KIND RECORD EXEC: Thank You to Kevin Ash of Universal Music Canada! (NAS RELATED)

Shout out to Kevin Ash of Universal Music Canada here in Toronto who called me lunchtime on Thursday to see if I could fly into NYC last minute for NAS' video premiere as he was doing individual media interviews. Kevin knew that I was one media outlet that missed the boat when it came to NAS in Toronto. I had several interviews and assignments in my newsroom and before I could get to him, he had flown to Vancouver and Saskatoon. By the time he came to Toronto, he was not doing any more media probably due to exhaustion but when I told Kevin, I couldn't go and thanked him for remembering me? What I loved the most about Kevin is that he asked me....."not even a friend in NYC?" He actually wanted me to get that interview even if it meant a pal would represent me and be a reporter for the day! WOW! What a wonderful record Exec! Unfortunately, the only friends I had were at work late in Manhattan and they have kids to pick up after.

Well, Rap Up updated many bloggers of the viewing. Several media outlets were invited to Nas’s “Be A Nigger Too” screening. At the Tribeca Grand Hotel in New York City on Thursday night, journalists and members of the media anxiously gathered to watch the world premiere of Nas’ controversial video for “Be A Nigger Too” off his forthcoming untitled album. Before heading into the intimate screening room, the attendees mingled as a DJ blasted classic Nas tracks from behind a gallery of posterboards touting images of lynch victims and Martin Luther King Jr.’s arrest. Once inside, the crowd, consisting of radio personalities as well as rappers Consequence and Fabolous, kicked back in the plush leather couches and clutched their wine glasses tight as video director Rik Cordero and Escobar introduced the highly anticipated clip.

The video, which Cordero said was inspired by Spike Lee’s racially charged film 25th Hour, featured only one repeating shot of Nasir rapping in front of a mirror with the word “Nigger” scrawled across it. The clip featured lingering shots of celebrities and personalities like Andre Royal, Seth Abrams, and John Cho, all of whom appeared as Nas doled out epithets “spic,” “kike,” and “chink.” Perhaps even more controversial was its interlude depicting a slave master pointing a gun at a child, followed by the hanging of another slave and a shot of a white man taking off his Klan hood.

“Be a Nigger Too” ended with Nas saying, “Fuck you Nas, you threw it all away,” imitating those who criticized him for confronting racism through this medium and bringing it into the forefront of public consciousness at this time. Nasty Nas ended the evening with a Q&A session, discussing how Al Sharpton and Bill Cosby “make money off my shit” by “getting paid to stop it.” With these kind of conspiracy theories being addressed, fans expectations can only be heightened as the July 1st release of his ninth album draws near.

FANS PISSED: Amy Winehouse late for first post-rehab CONCERT!

Jazz Soul diva Amy Winehouse, from England, has a drink while performing to ninety thousand spectators on the main stage of the Rock in Rio Lisboa music festival at the Bela Vista Park (Photo/Steven Governo)Friday, May 30, 2008, Portugal.

Barry Hatton of the AP reports that Amy Winehouse showed up late for her first concert since leaving rehab, giving an underwhelming performance in front of 90,000 people Friday at a Lisbon music festival. The Grammy-winning jazz-pop diva turned up almost an hour late for the outdoor show. She apologized for having a sore throat, and her voice cracked during the 55-minute set. Winehouse, wearing a short dress, appeared distracted during her performance. She paused to talk to members of her band, fiddled at length with her microphone, sucked throat candy and at one point dashed offstage but quickly returned. She had cuts on her left arm, and her right hand was bandaged. Keep Amy in your prayers.

YORKE URGES PRINCE TO RELEASE CREEP VIDEO FOOTAGE.

Rocker THOM YORKE has reportedly called on PRINCE to allow video footage of his Coachella Festival performance to be made available online - because the RADIOHEAD frontman wants to see the pop superstar's rendition of CREEP. Prince stormed the stage at the Californian festival in April (08), playing a string of his hit singles to the 60,000-strong audience. However, one of the biggest surprises of the night was his cover of classic Radiohead song Creep, which he performed with an added guitar solo and extended falsetto. Fans' video footage of the Coachella appearance later appeared online on YouTube.com - but they were soon pulled from the website after its owners were allegedly threatened with legal action.

But the move didn't go down well with Yorke, who wanted to see the rendition for himself - only to discover the video was no longer available despite owning the rights to his band's song. According to reports, when Yorke was told of the internet ban, he said, "Really? He's blocked it? Surely we should block it. Hang on a moment... well tell him to unblock it, it's our song." It's not the first time Prince and executives at his NPG Records label have taken legal action for breach of copyright - in 2007, the star threatened to sue three of his biggest fansites unless they removed images, album artwork and lyrics from their websites.




