One person was left critically injured while another was arrested, following a triple stabbing at this year’s Urban Music Awards in London.
According to reports, a huge brawl involving up to 30 people broke out at about 10 p.m. Saturday (November 15).
Eyewitnesses recall seeing “blood all over the floor” after the melee, which sent champagne bottles and chairs flying.
As a result, Urban Music Awards organizers were forced to abandon the event about 90 minutes into the show.
Three hundred people were kept inside the O2 Arena, as police sealed off the venue and allowed one person out at a time after they were questioned.
Three people were treated at the scene and transported to London hospitals. Reports state that none of the injuries were believed to be life threatening.
One man who was stabbed is in critical condition.
Although authorities are still investigating the cause of the brawl, a police spokesman revealed to the Daily Mail that “a 21-year old man is in custody.”
Prior to the brawl, a host of celebrities and guests were on hand for Urban Music Awards.
Nominees featured at the sixth annual event included Dizzee Rascal, Leona Lewis, Estelle, Adele and Duffy.
It is not yet known whether any of the nominees were at the awards ceremony at the time of the brawl.
News of incident triggered immediate reaction as an O2 spokesman told the Daily Mail that “nothing of this nature has ever taken place in the venue before and all the usual stringent security measures were in place.”
Despite the spokesman’s claim, event guests noted the absence of tight security.
The O2 spokesman also offered well wishes to those affected by the stabbings while explaining that the venue is working with the police to “understand how this happened.”
“Our thoughts are with the victims of the attack,” he said.
Nov 17, 2008
Michael Jackson found himself in court again November 17 over a $7 million lawsuit on claims alleging he took advanced money on an album and autobiography he never completed.
According to the Associated Press, Sheik Abdulla bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain filed the suit claiming he advanced cash to the King of Pop in exchange for a joint autobiography and album. Jackson, however claims the money was a present.
A lawyer for Al Khalifa, Bankim Thanki, says the men's business relationship began around 2004 when Jackson was on trial in California for child molestation charges. Paying millions in his attorneys' fees and legal costs as well as moving him to Bahrain while supporting Jackson's family and entouage, Al Khalifa - who is also an amateur songwriter, hoped to work with Jackson by rebuilding his music career.
"The cost even included the expenses of brining out Mr. Jackson's hairdresser," Thanki told the AP. "It's not a conventional commercial dispute."
While not dismissing the fact that some items were given to Jackson as gifts including "watches [and] jewelry," the attorney alleges a majority of the materials were in connection to the two's business arrangements.
Lawyers for the singer are reportedly claiming Jackson will request permission to testify by a videolink from the United States.
No trial date has been announced.
In related news, the multi-platinum selling singer recently was forced to give up the deed on his iconic and popular California home amusement park, the Neverland Ranch.
According to the BBC, the 2,500 acre spot was transferred when Jackson lost ownership to Sycamore Valley Ranch Company. Sycamore also shares ownership with investment firm Colony Capital which helped the singer last March when he owed $24.5 million on the property.
MJ also recently announced that he has no intention in participating in the rumored Jackson 5 reunion tour.
Sep 23, 2008
News the bumps RE: DMX, Biggie, & Kanye
According to TMZ, DMX was reportedly taken to a medical facility yesterday (September 22) in Aventura for an alleged “fear of stroke.” X’s last stint at a center was when he missed a court date last month due to allegedly being admitted into a Miami hospital with intent to attend a rehabilitation program on the same day.
Ironically, X was also scheduled to appear in an Arizona court today but it is unlikely he will be able to do so.
As previously reported by SOHH, the multi-platinum selling rapper was extradited from Florida to an Arizona jail earlier this month to face charges he accumulated in the state.
As reported in the Arizona Republic, X was moved from a Miami Dade County on September 10 and taken to Phoenix, Arizona’s Maricopa County Jail. In addition to facing felony drug possession charges, X is also expected to defend his numerous traffic violations, animal cruelty accusations, plus defrauding a hospital with an invalid Social Security number and name.
