Author: hhns

Due to Queens rapper Ja Rule’s recent prison sentence, there hasn’t been much light shed on the demise of Murder Inc (now known as The Inc. Records) and the emotions the Pain Is Love 2 spitter was coping with during both his feud with 50 Cent and the federal investigation of the label he called home.

Now that much of his past struggles are behind him and it’s been close to five month since his release from prison, Ja finally opened up about the Murder Inc downfall, his beef with 50 Cent, and more, during an appearance on HOT 97’s The Angie Martinez Show.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

Joined by Irv Gotti, Ja Rule detailed what it was like during Murder Inc’s most turbulent times as he compared the label’s quick decline to a roller coaster.

“It was a roller coaster because everything—we was going up so fast and everything was happening so fast and then it went ‘shooom.’ It was no slope. It was no dip. It was just a straight [drop],” Ja revealed. “And it was weird because I’m really, really a fan-driven artist…I think a lot of people think I was angry at the fans, but I wasn’t as much angry as I was hurt. Because like I said, I did a lot for my fans. It was really a weird time for me and I think out of that came the anger. And then I went into a dark place. And everything was dark for me. Everything that I wanted to do was just angry. My music, the way I moved on the streets.”

Irv Gotti, Murder Inc’s owner also commented on the label’s rapid decline and the repercussions, which followed. Due to an investigation by federal agents, Irv was unable to work with Universal Def Jam and was also unable to secure any funds for projects.

“It wasn’t just one thing, like everything came at us. So, I couldn’t even do business because the Feds told Universal if you do any business with Irving Lorenzo, you’re gonna be codefendants with Irving Lorenzo…I couldn’t enter into a new agreement. So, they couldn’t give me no money,” Irv explained. “They couldn’t do nothing. So, I’m sitting there trying to organize things and do things and I gotta do it with nothing because the Feds is on my back.”

After Irv Gotti confessed to taking a loss to rapper 50 Cent, Ja Rule further elaborated on his feud with Fifty during his interview with HOT 97. He went on to allude to 50 Cent possibly taking his spot due to the downfall of Murder Inc and his association with acts like Dr. Dre and Eminem.

“It was a lot going on in that time frame,” said Ja. “You got the federal indictment. Here’s what it is, it was orchestrated very well. He was a part of the juggernauts at that moment. Eminem, Dre, they were very, very big in what they were doing as well. So, as we were big over on our side they were also big on their side. And as everything started to crumble for us as far as we didn’t have a label home anymore, ya understand? There was a lot of things that were falling apart for us. It was easy for him to get people to turn on. And there was things that were behind the scenes that y’all don’t see that also made us seem more irrelevant. Like we couldn’t go to awards shows.”

Among those also affected by Murder Inc’s demise was Long Island songstress Ashanti who released a number of notable collabs with Ja Rule including “Put It On Me” and “Happy.” Both Irv Gotti and Ja Rule, who will star in the upcoming film I’m In Love With A Church Girl as well as a new reality show, fessed up to their relationship with the singer not being as strong, but revealed that they do have love for Ashanti.

“We’re good. We talk. When we come around, we talk,” Irv revealed. “Honestly, I wish it was better. I wish we was better. I have nothing against being around her or letting everyone know that we’re cool. I don’t know if she feels the same way. All good…The bottom line with Ashanti is I love Ashanti.”

“I’ve got love for [Ashanti]. We went through our little thing, but me and [Ashanti] are cool. It’s like that sometimes with family,” Ja Rule added.

Due to Irv Gotti’s past dealings, Murder Inc garnered much attention from authorities who were led to believe that money used to fund the label was laundered from Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff. The negativity surrounding the label even led to Irv changing the name from Murder Inc to The Inc. Records in 2003.

The name change came just a couple of years after Ja Rule and 50 Cent’s feud was birthed. It’s unclear what exactly sparked the feud, both parties claim different reasons, but the two rappers beef with one another has gone strong for well over a decade.

