Jojo Simmons Speaks Up After Skull Gang Confrontation

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Jojo Simmons is not that innocent anymore. The son of Rev. Run of Run-D.M.C. (and star of the former MTV reality show “Run’s House”) is showing off a new, tougher image. In anew viral video, the sometimes rapper and his friends talk about his jet-setting life, in which all he does is, apparently, is “count money and f–k bitches.”

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Earlier this year, it was reported that one of Harlem’s Skull Gang members, Hynief, ran up on Jojo for dissing Juelz Santana. Photos of the assault quickly made their way online. When asked about the incident, the Team Blackout rapper says he has no comment and “isn’t really into the violence.” He explains, “I aint’ been around that thug or that gun sh– all my life, that’s not what I do. What I do is I count money, and I f-ck b-tches, and I travel the world, and that’s what I do. I’m not on that violent sh–.”

 

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Though Jojo has been largely quiet on the music front, his younger brother, Diggy Simmons, has made a name for himself in hip-hop last year. After releasing his debut,Unexpected Arrival, Diggy famously threw jabs at rapper J. Cole for allegedly disrespecting sister Vanessa.

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Chief Keef Currently Recording With Kanye West

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After being released from incarcerated a month ago Chief Keef is back in the studio and hard at work and this time with his hometown hero Kanye West.

Yesterday (April 14), Chief Keef tweeted that he was currently in route to Paris, France to record with West:
Kanye is believed to be working on his sixth solo album in Europe. Information has also surfaced that led fans to believe that Kanye has recorded two songs with  Daft Punk as well.

Chief Keef Currently Recording With Kanye West

WC & Daz Dillinger Confirm Collaborative Album, “West Coast Gangsta Sh*t”

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Westside Connection and Dogg Pound link, as Daz Dillinger and WC cross paths after 13 years of collaboration for a full-length album together. Empire Distribution will facilitate the release.

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Two pivotal figures from the 1990s West Coast Gangsta Rap community have announced a collaborative album. In a short video posted at HotNewHipHop.com, veteran Los Angeles, California emcee WC and Long Beach, California emcee/producer Daz Dillinger (f/k/a Dat Nigga Daz)confirmed an upcoming album.

Artwork has also been revealed, though it is currently unclear if it’s the final product:

Reportedly called, West Coast Gangsta Sh*t, the release is slim on details concerning date, guests or even a label. The pair have collaborated dating back to 1998, where they exchanged appearances on WC’s The Shadiest One and Daz’s Revenge, Retaliation & Get Back, both of which were Top 20 debuts on the charts.

In 2011, Tha Dogg Pound co-founder Daz also appeared (with Kurupt) on Dub’s Revenge Of The Barracuda. Previously, Daz has released collaborative albums with the likes of San Francisco, California veteran JT The Bigga Figga.

UPDATE: Empire Distribution confirms that they will be responsible for the release.

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Too Short Reportedly Charged With Ecstasy Possession In March Arrest

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After previous claims that the Oakland, California Rap legend would not face drug charges, reports emerge that say otherwise.

In the midst of a hectic week and series of unfortunate events, Too Short finally gets a break.

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Law enforcement sources have told TMZ that the rapper will not be prosecuted for felony drug possession.

On Wednesday (March 20th), Short Dog was arrested for driving under the influence. He was filmed trying to escape police, and was taken to jail. Police later said they found drugs on the rapper.

Now, the L.A. County District Attorney has rejected the felony drug case because police only found a small amount of drugs, apparently meth.

Because the rapper does not have a felony record, the District Attorney has sent the case to the City Attorney for misdemeanor review.

Too Short claims that the drugs were not his, and that they were left in the police car by the prior arrestee.

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Flavor Flav Looking At A Long Jail Bid For Alleged Knife Incident

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 A Las Vegas judge has that a trial of Flavor Flav will move on, charging that the rapper threatened his fiancé and her 17-year-old son with a butcher knife.

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The 54-year-old rapper will stand trial for a pair of felonies and faces up to 12 years in jail. On April 18, the famed Public Enemy hype man will be arraigned formally on felony charges of assault with a weapon and child endangerment.

Flav, real name William Jonathan Drayton Jr., is expected to plead not guilty.