He was held on a strict $25,000 cash-only bond
_____________________________
To many fans of Notorious B.I.G., his biggest hit was his solo debut single "Juicy." The memorable verse was attached to a James Mtume-sample laced creation, with production credited to Diddy, as well as The Trackmasters' Poke.
After August saw the release of Ready to Die: The OG Edition, the debut album, released by DJ Semi, in the form of the album's demo, fans were able to hear alternative versions of the album that went platinum almost 14 years ago.
Included on the collection was a rare version of "Juicy," produced by none other than Hip Hop super-producer Pete Rock. The 20-year veteran's version, long mistakenly thought to be a remix, predated the Diddy version, which featured an alternate chorus and different melody. After a recent interview with Grandgood.com, Rock revealed that he may have been sample-jacked by Diddy for one of Hip Hop's biggest anthems.
"Biggie and Sean came to my house one day and ['Juicy'] was playing on my drum machine," revealed Pete Rock. "Biggie thought I was making it for C.L. [Smooth]. When I told him I was just making it for myself, he immediately wanted it. I said sure, but didn’t think much of it. Then, next thing I know, I heard it playing somewhere. I’m over it now though."
In the rest of the interview, Pete Rock explains more from that recording. He says that to him, the matter was settled when he was paid, for what was billed as a remix.
Asked further about his sentiments of the deal, Pete Rock, simply stated, "Really though, I just wish Biggie was still alive for me to work with him."
_____________________________
According to HollywoodReporter.com, Kanye West is in talks to bring a puppet-themed, comedy sketch show to the Comedy Central network. The show, which is currently under the working title of Alligator Boots, has been described as a Hip Hop version of Jim Henson's Muppets. West is working with Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla, Daniel Kellison and Tom Stern, all of whom previously worked on Comedy Central's Crank Yankers.
West and fellow Chicago emcee Rhymefest are listed as executive producers alongside Kellison. West is also expected to host, while celebrity guests are featured, much like the original Muppet Show. Should Comedy Central pick up the pilot for Alligator Boots, the show would likely air sometime in 2009.
West previously used a similar puppet concept for his in "Champion" video. Rhymefest shares writing credits with west for the Grammy-winning single "Jesus Walks," and the pair also collaborated for several songs on his Blue Collar album
Ironically, X was also scheduled to appear in an Arizona court today but it is unlikely he will be able to do so.
As previously reported by SOHH, the multi-platinum selling rapper was extradited from Florida to an Arizona jail earlier this month to face charges he accumulated in the state.
As reported in the Arizona Republic, X was moved from a Miami Dade County on September 10 and taken to Phoenix, Arizona’s Maricopa County Jail. In addition to facing felony drug possession charges, X is also expected to defend his numerous traffic violations, animal cruelty accusations, plus defrauding a hospital with an invalid Social Security number and name.
He was held on a strict $25,000 cash-only bond
_____________________________
To many fans of Notorious B.I.G., his biggest hit was his solo debut single "Juicy." The memorable verse was attached to a James Mtume-sample laced creation, with production credited to Diddy, as well as The Trackmasters' Poke.
After August saw the release of Ready to Die: The OG Edition, the debut album, released by DJ Semi, in the form of the album's demo, fans were able to hear alternative versions of the album that went platinum almost 14 years ago.
Included on the collection was a rare version of "Juicy," produced by none other than Hip Hop super-producer Pete Rock. The 20-year veteran's version, long mistakenly thought to be a remix, predated the Diddy version, which featured an alternate chorus and different melody. After a recent interview with Grandgood.com, Rock revealed that he may have been sample-jacked by Diddy for one of Hip Hop's biggest anthems.
"Biggie and Sean came to my house one day and ['Juicy'] was playing on my drum machine," revealed Pete Rock. "Biggie thought I was making it for C.L. [Smooth]. When I told him I was just making it for myself, he immediately wanted it. I said sure, but didn’t think much of it. Then, next thing I know, I heard it playing somewhere. I’m over it now though."
