The Beats, Rhymes and Life section is in full effect. Big ups must go out to Buddah M.A.C. for some of the news shown here. Plus we do get news from Sohh.com, MTV.com.

Busta Rhymes on New Wu-Tang Album

Busta Rhymes and Wu-Tang memebers, Raekwon and Ghostface Killa rap on the Anarchy track "The Heist," and he will return the favor with a guest spot on the Wu-Tang Clan's album due in October, the rapper said. The song doesn't have a title yet. Also according to Cilvaringz the new album will definately only be ONE CD.

More Bussa Bus News

"The Lenny Kravitz/Busta Rhymes collaboration "Make Noise" will be the next single from Busta Rhymes' Anarchy, the rapper said on Tuesday. The album, Busta Rhymes' latest installment in his series of apocalypse-themed discs, has been certified platinum. ... The Flipmode Squad, Busta Rhymes' ever-present rap crew, will team up with old-school rap greats and R&B singer Pink on an album that may be in stores by late October, Busta Rhymes said. The Rulership LP will have a Rah Digga–Pink duet; a song with Rah Digga and famed female rapper M.C. Lyte; a Rampage track with Snoop Dogg; a rap with Baby Sham, Slick Rick and Nas; and a Busta Rhymes duet with Nelly. The Squad also is working on a Roc-Marciano/D'Angelo effort, Busta Rhymes said."

Snoop signs new female rappers

Snoop Dogg is set to continue his foray into the arena of being a music executive and CE. He recently announced to Launch.com that he’s getting ready to release an all-female group called Doggy’s Angels. He was inspired by the Charlie’s Angels series and thus has put together three female emcees which include Coniyac, Kola and Big Chan. Folks may recall Kola as being an LA based rapper who dropped an album on an independent label a few years back. It wasn’t that bad. In anycase, Doggy’s Angels first single is a song called "Baby If You Ready" and was produced by Battlecat. The album will drop sometime in October."

4th album for Outkast on its way

"After releasing 3 classic albums, Outkast is almost ready to bless the hip-hop nation with another one. The fourth album, Stankonia, is set to be released on October 24 and will feature appearances from B-Real, Gangsta Boo, Goodie Mob and up and coming emcee Slim Cutta Calhoun. The ATL crew is currently creating a buzz with the joint, "Bombs Over Baghdad" (Audio up in the New Ish section) which has been circulating over the net for the past month." Hope the 25th time's a charm for the release date

DMC Solo Album

Run-D.M.C. co-founder D.M.C. will attempt to live up to his "King of Rock" title on a solo album featuring a hip-hop cover of Bad Company's 1975 rock hit "Feel Like Makin' Love" and several classic-rock samples.

Checks, Thugs and Rock 'n' Roll will be recorded with a full band and likely released later this year, D.M.C. said on Wednesday in a posh hotel room, where he played several demos from the upcoming project.

The record marks D.M.C.'s return to music after suffering severe voice troubles and serves as a platform for the legendary MC to prove his skills and speak his mind.

Canibus gets snuffed by Blinky Blink? - It was all an Interbet Rumour

Canibus did NOT get beat down by Blinky Blink on July 17th at New York City's club Aria where he held his album release party for '2000 b.c.'. There was actually a fight at the party and this escalated into a rumour that Canibus was involved.

Taken from MTV.com

Wu-tang are returning for album #3

Three years after delivering "Wu-Tang Forever," seminal East Coast rap collective the Wu-Tang Clan is finishing up its next effort and expects to shoot the first video in the coming weeks.

The group is currently in the studio and hopes to wrap production on its as-yet untitled next project before hitting the road on July 24 for a one-month U.S. tour (see "Wu-Tang Clan Assembles For Summer Tour").

The Wu camp is also planning to push out a video before the tour kicks off. The group has yet to choose the first single from its upcoming album, but it still intends to shoot a video for the track within the next week.

No release date has been set yet for the next Wu effort, but it is expected to arrive sometime this fall.

The Wu album sessions and tour see the group's many members reconvening after various solo projects. Although members of the group are happy with their success, Wu associate Power says that he'd be happy doing something else if it came to that, and encourages Wu fans to do the same.

'Don't call it a comeback' - 3rd Bass Return after a 7 year Hiatus

The men of 3rd Bass are ready to slip into the mix again with a new album, a new label, and their ability to "move a mass of people," they announced Tuesday at a record-industry convention in Southbury, Connecticut.

