Kanye West gets 9 BET Hip-Hop Awards nominations

ATLANTA – Kanye West might still be under fire for his controversial act on MTV, but the ranting rapper could be looking at plenty of praise from BET next month.

West has received nine nominations for the fourth annual BET Hip-Hop Awards, which will be televised Oct. 27. The rapper caused a stir Sunday after he interrupted 19-year-old country singer Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards.

The 32-year-old West's latest album, "808 & Heartbreak," has sold over a million copies.

Jay-Z and Lil Wayne drew the second-most nominations with seven apiece, while T.I. received six nods.

The network will also recognize veteran rapper Ice Cube with the "I Am Hip-Hop" icon award. The show will be hosted by comedian Mike Epps.

Snoop's New Girl?

Rap legend Snoop Dogg has never been known to be Mr. Romantic. Do remember this is the same guy that showed up to the VMA’s one year with two women in dog collars and leashes… However Snoop is also a family man and loving father as we have seen on his fraudelnt VH1 sham, I meant show, Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood. However there has always been rumors of him running around on his longtime wife, and recently another one is popping up after the Dogg was seen woofing it up with some Parisian dimepiece.

Snoop was recently in Paris doing some shows when several pics of him and the unknown lady above were snapped. Eyewitnesses there say the two spent all night together and danced very closely on the dance floor. There are even some pics of Snoop and her damn near making out on the dance floor!

I gotta say a little bit of discretion never hurt anybody Snoop. This chick is bad though. I wonder if this is just a jumpoff or something more serious? Snoop did try divorcing his wife once already…
Rap legend Snoop Dogg has never been known to be Mr. Romantic. Do remember this is the same guy that showed up to the VMA’s one year with two women in dog collars and leashes… However Snoop is also a family man and loving father as we have seen on his fraudelnt VH1 sham, I meant show, Snoop Dogg’s Fatherhood. However there has always been rumors of him running around on his longtime wife, and recently another one is popping up after the Dogg was seen woofing it up with some Parisian dimepiece.

Snoop was recently in Paris doing some shows when several pics of him and the unknown lady above were snapped. Eyewitnesses there say the two spent all night together and danced very closely on the dance floor. There are even some pics of Snoop and her damn near making out on the dance floor!

I gotta say a little bit of discretion never hurt anybody Snoop. This chick is bad though. I wonder if this is just a jumpoff or something more serious? Snoop did try divorcing his wife once already…

Hip Hop News: Omarion Dropped From Young Money

Omarion Dropped From Young Money

With all the latest rumors surrounding Bow Wow joining the Young Money roster, there have been even more rumors circulating that R&B singer and former B2K member Omarion has been dropped from the label. Mack Maine, the company’s president has indeed confirmed the rumors to be true.

For those who don’t know much about Young Money or Mack Maine, Lil Wayne HQ states:

“Young Money Entertainment aka Young Moola is an American hip-hop record label which was founded in 2003 by Lil Wayne. The distributing label is Universal Music Group and the label is an imprint of Cash Money Records. The president of Young Money is Mack Maine who took over from Cortez Bryant in 2009.”

Back in early June, it was reported that Omarion had just signed with Young Money. According to Billboard:

“Drake hasn't finalized his highly-anticipated major label deal yet, but friend and collaborator Omarion, who appeared on Drake's popular So Far Gone mixtape, has found a label home. Omarion has signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money imprint, becoming Drake's labelmate. Speculation about the signing started when fellow singer, Tyrese, posted a Twitter message several days ago congratulating him on his new deal. Omarion took to his own Twitter page just yesterday (June 1) and confirmed that he is indeed signed to Young Money.”

While keeping his comment brief and the details limited, Mack Maine told SOHH.com that the label had to cut business ties with O.

"Omarion is no longer with Young Money," he said via a written statement. "May God be with him and his future endeavors."

Omarion has yet to comment on this situation. I wonder what the reason was and if it had anything to do with Bow Wow joining the team? Stay tuned for further information on this subject!

