Click Here to Check out the Forum for the latest News, Info and Exlusives
HipHopCapital.com - The Home of Online Hip Hop Jewelry


Get Paid to Use your Favourite Search Engines to Search the Web!




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Saturday 14th May, 2005

Dr. Dre hits studio in July to start "Detox"

Dr. Dre will hit the studio in July to work on his next solo album, Detox. His
producer Focus said that he's submitted "close to 50 beats" for the album, and
anticipates that they'll be in a Los Angeles studio for about seven months to
work on the project.

MTV.com


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 14th May, 2005

50 Cent Makes Deal In Assault Case

50 Cent has cut a deal with prosecutors in Springfield, Massachusetts that will
help the singer wriggle out of a possible stint in jail.

The deal, which was negotiated today (May 13), was the result of a legal case
where the Southside, Queens lyricist was accused of assaulting a pair of women
and punching another one.

In May of 2004, during a concert at the Hippodrome in Springfield, 50 leapt from
the stage into the crowd after an unidentified individual tossed water on him.

Upon leaping into the audience, the women were reportedly hurt.

Under the conditions of the deal, 50 (Curtis Jackson) must not use any illegal
drugs for at least two years and also follow a judge's strict orders.

However, if he adheres to the terms of the deal, the charges will be dropped.

Initially, he was charged with assault and battery for each woman.

The plea agreement was reached in a Springfield District Court.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 13th May, 2005

Busta Rhymes In Studio With Timbaland, Dr. Dre

Busta Rhymes, who's signed to Dr. Dre's Aftermath imprint, is busy in the studio
working on his upcoming album, The Big Bang, which drops July 19.

According to his management, Busta's been recording in Los Angeles with
producers Timbaland, Cool & Dre, Scott Storch and label head Dr. Dre. And
although there's no confirmed first single just yet, the leaked "Hurt Sumthin"
may end up being the first release.

Meanwhile, the gruff-voiced rapper recently teamed up with soul legend Stevie
Wonder and director Paul Hunter on the video for Wonder's current single, "So
What the Fuss," from his forthcoming album, A Time to Love. Busta recorded an
audio track for the clip that serves as narration for the blind.

Busta is also gearing up for some summer dates on 50 Cent and Eminem's Anger
Management Tour, although the specific dates have yet to be announced.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 13th May, 2005

Yayo talks greasy

Earlier this week, G-Unit's Tony Yayo addressed D-Block and The Game on New
York's Power 105.1's Star & Bucwild's morning show. During the interview, Yayo
repeatedly referred to D-Block as "D-Bums" and declared that Sheek Louch was
garbage. Tony also went on to criticize Sheek's recent G-Unit diss where he took
shots at 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Young Buck. Interestingly, days after the
freestyle was released, rumors spread that Sheek didn't include Yayo's name
because he had love for him. On the other hand, Yay told Star & Buc that he
respects D-Block for making songs with Biggie and Jay-Z, but added that they
didn't benefit from it and have yet to sell records after a decade in the game.

The self-proclaimed "Real Talk Of New York" also poked fun at ousted G-Unit
member Game and told listeners that the rapper called him to appear on The
Documentary's "Running" a while back. According to Yayo, Game phoned him to
request his appearance on the record and told him he's the rawest G-Unit artist.
"How you a hustler and you on 'Change Of Heart' for $1000 at 18," Yayo asked.
Tony then called Chuck Taylor a fabricated gangsta and referred to him as "Mr.
Potato-Head" for the remainder of the interview. Yayo was visiting Star to
promote his forthcoming debut album, Thoughts Of A Predicate Felon which hits
stores June 28.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 13th May, 2005

Alchemist Becomes Eminem's New DJ

Eminem has a new DJ and Green Lanterns replacement is a familiar face to
Hip-Hop.

The Alchemist, normally affiliated with Mobb Deep, has accepted a position with
Em as his new in-house spin doctor.

