Lloyd_Banks-City_of_Dreams_(Hosted_by_Tapemasters_Inc)-(Bootleg)-2011-

01.spread my wings [04:58]
02.misery [03:14]
03.eyes wide [02:37]
04.mo brooklyn mo harlem mo southside [04:51]
(feat. fabolous & vado)
05.anti freeze (feat. maino) [03:28]
06.getting to it mandatory [02:30]
07.party till the morning (feat. ron browz) [02:27]
08.up in here [02:34]
09.the realist (feat. red cafe & fabolous) [03:16]
10.what chu talkin' bout [01:35]
11.fly like the wind (feat. jim jones) [04:03]
12.last trip to scotland (feat. raekwon) [02:31]
13.perfect match (feat. fabolous) [03:39]
14.flatline (feat. young chris) [03:09]
15.zooovie (feat. reek da villain) [03:08]
16.stuntin' [03:03]
17.speakers on blast (feat. maino & skyzoo) [03:51]
18.large on the streets [03:19]
19.everything you got [03:50]
20.hummin' (feat. bobby v) [03:48]

French_Montana-Cocaine_and_Caviar_2_(Hosted_by_Tapemasters_Inc)-(Bootleg)-2011-

01.fucked up [02:06]
02.mr. miyagi [02:03]
03.choppa choppa down (remix) [03:35]
(feat. rick ross & wiz khalifa)
04.had it all (feat. chinx drugz) [02:56]
05.coke boy knot (feat. chinx drugz) [02:49]
06.posted up (feat. chinx drugz) [02:45]
07.skeeted on 'em [03:07]
08.black roses (feat. red cafe) [03:00]
09.deep sea divin' (feat. chevy woods) [02:13]
10.back to da wall (feat. chinx drugz) [04:28]
11.im takin' off (feat. heat scalese) [03:07]
12.buku money (feat. dj suss one, slim thug & young dose) [03:44]
13.my mind gone [01:15]
14.fuck the whole group (feat. gudda gudda) [03:25]
15.lick season (feat. maino, rick ross & haitian fresh) [04:20]
16.take it off (feat. waka flocka) [03:07]
17.break a bitch down (feat. young chris) [03:01]
18.make it rain [01:35]
19.i made it (feat. rick ross & masspike miles) [03:48]
20.sun tzu (feat. nore & joell ortiz) [03:32]
21.return of the mack [02:53]

Download HERE

Lil_Wayne-I_Am_Still_Music-(Bootleg)-2011-

01.lil wayne-i am still music [01:18]
02.lil wayne feat. drake-im on one [03:17]
03.lil wayne feat. mack maine and kevin cossom-words of [03:14]
advice
04.lil wayne-dirty dancer [00:41]
05.lil wayne-breathe [00:43]
06.lil wayne-im into you [00:50]
07.lil wayne feat. mack maine and kidd kidd-she bad [03:50]
08.lil wayne-you da shit [03:35]
09.lil wayne feat. fabolous-thats not love [03:21]
10.lil wayne feat. gudda gudda-thats what they call [03:40]
11.lil wayne feat. birdman mack maine and t-pain-i get money [04:26]
12.lil wayne feat. rick ross-john (if i die today) [04:50]
13.lil wayne feat. rick ross-9 piece [03:52]
14.lil wayne feat. young jeezy-ballin [04:59]
15.lil wayne feat. drake and big sean-all of the lights [04:20]
16.lil wayne-we back soon [02:31]
17.lil wayne-money in my pocket [01:01]
18.lil wayne-motivation [00:52]
19.lil wayne-love affair [01:39]
20.lil wayne-i hate love [03:45]
21.lil wayne-can a drummer get some 2 [01:38]
22.lil wayne-rock n roll [01:00]
23.lil wayne-what rock n roll looks like [01:16]

Download HERE

Young_Jeezy-The_Motivator_2_(Hosted_by_Tapemasters_Inc)-(Bootleg)-2011-

01.stripes run dmc ft. freddie gibbs [05:10]
02.pocket full of money ft. alley boy [02:42]
03.go out on the town [02:28]
04.ballin ft. lil wayne [04:48]
05.homicide ft. wiz khalifa [05:23]
06.pull out the fye ft. scrilla [02:39]
07.count it up remix ft. tity boy [04:22]
08.kitchen ft. tity boy and pusha t [04:46]
09.cant leave these streets alone ft. trick daddy [02:59]
10.my fuckin house ft. snoop dogg and e-40 [04:22]
11.i mean it ft. u.s.d.a [04:06]
12.go dumb ft. u.s.d.a [04:15]
13.look at the club ft. u.s.d.a [04:04]
14.where the panties at ft. u.s.d.a [03:24]
15.off safety ft. u.s.d.a [03:15]
16.the lick ft. u.s.d.a [03:48]
17.cte or nothing ft. u.s.d.a [03:33]
18.start it up remix [01:25]
19.welcome to my hood remix [01:49]
20.hustle hard remix [01:49]