Hip Hop News: Jay-Z and Beyonce's Bodyguard Get Physical With Paparazzi

First Kanye, and now Jay-Z is in an all out battle with the paparazzi. It was initially reported by PerezHilton.com that Jay attacked a member of the paparazzi while in Croatia vacationing with wifey Beyonce. However, the details are still emerging but have revealed that it was not Jay-Z but the bodyguard for both Jay and Beyonce who was involved in the alteration. Reportedly, the bodyguard has been charged with assault and destruction of personal property with a television reporter. There have been many different stories but according to TMZ:

“Croation law enforcement tells TMZ Jay's bodyguard has been charged with destroying personal property and assault -- based on a complaint filed by the reporter who got into a scuffle with Jay and Beyonce's entourage late last night. Video of the incident surfaced on the 'net earlier today showing the whole confrontation -- including the part where the reporter throws his camera sticks at Jay's hired muscle ... and the hired muscle throws the sticks into the Adriatic Sea.”

According to Hip Hop Wired, the incident was allegedly sparked by photographers and paparazzi and The Crotian Times suggests that Jay requested his bodyguard to do physical harm to the cameraman.

“As they were leaving dinner Tuesday night, the cameras were continuing to go off and the three tried to find their escape route by jumping onto a boat that would take them out to their yacht, but met hostility as one of the photographers proceeded to throw his tripod which cracked the bodyguard in his back. Everyone in their mind knows exactly what their reaction would be to a situation such as this but their bodyguard should be commended for his choice of response. Julius responded by throwing the piece of property in the ocean and giving the royal salute, along with Jay-Z, by way of the middle finger.”

Allegedly the bodyguard pushed the cameraman away urging him to not film the couple. The Crotian Times report:

“The couple was followed by their bodyguard, who pushed a cameraman away and told him not to film the singer. The daily 24 sata has reported Beyonce went to the city centre, where she encountered another cameraman, Dragan Banovic, 57. When the same bodyguard saw Banovic, he punched him, causing him to drop his camera. The bodyguard hit Banovic three more times after he got back up and then threw his camera into some water. Jay Z allegedly told the bodyguard to throw the cameraman into the water.”

I don’t believe in violence but when will the paparazzi learn to leave people alone. I’m sure they clearly got warning signs that said Jay and B were not in the mood for photographers. Hey, everyone is entitled to one bad day. Neither Jay nor B have yet to make a comment regarding this incident.

Watch Footage of the Bodyguard Incident Below:

'Run This Town' Video Leaked, Beyonce's Cousin Tweets About Rihanna and Cassie

We were all anxious to see the video for the hottest single of the summer 'Run This Town' from Jay-Z featuring Rihanna and Kanye West. Little did we know that it wouldn't get the appropriate premiere that it deserves, but instead got leaked online last night. Unlike the usual video leaks, the entire video was leaked instead of just parts, which leaves someone on the production team in question. Too bad for them.. Good for us...

Check out the Video Below:

Beyonce's Cousin Tweets About Rihanna and Cassie

According to Bossip.com Beyonce's cousin/Tour Manager was caught running off at the lip about Rihanna. Cuzo was caught talking issh about Cassie's crazy new haircut and Rihanna's presence on 'Run This Town'. Like most of us 'TheBossMB' was wondering what possessed Hova to put Rihanna on the hook on this song. Yea we understand the business side about giving her a post Chris Brown come back song, but he coulda made a classic with the likes of Beyonce or Mary J. Blige. Like Beyonce's cousin put it 'she sound like a cat hurt in the alley'. Hey.. His words not ours..

HiP HoP News: Behind The Scenes at C-Ride "Money Round Here" Video Shoot

Recently C-Ride shot a video for his first single "Money Round Here" ft T-Pain. C-Ride had been on the grind for a minute and putting out mixtape after mixtape which lead him to get the attention of Super Producers Cool & Dre then to his deal with Polo Grounds/J Records with records like "Pushin" & "Sittin On Da Porch". After signing to Polo Grounds/J Records it seemed as though C-Ride was being shelved and Polo Grounds was only pushing Hurricane Chris, but C-Ride continued to work on his craft and build a bigger buzz for himself. Now powered by new management and Stacks Entertainment. C-Ride is back and bringing T-Pain with him. Below are a few photos from the video which should be dropping soon so be on the look out for that.

Mary J. Blige to be Guest-Judge on American Idol

New York, NY – American Idol has been covering major headlines in the media as of late, especially after the sudden departure of original judge Paula Abdul. Lately, to fill the vacant seat that Abdul left open, the network had scheduled special guest-judges to appear alongside that of Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell. So far, Fox announced Victoria ‘Posh Spice’ Beckham and Katy Perry to fill the seat during auditions for this season. Now the most recent to be added to that list has been the Queen of R&B/Soul herself, Mary J. Blige.

