Russell Simmons and Reverend Run's Run Athletics recently unveiled details of their new Legacy sneaker line which features an Arthur Ashe tribute design.

As SOHH.com previously reported, the line, created by designer Kevin Saer - Chief Creative Director for Baby Phat, Phat Farm, and the rest of the Simmons brands, and founder of his own, Black Bean Sauce - has an old-school look with modern trim and detailing such as suede front toe guards, cognac vegetable leather wrap, custom non-sweat insoles, perforated suede uppers and laser cut leather loop labels.

The first sneakers of the collection will be released in February in both orange and brown, and nude and burgundy.

The special edition kicks, available in white with green detailing, features an Arthur Ashe logo, a gray custom suede toe guard and custom engraved embroidery on the outside sole.

A portion of the shoe's sales will go to the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health to aid in the correction of inadequate health care delivery to minorities.

"Arthur Ashe is really the inspiration behind the entire Legacy concept," said Run Athletics president/co-founder Rasheed Young via a statement. "His classic style influenced the design of the Legacy sneaker. The more we thought about it, the more we wanted to honor Arthur directly with his own shoe."

The Run Athletics Legacy line, currently available in independent European retailers, will be sold in high-end boutique and specialty stores in the U.S. this coming February.

In related news, Simmons recently launched DoD, the first ever on-demand Hip-Hop channel in a partnership with Comcast Digital Cable. DoD features mixtape and video mix shows, films, old-school classics, fashion and comedy specials, among other programs.

After a series of critical setbacks, New York Federal prosecutors rested their money laundering case Monday (Nov. 28) against the hip-hop recording label, The Inc., as the trial winds down.

The center of the government’s case revolved around the theory that convicted drug kingpin Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff provided the seed money to start up The Inc.

The government also contends that Irv Lorenzo and his brother Christopher Lorenzo also helped launder millions of McGriff’s drug money through the label.

The defense is expected to give their closing arguments today (Nov. 29) and summations in the case are expected tomorrow (Nov. 30).

Most of the day was spent examining various text messages sent from pagers owned by The Inc., in an attempt to prove the Lorenzo brothers are guilty of money laundering.

Prosecutors pointed out that much of McGriff traveled under an alias and that his travels had been paid for by The Inc.

Attorney’s for the Lorenzo brothers countered that McGriff was part of The Inc.’s entourage and noted that most of the traveling occurred in 2002, after Def Jam bought the “Crime Partners” soundtrack.

Interesting testimony came from NYPD officer William Courtney, who investigated McGriff’s activities in Baltimore, Maryland.

Courtney was also the officer that arrested McGriff in Miami and is expected to testify in McGriff’s trial in March of 2006 for murder and racketeering.

Courtney’s investigation uncovered a double-homicide in Baltimore which McGriff is accused of ordering, as well as a stash house that had cocaine, heroin and promotional materials from the “Crime Partners” movie.

The detective admitted under cross-examination that the FBI warned McGriff of a hit on his life. Defense attorney Gerald Shargel stated that was the reason McGriff was traveling under an assumed name.

Courtney also testified that there was an unspecified threat on rapper Ja Rule’s life as well, but prosecutors objected to the line of questioning and no further testimony was given.

IRS agent Francis Mace also testified without the jury present.

The Lorenzo’s attorneys honed in on Mace’s original statements in his search warrant affidavits, which led to The Inc.’s offices being raided in 2003.

The statements were also the basis for the entire investigation.

“This entire investigation set out to prove those false statements,” attorney’s for the Lorenzo brothers argued.

A verdict is expected sometime this week.

By EbenGregory and Clarence Burke Jr.

The Diplomats, Roc-A-Fella Records, Island Def Jam Music Group and Universal Music Group have been sued by music publisher Jamie Music Publishing. Jamie claims The Diplomats song “I’m Ready” from 2003’s Diplomatic Immunity infringes upon Barbara Mason’s hit “Yes I’m Ready.” Jamie Music Publishing owns the rights to the song, which was first released on famed Philadelphia soul label, Artic in 1965.