MC Serch (born Michael Berrin) said he and Prime Minister Pete Nice (born Peter Nash) are busy working on rhymes and tracks for an album they hope to have in stores by early next year, and a single and video they expect to put out as early as September on Serch's own Serchlite imprint.

In the meantime, they got the buzz going with a brief, energetic performance for a crowd of label reps, distribution execs, and a few fellow artists at Red Distribution's showcase at the Heritage Convention Resort.

Although it's been more than seven years since 3rd Bass' most recent release, 1992's "Gladiator" EP, Serch and Nice insist this is not a comeback or reunion project.

Fredro Starr goes for self

In the wake of wrapping his newest film project, ex-Onyx rapper Fredro Starr has just inked a new record deal with Koch Records and plans to issue his first solo album in October under his new tag, Firestarr.

The new, as-yet-untitled record will be Starr's first music-related release since Onyx's last album, 1998's "Shut 'Em Down." Starr has spent the majority of the last two years developing his acting career, including roles in such films as "Ride" and "Light It Up" (see "Onyx's Fredro Starr Joins Usher For New Film").

"Die 4 Rap" will be the lead single from the new Firestarr album, and Starr plans to shoot a video for the track in the next few weeks.

Starr isn't the only former member of Onyx branching out with solo projects, as one of his bandmates, Sticky Fingaz, plans to issue his own album, titled "Black Trash," later this year (see "Sticky Fingaz Goes On Trial For Solo Debut").

In February, Starr completed filming "Save The last Dance," a movie in which he stars opposite Julia Stiles in a story that details the problems and issues facing an interracial high-school couple in Chicago.

"Save The Last Dance" was directed by Thomas Carter from a screenplay by Duane Adler, Cheryl Edwards, and Toni Ann Johnson. The film is tentatively set to arrive on screens on January 12, 2001.

Taken from SOHH.com

Hip Hop unites to Free Keith Murray

On Tuesday July 25 at 2 p.m., hip-hop artists and celebs will be coming together in support of imprisoned emcee, Keith Murray. Mary J Blige, LL Cool J, Erick Sermon, Redman, and Britney Spears (???) will all be in attendance at Parker Meridian Hotel in Manhattan next week to support the re-opening of his case. He was convicted for beating up the brother of a concert promoter at a show in New Britain, CT and sentenced to five years in prison based on false testimony.

Twenty months later, an eyewitness has come forward to the defense of Murray, claiming that he was bribed by the promoter and his brother to give a false testimony. The eyewitness was part of the promotional team that helped put that particular show together and saw the entire incident in question. He feared for his life, but now wants to come forward and let the nation know that Keith is innocent. We’ll keep you posted on the outcome.

Eminems Ex-Bodyguard writes book

As Eminem continues to sell more records, more people are trying to get a piece of the action. Next up is Em’s ex-bodyguard, Byron Williams. Williams will be releasing a book, Shady Bizness detailing the behind-the-scenes life of the multi-platinum emcee including his “massive drug use” and cheating on his wife. Williams also writes why Em has so much hostility towards Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

"He hates them for one reason only - he asked both of them out and they didn't want to know. So now he tries to get back at them with his lyrics. He'd listen to their records all the time, he loved their stuff,” he writes. “Britney was at an awards ceremony and so was Slim. At last he got the chance to talk to her. I don't think it lasted long and when he came back he was crestfallen. He said 'She doesn't like me. She doesn't want to know.”

The book is scheduled for release next month at http://bigwillz.iuma.com.

In related news, Em was arraigned on weapons charges yesterday stemming from the incident when he got into an argument with an ICP affiliate while holding a gun in his hand. Em was not on hand for the arraignment but will have to appear in court again next month.

As online radio continues to boom, Sway & Tech' World Famous Wake-Up Show is finally making it's foray to the web. Located at WakeUpShow.Com, the radio show is web-casted live every Saturday at 11 p.m. PST/2 a.m. EST with 3 hours of non-stop hip-hop. Also found at the website are archives from past shows and freestyles from the likes of RZA, Inspectah Deck, Slum Village, Talib Kweli, Cali Agents and others. Also found on the site is a message board, and bios on Sway, Tech and DJ Revolution.

