal negotiations between the mogul and parent company, Universal Music, have reportedly reached an impasse.

"He wanted big, big money that was way out of sync with the realities of today's record business," a source told the New York's Daily News.

"People have lost count of how many times he's come out of retirement," the source said. "Everybody knows he's not around the office much. Everybody at Universal loves him, but they can't justify paying him the money he wants when so many people have been laid off."

In light of the little time Jay's been spending on tour, Island/Def Jam CEO L.A. Reid and his boss, Doug Morris, are said to have found Jay's demands "excessive."

But friends of Hov rebuffed the claim that Reid and Morris have had it with Jay, saying, "They are still actively negotiating,"

One person close to Jay said, "The talks will continue when [Hov] returns to New York. They still have a ways to go before a decision."

The rapper-turned-CEO recently celebrated his 38th birthday in Paris.

Remy Ma Says Fat Joe Barred Her From Working With G-Unit

Remy Ma is never one to bite her tongue, despite all the legal trouble she is currently in. And even though her legal team and the people around her try to coach her on what to say, she ain't having it.

Most recently, via an interview with XXL, the Bronx, New York native aired out Fat Joe. She didn't slam him for possibly not pushing his debut album, There's Something About Remy: Based on a True Story, she revealed the problems she went through with him to get out of her contract.

Get this, she says Fat Joe would only release her if she signed off on a "no G-Unit clause" as a condition of her release.

"Universal signed the papers. Steve Rifkind signed the papers. But for 11 months I was going through paperwork with Joe," Remy told XXL. "He put a 'no G-Unit' clause in the papers. How are you involving my career in your personal grudges? If I'm not with you, why can't I do what I want?"

The female rapper couldn't believe it. She did agree to the terms, but felt Joe is being petty about the situation.

"Everybody's like, 'Are you serious?!' And then everyone laughs," she said. "I'm telling you, their government names [are all in the paperwork], like even Prodigy, Havoc, Whoo Kid, Olivia, Hot Rod! I don't even know this guy Hot Rod! Young Buck, Yayo. It's like, 'Calm down, are you that pressed?' It's so petty... Am I saying to him, 'You can't do any songs with Lil Kim or Foxy Brown?'"

Despite the terms, she may be able to work with G-Unit in the future -- three years to be exact, she said.

During the interview, she also speaks on her relationship with Makeda Barnes-Joseph, the woman accusing Remy of shooting her; her solo debut; and the hate she gets on the internet.


Suge Guides T.I., Not Planning To Retire Anytime Soon

Legally embattled rapper T.I. has been rather quiet lately--specially about his legal woes. T.I., real name Clifford Harris, is currently on strict house arrest for federal weapons charges recently opened up to The Rap-Up Magazine regarding his situation.

As if his weapons case wasn't shocking enough, T.I.says he remains cool thanks to an unlikely source--Suge Knight.

"Suge's the O.G., man. He keeps me out of trouble, believe it or not; he talks me down,"T.I. says

"Sometimes I be wildin' out, then [Suge says], 'Man, you got too much going on, you can't do that. It ain't like the old days.' He'll tell me, but I respect everybody. Jay tell me the same thing, Puff tell me the same thing, Kevin Liles -- everybody trying. Wyclef is another one. People, I guess, just care."

When asked about his retirement plans, T.I. explained that it [retirement] won't be possible until he finds someone to replace him in the game.

"I would love to, man, but I don't feel comfortable leaving it how it is right now. I got to have somebody to assume my position. I got to introduce them to the game to exceed my success."

The issue is currently on newstands everywhere.


Xzibit To Star In New 'X-Files' Movie

Rapper Xzibit has scored a role in the new 'X-Files' movie which hits theatres July 2008.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Xzibit will be joined by Amanda Peet and Billy Connolly. Filming is expected to begin this month in December.

Rumors suggest Xzibit will play the FBI agent role originally made famous by David Duchovny in the role of Mulder. Peet will play the female FBI agent role originally played by Gillian Anderson as Scully. The film will be directed by Chris Carter.

Plot details are shrouded in secrecy however sources say that it will be a stand alone story and will not be a continuation of the 1998 movie.


Makaveli Branded Denies Marco Bellini Claims Of Trademark Infringement

Afeni Shakur and Amaru Entertainment, the principal interests revealed Wednesday (December 5) that they deny all allegations by the Marco Bellini clothing line that Makaveli Branded's "MB" logo in no way infringes on their trademark.

