UNCUT Magazine.net

Raz-B's Bro Stands By Molestation Allegations

In another strange twist of events, Ricky Romance, older brother of B2K member Raz-B, says he and his brother were in fact molested by former manager Chris Stokes, despite Raz-B recanting his allegations of sexual abuse yesterday (Dec. 27).

"We were both molested by Chris Stokes," Ricardo "Ricky Romance" Thornton stated. "And he's sick. And I wish we would have just been family. You know, it hurts my feelings to have to talk to him and to have to go through all of these different situations and conversations just to try to get a resolution. There ain't no resolution. The resolution is the DA needs to pick up this case and it needs to be handled."

As for why the pair haven't contacted authorities, Ricky Romance was vague and evasive, having to cut the conversation short rather than answer the question.

"Well, as you know the apology video is out there," he said. "Everyone knows about that. Reason why we have the apology video is because ... you know. You know what? We gonna have to cut this interview ... We gonna have to cut this interview. Yeah, I don't feel comfortable. But you can use what you got but I can't talk-"

Ricky Romance's statements come on the heels of the brothers' Internet video claims accusing Stokes of molesting them.

Stokes quickly responded that the claims held "no merit" and on Wednesday, Dec. 26, former B2K frontman Omarion stepped up and said the allegations were totally false.

Raz-B quickly recanted his statement the next day, making a public apology on another Internet video.

But Ricky Romance is asserting that the claims are, indeed, true. He said that Stokes molested him from the time the group Immature formed in 1993, and said that Raz had been molested since he was 11, although Ricky Romance didn't find out until three weeks ago.

"We were actually just at my mom's house," he said. "We were hanging out, you know. And he told me. And when he told me, I realized that I had- [dial tone] ... You know it was just something that I had to just step forward and handle. Like, that's my little brother I didn't protect him. I should have protected him."

"I know some crazy sh*t was going on over there, but I couldn't figure the sh*t out, you know," he continued. "And I should have protected my brother. You know. And I didn't you, know what I mean? And he's a man, You know he has a son. You know what I mean? And he wouldn't want something like that to happen to his son. So I'm just being the big brother and I'm protecting him. First. You know?"

Pimp C Did Not Die From Foul Play, Says Coroner

Investigators say they are about two weeks away from determining the cause of Pimp C's mysterious death.

As previously reported, 33-year-old Pimp C, one-half of the legendary Southern rap duo UGK, was found dead in an upscale Hollywood hotel room on Dec. 4.

While the rapper was found with drugs on his person, prescribed to him by his doctor, without apparent injury and no drug paraphernalia present, authorities believed he died of natural causes.

According to KBTV Channel 4 in Port Arthur, Pimp C's hometown, the Los Angeles coroner's office has officially ruled out foul play and said there were no signs of trauma.

Pimp C's funeral was held on Dec. 13 and drew about 2,000 attendees, including Houston rappers Chamillionaire, Mike Jones, Slim Thug and longtime partner and friend, Bun B.


Judge Orders R. Kelly To Cancel Concert

A Chicago judge has ordered R. Kelly to cancel a Jan. 13 concert date in Virginia due to his court appearance the following day.

Livedaily.com reports that due to R. Kelly missing a court appearance earlier this month after his bus was delayed in Utah, Judge Vincent Gaughan ordered Kelly to cancel the Jan. 13 date at Hampton Coliseum in Virginia so he has no problems making his court appearance the following day.

R. Kelly is charged with 14 counts of child pornography. Kelly, who has pleaded not guilty, faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.

Jay-Z's 40/40 Club Fails Inspection, New Year's Party At Risk

Jay-Z's Las Vegas 40/40 franchise may not open in time for New Year's Eve as planned.

Recent reports claim the Sin City venue failed to pass inspection, putting plans for a Vegas 40/40 New Year's Eve celebration in serious jeopardy.

According to PerezHilton, close sources have revealed that, "Unless Jay-Z and his team miraculously come up with certain licenses and certificates by Sunday (Dec. 30), then they won't be able to go on with their New Year's Eve party plans."

