2Pac Producer Commits Suicide
Tupac Shakur
A DUI bust may have triggered the suicide of a big time hip hop producer. Johnny Jackson, also known as Johnny J, who got famous for such albums as Tupac Shakur’s ‘All Eyez on Me’, was in LA County Jail after he got busted for DUI. Authorities say that the producer took his own life by jumping off a tier in the jail. Johnny J also produced the epic jam ‘Knockin’ Boots’ by Candyman. Johnny J leaves his wife and two children behind in the wake of his suicide. He was only 39 years old. My condolences go out to his family.
Tags: Tupac
Kanye Rants on Harper’s
Jul 10, 2008 Kanye West, Rapper, Rumor
Kanye West is off on another rant. This time, he’s after Harper’s Bazaar for assuming the painting on his ceiling is a winged version of the rapper. He says “To put it short as Kanye-ly possible (don’t mean to speak in third person)… Harper’s Bazaar came to my home, took pics, asked a lot of questions and then assumed the painting in my dining room was of me as an angel. This isn’t true and it bothered me greatly because people think I’m so so so cocky that I would have something like that. I’m sure it was an inside joke to everyone from the magazine in my home that day… I wanted people to see my home because I spent 2 years gutting it and was proud. I’m just a regular guy with cool stuff in his crib but instead I was made out to be Ben Stiller’s character in the movie Dodgeball with the huge pic of him wrestling a bull in his office…”
Amy Winehouse may have to quit singing
Jun 6, 2008 Amy Winehouse, Rumor, Singers, Soul Music
Amy Winehouse must stop singing if it means she wins her drugs battle, says the man who discovered her.
Nick Godwyn signed the singer when she was just 16 – and claims her ambition back then was to be a waitress.
Nick dismissed claims that the troubled singer is throwing away her talent, but says he is saddened by what has happened to her since she shot to fame. He said: “What is happening now is not very pleasant for anybody to watch. I feel she seems to be sad. People talk about wasted talent, but I don’t look at it like that. If Amy never made another record again it would be sad, but it’s less about the music for me and more about ‘this is a human being that maybe isn’t very happy’.”
Nick also revealed he discovered Amy – who has allegedly battled alcohol, drugs and a eating disorder since becoming famous – after one of the ‘Rehab’ singer’s friends played him a tape of her singing. He explained: “I was at the house of one of my other artists when he put on a tape. I asked who it was and he said just a friend. I couldn’t believe how good she sounded so I asked her to meet me. I asked Amy what she wanted to do with her life and she said she wanted to be a waitress.”
Nick admits her early lyrics provided an indicator that Amy, now 24, wasn’t happy even back then. He added: “There were signs, even back then, that she wasn’t happy. You can listen to the words of her songs and there aren’t many happy, upbeat love songs. And I think that’s a reflection of where she is. She only writes songs from personal experience. There are some beautiful songs which, lyrically, are fascinating. But some of them are quite sad.”
Diddy Shot 2Pac
Mar 19, 2008 Diddy, Rapper, Rumor, Scandal, Tupac
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and James ‘Jimmy Henchman’ Rosemond are fuming at LA Times for an article they wrote on Monday which implicated them in the 1994 shooting of rapper 2Pac. The shooting which occurred at Quad Recording Studios in New York 2 years prior his death has never been solved and no charges have been filed. But an LA Times report came out just this week that claims that the FBI has received new info that ties the shooting to two associates of Diddy, namely Rosemond and promoter James Sabatino. Both Diddy and Rosemond have made statements about the article saying it was baseless. Rosemond even adds that he’s consulting with lawyers about making any legal moves. 2Pac has long claimed that Diddy had something to do with his shooting.
Mark Ronson wants to rock
Feb 8, 2008 Mark Ronson, Review, Rock, Rumor
Ma
rk Ronson wants to work with rock stars. The producer is keen to team up with indie and alternative acts in his search for fresh sounds and more chart-topping tracks.
He said: “I like to keep with the family and those who got me where I am. But it’s also about trying new things. So I’m trying to work with a rock band for the first time. I’m figuring that out now.”
Ronson has already experimented with indie rock by covering the Kaiser Chiefs’ classic ‘Oh My God’ and Coldplay’s ‘Clocks’ for his album ‘Version’. His reworking of The Zutons’ hit song ‘Valerie’, featuring the vocals of his close friend, troubled singer Amy Winehouse, has earned him a BRIT Award nomination at this year’s ceremony.
Pimp C’s COD
Feb 6, 2008 Jay-Z, Pimp C, Rap Music, Rapper, Rumor
Rapper Pimp C’s cause of death has just been revealed. It seems that the rapper died as a result of a pre-existing condition of sleep apnea, combined with an elevated amount of prescription codeine in his blood. According to spokesperson Ed Winter of the LA County Coroner’s office, his Pimp C’s death has been ruled accidental.
