The Elephant in the Room

Fat Joe recently announced that the Terror Squad has signed a new distribution deal with Imperial Records.

After leaving Atlantic Records last year, Fat Joe signed with Imperial and released his seventh solo album, Me Myself and I, which featured the hit single "Make It Rain."

With the new deal, Joe has begun working on his eighth project, The Elephant in the Room. The set will feature appearances from Diddy, Rick Ross, Fabolous and production from Scott Storch, Cool & Dre, DJ Khaled, Nate "Danja" Hills and The Runners.

"I never made as much money in my career as I have since I went independent. The Elephant in the Room is guaranteed to be a classic. Believe Dat!" Fat Joe said.

The Elephant In The Room is slated for release early 2008.

Gucci and Big Cat split

Big Cat Records, the Atlanta based independent label known for launching Gucci Mane's career, announced that it will release the third and last album from Gucci Mane.

Gucci, left Big Cat Records earlier this year to sign with Asylum/Atlantic Records as part of an agreement involving his new label So Icey and Czar Entertainment, the same management company that represents Game.

The album via Big Cat, titled "Trap-A-Thon", was recorded after Gucci was released from jail last year.

The album includes the original and the remix of his current hit single "Freaky Gurl" and features guest appearances from Young Snead and Khia.

The CD also includes a DVD titled The Glockumentary, which gives an inside look at Gucci's murder trial and his beef with Young Jeezy.

Trap-A-Thon is due in stores on September 25.

Gucci's debut with Atlantic titled "Back To The Trap House" is set for release on November 13.

The set features appearances from Rich Boy, Pimp C and Shawnna, formerly of DTP and newly signed to So Icey Entertainment.

"This album is perfect for my major label debut. It felt like the first time all over again, just so fresh and driven," Gucci Mane said in a statement.

"I bring a lot of experience, creative wordplay, and a crazy style, and I can't wait to showcase the album to my fans and open up to millions of new fans."

Lil Boosie and Lil Webbie sued

Webbie and Lil' Boosie have been hit with a $1 million dollar lawsuit by a local a promoter who alleges they failed to perform at a concert in January.

The lawsuit claims the Lil Boosie, and Webbie, were hired by Tracye Stafford of Ikon Entertainment to perform at Club Sonar on January 20, but they failed to show up to the concert to perform.

Stafford claims that after the failed concert on January 20, Ikon Entertainment, Lil Boosie and Webbie agreed to reschedule the event, but the rappers failed to show up again.

Stafford seeks $1 million for direct and consequential damages, expenses, attorney's fees, plus interest and costs.

The lawsuit also names Trill and Asylum Records as defendants.

Both rappers are artists on Trill Entertainment, which is owned by UGK group member Pimp C.

Snoop sentenced to probation

Snoop Dogg, pleaded guilty to one count of felony possession of a dangerous weapon in a California court, was sentenced to 160 hours community service and three years probation.

According to the Snoop's lawyer, Donald Etra, future courtroom appearances are the last thing on Snoop's mind.

"We are very pleased with the outcome. Snoop's goal is to make music, not make court appearances," Etra said. "He wants to get on with his life. He will continue his music and his filming and performing."

Snoop was arrested last year after he was found carrying a collapsible baton in his hand luggage at John Wayne Airport in Orange County.

In addition to the community service and probation, Snoop was ordered to donate $5,000 to the charity Right Trak.

Game avoids jail time

Game continues to be a free man after a judge dismissed charges against him pertaining to an incident where he impersonated a police officer.

The judge in the case ruled that the charges would be dismissed in six months if the Game stays out of trouble.

"I love New York, but I hate the system," he said after a hearing at New York State Supreme Court. "But, I hate every system."

Game was arrested in November after identifying himself to a cab driver as an undercover officer.

According to complaint filed, Game instructed the driver to drive through a red lights.

Although he came out on top in the New York case, he still faces three felony charges in California for a February incident in which he is accused of pulling a gun during a basketball game in Los Angeles.

If convicted, he face up to five years in jail.

Yung Joc - Hustlenomics (Intro)

Jay Z...."American Gangster"

Jay-Z has announce that he will release an album full of all new material this November titled American Gangster.

