Ludacris' Manager Speaks On T.I. Incident; Ludacris Starring In New Crime Flick

By Nolan Strong

Disturbing Tha Peace CEO Chaka Zulu has issued a statement regarding a recent altercation between himself and chart-topping rapper T.I.

The incident took place yesterday (June 24), during a private luncheon in Hollywood, CA that was hosted by Kevin Liles, who is executive vice president of Warner Music Group, T.I.'s parent label.

T.I. and Chaka Zulu exchanged words during an argument, which turned physical, when T.I. allegedly punched Zulu.

"It's a shame that things like this continue to happen especially with the backdrop of an event that was about benevolence and charitable works," Chaka Zulu said. "I'm thankful that all issues have been resolved."

Both Atlanta-bred rappers have a history of squabbling with each other.

The two have released diss records aimed at each other in the past.

Tensions flared again recently, when T.I. expressed his opinion that his album King should have won the Grammy for Rap Album of the Year in 2006 as opposed to Ludacris' album Release Therapy, which won the award.

In related news, Ludacris has signed on to star opposite Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson and Thandie Newton in an upcoming crime movie titled RocknRolla, which is directed by Guy Ritchie.

Ludacris will star in the mob flick as an American artist attempting to break into the United Kingdom's music scene.

The movie centers around a Russian mobster who executes a crooked land deal, that leaves millions of dollars up for grabs for London's underworld.

RocknRolla is being shot on location in London, England.

The movie is produced by Dark Castle Entertainment (Gothika, House of Wax, Thir13en Ghost) and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

The event celebrating the art and culture of hip-hop and more is being held May 31st - June 17th.

Posted by Dave
Rap News Network

5/29/2007 10:53:00 AM

Tags and topics realted to this article include Various Artists. Rap, Hip Hop and Events.

Celebrating five years of Hip-Hop Cinema, Education, Art and Culture, the H2O [Hip-Hop Odyssey] International Film Festival (H2OIFF) will showcase the best of Hip-Hop Cinema and the Industry.

The festival jumps off with the a special screening and after-party for the feature documentary, Rock The Bells hosted by Bobbito Garcia at APT on Memorial Day, May 28.

The festival will officially take place from May 31, 2007 – June 17, 2007 at the ImaginAsian Theatre and other venues throughout New York City. This year’s festival movie line-up will include the premieres of Wu: The Story of the Wu-Tang, I Love Hip-Hop in Morocco, Waters Rising, Mr. Devious (South Africa), Guilty Or Innocent of Using the N Word (USA/UK), Holy Hip-Hop, Hiphopistan (Turkey), Unsigned, Ghostride The Whip: The Hyphy Movement, Frekuensia Colombiana, Living The Hiplife (USA/Ghana), Remixed In Japan, Skip Hop (Australia), South Coast (UK), and wtf: an okaymentary.

Hip-Hop enthusiasts will get an opportunity to engage in stimulating, thought-provoking panel discussions with over 50 avant-garde filmmakers, industry experts, community leaders, & historians. There will be full days devoted to the youth, women, social justice, Hip-Hop history, & the craft of filmmaking and self-distribution. Dozens of companies and organizations will participate, including Chuck D Mobile, Third World Newsreel, SOHH/FreshFlixx, The Ave Magazine, Listen Up!, Chica Luna, NY Women In Film & Television, African American Women in Cinema, SoonR, Breakthrough.TV, MXGM, Latin Nation, UrbanWord NYC, Video Music Box, Zulu Nation, & the Universal Federation for the Preservation of Hip-Hop.

The festival culminates with the Odyssey Awards extravaganza hosted by Hip-Hop Powerhouse, Ed Lover and legendary Comedian, Paul Mooney on Tupac Shakur’s Birthday. Sponsored by QD3 Entertainment, World Up!, Lyrics To Go, AllHiphop, African Ancestry, & Powerhouse Books. Celebrating 30 Years of Crash Crew, 25 Years of Cold Crush, and 25 Years of Public Enemy. Hip-Hop Celebrities will pay special tributes to the Best Hip-Hop Actor, Ice-T; Trailblazers, Ralph McDaniels, Charlie Ahearn, and Ernest Dickerson; and Legends, Grand Wizard Theodore, Sandra “Lady Pink” Fabara, and the First Lady of Hip-Hop, Cindy Campbell. Some of the presenters include: Ernie Paniccioli, Davey D, Fab 5 Freddy, Michaela Davis, Harry Allen, Pebblee Poo, Immortal Technique, DJ Beverly Bond, and Bizarre Royal. Two exclusive Pre-Odyssey Awards filmmakers’ receptions will take place to honor pioneers Iris Morales, Director of Siempre Pa’Lante!, Kathleen Cleaver, Founder of the Black Panther Film Festival, as well as the late Ted Demme, co-creator of Yo! MTV Raps.