According to People.com, the Grammy-award winning R&B starlet has signed on and will be a guest-judge when the American Idol team heads to Atlanta. Beckham’s last day at judging was on Friday when the team wrapped up in Boston. Sources close to Beckham told People.com that the former Spice Girl fit good chemistry with the other judges.

This was what one of the sources told People:

“The judges and production team have been having a lot of fun with Victoria. She's had a great response so far, and has been really warm with the contestants.”

Days before her guest-judging would begin, Beckham spoke Ryan Seacrest about her approach into American Idol and how she plans to decipher over everything that’s brought to the table. These were her comments:

“I want to be nice to people. I know how it feels to stand there and be judged, and how it can feel when nerves get the better of you. I don't want to shatter anybody's dream, but at the same time, there's nothing wrong with constructive criticism.”

At press time, Fox Entertainment continues their search in finding a suitable replacement to fill the seat that Paula Abdul left suddenly vacant. The network has plans on looking for someone that mesh well with the other three judges as well as give the show a ‘different dynamic.’

Keep posted to 24hourhiphop.com for updated news as Fox continues their search for the new American Idol judge.

Now this is news, the Queen is going to be a guest-judge on the longest and hottest running show on network television, this I can’t wait to see. Now I know her and Simon are going to bump heads, it might even be quite humorous, we’ll just have to wait and see. If you ask me, she needs to be the one who fill Paula’s vacant seat permanently, that would really be something. Fox needs to consider that for a second.

Flo Rida Weighs In on his Nomination at the 2009 MTV VMAs

New York, NY – I think it’s safe to say that Flo Rida has been up on his game as of late, especially after the release of ‘R.O.O.T.S.’ several months back. The man sold over 700,000 digital downloads of ‘Right Round’ in one week’s time and continues to dominate the charts with every other single he releases; its official the fans can’t get enough of Flo Rida.

Last year, Flo was nominated at the VMAs under the category ‘Best Hip-Hop Video’ with ‘Low.’ This year, he will be back in the building once again this time taking his ‘Right Round’ video, nominated in the same category as last year, up against heavy hitters that include: Jay-Z’s D.O.A. (Death of Autotune), Kanye West’s ‘Love Lockdown,’ Eminem’s ‘We Made You,’ and Asher Roth’s ‘I Love College.’ With the heavyweight rivals he is up against this, you would assume that Flo would have a slight bit of worry, well according to the Miami MC; he’s actually taking everything in stride. He recently spoke with MTV News about the upcoming award show and weighed in on his nomination amongst his rivals.

These were his comments:

“I look forward to going [to the VMAs] and just enjoying myself. It means a lot to me. I can recall being in Las Vegas [where he once lived] and watching the music awards [in Miami] and seeing Jay-Z up for an award, and now here I am in the same category. I definitely look up to these guys. And even the newcomers you can learn from.”

The video was directed by R. Malcolm Jones and it depicts Flo being digitally transported from different clubs all over the world. The pivotally intensive record samples 80’s band Dead or Alive’s hit ‘You Spin Me Round.’ It has become Flo’s second blockbuster hit since 2008’s Low that featured vocalist T-Pain.

At press time, the 2009 MTV Awards has been scheduled to air on Sunday, September 13 at 9pm ET. Flo is set to be in concert in this year’s Summer Fest in Miami on August 22 at the American Airlines Arena alongside heavyweights like Akon, Plies, T-Pain, and Keri Hilson.

Flo has come a long way with his music to becoming that major international status that every artist dreams of. 24hourhiphop.com would like to extend our congratulations to Flo Rida for being nominated a second time in a row on the VMAs. We’ll be checking for you at the Summer Fest in the upcoming weeks. Be on the lookout for Flo performing at this year’s Miss Universe pageant as well.

Drake Discusses On-Stage Collapse

New York, NY – It has been weeks since Drake had to undergo knee surgery and he is still every bit in recovery from that. The Toronto MC was at the highlight of his music career and at the time he wasn’t going to allow some thrown knee ligaments to keep him down, he was going to do what he did best, perform for his fans. Apparently days before the BET Awards in June, Drake injured himself while playing basketball. That injury, however, wasn’t going to stop him from headlining at the awards, nor keep him from his commitment to tour with Young Money on their America’s Most Wanted Music. He went forth continued on with his music regardless of the amount of pain he was in.

