T.I. Confirms 50 Cent Phone Convo, "We Have A Concise Understanding"

Grammy-winning rapper T.I. has decided to let fans know he and 50 Cent have ironed out past issues revolving around remarks about his wife, Tiny, not taking the fall for his 2010 drug possession conviction.


While Tiny was asked by television host Wendy Williams for her reaction to 50's past comments, Tip interrupted and confirmed they recently chopped it up.

"Pause, listen, [laughs]," Tip said stopping Tiny from answering the question. "I've already been very vocal about how I felt as it pertains to that and I've since had a conversation with Fif, you know, and now we have a concise understanding." ("The Wendy Williams Show")

Last weekend, Fif said he personally talked to T.I. and they were on good terms.

"Look how much you fools have been tweeting about me and @tip I spoke to him last night you sh*t heads should be tweeting about streetking," 50 said referring to his global hunger awareness campaign. (50 Cent's Twitter)

A day prior, Fif publicly addressed T.I. over statements he said about his wife last year.

"Man I just saw something T.I said in VIBE about a tweet I wrote when he caught his drug case. He just got out a jam and caught a new one," 50 tweeted November 25th.

"Any other time a n*gga done. Get caught with 10 machine gun an silencer then catch a drug charge. You will f**k around and get natural life"

"This boy got a get outta jail FREE card. Don't get emotional over your lady. It a get you in some sh*t you don't want to be in."

"Shut the f***k up lover boy RT @ErenMus: @50cent shut up man, you a p*ssy if you get your girl to take the fall."

"If U can get 5 years easy 4 some sh*t and I'm the support of my family. Why would it be wrong if ya lady had to take probation? Sh*t she ballin to lol" (50 Cent's Twitter)

An excerpt from Tip's December VIBE cover story hit the Internet late last week.

"I'ma tell you, 50 Cent and anybody else, we not gonn'a have no discussion about what my ole lady should'a, would'a, couda done for anything as it pertains to me," begins his rant. "We ain't gonn'a do that. I'm the only one in my family that's gonna take a lick when it pertains to the legal system. Since me, none of my other family members have seen a jail cell. Nobody. I'm the last one. The buck stops here. I feel that a person that stands behind [his woman for a criminal charge] is a coward anyway. ... She wasn't gonna catch it period, 'cause I'm there. That wasn't even a consideration. Even if she asked me to I would've been like, "Nah, you trippin'." (VIBE)

"I'm Probably The Only Rapper To Admit I Have A Real Life Crush On Rachel Green"

Memphis rapper Don Trip is putting his feelings on the notepad by releasing an open love letter to Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston's fictional 1990's "Friends" character Rachel Green.

In his letter, Trip expresses no shame confessing to the emotions Aniston's character brought out of him.

Dear Rachel Green (Not Jennifer Aniston),
I'm probably the only rapper to admit that I have a real life crush on Rachel Green. That's the only reason that I watch Friends, actually. I learned all the character names 'cause of you. I know them in alphabetical order. Rachel Green, you made me wanna be Ross in every episode when you were with Ross. And you made me wanna be Joey in those three episodes that you were with Joey. I wanted to be in Barbados and I wanted to be hidden in the closet. There's some things about Rachel Green I won't say in detail, but every episode, I think it was cold on set. I like that you did you hair more than a black woman. That's always something special. Hair means a lot especially when it's real hair. You wouldn't have to work at the coffee house if you were my Rachel Green. Love, Don Trip (XXL Mag)

In 2010, Slaughterhouse's Joell Ortiz penned a love letter record to actress Sanaa Lathan.

"I've been feeling like this for a while, I ain't even gonna front," he says on the intro. "This is my baby girl right here. If you only knew....You may not know this, but baby you're my Brown Sugar, play me one-on-one, my hands gonna put a foul to you/I'll let you score every basket 'til it's all over/Love & Basketball made you more of an orange soda/You my Crush, sweeter than maple syrup, I got a chance to meet your dad while I was playing Europe..." ("Letter to Sanaa")

Following Ortiz's record, SOHH reached out to Slaughterhouse member Crooked I to see if he could help him find a real love.

"You know I'm on the West Coast with a lot of nice females, some beautiful mamis, so if they ever follow me into the lab, I might be like, 'Yo.' [laughs] I'm not mad at the alley-oop. I've never been a hater on that level," Crooked told SOHH. "I've always been down with the alley-oops. Ortiz, man, he's always on the down low like a ladies man. He does his thing. He don't really need no help but if he's looking for something out West, I'll run the resume down and we'll figure it out from there. He don't need no help though. [laughs] Now him and Sanaa Lathan, that's a good look. I know Sanaa, she listens to hip-hop every now and then. If she comes across this article, don't sleep on Ortiz, Sanaa. Word up. [laughs]" (SOHH)

Don Trip is widely known for his popular "Letter to My Son" anthem.

