By: Rizoh In today’s episode of “Blame it on Hip-Hop,” McDonald’s Corp. has yanked Chicago rapper Twista from their tour bus, following concerns about his “controversial lyrics.” Twista was scheduled to perform on August 7th as part of Mickey D’s 10-city, live music tour that kicked off in Los Angeles last Thursday. “Although we respect free speech and artistic expression, we do not condone or perpetuate derogatory language,” McDonalds said via a press statement. The “McDonalds Live” tour will carry on with the likes of Kenna, Kevin Michael, Ne-Yo, and Kat DeLuna. Artists play for free at various McDonald’s restaurant parking lots. As McDonalds scrambles to call in a replacement for Twista, we hereby wish them good luck in finding a rapper that’s never used the N-word.

By: Starrene Rhett Tony “Tum Tum” Richardson may still carry his childhood nickname given by his grandmother, but don’t let the name fool you. The Dallas, Texas native has released his album Eat or Get Ate, the effort that has gotten him attention from eyes an ears beyond Dallas. The album’s anthem, “Caprice Muzik,” has cast him into the big leagues and he’s ready to put Dallas on the map. When people think of Texas in relation to Hip-Hop, they think of Houston. However, Tum Tum wants everyone to know that beyond the signature chopped and screwed sound that Houston has made so popular, the Dallas sound is also a force that he’s about to unleash. Hiphopcrack: Tum Tum is a childhood nickname that you got from your grandmother, right? Tum Tum: Yeah. Hiphopcrack: Why did you decide to hold on to the name, as you got older? TT: Cuz that’s my name…my grandparents spot was where everybody gathered and stuff and she would come in the room and call me Tum Tum and all my homeboys started laughing at me but I don’t care so I just kept rolling with it like that. Hiphopcrack: Besides your name, what do you bring to the game that’s different? TT: Right now, I just feel like it’s a little watered down. People ain’t putting out complete albums, they’re just worried about the single. Me, I put no thought on the single and work hard on the other parts of the album, making sure it sounds legit where people ain’t gotta skip through. I’m still the same at the end of the day too. Every Tuesday I go to Best Buy and pick up CDs and I’ve been let down a whole lot lately [laughing]. Hiphopcrack: [laughing] I understand… TT: So that was the main point, just putting out a complete point that everybody can everybody can jam from one to 19. I put 19 jams on there. Hiphopcrack: You started out on the mixtape circuit so how important is that to what you do? TT: The mixtape circuit in Hip-Hop is real, real important because labels be more concerned about other things besides Hip-Hop so we gotta keep the streets there and do the mixtapes — do the verses – that’s why I do it, because I know the labels gotta wait until singles got this many this, this doing that, and the set up is just right…fans ain’t really worried about all that, they want to hear something new, so that’s why I do a lot of mixtapes. Hiphopcrack: You didn’t really take rapping seriously until you witnessed the Hard Knock Life Tour. What about that tour, or what about Jay-Z or any other artist on that tour got your attention to where you wanted to do this for real? TT: I was always with Jay-Z but to go somewhere and see 45,000 people with the same opinion that I got and everybody was screaming for him…that right there just made me be like, “Man, I want to do that.” But being from where you from and reaching other areas like, everybody is like, “Them dudes from Dallas,” I just wanted to show everybody what Dallas was like without them coming here — like what Dre and them did with LA, or even Nelly with St. Louis. Hiphopcrack: You mentioned being a Jay fan so being that you’re from Texas, how was it when Jay-Z teamed up with UGK for “Big Pimpin?” TT: Them the homies right there [UGK]. That really solidified Jay down here. When I was in school, I’d be like Jay is dope but a lot of cats was like, “Nah, man, he ain’t all that,” but when he got Pimp (Pimp C) and all of them on the record, it made people down here pay attention to him. Hiphopcrack: I can imagine that you’re inspired by UGK as well. Is that the case? TT: Oh yeah, them dudes cool. I like Pimp, not even his music…I like him because he’s a real