Thom better forget it! Talking to Prince is like talking to a brick wall. He hates fan sites, YouTube and even tried to sue a baby above for dancing to his song "let's go crazy" on YouTube above! The mom sued right back!

BUSTA RHYMES ADDRESSES MURDER OF EX-BODYGUARD.

LATEST: Rapper BUSTA RHYMES has spoken out about the "great loss" of a "dear friend" after his former bodyguard was found dead in New York. Jermaine Williams, 35, was found on Wednesday (28May08) with multiple gunshot wounds in Ozone Park, Queens. According to reports, he was in Queens visiting his grandmother - but went missing for almost 24 hours. Police found Williams' body wrapped in a blanket in the backseat of his SUV. Rhymes - real name Trevor Smith - is currently touring Europe and was devastated to hear of the tragic news. Williams worked briefly for the Touch It hitmaker in 2000.

In a statement released to website SOHH.com, he says: "We have all suffered a great loss and Jermaine Williams will be deeply missed. "He has remained a dear friend, even though we have not worked together in 8 years. Our condolences and prayers go out to his family and we ask that we be allowed to mourn the loss of our friend in peace." Police have yet to arrest any suspects in the murder.

PHOTO OF THE DAY: Bad Boy Records to change name in 17 years!

Photo: © Rex (with our bubbles)

Jessie and D'Lila are powerful girls. You can just see them in 17 years, they will be adults and take over Diddy's company. Imagine it will be two of them too. Double trouble at the label if you work there. Look at their baby military parade down there at Diddy's Hollywood Starfest!

My prediction is that they will change the label name to "BAD GIRLS" and Jesse James will be the head. You know how bad the real Jesse James was.....LOL! Diddy was enjoying some precious time at the park with the girls.

50 CENT AWAITING INVESTIGATION ON HOUSE FIRE!

LATEST: Rapper 50 CENT is "eager" to discover the authorities' findings surrounding the fire that engulfed his New York home, endangering his son and ex-girlfriend. The Long Island estate - owned by 50 Cent and occupied by his former lover Shaniqua Tompkins and their 10-year-old son Marquise - was set ablaze in what New York cops have called a "highly suspicious" inferno that raged at 5am (EST) on Friday (30May08). The home has been at the centre of a bitter dispute between the hip-hop star - real name Curtis Jackson - and Tompkins since last month's (Apr08) ruling that she and Marquise must leave the rapper's mansion by the end of 2008.

The star's spokesperson says, "Informed this morning while filming a new motion picture on location in Louisiana, Curtis Jackson expressed deep concern over this fire at his property. He is extremely thankful that everyone including his son, Marquise, escaped the burning house safely. "He is confident that authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and is eager to review their findings." And Tompkins - who split from the rapper in 2003 - has fuelled reports a vengeful party is to blame after revealing she heard "someone" come into the house at 4am, an hour prior to the incident. Police have sent sniffer dogs to search the rubble for a substance that may have been used as an igniter. However, the In Da Club hitmaker is not being treated as a suspect, reports TMZ.com. meanwhile Shaniqua says 50 is trying to kill HER!

Meanwhile, Rapper 50 CENT has denied setting fire to the home after his ex-lover suggested he may have been involved. We hear they have been fighting all week! Watch them fight verbally on the streets on that link! Also Watch the house smoldering!

Damn! This house was TORCHED by a human being! Some hater who even wanted 50's son Marquise DEAD so he won't inherit the $500 million his dad's worth!

THA END AS WE KNOW IT: Death Row Records FINISHED!

From my gurl at TMZ, Executive Producer Gillian Sheldon, Here are the court documents that is going to facilitate the sale of Death Row records! This is crazy!! Look at all the attorneys in the case protecting everyone's rights. I may do a follow up interview with Lydia Harris. SUGE, pls call me. 1-647-344-5390. I wanna interview you. You can have 100 lawyers on the line if you want. This guy should really deserve to tell his side of things if he wants to.

World EXCLUSIVE: LYDIA HARRIS and how she brought down Death Row Records!

UPDATE: Lydia Harris wants me to thank all my readers for their support in listening to her interview. Many of you have watched it almost 8000 times on World Star Hip-hop alone and also You Tube and Daily motion. In the poll, 91% of you said you believed her and as you know the auction of the Death Row assets is coming and that has to go to her $107 million judgement. The next part of the story is the other woman who says she is the real Mrs Harris. Stay tuned for all developments! CHOOSE YOUR PLAYER BELOW...YouTube, Daily Motion, World Star Hip-Hop

Lydia Harris and the fall of Death Row Records
by KeminicationsMedia

PART ONE



PART TWO

THE EXCERPTS FROM THE ENTIRE 20 MINUTE INTERVIEW

One evening in California, a lady sat at her computer terminal and began to Google her NAME. What popped up amazed her as there were obviously many results.....something she's used to anyway. The only thing was that one article popped up at a website calling her "Lydia Harris, Deathrow enemy#1." That website was HIPHOSSIP. The article I wrote about her was linked from another site and I did not exactly call her that. Soon, I got an e-mail from the Dynamic and Professional PR guru Kara Topolsky of KST Communications in Oraville, California. Kara asked me if I would like to hear Lydia's side of the story and I agreed. The rest is history and in this interview. There are always three sides to a story, the black, the white and the grey in between.

