Freestyle Madness

Cash Money Records Signs Internationally Known Pop Group Savvy

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Cash Money Records will expand the roster next week when they officially welcome the first pop group to their label.

Internationally known pop band Savvy has inked a deal with Cash Money Records.

Savvy, the label’s latest acquisition, is an internationally known six–member teen band that’s featured in the international TV show “The Wannabes,” which will premiere in North America on September 5th on Starz Kids & Family.

The group will be introduced to North America via their upcoming debut album for Cash Money Records.

This Monday (August 29th), Cash Money’s CEO’s, Bryan “Birdman” Williams and his brother, Co-CEO Ronald “Slim” Williams, will be on hand to welcome the group to Cash Money Records, which counts Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Jay Sean, Birdman, Tyga, Cory Gunz, Shannell, Jae Millz, Lil Chuckee, Kevin Rudloff, Lil Twist and others as artists on the roster.

The brothers will preside over a swanky event at 11:00 AM at The Montage Hotel, which is located in Beverly Hills.

DMX Denies Speeding Charges; Plans To Sue AZ Police

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DMX has hit back at charges that he was driving over the speed limit in Arizona when he was arrested yesterday (August 26th).

The rapper admitted to driving over the speed limit, but claimed that he was not going anywhere near the 102 mph that he was charged with.

According DMX, he plans on suing the police for arresting.

“I’m used to driving fast, I’m a New Yorker,” DMX told TMZ.com. “…but I constantly look at the speedometer when I’m driving … I need to make sure I don’t drive too fast.”

DMX said that he was working with several lawyers to plead a case for harassment, for a possible lawsuit.

“I plan on suing and I plan on suing for harassment,” DMX said. “I’m in discussions with multiple lawyers who are not afraid to go against the system in helping me clear my name because I have been harassed.”

Rapper Styles P Dropping Album Called ‘Master of Ceremony’

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Styles P, the Bronx MC, songwriter, CEO and most recently author, is dropping his heavily anticipated Master of Ceremonies, album on eOne Music on October 4th.

SP the Ghost’s project will feature D-Block members Sheek Louch and Jadakiss, as well G-Unit’s Lloyd Banks, Warner Brothers and Maybach Music MC Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell, Pharoahe Monch, Aja, Rell and Avery Storm just to name a few.

Additionally, Styles P brings an all-star cast with the production on this effort, featuring the work of Pete Rock, Black Saun, Statik Selekta, Warren G, AraabMuzic, J. Music House, Phonix, Reef and others

The lead single “Harsh” that features Rick Ross and Busta Rhymes and is currently featured on several urban radio stations across the country.

“Master of Ceremonies is a body of work that follows the finest lyrically tuned MCs. Point blank, period. It was made with respect of the craft,” Styles explained in a statement.

Styles, who still works regularly with Sheek and Jada as a third of The Lox, has released 14 mixtapes, as well as three solo albums to go along with his work with The Lox and D-Block.

Styles also earned his stripes as a writer when he recently released his first novel “Invincible” (One World/Random House) to critical acclaim.

In addition to his work in the world of music and being an author, Styles P has created a juice bar that he also co-owns called Juices For Life in the Bronx.

DMX Arrested Over Speeding Charge

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DMX was arrested in Arizona for reportedly speeding and driving with a suspended license.

According to reports, the rapper was driving 102 mph in a 65 mph zone and was apprehended by police last night. Also, he was driving with a suspended license, TMZ reports.

He was released on bond, but not before being booked on speeding, reckless driving, and the suspended license

This is the 10th time DMX has been arrested in Maricopa County, AZ. under the watch of Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

DMX was released from jail last month after serving time for a parole violation.

Lil Wayne Says There “Won’t Be Any Repercussions” For Dissing Jay-Z

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Following the leak of “It’s Good” yesterday, Lil Wayne has already spoken on how he doesn’t fear repercussions from dissing Jay-Z.

Speaking with VIBE, Weezy explained that he knew what the response would be to the record, but that it didn’t concern him.

“I know there won’t be any repercussions behind what I did,” he said. “I know for a fact music is about perception. You can’t do anything but perceive what you hear. I know that for a fact. So I can’t ever be upset about someone’s reaction.”

He elaborated by stating that he’s aware of how a song like “It’s Good” would be perceived, but it’s all part of his plan.

“I’m not going to say I don’t know what would happen before I even say [something on record],” he continued. “I do know what will happen. I’m aware of it. But it is what it is.

Game Being Investigated For Assault After Fight In Front of Club

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Game could be facing criminal charges after altercation in front of a Los Angeles nightclub early Tuesday morning (August 23rd).

TMZ reports that Game was in front of Colony nightclub, when he became involved in a dispute.

During the altercation, Game is accused of striking an unknown individual in the face.

The incident was caught on tape by TMZ.com, who released the footage early this morning (August 24th).

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, they are investigating the incident and Game could face criminal charges.

No legal actions have been taken against the rapper as of press time.

Game was at Colony on Tuesday to promote his new release, The R.E.D. Album.

50 Cent Speaks On His Upcoming Fifth Album & “I’m On It”

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50 Cent has made his beef with Interscope Records public over the past few months, explaining that he and the company weren’t seeing eye-to-eye on his oft-delayed fifth album.

Speaking with MTV UK, Fif confirmed that the LP, formerly titled Black Magic, would be his last for Interscope and that he’s recorded “more than enough material for it.”

