Trayvon Martin's case negatively inspires similar acts of violence

This is extremely sad, but the Trayvon Martin case has inspired a wave of violence across the country. Hip Hop Wired reports:

An off-duty police officer is claiming to have been racially profiled for wearing his hoodie in a Montgomery, Ala. mall last month. 26-year-old Terence Scott has since filed a lawsuit in the Montgomery County Court against ERMC, the company which provides security services for Eastdale Mall, where he was shopping.

According to court documents, Scott and his fiancée, Cherkuita Brown, also an employee of the Montgomery Police Department, were walking to their car when a security officer approached them. "His face was clearly visible, thus reflecting both his gender and ethnic background," states the suit of Scott's appearance.

The guard instructed Scott to take off his hoodie, to which he complied, before deciding to put it back on due to the weather. The lawsuit goes on to state that after being told to leave through a specific exit, Scott was approached and assaulted by two other security officers, one of whom choked him. The altercation continued until another off-duty officer recognized Scott and informed the guards of his status.

In the aftermath, Scott was treated for a bruise on his neck, a strained right elbow, and strained right thumb. He is seeking unspecified damages.

And also

An Alabama man is believed to be the latest white victim to be attacked in retaliation over the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. Police in Mobile are looking for the group who brutally beat Matthew Owens, leaving him in critical condition.

According to authorities the angry mob attacked Owens after he got into an argument with children playing basketball last weekend. After the youngsters left, a group of 20 adults carrying chairs, brass knuckles, pipes, and paint cans, made their way to Owens' doorstep. One person is alleged to have uttered "Now that's justice for Trayvon," after the attack.

Police were unable to find any suspects at the scene, but made an arrest Wednesday (April 25) morning. "It was the scariest thing I have ever witnessed," Owens' sister, Ashley Parker, told local news station WKRG News 5. Owens and the unidentified suspect have had an ongoing feud since 2009, according to the Mobile County District Attorney's Office.

Although it hasn't been determined if Owens provoked the altercation, neighbors witnessed him chasing off the group of children with kitchen knives. He also has a history of violent offenses, and has been arrested numerous times for domestic violence, assault, and sexual abuse.

Martin's death in February has contributed to racial tension across the country after his accused killer, George Zimmerman, was initially let go. One month later, second-degree murder charges were brought against the former neighborhood watch volunteer, who turned himself in to authorities. Zimmerman has since been released from custody after posting $150,000 bond.

Here's the video:

Lil Boosie's lyrics may be used against him in trial

This is taking "what you say can and will be used against you in a court of law" to a whole new level. Hip Hop Wired:

A judge in the Lil Boosie murder case has ruled to allow some of the rapper's lyrics as evidence in his murder trial. Judge Mike Erwin granted the motion to have three of the Louisiana native's lyrics submitted to show intent in the prosecution's case against him.

The ruling was reached following a four-hour pre-trial hearing Tuesday (April 24). Boosie, born Torrence Hatch, is accused of hiring a hitman to murder Terry Boyd back in 2009. The shooter, Michael "Marlo Mike" Louding is also wanted in connection with six other murders in the area. Interrogative detective Alvin Howard, of the Baton Rouge Police Department, testified that lines like "187," "murk" and "cake," found in Boosie's music reference the killing. Howard also said that Louding admitted to being paid $2800 to commit the murder, yet the defense argued that the detective never verified where the funds actually came from.

Since his incarceration, Boosie—who was rumored to have died behind bars— has continued to release new music, and penned a letter to fans thanking them for their support. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

50 intervenes in the sale of Young Buck's assets

Well it seems like 50 may be trying to block the sale of Young Buck's intellectual property. Allhiphop reports:

Rapper 50 Cent has filed a motion to block Young Buck’s sale of his intellectual property, in an attempt to pay off creditors, as part of his bankruptcy filing.

According to the Wall Street Journal, 50 Cent’s lawyers filed motions to stop the sale of Young Buck’s recordings, publishing and other intellectual property, until a judge decides what Young Buck is allowed to sell.

Lawyers for 50 Cent claim that Young Buck’s agreement with G-Unit already grants them the rights to almost all of the intellectual property the rapper created while he was signed to the label.

“The creditors are left with no choice but to file this opposition to ensure that the trustee is not seeking to adversely affect the creditors’ rights in assets that they own, or in which they have rights and interests,” 50 Cent’s attorneys wrote in recently filed court papers.

In addition to his music, lawyers for G-Unit say the label owns all trademarks, logos and even Young Buck’s professional name.

A judge is expected to weigh in on the motion next week.

Brian McKnight raunchy song causes some backlash

Remember back in the day when Brian McKnight's songs were some of the most romantic songs on the radio? Well, now he has one of the most raunchiest songs on the internet. And it's causing quite a bit of backlash. MTV.com reports:

Brian McKnight is ready to get a little adventurous with his fans through new music on an adult mixtape, but so far his fans seemed to be undecided and about whether or not they’re willing to take the journey with him. On Monday the R&B singer--known for his hits like “Anytime” and “Back At One"--posted a preview of a racy new song called “If You’re Ready to Learn." While some fans were feeling the track, many had negative thing to say on Twitter.

