Warner Music To Acquire Parlophone From Universal

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It looks like Warner will be scooping Parlophone up from Universal Music Group for a hefty £487 million. Stephen Cooper, Warner’s CEO, released a statement following the announcement:

“Having the Parlophone Label Group become part of our family represents a unique opportunity for us to join with legendary record labels and artists that are highly complementary to our existing organization from a creative, geographic and strategic standpoint. We are committed to making this a great outcome for Parlophone’s artists and employees, who will find in WMG a similar spirit and culture that is dedicated to providing the most supportive and innovative home for recording artists. The continuation of the Parlophone legacy and brand are central to the future success of this combination, and we are proud to have them join us.”

Swizz Beatz Partners With Monster

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Yesterday,Swizz Beatz announced he will be partnering withMonster Cable Inc. as an investor and board member. Says chief executive, Noel Lee:

“Swizz will advise us on our creative direction, product design and our marketing. We’ll be looking to him to tell us what’s next. He’s the real deal. He doesn’t get involved in something unless he believes in it.”

Swizzy adds:

“I analyzed and studied the company for a couple of years. It felt like this is the right time to be in business together. I have a seat on the board. I am a co-owner. This is a graduation for Monster, and it’s a graduation for me. For Monster, it shows they are investing in the culture. They are not doing things just to get by. In the next few months, the world will see who the monsters are in this world.”

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Kanye West x Giuseppe Zanotti

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For the third time, Kanye West teamed up with Italian shoe designer Giuseppe Zanotti to design a pair of stiletto heels . The winged, white stiletto shoe is named Cruel Summer, after West’s G.O.O.D. Compilation. These stilletto are apart of Spring/Summer Collection for 2013.

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Katt Williams Appears In Court (Finally); Confronts Reporter

Spotted on Wendy Williams’ blog:

After two no-shows, Katt Williams finally showed up to a Sacramento courtroom to face felony reckless evasion charges stemming from a bizarre November arrest. The former(?) comedian and all-around crazy person told the judge he missed the previous court dates because he was in another courtroom fighting for custody of his children. Ha! Good luck with that. Anywhoo, after a brief appearance before the judge, Katt confronted KTXL reporter Ben Deci, calling him a stalker and “not a member of the legitimate press.”

9-Year-Old Girl Gives Birth To Baby Girl In Mexico

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I just can’t make this stuff up…..this is from the pretty credible MSN by the way:

In a story as sad as it is alarming, Mexican officials say a 9-year-old girl has just given birth to a baby there. The girl’s mother said her daughter was only 8 when she was impregnated by a 17-year-old boy who has since run away. Authorities in Jalisco state are looking for the teen “to get his story” because the girl doesn’t understand what has happened. “This is a rape or child sex abuse case,” the state prosecutor said (um, duh). The little girl and her baby girl, who was born Jan. 27, have been released from the hospital. Both are said to be doing well but doctors plan to monitor them carefully due to the new mother’s age.

Does Lord Jamar (Of Brand Nubian) Have Kanye West Shook?

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Recent reports say that Kanye West has recently requested to have images and footage of him wearing a skirt during last December’s Sandy Benefit concert removed; this would appear to be more than a coincidence, as Brand Nubian’s Lord Jamar just put out a diss track — titled ‘Lift Up Your Skirt‘, no less — blasting West for his dress, music and pretty much everything else:

Instagram, Black man lookin’ half a f*g/ With a blazer and vest, I’m just amazed at the mess/Pioneer of this q*eer sh*t is Kanye West/He introduced the skinny jeans to the rap scene/Then he wore a f*cking skirt on the video screen/Then he wore it again at a memorial/I can’t pretend that this sh*t ain’t deplorable/I bet this n*gga thinkin’ he lookin’ adorable/Your music’s good but your ego is horrible…

Lord Jamar even further explained his feelings on the issue:

First of all, it’s not just jabs at Kanye West. It’s anybody promoting the feminization — of the Black man in hip-hop culture. Anybody that I see out there, rocking dresses and all of that type of sh*t, I might shoot a jab at. But Kanye is one of the ones right now that’s representing that movement. He’s one of the first ones that you see in a skirt. Now you got other people following suit and rocking full-out dresses or they’re trying to rock kilts. We’re not Irish. We’re not Europeans. Rocking kilts and all that is just another excuse to introduce that skirt style. You understand what I’m saying? And I’m not with it. This has nothing to do with sexuality, who they choose to be with and all that, I’m not even talking about that. I’m talking specifically about, what is hip-hop? And that’s not hip-hop. Rocking dresses with mean faces, that’s not hip-hop.”

Beyonce Publicist’s Request To Remove Images From Website Backfires

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Earlier, Buzzfeed posted ‘The 33 Fiercest Moments From Beyoncé’s Halftime Show‘, featuring some pretty in the moment photos of her game-winning performance. Shortly after, they recieved this:

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Surprisingly (but obviously), this individual must be unaware of how the internet works, because in response, Buzzfeed dedicated another Beyonce article to the publicist, titled ‘The “Unflattering” Photos Beyoncé’s Publicist Doesn’t Want You To See‘ (which features all the pics the publicist was complaining about).

