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March 27, 2001

British Retailers Block Sale Of Eminem Dolls

From MTV.com. Two of Britain's biggest toy retailers said Monday they will not sell a new line of Eminem action figures because the dolls didn't fit with the retailers' images, according to Reuters. "We were offered the Eminem doll but decided not to stock it," Nicole Lander, a spokesperson for Woolworths, told the news agency. "The visual impact didn't fit with our family environment and having it around a Barbie doll, for example, didn't feel right." Hamleys, described by Reuters as Britain's most famous toy retailer, also said it would not stock the controversial rapper's three different figures. American toy stores were not available for comment. The dolls will sell for about $10 and will arrive in Britain from the United States this summer. One of the dolls, Slim Shady, comes with the rapper's favorite stage prop — a chainsaw — and also sports tattoos, including the words "cut here" inked on his neck (see "Eminem Discussing Movie Role, Releasing Action Figures"). Eminem, whose alleged homophobic and misogynistic lyrics have been the center of controversy since The Marshall Mathers LP was released a year ago, recently performed a sell-out tour of Britain despite protests from gay rights activists. Woolworths told Reuters it would continue selling Eminem's Grammy Award-winning albums because they were not visually controversial and are aimed at older shoppers.

"Scratch" Coming To a Theatre Near You

From SOHH.com. After much critical acclaim, the DJ documentary, Scratch, will now see nationwide release. After wowing audiences at the Sundance Film Festival in January, the film was then picked by Palm Pictures and will be released this summer after the Cannes Film Festival in France. Palm will also handle the soundtrack while Ryko Distribution will get the film to the masses on DVD; sputnik7.com will stream the film through the Web. Scratch was directed by Doug Pray and documents the history of DJ-ing and turntablism. The film features appearances from DJ Q-Bert, Mixmaster Mike, DJ Shadow, Cut Chemist, among others. The film was also executive produced by the Hughes brothers, who directed 1993's Menace To Society.

March 23, 2001

Shyne Accuses Puffy Of Betrayal

From SOHH.com. In the aftermath of the Shyne/Puffy trial, things are clearly not smooth between the two emcees. In an interview with the Village Voice, Shyne accuses Puff of betraying him and lying in the courtroom. "He proved that he was just there to save himself," Shyne told the paper. "There are no boundaries to what he would do to exonerate himself. I had the Bible in front of me, and I was just praying that he wouldn't continue to lie." Contrary to rumors that Puff was helping with his legal bills, Shyne claims that he had to pay for his own defense by using his advance from Bad Boy Entertainment. "Honestly, he never really did anything to help me after the shooting. As soon as we were indicted, he wanted to keep me away from him. Throughout the trial, it's like, 'You get out of this however you can and I'm gonna get outta this however I can.' We would speak only through lawyers. He was afraid to put my album out because he wanted to distance himself from me," the rapper continued. "Combs wanted the relationship to be minimal and not have me publicized. I don't think they promoted me as much as they could have and gave everything they could have given because of him." In response to Shyne's claims, Puffy released a statement commenting on the interview. "I am deeply saddened about Shyne's conviction. I believe that Shyne had no intention of hurting anyone," Puffy said in the statement. "My own victory is bittersweet because of what happened to Shyne and the victims. I want to make it clear however that I was found innocent of all charges because I am innocent. It is absolutely ridiculous for anyone to blame me for anyone else's actions. I can only hope we will all learn from this terrible experience."

