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Tupac ‘Shooter’ Claims Are A ‘Flat-Out Lie’

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Jimmy ‘Henchman’ Rosemond’s lawyer fires back at Dexter Isaac’s charges that he was paid by the industry exec to shoot ‘Pac in 1994. By Rob Markman Tupac Photo: Chi Modu Instead of celebration, what would have been Tupac’s 40th birthday has been marred by controversy as new allegations emerge about the November 1994 Quad Studios robbery and shooting of the rapper. While fans celebrated ‘Pac’s life and legacy on Thursday (June 16), remembering the fallen icon with two trending topics on Twitter (#tupac and THUG LIFE), many of them were also debating the contents of a letter written by Dexter Isaac and posted to AllHipHop.com on Wednesday. In a note to the site, Isaac claimed to be the triggerman in the now-infamous robbery that left Shakur shot five times, two years before he was killed in a still-unsolved murder. Moreover, Isaac (who is serving a life sentence for murder, robbery, fraud and witness intimidation), now charges that it was ‘Pac’s former associate, Jimmy “Henchman” Rosemond , who set the whole thing up, paying him $2,500 to do the job. Rosemond’s lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, fired back, refuting Isaac’s story. “It’s a flat-out lie,” he told the New York Daily News. “Dexter Isaac is not claiming this 17 years later to clear his conscience. He’s doing it because he’s told anybody who will listen he doesn’t want to die in prison. He has kids and wants to work off his sentence. He can’t be trusted.” “I want to apologize to his family [Tupac Shakur] and for the mistake I did for that sucker [Jimmy Henchman],” Isaac told AllHipHop.com from prison. “I am trying to clean it up to give [Tupac’s and Biggie’s] mothers some closure.” Henchman and his defense team, however, are not buying it. On May 17, news broke that federal authorities issued an arrest warrant for Jimmy Henchman in connection with a drug case. Rosemond, who as head of Czar Entertainment has had ties to numerous rappers, believes that the government is using incarcerated informants to build a case against him. He attacked Isaac’s credibility in a statement first issued to XXLMag.com. “If the government is relying on informants like Winston ‘Winnie’ Harris, a convicted drug dealer and Jamaican deportee, who came to me and motioned via hand signal that he was forced to wear a wire and begged me to skip town, or Dexter Isaac, who is serving life in prison plus 30 years, then I’m sure I will not be offered a fair trial.” The late Tupac’s onetime prot

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Lil B Unveils I’m Gay Album Cover

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I just wanted to make this to show words don’t mean anything,’ B tells MTV News of polarizing title. By Rob Markman Lil B I’m Gay cover art Photo: Amalgam Digital Lil B is proud to be gay — or rather he’s proud to be happy, as stated on his new album cover, which he revealed Wednesday (June 15) exclusively on “RapFix Live.” After announcing that he will be titling his next album I’m Gay, the Based God received criticism from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and other rappers and even got death threats from fans . But despite all the hoopla, B’s album isn’t quite as alarming as many suspected it would be. The cover — which was done by the “Wonton Soup” rapper’s artist friend Uncle Grumpy — was made from scratch but based off of a 1970s Ernie Barnes painting titled “Sugar Shack.” The famous painting was used in the popular ’70s sitcom “Good Times” and as the album cover to Marvin Gaye’s 1976 album I Want You. Rap group Camp Lo also threw a nod to the classic work on their 1997 debut Uptown Saturday Night. The Based God, however, put a 2011 spin on the painting, which depicted a club scene that reflected one of Barnes’ childhood experiences. B took the painting and broke it down into three parts, showing the steps that people need to take to reach “mental freedom.” “Pretty much the album cover, you see it’s the three sides of the slavery, mental slavery and mental freedom at the ending where everybody is happy,” B said to MTV News. “The reason why I did the I’m Gay album, I really seen that the hip-hop community is being very close-minded and very hateful, very violent.” The Berkeley, California, rapper feels that his polarizing album title will help take the sting out of the word “gay” and eventually lead to global acceptance. “People use evil words, money, separation, stuff like that. I just wanted to make this to show words don’t mean anything,” he said. What do you think of B’s album cover? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ With Juelz Santana Related Artists Lil B

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Nas Revisits A ‘Great Era’ On New Single ‘Nasty’