The song is "Letter to My Son" and it is artful in its artlessness. The rhymes -- unlike in Trip's other best music -- are not creative. They are mundane: a lot of "to/through/you/do/too." But Trip -- real name, improbably, Chris Wallace, which he shares not only with the Memphis Grizzlies general manager but with late rap legend Notorious B.I.G. -- is speaking plainly here, from the wrong side of a contentious child-visitation battle. Addressing his son, Jaylen, then two-and-a-half-months old, Trip apologizes for his absence ("I don't get to see you like I want to/I just want to let you know I want to"), lashes out at the mother ("To get back at me she knows she gotta use you ... she don't understand that this shit will bruise you too"), references potential court hearings, details steps taken to straighten up his own life and rectify the situation and finally howls: "I just want to see my child." (Memphis Flyer)

50 Cent's Newest G-Unit Signing Finalized, "[He's A] Great Addition To G-Note & G-Unit Family"

After months of hype and speculation, 50 Cent has officially inked "Jersey Shore" reality star DJ Pauly D to his G-Unit Records.

The deal was reportedly finalized Thursday (December 1) and will focus on Pauly D providing a dance vibe to 50's roster.

He's talked about it, but now Pauly D is officially a member of 50 Cent's music group. The "Jersey Shore" star officially signed to the rapper's G-Note label Thursday. The label focuses on dance and pop music -- a good fit for Pauly D, since he's known as a DJ as well as a reality star. He's been working in music since he was 16 and parlayed his success on the MTV hit series into becoming an in-demand DJ. Pauly D even joined Britney Spears for a few dates on her recent "Femme Fatal" tour as an opening act. 50 Cent said Pauly D was a "great addition to G-Note and G-Unit family" and called him smart and creative. (New York Post)

In late August, Pauly D hinted at plans to hook up with 50 for a compilation project.

While on tour with Brit, the Jersey Shore cast member is working on an album with 50 Cent. "I'm focusing on music. That's my my passion. I'm working with 50 Cent now. I'm gonna do an album with him." "It's going to be a little bit of everything," Paul D tellsBillboard.com when asked if he'll be singing on the album. "It's almost like DJ Khaled and kind of David Guetta but my own DJ Pauly D style." (Billboard)

Around mid-August, the "Jersey Show" reality star confirmed speculation of a G-Unit deal getting finalized.

"50 Cent has also been somebody I look up to," Pauly D explained in an interview. "We ended up linking up and we just clicked. We hit it off immediately with the music and everything like that. So, I'm definitely gonna be working with him. There's been talks about the album and the headphones. I'm looking forward to working with that as well." (XXL Mag)

In April, the Unit's DJ Whoo Kid also discussed Pauly D joining 50's squad.

"I ain't get my pink slip yet," Whoo Kid joking said in an interview. "I'm not worried, man. All I do know is he does have new records that he wants to showcase and since 50 [Cent] -- especially with the Hot Rod situation -- he wants to broaden the horizon. I guess he wants to get into the club scene. I think he's G-Note. I haven't gotten the full thing yet...What's cool about 50, he'll call you and say you're fired. [laughs]" (Shade 45)

Jay-Z's Roc Nation Protege Whips Her Debut Release Date

Roc Nation's Willow Smith, daughter of Hollywood movie stars Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, has announced plans to drop her long-awaited solo album in spring 2012.

If all goes accordingly, Smith expects her LP to hit store shelves in early April.

2012 is Willow Smith's year. The 11-year-old superstar has set a spring release date for her much-anticipated debut. During her appearance on "106 & Park," Willow announced that her album will arrive on April 3, 2012. The oft-delayed project, due on Roc Nation, has spawned the singles "Whip My Hair," "21st Century Girl," and "Fireball" featuring Nicki Minaj. A video for the latter will debut next week on "106 & Park." (Rap-Up)

In early November, Young Money's Nicki Minaj revealed being on-set for her and Smith's "Fireball" music video.

"Video Shoot," she tweeted Saturday (November 6).

"I'm the Fire Ball of the party. Pauz http://lockerz.com/s/153719101"

"The entire Smith family >>>>>>>>"

"I'm the newest member of the family! Lmaoooooo. How cute are they barbz???? Willow goin ham in the video.http://lockerz.com/s/153728773" (Nicki Minaj's Twitter)

Last year, Roc Nation boss/rapperl Jay-Z claimed Smith's "Whip My Hair" earned her a spot on his roster.

"First off, I heard the ['Whip My Hair'] record first, before I knew that it was recorded by a nine year-old," Jay said in an interview with radio host Ryan Seacrest. "I was like, 'Man, that record is a smash.' -- I went to Japan to do some stuff and they were out there and I met Willow and she walked in and the first thing she said was, 'I'm really nervous,' and I thought that maturity, explaining exactly how she was feeling as she was walking in the room, I knew right there she was a star. I believe in super stars and I believe in big records on super stars...Yes, [I signed her and we plan on helping her] facilitate all her ideas. As you're going to learn today, if you sit with her for a half hour, you'll see, she's just a wealth of information and ideas...She's a child, she has child innocence but she has a refreshing clear vision of what she wants to be...And I imagine that's how Mike [Jackson]was as a kid." (Ryan Seacrest)

Although signed to Jay's Roc Nation, Willow's deal reportedly involves her Hollywood actor father.

