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(Blurb) Rick Ross Replies to Chrisette

RICK RICK ROSS REPLIES TO CHRISETTE

In the new issue of The Source magazine, Rick Ross talks about the allegations he left the Soul Train awards because he was mad Eminem won over him. Here is a partial transcript.

The word coming from the show was they you were upset Eminem beat you in the Song Of the Year category and you stormed out.

Not at all. I’ve been going to award shows for a long time and I’ve never had a problem with who won. I’m happy I’m recognized. We were in the trailer, going over these particular [performance] issues [with the sows producer]. Out of respect, we came back out there to give them a reaction to the nomination. They gave the award to Eminem. I applauded. Big Record. That wasn’t the issue. Like I said, the things we requested weren’t met. It had nothing to do with Chrisette Michele. It may have had to do with me not knowing the other 50 people that were onstage at [rehearsal] and we doing my record.

Have you talked to Chrisette?

I haven’t spoken to Chrisette Michele or her team. but I didn’t speak to her to [invite her to] the show either. It was something maybe the label set up. [But] her choice of words were ugly. Denouncing Hip-Hop, that ain’t cool. Using ugly words could give off the wrong impression. That could make your hat look ugly to me now. That could make your haircut look ugly to me now. Hopefully if we win a Grammy, she’ll come out and accept it withy our boy. Give me a kiss on the cheek.

Via Karen Civil

QTIP Not Supporting TRIBE DOCUMENTARY

(AllHipHop News) A Tribe Called Quest founding member Q-Tip has revealed he is not in support of an upcoming documentary on the legendary Hip-Hop group being directed by actor Michael Rapaport.

Q-Tip sent the tweet out on the heels of Beats Rhymes and Life being selected as one of the official films for the Sundance Film Festival.

The documentary focuses on the rise of A Tribe Called Quest, their reunification in 2008 at Rock the Bells and the differences between them, that ultimately caused a break up.

"I am not in support of the a tribe called quest documentary," Q-Tip tweeted. "The filmmaker should respect the band to the point of honoring the few requests that's was made abt the piece…the filmmaker shld respect the band enough to honor our request regarding the the film."

Rapaport filmed Beats Rhymes and Life over an eight month period, recording hundreds of hours of footage of group members Q-Tip, Phife, Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Jarobi.

The movie will compete in the US Documentary category during the Sun Dance Festival, which takes place in several cities in Utah from January 20-30th

SHYNE ADMITS He Was Wrong for Blasting DefJam Chairman LA REID

A great leader has the unique ability to admit when he’s wrong. Without this ability you suffer the fate of Napoleon and end up dead on your way to Russia.

I was wrong about my assessment of Chairman Reid. After I stopped being all Carl Thomas emotional and things like that, I thought about the facts. Fact is L.A Reid was there when I was locked, a few feet away from death row and the Black Panthers. L.A. was on the visit floor on Rikers Island looking at me through them blinding bars, showing me he believed in that gang boy revolutionary music I make. A bond forged at the nadir of suffering [that’s] unbreakable. That’s why I chose L.A. Reid over all the other distributors. We already went through it. I’ll never forget what L.A. did for me behind that b-wall. Caged like an animal, stripped of all my rights; he gave me freedom— freedom to follow my vision. Freedom to make my momma smile after so many tears and sleepless nights weeping for her baby boy like Rachel the matriarch weeps for the Israelites.

We have to have perspective on the legend [that] L.A. Reid is. 100 million records sold!!! Some of the biggest artists and musicians in the history of popular music have been discovered, mentored or produced by L.A.! Sean Combs and Jermaine Dupri made the biggest hits in music under L.A.’s tutelage. Shyne Po sold almost a million copies from Clinton Maximum Facility with the help of Chairman Reid. Son is one of the best in music—period. More than that, he was the dude that got on the PJ and paid homage to the chief when I was in that cell in them state greens dodging informants and banging on anything that opposed.