Not even five dates into his first major tour; the Philadelphia show stopped him for good. It was during the performance of his hit ‘Best I Ever Had’ when he re-injured his knee when he ran across the stage. He collapsed from all the pain that adhered directly to his knee and had to be carried off stage. The injury was quite severe as he tore his ACL, MCL, and MCL. A video clip of his fall later surfaced on the net that same night and put a lot of his fans in shock and worry. Drake recently spoke to MTV News about the collapse and explained what the video didn’t show.

These were his comments:

“What the footage doesn't show is that I actually came out of the sky that night. I was 20 feet in the air on a little platform. Philadelphia was the only sold-out show on the tour — 25,000 people. And before they see me, I see them for about five seconds. I was staring out into the crowd and literally ... when I landed on that platform, I blacked out and really forgot I was injured. I was just so full of adrenaline, so happy to be there, it kind of set in for me. I remember on the ‘I Am Music’ tour, the reaction was great. But these were my songs. These are songs people know and love and we really made this happen in a short time. I was just enjoying myself. I had the mic and I was really going. And when 'Best I Ever Had' came on, I felt like dancing. It was a great moment. I wanted to run across stage, I wanted to jump into the crowd.”

His knee gave out halting him from continuing the show, killing his excitement altogether. Once that video clip surfaced on the net, Drake states that many of his friends texted him telling him to stay off the leg. Those friends even included NBA stars such as: Chris Paul and LeBron James. Jamie Foxx even spoke to him personally, one on one, about minding his well-being.

At press time, Drake is in the process completing tracks for his upcoming debut, while back in Toronto. His doctors have told him to stay off his feet as much as possible, not to put pressure on his knee. While he is completely off the tour with Young Money, that didn’t stop him from making one last cameo appearance when tour stopped in his hometown. He walked on stage with a cane to perform his other hit, ‘Successful.’

I can understand his dedication to music, especially when his songs just recently became hits, but I think he’s pushing himself a little bit too hard. Hopefully when his debut officially drops, he’ll be back on his feet ready to hit the stage. And he also needs to stop playing ball like he’s in the damn NBA; how the hell do you tear ligaments in your knee playing regular ball, unless you dunking kind of hard there? Either way, he needs to stay in the studio and off his feet so he can get back to the music.

BOW WOW SIGNS TO CASH MONEY

Bow Wow took to UStream and Twitter on Sunday night to make the big announcement he'd been teasing his fans with for some time: "It's official, I'm a Cash Money Millionaire," he told his thousands of viewers and followers. This news immediately threw Twitter.com in a frenzy and sparked the #signedtocashmoney Trending Topic with a few posts that are sure to get a good laugh out of you.

The rapper had parted ways with his longtime label, Columbia Records, earlier this year. In previous Twitter dispatches, he explained he was deciding between two recording options: T.I.'s Grand Hustle camp through Atlantic Records or relaunching So So Def when Jermaine Dupri signed a new deal.

In the end, a third option emerged.

"We had two sit-downs," Bow Wow said of meeting with Cash Money. "Upon the first sit-down, I called [co-CEO Birdman] and told him what I wanted to do. So it was a no-brainer. He was like, 'Bow, you always been family. Next to Wayne, I look at you like my son. If you not with JD, you with us.' From there, it was a done deal. So I wanna thank [him], Slim and Wayne."

Bow Wow's addition to the Cash Money collective follows the announcement that Omarion had inked with Lil Wayne's Young Money imprint. The two moves, along with Drake's signing, are a far cry from the label's early days when the Hot Boyz — a cast that included Wayne, Juvenile, B.G. and Young Turk — were the central act. Now, with a stable of rapping matinee idols, the crew boasts a lineup as deep as any label.

"We all want to win, and in order to do that, we have to cover all bases," Bow said. "With me coming to Cash Money, I bring something to the table that hasn't been there in their history. I bring the whole Hollywood side, from that perspective."

Bow Wow said he'll also continue to work with mentor Jermaine Dupri. "He's always gonna be there right by my side," Bow said.

Next up, the rapper said he'll release the Greenlight mixtape, followed by a single in late November and a new album tentatively set for release by the end of the year.

Mariah Carey Pushes Back the Release of ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’

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New York, NY – MC is another artist that has also been in and out of the news as of late, however, some of headlines haven’t actually been on the up and up. It goes without saying that her latest single ‘Obsessed’ is a real chart topper, but at the same time also an open direct diss towards her public enemy, Eminem. Within weeks of the release of the single and the video, an enraged Slim Shady responded with a powerful diss track towards Nick Cannon and wife MC with interesting lyrics that state some real personal attributes between the two artists. So the question that lingers could this be the reason why Carey could be delaying the release of her twelfth studio album ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel?’