In a YouTube clip explaining why he was attempting to release an adult mixtape, McKnight told fans that he was hoping to explore new territory. “There’s lots of conversations I’ve had with men, lots of conversation I’ve had with women, just about other sexual type thhings that I’d like to tackle,” he said. “So I’m in the middle of writing that song and I’m gonna give you a preview.”

“If You’re Ready to Learn” didn’t leave much to the imagination with McKnight crooning, "Let me show you how your p---- works, since you didn't bring it to me first/I have lots of things to show you if you’re ready to learn. Let me show you how your p---- works, bet you didn’t know that it could squirt. I have lots of things to show you if you’re ready to learn.”

The backlash prompted McKnight to pull the video from his pages, but it's already made the rounds. On Tuesday he continued the back-and-forth with his fans on Twitter, deciding whether he should re-post the video.

@ItsBMcKnight I'll let u all decide should I put it bac up or not some of u have said some awfully hateful things

@ItsBMcKnight It's funny how we listen and let our kids listen to songs about killing people and selling drugs and calling women bitches

@ItsBMcKnight I wrote this song crude as it may be about satisfying all women and look what happened

Here's the video for you to decide:


What a far-cry from this:

Details of Don Cornelius' autopsy has finally been released

The details of Don Cornelius' autopsy has finally been released. NewsOne reports:

When Don Cornelius’ suicide became public, fans worldwide wondered why the “Soul Train” icon would take his own life. Now, his autopsy report reveals that illness pushed Cornelius over the edge, according to TMZ. 

Since Cornelius suffered an aneurysm in 1997, seizures plagued him in later years. In the final six months of his life, though, the pain of his condition had become debilitating, causing Cornelius to fall in to a deep depression. From the autopsy report, it is stated that Cornelius called his son at 3 a.m., saying, “I don’t know how long I can take this.” TMZ reports: Don’s son told him he’d rush right over … and Don said he’d leave the back door open. 

When Don’s son arrived to Cornelius’ Los Angeles home, he detected an odor of smoke and saw Don seated in a chair with a pistol in his right hand. The autopsy report also reveals that Cornelius pulled the trigger from his left temple and the bullet exited his right temple. Oddly enough, there were also paper bags over his hands: 

The decedent was 75-year-old Black male. He was observed supine on a hospital bed in the emergency room. He was covered with a white sheet. He was clad in black pants, black underwear, and a white hospital gown. No tattoos were noted. … His hands were covered with brown paper bags. … I found what appears to be a bullet entrance contact wound to the right temple. I saw what appears to be an exit wound to the upper left side of his head. No other trauma was noted.

Yelawolf back on the road after health scare

Yelawolf looks to be hitting the road again, after a road block threatened to end the tour. Allhiphop reports:

Alabama rapper Yelawolf is back to touring after a serious medical incident left him sidelined.

Yelawolf suffered from a ruptured spleen in March of 2012, forcing him abruptly end his tour after a stop in Wisconsin.

Today (April 20), Yelawolf announced that he is launching a new world tour starting tomorrow in Greensboro, North Carolina.

The rapper has 26-dates lined up, ranging from clubs to festivals like Bonnaroo Music and the H2O Music Festival.

The "Sanders Saga" continues

The "Sanders Saga" continues. Things went to the next level this past Monday. Yahoo! News reports:

Deion Sanders' contentious divorce took another ugly turn on Monday, when the Pro Football Hall of Famer posted a photograph of he and his two sons filling out a police report against their mother, Pilar Sanders. 

He captioned the photograph with the message, "filling out police reports now! Thank God for this platform to issue the Truth."

TMZ reports that police were seen outside Sanders' house on Monday night and an unidentified person was in handcuffs. His estranged wife was taken to a hospital after complaining of a medical problem. 

Last month, Pilar Sanders filed a $200 million defamation lawsuit against her husband. She was responding to a tweet from Deion's daughter, Deiondra, which said Pilar was a "gold-digging [expletive]." Deion later explained that the statement couldn't be defamation because it's true. 

Curren$y detained in Dallas

Curren$y apparently ran into a little trouble at his recent stop in Dallas, TX on April 23. Allhiphop reports:

The rapper was in town to perform at the House of Blues, as part of the “Stoned Immaculate” tour with Smoke DZA, Young Roddy, Fiend, Styles P. and others.

But Curren$y almost missed his headlining slot in Dallas, after he and an associate were detained by police, apparently for smoking marijuana.

“Locked the CEO up, and I’m da CEO f**k,” Curren$y tweeted. “Ni**az was jus chiefin and bumpin dat new fiend s**t….Then some strangers came thru wit these bracelets that made my arms hurt…”

After watching the opening acts, fans were relieved to see that Curren$y made the show, when he hit the performed around 12:35 PM central time.

Curren$y walked out on stage at House of Blues, smoking what appeared to be a joint, before addressing the crowd.

“Thanks for all those #freeSpitta tweets – shit fuck it let’s go…Y’all know all the lyrics. I see the Jet hats and the gear, and I don’t smell no cheap s**t either!”

Entertainment legend Dick Clark passes away at 82

At some point or another almost all of our lives has been touched by this man. So, this is a definite loss. Allhiphop reports:

Dick Clark, entertainment icon and long-time host of “American Bandstand” and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin Eve”, died earlier today (April 18) at the age of 82 from a massive heart attack.