dude. He say whatever the f – - k he wants to say, and tell it like it is. That’s why I like Pimp. Them dudes are OGs, they tell us what’s good, what’s going on and they really look out for us by telling us the labels are gonna do this or aint gonna do that, do it yourself so yeah, them the big homies. Hiphopcrack: Who are some of the other people you look up to in the rap game? TT: The industry game…I’m cool with Slim [Slim Thug], that’s my motherf – - king dude, Paul Wall, that’s my pahtna, E-40, that’s my dude, Shop Boyz, them my dudes [laughs]…I mess with a whole lot of people, my homeboy Trae, that’s my dude right there too. I got a lot of homeboys in there. Hiphopcrack: Being that you’re just starting to get your name out there, beyond Texas, how do you plan to solidify your place in the game? TT: I’m just gonna let my actions speak louder than words. I got videos coming out. I got two movies that I’m paying for out my own pocket…just to get the buzz to keep going. I got mixtapes still coming out, so I just want to solidify my place in the game as that dude that put Dallas on the map, made them see what Dallas is like. Hiphopcrack: So you have two movies coming out, are they documentaries about you as an artist? TT: Yeah it’s like a documentary. We’re showing everybody where I live, the clothes I got, how I get down, a couple of shows, me in the studio, me and my homeboys, and me on the road shutting down these shows. Hiphopcrack: Texas has been on the map for a while, but what is it about artists that come out of Texas or the Texas sound that makes it have such a stronghold on the game right now? TT: I guess it’s just time for some new cats to come through and do something different. If you listen, everybody got a little screw in somewhere…everybody just needs a new sound. To tell you the truth, that’s why I think my homeboys, Shop Boyz are doing what they do. It’s different. Hiphopcrack: Let’s talk about your album, Eat or Get Ate. What can people expect? TT: A real different sound. If you heard my single, “Caprice Muzik,” I know it don’t sound like no other beat or what no other rappers have right now, so they can just expect a lot of left field from me. I’m just doing something different because I’m even tired of hearing the same ol’ crap on the radio. Hiphopcrack: What producers do you have on your album, and what artists did you work with? TT: I worked with Jim Jones, my homeboy Trae from Texas – them the only two features I got on there. Production, that’s what I like. I got PIT, the one who did that “Party Like a Rockstar” I got Play N Skillz on there, they did “Ridin’ Dirty” for Chamillionaire, I got Scott Storch and I got a lot of Dallas producers on there as well. Hiphopcrack: You worked with Jim Jones. What was it like getting Harlem and Dallas together on a track? TT: I think we got the same swagger. A lot of people say that I act like I’m from New York. They say I’m a little bit too straightforward and cocky like New York niggas but that sonng — me working with Jimmy — that song came out real dope. Hiphopcrack: Is there anyone that you haven’t worked with that you’d like to work with? TT: I want to work with 50 Cent. Hiphopcrack: You put that out there now so who knows, it might happen. TT: Yeah. Hiphopcrack: Where do you see yourself in the next five years? TT: Doing it big! I want the city [Dallas] to be known in five years as one of the next Hip-Hop meccas like Houston was, like Atlanta was, New York was, the West Coast…you know what I’m sayin? Like that… Hiphopcrack: Your goal is to put Dallas on the map but is there a difference in sound between Dallas and Houston? TT: Oh yeah, you can ask anybody that. Their stuff is a little bit more slowed down, more chopped and screwed and ours is a little bit more amped up than them. They like their stuff super slow and everybody just be chillin. With Dallas, it gotta be amped up and everybody going crazy Hiphopcrack: Any last words? TT: Just check out my Crackspace page: ihiphop.com/tumtum.

By: Hot Gossip Gal Industry insiders are predicting that Shawn Carter is heading to Columbia when his contract is up at Def Jam. Hairy man (aka Rick Rubin) is looking for a team of the best to head up Columbia….hmmm would we say Jay is the best in an executive position??? I mean it means he has more hands on Beyonce now….if that was possible.