Willow Smith knows her place -- she's a daughter/employee of Will Smith. TMZ has obtained documents filed by Roc Nation, Willow's record label owned by Jay-Z. According to the docs, Roc Nation entered into a recording agreement with Spooky Girl, Inc. "for exclusive recording and entertainment services of Willow Smith." Spooky Girl is Willow's company -- sort of. You see, the Prez of Spooky Girl is Will, and Willow is listed as an "employee." And it gets more interesting, because Jada Pinkett Smith is listed as Willow's guardian. Will can't list himself as a parent or guardian because it conflicts with his duties as president of Spooky Girl. So legally speaking, Jada protects Willow from Will! (TMZ)

Drake Cleans House, Fires Management Team, "He Just Felt Like There Were Too Many Hands In His Pockets"

Young Money star Drake has decided to keep new company as new reports indicate he has decided to part ways with managers Gee Roberson, Al Branch, Kyambo Joshua and Bryant Cortez.

According to reports, Drizzy has sought out new management.

The "What's My Name" rapper also gave notice to his agents at International Creative Management including Dana Sims and Robert Gibbs, who were "panicked" yesterday about their outstanding deals with the chart topper. William Morris Endeavor agent Brent Smith's assistant confirmed that he has taken on the Cash Money artist. Smith also reps David Crosby, Snoop Dogg and Graham Nash. "Drake just felt like there were too many hands in his pockets," a source said. "He was getting pulled in too many different directions." Our source added there was conflict between the rapper's original management team in Canada and the ones he picked up along the way. "His team from Canada is trying to wrestle back control," a source said. "He may go back to them to streamline things." (New York Post)

Despite the New York Post's sources, additional reports claim Drake has only left International Creative Management.

Drake has parted ways with ICM but is still represented by Hip Hop Since 1978, despite a report claiming the contrary that appeared in the New York Post early today, a rep for William Morris Endeavor confirmed to Billboard.biz this afternoon. The report cited sources claiming that Drake had left his longtime management firm in an effort to consolidate all of his representation. However, a representative at WME did confirm that Drake will no longer be represented by International Creative Management in any capacity moving forward, adding that an official statement would be forthcoming. ICM also confirmed to Billboard that the firm will no longer represent Drake in domestic touring. (Billboard Biz)

In October, he made headlines for signing with talent agency William Morris.

Drake isn't just all talk either, as the rapper told MTV News that he recently partnered with talent agency William Morris to help resurrect his career in front of the camera. "We're just building up our relationship, so I'm excited to get back into it. I found a home and I feel very proud of where I'm at and I'm excited to move forward and start getting back out there, man," he admitted. "Whatever projects there are available, I'm down." (MTV)

Hip Hop Since 1978 is known for managing the careers of T.I., Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Rick Ross.

Hip Hop Since 1978 (HHS78) is a management and production company based in New York City. It was started by G. Roberson and Kyambo Joshua. G. Roberson is the current CEO of Hip Hop Since 1978 and President of the rap division at Atlantic Records. Kyambo "Hip Hop" Joshua is the Co-CEO of Hip Hop Since 1978 and President of the Urban Division at Columbia Records. HHS78 has been involved in the daily operations of Roc-A-Fella Records since the label's inception in the early '90s. HHS78 originally signed Kanye West to their production and management company in 1998, and negotiated his signing to Roc-A-Fella Records. (Wikipedia)

"F*ck A Title, I Was President Of G-Unit"

Def Jam Senior VP of A&R/G-Unit producer Sha Money XL recently talked about the insignificance of an industry title and the importance of the power of a dollar.

Thinking back to his G-Unit executive days, Sha said he is now primarily focused on making money and finding new Def Jam talent.

"F*ck a title, I was president of G-Unit," Sha said in an interview. "What that mean? I want the money, f*ck the title, man. Give me the f*cking money, man. Y'all all got that power tripping sh*t, 'You head of this,' that does't mean nothing. I want the money. Money is all I want. That power title sh*t? You can be the president of me, it don't mean you're iller than me? I'm in the field. [I'm] the last motherf*cker you've seen that don't rap stood behind records that sold 15 million. I don't rap, I bet on winners. I want more winners." (Who Iz He)

Earlier this year, G-Unit's Tony Yayo revealed his dismay after learning of Sha Money's willingness to collaborate with 50 Cent nemesis Game.

"I heard Sha Money [XL] say he'll work with Game," Yayo explained in an interview. "After all the money the n*gga's done f*cked up, you're going to work with this guy? But I'm a real n*gga, see, my thing is loyalty and being honest and being real. My whole situation with Game and [Young] Buck -- it's more me being mad, like 'Why f*ck up the money?' If we're all in the business -- why would y'all f*ck up the money? It just don't make sense. Game, I talked to this n*gga on the phone. His album dropped , like 'Yo, congratulations'...we were like the motherf*cking Beatles...Sha Money's my n*gga, but why even work with somebody that says, 'F*ck G-Unit,' after what we just built? Why build up a brand to destroy it?" (This Is 50 Radio)

A couple months prior, Sha discussed his feelings toward Game and why the West Coast emcee needed support from the Unit.

"Game is cool, I think he just needs me," Sha said in an interview with radio host EI8HT. "I gave him 'Hate It Or Love It,' I gave him that record. He needs 50 [Cent], he needs us, he needs a Unit. And you see he tried to make a play to get back to us. I hand delivered that record, 'Hate It Or Love It,' so he just needs that banger and he'll be all right. He can rap but he needs to stop shouting out so many names in the songs and just rap. He's got that sh*t. He comes with it, but, he's like Nas, they don't pick the right beats sometimes." ("Street Disciplez Radio")

Last year, Sha spoke to SOHH about ex-Unit members Game and Young Buck.

