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MTV's Hottest MC's In The Game List

Sat, 17 May 2008 18:27:00 EST

01. Kanye West
02. Jay-Z
03. Lil Wayne
04. Rick Ross
05. Snoop Dogg
06. 50 Cent
07. Lupe Fiasco
08. Young Jeezy
09. Andre 3000
10. T.I.

Solange Says She Is Not Her Sister Beyonce

Sat, 17 May 2008 00:05:00 EST

Solange Knowles, who is often compared to her superstar sister Beyonce, wants to set the record straight before her sophomore album, "Sol-Angel and the Hadley Street Dream," drops Aug. 26 via Music World/Geffen.

"I'm not her and never will be/two girls gone in different directions, striving towards the same galaxy/let my star light shine on its own/No, I'm no sister, I'm just my God-given name," Knowles sings on the appropriately titled opener "God Given Name."

Mathew Knowles, their father/manager, tells Billboard Solange wasn't concerned with being "perfect" on this album. "Beyonce's already got pop and she's perfect at it. Solange just wanted to sing from the heart. She wants her feelings and emotions to touch you. That's why 'God Given Name' was purposely the first song - so she can share with you how different she is."

Knowles definitely attempts to stray from her sister's staple sound on the upcoming album. With the help of producers the Neptunes, Jack Splash, Q-Tip and Mark Ronson, "Sol-Angel" is less pop, with more of a modern twist on hip-hop and R&B flecked with tinges of blues and jazz.

And, unlike her sister - who has yet to go public about her relationship and recent marriage to rapper Jay-Z - Solange has no reservations about sharing personal experiences. Tracks like the break-up song "Valentine's Day," the regretful "T.O.N.Y.," about a one-night stand, and the Pharrell-produced lead single "I Decided," all demonstrate her storytelling abilities.

Other tracks on the set include the Bilal-penned "Cosmic Journey," "Wanna Go Back" featuring Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry, the Estelle-assisted "Same Song, Different Man," "Champagnechronicnightcap," alongside Lil Wayne, and "SandCastle Disco," which is set to be the second single.

In addition, Knowles has partnered with Wal Mart and plans on releasing a branded MP3 player soon. She will also embark on "The Art of Love" tour featuring Raheem Devaughn and Chrisette Michele starting next week, and although details were scant, she is currently negotiating another stateside tour and an international endorsement deal.

Knowles' 2003 debut, "Solo Star,", reached No. 23 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and has sold 112,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Rihanna Heads To The Big Screen

Sat, 17 May 2008 09:00:00 EST

After record breaking success with her latest album "Good Girl Gone Bad," R&B/Pop singer Rihanna has plans to take on the film industry this year.

Rihanna is set to make her big screen debut in Mama Black Widow -- the story of a black family's migration from the South in the 1930s. The "Take a Bow" singer joins Kerry Washington, Anthony Anderson, Mos Def and Macy Gray in the film, currently in pre-production.

After conquering the music game, including this week's near-record-breaking jump on Billboard's Hot 100 ("Take A Bow" jumped 53-1), Rihanna says acting is on her mind adding " I don't know how good I'll be at it, but it's something that I want to try."

Macy Gray Too Drunk To Perform

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:19:00 EST

"Macy Gray cut her gig short at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday - because she was reportedly too drunk to perform.

The I Try star's show at the Nikki Club in the south of France was due to start at 11pm Tuesday, but fans had to wait until 2am for her to stumble onto the stage.

Patient onlookers were only rewarded with three songs before she staggered off, according to fans.

One reveller, Emilie Malieu [said] 'All the celebrities had left by the time she took the stage. And she (Gray) was in such a state, she only hardly managed to sing three songs. It was a real disappointment.'"

See picture on WDKX.com - you don't want to miss this one!

Foxy Browns New CD Flops - She Fires Manager

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:14:00 EST

Foxy Brown has officially parted ways with her manager Chaz Williams, just days after her official return to the rap scene with the release of her new album, Brooklyn's Don Diva.