“It’s actually my final requirement. My fifth album and the final requirement for Interscope. I had some difficulties with the actual system,” he said. “There are people there that are afraid to lose their job; they’ve seen other people get fired. I think they’re afraid to make some decisions that need to be made right away, they just sit and look. […] We’ve had some conversations communicated to develop plans for different things and it’s not actually executed in the time plan that we’ve created. And I get frustrated and I start doing things, like I put the record out.”

The G-Unit leader said that he prefers to saturate the market with records before dropping a full-length and that the way that Interscope handled his single “I’m On It” caused problems between both parties.

“I condition my core audience to hear me a lot, because I perform at least two albums worth of material before I actually release the album. And when they don’t hear aggressive content, they turn their nose up at material, unless it’s already worked on radio,” he continued. […] It doesn’t actually mean that I don’t like the company because all the success I’ve had in my career has been with Interscope records. It’s just a frustration at different points - like I had a song just go out and it was in their position, they were moving around to actually make the music video for it and then they go ‘ok, I don’t want that song no more’ because it’s been presented in the wrong way to the public. […] Then people go ‘I don’t like this, I like this, I don’t know!’ - there’s no event to it. It’s not difficult when you’ve recorded 40 songs, it’s like so what? If you only have one song, you should just go jump off the song. Go get it.”

Ludacris Joins Al Pacino To Celebrate ‘Scarface’ Tonight In Los Angeles

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Hip-Hop start Ludacris will give a special performance tonight (August 23rd) during a celebration for the iconic movie, “Scarface.”

Ludacris will join actors Al Pacino, Steven Bauer, Robert Loggia, S.Murray Abraham and producer Martin Bregman during the exclusive event for “Scarface,” which is being released on Blu-Ray for the first time, this September.

The event will include a Q&A the film’s stars, in addition to the performance by Ludacris.

Celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, co-chef/owners of the critically acclaimed Border Grill restaurants and truck, will provide Cuban inspired food during the event.

“Nearly 30 years after it first exploded onto the screen, Scarface stands as a cultural icon with a passionate and growing fan base that continues to exert an enduring influence on not just moviemakers but artists across the entire pop-culture landscape,” said Craig Kornblau, President of Universal Studios Home Entertainment. “Now, for the first time ever, fans of this jewel in the Universal crown can enjoy Scarface with the spectacular picture and sound quality that only Blu-ray™ provides.”

Scarface, which was directed by Brian de Palma and Academy Award winning screenwriter Oliver Stone, has been one of the most influential movies on hip-hop culture.

In addition to the famous Scarface poster that hangs on the wall of multiple rappers’ homes, the actual movie has been sampled numerous times over the years by artists ranging from The Geto Boys to Mobb Deep.

Scarface arrived on Blu-Ray Hi Def on September 6th, 2011.

Nas Explains ‘Illmatic’ In New Video Series With Reebok, Rock the Bells

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Traveling Hip-Hop Festival Rock the Bells has teamed with Reebok to develop 14 short films titled “Classic Albums by Classic Artists.”

In each of the series, an artist associated with the Rock the Bells tour will go deep into the inspiration behind the albums that they are performing on the tour.

The first installment of the series is kicked off with Nas, who goes into detail about the inspiration behind his album Illmatic.

“DJ Premier was a big part of that [creating Illmatic],” Nas revealed. “Premier brought to the table someone who i felt was like myself. Premier was more like my guys. we related like that. Premier spoke my language all day, 24-7. We sat down and he played records, he opened up his crates to me…He was open…just real chill.”

The second installment of the series features Cypress Hill, and each week additional films will be released on Tuesday and Friday, from one of the headliners.

Fans can expect to see short films by artists like Mobb Deep, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Common, Raekwon and others.

Meanwhile, Ghosface, Raekwon and Mobb Deep recently embarked on the 18-date Rock the Bells mini-tour, which consists of 18 dates throughout the country, at various House of Blues locations.

Check out the clip of Nas explaining the inspiration behind Illmatic below:

Lil Wayne Gets Nine Stitches After Skateboarding Accident in Missouri

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Rapper Lil’ Wayne was rushed to hospital yesterday (August 21st), after an accident involving a skateboard.

According to Fox2 News in Missouri, Lil Wayne was in St. Louis, performing at the Verizon wireless amphitheater. He visited a local skateboard park, where the accident occurred.

Lil Wayne required 9 stitches to close the wound, after he crashed at a local skateboard park.

“The Lou was good but I busted my fuggin head at the sk8park! 9 stitches! Gnarly gash over my left eye! Luv the people!”

Lil Wayne has already been released, where he addressed the matter on Twitter.

In related news, Lil Wayne has announced that its highly anticipated album Tha Carter IV will drop the day after his highly anticipated performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday (August 28th).

“I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea. I hope that I can open the door for others,” Lil Wayne said.

The album will be in stores exclusively online, prior to its release to physical stores on August 30th.

“The MTV Video Music Awards are one of the most watched and respected shows in the industry,” added Cash Money CEO Ronald “Slim” Williams. “Wayne is one of the most respected and prolific artists in the industry. By pairing the release of Tha Carter IV with the VMAs, it will certainly add to the overall anticipation and excitement for fans everywhere for what will surely be an unforgettable evening.”