Entertainment News

SNOOP DROPS FIRST SINGLE "VATO".
Check out the first single from Snoop Dogg's upcoming album, Tha Blue Collar Treatment. The single "Vato" was produced by Pharrell and features L.A. Legend, B-real. "Tha Blue Collar Treatment" is scheduled to drop on November 21. Guest appearances include Tha Game, Daz, Kurupt, E-40, MC Eiht, R.Kelly, Young Jeezy, Stevie Wonder, Dr. Dre and more. LISTEN TO "VATO"

JIMMY "HENCHMAN" SIGNS 8 MORE.
Czar Entertainment CEO Jimmy Rosemond today announced the signing of eight new clients to the Czar Entertainment roster. Too $hort, Yummy Bingham and Pleasure of the group Pretty Ricky have selected Jimmy Rosemond to serve as their manager. Rosemond will serve as a consultant to Rick Ross and Akon for their upcoming projects. In addition to managerial services, Gucci Mane, Beloved and Webbz have also signed on to Czar’s production company. New York based Czar Entertainment already boasts an impressive client roster which includes The Game, Trillville, Big Gipp and Mario Winans. “The new additions to the Czar Entertainment family demonstrate the versatility and scope of services we deliver to our clients,” said Jimmy Rosemond. “Our resourcefulness, marketing savvy and corporate relationships provides us with the ideal platform to facilitate branding opportunities and develop longstanding and fruitful careers for our artists.”

NICK CANNON SIGNS DEAL WITH MTV.
MTV Music Television announced that it has signed an exclusive "first look" production deal with Nick Cannon. Cannon's partnership with MTV will allow him to develop, produce, consult and appear on potential MTV branded programming. In addition, the network announced that the successful sketch comedy/improv series "Nick Cannon Presents Wild 'N Out" returns for a third season on Thursday, August 10th at 10pm ET/PT. The announcement follows the success of the hit improv sketch comedy show, "Nick Cannon Present's Wild N' Out." Since the show's initial debut last year, "Wild N' Out" has garnered some of the highest ratings in its time slot to date. "Nick Cannon is one of today's freshest and most innovative young talents," said Tony DiSanto, Executive Vice President, Series Development and Animation for MTV. "His creative vision and tireless pursuit of excellence on both sides of the camera puts him in a class of his own. We are truly excited to grow our partnership with him and anticipate a long relationship and a bunch of great shows." "I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to work with such a respectful and reputable network as MTV," says Nick Cannon. "They understand and respect my creative vision, not only as an entertainer, but as a business executive. I am very much looking forward to the continuation of our close partnership, which will produce more quality programs in television, in addition to big picture films."

SWISS BEATS SPREADING PEACE.
Swizz Beatz will produce a global peace tribute as part of an international campaign to promote peace across the globe. The song will debut for the world to hear during the International Day of Peace Concert on September 21, 2006. In support of the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations International Day of Peace, the two-hour taped television event, produced by Garson Entertainment, will air live on one main stage and tape artists from their respective countries on stages around the world. Chad Elliott, Vice President of Sony Urban, who has worked with Swizz Beatz, is an active member of the international committee for peace, a significant role in this colossal effort to encourage awareness. He has joined forces with Rick Garson, President of Garson Entertainment, to create this large scale, star-studded concert for International Peace Day as a platform for promoting peace among nations. "Swizz Beatz is a perfect example of the caliber of artists who will be participating in the International Peace Concert," Garson stated. "This is a global opportunity for celebrities, musicians and world leaders to reach out and communicate to the rest of world how we can all join together in the road towards peace," he added. The efforts made during the concert will benefit the cause for peace around the world. All proceeds will be donated towards a peace initiative.

CASSIE TOPS THE CHARTS.
"Me & U" tops out at #1 on this week's Billboard Rhythmic Airplay chart as well as #1 on R&R's CHR/Rhythmic chart. Last week, "Me & U" reached #1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, making Cassie the first female in nearly two years to hold the top spot on the chart. The single also ranks at #1 on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay chart for a third week in a row. "Me & U" was the #1 most played video on MTV last week, and the #3 most played on BET. Cassie will make appearances today on both TRL and BET's 106 & Park. Just last month, Cassie made her national television debut, performing "Me & U" on MTV's TRL. The video hit #1 on TRL's countdown in June and repeatedly held the top spot. She also appeared on Sucker Free on MTV August 1st. CASSIE" was produced by Leslie, who also executive produced the album along with Bad Boy founder and CEO Diddy. Album is in stores now.