In the rest of the interview, Pete Rock explains more from that recording. He says that to him, the matter was settled when he was paid, for what was billed as a remix.
Asked further about his sentiments of the deal, Pete Rock, simply stated, "Really though, I just wish Biggie was still alive for me to work with him."
_____________________________
According to HollywoodReporter.com, Kanye West is in talks to bring a puppet-themed, comedy sketch show to the Comedy Central network. The show, which is currently under the working title of Alligator Boots, has been described as a Hip Hop version of Jim Henson's Muppets. West is working with Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla, Daniel Kellison and Tom Stern, all of whom previously worked on Comedy Central's Crank Yankers.
West and fellow Chicago emcee Rhymefest are listed as executive producers alongside Kellison. West is also expected to host, while celebrity guests are featured, much like the original Muppet Show. Should Comedy Central pick up the pilot for Alligator Boots, the show would likely air sometime in 2009.
West previously used a similar puppet concept for his in "Champion" video. Rhymefest shares writing credits with west for the Grammy-winning single "Jesus Walks," and the pair also collaborated for several songs on his Blue Collar album
Sep 15, 2008
News the bumps re: Nate Dogg
West Coast legend Nate Dogg has suffered his second stroke in less than ten months and is in serious condition, reported several media outlets.
Sources report that Nate Dogg cannot currently breathe on his own.
The singer suffered his first stroke last December, which became public knowledge in January. Reports later confirmed that Nate Dogg was partially paralyzed on his left side. Doctors were optimistic that he would make a recovery.
In May, rumors of Nate Dogg's death from complications due to the first stroke were dismissed by his manager, Rod McCrew, who stated that the hook man's recovery was going well.
Sources report that Nate Dogg cannot currently breathe on his own.
The singer suffered his first stroke last December, which became public knowledge in January. Reports later confirmed that Nate Dogg was partially paralyzed on his left side. Doctors were optimistic that he would make a recovery.
In May, rumors of Nate Dogg's death from complications due to the first stroke were dismissed by his manager, Rod McCrew, who stated that the hook man's recovery was going well.
Sep 7, 2008
News that bumps RE: MC Breed, Jermaine Dupri, & Kanye
After speaking with veteran Flint, Michigan rapper MC Breed's manager, Darryl Morris, AllHipHop.com has reported that the rapper may be in his final hours, unless he gets some help.
After kidney failure, the rapper, who has spent a great deal of time in his career in Atlanta, was rushed Friday evening to an area hospital. According to the report, Breed had fallen unconscious, needing to be revived three times.
Management told that a Michigan Hip Hop benefit concert may be orchestrated this weekend or early this week to help raise money and awareness for the kidney donor needed to save the 36 year-old's life. No specific artists or location was given.
Having released over a dozen albums, Breed is credited as being the first nationally-recognized rapper from Michigan. He is best remembered for DFC-assisted 1991 hit "Ain't No Future In Yo' Frontin'," and 1993's "I Gotta Get Mines" with Tupac Shakur. The latter attained gold status, and both were released on the independent Ichiban Records.
Breed has also worked with MC Eiht, The D.O.C., Rappin' 4-Tay and E-40.
HipHopDX will keep you updated on this situation.
Kidney donors can contact Breed's management at vanglorious61@yahoo.com.
__________________________________
There are some people in the Hip Hop community whose opinions on Barack Obama's presidential run come as no surprise--will.i.am, Q-tip and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson are but a few. Somewhere on the other end of that spectrum lies Jermaine Dupri. The Atlanta-based producer and industry mogul, who currently serves as the president of urban music for Island Records, recently strayed away from the cozy confines of blogging about the happenings in the recording industry. After watching the Democratic National Convention last week, Dupri says Sen. Obama "touched me in a way no politician ever has before."