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Rapper also hints at possible title change for his Life Is Good album. By Rob Markman Photo: Getty Images Throughout his career, Nas has paid homage to 1980s hip-hop pioneers like Rakim and MC Shan, and on his new single “Nasty,” the Queensbridge lyricist once again revisits his wonder years. “It’s like Tom Ford, the designer, who is one of my favorite designers. I read somewhere he’s inspired by the ’60s and ’70s and that’s why his line looks like the future now. Because he came from a great time in fashion and he turned it into his interpretation and it gives you the future,” said Nas, who chose to paint a picture of his own heyday and rap about the late ’80s and early ’90s on his new single. On the Salaam Remi-produced track, which leaked to the Internet on Monday, Nas tosses nods to the New York City of yesteryear by referencing Queens street legend Thomas “Tony Montana” Mickens, the now-closed Tunnel nightclub and the late Notorious B.I.G. “I came up in a great era, so I’m always gonna live with that and that’s always gonna live inside of me,” Nas told MTV News. “It’s relevant today more than it’s ever been. A lot of people may lose their footing in the music game and stuff, but you know, it’s always important to remember who you are and how you got here.” On “Nasty,” Nas is delivering lyrical raps in rapid succession with a ferocity that harks back to his early days when he appeared on Main Source’s “Live at the Barbeque” in 1992. According to him, that hunger has existed throughout his career, even if he didn’t always put it on record. “Nah, I just tucked it. I tucked it because I wanted to do other things, experiment with other sh– and didn’t want to do the same sh– over and over,” Nas said before expounding about his return to his roots. “Hip-hop got so big that it’s important to open it back up, that real sh–. No dis to what nobody else is doing, but it’s important to open this real sh– back up.” Nas is busy prepping his 10th studio album, Life Is Good , but warns fans not to get too attached to the album’s title because it may change. “A lot of people around me didn’t understand where I was coming from. They kinda thought I was saying, “Let’s pop bottles, we’re rich, everything’s good.” That’s not where I was coming from,” he said. “So there’s another title that came, that kind of fits a little better, and you might hear about that. There might be a change coming real soon.” Related Artists Nas

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Tupac Shakur’s Murder: Will Confession Bring Closure?

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘It’s verification for what ‘Pac said,’ E.D.I. Mean tells MTV News of Shakur’s lyrics about Jimmy ‘Henchman’ Rosemond. By Rob Markman Tupac Shakur Photo: MTV News On the eve of what would have been Tupac Shakur’s 40th birthday, an imprisoned man has admitted to shooting the late rapper/actor during a robbery at Manhattan’s Quad Studios in November 1994. What’s even more startling is that the alleged triggerman, Dexter Isaac, is claiming in a letter that was obtained by AllHipHop.com that ‘Pac’s former associate, Jimmy “Henchman” Rosemond, paid him $2,500 to do the deed. While this may be a revelation to some, ‘Pac’s former prot

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Adele’s Unstoppable 21, By The Numbers

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

We take a look at the album’s chart domination as it reaches #1 yet again. By Jocelyn Vena Adele’s 21 Photo: Columbia Records Adele seems to be unstoppable. Her sophomore release, 21, has managed to top the charts for nearly as many weeks as it’s been out. Clearly, this Brit has never heard of the sophomore slump. If you take the album by the numbers, it’s had quite the impressive run. Just how impressive? Here’s how it shakes out: 114,314 : The number of units she sold this week, beating out Lady Gaga’s Born This Way with 100,255 units. 16 : The number of times Adele’s 21 has been on the charts. 10 : The number of times it’s topped the charts. 2.2 million : The number of records sold since the album hit stores in late February . Gaga, meanwhile, has sold about 1.4 million records in three weeks. 1 : The number of singles released from the album. 8 : The number of consecutive weeks “Rolling in the Deep” has ruled the singles charts. 352,000 : The number of albums sold in 21 ‘s first week, compared to Gaga’s 1.1 million . “It is something, isn’t it?” Dave Bakula, Nielsen’s senior vice president of analytics, told MTV News. “I think if we were to look at this back at the beginning of the record … I don’t think anyone would have guessed.” Given that more than 2 million people have already bought Adele’s album, the question remains: Who is still buying it? “It shows the power … of her fanbase. You’ve got a song that’s performing very, very well, still being discovered by new people every week,” Bakula said. “You’ve got an artist here who wasn’t a household name prior to this record coming out, so you do still have that discovery process going on with her. “What it really goes to show is the fact that there still are that many people discovering the album every week,” he added. “I think it shows a lot about the latent demand that is out there for great music.” Can she be beat? “To be honest, certainly there are releases week in and week out that will come and go, much like Gaga,” he said. ” … There are always going to releases who come in and come out like Beyonc

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Mannie Fresh Loves And Hates Cash Money’s New Sound