50 Cent in Child Support Court Battle

The Associated Press

June 23, 2007

The $25,000 a month in child support and household expenses that rapper 50 Cent pays to the mother of his 10-year-old son is not enough, says the boy's mother, Shaniqua Tompkins.

The rapper is 'worth tens and tens of millions of dollars,' said her attorney, Raoul Felder.

The parents of young Marquise Jackson are wrangling over the issue in family court in this Long Island community, where 50 Cent arrived Friday in an armored SUV equipped with a satellite dish.

50 Cent no longer needs to worry about the choice he famously expressed on a 2004 album _ 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'.'

With his G-Unit record label, clothing line, ring tones and other enterprises, 50 Cent _ whose real name is Curtis Jackson _ reeled in an estimated $33 million in the past year, according to Forbes. He has sold more than 11 million albums and has a new album, 'Curtis,' due out in September.

His lawyer, Brett Kimmel, called Tompkins 'insatiable.'

'Her demands keep escalating,' he told the Daily News.

Closed-door hearings on the child-support case are scheduled to continue this coming week.

Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Dizzee Rascal- Maths And English

Dizzee's long awaited third album kicks of with 'World Outside', a nice and reflective introduction which makes the first few beats of 'Pussyhole' sound incredibly powerful. 'Sirens' is the lead single and uses the most incredible guitars and drums heard on a hiphop track in a long time. The song seems to keeping going on and on, upping the energy with each segment and culminating in something remarkably loud and very memorable. 'Where's Da G's' features UGK and is another impressive Cage beat. Dizzee's flow is simple yet addictive on the ear, lacing the deep synth and traditional Grime drum patterns with ease.

'Paranoid' is one of several tracks detailing the range in Dizzee's choice of subject matter. Showing his diversity goes beyond the typical rap bravardo, Dizzee talks through paranoid thought processes over music by Newham General's Footsie. One to definately silence those that thought Dizzee was all glossy these days, this track could easily fit into any previous release he's made. 'Suck My Dick' is a light hearted moment on the LP, with Dizzee altering his typical vocal style with a comedic lean, unlike his trademark sound which returns on 'Flex', a dance orientated tune with a great summer vibe.

Featuring production by Shy FX, 'Da Feelin' shows Dizzee trying something new again. The Drum n Bass beat is slightly obvious and generic but the track's still tight, designed perfectly for this year's impending festivals and drives in the sun. 'Bubbles' has an entertaining beat which is at the heart Grime, but with some class and gloss which few other rappers in the scene would have the intentions or patience to cook up. 'Excluse Me Please' delivers a fantastic bass line which accompanies some of Dizzee's most socially conscious lyrics to date. Religion, war and corruption are just a few of the themes touched upon in simple yet potent verses.

In 'Hard Back Industry', Dizzee's in reflective mode again, voicing his experiences in the music game dating back to DJing before he ever picked up a microhone, to the present day. With a wise twist to his lyrics, it's easy to forget he's just 22 and has already done more for UK rap music with three albums, than some 45 year olds have done with one. 'Temptation' samples from his collaborative track with the Arctic Monkeys, providing another angle to the LP's big offering, whilst 'Wanna Be' stands as Lilly Allens greatest ever work to date. 'U Can't Tell Me Nuffin' completes the journey with the Grime taste that Dizzee launched all those years ago, and continues to develop and push all by himself.

GoldieLocks

We chatted to Croydon's GoldieLocks to find out what she thinks of herself and others, how she came to remix Example and what she thinks of inflatable fashion statements.

Good afternoon. Please introduce one's self.

I'm GoldieLocks. I've just turned 22. I'm from Croydon and my favourite food is sweet and sour chicken.

Was you a fan of the Goldie Locks fairytale when you were a kid?

Not really. I wasn't into all that. I didn't have a Barbie. I had a GI Joe with a switch in the back of his head where you could make his eyes look from one side to the other.

How long have you been known as GoldieLocks and what have you released so far?

Been floating around for about a year or two now! Haven't released anything… yet! I've just signed my publishing deal with Puregroove. They do Mike Skinner, Example and Plan B's publishing. Things should start happening now. We have a single lined up and ready to go…

How would you describe the kind of music you make to someone that, I don't know… is deaf?

Hmm, good question! It's Electro Grime Pop. In your face. Blap! I would run around jumping up and down sticking my middle finger up and screaming. Then they might get an idea.

Run us through some of the people you most closely sound like?

People say (I don't say..) Uffie, MIA, Lady Sovereign, Lily Allen, Gwen Stefani… any girl with an attitude really.

