The Latest | Greatest Merger

Here's the deal:

I'm merging the latest.greatest to one blog, which will be www.crookedstraight.com.

I'm pretty sure this is a win-win idea. The links to all the personal blogs will still exist, but the poker news, sports stuff, music stuff, tail reports and kicks and shit will all go into one blog which should have 5-15 posts per day, including the daily dunk and daily video.

If you have this blog bookmarked, please change your bookmark to www.crookedstraight.com.

Peace
Kev

Check Out Trek Life's International Tour

The main dude Trek is actually doing an international tour right now and ... blogging about it!! Check him out on the right side link "Trek Speaks." He's touring London and writing about shows, planes, the Lakers and pigeon projects.

Daily Video: Sean P "King Kong"

Dead Prez Setting it Off?

During Prez's set, Olympia Police came in to the venue and arrested a black male, who was being accused by a white male of punching him and his friend during a fight outside the venue approx. 30 minutes earlier.... The local media, specifically [FOX affiliate] KCPQ-13, and [Cox Television affiliate ] KIRO-7 has been claiming on television that Prez told the crowd, in essense, to attack the police.

Here's the story

Flava Flav: Trend Setter

Daily Video: Outkast "Southernplayalisticcadillacmuzik"

Young Jeezy Helping Out

It's nice to see some news like this in hip hop.

Rapper Young Jeezy will grant the winner of his "Make Your Dreams Come True" contest tomorrow evening (February 26) at Justin’s Restaurant in his hometown of Atlanta.

The contest offered one lucky winner a chance to have a wish granted by Young Jeezy, who held a contest inviting fans to share their dreams and aspirations.

The winning submission came from Tamara Jenkins-Wilson from North Carolina, who wrote the rapper about her disabled 13-year-old son.

"My ultimate dream would be for me to provide a Wheelchair Accessible Van for my son, Davon Jenkins. Davon is 13-years-old and has cerebral palsy and is confined to a wheelchair."

Jenkins-Wilson’s husband is currently in Iraq, serving the United States military.

"I physically lift him in and out of our vehicle when we need to go to appointments and such," Jenkins-Wilson said.

Jeezy will give Jenkins-Wilson the Wheelchair Accessible Van and treat her entire family to dinner tomorrow the invite-only ceremony.

Common to Release Two Albums in 2008

Grammy Award winning rapper Common is preparing for a busy 2008, as he readies two albums and a new global advertising campaign.

Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, will be featured in Converse’s new advertising campaign celebrating the company’s 100th year in business.

The “Connectivity” advertising campaign, which rolls out around the world starting this week, features late legendary icons like James Dean, gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson and the Sex Pistols’ Sid Vicious.

In addition to Common, other celebrities featured in the campaign include Green Day’s front man Billie Joe Armstrong, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s lead singer Karen O., female rocker Joan Jett and others.

“Converse is the footwear company that was first in sports and first in rock ‘n’ roll. We are extremely proud of our history and excited about our journey into the next century. Connectivity is an exceptional global campaign that fully captures our spirit and brand ethos celebrating true originals," said Geoff Cottrill, Chief Marketing Officer, Converse.

The advertising campaign will debut in over 75 countries across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Additionally, Common recently revealed that he is planning to release an EP, followed by a full length album before the end of the year.

The EP titled Invincible Summer, is due in stores this June.

The release conceptual release will deal with summer love and will feature production by The Neptunes, Just Blaze, Kareem Wiggins and others.

Common’s EP Invincible Summer will be followed by a traditional full length album titled The Believer.

Daily Video: Cunninlynguists "KKKY"

Sha Money's One-Stop Shop Producer Expo

On March 8th and 9th of 2008, hundreds of established and upcoming producers will descend upon Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the annual One Stop Shop producer’s conference, masterminded by Sha Money XL’s production and artist management company, Money Management Group. The conference will feature top industry professionals, platinum track making producers, and new technology trends from companies like Microsoft, M Audio, and Traxxpad. It will also include an itinerary filled, video game tournaments, after parties hosted by NYC’s most noted DJs, and the infamous One Stop Shop Beat Battle. and most importantly the industry workshops/panels.