Run Athletics has teamed up with Phat Farm and designer Kevin Saer to release a new line of sneakers, dedicated to greats in the African American community. The “Legacy Collection” hits stores in Feb. 2006 along with a shoe dedicated to the late tennis legend, Arthur Ashe. Ashe was diagnosed with AIDS after receiving a blood transfusion He died in 1993 at the age of 49. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to help address issues of inadequate health care delivery to minors, as well as the Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health, which was founded by Ashe shortly before his untimely demise. The sneakers are timed to hit stores in during Black History Month.

Jared Heller, the 35-year-old founder of Philadelphia’s Illadelph Records, was freed from a prison in Denmark, after officials decided there wasn’t enough evidence to charge him with murder. Heller had been jailed since April for the murder of a taxi cab driver in Copenhagan. Reports stated Heller testified he only helped cut and dispose the body of the cabbie and that the murder was actually committed by Ahmed Numan Isaac Rahma, whom Interpol police said is known as “The Jaguar.” Heller was associated with Danish Hip-Hop band The Loft.

By Nolan Strong

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced Friday (Nov. 25) that he will hold private hearing on whether or not to grant clemency to convicted killer and Crips gang co-founder Stanley “Tookie” Williams.

While Gov. Schwarzenegger is not legally obligated to hold a public or private hearing, he has agreed to a Dec. 8th meeting with Williams' lawyers and Los Angeles County prosecutors.

The meeting was prompted by several protests in support of Williams and a rally held by Snoop Dogg and other celebrities outside the main gates of San Quentin last week.

"Stanley 'Tookie' Williams is not a regular guy, he's an inspiration," Snoop said during his speech at the rally. "All I want to say to the Governor is it's about keeping this man alive because his voice needs to be heard."

Williams’ case garnered further attention when Academy Award winning Actor Jamie Foxx played the convict in "Redemption: The Stan ‘Tookie’ Williams Story."

The former Crips co-founder faces death by lethal injection on Dec. 13 for allegedly murdering four people in 1979.

Williams maintains his innocence and requested that the California Supreme Court reopen his case.

He alleges that sloppy forensics and questionable witnesses mistakenly linked him to the murders.

Proponents argue that Williams, who has been nominated for several Nobel Peace Prizes as an anti-gang activist, could do more for society alive than dead.

Last week his lawyers served the Governor’s office with close to 32,000 signatures of people supporting his petition for clemency.

Although Williams has reaped national support, the death row inmate is facing stiff opposition from the LA County prosecutor’s office and victims' relatives, all who have demanded his execution.

By EbenGregory

Sho 'Nuff Records CEO/producer Jazze Pha and Goodie Mob group member Cee-Lo have linked up with Capital Records to release their debut collaboration Happy Hour.

"It was inevitable that we would do a project," Jazze Pha told AllHipHop.com. “When we came together to do Happy Hour, we both knew exactly what the other was wanting to bring to the table, so that in itself was worth the time, to see what type of genius would come out of our minds."

Happy Hour, which features collaborations with artists Nate Dogg, Mannie Fresh and The Pussy Cat Dolls, will be a mixture of new school Hip-Hop with old school funk.

The album also includes guest appearances by R&B veterans Keith Sweat and Aaron Hall, which was a memorable experience for Cee-Lo.

"I just feel grateful that [Keith Sweat and Aaron Hall] even wanted to do the album," Cee-Lo said. "For them to step into the studio and record with us and even know who we are is amazing and something we will never forget."

Besides the collaboration for Happy Hour, Cee-Lo and Jazze Pha are both staying busy with other projects.

Cee-Lo, whose daughter was featured on the hit MTV “Sweet Sixteen," is in talks with MTV about a new reality show starring his family.

"We are in talks right now," Cee-Lo told AllHipHop.com. "It is definitely something that I would love to do again and something that we are working out right now."

Cee-Lo is also working with famed producer Danger Mouse to release a new solo project entitled Gnarls Barkley, as well as an untitled Goodie Mob reunion album.

Jazze Pha, who is label head at Sho 'Nuff Records, has a role in the upcoming film “Jelly Beans,” which was written by Dallas Austin, Tina Chism ("Drumline"), Antwone Fisher ("Antwone Fisher") and others.

