Frustrated by Busta Rhymes' lack of cooperation, the family of his slain bodyguard, Israel Ramirez, has called his silence "cowardice" and accused the rapper of using Iz's death as a publicity stunt.

Ramirez was gunned down on the set of Bus-a-Bus' "Touch It" remix video this past February. Though several reports say Rhymes was close by at the time of the shooting, the dungeon dragon has kept silent ever since.

"I understand the code of the streets, [but] they're probably just very afraid for themselves and their families," Sonia Rodriguez, Iz's older sister told the New York Post.

According to Rodriguez, she hasn't heard from Bus since July 4th when the rapper phoned her to see how the family was holding up. She also claims that Bus promised to establish a scholarship fund for Ramirez's children.

"We're not doing well. Our family is destroyed. We're not going to be complete again," Rodriguez shared. "Especially during the holidays. There is definitely going to be an empty seat at this table."

Apparently Rodriguez isn't too impressed with Bus' numerous dedications and claims that he cared for Ramirez.

"I find it kind of nauseating - especially when he's talking about how he cared for my brother," a teary Rodriguez explained to the Post. "He doesn't give two diddlies about my brother. At this point, I honestly believe Busta is using my brother's death as a publicity stunt - and I'm angry."

"He may perceive it as this is how he shows he cares, but I don't see it," she added. "He's really got a lot to do to prove me wrong, and talking to the cops about what happened that night would be a big step."

Meanwhile, Ramirez's murder has yet to be solved. A police source told the Post that they've yet to find cooperation from anyone present at the scene of the killing. "Some people are afraid because they fear they could be next," the source said.
_____________________

40/40 Club interior designer Ilan Waisbod filed a lawsuit against the Club’s owner, Shawn “Jay-Z’ Carter, last week, alleging that the rapper reproduced his décor designs for a new 40/40 Club without his permission.

Waisbod’s design, complete with flat-screen televisions, hanging chairs and a Lucite safe to guard the Cognac and other highly-priced spirits, was allegedly used by Jay-Z for a second 40/40 Club in Atlantic City, the New York Post reported.

Jay-Z was working on the plans to open clubs with similar interiors in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Singapore. The re-use of similar designs, the lawsuit
claimed, was a violation of the club's agreement with Waisbod's design firm, Studio Gaia.

Representatives for the rapper were unavailable for comment as of press time.

In related news, Jay-Z’s Rocawear clothing line announced that actress/model Jaime King would become the new face of the line, alongside supermodel Naomi Campbell.

King's next project Sin City 2, is set to premiere in 2007

______________________________

Former pop/rap group L.A. Boyz member, Jeff Huang, was indicted this week (Aug. 11) for a three-year-old song with threatening lyrics towards Taiwanese lawmakers

Huang, who was also a member of the rap group Machi, is accused of threatening Taiwan government officials on various songs, in response to a 2003 amendment to change copyright laws that would have limited artists' compensation from legal download sites.

Prosecutors claim Huang threatened 43 legislators, including former Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chiu Yi-ying. Officials say Huang accused the legislators of "murdering the music industry in Taiwan" and "being bribed by website owners."

The lyrics warned legislators to be on alert and implied some might die unexpected deaths. Yi-Ying said Huang insulated her and other lawmakers and threatened her personal safety.

Yi-ying and other officials claim it is inappropriate for a singer to list the names of legislators and criticize them in such a manner.

The new indictment marks the second time legal action has been brought against Huang. The rapper said several lawmakers tried to press charges against him, but were unsuccessful in their attempts.

"[Huang] may have misunderstood, or simply did not understand the background of what we have been doing," Chiu said. "I just need an apology [to drop the lawsuit]. That is all."

Huang refuses to apologize for criticizing Yi-Ying and the other officials.

"I do not understand why I should apologize," Huang told reporters. "If she criticizes my music, I am more than happy to accept it. But she is complaining about the truth, and I will not compromise when it comes to that."

Other musicians are supporting Huang and some fans of the rapper called Yi-ying's office to voice their support, while others allegedly verbally abused Yi-ying's assistants