Hov's inspection woes have deeper repercussions -- if the club can't meet the necessary requirements, then Jay-Z and his partners will be forced to refund all opening night tickets, adding even further expense to a venture that has yet to see any profits.

Despite unforeseen problems with the Vegas 40/40, Jay-Z fans in the area will still have an opportunity to witness the Brooklyn MC and entrepreneur in concert.

As previously reported, Jay-Z is scheduled to perform at the Palm Casino Resort's luxe Pearl Concert Theater tomorrow. Tickets for the show, which were originally priced for $225, sold out within an hour of going on sale.

Kanye West is also scheduled to perform at the Pearl Concert Theater for a New Year's Eve performance.

Lil Wayne’s The Leak Quietly Hits Stores

Back in October, Lil Wayne informed MTV News that while his highly anticipated Tha Carter III LP would not be hitting stores this year, he would appease fans in the fourth quarter of 2007 with a special mixtape album called Tha Carter III: The Leak.

The release was to include a number of completed songs that have leaked throughout the year, in addition to four brand new tracks. The Leak was supposed to hit stores on December 18, but as the Holiday season approached and the public was yet to see a video or hear an official single, most fans gave up on the prospect of a new Weezy project seeing the light of day in 2007.

Then, in early December, sources at Universal confirmed that no Lil Wayne LP would be released until the official Carter III hit stores in February of 2008. Now, with just a week left until the new year, a five song Lil Wayne EP called simply The Leak has quietly appeared on the websites of online digital music retailers such as Amazon and Rhapsody.

The EP includes tracks such as “Gossip,” which was supposed to be the first single off Tha Carter III: The Leak, and “Kush.” Amazon lists The Leak’s official street date as Tuesday, December 25 and Cash Money Records as the label. It is unclear whether the EP will ever be available in stores, or why no official announcement accompanied its release.

Here is the tracklisting for Lil Wayne’s The Leak:

1. I’m Me

2. Gossip

3. Kush

4. Love Me Or Hate Me

5. Talkin’ About It

Usher Plans To Drop New Disc In Early '08

R&B superstar Usher Raymond recently spoke up about his new role as a husband and father as well as his next album, which may feature a special guest appearance from the "King of Pop" himself, Michael Jackson.

In a recent interview with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Usher revealed his plans to release a new album by Spring of 2008.

"I've been diligently working on creating a masterpiece," the singer said. "It's going to be out first or maybe the second quarter. And there will be a video and single out at the top of the year."

So far Usher is planning to drop "Love In The Club," which was produced by Polow Da Don, as the album's lead single. Fans may also be treated to a collaboration between Usher, Michael Jackson and T-Pain - however the details are still being worked out.

"It's been created, but it's not recorded," Usher admitted. "As long as Michael is open to it, hey, anything goes!"

A newlywed father, Page Six reports previously blamed album delays on Usher's new wife, Tameka Foster-Raymond. The couple tied the knot this August and welcomed the birth of their first child together, son Usher Raymond V, in November.

"I'm really like super dad," Raymond told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. "I really cook for the family. ... Now I basically do chicken and broccoli and steamed vegetables, because I'm on this diet. But believe me, I can fry some chicken too . . . I really clean up. I walk the dog, myself. I burp the baby. I change the diapers. I'm super dad. And it's only begun!"

Usher and his wife have yet to publicly release any photos of the child, however his new role as a father has also encouraged a budding photography hobby.

"I've become an instant photographer," Usher said. "Developing them and everything."

An official release date for Usher's upcoming as-yet-untitled project has not been released.

SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS TO GET HOLLYWOOD STAR

Sean "Diddy" Combs, who got his first taste of the entertainment business nearly two decades ago while throwing parties at Howard University, will be honored next month with a star on the world famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.
SixShot reports that Diddy broke the news on Friday, Dec. 21 during a call in on Jamie Foxx's Sirius radio show, The Foxxhole. According to the Bad Boy mogul, his ceremony will take place on Jan. 11th.

