REP YO CITY NEWS

POSTED: 1-5-2009
The year's not starting off with a good look for DMX at all. His 5-bedroom Arizona home, the one featured in BET's Soul of a Man, is being put up for foreclosure. Whose home isn't, right? Well anyway, the home is going for $200,000 less than what X paid for it because of its poor condition. According to his estranged wife Tashera, the split between the two left the home neglected. A SWAT team raid last year, stemming from drug and animal cruelty charges, left the abandoned home with broken doors and windows; this created a prime opportunity for thieves to come in and ransack the place, taking all valuable possessions and leaving the house a wreck.

In related news, it's rumored that Tyler Perry is selling his 11-acre Atlanta home for $3 million...but he paid $6 million for the home. Now, I don't really understand why Perry would be selling his home for a 50% loss when we know he gets that money. Hopefully this one's just a rumor.

And in more financial woes, Mos Def is reported to owe over $40,000 in back taxes.

Damn this recession...

Now here's a twist from a prior story reporting the death of John Travolta's oldest son, Jett. TMZ is reporting that Jett was found dead by the Travoltas' male nanny, Jeff Kathrein. Well, there has been a very controversial picture released in the past that shows Travolta kissing this man in the mouth, Lil Wayne and Baby style, calling into question the nature of the two men's relationship. Check it out:

TMZ goes further into speculation about the nature of the young man's death:

"Jett may have suffered from autism which went untreated, because of Travolta's adherence to the cultlike religion of Scientology and the bizarre beliefs about mental illness that go with it. And if Travolta hired Kathrein for reasons other than the best interests of his child? That only makes it worse."

Say it ain't so. I think it's a lil' too early for this type of speculation, if it's even necessary at all.

And on that note, I breeze...
Lish

POSTED: 1-3-2009
Happy New Year Streetchartz fam!

New Year, same dumb shyt from Soulja Boy. This may not be as bad as when he said he thanks the slave owners for bringing Black people to America so he can get "ice and tattoos," but peep his recent comments about Nas:

"See how George Bush f***ed up America? Same way what Nas did with Hip-Hop."

...and he continues...

"The n***a that killed Hip-Hop is Nas. He came out publicly and said Hip-Hop is dead. If Nas would have never said that, they wouldn’t have had that terminology. He killed his own career with that s**t. If you do Hip-Hop and you come out and say 'Hip-Hop is dead,' you killing your own career."

He should really just stop speaking.

The cause of death for Dr. Dre's son, Andre, who died in August has been officially released. Toxicology reports indicate that the Andre Young Jr. died of an overdose of heroin and morphine. Twenty years old at the time of his death, he was found dead in his home by his mother.

In similarly sad news, John Travolta's 16-year-old son died while on holiday vacation in the Bahamas. It is reported that Jett Travolta had a seizure and hit his head on a bathtub. This was Travolta and wife Kelly Preston's eldest son; he had a history of seizures. Our hearts here at Streetchartz go out to both grieving fathers.

So you might have heard about the "King of Comedy Championship Battle" that went down New Year's Eve between Steve Harvey and Katt Williams. I didn't see any of Harvey's performance, but I heard it was kind of weak. People said he spent about 15 minutes just talking about a lady in the front row (Katt addresses this in the following video). Williams, on the other hand, went in. He straight up called Steve Harvey a bitch. And do you remember the incident that happened at the BET Hip Hop Awards where Katt Williams was supposed to host but was replaced at the last minute by T.Pain? Streetchartz reported that the real reason behind the replacement was that Katt wasn't feeling the situation about his money and walked out (after cursing some crew members out) but BET tried to cover it up by saying Williams lost a breakdancing battle to T.Pain and thus lost the gig. Well, Katt clears all that up very nicely in the vid, with a pretty viscious shot at Teddy Pain. Check out the footage. It's broken up into three pieces, but peep em all out.

That's nearly 5 feet of gangsta right there.

Much Luv in 09 and Beyond,
Lishma

POSTED: 12-31-2008
A Colorado club was shot up after E-40 performed there Friday nite. The shooting occurred around 2 am as the club was closing and left five people wounded, one in critical condition. A witness says the gunfire sounded automatic. So folks are takin machine guns to the club now...talk about a good time.

You may have already heard about a fight that broke out in a Louis Vuitton store in NYC between Jim Jones' crew and Jay-A affiliate Ty Ty. There has been much confusion and controversy over this little brawl. The original story is that Ty (you may have heard of him by way of numerous Jay-Z shout-outs in songs over the years) was with NeYo in the store when Jones and his crew walked in. Jones stepped aside while the goons beat Ty down and tried to throw him through a glass table; this is supposedly all taped. I've also heard comments that NeYo straight up ran away. Funny! There was also some speculation as to what these two grown ass men were doing in the store together anyway, but anybody that hangs out with NeYo is destined to be rumored as his gaymate. He's reported to be recently engaged to long-time girlfriend Tenille.

Poor Amy Winehouse, back in the news again. The chick is a musical prodigy but a freakin idiot in real life. So her personal assistant, Alex Haines, has decided to come out to the media about the secret, and not-so-secret, addictions Miss Winehouse suffers from. We all know about her predilection for crack. He reports she would wake up in the morning looking for the stuff and smoke until she passed out. She would also get high on heroin and cocaine. Aside from drugs, he also says she is bullimic and would binge on McDonald's or candy bars and throw it all back up. Here's the part I don't get: after witnessing all of her depravity, he reveals that he banged her... a lot. He says it was "like having my own personal porn star." Ew. He says she used to crave sex like food and they would go at it four or five times a day. Ew. I love her to death, but have you seen homegirl's teeth?