Al told AllhipHop.com, "Basically, we are under the same management. My brother
Neal [Maman] and Paul [Paul Rosenburg, Shady Records/Goliath Artists executive]
stepped up and they came up with the idea. They approached him and then they
approached me and asked me if I was with it. And I said, 'Yeah.'"

DJ Green Lantern, Eminem's former DJ, voluntarily left Shady Records after a
conversation with 50 Cent adversary Jadakiss was unknowingly taped in a
conversation about the pair's beef.

Alchemist didn't even have to audition for the lyrical Detroit piston and
Alchemist stated that he's been on the 1's and 2's with Mobb Deep. "For the last
four years now, I've been doing the Mobb Deep tours," he explained. "I've been
holding it down. And before that I came up with Muggs and Cypress [Hill]. I have
a good background in rocking the show."

The DJ, who released 1st Infantry (Koch) last year, certainly sees advantage in
being party to heavy-hitters like Eminem, G-Unit and others, but he said he was
keeping it all in perspective.

"Right now, I am just dealing with the situation of being Eminem's DJ and, of
course I am always going to be doing beats. I'm not just going to be a DJ," he
said. "I would love to [do beats for Eminem], that would be great. I definitely
look forward to that. His shit is incredible. I'm sure we have a mutual respect
as far as music [is concerned]. If the opportunity ever arises, I'm sure we
would make some incredible music. But, right now the issue at hand is to handle
the tour and be Em's DJ."

"This is like a blessing and I am taking it as it comes," he concluded. "As
creative people, we are always moved by other creative people."

The Anger Management Tour starts in July 2005.

Winding up, he said that he's still working with Mobb Deep on new music. "I
don't want to plug anything yet but, we've been leaking songs out a little but.
Being that they are between deals right now, we're keeping the music coming.
We're leaking joints for the fans to let them know, we got this."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Friday 13th May, 2005

Donald Trump set to appear on G-Unit Radio

DJ Whoo Kid is scheduled to receive multi-millionaire mogul Donald Trump on his
G-Unit Radio show this coming Saturday.

Actor Anthony Anderson is also scheduled to appear on the show, yet the streets
are now buzzing about Trump stopping by Sirius' Shade 45 station. Taking time
from his busy schedule, Whoo Kid recently told SOHH.com how he linked up with
The Donald.

"Me and Tony Yayo live on Sirius radio had a discussion on the 50 million that
50 Cent made last year on his businesses," Whoo Kid revealed. "Tony betted me to
book someone who has made more than 50 million on air at Shade 45. That's when I
came up with the idea to get at Trump. He heard about my crazy marketing tactics
and decided it would be cool to come through to G-Unit Radio."

G-Unit Radio airs for ten consecutive hours and is broken down into five
different segments. The marathon begins with the "GGG's Up Morning Show" with
the VIP of the day featuring Whoo Kid with Dan the Man and Coach PR. At noon,
the Queens DJ goes into "The House Arrest Show" with Tony Yayo for two hours
before segueing into "G-Unit Radio" from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. where Whoo Kid plays
exclusives and routinely interviews celebrities. The day then goes into the
"Moisture Hour" and concludes with "Gomez Broz Presents: The f#@$ You Show" from
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

To date, Whoo Kid's guests have included Kanye West, Common, Snoop Dogg, actress
Lindsay Lohan, Pamela Anderson, model Vida Guerra and porn stars Keri Sable and
Mercedes Ashley among countless others. Whoo Kid is presently looking to shop
his own TV show loosely inspired by his Sadapop TV DVDs.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 12th May, 2005

Eminem Puts Midas Touch On 8 Mile Road

Eminem is helping the community he made famous in his movie 8 Mile by donating
autographed golden bricks to a Detroit charity.