Last week, Isaiah Israel, owner of the T-shirt clothing company filed a claim for the second time this year that Amaru Entertainment is in copyright infringement, alleging that since 2003, his company has had sole possession of rights to the stylized "MB" logo.

Despite the allegations, Afeni's attorneys say the claims have no basis.

"There is no basis for Mr. Israel's suit and an appropriate answer has been filed in the action that he has commenced denying all of his baseless allegations," said Donald N. David, General Counsel for Amaru Entertainment and shareholder at Akerman Senterfitt LLP. "In addition, an action has been commenced to cancel Mr. Israel's mark in that he has failed in use such mark in interstate commerce as required."

According to Davis, Amaru Entertainment received the Trademark Office's approval to use their "MB" logo in 2004, confirming the logo did not infringe upon any other registered mark, including Israel's Marco Bellini.

Soon after Israel sought financial compensation directly from Amaru Entertainment for infringement, which the company outright rejected.

"While it is obvious that anyone can commence an action under our legal system," said David, "Amaru fully expects that it will not only prevail in this action, but that it will seek and be awarded attorneys' fees and that Mr. Israel's mark will be cancelled."

Makaveli Branded was launched by Afeni Shakur in honor of her son, Tupac Shakur, who went by the Makaveli alias when he recorded The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, shortly before he was gunned down on the Las Vegas strip in September 1996.


The Wayans Brothers Launch New Show For VH1

The Wayans Brothers (Keenan, Marlon and Shawn) are launching a new scripted comedy series called 'The Life and Times of Marcus 'Felony' Brown' for VH1.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, the network has order a pilot for the half-hour, single camera show.

The premise of 'The Life and Times of Marcus 'Felony' Brown' centers on a up-and-coming hard-core East Coast rapper (Darius McCrary) who, after his debut album goes platinum, is forced to relocate to Los Angeles to record his follow-up. He is joined by his hype man (Vince Green), manager (Jon Abrahams), and hard-partying bodyguard (Marcello Thedford).

Principal photography is said to have just wrapped on the pilot.


Alicia Keys Still Going Strong, Chris Brown Dips Out The Top 10, Pitbull Debuts In Top 50

In this week's Hip-Hop and R&B charts, Alicia Keys slips to No. 3, Chris Brown slides to No. 11, Jay-Z clings to the Top 20 and Pitbull debuts at No. 50.

Alicia Keys maintains her stronghold with As I Am, which slipped just one spot to No. 3 this week, according to Neilsen's SoundScan. The Harlem native's third album sold 257, 400 copies for a three-week total of 1,349,600.

Teen phenom Chris Brown drops two spots to No. 11 this week, selling 73,300 copies of his sophomore album Exclusive, which features guest spots from The Game, Big Boi and T-Pain. After four weeks, the album has scanned 598,700 discs.

Jay-Z slips three spots to No. 17 this week, pushing 52,000 copies of his concept album American Gangster, which features guest spots from Nas, Beanie Sigel and Lil' Wayne. After four weeks, President Carter has yet to reach platinum status with sales totals of 695,000.

Seemingly out of nowhere, Justin Timberlake rockets 49 spots to No. 26 with FutureSex/LoveSounds, which sold 38,100 copies this week. After 64 weeks, the former *NSYNC frontman has moved 3,832,100 units of his smash album, which features heavy production from Timbaland and one track from will.i.am, plus guest spots from T.I. and Three 6 Mafia.

Keyshia Cole inches down one spot to No. 28 this week with 37,700 sold of her sophomore album, Just Like You. After 10 weeks, Cole's sales total stands at 714,600.

Right behind Cole is Black Eyed Pea singer gone solo Fergie, who drops three spots to No. 29 with her solo debut, The Dutchess. The album scanned 37,300 discs this week for a 63-week total of 3,024,400 copies.

Falling four spots to No. 36 is Soulja Boy, who cranked out 34,300 albums this week. After nine weeks, the teen rapper has sold 415,500 copies of his debut disc Souljaboytellem.com.

Following last week's resurgence, Beyonce plummets 28 spots to No. 47 with her sophomore album, B'Day. The album, which was released in September of 2006, sold 23,500 copies this week for a total of 3,006,700.