While Jay-Z's version of American Gangster is separate from the official motion picture soundtrack, the new album is Jay-Z's lyrical interpretation of the movie, which stars Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe, Cuba Gooding Jr. (as Nicky Barnes), RZA, T.I., Ruby Dee, Common and others.

American Gangster is based on the true story of Frank Lucas, who is played by Denzel Washington. The movie chronicles Lucas rise to dominance over the Harlem drug trade in the streets of New York in 1970 by smuggling heroin into the country using the coffins of Vietnam veterans returning home from the war.

The first single from Jay-Z's American Gangster album will be titled "Blue Magic."

The album will feature a variety of producers, including Pharrell.

Jay-Z's album American Gangster is due in stores November 6.

Twista illegally stopped and searched

Ten Michigan police cruisers stopped Twista's tour bus yesterday which was en route to a radio appearance in Detroit to promote his album Adrenaline Rush 2007.

Michigan State Police stopped the tour bus in search of illegal narcotics.

Twista, whose real name is Carl Mitchell, was stopped after state police ran the tag of his tour bus, which is owned by Florida-based company, Entertainment Coach of America.

Although the police were unable to find any narcotics, the entire search stopped the flow of traffic on Michigan Interstate 94 for more than two hours.

Twista who recently dropped his latest album Adrenaline Rush 2007 on September 18th, is also scheduled to perform on September 29th and the Jena 6 Empowerment Concert in Birmingham, Alabama.

50 Cent with Jim Jones & Juelz Santana LIVE

Forbes 1,2,3 Remix

Monday night, the much-hyped remix to 50's street anthem "I Get Money" dropped on New York radio station Hot 97 during Funkmaster Flex's show.

50 hinted last Thursday that the track — once called the "Billion Dollar Remix" but now titled "Forbes 1,2,3 Remix" after Jay-Z's, 50's and Diddy's ranking in a Forbes magazine article on hip-hoppers' wealth.

According to a source close to the G-Unit camp, the track was recorded the same week as the New York leg of the Screamfest Tour last month, when headliner T.I. pulled out Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Diddy to the stage and 50, who appeared earlier in the same show with Ciara, also joined them.

The three rap giants take turns trading money-tossing rhymes over the Apex-produced track.

"Bo knows, but Diddy did it," the Bad Boy CEO spits. Cars, jewelry and big homes, yeah, Diddy did it."

"Still hustling, baby, hurry up and kill me," Jay rapped. "I'm already the G.O.A.T., next stop is the Billy."

The three are scheduled to shoot a video for the song on today in New York, according to reps for Interscope.

CLICK HERE to listen and download "Forbes 1,2,3 Remix"

Kanye's still ahead

The race still belongs to Kanye West, entering week two of the rapper’s highly anticipated record sales battle with 50 Cent. West’s CD Graduation dropped on Sept. 11, the same day as 50’s Curtis.

At last count, Graduation sold about 600,000 copies, compared with Curtis’ 430,000, according to SoundScan data collected from eight leading retail sources.

Return of the Queen

Queen Latifah, who has made a name for herself as an actress in Hollywood, plans a rap comeback because she thinks today's rap music is too superficial.

Latifah - real name Dana Owens - has been a regular in Hollywood of late, with high-profile roles in movies such as Hairspray and Chicago. But she is planning a return to her rap roots and record a new album - almost a decade after her last release.

She states, "I think there's a bunch of rap heads and hip-hop lovers who are my age. "They just want good music that's not shallow. There's still room for me to do my thing." Latifah's last album was 1998's Order In The Court.

Plies - Hypnotized (Feat. Akon)

Shaq's wife bought trainer a Condo

Part of the reason for Shaquille O'Neal filing to divorce his wife was because of her "close" relationship to her personal trainer.

Well now we're hearing whispers that Shaunie O'Neal may have purchased that trainer a new Miami condo. According to a person close to the O'Neal family, the trainer who reportedly came between Shaq and his wife is the proud owner of a brand new luxury condo.

The insider tells says, "He bought the condo early this year. And I'm not sure how much personal trainer's make, but I doubt it's enough for a condo in that building."

A Miami real estate website reports that condos in the building where the trainer reportedly owns start at $650,000.