And the shocker of the day...Beyonce is caught once again taking credit for a song she did not write. Even T-Pain can believe it. Bey first pulled this trick (as far as I know) with NeYo's song "Irreplaceable." It's also been recently revealed that her hit (which I love by the way) "If I Were a Boy" was actually written by a chick named BC Jean. Now the main writers of "Once in a Lifetime" from the film Cadillac Records have claimed that they were the actual minds behind the song. As usual, Beyonce just flipped the vocal arrangement and claims she's a co-writer. Technically, I guess she is, but not as it regards the Oscar the song is nominated for. The Academy only recognizes three songwriters per song and Bey's work did not make the cut. Didn't this happen with "Listen" from Dreamgirls as well?

I'll tell you what, though--Beyonce can't claim to have co-written "If I Were a Boy;" she did not change the vocal arrangement at all. It's a straight-up jack move (I'm pretty sure this chick is getting paid, but Beyonce claiming to have written it is a jack of pride). Anyway, if you can tolerate BC Jean's scratchy voice, here is her rendition of the song.

Peace, Love, and Soul,
Lish

POSTED: 11-25-2008
Can you believe it? Dub Bush, in one of his last acts as president (Thank You, Lord), has pardoned rapper John Forte, a Fugees affiliate. Forte was arrested in 2000 as he was caught receiving a briefcase with over a million dollars worth of liquid cocaine. He was supposed to do a 14-year bid, but gets off a lil' after half time thanks to Dubya. Forte was one of 14 to receive a last-minute pardon from Bush, but I have to ask, "What's up with Vick?" I know a pardon wouldn't do too much to lift his public image at this point, and thus revive his career, but come on. He gets 23 months and Kellz gets squat (pun intended)? No justice, no peace.

Another "Can you believe it?" Beyonce has yet to call or reach out to Jennifer Hudson amidst her tragedy. I know she was mad about the whole Dreamgirls showing-out/Oscar-win situation, but this is real life. If I had a line to J-Hud, I woulda been one of the first to offer condolences. On the issue, Beyonce says she "prayed for her." Well if it was all of that, she should have put a ring on it...(telephone ring, for all the metaphorically impaired...)

Reports are coming in that Sean Levert, brother of legendary singer Gerald and son of legendary father Eddie, died unnecessarily. Apparently, a main reason for his untimely demise was that he was denied medication while in lock-up for unpaid child support. It wasn't that he was in for a violent crime or anything, or considered to be a threat to society. Not to downplay unpaid child support, because anyone deserves medication, but the man was denied medication in jail and died as a result. I'm going to need to see a lawsuit.

And to report yet another hip-hop death, 36-year-old MC Breed is dead from kidney failure. He was ill for a while, and was put on life support in September after collapsing during a basketball game. Doctors took him off after he improved, but Breed ended up dieing Saturday at a friend's home in Michigan. You may have remembered his hit "Ain't No Future in Yo Frontin." Breed paved the way for a lot of MidWest artists and will be missed.

Sending you off with a kiss,
Lish

POSTED: 11-11-2008
R. Kelly's 15-year-old nephew recently took a few in the lung and the liver during a robbery gone wrong. It's not conclusive whether the Kellz relative was the one doing (or tryna do) the robbing or was just a bystander, but he is alive and kicking. I'm glad because I'd hate to see another kid's life get taken away over some nonsense. Shout out to J-Hud.

Speaking of which, the police seem to be getting closer to an answer regarding the Hudson trial. Jennifer's estranged brother-in-law, William Balfour, has been held in police custody as a person of interest pretty much from the beginning of this whole incident. His alibi was that he was with his girlfriend at the time of the murders, but his girlfriend never corroborated this. Now he admits that he was in the victims' home on the day of the murders, but that's as far as he goes. The girlfriend, however, claims that Balfour admitted to her that he had something to do with the murders. The truth is coming, I can feel it...

Could Irv Gotti be the replacement for the recently departed Shakir Stewart as the Exec VP of Def Jam? Rumors have him as the top pick. I don't know, but I bet Ashanti is kicking herself in the bum for splitting with the Inc...and Ja Rule is prolly somewhere yelling "Holla"...

Rihanna recently had a bit of the sickness during a show in Sidney, Australia. She made it to the last of the show but when supposed to be performing a duo with boo Chris Brown, had to run off of the stage holding her stomach. Some have speculated that a lil' Brown bun might be baking in the oven. Paramedics claim her problem was smoke inhalation. Who knows, but fans say Chris rocked the show dolo anyway.

I must admit, I was mad at my boo, Lu. But I knew he couldn't spit the things they said he spew... So I heard Lupe said he "wasn't moved" by Barack Obama's acceptance speech for being elected the first Black president of the United States...and he did say that...but here's the full official interview held by the man Big Tig. Saying he wasn't moved was a side note. I wasn't necessarily moved by the speech either. What moved me was seeing the new First Family on that stage being Black. What moved Lu were the tears streaming down Jesse Jackson's (the man who said he wanted to cut Obama's balls off) face. You pick your poison. But here's the full interview:

And on that high note, check out Will.I.Am's new video, "It's a New Day"

Guess it's time to wake up,
Lish

POSTED: 11-05-2008
You already know... Barack Obama will be the next president of the United States! Black people, holla if ya hear me! What else can I say?

