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Are you ready for hip-hop fighting-game action? Activision has announced that it is teaming up with hip-hop act Wu-Tang Clan to create Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style, an arena-based fighting game for the PlayStation. Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style marks the first time an original video-game property has been designed specifically for a rap group. The game will feature three exclusive never-before-heard music tracks from the Clan. "The urban/Asian influences we use in our music will provide an original look and feel for a video game, especially a hard-core fighting game like Wu-Tang," said RZA, the creative force behind the Wu-Tang Clan. "We are huge video-game fans and are excited to be working with Activision to help us take our style to a whole new dimension. This game is going to be off the hook." Inspired by the Wu-Tang Clan's affinity for kung-fu films, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style is a fighting game that lets players assume the role of one of the nine Wu-Tang Clan members, including RZA, Method Man, and Ol' Dirty Bastard. The game's action-packed storyline challenges players to master the art of fighting as they attack, block, and counterattack menacing enemies in ten realistic urban and ancient arenas modeled after New York and China. Wu-Tang's Shaolin martial arts philosophy is incorporated into the game's story mode, which features 36 chambers that correspond to the 36 death points found on the human body. Players must complete each chamber to unlock secret doors and gain additional special moves. Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style gives gamers the option to team with or against each other with its two- to four-person multiplayer mode. The game will also include a practice mode where players can learn their character's unique moves. Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style is scheduled for a release this fall.
Info taken from - www.videogames.com

Shyheim's forthcoming LP 'Me Vida Loca' is said to feature a song dedicated to Big L(which may also feature Kool G Rap and Ras Kass) and another to his boy, Twin

The new GZA album will be an enhanced CD

Killah Priest is ready to record for his next album which will drop early next year

The wait will soon be over for RZA's, or shall we say Bobby Digital's movie. On Thursday, May 13, a sneak preview of the upcoming Bobby Digital - The Movie will take place at Manhattan's Spy Bar. A spokesperson for Meridian Entertainment, who handles Wu-Tang's publicity, told Vibe online that RZA has gotten offers to put Bobby Digital in theaters. "There is no concrete release date because RZA is previewing the movie for distribution rights." Highlighted in the movie will be a new video for "Domestic Violence," from RZA's 1998 soundtrack album RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo. In addition, Killarmy and future upcoming Wu-Tang artists like Jammie Summers and MMO will be featured in the film. In related news, Wu-Tang Records will host a variety of parties and events at the Impact Convention in South Beach (Miami), Florida during the week of May 5-9. The following is a partial listing: Friday, May 7 - Wu-Tang Records Showcase & Welcome Home Ghostface Party at Club Amnesia; Saturday, May 8 - Private Wu-Tang Records DJ Reception (Invite Only) at Casa Grande.

Ghostface is getting out of jail next week.

Cappadonna is on Blackstar's track based on the unarmed black man who was shot at 41 times by police. Inspectah Deck also was supposed to be involved but couldn't make it to the recording date. The turnout was so great for this track, that they considered making an album. The proceeds of this single and/or album will go against police brutality.

The Hard Knock Life tour is dedicating the proceeds of their Denver show to the families of the victims of the Littleton shooting.

Loud Records just put Deck on their site's main page, and Mobb Deep finally has a definite date (May 18th according to CD Now Mobb fans), so Deck could finally get relased late May/ June

'Let It Reign' will be the first single from the soundtrack of Mack 10's film 'Thicker Than Water 'due out July 27th. Ice Cube, W.C. and Mack 10 reunited as Westside Connection last Saturday in Los Angeles to film a video for the song.

Jay-Z could be releasing a fourth album. Last week he was heard on the phone with Hot97 host Angie Martinez discussing plans of going back into the studio. He is planning his next album, to be released around Christmas.

Starting May 3rd, The Boondocks will begin appearing daily on UExpress.com, a website where users can read daily comic strips such as Calvin & Hobbs and Garfield.

The rumour about the Dope Show being on the Scream 3 soundtrack is false, but Master P is suppossed to be doing the soundtrack for the movie. So, it might be going under a different name. Big ups to Ryan Dutt for the info.

Blaze Online has learned that the second suspect arrested in connection with the brutal assault of Interscope Records executive Steve Stoute worked for Bad Boy Entertainment record mogul Sean "Puffy" Combs, who has been also been linked to the incident. According to police, Paul Offord, who turned himself in to authorities Tuesday afternoon, is head of Puffy's security team. "He (Offord) was charged with second-degree assault and criminal mischief," officer Chris Cottinghan said. "From what I know police are still looking for the third suspect." Offord plead not guilty at his arraignment Tuesday night with bail set at $15,000. Combs, Offord's boss, was arrested Friday and faces up to seven years in prison if convicted on the second-degree assault and criminal mischief charges. Offord, Combs and a third suspect allegedly stormed Stoute's Manhattan offices last Thursday and physically assaulted the label head with a chair, telephone and champagne bottle. Stoute, who also handles managing duties for Queensbridge, NY MC Nas, suffered a broken arm and numerous cuts and bruises. Combs and Offord both face a June 24th court date. The incident was reportedly sparked off by Puffy's displeasure over the way he was shown in Nas' new video "Hate Me Now," which premiered on MTV. Scenes from the video highlight Combs on a crucifixion mockingly saying, "I think I like this." The clip has been pulled by MTV until Columbia Records and Bad Boy settle the dispute.