Luda Disses T.I. on “I Get Money” Remix

Every since Ludacris dropped a heated verse over 50 Cent's “I Get Money” remix, the streets have been buzzing with rumors. Was he getting at T.I. when he said: “Let’s get one thing clear, the south’s still here. Still got the Grammy for Album of the Year”?

You damn right he was.

The Grammy-winning Ludacris confirmed the diss during an appearance on BET’s 106 & Park.

“There was an individual (T.I.) that said something about me not winning a Grammy or basically them winning a Grammy and feeling like I didn’t deserve it. Man, I’ve been in this game for 7 years, I just started winning awards and for somebody to tell me that I don’t deserve an award that I put my heart and soul into, of course I’m gon’ respond to it.”

Luda is referring to T.I.’s line on “You Know What It Is,” where he raps: “Had the album of the year, nigga / Grammy or not.”

Jamie Foxx Walks on a Star

Next time Jamie Foxx refers to himself as a star he probably means it in literary terms. The Academy Award-winning actor was immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame over the weekend.

Foxx told reporters that getting a star on Hollywood Boulevard was “one of the most amazing days,” as he dedicated the honor to his grandmother who raised him.

The 39-year-old actor/singer won the coveted Oscar for Best Actor in 2005 for playing Ray Charles. His next film, The Kingdom, will be released in two weeks.

50 Cent Or Kanye West?

We're almost at the finish line in the 50 Cent vs. Kanye West showdown. Early projections have Kanye comfortably leading in sales, the official tally won't be made public until Wednesday.

In the meantime, everyone — including 50 — seems to have had something to say about the red-hot battle. On Friday, 50 phoned in to Hot 97 and said the fix was in. He accused Def Jam, West's label, of practicing underhanded methods, such as buying copies of Graduation to rig Kanye as the first-week SoundScan king.

Billboard reported Friday that Graduation leads with 781,000 copies sold over the 603,000 moved by 50 Cent's Curtis, according to projections.

"It's only one magic album, the other one is just there," 50 said of the hyped-up competition.

While doing an on-air radio interview on HOT 97, 50 told host Angie Martinez that if he loses to Kanye in the first week, he's going to war. That means putting out an album every time a Def Jam artist releases an LP — namely Jay-Z, Young Jeezy and Ludacris.

Buffie Brings Her Body To the Net

Video vixen and model Buffie the Body is next to jump on the reality show bandwagon as she's teamed up with ExclusiveCast.com to launch her own program.

The show, which will be broadcast via the internet and available on Exclusivecast.com and BuffieTheBodyondemand.com, will give Buffie her very own web-based reality show.

"We are very excited and pleased to have a great personality like Buffie The Body to launch our first product in the entertainment industry," George Mercado, CEO of Exclusivecast, said via a statement.

The 20-minute episodes will consist of various situations and events that will give viewers an "all access" look at the model, showcasing her everyday life and activities. Buffie was also reportedly given full creative control over the show as well.

Viewers will be able to subscribe to the site for either monthly or yearly access to the episodes.

The site, which is currently in negotiations with several other celebrities for reality programs, already offers similar all access shows for the Ruff Ryders and Cuban Link.

Buffie is most known among hip hop audiences for her appearances in music videos for Tony Yayo and her cameo in the movie ATL, starring T.I. and Big Boi. She has also had layouts in such magazines as XXL and King.

T.I. Leads BET Hip-Hop Award Nominations

T.I. leads the pack of recently announced nominees for this year's BET Hip Hop Awards.

He tops the list of this year's contenders with nine nominations, followed by Lil' Wayne with seven nominations, Kanye West with six, Common with five, Jay Z is up for four awards, and Ludacris and 50 Cent both have three nominations.

Now, in their second year, BET will head back to Atlanta, GA for the show, which is scheduled to air October 17.

"We are so glad to be back in Atlanta again for this year's version of what, in its debut, became the single hottest show in hip-hop," said Stephen Hill, executive vice president of entertainment, music and talent at BET.
Comedian Katt Williams will host the BET Hip Hop awards for the second year in a row.