How do you feel about each of these comparisons? Lilly Allen, M.I.A, Princess Superstar

The Lily Allen comparison is so boring. I hear it all the time. M.I.A is cool. She makes some of her own beats and I guess we have some of the same influences. Princess Superstar? All I know of her is that bad 'Babysitter' song, but she's hot so that's cool with me!

Who produces your stuff and what equipment's making all that racket?

I make 90% of my own tunes. Every now and then I work with different producers to get a different feel on a song. On my own I use Logic with a Mac laptop and a mic. Nothing fancy. I got a Microkorg which makes cool synth sounds and a couple of nice synthy plug ins.

How long have you had the MicroKorg and what's your favourite trick it can do?

Had it for about a year now! I don't know the tricks. I'm not into all that fiddly stuff, but it makes cool dirty synth sounds. Oh yeah, and if you plug the mic in you can use the Vocoder which is fun.

How did remixing Example's 'I Dont Want To' come about?

We've met each other a few times. I've been down to The Beats and done various bit and bobs for them so it just kinda went from there. Now I have signed my publishing with Puregroove, we're both in the same family and we like what each other are doing. I've supported him live a couple of times too. He's super safe.

Being from Croydon, were you big on the Dubstep scene when it first got started?

No! I only just got into it. I'm so behind! Now I really like it though. Plastician has been a friend of mine for a long time and I'd always heard him talking about it. Now I see what all the fuss is about. Dubstep is something else man. It puts me in a trance.

Is there much of a live scene in your ends or is it just a birth place of a few well knowns?

Yeah, I think Croydon has something about it. We seemed to have produced some good musical talent. I think it all stems for rebelling against the normalness. Office jobs and retail. Dry!

What's your favourite venue in LDN and what's the best club night you attend?

Ah man, I couldn't say. To be honest, a lot of clubs have such a hype and they're completely wack. The only place I really enjoy myself is in the East End. Please don't chat to me about fucking China Whites, Groucho club or some Maharaki bollox. Go find yourself a footballer. If you have to wear shoes to get in, I don't wanna know.

Do you get out performing much or is it all about the studio and Myspace right now?

I do loads of gigs. I'm just taking a break at the moment. Since August last year I have been doing gigs like, once every week or two. Me and my 'band' are getting some new equipment, a DJ and some other fun stuff and will be rehearsing new songs all ready for my proper shows in August. I do studio in between gigs and Myspace every day. Busy, busy.

Are you into fashion and what sort of garms are you enjoying getting wrapped up in?

I'm into it in terms of I care what I look like, and I like to have nice things but I'm not into all that designer shit or boasting to people about what you're wearing, or wearing a giant blow up something on the end of your chain. I just wear what feels comfortable and looks decent. I usually wear trainers with jeans or jogging bottoms, big T shirts and hoodies etc. I'm not about being all in your face. If I wear one crazy item I will make sure the rest of my outfit is toned down. No one wants to look like a clown.

Do you think the nu rave stuff in wanky shoreditch is just a bit too arsey?

Yes. But Shoreditch is fun though. Not everyone is like that. I just enjoy spending time with my friends and fam' when I go out. I couldn't care less if everyone around me is wearing glasses with the glass poked out. They can do what they're doing. It won't ruin my time.

What's your label status? Have many people approached you and are you cool to go major?

Errrm. I have had people approach me. It's all going well and we are in talks with labels at the moment. I don't mind if it's a major label but I'm very very cautious of them. One day you're their top priority, then you get shelved. Whatever happens, I still have my production and remixing skills to fall back on (touch wood!).

Tell us about your favourite slang word and what it means.

Safe – just such a good all round word. He's safe = he's a good guy, reliable etc. Safe = Thankyou etc…

If you had to share the cell with Paris Hilton, what would you talk to her about?

I had a dream I was. I love Paris Hilton. I'd make her be my best friend and wear rudeboy sportswear and listen to grime.

What are your tips for the summer? Who's releases are you wetting yourself for?

Wetting myself? That's wildly innapropriate, as Kiera Knightley would say. I just bought Dizzee's album. Gonna get Wiley's when I'm not so skint. Also wanna get Rihanna's, Frisco's new mixtape (I have a tune I produced on there but still haven't managed to hear the full thing), Tinchy Stryder's debut album (got a tune on there aswell) and Kate Nash's album should be out later this year. Me and her share the same manager.

How can people get to know your music better, and who do you want to shout out?

Go on my myspace innit. Don't be so slow. Myspace.com/GoldieLocks. I want to shout out the Puregroove guys, and my husband Jason. He is lovely! My bestest friend of all time. Jackson Kid and Synth girl (best live band in the world).

