XXL Reports
Elmo and friends are about to get a hip-hop remix. Production duo Poke and Tone are set to unveil an original, six-years-in-the-making children’s TV show, titled Kids Block.
“In a nutshell, it’s the new hip-hop Sesame Street,” Tone told XXLMag.com. “It’s very authentic, all real music, all real hip-hop tracks, R&B tracks.”
The show uses hip-hop music to promote education. Artists will regularly close out the show with the concluding staple segment, “Block Party.”
“We used real writers, real rappers,” Tone said, “all the way to the point where the… puppeteers had to take hip-hop dance class to learn how to move the puppets authentically.”
Currently writing scripts and beginning filming, the show is set for a January release on an as-yet-undisclosed major network.
On the music side, the Trackmasters are focused on upcoming albums by Red Café and Lil Kim.
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New York Post Reports
Superstar rapper 50 Cent is secretly planning to stage a free concert in a schoolyard near the Queens projects where he grew up, and where he was nearly fatally shot -- sparking a wave of fear in the community and prompting cops to prepare for the worst.
"We can't control the area," warned one law-enforcement source, noting that the performance on the grounds of PS 40 in Jamaica will be part of "an outdoor event -- people could walk in from anywhere."
"Someone's gonna try to make a name for themselves," another worried source added. "They're gonna take a shot at him, and they're either gonna hit him or they're gonna miss him and hit some poor, innocent kid or grandmother."
The sources said an army of cops is planning to shut down a massive, 20-block area around the South Jamaica Houses for the "surprise" Aug. 30 concert, which is expected to draw about 10,000 people.
Fitty, who is scheduled to perform at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey the night before, is set to make at an appearance at the neighborhood's "Family Day" on the school's grounds at around 5:30 p.m. He plans to bring celebrity pals with him, the sources said.
The school's yard will be packed with children and their families. There will be a stage set up for Fitty and other acts, and a DJ will be there with a mike and equipment.
The day is being sponsored by the New York Restoration Project, a nonprofit founded by Bette Midler and the G-Unity Foundation, the rapper's charity that supports low-income communities.
But the prospect of massive turnout and the violence that could ensue -- given the bulletproof-vest-sporting rapper's past run-in with gunfire -- already has some families heading for the hills.
Word has leaked out in the community that Fitty is appearing. "When I heard that . . . I wanted to avoid it, so I planned a trip to get away from here that day," said Debbie Lucas, 30, who has two young children.
Although her 11-year-old nephew, Corey, desperately wants to see the Grammy nominee perform, Lucas is shuttling her loved ones to an amusement park for the day.
"I haven't heard anything about any protection or security," she said. "I'm not gonna go, no way."
Fitty, a former crack dealer born Curtis Jackson, was shot nine times in 2000 in front of his grandmother's house blocks away from the proposed show's site. He has also been stabbed.
The South Jamaica Houses, also known as the 40 Projects, have a notoriously bloody history that peaked in the late '80s and early '90s. In January, a city bus driver, who moonlighted as a rap producer, and another man were fatally gunned down just steps away from where the rapper is set to take the stage.
Hundreds of officers -- including cops from the gang and intelligence units -- are expected to descend on the area both in uniform and in plainclothes.
"There's concern because [50 Cent] has already been shot," one source said. "He has a lot of enemies and is very controversial."
And while an NYPD spokesman said there would be "adequate police presence," some local officials fear it won't be enough.
"The concern is the manpower," said Community Board 12 manager Yvonne Reddick. "That's a lot of people . . . The park is surrounded by a residential community."
Organizers deny that 50 Cent will take the stage, but his publicist, Keesha Johnson, said he would make an appearance.
A spokesman from the Parks Department said a permit for the event was expected to be finalized this week but that the paperwork did not indicate there would be a performance.
Meanwhile, even some teens are vowing to stay away.
"There's word out there that there's going to be some shootings," said Mike Terrients, 15. "Some of my friends' parents are saying that they don't want them to go because something is going to happen."