MYA IS BACK WITH A NEW JOINT "AYO".
Her album drops in November titled "Liberation". Her new single is "Ayo" LISTEN

CHECK OUT Gnarls Barkley - Smiley Faces Video WATCH

TUPAC HEADING TO AFRICA.
On the 10th Anniversary of the Death of Tupac Shakur, His Mother Brings His Ashes to Africa. The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation is proud to announce Afeni Shakur’s upcoming visit to South Africa to deliver her son’s ashes on the 10th anniversary of his death. This momentous trip, from September 10th to the 18th will be an opportunity for Afeni to meet with world icon and former South African president Nelson Mandela. Afeni hopes to develop a relationship between the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation. Traveling with her sister, Gloria Cox, and her daughter, Set Shakur, Afeni will tour South Africa and bring Tupac’s ashes to Soweto, South Africa. The Shakur family will also be visiting hospitals or orphanages offering their support.

LLOYD INKS WORLDWIDE DEAL WITH ATLANTIC VIA JAZZE PHA'S SHONUFF RECORDS. Atlantic Records has signed acclaimed Atlanta-based R&B vocalist and songwriter Lloyd to a long-term, exclusive worldwide recording contract through a pact with ShoNuff Records. The creative force behind ShoNuff is ace producer Jazze Pha, famed for his work with Nelly, Ludacris, OutKast, Usher, T.I., Lil Wayne, Field Mob, Ciara, and many others. Lloyd is currently at work on his ShoNuff/Atlantic debut, while his new single, "You," is rapidly building airplay momentum at radio stations across the country. In announcing the signing, Atlantic Chairman/CEO Craig Kallman commented: "I am very happy to welcome Lloyd into the Atlantic family. He is an amazing singer and a gifted songwriter, with a hugely charismatic personality. Although he's only 20, Lloyd has been a recording artist for almost a decade, and it shows in the genuine soulfulness and depth of his music. He is about to come into his own as a major star, and we're thrilled to join with ShoNuff Records and Jazze Pha to bring Lloyd the breakthrough success he has long deserved." "When surrounded by greatness, you're destined for it," said Lloyd. "Not only am I now in the company of my peers at Atlantic Records - with the likes of T.I., Gnarls Barkley, Juvenile, Lupe Fiasco, Trey Songz and so many others - but through Henry "Noonie" Lee and Jazze Pha's SnoNuff, I'm also presented with the opportunity to create my own legacy with my company, Young Goldie Productions. We will make history. For there are only two kinds of people in this world, spectators and players. So let's play!"

MR CAPONE-E SET TO DROP ALBUM.
Mr. Capone-E has made quite a name for himself while still in his prime. Mr. Capone-E’s latest effort, Don’t Get It Twisted is an album designed to cement his hold on the mainstream music scene while conquering the ears of those who write him off as just another “West Coast artist”. With the release scheduled for August 29th, The project features production by Fingazz and Lil Joe, as well as additional cameos by Lil Eazy-E, Bizzy Bone, Layzie Bone and Lil Flip. Mr. Capone-E will continue his collaboration with Lil Flip later this year on an effort entitled “Lil Flip and Mr. Capone-E present…” This project is the story how two street soldiers, Lil Flip & Mr. Capone-E have emerged onto the mainstream rap scene. Check out the single "Don't get it twisted" featuring Twista.

KELIS WAS HERE
Kelis' new album "Kelis Was Here" drops August 22 featuring Cee-Lo, Nas, Will.I.Am
and more. Her current single Bossy" is currently at #17 on Billboard HOT 100. Check
out Behind the Scenes on the set of the "Bossy" video featuring Too Sheezy . WATCH HERE

NEW JANET JACKSON VIDEO.
Check out Janet Jackson's new video "Call On Me" featuring Nelly WATCH HERE