Download HERE

Trae_the_Truth-Undisputed_(Hosted_by_Don_Cannon)-(Bootleg)-2011-

01.hometown (ft, adeke( [03:05]
02.inkredible street runner mix (ft. rick ross and jadakiss) [04:13]
03.ballin remix (ft. young jeezy and lil wayne) [03:43]
04.racks remix [02:16]
05.hypa [03:55]
06.im fly (ft. yo gotti) [03:16]
07.go get it (ft. ace hood) [02:30]
08.count it up (ft. young jeezy) [02:37]
09.grove st party remix [01:40]
10.bussin (ft. trouble) [02:59]
11.so far to go (ft. meek mill and pusha t) [04:04]
12.i made it (ft. brian angel and pyrex) [03:49]
13.fuck em (ft. rod c) [03:12]
14.all of the lights remix [02:37]
15.slammin doors (ft. young buck) [03:58]
16.comin thru [03:54]
17.money made (ft. yung quis) [03:50]
18.rap game 2011 [02:05]
19.earth quake [04:09]
20.gettin paid (ft. wiz khalifa) [04:21]
21.bumpa kit [03:25]
22.phone numbers [01:39]
23.i deserve (ft. l-boogie) [05:10]

Download HERE

Rick Ross Defends Bidding War Move, "I Had An Opportunity To Sow My Royal Oats"

Southern rapper Rick Ross has reflected on his decision to bring his newly-formed Maybach Music Group to Warner Bros. Records despite having a solo deal with Def Jam earlier this year.

While Rozay is still under contract with Def Jam, he believed that bringing his team to Warner was a true boss move.

"You know, as a boss you gotta make certain things happen and that's what I was able to do," Ross explained in an interview. "Me, as a solo artist, we're still at Def Jam Records, I have another album or two [to release due to contractual obligation]. But me being an executive, me being a boss, Maybach Music, I had an opportunity to sow my royal oats. We needed a situation that understood that we could make music at a much quicker rate than a lot of people do. And I wanted to put out music at that same rate. I think it's obviously, since we closed the deal, maybe a little more than two months later, here we are today, Self Made in stores. It's constant meetings and discussions and attorney hours. I got great relationships over at Def Jam, so I was pretty much getting my words across. It basically just came down to what was best for Maybach Music and Warner." (RapFix)

Earlier this year, reports claimed Ross' MMG imprint piqued the interest of powerhouses like Def Jam and Interscope Records.

Apparently, all the powermove business talk Rozay teased me with in Miami rings true. Besides the impending signings of Wale (I heard the deal went through yesterday, but now I can't get anyone to confirm) and Meek Mill to his imprint, he's being courted by the music industry's bosses for MMG. Inside sources have told me the players include: Jay-Z's Roc Nation/Sony; Birdman's CMB; Lyor Cohen and the good folks at Warner; and Diddy and [Jimmy] Iovine at Interscope. (Rap Radar)

Despite having an opportunity to join manager Diddy at Interscope, Ross eventually brought his team to Warner in February.

Rick Ross' Maybach Music Group has found a place to park. After meeting with various labels, the Miami rapper has signed a deal to bring his roster of talent to Warner Bros. Records. "Its official!!!!!! @maybachmusicgrp has partnered with Warner Bros!!!!!!!!!!!s/o Lyor Cohen..Tod..Joey I.e..dallas..and mybrother GucciPucci," tweeted the Bawse in the early hours of Saturday. "Deal of the CENTURY!!!!!!!!!!!!! #MMG #WB." While details have yet to be announced, the deal is expected to include distribution, marketing, and promotion for artists Ross signs to his imprint. (Rap-Up)

His group's Self Made compilation debut is currently en route to land on the sales chart next week.

Columbia's Glee Cast Volume 6 will debut with between 80-85k, while Maybach/ Warner Bros.' Maybach Music Group Presents: Self Made, Vol. 1, the Rick Ross-founded label previously with Def Jam, will do in the 50-55k range. (HITS Daily Double)

Pusha T Grinds To Hollywood Status, "On Set, They Call Me Denzel"

The Clipse's Pusha T has personally confirmed this week's reports claiming he will be featured on a few episodes of the upcoming "How To Make It In America" HBO series.

Keeping fans afloat, Pusha described his trip out to New York City for filming.

"Good morning...Destination: NYC...Mission: "How to Make it in America" Stay Tuned!," he tweeted Friday (May 27).

"@mWattsmusic on set, they call me Denzel Chestnut Epps...I'm a natural. I'm rocking an ascot and smoking cigars all summer long!"

"@mWattsmusic I'm back tomorrow, what we doing this weekend? I need to run the streets..." (Pusha T's Twitter)

Details of Pusha's involvement on the HBO series landed online yesterday (May 26).