[/expand]

DMX says that he has $50 to his name and no money in the bank, as per court filings in his bankruptcy case,according to a story on The Wall Street Journal‘s website. The rapper also says he has expenses that exceed his monthly income, the story says.

The court documents show DMX’s estimated monthly income is $5,000 and that he has monthly expenses of $5,221, which include $1,000 on clothing and $500 on laundry and dry cleaning, as per wsj.com.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

DMX says that the $1.4 million of assets in his name are tied to ongoing litigation, among other things, the story says.

The man born Earl Simmons also says under penalty of perjury that he has no personal property of any value, including no electronic equipment, no jewelry, no clothes and no cars, as per wsj.com.

The former Def Jam Recordings artist has several debts, as per the wsj.com. Among them are more than $1 million in unpaid domestic-support obligations that lead, in part, to his July filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, the story says. DMX also owes unsecured creditors more than $475,000 and has a mortgage of more than $450,000 on a property in Mount Kisco, New York, according to wsj.com.

DMX’s bankruptcy case is scheduled for an October 8 case conference at the White Plains, New York, bankruptcy court, according to the wsj.com.

In July, The Wall Street Journal reported that the Yonkers, New York artist filed documents in Manhattan court stating that he has $50,000 in assets, while owing between $1 and $10 million in debts. DMX told authorities at the time that he filed for Chapter 11 “to enable me to reorganize my financial affairs.”

DMX’s debts include more than $1 million in child support and more than $20,000 in automobile lease payments.

“DMX’s financial strains have been inhibiting his career for several years,” the rapper’s publicist, Domenick Nati, told HipHopDX in July. “Poor financial management by prior representation have caused him to be ineligible to retain a passport. The purpose of this bankruptcy filing is for reorganization so he can perform for his fans oversees. We are currently planning a tour in Europe and Africa for the fall of 2013.”

[/expand]

Jay Z and Beyonce combined to make more money than any other couple in the entertainment industry with an estimated $95 million in earnings over the the course of a year, according to Forbes.com. The report measured the earnings of celebrity couples from June 2012 through June 2013.

Jay Z and Beyonce both earned money for their music. Jay Z earned a reported $1.4 million a night with hisWatch the Throne Tour run alongside Kanye West. Beyonce earned a reported average of $2 million per night for her Mrs. Carter World Tour.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

Jay Z and Beyonce also earned money with endeavors outside of music. Jay Z earned money as part owner of the new Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York and as a minority owner with the Brooklyn Nets. He’s since had to sell his share in both the Center and the Nets due to his involvement with Roc Nation Sports, representing athletes including Kevin Durant and Robinson Cano. Beyonce earned money for her fragrance collection and House of Deron clothing line.

Beyonce and Jay Z topped Forbes’ list, which includes Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen as well as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. This isn’t the first time Jay Z and Beyonce topped the list.

Jay Z has mentioned Forbes in various songs. For example, on “Roc Boys (And The Winner Is…),” Jay Z said, “Take what the Forbes figured, then figure more / ‘Cause they forgot to account what I did with the raw.” On Lupe Fiasco’s “Pressure,” Jay Z also mentioned the magazine. “The pen is mightier than the sword / my Lord / My first picture was a line-up / Now I’m on Forbes.”

[/expand]

 

Jay Z and Beyonce may have fired their bodyguard for some of his activities with a prostitute, according to a recent report.

Rumors had been circulating, but now mainstream publications have confirmed that Norman Oosterbroek hired a hooker while in service of the super star couple, which reportedly horrified them. Oosterbroek would also protect their daughter Blue Ivy as well.

Additionally, the pair allegedly discovered that Norman used their passport in a lewd manner, the New York Daily News reports.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

“Beyoncé and Jay Z were furious when they found out,” said a source of the Daily News. “They trusted Norman with their lives and then he went and did some pretty freaky things, and on video with a hooker. They were outraged.”

The incident happened last year, according to reports and Oosterbroek was fired.