Clark, who began hosting “American Bandstand” in 1952, was an early supporter of showcasing the fledgling Rap genre and Hip-Hop culture on mainstream television. On August 24, 1985, Rap legends Run-DMC performed on his popular “American Bandstand” and were also the first Hip-Hop group to make an appearance on the show.

Over the years, Hip-Hop legends such as Kurtis Blow, LL Cool J, Sugar Hill Gang, and The Beastie Boys performed and made appearances on “American Bandstand” alongside Clark.

....

After suffering a stroke in 2004 that left him partially paralyzed, Clark, who also suffered from Type 2 diabetes, dealt with a speech impediment, neither of which stopped him from returning to television for his annual New Year’s Eve celebration a year later in 2006. Dick Clark also appeared in cameo roles on two episode of ”The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” alongside Will Smith.

Clark was the host of seven shows throughout his career that included “American Bandstand,” “Pyramid,” and “Scattegories.” He was recognized by the Emmy’s four times, and was given a Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Peabody Award in 1999. Clark has also been an inductee of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Broadcasting Magazine Hall of Fame.

Lil Scrappy has a health scare

I'm glad to hear Scrappy is in good spirits after his recent health scare. Hip Hop Wired reports:

According to TMZ, the rapper was hospitalized after suffering a major asthma attack and according to Scrappy himself, “d#mn near died.”

The “No Problem” rapper said he spent Monday night (April 16) throwing back brews and when he woke up the following day, he was having respiratory problems and couldn't speak. “I felt like I was dying,” said the rapper.

He was immediately rushed to nearby Emory University Hospital where he was treated and later released. “If it weren't for my driver, mom, and rap artist I would have been dead,” Scap said. Doctors supplied the rapper with a, “breathing machine” and Scrappy said he will keep it next to his American Express card, “I will never leave anywhere without it again.”

Ohio teen arrested after clip hit World Star

Here's another case of someone not thinking something all the way through before they do it. Hip Hop Wired reports:

A 19-year-old Ohio resident was arrested Monday (April 16) for attacking someone after a Twitter beef got out of hand. Tashay D. Edwards had her friend tape the altercation, which ended up going viral on WorldStarHipHop, turning her into the latest short-lived Internet star. What she probably didn't count on was getting arrested, yet judging by her mug shot, she's likely unfazed by the whole thing.

In the one-minute video, Edwards shows up at the victim's house, claiming that she's not interested in fighting—but was dressed like she was ready for a battle. After punching the girl in the face, the teen stomps, then drags the victim down the steps by her hair, before a friend intervenes.

The person on the receiving end of the brutal beat down hasn't been identified by police, but according to Twitter, she goes by the name NeeNee, and doesn't seem to be upset that over 2 million people witnessed her catching an epic fade. “So apparently iGot my a-- whopped on WORLDSTAR and my Followers and Mentions been RISING since! FOLLOW MEEEE !” she wrote in her Twitter bio.

Edwards was charged with assault and violation of a temporary protection order.

Forest Whitaker producing an Oscar Grant film

Hollywood vet Forest Whitaker wants to produce a film about the young man murdered in Oakland a few years ago. Hip Hop Wired reports:

It's been three years since police gunned down Oscar Grant at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station, but his story has not been forgotten. A major motion picture chronicling the life and death of the Oakland, Calif. resident is in the works.

Forrest Whitaker will produce the film alongside his Significant Productions partner, Nina Yang. Oscar winner Octavia Spencer, and actor Michael B. Jordan, are in talks to star indie drama.

Titled Fruitvale, after the BART station where Grant was killed, the screenplay is penned by Ryan Coogler who will also direct the motion picture. Pending approval of final negotiations, Jordan – who starred in the sci-fi flick Chronicle –will play the role of Grant, while Spencer will play his mother. The film is set to look at the friends, family members, and strangers whom Grant crossed paths with on his last day alive.

In 2009, the 22-year-old was fatally shot in the back by police officers in the early morning hours of New Year's Day. Grant's shooting was captured by several bystanders via cellphone. Despite the evidence against them all of the officers involved received little, if any, disciplinary action for the incident. Among those who got off easy was Grant's shooter, Officer Johannes Mehserle. While he was initially slapped with murder charges, Mehserle was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter. In November of 2010 the former police officer was sentenced to two years behind bars with credit for time served, and was released in June of last year.

Civil Rights attorney, John Burris filed a $25 million wrongful death lawsuit against BART on behalf of the Grant family, in addition to a $1.5 million claim on behalf of his friends, who were unlawfully detained following the shooting. BART later settled with Grant's mother and daughter for $1.3 million.

Diddy tops "The Forbes Five: Hip-Hop's Wealthiest Artists"

It's almost pointless for them to release this list every year seeing as how the names are the same almost every year. But Diddy has made it back to the number one spot on the Forbes list. Hip Hop Wired reports:

For the second year in a row Mr. Combs topped the list above the likes of Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and other usual suspects.

The Bad Boy Records head netted $550 million last year, putting him one step closer to becoming hip-hop's first billionaire. Among the business collaborations fattening his pockets include his partnership with Ciroc vodka, his Sean Jean clothing line, and the Blue Fame marketing agency. The 42-year-old is also planning to follow in the footsteps of Oprah Winfrey, by launching his own network next year, which likely keep him on the Forbes' list for years to come.