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘Anything that goes left, and is new and is creative, I love it,’ Fresh tells MTV News at Bonnaroo. By Rob Markman, with reporting by Ade Mangum Mannie Fresh Photo: MTV News Back when Lil Wayne was a baby-faced teen, it was producer Mannie Fresh who was the driving force behind Cash Money’s sound. It may be hard to imagine these days, but Fresh’s booming 808s and bouncy bass lines laid the foundation for Cash Money’s early catalog. After meeting CM CEO Bryan “Birdman” Williams in the mid-1990s, Mannie jumped onboard as the label’s in-house producer. In 2005, Mannie split from the label, and Cash Money has marched on, dominating the rap charts with artists like Wayne, Drake and Nicki Minaj. So what does Mannie Fresh think of the new Cash Money sound? MTV News caught up with Fresh at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee to find out. “Some things I love, some things I hate,” the platinum producer said matter-of-factly before switching the conversation to the South’s overall hip-hop landscape. “I think there’s a lot of stuff in the South right now that sounds the same.” In his heyday, Fresh was known for his distinct country sound and ad-libbing on songs he produced just to hype it up. Hit records like Juvenile’s “Ha,” B.G.’s “Bling, Bling” and Lil Wayne’s “Go DJ” exemplified Fresh’s sonic style and helped set the standard for other producers below the Mason-Dixon in the early 2000s. Now, Mannie says it’s time for a change. “Even if it’s the way my music sounds, I think it’s overdone, it’s time for something new to happen,” he said. “Now anything that goes left, and is new and is creative, I love it. But if you mimicking somebody and you’re overdoing it, I don’t know. I don’t get it. That’s what I’m saying.” What do you think of Cash Money’s evolution? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Mannie Fresh

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Tech N9ne Still Shunning Majors After Stellar Billboard Debut

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘It’ll have to be around $900 million,’ Tech jokes MTV News about giving up his indie hustle for a major label. By Rob Markman Tech N9ne Photo: MTV News A strange thing happened to Tech N9ne after he dropped his All 6’s and 7’s LP last Tuesday: more than 55,000 devoted fans bought it, making it the fourth-highest selling album this week on the Billboard 200. Many are wondering how the Kansas City, Missouri, rapper got up in the top five among the likes of Adele and Lady Gaga. Well, credit his independent hustle and devoted fanbase for making the release a success. In addition to grabbing that #4 spot, All 6’s and 7’s also ranks as the #1 independent album and rap album this week. And according to Tech, major record companies have been expressing interest in striking a deal with his Strange Music label. “They’ve already been calling, since last year or the year before. They’ve already been calling and asking us questions and stuff,” he told MTV News during an intimate sit-down in his Lee Summit, Missouri, offices last week. Tech and his business partner Travis O’Guin established the indie label Strange Music in 1999, and have been releasing Tech’s music on it ever since. In 2009, it was revealed that the label earned approximately $15 million, thanks to the support of Tech’s fans, who call themselves “Technicians.” When it comes to giving up his independence, Tecca Nina isn’t so quick to sign though. Instead, he loftily aims to grow Strange Music into a major in its own right without partnering up. “I think Strange Music will be the major this year or next year. It’s looking that way,” he said. No matter how things turn out, it’s clear that Tech is happy just the way things are and couldn’t fathom selling off his company. “You might wanna ask Travis this question,” he said laughing, while deferring to O’Guin. “He’ll probably say it’ll have to be around $900 million or something [to sign a deal]. We’re good.” All 6’s and 7’s, which features Lil Wayne, T-Pain , B.o.B and Busta Rhymes, initially drew criticism from some of Tech’s fans, who frowned on the underground icon teaming up with mainstream stars. For some, collabos with such high-profile artists meant that Tech was selling out. “Different artists are supposed to hook up and make something beautiful, that’s what makes music wonderful, I think,” Tech said, defending against criticism. “I already knew what I was gonna do. When I get with these [well-known collaborators], the beats gotta say their names.” After selling 55,715 copies of the album in its first week, Strange Music can put any fear of a fan blacklash to bed.”I can give a sh– about a chart position,” O’Guin told us last week. “A fan telling me that they love the album means more than them little glass trophies. The people, I think, genuinely love the album.” What do you think of Tech N9ne’s success? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Tech N9ne

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Lady Gaga To Premiere ‘Edge Of Glory’ Video On ‘So You Think You Can Dance’