This year OSS features The Microsoft Technology Panel hosted by Arif Gursel, a software test engineer in the Microsoft XBOX team as well as The Power Management Panel which features Gee Roberson, Derick Jackson, Bernard Parks, Ryan Press and more. The 2008 One Stop Shop also boasts a Tastemaker Panel and a New Producer Panel; so it isn’t surprising that this conference has captured the excitement of producers that have constantly saturated the music game with their talent. “This is the conference for those that are serious about making real moves in the industry… You gotta love it!” - from Kanye West’s mentor, NO I.D.

The lineup for the 2008 OSS include producers; DJ Toomp, Swizz Beats, the legendary DJ Premier, Hi-Tek, DJ Quik, 9th Wonder, No ID, Trackboyz, and Nottz. This year, Money Management Group is honoring the works of Swizz Beats, famed for his unique production and his continuous ability to produce number one hits and Atlanta based Grammy winner DJ Toomp, known for his platinum selling hits with T.I and Kanye West. Other panelists include; Shalik Berry (Def Jam), Conrad Dimanche (Bad Boy), Jean Nelson (Atlantic), Lenny S., (Def Jam), Wendy Day, Chuck Creekmur (Allhiphop), Bonsu Thompson, Julia Beverly (Ozone), Juan Madrid (Sony ATV), Maani Edwards (Universal Publishing) and more. Young Buck, Lil Scrappy, Kurupt, Outlawz, Talib Kweli, and Riz are also slated to make appearances throughout the weekend. “This year is gonna be bigger and better. We’ve got the support of great talent and companies that share our vision.” - Kisha, MMG Marketing Director.

Over 700 producers from around the world attended the One Stop Shop of 2007. MMG had producers flying in from Africa, Bermuda, and the UK. “The future of the One Stop Shop is growth. I want this to go down in Hip-Hop history and be a major conference like Mixshow Power Summit, R&R, Sema or Midem. I want to continue to let new producers find their way through this industry and learn just who the key players are and what networking is about,” Sha explains. Money Management Group teaches producers and artists the importance of branding. “It is so important to brand yourself in today’s environment. You have producers dropping LPs like artists now.” Sha states. MMG’s conference has helped jumpstart the careers of last year’s Beat Battle finalists. “Since the conference I’ve had beat placement on both the Pac and Rick Ross albums” - Jiggolo, OSS Beat Battle Finalist.

Sponsorship for this year’s event comes from a variety of companies and components of the music industry; such as Xpoz Magazine, ASCAP, iStandard Producers, AllHipHop.com, Loud.com, Microsoft, Shade 45/Sirius Satellite Radio, Edios Traxxpad, Ozone Magazine, M Audio and Native Instruments.

To purchase tickets to the event visit www.moneymanagementxl.com.

Daily Video: Pack FM "Plucking Daisies"

Behind the Scenes: Snoop Dogg Video Shoot

You can see more at missinfo.tv

R. Kellz doin' his R-Kell thing

From missinfo.tv:

Chicago music retail legend, George Daniels spoke out to Los Angeles radio station KJLH about the real reason why he and his wife, Regina, severed their 15-year ties with R.Kelly. Turns out the rumors were true, Daniels says they felt betrayed and disgusted when they found out that R.Kelly was having a secret affair with their college-age daughter, Maxine, right under their noses. R.Kelly even bought the daughter a car, which was confiscated by her parents. R.Kelly first met the daughter as a small child. (shiver) And George was R.Kelly’s closest advisor/father figure, while his wife served as his publicist.

George’s description of the affair is really sad, you can tell he and his family were torn apart by the deception……I’m actually pretty surprised how upfront he is about it.

“The reason that I’m talking abut this, it’s not just for me, it’s not for my wife, it’s not for my daughter, but it’s for the public. It’s for other fathers and mothers because it doesn’t have to be a superstar, it could be the dude on the corner. There are guys who sit around and give your child a couple of bucks to go to school and then wait until they get a little older, then they set that trap.”

Gucci Mane

I couldn't resist reposting this from Kanye's blog. The pictures speaks for itself.

Living Legends Spring Tour

The Living Legends are hitting the pavement next month and will have their brand new EP, "The Gathering," for sale at all of the shows.