"I'm from Harlem New York, so to get a star in Hollywood is just mind-blowing," Diddy said. "You can get a lot of things but when you see those stars on the ground...that's something I can't even say I dreamed of and to be getting recognized for it is definitely something I'm gonna have my whole family out there for,"

Diddy's star dedication will precede his Feb. 25 debut as Walter Lee Younger in the ABC telefilm, "A Raisin in the Sun." The artist previously played the role in the stage version that ran on Broadway in 2004.

Off of Chris's New mixtape "Young Chris-Mas" if you want the whole tape, Just download it below.

Lil Wayne ft. Young Chris - The Morgue

Download Full Mixtape Here

(L note: Now Being that Va is my second home (Oakland,Ca.1st) I felt I would show some love today. Va Stand up.)

Virginia Is For Hustlas

Mixtape Tracks
1. In4redd-to live and die in va
2. Real lif-um back
3. Dame dash-dame dash
4. Sonny blac-shorty
5. St. james-thinking like a billionaire
6. D.o.o.m.-grind on em
7. Emp muzik-about my hood
8. Neszo-act like you know
9. Rita-stoppin traffic
10. Crazy k-bring yo ass
11. Virginia coalition-like a g
12. D-85-e-town anthem
13. Southern boi-i run this block
14. In4redd-up under your nose
15. Sunny perylz-a star -feat. a-smalls
16. Emp muzik-this is the right time
17. Sunny perylz-heaven
18. In4redd-back ballin
19. Real life-lifers

Voyage of discovery

You are the person you have discovered yourself to be. And there is no limit to what you can discover.

The more you live and experience and accomplish, the more fully you evolve. Every moment is an opportunity to add strength and effectiveness to your life.

Every experience helps you more clearly see and understand the magnificent, enormous potential of your life. The joys and the sadness, the pleasures and the frustrations all enable valuable discoveries.

The more fully you understand who you are and what you have, the more effectively you can put it all to use. Take advantage of each opportunity for discovery, in each moment, in each encounter, and in each challenge.

Every experience is a learning experience. Every day is a voyage of discovery.

A lifetime of discovery awaits you right now. Climb aboard, eager and enthusiastic for whatever experience awaits, and begin the journey.

-- Ralph Marston
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Young Joc Shows Up For Court, Scolded By Judge

For College Park rapper Young Joc, the phrase "better late than never" couldn't have served its purpose any better than it did yesterday.

The rapper, who was declared a fugitive after he failed to appear in Cleveland Municipal Court to answer weapons charges, caught a much needed break when a Cleveland judge scolded him for being late but allowed him to remain free on bond.

According to earlier reports, Joc was arrested after Cleveland Hopkins International Airport security discovered a handgun in his bag. He was subsequently freed on $50,000 bail with an arraignment scheduled for Wednesday, December 26th, 2007.

However, Joc never made it to the arraignment causing Judge Michael Ryan to issue an arrest warrent as well as double his bond from $50,00 to $100,000.

According to Reuters, When Joc finally showed up, the judge scolded the rapper for his tardiness but set him free on bond, scheduling his next court appearance for January 25.

The concealed weapons charge carries a potential 18-month prison term, the prosecutor's office said.

Brandy Let Off The Hook In Car Accident?

It's been almost a year since R&B singer Brandy was blamed for an interstate pile-up that resulted in a woman's death. Turns out, she may not have been at fault after all.

According to TMZ, the woman who died in the car accident actually struck the vehicle in front of her before Brandy made any contact with her car. On top of that, the L.A. County Coroner spokesperson Captain Ed Winter said that toxicology reports show that the victim, Awatef Aboudihaj, had "slight traces" of marijuana in her system at the time of the crash.Though the California Highway Patrol found that Brandy was responsible for the car crash victim's death, now law enforcement is saying that the mother of two who died hit the car in front of her and then slammed on the breaks, causing Brandy to rear end her. It was previously reported that Brandy simply didn't notice when traffic slowed in front of her.