Dupri's sentiments echoed those of dozens of other members of the Hip Hop community who have given their sometimes unwelcome endorsements of the Illinois senator. What many probably didn't expect was Dupri's willingness to take others such as Tavis Smiley, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Dr. Cornel West to task for their critique of Obama's comments regarding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [click to read]. JD explained that while he admires and respects Smiley and West, he disagrees with their opinions of the speech.
"What he said was exactly what he needed to say to introduce himself to apolitical folks like me and get us fired up and ready to make a change," writes Dupri. "It was his job to lay out the plan that will bring America into the 21st century, and that's what he did."Dupri added that more emphasis should be placed on America's future, not its past because "that's the kind of bullshit that old people who've been here forever get stuck on." JD also compared the elder generations critique of Obama to the recent feud between Ice T and Soulja Boy and warned that "if we keep trying to fight progress, it's gonna march right past us."
As for the issue of why he decided to wait so long to become involved in the political process, Dupri offered the following explanation writing, "I've always been the guy who found politics boring, and I haven't trusted anyone in Washington to do anything for me for a long while. It had no relevance to me, and I never really got what all the hype about Obama was about."
In addition to his post at Island, Dupri serves as the president of TAG Records and is also the founder of So So Def Records. In 2007 the Guinness Book of World Records named him the most successful R&B producer of all time. His entire blog at the political website HuffingtonPost.com
____________________________
After a year long boycott against MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs), Kanye West has shown a change of heart and decided to close the annual event with a performance this weekend.
According to Reuters, the Grammy-winning rapper/producer will take center stage this Sunday (September 7) in Hollywood, California as he is scheduled to end the show’s 25th annual ceremony alongside a heavy line-up of stars.
West’s frustration towards the spectacle-filled event stemmed from his alleged poor treatment during last year’s ceremony. In addition to returning home with no awards, ’Ye publicly aired out his grievances with the network, expressing his anger that he did not get to perform at the event’s main stage.
Although the show is not until Sunday, ’Ye’s T-Pain assisted video for the track “Good Life” has already won an MTV moonman for special effects. Erykah Badu’s “Honey” also won early honors for “Best Direction” and Gnarls Barkley’s “Run” was awarded for “Best Art Direction” and “Best Choreography.”
Aside from ‘Ye’s highly anticipated performance this weekend, mega stars T.I. and Lil’ Wayne are also scheduled to hit the stage. The event will mark Tip’s first appearance at a major awards ceremony since being arrested at last year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta. He is set to debut his new single “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna during his set.
The annual show will also be heavily urban balanced with star studded nominees including Weezy, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, T-Pain, Mariah Carey and many more.
Hosted by British comedian Russell Brand, the VMA’s will air Sunday, September 7 at 9 p.m. EST.
In related Kanye news, the rapper/producer recently made headlines when buzz about a forthcoming album possibly dropping this December began to spread. A likely first single from the rumored release is called “Love Lockdown” and is speculated to be performed at the VMA show.
Along with his work on “big brother” Jay-Z’s forthcoming Blueprint 3 album, management for ’Ye told Billboard that the Chicago-bred artist is carefully planning his fourth Def Jam release.
Previously titled Good Ass Job, the follow-up to his multi-platinum Graduation has yet to be given an official name or release date.
After kidney failure, the rapper, who has spent a great deal of time in his career in Atlanta, was rushed Friday evening to an area hospital. According to the report, Breed had fallen unconscious, needing to be revived three times.
Management told that a Michigan Hip Hop benefit concert may be orchestrated this weekend or early this week to help raise money and awareness for the kidney donor needed to save the 36 year-old's life. No specific artists or location was given.
Having released over a dozen albums, Breed is credited as being the first nationally-recognized rapper from Michigan. He is best remembered for DFC-assisted 1991 hit "Ain't No Future In Yo' Frontin'," and 1993's "I Gotta Get Mines" with Tupac Shakur. The latter attained gold status, and both were released on the independent Ichiban Records.
Breed has also worked with MC Eiht, The D.O.C., Rappin' 4-Tay and E-40.