Rapper/producer Kanye West falls nine spots and clings to the Top 50 at No. 48, selling 23,400 copies of Graduation. After 12 weeks, the Chi-town native is approaching double platinum with 1,737,400 albums sold.

Cuban-American rapper Pitbull debuted at No. 50 with his third album Boatlift, which sold 22,200 copies in its first week out.

Next week look for Wyclef Jean, Scarface, DJ Drama, Styles P and Ghostface Killah to make an appearance on the Hip-Hop and R&B Charts.

BET American Gangster
(Chaz Williams) Entire Episode
Read more here

"Laugh Now, Cry Later 2"
D Block
Mixtape Tracks
1. Jadakiss sheek louch styles p-hustlers anthem
2. Styles p ft. black thought-cause im black
3. Styles p-tryna get rich
4. Styles p ft. max b-holiday
5. Styles p and beanie sigel and ghostface-barrel brothers
6. Jadakiss-throw ya sets
7. Sheek louch-let the wolves out
8. Sheek louch-shake it
9. Jadakiss styles p and sheek louch-they dont want it
10. Straw-clap back
11. Jadakiss uncle murder-g shit
12. Styles p-new york
13. Don d and ty-i hustle
14. Bucky-they shootin
15. Styles p max b and mel matrix-hawaii 50
16. Styles p-stop look listen
17. Sheek louch-choppin rocks
18. Sheek louch-6 in da morning
19. Styles p-5 star general
20. Bucky-do ya homework
21. Straw-ready or not
22. Don d and ty-i do my thang
23. Team arliss-thats what we do
24. Jadakiss-smile
25. Jadakiss freeway busta rhymes-walk wit me
26. Styles p and az-the hardest out
27. Sheek louch red cafe and kool g. rap-buck buck

Able to feel

Sometimes your feelings can hurt profoundly. Yet wouldn't you rather have those painful feelings occasionally than never having any feelings at all?

Your feelings let you know you're alive. They tell you, in ways that words cannot, who you are.

Through your feelings, you discover what means the most to you. With your feelings, you're able to build rich, rewarding relationships.

Feelings can indeed be messy and inconvenient, yet they're certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Without feelings, life would be terribly flat and empty.

When a feeling seems to be uncomfortable or even unbearable, choose to dive more deeply into it. Somewhere in there you'll find something very positive, comforting and affirming.

You feel because you are, and you feel because you care. Those are things about which you can genuinely feel great.

-- Ralph Marston
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Jive Records Releases Statement On Pimp C

It is with great sadness that Jive Records announces the passing of Chad "Pimp C" Butler, a member of the celebrated rap duo UGK (Underground Kingz). Jive Records' President and CEO Barry Weiss states: "We mourn the unexpected loss of Chad. He was truly a thoughtful and kind-hearted person. He will be remembered for his talent and profound influence as a pioneer in bringing southern rap to the forefront. He will be missed and our prayers remain with his family and Bun B. I've known Chad since he was 18, and we loved him dearly and he was a cherished member of the Jive family."

Born in Port Arthur, Texas, Butler's father was a trumpet player who played professionally with Solomon Burke. Outside of his father, the 33-year old rapper's influences varied, ranging from Bobby Bland, Jimmy McGriff, the 1960's Motown artists to Run-DMC. Butler met his inseparable partner Bernard "Bun B" Freeman in high school where they formed UGK. In 1992, the duo signed to Jive Records and went on release a total of eight albums for the label. They earned their highest achievement earlier this year when their most recent album, Underground Kingz, debuted in the number one position on the album pop chart.

According to the New York Times, UGK "...helped inspire a generation of Southern Hip Hop stars, from OutKast to Lil Wayne."

Bun B is not available for comment at this time.


Akon Pleads Not Guilty

Konvict Music's front man, Akon--real name Aliaune Thiam, 34, pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor criminal charges yesterday, Monday, December 3rd.

Akon was arraigned on a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a minor, and second-degree harassment,a violation, according to a news release issued last Thursday by Town of Fishkill Police Chief Donald Williams.

The charges stem after Akon tossed a fan off stage during a June 3rd concert. The fan landed on a young women, giving her a minor concussion.

"It was never Akon's intention to violate the law," his lawyer Benjamin

Brafman said in a statement.

"This unfortunate incident was a spontaneous reaction during a live concert that Akon deeply regrets."