30 bricks from the recently demolished Detroit Artillery Armory on 8 Mile were
painted gold, packaged with 8 Mile DVDs and autographed by Eminem. The bricks
will be sold on eBay next month. The money will benefit two charities close to
the Detroit MC. Em's own Marshall Mathers Foundation and the Eight Mile
Boulevard Association, which is comprised of 13 cities, plans to use the money
to regenerate efforts along 8 Mile.

"He's identified with 8 Mile Road, and he's famous," Association President Barry
Brickner told the Detroit Free Press.

One brick was auctioned on eBay last month and R. Miles Handy, supervisor of
Wayne County's Redford Township, submitted the winning bid of $300.

"Here's a kid who lived close to 8 Mile, now is one of the largest entertainers
in the country," the Handy said. "I think it's a pretty nice piece of history."

The rest of the bricks will be up for grabs next month.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 12th May, 2005

50 Cent Rises To Top of Hip-Hop Charts

In this week's charts 50 Cent's on the rise, Mike Jones holds on to the 10 spot
and Will Smith continues to drop.

According to Nielsen's Soundscan, overall album sales were up 5% this week.
However, Hip-Hop record sales do not hold a large percentage. The count stands
at 197 million units sold so far for the year.

Back on the rise this week, moving up two slots to # 4 is The Massacre. With his
hot single "Just A Lil' Bit" blazing over radio airwaves, the G-Unit general
moving back towards the top seat. Despite a 9% drop, Fiddy goes on to move an
additional 103,716 sets this week. This rounds off his numbers at 3,465,030 sets
sold in total.

Coming in at #36 is The Game with The Documentary. The underdog is still on top
and has sold an additional 27,336 copies this week. In total, Game has sold
1,943,965 units to date.

Next week, look for 50 Cent to continue his rise to the top.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 12th May, 2005

Irv Gotti knew about 50 Cent shooting

Feds Say Irv & Chris Gotti Got Supreme Protection, Knew About 50 Cent Shooting

Federal prosecutors have recently accused Irving "Gotti" Lorenzo of receiving
"street protection" from Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff in exchange for laundering
money into Murder Inc.

Irv and his brother Chris "Gotti" Lorenzo, recently requested a separate trial
from co-defendant McGriff, who is charged with ordering the 2001 killing of
Queens rapper Eric "E Money Bags" Smith. The Gottis' attorneys have maintained
that their clients would be discriminated against if they sat through a trial
filled with testimonies on the murder in addition to McGriff's alleged
involvement in a double homicide in Maryland.

Meanwhile, Assistant Brooklyn U.S. Attorney Carolyn Pokorny has just rejected
the motion, stating that the Gottis looked to profit from McGriff's alleged drug
money laundering into Murder Inc. Pokorny added that the Gottis had other
motives.

"Indeed, far from being harmed by the McGriff enterprise's murderous reputation,
the Lorenzos' alignment with McGriff afforded a level of protection," Pokorny
wrote in court papers. "Would-be robbers and criminals, who extort those in the
music industry, knew that if they targeted Murder Inc., its employees or
executives, they would suffer retribution from the McGriff enterprise."

Pokorny claims members of McGriff's squad allegedly boasted to the Lorenzos
about being violent and that the siblings "were aware of McGriff's alleged
responsibility for an uncharged 1999 shooting of a prominent rap music artist."
Pokorny was referring to the shooting of Queens rapper 50 Cent, who was hit nine
times in front of his grandmother's house. However, the incident didn't take
place in 1999, but in 2000 as reported on the rapper's web site. Past reports
have linked McGriff to the shooting of 50, who is a long time rival of Murder
Inc.'s flagship artist, Ja Rule.

The prosecutor is vowing to prove that Irv and Chris knew of Supreme's revenge
plans against E Money Bags. McGriff faces the death penalty if convicted of the
murder. Irv's lawyer couldn't immediately be reached for comment.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 11th May, 2005

Akon Hits Out At 50 Cent

R&B star AKON has criticised successful rappers for promoting violence instead
of encouraging their fans to take a more positive outlook on life.