ODB Offered a Plea Bargain

From SOHH.com. As ODB's New York drug case approaches, the rapper has been offered a deal by the District Attorney. The deal asks ODB to plead guilty to drug charges from a 1999 arrest, consequently, the prison time he'd receive could be cut in half. If ODB pleads guilty, the D.A. would recommend the minimal sentence of two to four years and drop the bail jumping indictment, which carries a mandatory 18-month to three-year sentence. The charge stems from a 1999 arrest where by the police allegedly found twenty vials of crack on him. If he's found guilty of this charge, he could face up to seven years in prison. He also faces a probation violation charge in Los Angeles, where if found guilty, he could be sentenced to 44 months behind bars. ODB is being asked to respond to the offer quickly. If there is no answer by the first week of April, the deal is off and the D.A. will move forward with all the charges, including the bail jumping charge. This puts ODB's case between a rock and a hard place because if ODB says no to the deal and is found not guilty of the drug charge, he could still have to answer to the bail jumping charge. That charge could amount to the same prison time that the deal was asking for if he was convicted. The rapper must return to court on May 14, but if he pleads guilty it will be sooner.

Fredro Starr Arrested

From SOHH.com. Seems like a lot of emcees have been hanging out with the authorities lately. According to published reports, Fredro Starr was arrested in Los Angeles after acting up on a plane. Apparently, while the plane was pulling into its gate at L.A.X., the rapper got up from his seat and refused to sit down, even after flight attendents pleaded with the rapper. When he got off of the plane, police were waiting for him. After a scuffle that injured one officer, Fredro was arrested and charged with resisting arrest and endangering charges regarding his antics on the plane. Fredro recently released his debut album in February, Firestarr, on KOCH Records. The album features appearances from CNN, Outlawz, Cuban Linx, Case, Sticky Fingaz, among others.

March 21, 2001

Lil' Cease Arrested

From MTV.com. Rapper Lil' Cease was arrested for allegedly possessing a small amount of marijuana in New York on Sunday night, and police questioned him and another member of the Junior M.A.F.I.A. about a February shooting involving the entourages of Lil' Kim and Capone. The two men were in Lil' Kim's 1999 Jaguar when they were stopped on 151st Street in Manhattan, officials said. While Lil' Cease refused to answer questions without a lawyer present, fellow Junior M.A.F.I.A. rapper Larceny, who was driving the car, admitted to being on the scene at the February 25 shootout outside New York radio station Hot 97, police said. But he told police he didn't see anything. No arrests have been made in the shooting, in which one man was hit in the back (see "Lil' Kim Present At Hot 97 Shootout, Police Say"). Narcotics officers stopped the Jaguar around 8 p.m. Sunday, according to a police report. Lil' Cease allegedly had a small amount of marijuana with him, while Larceny allegedly had a loaded .22-caliber Beretta semi-automatic pistol, the report said. Realizing they had in custody two members of hip-hop's Junior M.A.F.I.A. a group which also includes Lil' Kim the officers contacted detectives from the Sixth Precinct, who questioned the rappers about the Hot 97 shooting. Lil' Cease (born James Lloyd Jr.), 23, was charged with criminal possession of marijuana, and released on his own recognizance, while Larceny (Antoine Spain), also 23, was hit with criminal possession of a weapon and released on $7,500 bail, the Manhattan district attorney's office said. The Jaguar, which is registered to Lil' Kim, was impounded.

Rza Preparing Next Bobby Digital LP

From MTV.com. Wu-Tang Clan mastermind RZA is holed up in his Manhattan, New York, studio, recharging his techno alter ego, Bobby Digital. The rapper/production guru tentatively plans to release his second Bobby Digital album, RZA as Bobby Digital Digital Bullet, on July 3. He recently inked a deal with Koch Records' hip-hop imprint, In the Paint, for the project. The disc follows 1999's RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo, which served as the soundtrack to "Bobby Digital," his film about experimental self-transformation. It was unclear whether the new album is also tied to a film. RZA has described Bobby Digital as a hip-hop superhero with a brain like a computer. All of the other members of Wu-Tang Clan, except for the incarcerated Ol' Dirty Bastard, have solo albums on the way. The New York rap crew released its third album, The W, in November.

Xzibit House Of Blues Webcast Performance

Xzibit is going to be perfoming on a concert webcast by hob.com. Click here for the full poster version. Thanks to Devin DeHaven for the info and the flyers.