Details Emerge In Spice 1 Shooting

As previously confirmed, rapper Spice 1 was shot in Hayward, California on Monday (December 3). Now more details have emerged in the shooting.

According to reports, Police Lt. Reid Lindblom said that a 37-year-old man was recovering from a gunshot wound after being shot while sleeping in his vehicle.

Although Lindblom did not reveal the victim's name, it is most likely rapper Spice 1 (real name: Robert L. Green, Jr.).

Despite our previous report, Spice was shot once in the chest, not twice, which we confirmed with his manager Six.

"He was shot once, not twice as I first said," Six said. "But, he is still at the hospital and we don't know much more about the situation. He is still alive and we should know more in the next couple days."

Lindblom said that he is being treated at Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley for non-life-threatening injuries.

Lindblom said that Spice was sleeping in his car in the driveway of his home, when at about 12:30 a.m., he realized that a man was standing next to his car. That's when shots were fired.

"A shot rang out. It went through the car window and hit him in the chest," he said.

There was nothing stolen from the rapper of his vehicle, and the man fled. The shooter was described as a white or Hispanic male about 5'7" tall and dressed all in black.

Police are investigating the shooting, and currently have no suspect or a motive for the shooting.

Lindblom encouraged anyone with any information call the Hayward Police Department at 510-293-7000.



Wayne Tells 50 "Whores get paid. I don’t care What Nobody Thinks"

With a his highly anticipated Carter III album rumored to be dropping sometime this month, New Orleans rapper Lil Wayne sat down with XXL Mag for their January/February Issue.

In a rather comprehensive interview, Weezy expressed his thoughts on 50 calling him a whore for saturating the market with a bevy of collabos ranging from Enrique Iglesias to Gym Class Heroes.

"Hell no. Whores get paid. I don’t care. " Said Weezy when asked if he would turn anyone down for a collabo.

"It’s music, let’s make it. I’ll only turn you down if you ain’t got the price. I’ll turn you down and away."

When asked whether or not he thought he was in fact saturating the market...Weezy went on to once again compare himself to the likes of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.

"I don’t care what nobody think. Talk to me like you talking to Martin Luther King or Malcolm X. You’re not about to ask him about what he think about what somebody said about him. You ’bout to ask him about his greatness, and his greatness only. I don’t care what nobody think. If I did, you wouldn’t be sitting on my muthafuckin’million-dollar bus in my 15th year at the same muthafuckin’ company and business. I’m a role model. You should get like me. Get like you? No. Get like me. Ya understand me? I’m not hot. Hot dies out. Baby, I’m me. Who the fuck done this? Nobody. Compare me to people that’s not even living, baby. And they didn’t even do it—what they comparing me to. No disrespect to them. You found songs on those people after they died. I’m still living."


Chingy Addresses The Haters, "Either You Like Me Or You Don't"

Having reunited with Ludacris and Disturbing Tha Peace family, Chingy is ready to make a comeback. Here the St. Louis native reveals the meaning behind his new album title, the pressures of releasing his forth album, and why Jay-Z's president/rapper status at Def Jam is not a conflict of interest.

As previously reported Chingy settled his differences with Ludacris, returned to the Disturbing Tha Peace imprint. In August of this year he left Capitol Records, signed with Island Def Jam and began working on his forth studio album, Hate It or Love It.

"You know with me getting back with Disturbing Tha Peace, I felt it was like the right time to use [the title Hate It or Love It] considering I know there was gon' be a lot of haters on the sideline gossiping," Chingy told SOHH. "And then there's gon' be people glad to see me back with Disturbing Tha Peace and that's rootin' the situation on. So I looked at it like I'm gonna call the album Hate It or Love It and I take it like this, by this being my fourth album, either you like me or you don't."

While fellow Def Jam rapper LL Cool J has been quite vocal about Jay-Z's possible conflict of interest, Chingy brushes off such concerns.

"Not knocking LL or nobody," Chingy said. "It's just my opinion. That's what Jay-Z do. He was an artist, blossomed into a CEO, president of a company. And he still wanna be an artist at the same time. I can't knock him for doing what he do. It don't matter if he's the president. I understand that it's like you're competing with your boss but like that's what he do man."

"I ain't looking at it like I gotta compete with him," he continued. "I'm just out here doing me. I'm not worrying about what he doing. I'm worrying about what I'm doing and me selling them records."

