Exclusive: The fate of “Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza,” and possibly many mixtapes, appears to have been decided, as Mac Miller ends his controversial legal entanglement with Lord Finesse.
In a stunning conclusion to a shocking lawsuit filed by legendary Hip Hop producer Lord Finesse back in July, Mac Miller has apparently agreed to settle the $10 million copyright infringement suit alleging that Miller’s 2010 song “Kool Aid & Frozen Pizza” – which was built atop the instrumental track to Finesse’s 1995 single, “Hip 2 Da Game” – was publicly performed and distributed without Finesse’s consent.
According to court records obtained by HipHopDX, a successful settlement conference for this case was conducted in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman for the Southern District of New York on December 6, 2012.
A settlement conference is a mandatory mediation attempt initiated by the trial judge, which Federal District Judge Harold Baer ordered on September 21, 2012.
The settlement conference process is confidential and details as to the terms of the settlement reached between the involved parties are not disclosed to anyone other than Judge Baer.
Requests for comment on this apparent settlement were nonetheless submitted to Lord Finesse via email but have yet to be replied to as of press time.
Stay tuned to HipHopDX for the final details of this settlement once they become available.
Shawty Lo’s controversial reality show All My Babies’ Mamas has reportedly been canceled before it even had a shot on TV.
According to The Daily Beast, Oxygen has supposedly responded to the backlash to the show, which focuses on the rapper and his 11 kids by 10 different mothers. Though the network is yet to confirm the cancelation, the publication claims that sources have revealed it “won’t ever see the light of day.”
A trailer for the show originally leaked to the Internet at the end of 2012. Organizers made a petitionthat reached almost 40,000 signatures, most likely a contribution to the alleged cancelation.
UPDATE:AllHipHop.com has received a statement from Oxygen denying that the show had been canceled. “This rumor is simply untrue. The project remains in early development,” said an Oxygen rep.
UPDATE #2: Contrary to AHH’s previous report, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed that Oxygen has indeed canceled Shawty Lo’s All My Babies’ Mamas.
“As part of our development process, we have reviewed casting and decided not to move forward with the special. We will continue to develop compelling content that resonates with our young female viewers and drives the cultural conversation,” said an Oxygen rep.
Chief Keef was taken into custody on parole violation charges, Tuesday (Jan.15). Nearly two weeks ago, a Chicago judge decided that he was not in violation for moving to a new neighborhood, but it looks like the law finally caught up with him.
Chief Keef was taken into police custody Tuesday afternoon after a judge found he violated his probation.
Chief Keef, whose real name is Keith Cozart, had been on probation for pointing a gun at Chicago Police officers. Late last year, he released a new album “Finally Rich” to mixed reviews.
Prosecutors had said Cozart is shown holding a gun in a videotaped trip to a New York range in April — a probation violation because he’s not supposed to possess firearms.
Keef’s trouble with the law has pretty much overshadowed his career. Aside from his parole issues, he’s also been caught up in two recent murders, one of which was his 19-year-old stepbrotherUlysses “Chris” Gissendanner III.
Over the summer police in Chicago investigated him for a potential involvement in the shooting death of Joseph “Lil JoJo” Coleman, and was revealed to have shot at police back in 2011.
In the midst of her American Idol press tour, Nicki Minaj appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show With Jay Leno where she opened up about past career aspirations (“Doesn’t everyone grow up wanting to be a bus driver?”), first thing she would do as President of the United States (“I would legalize illegal U-turns”) and more. Nicki refers her gig as the new American Idol judge as “getting a day job” in between working on her third album.
. Here’s video of part of Nicki Minaj’s interview:
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Clip of Nicki Minaj speaking on Mariah Carey:
This interview faired considerably better than the young mogul’s recent run-in with Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club where she demonstratively accused the radio hosts of giving her bad interviews because of a lack of interest in researching.
Nicki Minaj’s as-of-yet untitled follow up album to 2012’s Roman Reload: The Re-Up is slated for a 2013 release.
Veteran rapper and business mogul Master P stirred up controversy this weekend when he released his new track“Brick To A Million,” which will appear on his upcoming mixtape Al Capone. The opening lines of the song begins with the New Orleans native saying, “new n*ggas wearing dresses/f*ck it, I ain’t scared to address it/gangster n*ggas on skateboards/I’m at the house breaking mothaf*cking headboards/Real n*ggas stand up.”
Instantly, questions began to arise whether these lines were a diss toward a certain Harlem up-and-comer, a Chi-town veteran, or a fellow rapper originally from New Orleans.
Recently, rising New York rapper A$AP Rocky faced a lot of heat after appearing on 106 & Park wearing what many observers thought was a women’s dress. A$AP later explained to RapFixLive that the ensemble was actually a designer oversized tee, but this explanation didn’t do much to stop the criticism from confused fans on twitter. It’s no surprise that after hearing the Master P’s “n*iggas wearing dresses” line many of those same rap fans viewed the dig as a subliminal attack against A$AP despite the fact that the No Limit leader and the A$AP Mob leader performed together at the Coachella Festival in 2012.
The line could have also been directed at another high fashion conscious rapper. G.O.O.D. Music head Kanye West received a lot of negative press last month after performing in a black leather Givenchy skirt at the televised 12-12-12 Hurricane Sandy charity concert. West was also seen rocking a skirt during stops at the “Watch The Throne Tour” in 2011. Mr. Miller has had critical words for Mr. West in the past. Back in 2005, Master P questioned the intention of Kanye’s infamous “George Bush doesn’t care about black people” rant at during a Hurricane Katrina hurricane relief event.
“I hope the comments that Kanye West made is sincere and this is not a promotional thing to sell records…I know he’s got a new album out right now,” said Master P at the time. “I’ve lost people, I know how real it is. This ain’t about a promotional thing with me.”There appeared to be much less ambiguity to the second part of P’s critique in “Brick To A Million”. The line “gangster n*ggas on skateboards” can only be taken as a direct shot at self-described Blood Gang member and skateboard devotee and Cash Money/Young Money rapper Lil Wayne. No Limit Records and Cash Money Records have been rivals since their New Orleans turf wars in the early 1990′s before either label had reached national prominence. Each camp released several diss tracks aimed at the other in the past, and there were reports that the beef turned violent at one point.
Master P has yet to confirm who he was addressing in “Brick To A Million”, and as of now, no one from A$AP Rocky, Kanye West, or Lil Wayne’s team has responded to the song.
Pharrell Williams goes after Diageo for failing to uphold their end of the bargain.
Pharrell Williams has filed a $5 million suit against Diageo North America for their failed deal on Qream liquor.
According to AHH, Pharrell Williams PW Licensing LLC sued the company for failing to distribute and promote the liquor, which was marketed as a high-end drink for women.
Skateboard P alleges that in July 2012, Diageo shut down Qream without warning after two years of promotions. He claims that sales were “substantially lower” because they targeted a club crowd instead of the intended upscale market. Additionally, he says that the company produced faulty tops on the bottles that impacted bartenders and “consumers’ willingness to use the product.”
“PW turned away other concrete opportunities to collaborate with other alcoholic beverage distributors on a partnership, in favor of proceeding with Diageo,” reads the suit.
Contrary to the support President Barack Obama has received from artists such as Jay-Z, Young Jeezy, and Common, not every emcee voted Democrat in 2012.
In an interview with Huff Post Live, Big Boi recalled an instant when someone assumed that he voted for Obama.
“Well, I was, you know, leaving to go out of town, and it was a lady — a Caucasian lady — and she was like, ‘Oh yeah, congratulations on y’all win last night,’ you know, with like an attitude,” remembered Sir Lucious Left Foot. “And, you know, just to let her know I was on my P’s and Q’s, I was like, ‘I don’t know what you talkin’ bout, I voted for Gary Johnson.’ And she looked shocked to even know that I knew there were other candidates on the ballot, you know what I’m saying? So, you can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Daddy Fat Sax explained his political stance. “I’m a Libertarian. I’m liberty, justice for all, liberty for all. I’m really pro-people, pro-freedom, and, you know, this is all about positivity. Like, you know, I have nothing against the president at all, you know, he’s a nice guy, but, it’s just, you know, the things that they’re standing on right now just didn’t agree with me. Anything that benefits the public and not just big banking, that’s what I’m with.”
Nassuffered a small health mishap that landed him in the hospital this week. Queen’s finest was admitted after suffering from vertigo, likely brought on by the stomach flu, and had to cancel a TV appearance as a result.
Although he’s been released, the father of two is taking a little time to relax.
The 39-year-old rapper was scheduled to perform on “Live! with Kelly and Michael” on Friday, but had to cancel his appearance. The hosts announced on-air that he was hospitalized with vertigo after his flight.
According to WebMD, vertigo is a balance disorder and results in lightheadedness and dizziness. Side effects include nausea and vomiting.
He is now out of the hospital and recovering. “Peace y’all. I’m out of the ER & doin alright. I’m on bed rest for a few. Apologies to everyone @ Live w/ Kelly & Michael. I’ll make it up,” tweeted Nas.
Making sure his health is on point should be top priority being that the rapper is starting work on his next album. “It has started,” he told the Associated Press of the project. “I must tell you. I can’t stop now. I’m in a great zone.”
Days after the highly anticipated debut of Love & Hip-Hop’s third season, one of the show’s newest characters is at the center of another drama.
Yandy Smith’s baby dady is in hot water for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a minor.
Mandeecees Harris, a 34-year-old actor on the VH1 reality show “Love and Hip-Hop,” is charged with performing various sexual acts with a 15-year-old girl and inappropriately touching her at his former home in Lodi.
Bergen County prosecutors allege that Harris asked for and received oral sex from the girl and fondled her on various occasions between September 2009 and April 2010.
He was arrested later that year and charged with aggravated sexual assault, criminal sexual contact and child endangerment.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Harris remains free without bail. He was not present in state Superior Court inHackensack during jury selection Wednesday. Court officials expect to have a full panel of jurors by Thursday, and attorneys are scheduled to make opening remarks on Jan. 29. [NorthJersey.com]
Here we thought Yandy’s biggest problem with Mandeecees was him hitting the club the night of their baby shower.
A Brooklyn concert promoter alleges that Cam’ron shorted him of $7,000 for a no-show performance.
Whether it’s no-shows from Nas and Rick Ross or impostors pretending to be MF DOOM, there are countless horror stories of live Hip Hop shows gone awry. Now, according to HipHopWired, one Brooklyn promoter says Cam’ron stood him up at a performance to the tune of $7,000.
Lou Galluch, a party promoter based in Brooklyn, alleges that the Dipset emcee accepted money to perform at Galluch’s annual New Year’s Eve party “The Shanks,” but never showed. Galluch says that he lost a total of $7,000 over the failed performance.
According to Galluch, he was able to book Cam’ron for the event for $8,000 through a mutual contact. However, one day before the party, Galluch’s contact had to leave town on family business and referred him to Cam’s DJ Moe Sticky to complete the business deal.
“So I meet [Moe Sticky] that next day [Sunday], and I said, ‘Bring the signed contracts and I’ll give you the money,'” Galluch told the Village Voice. “He shows up with no contracts, and I have the money. This is the day before New Year’s, everything is happening. Promotion has gone out, pre-sales are coming in…and they show up with no contracts…[my original contact says,] ‘Yeah, [Cam’ron]’s gonna show, give [Moe] the money.'”
Following the exchange, Galluch gave Moe Sticky a $3,000 deposit with the assurance that Cam would show at the event. However, when it came time for the Dipset rapper to hit the stage, he was no where to be found.
Galluch recalls that Cam’ron was supposed to hit the stage around 3 AM; however, the venue wasn’t packed at that time, and Galluch requested that Cam wait until 4:30 AM to perform. Moe Sticky reportedly agreed to the new terms, but only if Galluch gave him another $2,000 of the performance bill.
When it came time for the Purple Haze rapper to hit the stage, however, Galluch claims that Cam’ron, Moe Sticky and company had left with the money in tow.
Moe Sticky tells a different story, however. The DJ claims that Galluch was supposed to give him the rest of the money prior to the performance, but only had $2,000 at the time. Moe Sticky added that the initial $3,000 was part of of a standard $4,000 deposit for Cam’s performance.
As of now, Galluch has no plans of following through with a lawsuit and doesn’t blame Cam’ron himself for the situation. DX will keep you updated as more information comes to light.
Kanye West joins a number of entertainers to auction clothes for Hurricane Sandy relief.
Kanye West has aided Hurricane Sandy relief efforts with his music by way of a benefit concert.
Now, Kanye is aiding the effort with his other passion: fashion.
Billboard reports that some of the entertainment industry’s most prominent figures are joining forces for Re/Create, a series of fashion auctions held to aid in Hurricane Sandy relief.
Among the participants, in addition to ‘Ye, are Skrillex, Michael Stipe (formerly of R.E.M.), Anne Hathaway, Mark Jacobs, and Kate Moss.
Kanye’s contribution included an autographed pair of his signature Yeezy IIs.
“Like many New Yorkers, we were saddened by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy and motivated to help,” says Re/Create on their website. “To assist the ongoing relief and rebuilding efforts we are proud to present this auction of personal, one of a kind items donated by prominent members of our creative community.”
Nicki Minaj has joined forces with Kmart to launch a new clothing line this year.
It looks like “American Idol” isn’t the only side venture that Nicki Minaj has lined up for 2013. In a recent report from AllHipHop, it was announced that the YMCMB emcee has teamed up with Kmart to launch a new clothing line.
Sears Holdings, owner of Kmart and its affiliate website ShopYourWay.com, has enlisted Minaj and Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine to launch a series of new clothing lines. Minaj’s line will boast a variety of lifestyle products, including apparel and accessories.
“I am so excited to work with this iconic, mass retailer and to bring affordable fashion to my beautiful barbz all across the US,” Minaj said in a statement.
Imran Kooma, the executive vice president and president of Marketing and Online of Sears Holdings, echoed Nicki’s excitement, saying, “We are thrilled to align Kmart and Shop Your Way with two of America’s superstars. We welcome Adam and Nicki into our world and look forward to capturing their energy and creativity on ShopYourWay.com and translating it into unique apparel, accessories and other merchandise.”
Both Minaj and Levine’s clothing lines will debut towards the end of 2013.
After receiving negative feedback in the aftermath of Freddy E.’s suicide, rapper Honey Cocaine clarifies that she and Freddy were just friends.
In the immediate hours following rapper and Internet personality, Freddy E.’s suicide on Saturday, January 5, fans took to various social media sites blaming fellow rapper Honey Cocaine. Prior to his untimely death, Freddy E. sent out a series of cryptic Twitter messages about being heartbroken, being called by God and putting a gun to his head.
“I reacted in a way that I shouldn’t have and wasn’t proud of,” Honey Cocaine told MTV’s Rob Markman in an exclusive report. She originally responded with some tweets of her own assuming Freddy E. was either perpetrating or the victim of a hoax. “Of course I deleted my tweets, of course. It shouldn’t be there. The guy is gone, and that’s my friend.”
Hours later, the Kings County, Washington Medical Examiner’s office confirmed Freddy E. was dead of what appeared to be a self-inflicted gun wound. Honey Cocaine tweeted screen shots of encouraging text messages she shared with Freddy E, but she was still inundated with tweets blaming her for Freddy’s suicide.
“I just want people to know that we were just friends, and we did everything for each other as friends,” Honey added. “I just feel like he couldn’t handle his problems anymore, and this is someone who had real, deep issues within him, and I didn’t know, I guess his friends didn’t know…I guess he made himself seem happy, but he was really just holding everything inside.”
People with suicidal thoughts, or those that know someone in danger of taking their own life are encouraged to take advantage of resources such as SuicideIsPreventable.org or HalfOfUs.com.
Lawyers for Warner Brothers and former drug kingpin/community activist Freeway Ricky Ross faced off in court yesterday (January 9), in downtown Los Angeles.
Both sides were in Superior Court, for a hearing in the ongoing battle over the name “Rick Ross.”
Judge Rita Miller finally set an August date for a trial by Jury, to hear the lawyers’ arguments regarding the case.
Freeway Ricky Ross told AllHipHop.com that he would be deposing some of the industry’s biggest executives in the case, all of whom are associated with the rapper Rick Ross.
“We will be deposing Sean Combs, Stephen Cooper, Lyor Cohen and Todd Moscowitz,” Freeway Ricky Ross told AllHipHop.com today (January 9).
Freeway Ricky Ross claims that despite the ongoing court battle, Rick Ross is still flagrantly ripping off his image.
The rapper recently revealed the title of his upcoming sixth album will be titledMastermind.
According to Freeway Ricky Ross, the rapper continues to subtly, or not so subtly associate himself with words, images and phrases that will fool fans – or search engines.
“He uses Mastermind that’s exactly how the Wall Street Journal described me and my life story,” Freeway Ricky Ross pointed out to AllHipHop.com.
Rick Ross dropped a slick trailer for his new album Mastermind earlier this week.
It featured Curtis Mayfield’s classic “Gimme Your Love,” along with a shot of the cover from the soundtrack to the 1972 movie “Superfly.”
“This guy is literally trying to have people confuse him with me as an actual person,” Freeway Ricky Ross told AllHipHop.com. “In every interview I mention ‘Superfly’ as the movie that pushed me into powder cocaine. I even said it in the VH1′s ‘Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and The Crack Generation,’ that was shown around the world. Then he comes out with this new video with the ‘Superfly’ movie cover as the centerpiece?”
Freeway Ricky Ross is a former drug kingpin with a cult following, who served over 25 years in prison.
He was convicted of heading up a large-scale drug empire in the 1980s and nineties, that was infamously tied to President Ronald Reagan and the Iran-Contra Scandal.
Freeway Ricky Ross’ original $10 million lawsuit claimed that rapper Rick Ross used these sources to steal his image and turn it into a multi-million dollar brand.
Freeway Ricky Ross appealed the ruling, but lost another round in court on a technicality in March of 2012, when a judge ruled that he waited too long to file a new lawsuit.
“The use of my name and image helps him in internet search globally. Its career launching high value to be believed to be the only hip hop artist on this list,” Freeway Rick Ross told AllHipHop.com. “Initially it grounded his career in the confusion, now it helps clean up the inauthenticity that came out about being an officer. I don’t need my name and image diluted and confused that way without license. The use of the ‘Superfly’ movie in this new video is directly connected with me personally as said prior.”
A Jury will hear arguments from both sides in Los Angeles Superior Court, on August 27.
“We feel good about our case, and look forward to letting an LA jury make the decision,” Freeway Ricky Ross told AllHipHop.com.
Nasir Jones