Lish

POSTED: 11-4-2008
Alright, let me get all of the negative stuff out of the way--there sure is enough of it to go around. The man that replaced Jay-Z as Executive Vice President of Def Jam, Shakir Stewart, was found dead this past weekend from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Shakir had been responsible for signing Jeezy, Rick Ross, and a publishing deal for Beyonce. There's no telling what could have triggered this man to take his own life, but his family reports that he had not been acting himself recently. Condolences to his family; he will be missed.

Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn "Toot" Dunham, died yesterday morning, one day before her grandson will hopefully be elected the first Black president in this country's history. Dunham, 86, was a cancer sufferer. She died peacefully, in her sleep in her Honolulu home. Obama's sister was with her. As you send your prayers to Obama for his success and safety in this election, send it for his strength as well. The campaign trail is stressful enough, but to lose a woman that helped raise him is a devastating event. As Obama said, "She's home now." Now she's got a bird's eye view of this historic day.

Jennifer Hudson and sister Julia laid to rest their mother Darnell, brother Jason, and Julia's son Julian yesterday in a private memorial service. A public service was held over the weekend. Jesse Jackson delivered a eulogy and Fantasia sang. In an update of the case, it has been confirmed that all three victims were shot with the same gun, even though Julian was found in an SUV days after Darnell and Jason's bodies were found. There is also speculation that the gun may have belonged to the slain Jason. Julia's estranged husband is still being held as a "Person of Interest," but has not yet been charged. There are also allegations of Jason dealing drugs which may have motivated the killing. This is a complicated case involving drugs, gangs, and three tragic murders. Let's keep the two remaining Hudson's in our prayers.

Fortunately, I can report that the rumored deaths of Katt Williams and most recently Lil Wayne are FALSE. With all of this death going around, is it really necessary to make some up. So I repeat, KATT WILLIAMS DID NOT DIE ON A PLANE CRASH AND LIL WAYNE DID NOT GET GUNNED DOWN IN A GANG SHOOTING! Come on people, celebrate life.

And finally, a dumbass quote from Soulja Boy. When asked, "What historical figure do you most hate?" he replied "Others have said Hitler, Bin Laden, the slave masters...Oh wait! Hold up! Shout out to the slave masters! Without them we'd still be in Africa. We wouldn't be here to get this ice and tattoos." I can't wait till Ice-T hears about this.

Alright, I had to get all of the negative stuff out of the way because I'm tryna have something REAL MAJOR to report next. Yall know what it is...

GoBama!!

POSTED: 10-27-2008
I had to hold off on reporting this one. I really didn't want to but I guess there's a journalistic necessity. Jennifer Hudson's 7-year-old nephew Julian has finally been found, dead from a gunshot wound. He was discovered in an SUV abandoned in the West Side of Chicago. A resident of the area became suspicious when her dog kept barking at it. More condolences to the Hudson family. Now there's only two of them, Jennifer and her sister Julia. Let's all keep them in our prayers.

Wishing for better news tomorrow,
Lish

POSTED: 10-24-2008
They say no news is good news. They may be right because I've got news and it's HORRIBLE...

Official reports confirm that Jennifer Hudson's mother and brother were found murdered in their Chicago home Friday afternoon. When authorities arrived, both victims were already dead. To add to the tragedy, it's suspected that Jennifer's 7-year-old nephew may have been taken from the scene. MediaTakeout.com provides the following information:

"Police suspect that Jennifer's 7-year-old nephew may have been taken from the scene. Police are looking for 1994 white Suburban with license plate X584859. If you see this vehicle, please call 9-1-1 IMMEDIATELY!!!

Police suspect that the man who committed the murders is William Balfour - Jennifer's sister's husband. Balfour is NOT the father of the missing 7 year old. Balfour may be ARMED AND DANGEROUS. If you know of his whereabouts - please call the Chicago Police Department's EMERGENCY LINE"

Please, please, PLEASE let authorities know if you have any information. I know the general code of conduct in our community is "No Snitching," but there's a kid involved. Man up.

Much Luv to J.Hud and the Fam from Streetchartz,
Lishma

POSTED: 10-23-2008
By now you've probably heard the lame press release BET offered to explain Katt Williams' absence from hosting the recent Hip Hop Awards. Well, to your shock, it wasn't because he lost a pop locking contest to T. Pain. Apparently Katt has an arrogance problem, feeling himself a bit too much because of his fame. Non BET-affiliated bystanders claim that Katt spazzed out on a female producer at rehearsals and walked out, refusing to do the show until the chic apologized. Teddy Pain accepted the hosting gig 1 a.m. the night before the show. Good choice in going with Pain, though--dude is comical.

And if you haven't seen Lyfe Jenning's most recent mug shot, here ya go.

He's facing two new felony offenses, Attempting to Elude and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, after fleeing police in response to gunshots heard after a domestic dispute with, you guessed it, his baby's mama. He's also facing three misdemeanor charges related to the incident. Lyfe's already served 10 years in federal prison, hope he doesn't get lyfe this time, if convicted. The chick involved recently filed a restraining order against him.