Coming in second place on the list was Jay who earned an impressive $460 million, due in part to his successful 'Watch the Throne Tour,' which will head overseas this summer. Next was the current king of holograms, Dr. Dre with $270 million, followed by Birdman who made $125 million last year.

Rounding out the list is 50 Cent who, despite not dropping a single album in over two years, earned of $100 million.

It's important to note that these figures are based off the moguls' net worth not how much was grossed in 2011.

Former Bad Boy artist convicted of 2nd degree murder

Why is it so many Bad Boy artist end up broke, deceased or in jail? Unfortunately, G. Dep wasn't able to escape this fate. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Another former Bad Boy Records MC is going to be spending years in the clink. Today, Harlem rapper G. Dep was convicted of second degree murder, reports the Associated Press. The "Let's Get It" rapper will be facing 15 years to life when he is sentenced on May 8th.

G. Dep, born Trevell Coleman, found himself in this predicament after confessing in late 2010 to a 1993 shooting that previously had gone unsolved. While the rapper was unaware of his victim's fate, unfortunately the man (John Henkel) he admitted to shooting during a robbery had died. The defense suggested authorities were mistaken as to which robbery Dep committed, but the jury obviously wasn't convinced.

"He has a conscience and a heart, and his conscience and his heart brought him to where he is today," Dep's lawyer, Anthony Ricco, told the court. "He's probably making the most powerful statement a rapper of his era can make, which is to be accountable and to do the right thing."

White Supremacists convicted of a hate crime in Texas

If anyone needed any proof that racism still existed, here you go. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Three men accused of attacking a black man while he waited at a Houston bust stop were found guilty on federal hate crime charges Monday (April 16). Charles Cannon, 26, Brian Kersetter, 32, and Michael McLaughlin, 41, were all convicted by a federal jury on charges stemming from the vicious attack on victim, Yondell Johnson, last August.

The three men were found guilty on grounds that they violated the Matthew Shepard Act and the James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, both of which were signed into law by Pres. Obama in 2009. "Today's convictions...show that hate crimes are far too common in this country," said Assistant Attorney General of the Civil Rights Division, Thomas E. Perez. "The department will continue to use every available tool to identify and prosecute hate crimes whenever and wherever they occur."

A jury concluded that the men, who were known to have affiliations with racist groups, approached 29-year-old Johnson, using racial slurs, before surrounding him. They then began punching and kicking the victim in the head and body "I couldn't believe this was happening, and I thought I could be dying especially when they had me on the ground," Johnson said. "I knew it still happened, but right here in my own back yard? Not really." After a witness placed a call to 911, all the suspects were arrested at the scene. A fourth man, Joseph Staggs, was also taken into custody, but charges were dropped after he testified against his cohorts.

The three men were indicted on the charges back in January, following an extensive investigation held by the FBI and Houston police. Each of the men are facing the maximum of 10 years behind bars, and are scheduled to be sentenced July 16.

E-40 talks about his run in with Notorious B.I.G.

I love hearing stories from back in the day that I had never heard before. Things that went on behind the scenes that never made it to the media. Here's another one. Apparently E-40 had a little situation with Biggie back in the day. BallerStatus.com reports:

In the 2007 DVD, "Notorious B.I.G.: Bigger than Life," B.I.G.'s former manager Larry Burns detailed an incident in the '90s when he and the rapper ran into some problems while doing a show in Sacramento.

According to the DVD, Biggie had previously said, publicly, that he wasn't feeling rapper E-40 and/or his music, rating him a "0" on a 1 to 10 scale.

Well, during a reenactment in the film, Burns detailed a night when he and Biggie almost didn't make it out of the city alive, simply because of his statements toward the Bay Area legend.

In a recent interview with Rude Jude and Lord Sear's Sirius/XM show, The All Out Show, E-40 was asked about the situation, where he explained that he gave B.I.G. "a pass" that night.

"Biggie, back in the days, had said something in a magazine in Canada. He was talking about Spice 1. From a scale of 1-10, he would say, 'Spice 1 [is] a 2. E-40 [is] a 0. I hate that dude.' Like, what? Bruh, you ain't ever even met me. Why you hate me?" 40 said in the radio interview, according to HipHopDX.com.

"The way it went down, he came down to Sacramento and just put it this way, I gave him a pass. We talked and after that some things went down. I gave him a pass."

Here's Larry Burns' side of the incident:

Secret Service get caught up in Columbia with prostitutes

This story truly deserves the Dirty Rotten Radio's patented "Supaugly!" Hip Hop Wired reports:

A group of Secret Service members, have found themselves in the news for an unflattering decision: soliciting prostitutes. 11 agents were suspended over the weekend, for allegedly hiring the prostitutes during a trip with President Obama to Cartagena, Columbia, for the Summit of the Americas conference.

While the gross misstep has shined a negative light on the men who are often seen but never heard, commander in chief spoke on the incident, revealing that any necessary disciplinary action will be handled pending the conclusion of an investigation into the matter. "What happened here in Colombia is being investigated by the director of the Secret Service," he told reporters during a press conference wrapping up the event, which brings together 34 members of the Organization of the Americas, and is held every five years. "I expect that investigation to be thorough and to be rigorous. If it turns out that some of the allegations made in the press are confirmed, then of course I'll be angry. We're representing the people of the United States when we travel out of the country.