Check the dates below and if you want to save some money on service charges and get some LL CD's for cheap check out...

http://livinglegends.ducatking.com

TOUR DATES

March 6, 2008 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
March 7, 2008 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
March 8, 2008 - Sparks, NV @ The New Oasis
March 9, 2008 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
March 10, 2008 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater
March 13, 2008 - Austin, TX @ Emo's (SXSW Showcase)
March 16, 2008 – Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theatre
March 17, 2008 – Phoenix, AZ @ Old Brickhouse

Prodigy Interview

G4 is doing hip-hoop segments now? WTF is going on? I used to work at this "channel" and all it was was a bunch of geek shows. I'm going to have to investigate this.

More News on G-Unit

Apparently Yayo is not going to face charges of assaulting a 14-year-old kid but has pleaded guilty to harrassment charges.

The mother is requesting an official apology from Yayo and 50, which I don't think is gonna happen.

Also, 50's baby mama asked a judge for $50,000 per month to support their son but was reportedly granted $6,700, which equals $80,400 and is still not bad.

Kanye Ain't Playin

Aight, this isn't really Kanye taling (obv), but it's still funny shit.

Shyne's Pops Just Went Big Time

Last Friday (February 8th), the small Central American nation of Belize officially elected its first black prime minister, Dean Barrow.

If the last name Barrow sounds familiar, it should because Dean Oliver Barrow is the estranged father of currently incarcerated New York rapper Jamal “Shyne” Barrow (who after converting in 2006 to Judaism renamed himself Moses Michael Leviy).

56-year-old Dean Barrow, a former foreign minister, was elected over the incumbent Prime Minister Said Musa. Barrow’s United Democratic Party (UDP) defeated Musa’s People’s United Party (PUP) in convincing fashion, winning 25 of 31 constituencies. Barrow’s victory was only the third defeat in 53 years for the PUP, who have dominated Belizean politics.

"It's a great feeling. I'm extremely grateful and humbled," Barrow told Reuters of his win.

A former lawyer of Palestinian descent, Musa’s popularity had faded in recent years amidst embezzlement scandals and other financial mismanagement. Barrow ran pledging to end this corruption.

A nation of just 300,000 wedged between Mexico and Guatemala, Belize gained its independence from the British in 1981. Known for its laid-back Caribbean vibe, Belize is comprised of a diverse cultural mix of indigenous Maya, Mestizos and African-descended Creoles and Garifuna.

Tall and easy-going like the people of Belize, Dean Barrow sports a shaven head, making his appearance uncannily similar to that of his son. The former Bad Boy and Def Jam recording artist who was sentenced to 10 years for weapons possession and first-degree assault after the infamous December 1999 shooting at Club New York, Shyne is rumored to be released from prison sometime this year. When he is released it is also rumored that he will be joining his father in Belize as part of the first family. If true, this would mark a drastic shift in the relationship between father and son, as it has been previously reported that Shyne was raised by his mother in Brooklyn after his father refused to claim him, an event Shyne confirmed via “Quasi O.G.,” a track on his most recent release, 2004’s Godfather Buried Alive: “Imagine, grow'n up and never havin/Faggot ass pops actin like you never happened.”

Source: hiphopdx.com

Download: Voice of the Streets 2 (DJ Chaplin/Grafh)

Download here

Hov says it's good with Def Jam

"It wasn't a hostile thing," he explained on the red carpet at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. "I was with L.A. last night. We still gonna continue to work on [projects], just not [with me] as the president of Def Jam. But everything is sweet."

Source

Crooked Straight Feature: Geo Brown

I got a chance to catch up with Los Angeles-based emcee Geo Brown, who is a strong part of the "New West Movement" that is taking over Southern California's underground hip-hop scene. Geo has been working hard behind the scenes with Noni Spitz, Bishop Lamont, and several other artists in the fluorishing rap community that is known as the South Bay.

Crooked Straight: There's a lot of people that have been watching you closely since you started doing shows and appearing on mixtapes. What should we look for in the near future from you?