Mechanical rock and roll animal Marilyn Manson may follow up his recent hip-hop collaboration with DMX by hooking up with No Limit mogul Master P. According to a spokesperson for No Limit Records, Master P and Manson are currently "in discussions" to remake "The Dope Show" for an as-yet-undetermined project, although an unconfirmed rumor has the song slated for the "Scream 3" soundtrack.

Last Thursday, MTV premiered 'Hate Me Now,' the new video from Nas featuring Puff Daddy. The debut would prove to be an auspicious one, as the airing of that being nailed to crosses) allegedly prompted a series of events that left Nas' manager with a fractured arm and Puffy facing charges of assault. "Once you commit... that's really not professional to do business like that really, I thought," Nas told MTV News on Tuesday of his reaction to Puffy's problems with the video. Nas, the man who now finds himself in the middle of the controversy, said that Puffy seemed to be fine with the video in early discussions about it. "It was like, I thought everything was going to be cool. Everybody was excited about it until like the last few seconds, so I was kind of upset." Nas, who was out of town when the alleged incident between his manager (Steve Stoute) and Puffy took place, added that he did not approve of what happened. "Really I felt that it was wrong, you know," Nas said. "I definitely felt that it was wrong. People would get excited too quick and would move too fast and you know, but I'm praying for a good outcome."

After appearing in such films as "Ride," "Caught," and "Half Baked," as well as in the straight-to-video flicks "Da Game of Life" and "MP:Da Last Don," rapper Snoop Dogg is now looking to add to his acting resume with a part in the new No Limit film, "Hot Boyz." Snoop has been cast as C-Dogg, a close confidant to the lead character, Kool, which will be played by fellow No Limit rapper Silkk the Shocker. The film, which was directed by Master P, also features Mystikal, C-Murder, Clifton Powell, A.J. Powell, and Gary Busey. In the film, Silkk's love interest is wrongfully accused of murder by a corrupt cop, and Silkk is forced to go undercover to help bust a drug kingpin in exchange for his girlfriend's release. "Hot Boyz" is expected to be released in August, the same month Snoop says he might start work on another film, "The Mack 2," presumably a sequel to the 1973 Max Julien movie.

The rapper formerly known as Hammer has reverted back to his "U Can't Touch This" handle of MC Hammer and completed material for a new album entitled "War Chest: Turn of the Century." Last year MC Hammer was forced to shelve plans for another record, "Family Affair," that he was set to release via his own label, Oaktown 3.5.7. But Hammer, whose 1990 album, "Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em," remains the best selling rap album of all time, says he's finishing up a deal with another label to issue "War Chest" this summer. For the new record, Hammer tells the MTV Radio Network that he's included tracks that he cut with the late rapper Tupac Shakur, and he's also remade a version of Shakur's "Unconditional Love," a track that appeared on Tupac's "Greatest Hits" collection. Aside from the Tupac connection, Hammer says that fans can expect the new record to feature the same mix of booty-shaking and spiritually reverent themes he utilized on "Please Hammer" and 1991's "Too Legit to Quit." "I'm real excited about it," MC Hammer said, "it's something to make you bob your head, pop your collar, get out on the dance floor and have a good time. At the same time, it'll help you get better as a person. You know, it's fun." MC Hammer hopes to release a track called "That's How I Feel" as the first single from the new album at the end of this month.

Mase announced earlier today on New York's Hot 97FM that he has decided to hang it all up and retire from the game. While speaking to Funkmaster Flex, he stated "I don't wanna make records no more, I don't wanna rap on records no more, and I don't wanna run no record companies." He said something about how it was god's his calling and he's following his heart. A lot of people criticized him, and now they've got what they've been asking for.(News taken from the Hip Hop Haven)

Homicide detectives have identified imprisoned rap mogul Marion"Suge" Knight as a "key" suspect in the slaying of rapper Notorious B.I.G, police sources confirmed yesterday. According to police Knight was behind bars at the time he allegedly took a "prominent" role in a murder-for-hire plot against B.I.G. Real name Christopher Wallace. Detectives there yesterday served warrants on four sites linked to Knight, including a dark, metallic purple, 1995 Chevy Impala which police say was used in the drive by. The car which detectives seized matches eyewitnesses description of the vehicle used in the shooting. (Taken from the New York Post)