"These men and women perform extraordinary service on a day-to-day basis, protecting me, my family and other U.S. officials," he added. "They do very hard work under very stressful circumstances and almost invariably do an outstanding job."

Aside from the Secret Service men, five U.S. Military service members, who were staying at the same hotel, have also been placed under investigation for misconduct, and violating curfew. According to reports, the Secret Service members brought the prostitutes to the hotel where Obama was booked to stay the following day, but former agency director, Ralph Basham, noted that these kinds of incidents are not the norm. "I do not believe that there is a systemic problem in the Secret Service because if there were, this wouldn't be such a huge story," Basham who ran the agency from 2003 to 2006, now heads the security firm, Command Consulting Group. "This is really an abnormality," he said.

This embarrassing mishap comes as President Obama's re-election campaign, has commissioned the help of workers in Arizona to hit local college campuses, in hopes of snagging a strong Latino vote in the state.

Mystikal headed back to jail

Unfortunately, it looks as if Mystikal may be headed back to jail for a short stay. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Recent YMCMB signee, Mystikal has violated his probation and will be returning back to jail for 90 days according to the Associated Press. Mystikal, who was released from state prison in 2010 after serving a six-year term for sexual battery and extortion, was arrested in February on a misdemeanor charge of domestic abuse battery thus violating his probation. Mystikal''s attorney said District Judge Tony Marabella ordered Tyler to spend another 90 days in jail but is giving him credit for the nine days he was detained after his Feb. 22 arrest.

Jayson Williams is now free from Rikers

Finally, looks as if former NBA Player, Jayson Williams, is a free man. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Former New Jersey Nets big man Jayson Williams has been freed from New York's Rikers Island prison after a long list of legal issues that plagued him after his premature retirement from the league due to injury. Williams served eighth months on drunk driving charges in New York, this after serving 18 months in New Jersey for charges related to the 2002 shooting of 55-year old limo driver Costas "Gus" Christofi at his New Jersey estate.

Williams, who was in his prime before a career-ending leg injury from a collision with Stephon Marbury, has been dogged with the 10-year old case by way of a series of court trials. After being acquitted in 2004 of more serious charges, Williams was slapped with cover up charges. Williams was retried on aggravated assault charges stemming from the case, pleaded guilty in February 2010 and thus receieved a five-year sentence with possible parole in 18 months. That same year, he was charged after a January drunk driving incident in Manhattan which added time to his sentence.

In a statement released by his manager, Williams showed remorse for his actions. "I am eager to see my daughters, my mother and siblings and make amends for what they've been through,” said Williams. "Start my life over with God being first and in the center of everything I do."

No in honor of Jayson Williams:

The 8 Most Annoying Things About The Summer

It would be nice if our summers were more like the Will Smith classic, "Summertime". Everyone in that song was in a good mood, enjoying the weather, partying and eating good! But, where I'm from, the summers look more like the Spike Lee Joint, Do The Right Thing. The heat seems to entice some of the most irrational behavior all year long. And with summer right around the corner, we decided to get you ready by giving you a little glimpse of what you're going to have to deal with. I saw this list on MadameNoire.com, and decide to tweak it to make it more suitable for us. So here are the "8 Most Annoying Things About The Summer".


8) The heat itself















Bottom line, unless you're having a summer like we did here in Dallas back in 2007 where it rained almost everyday, you're not going to escape the heat or the sun. In the winter, if it gets cold, you can put on a few extra layers of clothing to get warm. During the summer, it doesn't matter how much you take off, it's still going to be hot! All you can do, is try your best to stay cool and stay hydrated.

7) People wearing less clothing to beat the heat

No, we're not talking about the ladies pulling out their short, shorts or the fellas pulling out the muscle shirts and wife-beaters; we're talking about some of the most wide and off-side people walking around looking like a hot mess. We're talking about these people with beat-up feet in desperate need of a pedicure and a foot doctor walking around in sandals. Just wrong!

6) The ratchet parade comes out

I don't know what it is about the heat that brings the rats out. But, for some reason, every summer we see some of the most ratchet behavior in the world. You see some of the weirdest hairstyles (that I would imagine has to be hard to maintain in the heat) and some of the most awkward hair colors. Whatever it is, the ratchet parades marches on non-stop every summer.

5) The loiterers hanging around for no apparent reason













During the summer, people like to get together. Nothing really wrong with that. People like to hang out; nothing wrong with that. But, then you have those people who are doing nothing but posting up somewhere. In front of your house, or apartment or store just making everyone uneasy. Then, when someone says something to them about it or ask them not to hang around like that, they act like you've done something wrong.

4) Obnoxiously loud music when no one wants to hear it













Now this mostly occurs when the teenagers come around with no consideration for the people around them. But, this also happens because during the summer, people like congregate and have gatherings. The music starts blaring, and you just have to hope that it's something you don't mind hearing.

3) Kids out of school for the summer














Over here at The Urban Advocate, we love the kids. But, during the summer, these little gremlins run around with no where to go and nothing to do, but get on adults nerves. Screaming all the time, raising hell and constantly getting into something. So, prepare yourself for it now, because it's right around the corner.