HipHopDX will keep you updated on this situation.
Kidney donors can contact Breed's management at vanglorious61@yahoo.com.
__________________________________
There are some people in the Hip Hop community whose opinions on Barack Obama's presidential run come as no surprise--will.i.am, Q-tip and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson are but a few. Somewhere on the other end of that spectrum lies Jermaine Dupri. The Atlanta-based producer and industry mogul, who currently serves as the president of urban music for Island Records, recently strayed away from the cozy confines of blogging about the happenings in the recording industry. After watching the Democratic National Convention last week, Dupri says Sen. Obama "touched me in a way no politician ever has before."
Dupri's sentiments echoed those of dozens of other members of the Hip Hop community who have given their sometimes unwelcome endorsements of the Illinois senator. What many probably didn't expect was Dupri's willingness to take others such as Tavis Smiley, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Dr. Cornel West to task for their critique of Obama's comments regarding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. [click to read]. JD explained that while he admires and respects Smiley and West, he disagrees with their opinions of the speech.
"What he said was exactly what he needed to say to introduce himself to apolitical folks like me and get us fired up and ready to make a change," writes Dupri. "It was his job to lay out the plan that will bring America into the 21st century, and that's what he did."Dupri added that more emphasis should be placed on America's future, not its past because "that's the kind of bullshit that old people who've been here forever get stuck on." JD also compared the elder generations critique of Obama to the recent feud between Ice T and Soulja Boy and warned that "if we keep trying to fight progress, it's gonna march right past us."
As for the issue of why he decided to wait so long to become involved in the political process, Dupri offered the following explanation writing, "I've always been the guy who found politics boring, and I haven't trusted anyone in Washington to do anything for me for a long while. It had no relevance to me, and I never really got what all the hype about Obama was about."
In addition to his post at Island, Dupri serves as the president of TAG Records and is also the founder of So So Def Records. In 2007 the Guinness Book of World Records named him the most successful R&B producer of all time. His entire blog at the political website HuffingtonPost.com
____________________________
After a year long boycott against MTV’s Video Music Awards (VMAs), Kanye West has shown a change of heart and decided to close the annual event with a performance this weekend.
According to Reuters, the Grammy-winning rapper/producer will take center stage this Sunday (September 7) in Hollywood, California as he is scheduled to end the show’s 25th annual ceremony alongside a heavy line-up of stars.
West’s frustration towards the spectacle-filled event stemmed from his alleged poor treatment during last year’s ceremony. In addition to returning home with no awards, ’Ye publicly aired out his grievances with the network, expressing his anger that he did not get to perform at the event’s main stage.
Although the show is not until Sunday, ’Ye’s T-Pain assisted video for the track “Good Life” has already won an MTV moonman for special effects. Erykah Badu’s “Honey” also won early honors for “Best Direction” and Gnarls Barkley’s “Run” was awarded for “Best Art Direction” and “Best Choreography.”
Aside from ‘Ye’s highly anticipated performance this weekend, mega stars T.I. and Lil’ Wayne are also scheduled to hit the stage. The event will mark Tip’s first appearance at a major awards ceremony since being arrested at last year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards in Atlanta. He is set to debut his new single “Live Your Life” featuring Rihanna during his set.
The annual show will also be heavily urban balanced with star studded nominees including Weezy, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, T-Pain, Mariah Carey and many more.
Hosted by British comedian Russell Brand, the VMA’s will air Sunday, September 7 at 9 p.m. EST.
In related Kanye news, the rapper/producer recently made headlines when buzz about a forthcoming album possibly dropping this December began to spread. A likely first single from the rumored release is called “Love Lockdown” and is speculated to be performed at the VMA show.
Along with his work on “big brother” Jay-Z’s forthcoming Blueprint 3 album, management for ’Ye told Billboard that the Chicago-bred artist is carefully planning his fourth Def Jam release.
Previously titled Good Ass Job, the follow-up to his multi-platinum Graduation has yet to be given an official name or release date.