More ODB info from Sonicnet:
A member of the "Dream Team" of lawyers that won an acquittal for O.J. Simpson on double-murder charges in 1995 will help defend Ol' Dirty Bastard against a charge that he illegally wore a bulletproof vest. Robert Shapiro joined ODB and his primary lawyer, Kevin Barnes, in court Monday morning (April 19) for a preliminary hearing on the charge. As he stood beside his new client in Los Angeles Municipal Court, Shapiro told Judge Richard Berry he had recently come to ODB's defense and he needed more time to review the case. Berry agreed to a continuance until May 18 ODB, 30, is believed to be the first person arrested under a new California law that forbids convicted felons from wearing body armor. The rapper (born Russell Tyrone Jones) was arrested Feb. 16 just before 11 p.m. at the corner of Whitley and Yucca avenues in Hollywood after police saw his double-parked vehicle. He was convicted in 1993 of assaulting a man in a bar, which is why the body- armor law applies to him. "No one's ever been tried under this law," Barnes said prior to the hearing. The body-armor case is one of several court cases pending against the rapper. District Attorney George Castello noted during Monday's hearing that ODB has been arrested two times in New York since being picked up on the body-armor charge. On March 22 he was arrested on charges of crack-cocaine possession and illegal operation of a vehicle; five days later, he was again charged with illegally operating a vehicle. Castello suggested that ODB stay in Los Angeles to "avoid further arrests." "We'd like him to obey the law," Castello said. "We'd all like him to obey the law," responded Judge Berry, provoking laughter in the courtroom. After the hearing, Castello said ODB faces up to five years in jail if convicted. The normal maximum punishment is three years; however, prosecutors filed a complaint stating that at the time he was arrested, ODB was out on bail in another case, which adds another two years. Earlier Monday, a judge in Compton Superior Court dismissed an unrelated case in which the rapper was accused of threatening to kill a former girlfriend in November. Judge James A. Kaddo threw out the case after prosecutor Nicole Perry said there was a lack of evidence against ODB. A source close to the case, who asked not to be named, said the former girlfriend's testimony in December differed from her original complaint to police. Kaddo ordered that another terrorist-threat case, in which ODB is alleged to have threatened the lives of nightclub security guards in September, be returned to Santa Monica Superior Court to begin trial Tuesday (April 20). The two cases had been temporarily consolidated due to their similarity. "I ain't no terrorist," ODB said in January. "I'm just a regular rap artist who loves women, who loves partying, who loves to f---, who loves people not to lie about him. I know I didn't do it, that's why I'm not worried about it." Wearing light-blue jeans, a white button-down shirt and gold-rimmed glasses without lenses, ODB appeared nervous and was unusually reserved during his busy day in court. He did, however, take his usual pre-hearing nap on the bench outside the courtroom. He had lunch with Shapiro, Barnes and an unidentified woman in the courthouse cafeteria. In addition to representing O.J. Simpson in what has been called the trial of the century, Shapiro, 56, has argued cases for Marlon Brando's son Christian, who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the 1990 shooting of his sister's boyfriend; rocker Rod Stewart; talk-show host Johnny Carson; and baseball players Darryl Strawberry, Jose Canseco and Vince Coleman. Shapiro's presence will add an "intimidation factor" to ODB's case, said Jim Zouras, an attorney for Jessiah Styles, a former Loud Records employee who is suing seven members of the Wu-Tang Clan -- but not ODB -- for allegedly beating him backstage following a 1997 concert outside Chicago. "[Shapiro] carries a lot of weight, politically and otherwise," Zouras said. "The case is going to be scrutinized very closely just by him being on it." "I think often individuals have more confidence in well known attorneys," said Gloria Allred, who represented the family of Simpson's murdered ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, in the civil case against O.J. Simpson. Simpson was found liable for her death and the death of her friend, Ron Goldman, who was murdered with her, and he was ordered to pay their families $33.5 million. Allred said Shapiro is "well known for dealing with the media and his reputation is that of someone who helps to make deals as opposed to going to trial." "I thought he wasn't going to be doing criminal law anymore, but I guess he's back," she said. "[ODB's] obviously taking the case seriously, and if he can afford Shapiro, then he's got Shapiro." Castello said Shapiro is known as "a very fine lawyer."

Game-heads take note: the Activision division of Playstation will release 'Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style' just in time for Christmas 1999. In this arena-based martial arts video game, each member of the Wu- Tang Clan possesses a special power or weapon, such as Ol' Dirty Bastard's jug of alcohol or Method Man's sledgehammer. Rza carries two swords for protection, while Gza swings blades from a chain. Raekwon, Ghostface, and Master Killa combine streetboxing with a Shaolin style of martial arts, while Inspectah Deck's special power lies in his middle finger. The game will also feature three exclusive new songs from the Wu-Tang Clan.

Taken from HipHopSite.com :
Genius is working hard on his new album for MCA, 'Beneath The Surface.' Scheduled to appear on the album are Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Ghostface Killah, Masta Killah, Inspectah Deck, Killah Priest and more (possibly Raekwon). 1st single and video will be 'Breaker, Breaker' coming in May

Canibus' 'The C-Quel EP,' has a tentative release date of May 25th. So far, we have heard a collaboration with Killah Priest, Kurupt and Ras Kass, and there are rumored collabos with DJ Premier and Busta Rhymes to also appear. For more info, plus a real audio file of one of the songs from the EP, check www.canibus.com, like the song says....

Troubled Wu-Tang Clan rapper ODB's case involving an alleged terrorist threat against his former girlfriend was thrown out of court by a Compton, Calif., Superior Court judge Monday morning (April 19) who cited lack of evidence. "We're obviously very happy," the rapper's lawyer, Kevin Barnes, said of the decision. "Now we'll take care of the rest of our business." Judge James A. Kaddo said he was dismissing the case because there was not enough evidence against ODB. The rapper, who was looking at three years behind bars for allegedly threatening his ex-girlfriend's life in November, faces a second case involving alleged terrorist threats. In that case, he is accused of threatening to kill three House of Blues bodyguards, after he was evicted from the club. That incident allegedly occurred in September and carries a possible four-year, four-month jail term. A trial is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday in Santa Monica, Calif. The 30-year-old rapper also is due in Los Angeles Municipal Court Monday for a preliminary hearing on a charge of illegally wearing a bulletproof vest. He was arrested in February under a new state law forbidding convicted felons from wearing body armor. ODB (born Russell Tyrone Jones) has pleaded not guilty in all three cases. He also is due in court Thursday in Brooklyn, N.Y., on charges of possessing crack cocaine.

shyheim has signed to wu-tang records and is ready to release his 3rd album, "manchild" on june 6th. he will also be in an upcoming movie alongside ll cool j, omar epps, and nia long.