The flick is being directed by Chris Robinson and also stars T.I.

"I play a DJ in the film," Jazze said. "It was cool because it wasn't some cameo where I was playing me, I was really acting. This is definitely something that I am going to take seriously. I am in the process now of taking classes and reviewing scripts, to make sure that I choose what's right for me."

Besides acting Jazze Pha is also preparing the upcoming sophomore effort from Ciara and his new artist, Tone Tone.

"I am firm believer that as long as you love what you do, it's not real work," Jazze continued. “[With} the stuff that's coming out of Sho 'Nuff, people best to get ready. We aren't holding nothing back."

Happy Hour hits stores February 14th, 2006.

By Tiffany Hamilton

Raymond "Benzino" Scott, embattled co-owner of the Source Magazine, has been charged by the United States attorney's office in Massachusetts with failing to file tax returns in 1999 and 2000.

Scott faces federal scrutiny on allegations of tax evasion for not reporting an estimated $1.5 million in combined income from 1999 and 2000.

"There was an extensive investigation into this matter," FBI spokeswoman Gail Marcinkiewicz told The Boston Herald. "We took a sweeping look at this individual. We were aware of the allegations of murder and everything else. This is what we came up with."

Marcinkiewicz would not speculate on whether Scott's tax charges are part of a larger probe, but FBI sources indicate that the inquiry into Scott also examined his relationship with The Almighty RSO.

While they were never charged, the Boston rap group became the subject of a murder investigation in relation to the 1994 slaying of Roxbury bouncer Michael Adams.

Scott served as the co-founder of The Almighty RSO.

In response to the charges, Scott plead innocent in a U.S. District Court to willful failure to file tax returns on Oct. 28.

Scott was arraigned and freed on $10,000 unsecured bond.

"It is what it is, I'll be vindicated," Scott told AllHipHop.com. "They been investigating me for years and all they got me for is not filing taxes. I had someone in the office that was supposed to do that and something must have happened that year."

The federal tax charges are just the latest round of legal and financial troubles for the Source Magazine.

The Source is also currently engaged in a bitter war of words with Hot 97 on-air personality Funk Master Flex, 50 Cent's G-Unit and Eminem.

"It hurts my heart where n**as support Curtis Jackson [50 Cent]. If you're brave and stand for the 'hood you will be a target," Benzino said.

Scott said he has a new group he will release material with to take on his rap rivals.

"I got a diss song against Eminem called 'Detox' this Friday. Capitol One N***as that is my new movement, they got something for 50 and G-Unit."

In recent months, the beleaguered publication and its employees have found themselves facing various criminal charges and civil suits.

By EbenGregory & Roman Wolfe

After 15 years, Busta Rhymes has officially cut off his long dreadlocks.

Busta Rhymes, born Trevor Smith, cut off his trademark dreadlocks during a recent photo shoot in a New York barbershop.

“I started growing these sh--s in December '89. I was 17,” Busta stated. “I signed my [record] deal and said I aint combing my hair no more. I don't have to."

The rapper now sports a short crop Caesar hairstyle.

In an effort to memorialize his transition, the former Leader of The New School member recorded the historic occasion on camera while friends and crew members watched.

The short video clip features an excited Busta cutting his dreads off one at a time while he talks about the momentous event.

“This is it kid,” Busta exclaimed as he prepared to cut his hair. “I haven’t felt clippers touch the side of my head in 15 years. Y’all gonna see the sexiest head you’ve ever seen in your life when I’m finished.”

Busta remains one of the most original hip-hop artists with his rapid-fire rapping style and innovative videos.

Fans will be able to see Busta sports his new hairstyle in the video for “Touch It,” which is set to air in media outlets in the coming weeks.

“Touch It,” produced by Swizz Beats, is the first lead off single for Busta’s new Aftermath/Interscope album The Big Bang which is expected to hit stores in early 2006.

By EbenGregory

As day four of the Murder Inc. money laundering trial ended, the prosecution made a shocking discovery. Only problem is they discovered that their case against Irv and Chris Lorenzo wasn't as strong as they thought.