Freddy Fredito, 58, who lives in a two-story home near PS 40, said, "I'm scared already. 50 Cent
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CNN Reports
(CNN) -- An African-American man has pleaded guilty after being accused of impersonating a white supremacist in a fictitious Facebook account to make death threats against an African-American university student.
A Mississippi man admitted creating a false Facebook profile in November.
Dyron L. Hart, 20, of Poplarville, Mississippi, pleaded guilty Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Kurt D. Engelhardt to one count of communicating threats in interstate commerce, according to a Department of Justice statement.
Hart admitted creating the fictitious account in November, pretending to be a white supremacist outraged by the election of Barack Obama as the nation's first African-American president, the statement said.
He then transmitted a death threat via Facebook to an African-American student at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, saying he wanted to kill African-Americans because of Obama's election, according to the statement.
A court document provided by the U.S. attorney's office said Hart told an FBI interviewer that he intended the threat to be a prank "to get a reaction."
The document said Hart admitted creating the Facebook profile under the name "Colten Brodoux" and used a photo of a Caucasian man that he found on a white supremacist Web site.
"This is an extremely odd case, a very unusual case," said U.S. Attorney Jim Letten of the Eastern District of Louisiana. "The contents of the messages were extremely troubling and provocative and very threatening."
Hart will face a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine when sentenced November 18, the statement said.
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HipHopWired Reports
Although swords were drawn and strikes were made, the forces have decided to put their guns down, metaphorically speaking, as Raekwon has confirmed his wish to put an end to their on-going beef.
Recently, the Chef stated that he was ready to finally put the nail in the coffin and withdraw from the current issue with the Jersey rapper that seemed to escalate and was heading for the worse after an associate of Raekwon allegedly struck Budden and left him with an ice pack and his arm in a sling.
Through a discussion with Charlamagne on radio station 100.3 The Beat in Philadelphia, the Wu Tang member elaborated his reasons for stepping away from the war:
"My thing is this, it's like, enough is enough. You know what I mean? Enough is enough. I'm on the road swallowing a lot you know, 'cause I'm a business man. I'm really trying to escape that negativity world. Because at the end of the day I'ma lose.”
Budden, who had issued a challenge for the two to have a square dance also stated that he was no longer entangling himself with this ongoing feud and stated that he only wants to move forward from here on a positive note. He added that his group, Slaughterhouse, is built to promoting peace and a handshake between the two was meant for business purposes and looking into the future.
Raekwon is still in the kitchen prepping the finishing touches on his sequel to his 1995 classic, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, which is set for release on September 8. Along with this, fellow member Ghostface confirmed a joint effort and album between the two along with Method Man.
Budden has recently released his group album, Slaughterhouse along with his solo EP, The Escape Route. He is currently working on his third official album, The Great Escape, which should hit shelves before the close of 2009.
This is both a positive and a negative in the realm of Hip-Hop. On one side of the fence, it is good to see that things did not become violent to the point where a life could have been potentially taken. On the other hand, this just goes to show and prove the purpose of beef nowadays and the promotion of oneself. At the end of the day, this was utterly pointless and fans weren't even left with diss tracks to go back to, just a whole bunch of video with dudes trying to further establish how tough they were.
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HipHopWired Reports
A Friday afternoon in Miami rang off abruptly as the sound of bullets left a man dead. Sam Ferguson, President of Don Diva Magazine was the victim as shots were fired upon his car while he was driving.
Ferguson, 47, was driving north near Griffin Road when bullets rang off onto his vehicle. He then crashed his car into the highway median, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities are currently on the search for suspects connected with the crime as their only clue has lead them on the hunt for a black car with clear tail-light lenses. This, however, is the only trail as there are no suspects in the shooting. No additional information has been released as it pertains to the death and an autopsy will discover whether the man was indeed killed by the bullets that stained his car or the actual blunt trauma that could have been caused by the crash.
Tiffany Chiles, editor-in-chief of Don Diva Magazine stated that Ferguson was involved in all aspects of the operation in relation to their publication. She had brought him in close to nine months ago in order to help leave a lasting influence on the Southern Florida region as he was musically and socially connected. Having a troubled past, Chiles added that the magazine was meant to bring something positive into his life and help direct him into a better future.