Kool Keith plans to reunite with his former group, pioneering New York rap crew Ultramagnetic MC's, to record an album in the next couple of months. "We've all proven ourselves separately -- everyone has their own rank -- so we should come make it happen," the ever- changing rapper said. In the meantime, Kool Keith has two solo albums slated to hit store shelves within the next few months. He's set to unleash an effort called First Come, First Served under the alias Dr. Dooom on April 27 on his own Funky Ass Records label. His Black Elvis/Lost in Space album is due July 13 on Columbia.

PETV is just another blow in Chuck D's digital aresenal on the current recording industry. Users can download PETV, a 30 second long trailer which previews the lead single, Do You Want To Go Our Way. The trailers are available in G2 Real Video or Quicktime 3 formats. There is also an option to download a PE Screensaver (PC & Mac)

If you pre-order PE's new album in CD or cassette formats, you can have it autographed by Chuck himself

A few months after fleeing their record label and vowing to release their next album online, the rap pioneers in Public Enemy have found a home on the Net. PE will partner with Atomic Pop (at atomicpop.com) to give Netizens first crack at "There's a Poison Goin On," the group's upcoming studio album, in May. Atomic Pop will promote, market, sell, and distribute the record exclusively online for a period of time before it hits stores on June 21. For $10, fans will be able to order the album or download it via Atomic Pop's website. As with most announcements of this sort, the PE/Atomic Pop deal is being ushered in with a number of "first-ever" claims. Given the group's rather acrimonious split with its previous label (Def Jam) and PE's penchant for new technology, it looks to be one that will be watched closely. The group has long supported online music distribution and clashed with Def Jam when the group posted an MP3 of a new song on its official website. "It seems like the weasels have stepped into the fire," PE frontman Chuck D later wrote on the site about the label's move D later expressed those feelings further on the Net-only track "Swindler's Lust," in which D rapped, "Gotta li'l rhyme but we barely get a dime... If you don't own da master then da master own you / Who you trust from Swindler's Lust"

Superstar rapper/producer Sean "Puffy" Combs posted $15,000 bail and was released Friday evening (April 16) after having been arraigned on assault and criminal-mischief charges connected with the alleged beating of rapper Nas' manager Thursday. Combs entered no formal plea during the proceeding in Manhattan Criminal Court, during which it was alleged that the rapper and two accomplices beat the victim with a telephone, a chair and a champagne bottle. Combs' next court date is June 24. His attorney, Jay Goldberg, declined to comment on the case. Combs faces up to seven years in prison if convicted, said Gloria Montealegre, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office. Combs wore a black suit, sunglasses and a diamond earring to his arraignment. He maintained a calm, businesslike demeanor during the hearing, and he signed a few autographs for spectators. Earlier Friday before surrendering to police, Combs appeared on New York cable TV station NY1 and said of his involvement: "I heard that rumor, too. I don't even know how it got started." The New York Daily News quoted unnamed sources as saying Combs was upset with the way he was portrayed in the new Nas video. The alleged assault is said to have taken place about 90 minutes after the debut of the "Hate Me Now" clip on cable music channel MTV. Police spokesperson Jerry Varson said Friday morning that manager Steve Stoute was beaten for "unknown reasons." Stoute, 28, is also a senior executive for Interscope's urban music department. Combs was charged with assault in the second degree, a felony, because a deadly weapon was allegedly used in the attack, Montealegre said. Combs, along with two other men who have yet to be identified or arrested, is accused of kicking Stoute and hitting him with a chair, a telephone and a champagne bottle. Stoute was in a crouching position during the alleged attack, and could not see who actually attacked him, Assistant District Attorney Ina Schrel said during the arraignment. The criminal-mischief charge, a misdemeanor, was brought against Combs because he allegedly destroyed a telephone in the attack, and damaged other office equipment by turning over desks, according to Montealegre. Schrel said Stoute is being examined by a private physician to see if his elbow is broken. St. Clare's Hospital, where Stoute was examined, refused to release information on his injuries, citing patient privacy concerns. Sony Records, Nas' label, did not return calls, and a spokesperson for Combs' Bad Boy Entertainment said the label had no comment on the incident. Combs is known for such pop hits as "I'll Be Missing You" and "All About the Benjamins" and has produced tracks by artists ranging from Mariah Carey to Mase. The clip for "Hate Me Now" (RealAudio excerpt), which debuted on the MTV show "Total Request Live," stars Nas as a Christ-like figure who is crucified and stoned. Combs, who raps in the song in a distorted voice, reportedly also is depicted as being crucified. At one point in the video, he appears to make an obscene gesture to the camera. The song is from Nas' third album, I Am ..., which debuted this week at #1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, having sold 470,941 copies its first week in stores. Hype Williams directed the clip, which begins with a disclaimer saying Nas and Combs did not intend to defame Jesus Christ. Williams could not be reached for comment through his production company, Big Dog Films. MTV pulled the video from rotation after the attack. The cable station's spokesperson, Greg Baldwin, said the network did so at the request of both Bad Boy Entertainment and Columbia Records; he did not say why the labels made the request. "We are awaiting the arrival of a new video that has been approved by both parties," Baldwin said. It is possible the attack, or at least Combs' alleged presence, may have been captured on videotape, said a former employee of Geffen Records, which shares a building with Universal. "There are cameras at every entrance. ... As far as I know, Stoute had cameras in his office. It's not unusual. I would think every big executive would want to have cameras in their office," said the former employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity. A Universal spokesperson who asked not to be named declined to comment on that possibility. He offered a prepared statement: "We are currently investigating this incident. We view this as a serious matter and the safety of our employees is of utmost importance." Although Combs has maintained a positive public image through his music and entrepreneurial pursuits, he has run into legal trouble in the past. Schrel pointed out during the arraignment that the rapper has a criminal record: In 1996 he pled guilty to a misdemeanor criminal-mischief charge, she said. Schrel said Combs had originally faced robbery charges in the incident, though she did not elaborate on the circumstances. Also, a judge ruled last year that Combs was legally responsible for a stampede that killed nine people and injured 29 at a 1991 charity basketball game he helped organize. After the late superstar rapper Tupac Shakur was attacked by a gunman in 1993, Shakur suggested in interviews that Bad Boy, and by extension Combs, were involved in or had knowledge of the attack. Combs has repeatedly denied any involvement. Rapper Chuck D of Public Enemy, who said he heard about the incident involving Nas' manager on the radio, said Friday, "I can't imagine Puffy beating anybody up. Puffy reminds me of an altar boy, a church mouse."