"I speak with [Lloyd] Banks, [Tony] Yayo and 50 [Cent] at least two times a week just on some friendship [level]," Sha told SOHH about keeping in contact with G-Unit. "Those are my homeboys, like, we family. So it ain't always about business or money, it's just checking on a n*gga, you know what I mean? I never turned cold on my n*ggas, I'm not that kinda dude even if I ever had a difference with Fif, the world would never see that sh*t because I ain't built on those kinds of things. So all that bullsh*t, like, I respect Buck in a sense of him just being my n*gga, but, when you leave a crew just because your business decisions wasn't right for you, you can't just de-character the man that helped you become the man that you are. I tip my hat off to 50 because he helped a lot of real n*ggas get money and a lot of artists that came up, Banks is chilling, Yayo is chilling, Buck was chilling, I don't know where he at right now but he was good. Even Game, that's why he was called 'Hurricane,' because he was riding that G-Unit wave, where's that sh*t at now? Those guys still make those records and obviously it's not the same quality of music so had he still been on G-Unit, I think he would be on fire right now. That sound, 'Hate It Or Love It,' you can never make that record again. I just don't do the turn love and then turn cold a n*gga and get crazy with him in public type of thing. That sh*t is for cowards and n*ggas that just want attention, I don't do that." (SOHH)

Prior to stepping down a few years ago, Sha Money XL was president of G-Unit Records during its initial start-up around 2002.

Drake Still Managed By Hip Hop Since 1978, Contrary To Reports

UPDATE: Drizzy has severed ties with a different management company but remains with HHS1978.

Drake has reportedly fired his longtime managers Gee Roberson, Al Branch, Kyambo Joshua and Bryant Cortez of Hip Hop Since 1978, which also manages Kanye West and Nicki Minaj.

According to the NY Post, Drizzy also parted ways with his agents at International Creative Management, including Dana Sims and Robert Gibbs. Though it was unconfirmed by his agent, Drake has signed with William Morris Endeavor agent Brent Smith, who also reps Snoop Dogg.

“Drake just felt like there were too many hands in his pockets,” a source said. “He was getting pulled in too many different directions.”

The source also claims that there was a conflict between his original management team in Canada and more recent ones. "His team from Canada is trying to wrestle back control," continued the source. "He may go back to them to streamline things."

UPDATE: According to Billboard.biz, Drake is still signed with Hip Hop Since 1978 management. A rep from William Morris Endeavor confirmed that he has left longtime management firm International Creative Management to consolidate his representation.

(HIPHOPDX)

B.o.B Says He's "Several Songs" Into "The Man & The Martian" Collab Album With T.I.

B.o.B confirms that he's releasing an album with T.I., speaks on Lil Wayne's guest verse on "Strange Clouds."

After news of a possible collaborative album between Atlanta rappers T.I. and B.o.B began to makes its way onto the internet, B.o.B has finally confirmed that a joint album between the two rappers will in fact be released.
B.o.B revealed the news during an interview with HOT 97’s Angie Martinez and DJ Enuff.

“Me and Tip working on The Man & The Martian project…It’s a collab album. You know, just something to have fun with. We actually have several songs,” said B.o.B in a video posted on HipHop-N-More.com. “We actually have been talking about this for a while. Now that he’s back and we got time to record it’s a lot easier to manifest.”

The rapper also spoke on why he chose to include Lil Wayne on his latest single “Strange Clouds.”
“I felt like I needed to get somebody on the record who would really bring to life even more the concept of ‘Strange Clouds.’ And the extraterrestrial side of it,” B.o.B explained.

Later in the interview B.o.B shared that he’s “pretty much done” with his sophomore album.

(HIPHOPDX)

Vybz Kartel Granted $3 Million Bail For Murder Charge

Though he was granted bail, it doesn't necessarily mean he'll be a free man.

Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel has been granted $3 million bail in the Jamaican Supreme Court earlier today for his alleged murder of Barrington "Bossie" Bryan earlier this year.

Though the singer was granted bail, it does not necessarily mean that Kartel will be released from prison, as he is currently facing another murder charge. He will appear with three others suspected in the murder in the Corporate Area Resident Magistrate’s Court to make bail applications.

In July 2011, Kartel was originally charged in the murder of Burton. He was given two other murder charges in October, with accusations including with murder, illegal possession of a firearm and conspiracy to murder. He was denied bail for the charges.

(HIPHOPDX)

VH1 To Film Scripted TLC Biopic

Chilli and T-Boz have signed on as consultants and executive producers for the flick.

VH1 has announced plans to release a scripted series of biopics, the first of which will be a film on the history of TLC.

Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas and Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins have signed on to serve as consultants and executive producers for the made-for-TV flick, which will “chronicle the trio's sadder moments, including Lopes' burning down the home of her then-boyfriend, the group's financial woes as well as Lopes' untimely death in 2002.”

Writer Kate Lanier (What’s Love Got to Do With It) will pen the script, with plans for Bill Diggins and Maggie Malina to executive produce with the surviving TLC members.

