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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."
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