According to the rapper, the dismissal stems from her dissatisfaction over the handling of the Brooklyn Don Diva album, which Brown said was "compiled without her approval" during her recent eight-month stint in jail Riker?s Island for violating her probation.

Despite anticipation running high for Brooklyn's Don Diva, the rapper revealed that the album was much less that what she wanted to give her fans.

"I heard this CD in its entirety for the first time just days ago and was devastated," Brown told AllHipHop.com in a statement "Riddled with grief over an album that was seemingly so carelessly orchestrated, I sat down with the president of Koch to come to a decision on how to make the best of this situation. In another phase of my life and career, I would have dealt with this situation with litigation, but for the benefit of my fans and in the wake of the profound spiritual cleansing I recently underwent in prison, I made the decision to settle our creative differences amicably. My fans have waited seven years for an in-store release and deserve my very best."

News of the termination was made official on Tuesday (May 13) as Williams, who managed Brown since 2007, confirmed the rumored split during an interview on RockMeTV.com's The Roundtable.

"I no longer represent Foxy Brown," the Black Hand Entertainment CEO said as he acknowledged the support he gave the rapper as her main spokesperson while she was in jail. "I stayed with her throughout the prison situation. I was there through her whole incarceration. It was time for both of us to split and move on," Williams continued, offering no additional details on the reason behind the split.

Brown's Brooklyn's Don Diva, which hit stores on Tuesday (May 13) was the first release for Black Hand under a new deal with Koch.

The alliance between the labels was established last Summer, following the rap diva's departure from Def Jam, her label home of 13 years.

In the meantime, Brown is moving forward with plans to re-release Brooklyn's Don Diva with "five new records, videos, publicity, mass marketing and promotion," according to the rapper.

The album is intended to be a "mixtape street album" that will precede her long-awaited fourth studio album Black Roses.

"I am of a certain pedigree, and, I have an obligation to my fans to deliver the level of product my brand is accustomed to," Foxy Brown told AllHipHop.com. "In order to preserve my artistic integrity, the new release will have my stamp of approval and fingerprints all over it. Going independent was a great business decision and I believe Koch and I will deliver the biggest street album in female rap history."

Foxy Brown's Brooklyn's Don Diva is slated to be re-released next month by Brown and Koch Records.

Legendary Marley Marl Launches Internet Radio

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:11:00 EST

Pioneering Hip-Hop DJ/producer DJ Marley Marl has announced the re-launch of Future Flavas Radio on the Internet.

The show, which debuted in 1994 on New York's Hot 97, was initially hosted by KRS-ONE and developed by Marley Marl and Pete Rock.

When Marley Marl left Hot 97, he established Future Flavas Radio online. The new DJ lineup and staff features a number of world renowned DJ's, including DJ Premiere, Pete Rock, Rok City and Evil Dee.

"Future Flavas Radio is an international brand," Marley Marl told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "This time around we will much more interactive with a section to show the latest and hottest sneakers called 'I Know You Got Sole.' Our regular rotation will feature unreleased music, underground hits, and unsigned artists. We will take the hottest demos that we can get and showcase the hottest DJs possible. We will give unsigned and up-and-coming artists international exposure by having their music played on internet radio."

In related news, Marley Marl announced the formation of It's Cool To Care, a non-profit organization designed to develop media learning centers for children.

The non-profit was launched in partnership with Marley's business partners Karl & Phyllis Weydig.

"It's Cool to Care is a way for our youth to learn about the media and establish relationships with industry professionals worldwide," Marley Marl explained.

Marley Marl is currently featured on New York's Power 105.1 FM at Noon, as well as Future Flavas, which currently airs Friday nights from 2am - 4am.

Future Flavas Radio re-launches May 30th.

T.I. Is A Daddy Again

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:09:00 EST

The hit-making hip-hopster and girlfriend Tameka "Tiny" Cottle (formerly of the R&B vocal group Xscape) welcomed their second son together at the stroke of midnight this morning.