The date change was posted on her website, www.mariahcarey.com, this past Thursday (August 13). With no specific or official reasoning behind the sudden delay all that was posted was a statement saying that she wants to add some finishing touches. The album has officially been pushed back 2 weeks from the originally date posted initially.

This was the statement that was posted along with the date change:

“Mariah is putting the finishing touches on her newest album, Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel, and we have shifted all of our TV and promo appearances to coincide with the new release date of September 29th. We can't wait for the fans to hear the new album!!”

The news comes on the same day that MC announced that she was canceling her live performance on the ‘Today Show’ on August 28 during their concert series. She has since been replaced by Miley Cyrus.

At press time, ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’ has been officially pushed back from a September 15 to a September 29 release.

Keep posted to 24hourhiphop.com for more updated news on Mariah Carey and her upcoming album.

Drake Sends his Apologies to Head of Universal Motown

New York, NY – The quick rising Toronto MC has been in and out of the news as of late, especially after his recovery from his recent knee surgery. Drake’s media headlines would almost always be on a positive note, but this time he is apologizing for certain comments he made about the head of Universal Motown, Sylvia Rhone.

The story behind his comments is actually a part of a deeper story before his initial signing. Many of his fans might not be aware, but a track entitled ‘Say What’s Real’ off his latest mixtape ‘So Far Gone,’ he made some interesting comments about the executive of the label and also during an interview. MTV News recently caught up with Drake and spoke upon those suggest comments he directed towards Rhone and the label. He apologized for comments stating that at the time it was ‘emotionally charged.’

These were his comments:

“I can definitely say for me, for furthering the negativity, I can definitely say I apologize. I don't know her personally to discredit her character. It's not the right thing to do.”

While it was reported that Drake secured a deal directly to his management company through Universal Republic for distribution, instead of Universal directly, it seems as through the tension between two reach a high level this passing week. It was then that Fader Magazine reported Drake stating comments that included: ‘I Don’t Fuck with Motown at all’ in an upcoming issue. This all lead to Billboard stating that Universal Motown has gotten fed up with his comments and demanded that the Motown stamp be put on all his material.

Drake explained to MTV News the reason behind his outburst and that he held a personal vendetta against Universal Motown for something that occurred while he was still an aspiring artist. He stated that they called off a meeting when he was still a rookie in the industry, admitting that though it is common, it was the first time the music industry hurt him emotionally:

There's a lot of people with schedules beyond the average person's comprehension and at times they prioritize. And a new artist that has made this long journey [to meet] from another country, they may not be their biggest priority, so they may get pushed to the side. The situation, I don't want to get into too many details. It was basically [me] feeling trapped. I was courted by somebody and then they just axed everything. I was stuck. They disappeared. And I couldn't find anybody to talk to about the situation. And then to meet again a year later and to have this person forget they ever met me and say that I should go meet at their office so we can talk about signing me. I was kind of in one of those moments like, For real? [But] everybody has those moments where things aren't gonna go perfect.

And with the tension that has built up lately across the industry, Drake wants to sends his apologies to Rhone and Universal Motown to calm the situation before it gets further out of hand.

“I was looking for an opportunity recently to apologize for how vicious I've been, not to say I negate my feelings — I still feel strongly about it. But I'm a person that usually handles things with much more tact.”

Lil Wayne’s Legal Woes

New York, NY – The acclaimed best rapper alive and possibly the busiest artist in the industry, the last thing that Lil Wayne needs to add to his already overly occupied roster is that of his legal entanglements that he got into sometime in 2007. Wayne recently appeared briefly in a Manhattan court this past Tuesday (August 11) for hearing that involved an ongoing case stemming from his arrest from gun possession charges following his first headlining show in New York of that year.

Wayne’s lawyer, Stacey Richman, is still in a battle with the courts over the DNA evidence that was introduced in the prosecution. According to court documents, the gun involved in the case is legally registered to Wayne’s manager, Cortez Bryant. The District Attorney involved in the case is still trying to pen the gun to Lil Wayne.

Richman recently spoke to MTV News about the DNA evidence involved in the case and gave these comments in response to his client’s case:

“It's about whether or not we get a hearing to evaluate whether this type of DNA evidence is admissible; it's not accepted anywhere else in the country. Los Angeles just rejected it March 18th. It's problematic. People assume DNA [is accurate], but that's not the facts. And there's great concern. It's not just a Lil Wayne case, but all citizens. You don't want a rubber-stamp procedure that could potentially convict thousands of innocent people.”