“They really thought Norman was now a danger to Blue Ivy,” says the source. “From what I understand he was devastated, because a lot of people in the industry knew that he couldn’t be trusted and not to hire him.”

After being fired, Oosterbroek became deeply depressed and allegedly began using drugs heavily.

The 6-foot 5-inch behemoth was slain by police last month in Miami for allegedly fighting neighbors while on drugs.

[/expand]

J. Cole recently addressed his position in Hip Hop during an interview with Noisey.

“I don’t wake up every day like, ‘I got a great status in the Rap game,’” J. Cole said. “No, I feel behind. I don’t feel like I’ve done enough.”

While he may not feel that he has done enough in Hip Hop, Cole said he sometimes takes time to cherish what he has accomplished.

“I only get brief moments to appreciate things,” Cole said. “I might get a two minute thought of like, ‘Wow, you really did sell more than Kanye. You currently have sold more records [of Born Sinner] than Kanye West’s album [Yeezus], which came out the same day.’ Then I’m back to focusing on what’s next.”

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

Cole’s Born Sinner has sold approximately 599,000 copies to date. The album was released on the same day that Kanye West released his album, Yeezus, which has sold approximately 537,000 units to date.

Although Born Sinner has sold more records than Yeezus, Cole maintains that he cares more about matters concerning music rather than sales figures and trophies.

“I don’t live for the accolades,” Cole said. “I’m more so about the music. Making it, and putting it out. Those are the two best feelings.”

While his music has allowed Cole to hit the charts, it has also allowed for some critics to hit him with claims that he is “boring.” Cole was asked about these critics.

“It’s funny, but it’s sad,” Cole said. “Everybody has their own style of music that they like. I could never let that affect me in the way I make music. The people who like Soul Plane are probably gonna think Shawshank Redemption is boring. It’s not the end of the world.”

Cole also said that he tries to avoid listening to too much criticism.

“I just gotta disconnect from it,” Cole said. “You can’t be a commentator and a player at the same time. I don’t have the energy anymore to care about the small talk. It’s cool that people care, because five years ago, nobody cared, but I don’t care about the chattering. It’s becoming more and more like noise to me.”

J. Cole released the video for his new single “Crooked Smile” yesterday (September 18). The video was dedicated to the life of Aiyana Stanley-Jones, a 7-year-old who was killed during a 2010 police raid in Michigan.

[/expand]

Rapper Young Buck is a new man … he’s about to emerge from bankruptcy with a clean slate … but creditor/good friend 50 Cent doesn’t even get 50 cents.

Get this … 50 had loaned Buck $300k, and there was an outstanding balance of $171,000.  According to docs, obtained by TMZ, 50 will get zilch.

Ditto G-Unit Records.  It had it’s hand out for $10 MILLION.  Just like 50, G-Unit will end up with goose eggs.

Someone got lucky.  Of course, it’s the lawyers, the bankruptcy trustee and Uncle Sam — they’ll split about $330k.

Shakespeare was right … right?

Ja Rule has released “Fresh Out Da Pen,” a song about his mentality upon being released from prison.

“Fresh out the pen,” Ja Rule says on the song. “Middle finger up / Nigga, I don’t give a fuck / And you know what y’all can suck.”

Rule also aims words towards federal agents.

“Fuck the feds, whoever’s listening / I know you niggas watchin’ / but as long as I’m alive, who’s gon’ stop me?”

In his last verse, Rule also comments on a bevy of recent pop culture events (Miley Cyrus twerking at the MTV VMAs) and songs (Jay Z’s “Tom Ford” and Ace Hood’s “Bugatti”), as well as his stance on being “innocent” and avoiding the use of Molly.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

“You gon’ get this work,” Rule says. “I’ma see you twerk it like Miley / You the bad girl like Ri-Ri that’s gone off that Molly / But I don’t pop that Molly / And I don’t rock Tom Ford / I ain’t wake up in a Bugatti / I’m just tryin’ to avoid the law / Nigga ain’t tryin’ to get locked up no more / I’m iced up real rocky / Keep a kilo of that hard white…around my neck / That’s not me / Nigga ain’t ’bout that life if y’all listenin’ / I’m innocent / Real shit / But I’ll be fresh as hell if y’all watchin’.”