“With the tremendous success of our scripted series Single Ladies, we now know that viewers will come to VH1 for quality scripted projects. We’re eager to expand on that success with this biopic franchise that will allow us to explore our music, pop culture, and authentic storytelling strengths in yet another format,” said Jeff Olde, exec vp original programming and production at VH1. “We’re honored to collaborate with Chilli, Tionne and Bill Diggins in sharing their own personal story and TLC’s record-breaking legacy with VH1 viewers.”

(HIPHOPDX)

Russel Bazzar's Spirit of Detroit

VIA LOFTXMUSIC

What's in the Bag?: Good Wood NYC

So you know me once again roaming sites people give me or just in general putting random shit in Google. Come to find this ridiculously #Dope ass accessory site called "Good Wood NYC". This company desings are sick. They do all type of custom work and its just amazing the intricacy, detail and craftsmanship to the individual pieces of art that they design. The company has been around since 2007 and they've been designing there pieces in their workshop in Brooklyn, New York. I cant wait till get my piece just ordered my Large Mystery Bag so hopefully its something dope then I'm gonna get a custom piece designed and see what they say. As soon as I get it I'm gonna post it.

Check it out here

And here's their Custom Archives

VIA LOFTXMUSIC

Vybz Kartel's Lawyer Clears Up Prison Escape Rumors, "We Have To Be Very Careful"

A day after reggae artist Vybz Kartel made headlines over false rumors claiming he escaped a Jamaican prison, his lawyer has come forward to address the talk and provide an update.


Denying the rumors, attorney Christian Tavares-Finson explained why Kartel couldn't have escaped from prison.

"We were in court with [Vybz Kartel] this morning,so as far as his location and his status he's still in the custody of the police. He did attend court this morning. He was brought to court by the police. As far as if people are concerned with whether or not it's true, or any doubt, I think we can put that to rest. His defense team was in court this morning, and he was also present. ... As always, he's in good spirits. He has full confidence in his defense team, which he chose himself. As far as we're concerned, we will make significant progress as time passes. We're confident that, based on what we have seen, it is going to be very difficult for the prosecution to continue bringing cases against him." (Boomshots)

Tavares-Finson also contemplated the motivation behind the fake gossip.

"Eventually it will be a jury trial. When one considers the population of Jamaica, you have to realize that it is a small jury pool. Any thought of rumor or any story being carried that is not true will prejudice the jury pool. We have to be very careful. At the end of the day, we want him to have a fair trial. It's not about prejudice one way or the other, but about a fail trial. That is what we are seeking as the defense." (Boomshots)

Following yesterday morning's reports, Jamaican authorities quickly dispelled the fabricated story.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Les Green told the Observer early this morning that he had no knowledge of the reported jail break. "I know nothing about that. If that had taken place I would would certainly have known," Green said. Police at Denham Town Police station, the closest police station to the remand centre were also unaware of the reports as was the Constabulary Communication Network who also claimed ignorance of any jail break. (Jamaica Observer)

Initial reporting had Kartel escaping a prison with other inmates.

Dancehall star Vybz Kartel (born, Adidja Palmer) has been in police custody in his hometown Jamaica since October 1, while he awaits trail for two murder cases, but new reports say that the singer has escaped from prison. Kartel reportedly started a riot at the Horizon Adult Remand Centre in Jamaica early on Wednesday morning (November 30), and managed to escape with seven other inmates after holding officers at gunpoint. (MTV)

Scarface's Grandma Played W/ His Mind, Takes Credit For Sparking "Tricks" Classic

Houston rap veteran Scarface's grandmother has come forward to reveal that she, in fact, is the primary motivation for the Geto Boys' 1991 classic, "Mind Playing Tricks on Me."


In addition to sparking the song, the rapper's grandmother also said she suggested Face tone down his profanity.

"He came to the room. I think I was just mumbling to myself, my lips were working or something, and he said, 'Mama, what you talkin' about?' I said, 'Oh, nothing, my mind's just playing tricks on me,' " the rapper's grandmother told MTV News as her famous grandson looked on. "I didn't have no idea he was gonna go out and make a song about it." While the world loved the Geto Boys' breakout single, Mama 'Face had a little problem with the profane language. "When I heard it and he came out with it, I tell you the truth, it just overflowed me, I tell ya, and then I heard some little ol' words to it, and I thought I'd bring it to his attention," she said before she told MTV News the advice she then shared with her rapping grandson: "Now that you got your foot in the door, clean your act up a little bit." (MTV)

The record is considered a hip-hop classic and was a featured song off music publication Pitchfork's Top 200 Tracks of the 1990s.

Thanks to Bushwick Bill's giddily demonic robbing-trick-or-treaters verse (and his even more unhinged turn in the video), "Tricks" has a rep as a Halloween classic, rap's own "Monster Mash" or something. And yes, it's both silly and legit creepy, watching this dwarf rapper chase kids around. But this is a song that starts with Scarface meditating on "visions of bodies being burned"-- it's no novelty record. Beyond Bill's bloody knuckles, we get Scarface contemplating suicide and Willie D imagining headlights in his rearview. Every verse works as a window into a fatalistic mentality, as all three rappers naturally assume that death is around the corner. Meanwhile, Scarface's Isaac Hayes-derived creepy-crawl beat lays the foundation for generations of psychedelic Houston thump. Before "Tricks", the only Southern rap to dent national consciousness was 2 Live Crew's cartoonish sex rhymes. This track established the South as a serious force in the music, proving that these Texans could do dark better than anyone on either coast. (Pitchfork)

Scarface's hit record also performed well commercially.