Mr. Rictor tells me that Alpha-n-Omega Magazine/Divine Mind Entertainment are hosting a Producers in College contest where the winner can receive $100 and each contestant gets a copy of 'Sporadic Signals' free of charge.

If your interested you can find out more and how to enter over at Alphabeats.com

Shabazz The Disciple's "Hidden Scrolls" EP has been delayed one month to September 1st due to tours and shows he is going to be doing.

Wu-Tang Records no longer exists, it is now called 36 Records and is part of Loud Records. All the artists that were signed to Wu-Tang Records have moved there as well. The Clan already signed to Loud are still on Loud. It's still being finalized though.

Bobby Digital II features "40's & Blunts" by Black Knights, the Jamie Sommers & RZA track rumored to be titled "Saint Jon Benny" or "Shake That Ass", which is really called "Break Bread", "Cousins" by Cilvaringz, RZA & Doc Gyneco, "Sweetah Love" by Tekitha, "Glock Goes Pop" by RZA, Method Man, Masta Killa & Streetlife, "Alphabet Soup" by RZA and many more! Other artists on it are Beretta 9 (twice), American Cream Team, Wu-Tang Clan, P.R. Terrorist, etc...

The first single from Killarmy's "The Six Man Wetting" will be "Terrorism"

From Platform:

Erykah Badu, Common, Q-Tip, ?uestlove from the Roots, and Bilal have banded together under the Soulquarians moniker, and are preparing to collaborate on an upcoming musical project

From Sonicnet:

De la Soul, Wu-Tang Clan, Slick Rick, Dead Prez, Mos Def and several top-selling rock bands have fleshed out the lineup of acts expected to perform during a four-day music festival that will be cybercast on the Digital Club Network.

The Digital Club festival will stretch from July 22-25 and will take place at more than 30 music venues in 25 U.S. cities. Each club will be a different festival "stage." Viewers will be able to see live footage of the shows online, free of charge, at www.digitalclubnetwork.com, spokesperson Carrie Davis said.

The first rap act, De la Soul, will perform July 22 at the 9:30 club in Washington, D.C. The rap legends plan to release their album Art Official Intelligence on Aug. 8. The first single from that disc, "Oooh", debuted at #88 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart.

Mos Def and Slick Rick will perform at the Lyricist Lounge show at the Webster Theater in Hartford, Conn. The Digital Club Network's broadcast also will include the July 24 tour opener for the Wu-Tang Clan, at Crowbar in State College, Pa. The rap group is working on a follow-up to 1997's Wu-Tang Forever that is expected to hit stores in October.

Dead Prez, known for their political performances, are the last hip-hop act on the webcast lineup. The group is probably known best for the song "Hip Hop", from the album Let's Get Free. The Digital Club Network will have a live broadcast of Dead Prez's July 25 show at First Avenue in Minneapolis.

From Manhunt:

Queensbridge rappers Mobb Deep will be featured on an upcoming CD of music from and inspired from the original 1988 TV movie "Pryde of the X-Men." Oglio Entertainment reports that the group, along with rappers Ghetto Inmates, Cool-G, and Tru Life will be featured on the 17-track CD, as well as alternative rock group The Rob Walsh Project and the Encino Light Orchestra. The CD, which hits stores July 18, also includes interviews and voiceovers by Marvel comic book legend and X-Men creator Stan Lee, according to Oglio Records and Emmy-nominated composer and Hollywood Film Music Library founder Robert J. Walsh. "Stan was wonderful," said Walsh, who first worked with Lee in the early 1980's. "For the first time he reveals his personal and private thoughts concerning the creation of the X-Men on record. I feel like we've made history and am honored he agreed to contribute to the CD." The album has drawn a lot of pre-release interest. Joe Nothern, a renown Marvel historian and collector, breaks down the why the album has created such a buzz: "First, the hundred-million dollar X-MEN movie is coming out," he explains. "Second, it's the first time Stan Lee has ever revealed the secret behind the creation of the X-MEN. And third, the music is fabulous."

From Matador Records:

" Non Phixion - The Future Is Later than "Now," and it's not part of our future anyway.