On the upcoming season of "How To Make It America" Pusha T will star alongside Bryan Greenberg and Kid Cudi for four episodes. He'll portray a drug dealer who slangs that good green, not the white girl we're used to hearing about (word to the "Blow" video). (Complex)

The series is expected to kick off season two, beginning this summer.

HBO's How To Make It In America cast member Bryan Greenberg (Ben Epstein) recently revealed that the cast is already doing reads for the first few episodes, then will officially begin filming in Spring 2011, and then the new season will premier in Summer 2011. The first season was great and I'm glad to see what's in store for our television sets in Season 2 (Weall Scheme)

In addition to acting, Pusha expects to drop his G.O.O.D. Music debut album in the fall.

"We're gonna put out the album on Black Friday, you know what I'm saying," Pusha said in an interview. "Still more music coming, man. You know what I'm saying? We're out here [in Las Vegas] shooting the 'Alone In Vegas' [music] video right now. Long Live The Cane project coming soon as well. Big shout-out to Re-Up Gang, Malice, you know." (DJ Franzen TV)

Havoc On Trashing Nas/Mobb Deep Tension, "What A Waste Of Friendship"

Mobb Deep's Havoc recently elaborated on patching up past animosity between his camp and fellow Queensbridge, New York rap veteran Nas and how they managed to come together to make music once again.

From Hav's perspective, their past friendship and Prodigy recently returning from a three-year jail sentence was reason enough to link back up with Nas.

"When P came home, it was in our head like, yo, we really need to sew up that relationship because we were all cool once upon a time," he said in an interview. "What a waste of friendship it is to not be cool anymore. It's stupid. We older now, so we reached out to Nas. He was receptive to it, and it was like friends all over again. It was like we never stopped speaking. So we did the 'Dog Sh*t' song. To me, it's a hip-hop classic, but it'll take a couple of years to become that. That's what came out of it. So doing Rock The Bells, we're gonna drag him out, bring him back on stage with us, and he could leave after that." (Hip Hop DX)

A couple weeks ago, Nas opened up about receiving an unexpected truce phone call from Prodigy.

"He called me as soon as he got out of jail; he got in touch with me," Nas explained in an interview. "We talked about some things. I didn't know he had a book. He didn't tell me that. I guess he just wanted to clear the air on some past things that don't mean anything today...I just jumped on the ['Dog Sh*t'] record; put that to the past or whatever ill feelings he had towards me. I think he was misinformed about things, like I was a negative guy or like I was trying to harm him in any kind of way. I think maybe he just grew up a little bit." (MTV)

Last month, P described how he managed to get Nas on their "Dog Sh*t" collaboration despite the rap star being on the road.

"He was actually on tour with Ky-Mani Marley, so we sent it through the email. We did a couple other joints. Because you know, back when we were coming up, The Infamous and our early albums, that was what we did. We recorded songs with the home team, and Nas was part of the home team. It was only right that we bring that feeling back. You can never go back to a time and try to recreate that sound because that time is done. But you can bring some of the feeling and that nostalgia back by reminding people what n*ggas was about, and how n*ggas is a team. That's what we did, and it's coming out crazy man." (Complex)

A few weeks ago, P hinted at his reconciled relationship with the fellow Queens, New York native.

"We've beent talking since I've been home," P told DJ Whoo Kidreferring to Nas. "We put that to the side to do this music. This music is crazy right now that we're working on. We did a couple of joints, you know what I'm saying? It's coming out crazy, man. The music is more important than anything, all the little petty bullsh*t, you know what I'm saying? So we good on that...It was all love, because n*ggas came up together. So it's nothing but love when we see each other..." (Radio Planet TV)

Wiz Khalifa Untwists Amber Rose/Kanye West Gossip, "You Can't Judge A Person By Who They Were W/ Before"

Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa recently discussed his relationship with Amber Rose and dismantled gossip claiming there is tension between him and Rose's ex-boyfriend/rap star, Kanye West.

Khalifa said in addition to respect, he expects Yeezy to approach him in a mature fashion if they ever encounter one another.

"You can't judge a person by who they were with before...There's no relationship and no negativity because I've never met him," Khalifa said in an interview referring to West. "If I do ever meet him, I'll be nice and cool, as I always am, and hopefully he'll be the same way...We're grown ups. And he's older than I am so I would absolutely expect him to act in a mature way. I ain't tripping on anything like that. I've got so much that I wanna do. I can't let my goals be tainted with anything negative." (Voice Online)

Rose recently addressed the Khalifa and Kanye comparisons.

"When I was with my ex [West], I didn't have a voice," she said in an interview. "I was there and I was new to the fame. I didn't understand everything. Now I get everything. With me and Wiz, we show our love to the world. We don't try to hide it; we're not quiet about it. We're just in love and we're just happy and we want people to follow in our footsteps and not be afraid to be in a committed relationship...It's just unfortunate that he said that in the song [during a Coachella performance] 'cause that's not the lyrics -- I can say whatever I want about him. I can write a book or do whatever but I choose to take the high road. It's just unfortunate he has to constantly say sh*t." (KING)

During his "Stronger" Coachella performance last month, Ye took a subliminal shot at his ex.