The singer, who currently tops the UK singles and album chart, claims his
contemporaries are ignorant and afraid to abandon the tough ghetto lifestyle of
their youth.

The 20-year-old believes stars including 50 CENT and THE GAME don't deserve any
acclaim stemming from their pretentious behaviour.

He fumes, "If you make a million dollars and you're still promoting violence you
don't deserve that kind of success.

"It's ignorance. We are in this game to get away from the streets and set up
businesses.

"Everybody wants to be hardcore. It's ego, that's all it is."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 11th May, 2005

Lloyd Banks' Crew Accused In College Rape

The mother of a 17-year-old that was allegedly raped at Lloyd Banks' concert at
a Hartwick College has rallied supporters and demands "accountability" for the
attack.

"It seems to me like Hartwick has a reckless disregard for the community," the
mother, who declined to be named to protect her daughter, told the Daily Star.
"If they invite somebody dangerous to their school, they should be responsible
for the consequences."

Two weeks ago, Oneonta, New York authorities began investigating allegations of
the sexual assault involving Banks' entourage. Following the rapper's outdoor
performance at Hartwick's Frisbee Field, the girl filed a complaint that two men
performing with Banks sexually assaulted her. The girl told police the alleged
rape took place in a dressing room prior to the concert.

According to police, the concert was intended for Hartwick students only. The
alleged victim was not a Hartwick student. Days after the incident, police made
a trip to State University College at Cortland where Banks was scheduled to
perform. Authorities were hoping the trip could help resolve the investigation.
State University College police stated that there were no reported rapes at the
Banks performance and that no other problems occurred related to the show.

Today, in protest, the mother rallied a group of college students and community
members to wear white T-shirts that read "She Said No!" on the front and
"4-21-05" on the back reffering to the date of the alleged assault. An informal
coffee hour is also slated at the Hunt Union Waterfront of Oneonta's State
University College tonight at 6:30pm. Also, SUCO student Rachel Diamond started
the Community Coalition Against Sexual Assault -a group comprised of community
members, Hartwick College faculty, and SUCO students.

As of Sunday, police said no arrests were made and the investigation remained
open. Director of Communications Robert Clark said the administration is still
discussing the incident, but that policy changes had yet to be made on concerts.
"We certainly express our sympathy to the family and the victim if the
circumstances prove to be true," Clark said. Clark also added that there were
four armed Oneonta police officers and four campus security officer at the
concert.

Days after the incident, Oneonta Police Lt. Joseph Redmond revealed that the
alleged assault remains under investigation and that they had two suspects. The
two men were believed to be going by the nicknames "Fuzzy" and "Busy". Police
also said they were having a hard time tracking down the suspects because they
did not have their real names. The authorities also said that the men were part
of Banks' entourage and were not longer touring with him. Banks' tour is
presently proceeding on campuses along the East Coast.

According to Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl, the two men stand
second-degree rape charges if identified. Though he admitted that there was
forced sexual activity, Muehl said that there was no kidnapping and that the two
men will earn second-degree rather than first-degree charges because there was
no weapon or deadly use of force. Since the girl is above the age of consent, it
will not affect the charges.

The young girl's mother said members of Banks' entourage brought her daughter
backstage where she was raped. She also offered that local teenagers often go to
SUCO and Hartwick concerts and that there should have been more security
provided backstage.

"She thought she was going to meet the band," the mother said." There were
definitely high school kids having sex with those guys."

The Boy Wonder is presently touring in support of his 2004 release The Hunger
For More. Hartwick's Student Senate reportedly spent $26,000 from student
activity fees for Banks to perform at the school. Word is between 700 to 800
students showed up for the performance. Clark told the Daily Star, "the college
is committed to assisting with the ongoing police investigation."