On another track, looks like some folks will be getting together for a tribute track to Amadou Diallo, the immigrant who was shot 41 times by NYPD cops. He was just standing in his doorway. The single will drop on Rawkus, and will feature: Outkast, Mobb Deep, Prince Paul, Kid Capri, Q-Tip, Gang Starr, Busta Rhymes, and Black Star, and will be produced by Organized Noize. News taken from rebirthmag.com

Ol' Dirty Bastard is scheduled to appear in two Los Angeles County courtrooms Monday (April 19) to answer three sets of charges. First, the Wu-Tang Clan rapper (born Russell Tyrone Jones) is expected to appear in Compton Superior Court for a pretrial conference on two terrorist-threat cases, which have been temporarily merged for the purpose of a possible settlement. The first stems from a September arrest in which he was charged with threatening to kill nightclub security guards; the second involves a November arrest for allegedly doing the same to a former girlfriend. Then the 30-year-old rapper is due in Los Angeles Municipal Court for a preliminary hearing on a charge of illegally wearing a bulletproof vest. He was arrested in February under a new state law forbidding convicted criminals from wearing body armor. ODB has pleaded not guilty in all three cases. On Thursday (April 22), he is due in court in Brooklyn, N.Y., on charges of crack-cocaine possession.

Loud Records says that they weren't dropped from BMG, they left willingly to look for someone else to distribute them.

All beefs aside KRS-One and MC Shan have recorded at track entitled "Line Of Fire," produced by Domingo who is known for his previous work with Fat Joe. The single will appear on Domingos' album entitled "Domingo Presents Behind The Doors Of The 13th Floor" which also features appearances by Eminem and Ras Kass. Taken from reviewz.simplenet.com

The multiple personalities of Ultramagnetic MC's most versatile mcs Kool Keith has spawned forth a new alias. Be on the look out for Dr. Doom Peeblestone which is dropping his first album "First Come, First Served" sometime during the end of April

A Hip-Hop stamp will be issued in January 2000.

http://wu.hypermart.net/ has 13 snippets off of the Inspektah Deck LP. It has some exclusives seen nowhere else on the net. Peep it.

Two of the three men charged with killing Lost Boyz rapper Freaky Tah on March 28 are being held without bail on second-degree murder charges. The two suspects are Kelvin Jones, 29, of Albany, N.Y., and Ryan Frith, 24, of Queens. Queens County Assistant District Attorney Nina Sas said police obtained confessions in writing and on video from the two. She said Jones confessed to shooting Tah, while Frith confessed to driving the van the men allegedly used the night of the murder. A grand jury will convene April 13 to consider an indictment on the charges. Friday's New York Daily News, called the arrests part of a 'rap war.' Police said Thursday night they believe Freaky Tahs murder was part of an escalating feud between the Lost Boyz and unsigned Queens rappers police called the Hellraisers. However, DJ Red Alert and Bugsy of NY's Hot 97 stated on the air Friday that they spoke directly with members of The Hellraisers who denied any beef and stated they are down with The Lost Boyz. The Lost Boyz blew up in 1996 with two underground hits, 'Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz and Benz' and 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless,' both off their 1996 debut album, Legal Drug Money. Freaky Tah is survived by his wife and two children.

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson is entering a new arena -- the recording industry. Tyson, who is serving a one-year prison sentence for assaulting two motorists, has signed a deal with DefJam records to create his own label, Tyson Records, the Daily News reported Tuesday. Tyson Records will feature rap and rhythm-and-blues music and already has signed two artists -- a 16-year-old pop singer named Doni and an 18-year-old named Centrell, the newspaper said. DefJam's spokeswoman Dannyelle Burton had no comment on the report. Tyson's representative Shelley Finkel did not return a telephone call seeking comment. Michael Williams, the general manager of Tyson Records, told the newspaper that the former boxer plans to participate fully in the label's activities, from signing acts to traveling with the artists on their promotional tours.