By: Rizoh A strong effort is underway to secure a presidential pardon for Ron Isley of the Isley Brothers. After learning that the President is doling out pardons like coupons these days, the folks at Def Jam hired a publicity firm to help raise awareness and rally support for Mr. Isley who’s facing tax evasion charges. As part of the campaign, fans are being urged to harass the White House with phone calls, fax or email messages to help keep Ron from facing incarceration. Mr. Isley is scheduled to start serving a 3 year bid on August 7th of this year. He’s currently in the process of a total restitution of his financial obligations to the IRS, and has even offered to play for the U.S. troops at various military bases. See the info below to find out how you can help: 1. To contact the President of the United States: Call: 1-202-456-1111 Fax: 1-202-456-2461 Email: president@whitehouse.gov 2. To contact The Congressional Black Caucus: Go to CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS

By: Rizoh Natalie Stewart, aka the floacist member of Floetry, has parted ways with the duo. Following Stewart’s exit, Marsha “the Songstress” Ambrosius tapped MTV personality and fledgling rapper Amanda Diva as her new partner in the group. The new group are already up and running, with a Floetry Remixed tour lined up for this summer. The duo will perform both old and new Floetry songs throughout the tour. Check out the Floetry Remixed tour schedule below: 7/27-Fri-Jul Washington, DC Club Love 7/29-Sun-Jul New York Highline Ballroom 7/30-Mon-Jul Baltimore Ram’s Head Live 7/31-Tue-Jul Richmond Toad’s Place 8/01-Wed-Aug Norfolk, VA The Norva 8/03-Fri-Aug Atlanta Earthlink Live (Cener Stage) 8//04-Sat-Aug Charenton, LA Box Nite Club 8/05-Sun-Aug New Orleans, LA House of Blues 8/06-Mon-Aug Dallas House of Blues 8/09-Thu-Aug Los Angeles House of Blues 8/10-Fri-Aug Las Vegas House of Blues 8/11-Sat-Aug San Diego House of Blues 8/14-Tue-Aug San Francisco The Independent 8/15-Wed-Aug Sacramento Harlows 8/18-Sat-Aug Boulder Fox Theatre 8/20-Mon-Aug Chicago House of Blues 8/21-Tue-Aug Chicago House of Blues 8/22-Wed-Aug Detroit Elysium Lounge 8/23-Thu-Aug Cleveland, OH House of Blues

By: Hot Gossip Gal Turns out the R&B diva didn’t want the world to see her falling at her recent show. Sony and her camp had youtube pull the uploaded vid of her going ass over heels and weave.

By: Hot Gossip Gal I have been hearing that Lil Wayne is supposed to have dropped his jeans while performing a show in Baton Rouge the other night. Shocked fans said he had to pulled off the stage by police. Not a good week for Weezy it appears. Could this be bad karma for messing with Superhead???

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Rick Ross is for the children. The Miami rapper will be hosting the 1st Annual Rick Ross Be Out Day on August 8 at Miami Carol City Senior High School. The event is designed to encourage and prepare students for the upcoming school year by hooking them up with school supplies. "This day is for the kids,” Ross said. “I want to give back to my city, it’s all about the kids, they need to know that if they stay in school, work hard and stay focused, they can be anything they want to be, and they will succeed." Ross is partnering with Magic Johnson’s Burger King Restaurants for the event but they’re still looking for more sponsors to contribute. For more information, CLICKHERE.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Little do fans know, will.i.am has already released a couple of solo albums. He dropped an underground instrumental album, “Lost Change” and an underground compilation sort of joint called “Must B 21.” Now the Black Eyed Pea is gearing up to drop his third solo album, “Songs About Girls.” Even though Will has produced for everyone from Nas and The Game to John Legend and Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg is the only guest on the album. "I didn’t want to come out and say, ‘Hey, I’m a producer and here are all my friends,’" he said. "I wanted to be my own man and do my own thing and really try out some ideas that have been bubbling in my head." The album is set to drop on September 25 with the first single “I Got It From My Mama”, now making the rounds.

By: Hot Gossip Gal A couple of people have hit me up about this, saying that Game is going to be appearing on 50′s new album Curtis when it drops in September. Now I am not too sure about this, but people are even starting to whisper that Game may be joining G Unit again. Not too sure what to say about this. How could Beyonces security fail to recognize Robin Thicke as he tried to get in the VIP area at Mansion in Miami this past weekend? They shoved my fave white boy with soul away from the Diva’s special spot ..all this after he performed with her that night. Not a good look.