March 20, 2001

Puffy On Trial Again

From SOHH.com. As if Puff Daddy hadn't had enough drama last week when he was facing a 15 year bid for gun and bribery charges; now, the rapper/producer/label exec faces multiple lawsuits totalling upwards of $1 billion. On top of all this, his baby momma, Kim Porter, is suing him for back child support for their two year old son Christian. Porter is asking for about $2 million for housing and $20,000 a month to care for his son Christian and stepson Quincy, who was fathered by R&B singer Al B. Sure. Ms. Porter announced this one day after Puffy was acquitted of all charges from his previous weapons possesion trial.

Nas To Star In Comedy Flick

From SOHH.com. First making his acting debut in Belly, Nas is moving forward to improve his acting skills. The Hollywood Reporter reports that the rapper is starring alongside Isaiah Washington in the new indie comedy flick, Sacred Is The Flesh which began shooting this week. The script was co-written by Nas and Luce Gordon and is being co-financed by Atlanta Hawks' player, Alan Henderson. The story is about a local talent agent (Nas) from Gary, Indiana who has a dream of going to Hollywood with his wife (Elise Neal) to make it big in talent management, only to find himself among the sharks. His only connection to the business is his former high school classmate (Washington) who made it big as a music manager but isn't too excited about the arrival of his former friend. A release date has yet to be announced.

March 16, 2001

Cash Money Records Signs Mack 10

On wednesdays episode of BETs 106 and park Free asked Baby what was next for cash money and he said that Young Turk, and Juveniles new albums were coming out but he also said that they recently signed Mack 10 to CMR.

March 13, 2001

DJ Hi-Tek Album Release Date

From SOHH.com. As previously reported, Reflection Eternal's DJ Hi-Tek will release his debut album, Hi-Teknology, this year. The album has been confirmed for a May 15 release date on Rawkus Records and will feature appearances from Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def, Slum Village, Vinia Mojica, and a possible track with Snoop Dogg. The album is the second installment of the Beat Generation Series which features solo albums from some of today's hottest producers. The first installment of the series came from producer, Jay Dee and his album, Welcome 2 Detroit. Other producers in the Beat Generation include Pete Rock, DJ Spinna, Marley Marl, 88 Keys, Jazzy Jeff, ?uestlove, James Poyser & Vikter Duplaix, Karriem Riggins and King Britt.

Chi Ali Captured

From SOHH.com. As previously reported back in November 2000, former Native Tongue emcee, Chi Ali Griffith, was wanted for the shooting murder of Sean Raymond. After appearing for the second time on Fox's America's Most Wanted in February, numerous tips led the NYPD to a specific address in the Bronx, NY where officers bum-rushed an apartment and arrested Chi, who was armed. Chi Ali is charged with the murder of Sean Raymond, stemming from a dispute over $300 and CDs according to police. Raymond was the brother of Chi's girlfriend, and he accused Chi of stealing his CDs during a phone conversation on February 14, 1999. Hours after the conversation, the two crossed paths on the street and Chi allegedly shot Raymond to death. He's been on the run for the past two years, travelling up and down the East Coast. Police almost caught him in Atlanta, but the former rapper gave them the slip. He was finally caught on February 25 in the Throgs Neck Houses on 1575 Odell St. in the Bronx.

March 12, 2001

DMX Released....On Crutches

From SOHH.com. After putting in 15 days of jail time, DMX was finally released on Friday morning. He walked out of the Erie County Corrections Facility on crutches, claiming that the guards roughed him up during his stay. Last Wednesday, DMX received medical attention for an injured knee after he was thrown to the ground by one of the corrections officers. Jail management claimed that during a routine search DMX was pushed up against the wall by one guard while two other combed the room. The claim to have found a book that the rapper was not allowed to have in his cell and threw it out side the cell on the floor. DMX got heated, believing that the guards threw his Bible, and he pushed up off the wall, threatening one of the guards. The officer grabbed him by his shirt, threw him to the ground and cuffed him. The officers claim that the book wasn't his Bible. The rapper did not file a complaint, however, he must return to the county courts on March 27 to answer to felony assault charges for allegedly throwing a food tray at a corrections officer. As far the contempt of court charge for failing to turn him self in when ordered to, he will not need to be in attendance and his lawyer will be there on his behalf on March 14. Meanwhile, DMX will be at the premiere of his new film with Steven Seagal, Exit Wounds, this week and will perform an hour-long set at the premiere after party. The movie opens this Friday, March 16.