Taken from USA Today :Rappers the Wu-Tang Clan are set to appear in a new game from Activision for the Sony PlayStation, fighting from ancient China to their Staten Island, NY home. The Wu-Tang game, not yet titled, will be out in time for the December holidays, according to Activision chairman Bobby Kotick. The game will aslo contain four origional songs from the group, which takes its name from its love of old martial arts movies. Players assume the identity of one of the nine Wu-Tang Clan members. The goal is to retrieve a kidnapped master of Shaolin, a martial arts fighting style favored by the group. While battling though 11 game levels, each Wu-Tang Clan member is armed with a weapon unique to his personality. For example, Ol' Dirty Bastard uses a jug, a tribute to his love for alchohol. The Clan approached Activision about doing a game, says Kotich. "They're very entrepreneurial guys. They've got a clothing line. They're trying to get into Hollywood. This is an extention of that." Wu-Tang member Raekwon says he enjoys argade games such as Street Fighter and Defende. As for his martial arts background, he hasn't "thrown no kicks or nothing, but we studied the brotherhood part" of Shaolin fighting. "Thats a weapon too, how you use your mind, you know? Deep meditation." Kotick says the Wu-Tang members haven't threatened to whomp him if he doesn't get the game right. But, in reference to Ol' Dirty Bastard's numerous brushes with the law, he adds, "I definetly will not be going out driving with ODB."

Hip-Hop Site is reporting that Gee Street squashed the idea for an instrumental for Bobby Digital

Sean "Puffy" Combs never ceases to amaze us. The Bad Boy CEO and part-time "producer" was on hand at the Notorious B.I.G.'s charity fundraiser at New York's The Pier 60 last week to perform his tribute to late Biggie Smalls, "I'll Be Missing You." Unfortunately, Mr. Combs forgot some of the lines to the song. One witness in attendance told The New York Post: "It was shameful. All of Biggie's family and friends were there and he couldn't remember the words to his own song.

According to Sonicnet, two more suspects in the murder of Freaky Tah have been arrested and one claims to be the one who pulled the trigger. Ryan Fritch, 24, and Kelvin Jones, 29, who confessed to the shooting were arrested Thursday and police believe the motive to be revenge.

According to MTV News, earlier this week theives broke into the offices of the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation and made off with some of the property. Police say that the robbers pried the door open, entered and snatched up a sum of money, a lap-top computer, two Gold and Platinum plaques recognizing the record sales of Notorious B.I.G.. The robbery happened either late Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning, and police had just dusted for fingerprints on Thursday and are in process of maing a report.

Fellow Liks member, Defari, will be touring with Xzibit and Phife of A Tribe Called Quest. The tour begins at the infamous Wetlands in NYC on April 19th. Afterwards you can catch him at the following spots:
April 20th - Higher Ground (Burlington, VT)
April 22nd - Club Space (Philadelphia, PA)
April 24th - The Vault (Baltimore, MD)
April 25th - West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
April 26th - Club Laga (Pittsburgh, PA)
April 27th - Peabody's (Cleveland, OH)
April 28th - House of Blues (Chicago, IL)
April 29th - St. Andrew's Hall (Detroit, MI)
May 1st - The Galaxy (St. Louis, MO)
May 2nd - Granada Theater (Lawrence, KS)
May 3rd - Aggie Theater (Fort Colkins, CO)
May 4th - Boulder Theather (Boulder, CO)
May 6th - Maritime Hall (San Francisco, CA)
May 8th - Palookaville (Santa Cruz, CA)
May 9th - The Palace (Los Angeles, CA)
May 10th - Pompeii (Tempe, AZ)
May 11th - Sunshine Theater (Albuquerque, NM)

According to his record label, Def Jam Records, L.L. has already begun work on a new album, putting to rest speculation about his retirement from hip-hop. Def Jam says that L.L.'s eighth album could be in stores this fall

A Queens, NY man was arrested yesterday in connection with the March 28 shooting death of Lost Boyz member Freaky Tah. According to police spokesperson Detective Madelyne Colon, Rasheem Fletcher, 22, was charged with second-degree murder of the Lost Boyz hypeman, born Raymond Rogers, outside a South Jamaica hotel. "The investigation is still ongoing," Colon told Blaze Online. Police said the 25-year-old hip hop star had a long-running feud with Fletcher. Rogers, who was not armed during the shooting, had a reputation of being a positive influence in his South Jamaica, Queens neighborhood, taking troubled kids under his wing. The Lost Boyz exploded onto the scene with their gold selling 1996 debut Legal Drug Money, which saw the group become one of hip hop's most beloved party-rap acts.

Jessica Rivera, the director of production for Bad Boy Entertainment, said Born Again -- featuring touched up and remixed versions of previously unreleased tracks by the artist -- is tentatively scheduled to be issued by the label in late June. Work on the album, however, is only in its beginning stages, Rivera said. Rivera said the label -- after investigating its archives and scouring New York for the Notorious B.I.G.'s underground pre-Bad Boy work and demos -- has amassed more than 50 tracks by the rapper also known as Biggie Smalls. From that wealth of material the label's in-house production team -- the Hitmen, Bad Boy CEO Sean "Puffy" Combs and others -- will assemble the album by remixing and revising the old tapes. Tying together whatever songs are included in the album's final running order is Voletta Wallace, the rapper's mother. Bad Boy publicist Lisa Donadio said Wallace would serve as narrator, detailing her son's childhood and growth as a professional rapper, in between the selections. "It's going to be a good album," she said. "There may be another one next year."

