DYNAMIC TORONTO RAPPER P.REIGN ACQUITTED OF GUN CHARGES.

Rapper P.Reign and KJ at the Faze teen party in March 2011

Raynford Humphrey wiped away tears as a judge acquitted him on weapon charges Monday, praising the Toronto rapper for being “bright and articulate.”“I hope you take this as an opportunity to do the very best in your life,” Justice Michael Code told Humphrey, who performs under the name P. Reign.The 25-year-old was charged with nine counts of weapon possession after three loaded handguns were found in his Cadillac in the early hours of March 8, 2008.Humphrey was on his way to a paid club appearance in the Entertainment District when he was pulled over for having an expired validation sticker on his license plate. Officers found the guns hidden under the driver and front passenger seats and in an armrest compartment.

P.Reign and high profile lawyer Ed Greenspan (Nicki Thomas/Tor Star)

Humphrey’s lawyer, Edward Greenspan, argued that his client didn’t know the guns were in his car. His two passengers, younger brother Jason Humphrey, an alleged member of the Galloway Boys gang, and neighbour Raymond Powell, earlier pleaded guilty to weapons possession.Code said he had reasonable doubt about Humphrey’s knowledge of the guns and noted there was no direct evidence linking him to the weapons. The judge said Humphrey, who testified on his own behalf, appeared “honest and sincere.”“It’s a very difficult situation you found yourself in,” Code told Humphrey before wishing him, his wife and young son the best.Audible sighs of relief came from Humphrey’s friends and family as Code read his judgment in Ontario Superior Court.

Later, P. Reign became a local trending topic on Twitter as fans congratulated the rapper on the not-guilty verdict. A photo of Humphrey celebrating with a bottle of Dom Pérignon was later posted to the site.Outside the courthouse, Greenspan said the acquittal was solid, with no chance of an appeal from the Crown. He called Code’s well wishes for his client “rare to see.”“Everybody’s got great hopes for Raynford and by being acquitted today … he can go on to make a great life for himself,” Greenspan said.Humphrey, who once toured with international hip-hop star Drake, said the charges have hindered his career by making it impossible to travel for the last three years.“I expect it to flourish a lot more now that this is finally behind me,” he said. “I just want to get across that border. My No. 1 dream is to make not only the city proud but this country proud.

NOW THAT THE VERDICT IN: CONGRATS to Toronto Rapper King P.Reign, Drake's awesome protege of being found NOT GUILTY of gun charges. P. Reign is a big mentor to KJ. KJ loves everything about P.Reign. His voice is so powerful to kids. Before I met him, I asked a promoter to give him my home number to wish my son a Happy 10th birthday last November 11th 2010. HE took time off a concert set and CALLED and left KJ the most awesome message for his birthday. KJ was jumping on the sofa like it was Oprah's couch!!



I examined this case, studied it closely and though I network with the Toronto Police EXTENSIVELY, I am not a judge or lawyer or cop but I truly believed those guns were not his. The Judge has ruled. Congrats also on his MMVA nomination. You can rise from the ashes. P.Reign has a very powerful voice for the youth in Toronto. He's always involved with them positively. It's now time to cross the border and let US audiences see his talent. Good luck man!

With Files from the Tor Star

BREAKING NEWS: RIHANNA'S BATTERED FACE SHOWN AT TMZ!!!!!

At about 8.30pm EDT, TMZ.com released a picture of Rihanna which has sparked even more uproar. I actually made my own comments over there.....even advising her to LEAVE the relationship. #102 or around there somewhere. The songs on her entire second album says it all. SOS, Break it off, Unfaithful, Final Goodbye etc. I am now gonna get that interview of Rihanna out of my vault.

It has NEVER been aired as she has now reportedly made up with Chris Brown! In this interview, I asked her about her PRIVATE LIFE and why she feels the media should always back off when it came to hers. While I'm editing the video, you go over to TMZ and you better not be eating. Horns on her forehead like the sunglasses were smashed on her face as well as busted lips and bruises! What a savage monster. I never liked that Brown kid's music anyway.....

FUGEES PRODUCER /GRAMMY AWARD WINNING RAPPER AMONG THOSE WHO GET PARDONS FROM OUTGOING PRESIDENT BUSH!

Rapper John Forte is one of 16 people to receive a pardon or reduced sentence from George Bush before he leaves office January 20, 2009. Forte, 33, a first-time offender, was convicted of possessing the 31 pounds of cocaine with intent to distribute and was sentenced to a minimum of 14 years at Fort Dix, N.J.

