Yesterday, Dame Dash's Mercedes-Benz was wrecked near Times Square, New York after a road rage incident sparked a reckless ride that also dragged a cop down the block and mowed down six pedestrians.

The incident took place on Broadway in Manhattan, New York and had people diving to avoid a racing SUV, a Honda CR-V, smashing anything in its path.

"If I didn't get up and jump as far as I can, I wouldn't be here right now talking to you," victim Kevin Jones told New York's Daily News while being rushed into an ambulance with a bandaged ankle.

Sources say the incident was caused by a heated argument at 2:30 p.m. between two drivers on Broadway, north of W. 40th Street. NYPD Lieutenant John McAndrew noticed the dispute and approached the vehicles when a transparent envelope with white powder believed to be cocaine fell out of the car of driver Hugo Palomino, 51.

According to authorities, Palomino, of Westchester County then sped off and headed down Broadway dragging Lt. McAndrew from the side door of the vehicle.

"Half of his body was out the window and the other half was inside," Dwight Hayes, 36, told Daily News.

As McAndrew struggled to control the car, the SUV ran a red light, hit an armored car and crashed into Dash's Mercedes-Benz. A shirtless Dash reportedly ran out of the 1411 Broadway building to check damage on his vehicle. The Honda then continued speeding, jumped the curb and rolled across GoldaMeirPlaza between W. 39th and W. 40th Streets where dozens of people were outside. The truck finally stopped when it struck a big planter. Six people suffered minor injuries.

Palomino, who has previously been arrested for drunk driving, got out of the SUV and began running on Broadway. Officers caught up to him on Sixth Avenue and 39th Street.

Palomino was charged with drug possession, leaving the scene of an accident and assault. His passenger, Victoria Chasen, 27, of Manhattan was charged with drug possession. Authorities also discovered a three-quarters full bottle of Belvedere vodka in the Honda.

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In support of their highly anticipated and acclaimed forthcoming release, The Minstrel Show, Little Brother has hit the road for a North American tour.

The tour kicked off in New Orleans' House of Blues yesterday and is slated to conclude in the trio's home state at Carrboro, North Carolina's Cat's Cradle October 7th. LB is also scheduled for two Canadian dates in Toronto, Ontario's Reverb September 10th and Montreal, Quebec's Foufounes Electriques September 19th. LB is a road veteran. To date, the group has toured with Kanye West, Gangstarr, Dilated Peoples, The Roots and Floetry among others.


Following the critically-acclaimed The Listening, 9th Wonder, Phonte and Big Pooh have cooked up another highly heralded LP in The Minstrel Show. The CD received a classic 10 rating in Scratch Magazine and an "XL" rating in XXL Magazine. The CD has also caused controversy with it's a contentious rating scandal at The Source Magazine. According to reports, former Source Editor-In-Chief, Joshua "Fahiym" Ratcliffe resigned when his 4.5 mics rating for The Minstrel Show was changed to a 4 mics rating by Chief Brand Executive Raymond "Benzino" Scott and CEO Dave Mays.


Little Brother's The Minstrel Show is slated to hit stores September 13th.

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Alicia Keys is scheduled to team up with acts like Mos Def and Common on "MTV Unplugged" scheduled to air in mid-September and hit stores in early October.

"Unplugged" was filmed this past July at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. In the show, Keys performed modified versions of original songs like "Heartburn" and "A Woman's Worth." The soulful singer also teamed up with Common and Mos for "Love It or Leave It Alone." Meanwhile, she joined forces with Damian Marley to perform his current hit, "Welcome to Jam Rock" and Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine for a rendition of the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses."

In addition to her classic hits, the CD sees Keys offer two new songs. The album's first single, "Unbreakable," is slated to hit U.S. radio outlets on September 12th. Keys also recorded "Stolen Moments," a new song co-written by legendary soul singer Al Green.

Keys' "Unplugged" performance is set to premiere on MTV in mid-September and will re-air five times following its debut. The show will also be available individually as a CD or DVD and a limited-edition package with the CD/DVD combo.

In related Keys news, Alicia is covering the late great Luther Vandross' "If This World Was Mine" on the singer's tribute album, So Amazing. The set is slated to hit stores September 20th on J Records.

Alicia Keys' "Unplugged" airs on MTV in mid-September and MTV Unplugged hits stores through J Records on October 11th.

In related news, Mos and Common will appear in "Dave Chappelle's Block Party" -- a new DVD featuring footage from his block party of last year.

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Calvin “Snoop Dogg” Broadus, superstar rapper, is now venturing into the world of skateboarding with the launch of the Snoop Dogg Board Company (SDBC).

The company will launch with a complete line of long and short skateboards, accessories and backpacks.

SDBC is being distributed by Pentagon Distribution, the distributor for Kampus Wakeskates and shoes, Academy Snowboards and CD Wakeboard Bindings.

"Bing Worthington, Jr., Snoop Dogg's brother, came to us with a vision of bridging these two industries together because there is already so much crossover between skateboarding and the rap/hip-hop market,” said Duane Pacha, President of Pentagon Distribution.

The decks will be competitively priced and in addition to the skate accessories, SDBC will launch a complete line of high-end Snoop Dogg luggage and travel bags, which will hit stores in January 2006.

"We are excited to work with the Pentagon group,” Worthington said. “These guys are definite hustlers in this business. With our music industry connections and concerts, we know this project is going to get big. We are down with skateboarding and want to get more music fans into skateboarding," commented Worthington.

SDBC is currently looking for qualified international distributors to represent Snoop Dogg Board Co. For more information visit www.snoopdoggboardco.com