March 9, 2001

Prodigy Takes Shots At Jay-Z

From SOHH.com. While Foxy is trying to squash beef with Kim, Prodigy is sharing his feelings about the Roc-A-Fella clique. On the new compilation, Game Over II, Prodigy is joined by The Infamous Mobb on the track "Mobb N*ggaz". P's verse goes something like this: "N*ggaz get tagged and bagged for comin at my familia/This ain't the Roc n*gga, we ain't them f*ggot ass n*ggaz." Presumably, the verse is response to a Jay-Z chat saying that P is targeting Jigga to sell records. The Game Over II is set for release on May 15 featuring new tracks from Big Daddy Kane, KRS-One, Masta Ace, Craig Mack, Jeru The Damaja, Punchline & Wordsworth, Master Fuol, Das Efx, K-Solo, Heltah Skeltah and a host of others. Most of the tracks were produced by Domingo with help from Agallah, Cro Hill and others.

March 8, 2001

DMX Update

From MTV.com. DMX's recent legal woes got even more complicated on Tuesday when he was charged with assaulting a corrections officer after learning bad behavior would keep him behind bars for three more days. The Ruff Ryder rapper was to be released on Tuesday (March 6) after serving 10 days for driving without a license, but a prison Discipline Committee revoked his "good time" credit after learning he was written up for disciplinary problems four times since entering the Erie County (New York) Correctional Facility on February 26. While a stretch limousine waited for him outside the jail, DMX (born Earl Simmons) responded to the news by allegedly throwing a food tray at a group of officers. "He basically reacted like a 5-year-old," said Erie County District Attorney Frank Clark, the chief prosecutor in the DMX cases. One of two officers struck reported bruising, which Clark described as a minimal injury. DMX was arraigned on a charge of felony assault of a corrections officer, a Class D felony that carries a maximum penalty of seven years in prison. "He vehemently denies assaulting anyone," DMX's lawyer, Paul Cambria, told the Associated Press. Clark hinted that the charges, filed by the correctional facility, were steep. "They charged him with the highest offense they technically could," he said. "The tray didn't even break the skin. What is charged and what the person is guilty of are often two very different things. We're going to conduct an investigation and then decide on the next course of action." DMX was ordered to attend a hearing at Alden Town Court on March 27, where Clark will be prosecuting. He expects DMX's lawyers to want to deal with both the assault charges and the contempt of court charges DMX obtained for failing to meet a February 9 deadline to surrender. "I wouldn't be opposed to that," Clark said. "I'd like to put an end to all of this nonsense so we can get on with our lives. I'm hoping we'll be able to reach a resolution all of the parties will agree on." Clark said he was unsure whether he would seek incarceration in the case. DMX is scheduled to be released on Friday, 12 days after he turned himself in.

Arsonists Ready New LP

From SOHH.com. Now that the crew has downsized to a trio, the Arsonists are nearly finished with their new album. According to Matador Records' website, the new album is entitled Date of Birth and features a "newly aggressive, super-focused" group. The album is scheduled for release later this year. As previously reported, Freestyle and D-Story are no longer in the group due to internal issues. In related news, both Freestyle and D-Story are moving forward with their careers. Freestyle was recently in Europe performing along side some of Europe's finest emcees. D-Story is also signed with Matador Records and plans to release a 12" this spring. He also recently collaborated with Zack De La Rocha (the former Rage Against the Machine frontman) on his forthcoming album.