With the commutation, Forte will be released Dec. 22, after serving just over seven years. He still faces five years of supervised probation.

John Edward Forte of North Brunswick, N.J., a graduate of the elite Phillips Exeter Academy prep school who later became a producer for the rap group The Fugees and released two albums on his own, was caught in 2000 at Newark International Airport with two briefcases filled with $1.4 million worth of liquid cocaine, according to court documents. Among vocal advocates on Forte’s behalf have been singer Carly Simon, along with her son James, and Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah).

“Now is the perfect opportunity for John to be given the chance to provide positive benefits to society through his considerable musical talents,” Hatch wrote to Bush in a January 2007.

Source: Washington Post

Stay off the drugs! Those pardons are bogus! It's who you know man! Check out his music below.

Rapper T.I. testifies in Ohio murder trial, says bullets meant for him!

Rapper T.I. testified Friday that he believes the bullets fired at his entourage during a wild vehicle chase two years ago were meant for him.

He took the witness stand in the trial of Hosea Thomas, 34, who is accused of firing the shot that killed Philant Johnson during a gun battle on Interstate 75.

"All of those rounds were fired for me, in my opinion," he said, adding that he later apologized to Johnson's mother when he called her with the news.

Testifying for the prosecution, T.I. described seeing Johnson, whom he called his best and oldest friend, after their van pulled over. He said Johnson was lying lifeless, blood running down his face from a shot into his left temple.

Johnson was an assistant to T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris.

T.I. said he and Johnson grew up together in Atlanta.

The shooting occurred after a post-concert party at a club. T.I. said after his van drove away, he spotted another vehicle moving up from behind in traffic. Then shots rang out and he took cover.

Three others were injured. T.I. wasn't hurt.

He testified that after calling Johnson's mother, he talked to Johnson's young daughter, whom he said was four or five years old.

"I told her that he was gone to a better place and he won't be coming back. And I told her how much he loved her," he said.

T.I. spoke calmly and directly during 30 minutes on the stand in a packed, small courtroom in the Hamilton County courthouse.

Prosecutors say Thomas's brother has identified him as the shooter. Padron Thomas was driving a Jeep that allegedly chased the vans used by T.I. and his entourage on May 3, 2006.

Hosea Thomas's attorney said Padron Thomas is testifying against his brother to earn a lesser sentence on federal charges.......and that began the story of how our pal T.I began amassing and ARSENAL and got arrested! That top right gun is serious stuff used for hunting.......humans! Congrats to T.I who was Artist of the Week on MTV Africa.

Source: AP

TROUBLED FORMER SOUL TRAIN HOST DON CORNELIUS TOLD TO HAND OVER HIS GUNS.

A judge has demanded American TV presenter/producer DON CORNELIUS turn over his firearms after slapping him with a protective order days after he was charged with spousal abuse. Cornelius was additionally charged with dissuading a witness from filing a police report and assault with a deadly weapon on Friday (14Nov08), following a dispute with his wife.

The 72-year-old former host and creator of muisc TV hit Soul Train was arrested in October (08) after cops were called to the Hollywood Hills home he shares with his wife Victoria. The Los Angeles City Attorney charged him with five misdemeanour offences, including three counts of abusing Victoria.

The couple's correspondence has been limited to "peaceful contact" in the new court order. Cornelius faces five years in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to return to court on 4 December (08).

What a shame! First he loses his empire, his TV and award show, his wife and now his freedom?

R. KELLY REVEALS ALL IN BET SPECIAL!

R. KELLY opened up about his acquittal on child pornography charges in a U.S. TV special on Tuesday (16Sep08). The R&B star was cleared in June (08) of 14 charges, including videotaping himself having sex with a girl as young as 13 years old. He faced 15 years in prison if convicted. Kelly sat down with broadcaster and journalist Toure in Philadephia, Pennsylvania to discuss the case and the effect it had on his life and career as part of an interview with U.S. TV network BET.



We all know he did it but what took prosecutors six years to do their job when the victim is now an adult. Good for Kelly! Bad for society.

BREAKING NEWS: RAPPER DA BRAT SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN PRISON!!!

UPDATE: TMZ has the video of the courtroom.

There goes my girl! It's tough in Georgia. Rapper DA BRAT has been sentenced to three years in prison for striking a waitress with a rum bottle at a nightclub last year (07). A Superior Court Judge ruled on Friday (22Aug08) the hip-hop hitmaker - real name Shawntae Harris - will also serve seven years probation and 200 hours of community service for the incident in addition to her jail time. Harris, 34, was involved in the altercation at a Halloween party at Studio 72 nightclub in Atlanta, Georgia, on 31 October 2007.