The new synopsis is this: On December 30 around 10:30 a.m., Brandy was reportedly driving northbound on the 405 Freeway, going about 65 mph in her Range Rover. Aboudihaj struck the car in front of her and slammed on the breaks. Brandy then mashed her breaks as well, but slammed into Aboudihaj's car causing the woman to veer to the left where she was hit by another car before ramming into the center median. Awatef died eight hours later at the hospital, succumbing to massive internal bleeding.

Aboudihaj's family and lawyer have spoken out about wanting Brandy charged with vehicular manslaughter.

Statutes only allow one year from the date of the incident to file criminal charges, giving the L.A. City Attorney until the end of the business day on Friday (Dec. 28) to file charges. If the City Attorney does decide to file charges, they have the daunting task of proving Brandy was negligent. A decision has not yet been made.

'I Love New York' Star To Wed Season Winner Tailor Made

After finding love and wrapping up another season of her VH1 hit reality show, "I Love New York 2," Tiffany "New York" Pollard looks like she actually did find love this time.

Despite finding Tango on the first season and getting engaged, the wedding was called off just a few months after, and the next season was born.

This time, according to People, New York went through an elimination process with 20 eligible bachelors for season 2. At the end she picked Tailor Made (real name: George Weisgerber), a 32-year-old retail planner from Queens, New York.

Although Tailor Made proposed on the December 17 finale, New York turned him down, saying she wanted to wait before making any decisions about marriage.

"I respected that," he told People. "I cherish her. She's what I need."

Despite being turned down, Tailor Made didn't give up. On the season's reunion show that airs January 6, he proposes to her again and, this time, "she says yes," a source told the magazine. "They are madly in love. They are a great couple."

All the dying love talk is good, but Tailor Made may have love for more than New York. According to New York's Daily News, he found a blonde, a brunette, and another African-American woman to his liking as well, at Marc Ecko's company Christmas party (he works as a fashion planner for the clothing line).

"He was a hot mess," a source told the paper. "He was dancing, and kissing a blond with curly hair, then holding hands with a girl with short straight brown hair."

He was also seen hitting on another woman when she helped him up after he "fell on the floor of the bathroom."

Block Entertainment Dropped From Atlantic?

Although no confirmation has been given, reports are in that Atlantic Records has reportedly dropped its backing and distribution for the Atlanta-based Block Entertainment.

The company, run by Russell "Block" Spencer, took to the mainstream in 2004 with its affiliation with Bad Boy Records in releasing an album from the group Boyz N' Da Hood, introducing many listeners to Young Jeezy. After the star segued into a solo deal with Def Jam, the label replaced Jeezy in the group with Gorilla Zoe.

The imprint found success in 2006 with Yung Joc's New Joc City, backed by the hit-single "It's Going Down." This year, after slumped sales from Yung Joc's Hustlenomic$ follow-up and a sophomore release from Boyz N' Da Hood, Block Entertainment appeared to have a difficult year. Despite success from Gorilla Zoe's "Hood Nigga," the label failed to match previous chart success.

Perhaps in the wake of Yung Joc's arrest last week in Cleveland and subsequent failure to appear in court yesterday, Atlantic Records has no longer desired to align with Block Entertainment.

For 2008, Block was reportedly planning to release albums from Big Gee and the long-delayed effort from Jody Breeze.

Mary J. Blige Sells 629K On The Billboard 200

It was an eventful week on the charts for Hip-Hop and R&B with Alicia Keys continuing to prove that "No One" can keep her from breaking records, Mary J. Blige hitting the board at No. 2 and Lupe Fiasco and Chingy making noteworthy debuts.

Alicia Keys' As I Am slipped to No. 3 on the charts, even with an incredible 62% sales jump. The monster release went double platinum in just six weeks, selling 474,000 copies and 2,350,000 units overall. The songstress beat out Kanye West who's Graduation album sold only 1,848,500 discs after 15 weeks.