33-year old Chad ‘Pimp C’ Butler was one half of the rap duo UGK, best known for appearing on the Jay-Z track ‘Big Pimpin’ in 200 and more recently with Outkast on the song ‘International Player’s Anthem (I Choose You)’. Pimp C was found dead in his bed at the Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood last month.
Ne-Yo’s Mom
Feb 4, 2008 Hip Hop, Ne-Yo, Rapper, Rumor
Ne-Yo recently had an interview with Essence magazine where he talked about his mom and a couple of issues and rumors about him. He started talking about his mom and made a great segue into the gay rumors about him saying “Yeah, my mom is my dawg. When she heard the rumors that I was gay she was like, ‘Who do I have to pay a visit? Who’s ass do I have to kick?’” It looks like Ne-Yo has a bad ass mom. Cool! No one’s going to call him gay anytime soon. They’re just going to start calling him mama’s boy.
Charges on Lil Wayne
Jan 28, 2008 Drugs, Lil Wayne, Rapper, Rumor, Scandal
It is being reported that rapper Lil’ Wayne is facing some big time charges after his most recent arrest. He’s now facing possession of cocaine, possession of ecstasy and possession of drug paraphernalia. The rapper, real name Dwayne Carter, was arrested with two others who have been charged with possession of marijuana. Cops found 105 grams of marijuana, 29 grams of cocaine and 41 grams of ecstasy pills when the rapper’s tour bus got stopped at a Border Patrol checkpoint. Police also found over $20,000 in cash and a 40-caliber pistol but Wayne says that he has a permit to carry it in Florida. They’re checking if it carries over to Arizona. If not, that’s another charge on him.
Bobby Brown’s Cocaine Charges
Jan 26, 2008 Bobby Brown, Drugs, R&B, Rumor, Scandal
Bobby Brown could wind up slapped with possession charges next month. While the piece of news isn’t exactly shocking for the R&B singer, I’m just wondering how this flew under the radar. Whitney’s ex-husband is due in a Boston area court on February 19th for a closed-door clerk’s hearing on whether he should get charged or not. The hearing stems from an incident in Brockton, Mass., on December 1st.
Authorities were called to a hotel for a report of a disturbance. When they arrived, troopers found Brown outside of a vehicle. Sources say that troopers found some drugs and Brown asked if he could “use discretion” and not charge him. That was when state police filed paperwork for the clerk’s hearing.
Yayo is Innocent
Jan 15, 2008 Rapper, Rumor, Scandal, Yayo
According to information the DA disclosed in court on Thursday, the other defendant in rapper Tony Yayo’s assault case told detectives some time ago that it was himself and not Yayo who assaulted a 14-year old victim. It was revealed that it was Lowell Fletcher who told detectives back in August that he had assaulted the victim and that Yayo actually restrained him from doing so. This should have cleared the G-Unit co-founder of assault charges. It’s unclear why the evidence was just introduce today or why Yayo plead guilty to the assault charges last summer.
The rapper is due back in court in a week with his trial scheduled to begin on March 31.
The Game: Victim and Criminal
Jan 15, 2008 Rapper, Rumor, The Game
It’s being reported that an LA County Superior Court judge may hold the LAPD in contempt of court over a hostage situation by holding a famous rapper’s loot hostage. The Game is currently facing trial on weapons charges and his lawyer claims that the LAPD confiscated $44,000 of Jayceon ‘The Game’ Taylor’s money during the criminal investigation and has wrongfully refused to release it.
The Game will go on trial to face the music on February 4 but the judge has also set a hearing for January 22 when he will decide if the LAPD should be held in contempt of court for hanging on to the $44 g’s.
Avril Settles Issues
Jan 13, 2008 Avril Lavigne, Rumor, Scandal, Singers, Song
Avril Lavigne has been accused of stealing songs many times by many artists. But it seems that the Canadian singer and so-called songwriter wanted to make a fresh start in 2008 because she has just settled a plagiarism lawsuit brought against her by the band the Rubinoos, who claim that Avril’s song ‘Girlfriend’ sounded way too much like their song ‘I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend’.
The terms of the out of court deal are confidential. However, I can pretty much guarantee that Avril had to fork over some cash. Now I wonder if she would fork over money to Peaches and Chantal Kreviazuk and whoever else.
Slim Shady No More – Eminem
Jan 11, 2008 Eminem, Rap Music, Rumor
It is being reported that Eminem was rushed to the hospital over the holidays. Sources from the Detroit-area hospital say that the rapper was there to be treated for a serious heart condition and severe pneumonia. Now that he’s not bashing everyone on the planet and touring the world, Em has really let his self go and weighed in at 212 lbs.
Eminem’s publicist confirmed the news saying “Over the holidays, Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, was under doctor’s care at a Detroit-area hospital for complications due to pneumonia. He has since been released and is doing well recovering at home.”