We regret to announce that Matador will not be releasing Non Phixion's upcoming debut album 'The Future is Now.' After months of preparations for the release of this album, the group have reached the conclusion that Matador is not the right label for them. While we wish they had made this decision prior to signing a contract or recording the album, we see no reason to stand in their way and we look forward to reaching an amicable settlement. We remain fans of Non Phixion's music and sincerely wish them all the success in their future endeavors. "

The Following stories have been taken from Sohh.com

Since 1987, Ice-T has stood strong as one of the West Coast’s most dignified soldiers. He’s done it all from music to movies to books to video games. On August 8, in conjunction with Atomic Pop, Ice will be releasing his greatest hits album Greatest Hits: The Evidence. The package will span his 15 years in hip-hop and feature classic tracks like "6 'N The Mornin'," "Colors," "New Jack Hustler" and "Original Gangster."

You can check out Ice at his official website where you can download MP3s and see the uncensored versions of his videos. Also, VH1 will be premiering Ice-T: Behind The Music in September.

Now that his solo debut album, H.N.I.C. has been confirmed for a September 19 release date, Prodigy (of Mobb Deep) is looking for some help to promote it and other upcoming projects. On his website, InfamousStores.Com, P posted an ad of sorts, looking for five people from different parts of the world (excluding the east and west coast) to join the Mobb Family in helping to promote upcoming projects.

"I'm looking for anybody from the mid-west triangle: from chi-town, to Texas, to Memphis. As far as overseas, we are open for everyone," Prodigy said on his website. To put in an application, peep the requirements at the website and send your info to:

MOBB CONTEST P.O. BOX 398824 MIAMI BEACH, FL. 33239-8824

The upcoming album will feature production from Havoc, The Alchemist, Hangmen 3, Bink, Rocwilder, EZ Elpee, Mr. Beats a.k.a. Casanova Rud and cameos from B.G., Noreaga, Bounty Killah, and others.

Right people, here we go with some Celph Titled news from the Floridian-NY producer himself. Firstly, peep the new L-Fudge 12" 'The Final Word' featuring Celph Titled b/w 'Star Wars,' produced by Celph Titled (a track which had a sample removed partly because some webmaster wasn't feeling it) next month. Then there's the new Apani-B-Fly Emcee single 'A Million Eyes'/'Spot Me,' once again Mr Titled did both sides. That also drops next month. The last 12" which drops next month is one from that group named Equilibrium, remember them? Well they're dropping another 12" 'Do That'/'Hold Something.' I've personally heard 'Hold Something' and it's hot. The track has a couple of transitions with the beat and the intro, plus some cool rhymes and Celph sings a little. Also, bare in mind the vocals were recorded two years back....apani b-fly emcee "a million eyes" b/w "spot me"...produced both sides as well......

Then we have some Celph Titled news. As in his solo shit. Firstly, there's one set to drop around late August/September-ish which features Apathy and Louis Logic. Celph produces it and rhymes on it, so check it. Then, later on. Celph has another 12" dropping. Want to guess who produced one of the cuts on it ? Well, it's none other than Mark The 45 King, I heard the beat, and it's also dope. Keep your eyes and ears pealed and pick these releases up when they drop. All of the 12"s apart from the Equilibrium will be dropping on Bronx Science, the Equilibrium will be on Atomik Recordings.

Guess who I also spoke with earlier this week ? Meddafore. Yes people, the one who was rumoured to have dissed Canibus back in '98. He did diss Canibus, but it was on a freestyle on some mixtape. He did it to give Canibus a sort of "Check yourself" message. It was nothing that major and he thought a bigger deal was made out of it than necessary. He will be recording some material with Shanti in a couple of weeks so keep your eyes open for that.

The master recordings of Kool Keith's vocals for the upcoming Analog Brothers album, 'Pimp To Eat,' were stolen during the melee in Los Angeles after the Lakers' NBA championship-clinching game on June 19th. The thievery will force the Analog Brothers, a loose-knit collective of rappers including Keith, Ice-T, and others, to push back the release of 'Pimp To Eat' from its original release date of July 4th to August 15th. The vocal tapes for the album were being housed at a location near the Staples Center, which was the scene of random looting and vandalism after the Lakers took home the title by defeating the Indiana Pacers. Ground Control/Nu Gruv Alliance, released a statement saying that it was unclear whether this was a "deliberate act of piracy," and mused over whether or not "the person(s) involved realize what they now have in their possession." Despite the delay, Kool Keith still plans to issue his next solo album, titled 'Matthew' after Keith's middle name, on July 25th. Peep tha-real's Kool Keith Interview.