When asked if he felt any pressure releasing an album in an era when rap album sales have been less than stellar Chingy replied, "Naww man, pressure bust pipes, so I try not to feel too much pressure and let the pressure get to me. I just clear my mind, try to go in the studio, make a nice album, make some great music, just get it out there and the rest is history."


Lil Jon Narrates American Eagle Commercial

National clothing retailer American Eagle Outfitters announced today that Atlanta producer Lil Jon will be narrating a promotional animated short on the company’s website. The clip, titled “Snowman,” is part of their ongoing “AE Winter Tales” series, which is comprised of five stop-motion animated shorts that use claymation to tell humorous holiday-themed stories.

“Snowman,” which puts a dark twist on the classic 1969 children’s cartoon Frosty The Snowman, follows the story of a snowman who comes to life after putting on a magical hat. While the clip won’t be released on the American Eagle website until December 11, a trailer for the series features Lil Jon saying, “A talking snowman?! This was some messed-up sh*t!!”

For more information, check out: http://www.ae.com/web/77e/winter-tales/

Avant Signs With Capitol Records

R&B artist Avant has signed a new recording deal with Capitol Records.

After releasing four albums that have either gone gold or platinum Avant left Geffen Records and decided to sign with a new label, Capitol Records.

"It feels good to sign with Capitol, they've shown that their dedicated to push their resources for my projects. I look forward to a long lasting relationship with many, many hit records", said Avant.

Avant will be releasing a new single in March and a full album in the summer of 08'. The yet untitled album will feature production from Rodney Jenkins and DJ Smurf to a name of few.

He will also be touring with the group TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine & Tank) & will once again re-enact his acting role in the play, Love in the Nick of Tyme featuring Morris Chestnut in the New Year as well.

Pitbull Debuts At #50, Freeway Slips To #80, Jay-Z Holds Down Top 20

In a slow week for hip-hop sales, Miami rapper Pitbull had the week’s highest Billboard chart debut at #50, selling 22,398 copies of his third album The Boatlift. This was less than half of the first week sales of his 2006 album El Mariel, which sold 48,000 copies and debuted at #17 on the Billboard chart last October.

In other chart news, Jay-Z remains the only hip-hop act in the top 20. His album American Gangster sold an additional 51,979 units, bringing it down three spots to #17 with total sales of 694,954.

The only other rap releases still in the top 50 are Soulja Boy’s Souljaboytellem.com, which sits at #36, and Kanye West’s Graduation, which sits at #48. Soulja Boy sold an additional 34,303 units, bringing his total to 415,549. Kanye moved 23,425 albums, giving him a total of 1,737,445.

Freeway’s sophomore album Free At Last, which debuted last week at #42, slipped down to #80 this week with an additional 13,271 units sold. His total sales now sit at 49,384.

"I Am" Pt. 2 (Everything I Was Made Me Everything I Am)
T.I. and Tapemasters Inc.



Mixtape Tracks
1. Psa intro (live from house arrest)
2. Stayin at the top (mental instruments remix) ft. rick ross and young jeezy
3. The great life (ac remix) ft. pharrell common and tony bennett
4. King on set
5. Street life ft. lloyd
6. Shawty got a gun ft. wyclef
7. Hustlin ft. governor
8. Get it (hasan insane remix) ft. malice (clipse)
9. Rydin ft. plies and big kuntry
10. Do u potna ft. rick ross young jeezy and big kuntry
11. The hottest ft. mac boney
12. No sweat ft. lil atl
13. Youre the best
14. She can get it ft. young jeezy
15. My dear ft. ciara
16. Live in the sky (prod. by uness) ft. andre 3000 and uness
17. The life ft. tiny
18. Get up ft. mac boney
19. Big dogg status ft. scarface lil wayne and utp
20. For a minute ft. bg
21. 5000 1s ft. dj drama and jazze pha
22. Thats right ft. big kuntry
23. Big things poppin (remix) ft. young jeezy slick pulla swizz beatz cassidy and fabolous
24. Mo money mo problems ft. mac boney and young dro
25. Whatever u like ft. nicole scherzinger
26. Lately ft. tiny

Click here to read lil waynes comments Read more here

Truly great

Life is not always easy. And that is a major reason why it is so precious.

Many of life's best rewards are possible only because you must work your way through difficult challenges to get to them. If everything in life were easy, there would be no opportunity for real fulfillment.