Ferguson was also a Miami Hip-Hop pioneer and helped bring the bass scene to the forefront. Ferguson, also known as P-Man Sam, received some heat last year from rapper Rick Ross after interviewing him once it was discovered he was a correctional officer prior to becoming a rapper. Ross brought Ferguson with him into his neighborhood for an interview as they were associated before him joining the magazine. Ross became infuriated with Ferguson after seeing an interview with Hip-Hop Weekly as well as a Q & A that was issued in the magazine that was entitled,
“Would The Real Rick Ross Stand Up.” Ross was cited as saying that he was offended by what was written and issued a challenge for him to meet him in the streets as it would become deeper than rap.
MINNEAPOLIS - A Minneapolis man is claiming he's the victim of police brutality after a traffic stop put him in the hospital.
Derryl Jenkins, 42, was stopped for speeding in February. A criminal complaint obtained by FOX 9 says Jenkins was driving 15 mph over the speed limit in the area of Dowling Ave. and Penn Ave. in north Minneapolis.
At the time, Minneapolis police said Jenkins smelled of alcohol, refused to give his license and became irate. When Jenkins attempted to get out of the car, an officer pushed him back in. The two then started fighting, before several more officers arrived on the scene.
The officer statements obtained by FOX 9, say several police officers kicked him and punched him because he was resisting. A Taser was also used to subdue Jenkins.
Both Jenkins and an officer involved in the altercation were taken to North Memorial Medical Center for their injuries, which included a split lip and bloody nose.
Jenkins' attorney says charges in that case where eventually dropped, but he's now considering a lawsuit against the Minneapolis Police Department.
Source : MyFoxTwinCitiesRead more…
MTV UK Reports
Beyoncé has said she works hard to keep her famous bottom in shape and said she sometimes doesn’t like her curves.
The gorgeous singer explained: “I guess my butt is natural. But I go through stages like every woman. I like being curvy but sometimes I get curvy in the wrong places.”
“After New Year I do stairs - they are the best thing for butt cheeks. Every January I'll start working out. I'll do that for three months and then stop again!"
And B also revealed she hates being put in ‘Most Sexy’ lists. She said: “Some people think one thing is beautiful, some think another is. When people say that I am 'most beautiful' or 'most sexy', it bothers me.
“I like fashion and I like to look good. I like to try at least, but everyone has their own opinion.”
And MTV’s opinion is that you definitely look good Ms Knowles!
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TRACKLIST :
1. Intro
2. Two Hitter Quitter
3. Realest To Run It
4. Pay Homage
5. Knock Em Down
6. Will To Survive
7. So Much More ft. Joel Ortiz
8. Show & Prove
9. The Return Of The God
10. Power Cipher ft. Sheek Louch, Busta Rhymes, Young Chris & Raekwon
11. B.E.T. Freestyle
12. Swaggacation
13. I Just Want The Paper
14. Foolish
15. Rule
16. Goin Back Home
17. In Da Kitchen ft. Thug-A-Cation
18. Fellin Some Way
19. TKO
20. Trophy Girl
21. Amnesia
22. Test
23. Military Grind
24. Pillow Talk
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Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is recovering at an area hospital today after being attacked by a man wielding a metal pipe last night outside the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis.
According to police, Barrett was leaving State Fair Park with family members when he heard a woman crying for help in the 8800 block of W. Orchard St. Barrett began calling 911 when a man who had been attacking the woman charged at the mayor and began battering him with a metal pipe.
The 20-year-old suspect, who has a criminal record, fled the scene and was arrested this morning at a residence near 17th and State Streets.
Barrett, who was alert and talking when transported to a local hospital after the incident, was listed in stable condition.
Gov. Jim Doyle visited Barrett in the hospital Sunday morning and released a statement: "The Mayor's heroic actions clearly saved a woman and others from harm. Jessica (Doyle's wife) and I, along with all the people of Wisconsin, are wishing him speedy recovery."
Doyle is expected to announce on Monday that he will not pursue another term as governor. Barrett, who also is a Democrat, is considered a potential candidate to to replace him.