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. had the only debut album to crack the top 10. The star's ninth album, Growing Pains sold 629,000 copies, according to Nielsen's SoundScan, for the No. 2 spot.

Jaheim debuted this week with his first release under Atlantic, The Makings of a Man. The album moved 176,000 units at No. 11.

Lupe's sophomore effort Lupe Fiasco's The Cool took No. 15 with 143,000 sales

Hate It or Love It, Chingy debuted at No. 84 this week, moving 31,450 units.

(L note: Looks like somebody got to Raz. He aint even Looking at the camera.) Read more here

Relax and enjoy

The world will wind you up into a tight little ball if you let it. Don't let it.

Relax and enjoy the ever-changing flow of being alive. There's no point in working yourself into a frenzy about anything.

The more uptight you are, the more mistakes you make. Relax, stop taking everything so seriously, and you'll find that you're vastly more effective.

Put a big, authentic and friendly smile on your face. Put some delightful positive thoughts in your mind.

The worst that could happen will almost certainly not happen. And even if it does, you'll find a way to handle it.

Live with passion and purpose while letting go of the tension and anxiety. Relax and enjoy every moment as it comes, and you'll be giving the world your very best.

-- Ralph Marston
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Chris Stokes Denies Raz-B Molestation Accusations

Former B2K manager Chris Stokes has denied allegations made by former group member Raz-B that Chris had sexually molested him.

Raz-B released a series of videos on the internet claiming that former manager Chris Stokes had sexually molested him and other B2K group members.

Through his publicist, Chris Stokes has released the following statement denying the accusations:

"“The accusations that Demario “Raz B” Thorton and Ricardo Thorton have made are vehemently false and hold no merit. I have recently stopped financially supporting both individuals along with assisting them with their criminal and legal matters which leads me to believe they are resentful and looking to benefit financially from this. My family is my first priority and the reason why I have been so supportive of them. In bringing these false claims, they have not only slandered me, they have also put me in a position to ensure that the truth is known and I will take all legal routes to protect myself, my family and my four children," said Chris Stokes, CEO of The Ultimate Group. "It’s also quite ironic that these statements were made only 2 weeks after they were denied admittance by a venue for an event I hosted in Beverly Hills," added Stokes.

Yung Joc Makes Bail; Skips Court Date Now Considered Fugitive
Yung Joc failed to show up for his arraignment today (Dec. 26) on a felony charge of carrying a concealed weapon. The Bad Boy South rapper was released on $50,000 on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24)

The rapper is now considered a fugitive, said a prosecutor said, according to the Associated Press.

Joc stands accused of attempting to take a loaded gun onto a Delta Air Lines flight Sunday and was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

Cuyahoga County assistant prosecutor Gayle Williams said Joc was now considered a fugitive, and she planned to request a warrant for him.

Joc’s attorney, Stanley Jackson Jr., said that the rapper was out of town on “personal and family obligations.”

Prodigy Spreads His Message Worldwide

A three year prison bid, for yet another gun possession charge, won’t keep veteran talent Prodigy of Mobb Deep from this spring shipping his forthcoming ‘H.N.I.C. 2’ across seas using Voxonic’s ‘Voice Conversion’ technology.

“Head N***** In Charge Part 2’ will be a great way to demonstrate the international influence of Hip Hop and how Voxonic's technology can help bridge the communication gap for artists and their fans,” says Arie Deutsch, President of Voxonic Music and Voxonic, Inc.

Jay-Z & Kanye West Take Over Vegas, Tix Climb As High As $750 A Pair

Jay-Z won't be the only Roc Boy performing in Las Vegas on New Year's weekend. Protégé Kanye West will command the Palm's Casino Resort on New Year's Eve just two days after his Big Brother takes over the spot.

In typical Hov form, the God MC's performance at the swanky Pearl Concert Theater on Saturday, Dec. 29 sold out within an hour, according to a box office representative.

Tickets for the show, which were originally priced up to $225 each, are now selling on eBay for as much as $750 a pair.