"God has blessed us with another miracle," T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, told People. The rapper, who is facing prison time after pleading guilty in March to federal weapons charges, celebrates the birth just months before he drops another baby: his new album, Paper Trail, is due Aug. 12.

The baby is his second with Cottle and his fifth offspring overall.

Checking in at 5 pounds, 15 ounces, the newborn was christened Major Harris-not so unusual in the greater scheme of celebrity baby names, but a far cry from his royally named big brother, King Harris.

Ushers Momma Turns Music Producer

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:06:00 EST

Known to many as R&B superstar Usher's mom and former manager, Jonnetta Patton is no stranger to the music business and today "mom" launches her independent label Jpat Records.

Patton, also CEO of Jpat Management will premiere newly signed acts on the roster - Chicago's R&B group Kwiet Storm and R&B male singer Dante at the 30th Annual Bauder College student fashion show in Atlanta. The show, featuring top designs of 22 student and alumni designers, will feature performances from both of Patton's acts and will also be streamed live online.

Hailing from Chicago, R&B quartet Kwiet Storm is already receiving strong radio support for their single "Get to Know You" on stations such as WGCI in Chicago, WVEE-103 in Atlanta and WFXE in Columbus. Kwiet Storm comprises of four talented singer/songwriter/producers who have literally dedicated their lives to the pursuit of their dream. Cousins Duke Terrell, 18, and Lewis "Drey Skonie" Jackson, 19, hooked up with best friends Russell "Romance" Foster, 20, and Roshawn "Slow Mo" Lyles, 20, two years ago and set out on a journey that would ultimately bring them to Atlanta and to Jonnetta Patton of JPat Management.

Dante, a 20-year-old Philadelphia native was playing the lead role in the musical stage play "The Life of Marvin Gaye" when, during intermission, he was introduced to Jonnetta Patton. Impressed by his soulful music and acting abilities, she soon signed him to her record label.

Tye Tribbett Debuts At Number One

Fri, 16 May 2008 19:03:00 EST

A few years ago, Tye Tribbett made a decision to forgo a lucrative career working with music stars like Faith Hill, Don Henley and Elton John to answer God's call in the gospel music arena.

That decision is paying off, as Tye Tribbett & G.A.'s new Columbia album, "Stand Out," debuts at No. 1 this week on Top Gospel Albums and at No. 16 on the Billboard 200 with 26,000 first-week U.S. sales, according to Nielsen SoundScan. (Tribbett's 2006 "Victory Live!" topped the Gospel Albums chart, but this is his strongest showing yet on the main album chart.)

Tribbett and his choir, Greater Anointing, first gained national attention in 1998 on "The Prince of Egypt (Inspirational)" soundtrack that accompanied the animated DreamWorks film. "That led to us going on tour with Faith Hill, Don Henley, Luther Vandross and Elton John," Tribbett recalls. "Then we started working with hip-hop artists and we became the background singers for everybody."

But Tribbett says some of the music was contradicting the gospel message that he felt called to spread. So he asked the members of his choir to commit totally to gospel music for one year.

"I said, 'This is going to hurt us for a little while financially, but we're going to trust God at least for a year and do music that promotes his ways.' So that year we pulled out of secular music, and 'Victory' came out and blew our minds," Tribbett says of the success of his sophomore album.

"Stand Out" features a guest appearance by Kim Burrell on "He Has Made Me Glad," and Kierra "Kiki" Sheard lends her vocals to "Look Up." The latter tune started as an interlude on 2004's "Life" album before Tribbett decided to flesh it out for the new project.

The album was recorded live at Rock Church International in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Plans call for a live DVD of the recording to be released this fall.

"The D.C./Baltimore/Virginia area loves our music," Tribbett says. "With the 'Victory' album, we were in that area once every two weeks, and every time we went to Virginia, there was an overwhelming response."

