T.I. To Star In ‘Roots’ Remake

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From Hollywood Reporter:

Rapper Tip “T.I.” Harris, Mekhi Phifer, James Purefoy, Matthew Goode, Lane Garrison, Emayatzy Corinealdi and G. Hannelius have signed on for the four-night, eight-hour miniseries event, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Harris will play Cyrus, a headstrong slave who fights for his freedom for the Union Army against Confederate forces; Phifer will portray Jerusalem, a mute slave working on the Murray plantation who is not quite what he appears to be; Purefoy is cast as John Waller, a wealthy Virginia plantation owner who buys Kunta Kinte as a slave; Goode is set as Waller’s educated, charming brother, Dr. William Waller; Garrison is on board as Frederick Murray, a volatile, unpredictable Confederate officer and slave owner; Corinealdi will play Kunta Kinte’s wife, Belle; and Hannelius will portray John Waller’s daughter, Missy.

Read more here.

Migos’ Offset Is Reportedly Being Released From Jail (UPDATE)

YESS MY BOYS OUT!!!!!

A video posted by Rich The Kid (@whoisrichthekid) on

UPDATE: He’s out (above).

Good news for the QC/Migos camp: it appears as if Offset has caught a break, presumably thanks to a strong push from his lawyer. Details in the below tweets.

Nicki Minaj’s Older Brother Reportedly Charged With 1st Degree Rape Of A 12-Year-Old

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From TMZ:

Nicki Minaj’s brother, Jelani Maraj, has been charged with first degree rape.

Maraj allegedly raped a 12-year-old … this according to Newsday.

Nicki is close to her older brother, and even paid $30k to help foot the bill for his wedding back in August.

It appears authorities claim the rape happened on Long Island, NY. That’s where Maraj was arrested and later released on $100,000 bail.

DAMN: Rapper Stitches Gets Knocked Out Cold By The Game’s Manager (VIDEO)

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Hell, nothing really to do but look at the Instagram sequence below. UPDATE: TMZ has an even more detailed breakdown — and you can see the results of that punch above. Damn.

Rapper Stitches was nothing but determined to find his nemesis The Game and fight him. Things turned out differently for the rapper once The Game walked out the club. The Game’s manager, Wack100, knocked Stitches smooth out.

#PressPlay : Rapper #Stitches pulled up to #StoryNightClub looking for #TheGame tonight!

A video posted by The Shade Room (@theshaderoominc) on

‘The Wire’s Melvin Williams Passes Away At 73

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Spotted on JET:

Melvin “Lil Melvin” Williams, 73, the iconic character in “The Wire” known as “The Deacon” died Thursday in Baltimore after a long illness.

Unknown to many of the series’ fans, he was the inspiration for the creation of the HBO series. To Baltimoreans he was a heroin kingpin who consolidated and revolutionized the drug trade following the 1968 riots.

With nearly 200 workers from the 70’s to the 80’s, he used his influence to shutdown other drug dealers during this period. Later, he would use the technology of pagers to move both heroin and cocaine. Federal officials used wiretaps to monitor his activities.

In 1984, Williams was found guilty of trafficking heroin and was sentenced to 24 years in prison and 10 years of parole. Authorities suspected he was still dealing drugs and arrested him on a federal gun charge in 1999 and sentenced him to another 22 years. A judge overturned his conviction in 2003.

Upon his release, Williams vowed to devote his life to serving God.

David Simon, then a Baltimore Sun reporter, would chronicle “Lil Melvin’s” drug trade and the resulting carnage. After leaving the Baltimore Sun, he pitched the idea of a series surrounding the drug trade using pagers which became “The Wire.”

In an ironic twist, Simon would use Williams as a consultant on the series, and as the character “The Deacon” who was a drug counselor.

50 Cent Teams Up With Will Packer For New Comedy Series

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From Deadline:

Producer Will Packer (Truth Be Told, Uncle Buck) has teamed with actor-rapper-producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson (Power) for My Friend 50, a single-camera series project, which has landed at Fox with the duo executive producing and 50 Cent set to recur, making occasional appearances as a version of himself. Written on spec by Ava Tramer (TBS’ Angie Tribeca), My Friend 50, which has a script order, follows Amanda Kramer, an unstable twentysomething who believes that joining 50 Cent’s entourage is the answer to all her problems. Her unlikely journey with 50 Cent’s crew takes the form of a bizarre documentary commissioned by the most unreliable narrator in history: Amanda.

The project hails from Packer’s Will Packer Productions, Jackson’s G-Unit Film & Television and Universal Television, where Packer is under a first-look production deal. Korin D. Huggins, Head of Television for Will Packer Productions, co-executive produces.