2) The block is hot when the cops come out













When the heat goes up, the cops come out. I don't know if it's because the crime rate rises during the summer, or if they're upset because they have to patrol the beat in those dark, hot uniforms; but for whatever reason, the cops seem to turn up the heat making our summers hotter than hell.

1) Fights over the dumbest things














We've all been around a big group of people during the summer and a fight break out for no apparent reason. Fact of the matter is, when the temperatures rise, the tempers flare. People become a little more irritable when the heat becomes less bearable. So our advice for the summer of 2012, keep your head on a swivel, try your best to keep cool and keep your cool.

Rozay has another seizure and cancels shows

Officer Ricky has to cancel some more shows after allegedly suffering another seizure. Allhiphop reports:

The Miami rapper was supposed to hit the stage at the Easter Fest Rozay at Guyana National Stadium, but the show was abruptly canceled.

Organizers confirmed that Rick Ross was forced to cancel the show in Guyana, because he suffered from a seizure.

The medical condition left the rap star unable to fly, according to the statement.

“The artist has suffered a medical emergency and has been ordered by his doctors not travel,” promoters Hits and Jams Entertainment said in a statement.

Reps for Rick Ross have stated that he will make up the canceled date in Guyana, but there could be issues with a missed date in Houston the night before.

The rap star was also supposed to perform at the Bayou Music Center in Houston on April 8, but missed that performance as well.

President Obama stands by his 2009 statements about Kanye

There's nothing more I respect than a man that stands by his word. So, Obama has definitely earned my respect. Allhiphop reports:

President Obama was attending a fundraiser at Daniel, an upscale gourmet restaurant on Park Ave. in Manhattan, when a reporter for The Atlantic quizzed him on his Hip-Hop tastes.

According to President Obama, he prefers Jay-Z over Kanye West, “although I like Kanye,” Obama told The Atlantic. “He’s a Chicago guy. Smart. He’s very talented.”

But President Obama refused to backdown from comments he made about Kanye in 2009, while his microphone was live during an interview, without his knowledge.

In the new interview, The Commander-In-Chief has once again branded the Kanye West a jackass.

“He is a jackass,” Obama said in a new interview. “But he’s talented.”

President Obama also labeled the Grammy Award-winning producer/rapper a jackass in 2009, after he infamously interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

The state finally charges Zimmerman for the murder of Trayvon Martin

After nearly three months of this story being in the headlines, the state of Florida finally decides to charge Trayvon Martin's murderer. Hip Hop Wired reports:

As expected, George Zimmerman has been charged in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin. 45 days after the Florida teen was gunned down, special prosecutor, Angela Corey, announced during a news conference Wednesday (April 11) that Zimmerman will face a second-degree murder charge for the incident. Corey also revealed that Zimmerman is currently in custody, but would not disclose his location for safety reasons.

Corey had been expected to bring charges against Zimmerman ever since it was announced that she would not be needing the help of a grand jury in the case. Zimmerman has been in hiding since the shooting, and up until yesterday, was not staying in the state of Florida.

"Less than three weeks ago we told those sweet parents that we would get answers," Corey said during the news conference, of speaking with Martin's mother and father. "I can tell you we did not come to this decision lightly," she explained, stating that the decision was not swayed by public opinion surrounding the controversial case. "We prosecute based on the facts of any given case as well as the laws of the state of Florida.

"Today we filed an information charging George Zimmerman with murder in the second degree. A capias has been issued for his arrest. With the filing of that information, and the issuance of the capias, he will have a right to appear in front of a magistrate in Seminole County within 24-hours of his arrest, and thus formal prosecution will begin." Before taking questions from the press, Corey ended her announcement by reminding the public to send positive thoughts towards Martin's parents. "We ask you to continue to pray for Trayvon's family, as well as for our prosecution team."

A native of Jacksonville, Fla., 57-year-old Corey has been state attorney for nearly four years and is up for re-election. She was appointed to investigate the case on March 23, after the Sanford Police Department decided not to press charges against Zimmerman. The 28-year-old part-time neighborhood watch volunteer is claiming self-defense in Martin's killing, but is said to have turned himself in to police sometime Wednesday.

This latest development comes one day after Zimmerman's attorney's jumped ship. His new counsel is Marc O'mara, a Florida criminal and family law attorney who has been practicing in the state for 28 years.

Martin was shot after returning from the store where he purchased an Arizona Ice Tea, and a bag of Skittles. If convicted, Zimmerman may face life in prison.

Peep the video:

Ice Cube and F. Gary Gray team up again for Straight Outta Compton

The last time these two teamed up we got the hood classic, Friday. This time we could be getting the N.W.A. biopic. Allhiphop reports:

After years in a developmental state of flux, it appears that New Line Cinema has officially brought director F. Gary Gray (Friday) on board as director for their N.W.A. biopic, Straight Outta Compton.

Before the studio and producers decided on Gray for the directing gig, John Singleton (Boyz N The Hood), George Tillman (Notorious), and Elgin James (Little Birds) were in the running for the long-gestating project that is finally gaining traction.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the script, which was written by Andrea Berloff (World Trade Center) “details the rise and fall of the Compton, California-based group, whose initials stood for ‘N*ggaz With Attitude.’ The members included drug-dealer-turned-label founder Eazy-E, a young DJ Dr. Dre, and the politically active Ice Cube, plus MC Ren and DJ Yella. Another member, Arabian Prince, left N.W.A. before the group released the groundbreaking debut album Straight Outta Compton in 1988.”