And speaking of baby's mothers, congrats to Lil Wayne for racking up another one. He recently fathered his first boy, Dwayne Carter III. I know rumors have been running wild that Nivea and even Superhead were about to drop lil Wayne martians, but the mother of this kid is rumored to be a college student at the University of Cincinnatti who Wayne met a show and grew pretty fond of. Congratulations and best wishes to both of them.

Keeping with the theme, 50 Cent finally reached a custody agreement with his baby's mother, the infamous Shanika Thomson, concerning their 11-year-old son. Curtis will receive one weekend per month with his son. He will also get his kid one month in the summer and half of his spring and winter breaks. Shanika will have primary custody.

I don't know what's going on with Usher and his baby's ma Tameka, but rumors aren't good. Ursh was spotted in the U.K. getting real friendly with Kelly Rowland. He likes the chocolate chicas.

Have you heard the new T.I. joint "Swing Ya Rag"? Well in it he spits, "Alright/okay/I don't dance no way/I just take my Louis rag out and wave it round in the air/Take my Gucci rag out and wave it round in the air." I can't fathom where they would get this from, but the Louis Vitton and Gucci companies are heated at the name dropping, blocking the video for the song and claiming copyright infringement. Don't worry bout it Tip, Live Your Life. Speaking of which...

Here I go,
Lish

POSTED: 10-15-2008
This is a lil late, but guess what Lil Wayne got from Baby, aka Play Papa, for his birthday? A milli dollars in cash in a Louis Vuitton briefcase. Baby must be taking serious percentage off Wayne. As many guest spots as the youngin gets, why is Baby giving Wayne money?

Homey keeps a styrofoam cup.

Evander Holyfield owes $500,000 in back child support for an 11-year-old daughter. Did you know this guy has 11 kids? The man is worth $248,000 but I think the judge should give Holyfield a break on this one. After what Tyson did to his ear, maybe he didn't hear the word on the street that you have to pay child support.

Rumor has it that the reason Janet keeps canceling all these tour dates isn't because she's sick, or pregnant, but because of poor ticket sales. I can see that. Maybe it is time to get preg and let the career rest for a minute, at leas the touring part.

Tyler Perry is the first African American in history to launch his or her own major TV and film studio. Tyler Perry Studios opened Saturday and he has dedicated soundstages of the venue to acting greats Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Cicely Tyson, and Quincey Jones. The studio will be the home to Perry sitcoms House of Payne and Meet the Browns. I remember the first time I saw a Madea play (on bootleg of course), I knew it was going to be big. But I never thought Tyler Perry would take it this far.

It can only go downhill from here, so why bother...

Til the next one, Lish

POSTED: 10-10-2008
"It Ain't Trickin if You Got It"
I don't get this phrase. Don't you have to have it to trick at all? I mean, no self-respecting trick is going to give it up if you ain't giving up the dough, the moolah, the cheddar, the cheese.

So even though T.I. and Weezy F. say that it's okay to give up the bucks for sexual favors, it's still trickin. Even if you got it. In fact, only because you got it because if you didn't, it wouldn't go down. That's the only way it wouldn't be trickin.'

Just felt someone needed to clarify the issue...

"GoBama"
I have to comment on perhaps the most crucial issue my generation has ever seen--the 2008 election. For the first time in history, a Black man has a viable opportunity to become president. The dreams of all those little Black boys and girls (before the reality of racism set in) of being president can be realized on November 4th. This is big. The White House could be Black. This is huge.
But more than just a viable opportunity, this is an outcome that definitey should happen. The polls show that Obama is up on McCain. The economy, war, and Bush in general have created such public distrust that the reelection of a Republican nominee should be unheard of. THERE IS NO POSSIBLE WAY THAT MCCAIN SHOULD WIN THIS ELECTION!
And yet, he might. We saw Bush steal a couple. I don't personally believe that sort of treachery is McCain's bag, but you never know. I actually fear the possibility of Obama not being elected. Can you imagine what the reaction of millions of Americans would be? I know that I am personally committed to starting at least 3 riots in my geographic vicinity should he not win the presidency. Multiply this sentiment by the millions of disgruntled people (niggas and friends of) around the country that know they just got the business, and not in a good way? At this point, Obama is more than a pop icon. He's more than hope. And him not taking this election will be a slap in the face that I don't believe America is ready to deal with.
So I implore you niggas (and friends of), get up off your ass November 4th and vote for Obama. This is not a game. This is a matter of national security. And if that doesn't move you, let me put it the way my grandma told me:

"McCain's old and he's got recurring melanoma. I don't want to wish anything bad on him, but he just might die during his term. And if he does, Sarah Palin becomes president. Are you ready for that?"

Obama '08,
Lish

POSTED: 10-7-2008
Rick Ross FINALLY admits to being a Correctional Officer. He told Don Diva magazine he did hold the position, but adds this disclaimer:

"I never ratted on a nigga. I never prosecuted a nigga. I never locked up a nigga, that's first and foremost. I always felt that me being the nigga that I am, I never owed a nigga an explanation."

...and yet he denied it so vehemently, even beat up a mixtape DJ over it.

Oh no... my future husband Lupe Fiasco was doing a show at Colorado State University the other night but kept shouting out "University of Chicago" during his performance--those two schools are rivals. The crowd starting booing, leaving my boo very confused. Eventually someone told him the situation and he paused the show to apologize, then came back rocking an official Colorado State jersey and STILL killed the show. With that mistake and occasionally forgetting lyrics, Lu may need to come home to mama and let the performances rest for a while.