Younger brother West hasn't had quite as much luck selling out the Pearl, though it may be due to ticket prices which climb as high as $350. Scant tickets are still available for the New Year's Eve concert that begins at 10:30 p.m.

The Pearl is an upscale, 3,300 square-foot venue that seats up to 2,500 guests. According to a review on Vegas.com, no seat is farther than 120 feet from the stage in the three-level facility

In addition to getting up close and personal, Jigga and West fans will be partying in style. Each level of the Pearl has its own beverage stations and restrooms, while 18 private and semi-private sky boxes have their own bars, lounges and restrooms.

In Theaters May 2008

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Let life's richness flow

Accomplishment comes when you allow it. Fulfillment comes when you allow it.

Worry, resentment, anger, envy and fear all serve to prevent your best possibilities from being realized. The more you learn to let go of the negative influences, the more easily and naturally will the richness of life flow through you.

How many worthwhile and fulfilling experiences have you missed because you were worried about what others might think? How many precious days have you wasted by being filled with resentment or fear?

You have so many beautiful places to go. There are so many valuable and fulfilling things you can do.

Begin today to more faithfully follow those bright and shining purposes that are deep within you. Let the negative, limiting thoughts and perceptions fall quietly and uneventfully away from you as quickly as they come.

Open your spirit, and allow your most beautiful possibilities to come to life. Remember who you truly are, and let life's richness flow.

-- Ralph Marston
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Former B2K Manager Accused Of Molestation

In a tape released to the internet this weekend, B2K member Raz-B and his older brother Ricky Romance accuse the group's svengali Chris Stokes of molestation.

The tape surfaced in the midst of talks surrounding a B2K reality show that would feature Raz-B, Lil' Fizz, and J-Boog. On one clip, Raz (born DeMario Thornton) is on the phone breaking the news to the family of Marques Houston, who is also a protege of Chris Stokes. "It started one day when Chris said, 'Let me touch you,'" Raz-B explains. He says he was only 11 or 12 years-old at the time.

On another clip, Raz's brother Ricky "Romance" Thornton tells his side. "Chris made me take showers with the other boys," he said. "All that little sh-t that my brother was introduced to was brought to me first and I blocked that sh-t."

He went on to say, "I kinda knew what was going on over there and yet I took my brother over to Chris. I didn't protect him."

Later on in the video, Ricky Romance calls Chris Stokes who seems to admit to the allegations:
"I don't do that anymore, That was me years ago ... I just don't do that in my life anymore. I don't feel like getting on the phone and fussin' with my cousin."

As founder of TUG entertainment, Chris Stokes was known as the mind behind the boy groups IMX and B2K. He's also directed many of his clients' videos and has since moved into film, writing and directing flicks for Omarion and Marques Houston, including You Got Served and, more recently, Somebody Help Me.

When asked if he thought Stokes molested others, Raz responded, "I can't speak on everybody but I think he did."

LIL KIM'S EX FACES DEATH PENALTY

Damion "World" Hardy, the 33-year-old ex-boyfriend of rapper Lil' Kim, faces death by lethal injection if found guilty of ordering the execution of a rival that also took the life of an innocent bystander.

The alleged hit man, Eric (E-Bay) Moore, also faces the federal death penalty for the Aug. 10, 2000, slaying of Ivory Davis, who was shot twice as he sat in his car outside New York's Club NV at Hudson and Spring Sts, reports the New York Daily News.

Davis, mortally wounded, drove off and fatally struck a pedestrian, Swedish filmmaker, Johan Camitz.

Hardy and Lil' Kim once lived together in her New Jersey mansion, reports the Daily News. He drove around in a Land Rover that she gave him and the couple was believed to be engaged, a law enforcement source said.

Hardy, the reputed leader of a murderous drug crew called Cash Money Brothers, served time for shooting at narcotics cops in Brooklyn and was a notorious presence at the Lafayette Gardens projects in Bedford Stuyvesant, where his crew controlled the drug trade, law enforcement officials said. In 2003, cops said he confronted rapper 50 Cent in a New Jersey hotel parking lot, sparking a shootout after the rapper dissed Lil' Kim on the radio.