Michael Jackson Settles $48 Mill Lawsuit With Damon Dash's Cuz

King of Pop Michael Jackson recently settled a multi-million dollar lawsuit levied against him by a New Jersey finance company headed by Dame Dash's cousin Darien Dash.

According to Billboard, lawyers for MJ confirmed reports that the singer settled a case filed against him by the Hackensack, N.J. finance company Prescient Acquisition as jury selection was scheduled to begin in Manhattan's US District Court on Monday (June 18).

The settlement terms were not released.

In his suit against the 48-year-old pop singer, Prescient owner Darien Dash -- cousin to former CEO of Roc-A-Fella Records Damon Dash and brother to actress Stacey Dash -- claimed Jackson cheated the company out of $48 million. His lawyer, Steven Altman said Dash was owed the money after helping Jackson refinance a $272 million bank loan and secure $573 million in financing to buy Sony's half of the Beatles' song catalog that Sony co-owned with Jackson.

"We're very pleased with the settlement, although the terms of it we've agreed to keep confidential at Mr. Jackson's request.

Jackson settled the case despite claims that he'd never heard of Dash.

"The most important thing is that Michael Jackson's publishing catalog remains safe and sound," Jackson's lawyer, L. Londell McMillan said. He added, the settlement "presents a win-win for everybody."

Swizz Beatz Scraps One Man Idea For Kanye, T.I., Pharrell: 'Do I Tell These People No?

NEW YORK — You have to put Swizz Beatz's "Showtime!" up there in the ranks of the top hip-hop catchphrases of the summer, along with DJ Khaled's "We the besssst," Lil "The Rapper Eater" Wayne's "Feed me, feed me!" and Hurricane Chris' "A bay bay." Beatz is sprinkling the phrase over all his new records, including "Top Down," "Money in the Bank" and Cassidy's "My Drink and My Two Step."

True to his word, it truly was showtime on Tuesday. The producer went from signing autographs at an Adidas store to taking his 6-year-old son, Nazir, shopping at the Kid Robot store he owns to hanging out at Sony Studios with the rest of his family and Pharrell Williams. Skateboard P is one of a handful of Swizz's big-name friends who want to be a part of his album, One Man Band Man, which is scheduled for an August 21 release.

"I wrap up every week on my album," Swizz said at Sony. "It's just not over till it's over. Every week my album gets more and more crazier. I started my project saying, 'I don't want no [guests] on my project.' The reason I said that is because I didn't want to beg anybody for anything. Now with my songs out, I'm getting approached from people I respect. People I thought was too busy to work on the album, they giving me stuff. ... Do I tell these people no? Now I'm just regrouping and trying to make the right decisions because there are a lot of people who liked the idea of me not doing a lot of [collaborations] on my album. I want to stick to that but still finesse it with the people that's coming in. I got a real supportive team with my fellow producers and artists."

Kanye West, T.I. and E-40 are among the folks who have stepped up to the plate for him.

"The list goes on and on," Swizz said about the collaboration offers. "It just has to make sense. I was thinking about putting E-40 on [the remix] to 'Money in the Bank' since the beat got the Bay Area movement to it. E-40 be snapping too. I like E-40."

Swizz has done very well with the material that has been released from the project already. "It's Me Bitches", that song's remix and "Money in the Bank" have all become big club records, while "Top Down" and "Come and Get Me" are getting love in the streets. Still, Swizz and Universal Records have decided to hold the album's in-store launch from late spring (Swizz yells out the date May 15 on the "It's Me Bitches" remix) to late summer.

"My album is coming in August because I felt a lot of people get caught in the hype of the hot songs that's out for the moment," he said. "I'm not considered a rapper yet. Me, I call myself an entertainer. Rappers are Nas, Hov, Jadakiss, Cassidy. I'm just being an entertainer, saying what I feel, doing what I like and being creative. I felt the people need to hear me on more than one hit. 'He got the joint for the club, the cool joints, the vibe joints.' I didn't even get to the Coldplay joint [the group appears on the LP] or to where I'm really talking crazy.

"In the forefront, it's embraced," he continued about his music. "But it's some hating too. ... Some people don't like 'It's me Bitches,' [but] they like 'Money in the Bank' or they might like 'Top Down.' That's why people make albums, so you can pick and choose."

After picking a track from Pharrell at Sony, Swizz headed to the Tribeca Cinemas theater to see another one of his big-name producer friends: Kanye West. West debuted a video for his song "Stronger" for an audience that included Swizz, L.A. Reid, Babyface, Cassie, model Melyssa Ford and about a hundred other people. (Check out pictures of the event here.) Afterward, it was off to Brooklyn, where West and Swizz engaged in a freestyle battle with Drag-On and Sean Paul on the set of Eve's new video.