Read more over at Deadline.

TRACKLISTING: ‘Chi-raq’ Soundtrack; Spike Lee ‘Sway In The Morning’ Interview

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In addition to the soundtrack’s tracklisting, we also included a recent interview that Sway did with director Spike Lee — notable for his emotional outburst/lash out at those who have been critical of the upcoming movie.

1. Nick Cannon – Pray 4 My City
2. R. Kelly f/ Tink – Put The Guns Down
3. Mali Music feat. Jhené Aiko – Contradiction
4. Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers feat. Eryn Allen Kane & Sasha Go Hard – Born In Chicago
5. Mali Music – Sit Down For This
6. Sam Dew – Desperately
7. Treasure Davis feat. Kid Ink – Simple
8. Kymm Lewis – I Want To Live
9. Nick Cannon – My City
10. Kevon Carter – WGDB
11. Sophia Byrd – I See The Light
12. Cinque Cullar – All Power
13. Jennifer Hudson – I Run

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Bobby Shmurda Could Possibly Be Free This Week (UPDATE)

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UPDATE: Denied again. Hopefully, he’ll catch a break next month.

From TMZ:

Bobby Shmurda finally has a slight glimmer of hope — his legal team has a plan to spring the rapper from jail as early as Thursday.

Sources close to the case tell TMZ … Shmurda’s family has stepped forward to offer up collateral for his $2 million bond. Most notably, Bobby’s aunt has put several properties on the line to help set the rapper free. We’re told the family has been working closely with NY bondsman Ira Judelson.

As for why Bobby’s team feels this bail package will be approved? We’re told they’ve put together a 200 page document that details the source of every single penny, and it’s essentially “bulletproof.” His camp is pushing to present its case to a judge ASAP.

Mendeecees Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison

I want you all to understand something. I completely accept responsibility for all that is going on. My transition to be a better person a productive person started well before this case. However in my past I made some bad decisions. Young men let my life be an example to you now before it's too late. Better who you are now in your children's lives and in society so you can change the path of your fate. Lack of opportunities, a fatherless home, the unforgiven neighborhood and circumstances you grew up in can no longer be your excuse. Trust me I tried. And it doesn't make the pain your family feels any different. Young man educate your self and break the cycle. Don't become a number on the DOA (dead on arrival) list or on the incarceration list. To my wife and children you are all strong and well prepared for this. This is just another brick laid down towards our house of happily ever after , walk with your head held high knowing I would never past the buck and put another family through what we have endured. Continue to walk in faith and love as you've done so well. To my peoples thank you for all the encouragement and support please continue to encourage my family. Thank you again all.

A photo posted by Mendeecees Harris (@mendeecees) on

In you recall, Mendeecees (husband of Yandy Smith and Love & Hip-Hop star) took a plea deal in April after pleading guilty to an involvement in a cocaine/heroin drug ring. Today, it’s been revealed that he will do 8 years in prison for the crime.

Above, he sends a message to his fans. More can be found below (from the NY Daily News):

Harris, who has been a major figure on the hit VH1 reality show, has been free on a $600,000 bail. The agreement allowed him to pay restitution with earnings and paid appearances, the news outlet reports.

Harris’ wife, Yandy Smith-Harris, who also stars on the show, took to Instagram to express gratitude for the support of her fans.

“You have no idea how much your love and encouragement means,” she wrote. “We finally have closure and are prepared and ready for all the future holds. God and love always prevails.”

Chief Keef’s Label Deal Suspended Following Unauthorized Tour

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From Vlad TV:

Billionaire, Alki David exclusively tells DJ Vlad that Chicago drill rapper, Chief Keef’s contract with FilmOnTV has been “suspended.” Back in April, the 20-year-old announced his deal with the FilmOn founder through a post on his Instagram page. The specifics of the deal were not disclosed but FilmOn is a web-streaming service that allows for its users to stream live broadcasts on their mobile devices and laptops.

In a statement David tells us, “Chief Keef’s contract was suspended 2 weeks ago because his management went off and did a tour without our approval. Not happy with the direction they are taking him.” David feels Keef’s management is limiting the growth of his career and potential. Through their deal with the rapper, FilmOn wants to launch Chief Keef’s career further than the circuit his management team currently keeps him in. “Same sh*t over and over,” he says. “Limiting his appeal to a wider audience and I’m not saying he should sell out, just be more prolific.”