The pair were reported by police to have gotten into an altercation prior to the assault - resulting in the victim's hospitalisation and permanent facial scarring. Harris entered a guilty plea to aggravated assault in the case. According to reports, the rapper pleaded to her weeping family as she was led out of the courtroom, saying: "I love y'all." Harris was previously convicted in 2000 for misdemeanor reckless conduct. We hear she will only serve 12 months out of it.

I know both the victim and Shawntae well. The victim was an Atlanta Falcon cheerleader and her face was really messed up. We all have a lesson to learn about this. All our female rappers are sending bad messages to our girls!!! Ladies! Ladies, can you all be like Queen Latifah and be a role model?

Remy Ma: 8 years
Da Brat: 3 years
L'il Kim: 1 year (released)
Foxy Brown: 1 Year (released)
Eve: In and out?

More at MTV.Com

LOPEZ WON'T TESTIFY IN COMBS SHOOTING LAWSUIT.

LATEST: JENNIFER LOPEZ will not be forced to testify in a lawsuit filed against her ex SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS over his involvement in a 1999 New York club shooting. The singer/actress was dating the hip-hop mogul at the time of the incident, and was present at the now-defunct Club New York when shots were fired in the venue on 27 December 1999, injuring two people. Combs' rap protege Shyne, real name Jamal Barrow, is currently serving a 10-year jail term after he was found guilty of assault, reckless endangerment and gun possession in the trial following the shooting. The rap heavyweight was arrested for various charges including weapons violations, but was acquitted of all counts.

Combs and Shyne are currently fighting a $130 million civil suit filed by victim Natania Reuben, who was shot in the face during the incident. Lopez - who was not called as a witness in the 2001 criminal trial - was subpoenaed by Reuben's attorneys in June (08), and was due to give her deposition on Tuesday (05Aug08). But according to website TMZ.com, Lopez had "nothing to contribute" to the case, and her deposition was cancelled indefinitely - news which has been confirmed by Reuben's lawyer.The Latina split from Combs shortly after the shooting trial

SUGE KNIGHT FORCED INMATE TO GIVE FALSE TESTIMONY?

Imprisoned former R&B singer WAYMOND 'SUAVE' ANDERSON has accused rap mogul MARION 'SUGE' KNIGHT of forcing him to give false evidence in a 2007 civil lawsuit filed by NOTORIOUS B.I.G.'s family. B.I.G. - real name Christopher Wallace - was shot dead in 1997 in Los Angeles and his murder has never been solved. Anderson, who once implicated a Los Angeles police officer in B.I.G.'s death, took to the stand in an L.A. court on Thursday (31Jul08), when he retracted his previous testimony, alleging Knight had threatened him to lie to the court over the cop's involvement in the case.

He claims former Los Angeles Times reporter Chuck Philips passed him written messages from Knight, that had been wrapped in plastic, while he was behind bars at California's Corcoran State Prison, where Anderson is serving a life sentence for murder. Anderson was in court on Thursday for a hearing examining evidence that he claims will prove his innocence in the 1993 murder he is convicted of committing. But Anderson's accusations have been dismissed by Philips, who was fired from the L.A. Times last month (Jul08). Philips has previously written numerous articles on Anderson's case, suggesting he might be innocent.

Of the allegations, Philips says, "That never happened. I'm flabbergasted by this whole thing. This is the ultimate betrayal." Earlier this year (08), Phillips' story about the 1994 shooting of Wallace's rap rival Tupac Shakur left editors and publishers with red faces after his sources proved to be inaccurate. His January (08) article suggested Sean `Diddy' Combs and rap music heavyweight Jimmy `Henchman' Rosemond were involved in a plan to ambush Shakur at a New York Recording studio in 1994. But an investigation revealed the report had been based on faked documents and Philips was subsequently 'let go'.

MAC MINISTER GETS LIFE WITH NO POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE BUT DOESN'T GIVE A FOCK!

Following his conviction last week for first-degree murder in the slayings of Anthony “Fat Tone” Watkins and Jermaine “Cowboy” Atkins, Bay Area rapper Andre “Mac Minister” Dow has been sentenced today (July 31) to life without the possibility of parole. Co-defendant Jason Mathis, who prosecutors accuse of conspiring and carrying out the slayings with Mac, was also sentenced to life without parole.

Kansas City natives Fat Tone and Cowboy were murdered by AK-47s in a remote construction area on the outskirts of Las Vegas in 2005. They were lured to the town with a promise by an unidentified party that they would get a chance to network with Snoop Dogg’s camp for a possible record deal. The murders are thought to be in retaliation for the 2004 killing of popular Bay artist Mac Dre.