"Mind Playing Tricks on Me" is a single by the Geto Boys, featured on their 1991 album We Can't Be Stopped. The lyrics used within describe various mental states such as hallucination, delusion and paranoia. The sample used in the song is 'Hung Up On My Baby' by Isaac Hayes from his 1974 film Tough Guys. It was the only number-one single (chart: Hot Rap Singles) ever released by the Geto Boys. It reached #23 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it the highest charting single by the Geto Boys. It was also certified Gold by the RIAA. It has been regarded as one of the best hip hop songs to come out of the 90's. (Wikipedia)

After spending a stint behind bars in a child support case, Scarface performed in his native Houston, Texas hometown last September.

Getting back into the swing of things, DMX performed at the House of Blues last night. During his set, X brought out Scarface and once again said Face was one of two rappers who he really respects (the other is Nas). He also revealed Face's song "Will I Ever Be Born Again" helped him get through Aaliyah's death, but I think X was really talking about "In My Time," off Last of a Dying Breed. (Miss Info TV)

Young Jeezy Deflates Rick Ross Feud Hype, "I Felt Like It Was About Selling Records"

Young Jeezy and Rick Ross fans no longer have to choose sides as the "Snowman" has cleared up the misconception of an on-going beef with the "Boss" and said there are no real problems between them.


Blaming their yearlong feud on an edited video which struck a cord with Ricky Rozay, Jeezy said they should have immediately sat down and ironed any issues out.

Aside from those few lines on "Death B4 Dishonor," Jeezy said the issue spiraled thanks to a Web clip, which Ross perceived to be an additional jab at him. "I feel like the whole started thing from a clip on WorldStarHipHop, and my thing was, if I'm a boss and you a boss, let's sit down and be bosses," he said. "You take a clip that somebody edited and run with that? What part of the game is that? If you felt like that, hit me up, let's chop it up, we bosses." Finally, Jeezy said he didn't take things seriously after bumping into Ross at the BET Hip Hop Awards, where the Miami rapper declined to exchange any words with him. "I felt like it was about selling records," Jeezy said. "It' not about you about me. We could've stepped in the corner and chopped it up. So right then and there, I knew it was about records, so I was cool with it." (MTV)

Around mid-November, Jeezy also said his main focus was on the music, not Ross.

"I don't think there's a conclusion to it, because it was really nothing to me in the beginning. I don't need propaganda to sell my records, I never have. I always did my music. When it's album time, people do crazy things," he said. "I'm a real one. I don't do beef. If there's a problem, let's get into it. Let's get it done. There ain't nothing to talk about." (Radio Planet TV)

Prior to Rick Ross suffering two seizures last month, he summed up the overall problem between him and Jeezy.

"You gotta understand, when you talk about this street life and being one hundred and being solid, it's certain things that you just bring to a person," Ross added. "That's what I was expecting. And that never happened. However homie feel, that's him. Just all the way being real -- we were just at the BET Awards, and I sat in the front row, and he performed. If it's any pressure, handle it right then." (Hot 97)

Over the summer, DJ Khaled, who shares ties between both rap stars, said they were on good terms.

"Well first of all, I don't condone problems," Khaled explained in an interview with radio host Bootleg Kev. "That's what I do. I represent that love and making great music. And them two guys, they don't have no problems. So, you know, I guess this is an exclusive, they don't have problems. I guess people in the streets, they try to make things into a problem. But that's just life. That's when you know you're hot and that's just part of the game, man. Being in the game and being successful, you have to deal with things like that. But you know, they ain't got not problems. It's all love. I don't know what to tell you. It's all love." (Bootleg Kev)

Beyonce Addresses Ice Cream W/ Hot Chili Sauce Craving Rumors

Grammy-winning singer Beyonce opens up about her hunger cravings while pregnant with husband/rapper Jay-Z's baby and killed a few rumored mash-ups including ice cream with hot chili sauce in this week's upcoming airing of "20/20."


On the program, Beyonce kills numerous online rumors about her and Hov.

"Not really anything crazy," Bey told Couric. "I've read that I like ketchup on everything," she added, saying that the rumor is not true. And when Couric tried to confirm other Internet whispers about what the singer is allegedly making hubby Jay-Z rush out to the corner bodega for at 2 in the morning, Beyoncé said the wildest one is also not true. "I also read that you like ice cream with hot chili sauce," Couric said. "Yeah, that's very strange," responded Beyonce, who was dressed in flowing purple pants with a white pattern, a black leather jacket and black pregnancy top with a subtle blue design. "Is that true?" Couric pressed. "No it is not. I was on a plane and the flight attendant came and was like, 'I have your hot sauce and pickles and bananas.' I like, 'that is absolutely disgusting, what are you doing?' He's like, 'I read it on the Internet.'" (MTV)

New reports suggest Beyonce and Jay may have an earlier-than-expected baby arrival.