Geo Brown: I stay working. I'm currently putting the finishing touch on my street album titled "No Fall Back," which is an original production based project. The title is true to life for me. For me to say "No Fall Back" is me saying it's 'this or nothing,' not saying that I'm not capable of anything else but this is where my heart is. The project is gonna be crazy, I got some real fresh features on it. I got my boy Mykestro, Stressmattic of the group Federation, Mike Ant, Chevy Jones, and a few others. I really wanted to collab with artists that would compliment my overall theme to my album. I'm not with just doing a song with an artist just to say I did a song with them so everybody complimented the record they were featured on. Also, I recently did a song on the Tupac Assassination Soundtrack to the Tupac Assassination Movie. That's out in stores everywhere and on iTunes Music. I also did a song on my boy Bishop Lamont's Caltroit Metropolis dropping soon. I'm scheduled to drop a mixtape titled "Back To The Future" thats gonna be me and my big homie Noni Spitz. "No Fall Back" is scheduled to drop mid-spring towards the summer. So look out for all that.

Crooked Straight: It sounds like you've been moving with a lot of the right people. Are there any other artists that you have been working with besides the ones you just mentioned?

Geo Brown: The people I've been working with are Bishop Lamont, Mykestro, Bad Lucc, Stressmatic of Federation, Chevy Jones, Mike Ant, Noni Spitz, Prime, Indef. Also as far as producers, Dae One, Dame Taylor Diverse, Numba 9, Jared "Jedi" Moore, man I could keep going.


Mike Ant, Bishop Lamont, Geo Brown, E-40, Taje

Crooked Straight: So what else do you have planned for 2008?

Geo Brown: I got success and progress on everything planned for 2008, I really wanna see my company IGM (Infinite Grind Movement) really take off. Theres a lot of things me and my crew wanna see happen. I wanna focus on seeing the west coast progress and do big things. Its been a long time coming but the time is now. Just trying to make money out of music. Fuck working a nine-to-five!

Crooked Straight: You say that it's been a long time coming for the west coast. How do you feel about the overall health of the hip-hop game right now?

Geo Brown: Man, hip-hop is on life support. I can get off on so many issues right now but I would rather speak on it briefly and keep pushin'. Basically there is too much of one element in the game. It's okay to have your dance records, it's okay to have your street records, it's even okay to have your non-rappin' lame records, but at the moment there is just one big category of generic music. Only one region has a light, thats not a good look at all. And I'm not just saying that because I'm from the west coast, but damn...I mean don't you think there is plenty of talent in other places? What, the east coast stop having dope lyrics? Did the west stop making real street, true-to-life, good sounding music? No. But they wanna make it seem so. Anyway, I think all of that is the problem, too many songs about the same thing. No diversity. The labels have lowered their standards to make a buck.

Crooked Straight: I feel what you're saying, and I agree that the game seems stagnant right now but how can hip-hop music pull itself out of this state of mediocrity?

Geo Brown: I think the fans of hip-hop need to demand more. Don't settle for this garbage that you're being oversaturated with. Take a stand against it, request that real shit. Get in tune with the underground scene, a lot of people hear the word "undergorund" and get turned off. There's all types of underground music, it just means these are the undiscovered talents that don't have major deals or deals period. Understand that 'good music is good music.' Give these up-and-coming artists a chance. Coming up on the west coast is hard because everybody does this (raps) and really shouldn't. When they hear your music its never "Damn this is dope," it's more like "Man, who did that beat? Aye, I rap too." So that gotta stop.

Crooked Straight: So what differentiates yourself from other emcees? What are you doing to get ahead of the pack?

Geo Brown: I never do anything else but music, no matter where I am I think about a line to put in a song or I'm thinking of a hook. When you draw from inspiration you never stop. When I'm not focused on either of those two, well I'm thinking of different ways to market myself. I might go out or even hit the club but I'm getting to know the owner and the DJ's to do a show or something.

http://www.myspace.com/geobrownmusic

Uncle Luke on VH-1

Luke is getting his own show "Parental Advisory" on VH-1. This should be classic.

Parental Advisory showcases the diversity in my life. One day I am with my kids, the next day I am in the office auditioning ‘Luke Girls’ and the next day I might be out on the road. They tested Parental Advisory in focus groups and it was one of the most popular shows. It’s similar to the Osbournes, but I think it’s better and more entertaining.”

Source: Allhiphop.com

Bring a White Girl Night (lol)

Prince Paul is holding an event called “Bring A White Girl Night” where there is a two for one deal for anyone who comes to the party with a white girl.

Dare I say... wtf?

Funny Commercial

LMNO + Kev Brown - Who's That?