BET has also revealed that Nelly, Lil' Wayne, Kanye West and Common will perform at the event. As part of the show, the network will also honor KRS-One with the "I Am Hip-Hop" icon award.
The 2nd Annual BET Hip-Hop Awards are scheduled to air on October 17 at 8 p.m. on the cable network.

50 being sued...again

50 Cent and Lil' Kim have been hit with a $2 million lawsuit by producer Carlos "Phantom of the Beats" Evans, who claims he was never paid royalties for producing the hit single "Magic Stick."

The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan State Supreme Court by Carols Evans, who claims he signed an agreement to produce and mix "Magic Stick," featured on Lil Kim's 2003 album La Bella Mafia.

Evans claims he was paid $7,500 for his production work on the single, which hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over two million copies.

He hasn't seen any royalties since the album's release in 2003.

"It was one of the hottest tracks on that album, and I didn't collect my royalties," Evans said.

According to 50 Cent's lawyer Theodore Sedlmayr, the issue is an accounting issue, because Evans used a sample in "Magic Stick."

"Atlantic is trying to get it straightened out," Sedlmayr said. "If after the accounting Mr. Evans is entitled to anything, he'll get it then."

Best Of Both Worlds

Pimp C and author Ken "Pimpin' Ken" Ivey have teamed up to release a new DVD titled Best of Both Worlds. The DVD features real pimps from the past and present, sharing their views on the world, while intermingling with rappers like 50 Cent, Rick Ross, Bun B., T.I., Young Jeezy, Mistah F.A.B. and others. The DVD, which has been nominated for an Southern Entertainment Award (SEA) for Independent DVD Film of the Year, hits stores in December. Pimpin' Ken, who has been featured on albums by Too $hort, Jermaine Dupri and Lil' Jon, is featured on UGK's #1 album Underground Kingz. He recently released Pimpology: The 48 Laws of The Game with author Karen Hunter.

OJ Simpson arrested over hotel hold-up

O.J. Simpson was arrested Sunday and faces multiple felony charges in an alleged armed robbery of collectors involving the former football great's sports memorabilia.

Prosecutors were planning to charge Simpson with two counts of robbery with use of a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery, burglary with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon and coercion, said Clark County District Attorney David Roger.

A conviction on the most serious charge, robbery with use of a deadly weapon, could bring a sentence of three to 35 years for each count, he said.

Simpson was being held at Las Vegas police offices pending the arrival of his lawyer, who was expected later Sunday.

"He was very cooperative, there were no issues," officers said.

At least one other person has been arrested and police said Sunday that as many as six people could be arrested in connection with the alleged armed robbery that occurred in a room inside the Palace Station casino-hotel on Thursday.

Simpson, 60, has said he and other people with him were retrieving items that belonged to him. Simpson has said there were no guns involved and that he went to the room at the casino only to get stolen mementos that included his Hall of Fame certificate and a picture of the running back with J. Edgar Hoover.

Simpson told The Associated Press on Saturday that he did not call the police to help reclaim the items because he has found the police unresponsive to him ever since his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, were killed in 1994.

"The police, since my trouble, have not worked out for me," he said, noting that whenever he has called the police "It just becomes a story about O.J."

The Heisman Trophy winner, ex-NFL star and actor lives near Miami and has been a tabloid staple since his ex-wife and Goldman were killed in 1994. Simpson was acquitted of murder charges, but a jury later held him liable for the killings in a wrongful death lawsuit.

Police said two firearms and other evidence were seized at a private residence early Sunday.

Walter Alexander, 46, of Arizona, was arrested Saturday night on two counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary with a deadly weapon.

He was released without bail on Saturday night.

Besides the two firearms, police said they seized other evidence during early morning searches of two residences, Lt. Clint Nichols said.

"It was evidence of a crime that was committed," Nichols said. "And I believe we recovered some clothing that the individual was wearing in the commission of the robbery."

Simpson said auction house owner Tom Riccio called him several weeks ago to say some collectors were selling some of his items. Riccio set up a meeting with collectors under the guise that he had a private collector interested in buying Simpson's items.

Simpson said he was accompanied by several men he met at a wedding cocktail party, and they took the collectibles.

Alfred Beardsley, one of the sports memorabilia collectors involved in the alleged robbery, has said he wants the case dropped and that he's "on O.J.'s side."