Reports say he pushed his fiancé down to the ground in October and chased her and her son around with butcher knives in their Las Vegas home.

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Falsified Documents Could Help Meek Mill’s Case Against Philly Police

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The actions of a Philadelphia police officer in a previous case could help rapper Meek Mill in his current lawsuit against the city.

Meek Mill filed a lawsuit against the city in January, claiming he was illegally detained by Officers Andre Boyer and Michael Vargas, under Philadelphia’s “Stop and Frisk” laws.

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The rapper, born Robert Williams, claims the October 31 arrest was illegal and caused him to lose a deposit on a private jet, as well as income from a show.

According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, a 2008 report produced by an internal police investigation, Officer Andre Boyer has repeatedly falsified official documents in the past.

“It will have an effect on the case,” Meek Mill’s lawyer Dennis Cogan said. “We’re talking about institutional indifference.”

In a separate 2012 case, a Common Pleas Court judge also questioned Boyer’s understanding of the law, after he testified that he frisked everyone in every car, that he stopped, every time.

“It appears that Officer Boyer…was a victim of his own professional enthusiasm,” the investigation revealed. “In the interest of productivity (900 arrests in less than two years) he cut some clerical corners.

However, there was no showing that any of his erroneous clerical entries were created for personal gain.”

A hearing for Meek Mill’s case the slated for April 29.

Officer Andre Boyer also has a $200,000 lawsuit against the city, claiming his reputation has been damaged by the allegations that he falsified reports.

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Jay-Z Applies To Become Baseball Agent

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The Major League Baseball Players Association has announced that Jay-Z has applied to be certified as an agent.

According to USA Today reports, Jay-Z has started the process of becoming a baseball agent. Roc Nation Sportshas already partnered with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Sports in order to represent New York Yankees playerRobinson Cano.

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It seems Jay-Z is also selling his share of the Brooklyn Nets because of issues that may arise if he were to become certified with the Major League Baseball Players Association. Yahoo! Sports reported this earlier in the month.

Jay-Z also discussed this in his “Open Letter,” a song he recently leaked. His verse denied that this was going on.

“Would’ve brought the Nets to Brooklyn for free,” he rhymes on the track. “Except I made millions off of you fucking dweebs. I still own the building. I’m still keeping my seats. Y’all buy that bullshit, y’all better keep y’all receipts.”

Jay-Z reportedly owns less than one percent of the Nets. However, he has been an important public figure for the team.

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Pitbull Raps About Jay-Z’s Trip To Cuba In “Open Letter”

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Mr. 305, Pitbull, talks about Jay-Z’s trip to Cuba with Beyonce and shares his take on Cuban-American relations with his own “Open Letter.”

Jay-Z unveiled his “Open Letter” recently and now Pitbullhas released his own version of the track.

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As a Cuban-American, Pitbull used the “Open Letter” instrumental to speak about political issues surrounding the relationship between Cuba and America. He also sent a message to Jay and Beyonce.

“Question of the night, would they have messed with Mr. Carter if he was white?” Pitbull asks on the track. “Happy fifth year anniversary, Jay and Bey. Don’t worry, it’s on me.”

The song comes in response to criticism Jay-Z faced while visiting Cuba with Beyonce. Senator Marco Rubio demanded the president’s explanation for the trip. The trip was reportedly licensed through the U.S. Treasury Department.

Pitbull announced the track via his Twitter account and posted a message to fans.

I’m cuban american i was born politically incorrect here is my open letter daleee http://www.sovo.co/77a1cfa19a

Pitbull’s track can be heard below.

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Tyga Performs Harvard Concert Despite Protests

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Over 2,000 protesters couldn’t keep Tyga off of Hardvard’s stage. Tyga performs and tweets image of the show.

Despite protests surrounding his appearance, Tyga has performed at Harvard University. The opposition came from protesters seeking to stop Tyga’s performance because of his “violently misogynistic lyrics,” according toHuffington Post.

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A petition with over 2,000 signatures was presented but the Harvard Concert Commission and College Events Board backed the star’s performance.

Tyga tweeted about his show and provided the image below on Twitter and Instagram.