Ghostface ft Beanie Sigel & Styles P - Barrel Brothers

This goes hard...

Hip Hop @ The Grammies

Kanye killin' it:

50 vs. Bill O'Reilly

Rich Boy ft. John Legend, Nas, Lil Wayne - Ghetto Rich

This is a good song (mad replay value and it's actually about something), thanks mainly to John Legend and an odd combination of artists. Nas kills his verse but sounds a bit off-beat. Wayne is up and down as usual.

Download

Jay-Z - Pray

This is the next single off the American Gangster LP. Live performance (fire).

Clipse- We Got It 4 Cheap Vol. 3 Hosted by DJ Drama

Here's the download.

First Ghostface Single: We Celebrate

Rest In Peace Big Pun

Today marks the 8th anniversary of Big Pun's death (from a heart attack). R.I.P.

Yes We Can...

Download: G-Unit Mixtape "Return of the Body Snatchers"

Aight, for anyone interested (anyone? lol), G-Unit has their latest mixtape "Return of the Body Snatchers" available for free download through the website thisis50.com.

Unfortunately, you have to sign up through your email to access the site.

Have fun.

Oh yeah, notice someone missing from the cover? Yeah, I thought G-Unit consisted of 50, Yayo, Banks and... Young Buck?

Well...



Quote: “I’ve been loyal….and its hard to be down with somebody when there’s no communication….It makes me feel like ‘what’s going on?’ There’s a video, everybody’s there, and there’s no Buck. Or you see your man moving overseas, on tour with the camp, with G-unit. Or you go to Thisis50.com and you see G-unit pictures is there, without Buck’s face…and then there’s no communication so I don’t really understand why…”

Source: Miss Info

New Jay-Z Track: "Ain't I"

This is off a DJ Clue mixtape.

Listen.......



Here
http://www.zshare.net/audio/703774621d6d12/

Papoose Murdering Uncle Murder

http://www.zshare.net/audio/7037626c329dcc/

Album: Big Noyd - Illustrious

01. Snitches 03:20
02. Posted On The Block 03:10
03. So Much Trouble (feat. Serani) 03:13
04. Heartless 03:12
05. Money Talk 02:53
06. Things Done Changed (feat. Kira) 02:58
07. Back Up In This Bitch 02:53
08. The Paper (feat. Jay Rush) 02:03
09. Ghetto (feat. Joell Ortiz) 03:11
10. It's A Wrap (feat. Ric Rude) 02:56
11. Trying To Make It Out (40 Glocc & B.A.M.) 02:50
12. Nowhere Else To Hide 03:19
13. Rags To Riches 02:56
14. Get It Poppin' 01:19

Support The Artists, Buy Their Music....

Download here

Ghostface Vents On His Fans

Lil Wayne Not Happy With Entourage

Here's Wayne's first performance after his arrest. He is not happy with his boys.

Flashing Lights Remix - Colin Munroe

This is tight.

Classic: Stomper Gets Hyphy In The O

Roc from Heltah Skeltah Arrested For Attempted Murder

This is some suprising and disappointing news...



Roc’s lawyer, Kenneth J. Montgomery reached out to provide this official statement:

“Jamal Bush a.k.a Roc from Helter Skelter was formally arraigned on attempted murder in the second degree and related charges. The Brooklyn District attorney’s office allege that Mr. Bush shot a known pimp and bloods gang member in the neck paralyzing him. They also allege that Mr. Bush is a pimp and this was a dispute over an alleged lady of the night. Mr. Bush categorically and unequivocally deny all charges. We eagerly look forward to trial and proving his innocence.”

Jay-Z vs. Consequence: Connect Four

Another Retiring Rapper *YAWN*

From Hiphopdx.com

After appearing onstage during a Nas performance at the House of Blues on New Year's Eve, reports have been circulating that The Game will release his third album, L.A.X. in June of 2008. During a set that included the aforementioned Nas and will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas, The Game was welcomed on stage, where he made the announcement. After performing the song "Hustlers," The Game announced that while the album will feature production from Dr. Dre, it will also be his last.