What really has the 47-year-old mogul upset is who Keef is associating with in his music. “[HE] ends up making unsanctioned videos with child sex traffickers,” he told us referring to his ‘Let It Blow” video featuring Las Vegas rapper D. Flores. The Glo Gang collaborator was recently charged for allegedly kidnapping and forcing a 15-year-old girl into prostitution and has his bail set at $250,000.

Although, the suspension has not been lifted and the company has decided to repo his BMW i8 while he was on tour, David still believes in Chief Keef’s stardom and understands it’s the people around him that led to his current label restrictions, “I don’t blame Keith – I blame his shady management – Keith is a f****** rap superstar.”

Boosie BadAzz Reveals He Has Kidney Cancer

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From TMZ:

Lil Boosie is asking fans to pray for him because he just found out he has kidney cancer.

The Louisiana rapper posted his plea on Instagram, saying, “prayer is power that’s why I’m letting the world know” about the diagnosis, but his announcement caught some people close to him off guard.

We’re told Boosie’s team was not happy he revealed his condition … which is why the caption was deleted shortly after the initial posting. The photo of Boosie eating a meal remains on his IG.

Boosie is only 33, but he’s been living with diabetes for years.

WOW: Lil Wayne’s Tour Bus Shooter Gets 20 Years In Prison

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Game/life over. From TMZ:

The guy who shot up Lil Wayne’s tour bus just got nailed by a judge … and sentenced to 20 years.

Jimmy Carlton Winfrey pled guilty to 6 of the 27 counts in connection with the tour bus ambush outside Atlanta last April.

The judge broke down the 20 year sentence by ordering him to serve 10 in prison and another 10 on probation.

The indictment mentions Winfrey used a cellphone after the shooting which was owned by Birdman, who’s being sued by Lil Wayne over a Cash Money dispute.

According to a rep for the D.A., the 6 charges are all gang-related.

ARTWORK/TRACKLISTING: Monica – Code Red

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Monica’s “comeback” project Code Red drops December 18th. You can check out the tracklisting below.

1. “Code Red” (Feat. Missy Elliott & Laiyah)
2. “Just Right For Me” (Feat. Lil Wayne)
3. “Love Just Ain’t Enough” (Feat. Timbaland)
4. “Call My Name”
5. “I Know”
6. “All Men Lie” (Feat. Timbaland)
7. “Deep”
8. “Hustler’s Ambition” (Feat. Akon)
9. “Alone In Your Heart”
10. “Suga”
11. “Ocean of Tears”
12. “Saints & Sinners”
13. “I Miss Music”
14. “Anchor”

Safaree Samuels Is Reportedly Suing Nicki Minaj

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From TMZ:

Nicki Minaj is about to get sued by her ex-boyfriend Safaree Samuels, and he’s gunning for a fortune.

Sources connected with Safaree tell us he wants a cut from 3 of Nicki’s hugely successful albums — The Pink Print, Pink Friday and Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.

Safaree also wants a piece of the pie from some of Nicki’s biggest singles, including “Only” featuring Chris Brown, Drake and Lil Wayne, “Flawless (Remix)” with Beyonce and “Feeling Myself” with Bey.

We’re told Safaree will present a boatload of proof he was super involved in Nicki’s work. His evidence includes videos of him working with Nicki, voice memos from recording sessions, hours of footage from studio sessions. He says he also has multiple witnesses to validate his contribution.

And Safaree says Nicki herself acknowledged his contribution by giving him executive producer credit on her first 2 albums.

Our sources say Safaree has already lawyered up and a lawsuit is “imminent.”

Charlie Sheen Is Reportedly HIV Positive (UPDATE)

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UPDATE: Now he’s saying that he doesn’t have HIV anymore.

I guess the lesson is: you can only be “winning” for so long. From TMZ:

Charlie Sheen will reveal to the world that he’s HIV positive.

Sources connected to NBC’s “Today” tell TMZ … Sheen will sit down with Matt Lauer on Tuesday morning to make the announcement.

NBC touted the interview in a press release as Sheen making a “revealing personal announcement.”

A tabloid report came out Monday claiming Sheen’s been keeping the diagnosis secret for years. You’ve gotta imagine he’ll address that report tomorrow morning on “Today.”

Jeezy Finally Speaks On Homie’s Death At The Hands Of Gucci Man

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If you’re familiar with Jeezy and Gucci Mane’s long-standing (and very real beef), you can read about it here. At its worst point, one of Jeezy’s people — Pookie Loc — lost his life; this was apparently after he was (allegedly) sent out be Jeezy to rob, attack (or kill) Gucci Mane, who ended up killing Loc in defense.