If the only things you experienced were pleasure and comfort, it would be impossible for you to fully appreciate them. A life of total ease and a complete lack of challenge would be unbearably tedious.

When the next challenge comes your way, when the next obstacle blocks your progress, find it in yourself to be thankful. For the difficulties provide you with truly magnificent opportunities to create value, to find meaning and fulfillment in living.

The challenges enable you to give of yourself and to make a real difference. And that's something you desire at the deepest level.

Life is not always easy. And because of that, you have the opportunity to make it truly great.

-- Ralph Marston
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"Toney Sigel A.K.A. The Barrel Brothers"
Ghostface Featuring Beanie Sigel & Styles P.
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TMZ.Com is Reporting Pimp C, real name Chad Butler -- and one half of the rap duo UGK, was found dead in a hotel room this morning. He was 33.

L.A. County Fire responded to a 911 call at the Mondrian Hotel, located on trendy Sunset Strip in Hollywood. They arrived to his sixth floor hotel room to find him dead in bed.


(L note: This Is Horrible, Im somehow hoping this is not true.) Read more here

"You Ain’t Ready"
Beanie Sigel ft. Styles P
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Success within you

The success you seek is a reality that already exists within you. Your actions are the way you express that reality and bring it to your outer world.

Achievement is not a matter of becoming successful. It is a matter of fully demonstrating the success that is already within you.

Success is not something that you must strive to obtain or acquire. Instead, it is a beautiful and unique gift that you are able to give to your world.

Every success, every achievement comes from within. Nothing can separate you from the success you desire because it is already a part of you.

When the success that is within you drives your actions, that success will surely and faithfully flow out from you. Live the success that is yours, and that success will surround you.

Choose in each moment to fully and lovingly share the success that is within you. The expression of that success will add great value and beauty to your world.

-- Ralph Marston
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Fabolous Associate Stabbed As Thief

In an interesting turn of events in the death of Fabolous associate Shamel McKinney, police now believe McKinney was fatally stabbed trying to rob another man of a chain as part of a posse of poachers who target celebrities in Manhattan nightclubs.

According to the New York Post, Police say McKinney was amongst a group of friends of Fab who "rob people of expensive jewelry around Manhattan nightclubs that they visit with the rapper."

According to the report, the "Street Family" crew identify celebrities at hotspots and ambushes them when they are vulnerable--typically outside of a club.

Sources say one of the gangs alleged victims was Sebastian Telfair, who was robbed at gunpoint for his $50,000 chain outside of Justins in New York City. During the robbery, Fabolous was shot in the leg and subsequently arrested--charges were later dropped.

"These guys have no money," one law-enforcement source tells the New York Post. "They go to New York to get paid, because that's where the money is."

Alberto Ebanks, Fabolous's lawyer, denied any knowledge of these activities only saying "This is something I'm hearing for the first time."


James Prince Assault Charges Escalate

On November 30, Rap-A-Lot Records CEO J. Prince's charges of assaulting Houston studio owners 7303 Recording Studio were escalated from misdemeanor to felony in a Houston court room. The incident, which stemmed from a dispute over clearance of Bun B vocal clearance, an artist whom Prince manages and has signed as a solo artist.

Allegedly, Bun B recorded his solo debut Trill in the studio at a reduced rate in exchange for vocals to appear on a release from the studio's fledging label.

According to reports, the second part of the agreement was never carried out, causing a dispute between the two parties.

After studio owner Ronnie Bookman and Prince failed to reach a resolution over money and licensing, Bookman says he was assaulted by over seven people, causing injuries to the face. While Prince proclaims his innocence, Bookman's legal council is using Prince's notorious past as leverage against the veteran mogul.

This month Rap-A-Lot Records will release Scarface's Made.

Beanie Sigel To Cassidy & Gillie: "Stop Acting Like I'm Dead"

Getting ready for the release of his fourth LP, Rocafella rapper Beanie Sigel has been rather busy as of late. From court cases to purported industry beefs, the broad street bully is back in business and more than likely ready to reclaim his spot as the king of Philly.

In a recent interview with Baller Status, Sigel gave his thoughts on the current "King Of Philly beef" between Philadelphia natives Cassidy and Gillie Da Kid.

"Stop acting like I'm dead. That would be my advice to them." Said Beans.