Word is media mama Wendy Williams is in possession of a sex tape that features none other than Kelis doing the nasty...but it's not with Nas. No no, I do not like this rumor at all. Nas is my dude. Well, it's not the first case of infidelity...if it's true.

They say Da Brat already has like 3 girlfriends on lockdown...in lockdown. A friend of someone inside the joint says they hit her up with massages and pedicures and whatnot. I guess Brat's got "Whatcha Like."

Janet has canceled even more tours. Rumor is she's with child (no, that's just JD).

Anybody see the fight when Kimbo Slice got knocked out in like 12 seconds by a dude with pink hair? Anybody else think that was absolute bullshyt? I hope he got paid for throwing that fight--Kimbo literally leaned into a tap. Check it out for yourself and see Kimbo go timber.

And on that note, I leave you,
Lish

POSTED: 9-25-2008
Oooo, this is getting nasty. Noel Gallagher from Oasis goes at Jay-Z again, but this time he goes IN! Homeboy really did his research on this one--he mentions how a boxer claims Jay stole his "whisper" flow and how Jay sold crack to a very close female relative. My prediction is it's on, especially because of that last reference and because dude called Beyonce a "slag" (I'm assuming, of course, that "slag" is a derogatory term). Check it out below:

Dude's actually got better content than most rappers out now. Such is the state of hip hop...

More beef: Lady Luck and Rece Steele. Who let all these chicks in the building at the same time anyway? Didn't they know what was going to happen?

Poor 50... they'll be no over-hyped competition/publicity stunt to boost his record sales this go round. Kanye West has pushed the release date of his latest project, 808s and Heartbreak up to November. 50's project, Before I Self Destruct, is still slated to hit stores December 9. Kanye comments on the decision to push up the album in his blog:

"I changed my album to November something cause I finished the album and I felt like it..I want yall to hear it as soon as possible."

I'm ready for it, though I'm not really feeling the title. I wish he would've stuck with the college theme, but that's just me.

We all know Luda can burn a track up, but his Atlanta home caught fire last night. Fortunately there were no injuries and the only significant damage was contained to the pool house. Luda was in NYC promoting an upcoming movie at the time.

Busta Rhymes is currently (as far as I know) being detained by UK immigration officials. Bus was denied entry into the country to do a benefit concert due to his criminal record here in the States. Considering he's been to the country twice already this year, I'm not sure what the real hold up is. I'll let you in on more details as I receive them.

I'm out,
Lish

POSTED: 9-24-2008
Rocsi sure does get them rocks off. Rumor has it she was all up on Floyd Mayweather in a Vegas nightclub this weekend, all up on his lap in V.I.P and whatnot. Back in the day when 50 and Yayo were baggin on her bird status I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. But after being connected with soooooo many men--plenty of them married to or seriously dating someone else--I don't think there's too much more I can deny about how Rocs gets down. And, oh, does she get down. No wonder they call her Wrecksi.

Kanye West and Rhymefest are working on a new series to air on the Comedy Central. It's supposed to be something like a hip-hop muppet show, which reminds me a lot of his video for "Champion;" maybe that's where he got the concept from. Anyway, Jimmy Kimmel is also wrapped up in the show in some sort of way, so you know it's going to be hilarious.

Jennifer Hudson gets engaged to Punk. Niecy Nash to another one of them. Now Real and Chance from I Love New York are getting their own TV show and it's called--ya ready?--"A Real Chance at Love." Boo. First New York gets her show after losing on Flavor of Love, now this. This empire of bad television will never end.

Word is Mariah and Nick are expecting. And yall thought it was just for play-play.

Congrats to Travis Barker who just survived a serious plane crash and whose wife just gave birth. It's the circle of life, people.

Til the next one,
Lish

POSTED: 9-20-2008
Kanye responds to 50's recent shenanigans on his blog:

"I just woke up from a quick studio nap," he wrote in his blog this week. "I've been workin' on 808s and Heartbreak about 16 hours a day and [I] passed out for a little bit ... I'm in Hawaii but I'm still on New York time so I wake up mad early, do some business, blog, jog for an hour, play ball, eat and then hit the stu [sic] by noon. While approving the final cut for the 'Love Lockdown' vid, I marvel at the fact that it was written less than three weeks ago."

Busta Rhymes is officially no longer a part of Aftermath/Interscope. After rumors circulated this summer about dissention between Bus and Interscope President Jimmy Iovine, sources inside the company have finally confirmed that Bus is no longer signed to the label. He is rumored to be in works to move over to Universal/Motown. All of the politics aside, when is the next album dropping?

During an interview about his recent (bullsh*t) acquittal among other things, Kellz responds to the question if he likes teenage girls with the following response:

"When you say teenage, how old do you mean? I have some 19-year-old friends, but I don't like anyone illegal if that's what we are talking about, underage."

Homeboy ain't even afraid anymore.

Word is Eminem will be dropping something soon. I'm ready for that. But in related news, his mother is coming out with a book titled My Son Marshall, My Son Eminem. It seems to be quote day, so here's an excerpt:

"He never knew his father, and I did all I could to make up for it," Debbie Nelson told MTV. "I wasn't happy when he made up a whole new life for himself — what mother wants to be known as a pill-popping alcoholic who lives on welfare? To tell the truth, I was heartbroken. The lies started coming thick and fast — and not just from Marshall....I think he's forgotten the good times we had, and this book is my way of setting the record straight."

And some chick jumped off a bridge to meet Plies. That's really all the attention I can give to that matter.