R. Kelly Trial Update - Media Denied Access

Fri, 16 May 2008 13:53:00 EST

A judge has denied a motion from news organizations seeking immediate access to sealed court records and transcripts in the R. Kelly child pornography trial.

Judge Vincent Gaughan (GAWN) also refused to lift a gag order forbidding attorneys to talk about the case.

The judge says he's not trying to inhibit the press. But he says the time isn't right to release the information and keeping it secret is the only way to guarantee a fair trial.

Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges he videotaped himself having sex with an underage girl.

Jury selection in the R&B singer's trial finished this week. Opening arguments begin Tuesday.

The Dean's List - Questions And Thoughts - 5.16.08

Fri, 16 May 2008 09:18:00 EST

Doesn't singer Brandy and NBA player Sam Cassell look like they are twin brother and sister?

Don't you love the spring smell in the morning in Rochester?

Another teenager was killed this week in Rochester - when will it end?

Aren't you tired of the San Antonio Spurs being so dominant and wish that the New Orleans Hornets would win it all?

Don't you look forward to hearing DJ Whizz on Deja Vu At Noon every week day - "Yes, Yes, Yall!"?

"Zero Tolerance" - is it working?

Don't you think Hillary Clinton should just sit her ass down?

I think Superintendent Dr. Jean Claude Brizzard is making the necessary changes needed in the Rochester City School District!

Don't you miss shopping at All Day Sunday in Midtown Plaza?

Even though you knew it would happen, aren't you sad that the Buffalo Bills waived Kevin Everett?

Did you know that reggae superstars Third World are coming to Rochester for a free concert?

I'm so happy its Friday!

You can write the Dean's List with your thoughts, comments or ideas at: thedeanslist1@gmail.com

RuPaul's Drag Race

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:53:00 EST

Noted drag queen RuPaul, best known for his 1993 hit "Supermodel (You Better Work)," will host a new reality competition series for MTV Networks' gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender-themed channel Logo.

Titled "RuPaul's Drag Race." The show will feature contestants competing to become "America's next superstar drag queen.

RuPaul will serve as host, mentor and judge, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Online voters will help pick one of the contestants at http://www.RuPaulsDragRace.com.

The hourlong, six-episode series is expected to debut on Logo's digital cable channel early next year.

Robin Thicke Prepares His New CD

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:43:00 EST

Robin Thicke is feeling the "Magic" on his new single due May 20th, the first cut from his third studio album due this summer.

The R&B singer introduced his soulful sound to the world on the platinum certified album "The Evolution of Robin Thicke" in 2006. Since then the artist who earned praise for his soulful and classic sound on records like "Can U Believe" and "Wanna Love U Girl" has been working on the follow up album tentatively titled "Something Else," which the singer reportedly wrote and produced from start to finish. An accomplished songwriter, Thicke has worked with R&B and pop artists including Mya, Usher, Christina Aguilera, Marc Anthony and recently on Ashanti's latest project 'The Declaration.'

On "Magic," the uptempo first single from "Something Else," Thicke expands on his sultry, classic R&B sound reminiscent of a "feel good" Marvin Gaye or Isaac Hayes record where Thicke explains "sometimes you feel no hope, I've been there across that lonely road." Celebrating with horns, horns and more horns he croons about that perfect relationship on "Magic" saying - "I can make it alright, I can wake up in paradise. We got that magic girl."

After the success of Thicke's "Evolution," including the hit single "Lost Without You," which earned the singer two 2007 BET Award Nominations. It's evident that the singer has the "Magic" to wow fans yet again.

Thicke's "Magic" is slated for release on May 20th, with "Something Else" due July 1st via StarTrak/Interscope.

Ushers New Endorsement Deal

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:41:00 EST

Fresh off of his performance on the season finale of MTV's "The Hills," R&B singer Usher has reportedly signed a deal with Sony Ericsson as its new brand ambassador. The "Love In This Club" singer will be featured in the company's marketing starting next month and spearhead the launch of the company's W350 and W980 Walkman phone to be released later this year.