Aug 22, 2008
News that bumps RE: Da Brat,
Rapper turned reality star Da Brat will be doing time behind bars as a judge has sentenced her to three years in prison for attacking another woman at an Atlanta nightclub last year.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris, copped a guilty plea to aggravated assault August 22 in a DeKalb County courtroom. In addition to the jail time, Superior Court Judge Gail Flake also sentenced the rapper to seven years probation and 200 hours of community service.
Upon leaving the courtroom the popular ’90s rapper - known for her collaborations with hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri as well as her stints in a string of VH1 reality shows - appeared confident.
“I love y’all,” she said to about six weeping relatives as they replied, “We love you too.”
The prison terms come as a result of Da Brat’s actions at a Halloween party at Studio 72 nightclub on October 31 2007. After striking a waitress with a rum bottle due to an alleged argument, the woman was immediately hospitalized and suffered permanent facial scarring.
___________________________
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris, copped a guilty plea to aggravated assault August 22 in a DeKalb County courtroom. In addition to the jail time, Superior Court Judge Gail Flake also sentenced the rapper to seven years probation and 200 hours of community service.
Upon leaving the courtroom the popular ’90s rapper - known for her collaborations with hip-hop mogul Jermaine Dupri as well as her stints in a string of VH1 reality shows - appeared confident.
“I love y’all,” she said to about six weeping relatives as they replied, “We love you too.”
The prison terms come as a result of Da Brat’s actions at a Halloween party at Studio 72 nightclub on October 31 2007. After striking a waitress with a rum bottle due to an alleged argument, the woman was immediately hospitalized and suffered permanent facial scarring.
___________________________
Jun 1, 2008
News that bumps RE: Toni Braxton & Death Row
Due to health problems possibly relating to her recently learned heart problems, Toni Braxton’s scheduled line of Las Vegas performances have all been canceled, according to the Associated Press.
Announced Thursday evening by her resident hotel The Flamingo Las Vegas’ President, Don Marrandino, the decision comes after learning of Braxton’s health problems after she was hospitalized on April 7th following a performance.
“Upon learning several weeks ago of Ms. Braxton’s health concerns, our first and foremost consideration was her well-being. We have truly enjoyed having her as our resident headliner and continue to wish her a full and quick recovery so that she may resume what she loves best, entertaining audiences,” Marradino said in a written statement.
Harrah’s Entertainment, the private gaming corporation working with Braxton, spokesperson Deanna Petit has reportedly affirmed not being able to comment on the six-time Grammy winner’s health condition. Despite lacking Braxton’s current status, her past history shows the singer being treated for viral inflammation of the heart, according to AP.
With her shows “Toni Braxton: Revealed” coming to an abrupt stop, the singer’s two-year run at The Flamingo Las Vegas hotel concludes just short of her scheduled end in August.
_______________________________
After having been reported missing over 24 hours ago by family, Jermaine "Black" Williams was found dead in Queens' Ozone Park this morning in New York. Williams had spent over eight years employed as security for rapper Busta Rhymes.
The man had been shot multiple times, and was discovered wrapped in sheet, when police noticed blood stains in his parked SUV in the park. No suspects have been apprehended. Busta Rhymes, who is presently working in Europe, has yet to release a statement.
Williams leaves behind two children.
In early February 2006, Israel Ramirez was a Busta Rhymes bodyguard of over a decade that was murdered on the set of the the video-shoot for the "Touch It" remix in New York. He was shot multiple times after an altercation with another spectator on the set of the video. The rapper made headlines for not cooperating with police in the questioning on Ramirez' killer. Five months after the incident, Busta did expound on his reasoning to media.
The two events have been deemed early by investigators as unrelated.
___________________________________
According to court documents obtained by TMZ.com, Death Row, the label once owned and operated by Suge Knight has been placed on the auction block and will go to the highst bidder on June 24.