After an energetic hour long set at the Californian music festival, West and rapper Wiz Khalifa nearly came to blows in an ugly confrontation over Khalifa's current girlfriend, the model Amber Rose. West, who used to date Rose, took a dig at his ex during a performance of his hit song 'Stronger.' The original lyrics of the song includes a line which says: "I'd do anything for a blonde dyke. And she'll do anything if the time's right". Yet, with Rose standing on the side of the stage, West altered the word to: 'I did anything for that blonde dyke. And she did anything when the time's right.' (Independent Online)

Prior to a denial from Wiz, rumors claimed Ye and Khalifa got into a heated argument following the performance.

Afterwards, sources claim, Wiz confronted West about the lyrics, explaining, "Wiz didn't want to fight, he just wanted all this catty bulls**t to end." But the source says that there was no peace made. "Kanye said something to Wiz and next thing you know security and people's entourages were everywhere pushing and shoving. It could have got real ugly." (Zimbio)

"I Was One Of The Reasons [T.I.] Started Rapping"

Former Hot Boyz member B.G. recently spoke on his current relationship with incarcerated rapper T.I. and revealed his music ultimately convinced the "King of the South" to pick up the microphone.

Speaking with hip-hop personality Mikey T The Movie Star, Gizzle opened up about Tip.

"T.I. was like, I was one of the reasons he [started rapping]," B.G. expalined. "He was like, 'I used to be just sitting in the trap just bumping all your sh*t.' I had put out six solo albums under Cash Money before [T.I. and I] even had our deal...So I was like, 'D*mn'." (Mikey T The Movie Star)

Recently, Miami-based rapper Trina gave props to Southern artists like T.I. for gaining respect from other regions.

"At first, people really did not take the South that seriously. It wasn't considered real hip-hop - just fast music, a lot of up-tempo, booty-shaking dance music. Over the years, it has gotten stronger, and there are some Southern artists - Trick [Daddy], T.I., Ludacris, Lil' Wayne, Rick Ross - that took what they believed in and turned it into a whole hip-hop genre. I'm really honored to be a part of that movement. There are so many different artists from different parts of the South that have different types of music. And now it's taking over - and at first it wasn't even considered!" (All Hip Hop)

A week ago, Florida rapper Ace Hood also spoke on his music being heavily influenced by the South thanks to T.I.

"Mainly the south. I'm from Southern Florida but I listen to a lot of T.I. and [Lil] Wayne. I'm versatile in what I listen to though. I like Canibus and some other artists from up north. I think in the north, they're big on tight lyrics and in the South it's based on swagger and how slick lines can be slipped in, in clever ways." (Rap-Up)

Tip is currently expected to return home from a probation violation conviction by September.

T.I. is coming home. The incarcerated rapper, born Clifford Harris, Jr., will be released from Arkansas' Federal Correctional Institution Forrest City Low on September 29, 2011 after completing his 11-month sentence for violating his parole. (Hip Hop DX)

Cassidy Exposes Swizz Beatz Relationship, "[He] Don't Even Answer My Calls Anymore"

Philadelphia rapper Cassidy and hit-making producer Swizz Beatz's personal relationship may be as distant as their music estrangement as the Full Surface protege speaks out against his former mentor.

Taking to popular social medium Twitter, Cass exposed their distanced relationship.

"@THEREALSWIZZZ don't even answer my calls anymore: we ain't speak in over a year: i thought we was fam, but times change, Smh That why I changed.. Ain't no love loss.. It is what it is..," Cass tweeted May 25th.

"@THEREALSWIZZZ it's never a war, I'm just speaking my mind.. How can we talk if you never pick up, You said you let me do my own thing ASAP, but what does that have to do wit communicating, since I'm doing my own thing you don't talk to me anymore.. Thats crazy.."

"@THEREALSWIZZZ the only reason I'm on twitter is cause that's the only way I can reach you.. RealRap." (Cassidy's Twitter)

While direct responses to Cass were not found on his Twitter page, Swizzy did say his focus was purely on positive energy moving forward.

"Positive vibes in 2011 plus anything else will not be accepted point blank period!!!!!!!#lifeis2short4BS," he tweeted May 25. (Swizz Beatz's Twitter)

Beatz is specifically known for lending support on Cass' "Drink & My 2 Step" 2007 and guiding the rapper's career around the early 2000's.

The first MC of significance to be supported by Swizz Beatz's J-affiliated Full Surface label, Cassidy is a fresh-faced Philadelphian who gained a lot of attention as a battle rapper -- with a successful bout against Freeway as one of the first feathers in his cap. People who had been following him through several mixtape appearances were more than a little surprised by the angle taken on his first solo single, "Hotel." (All Music)

Last weekend, Cass addressed a New Jersey arrest related to violating a probation.