A lawyer for Hardy claims he has since undergone a religious conversion, legally changing his name to Isa Ibn Jibril. He is also mentally ill, the lawyer said. Last week, a federal judge ordered Hardy to undergo a psychiatric exam to determine if he is competent to stand trial on federal racketeering and murder charges.

"I am the Christ. I am the Messiah," Hardy ranted in court in 2004 after he was arrested at JFK Airport as he returned from a religious pilgrimage in the Middle East. "Do not be the one to go against the law," he went on. "Adhere to the law's command before I give you warning. A day that is drawing near. A day of grief and regrets. Boiling water will be poured over your heads."

Defense lawyer David Ruhnke refused to say if Lil' Kim would be asked to testify at the penalty phase of the trial if Hardy is convicted.

Trick Daddy Club Incident Leads To Lawsuit

Earlier this year, Slip-N-Slide recording artist Trick Daddy was involved in an incident at a Miami night club which left him hospitalized and subsequently landed him behind bars.

According to reports, Trick was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest after authorities responded to a fight at Tootsie's Cabaret just after 1 a.m. and found him cursing and "threatening staff at the club."

Charles Young, Trick's manager, says that's not exactly what happened.

“He was not in a fight at the club,” Young tells reporters

“Trick never goes out alone but for some strange reason he went out alone to meet up with some friends of his at [Tootsie's] which he never, ever, frequents.

Trick is usually at the grungy clubs. Basically he went to the VIP section that they have upstairs and the bouncers jumped Trick. The bouncers are saying they didn’t know it was Trick.”

“Trick was the one who called for the news people and he was arrested for the simple fact some of the police were working for the club,” Young continued.

Young claims the incident has now lead to a lawsuit but did not go on to discuss any details.

“But it was a good look anyways, because there is a pretty big lawsuit with that situation. It wasn’t a fight or a brawl, no one actually saw it. It was upstairs in the VIP area.”

T.I. Gives Away Gifts To Atlanta Families For Christmas

Despite being confined to his home on house arrest as he awaits trial for federal weapons charges, T.I. is still has holiday spirit.

The rapper held a Christmas Eve gift giveaway in Atlanta on Monday (December 24), via his K.I.N.G. (Kids in Need of Giving) Foundation, where around 150 households received gifts for their children on Christmas.

T.I.'s Grand Hustle recording artists, P$C, Young Dro and Big Kuntry were all in attendance at Club Crucial to help in the giveaways.

The rapper's K.I.N.G. Foundation is devoted to assisting youth and families, in order to improve the quality of life and foster healthy living and lifestyles, according to their mission statement.

T.I., however, is awaiting trial. Prosecutors plan to use the rapper's previous gun convictions in the case, though it has not been made clear if that will be allowed.

Jay-Z One of Fortune’s Big Dummies in ‘07

Fortune/CNNmoney recently named multi-millionaire artist-brand Jay-Z as #32 in its’ annual “101 Dumbest Moments in Business” report, because the Humane Society this year found canine fur on Rocawear winter jackets.

“Ah, what a dumb year it was!,” read the article’s lead. “And that’s the positive spin on it.” Early this year news outlets reported that the Humane Society used mass spectrometry techniques to discover the origin of the fur in Rocawear jackets and found that it came from a canine species native to Asia that resembles a raccoon. According to E! News Online, raccoon dogs are in China skinned alive for their pelts. The Humane Society says J.C. Penney, Burlington Coat Factory, Macy's, and Saks Fifth Avenue have all carried raccoon dog fur on their retail racks.

"We were not aware that our product included raccoon dog materials," a Rocawear rep said after the story broke. "We have immediately instructed all manufacturers and licensees that no product can be produced using this fur. In addition we have removed those items from our Website."