In related Banks news, the Queens rapper has been missing several dates of his
college tour as of late. First, reports surfaced that Banks pulled a no-show at
Plattsburgh State University roughly a week ago. Sources at the school claim
Banks wasn't able to attend due to the weather. Now, New York's Daily News has
reported that Banks also skipped a scheduled appearance at Eastern Connecticut
State University this past weekend. The G-Unit soldier was set to headline the
show with T.I. serving as the opening act.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday 11th May, 2005

Vibe: Olivia's album Behind Closed Doors

Before getting into what will be the June release of Olivia's new album Behind
Closed Doors, G-Unit's sole female artist talks about her past experiences with
J Records. "I did what Clive (Davis) wanted me to do. I was put into a position
where I had to do what they wanted me to do, because I was the first artist
signed to J Records. But now that I'm with G-Unit, things will be totally
different and people will be very surprised."

Behind Closed Doors is more than just an album to Olivia. This project is her
chance to show the world that R&B can be more than the standard "I love you so
much" music. "It can go so much deeper than that. Behind Closed Doors will
accomplish a lot," she says with overwhelming confidence. "My album has so many
elements to it. I have a song on the album called, "Earth, Fire, & Wind." I'm
saying in this song that this guy is my earth, fire, and wind. It's not your
regular love song. I really got deep on that record." The other tracks Olivia
gloated about were "Never Too Far" by Robert Smith and "Twist It" featuring her
G-Unit label mate, Lloyd Banks.

Her eyes lit up at the opportunity to talk about "Twist It," her first single.
"Oh man, that song is so dope," she claims. "I recorded that song in 50's
studio. It's a party record that started out as a rap record. The song was on
50's file and since he told me to take what I wanted from his file, I had to
have it. I called him up to let him know that the track was bananas, and that 'I
gotta get you off of this.' He told me to take it. The track was perfect for me
because of its' hip hop element. Banks just killed the track."

Expectations are extremely high for Olivia's G-Unit release to be successful.
The first quarter of 2005 has already yielded two No. 1 albums for the G-Unit
brand (50 Cent and The Game). "I'm not even worried," she proudly proclaims when
expectations are involved. "I just want to live up to G-Unit standards. I think
that after people hear my stuff, they'll follow me. It is time for somebody new
and fresh to come out right now. That's why I believe that I will fit in. It's
going to be something when I come out. I'm ready."


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 10th May, 2005

50 Cent Plays Games On The Phone

After providing exclusive 50 Cent content, Zingy, the leading mobile content
provider, has partnered with G-Unit to develop a series of video games themed on
the crew's artists.

The first of the mobile game series is slated to premiere this summer in
conjunction with developer Upstart Games. In "G-Unit: Free Yayo," users will get
to pick 50, Lloyd Banks or Young Buck as they attempt to free Tony Yayo from an
evil record label.

Under the new deal, players will also acquire G-Unit mobile features like
ringtones and wallpapers once they complete particular objectives. The
collaboration marks the first time that both G-Unit and Zingy have stepped into
the mobile game arena. Zingy is already the exclusive distributor of Fiddy's
ringtones, ringback tones, voicemail greetings, wallpapers and video ringtones.

"Our fans expect nothing less than pure originality and style -- that's what
G-Unit represents," 50 Cent said in a statement. "Zingy is a proven innovator in
the mobile entertainment market and there's no other company we'd trust to
publish G-Unit's arrival into mobile gaming."

Earlier this year, Zingy reached a deal with Timbaland, Kanye West and Aaliyah's
estate to create polyphonic and master ringtones, voice tones, voice ringback
tones, voicemail greetings, screensavers and wallpaper.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 10th May, 2005

Eminem To Perform Latest Single For First Time During MTV Movie Awards

Young Hollywood is set to shine once again as MTV announced its first group of
presenters for the 14th annual 2005 MTV Movie Awards, with a special performance
by Eminem.

The rapper/actor will debut his latest single, "Ass Like That," from the current
multi-platinum album Encore, for the first time on television during the show.