State Fair spokesperson Patrice Harris also issued a statement. "The management of Wisconsin State Fair Park commends Mayor Barrett for his actions as a good Samaritan after his departure from Wisconsin State Fair last night. His efforts to aid a citizen's cries for help should be praised and applauded."
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Cris “Cyborg” Santos, of Brazil, celebrates her win over Gina Carano during Strikeforce MMA Female Middleweight Championship at HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif. on Saturday, August 15, 2009. Santos won in the first round with a TKO.
Las Vegas Sun Reports
SAN JOSE, Calif. — If she was upset about the split-second call that stopped her historical title fight Saturday night, Gina Carano didn’t say it.
The Las Vegas-based fighter actually didn’t say anything, leaving HP Pavilion without talking to media members after suffering a TKO loss to Cristiane “Cyborg” Santos in the first-ever women’s mixed martial arts championship bout.
Officials said Carano was not going to the hospital and left the Strikeforce event under her own power.
Carano’s trainer at Xtreme Couture Shawn Tompkins served as his fighter’s mouthpiece and quickly dispelled any notion that the fight should not have been stopped by referee Josh Rosenthal at the 4:59 mark of the first round.
“She was done. We’re not gonna contest that. The ref pulled her off, she wasn’t answering, she wasn’t going anymore,” Tompkins said.
“I don’t want to take anything from Cyborg. She’s a great fighter, a dominant force in that division.”
Tompkins who helped train Carano along with UFC legend Randy Couture said Carano got caught up in the hoopla of the historical bout that aired on Showtime and was never really herself in the cage.
“She relayed to us that she felt so much pressure with the fight and everything surrounding it that it got to her. We know Gina very well. We train with her every day; we’ve known her for years; she’s a good friend, like a sister to us all, and that wasn’t Gina Carano in the cage tonight,” Tompkins said.
“I think everybody at home knows that, too.”
Cyborg, however, conceded one title to the 27-year-old Carano (7-1), who suffered the first setback of her career.
“She can keep the title of being 'the face of women’s MMA.' I’ve got my title right here,” said a celebratory Santos (8-1), who pointed down at her new shimmering championship belt in the postfight press conference.
A disappointed and emotional Carano gave the belt to Santos, who only moments earlier ended the action-filled five minutes with a flurry of uncontested blows in the final 15 seconds that forced the stoppage.
Santos thanked Carano for helping to create arguably the biggest moment in the history of female combat sports, and again in the post fight conference.
“Gina is very tough, and she was one of the toughest opponents I've ever fought," Santos said through a translator.
"But I was ready for everything, so it was OK.”
So, too, was the crowd of 13,524, although the ending of the fight was a touchy subject as plenty of boos and a few beers rained down immediately.
But the large mass of MMA fans got their money’s worth in the previous four minutes and 59 seconds.
Santos pushed the pace from the opening bell, landing a quick combination as Carano backpedaled. “Conviction” recovered, landing a couple blows of her own, but again got into trouble as Santos applied a leg lock after taking her to the ground.
Carano wiggled out of the submission attempt and actually reversed the action, much to the crowd’s delight as chants of “Gina, Gina” rang out. But by the time Carano ran into trouble the third time in the first round, the Brazilian slugger proved to be overpowering.
“I think if Gina could have got past the first two rounds, then I think the tide would have changed,” Strikeforce CEO Scott Coker said.
"Gina hit her with some good jabs and she had some good escapes. I was surprised Gina was trying to grapple with her a little bit. I thought we would see more of a striking match from her, but Gina's a great fighter."
A fighter who Tompkins said most certainly would bounce back.
“Gina will go home and, like any other fighter, will rebuild herself mentally first,” Tompkins said. “She loves what she does.
“She doesn’t do this for the money. She comes from a family with money. She does this because she loves the sport and she always wants to get in the cage and fight.”
As for Santos, she said she's up for any challenge that comes her way. And why not, she just walked away victorious in the biggest fight that any female has ever had.
"I feel like I made history," she said with a smile.
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}