Jeezy’s new album Church In These Streets has a track titled ‘Forgive Me’, which sees the Atlanta rapper opening his heart and apologizing to many of those close to him — one of those was Pookie Loc:

Rest in peace to Pookie Loc blame it on me never snitching
Lord knows I ain’t send the homie on no dummy mission

Courtesy of Genius, Jeezy also broke down the line:

I never spoke on it and over the years it’s something that bothered me because I felt I was never able to explain the situation because that’s against the G-Code.

I just wanted to put that in the air like, “Lord knows I would never send homie on no dummy mission.” I got too much love.

But as a real G and a real man, I’m gonna let it stay where it’s at. You can make your assumptions, throw your rocks and stones as you may.

ARTWORK/TRACKLISTING: R. Kelly – The Buffet

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R. Kelly is preparing for the release of his new album The Buffet, which features appearances from Ty Dolla $ign, Jhené Aiko, Juicy J, Lil Wayne, Jeremih, Tinashe and Wizkid.

Check out the artwork above and below, as well as the tracklisting. The Buffet drops December 11th.

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THE BUFFET TRACKLISTING:

1. “The Poem”
2. “Poetic Sex”
3. “Anything Goes” feat. Ty Dolla $ign
4. “Let’s Make Some Noise” feat. Jhené Aiko
5. “Marching Band” feat. Juicy J
6. “Switch Up” feat. Lil Wayne and Jeremih
7. “Wanna Be There” feat. Ariirayé
8. “All My Fault”
9. “Wake Up Everybody”
10. “Get Out Of Here With Me”
11. “Backyard Party”
12. “Sextime”
13. “Let’s Be Real Now” feat. Tinashe

DELUXE EDITION TRACKS:

14. “I Just Want to Thank You” feat. WizKid
15. “Keep Searchin’”
16. “Sufferin’”
17. “I Tried”
18. “Barely Breathin’”

Fabolous Announces ‘The Young OG Project 2’ (Album) & ‘Summertime Shootout’ (Mixtape)

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Fabolous is looking to close out the year with a double release takeover — the Brooklyn emcee announced both The Young OG Project 2 and Summertime Shootout: A Mixtape Love Story. Check out the artwork and release dates for both below.

The Young OG Project 2 Digital Album 12 • 25 • 2015 Christmas Day #YOGP2 #ChristmasDay

A photo posted by Fabolous (@myfabolouslife) on

Chris Rivers Rights Letter To Father Big Pun On His Birthday

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Today would’ve been Big Pun’s 44th birthday (R.I.P.). You can check out Chris Rivers’ Instagram letter below.

Happy birthday poppa. It's been almost 16 years and I still see people with tattoos of you immortalized on they flesh. The impact you left on the world will make you immortal as pun. And the impact you left on mommy ( @pun_is_her ) and your daughters ( @nessyrios @star_rios ) and I left you immortal in our hearts. I don't care if it sounds corny. Love doesn't judge. You're this Titan in my eyes this insurmountable force as an rapper I hear stories about your legendary charisma and the way you inspired people like a king. I would have loved to get to know you more. You were the greatest rapper , you were a person who manifested and shaped his destiny from selling crack in sound view sleeping out of bags to going double platinum whippin nighas with iced out chains lmao in all the things you were whether it be the #GOAT , hope , a legend, a man, a human , above all you were a husband and a father. And we love and miss you . I don't usually like saying much so I keep it at I love you and we gonna make you proud. You'll never really die. #RIP #DRAGONSUP #bigPun

A photo posted by Chris Rivers (@dragonsandrivers) on

Jadakiss – Top 5 Dead or Alive (Tracklisting)

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Top 5 Dead Or Alive drops November 20th (preorder on iTunes). Tracklisting below.

1. “Intro – First 48″
2. “Shop Talk” (Skit)
3. “You Don’t Eat” (Feat. Puff Daddy)
4. “You Can See” (Feat. Future)
5. “Y.O. (Youthful Offenders)” (Feat. Akon)
6. “Jason” (Feat. Swizz Beatz)
7. “Kill” (Feat. Lil’ Wayne)
8. “Man In The Mirror”
9. “Synergy” (Feat. Styles P)
10. “Ain’t Nothin New” (Feat. Ne-Yo & Nipsey Hussle)
11. “So High” (Feat. Wiz Khalifa)
12. “Ahaa Interview” (Skit)
13. “Critical” (Feat. Jeezy)
14. “Confetti” (Skit)
15. “Cutlass”
16. “Realest In The Game” (Feat. Sheek Louch & Young Buck)
17. “Rain” (Feat. Nas & Styles P)
18. “One More Mile To Go” (Feat. Chayse)
19. “Baby” (Feat. Dyce Payne)