"I'm still on probation from the situation I dealt with about six, seven years ago," Cass told Cosmic Kev in an interview. "[Me living in New Jersey,] that's why the police bought the whole SWAT team...I wasn't even sure what I was charged with. they bringing the whole SWAT team out, they talkin' about I'm on maximum security, I'm armed and dangerous -- I didn't even know what I was goin' down for. I was confused and if I know if I was confused the people in the streets were definitely confused." (Cosmic Kev)

Wale Wants Props For Lady Gaga's Fame, "I Made Her Whole Career"

Maybach Music Group's Wale recently gave his impression of pop star Lady Gaga's massive success within the music industry and why he is largely responsible for fueling her run.

Wale believes their 2009 "Chillin'" collaboration helped pave a lane for Gaga's current music takeover.

"I made her whole career," Wale said in an interview. In 2009, Gaga appeared on Wale's "Chillin'," the lead single off of his debut album Attention Deficit. Though Gaga had already released her own debut a year earlier, it took some time for The Fame to earn the multiplatinum success it has now, giving Wale the lane to joke about staking claim to her meteoric rise. All jokes aside though, Wale told host Sway that his recording session with Gaga was one that he'd never forget. "It's one of those things; it's a moment that I hold near and dear to me, 'cause she's probably the most famous person in this generation right now," Wale said. "I don't think she'd probably ever get on a rap record again." (RapFix)

Their collaboration landed online in March 2009 and features production from Miami duo Cool & Dre.

Wale is "Chillin'" with Lady GaGa on the lead single from his debut albumAttention: Deficit, due this summer. The D.C. native and "Just Dance" fashionista come together on the Cool & Dre production, which samples "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye." (Rap-Up)

Last year, Akon said he was responsible for helping save Gaga's music career.

"I think what everybody else didn't," Akon said about Gaga. "She had went through like four or five labels. When I closed my deal at Interscope, she was getting dropped that week ... they was dropping her again. I was like 'Yo, I wanna sign that right there.' Jimmy [Iovine] was like 'Yeah, whatever you want, take her. Let's get it done.' She's blossomed into a super-mega star. She's pretty much retired me. She was definitely a blessing. She came at the right moment. I'm glad I believed in her, boy. That goes to show, if you believe in something good -- it will pay off." (Associated Press)

Prior to beginning a jail sentence last fall, rapper T.I. talked about his experience working alongside Gaga.

"Phenomenal talent. Extremely proud [to work with her]," Tip said about Gaga. "She's definitely that good. She knows what she's doing. She knows exactly what she wants people to think and say. She does everything that she needs to be done to ensure it happens...We gonna go back in and record some more songs...But the one we have right now is entitled 'Lick It.' I think we both have a tendency to shock the world in a lot of different ways." (MTV)

WALE .....COME ON DAWG!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snoop Dogg Lands Huge Break In Drugs, Gun Possession Case

West Coast rapper Snoop Dogg may have more reasons to smile moving forward as a Los Angeles judge has reportedly ended his five-year probation earlier than expected.

Thursday (May 26) reports claim Snoop Dizzle is no longer required to complete his probation.

Snoop Dogg caught a big break in court today ... nearly 5 years after he was arrested in L.A. for allegedly possessing drugs and a gun -- because TMZ has learned, the judge ended his probation early. He was originally sentenced to 60 months probation back in 2007 over the incident -- but now that a judge ended his probation today, Snoop only had to complete 49 months. Snoop's attorney Donald Etra tells TMZ, he's "pleased" the court granted the rapper's petition -- even though we're pretty sure this had zero impact on Snoop's life. (TMZ)

The probation stems from Snoop getting busted by authorities in 2006.

Snoop Dogg was arrested Thursday afternoon at Burbank, Calif.'s Bob Hope Airport on suspicion of possessing marijuana and a handgun, police tell the Los Angeles Times. The rapper (real name: Calvin Broadus), 35, was arrested by officers from the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority Police Department, who reportedly discovered the weapon and drugs after approaching him for parking in a passenger pickup zone. (PEOPLE)

His probation contained multiple requirements including hours of community service.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Terry Smerling placed conditions on the probation, including that only 400 hours of the community service could involve the youth football league. The judge also ruled that Snoop Dogg could not have any gang members in his entourage and must notify the probation department before leaving the state. The rapper must also provide authorities a DNA sample and he must have a medical permit if he uses marijuana. (MSNBC)

Outside of legal matters, funk legend Bootsy Collins recently talked to SOHH about the music bond he holds with Snoop.