Other performances include recluse rockers Nine Inch Nails, with their latest
single "The Hand That Feeds," from their first release in five years, "Teeth."

SNL alum, Jimmy Fallon will host this year's festivities, while Golden Popcorn
distributors include Hilary Swank, Sean William Scott, Lindsay Lohan, Paul
Walker, Jessica Alba, Vin Diesel, Jessica Simpson, Katie Holmes and more.

Further performances and presenters are to be announced at a later date.

The ceremony is scheduled to tape June 4th at the Shrine Auditorium in Los
Angeles, CA. The show will air on June 9th at 8:30 PM (ET/PT). The telecast will
be seen in 164 countries/territories and in 18 languages in over 418.8 million
households.

In related news, the Detroit native also announced plans to hit the road once
again in July with label mate, 50 Cent for a third time, for the Anger
Management Tour.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 10th May, 2005

50 Cent shocks Toronto club concert crowd with appearance

50 Cent shocked everyone in attendance at Tonic Nightclub in Toronto, when he
made a surprise appearance during Young Buck's concert.

Although it is widely known that 50 is currently stationed in the T. Dot filming
a movie, the decision to appear on stage last Wednesday with fellow G-Unit
rapper Young Buck was a shock to all.

50 performed material from his latest release, 'The Massacre,' including his
smash hit single 'Candy Shop.'

In addition to Buck and 50, local R&B outfit The Show and Rexdale act
Jelleestone were featured on the bill.

"We had an idea that 50 would be a part of the show, but not to the extent that
he was," Full Capacity Concerts said in a release.

In other G-Unit news, the enterprise has inked a deal with mobile media company
Zingy to produce a series of games featuring G-Unit artists 50 Cent, Lloyd
Banks, Young Buck and Tony Yayo.

The first game to be released is called G-Unit: Free Yayo, the plot being a
struggle to rescue Yayo from the grasp of an evil record label. Players can
select 50, Banks or Buck as their characters in the game.

As an added bonus, players will be able to acquire such freebies as ringtones
and wallpapers as they progress through the game.

50 told Billboard.com that "Zingy is a proven innovator in the mobile
entertainment market," and that they're the only company he'd trust to represent
the G-Unit brand as they move into the lucrative mobile market.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 10th May, 2005

Eminem Settles Lawsuit With Apple

Eminem and Apple have settled a copyright infringement lawsuit, after the rapper
accused the computer giant of using one of his songs without permission.

Eminem's Eight Mile Style filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Detroit
against Apple last year, claiming that the company used his chart topping song
"Lose Yourself" in a commercial for Apple's popular Ipod digital music player
illegally.

According to the original lawsuit, Apple CEO Steve Jobs called Eight Mile
Style's manager Joel Martin to request permission to use the song, but was the
request was turned down.

"Eminem has never nationally endorsed any commercial products," the lawsuit
read. "Any endorsement deal would require a significant amount of money,
possibly in excess of $10 million dollars."

According to lawyers for Em's Eight Mile Style, all parties involved in the
lawsuit were able to reach an amicable agreement.

The advertisement featured a 10-year-old singing Em's lyrics. The commercials
appeared on Apple's website and ran on MTV for a brief period as well.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tuesday 10th May, 2005

D-12's Bizarre Explains 'Punk'd' Episode

D-12's Bizarre, who appeared on MTV's prank series, Punk'd, recently discussed
the televised practical joke and the reaction he received from family members
and friends.

On the episode, Bizarre was pulled over by a fake officer after the rapper
withdrew money from an ATM that gave him more than he requested.

The officer, played by a member of the Punk'd crew, questioned Bizarre about his
ATM transaction. The rapper said family and friends called him afterward to rib
him on his appearance.

"[Proof's] always into some crazy s**t. I don't be in that much crazy s**t as
he's in," Bizarre told AllHipHop.com. "I just felt like, the ATM machine, if it
spits out this money, and I put my PIN number in here, all it can do is take it
out from my account. I was just like 'This is unbelievable. I know this isn't my
ATM machine.'"