Listen to this exciting, explosive and revealing interview of the $107 Million judgement against Death Row's Suge Knight and the upcoming launch of her new company, "Lady Boss Entertainment" and her future plans. In the second part of this story I will introduce you to another woman who claims she is the real Mrs Harris. However she wasn't the one given the judgement, Lydia says a lot of opportunists have come forward since the award and that she's just a baby mama who actually abandoned her own child at one time. I decided to hear what Zevelyn Kim Lee had to say too. Stay tuned. Meanwhile the man at the center of this Michael Harris, a former cocaine kingpin who is said to have founded the label with drug money got 28 years in jail and has served 19 so far. He may be getting out soon and word on the street is that he may be out already! Nobody knows. Michael Harris and Suge Knight are definitely two people I would love to hear from! Harris has invited me to her star studded red carpet launching of her new company this June 2008 in California. She started a Literacy Foundation, coming out with a Jewelry line, has a cook book and more merchandise available to order online. Stay tuned for more developments.....

Her website: Lydia Harris Biography
The book website: Married to the Game--A story of Love and Waiting.

• On why she wrote the book "Married to the Game": She said she wanted her daughter to know what her life was about. How mom went up against very powerful men and what she went through. She said lawyers, Music executives, Suge Knight and more who she says that she wants to forget about.

• On the fall of Deathrow: She does not feel responsible for the label's downfall and that "Suge Knight brought this on himself."
  
• On the Conquest Media case: she states that she has not been to court on that yet. She said that she declared all her assets and all the lawyers ignored the critical things she stated in the filing and it was some kind of miscommunication!
• On communication with her ex-husband: Michael Harris does not call her anymore and there is no longer any communication.

• On the book proceeds and helping the community: She states she has a foundation and is looking into some worthy charities.
• On funding the Broadway play with drug money: "Checkmates" starring Denzel Washington with Michael's drug money as reported in the media: She stated that she had no idea it was drug money and she does not or ever sold drugs. She after all is a free woman and found out about all the drug dealing in court during his case. She called it a "non issue" period! The play was just launching when she entered Michael's life.
  
• On advising kids about drug dealing: She said kids should not sell drugs or they will have to face the consequences!

• On Suge Knight destroying careers of many artists: She called him controlling the lives of many artists for the good or bad but it was mostly bad.
• On asking if she was scared of Suge: She stated many are scared of him but as for her. Certainly not!
  
• Zevelyn Kim Lee, another woman who had a child for Michael Harris is challenging Lydia's role and called her names and she claims to be a Mrs Harris too. Her interview will be part 2 of this saga. Harris described her as an opportunist with an interest in the $107 million judgement!
  
• On Suge Knight's attack shown publicly all over the net: She simply said..."What took them so long?".....meaning that someone should probably have done this a long time.

Lydia Harris has obviously met several high profile individuals in her lifetime. Below are some pictures with the Governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger and the R&B group Boyz to Men.

New Video: Janet Jackson "Rock With U."

Her brother Michael sang that song too but here is Janet's version of "Rock with U."
Meanwhile listen to Janet Jackson call a 36-year-old fan at his home after he left her a message that he's been listening to her since he was 15! This is so COOL! Thanks to Tiffany Long of Atlanta Gossip for this great Clip! Spread it to all your pals! Nice girl Janet!!

SISQUO! Quote Of The Day!

"And please stop leaving Usher hate messages on my My Space." .........Dru Hill's Sisquo on his widely publicized apology to Usher and R.Kelly. Read the story of the apology here at Redding News Review Sisquo and the rest of the Dru Hill crew are due here for Toronto's annual Ice Cream Festival Concert on June 28. Sisquo used to be my Baltimore neighbor. Can't wait to see his crazy self here! I should be snagging an interview with the group in 4 weeks. Above is a picture of the bottom of Sisquo's pool I took from upstairs where all the pool parties happened with all the fine chics and fellas in Baltimore back in the 90's. It has his then logo of the dragon.

Judge says Chicago Sun-Times reporter must testify at R. Kelly trial!