With that I'm out,
Lish

POSTED: 9-17-2008
Webbie is in jail after leading police on a high-speed chase through Mississippi. Webster and his entourage were blasted with the blue lights while cruising in a 09 Challenger but refused to stop, eventually hitting a Mercury Cougar with passengers inside. The police abandoned the chase to aid the victims and the damaged Challenger was found in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Eyewitnesses say they saw three men leave the vehicle for a Crown Vic. When police caught up with this car, Webbie was driving. I wonder what police found in the Challenger that would make Webbie and dem run like that?

Jennifer Hudson is engaged to Punk from "I Love New York." Prolly not the best of looks for J Hud--the man is clearly attracted to fame. Good luck with it, tho.

Kanye West and (ex?) girlfriend Alexis Pfifer are also reportedly engaged. Glad he got back the only girl in the world that knows him best.

And in a move completely out of character, 50 Cent takes shots at someone to promote upcoming work. Watch his comments on Kanye's "Love Lockdown."

Til the next one,
Lish

POSTED: 9-13-2008
Some men may think you've GOT to be a sex addict to ever cheat on Halle Berry, but ex-husband Eric Benet claims that wasn't the case. He says, "Going to that therapy, for me, was an attempt to save my marriage. If you've been unfaithful in a relationship, or your marriage, you're considered a sex addict now. I never really agreed with that philosophy." Apparently he just admitted to the label to appease to his wife and try to save his marriage. Seems she just wanted to humiliate him before giving him the boot.

Kanye responds to his legal problems with this blog post:
"We back in the lab!!! I'm cool with the paparazzi," West wrote. "This guy wasn't cool. I gotta work now... I'll rant later!"
Now he wants to be stingy with his opinions, huh, when we really want to hear them?

For those who care, Gucci Mane is back in jail, mane. He's serving the last year of his three year assault charge after violating probation with the following offenses: serving only 25 of 600 hours mandated community service, being caught with drugs and alcohol, Driving Under the Influence, and a weapons possession in July. If the charges for these latest offenses go through, expect him to be in there a bit longer. Fortunately, I don't think music will suffer too much from his loss.

Matt Damon on Sarah Palin:

On that note,
Lish

POSTED: 9-12-2008
First it was "Cash Money Records." Then the "Carter" album series. Well, the New Jack City references aren't over yet. Lil Wayne is releasing uncensored footage chronicling his life on the road as a hip hop artist called The Nino Brown Story. It will showcase the rapper in cities like NYC, Philly, LA, and of course New Orleans. As Dave Chappelle would say, "Betta not bring your kids..."

It seems Kanye and Mos Def have something in common besides classic hip hop. They WILL bust a paparazzi's sh*t. Ha, peep the vid...

7:00 is too early in the morning for pics man, really.

Alicia Keys is rumored to have thrown a recent party for married boyfriend Swizz Beats, a party which his mom and family attended. Swizz is not yet separated from wife Mashonda. In fact, they are rumored to have recently moved back in together (they also have a son). That could be considered a little disrespectful, ya know, having an affair with a married man and all. Really doesn't live up to her "Superwoman" claims.

Ciara is thinking about suing Vibe magazine for that infamous cover photo. She claims they photoshopped her image to make her appear nude, that she actually had clothing on during the shoot. One word--where?

T.I.'s babymama (not Tiny) is suing him over child support. Sounds familiar, some chick that drops a kid by a dude before he gets famous feels the thousands of dollars in support she receives a month ($7,000 in this case) is not enough. It's called jealousy and bitterness...move on ladies. Get yours instead of worrying about how much of his you're entitled to.

GoBama! Every ni99a needs a shoe.

I don't care what he wears. He's still my boo.

And on that note, I break.
Lish

POSTED: 9-6-2008
YAY, more Ye! Kanye West is rumored to be dropping a new album before 08 is out. Maybe he will confirm the suspicion this Sunday night as he closes the VMAs on MTV.

NeYo was recently awarded over $700,000 for a case involving R. Kelly's management company, Rowe Entertainment. NeYo sued the company for not honoring a contractual agreement by kicking him off the Double Up Tour last year (NeYo claims it's because he was outshining Kellz). NeYo was supposed to get around $785,000 for all 25 shows, but only put in about two shows worth of work and made almost the same amount.

Tameka is reportedly pregnant with her and Usher's second child. There are rumors circulating that they are separated as well, but I doubt that. Especially with another little one on the way. Usher seems like a pretty stand-up kinda guy.

Whoa, Matthew Knowles doesn't play. Apparently he heard one of Houston's own radio jocks called Solange a bia-itch and called the station to set a few things straight. Well, instead of backing down the radio talent acknowledged his distaste of Solange, called her talentless, and threatened to call his own mother in his defence since parents were becoming involved. Well, instead of backing down Mr. Knowles mentioned a bomb and let the personality know that he knows where he resides. So...Solange is crazy, Matthew is crazy, Tina dresses crazy...Good luck Jay.

Yeah, yeah... I saw the Ciara Vibe cover. Normally I would paste it here, but I'm feeling pretty cockblockerish today, so no go. There's no way Robin Thicke could compete with that, though.