The documents state that "all of the recorded music business assets of the estate, along with substantially all of the music publishing business assets of ... Marion 'Suge' Knight" are what are for sale...
Some of the music and rights that are included will be works of Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and the Dogg Pound.
The minimum starting bid is $24 million.
Any parties who wish to put in a bid are required to do so before the deadline of June 10th. Knight lost control of the label in July 2006 after long-winded legal battle over the estate after he a judge awarded a couple, claiming to have fronted the seed money to start the label, $107 million.
The sale of Death Row was to begin in late 2007, but was halted when Dr. Dre and Afeni Shakur filed suits over the rights of past recordings of Dre's solo debut, The Chronic, and several of Tupac's music. It is unclear how these suits have been handled since, but the auction has commenced.
____________________________________
Announced Thursday evening by her resident hotel The Flamingo Las Vegas’ President, Don Marrandino, the decision comes after learning of Braxton’s health problems after she was hospitalized on April 7th following a performance.
“Upon learning several weeks ago of Ms. Braxton’s health concerns, our first and foremost consideration was her well-being. We have truly enjoyed having her as our resident headliner and continue to wish her a full and quick recovery so that she may resume what she loves best, entertaining audiences,” Marradino said in a written statement.
Harrah’s Entertainment, the private gaming corporation working with Braxton, spokesperson Deanna Petit has reportedly affirmed not being able to comment on the six-time Grammy winner’s health condition. Despite lacking Braxton’s current status, her past history shows the singer being treated for viral inflammation of the heart, according to AP.
With her shows “Toni Braxton: Revealed” coming to an abrupt stop, the singer’s two-year run at The Flamingo Las Vegas hotel concludes just short of her scheduled end in August.
_______________________________
After having been reported missing over 24 hours ago by family, Jermaine "Black" Williams was found dead in Queens' Ozone Park this morning in New York. Williams had spent over eight years employed as security for rapper Busta Rhymes.
The man had been shot multiple times, and was discovered wrapped in sheet, when police noticed blood stains in his parked SUV in the park. No suspects have been apprehended. Busta Rhymes, who is presently working in Europe, has yet to release a statement.
Williams leaves behind two children.
In early February 2006, Israel Ramirez was a Busta Rhymes bodyguard of over a decade that was murdered on the set of the the video-shoot for the "Touch It" remix in New York. He was shot multiple times after an altercation with another spectator on the set of the video. The rapper made headlines for not cooperating with police in the questioning on Ramirez' killer. Five months after the incident, Busta did expound on his reasoning to media.
The two events have been deemed early by investigators as unrelated.
___________________________________
According to court documents obtained by TMZ.com, Death Row, the label once owned and operated by Suge Knight has been placed on the auction block and will go to the highst bidder on June 24.
The documents state that "all of the recorded music business assets of the estate, along with substantially all of the music publishing business assets of ... Marion 'Suge' Knight" are what are for sale...
Some of the music and rights that are included will be works of Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and the Dogg Pound.
The minimum starting bid is $24 million.
Any parties who wish to put in a bid are required to do so before the deadline of June 10th. Knight lost control of the label in July 2006 after long-winded legal battle over the estate after he a judge awarded a couple, claiming to have fronted the seed money to start the label, $107 million.
The sale of Death Row was to begin in late 2007, but was halted when Dr. Dre and Afeni Shakur filed suits over the rights of past recordings of Dre's solo debut, The Chronic, and several of Tupac's music. It is unclear how these suits have been handled since, but the auction has commenced.
____________________________________
May 9, 2008
News that bumps re: DMX & R. Kelly
As jury selections for the R. Kelly sex trial began today, new claims surfaced that an aide to Kelly allegedly paid off a woman to get her to return an incriminating sex videotape featuring the Grammy Award winning singer.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, last month Judge Vincent Gaughan held four closed-door hearings and was told that the Atlanta woman, who is expected to testify that she had a three-way sexual encounter with Kelly and the suspected underage girl at the center of his child porn trial, was allegedly paid by Kelly's aide to recover a sex tape featuring Kelly. It is unclear how much the aide allegedly paid the woman, but the woman did receive payment and arranged for the tape to be delivered to the aide.