A Chicago Sun-Times reporter must testify at R. Kelly's child pornography trial. Judge Vincent Gaughan made that ruling Friday. The defence wants to call Jim DeRogatis to ask how he got a sex tape in 2002 that's now the centre of the trial. The judge rejected arguments from a lawyer for the Sun-Times that DeRogatis's actions should be privileged under the U.S. First Amendment. The singer has pleaded not guilty to child pornography charges. The trial resumes Monday.

Florida rapper Plies keeps it "Real" on 2nd album.

Rapper Plies says he's plenty aware of the hip-hop marketplace's short attention span, which is why he's releasing his sophomore album, "Definition of Real," less than a year after his 2007 debut, "The Real Testament." More here....

INTERNET AND DIGITAL CABLE/PHONE PROBLEMS IN NORTHWEST TORONTO!

UPDATE: ..........AND I live in Northwest Toronto plus my home office and studio was GROUNDED 3 DAYS as the problems started to creep up 7 days ago! We had no cable, phone or internet! Things are still being intermittently being repaired as there is still one service check this morning Saturday 31st. I have received all your e-mails and press releases. The loss of signal paralyzed offices and businesses too.

I told you earlier "Do not 100% count on seeing new NEWS on the blog till Saturday but keep checking" but now things are back online. I missed a ton of business calls and couldn't even do anything. I picked up your e-mails from the library downstairs. Rogers Communications said it was an MPA problem. The technicians know what this means.

Best part I was credited for the entire month of May ($120 value!) Oh yeah!........Thanx for your patience!!! BTW, that picture was taken on my 16th birthday. I shall be 45 this August......Never lie about that age and I'm no teenage mama for those of you who asked about KJ's brothers. They are once again 23, 21, 16+ and KJ is 7+ and I had all boys. Those older ones give me $20 after each paycheck as my weekly salary. Couldn't a hardworking single mama earn $60 a week extra? I am a single mom too....abusive dad! I am an advocate for domestic violence and you must leave when that happens. I also work closely with Mildred Muhammed, the ex-wife of the DC Sniper who terrorized her and everyone in the DC/Baltimore area where I lived in 2002. 13 people were gunned down! Check out my single mom blog.

Enjoy your weekend y'all!
^KEMI^

USHER: 'I DIDN'T FIRE MY MOTHER!'

R&B star USHER has denied firing his mother as his manager - he insists he "retired her". The singer ended his 15-year professional relationship with Jonetta Patton just days before Mother's Day last year (07). She then missed his wedding to Tameka Foster last August (08). He admits the pair fell out, over what he considered to be her lack of support, but he has stressed that he parted ways with her for her own sake.

Usher tells Vibe magazine's July edition, "(I paid her) the ultimate compliment - to retire her to be a full-time grandmother. My mother and I decided to change her situation. There was a conversation. I didn't write her a letter or pink slip her." The 29-year-old star admits the split was hard for him, but necessary for his career: "I hurt more than anything over these last two years when I felt my mother didn't really embrace my situation. My mother is an aggressive person. She makes hard decisions, and she caused me to make a hard decision as well."

BLINGORAMA: Rihanna gets brown diamond from Chris Brown....

Rihanna's rumoured boyfriend Chris Brown has bought her a $100,000 diamond necklace. The 'Umbrella' singer, who has been constantly romantically linked to the R'n'B star and was recently seen kissing him in a KFC fast food restaurant, was thrilled to discover Chris had splashed out on a ruby and diamond necklace from jewellers Jason of Beverly Hills. Jewellery designer Jason Arasheben revealed: "Chris went for the heart theme. He said, 'She's going to love this because she loves hearts.' " Rihanna, 20, was so impressed with her sparkling gift that she has ordered a diamond-encrusted cross for 19-year-old Chris from the same jewellers.

Jason added to America's OK! magazine: "Rihanna gave specific instructions about Chris' gift. She was very particular about wanting the cross to match his other jewellery." Rihanna was first linked to Chris in February after he attended her 20th birthday. Later that month, the pair enjoyed a romantic holiday in Jamaica and could barely keep their hands off each other while cooling off in a pool. They are also believed to have got matching star tattoos on their necks during their break. Rihanna has previously denied she is dating Chris, insisting he is like a brother to her. She said: "We are best friends, honestly, like brother and sister. I won't say that we're just friends - me and Chris are really best, best friends." Chris also claimed he has no interest in pursuing a relationship with Rihanna, saying: "People keep asking me, 'What's the deal?' I'm like, 'There's no deal. No deal.' We're just friends."

ONGOING HEALTH ISSUES: No more Vegas shows for Toni Braxton!

LATEST: TONI BRAXTON's Las Vegas residency has been scrapped after a string of heath problems. The singer - who has a heart condition - was in the latter stages of a two-year stint at the Flamingo hotel but was forced to postpone a series of shows last month (Apr08) after falling ill.