Onward ho (not you, Ciara),
Lishma

POSTED: 9-4-2008
Money Mayweather got beat in the head for millions in jewelry! First of all, if you've got millions of dollars of jewelry in your house and you're not royalty, that's strike one. Second, if you don't have a decent security system protecting this home, that's strike two. Bragging about how much money and jewels you've got everytime your mouth opens puts you in the dugout. Good lookin, Karma. There's apparently some footage of one of the guys that did it, tho, so he'll probably be getting it back soon.

Meanwhile, Juelz is refuting rumors that he got robbed at a hotel in the UK, just put out for causing a commotion. Oh, the rappers we look up to...

Speaking of rappers we probably shouldn't look up to, are Wayne and Nivea back at it? She was seen at one of his concerts with a big ol ring on her finger. For those that don't know, she recently divorced from R&B fella The Dream. Scandalous.

Michael Jackson and Pamela Anderson have been spotted sharing drinks around Malibu, so word is they're the new hot couple. Under normal circumstances I would say, "I'll believe it when I see it." In this case, however, I truly would not like to see it.

There are also rumors of several tapes of Soulja Boy participating in homosexual acts. I would similarly not like to see this.

But under things I do like seeing, pics of Palin's daughter just keep a comin! Obama might be too classy to appreciate it, but I love this sh*t!

McCain's gotta be puttin the person that advised this VP pic in a headlock right about now.

Oh yeah, and big ups (syke) to Daddy Yankee for trying to milk publicity by supporting the Republican Party. Normally this might work, but McCain's really not popular enough to increase your fan base (hey, he's no Obama). And you're not popular enough to increase his.

And for your amusement, more Akon concert antics. Why do people keep paying to get beat down/thrown off stage/dry humped by this guy?

Til the next one,
Lish

POSTED: 9-1-2008
First up: two fights that never should've happened. A while back, Suge Knight beat up his girlfriend of three years. She woke up with no clothes and no recollection. Apparently, she forgot who the f*** she was dealing with and spazzed on Mr. Knight about some chick hollerin at him at a club the night before. She probably shouldn't do that again.

On to the next disgrace. Remember when the Game and his cousin got in a fight at a family funeral over the Game not covering some of the burial costs? Well the cousin has pressed charges and the Game is now facing criminal battery charges, all while still being on probation.

Hate to share yet more negativity, but Robin Thicke has reported that he has been denied the cover of Vibe magazine because he is white. He claims that he actually asked Vibe why he couldn't grace the cover of the magazine he'd been reading for years, and they told him that except for Eminem, they didn't grant covers to white artists. Well, there ya go. But I feel if Blacks can cover Rolling Stone, Thicke should be able to represent Vibe. Especially since he's been one of the best things to happen to R&B in years.

Now on to the funny. Anybody see Solange air out an anchorwoman for an introduction that never actually aired? Hilarious. Check it out:

Well, every family's gotta have a psycho. I used to think it was Tina. But how sad is it that Beyonce's MySpace page has Solange's tracks in the background, apparently to up lil sis' plays. SMH.

And in more hilarity, did you hear about Mr. Weezy F. Baby missing a court case regarding drug and weapons charges from January because he had to have several root canals? Yes, several. Whoever thought that wearing a permanent piece of metal over your teeth could be a bad dental decision?

And finally, Godspeed to the Gulf and all in Gustav's path. At least they evacuated you guys this time.

Til the next one,
Lish

POSTED: 8-26-2008
Did yall know Mos Def doesn't like having his picure taken--atleast without consent? Apparently the paparrazzi he beat up at the Magic Convention Center in Vegas didn't. Mos left the camera broken and the camera man bleeding.

50 plays sooooo dirty. He's offering free complete downloads of Game's LAX album on his website. This was not said for yall to go cop it. Please don't feed 50's shenanigans.

Jennifer Hudson is reportedly going to sing the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention Thursday, when Obama will accept his Democratic nomination. I've been waiting for a minute to hear something from her.

Superhead says she's retiring. From what...?

Yet more condolences. The first goes to dancehall artist Spragga Benz, longtime friend of Foxy Brown. He lost his son to gunfire in Jamaica. The next one I'm not too sure if it's true, but I heard word that Dr. Dre's son Andre Young was found dead. I'll be checking on this one, but if it is true, Much Luv, Dre.

Lishma

POSTED: 8-16-2008
Perhaps the funniest thing I've heard today--okay, definitely the funniest thing I've heard today--Amy Winehouse has her own video game. As a promo tool for the upcoming film Disaster Movie, Winehouse is featured on a mission to rescue husband Blake from jail. But beware, the songstress is equipped with crack pipes and syringes (as weapons, not for fun); she can even hit you with her beehive! All of this fantastic fun goes on while snippets of her singing "No, no, no" from her hit song "Rehab" play in the background. I really don't know what to do with this one. I love Amy's voice and respect her talent--I was bumping her first album, Frank, just today as a matter of fact--but I really do wanna play the game. Really. No sympatation, she did it to herself.
To play the game, click here.

DJ Vlad is filing a $4 million dollar lawsuit against Rick Ross for allegedly orchestrating the attack against him that resulted in stitches, a corneal abrasion (bruise in the eye), facial fractures, and possible nerve damage (You got knocked the f*** out!). Vlad says Ross contacted him via text message earlier in the day referring to the Djs publication of Ross' past as a C.O. They arranged a meeting where Ross simply said "We got beef" and Mr. Trilla watched as four of his henchmen went in on Vlad. I hope Vlad gets the money, for real, but Ross probably has some connections in the judicial system.

