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New Jersey Senators Propose Anti-Hip-Hop Bill
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As hip-hop continues to be the dominant music genre in sales and popularity, many folks are out to stop its momentum. Two New Jersey senators, Gerald Cardinale and Diane Allen, have proposed a bill that will appear on the state's ballot November 7th. If passed, that bill would make it illegal to sell any phonographic record, tape or CD that contains lyrics which describe, advocate, or encourage the following without parental warning: suicide, incest, bestiality, sadomasochism, rape or involuntary sexual penetration, murder, morbid violence, ethnic, racial or religious intimidation, the use of illegal drugs or the excessive or illegal use of alcohol. Any person found violating the laws would face up to 30 days in jail and be fined $500.
Those against the bill claim that it's unconstitutional and that it violates an artist's right to free speech. Also, they claim that certain specifics like ethnic, racial, and religious intimidation are too broad.
Do you think this bill should pass? Click Here to vote.
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Puffy Hit With Another Lawsuit
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Puffy's homeboy was right when he said, "the mo' money you have, the mo' problems you get." Case in point, Puff Daddy is now facing another civil lawsuit for $1.8 million. This time the suit comes from Club New York owner, Michael Bergos, who claims that his business has suffered greatly ever since three people were shot--allegedly, by Bad Boy artist Shyne, during a squabble at the club on December 27, 1999.
Bergos also claims that his club has now garnered a negative reputation and has seen a great decline in tourist and corporate business. He adds that he and his club have been a target for lawsuits as well as insurance and legal issues.
In a rebuttal statement, Combs' publicist said, "it is unfortunate that a great many people are looking to unjustly capitalize on Mr. Combs' wealth and celebrity status in an attempt to falsely link him to an incident that everyone knows Mr. Combs had nothing to do with. Mr. Combs will respond to this latest groundless lawsuit as aggressively as he intends to defend all other baseless charges that have arisen since the episode at Club New York."
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No Plea Bargain For Eminem
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Eminem was in a Michigan courtroom this week for a pre-trial hearing on his infamous weapons and assault case. Unfortunately for Mathers, his lawyers weren't able to reach a plea bargain with the prosecutors. Prosecutor Carl Marlinga had recently stated that he would like to see the rapper behind bars. The defense shot back quickly saying that Em is being treated differently because of who he is, and because of his music and lyrical content. Em is scheduled to be back in court for this case on December 8.
In other Em news, he just finished recording the video for the track, "Stan," also staring Dido, the breathy songress who sings the chorus on the record. Be on the lookout for the video to hit MTV and BET at the end of the month.
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Kobe Gets Cut
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Even though he may have skills on the basketball court, that doesn't necessarily mean that Kobe Bryant also has skills on the mic (evidenced by many former athlete/rapper attempts). Apparently, Columbia Records were also skeptical and consequently, has dropped Kobe from their roster. The decision came down due to the poor response for the release of his single, "K.O.B.E." Also, buzz for the song did not meet expectations and the song received poor reviews from hip-hop critics. Kobe was actually booed at a showcase performance held at L.A.'s House of Blues.
The album was supposed to be released in June but has yet to hit store shelves. Kobe's debut was to feature most of the production by Trackmasters and guest appearances from Nas, Tyra Banks, and others. No word if Kobe will continue in his emceeing aspirations, but you can ask him yourself at his website KobeBryant.Com.
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Queen Pen Arrested
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Last week, rapper Queen Pen was arrested outside of a New York nightclub after a fight broke out and shots were reportedly fired. After the incident, Pen complained of internal injuries because of the scuffle and was taken to the hospital. No one else was hurt during the melee. Pen was arraigned on charges of disturbing the peace and resisting arrest and must return to court on October 30th.
Queen Pen is known for her 1997 hit, "Party Ain't A Party" off her debut album My Melody, produced by Teddy Riley. She recently popped up on this year's Black & White soundtrack, but has been relatively quiet on the hip-hop scene.
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Rah Digga Gets Political
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Rah Digga first lady of the, Flipmode Squad, Rah Digga has been asked to perform at a Rock The Vote concert and rally tonight at North Carolina's Wake Forest University. The concert is in conjunction with the presidential candidate debate between Bush and Gore that will be held at the school's Wait Chapel. Rah will also be the emcee for "Loud Lounge", an interactive political talk show that focuses on youth-oriented issues.
Rah will also be making her debut on the big screen this year. She has been cast to play a part in the upcoming film 13 Ghosts, a remake of the 1960 film. Shooting began last week in Vancouver, Canada and she will play the part of a nanny named Maggie. Look for the film to be released sometime next year.
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DMX To Launch Bloodline Records
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With the recent success of his albums and hit singles, it should be of no surprise that DMX would start his own label. In a joint venture with Def Jam Records, his New York-based Bloodline Records will initially focus on Hip-hop and R&B acts, but will eventually grow to include pop, rock and other genres. Currently, the label is in negotiations with five acts, and plans to release their first project next year.
Other than the label, DMX is remaining busy with his budding acting career. He will appear in the new Steven Seagal movie Exit Wounds, and The Crow: Lazarus. Also, expect his autobiography and clothing line, DW, out sometime next year.
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