March 7, 2001

Foxy Brown Wants Truce With Lil' Kim

From SOHH.com. After the recent shooting outside New York radio station Hot 97, Foxy Brown told MTV News that she wants to squash whatever beef exists between herself and Lil'Kim. "I really don't know how it started," Foxy told MTV News. "But Russell [Simmons] and I, we got together, and I said, 'Russell, I want to call a truce.' I want to have a sit-down with Kim. I don't care what it is. Let's just end it. We can even do a collaboration. We're bigger than this. If it has to start with me, let it start with me." She also told MTV News that Russell Simmons contacted Kim's camp to get the thing squashed but they "weren't responsive." Police are still investigating the case and so far no suspects or arrests have been made.

March 6, 2001

Jermaine Dupri Serves Jail Time

From MTV.com. DMX wasn't the only hip-hop star to spend the weekend behind bars. Jermaine Dupri turned himself in to Fayetteville, Georgia, authorities on Thursday night to serve a three-day jail sentence for missing jury duty, according to the Associated Press.. Judge Chris Edwards sentenced Dupri (born Jermaine Mauldin) to serve three days in the Fayette County Jail — the same number of days he missed of jury duty in March 1999. Dupri, 28, is the founder of So So Def Records and has produced albums for Mariah Carey, TLC and Da Brat. He recently produced and recorded tracks for the soundtrack to last summer's "Big Momma's House," and appears on "It's Over," the opening track of Run-D.M.C.'s upcoming Crown Royal.

March 5, 2001

Online Hip Hop Awards Nominations Begin!!!!!!

Today the nominations began for the online hip hop awards brought to you by SOHH.com. You can nominate your favorite hip hop sites and songs by going over to onlinehiphopawards.com. It would be greatly appreciated if some of you could nominate my site for best new site or best independent site. The one I could probably come close to getting nominations in would probably best independent site. Please take into consideration that I am running this site 100% by myself!!!!!!!!! To nominate the site click here.

Def Jam and Foxy Brown Release Statement About Shooting

From SOHH.com. In an effort to clear her name from the violence that occurred outside of New York's Hot 97 last weekend, Foxy Brown and her record label reps at Def Jam have released a joint statement. Foxy said, "I would like to set the record straight with regards to the recent unfortunate incident outside Hot 97. I was not involved in any way. In fact, I was at home when this happened, nowhere near the radio station, and I have absolutely no knowledge or understanding as to why such a senseless and violent act took place. My prayers go out to the gentleman who was hurt for a speedy recovery, and of course, to his family during this difficult time." Def Jam/Def Soul Chairman, Russell Simmons said, "I've known Foxy for a number of years, and I've never known her to exhibit any form of violence, and I stand absolutely certain that she didn't promote or participate in this act of violence in any way." Def Jam/Def Soul President Kevin Liles said, "It is commonplace in the rap world to be lyrically competitive with other artists. What is NOT and should NOT be commonplace is the act of violence, and Foxy has never, ever been an advocate of violence. She wants nothing more than to focus on an incredible new record and to remain positive that this senseless negativity come to an end."

Kimberly Mathers Files For Divorce

From SOHH.com. After failing at trying to reconcile their marriage, Eminem's wife, Kim Mathers has filed for divorce yet again. The divorce papers were filed last week stating that there was a "breakdown in the marriage relationship" and that there is no reasonable chance that the marriage can be saved. She also stated that she wants joint custody with Em of their daughter Hailie Jade and that there be a freeze on all their financial assets until a settlement and/or agreement can be reached. There is no word if Em was expecting the filing by Kim, but his lawyer confirms that a reconciliation was something they hoped for. The couple got married on June 14, 1999 in St. Joseph, Missouri, but apparently the relationship has been rocky since day one. No court date has been set.

March 2, 2001

Eminem To Star With DMX In "Lazarus"?

