The straight dope on what's going on in Hip-Hop, Media and Entertainment

May 9, 2005

Only three months after signing with Island Def Jam, reports are surfacing that Damon Dash's Damon Dash Music Group is close to leaving IDJ.

According to New York Post reports, Dash began demanding more money on marketing and promotion after inking the deal. Word is Universal wasn't too pleased with Dash persistently seeking an executive position within Universal. The two parties reportedly started negotiating an exit package last week.

"He was demanding more money spent on him and more time and attention," a source close to the deal told the NY Post. "And he wanted a bigger role at the company."

In December 2004, Dash, Kareem "Biggs" Burke and Jay-Z split after Def Jam bought the remaining 50% of Roc-A-Fella it didn't own for $10 million. Hov, who is now Def Jam's president, was overseeing Dash's joint venture. An official announcement is likely to come as early as this week.

Despite his numerous ventures, which includes Rocawear, Armadale Vodka, America magazine and Pro Keds, word is labels haven't been showing much interest in Dash.

"The problem is nobody is courting him," said a prominent music industry executive.

Earlier this year, the DDMG released Beanie Sigel's third album, The B. Coming under the Def Jam joint venture. M.O.P. announced that they were leaving the label last week.

_______________________

Jimmy James Johnson, the Los Angeles man who allegedly punched hip-hop impresario Dr. Dre during November's second annual Vibe Awards — sparking a melee that included members of rap clique G-Unit — must stand trial on an assault charge, a California judge ruled Friday.

Judge James Dabney found sufficient evidence to try the 26-year-old Johnson, according to a report from The Associated Press. Authorities believe Johnson punched the legendary producer several times in the face after Dre refused to sign an autograph. The assault incited an all-out brawl, as several bodyguards and G-Unit members rushed to Dre's defense

According to police accounts, the G-Unit's Young Buck stabbed Johnson in the chest, causing a collapsed lung. The fracas spread to involve many of the 1,000 people in attendance.

Buck, whose real name is David Darnell Brown, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. He has since pleaded not guilty and is out on bail awaiting trial. Young Buck next's court appearance is slated for Friday. He faces up to eight years in prison if convicted, according to Deputy District Attorney Hamid Towfigh.

Johnson pleaded not guilty to assault at his arraignment in January

Attempts by Santa Monica Police Department investigators to ascertain the identities of two other individuals seen brandishing knives in video footage from the Vibe Awards attacks are said to be ongoing.