TUPAC SHAKUR- LEGACY
Ten years after Tupac’s tragic death, Jamal Joseph presents the story of rap artist, political spokesman, poet, actor, writer, humanitarian and entrepreneur Tupac Amaru Shakur. TUPAC SHAKUR LEGACY is far more than just a book. As a unique and special tribute to the memory of Tupac’s irreplaceable genius, becker & mayar and Atria Books have put together a hands-on, interactive, portable museum that’s not just a portrait of the artist, but a knowing, revealing glimpse into the world – and mind – of one of hip-hop’s most revered poets. Jamal Joseph, the author of the book, worked closely with Shakur’s aunt, Gloria Cox, and Molly Monjauze, one of Tupac’s best friends and trusted confident of the Shakur family, are to reveal a personal side to Tupac that’s rarely been seen by the public. Both Cox and Monjauze are story consultants on the book and worked for years to gather Tupac’s never before seen personal articles for inclusion in the book. “My sister, Afeni Shakur and I feel it’s time to share his personal memorabilia with his ardent fans who are so devoted and are constantly seeking a deeper connection to him. This book gives them a glimpse into Tupac’s life through his eyes, in a different more special way,” says Tupac’s aunt and Afeni Shakur’s sister, Gloria Cox. Using recovered and removable exact replicas of documents, including everything from a 1984 playbill for a Harlem festival featuring a very young Shakur to the infamous handwritten contract with Death Row Records, TUPAC SHAKUR LEGACY stands alone in revealing the superstar as he saw himself: both supremely confident and supremely vulnerable. In stories only known to his closest friends and family, TUPAC SHAKUR LEGACY covers everything, from his early childhood in Harlem, to his quick rise to stardom, through his incarceration and subsequent release, to his last, triumphant years in the eyes of his adoring public,. In this unusual scrapbook, TUPAC SHAKUR LEGACY tells of a singular life, one full of grittiness and heart – and one imbued, at its core, in honesty and passion.

MAGIC SIGNS WITH TVT RECORDS.
New Orleans Rapper Magic To Release Album in 2007 *
New York, NY ­ TVT Records announces the signing of New Orleans rapper Magic. Born Awood Johnson, Magic hails from the streets of New Orleans' now-devastated Ninth Ward. The son of a locally prominent jazz musician, Magic is the hottest talent coming out of the area in years and will release his TVT debut, tentatively titled "Before & After", in 2007. Magic is no rookie in the music industry. It was here in his hometown that he got his start in the rap game, working the underground scene and eventually signing with New Orleans' own C-Murder (brother of CEO and mogul Master P) in 1998 to his fledgling label Tru Records. With the buzz on Magic high, Master P moved Magic from Tru Records to his own No Limit Records. Magic was heralded as the artist that could put Master P back on top, but it was an uneasy pairing from the beginning. Magic soon joined the scores of other No Limit artists who exited the label, disgruntled by business practices. Magic could not stay quiet for long, though, and is back full force with TVT Records behind him. "In the past I've been in some bad label situations, which has held my music back. But with TVT Records behind me, I can finally make the mark on this industry I know I was meant to make," says Magic. "TVT's so strong in the South, and together we?re gonna take it to the very bottom -- the Ninth Ward!" "The talent coming out of New Orleans has always been great, but Magic has a real raw power in his voice and raps that will connect with fans all over the country," says TVT Records President, Steve Gottlieb. "Magic has a real story to tell and the talent to make people listen."

CHECK OUT NEW MUSIC FROM DIDDY AND NICOLE SCHERZINGER.
Check out "Come To Me" ft. Nicole Scherzinger LISTEN

OBIE TRICE- SECOND ROUND’S ON ME
Since the release of his platinum 2003 debut, CHEERS, which sold more than 250,000 copies during its opening week, he has been in prep mode. In between joining Eminem on the Anger Management Tour in the U.S. and abroad, Obie has been gearing up for his latest set, SECOND ROUND’S ON ME. This album (which will be released on 8-15-06) album title has multiple meanings. “First, it’s my sophomore album,” Obie says matter-of-factly, “and then I’m keeping the whole bar theme going from CHEERS to SECOND ROUND’S ON ME.” The new album afforded the Shady Records artist the opportunity to step up into the role of executive producer, overseeing the completion of the album and culling some of hip-hop’s most noted beat makers including, Eminem, Jonathan “J.R.” Rotem, Akon, and 9th Wonder, among others. “I did this album myself as opposed to Em just being right next to me like he was on CHEERS,” the Detroit native says. “I did it at my studio, brought it to him and that’s how we got it done. It felt good.” Obie says. “I developed lyrically. I’m talking about a lot of things that are important in the black community. It shows my growth as an artist and as a person.” “I just want the listeners to first of all see the growth in me as an artist,” Obie says. “And I just want them to get an idea of the things that go on in Obie Trice’s head, and see who I am a person.”