The Atlanta woman was granted immunity from state and federal prosecution in exchange for her testimony. Federal immunity was provided to protect the woman from charges of transporting child pornography across state lines. Sources revealed the woman had been in love with Kelly.
During the April hearings, Judge Gaughan was told at one point the aide arranged for the woman to take a polygraph test to determine if she was telling the truth about the tape. It is not clear whether the embattled singer had any knowledge of the alleged deal.
Prosecutors became aware of the woman's dealings with Kelly's aide and decided to make her a witness in the case involving the initial sex tape. The Atlanta woman's testimony could prove damaging to the defense's case as she can identify the girl and testify if she was underage at the time. The girl, now in her 20s, has denied before a grand jury that she was involved in alleged act. She might become a defense witness at the trial.
Kelly was indicted on child pornography charges in June 2002 for allegedly having sex with an underage girl and videotaping the act. Prosecutors have said the girl may have been as young as 13 when the tape was made. R. Kelly has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 15-years in prison if convicted.
____________________________________
After being freed on bond from a prior arrest this week, embattled rapper DMX was busted again this morning at his home in Arizona for animal cruelty and drug possession.
According to TMZ, DMX (born Earl Simmons) was arrested at 3:00 am at his home in Cave Creek on seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four felony drug possession charges.
Cave Creek Sheriff Arpaio revealed when officers tried to issue the search warrant, the trouble star attempted to barricade himself in his bedroom. He eventually came out and offered no further resistance to the police and was booked.
Police recovered a number of weapons and drugs, and rescued five pitbull puppies. The dogs were taken to First Avenue Jail, where they will remain under the care of female inmates. Additional charges were later filled against X.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, last month Judge Vincent Gaughan held four closed-door hearings and was told that the Atlanta woman, who is expected to testify that she had a three-way sexual encounter with Kelly and the suspected underage girl at the center of his child porn trial, was allegedly paid by Kelly's aide to recover a sex tape featuring Kelly. It is unclear how much the aide allegedly paid the woman, but the woman did receive payment and arranged for the tape to be delivered to the aide.
The Atlanta woman was granted immunity from state and federal prosecution in exchange for her testimony. Federal immunity was provided to protect the woman from charges of transporting child pornography across state lines. Sources revealed the woman had been in love with Kelly.
During the April hearings, Judge Gaughan was told at one point the aide arranged for the woman to take a polygraph test to determine if she was telling the truth about the tape. It is not clear whether the embattled singer had any knowledge of the alleged deal.
Prosecutors became aware of the woman's dealings with Kelly's aide and decided to make her a witness in the case involving the initial sex tape. The Atlanta woman's testimony could prove damaging to the defense's case as she can identify the girl and testify if she was underage at the time. The girl, now in her 20s, has denied before a grand jury that she was involved in alleged act. She might become a defense witness at the trial.
Kelly was indicted on child pornography charges in June 2002 for allegedly having sex with an underage girl and videotaping the act. Prosecutors have said the girl may have been as young as 13 when the tape was made. R. Kelly has pleaded not guilty and faces up to 15-years in prison if convicted.
____________________________________
After being freed on bond from a prior arrest this week, embattled rapper DMX was busted again this morning at his home in Arizona for animal cruelty and drug possession.
According to TMZ, DMX (born Earl Simmons) was arrested at 3:00 am at his home in Cave Creek on seven misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and four felony drug possession charges.
Cave Creek Sheriff Arpaio revealed when officers tried to issue the search warrant, the trouble star attempted to barricade himself in his bedroom. He eventually came out and offered no further resistance to the police and was booked.
Police recovered a number of weapons and drugs, and rescued five pitbull puppies. The dogs were taken to First Avenue Jail, where they will remain under the care of female inmates. Additional charges were later filled against X.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