From SOHH.com. Eminem and DMX, together on the big screen? It could happen, as Eminem has reportedly been offered more than $4 million to join DMX in the cast of "Lazarus," a project originally intended as the fourth film in "The Crow" franchise. Variety reports that Eminem has been eyed to portray DMX's evil nemesis in "Lazarus," the premise for which incorporates some of the supernatural, life-after-death themes from the three "Crow" flicks. When DMX agreed to take over a role in "Lazarus" last July, he was to star as a rapper slain in a drive-by shooting who returns from the grave to exact revenge on the gang who gunned him down. In the new screenplay, reworked by Joe Ide from James Gibson's original draft, a pair of dead rappers, one good and one evil, are mysteriously brought back to life in order to wage a war over control of the hip-hop world. Despite the plot shakeup, veteran video director Joseph Kahn is still on board to direct "Lazarus," with Edward R. Pressman producing the flick for his Pressman Film Corp. A spokesperson for Pressman Films had no comment on whether Eminem has been approached about "Lazarus," while representatives for Eminem have yet to respond to inquiries about the movie offer. If Eminem does take a role in "Lazarus," it will mark his feature film debut. He previously had a cameo part in the direct-to-video movie, "Da Hip Hop Witch," which came out in November. The rapper has widely disavowed that project, though, and even attempted to halt distribution of "Da Hip Hop Witch" prior to its release. As for DMX, he's currently serving a 15-day sentence at the Erie County Correctional Facility in Alden, New York, for a traffic violation he pleaded guilty to last March, although the rapper could be released as early as Tuesday. Because he waited more than two weeks before surrendering to authorities, DMX is also facing a contempt of court charge that could land him back in jail for up to a year but the rapper plans to keep busy immediately following his release from prison, despite the new potential legal woes. On March 9, DMX plans to attend the New York premiere of his new film, "Exit Wounds," after which he's expected to perform an hour-long set at a post-screening party at the Rainbow Room. DMX has contributed a new song, titled "No Sunshine," to the "Exit Wounds" soundtrack, and even managed to complete a video for the track prior to turning himself in.

March 1, 2001

Busta Rhymes Working On New Album

From SOHH.com. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Busta Rhymes announced that he is currently working on his new album for Clive Davis' label, J Records. Tentatively titled Genesis, the new album will feature production from The Neptunes and guest spots from Trina, Mystikal, and Kelis and, possibly, Madonna. Regarding his departure from Elektra, Busta told EW that it was because of the lack of promotional effort put into his last album, Anarchy. "When you consistently reach a certain level, you strive to reach higher goals, and Elektra wasn't capable of getting me there," he said. "They need younger dudes who understand the newer ways of approaching the [marketing] game. I offered suggestions in a million ways, and I wasn't seeing changes."

DMX Faces Another Charge

From SOHH.com. Just when DMX thought everything was fine after turning himself in, he's been slapped with yet another charge. After arriving at the Erie County Correctional Facility to serve his 15-day sentence two weeks late, the rapper was taken from his jail cell to a courtroom and hit with a contempt of court charge. The new charge, which is a misdemeanor, has a maximum sentence of one year in prison. Both DMX and his lawyer, Mark Mahoney, were surprised with the new charge, and they filed a not guilty plea. His bail was set at $250,000 with a March 14 court date, all stemming from a traffic violation. In related news, DMX's new film Exit Wounds with Steven Seagal opens on March 16.

CNN Talk About Hot 97 Shooting

From SOHH.com. Rap duo Capone N' Noreaga and Chris Lighty's Violator management released a statement today addressing last Sunday's Lil' Kim/Hot 97 incident that left one man injured with a bullet in his back. The victim was said to be an associate of CNN's. Here, the official word: "We're very sorry that this situation occurred. Capone N' Noreaga had nothing to do with the shooting. It's unfortunate that the normally healthy competitive spirit in the music industry has been compromised by people who have nothing to do with the making of the records. We are cooperating fully with the police, and hope that whoever is responsible for this is brought to justice."