While cleared by police, Fat Tone is widely thought to be responsible. Mathis was defiant at the sentencing, stating he felt no remorse for the brutal murders since he is innocent. He also promised to appeal the verdict. “I’m not going to put on no façade for nobody. I’m not going to do no 40 years,” Mathis vowed to the court. “You give me life without parole, my mentality is gonna be like f**k it, excuse me. You give me 40 to life, my mentality is gonna be the exact same way.”

The families of Anthony “Fat Tone” Watkins and Jermaine “Cowboy” Atkins have not released a statement regarding the convictions at press time.

Live by the gun.....Die by the gun......This is officially OVER with that track "Fuck The Law"!

Source: AHH

DMX: QUOTE OF THE DAY: UUUR.....RHYME OF THE DAY.

“If and when you ever fall down, get back up … Drop something, stop fretting, pick that … back up, stand for something or fall for everything, wait for the right pitch or miss with every swing,”........DMX rapping to Reporters after his latest court proceedings.

AKON'S TRIAL DELAYED!

LATEST: R&B star AKON's court hearing for alleged misdemeanour endangerment and harassment charges has been delayed. The Smack That hitmaker pleaded not guilty to charges of endangering the welfare of a minor and second-degree harassment in December (07). He was accused of the charges following an incident while performing in New York in June (07).

It is alleged a fan threw an object at the star, which encouraged him to retaliate. Akon - real name Aliuane Badara Thiam - was due in court on Wednesday (16Jul08) but it has now been delayed until August (08). The alleged victim's mother, Patricia Smith called the hearing "pretty typical," adding of the latest setback: "People can just hang in there long enough until the case goes in their favour." Akon could face one year and 15 days in jail if convicted.

"Smack that" says the fan's mom, but is this the latest thing now? Even Amy grabbed a fan after he pulled her hair. Never bother the artist on stage! That's their time!

THREESOME PARTICIPANT WITH R.KELLY SPEAKS....

Lisa Van Allen, star witness from the infamous R Kelly trial, was interviewed by Atlanta radio V-103's Ryan Cameron recently. The young woman who claims she had several sexual encounters with Kelly while she was under age expressed her outrage at the verdict. She talked about being young and naive, R Kelly's sly manipulation tactics and the infamous duffel bag of porn. What's she outraged about? She enjoyed herself! SEE THE VIDEO NOW.

R. Kelly acquitted of all child porn counts!

I told you this case was a joke from day one! How can you try someone with child porn a whole six years later? The verdict came six years after the R&B superstar was first charged with videotaping himself having sex with a young girl. Prosecutors had said she was as young as 13 at the time. The Grammy award-winning singer dabbed his face with a handkerchief and hugged each of his four attorneys after the verdict was read.

The singer had faced 15 years in prison if convicted. Minutes later, surrounded by bodyguards, he left the courthouse without comment. Dozens of fans screamed and cheered as he climbed into a waiting SUV. Both Kelly and the now 23-year-old alleged victim had denied they were the ones appearing on the tape, which was played for the jury at the beginning and end of the trial. I guess the spirit of Aaliyah was looking down on him.

R. KELLY OPTS NOT TO TESTIFY!

LATEST: Troubled R&B star R. KELLY won't testify in his own defence as his child pornography trial winds to a close. After the defence team rested on Monday (09Jun08) after quizzing 12 witnesses over two days, the jury was sent home early. The trial commenced in Chicago, Illinois on Tuesday (10Jun08) with Judge Vincent Gaughan urging Kelly to reconsider his decision not to testify. But the R&B singer simply leaned forward and, uttering his first words during the two-week trial, said, "I decided not to testify." Prosecutors are scheduled to call two rebuttal witnesses on Tuesday. Closing arguments are expected to be delivered at the end of the week (ends13Jun08).

Kelly is accused of videotaping himself having sex with a 13-year-old girl a decade ago. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, insisting the man in the video is not him. The underage girl, who is now 23, claims she is not the victim in the footage. This has been disputed by friends and family members of the unnamed female. Members of the jury will get the chance to have a second look at the sex tape once they begin deliberating after Kelly's defence team lost a bid to bar the jurors from reviewing the graphic video, insisting the viewing would sway the panel.

MUST BE NICE: Ne-YO ordered to perform a concert as community service?

R&B star Ne-Yo plead guilty to driving without a license and no contest to a reckless driving charge yesterday in Georgia. The Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter was sentenced to 24 hours of community service and ordered to perform a concert for the local Boys & Girls Club.