Young Joc has not been paying his $2,000-a-month child support. His baby's mother contacted a local news network and aired out the story. She says that she's having financial hardship and hasn't been able to provide for her child's needs. Oh, as a single mother receiving no child support, there are so many negative comments I could make about this story--most of them not toward Joc--but I'ma keep it movin...

Til the next one,
Lish

POSTED: 8-14-2008
Kanye West may feel better knowing that his mother's death may save many lives. A bill introduced by Donda West's niece, Yolanda Anderson, and a California assemblywoman has passed in Cali stating that patients having elective cosmetic surgery must first take a physical exam. This measure may have saved the life of West as her death is believed to be caused by complications with heart disease and blocked arteries. A physical exam may have shown that she was in no condition to go under the knife.

I know ya'll are probably tired of me talking about Jay-Z. He's probably tired of people jocking him as well. Case in point, Game--the commensurate dick rider--responds rather recklessly to a previous comment from Jay. Feeling the subliminal shots Game was taking at him, Jay says, "I'm not gonna fuck with him. I'm gonna let him commit suicide." He's too busy making money to care, right? That's understandable. So here's Game's comment:

"I'm too disrespectful for Jay-Z, I go to hard. His beef is mediocre beef, it's more swag and less hardcore. Me, I go in on your grandma, your kids and your girl….it will get ugly and I don't mind. I have a whole coast to back me. My coast will turn their backs on whoever I turn my back on. So basically, let me commit suicide because I'm the only cat to commit suicide and resurrect every time. So for Jay to say that about me, that's cool man because he's Jay-Z and I'm just lil ol' Game. But if you fuck with me I'll turn to a beast, and ill rip ya head off..bust ya lips.

I can be a fan of Jay and still rip him limb from limb lyrically and still be a fan. After I finish him off, I'm still going to listen to Reasonable Doubt afterwards. I'll kiss Jay goodbye with his own lips. I'm going to make him mad enough to where he has to say something. Jay i'mma make you so mad you gonna have to diss me...[laughs] I need him to do it, I got an album coming out; help me."

Game's not making money. He cares.

I'm pretty tired of talking about this, but the divorce going on between LisaRaye and her husband is getting nasty. He says she attacked him, she says he attacked her...one thing's for sure, one of them needs to get their ass beat.

And on that note, til the next episode,
Lishma

POSTED: 8-10-2008
It seems Ricky Ross isn't one to confront his past, but he damn sure will confront your ass if you bring it up! Rumor has it in a recent interview with DJ Vlad someone in Mr. M.I.-YAYO's entourage knocked the DJ out for bringing up the issue. Wonder if he used a nightstick...

It's been confirmed that Blueprint 3 is on the way, although the rumor that it would be produced entirely by Timbaland has been squashed by Mr. Carter himself. The honor might go to Chi-Town's Kanye instead. If that means it'll be more akin to Blueprint than Blueprint 2, I'm all for it. Both were hot to me, but the former is clearly a classic.

For those that care, Young Berg has been arrested again, this time for marijuana and guns. Between arrests and dumb-ass comments, this guy just won't stay off the radar. Meanwhile, true talents are leaving us...

I can't believe I'm saying this again so soon, but Rep Yo City and the StreetChartz fam send condolences to the friends and family of the legendary Isaac Hayes. The 65-year old soul icon died Sunday in Memphis, TN. Details on his death will follow later. I tell ya, it's been a hell of a weekend, two legends gone just like that. If the Americans didn't win that swimming relay last night, I don't know what I would do...

Till the next episode,
Lishma

POSTED: 8-9-2008
The RYC staff would like to express our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Bernie Mac. The comic legend passed away this morning at Northwestern Memorial hospital. A renegade, the Chi-town, south-side native rose his way to the top by taking on subject matter many comics of the time wouldn't address. He earned an endearing spot in the hearts of many, many fans. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bernie's family and friends.
Lishma

POSTED: 8-8-2008
A 24-year-old woman was found dead Wednesday in a rooftop closet of Spotlight Live in NYC. The woman was reported missing by her family after not returning home from a birthday party for the one Queen Bee, Lila Kim Sunday night. She was last seen being escorted out of the party by bouncers for being too intoxicated. Examination of the body revealed evidence of blunt force trauma and sexual assault. A 24-year-old bouncer of the club has recently confessed to hitting on the victim, and then after she refused his game, hitting her on the head with a pipe and stuffing her in the rooftop closet. Ladies, if you wanna get sloppy drunk, keep it at home.

Ya Boy Hov is doing BIG things. Besides reportedly working on the Blueprint 3 (YESSSS!), he just teamed up with Mayor Bloomberg of NYC to launch a Summer Streets program. Streets in part of the city will be closed off to cars Saturday mornings to offer various cultural and recreational activities for residents. Who you know fresher than Hov, riddle me that?

Tito Ortiz and Jenna Jameson are rumored to be expecting a kid. Will baby's first haircut include a bleach job?

I'm personally very excited about this one. Both Kelis and D'Angelo are reported to be working on their next albums with the talented and eccentric Mr. Rafael Saadiq. I love it when creative people get together and make the beautiful happen. I'm pretty sure music won't be the only thing in the air, though.

Condolences to Morgan Freeman who's going through a divorce and a car accident in one week (though the divorce might have something to do with the female passenger in the accident who was NOT his wife, a la Trina and Kenyon Martin). The truth WILL come to light.

Till the next episode,
Lishma