"It makes you feel really good when someone can take a look at your work and add something too it," Collins expressed to SOHH. "Snoop is really a special case because he was letting people know where his [musical influences] came from. Ever since I've met him, I've really admired that about him. Snoop continues to bring it, he continues to be real. His personality reminds me of myself when I first came out, you know? It was the way he spoke - the way he did things, you know? It was just that coolness." (SOHH)

Pusha T To Show Us How To Push It "In America"

The Clipse's Pusha T will get another opportunity to live up to his rap moniker, as reports claim he has landed a role on the HBO series "How To Make It In America".

 

While details are still emerging, Pusha will take on the role of a drug dealer.

On the upcoming season of "How To Make It America" Pusha T will star alongside Bryan Greenberg and Kid Cudi for four episodes. He'll portray a drug dealer who slangs that good green, not the white girl we're used to hearing about (word to the "Blow" video). (Complex)

The series is expected to kick off season two, beginning this summer.

HBO's How To Make It In America cast member Bryan Greenberg (Ben Epstein) recently revealed that the cast is already doing reads for the first few episodes, then will officially begin filming in Spring 2011, and then the new season will premier in Summer 2011. The first season was great and I'm glad to see what's in store for our television sets in Season 2 (Weall Scheme)

In late 2009, Kid Cudi described the role he plays on the acclaimed HBO series.

"I have a lead role," Cudi said in an interview. "My character's name is Domingo Dean. I actually named my character after both of my brothers - Dean, who lives in Phoenix, being one of them, and Domingo. My character's kind of the comic relief. He's really witty - a hopeless romantic but a player at the same time." (AZ Central)

Influenced by the series, Cudi previously said he hoped to eventually steer away from music and venture into acting.

Kid Cudi's first acting gig is for the new HBO series "How to Make It in America." When we caught up with him last night at a screening for the show, we wondered if he'll ever give up music for acting. "I'm trying to evenly balance them out right now, but eventually I want to leave behind music and just do acting," he said. "I only got into the music business to tell my story and inspire some people. I think four albums will do it, and when I'm done with my four, five albums, I'll switch it up. Once the story is told [musically], there's nothing else to say." (NY Mag)

DMX Ready To Let The Dogs Out, Jail Release Date Revealed

Former Ruff Ryders leader DMX will reportedly head back home by early summer, after serving time behind bars since last year for probation violation.

According to reports, X will be released from jail in July.

Earl "DMX" Simmons is serving a year-long sentence for violating probation that began back on December 16th. X will be released early on July 1st under supervised watch until August 12th. The judge ruled that Simmons possibly suffered from bi-polar disorder and was admitted into the Flamenco Mental Health Unit at the facility. (Hip Hop Wired)

Last fall, X's ex-wife Tashera Simmons said the rapper was the target of a conspiracy.

"He only had three weeks left [of probation], and they set him up," Mrs. Simmons said. "Because he was in a rehab that they put him in because he was driving dirty, and they gave him permission to go do a show. How do you give someone that's supposed to be in a rehab permission to do a show? It was a set-up, and then X, I can't even believe that he even took a drink knowing the situation." (Street Disciplez Radio)

X was sentenced to a year behind bars in an Arizona courtroom around mid-December.

DMX, who was arrested for a probation violation in Arizona last month, was sentenced to a year in prison on the charge this morning -- his sixth stint behind bars in the state. The MC said late last month that a sip of alcohol during one of his concerts led to his arrest on multiple charges, including probation violation, failure to submit to drug testing and several drug charges. (Rolling Stone)

Around late November, X spoke on his arrest and denied using any illegal drugs.

DMX, born Earl Simmons, was temporarily released from a substance abuse program to perform at a concert in Scottsdale, Ariz. The New York native consumed alcohol during the event, an act that landed him in handcuffs. "I shouldn't have done it," DMX says. "I wasn't done with the program. They let me out to do the show. I should have protected myself better." Despite his abundant run-ins with the law, DMX remains optimistic about what's to come. "It's rare that I get fair treatment..." he reveals. "It's love or hate. I'm gonna get through this. Thank you for the support and love, I won't let you down." (The Boom Box)

Jay-Z Loses Empire State Of Fine, Named In Ticket-Fixing Probe

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z and a slew of other high profile celebrities have been cited in a New York City investigation involving fixed ticket violations.

Details of the investigation hit the Internet Thursday (May 26).

Cops even showed Brooklyn love, letting rap superstar Jay-Z's driver off the hook for a speeding ticket, sources said. Two sources familiar with the A-Rod speeding ticket said he was driving on the West Side Highway near W.57th St. in 2009. A highway cop issued the ticket, but an NYPD sergeant later squashed it, the sources said. Yankees officials refused to comment last night. Rodriguez's spokesman declined to talk about the allegations. Revelations of special treatment for bigwigs emerged as Bronx prosecutors and the Internal Affairs Bureau conduct separate investigations into suspected ticket-fixing. (New York Daily News)

An inside source believes big name entertainers can easily get a pass with tickets.