"Oh Baby!" Beyoncé shouts while rubbing her baby bump on the set of her "Countdown" video, back in September. While holding up a copy of the New York Daily News featuring the preggers singer on the cover, Beyoncé reveals that she is six months pregnant at the time of shooting. The news suggests that, contrary to earlier reports of a February due date, Beyoncé and Jay-Z expect a December arrival. (Billboard)

A few weeks ago, R&B singer Kelly Rowland confirmed the sex of Beyonce and husband/rapper Jay-Z's unborn baby.

"I'm so happy for my sister and her husband. They're so happy in this moment right now, as they should be. They've made a little bundle of love, I'm so excited for them," she said in an interview. "I have no idea what I'm going to buy Beyonce at the baby shower because Jay is going to buy that little girl every single thing possible. She won't be spoilt but she will be very well looked-after. I'll be on hand for babysitting duties and I'm actually very good with messy diapers!" (Winnipeg Free Press)

Recently, speculation grew claiming the couple are expecting a daughter.

Beyoncé has seen a lot of dreams come true in her life -- but this one tops them all. The singer has learned she's expecting a girl, an insider tells In Touch exclusively. "Beyoncé is thrilled she's having a daughter," confides a close friend of the singer's, explaining that while Beyoncé and her husband, Jay-Z, would be happy to have a healthy child of either sex, she'd secretly been hoping for a girl. "She and her mother are so close, and she's wanted to have that relationship with her own child." (In Touch Weekly)

Beyonce's "20/20" episode is slated to air Friday, December 2nd night.

T.I. Blames Legal Woes For Losing Meek Mill To Rick Ross, "I Couldn't Really Make Moves"

Grammy-winning rapper T.I. recently revealed how close Maybach Music Group's Meek Mill was to being an official Grand Hustle artist and how Rick Ross was ultimately able to sign him.

Impressed by Meek's style and rap battle stripes, Tip said his legal woes with law enforcement kept a deal from solidifying.

Unfortunately Mill's Grand Hustle signing fell through due to T.I.'s run-ins with the law. "After my two hiatuses I was put in a position where I couldn't really make moves on Meek as quick as he may have wanted to," T.I. told Billboard.com's The Juice. "I never been one want to hold anyone back or to slow down the success of anybody. I'm the first to try to enhance what you have and if I can't make it better than I shouldn't be a part of it." (The Juice)

Prior to the "King of the South" recently returning from an 11-month jail bid for a probation violation, Meek said he would save his "I'ma Boss" anthem remix for Tip.

"If I hold the 'I'ma Boss' remix long enough I might throw Tip on that, have him get out to the hottest song of the year," Meek said in an interview. "He ain't have no problem looking out for me and I don't have no problem doing it for him." In 2008, rumors sprung up that T.I. had signed Meek to his label Grand Hustle, but the co-sign never amounted to an ink stain. Although it's unclear as to why the deal never materialized, Meek says he still salutes the Atlanta giant. "I talked to Tip even when I was with Maybach, he already know my mind frame because me and Tip ended up becoming good friends later on down the line just hanging out with each other." (VIBE)

The remix later came out and featured guest spots from Tip, Lil Wayne, Swizz Beatz, DJ Khaled and Birdman.

Maybach Music's next in line Meek Mill adds some star power to the remix of his single "Ima Boss" with hip-hop heavyweights T.I., Swizz Beatz, Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Birdman, and DJ Khaled. Tip kicks off the five-minute-plus remix with a ferocious verse and Rozay keeps it moving after his recent health scare. "Had a couple seizures, call 'em minor setbacks/ Everybody prayin' for me, I respect that," raps the Bawse. (Rap-Up)

In mid-November, Maybach Music Group leader Rick Ross expressed the importance of a strong Meek Mill debut album.

"That's what the focus is: making sure it's classic. And I'm really excited and proud that the homey is taking his time to go to that next level," Ross said. "Of course he's the hardest new artist in the game -- we know that, hands down. Of course he can capitalize right now and we know that, that's the obvious. But what's not, is his debut album will be a classic." (MTV)

Kanye West's Fantasy Turns Into Reality, Leads Grammy Award Contenders

Chicago rap star Kanye West will play leader heading into the 54th Grammy Awards ceremony next year after landing the most nominations at last night's Grammy Nominations live concert.

Following close behind Yeezy are British singer Adele and R&B crooner Bruno Mars.

Adele is up for six Grammys including song and record of the year, for Rolling in the Deep, and best album, for 21. Rapper Kanye West leads the field with seven, while Bruno Mars and the Foo Fighters also have six each. Mars, also up for best song, record and album, said; "It feels incredible." British band Radiohead are up for five awards including best rock performance and song for Lotus Flower. Winners will be announced on February 12th. (BBC UK)

Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne also landed a handful of nods.

Other leading contenders for the major music industry awards show include the Foo Fighters, also with six nominations, while Lil Wayne and newcomer Skrillex have five nominations apiece. The nominations for the top awards were announced during a televised concert in Los Angeles featuring performances by Lady Gaga, Usher and up-and-coming country singers The Band Perry. (The Guardian)

After his Grammy nods were revealed, Mars shared his reaction to being a top contender.