After four days of confusion and indecisiveness, Judge Edward Korman finally ruled that any information regarding the May 24, 2000 shooting of 50 Cent had no relevance to this trial. The prosecution is not even allowed to utter the rapper's name in the presence of the jury.

This ruling could possibly be the "final blow" in the prosecution's case. Earlier this week, their two star witnesses, Donell Nichols and Phillip "Dalu" Banks, both discredited and contradicted themselves.

Prosecutor Carolyn Pokorny started out the second half of day four with testimony about Chris Lorenzo's gambling problems, which in the end turned out to be inconclusive and even more importantly irrelevant.

Pokorny hit yet another roadblock when she tried to submit lyrics from songs recorded by Ja Rule that made reference to drug dealing. Judge Korman deemed the lyrics as irrelevant and did not allow them in as evidence.

With the jury ordered out of the courtroom, Pokorny then tried to submit letters that were found on Chris Lorenzo's desk during the federal investigation that took place in 2003.

Related ProductsQueens Reigns Supreme : Fat Cat, 50 Cent, and the Rise of the Hip Hop Hustler - Ethan Brown
The letters, written from Gerald "Prince" Miller, nephew of convicted drug lord Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, to McGriff. In the letters, Miller stresses the importance of not handling business over the phone, and pays homage to his uncle saying, "Although I love you as my uncle, I respect you as a Don."

Miller also allegedly stabbed another inmate for talking recklessly about certain members of Murder Inc while serving time in federal prison. However, Judge Korman found the letters to be irrelevant as well and refused to allow them in as evidence.

Seemingly disappointed in the judge's ruling, Pokorny said to the court, "I'm confident we will be done by Monday [the next scheduled trial date]."

After the jury was dismissed for the day, Chris Lorenzo turned toward his family with both thumbs raised in the air as he gave a sigh of relief. While on the other side of the courtroom, Irv Lorenzo's confident defense attorney Gerald Shargel turned toward press row and winked his left eye, indicating that the final blow toward the prosecution had been delivered.

reporting by Rich Roc

Y’all don’t hear me, man! Free ain’t going nowhere! She has a new joint with the Canibus man that I proudly present to you.

The song is called “Close To You” and I have used MegaUpLoad so I don’t blow AHH’s servers out of the water. I know you all will be downloading this like crazy. Seriously, the song is nice and Free can spit! But, those of you like me know this already, because she’s been rapping for a minute!

And for those of you that  STILL think Free is pregnant or washed up, check out the picture! And, you know, haters like Chimdi need to get a over it - Free is here! BET, Deb Lee, Bob Johnson, Stephen Hill - somebody-Bring Free back.

When "106 & Park" Freestyle Friday rappers are calling for it by dissin' Jullisa...come on. The song is below!

Speaking of G-Unit, ahem, G-Unot…The Game has released what he claims will be his final dis to 50 Cent and G-Unit. The dis is called “120 Bars” and it’s pretty hot! DJ Clue is on there, but he’s not co-signing anything.

He’s playing the role of the peacemaker and asking Game to make this the last beef record. Anyway. The rumor part of this is that The Game actually confirms a few things here.

First, he verified that he’s got a “G-Unot” tattoo, as I previously said was a rumor. That’s real serious! And, he’s alluded that he and Mya were and item! He raps, “You could say Mya got the best of me.” He rapped his way into her heart!

I heard that 50 Cent is about to really become a certified movie star. Now, the rumor is, 50’s going to be playing along side of Nick Cage in a movie.

Nick is the man, but this movie might be all about Fif. Its rumored to be a boxing movie and most of you are aware that the Queens king used to box. Yep. So, its right up his crack alley (har har har!).

In the other rumors, I heard Chris Tucker has finally committed to filming in “Rush Hour 3.” I heard there were 20 million reasons that he agreed after holding out for so long!

Remy Ma is giving back to her Bronx, New York community and will give away 600 turkeys and 400 hams today in the Bronx, New York. The female voice of Fat Joe’s Terror Squad will host the event at Jessica Guzman Medical Center from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Remy’s solo effort There’s Something About Remy coincides with the passing of Big Pun’s passing on Feb. 7, 2005.