"It was very easy for a big name towalk away from a summons," one police source said. "[Celebrities] have contacts everywhere. There's an eagerness to help because of who they are." (New York Daily News)

Additional reports suggest  Jay-Z's 2010 fine mysteriously disappeared.

A driver for Jay-Z also got a speeding ticket while driving on the West Side Highway, but a police officer "lost" the violation and the case was tossed, reports the News. Jay-Z's publicist declined the paper's request for comment. (NBC News)

Outside of legal issues, Jay is currently focused on completing his Watch the Throne collaborative album with Kanye West.

"Ye is just in an extraordinarily creative place--so much so I need to get him to focus so we can finish this," Jay said in a recent interview. "But music is his refugee right now." (Sky)

Consequence Sets The Record Straight, "When I Met Kanye, There [Was] No G.O.O.D. Music"

Former G.O.O.D. Music artist Consequence continues to address his past relationship with Grammy-winning producer/rapper Kanye West and deny using the beef to fuel his publicity.

Cons said hip-hop heads should not be so quick to judge him and consider his position since severing ties with Yeezy.

"Anybody who put themselves in my shoes would have did what I did, and probably did worse," Cons said in an interview. "It's way more behind the scenes. My point by speaking to anybody was, 'I'm moving forward with my career. It's mine. It doesn't belong to G.O.O.D. Music either. It never did.' When I met Kanye, there wasn't no G.O.O.D. Music. A lot of people got this misconception, because of his success, that he found me off of a mixtape. It didn't pop off like that. That's not how this went. He knew 88 Keys [former artist with Kanye West], he was figuring out what he was doing, Rhymefest was even at the time his artist, which evolved into Rhymefest leaving his sound for Mark Ronson, and me staying with Kanye. And these people know that." (All Hip Hop)

He also used the moment to remind fans his focus is clearly on the future.

"I'm not gonna be made to look like I'm in a delusional state. It is what it is. I'm fine with anything, and I wanted the fans who I sell this to, who I service this to, who I do this for, and who I love when the Tweet me my rap lines back, to know we just moving forward. We just moving forward. Because I don't work with somebody who does not define my career. It doesn't, it never has, it never would. If it did, I would have stopped at the Tribe, I would have never met Kanye. Now if I leave my own family to go do me, I'm gonna leave my friend? My career's gonna end over a friendship? No, come on, that's absurd!" (All Hip Hop)

Last week, Cons addressed the amount of backlash he has received from fans.

"That's a situation that involves family, friends and fans onTwitter," Cons answered in an interview. "So there was a lot of spears being thrown at everybody, and the natives were getting restless. I never had to deal with that, because I've always been an artist with a considerable amount of respect and love. Even if people didn't like me specifically, they were really respectful about saying it. All that sh*t came to a screeching halt. People were like, 'Motherf*cker, how the f*ck you gonna be dissing Kanye?' and 'You bit the hand that fed you!' Mind you, I have a mortal mind like every other man, but I also have a very strong will. That's what has kept me so diligent over the years." (Hip Hop DX)

Earlier this month, Cons revealed his contribution to all of West's albums to date.

"It is true I participated in writing with Kanye. You could read it on credits on 808s and Heartbreaks, College Dropout. Every album that he's had, I've been involved from a creative aspect in writing of songs," Cons said. "Check the credits, I get that publishing." (MTV)

Wiz Khalifa's Record Deal Rejection Fueled MMG, Says Rick Ross

Maybach Music Group head Rick Ross has opened up about Wiz Khalifa turning down an opportunity to link with him last summer and how the rejection encouraged him to continue building his empire.

According to the Boss, Khalifa choosing Atlantic Records over Maybach Music Group inspired him to eventually ink newcomers Wale, Pill and Meek Mill to his label.

"I put the proposition out there. But at the time, Maybach Music wasn't really where we were supposed to be, which was a lot of motivation," Ross explained in an interview. "The homey made a great decision, going to Atlantic Records. He's released a classic album, and I wish him much success. But it also inspired me and it also reassured me that I had a certain eye. I remember when I put Wiz on the 'Super High' remix, a lot of people was like, 'Why would you put a rookie on your record?'" (MTV)

Last August, Wiz reflected on his decision to pass on Ross' record deal.

Though the convo Khalifa describes as cool and chill concluded with a respectful decline, the Pittsburgh native admits that even if his deal with Atlantic were nonexistent, he still would've passed on Ross' offer. "I would've kept doing what I was doing till I found something huge [outside of Maybach Music]. I'm all about standing behind my own brand instead of putting myself up under somebody else's," he explains. "[Success] might take a little bit longer and take more work, but in the end it pays off because I can stand right up there with my peers and have respect." (VIBE)

Prior to Wiz's Atlantic Records announcement, Ross publicly offered the rapper an opportunity to join forces.