I’m loyal to a fault! F#ck it!!! I’m rolling with L.A. “100 Million Sold” Reid ‘til Supreme comes home and runs the rodents outta Queens, N.Y. I’m in it ‘til Sherm “Jonathan Jackson” Worm wins appeal and sits on the throne in Queensbridge. ‘Til Hasan Miller walks out the feds and hops in that four-door Bugatti.

Along with Berry [Gordy], Quincy [Jones] and Russell [Simmons], L.A. Reid opened the door and paved the way for Africans and Latinos to become music moguls and pop culture juggernauts instead of inmates on death row. I pray one day I could discover the next Usher, Toni Braxton, TLC and OutKast; grow the careers of Bon Jovi, The Killers, Pink and legends like Mariah. L.A. Reid has accomplished what most in music never will. Transcending racial barriers before Obama and making music that moves the planet! Put the horse in the bag! If you with me, partner, scream Gangland!!!

“I’m dope boy fresh, Geronimo Pratt. Statue of Liberty sittin’ on my lap, pedal to the floor engine in the back, somebody gotta do it! Mr. Cee light a match!!!

(Wack) Solar says Those were GURU's Words

(AllHipHop News) Producer Solar has lashed out at growing speculation over the authenticity of a letter sent out this morning along with a press release announcing the death of revered rapper, Guru of Gangstarr.

Solar, who was a partner with Guru in the 7Grand Record label, broke the news today (April 20th) that Guru had succumbed to cancer yesterday morning (April 19th) after battling the disease for several years.

Many fans have questioned a final letter from Guru, who allegedly refused to acknowledge group member, DJ Premier, who produced the majority of Gangstarr’s classic tracks.

"I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this,” Guru allegedly wrote before his death. “I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ.”

In addition to his death, the controversial statement has left fans doubting if Guru, born Keith Elam, would issue such harsh words while he was sick with cancer and undergoing treatment.

“Guru made this statement from his own mouth and anybody saying different is insane with Hate!” Solar Tweeted today (April 20th).

Drama aside, fans and friends reacted in shock about the news of Guru’s sudden death.

"Guru Rest in Peace. Good times good memories. Wish we had reconnected one last time. Farewell fam,” Masta Ace said.

"R.I.P GURU LOVE YOU MY BROTHER the World Will Miss You!!!! WE LOST A Great Man and a Big Part OF HIP HOP History!!!" Fat Joe added.

Guru Of Gangstar Passes Writes Letters to Fans

(Scrappys Note) Below is what i got from AHH I dont know why this Guy Solar would even let that Garbage about Primo Slide. I think thats Really some BullSHH to even send out,but i thought i would share anyway Thoughts???
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(AllHipHop News) Legendary Gangstarr artist Guru has succumbed to cancer after a lengthy bout with the disease.

The artist, born Keith Elam, died on Monday April 19. He was 43 years old.

Solar, Guru's partner, expressed sadness over the loss.

"The world has lost one of the best MCs and Hip-Hop icons of all-time -- my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," Solar said in a statement. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius.

Guru, a Boston native, rose to fame in the 80's as one half of Gangstarr, the iconic rap group with DJ Premier.

The group released six highly regarded albums in their tenure until 2003 when they broke up. After his successful run with Premier, Guru founded 7 Grand Records with producer Solar.

Solar went on to tend to the rapper as he fell ill, seemingly controlling the flow of information and access to Guru. Many of his family members complained that they were denied their right to see him.

Solar also said that Guru wrote a letter to fans and sent it out through a press agency.

"For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can't tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself. Guru prepared this letter (read below) while he was in the hospital for the fans," the producer continued. "I hope now that Guru has moved on to a better place."

In the letter, seen below, the rapper explains his illness, expresses gratitude to supporters and offers some parting words for DJ Premiere.

I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options.

I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting.

My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody's feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own.

I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life.

AllHipHop.com sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Keith Elam.

Thirsty MOVES:B.I.G.s Estate And Faith Evans Hit With A $5 Million Lawsuit Over B.I.G Home Videos

AllHipHop Reports:


Faith Evans has been hit with a lawsuit over personal home videos of Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace.

Kaushi Entertainment and Dro-Entertainment filed their lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court, claiming that they struck a deal with Evans in February of 2007 to sell the personal videos featuring B.I.G. for $30,000.