I would love to have seen the look on her face one she saw this. You can check out the pictures on Buzzfeed (links above for yourself).

TATTED UP: The Game Gets The Documentary & The Chronic Artwork On His Stomach

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Hey man, it’s his body, I guess….he recently tweeted/instagrammed these:

“Gettin ‘THE CHRONIC’ album tatted on the stomach… OUCH ! But when I think about what this album did for my city… The pain disappears. That’s Life,”

“3rd tattoo of the day….. This one by the homie @petertattooist might be my favorite thus far….. #TheDocumentary album with my oldest son @harlemcarontaylor on the cover… #CLASSIC !!!!!!!”

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Kylie Minogue Signs To Roc Nation

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Let’s be clear: Hov is recreating a musical DYNASTY…not sure what their gameplan is with this veteran, but they did speak on the signing:

“Roc Nation would like to welcome Aussie singer, recording artist, songwriter, actress and designer Kylie Minogue to the family. In a career now spanning 25 years, Kylie has released 11 studio albums, two live CDs, eight live concert DVDs, a greatest hits double album, and multiple video packages. She has released over 50 hit singles worldwide, including the Grammy-winning Come Into My World, and has sold more than 68 million albums worldwide. Needless to say, we’re excited to have Kylie join the Roc fam.”

Lance Armstrong In Trouble With The Feds…Again

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Lying: the gift that keeps on giving. From TMZ:

Lance Armstrong is reportedly the target of a RENEWED federal criminal investigation connected to his rampant drug use during his cycling career … and could face serious time in the slammer if convicted.

Just weeks after Armstrong fessed up to cheating his ass off on his way to 7 Tour de France titles, ABC News is reporting that feds are actively investigating Armstrong for obstruction, intimidation, and witness tampering.

If Lance is ultimately prosecuted — and convicted — a judge could sentence him to federal prison.

Multiple riders — and other people close to Lance — have publicly accused Armstrong of threatening them into silence over the years … but nobody really listened until Lance went to Oprah and copped to being a jerk.

According to the report, investigators are not concerned with Armstrong’s drug use so much as they are with Armstrong allegedly threatening and interfering with witnesses who could have testified against him.

It ain’t the first time Lance has been investigated by the feds — Lance was under the microscope from 2010 to 2012 following allegations of drug distribution, fraud and conspiracy — but the investigation was dropped.

Chris Brown Instagram Rant A Fake

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Earlier, everyone was reported on how Chris Brown is just tired of the bullshit, deciding to rant on Instagram about all his issues. Well, that wasn’t him, according to the NY Post:

Chris Brown’s “Instagram rant” where he blasted critics and said “enough is enough” is a fake, his rep says.

GossipCop reports that the Instagram account does not belong to Brown and a user named ChrisRealBrown wrote the wildly circulated tirade.

Brown’s rep told the site, “It’s fake. He currently doesn’t have an Instagram.”

It was reported earlier today that following a harsh 19-page report from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office claiming that the R&B singer did not complete his community service requirement, “Brown” took to his “private Instagram” to air his frustrations.

Travis Scott Claims That Cruel Winter Is Real & Coming Soon

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We’ve heard every body talking about it, though for the most part we heard that the project was unlikely…..now, G.O.O.D. Music’s Travis Scott is bringing the hope back:

I was just in Paris f**king with ‘Ye and playing him s**t [from ‘Owl Pharaoh’]. I don’t wanna talk too much, but Cruel Winter is happening for real. F**k what ni**as is talking about, that s**t is for real. That s**t is happening for sure.

Mobb Deep Reportedly Reuniting

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I’m sorry, but the Mobb will never be the same in my eyes. From TMZ:

The duo — a.k.a. Havoc and Prodigy — were entwined in an intense rap feud ever since Havoc tore into Prodigy on Twitter … claiming among other things that Prodigy had engaged in a slew of jailhouse relationships during his 3-year stint in the slammer.

But now, the two rappers have let bygones be bygones … and recently announced they’re headed back on the road together. First stop? The Paid Dues festival in L.A. this March.

Sources close to the group say it’s just the first of many shows — and will act as the unofficial kickoff for their April world tour … where they’ll be celebrating 20 years as a group.

Uncle Luke to Rick Ross: Calm Down Before You End Up Like Biggie

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After the near death experience , Uncle Luke pens an open letter in Miami’s NewTimes. Check out the letter below.

Dear Rick Ross:

As someone who survived several rap beefs, I’m going to give you some advice. You need to seriously address the threats and attempts on your life. You have worked hard to become a big name in hip-hop. You’ve paid your dues and you’ve grown lyrically since the release of your debut album, Port of Miami, in 2006. You’ve arrived, buddy.

But all this gangster bullshit is jeopardizing your career. No club or arena is going to risk people getting shot. You can forget about doing any tours or CD signings. And if you can’t make money, watch how fast Warner Bros. Records turns on you. I know from experience how venues and the music industry would like to black ball you.