Her stage comeback was subsequently rescheduled twice and the shows were due to resume again on 6 June (08). But now the hotel has announced the rest of Braxton's residency - which was due to end in August (08) - has been scrapped altogether. A representative for Grammy-winning Braxton refused to comment on her medical condition.

Rapper P. Diddy says he is desperate to collaborate with British singing sensation Leona Lewis on his next album.

P. Diddy wants to work with Leona Lewis. The hip-hop mogul is desperate to collaborate with the British singing sensation on his next album because he thinks she is one of the hottest talents around. He said: "I want that girl on my next album. I'm a huge fan. Not only is she so, so beautiful, she has a great voice. She is extremely talented. She has one of the best voices I've heard. I'm thinking about my next album and definitely want to make it work, so she's on it. It's all about Leona Lewis."

The Didster also revealed he wants to do some charity work with Madonna - who recently finalised her adoption of Malawian boy David Banda. He added to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "I would like to do something with Madonna in Malawi. I see what she does and I think it's fantastic. I'd love to help any way I can." Finally, the busy rapper has his sights set on a fashion-collaboration with "stylish" soccer star David Beckham, who he greatly admires. He said: "What a stylish guy. I'd love to do a fashion range with David Beckham. I heard he's doing a shoe range with Snoop, perhaps we could collaborate to do something for charity." Watch out for the Didster now!

PAMPERED: Amy Winehouse's management team has hired a relaxation therapist, masseuse and nutritionist in an attempt to stop her missing concerts.

Amy Winehouse has hired a relaxation therapist to help her prepare for her live shows. The 'Rehab' singer's management have also employed a masseuse and a nutritionist to help her relax ahead of her appearance at Portugal's Rock In Rio festival after American bosses threatened to cancel her US tour dates if she misses any more concerts. A source revealed to Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper: "This gig is hugely important as it will either give her summer US tour the go-ahead or see it scrapped all together.

"Both the record company and bookers in the States are using this weekend's show as a marker to see whether Amy is up to it or is still totally unreliable. "A relaxation therapist and a masseuse are being lined up to assist her whenever she feels troubled. "A nutritionist is also on hand to help with her eating." Amy reportedly hasn't turned up to rehearsals for over two weeks and is due to perform at the festival tonight (30.05.08). Last summer, the 'Back to Black' singer cancelled several UK shows at the last minute as well as scrapping an American tour last September.

Michael Jackson pulled out of a TV comeback performance 24 hours before he was scheduled to perform, citing stage fright.

Michael Jackson is too scared to perform on TV. The 'Thriller' singer - once the self-styled King of Pop - was due to launch his comeback with an appearance on the final of 'American Idol' last week. But just 24 hours before his scheduled performance on the TV talent show he pulled out - reportedly fearing the public's reaction. A source told the Britain's The Sun newspaper: "This was his big chance but he got stage fright. He said, 'I can't do it. Everyone will hate me.' " The 'American Idol' final had a projected TV audience of 27 million viewers. Judge Paula Abdul originally let slip the possibility of a Jackson performance at the final during the run up to it. Simon Fuller, former Spice Girls mastermind, is helping Jackson with the comeback. Other stars to perform on 'American Idol' this season include, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, George Michael, Seal, Bryan Adams and Dolly Parton.

SEAN LEVERT DIED OF 'MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE' SAY FAMILY.

LATEST: R&B singer SEAN LEVERT died in prison because he did not receive imminent medical care, his family has claimed. The 39-year-old son of The O'Jays star Eddie Levert collapsed in his cell at Cuyahoga County Jail in Cleveland on 30 March (08). He was taken to the local Lutheran Hospital, but was pronounced dead less than an hour later. On Thursday (29May08), a coroner ruled he died of natural causes and it was revealed he suffered from heart disease and high blood sugar levels. But Levert's family attorney claims the sheriff's department records show he wasn't given alprazolam - a drug he was using - while in jail or seen by a doctor, which might have prevented his death.

Lawyers Daryl Dennie and David Malik, who represent Levert's widow, Angela Lowe, tell AllHipHop.com, "They inventoried it and they never gave it to him. He requested it during the time he was in jail. "He was exhibiting classic signs of withdrawal. A doctor would have been able to recognise these problems. Had he been able to see one in that week's time things could have been different." Levert had been serving a 22-month prison sentence for failing to pay $89,025 in child support to the mother of his kids at the time of his death.

BABYFACE SET FOR ANOTHER BABY!

Soul star and producer KENNETH `BABYFACE' EDMONDS is set to become a dad again - his dancer girlfriend is pregnant with his third child. The smooth singer/songwriter, 50, has two sons with ex-wife Tracey Edmonds. Sources insist Babyface and his 35-year-old partner, Nikki Pantenburg, have no plans to wed. The baby is due at the end of 2008.