Ne-Yo was also fined $1,000 and will be required to take a defensive driving class. Ne-Yo was taken to jail on February 19th after he was pulled over in a 55 mph zone after being clocked at 105 mph in his 06′ Range Rover. He is on tour here tonight with Alicia Keys in Vancouver and they head to Toronto on Thursday. Tune in to him on the JJ and Melanie show Thursday morning the 5th of June 2008. He's a very cool guy as I hear from my pals in ATL.

AMY WINEHOUSE'S LATE APPEARANCE FOR HUSBAND'S TRIAL!

AMY WINEHOUSE made a brief appearance at her husband BLAKE FIELDER-CIVIL's trial in London on Monday (02Jun08) - after turning up four hours late. (OOO, Amy!)Fielder-Civil's trial on charges of perverting the course of justice relating to a previous charge of grievous bodily harm kicked off on Monday at the capital's Snaresbrook Crown Court. Winehouse turned up at the courthouse just after 2pm (GMT) to support her spouse, who has been behind bars at London's Pentonville Prison since November (07).

Wearing a spotted blue shirtdress and cream Christian Louboutin heels, the Rehab singer sat alone in the court's empty front row and constantly blew kisses and mouthed "I love you" to her beau, who was sat behind a glass wall. But after sitting through less than two hours of opening statements, Winehouse got up to leave, before turning to Fielder-Civil's direction and saying, "I love you, you're fit (gorgeous)", as she walked out of the courtroom.

Meanwhile she has been warned for flirting in court. The troubled singer, who was attending husband Blake Fielder-Civil's pre-trial hearing for grievous bodily harm (GBH) and attempting to pervert the course of justice, mouthed words to Blake for over an hour before being ordered to stop by officials. Amy - who was wearing a short blue dress - was clearly seen silently saying "I love you" and was blowing kisses to her husband. The 24-year-old star played with her hair and a silver chain around her neck and at one point patted the empty seat next to her and mouthed "come sit here next to me," to Blake.

As I said earlier, When she was told to stop, she stood and declared "you're fit" to Blake before walking out of Snaresbrook Crown Court, East London. The hearing continued after she left. As she left, Amy responded to inquires as to how her husband was looking by saying: "Gorgeous as f**k, haven't you seen him?" Blake denies causing GBH with intent to pub landlord James King, of the White House, Risley Hall, Derbyshire, and a further charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice. James Kennedy, 19, of Hatfield, Hertfordshire is also accused in the case. The case continues.

R KELLY 'OFFERED WOMAN $250,000 FOR SEX TAPE'

LATEST: R. KELLY has been accused of offering a woman $250,000 to potentially cover-up damning footage of him having sex with an underage girl. The troubled R&B star stands accused of videotaping himself having sex with a 13-year-old girl. He has pleaded not guilty to all 14 counts of child pornography. On Monday (2Jun08), Lisa Van Allen told jurors she first had sex with Kelly and the alleged victim in front of a camera in 1998. Van Allen claims the incident took place in the same Illinois home where prosecutors say the sex tape at the centre of the case also was made.

She told jurors she cried throughout a second sexual encounter in 1999 with Kelly and the alleged victim, whom she believed to be 16. In her testimony, Van Allen claims Kelly last year (07) offered her the money to recover a tape of one of his sexual encounters. She claims she was later given just $20,000 after one of Kelly's associates collected the tape from a hotel in Chicago.
Van Allen also testified that Kelly carried a duffel bag containing his homemade sex tapes everywhere he went. She told the court, "Wherever he was at, the bag would follow him." However, defence attorneys accused her of trying to extort the singer. They will open their case on Wednesday (4Jun08).

Atlanta’s Rapper T.I.’s community service becomes MTV series.

Rodney Ho of the AJC reports: BET a couple of years ago filmed a popular series focused on rapper Lil Kim before she went to prison for perjury and conspiracy with the classy title “Countdown to Lockdown.”

Now MTV is doing a similar “Countdown to Lockdown” with Atlanta’s T.I., according to Variety magazine. Currently, the rap star is doing 1,000 hours of community service before he enters prison next year for possessing firearms as a convicted felon and possession of unregistered machine guns and silencers.

MTV, which has already gotten footage of T.I. leaving house arrest earlier this year, plans to film some of his community service this summer and the release of his next album this fall. The network expects to air the show next year.

“Hopefully the mistakes I’ve made will be a lesson to today’s youth and they won’t go down that same path,” T.I. told Variety.

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.