The weekly series, hosted by actor Ashton Kutcher, baits celebrities into
compromising situations with the aid of a crew of actors who set up conditions
designed to frazzle the celebrities.

An accomplice-someone close to the celebrity-in this case D-12 member, Proof,
often helps arrange the prank and plays along.

Bizarre explained the incident's proximity to an assault case that he and Proof
had recently beaten.

"This guy said that me and Proof had assaulted him at this restaurant called TGI
Friday's ," said Bizarre. "I been to court for that for the past 5-6 months. It
could have been thrown out, but the judge was such an a**hole. Going through all
that, with me and him being caught in a case, being in it together, it was like,
'Damn, me and you again.'"

Clinging to his credibility, the hefty rapper also stated that the editing on
Punk'd didn't reflect the entire scenario.

"It was the cops, man. It would be different if it was the restaurant manager or
some s**t like that. But it was two real police officers and one fake actor,"
said Bizarre. "The part that they didn't show on Punk'd was [the real police
yelling] 'Lemme see your hands, get out one by one - move!"

Bizarre's debut solo album, Hannicap Circus, on Sanctuary Records, hits stores
June 28.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday 7th May, 2005

Man Who Assaulted Rapper/Producer Dr. Dre Heading To Court

The Los Angeles man charged with assaulting rapper/producer Dr. Dre at the Vibe
Awards last November has been ordered to go on trial, a judge ruled Friday (May
6).

Los Angeles Judge James Dabney said that enough evidence existed to try Jimmy
James Johnson, 26, who allegedly punched Dr. Dre after asking the Aftermath head
for an autograph.

Dre, 40, had been preparing to go on stage to receive a lifetime achievement
award when he was allegedly punched.

The incident incited a huge brawl during the taping of the awards show on
November 15.

Johnson's alleged attack also initiated chair throwing that extended into the
crowd.

G-Unit rapper Young Buck, born David Darnell Brown, is accused of stabbing
Johnson after Dre was hit.

Buck has pleaded not guilty and is free on bail pending his trial.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 5th May, 2005

Russell Simmons Says 'Get Your Money Right' - Recruits Eminem

Hip-Hop mogul Russell Simmons is planning to school youngsters on money
management, teaming up with financial guru Suze Orman for a six-city tour called
"Get Your Money Right."

Eminem and "American Idol" champ Fantasia Barrino have already signed on to
support the summits, which teach young people essential financial tools such as
basic banking, managing assets, understanding and fixing credit scores, home
ownership and auto financing, said Simmons.

"You can say the same thing over and over again until you're blue in the face,
and it doesn't stick unless it's said in the proper language," the mogul told
reporters at Manhattan's 40/40 Club, according to the Associated Press.

In an attempt to reach Americans without bank accounts due to poor credit or
financial problems, Simmons introduced a prepaid Visa debit card in 2003.

"Money crosses every race, every sex, every religion, every tax bracket," said
Orman, who hosts a show on CNBC and has written several books on personal
finance. "It is the foundation of your life, whether you want to believe it or
not."

The "Get Your Money Right" tour opens May 14 in Detroit, with events planned for
Washington, D.C. on June 7, Miami on July 15, St. Louis on Aug. 20, Los Angeles
on Sept. 17 and Chicago on Nov. 5.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 5th May, 2005

Busta Rhymes Teams With Stevie Wonder To Produce Video For Visually Impaired

Rapper Busta Rhymes has teamed with Stevie Wonder to create a second video for
Wonder's latest single "So What The Fuss" for blind people or those that have
low vision.

Director Paul Hunter shot two version of the video. The first is the traditional
video that will be serviced to various music channels, while the second version,
which features Busta Rhymes, contains a descriptive audio track featuring
Rhymes' narration.