"It feels incredible. Me and these guys, we locked ourselves in the studio not too far from here and worked on this album, especially 'Grenade.' That's the song we worked the hardest on. That's like our trophy right there. Of all the songs we've been fortunate enough to be a part of this year, we were most proud of that one," Mars said after the nominations, some of which were announced in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theatre as part of the Recording Academy's hour-long concert nominations special. (CBS News)

This year's ceremony will also be slimmed down from its typical amount of categories.

This was the first nominations announcement since the Recording Academy announced changes in the nominations process, reducing the number of categories from 109 down to 78. That produced some strange bedfellows. Polka king Jimmy Sturr is competing for Best Regional Roots Music Album against the Rebirth Brass Band. (National Public Radio)

The 54th Grammy Awards will be televised Sunday, February 12th from Los Angeles.

"Biggie Came To My Shows In Paris Many Times & We'd See Each Other Often"

Renowned Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace recently opened up about her respect for the late Notorious B.I.G. and just how much love he had for the iconic brand.
While B.I.G. loved boasting and name-dropping Versace in his raps, Donatella admits her respect for the music mogul was mutual.

"I think Biggie was amazing. He came to my shows in Paris many times, and we'd see each other often. He always used to talk so nicely about my family. I think he was so smart, so intelligent. He had such a mind. So I loved what he was doing and how he was giving people a way to know about Versace--I do think he was giving people a way to know about Versace--I do think a lot of people started to know about Versace because of him." (The FADER)

Young Money's Nicki Minaj previously spoke on B.I.G. and hip-hop's love for the luxury clothing line.

"We can remember Biggie Smalls talking about Versace," Nicki, dressed in a multicolor beaded pantsuit topped with a palm-frond accented wig, told us about the late Bad Boy MC. "It's something that as a little girl, growing up in hip-hop, you never really think you'll get a chance to -- I never thought I'd get to model for Versace, you know what I mean?" (MTV)

On Biggie's "One More Chance" remix, the late rap mogul name drops Versace.

"I don't know what the h*ll is stopping ya, I'm clocking ya, Versarce shades watching ya," B.I.G. rapped, "Once ya grin, I'm in - game begins/First I talk about how I dress in this/Diamond necklaces, stretch Lexuses/The sex is just immaculate from the back, I get/Deeper and deeper, help you reach the, Climax that your man can't make." ("One More Chance" remix)

Earlier this year, Hollywood movie star Gwyneth Patrow admitted Notorious B.I.G. was one of her all-time favorites.

SC: Speed round: Miles or Coltrane? GP: Miles SC: The Beatles or The Rolling Stones? GP: Beatles SC: Patsy Cline or Billie Holiday? GP: Billie H SC: Biggie or PAC? GP: Biggie by miles SC: Michael or Prince? GP: Prince! (Life & Times)

Big Sean Hints At "Cold A**" Kanye West & Kid Cudi Anthem

Detroit rapper Big Sean has hinted at an upcoming new record featuring him, Kanye West and Kid Cudi as fans continue to wait for the upcoming G.O.O.D. Music compilation album.

Confirming plans for the collaborative project to drop in 2012, Sean said the recording process is nearly finished.

"Compilation almost done and ready," Sean said in an interview. "Y'all are gonna get that at the top of the year, around spring time. Single's out soon. So expect nothing less than the f*cking best. How many songs have I done for it? Just a few. You know, me, [Kid] Cudi and Kanye [West] got this cold a** one. I only did like three but I'm gonna do some more for it. So it's going to be fresh." (57th Ave)

In ealry November, Sean reflected on how the G.O.O.D. Music compilation began to come together.

"Kanye was like, 'Yo, we got the illest people in the world on one label.' I've been telling him, 'We need to do a group thing, a group album.' Since my album came out, since he just did Watch the Throne, he was like, 'The next thing we should do is the G.O.O.D. Music album,'" Sean explained in an interview. S"o, we're going to have singles. It's going to be a real a** album. [It'll have] me, Kanye, Common, Pusha T, John Legend, everybody -- [Kid] Cudi, everybody, man. It's going to be nuts -- it's almost done. I ain't done with my part though." (Power 92)

A week prior, G.O.O.D. Music affiliate Common said he is anticipating the album.

"We had talked about it before, but it was actually some new news to me that it was going forward," Common said referring to the compilation album. "But I'm definitely looking forward to it and I obviously want to be a part of it. I'm G.O.O.D. Music family forever. Even though my album is not coming out on G.O.O.D. Music, I'm still a G.O.O.D. Music affiliate and artist. That's my family forever." (VIBE)

In late October, Pusha T revealed he already had locked in a few records.

"Oh man, I think its gonna be serious," he said of the project. "I was part of four joints thus far. I don't know where they gonna land or who's gonna be on them, 'cause everybody's doing so much. [The] 'Watch the Throne' [Tour] starts in a few days; all of that was gong on, rehearsals. I came up to the city and it was some joints that I [heard] and was like 'Hey, I need this.' I didn't leave. I stayed and did them. I don't know who else came up to the city and how Kanye is gong to maestro who gets on what, but I think it will... it will probably work a lot like his album. That album, [My Beautiful] Dark Twisted Fantasy, it was one of them things where he let people do them and whatever fit, fit." (XXL Mag)