Rumors in the past have suggested that Eric Wright Jr., who is more famously known as Lil’ Eazy E, could be at the top of the list to portray his father in the biopic.

After being removed from the shortlist to direct next summer’s Marvel tentpole Captain America 2, Gray finalized talks with New Line to get the deal done and put the biopic on the fast-track.

Straight Outta Compton is being produced by former N.W.A. member Ice Cube and his Cube Vision partner, Matt Alvarez, along with Eazy-E’s widow, Tomica Woods.

There is currently no production-start or release date for Straight Outta Compton.

George Zimmerman's legal team steps back

In a strange turn of events, George Zimmerman's legal team withdraws. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Zimmerman might want to start auditioning new lawyers. His legal team, led by attorney Craig Sonner, said Tuesday (April 7) that they are withdrawing from the case because the 28-year-old has gone missing.

In the bizarre press conference, the lawyers once again painted Zimmerman with the victim brush, while questioning his mental stability in light of the negative press he has received."We had contact as of Sunday, in the last couple of days, he has not returned phone calls, or emails," Sonner said. "I've lost contact with him at this point."

Several of Zimmerman's actions—including having a conversation with Fox News personality Shawn Hannity, and telling special prosecutor in the case, Angela Corey, that he had no legal counsel—have helped the attorneys conclude that their services are no longer needed.

The fact that the lawyers chose to unleash their slander in such a heated press conference, is the most recent example of why Zimmerman's defense is falling apart right before his eyes. Last week, his friend and former co-worker, Joe Oliver, announced that he was no longer speaking on the controversial topic.

Audio of Havoc speaking against Prodigy played on the Breakfast Club

Well, apparently there's a little more than just meets the eye with this Mobb Deep story. There's some audio of Havoc making some similar remarks that were made via his Twitter account that allegedly wasn't him. Power 105 reports:

The Breakfast Club got their hands on an exclusive piece of audio where we can literally hear Havoc discussing Prodigy. Noreaga, who's also from Queens, even called in and confirmed that it was Havoc's voice dissing Prodigy once the clip aired.

Afterwards, Havoc called into the studio to confront the issue, which he laughed off; "This got me rolling on the floor right now." According to Hav, his phone was stolen at a gas station and that the tweets and audio clip were made by the person who stole his phone.

When Angela mentioned there's more of the audio that they did not play, Hav replied; "[It's] Definitely not me, play it, let it come out, it's all good."



Read more: http://www.power1051fm.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=449850&article=10020420#ixzz1rgF3sekg

Havoc of Mobb Deep apparently goes off on Prodigy

Funny what seven days can change. I thought it was all good a week ago. I'm not sure if this is authentic or not, but whoever has logged into Havoc's Twitter page has decided to go left on Mobb Deep member, Prodigy. Hip Hop Wired reports:

We've been following this story all day long, and honestly, we wanted it to be a farce. However, after multiple sources reaching out to Havoc to claim its authenticity, sad to say that this is legit. Havoc and Prodigy have collectively been known as Mobb Deep for close to two decades. However, after a few tweets that seemed so vicious the legitimacy of them had come into question immediately, Havoc has lashed out against Prodigy for reasons still unknown to the general public. Read the full diatribe of tweets down below.

***UPDATE***

Havoc told AllHipHop.com that he was not hacked, he simply lost his phone, resulting in someone else sending out the bogus tweets.

“Just getting back into NY after my Easter weekend with family and friends in Jersey,” Havoc told AllHipHop.com. “I left my phone at a gas station yesterday evening while on my way to Jersey after a glorious Knick’s game.”

Havoc dismissed any notion of a break up of Mobb Deep, who released their first album Juvenile Hell in 1992.

“To all Mobb Deep fans: it’s business as usual,” Havoc told AllHipHop.com. “It’s Mobb Deep all day!!! My twitter account @THEREALHAVOC will be down until further notice. The only other real account is @PRODIGYMOBBDEEP. Ignore the rest. One!”

Facebook acquires Instagram for $1 billion

Well, if you needed any indication that Facebook was running things, here you go. Hip Hop Wired reports:

One of the world's youngest billionaires and the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly purchased Instagram for one billion dollars. The Zuck took to Facebook to make the huge announcement. “For years, we've focused on building the best experience for sharing photos with your friends and family,” Zuckerberg said in the post. “Now, we'll be able to work even more closely with the Instagram team to also offer the best experiences for sharing beautiful mobile photos with people based on your interests.”

Zuckerberg went on to say that Facebook will be improving on the apps strengths while keeping features within the app that allow photos to be published on other social networks, and the ability to have followers and follow people who are not necessarily your Facebook friends. This stunning announcement arrives just days after Instagram allowed Android users to download the popular photo sharing application.

Dallas Mavericks release Lamar Odom

Well, Lamar's stay here in Dallas didn't last long. There's always reality TV, I guess. Yahoo! reports:

According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, an agreement reached Sunday allows the two sides to part company immediately, with the long-struggling Odom leaving Dallas for the remainder of the season without the defending NBA champs actually having to release him, and thus holding on to his rights.