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Singer is also set to appear as guest judge on show later in season. By Jocelyn Vena, with additional reporting by Sabrina Rojas Weiss Lady Gaga Photo: Getty Images Lady Gaga is ready to take fans to the “Edge of Glory.” The singer confirmed that she will debut the music video for the clip on Thursday on “So You Think You Can Dance.” Little is known about the Joseph Kahn-directed clip , but all will be revealed in good time, it seems. The news comes just as executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe announced he was getting Gaga to join celebrity judges like will.i.am on the show this season. “Yes, I asked her when she performed on the ‘American Idol’ finale if she would come on, and she said yes,” Lythgoe . “She is on tour so they said it would probably be later in the season. She is an amazing dancer and performer.” He tossed around a few other names of celebs who might be guest judges, including Neil Patrick Harris, Kristin Chenoweth, Ellen DeGeneres and Megan Mullally. “We have a lot of people who want to help the kids become unique. The biggest thing is standing out from the crowd,” he said. “The kids have to find something that makes them unique and these performers know how to do that.” When Lythgoe and judge Mary Murphy sat down with MTV News recently, they said they wanted to make sure that celebs who come on the show are the right fit. “I think [celebrity judges] make it exciting for sure,” Murphy said. “I’ll never forget when Ellen sat next to me. But it made it a little bit difficult for me because I think she’s so funny. … Then I had to focus.” Lythgoe added that his wish is to have celebrity judges who aren’t just famous faces but who know about dancing. “The sad thing for me is when some celebrity judges come on, they just want to be liked, so they’re not going to give a good critique,” he said. “Just ‘you were wonderful, you were wonderful.’ … Then again there’s a whole raft of judges, particularly in dance — Shirley MacLaine, Mitzi Gaynor, Debbie Reynolds — that could be called upon to judge, that have been there, done it through the ’40s and ’50s that are stunning, were stunning dancers. “I’m going to be talking to Fox about it, but I know in my heart that Fox will say, ‘Well, we don’t really know them, can you get Lady Gaga?’ … She was excellent on ‘Idol,’ ” he added. “A little naughty!” Related Videos Lady Gaga: Inside The Outside Related Artists Lady Gaga

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Joss Stone Murder Plot: Swords And A Body Bag Discovered

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

Two men arrested near Stone’s home in England for conspiracy to murder and rob the singer. By Jocelyn Vena Joss Stone Photo: Getty Two men have been arrested in connection with a murder plot involving British singer Joss Stone. They were taken into custody in Devon, England, near Stone’s home, police have confirmed to BBC News . The two unidentified men, ages 30 and 33, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder and rob the star. They were apprehended on Monday after a suspicious vehicle was seen in the Cullompton area and were initially arrested on “possession of offensive weapons and being equipped to steal.” Once arrested, they were reportedly found in possession of swords, forensic-style overalls, plans of Stone’s house and a body bag. Police added that the singer is aware of the arrests, although it is not known if she was home at the time they were made. “Police attended an address in Cullompton after alert residents notified officers about a suspicious-looking vehicle. Police have been on patrol near the property,” a statement from the police read. “Officers attended the area at around 1000 BST and subsequently arrested the occupants of a red Fiat Punto. Major crime detectives are continuing to investigate.” On Wednesday, police were seen in the area investigating the incident and questioning Stone’s neighbors, whom they credit with assisting in the investigation. “Our officers are currently carrying out reassurance patrols and it’s important to stress that no properties have been burgled and no individuals have been harmed,” the statement continued. Stone is being kept abreast of developments in the case. At 24, the singer is reportedly one of the wealthiest young pop stars in Britain, according to the BBC, and is set to release a new album, LP1, next month. She also has several gigs scheduled in Europe in support of the release. Related Artists Joss Stone

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Katy Perry’s ‘Last Friday Night’ A ‘Bold’ Video

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Benny Hollywood| Leave a comment

‘I really hope other artists take Katy’s lead and try to not take themselves so seriously,’ director Marc Klasfeld tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Katy Perry in her “Last Friday Night” video Photo: Capitol Records There are many stars in Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” video , but perhaps none as sparkling as Katy herself, who director Marc Klasfeld said had fun playing dorky Kathy Beth Terry. “I thought it was really bold of Katy, who is such a sex symbol, to try something like this, but I also knew it would be received very well if done right. I worked with Katy on 3OH!3’s ‘Starstrukk’ and knew she could pull off comedy. And she is actually an incredible actress who dove into this Kathy Beth role with reckless abandon,” he told MTV News about the colorful romp . “I really hope other artists take Katy’s lead and try to not take themselves so seriously all the time. Sometimes, fun can be cool too.” Speaking of fun, Hanson , Kenny G and two “Glee” stars are hardly the only celebs that made the final cut, Klasfeld shares. “One more random celebrity fact that added to the video is that the video was shot at [‘Dukes of Hazzard’ actor] John Schneider’s house,” he revealed. “That added a special spirit to the piece. He’s got a pretty wicked house with all this classic ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ stuff up on the walls. John and his family were away for the weekend, thankfully, ’cause the house really did look trashed when we were shooting. We had a great art department who cleaned it up though and made it look brand-new.” Klasfeld was asked to turn Perry’s goofy Teen Choice Awards character into the lead for the video, and from there it all took off. “Having done many comedic music videos, I was immediately into it and wrote something up,” he said. “With Katy having four #1 singles, I wanted to make this fifth one into an event like Michael Jackson used to do. “The inspiration was obviously John Hughes, but also a lot of my own music videos that I did for Alien Ant Farm, Sum 41, Nelly and others,” he continued. “I always enjoy making these pop-culture mash-ups where comedy and random celebrities get mixed with the music into this brand-new thing.” Give us your review of the “Last Friday Night” video in the comments below!

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