You have the Gangster Disciples breathing down your neck because you’ve named-dropped Larry Hoover, the gang’s founder, in your music. Unlike the record and book publishing industries, these bad dudes don’t understand the concept of public domain. They see you getting rich forever by rapping about their leader, and they don’t like it. That’s why they’re on YouTube talking about how you need to go see them and cut a check.

It’s a shame you can’t enjoy life without spending part of your earnings on heavy security or risking your freedom by purchasing an arsenal. Remember, that’s what landed T.I. and Lil Wayne in prison. You don’t want that to happen to you. However, those are the consequences of rapping about being something you’re not.

Hip-hop has a rich history of college guys who never committed a crime rapping about moving kilos of cocaine and taking out snitches. Every gangster rapper takes on the role of a real hood legend to build up street cred. But I don’t want you to fall into the trap of believing you are really a gangster.

Trust me, you don’t want to go out like Biggie Smalls or Tupac. It’s time you squash your beefs.

50 Cent Defends Chris Brown & Rihanna

50 Cent has defended Chris Brown and Rihanna’s rekindled relationship, saying the public should stop vilifying Chris for assaulting the Bajan singer in 2009.

‘Diamonds’ hitmaker Rihanna hinted in a recent interview with Rolling Stone, that she and Chris are back on, saying her decision to date her abusive ex is her “mistake to make,” while also adding that Chris “doesn’t have the luxury” of messing up again.

T.I. Covers The Source

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The above issue should have hit newsstands by the time you read this, but check out an excerpt where he speaks on his role in the film Identity Thief:

“It’s my first comedy so I’m looking forward to seeing that. I just want to keep my tools sharp…. Different people see T.I. in different ways. As long as they ain’t giving me a rapper. That’s what I don’t want to do. Anything else, I’d pretty much be open minded within reason of course.”

Chris Brown’s Attorney Strikes Back (Again)

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From L.A. Times, where you can read the full article:

Responding to allegations that his client faked fulfilling his community service, the attorney for singer Chris Brown accused Los Angeles County prosecutors Tuesday of making “scurrilous” statements against his client and said he plans to ask a judge to sanction prosecutors.

Mark Geragos told The Times he encouraged the Richmond Police Department to “take legal action against the Los Angeles County district attorney,” which alleged Tuesday that Brown violated his probation by not abiding by the terms of his court-ordered community labor in his home state of Virginia.

“Apparently the district attorney’s office has completely lost their minds,” Geragos said. “They are making scurrilous, libelous and defamatory statements and apparently have lost their ability to read their own reports.”

AT&T 28 Days Tour

Screen Shot 2013-02-05 at 9.05.19 PMAT&T the return of 28 Days, a campaign that aims to motivate consumers to take a forward look at Black History Month as they create their own history. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, AT&T 28 Days features a multi-city speaker series and concert tour with comedian and radio personality, Rickey Smiley serving as host. The speaker series and concert tour blends together a roster of performers, thought leaders and innovators that are taking a forward look at making history. Learn more about AT&T 28 Days at att.com/28days.

“We believe it’s what you do, with what we do, which is why 28 Days keeps coming back. AT&T 28 Days is five years strong because of the response and support we’ve received from our African American consumers,” said Jennifer Jones, vice president of Diverse Markets, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “Each year, we look at new ways to move people to act on their dreams today. By adding new speakers and musical performances to 28 Days, we hope the campaign remains fun and relevant.”

With Smiley at the helm as the new host of AT&T 28 Days, audiences are sure to be entertained this Black History Month. Accompanying Smiley on the 2013 speaker series and concert tour is a lineup of some of today’s influential leaders and trendsetters who will provide their perspectives on how consumers can come together to shape their own future. Also new for 2013, the campaign will showcase musical performances from R&B sensation, Elle Varner.

“I feel honored to be involved with 28 Days because it gives me the opportunity to speak candidly about the importance of our history and share the stage with other individuals who are taking that forward look at making history,” said Rickey Smiley.

AT&T 28 Days will kick off in Washington, D.C. at the Lincoln Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 7. The keynote speaker for the Washington, D.C. event is hip-hop commentator, activist and author Kevin Powell. Other stops on the AT&T 28 Days speaker series and concert tour includes:
•    Corvida Raven, tech guru, blogger and entrepreneur; Carolina Theatre; Wednesday, Feb. 13 in Durham, N.C.
•    MC Lyte, hip-hop icon and pioneer female lyricist; Tabernacle Theater; Thursday, Feb. 21 in Atlanta, Ga.
•    Jeff Johnson, social activist and political commentator; Millennium Centre; Wednesday, Feb. 27 in Detroit, Mich.

The speaker series events are free and open to the general public and tickets are available at att.com/28days on a first come first serve basis.

As part of this year’s campaign, AT&T has added a 28 Days to Inspire photo sharing contest at 28daystoinspire.com that allows consumers to submit and share photos of their inspirational moments for a chance to win a grand prize of $1,000 to purchase tickets to any Live Nation concert in the U.S. taking place in 2013, and $1,000 cash. On the website, consumers will be able to submit their photos through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The contest runs from January 21 and continues throughout the month of February. All submissions will be judged based on creativity, uniqueness and their relevance to Black History Month. Only one entry can be made per person.