While various sites reported the rumor in the days following the New Year's Eve performance, The Los Angeles Times was the first to confirm the report in a show recap [Click HERE for the link] by Giselle Zado Wasfie on Wednesday, Jan. 2. Black Wall Street Europe validated the story in a brief statement saying, "The Game made some revealing news to the people about his third and final album following up the multi-platinum West Coast banger, 'The Doctor's Advocate.' He said his new album will drop June 2008 and will be named 'LAX' not The 'D.O.C.' That's straight from the horses mouth."

The U.S. Division of Black Wall Street has no such updates on its website, and has not been updated since December 4, 2007. Representatives from The Game's label, Geffen, have yet to comment on the proposed album. Additionally, neither Dr. Dre nor anyone else from Aftermath Entertainment has commented on The Game's remarks that Dr. Dre will produce work on the album.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) The Game's debut album, The Documentary, has certified sales of over 2 million copies. Although the RIAA has no data on his sophomore release, The Doctor's Advocate, Billboard reports that the album sold 945,000 copies during its first two weeks of release.

Thanks, Dad

How sick would it be if you were a teenage producer, just produced the new anthem for your entire region (the bay area) and your dad was the one that solidified the track as a hit?

Welcome to the life of Droop-E, E-40's son.

DMX Does Not Approve Of R.Kelly

lol.

Meth Speaks On The Wu Drama

Meth shits on Y-Kim (whoever the hell that is...apparently he had a verse and some production on some Wu projects). This is from G-Unit radio.





Here's a longer summary on hiphopdx.

Who's The Man?

This one is from the vault.

Download the soundtrack here

The Roid Takeover

Apparently 50 Cent, Wyclef, Mary J. Blige and others have been named in the latest Roid report. I can understand Barry and Clemens, but wtf? Like my boy B said - put an asterisk on those grammies!!

Here's a full-length article on mtv.com.

Introducing 50's New Rubbers

Since we're extra mainstream, might as well post a clip of 50 showing off his new "Magic Stick" jim hats.

Remi Ma Recording "When I See Her"

Who is she talking about in the song? To be honest, I don't really give a sh*t but I think it's Kim or Foxy, maybe not. Who knows? Maybe it's Remy's friend that she shot, lol.

P.S. this song sucks (for example "It's nothin when I see her, no it's somethin when I see her.")

Soulja Boy Blog

This is just funny so I had to post it. I know Trek is a big fan lol...



I look around and see alot of haters.. Even famous people who don’t know me. Steve Harvey hating? I mean Damn.. STEVE HARVEY? wtf I grew up watchin this nigga on TV and he wanna get on radio saying my songs are vulgar and trying to stop me from gettin my paper. I mean damn dude if yo son was out here trying to provide from his family you wouldn’t wont someone trying to stop his success and making up shit. How you gone say some shit on Radio where ALOT of people will believe just because of who you are leave your mouth if you didnt make sure it was true? I got old ass niggaz from Wu-Tang dissin me. Some dude named GZA from Wu-Tang Clan dat was born in 66′ lol, who I never met in my life.. I’m like wow.. Then I seen a video of Jody Breeze talking shit about me? and for WHAT? Cuz they mad at all this Perfection. Don’t hate. INHALE IT IN NIGGA BREATHE IT IN! BASK IN IT!

Read the full blog here

The Game Going To Trial

From hiphopdx

As previously reported, The Game was hit with three felony charges; stemming from an incident that happened in February of 2007 in which the rapper was charged with possession of a firearm in a school zone, exhibiting a firearm on the grounds of a facility for minors and making criminal threats.

After pleading not guilty in June, The Game appeared in court today (Jan. 9) where a trial date was set for February 4th. If convicted the Compton rapper faces up to 5 years in prison.

On top of the weapons case trial, The Game’s lawyer claims the LAPD confiscated $44k during the investigation and have refused to release it.
According to TMZ, a hearing is scheduled on January 22nd to determine if the LAPD is in contempt of court for failing to return the confiscated money.

Tony Yayo Trying To Get Assault Dropped

From hiphopdx

Lawyers for G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo (born Marvin Bernard) plan to file a motion for dismissal, after one of Yayo's associates confessed to assaulting 14-year-old James Rosemond. According to an Associated Press report, Lowell "Lodi Mack" Fletcher confessed to the crime during an unrelated jail interview.