At press time, the case has been adjourned until the next court hearing that has been rescheduled for next month where Lil Wayne will have to appear. Wayne is currently on tour with his Young Money family alongside Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy, Jeremih, and Pleasure P on their pivotal America’s Most Wanted Music Tour presented by Young Money. He is scheduled to rejoin the tour this Wednesday where he has a performance in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ghostface Killah Discusses Possible Album with Raekwon & Method Man, Lil Wayne's Legal Woes

Ghostface Killah Discusses Possible Album with Raekwon & Method Man

New York, NY – It has been quite some time since we’ve heard Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, and Method Man on the same song, let alone the same album. The most recent was on the long awaited sequel to Meth and Red’s Blackout album on the track entitled ‘Four Minutes to Lock Down.’ Now it seems as though after that amazing track we might be looking at the beginning of an album idea that could include all three with possible features from the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan.

Ghostface recently spoke to MTV News concerning the potential idea and went in depth on what to expect from the iconic trio.

These were his comments:

“We ain't got no title for it, but they been wanting to do that for a while, maybe like the past two years. I was always with it. I think that right now, everybody is in that position to do it now. I think within the next two months, everybody will start collecting beats. Everybody goes in — he's got four songs, I got four songs, [Meth] has four. Start coming around like that and seeing what we can do. Make a little phat tight one. I told Meth the other day, 'It's gotta be phat and tight. We don't need 16, 19 joints on there. Nah, nah, nah — 12 phat bullets. We do it like that, and that's it.' That's gonna happen soon. It will probably be out by the end of the year or January, and that's that.”

Ghostface even shed some light on the upcoming ‘Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II:’

“Rae got darts, his beats were up to par. He was doing what he gotta do. It's good, man. People wanna see that. Rae's been like, 'Cuban Linx coming, Cuban Linx is coming' for years. Muthafuckas was like, 'Yo, when is it coming, B?' Now he's finally finished it, and he's gonna put it out September 8.”

Its official, some of the original members of the notorious Wu-Tang has returned from a long hiatus and now with the news of a trio album involving Ghost, Rae, and Meth, it is good to know that Hip-Hop is back on the forefront. I’m quite positive that fans can’t wait to see what these three put together as of production and content. At press time, there has yet to be any official date or title to their upcoming trio album.

South Florida Summer Fest Returns for 2009

Miami, FL – South Florida summers have always sizzled with entertainment all across the city limits. We are predominantly the party city of the U.S. from Labor Day to Memorial Day, we keep it poppin.’ This summer, through Vision Entertainment Worldwide, Miami will be hosting the concert of the year at biggest venue in the South, the American Airlines Arena, Home of the NBA Champions, Miami Heat. The weekend of the Summer Fest Concert is already looking to be quite prosperous as many artists and celebrities are scheduled to be in attendance at the show and the various clubs across the city limits.

On Saturday, August 22, 2009, a plethora artists that include Akon, Ne-Yo, Plies, T-Pain, Keri Hilson, Wynter, and South Florida’s own Flo Rida, Brisco, Black Dada, Casely and a whole lot more will be performing live all in Tribute to Life of Michael Jackson the King of Pop.

Here is the official press release provided by Rhona Fox, Inc.:

"MIAMI, FL (RHONA FOX, INC.) - Vision Entertainment Worldwide is proud to present the most spectacular concert of the year as South Florida Summer Fest 2009 descends with a sizzling lineup of the biggest stars in the game today. Headliners Akon, Ne-Yo, Flo Rida, Keri Hilson and T-Pain will take centerstage on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. They will be joined by Plies, Black Dada, Brisco, Casely, Wynter Gordon and many special surprise guests for this summer showdown.

Billed as a special tribute to the 'King of Pop', Summer Fest 2009 gathers the hottest acts for one day on one stage in honor of Michael Jackson. A potpourri dominated by chart-topping pop, R&B, rap and hip-hop hit makers, Summer Fest 2009 is sure to satisfy all music palates.

"I've been all over the country spreading the number one tunes and it will be great to return to my roots to perform for everyone at home," states Flo Rida, who will break from tour to represent for Miami and his hometown fans. "There's nothing like a party in Miami during the summer so I hope to see everyone there."

