After four years, Chino XL plans to release two albums in the next six months. He will unveil his first new album, Poison Pen, next month and yet another album, Confirmation, later this spring.

"I hope that in the New Year, Hip-Hop will regain a certain amount of integrity in the current overly corporate state of affairs," Chino said via a statement. "Hopefully, we will be able to focus on the artistry again. The machine should not be larger than the architects who create the music."

Poison Pen will be released independently via Activate, as part of an effort by Chino to make an artistic statement free from outside censorship or control by major label executives. The double-CD, Chino's first release since I Told You So, will offer 18 songs, including two bonus tracks, and features appearances from Killah Priest, The Beatnuts and D-12's Proof.

"We gave Chino a budget, and let him do his thing," Activate label CEO Jay Warsinske said via statement. "Chino delivered an unfiltered, mind-bending stream of consciousness statement built on strong songs and hooks."

"This is me at my most honest, most heartfelt and most uncompromising when it comes to what's on my mind," Chino added.

As part of a limited edition signed collector's package, first run copies of Poison Pen will be available with a limited edition silver metallic foil cover, personally autographed with a silver 'poison' pen by Chino. Other added bonuses include a music video, two hidden bonus tracks and special features which can be accessed by computer only.

The album's second disc is a DJ Mix version of the album mixed by L.A.'s Power 106 DJ Mr. Choc, where Chino offers his firsthand perspective on the making of his tracks.

Later next year, Chino will release yet another album, Confirmation, this time from his new major label home.

"I am very happy to now be signed to Sway and Tech's label, Bolo/Universal, and I am looking forward to my major commercial release, Confirmation, coming out this spring," said Chino. "I'm only putting out Poison Pen because I have fans who want to hear it. I hope that everyone has a happy holiday season."

After that long hiatus, fans can now look forward to hearing Chino spit both underground and commercial.

Poison Pen will be available January 31, 2006.
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Sadat X was recently arrested, last Thursday (Dec. 22) in Harlem, New York on weapon charges.

Police were alerted after Sadat X, one-third of the '90s rap group Brand Nubian, allegedly waved a pistol at three 18-year-old males on 158th St. and Broadway in Harlem.

According to police the 37-year-old rapper, born Derek Murphy, flashed a loaded 40-caliber Beretta handgun and told the group of teens, "I'm looking for a guy with braids." He also allegedly threatened to "kill everybody."

Authorities from the 33rd precinct responded to a call about the incident, and witnesses pointed out Sadat X, who was across the street with the gun.

Officers said when they attempted to arrest X, he tried to run, however he was quickly apprehended and arrested.

Sadat X was arraigned Friday in Manhattan Supreme Court on charges of criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest.

While with Brand Nubian, the quartet, which also included Grand Puba, Lord Jamar and DJ Alamo, released classics like "All For One," "Slow Down," "Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down" and "Don't Let it Go To Your Head."

Sadat, a former teacher, has also released several solo projects, including two titles that ironically mirror his current situation, Wild Cowboys and The State of New York Vs. Derek Murphy.

Sadat X's latest album, Experience and Education, is in stores now.
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Foxy Brown's assault hearing was rescheduled after the rapper was handcuffed to her seat until she apologized for sticking her tongue out during the proceedings.

Foxy, born Inga Marchand, appeared in court to plead guilty to disorderly conduct in a plea bargain with the government. Under the deal, she will have to do 10 days of community service.

The BK rapper initially faced assault charges, a more serious offense. Foxy was accused of assaulting two Bloomie Nails manicurists after paying for a $20 pedicure she didn't receive.

Brown first had to confess to certain parts of the incident before the judge could accept the deal. Yet, she refused to follow the steps of the proceedings each time Judge Melissa Jackson called her case this past Friday. Fox then pissed Jackson off when she wouldn't answer questions upon being called a third time.

"This is the third time you are before me performing today, and you are making faces and sticking out your tongue," Jackson told Fox before inquiring, "Are you chewing gum?"

Foxy then stuck her tongue out to reveal that she wasn't chewing anything.

"You stuck your tongue out at me," the judge fumed. "You are showing disrespect for the court."

Jackson then ordered Brown to be handcuffed to her courtroom seat until she apologized.

Joseph Flemming, Foxy's attorney, then objected that her client was having a hard time understanding the hearing because of her near total hearing loss.

"She cannot hear," Fleming told the judge. "She's deaf. She opened her mouth, your honor, only to show you she wasn't chewing gum."

Brown then apologized after being threatened with a contempt-of-court citation, 30 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. The judge rescheduled the hearing for January 23.


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Over 5,000 cases of Nelly’s energy drink Pimp Juice were stolen the Thursday before Christmas (Dec. 22) in St. Louis, Missouri.

Representatives for Fillmore Street Brewery, the company that manufactures Pimp Juice, said the bandits may have been caught on tape and have filed a report with local police.

“Somebody's holiday parties are going to be poppin,” Nelly told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “Our company is prepared to handle situations like this, but it is sad that people get desperate this time of year.”

The Pimp Juice was bound for Trinidad and was the third shipment to the island, which is an emerging market for the energy drink.

“It is unbelievable to think that someone would steal an entire truckload of our product. I guess the only positive thought on the subject is that this means the product is in high demand,” said William Wooten, president of Fillmore Street Brewery, which manufactures Pimp Juice and PJ Tight.

The product began shipping to several different countries in 2005 including Canada, Australia, South Africa and various European countries.

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MTV and West Coast Customs have amicably split, ending a relationship that helped create “Pimp My Ride,” one of the most successful television shows for music television network.

MTV has confirmed that the network and West Coast Customs have split amicably over owner Ryan Friedlinghause’s concerns about his company’s image.

The new show will air on The Discovery Channel and is being developed with the producers of “American Chopper” and “American Hot Rod.”

The untitled show will focus on private jets, helicopters, tour buses and other high-end vehicles.

"We've had a great experience with Ryan," said MTV spokesman David French. "Everyone in that garage is very talented and we wish them all the best."

Discovery Channel representatives confirmed the new project.

West Coast Customs’ new headquarters will be based in a 21,000 square foot corporate-style building/warehouse in an industrial park in Corona, which has a thriving auto industry.

“Pimp My Ride,” hosted by rapper Xzibit, debuted in March 2004 and quickly became one of MTV’s most watched shows.

The 30-minute series featured West Coast Customs taking worthless cars and tricking them out to the tune of $20,000.

A version of the show debuted in the U.K. earlier this year.