In a written statement, authorities report that "Fletcher saw a young boy [Rosemond] wearing a Czar Entertainment T-shirt. Fletcher further stated that he slapped the boy across the face and began to grab the boy's shirt. At this point Marvin Bernard [Yayo] exited the vehicle, tried to restrain him [Fletcher] and get him back in the vehicle."

In March of 2007 Yayo was charged with assault and endangering the welfare of a child, after Rosemond accused him of slapping and punching him. According to the misdemeanor complaint Yayo allegedly spotted Rosemond near a building at Sixth Avenue and 25th Street and hit Rosemond with his hand "causing his face to strike the door of a building." The case gained national attention due to the fact that Rosemond's father, Jimmy, manages ex G-Unit member and rival artist The Game under Czar Entertainment.

Tony Yayo maintained his innocence from the outset, and has remained free on $5,000 bail. In June of 2007 the rapper also rejected a plea deal that would have called for him to serve nine months of jail time in exchange for pleading guilty to the crime. Authorities are now likely to shift their attention to Fletcher, who confessed to the assault while serving a two-and-a-half-year sentence for drug possession.

Fletcher's lawyer, Robert Macedonio, says the statement was taken "in violation of [Fletcher's] constitutional rights," since police questioned him without a lawyer present. According to a recent MTV News report [available HERE], Yayo's lawyer, Scott Leemon says Fletcher's confession came after being interviewed by the New York Police Department's "Hip Hop Squad." However, other than the motion for dismissal filed by Yayo's legal team, no further action has been taken. Since the initial incident, both the houses of Tony Yayo's mother and road manager have been shot at.

DeNiro, Pacino and... 50?

This is the first I've heard of this movie... it actually looks promising, although this trailer sucks.

Freeway Talks

Jay-Z and Beyonce's Wedding Planner

Kinda funny, kinda corny. Good idea though.


If It Was All So Bey-Z from jeff on Vimeo.

The Game Jacked By LAPD?

We've learned an L.A. County Superior Court judge may hold the LAPD in contempt of court over a hostage situation -- as in holding a famous rapper's loot hostage. Show me the money!

Rapper The Game is currently facing trial on weapons charges. His lawyer claims the LAPD confiscated $44,000 of The Game's money during the criminal investigation and has wrongfully refused to release it.

The Game, whose real name is Jayceon Taylor, was in court today and was told he will face the music on Feb. 4 -- that's when his trial begins. The judge also set a hearing for Jan. 22, when he'll decide if the LAPD should be held in contempt of court for withholding the $44 grand.

The LAPD would not comment because of the ongoing investigation.

Joe Budden Signing To Shady/Aftermath?

Undisclosed sources close to Shady Records have revealed that Eminem's label is in talks of signing Jersey City, New Jersey rapper Joe Budden. The move might be shocking to some, as Budden is remembered for lyrically sparring with then-Shady-related artists in the past such as 50 Cent and The Game.

With the release of his Mood Muzik 3 at the close of 2007, Budden attacked Def Jam and its then-president Jay-Z for holding the rapper's career back. Subsequently, Budden was released from contract after being since to the label for over six years shortly before Jay-Z left. Despite three acclaimed mixtapes, the aforementioned last of which will be sold in retail stores through Amalgam Entertainment, Budden has not released an album since 2003's self-titled release which reached gold status.

If a deal does go through with Shady, Budden will be an established label acquisition, joining 50 Cent and The Alchemist. In the past, Shady had courted signing both Mobb Deep and Pharoahe Monch, but failed to reach agreement. Talks of the deal will likely be halted to yesterday's reported hospitalization of Eminem.

Eminem Rushed to Hospital

Marshall Mathers, better known to the world as Eminem, was rushed to a Detroit area hospital over the holidays for a heart condition and severe pneumonia.

Despite pneumonia generally occurring during rapid weight loss, Eminem's weight has ballooned in recent months. According TMZ.com, "Slim" Shady is now clocking in at over 200 pounds.

"Over the holidays, Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, was under doctor's care at a Detroit-area hospital for complications due to pneumonia. He has since been released and is doing well recovering at home," his publicist told TMZ.

The Detroit emcee has been relatively quiet over the last few years, with only his Re-Up mixtape to his name since 2004's Encore. According to previous interviews, Em is constantly in the studio working but unsure when his next highly anticipated album is due.

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