"I'm looking forward to paying tribute to the 'King of Pop,'" reveals Black Dada, the latest South Florida artist that's causing a major buzz. "He has influenced us all." Black Dada will be joining the rest of the lineup for the festivities surrounding the concert, including the Summer Fest Press Party on Friday, August 21 at the Eden Roc Hotel and the Summer Fest Pre-Party later that night at Mansion in Miami.

Summer Fest 2009 is sponsored by Explore Talent, Roller Razor and Bullets 4 Peace, and welcomes The Source as a media partner this year. For more information, log on to www.southfloridasummerfest.com, and www.ticketmaster.com or www.aaarena.com to purchase tickets and for venue details. Please direct all media requests to RHONA FOX, INC. at publicity@rhonafoxinc.com."

Earlier this year, Vision Entertainment Worldwide brought to the fans ‘T.I.’s Farewell Concert’ at the same venue with major artists that included Lloyd, Sean Paul, Wynter, Young Jeezy, and T.I. as the main headliner.

Be on the lookout for 24hourhiphop.com as we will be in the building reviewing the show providing our dedicated readers with some video of the show with artist and fan comments with photos.

Here is the TV Spot Teaser:

Next In Line Empress Raw: Royalty

24: Introduce yourself to everyone and let them know where you’re representing?

Empress Raw: I go by the name of Wilameana Jones aka Empress R.A.W and I represent Dade County also known as the The Mi-Yayo, 305 stand up!

24: What do you feel your bringing to the music world and what
separates you from the next new artist?

Empress Raw: I definitely am bringing a fresh and new approach to the game. I'm bringing something that the world has never experienced before from a female rapper. I’m creating my own lane. I pride myself on being an Entertainer. I’m remolding the culture and I’m a chameleon I have the ability to go from one creative extreme to the next.

24: Who were some artist that you would say influence you musically and are there any female artist today that you like maybe someone like Nicki MinaJ who has the internet/streets buzzing right now?

Empress Raw: I am very animated with a lot of my rhymes. I am influenced by artists such as T.I, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Brisco and Mary. J Blidge to name a few. I respect Nicki Minaj
and any other females on the grind because it’s not easy for females to get on in this male dominated industry and I definitely understand that sex sells. But that’s not what I’m on, I miss artists like Eve to a Queen Latifah. They made a statement and were able to transcend into other areas in the entertainment business without selling pussy raps. I’m aiming to make an impact by embracing my sexiness but standing for more.

24: Tell about some the projects you’re currently working on?

Empress Raw: I am currently working on a street album/mix tape but in the meantime I have been pushing my latest single produced by House of Bangers called “Hellow”(Look @ Me Now).

24: Do you feel any added pressure trying to make labels notice you and give you a shot compared to if you were a male up and coming artist?

Empress Raw: There is definitely more pressure as a female rapper we are at the bottom of the food chain in this business. There is not even a category on major award shows for female rappers anymore. It’s
like were becoming extinct! That is exactly why I started a movement on www.coredjradio.ning.com/groups/djs4femalerap. To create unity amongst females and to bring awareness that there are still many talented
female artists that’s on their grind and we deserve a shot.

24: Who are some of the producers you have been working with and who would you love to work with in the near future?

Empress Raw: I’ve worked with Kochease, House of Bangers and a list of other great up and coming producers. In the near future I will be working with Gorilla Tek very soon. I would love to work with producers like Cool & Dre, The Runners, Kanye West, Shawty Red, Jim Jonsin, Swiss Beatz, Polow Da Don and Pharell.

24: At a time when the music industry is at an Up & Down state which would you what to sign to an Indie Label or a Major?

Empress Raw: Independent definitely is the way to go if you have a great team and great investors. It allows you to have more creative control and freedom. The only way I would want to sign with a major is
if they really believed in me! But an ideal deal for me would be an independent/major deal such a Flo Rida deal with Poe Boy Music Group/Atlantic or even Billy Blue who is on Poe Boy Music Group/Konvict/Interscope, and Ace Hood over at We the Best/Def Jam.

24: What should the readers look out for from you in 2009?

Empress Raw: I am going to be the next influential female entertainer that blazes on the scene hailing from Miami,FL.

24: How can someone find out more about to and check out your music?

Empress Raw: you can check my music out on www.myspace.com/empressraw, YoutTube at www.youtube.com/empressraw or www.coredjradio.ning.com/groups/djs4femalerap (join the mvmt) and
you can always tweet me up on Twitter at www.twitter.com/empressraw not to mention now here on 24HourHipHop.com.