"Until now music videos have been very one dimensional for those who are blind
or with low vision," Wonder explained. "Now all music video fans will be able to
apply their vision to my video thanks to the descriptive technique and of
course, a great narration by Busta Rhymes. For me, the entire concept is
indicative of what happens when you go beyond the status quo and open yourself
up to what's possible."

Wonder, a longtime fan of Busta Rhymes, called on the multi-platinum selling
rapper to perform the narration in Wonder's Los Angeles Recording studio. Rhymes
described the scenario of the video, which takes place in an apartment and the
surrounding neighborhood.

"Stevie Wonder is an American icon," Rhymes said. "Without him, most of us never
would have picked up a microphone. Only Stevie could come up with a way to let
fans that have never seen a video take part in the whole vibe. It was a great
project to work on from start to finish."

The single is taken from Wonder's upcoming album A Time To Love. Wonder said
that he is working to bring a new cutting-edge technology that will make these
types of videos more accessible to the visually impaired throughout the country
and ultimately, the world.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thursday 5th May, 2005

From Prom Queen to Eminem video


Christina Hopkins got to hang with rapper Busta Rhymes and actor Pauly Shore
while appearing in Eminem's latest video.

Christina Hopkins understands that her family and friends still find it a little
hard to believe. After all, how does a fresh-faced, hometown girl like her end
up dancing alongside one of rap music's most notorious stars?

"I'm still a little stunned by it myself," said Hopkins, 19, more than a week
after returning from a fairy-tale trip to Southern California to film rapper
Eminem's latest video.

For the former Central High School prom queen, who has devoted herself to her
fledgling modeling career, the two days spent working on such a major project
marked the opportunity of a lifetime.

From the moment Hopkins showed up for her first audition for the video, she
wondered whether she was the kind of girl the producers and rap star were
looking for. Dressed casually in jeans and a button-down shirt, she immediately
looked around and wondered whether the 40 or so other female candidates were
clued in to something she wasn't.

"They all had on sexy clothes, lingerie tops, short skirts and fishnet
stockings, and I thought, "Oh my God, this is so embarrassing,"' said Hopkins,
who grew up in western Hernando County.

Hoping for the best, Hopkins posed for some closeup shots and demonstrated some
dance moves for the video producers, then boarded a plane for home.

A week later, her modeling representative, Zack Urbina, called to tell her to
start packing. She was going to be one of 10 extras to appear as dancers in
Eminem's upcoming video, Ass Like That. Filming would start two days later.

According to Urbina, it was Hopkins' wholesomeness that appealed to the video's
casting director.

"She doesn't have that L.A., big city look, and that made her different from the
rest of the girls," he said.

The two-day shoot made for a hectic schedule. In addition to constant makeup and
costume changes, they endured endless hours of downtime. The upside was that it
allowed Hopkins to hang out briefly with some stars, including rapper Busta
Rhymes and actor Pauly Shore.

Hopkins found Eminem to be somewhat amicable.

"He was real nice to everybody and joked around all the time," she said. "He
seemed like a pretty normal guy."

In addition to being featured in some dance scenes, Hopkins filmed some dance
club scenes with the rap star that she hopes will be included in the video's
final cut.

"My hope is that someone will see my face and say, "That's the girl I want in my
video,"' she said.

Though the $225 per day she earned from the video shoot didn't even cover the
cost of her airfare, Hopkins reasons that the exposure alone was worth it.

Meanwhile, Hopkins is keeping an eye out for the summer release of the video and
a chance to point herself out to family and friends.

"I can't wait to see it," she said. "Even if I'm only in it for a couple of
seconds, that's okay. It's definitely the coolest thing I've ever done in my
life."



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




Click Here to Check out the Forum for the latest News, Info and Exlusives

HipHopCapital.com - The Home of Online Hip Hop Jewelry


Get Paid to Use your Favourite Search Engines to Search the Web!



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]