"They both disrespectful with that. I mean I don't get into it, but they disrespectful. " He continued.

"I feel like the step-pop who raised a child all his life. That's not his child, but he been taking care of it since he was a baby and then they get grown and shit on a nigga. They tripping though. Like Beanie Sigel not relevant? I'm not tripping though, they can have that. I take my name on tour and on the road. "

Beans, who said he has no beef with anyone--and isn't looking for any went on to give the youngsters some advice. "My advice would be don't get caught up with that King of Philly thing because Philly is real small." He said. "It's bigger than Philly. Philly can love you today and hate you tomorrow."

Sigel's The Solution will be in stores December 11th.

Diddy Starring In CNBC's New American Business Campaign

Sean Combs, the CEO and founder of Bad Boy Worldwide Entertainment Group (Sean Combs Enterprises) is starring as the new face of CNBC's American Business campaign airing now on CNBC.

The campaign pays tribute to America's most dynamic, successful individuals as they share their stories of success in business and failure in the pursuit of excellence, their management style and their hopes for tomorrow.

Sean "Diddy" Combs built his businesses from the ground up and has since been declared "one of the Most Influential Businessmen in the World" by TIME Magazine and CNN.

"My whole portfolio brand represents aspiration. I came from Harlem, New York," he said in the spot, "it's about wanting the better things in life. I want to make history all the time. I'm honored to be included in this group of America's chief executives and top business leaders. I've worked very hard to get where I am today and the testimonial showcases my philosophy on business," said Combs.

"When I started Sean John there was a young male consumer that no one was speaking to. He wanted more fashion, more style, more flavor," said Combs in the ad, which was made by CNBC's internal marketing team. Each of the fifteen spots from America's top chief executives and business leaders ends by saying: "I am American business. I watch CNBC."

At just 38, Combs oversees one of the world's preeminent urban entertainment companies, encompassing a broad range of businesses including Bad Boy Recording, music publishing, artist management, television and film production, Sean John, Unforgivable Women and just recently vodka.
Sean Combs is the new Brand Manager for Ciroc Vodka. Ciroc is a division of Diageo, the world's leading, spirits, wine and beer company. Last month Diageo announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance between Combs and Cîroc vodka. Under the terms of the deal, Combs and Sean Combs Enterprises will take the lead on all brand management decisions for Cîroc, while sharing in the future profits of the growth of the brand. This exclusive US multi-year collaboration, which calls for a 50/50 profit split, is a first for the spirits industry and could be worth more than $100 million for Combs. As part of the new alliance, Combs will take the lead on brand management decisions, including marketing, advertising, public relations, product placement and events.

Other chief executives included in CNBC's American business campaign include Sumner Redstone, CEO Viacom; Boone Pickens, CEO BP Capital; Herb Kelleher, Co-Founder Southwest Airlines; Bob Johnson, CEO, The RLJ Companies, Founder BET; Trip Hawkins, CEO Digital Chocolate, Founder Electronic Arts; Jack Welch Former CEO GE; Mel Karmazin, CEO Sirius Radio; Steve Sabol, President NFL Films; Jeff Grady, CEO, Founder Digital Lifestyle Outfitters; Julie Aigner-Clark, Founder, The Baby Einstein Co.; Tony Hsieh, CEO Zappos.com; Gavin Maloof, Co-owner Sacramento Kings, Palms Casino; Barbara Kavovit, Founder Barbara K Enterprises; Chris Gardner, CEO Gardner Rich, Author The Pursuit of Happyness; Kevin Plank, CEO, Founder Under Armour.

The CNBC American business ads can be seen on CNBC and online at http://www.cnbc.com/id/19350718

Fabolous Gets Gangsta With DJ Drama

Fabolous doesn't want you to think he's slipping on his rap game. Although he has released hit singles as of late, he is still adamant about making his mark on the mixtape game. DJ Drama feels the same. While he is releasing a star studded album soon, he also doesn't want his mixtape fans to feel left out. Together, the two teamed up to release a new tape.

"It was only right we teamed up and did it," Fab told MTV. "We had to do this because you know what kind of singles I put out," Fab continued. "I put out singles to keep the cash register ringing. So people might think I'm slippin' a little bit. Even on your side [turning toward Drama], you putting out an album. They see you putting an album out ... "

According to the duo, this combination was necessary.