Ja Rule’s reference to being “innocent” likely refers to his recent legal issues. He was incarcerated following an arrest for weapons possession in 2007. He was also convicted of failing to pay federal taxes in 2011. Rule served close to two years in prison before being released to house arrest. Rule has been in the studio with Ashanti and others since being released from house arrest.

Before releasing “Fresh Out Da Pen,” Rule made a Twitter post about the song. He also said it would not be a diss towards 50 Cent.

 

New music coming today!!!

— Ja Rule (@Ruleyork) September 19, 2013

 

I love the fact that anything I do sparks debate… #Artistry #Beast #Maven #Visionary

— Ja Rule (@Ruleyork) September 19, 2013

 

No shade at 50 all love… Beef is 10 years old… #weoffdat lol… @HOT97 @oldmanebro

— Ja Rule (@Ruleyork) September 19, 2013

[/expand]

Drake and Game have banded together to help cover funeral costs for six people, including five children, who died in a house fire.

TMZ reports that Anna Angel was working her shift at a Burger King in Ohio, when Angel’s five young children and boyfriend were trapped inside. No one survived the tragic blaze.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

Game posted an image of the family on Instagram, with the caption, “I can deal with a lot of things but people losing their children is something that kills me every time.”:

Drake later reposted the picture on his Instagram, writing, “Myself and [Game] are donating a total of $22,500 to [Anna] Angel, who lost her boyfriend & their 5 children in a house fire on behalf of [The Robin Hood Project]. What [Game] is doing will never be forgotten. Honored to be able to help people along side my brother.”

The Robin Hood Project refers to Game’s plan to personally donate $1 million of his personal money. Game recently pledged $10,000 to help cover funeral costs for a six-year-old shooting victim in Los Angeles, Tiana Ricks.

[/expand]

As an Australian artist in Hip Hop, rapper Iggy Azalea has been questioned numerous times on issues of race in the genre she’s become a part of. And during a recent interview with Complex magazine, the Aussie rapstress addressed double standards in music as she questioned why acts like The Rolling Stones are able to perform “black blues music” and no one seems to find an issue with the British group.

“The Rolling Stones go to America, play ‘black’ blues music, and nobody has a fucking issue with it or thinks it’s weird,” said Iggy. “But here we are, 50 years later, in the 21st century, and people are like, ‘This is so weird that you’re white, from another country, and you like black music.’ Why is it not weird for Keith Richards or Mick Jagger, but it’s so weird and taboo for me?”

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

The New Classic emcee, who credited the lack of an Australian accent in her music on vocal comfortability, continued to express her opinion on race in Hip Hop.

“If you’re mad about it and you’re a black person then start a rap career and give it a go, too. I’m not taking anyone’s spot, so make yourself a mixtape,” she continued. “Or maybe if you’re black, start singing like a country singer and be a white person. I don’t know. Why is it such a big deal? This is the entertainment industry. It’s not politics. You should be more concerned about the message, not the voices saying it.”

Despite a past feud with fellow rapper Azealia Banks, Iggy called for an increase in girl power in music as she spoke on her love for New York City singer Maluca and doted on her “Otis” remake with Detroit emcee Angel Haze, an artist who also drew notoriety due to a social media-fueled feud with Banks.

“I think every generation’s always had that kind of girl power girls and their cliques of girls that have got together and done cool things. And I want our generation to do that too,” Iggy revealed. “So, I really want to make more friends. And do more stuff like that Angel Haze thing because it made me feel really good. And I think people loved it more than they love to read an article about somebody dissing somebody. I think it gives more energy and it lasts much longer to do something, a cool collaboration.”

Lastly, the “Work” rapper shared a few details on her past relationship with A$AP Mob spitter A$AP Rocky. According to Iggy, despite a less than cordial split the two are currently on speaking terms.