GILLIE DA KID FIXED HIS Fu@k!n FACE.
Philadelphia Rap Artist and former Cash Money Millionaire, Gillie Da Kid just agreed to be the new face of the Rod Elam Collection. Gillie will be the first rapper showcased in the national "Fix your Fu@k!n Face" Ad campaign, which is scheduled to launch in publications such as King, XXL, Smooth, and Urb1 in late August. The campaign will feature various hip- hop artists, and entertainment heavies wearing designer outerwear by Rod Rowdy Elam. The 2005 debut line hit retail racks across the U.S, and gained entrance into celebrity closets, print magazines, and on one of America s favorite entertainment shows, BET s 106 & Park. Gillie Da Kid is a Philadelphia native hip-hop artist, who is universally known for the Major Figgas 2000 hit "Yeah that's Us" that topped billboard charts. You can also find him in the Clipse's new video "Mr. Me Too," which premiered on MTV this month. The artist is also expected to collaborate with former foe, Beanie Siegel in September in a quest to bring back Philadelphia rap for his upcoming album.

NEW DAZ VIDEO- "On Some Real Shit" feat. Rick Ross WATCH

RICK ROSS GOES PLATINUM BEFORE HIS ALBUM RELEASES.
Every day, more than a million people are "Hustlin'." Rick Ross' gritty street anthem has made history, becoming the first ringtone ever to sell one million units before the associated album's release, earning Ross a platinum plaque. "Port of Miami" drops on August 8.

YOUNG DRO IS #1 AT URBAN RADIO.
Grand Hustle/Atlantic recording artist Young Dro has conquered urban radio this week as "Shoulder Lean," his hit single featuring rapper and labelmate T.I., earns the #1 spot on both the Billboard Urban Monitor chart and the R&R Urban Mainstream chart. The Atlanta-based rapper's major label debut, "BEST THANG SMOKIN'," will be released August 29th. Young Dro has also exploded in the wireless world. His ringtone for "Shoulder Lean" has already sold more than 500,000 units and is currently Warner Music Group's #1 selling mastertone. "BEST THANG SMOKIN'" features production by some of today's hip-hop heavyweights, including Jazze Pha, Chad West, Keith Mack, and Grand Hustle's own Khao and Lil C. The album not only features collaborations with labelmate T.I. but also Slim Thug and Xtaci.

Atlantic & Bad Boy hold 40% of the TOP 10 of the Urban Chart
Young Dro "Shoulder Lean" #1
T.I. "Why You Wanna" #3
Yung Joc "It's Goin' Down" #5
Cassie "Me & U" #7

ANOTHER JOINT FROM OUTKAST'S UPCOMING RELEASE "IDLEWILD".
The album drops August 22. LISTEN- Big Boi - "Morris Brown"

RON ARTEST TO OPEN FOR FAT JOE ON EUROPEAN TOUR.
Ron Artest will be the opening performance on Fat Joe's European tour, which kicks off on July 28th in Lisbon, Portugal and travels to Germany, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Norway and Denmark. Artest will be performing songs from his album My World, which is slated for an October 24 release on the Lightyear Entertainment label with distribution in the United States through WEA, in Canada by Koch, in Japan by JVC and by independent distributors in Europe and elsewhere. Artest has been performing throughout the summer at several venues across the United States. He was the opening act for Young Geezy on several dates in May and June, and performed as part of the pre-event festivities at New York City’s HOT 97’s Summer Jam Festival in June. Guest artists on My World include Mike Jones, girl group Allure, Challace, Ruc, and Braska. Ron’s music has been taking both fans and critics by surprise, as all discover that he has talents outside of basketball.

DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIP IS UPON US!
The 2006 DMC World DJ Championships are upon us, with this year’s event looking set to be the biggest yet! The event will be taking place at the Hammersmith Palais in London on the 10th and 11th September. This year is the 21st Anniversary of the championships and there is a whopping $30,000 in prize money up for grabs along with those world-renowned golden turntables. This year the rules have been brought back to basics with only one set of Technics SL1210 MK2 turntables, one mixer with no effects or modifications and only stylus in the Ortofon range allowed per competitor. A factor which will give each participant an equal platform and really crank up the pressure for each round! The competition is broken down into three key events: The Battle For World Supremacy, a solo head-to head knock out with rounds leading to the last two DJs standing. The Team Event, which features teams of two, three or four DJ’s using up to 8 turntables to battle each other. And finally - the Individual Event, the main solo event to find and crown the new DMC World DJ Champion.

CHI-ALI IS BACKING TWINS FROM THE PEN.
Incarcerated rapper Chi-Ali is pooling his resources together in hopes of giving his younger cousins, Guns & Glamour (a male and female twin rap group), a shot at making it in hip-hop. Chi-Ali has begun writing letters in behalf of his cousins, Hollywood and Beloved, the rapper has already penned letters to the likes to Diddy, DJ Red Alerts and Big Tigger, and is expected to write to more of his industry contacts over the next few months. In 1998, the brother and sister duo started putting together lyrics. And when Chi-Ali heard them, he passed their CD on to Terry Ross of Noontime Recordings/Capitol, who in turn, flew them to Atlanta to work with the then unknown producer Jazze Pha. Guns & Glamour recorded a number of songs with the producer and ended up inking a deal with Noontime, but ended up being shelved because Ross was unsure about how to market a teenage group who used such explicit lyrics. Now, when was the last time you heard a male and female rap group who are twins and the female raps more gangster than the male? Well, that’s one of the characteristics that Guns & Glamour expresses through their music and lifestyles. Guns & Glamour is the sole mixture of complete opposites with the same story to tell---their life struggles. The duo are currently putting the finishing touches on their Divinaire Entertainment/Woodroq Records 2006 debut disc set, Both Sides To The Story. Chi-Ali is currently behind bars for the shooting death of Sean Raymond, his girlfriend's brother. The rapper allegedly shot Raymond over $300 and a collection of CDs. After the killing, Ali fled from justice for nearly two years. But after appearing on FOX's "America's Most Wanted" twice, police received tips as to his whereabouts, where he was captured and arrested. In 1992, the rapper released his only solo album, The Fabolous Chi-Ali, which spawned the hit single "Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number." The single broke the top ten on the Billboard music charts.

EMILY KING MAKES HER SOULFUL DEBUT ON J RECORDS WITH EAST SIDE STORY, SET FOR LATE 2006 RELEASE. “I’ve always been an observer, I’ve always really tuned in to people and their stories, their feelings,” she says. “I’m just finding my own culture within myself. We have a lot of division in our society, but I was never raised like that. I feel like what I’m doing right now is going to bring a lot of people together.” Listen to her single- 'Walk in My Shoes'

NEW MUSIC FROM INTERSCOPE
Young Hot Rod- "Be Easy" feat Mary J. Blige- LISTEN
Young Buck- “Do It Myself” LISTEN
Obie Trice- "Jamaican Girl" LISTEN

DJ MUGGS- REPRESENTS MACKIE.
DJ MUGGS, founder of legendary Hip-Hop group Cypress Hill, world famous producer, CEO of Angeles Records and President of Soul Assassins has been chosen to represent the MACKIE brand during an International endorsement campaign to promote the new D.2 DJ Mixer and MACKIE’S line of active loudspeakers. MACKIE will support the artist endorsement campaign via print and viral media advertising. Mackie, working directly with the art direction of celebrity photographer Cesario “BLOCK” Montano, who was specifically requested by DJ MUGGS for the photo shoot, had an organic, urban lifestyle vision for the look of the campaign. Erik Hanson, artist relations director for MACKIE says “we wanted MUGGS to be in his natural element more than an endorsement. This is a lifestyle for an Icon that has helped shape Hip-Hop, much like MUGGS. The designer of the D.2 producer/DJ Poet Name Life exclaims “it was a natural partnership for us to work with a rock-star like MUGGS, who has been using Mackie products since the early days of Cypress Hill.” DJ MUGGS is currently working on the new Soul Assassins L.P. due out in early 2007, says that “Over the past 12 years I've been using MACKIE products and they have been one of the most durable and reliable pieces of equipment I've ever used, not to mention they continue to push the envelope when it comes to being on the cutting edge of technology.” In addition, Erick Hanson at MACKIE adds that when we released the D.2 DJ mixer, we knew we wanted to work with the best — the true icons of hip-hop and urban music.”