DMX was indicted on weapons and drug possession charges in Westchester County, New York on Wednesday in a case stemming from an incident earlier this year. The charges stem from a January accident when the DMX ran his jeep off a highway. Police allegedly found a 9-millimeter pistol and marijuana in his vehicle. If convicted, DMX could face up to seven years behind bars. However his lawyer, Ian Niles dismissed the indictment on Thursday, telling MTV News on Thursday that obtaining an indictment is so easy that the D.A.'s office could have indicted a "ham sandwich." Niles said his client "committed no crime" and that DMX will plead not guilty when he eventually appears in court to answer the charges. No court date has been set yet.

Los Angeles radio station KKBT The Beat will be switching from their 92.3 FM frequency to 100.3 FM. Radio One agreed to purchase KKBT-FM, its format and the 100.3 frequency. Currently, 92.3 The Beat is the home to Sway & Tech's World Famous Wakeup Show and former Yo! MTV Rap personalities Ed Lover & Doctor Dre, who host the weeekday morning show. In return, the current oldies format at Mega 100 that now houses the 100.3 FM call numbers will obtain The Beat's 92.3 FM call numbers. As a result, The Beat will become more competitive and be closer on the dial to it's rival station, Power 106 FM (KPWR). The Beat has earned nationwide acclaim as being one of the nation's leading hip-hop stations. Los Angeles is nation's #2 radio market behind New York City according to R&R.

Dr. Dre and Ice Cube will be honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards as part of "The Source" Hip-Hop Music Awards 2000. The Source Awards will be determined via public balloting through the magazine and a panel of radio DJs from across the country. UPN will tape the show at the Pasadena Civic Center and then air a special version of the program a week later, on August 29 at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).

The nominees for the are:

Artist Of The Year, Solo:
DMX
Dr. Dre
Jay-Z
Nas
Snoop Dogg

Artist Of The Year, Group:
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
Hot Boys
The LOX
Method Man & Redman
Mobb Deep

Album Of The Year:
"Dr. Dre 2001" - Dr. Dre
"Supreme Clientele" - Ghostface Killah
"Guerrilla Warfare" - Hot Boys
"Vol. 3... Life And Times of S. Carter" - Jay-Z
"Murda Muzik" - Mobb Deep
"Ryde Or Die Vol. 1"- Ruff Ryders

Single Of The Year:
"Bling Bling" - B.G. f/Cash Money Millionaires
"Whoa!"- Black Rob
"Still D.R.E." - Dr. Dre w/ Snoop Dogg
"Jigga" - Jay-Z
"Quiet Storm Remix" Mobb Deep w/ Lil' Kim
"Hate Me Now" Nas w/ Puff Daddy

New Artist Of The Year, Solo:
Eve
Mos Def
Beanie Sigel
Black Rob
Lil' Wayne

New Artist Of The Year, Group:
The Youngbloodz
Tha Eastsidaz
Made Men
The Outlawz
Dead Prez

Lyricist Of The Year:
Jay-Z
Eminem
Common
Nas
Beanie Sigel

Live Performer Of The Year:
Method Man & Redman
DMX
Hot Boys
Puff Daddy
Ice Cube

Producer Of The Year:
Dr. Dre & Mel-Man
Swizz Beatz
Mannie Fresh
Timbaland
Rockwilder

Music Video Of The Year:
"Guilty Conscience" - Eminem w/ Dr. Dre (directed by Phillip Atwell)
"Da Rockwilder" - Method Man & Redman (directed by Dave Meyers)
"Vivrant Thing" - Q-Tip (directed by Hype Williams)
"85" - Youngbloodz w/ Big Boi (directed by David Nelson)
"Hate Me Now" - Nas w/ Puff Daddy (directed by Hype Williams)

R&B Artist Of The Year:
D'Angelo
Mary J. Blige
Sisqo
Destiny's Child
Jagged Edge

Movie Of The Year:
"The Wood" (directed by Rick Famuyiwa)
"In Too Deep" (directed by Michael Rymer)
"Next Friday" (directed by Steve Carr)
"Any Given Sunday" (directed by Oliver Stone)
"3 Strikes" (directed by DJ Pooh)

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