R. Kelly Gets Sued
Jan 8, 2008 Los Angeles, Ne-Yo, R&B, R. Kelly, Rumor, Scandal
It’s apparent that lawyers don’t take vacations as a lawsuit can be filed over the holidays. R&B crooner Ne-Yo proved just that when he chose to sue fellow crooner R. Kelly. The lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles on Monday and alleges that Ne-Yo was fired as an opening act from Kelly’s tour a few months ago because he outshined the headliner and got a better response from the crowd.
Ne-Yo is claiming that he was set to earn $785,000 for opening for Kelly at a minimum of 25 concerts. It’s pretty clear that Ne-Yo wants his money’s worth. Happy New Year, R! Here’s a lawsuit to celebrate with.
Drinking problem?
Jan 5, 2008 Bjork, Photography, Rumor
Icelandic singer Bjork downs a litre of vodka straight from the bottle every Friday night. Apparently she has been enjoying the beverage once a week since she was fifteen and insists that it is tradition in her homeland.
The eccentric mother-of-two says her drinking habits were inspired by her grandparents and claims it helps her to release her inhibitions. She said: “I watched my grandparents doing that and it’s been my pattern, just like it has been my family’s release for a thousand years. Alcohol is how people in Iceland lose themselves, switch their conscience off and run riot. It’s the same for me with my music – to me it stands for freedom.”
So next time someone comments on your drinking habits, claim ‘tradition’ and you’ll be fine.
Yung Joc is a Runaway
Dec 29, 2007 Prison, Rap Music, Rapper, Rumor, Scandal, Yung Joc
Yung Joc is a fugitive! The rapper failed to show at his arraignment on felony gun charges which just earned him that title.
Cops had arrested the 27-year old rapper whose real name is Jasiel Robinson last Saturday after he tried to go through a Cleveland airport security with a semi-automatic weapon in his carry on bag. Cuyahoga County assistant prosecutor Gayle Williams told the AP that she plans to request a warrant for him. The rapper’s lawyer Stanley Jackson Jr., was apologetic and said that Joc was out of town on “personal and family obligations”. It’s what we can call being afraid of the law.
B2K Rape Scandal
Dec 28, 2007 B2K, Prison, Rumor, Scandal, YouTube
Chris Stokes (inset), the former manager of the now defunct band B2K, is denying allegations that he sexually abused former member Demario ‘Raz-B’ Thorton (right) and his brother Ricardo aka Ricky Romance (left).
The allegations surfaced on YouTube and include improper touching and outright molestation. Both alleged victims can be heard generally accusing Stokes but for the most part, their statements lacked any specifics. Stokes has since released a statement regarding the allegations and he thinks that the reason for the false accusations is money. Stokes also said that he “will take all legal routes to protect myself, my family and my four children”.
Rihanna’s Bad look is Good
Dec 18, 2007 Fashion, Music, Music Artists, Photography, Pop Music, R&B, Rihanna, Rumor, Singers
At her sold out Wembley gig last night, Rihanna proved she can hold her own against any of the strong female legends of pop as she rocked the stage in some very hot outfits.
The performance certainly drove away any ‘teen-pop’ image she may have been carrying. With awesome stage presence, powerhouse vocals and moves that would have Beyonce shaking in her boots; the fans went nuts.
I doubt the many changes of PVC bondage outfits harmed the effect either.
Kenny and Lance Raise Eyebrows
Dec 17, 2007 Country Music, Kenny Rogers, Music, Music Artists, NSYNC, Rumor, Singers
From one artist’s raised eyebrows to another, here’s a glimpse of your future.
Country crooner turned roasted chicken king Kenny Rogers, along with his taut face, visited Lance Bass and his overdone eyebrows backstage at ‘Hairspray’ on Broadway. I never knew Kenny Rogers was an NSYNC fan much less a Broadway fan.
I wonder if Lance thought “this will one day be me” when he looked at Kenny’s face. It could happen you know. I mean, only time will tell if Lance will morph into one of those men who look like Kenny Rogers. I think he will. He’s already got the raised eyebrows down pat.
Madonna Gives Candy
Dec 10, 2007 Album, Album Release, Album Review, Kanye West, Madonna, Music, Music Artists, New Single, Photography, Pop Music, Rumor, Singers
It’s been reported that Madonna’s next studio album, her last with new material under Warner Bros., will be released in April of 2008 and will carry the title ‘Licorice’. The disc reportedly features collaboration with Kanye West and Pharell amongst others. There’s no word whether a tour will follow but it doesn’t hurt to pray for it.
However, not long after news broke out, Madonna’s publicist Liz Rosenberg has denied reports that the Queen of Pop’s new album will be called ‘Licorice’ and that it’s coming out in April. Music industry insiders are not buzzing that the disc will be called ‘Give It To Me’.