NEW JURASSIC 5 VIDEO- LASHING OUT AT THE PRESIDENT.
Click the link below to check out the new Jurassic 5 video “Work It Out” which lashes out at President Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Enjoy!!! WATCH

MAC MINISTER- WHOSE ON ON TRIAL FOR 2 COUNTS OF MURDER READIES ON
2 COUNTS OF MURDER READIES SOLO ALBUM FOR EARLY 2006 RELEASE.
Mac Minister, who made headlines when he was featured on “America's Most Wanted” following a homicide, is poised to release his new album The Minister of Defense while still behind bars. The project will be released on SMC Recordings/Fontana and features Snoop Dogg, Mac Dre, Bad Azz, Too $hort & B-Legit, as well as production by LT Hutton & Mannie Fresh. Mac Minister, whose real name is Andre Dow, originally hails from the Bay Area and made a name for himself by giving "game sermon's" on albums by E-40, Snoop Dogg, Yukmouth and the Cash Money Millionaires. He also appears on Snoop Dogg's upcoming album, Blue Carpet Treatment, alongside Young Jeezy & Nate Dogg.
Mac Minister is currently being held in Las Vegas and is getting ready to be tried for the 2005 murders of rapper Anthony "Fat Tone" Watkins, 24, and his friend Jermaine "Cowboy" Akins. According to police speculation, a long standing rivalry had been brewing between Mac Minister and Fat Tone after the death of Bay Area rapper, Andre "Mac Dre" Hicks, who was gunned down in Kansas City in 2004 after a dispute over a payment for a concert. While maintaining his innocence, this album, The Minister of Defense marks an opportunity for Mac Minister to tell his side of the story and detail what led up to the incidents in question. The Minister of Defense is an opportunity for listeners to hear about experiences that other rappers boast of, while not having lived. Without glorifying violence, The Minister of Defense is a way for people to understand what a life on the street entails, as well as the consequences that come with the lifestyle. Ralph Tashijan, CEO of SMC Recordings says: "After my first meeting with Mac I was inspired. He has the charisma and the inspiration from above to take himself to the top and overcome any situation. Mac Minister is a powerful man, a strong guy and most importantly a gentleman."

MESSY MARV AND GUCE - Bullys Wit Fullys set the streets on fire.
Bullys Wit Fullys are back! San Francisco street legend turned rapper- Guce is teaming up with Messy Marv to release the upcoming The Infrastructure on Git Paid/SMC Recordings. The first single from the album, “So Hood” guest stars Clyde Carson (from the Team) and features production from acclaimed Bay Area legends E-A-Ski and CMT. "We got the hottest record for the streets this summer (with the single) so we just wanted to capture that, we grabbed the cameras and hit the black-top wit it and kept it "So Hood", says one half of the duo, Guce, who not only stars in the video but also co-directed as well. Bullys Wit Fullys first hit the scene in 1999, but the group decided to take a break after losing a number of their friends to gang violence. Bullys Wit Fullys returned with Bullys Wit Fullys 2, which spawned the hit single “What It Do” featuring The Game. The current release, The Infrastructure features the talents of Keak the Sneak, Yukmouth, Killa Keise, Swoop, Mr. 1, C. Luciano and all of the new artists signed to Git Paid Music Group, Guce's own label. The album is an eclectic mix of sounds and flavors. It serves as a springboard for the introduction of “hyphy” music into the mainstream. The Infrastructure already has the industry a - buzz. Make sure you don't miss out on the hype! PEEP THE VIDEO- WATCH