“I definitely hated his guts and he hated my guts for a few months. It was a legit ‘Fuck you!’ ‘Fuck you!’ peace out. But once you’ve had a few months to look at things in retrospect you realize maybe you don’t hate that person, you hate whatever caused the breakup, and you both failed in the relationship,” she explained. “I don’t call him up and have conversations and I wouldn’t say Rocky is my friend, but there are times I’ve congratulated him on things he’s achieved and he occasionally congratulates me on shit that he’s proud of. We’re cordial and I respect him, but there’s a separation.”

[/expand]

Diddy once famously rapped, “Don’t worry if I write rhymes, I write checks.” It appears the head of Bad Boy Entertainment will be writing a pretty substantial check to Rick Ross in the days to come. Diddy posted a video on Instagram of him giving the MMG boss an I.O.U. note for $1 million.

Ross apparently won the cool million in a high-stakes game of Craps. Diddy, reportedly worth over $550 million, did not seem to phased by the loss. He added the caption, “I just lost a million dollars. It ain’t nothin. #SuckMyD*ckB*tch.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

Both Diddy and Ross have projects coming on the horizon. Ross and MMG are releasing their Self Made 3 compilation album on September 17th. Diddy is preparing for the launch of his new network Revolt which is scheduled to premiere in New York and Los Angeles on October 21st and nationwide in 2014.

Watch Diddy’s Instagram video below.

[/expand]

Yesterday (September 14), DMX explained why he went streaking in a Detroit, Michigan hotel hallway August 31.

“What do you mean what was I doing streaking?” DMX said to a TMZ representative at Los Angeles International Airport a/k/a LAX yesterday. “I’ve got a big-ass dick and I like to show it.”

DMX then offers an additional explanation. “It was a dare,” he says. “It was a dare.”

The latter explanation jibes with a statement released earlier this month by DMX’s publicist, which said that the incident was nothing more than “a playful dare between friends.”

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

DMX’s streaking was caught on video thanks to a security camera placed in one of the hotel’s hallways. In the 30-second video, DMX is seen walking the halls in a pair of boxers. He later enters another hall, takes off his boxers and then proceeds to streak his way past what appears to be a hotel employee.

The statement released on the emcee’s behalf also says that DMX and his companions were unaware of the security camera present in the hotel hallway.

In the video from LAX yesterday, TMZ also asked DMX what his parole officer thought of his streaking. The rapper says that he does not have a parole officer.

DMX then takes a piece of paper from the TMZ reporter. The rapper says that the TMZ rep should be embarrassed because his handwriting looks like chicken scratch.

DMX reads one of the questions written on the paper, which asks him to explain how hard it is to put on socks with an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet. DMX has been arrested several times this year on charges that include driving under the influence and driving without a license. DMX also served seven months at an Arizona State Prison mental health unit from 2010 to 2011 after violating his probation.

“That’s a good question,” DMX says to TMZ. “You’ve got to work the sock under the ankle bracelet.”

DMX was likely flying in to Los Angeles in order to make an appearance on the talk show of Dr. Phil. The interview is scheduled to be taped tomorrow (September 16) and will discuss DMX’s relationship with God, among other topics, according to allhiphop.com.

[/expand]

 

Rapper Kanye West has been charged with two misdemeanor criminal counts in connection with an altercation with a photographer at Los Angeles International Airport in July, authorities said Friday. West was charged with battery and attempted grand theft, said Rob Wilcox, a spokesman for the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.

A photographer who was among a crowd of paparazzi shooting phtoos West at LAX was approached by the rapper on July 19 after the man questioned him insistently, according to a video of the incident.

In a video posted by TMZ.com, West can be seen approaching the man and apparently saying, “What you’re trying to do is get me in trouble, so I … have to pay you like $250,000.”

In another video from a different angle posted on TMZ.com, West appeared to wrestle the photographer to the ground and try to take his camera from him.

The pair were pulled apart by onlookers, the Los Angeles Times reported at the time.

West is due for a hearing at Airport Courthouse on Oct. 10, Wilcox said.