The 33rd Annual American Music Awards took place last night at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. The evening was hosted by comedian Cedric The Entertainer. Missy Elliott won Favorite Female Artist in the Hip-Hop category, while 50 Cent took home top Hip-Hop album. Eminem took home Favorite Male Hip-Hop artist, Will Smith snagged Favorite Pop/Rock performer and The Black Eyed Peas were honored with Best Group awards in the Hip-Hop and Pop/Rock categories.

Several current and former Miami Hurricanes football players are in hot water, after a nine-minute rap song surfaced featuring the football players demeaning women. The song was recorded a year ago by “The Seventh Floor Crew,” who took their name from a student resident hall. "To those who may hear this material, we apologize," Athletic Director Paul Dee said in a statement. "Any students whose voices can be identified will be subject to appropriate discipline and/or counseling." The matter will be handled internally, as the recording – which was posted on a student’s blog - was not meant for public distribution.

Montgomery, Alabama duo 334 M.O.B.B. has inked a deal with Def Jam after years of work in the South. Group members Sawed-Off and Supa Star’s song “Wiked Church” received airplay in various markets and the group’s mixtape version of their song “I Aint A Killa” featuring David Banner and Bone Crusher helped seal the deal. “We don't want to be pigeonholed as rappers” group member Supa Star said. “We can do it all, from emceeing, production and performing, were going to shake things up in the hip-hop game.” The group has performed with T.I., Outkast, Lil’ Jon and will join Nappy Roots on an upcoming nationwide tour. 334 M.O.B.B.’s untitled Def Jam debut is set for a Spring 2006 release.

Warner Music Group has agreed to a $5 million dollar settlement in regards to a payola probe by New York State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer. The $5 million dollar settlement will go towards New York music education and appreciation programs. Spitzer announced that Warner Music Group agreed to cease giving radio stations incentives in exchange for airplay. Warner admitted to giving direct bribes to programmers, airfare, and tickets to concerts, iPods and other incentives to increase airplay.

By Nolan Strong

What do you get when you put a classic MC and a legendary producer together? Nas and DJ Premier are gracing the cover of Scratch Magazine's new January/February issue.

In the cover story, Primo talks about his new label, Year Round, working with Christina Aguilera and getting started on the long-anticipated Nas/Premier full-length. Both have confirmed that they working on an album together.

For his part, Nas reveals that he is now a free agent, addresses the Def Jam rumors, speaks on his appearance at the Powerhouse concert with Jay-Z and questions the source of 50 Cent's anger.

Elsewhere in the issue, Just Blaze, Cipha Sounds of New York's Hot 97, Mr. Collipark, Ron Browz and Needlz critique the year's best albums, including, Common's Be, Kanye West's Late Registration, Young Jeezy's Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101, Little Brother's The Minstrel Show and The Game's The Documentary, among others.

Meanwhile, GZA and DJ Muggs chop it up with the producer publication and Bun B talks rider music. Marley Marl, Michael Watts' Swishahouse, Rhymefest, Three Six Mafia, J-Live and Grandmaster Caz are also featured in the issue.

Scratch Magazine's January/February issue featuring Nas and DJ Premier is on newsstands now.

Not only does Rza have his first major role in a feature film alongside Jennifer Aniston and Clive Owens in the box office hit Derailed, he has also executive produced the soundtrack which is slated for release today (November 22).

The soundtrack, being distributed by 36 Chambers Records/WU Music Group, is described as "eclectic stylized R&B and urban music" and compiles music from newcomers like the Queens-bred rapper Rular Rah, and singers Maurice and Grayson Hill.

Not a newcomer to the soundtrack game, Bobby Digital has scored the music to Ghost Dog, and Kill Bill Volume 1, and collaborated on Soul Plane, Kill Bill Volume 2, Blade: Trinity, Unleashed, and the upcoming Miami Vice. The Rza has also appeared as himself in Be Cool, Ghost Dog, and Scary Movie 3.

In addition to Rza, another rapper-turned actor, Xzibit, appears in the film.

In related news, Rza is reportedly writing his first script, The Man with the Iron Fist which is scheduled to go into production next February.

The Derailed soundtrack will be in stores November 22.