 Thanks for the luv. Shout out to @Foxnewshttp://instagram.com/p/YEIvU9Keh-/

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Freeway Rick Ross Speaks On Reebok Ending Deal With Rick Ross

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Reebok’s recent dissolution of their endorsement deal with Maybach Music Group head honcho Rick Ross over his controversial “U.O.E.N.O.” lyrics has everyone talking. In a statement exclusively obtained by AllHipHop, “Freeway” Rick Ross speaks on the recent turn of events for his constant legal rival.

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While “Freeway” Rick Ross admits that the recent events are unfortunate, he believes this incident is a reminder of artistic responsibility:

It is a sad situation, but we all have to be responsible about what we say in art and in life. Maybe this will be a turning point that brings a better awareness by artist of repercussions from consumers. The youth are listening and following us all as role models.

Always outspoken, “Freeway” Rick Ross also advises future endorsers in Hip Hop to properly assess who they are investing in so they are not blindsided by these type of preventable mishaps:

Endorsers also have to hold this high standard in evaluating who they use to sell products in our communities. They can’t just wait until a firestorm and react, they should evaluate their partners throughout the time of their deals.

On March 21st, “Freeway” Rick Ross lost a legal battle over illegal republication with rapper Rick Ross’ parent label, Warner Bros Music. The ex drug kingpin has been unsuccessful on two previous attempts at suing Rick Ross over trademark infringement dating back to a August 2010 legal defeat.

“Freeway” Rick Ross is currently working on his as-of-yet untitled biopic with Nick Cannon assuming the role of famous ex-con. “Freeway” Rick Ross is also looking to release the documentary Cracks In The System this fall with Emmy award-winning documentarian Marc Levin assuming directing and production duties.

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Drake Says The Woman Chris Brown Loves “Fell Into” His Lap [LISTEN]

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Drake held an increasingly rare interview this evening (April 12) and he let the shots fly. Besides revealing that he plans to drop a pair of singles next week, he also made sure to mention his relationship with Rihanna while hurling barbs at Chris Brown.

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Drizzy—he’s in town to perform at the Jordan Brand Classic tomorrow—called into Elliott Wilson’s East Village Radio “Keep It Thoro,” and it proved to be an interview for the ages.

On “Started From The Bottom” and his rapping:

“I just been trying to take the raps somewhere. I go to sleep every night I want to  get better at rap. I want to be a better rapper. By no means am I content, at any point.”

But who are we kidding? You care about what he said about Chris Brown. Drake tried to take the high road, while delivering sharp slander.

For the media and for any media outlet that listens to this interview don’t ask me sh-t about that man when I come up there. And leave that man alone, stop praying on his insecurities, man. His insecurities are the fact that I make better music than him. That I’m more popping than him and that at one point in life the woman that he loves fell into my lap. I did what a real ni–a would do and treated her with respect. So she not up there talking down on me. All those things combined create an individual that comes up to your radio station and is just going to do dumb sh-t. It shouldn’t be about tearing that man down.”

Well damn.

Listen to YN’s extensive chat with Drizzy below.

[Spotted at Miss Info]

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

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Future Associate OG Double D Shot And Killed In A Maybach

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OG Double D was murdered from gunfire as he drove his Maybach on Interstate 20 in southeast Atlanta on Thursday.

According to reports, OG Double D, also known as Freeband Double D of The Freeband Gang, was driving in rush hour traffic when somebody in a white SUV opened fire on the Maybach.

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OG Double D died later after he was being moved to the hospital.

He was a music executive and affiliated artistically with Future through his Freebandz recording imprint.

Authorities continue to investigate the killing and are hoping that somebody can help with identifying the killer.
“It sounded like a bazooka,” one witness said to local Channel 2 in Atlanta.

The witness described to Channel 2’s Ashley Swann what he heard moments before the rare black Mercedes Maybach came to a stop along I-20 westbound at Glenwood Avenue Thursday afternoon.

“We potentially could’ve had an extremely dangerous situation,” DeKalb Police Department spokeswoman Mekka Parish told Swann. “Possibly shots were fired from that white SUV into the black car. That white SUV did flee the scene.”

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Gucci Mane’s Bond Set For $75,000

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UPDATE #2: Gucci Mane hopes to post bond this week, but he will have to be transferred due to an unrelated probation in a nearby county.

Reports yesterday (March 27) confirmed that rapper Gucci Mane was in police custody after evading an arrest warrant for several days. The Warner Bros. Records star was charged with two counts of assault, after allegedly attacking an autograph-seeker with a bottle. That man happened to be a United States Army soldier, and showed authorities the wounds he claims were inflicted by the rapper with a troubled legal history.

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In a hearing later yesterday, Gucci Mane was denied bond, meaning that the 1017 Brick Squad rapper will remain in what is believed to be Fulton County Jail.

“Mr. Davis has a history, we’re not going to skirt that issue,” Gucci’s lawyer Drew Findling told press outside of the courthouse, as reported by AllHipHop.com. “That history made it difficult for him to get bond today.” Gucci’s attorney did however note that there aren’t confirmed witnesses of the alleged attack, which happened in a Atlanta club less than a week ago.

At present, Gucci Mane will remain incarcerated until his April 10 court date.

(March 28)

UPDATE: Yesterday (April 10), Gucci Mane was indicted one one count of aggravated assault in the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office. The Atlanta Constitution-Journal photographed the indictment, which includes the photo below:

(April 10)

UPDATE #2: Following being denied bond last month upon his initial hearing, Gucci Mane’s bond was set at $75,000 earlier this week. Fox Atlanta adds that Gucci’s attorney Drew Findling told reporters that the longtime Warner Bros. Records rapper plans to post bond in Fulton County, before he will be transferred to nearby DeKalb County. There, Gucci Mane has probation for an unrelated misdemeanor charge.

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Ice Cube’s Production Company Sued Over “Lottery Ticket” Movie

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Ice Cube’s production company, Cube Vision, is the subject of a new lawsuit that alleges the company turned a book into a movie without permission.

Author Franklin White , has filed suit against Cube Vision, Warner Bros. Pictures, Alcon Film Fund and Alcon Entertainment in federal court in Atlanta for creating the 2008 movie “Lottery Ticket” without authorization.

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According to the hardcover description, “First Round Lottery Pick,” White’s 2005 book, is gritty dramatic book about a young basketball star instantly becomes wealthy and the surrounding problems that arise. “Lottery Ticket” is a comedy about a young man, played by Bow Wow, who wins the lottery and has subsequent issues that follow.

White claims he sent a copy of “First Round Lottery Pick” to Cube Vision president Matt Alvarez in hopes that he could become a writer for the company on a sitcom starring basketball star Lebron James. In August of 2009, Cube Vision started filming “Lottery Ticket,” according to the complaint, and it was released in theaters by Warner Brothers in 2010. The movie made $24 million at the box office.

White charges that a film expert found 44 duplicate incidents between “First Round Lottery Pick” and “Lottery Ticket,” causing him to initiate legal action.

White wants to cease sales of the movie, a portion of the profits, damages and his attorney fees paid.

Incidentally, Ice Cube is not mentioned in the suit as an individual in the complaint even though his company is included in the law suit.

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Reebok Dumps Rick Ross

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Reebok has officially ended it’s partnership with Maybach Music mogul Rick Ross. The sneaker company first felt the heat calling for them to cut off Ross after the release of his latest song U.O.N.E.O depicted the rapper performing date rape on a woman: “Put Molly [Ecstasy] all in the champagne.  She ain’t even know it.  I took her home and I enjoy that.  She ain’t even know it.”

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Since the song dropped the rapper has attempted to backtrack on his lyrics, Meek Mill has spoken up in his defense and a recent concert Ross was set to perform at was cancelled in response to protestors.

UltraViolet co-founder Nita Chaudhary released a statement through the women’s organization applauding Reebok for the decision.

She said, “We are thrilled to hear that Reebok is joining the fight against rape culture and dropping Rick Ross. This is a huge victory for women, for the 526 survivors of rape who were brave enough to publicly confront rape culture, and for the nearly 100,000 UltraViolet members who have poured their hearts and time into this campaign. This sends a strong message that rapping about drugging and raping an unconscious woman is not only morally wrong, but has real consequences. After Steubenville, Americans expect and demand better. Thank you Reebok for taking a stand.”

After strong grassroots protest, UltraViolet members banned together in mass and seemingly pushed Reebok to take action.

No word from Ross’ camp on how he is taking the news.

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