Gucci Mane was arrested this morning for allegedly cussing out a couple of cops in Atlanta while in possession of weed and a gun … TMZ has learned.

Gucci Mane — real name Radric Davis — was taken into custody at 12:05 am this morning after one of his friends complained to cops about his erratic behavior.

According to the report — the friend waved down police to help out … but when they approached Gucci he began “cursing and threatening them.”

We’re told he was immediately taken into custody and police found a small amount of marijuana on the 33-year old rapper … as well as a handgun.

GM was booked for carrying a concealed weapon, disorderly conduct and marijuana possession … then taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution.

We’re told he’s still at the hospital.

Drake is being sued for allegedly creating imitation versions of an owl pendant, according to TMZ. The company suing Drake, Michael Raphael’s Baden Baden Inc., claims Drake hired it to create a custom owl pendant in January and that the rapper allegedly paid close to $50,000 for the item, as per TMZ.

In June, gold duplicates of the owl piece began appearing on Drake’s Instagram account, according to Baden Baden Inc.’s claims, which also say that Drake took the original design and created imitation versions of the pendant for his friends.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

Drake is being sued for copyright infringement. Baden Baden Inc. is also demanding unspecified damages, as per TMZ. Drake is also being asked to turn in all duplicate copies of the piece.

The images of the original and the alleged duplicates can be found below, as per TMZ.

Drake has used an owl as his longstanding logo. The logo has been used on various promotional items for Drake, including flyers for his OVO Fest. For instance, the promotional poster for the 2011 OVO Fest featured Drake’s owl logo.

The Toronto rapper has also had the owl logo tattooed on his back since at least January 2012.

Drake also often wears clothing with the logo printed on it. For instance, Drake wore a shirt with the owl logo in his “HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right)” music video.

Images of the poster and of the tattoo can be viewed below following the video of “HYFR (Hell Ya Fucking Right).”

Image of Drake’s tattoo via Rap-Up.

 

This isn’t the first time Drake has been sued. In 2010, Drake was reportedly sued by Playboy over the use of a sample. In February 2013 Drake settled a lawsuit over “Marvin’s Room.” In the same month,Drake and Chris Brown sued one another over a nightclub brawl. That brawl also prompted nightclub attendees to sue Drake. In August, Drake was sued over shopping and stylist expenses.

[/expand]

 

A judge has ordered police to arrest Chief Keef after the Chicago, Illinois rapper missed a child support hearing last week, according to TMZ.com.

The rapper was ordered to appear at a child support hearing September 5 in order to explain why he had not paid more than $20,000 in child support, but he did not appear at the hearing, TMZ says.

Police are now allowed to arrest Chief Keef on site and incarcerate him until he pays about 20% of his child support debt, according to the site.

[expand title=”More MBiz” tag=”h2″]

In May, Chief Keef was arrested twice. The first incident took place May 20 at Atlanta, Georgia’s Le Meridien Hotel. Chief Keef was arrested for reportedly smoking marijuana. On May 28, the Glory Boyz Entertainment/Interscope Records artist was apprehended on Winnetka Road in Northfield, Illinois for a driving infraction. The then-17-year-old artist was cited by Chicagoland police officers for driving approximately 110 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone.

In March, Chief Keef was released from a juvenile detention center. He was incarcerated for a probation violation—using a firearm, as filmed in a video by Pitchfork Media.

Despite his legal issues, Chief Keef performed at Rock The Bells 2013 in San Bernardino, California Saturday (September 7). Last month (August), the rapper released the Bang Part Two mixtape, the Chicagoian’s first official release of 2013.

Chief Keef’s most recent project is a follow-up to his 2011 Bang mixtape. Other prominent releases from the Interscope artist include 2012’s Back From The Dead mixtape, which spawned the viral hit “I Don’t Like.” Keef’s 2012 major label debut album, Finally Rich, also included the popular street track. The video for “I Don’t Like” has been viewed on YouTube more than 28 million times.

[/expand]