A Brooklyn Supreme Court judge has issued a default judgment against Lil' Kim after she ignored a civil suit arising from an August 2001 shooting involving her former crew members, the Junior M.A.F.I.A.

According to the New York Post, Kim (born Kimberly Jones) was not at a Brooklyn, NY deli with James "Lil Cease" Lloyd, Antoine "Banger" Spain, Damien Butler and Suif Jackson, when the four got into an altercation with Michael Goody for talking loudly on a cell phone. However the group was using her Lincoln Navigator that day. With that in mind, the plaintiff is seeking to hold her accountable for the rest of the group. Goody was shot in the thigh after stepping outside the deli.

"Jones had an obligation and duty to employ competent and emotionally stable personnel of high character as her bodyguards so as not to endanger the welfare of others," the complaint reads.

Michael Goody, the 25-year-old plaintiff in the civil case, is seeking $1 million according to his lawyer, Ron Mysliwiec.

Butler and Jackson got jail time as a result of the incident. Lloyd got probation, and Spain appears to have been dropped from the case.

Mysliwiec moved for a default judgment after neither Kim nor her lawyers showed up for depositions. Kim's lawyer, Mel Sachs, said she couldn't appear because she's in jail, and he will seek to have the judgment vacated.

"It can be shown that she was not involved and was not aware of the incident," he said.

Kim was convicted of perjury after both Lloyd and Spain testified against her in a case involving a February 2001 shooting in Greenwich Village, outside New York's Hot 97 radio station. She is currently serving a 366 day sentence for the offense.

It could have played out like another random rap beef, but Houston's Bun B. and North Carolina's Little Brother have no issues with each other. However, there is clarification.

In Bun B.'s recent interview with AllHipHop.com, he admitted to enjoying LB's music, but insinuated that, with The Minstrel Show, they may be making more enemies than friends down South.

"I wonder who's a part of the minstrel show? I know what they mean, but I think a lot of the people that they think are against them would pull for them," Bun B told AllHipHop.com. "I really like them and I like their music and I know they are not making what everybody down South is making right now, but that don't mean we against you."

Little Brother lead producer 9th said that he agreed with some of Bun B's assessments, and that he understands the misunderstanding of the group's objective.

"He's right: a lot of people don't understand what we did by doing The Minstrel Show," 9th confessed. "You can take it a million ways. People say that we' re offended [by music out now], people say we' re scared to say names and I don' t think that' s really going to solve the problem. A lot of people don' t know what it means, and a lot of people might take it the wrong way. It was never an attack on a certain type of music. We' re just telling people to be yourself, and don' t mimic what you see on TV."

Minstrel shows gained popularity between the 1830's and 1850's. The performances consisted of comic skits, dancing and music performed by whites dressed in outlandish costumes, with their faces completely blackened by burnt cork or greasepaint.

The shows have been symbolic of the racism that defined the era.

"The minstrel show is a very touchy topic," 9th said. "I just wish that the same fuss would be made—and it wouldn’t be—if our album was named, I've Got 2 Million Guns In My Trunk," 9th said. "Would we be having this same conversation? No. Not to knock that type of music. There’s a heaven and a hell, there’s a side to everything—we just aren’t getting both sides."

9th Wonder said much has changed in Hip-Hop since the Houston hip-hop pioneer first emerged in the 1990’s with seminal group UGK.

"[Bun B' s group] UGK came out at a time where hip-hop was more balanced," said 9th, a self-professed fan of Bun B. "You could have a UGK, and A Tribe Called Called Quest, and a Roots, and a Black Rob. We had a variety of cats to choose from. It’s all one thing now."

In related news, 9th Wonder said he intends to release a solo opus, The Dream Merchant, in early 2006.

"Just expect different types of sounds," 9th told AllHipHop.com about the album, which he said features appearances from Mos Def, Jean Grae, Memphis Bleek, Saigon, and others. "We’re just trying to put out good music, and get a bigger balance back in the game. This is rap music; it’s not Calculus class where you need a long formula. It’s just rap. Some cats will like it, some won' t, period."

For additional information on the event, contact Club Visions at 713-227-1172 or the Prince Boxing Complex at 713-227-0535.