Kaushi Entertainment claims they were supposed to purchase the films from RocDarling Films, a company owned by B.I.G.‘s associate, Damion “D-Roc” Butler.

Kaushi Entertainment says they made the payment to B.I.G’s estate and received permission to use the videos, which were never delivered.

The company seeks over $5,000,000 in damages over the botched deal.

Also named in the lawsuit are Faith Evans, Damion Butler and RocDarling.

Butler served almost eight years in prison for his role in a violent 2001 shootout in front of Hot 97, between members of Lil Kim’s camp and men affiliated with rappers Capone-N-Noreaga.

He was released in late 2009. Lil Kim also served a year in prison over the shooting for perjury and conspiracy.

The news comes on the heels of a brand new recording deal for Evans, who inked a deal with E1 Entertainment earlier this month and launched her own label, Prolific Music Group.

As a result of the deal, Evans is working on a television reality show titled It’s All About Faith in addition to her first album in over five years.

Swizz Beatz Associates Busted In Massive Phoenix Crime Ring

According to AllHipHop.com

The owners of a popular exotic auto dealership in Phoenix that was used by producer Swizz Beatz and other celebrities to purchase exotics cars, has been accused of massive fraud and using illicit money from Mexico to fund their businesses.

Swizz Beatz, who is the godfather to Nazreth Derboghossian and Jodi Upton’s 8-month old son, has bought or traded at least 25 cars through Exotic Auto and Leasing and Scottsdale Lotus.

In addition to Swizz Beatz, the dealerships counted Penny Hardaway, Mike Bibby and others as celebrity clients and specialized in customizing Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Mercedes-Benz’s.

Derboghossian, 50, is charged with 102 felony counts, which include assisting a criminal syndicate, theft by extortion, conspiracy and a host of other offenses.

Also charged are Katie Marie Peters, 28 and the couple’s lawyer Mario del Fuente Mix. Both face multiple charges that include money laundering, forgery and fraud.

Police uncovered the massive crime ring when Phoenix officials become suspicious of the popular Scorch Bar, after scrutinizing the company’s liquor license after a 2007 Super Bowl party.

Officials uncovered that a second company claimed ownership of the bar as well and an agent for the company named Bassam Nahas, was revealed to be a convicted drug trafficker.

Police now claim the bars, which hosted parties featuring major rappers and pop singers and the dealerships, were funded in part by money funneled in from Mexico.

The group allegedly began scamming banks in May of 2001, by borrowing $750,000 in loans for vehicles which were eventually sold.

According to the Phoenix New Times, the loans were never paid back, but an unusual an infusion of cash was wired in to the company from two unnamed Mexican nationals.

The suspects then purchased Exotic Auto Sales and Leasing, which allegedly funneled another $16 million dollars in from Mexico, which was then used to purchase Club CBNC.

The club, which was named “Best Club for Hip-Hop” in 2005 by The New Times, hosted parties for rappers and artists like LL Cool J., 50 Cent, Britney Spears, Busta Rhymes, Alicia Keys, Beyonce and others.

The person listed as owner of CBNC was Jodi Upton, a close friend of Swizz Beatz and Derboghossian’s girlfriend.

"Swizz Beatz befriended us," Upton told the Arizona Republic when CBNC originally opened. “When we bought the club, he said, 'Let's blow it up.' He tells people it's his club."

Authorities claim that Upton’s husband continued the criminal operation, by opening another Phoenix hot spot, RPM Ultra Club and Lounge, which was also bought using laundered money.

At press time, Upton is named as a fourth defendant, but hasn’t been apprehended or charged with a crime as of press time.

Teddy Riley Speaks about Daughters Assault Allegation

By Ismael AbduSalaam

New Jack Swing pioneer and Blackstreet founder Teddy Riley is denying reports that he assaulted one of his daughters, claiming the allegation is the result of a financial dispute.



Riley's 18-year-old daughter Taja filed a temporary restraining order against her father, claiming that she and her older sister were stomped and punched.



The Los Angeles court filing also states that Teddy Riley allegedly threatened to kill them while swinging a Rock Band video game guitar.