As part of the agreement, fans will have access to exclusive content and contests including the opportunity to meet Usher on the set of a video shoot and the chance to win tickets to his European concerts.

John Bernard, Sony Ericsson music marketing manager, says: "Working with an artist such as Usher is an ideal fit for us. Here we are at the start of an electrifying launch campaign, poised to deliver a totally 360 degree experience for all consumers and Usher fans alike."

Usher will kick off the partnership with a performance at an exclusive show hosted at London's Indigo venue docklands on May 22.

New Music By DJ Green Lantern

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:34:00 EST

Riding high on the super success of the actual video game itself, DJ Green Lantern has enlisted some of hip hop's finest for a compilation disc entitled Liberty City Invasion: Music from and Inspired by Grand Theft Auto IV.

The album, which will be digitally released on May 20 with a physical release at a later date, will be released through Rockstar Games and Future Green Entertainment. The disc will be the first time that Green Lantern, who's featured as a DJ in the game on the fictional station "The Beat," will be releasing an entire album of originally produced material and will feature guest spots from rappers like Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Fat Joe, Styles P and Fabolous.

"From making mixtapes, to being on the radio, to touring with the biggest artists on the planet, and then for the biggest video game title to solicit me to create exclusive music is something most people could only dream about, it's like a graduation," said Green. "Rockstar Games understood what I bring to the table as far as not just presenting music, but creating music.

Singles from the album will include "Where's My Money" from Busta Rhymes and "Nickname" from the brand new artist Qadir. The song "I'm So Fly," featuring Fat Joe and Fabolous is inspired by Grand Theft Auto IV and while included on the album is not in the actual game.

The set will be the second official soundtrack release from the game and will feature 16 tracks total. Eight of these tracks were crafted exclusively for DJ Green Lantern's in-game radio station. It will additionally feature eight new songs directly inspired by Grand Theft Auto IV.

Dennis Rodman Charged With Battery

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:32:00 EST

Prosecutors say they have charged former NBA star Dennis Rodman with domestic violence for allegedly hitting his girlfriend at a hotel last month.

Los Angeles City Attorney spokesman Nick Velasquez says Rodman was charged Wednesday with spousal battery, brandishing a deadly weapon, and one count of dissuading a witness. The charges were misdemeanors.

The 46-year-old was arrested at a hotel April 30 after Gina Peterson called hotel security. Police say she suffered injuries to her arm.

Rodman spokesman Darren Prince says Rodman had had too much to drink when he got into an altercation with Peterson. Prince says the couple are still dating.

"We look forward to a successful resolution of this misdemeanor matter," said Rodman's attorney, Paul Meyer.

Attempts to find a phone listing for Peterson were not successful.

Ellen DeGeneres To Get Married

Fri, 16 May 2008 08:28:00 EST

Ellen DeGeneres is putting the California Supreme Court ruling in favor of gay marriage into action ? she and Portia de Rossi plan to wed, DeGeneres announced during a taping of her talk show.

DeGeneres was taping the episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Thursday, the day the state's high court struck down California laws against gay marriage, and it was to air Friday, a person close to the production said.

The person, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

Citing the court's ruling, DeGeneres said she and girlfriend de Rossi ("Ally McBeal," "Nip/Tuck") would be getting married.

De Rossi, 35, who was in the studio, and DeGeneres, 50, were applauded by audience members, the person close to the production said.

Calls and e-mails late Thursday to DeGeneres' publicist were not immediately returned.

The court ruling means same-sex couples could tie the knot in as little as a month. However, religious and social conservatives are seeking to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot in November that would undo the Supreme Court ruling and ban gay marriage.

DeGeneres has boldly used TV before to make a stand for gay rights.