"The Mavericks and I have mutually agreed that it's in the best interest of both parties for me to step away from the team," Odom said in a statement to ESPN.com. "I'm sorry that things didn't work out better for both of us, but I wish the Mavs' organization, my teammates and Dallas fans nothing but continued success in the defense of their championship." [...]

Sources said Monday that Odom's departure will be immediate and that the Mavericks intend to simply list him as inactive for the rest of the season instead of outright releasing him, leaving open the possibility that they could still trade him after the season in conjunction with the draft. Any team that has Odom on its roster as of June 29 must buy him out by that date for $2.4 million or otherwise accept responsibility for the full $8.2 million that Odom is scheduled to earn in 2012-13.

The police shooting in White Plains to be investigated by the DA

In light of the Trayvon Martin situation making national news, the police shooting of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. is now being investigated by the DA. Hip Hop Wired reports:

Four months after he was shot by a police officers in his White Plains, N.Y., apartment, the family of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr. is calling for further inquiry into his death. The 68-year-old was gunned down by authorities, after allegedly trying to attack police with a hatchet and a knife.

Officers used the "self-defense" argument to warrant killing the former Marine, but Chamberlain's family is crying foul. The White Plains district attorney announced that a grand jury will hear the details surrounding the incident, this week. The move will bring the family one step closer to further publicizing what they see as a wrongful death.

Chamberlain's family insists that the senior citizen was startled by police banging on his door, which kicked-off the altercation. One officer is alleged to have asked to use the bathroom, and responded with a racial slur when his request was denied. "I don't give a f--k, n---er, open the door!" he said.

Police eventually removed the door and entered the unit where they found Chamberlain sitting in his boxers. "The minute they got in the house, they didn't even give him one command," said the family's lawyer. "They never mentioned 'put your hands up.' They never told him to lay down on the bed. The first thing they did ... you could see the Taser light up ... and you could see it going directly toward him."

In lieu of the media spotlight that has been placed on Trayvon Martin's killing, the New York Daily News mentioned the obvious comparisons to both shootings. "Like 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, Chamberlain was African-American, and his death has added fuel to the growing national debate that has flared since the Florida teen was killed on Feb. 26," wrote Juan Gonzalez. Unlike Martin, Chamberlain's case lacks the strong social media, and celebrity backing as the unarmed teen's death, but that may change, given the country's heightened sensitivity to racially driven issues.

Aside from the coverage given to the case by local newspaper The Daily White Plains, people have been taking to Facebook and Twitter to further spread the word, while a petition to have audio and video of the incident released, has received upwards of 170,000 signatures.

If you would like to sign the petition, here's the link:
SignOn.org

Young Jeezy Toronto concert gets shot up

This is not really news because it's starting to seem like this happens everywhere Jeezy goes, but another one of his concerts ends in violence. Allhiphop reports:

Young Jeezy took to the stage at Toronto’s Sound Academy, last night (April 4).

According to eyewitnesses, the shooting took place right before Young Jeezy was supposed to perform, around 12:30 AM.

But the show was immediately halted, when several gunshots rang out inside of the venue.

Young Jeezy confirmed the reports via his Twitter account, early this morning (April 5).

“Backstage @ Sound Academy in Toronto,” Young Jeezy tweeted. “Police closed venue and cancelled the greatest show! I will be back! Next stop London,Ontario! Can’t Ban the snowman. I be back Toronto!”

Witnesses said that prior to the shooting, there were various fights in the crowd, which was reportedly hostile from the outset of the concert.

As of press time, it is not known if police have suspects in question over the shooting.

Young Jeezy is on a tour of Canada as part of the “Hustlaz Ambition” tour. There are two dates left.

Tonight, Jeezy will perform at London Music Hall in London, Ontario and tomorrow, the tour winds down in Montreal at the Olympia Theatre.

Mary J. Blige apologizes for Burger King ad

In another case of black people being entirely too sensitive and blowing things out of proportion, Mary J. Blige's new commercial for Burger King has caused quite a stir. Allhiphop reports:

Mary J. Blige has released a statement explaining a controversial chicken at that hit the Internet this week.

According to the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” the Burger King ad was released prematurely.

“I agreed to be a part of a fun and creative campaign that was supposed to feature a dream sequence,” Mary J. Blige told TMZ.com. “Unfortunately, that’s not what was happening in that clip.”

What was happening in the clip was labeled stereotypical by a variety of critics and fans.

Mary J. Blige was reportedly paid $2 million to be a part of the ad campaign, which featured her singing about chicken to the tune of her song “Don’t Mind.”

AllHipHop.com’s illCommunity reacted to the commercial, which was a hotly debated subject.

The controversy surrounding Mary’s commercial for the “BK Chicken Snack Wrap” was enough for Burger King to pull the video from YouTube and apologize.

“We would like to apologize to Mary J. and all of her fans for airing an ad that was not final,” the company said in a statement.

Mary J. Blige also apologize to her fans.

“I understand my fans being upset by what they saw. But, if you’re a Mary fan, you have to know I would never allow an unfinished spot like the one you saw go out.”

And you know we had to give you the video for it:


Now if we as Black people want to get upset about a commercial here's one to get upset about: