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Protesters outraged at an upcoming concert by R&B singer Akon hurled stones at a Sri Lankan private broadcaster's headquarters Monday, injuring four workers and damaging the building.
Police spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said several protesters against the Akon concert were taken into custody after throwing rocks at the headquarters of the Majaraja Organization, the broadcaster sponsoring the concert scheduled for April in Colombo.
About 200 people suddenly gathered outside the office in the capital Colombo and threw stones at the building, said Chevan Daniel, head of news at Maharaja broadcasting.
Four workers suffered injuries that were not serious, he said. The stones shattered some of the office's windows and damaged several vehicles parked outside the building.
Placards left at the scene read, "Stop Akon's show."
Some Sri Lankans accuse Akon of desecrating an image of Buddha in a music video. The video "Sexy Chick" features scantily clad women dancing at a pool party with a Buddha statue visible in the background. Sri Lanka's ethnic majority Sinhalese are mainly Buddhists.
Maharaja Organization has three television and four radio channels and they have come under attack in the past, too.
Last year, a group of armed men attacked its studio and transmission compound, tossing hand grenades and spraying the building with gunfire. There was no clear motive for that attack.
Source: Billboard
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The days of when the west coast dominated radio airwaves and the Billboard charts disappeared a long time ago. The days of unity, where established artists helped the newcomers break onto the scene, seem like a distant past.
Today, aside from a handful of already established artists, the sea of untapped talent are on a constant grind, waiting for their shot to become the next artist to break into the mainstream.
Those OG co-signs have become less and less over the years, and new artists are left with a large task and steep hill to climb.
While Ice Cube recenlty said it wasn't his responsibility to help local Los Angeles rappers, one veteran feels it's one of the keys needed to bringing a vibrant music scene back to the city.
His name is Xzibit.
"I feel like if more of us held down more of our own, it would generate and circulate throughout the whole coast. We'd have a vibrant f***in' scene here," X told BallerStatus in a recent interview, adding that he, himself, got the co-sign of an OG to get on. "How did I get on? What happens if King Tee wouldn't have come through and been like 'Hey man, not only can you drink 40s, you can rap' (laughs). King Tee came through and gave me a shot, and Tha Alkaholiks a shot. It's gotta start somewhere."
During Xzibit's show and prove days, there were showcase events around the Los Angeles area, namely Unity and the Good Life. These shows not only bred guys like X, but also helped launch the careers of other acts such as the Black Eyed Peas, the Hieroglyphics crew, and even Slaughterhouse's Crooked I.
The "Pimp My Ride" host says that if artists could somehow interact and help each other more, the west could have a shot again. X isn't just talking about what could be done either, he's practicing what he preaches.
If you've paid attention to some of the new music he's released as of late, you'll notice collaborations with newcomers like Young De, who X recently formed a group with alongside B-Real. Most recently, he enlisted the skills of young producer Scoop Deville for his brand new single "Hurt Locker", which he couldn't be happier about.
"It gotta start somewhere," Xzibit says. "I think f***in' with these dudes, they gonna be representatives of where we at. Some them the ropes before somebody else takes some more sh** from us."
While the west may have a long way to go to regain the stature it once had, X is taking a step in the right direction.
Make sure to follow Xzibit on Twitter @MrXtothaZ, and watch out for his upcoming solo album MMX, due later this year.
Source: BallerStatus
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With his mixtape (The First Flight) and countless other singles/remixes (Star Is Born, Point to Prove, Set Me Free) being recognized by fans, yet overlooked by major media outlets, it took the release of his remix to Drake's, "Over" (Just The Beginning), that eventually got Daniel "Diggy" Simmons love shown by said outlets for being "the first" to drop something over the newly then released track. Although people were receptive of his remake of the new single, Diggy still had more hearts and ears to capture and win over, with the goal of letting everyone know that him creating music was not a hobby but a passion and it was something he is great at.
Going back into the studio, the young fashion icon spit a crazy sixteen over Nas' "Made You Look", and unleashed "Flow Stoopid". Linking up with PhilTheGod to create a visual along with the track, Flow Stoopid, was the hit that finally got Diggy more love then anticipated. With cosigns by Lupe Fiasco and Swizz Beatz via twitter and blog postings by Kanye West and Common, Diggy EARNED his buzz that has major companies, labels and the internet wanting to get familiar with him.
Last week the buzz generated rumors that Atlantic Records signed Diggy Simmons, a small statement of denial was released due to at that time it not being true but as of Monday, March 22, 2010, the day after Diggy's 15th birthday, the deal has been sealed; Atlantic Records has signed Daniel "Diggy" Simmons!!
"For all of those who have supported the project thus far, you are MUCH appreciated as this has been a FUN and VERY successful journey. It really does not stop with getting signed, more GREAT news to come SOON!"
For Public Relations inquires for Diggy Simmons, contact, CathrynMarie at DiggySimmonsPress@gmail.com
For Management, Booking, and all other inquires for Diggy Simmons, contact, Rasheed Young at UnCommonAries@gmail.com
Source: HipHopPress
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For eight years, Mila Kunis played a stoner on That '70s Show. Thankfully, she's back on familiar ground this month, getting smoked out of drug den by Tina Fey in Date Night. Groovy
There are things in this existence that are fair, and there are things that are not. The rules of backgammon are undeniably fair. That Macaulay Culkin gets Mila Kunis is not. It's not just that she looks like an anime cartoon. Or that she's the ultimate guys'-girl, having starred in everything from The Book of Eli to Family Guy. Or that she is the type of comedian that steals every scene she's in, most recently (and perhaps most impressively) as a foulmouthed stripper turned blackmailer who helps ruin Tina Fey and Steve Carell's nice, suburban lives in this month's Date Night. She is all those things, of course. But Mila Kunis also happens to be one of the funniest women we've ever had the good fortune to speak with.
"I love a good d*ck joke," she says, in a tone usually reserved for topics like Iranian nuclear enrichment or troop levels in Waziristan. "Fart jokes. Poop jokes. They're hilarious. They never get old. But especially not a d*ck joke." Given that kind of setup, it's impossible not to bring up 2008's Forgetting Sarah Marshall, in which Ms. Kunis acted opposite a stark-naked Jason Segel. "Look, I want it on the record, okay?" she says. "It's a nice d*ck. Well proportioned. Handsome. I have nothing but good things to say about Jason Segel's penis."
Radric Davis aka Gucci Mane was to hit mainstream rap hard last year but that became a distant memory when he was incarcerated. We have yet to get a statement from Gucci since he got locked up but for the first time in a recent interview with the Associated Press Gucci Mane speaks from jail. Gucci Mane talk about how he has been adjusting to jail. He celebrated his 30th birthday in Febuary and his album "The State vs. Radric Davis" hitting the number #1 spot on the rap charts all while being locked up late last year for parole violation. Gucci spoke on his future plans and where his career is going later this year. Gucci will be releaseing two albums, "The State vs. Radric Davis: The Appeal" and then "The State vs. Radric Davis: The Verdict" and a mixtape with DJ Drama later this year. Check out Gucci Mane's interview below.The Associated Press: You were featured on Carey's "Obsessed" and had the hit "Break Up" with Mario and Sean Garrett, as well as the single "Spotlight" featuring Usher. How did it feel to finally breakthrough?Gucci Mane: It felt good to finally be noticed and get some kind of acclaim. This is by far the most praise I've ever gotten. It feels like all my hard work is getting recognized. It makes me work even harder.AP: How did it feel to have your album top the charts while in jail?Gucci Mane: Excited. I still had a release party, though I wasn't there. But the day after was the toughest because I just wanted to get out there to see my fans. ... Getting on stage, it's nothing like it.AP: Gucci, you've been to jail on a few other occasions. How can you avoid being sent back again?Gucci Mane: Before I make an action, think about the consequences. ... Any decision I make is a heavy decision. I got a lot of people who depend on me. Everything I do has so much weight on it.AP: How do the other inmates treat you in jail?Gucci Mane: It's a great response. ... So I try to take a couple of these young guys under my wing and tell them what I've learned, because you can't teach nobody if you don't know anything.AP: Rappers who have been jailed in the past like Tupac has said it was difficult to jot down lyrics while in prison. How has writing songs been for you?Gucci Mane: Unfortunately I've been to jail a couple times. Anytime I come in it's difficult to make music, write songs. This time, I have a peace within me. I've been so excited to get out. I've written about 50 to 60 songs.AP: How much has your jail time been a setback on your career, which was at the peak?Gucci Mane: With money and selling CDs, I can always do that. I believe I can make all the money I've missed the last six months. But I can't regain the time with fans and family.
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Now of course Usher would drop "Lil Freak" as the next single for his upcoming album because it features Young Money first lady Nicki Minaj. This looks a little like love is this club video but more interesting since Nicki Minaj is playing her other half, a chick that likes chicks. You will see here young Nicki is working her magic on bagging a chick and she is def being a "Lil Freak". I guess her and Usher are walking around the club being freaks trying to bag chicks. Check out the preview to the official video. I guess Usher will have a successful album this time around.
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M.Reck Ft. Prodigy - Gutta QuRan Preview (Free Prodigy) Directed By M. Reck
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Ludacris ripped MTV's Spring Break with his performance of "My Chick Bad"
Of course Young Money's Nicki Minaj was there to lend a hand looking as good as ever in all white from head to toe.
"My Chick Bad" is off Luda's new album 'Battle Of The Sexes' in stores now.
Next up was Trey Songz performing his hit song "I Invented Sex" off his album 'Ready'
Finally Drake hit the stage to perform the lead single "Over" from his forthcoming album 'Thank Me Later'
Gilbert Arenas already faces a difficult week ahead, with his sentencing for felony gun possession set for Friday. But Arenas's troubles were magnified recently, when he discovered that his estranged mother, Mary Francis Robinson, died in Miami.
Robinson passed away on March 13, but Arenas didn't find out until a few days later, according to multiple sources. The cause of her death is not known.
Arenas wasn't close to his mother, who abandoned him at young age and left him to be raised by his father, Gilbert Sr., from the time that he was 3. Arenas met his mother only once in the past 25 years. In his second season with the Golden State Warriors, Robinson approached him after a game in Miami. Although he has not been in communication with Robinson, Arenas paid for her funeral expenses.
Arenas is said to be distraught over her death. Arenas said he never held any animosity toward his mother, but his one encounter is believed to have traumatized him. Arenas always said that he planned on reconnecting with Robinson after his playing days were over. He never got the chance.
Source: Washington Post
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Veteran Rapper From Long Beach, RBX, Issues New Statement On Death Row Records.
LONG BEACH CA, Back in the original days of Death Row, producer, writer, tastemaker RBX could be found pushing the line on the streets of Southern Cali. Known for his work with Dr. Dre, The Dogg Pound, Snoop Dogg, Korn, Brother J, Eminem and many more, RBX rarely speaks to the press, but when he does it is the truth.
In a statement made today, RBX asks the question every hard-core Death Row fan wants to know;
"I have been watching the three ring circus of these Canadians buying Death Row for the last year or so. I just read a crazy article on line where the guy in charge now - some banker Robert Thompson-So and his sidekick John Payne announced to the world they are looking for someone to buy them out because they don't to be in the Death Row records business any more (Wall Street Journal).
I just have one thing I have to ask these guys. What tha f--k were you thinking .......seriously? We all had a little bit of hope when this game started but due to the shananigans, optimism is dwindling. Word on the street in Southern Cal is that Lara Lavi, the woman these guys kicked out of the mix is seriously backed by new heavy hitters on Wall Street. I have received phone calls confirming Lavi has a new deal. I don't know whether she on to something new or trying to buy back her company. I don't know the woman but damn she is truly unfadeable.
So I have to ask, why do these New Solution guys continue to beat on her in court if she might just be the most likely candidate to buy them out given they asked for it last week.
I just don't get it. The fans and the artists deserve better than this mess. Uncut...."
RBX first joined Death Row Records in 1992, with his cousin Snoop Dogg. After a noteworthy appearance on Dr. Dre's The Chronic, he then made cameos on various Death Row Records releases, and has released several acclaimed solo projects that have drawn many dedicated fans and admirers of his unorthodox sound.
"I have been watching the three ring circus of these Canadians buying Death Row for the last year or so. I just read a crazy article on line where the guy in charge now - some banker Robert Thompson-So and his sidekick John Payne announced to the world they are looking for someone to buy them out because they don't to be in the Death Row records business any more (Wall Street Journal).
I just have one thing I have to ask these guys. What tha f--k were you thinking .......seriously? We all had a little bit of hope when this game started but due to the shananigans, optimism is dwindling. Word on the street in Southern Cal is that Lara Lavi, the woman these guys kicked out of the mix is seriously backed by new heavy hitters on Wall Street. I have received phone calls confirming Lavi has a new deal. I don't know whether she on to something new or trying to buy back her company. I don't know the woman but damn she is truly unfadeable.
So I have to ask, why do these New Solution guys continue to beat on her in court if she might just be the most likely candidate to buy them out given they asked for it last week.
I just don't get it. The fans and the artists deserve better than this mess. Uncut...."
RBX first joined Death Row Records in 1992, with his cousin Snoop Dogg. After a noteworthy appearance on Dr. Dre's The Chronic, he then made cameos on various Death Row Records releases, and has released several acclaimed solo projects that have drawn many dedicated fans and admirers of his unorthodox sound.
Source: Hip Hop Press
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Yall thought Jay-Z was going strong at 40+? Dude just getting warmed up, lol
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Dr. Dre’s Detox has been alluding fans for six years now, with little known about when the hip-hop icon’s long-awaited opus will arrive. Where most albums are pushed back due to label turmoil or economic mishaps, it’s Dre’s perfectionism that has been the driving force behind the Detox delay. Rap-Up.com caught up with the Doc’s protégé and former Shady/Aftermath signee Stat Quo, who shed some light on the heavily-guarded project.
“It’s whenever Dre’s ready,” the Atlanta MC tells Rap-Up.com. “If you want my opinion on it, I think he wants to be confident in what he has to put out as an ensemble piece. Dre is hip-hop in a sense, so hip-hop needs him to put out a great album, ’cause if he doesn’t, it affects all of us—not just what he does, but the whole culture.”
Stat is no stranger to album setbacks himself, which is part of the reason he chose to depart Shady/Aftermath in 2008. However, Eminem and Dre’s influence on him as an artist, as well as a person, has remained a vital part of who he’s become today. “Em has taught me, in terms of function, how to put a rhyme together, just being around him and watching him, I’ve taken that and incorporated that in what I do,” he says. “And Dre is just all around a better artist, a better person. Whenever I need advice on anything—my personal life, business, whatever—I go and ask him. He’s like a real live mentor for me.”
Despite not being part of the Shady/Aftermath family any more, it’s still all love between Stat and his mentors. The rapper was actually featured in one of Dre’s recent HP commercials (and as a result has created a pseudonym for himself—Russell Quo), and has also been one person who’s had a chance to not only listen to, but be a part of Detox. “I still work with Dre every day,” he reveals. “I’ve heard and been a part of some incredible music.”
The burden of perfectionism is a heavy one—and apparently a six-year long one, but it’s clearly something that Dre takes very seriously and has passed onto Stat as well. “He’s very important and he knows that, so he’s not just gonna put out some bullsh*t. You never get that second chance to make that first impression.”
Stat Quo’s debut album Statlanta has a tentative release date of June 22. As for Detox, Stat assures it’s coming sooner than later. “I think he’s gonna be putting something out real soon,” he adds. “It’s all on him. He’s the captain. We’re ship hands working on that ship.”
Written By: Jordan Upmalis Of Rap-Up.com
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50 Cent starred in his first British film last year, the action flick 'Dead Man Running'.
In it 50 plays a loan shark named Thigo, who has run out of patience with one of his clients. Nick, an ex-con played by Tamer Hassan is given 24 hours to come up with the $100 G's owed to Thigo or else his mom will be killed.
That's where the action begins as Nick scrambles to come up with the cash as time is running out.
The movie has yet to make it to the U.S., but you can check out about eight minutes of footage featuring Fifty below.
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This Week's Main Pick
Street King: Jim Jones
Holding It Down For: Harlem, USA
Mixtape Album: The Ghost of Rich Porter
Real Spit: Across 110th Street, Jim Jones grabbed his favorite hero — roast beef with ketchup — and threw waves to the police as squad cars rolled by. One of his old friends, just out of jail, came by and got love from the whole crew, which included Jim and Byrd Gang member Sen City. Jones stood in front of a mural of his late friend Bloodshed, a cousin of Cam'ron's.
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WASHINGTON - The Democratic-controlled Congress approved historic legislation Sunday night extending health care to tens of millions of uninsured Americans and cracking down on insurance company abuses, a climactic chapter in the century-long quest for near universal coverage.
Widely viewed as dead two months ago, the Senate-passed bill cleared the House on a 219-212 vote, with Republicans unanimous in opposition.
Congressional officials said they expected Obama to sign the bill as early as Tuesday.
Republicans hoped that by blocking the legislation, they would be able to thwart Obama's ambitious domestic agenda, including immigration reform and climate change legislation.
While national health care has long been a goal of presidents stretching back decades, it has proved elusive, in part because self-reliance and suspicion of a strong central government remain strong in the U.S.
Obama planned to make a statement to the nation Sunday night after the vote.
After more than a year of political combat - certain to persist into the fall election campaign for control of Congress - debate on the House floor fell along predictable lines.
"We will be joining those who established Social Security, Medicare and now, tonight, health care for all Americans," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi before the vote, referring the government's pension program and health insurance for the elderly.
Republicans opposed the measure as a takeover of government health care that would cut Medicare for the elderly and raise taxes by nearly $1 trillion combined.
"We have failed to listen to America," Rep. John Boehner the Republican leader said ahead of the vote.
Earlier in the day, the House argued its way through a thicket of Republican objections toward an evening vote on the bill to extend coverage to 32 million Americans who lack it, ban insurers from denying coverage on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions and cut deficits by an estimated $138 billion over a decade.
A shouting band of protesters outside the Capitol dramatized their opposition, and one man stood up in the House visitor's gallery shouting, "Kill the bill" before he was ushered out - evidence of the passions the yearlong debate over health care has stirred.
Obama lobbied by phone from the White House, then took the crucial step of issuing an executive order that satisfied a small group of Democrats who demanded that no federal funds be used for elective abortions.
Over and over, Democrats stressed the historic nature of the day. The measure represents the biggest expansion of the social safety net since Medicare and Medicaid were enacted in 1965 during President Lyndon B. Johnson's administration to provide government-funded health care coverage to the elderly and poor.
"Health care isn't only a civil right, it's a moral issue," said Democratic Rep. Patrick Kennedy. He said his late father, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, had worked his entire career for nationwide health care, and President John F. Kennedy before him.
Obama has said often that presidents of both parties have tried without success to achieve national health insurance, beginning with Theodore Roosevelt early in the 20th century.
The 44th president's quest to succeed where others have failed seemed at a dead end two months ago, when Republicans won a special election to fill Edward Kennedy's Massachusetts Senate seat, and with it, enough votes to prevent a final vote.
But the White House, Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Reid soon came up with a rescue plan that required the House to approve the Senate-passed measure despite opposition to many of its provisions, then have both chambers pass a fix-it measure incorporating numerous changes.
Under the legislation, most Americans would be required to purchase insurance, and face penalties if they refused. Much of the money in the bill would be devoted to subsidies to help families at incomes of up to $88,000 a year pay their premiums.
The legislation would also usher in a significant expansion of Medicaid, the federal-state health care program for the poor.
The insurance industry would come under new federal regulation. They would be forbidden from placing lifetime dollar limits on policies, from denying coverage because of pre-existing conditions and from canceling policies when a policyholder becomes ill.
Parents would be able to keep older children on their coverage up to age 26. A new high-risk pool would offer coverage to uninsured people with medical problems until 2014, when the coverage expansion goes into high gear.
Once enacted, the two bills would create a series of so-called "insurance exchanges" beginning in 2014 where self-employed people and small businesses could pool together to shop for health care coverage.
To pay for the changes, the legislation includes more than $400 billion in higher taxes over a decade, roughly half of it from a new Medicare payroll tax on individuals with incomes over $200,000 and couples over $250,000.
NY Daily News
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SPOKANE, Wash. -- Police are searching for a man accused of offering to sell his son on Craigslist for $5,000.
In the ad, the father identified himself as a single parent dad by the name of "Rick" who has run out of child care options.
"Gavin is a great kid but I can no longer afford to take care of him," the ad said. "I don't know what else to do other than find a good family with kids or a couple that wants a son. I just won't give him to anyone."
"loves playing with balls, but doesn't really like to play with cars and refuses to eat vegetables."
"He doesn't fuss very much but when he does, he just screams for hours. I usually just put him in the closet until he stops, and that usually works,"the posting said.
The posting was only up for a short time, but long enough for a concerned woman to copy and forward the ad to sheriff's detectives.
Actress Amanda Bynes can't contain her enthusiasm for rapper Drake.
In a series of tweets seen over at Rap-Up the star of such movies as 'She's The Man' and 'Hairspray' acts like a typical teen fan girl. Only thing is she's in her 20's. Check out her tweets, they seem to have a common thread. Drake, Toronto (the rapper's hometown) and Young Money.
Back in February Amanda caused quite a stir when she tweeted about her love for "chocolate men"
"it's amaziing how good it feels when someone knows how to love your body! I am having withdrawals from a certain guy lol :)" she tweeted. "So turns out i prefer chocolate over vanilla. interesting."
Some people weren't feeling her confessions of "interracial love" which made Amanda a bit defensive.
Looks like Drake has found his biggest fan.
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Looks like Big Boi of Atlanta hip hop dua Outkast will finally get the chance to drop his solo lp 'Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty album'.
The Atlien has signed a one album solo deal with Def Jam according to CreativeLoafing.com and Big Boi himself.
The rapper took to his Twitter Friday (March 19) to make the official announcement.
Big Boi has been hard at work on the lp for over two years now, releasing a total of six singles without successfully securing a release date from Jive Records, or "Jive ass Jive" as he refers to them..
Singles that have been released include :
>>“Sumthin’s Gotta Give” feat. Mary J. Blige
>>“Royal Flush” feat. Raekwon and Andre 3000
>>“Shine Blockas” feat. Gucci Mane
>>“Tangerine” feat. T.I.,
>>And the latest/greatest “Fo Yo Sorrows” feat. Too Short and George Clinton.
With his new deal in place, courtesy of embattled Def Jam President L.A. Reid, whose job is rumored to be on the line, the album is now supposed to drop in May.
Big Boi has been hard at work on the lp for over two years now, releasing a total of six singles without successfully securing a release date from Jive Records, or "Jive ass Jive" as he refers to them..
Singles that have been released include :
>>“Sumthin’s Gotta Give” feat. Mary J. Blige
>>“Royal Flush” feat. Raekwon and Andre 3000
>>“Shine Blockas” feat. Gucci Mane
>>“Tangerine” feat. T.I.,
>>And the latest/greatest “Fo Yo Sorrows” feat. Too Short and George Clinton.
With his new deal in place, courtesy of embattled Def Jam President L.A. Reid, whose job is rumored to be on the line, the album is now supposed to drop in May.
}