Hip Hop News

Rapper’s 2007 Hit At the Center of Dispute
6:00AM ET December 16th, 2010
Contributor : Stephen Willis
A Rocky Williform Company

A lawsuit filed against 50 Cent and several other parties claims that the rapper stole the instrumental track for his 2007 hit “I Get Money.” Lawyers for Tyrone Simmons, an Atlanta rapper who goes by “Caliber,” filed a copyright infringement lawsuit Wednesday (December 15) in federal court in Brooklyn.

Naming 50, the track’s producer, and several companies, the lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. It alleges that Simmons had bought the rights to the instrumental track, and that 50 Cent and others used it illegally. According to the Associated Press, a representative for 50 Cent’s record company declined comment.

“The misappropriation of copyright-protected material is an endemic problem in the music business, and particularly in the genre of hip-hop/rap. This is one such case,” said Louis D. Tambaro, an attorney at Red Bank, N.J.-based Marks & Klein, LLP, which represents Simmons. “Our client was granted exclusive rights to the ‘I Get Money’ instrumental and was unceremoniously cut out of the loop when the defendants realized they had a huge hit on their hands.”

Raymond Adderly Killed In Front of His Wife & Kids
6:00AM ET December 16th, 2010
Contributor : Hip Hop Blog Staff
A Rocky Williform Company

A man associated with Rick Ross was shot and killed on the night of December 14 in front of his wife and children. Raymond Adderly was arriving home from a Christmas party with his family when intruders entered his home and killed him. Police are seeking multiple suspects.

“We’re in shock. It’s awful. It’s awful my nephews and sister have to go through this during the holidays,” Gentry Chambers, Adderly’s brother-in-law told WSVN Channel 7 News.

It is unclear what connection Adderly had to Ross, but family members have stated that the two were associates and that the victim was an aspiring rapper.

Lakers Star Launches Artest Media Group
6:00AM ET December 16th, 2010
Contributor : Chris G.
A Rocky Williform Company

Los Angeles Lakers forward Ron Artest has launched a new indie record label, Artest Media Group. The label wants established hip hop acts and is also looking to develop talent that it currently has on its roster. The label will be distributed by San Francisco based label, SMC Recordings; and it is Artest’s second independent rap label, following his Tru Warier imprint.

“I am really happy to partner with SMC, this will be my first real shot of getting the music of myself and my new artists out,” Ron Artest said. “I love music and I love my fans so I am looking forward to sharing this with them.”

Rapper Going Back To Prison For A Year
1:00PM ET December 16th, 2010
Contributor : Hip Hop Blog Staff
A Rocky Williform Company

Troubled rapper DMX had his probation revoked in an Arizona court today, and as a result, will be returning to prison for a year. The Maricopa County Superior Court revoked the rap star’s probation from 2009, when he was convicted on fraud charges, identity theft, assault and other misdemeanor charges.

He was released on probation this past summer, but was arrested on November 18th for failing to check in with probation officers and abusing prescription drugs without a prescription.

He then tested positive for cocaine and oxyconti and admitted to drinking alcohol–all of which are violations of his probation.

Police Entered Rapper’s Looking For Drugs, Prostitution
3:00PM ET December 16th, 2010
Contributor : Hip Hop Blog Staff
A Rocky Williform Company

The home of Atlanta rapper Waka Flocka Flame was raided this morning (December 16) in search of drugs and after reports of prostitution. According to TMZ, Henry County police officers descended upon Waka’s house looking for evidence of drugs and found marijuana, weapons and handcuffed rapper Gucci Mane, who runs 1017 Bricksquad, the label imprint with whom Waka is affiliated.

Waka Flocka was not there at the time of the raid, but police will file an arrest warrant in a matter of hours if the rapper does not return to his home to submit to questioning. Gucci Mane was subsequently freed from police custody.

Police also allegeldy found a Kel-Tec .223 sub-machine gun and a .40 Caliber semi-automatic.