By: Rizoh Pop star Akon says he’s willing to collaborate with lousy socialite Paris Hilton. Hilton, who collaborated with rappers Fat Joe and Jadakiss on her debute, is currently working on her sophomore album. Despite selling a measly 165,000 units and getting dropped from Warner Bros., the non-talented celebutante is already drawing interests from Konvict Muzik. “In my mind I was thinking now Paris Hilton is an official convict, I think I’m gonna get with her and put a record out,” says Akon. “I would definitely sign her to my label ‘cos she’s a character. You give her the cutest record, something that’s just for women, an anthem; I think it will be outta here!”

By: Rizoh It’s been two years since we last heard from Little Brother. In those two years, the group went through more transformations than most artists will go through in their entire career. Most notably, producer 9th Wonder severed ties with Little Brother, leaving the trio down to a 2-man business. Around the same time, Phonte announced that Little Brother had also parted ways with their label, Atlantic Records. The search for a new deal was immediately in place. Phonte and Big Pooh managed to put all the negative events behind them to finish recording their third full-length. The album, aptly titled The Getback, will be issued on ABB Records on September 25th. Guest features include: Darien Brockington, Lil Wayne, and Dion. Check out the tracklist below: 1.Sirens feat. Carlitta Durand 2. Can’t Win For Losing 3. Breakin My Heart feat. Lil Wayne 4. Good Clothes 5. After The Party feat. Carlitta Durand 6. ExtraHard 7. Step It Up feat. Dion 8. Two Step Blues feat. Darien Brockington 9. That Ain’t Love feat. Jozeemo 10. Dreams 11. When Everything Is New

By: Hot Gossip Gal Ok so we all know he gotta get a grip but Tameka is acting up badly. Turns out that Chilli and Ushers momma Jonetta are still good friends and when Chilli was paying Momma Usher a visit, who should roll up in all her ghetto glory but Tameka. Allegedly she went crazy that Chilli was chilling with her future mom in law. Wow not much can be said about that really..except the couple are supposed to be tying the knot on either Friday or Saturday this week. The choreographer from Diddy’s Making the Band Laurie Ann recently broke down what happened on set when Diddy threw a chair at her while filming Making the Band 12 ( is it?? ) with Wendy Williams. Once I get the audio I will post for y’all. But anyhow the other dude accused of being involved in the trouble Mike Bivins gave his side of the story where he implies it was all blown out of proportion so Laurie Anne could get her own show. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Swizz Beatz is set to do a two-song set at a “Peace on the Streets” rally this week in Camden, New Jersey, but apparently the Camden Police Department is threatening to pull its sponsorship of the rally. The Camden cops don’t like the name of Swizz’s song, “It’s Me Snitches!”, because the believe its supporting the “Stop Snitchin’” campaign in the streets. "We call for this artist to retract the position he advocates in his music and if he does not, we retract our sponsorship of this event," Camden police said in a statement. "While the Camden Police Department fully supports community efforts to stop the violence in our community, we believe that such efforts must be appropriately framed and done with responsibility." But as we all know, the Camden police have got it all twisted. The song doesn’t have any anti-snitching content and Swizz released a statement on why he uses the word “snitches” in the song. "The use of the word ‘snitches’ in the song was just an edit for radio [for the word ‘bitches’]," Swizz said in a statement The Associated Press. "If I supported violence or the ‘Stop Snitching’ campaign, I wouldn’t have agreed to be a part of the event …"

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno It’s been a couple of years since we heard from David Banner, but now he’s gearing up to drop his new album, “The Greatest Story Ever Told.” The album is set to drop on October 9 featuring appearances from Chris Brown, Jim Jones, UGK, Cool & Dre, Nitti with Akon, Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg on the first single, “Speaker.” “Everybody wants to hear the hits and I got ‘em,” Banner said. “But I wouldn’t be calling it ‘The Greatest Story’ if it also wasn’t truthful. My fans know I’m going to be telling it straight-up however I’m coming.” The last year and a half, Banner has been busy aiding the victims of Hurricane Katrina and was recently honored by the Black Caucus of Mississippi’s state legislature for his organization, Heal the Hood, for its efforts on behalf of the victims. He’ll also be joining the Rock the Bell’s tour this summer to get fans excited about the upcoming album.