RIHANNA WANTS TO FORM TRIO WITH WINEHOUSE AND DUFFY.

R&B star RIHANNA wants to record a "feminist anthem" for her next album with fellow chart-toppers AMY WINEHOUSE and DUFFY. The Umbrella hitmaker has drawn up a wishlist of musicians and producers she wants to work with when she next hits the studio, with Winehouse, Duffy, and Winehouse-collaborator Mark Ronson right at the top. She tells the BBC, "I love Mark Ronson. We've talked about doing something together on my next album". Rihanna adds of a 'dream team' with Brits Winehouse and Duffy: "How amazing would that be? We've all got three different voices, it would be brilliant. Now that would be a feminist anthem. "I love Amy. I think she's great, so unique. I love her album. And I also love what Duffy is doing, she's brilliant, as well."

NO NANNY FOR ME: LOPEZ AND ANTHONY DO PARENTHOOD IN 'SHIFTS'

JENNIFER LOPEZ and MARC ANTHONY are working shifts so they can look after their baby twins without the help of a nanny. The couple is determined to bring up three month olds Max and Emme without any help, and are enjoying the experience of "figuring out" parenthood, singer Anthony reveals. The 39-year-old says, "It's just us, man. We're figuring it out and having a great time She (Lopez) expects me to help and she makes no bones about it. I get the late shift. I get literally from 10 on because we don't have a nanny.

It's just me and Jennifer figuring it out. From 10 p.m. to 8 (a.m), that's my shift." And he has nothing but praise for his superstar wife, taking on her new role as a mother: "She's such an amazing mom and I'm so proud of her. She's such a gem to watch." We're glad Skeletor is really helping out in the daddy Department. He's experienced anyway with 2 from a previous nupital gig.

BACK IT UP!!! Popular DJ Calvin Harris loses laptop with entire record in production!

Scottish DJ CALVIN HARRIS has started work on his second album, two months after losing a laptop containing an entire record at London's Heathrow airport. The Acceptable in the 80s hitmaker lost a bag, during containing the only copy of his sophomore LP after returning from a trip to America in March (08). When it was eventually returned, the music was ruined, forcing Harris to start from scratch. But just weeks on, the 24-year-old is already well on the way to creating a new and even better album.

He writes on his blog, "At the moment I have about ten songs 30 per cent finished, and six songs 60 per cent finished, full vocals count for 40 per cent. It's going to be awesome, I'm very excited.
"Especially with the volume of boringly-produced nasty dance tracks at an all time high right now - it'll be good to come back next year with something interesting, and above all, danceable." Calvin baby, see what my desk looks like now. That thing near the monitor is my external hard drive and it's bigger in space than my computer hard drive.

DIDDY EYES BECKHAM COLLABORATION.

Rap mogul-turned-designer SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS is so impressed by DAVID BECKHAM'S style, he wants to collaborate with the soccer ace on a fashion line. The rapper and the sports star have become close friends in recent years, and Combs was even spotted partying into the early hours with Beckham and his pop star wife Victoria while visiting London last year (07). But Combs - who has his own Sean John clothing line - admits he would like to turn their friendship into a business collaboration and launch a fashion project together.

He says, "What a stylish guy. I'd love to do a fashion range with David Beckham. He's a good friend and is very kind. Us two together doing business would be amazing. "I heard he is doing a shoe range with (rapper) Snoop (Dogg). That's cool, but I would love to do fashion with David. I already have a fragrance and clothing line, but I'd love my next project to include him. Perhaps we could collaborate to do something for charity." Diddy sure knows how to move with the A-listers and is very impressed with them all!

NOT AGAIN: RHYMES' SECURITY GUARD SHOT DEAD.

BUSTA RHYMES' security guard has been shot dead in New York. Jermaine Williams, 35, was found on Wednesday (28May08) with multiple gunshot wounds in Ozone Park, Queens, reports AllHipHop.com.Police found Williams' body wrapped in a blanket in the backseat of his SUV. Busta Rhymes is currently touring Europe and was not in the country at the time of the incident. Williams is the second bodyguard employed by Rhymes to be shot dead. His former bodyguard Israel Ramirez was shot dead in 2006 on a video set. You have to see the security outside that tent when I interviewed Busta in Africa.

DIDDY COMBS OFFERS HELP TO MADONNA'S MALAWI CAMPAIGN.

SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS has offered to help pop superstar MADONNA raise money for people in poverty-stricken Malawi. The Vogue hitmaker become emotionally attached to the country after adopting tot David Banda from an orphanage there in 2006 and subsequently launched her own charity, Raising Malawi, to help improve conditions there. Combs admits he has been impressed by Madonna's efforts to help people in the African nation and has pledged his support. He says, "I'd like to do something with Madonna in Malawi. I see what she does and I think it's fantastic. I'd like to help in any way I can."

WINEHOUSE TO PERFORM FOR MANDELA.

AMY WINEHOUSE has confirmed her appearance at former South African President NELSON MANDELA's 90th birthday concert this summer (08), after reportedly accepting a personal invitation from the ex-politician last month (Apr08). Organisers recently promised further A-list stars would be added to the London bill, in order to "surprise" Mandela and music fans when the gig takes place in Hyde Park on 27 June (08).

And earlier this month (May08), British newspaper the Daily Mail claimed the Back To Black star was stunned to personally hear from Mandela, and quickly accepted his offer. The Back To Black singer will join a host of global superstars to perform on the day, including Queen, Leona Lewis, Annie Lennox and Dame Shirley Bassey.

Other stars due to make an appearance at the birthday celebrations include Will Smith, Robert De Niro, Forest Whitaker, chatshow queen Oprah Winfrey, and former U.S. president Bill Clinton. Tim Massey, International Director of 46664, says: "We are delighted that Amy will be appearing at Hyde Park to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday. Amy joins an illustrious list of names showing their support for 46664 and the fight against AIDS. Eminem, U2 and the Spice Girls have also been linked to the concert.

50 CENT TO LAUNCH 'HIP-HOP APPRENTICE' SHOW.

Rap superstar 50 CENT is giving fans a shot at fame in a new reality TV show to find the next big business mogul. The In Da Club hitmaker - real name Curtis Jackson - will front a forthcoming MTV show which will see 16 wannabes go head-to-head in an Apprentice-style programme as they try to prove that they are the most savvy and street-smart. One contestant will be eliminated each week, and the winner will be awarded with a full scholarship to a university course of their choice.

ASHANTI RIPPED UP BOYFRIEND'S BOOTS OVER PHONE ROW!

Suitors beware - vengeful singer ASHANTI will make you pay if you ever upset her. The R&B star, who is currently dating rapper Nelly, once wrecked an ex-boyfriend's beloved boots - because he hung up on her during a phone chat. She says, "I found his Timberlands (boots) in my closet, took a razor blade and cut them until nothing but the sole was left." Geez Ashanti.....You're supposed to be a nice gurl!

SUGE KNIGHT ORDERED TO AUCTION OFF DEATH ROW ASSETS.

Hip-hop mogul SUGE KNIGHT has been ordered to sell off all the assets belonging to his fallen Death Row Records label at an auction next month (Jun08). Knight first filed for bankruptcy in 2006, after the collapse of the company, and now records show he has been instructed to liquidate the label at a sale on 24 June (08). Going under the hammer will be the rights to all the recordings of stars including Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre - with a starting bid of $24 million, according to TMZ.com. Wannabe music bosses have until 10 June (08) to submit a bid.

Superblogger Perez Hilton now does a show on two popular hip-hop stations

Perez Hilton, the popular blogger was interviewed by Vibe magazine recently and his take on hip-hop. He is now on two hip-hop stations in the States and as a matter of fact on a top 40 satation right here in Toronto. This guy rakes in $21 million a year and is not shy to tell his mind. he says he loves all the female rappers. Vibe's questions are highlighted....
.
Like who?
The Eves and the Foxy Browns and the Remy Mas, Lil Kim and Trina and even Riskay, that rapper that I’ve been mentioning so much about who’s got that one song, “Smell Yo’ Dick”

Who would win in a fight between Lil Kim and Foxy Brown? I’d have to say Foxy Brown because she has more experience beating up people. She’s also allegedly partly deaf, so she’s got less to lose (giggles).

What about Foxy Brown and Naomi Campbell ‘cause both of them have…
Oh! I’d still have to say Foxy.

Read the entire article here....

LIL WAYNE SUED BY FOLK SINGER!

Rapper LIL WAYNE is facing a lawsuit from a songwriter who claims he sampled one of her songs without permission. The star, real name Dwayne Michael Carter Jr, uses Karma Ann Swanepoel's folk track Once on his hit song I Feel Like Dying. Wayne's record label has been attempting to secure a deal with Swanepoel allowing him to release the song, reports TMZ.com. But she is angry the track has appeared on websites including MySpace and YouTube before an agreement has been reached - and has filed suit in Louisiana.