24: Is there anything you want to say to the readers?

Empress Raw: It's ya girl Wilameana Jones aka the Empress R.A.W. A Empress is one who holds her own imperial title. Raw stands for (Real Authentic Women) aka the rawest bitch alive! I do this for my city Dade County stand up! Haters I appreciate you, you inspire me to go harder and let me know I’m doing something right. My supporters, fans, followers, I thank you for your encouragement. Two times for my
family and my true friends you know who you are. Thank you Jay and 24hourhiphop.com for giving me and other rising stars the opportunity to shine. I’m a free agent but I’m on my job so you can
Google me. For bookings and features contact Mitch: at (305) 975-0319 or empressraw@gmail.com.

RAF Crew New Hip Hop Champions

LAS VEGAS -- The World Hip Hop Dance Competition took place at the Orleans arena this weekend.

The competition was created by the executive producers of the hit MTV dance competition "America’s Best Dance Crew."

They pit crews from across the globe against each other in a two-part dance marathon.

“These dancers -- they're so focused, and they're incredible,” said judge Shane Sparks.

France's RAF Crew are the new champions in the adult division.

Yung Joc - The Grind Flu

01. Grind Flu (Feat. Montana Da Mac)[Prod. By Darryl "Cheeze" McCorkell]
02. Might As Well [Prod. By K.Rock]
03. Universal Language (Feat. Shawty Lo And Young Vett)[Prod. By Unknown And Malcolm Tariq Smith]
04. Drinks Up (Feat. Bobby Valentino, Gucci Mane, And Nitti) [Prod. By Chadron "Nitti" Moore]
05. DonÆt Be Scared (Feat. Ebony Love, Ricky G, And Donte’) [Prod. By James "Nesia" Lightfoot]
06. 500 Horses (Feat. Yung Ralph And Big A) [Prod. By Young Sears]
07. My Niggas [Prod. by James "Nesia" Lightfoot]
08. Posted At the Store (Feat. Gucci Mane And Yung Ralph)[Prod. by Trackslayerz Vakseen, LLC]
09. Wham (Feat. Slim Of 112)[Prod. By Nitti And Blaze Burna]
10. Grind Flu Skit (Feat. Roc)
11. Over (Feat. Cupid, Polo, The Game, And Carlito) [Prod. By Jay-T]
12. Birds (Feat. Gucci Mane, Nikki Minaj, And OJ Da Juiceman)[Prod. By Drumma Boy]
13. Make A Movie (Feat. DJ Khaled) [Prod. By Drumma Boy]
14. So (Feat. Mia X)[Prod. By James "Nesia" Lightfoot]
15. Counterfeit (Feat. Tuck)[Prod. By K-Rock]
16. Check (Feat. Montana Da Mac And SS)[Prod. By James "Nesia" Lightfoot]
17. Choose Me (Feat. Chris Brown And Pleasure P)[Prod. By Infinity]
18. Winner (Feat. Masspike Miles)[Prod. By Twice As Nice]

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE TRACKS

Hip-Hop Defined

Hip-hop is a form of popular music that's comprised mainly of emceeing, and deejaying. The other two components that complete the four elements of hip-hop are graffiti and breakdancing.

As hip-hop evolves into big business, the four elements (emceeing, deejaying, graffiti, and breakdancing) are constantly being merged with others like clothing trends, slang, and general mindset.

Rap Vs. Hip-Hop:

Rap is a form of music that stemmed from hip-hop culture. Hip hop is a lifestyle with its own lingo, dress code, etc. In the words of KRS-One, "hip-hop is something you live, rap is something you do."

Hip-Hop Started in the Bronx:

A product of cross-cultural integration, rap is deeply rooted within ancient African culture and oral tradition. Hip-hop is believed to have originated in the Bronx by a Jamaican DJ named Kool Herc. Herc's style of deejaying involved reciting rhymes over instrumentals. At house parties, Herc would rap with the microphone, using a myriad of in-house references. Duplicates of Herc's house parties soon drifted through Brooklyn, Manhattan. Herc and other block party DJs helped spread the message of hip-hop around town and spawned tons of followers.

Humble Beginnings:

Some of the earliest rap songs ever recorded include "King Tim III (Personality Jock)" by Fatback Band and "Rapper’s Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang. The latter reached the #36 spot on the Billboard charts (a huge feat by 1970's standards), thus demonstrating hip-hop's ability to draw commercial appeal.