NEW Audio from Cham - "Ghetto Story" ft. Alicia Keys- LISTEN

MEET JOHNTA AUSTIN.
Ladies and gentleman, meet the man responsible for the lyrics of the hit songs by Mary J. Blige [Be Without You], Mariah Carey [We Belong Together], Tyrese [Sweet Lady], Toni Braxton [Just Be a Man (About It)], Aaliyah [Miss You], Fantasia Barrino [You Got Me Waiting], Chris Brown [Yo (Excuse Me Miss)] and MANY MORE...Meet JOHNTA AUSTIN! He may be young, but you can't deny Johnta Austin's "old soul" gift for songwriting. For years, he's lent this talent to dozens of other artists. Now, on OCEAN DRIVE it's his turn to shine. "I try to sing with a lot of emotion," says Austin . "When it's a painful song, I want you to feel the pain in my voice. When it's a love song, I want you to feel the love. Marvin Gaye did it best. He could do all the riffs and acrobats with his voice, but it was his emotion and feeling that really brought the records home. That's what I try to do every time I get on the mic. I just really try to concentrate on the feeling." Austin's reputable work led him to well known producer Bryan-Michael Cox, who in 2003 introduced Austin to So So Def founder, superstar producer and current President of Virgin Records' Urban Music Division, Jermaine Dupri. As the two composers began working together on various projects, Dupri also took notice of Austin 's singing talent. "J.D. would ask me to write on some tracks," recalls Austin . "I would demo the vocals on records for other artists and as I did more and more records, J.D. started listening to my voice. Then I did this song called "Lil More Love." After he heard it, he was like, 'When I get this new situation [with Virgin], I'm gonna sign you." True to his word, Dupri signed Austin to So So Def/Virgin Records in the spring of 2005. "Ocean Drive" drops this fall. PEEP THE SINGLE: JOHNTA AUSTIN "Turn it Up" feat. Jermaine Dupri

PIMP C "THE PIMPALATION (Return of the Trill)" DEBUTS AT #1 ON THE R&B/HIP-HOP CHART AND #2 ON BILLBOARD HOT 200. "The Pimp Is Free" is the Intro to Pimp C's Rap-A-Lot album 'The Pimpalation" , with the best sample use of the Tom Petty classic "Free Falling" possible on Track 2 as Pimp let's us all know exactly how he feels about being back. Pimp C certainly has come back, with a vengeance with this album; charting at #1 and #2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop and Billboard Hot 200 charts respectively, with its first week's sales. Fan's of Pimp C have waited four long years for some more heat from this Houston legend and he has given them sixteen tracks full of the classic Port Arthur style that has earned him the monikers of 'pioneer' and Underground King. Each track on this compilation features some of the best that the South has to offer with names like Lil Keke, Jazze Pha, Scarface, Chamillionaire, 8-Ball & MJG, Trae, Jagged Edge, Z-Ro, Ali & Gipp and of course Bun B all making appearances at the mic with their boy. The production is definitely mostly classic Texas with turns at the boards being taken by Mike Dean, Cory Mo, Clay D, Mr. Lee and of course Pimp C himself with some Jazze Pha and Mannie Fresh thrown in for good measure. The album is Executive Produced by none other than the king of Rap-A-Lot, J Prince himself; along with Pimp C, "as if anyone else could have done the job. ". It's debut follows on the heels of similar debuts by legends Bun B and Scarface and is bound to reach the classic status of other Rap-A-Lot noteds like Geto Boys, Devin the Dude, Z-Ro and The Luniz. If you don't pick one up, you are bound to hear it anyway - banging from a stereo near you.

3RD ANNUAL HIP HOP HONORS IS SET FOR OCTOBER!
VH1 Hip Hop Honors," will pay tribute to hip-hop artist and actor, Ice Cube as the latest honoree at the 3rd annual event. The VH1-created awards special honors hip hop's pioneers and luminaries who have transformed this musical genre into a cultural phenomenon. Since its inception, New York City has served as the inaugural host city to launch this special event and concert. Ice Cube joins this year's previously announced honorees, Wu-Tang Clan, Afrika Bambaataa, Russell Simmons, MC Lyte, Rakim, Beastie Boys and Eazy E. The music and influence of each of the honorees will be recognized through performances by classic artists in collaboration with today's hottest new talent. The star-studded event, hosted by Ice T, is slated to take place at
the famed Hammerstein Ballroom on Saturday, October 7 and will be broadcast
on VH1 on Tuesday, October 17 at 8PM. This year's "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" will be executive produced by Lee Rolontz for VH1 and Jac Benson for Blacjac Entertainment. Co-executive producers are Nelson George and Fab 5 Freddy. Louis J. Horvitz will direct.