Meanwhile Weezy's "Lollipop" has scored his third week at the top of the U.S. pop charts, but, as expected, it's AMERICAN IDOL winner DAVID COOK who steals the big news with 11 new entries on the Billboard Hot 100 countdown. Cook's highest debut, The Time of My Life, enters the new chart at three, behind Lil Wayne's Lollipop and Leona Lewis' Bleeding Love. Rihanna's Take a Bow, at four, and No Air by Jordin Sparks atfive founds out the top five. Meanwhile, Coldplay's Viva La Vida rockets into the top 10, from 41 to 10 after becoming the theme for a new U.S. TV ad for Apple's iTunes Music Store.

R.I.P DONDA: KANYE HANDED CONTROL OF MOTHER'S ESTATE.

Rapper KANYE WEST has been handed control of his late mother's estate, six months after her sudden death. A Los Angeles court ruled on Thursday (29May08) that Kanye and his financial manager Shawn Gee be co-executors of Donda's estate - valued at less than $250,000. West died in November (07) from complications following a cosmetic surgery procedure. She was 58. Donda, who had retired as a doctor and was managing West's affairs when she died, didn't leave a will.

YET ANOTHER DAMN KANYE VIDEO: Flashing Lights Part 3

R. KELLY TRIAL ADJOURNED AS PHONE WITNESS COMES FORWARD!!!

Troubled R&B star R. KELLY's child pornography trial has taken a strange twist thanks to a phone call. One of the singer's lawyers prompted Judge Vincent Gaughan to adjourn the case on Wednesday (28May08) after coming forward with a new witness he claimed could potentially impeach someone else's testimony. The attorney, Sam Adam, told Judge Gaughan that the new witness was flying to Chicago, Illinois and the defense team needed time to depose the man, who had phoned in vital information.

Kelly has pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of child pornography for allegedly videotaping himself having sex with a 13-year-old girl. He maintains the man on the tape is not him, and the alleged victim, now 23, has denied she is the girl in the footage. Previous to the decision to adjourn the trial, the court heard from a high school basketball coach, who once trained the alleged girl on the sex tape. The coach, Jacques Conway, identified his former player by the distinctive cross worn by the female participant on the graphic video. This phone in crap sickens me!

IDOL WINNER COOK SCORES U.S. CHART DEBUT RECORD!

AMERICAN IDOL winner DAVID COOK will break pop chart records in the U.S. on Thursday (29May08) when 11 of his songs debut on the Billboard Hot 100. But Cook will miss out on a number one - the original song he sang in the Idol finale, The Time of My Life, is estimated to enter the new countdown at three on the main chart, but will top Hot Digital Songs tally, where 14 of his tunes will debut. Cook's takeover of the Hot 100 shatters the mark set by Miley Cyrus in November, 2006, when she debuted six songs on the chart.

His feat is the greatest chart haul since data company Nielsen started tracking the chart in 1991. The Beatles still own the record for the most songs on the chart in any one week - they scored 14 hits on the Hot 100 in April, 1964. But no artist has scored 11 debuts on the chart in the same week.

MAD AS HELL: What the HELL is wrong with Kanye West??

The other day, I linked y'all to a video of Kanye's new version of "Flashing Lights" and told those of you who weren't satisfied with Rita G's 3-minute hacking of Kanye tied up in the back of some car trunk! Now comes this damn new version which I looked at again and just said....why the hell didn't Mr West use me in that video?

This is the same stuff I do daily in the home office as a blogger when I'm doing CNN.com or my blogs, away from freelancing at some TV or radio station that day. Cook breakfast, check the TV news headlines, don't smoke though, change clothes, take a cab to some interview (always in a hurry) and ride the subway back! ____ ____ Kanye! To fill in the blanks, It's the first two words that Jay-Z said on Kanye's College Dropout album track #21 called the "Last Call." LOL!

Read the comments people are leaving at one of my sponsored links The YBF.

CLOCKNECK: I want to MEET this MAN!!

He said on Conan O'Brien's show that he wears it so that he can keep the time up. 12 o'clock all the time. The damn clock was actually working so he quickly changed it to his signature 12'oclock on the show. My sister site HIP-HOP CHRONICLE in the U.K just interviewed one of his past "co-workers" exclusively! The Hip Hop Chronicle has the absolute pleasure of speaking to the legend, the pioneer himself, Chuck D of Public Enemy.

Coming very Soon...

The Hip Hop Chronicle

www.colonisedminds.com

Kanye West, 50 Cent, T.I. React To Their Placement On 'Hottest MCs In The Game.'

Kanye West waited a long time to react to being crowned the "Hottest MC in the Game" by the MTV News Hip-Hop Brain Trust earlier this month — but he made sure it counted. 'Ye shared his feelings with the crowd at the sold-out Chicago show of his Glow in the Dark Tour. T.I. says he doesn't take #10 spot personally, while #6 50 Cent says MTV News should have MCs making the list. Read more at MTV's website. Look at T.I's tough face in that picture. I told him not to smile!