"You know, Wiz, what's happening, this is the Boss, Ricky Ross, Teflon Don," the rapper said in an interview. "You know we spoke of this in the last week or two, but my question is even more personal that I'd love to ask you right now. What would it take for us to close the deal, Wiz Khalifa and Maybach Music? I feel like the homie is a superstar. We discussed this last week. He's most definitely loyal to his team. But like I told him, there's always more to get." (RapFix)

Based on one-day estimates, Ross' Maybach Music Group compilation Self Made is currently projected to debut on the sales chart next week.

Columbia's Glee Cast Volume 6 will debut with between 80-85k, while Maybach/ Warner Bros.' Maybach Music Group Presents: Self Made, Vol. 1, the Rick Ross-founded label previously with Def Jam, will do in the 50-55k range. (HITS Daily Double)

Jay-Z Is Space Bound, Says Swizz Beatz, "[He's] On Another Planet Right Now"

Producer Swizz Beatz has further detailed his anticipation for the release of Jay-Z and Kanye West's upcoming Watch the Throne album and promised Young Hov has taken his lyricism to another level.

Beatz compared Jay's hunger to an up-and-coming emcee looking to make it in the rap game.

"Jay is on another planet right now," Beatz said in an interview. "I was just working with him and Kanye [West] on they album, and I got to vibe with Jay on some other things. I'll let him tell you about it. But he just lyrically stepped it up like he didn't make it into hip-hop yet. I was like, man, you sound hungry like you didn't make a dollar yet. And that's the key to maintaining staying hungry and maintain staying dedicated to the craft." (BBC Radio 1xtra)

Last week, Swizz said working on the LP and hearing the finished product had left him speechless.

"Man. All I gotta say is man. Ooh-wee," Beatz said in an interview. "I'm getting up there. Give me another week -- That album is also worth the wait as well. In this last month or so, it's really shaping up into a masterpiece. There's songs on there that's making you go crazy...[The] album is amazing, but I have to let those guys talk about that, because that's their expression. All I can tell you is it passed the bar." (MTV)

SOHH recently hit up former Roc-A-Fella artist Young Chris to get his take on the forthcoming LP.

"Classics," Young Chris told SOHH when asked what he expects to hear from the upcoming Watch the Throne album. "I'm hoping to hear classics. I can't expect nothing less coming from Jay and Ye. Right? They're great and plus they're together, so it's like, they're cheating right now. [laughs] They're my big homies and they're cheating right now so it better be [classic]. [laughs] It's crazy. It's going to be dope. I'm excited to hear it." (SOHH)

Recent reports emerged online claiming West and Jay were investing studio time in a newly chosen New York City hotel to record.

Kanye West and Jay-Z have moved on from their studio at the Mercer Hotel to the Tribeca Grand Hotel to record their upcoming album, "Watch the Throne." The duo was laying down tracks Wednesday night until 7 a.m. Thursday in a studio that had been specially set up in the hotel. The artists went downstairs for a short break with Universal honcho Barry Weiss, Kid Cudi and staff from the label. "They were laying down tons of tracks," a witness said. "It was intense -- no Beyoncé and no booze." (New York Post)

The Clipse's Malice Announces Name Change, "The Power Of The Tongue Is Life & Death"

The Clipse's Malice has revealed plans to undergo a new rap alias change after realizing his current name does not live up to the lifestyle he wants to represent.

While a name change is imminent, no immediate alterations have taken place as of now.

"I'm not a malicious person, and I don't really like answering to that. I know that people that follow The Clipse or follow my music, they know Malice, so I understand that, I get that," Malice said in an interview. "But you don't want to be under any moniker that's of evil intent, that's not you. I come to more believe that there's so much power in the tongue. The power of the tongue is life and death, so I believe if you are what you fall under whether it's in your subconscious or not. It's just me trying to clean up a little bit. But I haven't thought of that name yet. So Malicious is what it is right now." (Ruby Hornet TV)

Known for changing his moniker from Puff Daddy to P. Diddy, Diddy recently announced plans to go under the new name 'Swag.'

"Check it out, so I decided I'm going to change my name for a week in honor of my comeback," Diddy revealed in a video. "Y'all know I've been known as Puff, Puffy, Puff Daddy, Diddy, P. Diddy, King Combs, earlier it was Sean Combs, and for a week, this week only, call me by my new name, 'Swag.' Check it out. My new name is Swag." (P Twitty TV)

Last year, Young Money's Nicki Minaj announced a new rap alias.

"I've officially changed my name and will only respond....to Roman. Roman Zolanski. Out." (Nicki Minaj's Twitter)

In 2009, Game confirmed speculation about taking "The" off of his moniker.

"It's just Game now, I took the t-h-e off, you know what I'm saying," Game confirmed in an interview. "I'm just coastin' through, day-by-day, somebody got a script, I'ma read it, if it fits me, hopefully I'll get it. I'm just day-by-day right now." (Hip Hollywood)