METH & RED: HOW TO THROW A PARTY AT THE PLAYBOY MANSION.
Hip-Hop's dynamic duo, Method Man and Redman, have unleashed their special brand of mayhem in Meth & Red: How to Throw a Party at the Playboy Mansion. Available on DVD from the Playboy Entertainment Group, it’s a hilarious take on every guy’s fantasy – crashing Hugh Hefner’s pad and throwing the ultimate house party. Everyone knows that Hef's the original playa. But when hip-hop multi-platinum megastars Redman and Method Man decide to jump the Playboy Mansion fence to throw a hot party for themselves and a few hundred of their closest friends, it's an outrageous never-before-seen look into Hef's world. The Dynamic Duo, Funk Doc and Mr. Meth explore the mansion grounds, referee a skins vs. skins tennis match, hot box chronic in the sauna, get down in the grotto, and instigate a Jell-O wrestling tournament between some of the ladies at the ultimate Playboy Mansion party. Watch old school meet new school in this freaky-deaky comedy! Hef's crib has never seen a party like this - and neither have you! This Dvd is in stores now.

BIG HUTCH IS GETTING RELEASED FROM PRISON THIS WEEK.
1-Ate Seven (Gregory Hutchinson a.k.a. Big Hutch/Cold 187um) of the Legendary West Coast super group, Above The Law will be released from Federal Prison on Friday July 21st, 2006. 1-Ate Seven is currently housed in the Federal Correctional Institution in Forrest City Arkansas. He is being released after serving 105 weeks for conspiracy to traffic 100 pounds of marijuana in a case that was pursued by Federal agents of the Drug Enforcement Association (DEA). At the time 1-Ate Seven stated, "AI was driving, and federal marshals pulled me over, and picked me up. They told me I had been indicted for drug trafficking." The rapper/producer was indicted based on the testimony of a desperate individual who made a plea bargain with the United States Government. This individual made erroneous claims that Hutchinson was present and knew about the alleged deal and drugs. From the time of his indictment on up to his release, family, friends, as well as those in the Hip-Hop community felt that the rapper had poor and incompetent legal representation during the case and was railroaded because of his career as a gangster-rapper and being a pioneer of the West Coast Hip-Hop movement in the early 90 s which the general American media claimed to promote and celebrate California s on-going gang-violence, drug selling, and virtually every negative vice that continues to plague L.A. and American cities that have large minority populations. According to the group's representative Damon X, Those familiar with Above The Law, can bear witness that the group have made it their responsibility on every record to speak on the issues that affect them and their community at-large which is really just a microcosm of everything that is wrong with this country. In fact, it could be stated that they are a cross between Public Enemy and N.W.A., young revolutionaries who speak directly to the masses of people of color. With a name like Above The Law and albums titled Black Mafia Life Living Like Hustlers , and Uncle Sam's Curse the snakes that make up this country's judicial system found a way to silence them, since they couldn't do it in the music industry, but it was only a temporary set-back. Prior to his sentencing, 1-Ate Seven released his second solo album Live From The Ghetto on his independent label WestWorld Records. While serving his sentence in Nevada, California, and Arkansas, the rapper used the time to review his personal and professional life. He has written over 50 songs that he plans on recording as soon as his feet, hits the concrete jungles of Los Angeles. 1-Ate Seven's time in the pen, really got him to re-evaluate his personal life and his career. The homie has a renewed energy that will be very evident in the music he produces for himself and other artists stated to his representative. Gone are his previous monikers Big Hutch and Cold 187um which has now been replaced by 1-Eight Seven. Back in high school and on the streets of Pomona and South Central Los Angeles, Hutchinson was known to do away with rappers who tested his lyrical skills and he was given the name Cold 187um by his band-mates. The name 1-Ate Seven will show that same competitive spirit which will be beneficial in help rejuvenating the current rise of the West Coast scene. The producer will heavily concentrate on promoting his production abilities that made him a household name when he first came into the industry. He's looking to make his mark not only on the west coast, but world-wide. His focus will be behind the board, the microphone, and his various business ventures. With 1-Eight Seven being released, as well as group member DJ K-OSS (who was also recently released from prison after serving four years for drug possession), Hutchinson and his Above The Law cohorts are back with something to prove.

Source: RapIndustry.com