"We just letting people know there is no competition," Fab continued. "We still got it in us. I still got the mixtape in me. You gonna hear Street Fam heavy on the tape: Red Cafe, Paul Caine, Freck the Billionaire. Drama is gonna do what he do. I'mma overdo what I do."

The new mixtape, Gangsta Grillz: There is No Competition, will be released soon, just in time for the holidays.


Lupe Fiasco Still Says, "Game Over."

Lupe Fiasco made waves back in August, when he stated he was seriously considering retiring as an artist after his third album. While most chalked it up to frustrations over the deaths of his aunt and his friend Stack Bundles, poor sales and the recent incarceration of his mentor and manager, Charles "Chilly" Patton, Lupe has reiterated his desire to quit in recent months.

"LUPEnd--that's going to by my last album's title," remarked Lupe, during what was supposed to be a promotional interview with Billboard for his sophomore album, The Cool. "When you play a video game, you can only put in three letters for your name and when the game's over, those three letters and 'END' pop up. My next record might be my last one." This talk comes as The Cool is being prepared for its Dec. 18 release date and after some backlash from a portion of Lupe's fans over his remarks about A Tribe Called Quest during his Hip-Hop Honors performance in October. Yet, according to Lupe, that didn't factor in to his decision to hang it up.

"Ninety percent of the people saying something about that probably downloaded my first album," Fiasco says, in reference to the Hip-Hop Honors incident. "Besides, the people at my shows don't care about that shit. I don't define myself by this industry's standards. I have a core fan base of about 200,000 people, so I'm fairly comfortable that I can sell 200,000 if it takes me a year-and-a-half."

While Food & Liquor was nominated for a Grammy and received much critical acclaim, the album's sales were hampered by bootlegging and a release date that was pushed back multiple times. When the official album was finally released in August of 2006, it sold 81,000 copies in its first week, and now sits at 320,000 according to Nielsen SoundScan. For his part, Craig Kallman, CEO of Atlantic, isn't fazed by the less than stellar numbers, and is still seems to support Lupe.

"The industry doesn't really want to step out of the norm, but Lupe still inspires risk-taking in music. It's more challenging to market Lupe for certain, but it pushes all of us to be more creative in our approach," says Kallman.

Part of that approach will include new deals with wireless carriers, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint, a more aggressive online campaign and possibly more blogging in the dates leading up to Dec. 18. However, it looks as if Lupe has made his decision for the time being.

Wyclef Jean Bares Soul To VH1

Wyclef Jean will make a very special appearance on VH1 Soul just in time for the release of his new album The Carnival Volume II (Memoirs of an Immigrant).

The Grammy Award-winning musician and former Fugees frontman, will be featured on tomorrow's (Dec. 4) edition of VH1 Soul's new program, "SoulStage." Shot in front of a live studio audience, the 30-minute music special will offer up Wyclef performing songs from his new album, as well as sharing the inspiration behind previous hits like "Gone Till November" and "911."

The program premiere, which airs on 9 p.m. EST, coincides with the release of the rapper/producer's new album, The Carnival Volume II, also released tomorrow. The new disc features appearances from Akon, Lil' Wayne, T.I., Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Norah Jones and Paul Simon, among others.

SOHH recently had the opportunity to chat it up with Clef and speak about the inspiration behind the project - his first solo album since 2004.

"What made me do Carnival II, was after going to Haiti [and] doing a lot of charity work, cutting my hair off, you know being in Hills and then I just got inspired," he said.

As previously reported, "SoulStage" first debuted this August with Jill Scott .

To view the exclusive performance of Wyclef Jean's new song "Heaven's In NY," visit vh1soul.com.


Chamillionaire To Appear On CNN's "Larry King Live" Tonight

Chamillionaire will appear on CNN's "Larry King Live" tonight (Dec. 3) to discuss Don Imus' return to radio.

"Larry King Live" airs at 9PM EST/6PM PST.

Don Imus returned to radio airwaves this morning on WABC-AM. The return follows Imus' firing by CBS Radio over comments he made in regards to the Rutgers Women's basketball team back in April.

Chamillionaire, who released his new album "The Ultimate Victory" back in September, is preparing to release a new edition of his "Mixtape Messiah" series on December 16th.

(L note: Now I used to have a huuuuuge crush on Lil kim back in the day(remember hardcore )so I'm kinda a Kim fan, but "at the end of the day" Remy is a Beast on the Mic