In 1997, she brought her character on the ABC sitcom "Ellen" out of the closet, making the show the first on prime-time network TV to have an openly gay lead. The move drew cheers from gay civil rights organizations but was condemned by some religious groups.

A month before, DeGeneres had proclaimed from the cover of Time magazine that she was a lesbian.

DeGeneres and the glamorous de Rossi have been a familiar couple at Hollywood events, including the Academy Awards. Previously, DeGeneres had a high-profile relationship with actress Anne Heche.

In a 2005 interview with Allure magazine, the comedian said she hoped she and de Rossi are "together the rest of our lives."

"I never would have thought my life would have turned out this way," DeGeneres told the magazine. "To have money. Or to have a gorgeous girlfriend. I just feel so lucky with everything in my life right now."

Lil Kim Wins Lawsuit - 500K

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:22:00 EST

Lil' Kim was awarded a half million dollars by a judge yesterday after winning a lawsuit against former friend, Junior M.A.F.I.A. rapper Lil' Cease.

Kim sued Cease (born James Lloyd) and his company, Ground Zero Entertainment - which puts out street DVDs - for wrongly capitalizing on her fame with a film about the crew.

She also put the breaks on a second DVD, The Chronicles of Junior M.A.F.I.A Part II: Reloaded, with a court order forcing Cease to stop production.

Lil' Kim had originally sought $6 million in damages from Cease, who testified against her in a criminal trial in which she was convicted for perjury. Kim (born Kimberly Jones) was sentenced to one year and a day in prison for lying to a federal grand jury about a 2001 shootout that took place outside of New York's Hot 97 radio station.

Most recently though, Kim made headlines when repo men showed up at her front door to confiscate her silver Bentley due to delinquent payments. A rep for Kim said the car was a gift and the matter was being resolved.

Ice-T To Perform With The Symphony Orchestra

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:04:00 EST

Gangster rapper/actor Ice-T will perform with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra next month during the world premiere of the orchestrated version of Langston Hughes' classic 1961 12-part master work titled "Ask Your Mama: Twelve Moods for Jazz."

Ice-T will narrate Hughes' poetry set to the music of Dr. Ronald McCurdy, who composed the project using musical cues suggested in notes written by Hughes himself.

The performance, which will be conducted by David Spears, also marks the first time the Grammy Award winning rapper has performed with a live symphony orchestra.

"It is a great honor to perform with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Ron McCurdy for this landmark event celebrating the brilliance of Langston Hughes," Ice-T said in a statement.

A multi-media presentation featuring images by famed African-American photographers Jacob Lawrence, Gordon Parks, and Romare Bearden of the Harlem Renaissance, will be projected on huge screens around the theatre.

The images will be projected on a large screen above the stage, linking the music and Hughes poetry together.

Grandmaster Flash To Release His Memoir

Thu, 15 May 2008 22:02:00 EST

Bronx native and Hip-Hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash is set to release a memoir this summer, chronicling his life's triumphs and downfalls.

The legendary DJ, born Joseph Saddler, has partnered with New York Times best selling author David Ritz to pen The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash: My Life, My Beats.

The book, set to hit stores June 10 on Broadway Books imprint Harlem Moon Books, leaves no topic untouched, from Flash's rise to Hip-Hop and Pop Culture prominence with the Furious Five, to his conflicts with the record label that cost him millions of dollars, to his storied battle with cocaine addiction.

Following Flash's life from his childhood, The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash not only sheds a light on the groundbreaking DJ, who, long before superstardom, created his own stereo and production equipment from subway car wires and recycled pork barrels.

The book also serves as a great look at the South Bronx during Hip-Hop's early years, taking a good look at the social and economic conditions that lead to such hits as "The Message" and "White Lines."

Following the Furious Five's recognition last year as the first Hip-Hop group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Grandmaster Flash began work on a new album scheduled to drop later this year.

He also continues to be active within the genre he helped push to international popularity, spinning at various events and hosting a weekly show on Sirius Satellite Radio's Hot Jamz Channel 50.