Cash Money’s Turkey Giveaway and dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 22nd at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the event being co-sponsored by SU.

By EbenGregory

This shoe will be in stores 12-26-2005

There might be trouble in paradise. Nick Cannon and Christina Milian have played many roles together in the movies, but one role they aren’t playing is that of boyfriend and girlfriend.

I’m hearing that they have dissolved their semi-secretive relationship. The word is Nick is already on the prowl for a new girl. I knew that wouldn’t last, but I have to say it lasted way longer than I ever expected. Nick is a respectable dude and Christina is…Christina.

If the prosecution is allowed to introduce evidence regarding 50 Cent’s shooting, it is expected that 50 Cent himself will be subpoenaed to testify in court.

By Bea Black
Date: 11/20/2005 7:30 pm

DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was facing a 60-day jail term and a $1,000 fine after pleading guilty last month to violating the conditions of his probation following a June 2004 incident at Kennedy International Airport.

Judge Chin-Brandt added an extra 10 days to the rapper’s sentence, saying that DMX’s actions were disrespectful to the court.

Yesterday, Murray Richman, DMX’s defense attorney, asked the judge to give his client until 5 p.m. to appear, asserting that Simmons was late because of an asthma attack brought on by stress.

Today, DMX produced a doctor’s note in court confirming that he was late to court yesterday because of the asthma attack.

"I'm still a person with kids at home and a wife," DMX told Judge Chin-Brandt. “I am sorry. I was sick. I apologize."

Under the conditions of Simmons' December 2004 release, he was to remain incident free and ordered to stay out of trouble for one year.

Law officials said he violated the terms of his release when he was cited for speeding near his Westchester County home at 104 mph, and for an accident in the Bronx with two other vehicles, one of them an unmarked police car.

The rapper, who arrived hours late for his court appearance, showed up with a reality television camera crew in tow to film his courthouse arrival.

Throughout the years, DMX’s name has made headlines in relation to his driving.

In 2000, the NYPD sought the rapper after he allegedly slammed his SUV into a car full of women and left the scene.

In December of 2002, he was charged with various traffic violations in Harrison, New York, after authorities spotted him driving his SUV recklessly.

DJ Drama of the The Aphilliates has released “Gangsta Grillz: Respect The Game,” a DVD version of the popular mixtape series. The DVD features an abundance of interviews including Bun B, Jae Millz, Killer Mike, Lil Jon, Lil Scrappy, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Nelly, Paul Wall, Pitbull, P$C, Stat Quo, T.I., producers and other tastemakers. The “documentary-style” video runs about 75 minutes and is meant to give viewers a peer inside of the music game. “A lot of the DVDs that are out are more like street videos,” said the Atlanta-based DJ. “I wanted people to see that what goes on behind the scenes is business.” Drama, who frequently spins for T.I., expects to release Gangsta Grillz The Album, through Grand Hustle/Atlantic Records. “Gangsta Grillz: Respect The Game” is available nationwide.

Rapper/ producer Kanye West will be bestowed with the Artist Achievement Award at the 2005 Billboard Music Awards on December 6 in Las Vegas. The awards ceremony will air live on the Fox Network at 8 p.m. from the MGM Grand Garden Arena. "Kanye West has not only had a huge impact on R&B/Hip-Hop, he has transformed modern music as a whole," said Tamara Conniff, co-executive editor of Billboard magazine. The Billboard Awards are a sales and chart performance-based awards show. Past winners of the Artist Achievement Award include Aerosmith, Janet Jackson, and Destiny's Child.

Hip-Hop producer Swizz Beatz appeared in family court in New York last week to answer to a child support case, according to published reports. The famed rap producer for the likes of The Lox, Jay-Z and DMX appeared with his wife, J Records recording artist Mashonda, on November 16. Nicole Levy, the child’s mother, originally filed for the support request on December 22, 2004 after paternity was established via blood test. A court decision is pending. Raoul Felder represents Levy. Felder is the lawyer who acted on behalf of Misa Hylton-Brim, mother of Sean “Diddy” Combs eldest son. Representatives for Swizz Beatz were not available at press time.