Wake Up Show DJs Sway and Tech are putting the finishing touches on the forthcoming Wake Up Show Mixtape to be distributed on Interscope. The first single will be 'Anthem 1' featuring the allstar cast of RZA as Bobby Digital, Tek 9, Eminem, Xzibit, Pharoah Monch, Kool G Rap, Chino XL, and KRS-One, while the video for the track is to be shot this week in Los Angeles. Other artists set to appear on the album include Gang Starr, Canibus, DMX, Onyx, Notorious B.I.G., Redman, and Eric B. & Rakim. The most important thing about this album is that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to KRS's Temple of Hip-Hop and other charities.

Arsonists - European Tour dates :
Some of this is pending or to be confirmed. Any questions, just email settnfires@aol.com

April :
24th - Copenhagen (w/ the roots)
27th - Paris (w/ the roots)
28th - Bordeaux (w/ the roots)
30th - Antwerp (DJ WORLD CHAMP FINALS)

May :
2nd - Amsterdam
3rd - Strasbourg
4th - Oslo/lund
5th - Copenhagen or Bergen
6th - Stockholm or Oslo
7th - Copenhagen or Lund
8th - Copenhagen or Arhus

Since Arista Records bought up Profile Records they plan on reissuing the labels' catalog while dropping new music from Run DMC, DJ Quik, Camp Lo and 2nd II None. The first reissues will be the Run-DMC catalog which includes the albums 'Run-DMC,' 'King of Rock,' 'Raising Hell,' 'Tougher Than Leather,' 'Back From Hell' and 'Down With The King.' Next will be the DJ Quik catalog with 'QUIK is The Name,' 'Way 2 Fonky' and 'Safe & Sound.' Profile/Arista also plans to release a Profile 12" boxset of hard to find or out of print vinyl. And this is just the beginning...

It's been a little more than eight months since Snoop Dogg released his first record as part of the No Limit family, and the rapper is already set to deliver another album, entitled 'Top Dogg,' on May 11th. According to Snoop, his new album features contributions from Krayzie Bone, Warren G, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Daz, a few of his No Limit cohorts, and his longtime friend, Dr. Dre. Snoop has also laid a few rhymes down for Dre's own forthcoming album, 'The Chronic 2000.'.

Jeru's upcoming album will be out on London Records this summer and the final title is "Armor Of Gold, Dirtier Dan Ever". It's known that Jeru will handle most of the production by himself and now, he's putting together his own production label - KnowSavage Productions. Newcomer Miz Marvel, who appears on Jeru's new 12" cut 'Bitches With Dicks,' will release her own material through Jeru's KnowSavage Records as well as several other upcoming acts..

Hip Hop pioneers Run-DMC are almost finished with their seventh studio album Crown Royal featuring some of hip hop's greatest names. As we last reported, the Queens, NY crew have tapped old pals the Beastie Boys for the tentative August release, which will be their first album since 1993's gold selling 'Down With The King'. Now, according to MTV, Run-DMC are trying to enlist the talents of super producers DJ Premier and Pete Rock, Lil' Kim and long time producer Rick Rubin. The group has already finished tracks with Slick Rick, Fat Joe and Nas.'Crown Royal' will be released as a double album with 10 tracks composed of new material. A second disc will feature classic Run-DMC hits. .

The hype on Charlie Baltimore painted the Philadelphia female rapper as yet another record company conspired glamour ­girl mouthpiece, ala Foxy Brown. But the slender beauty wants no part of such gimmicky imagery. Charlie Baltimore has already omitted the mindless cream anthem 'Money' which was featured on last year's 'Woo' soundtrack, from her debut album and is even thinking of changing the title of the full-length release from its jiggified connotation 'Ice.' The rapper claims the former title does not represent her as an artist and that she is more of a fan of harder edged hip hop from the likes of Mobb Deep and the Wu-Tang Clan than radio fluff material. On the track "Didn't We Almost Have It All," Baltimore raps of the pain and anguish she went through when she lost the Notorious B.I.G. (her best friend and lover), her father, who died of cancer, and the father of one of her two children, who took his own life, all in a span of eight months. Her first single "Stand Up," features Wu-banger Ghotface and is in stores now. .

The blockbuster list of performers slated to hit the stage at Woodstock '99, which takes place the weekend of July 23-25 in Rome, NY, is growing by leaps and bounds. Gruff voiced hardcore MC DMX has just been added to the calvary of artists who will appear at the music festival extravaganza. As we last reported, Ice Cube, Willie Nelson, Metallica, Korn, Fatboy Slim, Hole, Alanis Morissette and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are just some of the acts expected to appear at the event. .

The much-celebrated West Coast rhyme militia, Hieroglyphic crew, will be dropping several projects in the next coming months. Del, who is mixing down his upcoming album Both Sides Of The Brain, is pointing towards a release in the month of June. Souls of Mischief are also in the studio working on their third album entitled, you've guessed it, Trilogy. There is also talk of Souls of Mischief recording a collaboration album with The Pharcyde.

Eightball & MJG's new album, In Our Lifetime Vol. 1 should be the first part of a double album, Vol. 2 coming out later this year. Production will be by Suave House producers including T-Mix, but Organized Noize also did 4 cuts. Guests are labelmaters Psychodrama, Slim Goodie and Ill Hillbillies, as well as Cee-Lo of the Goodie Mob, Beanie Siegal and Outkast..