In a prepared statement, Riley explained that he spoiled his children over the years, and his daughter’s legal case is a response to him being a stronger disciplinarian.



“I love my daughters, but I will not allow my children to disrespect me in my home. Contrary to what I have been accused of, I would never beat my children,” Riley stated to TMZ.com. “Perhaps, I should have been a stronger disciplinarian as they were growing up. I worked very hard so that my children would want for nothing. In hindsight, I see that it was a mistake to give them everything they wanted so that they could have the childhood I never had. Unfortunately, they have taken me, and the privileged life I have given them, completely for granted.”



While not directly addressing specifics from the incident, Riley further alluded to the confrontation happening over some form of disrespect.



“Instead of being appreciative and realizing how fortunate they are, my children have an inflated sense of entitlement and expectation without having to work or earn their way,” Riley continued. “However, my 'children' are no longer children, they are adults and I am trying to instill in them values and a work ethic of their own. I am not an uptight Dad, I am as hip as they come but I will not tolerate being taken advantage of or disrespected, especially in my home… I'm asking everyone to let this one go... I'm only being a good parent. I'm a great father and everyone who knows me, knows this is true.”



At press time, Teddy Riley has to remain at least 100 yards from his daughter Taja until their January 2010 hearing.

DJ Jazzy Jeff Booted from Venue for Hip-Hop SelectionsWhat are your Thoughts?

(Photo by Adrian Schaller)
By Ismael AbduSalaam
DJ Jazzy Jeff received a professional insult last Saturday (June 6) in Kansas City when a venue cut short his set for playing Hip-Hop music.The Power & Light District has been lightning rod of controversy in recent months due to accusations of racism from black constituents.
Critics allege the entertainment district deliberately shuns any Hip-Hop themed elements for fear of attracting gang activity and violence.
Jazzy Jeff and rapper Skillz arrived at the venue as part of the ongoing Bacardi B-Live Tour.
Thirty minutes into their set and in the middle of a NeYo song, officials advised the duo the set was being shut down.
"My road manager walked up to me and said they were having problems with the music I was playing. I played three more songs and he comes back. I knew something was wrong,” Jazzy Jeff explained to the Kansas City Star. “They said I had to kick Skillz off the stage, change the format of the music I was playing or quit. They said if I continued playing they had 30 cops ready to come escort me off stage. So I stopped."
This was Jazzy Jeff’s first performance in Kansas City. For over 20 years, the acclaimed DJ has been highly sought after internationally for his legendary all-night party sets.
According to Jeff, he was instructed to play Top 40 hits, and was accommodating that request before officials ended the set.
“They said they didn’t like Skillz' posture. They said he made gang-like signs and grabbed at his genitals,” Jeff stated. “I was playing Rihanna, she is Top 40. If they would have let my set play, they would have known I play everything. I play rock, funk, soul, pop, hip-hop, reggae. I don't play for a certain genre, race or gender. I play for music lovers… I didn't understand what element they were talking about. I looked out in the crowd and it was multicultural, but about 75 percent white. Everyone was having a great time. I wondered what was so offensive. I never had a race issue. I didn’t know how to feel. I was playing [Biz Markie’s] ‘Just a Friend.’ Is that offensive? What element? It’s uncomfortable when you feel unwanted."
Power & Light District President Joe Stephens completely denied Jeff’s recollection of the incident, stating the DJ was simply asked to lower the sound before continuing on.
"The issue that arose with the performance last night was completely about the sound levels," Stephens told the Kansas City Star. "His audio tech was maxing out the sound system to a point that risked damage to the speakers and sound system. His sound techs and management refused to bring the decibel level down. They were told to bring it down or cease performance. They refused to go on… We booked Jazzy Jeff on a Saturday night, the biggest night of the week in the district. We were excited to have him there. It’s unfortunate that his sound and management people had problems adhering to the sound and audio rules. We wanted him to play, that’s why we booked him."
At press time, DJ Jazzy Jeff has stated he plans on returning to Kansas City soon to spin for disappointed fans
(story ALLHIPHOP.COM)