Jay-Z co-founded the Rocawear brand in 1995 with former partners Damon Dash and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. He in 2006 sold the rights to Iconix Brand, birthing joint venture brand management and licensing company Scion, LLC. Jay-Z’s “fur faux pas” lies between No. 2 U.S. subprime lender New Century Financial’s disastrous miscalculation and British sex-toy company Love Honey’s legal battle with Procter & Gamble over Love Honey’s use of Oral B electric toothbrushes to promote the Brush Bunny—a rabbit-shaped piece of plastic that slips over the top of an Oral B to turn it into a sexual vibrator.

Joe Budden's "Mood Muzik 3" Mixtape To Get Retail Release

Joe Budden will be releasing the official retail version of “Mood Muzik 3” on February, 26th 2008 on Amalgam Digital.

“Mood Muzik 3: The Album”, will feature songs in their entirety and unreleased material, sans DJ voice overs. This will serve as a prelude to his forthcoming album entitled “Padded Room”. Both releases will be exclusively distributed worldwide by Amalgam Entertainment, LLC while Amalgam Digital functions as the label.

An advanced variation of the album, “Mood Muzik 3.5” is available exclusively right now at the www.AmalgamDigital.com online store with two bonus tracks.

Regarding the nature of the release and his relationship with Amalgam Digital, Joe Budden made the following statement;

“With the “Mood Muzik” series gaining mass attention, this is just our effort to maximize on awareness. Amalgam understands our vision, as we do theirs, so this will be first of many ventures to come. We have a full length album entitled “Padded Room” coming second quarter 2008. We’re prepping for a big year…are you in the mood yet?????”

Universal Home Video Leaks Info on ‘American Gangster’ DVD

$140 million box office bonanza ‘American Gangster,’ starring Denzel Washington, directed by Ridley Scott, extends the viewing experience via DVD, according to distributor Universal Home Video.

The un-rated two disc set, priced at $29.98, includes twenty minutes of bonus footage and runs about three hours long. Fans will also have access to an HD DVD/DVD release, featuring Internet capabilities, priced at $39.98. UHV will drop a three disc collectors version of ‘American Gangster’ that has yet to be priced. There is no release date for the ‘American Gangster’ DVD package at press time.

"Ms. G.O.A.T"
Lil Kim, DJ Whoo Kid , Mister Cee

Mixtape Tracks
1. Hood newz-lil kim free
2. Ms. g.o.a.t.
3. Mis-education of lil kim
4. I get it
5. Wrath of kims madness
6. Chillin tonite
7. Need a bitch (feat. nate dogg)
8. 2 hatin bitches skit
9. Its kim bitches (get that money)
10. Fuck you
11. Rock on wit yo bad self
12. Queen bitch 101
13. Kim gets deeper
14. Wanna lick magic stick pt. 2 (feat. 50 cent)
15. Thang on me (feat. maino and sha)
16. It aint my fault (feat. sha)
17. Kimmy more (feat. britney spears)
18. Salute the women of hip-hop (skit)
19. Keyshia cole-let it go feat. (lil kim and missy)
20. Mr. cee-speaks
21. Gucci mane-freaky gurl (remix) (feat. lil kim
22. Whoo kid and outro
23. Alicia keys-no one (remix) (feat. lil kim)

A moment of serenity

Take a moment to pause and remember who you are. Take a moment to reflect on the things that have real and lasting meaning in your life.

In a world where there is so much change from instant to instant, keep yourself ever connected to those values that endure. Refresh your spirit often with a time of quiet serenity.

Find refuge from the noise and turmoil, and you'll be able to hear the voice of purpose and meaning, calling from within. There are many valuable things you know without being told, and it can be energizing to contemplate them.

Beyond the shallow concerns that must scream for attention are life's real treasures. Those treasures come clearly into focus when you step back a little bit and take an objective look.

Pay attention to the nagging feeling that there must be more to life than all the rush and confusion. There most certainly is.

Take the time to make time stand still. And take in the experience of being.

-- Ralph Marston Read more here