Royce The 5'9", was on the radio last Sunday and said he'd have an album by Fall on Tommy Boy.

Del(Hiero) has just finished recording his new album 'Both Sides Of The Brain' and is currently in mixdown. It is scheduled to be release sometime in June. Del can also be heard on the Prince Paul/Dan Nakamura album 'Handsome Boy Modeling School.'

Souls of Mischief are also recording their true 3rd album aptly titled 'Trilogy.' Also in the works in a collabrative full album with Souls of Mischief and The Pharcyde.

The Prose which consists of Pep Love & Jay Biz have entered the studio and will be bringing their Shamen Stories to headphones everywhere real soon.

Miami bass superstars, the 2 Live Crew, are sending up our adulterous commander-in-chief with a remake of their 1989 hit record, 'Me So Horny' entitled 'Bill So Horny.'

The Fugees, who in five years have evolved from an indie New York hip-hop collective to a threesome of Grammy-winning pop superstars, are discussing reconvening to record an album for release next year. Group member/producer Wyclef Jean said at a tribute dinner to the late Biggie Smalls in New York on Tuesday that he, solo superstar Lauryn Hill and Pras have discussed recording a new album together and are working to coordinate their busy schedules to make it happen. . If the group is unable to reconvene, he said he would consider releasing another solo album.

In response to accusations that critically acclaimed duo OutKast exploited the name and likeness of Rosa Parks, the Atlanta based rhyme duo have issued their own statement that lauded the iconic civil rights legend. As we last reported, OutKast was sued by Parks this past Tuesday, claiming the LaFace act used her name without permission on the hit track "Rosa Parks." But in a statement given by OutKast, the Grammy nominated act said, "Rosa Parks has inspired our music and our lives since we were children. The opportunity to use our music to help educate young people about the heroes in the African American community is one of the responsibilities we feel we have as music artist. It was, nor ever has been our intention to defame a woman who we consider a role model and a civil rights pioneer. We hope to be able to work out this situation amicably." According to MTV, the duo has retained the lawyer services of former chief justice of the Michigan Supreme Court in case the suit goes to court.

Eccentric MC Kool Keith is gearing up for a 30-date U.S. tour that is scheduled to kick off July 2 in Detroit. According to Billboard, the former frontman for the groundbreaking Bronx-based hip hop act Ultramagnetic MCs, will be going out on the road in support of his solo venture Black Elvis/Lost In Space, due out in stores June 1.

Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon may soon be living up to billing as "the chef." The rapper is expected to open up his own restaurant by the year's end, and vows that he will be spending some time in the kitchen himself, cooking for his customers, who he boasts will be treated like family. Raekwon's own relation, mother Andrea, passed along her culinary secrets to him back when he was just a kid, as she cooked for therest of the neighborhood, including other members of the Wu-Tang Clan. Just like his mother, Raekwon is expected to dish out food like macaroni, collard greens, and grits. He describes his seasonings as being "off the hook." Raekwon says that his restaurant, which will be named after his mother, will likely open in either Georgia or Virginia first, and possibly spread across the country as part of a small chain.

Wu-Tang Clan rapper Raekwon's second solo album is due in August, according to Brian Gilmore, a publicist for Loud Records. Immobilarity State of Grace, Vol. 1, which will follow up Raekwon's 1997 solo debut, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, includes several tracks produced by fellow Wu-Tanger RZA

Rappers Capone-N-Noreaga have begun writing material for what would be their first album in more than two years, according to one half of the duo. On Monday, Capone said the two partners hope to produce rhymes for as many as 100 songs from which to select album tracks for the tentatively titled Reunion, which is set to be released in the fall. Capone was released from a New York state prison in February after serving more than two years for a parole violation. The duo's last album was 1996's War Report.

Canibus.com updated. Monday night freestyle and Friday nights w/ the Horsemen

Despite the shooting death Sunday morning of group member Freaky Tah (born Raymond Rogers), the Lost Boyz will release their third album, LB For Life, in June as planned, according to Althea Spellman, a publicist for the group. The rappers had finished recording the album before the killing of Freaky Tah, according to Spellman, who said the release date had not been determined. Freaky Tah was shot by a masked assailant outside a hotel in his home borough of Queens, New York. New York Police Department Detective John O'Connor, who had been investigating the murder, declined to comment Wednesday on the case, except to confirm that no arrests had been made

MTV News caught up with Bad Boy CEO Sean "Puffy" Combs at the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation benefit dinner earlier this week (see "Puffy, Faith, Busta, Mase Turn Out To Honor Biggie"), where he talked about how the new Biggie album came together. "His mother is narrating the album," Combs said. "and it's about his life. We start with his demo tape and we go down [through] history with some songs that you've never heard before. There's some interesting things [on the record]. This is not a greatest hits album, it's not a remix album, this is an album of songs that you've never heard before or songs that have never been released."

Shyheim the Rugged Child has changed his name. He will now be known as Man Child. That's also the title of his upcoming album. The name comes from a book written by Claude Brown. Shyheim, I mean, Manchild is ready to drop his 14 song lp on Wu-Tang/Priority Records. Guests include Lil Vicious, Sticky Fingaz, the Cocoa Brovaz, and Big L. He left his old record company cuz they was trying to make him sound more commercial.