By: Hot Gossip Gal Are Carmello and La La heading from a break up? I heard she was maybe applying too much pressure to the baller to get married. Diddy was spied getting a little too close to Aubrey from Danity Kane at Sundance, but another female he seems to be spending a lot of time with is Jude Laws ex, Sienna Miller. Paparazzi snapped the mogul dropping her off at her hotel the other morning here in NYC. Now it could be completely innocent but the pic that circulated showed a look of shock on Diddy’s face that would make a person think he was a lil guilty, but he quickly denied it saying "Man, I was just being a gentleman and dropping her off." The two actually hang out quite a bit. Jermaine Dupri after resigning from Virgin has found a home at Def Jam and will be taking his entire roster of SoSo Def artists over to the House that Russell built.

By: Rizoh Three weeks after reports of Tyrese Gibson’s nasty altercation with his pregnant girlfriend set the internet ablaze, the singer has finally spoken out on the issue. Predictably, Black Ty denies allegations that she punched his girlfriend. “I am a very private person but as untrue information is still circulating, I feel I owe it to my fans and supporters to finally address the rumors and put them to rest once and for all,” said Tyrese. “Please be assured that accusations of an alleged physical altercation between my girlfriend and me are absolutely false. No charges were filed. I am grateful for the prayers and support I have received over the last several weeks from my fans and supporters and I want to thank them. God Bless.”

Artist/Group Name SNOWGOONS are DET, ILLEGAL, TORBEN and DJ WAXWORK Reppin’ We’re from the SOUTH of GERMANY but let me say KARLSRUHE Affiliation CHIEF KAMACHI, REEF THE LOST CAUZE (JUJU MOB) from PHILLY, JUS ALLAH & more Influences Basically all kind of music but hip-hop-wise, the sound of East Coast underground, more specifically, Philly, like JEDI MIND TRICKS. Also the artists named above and of course the old school mid-90’s boom-bap sound. Backstory Everybody started with his own experience, listening to music, doing graff, throwin a jam or scratchin and spinnin. Since everybody was doin music we just helped each other out with production…so it became a natural movement to form the Snowgoons. It took a long time to work on our connection to the artists on this record and perfect the sound quality. We’re proof that hard work pays off! Current project One thing we are very proud of it is that the album is 100% us. We are all cool with every artist and there is no made up shit like buying a verse for a big lump. We chose the title “German Lugers” cuz it stands for the powerful german handgun. We are not promoting violence but we are following the hip-hop rule to represent and strike. It was very important to give our project a main theme so catz can identify with us and our sound (also don’t mind a little controversy). The upcoming album features a veritable who’s who of today’s underground elite: Sean Price, Living Legends, Jus Allah, Chief Kamachi, Rasco, Wise Intelligent of Poor Righteous Teachers, O.C., Wordsworth, Reef The Lost Cauze, MED, Virtuoso, Last Emperor, Doujah Raze, Born Unique, Celph Titled, Majik Most, Edo G, J. Sands, Baby Blak, Craig G, Breez Evahflowin’, Pumpkinhead of Brooklyn Academy & many more. I guess our bio says it best: “A true showcase of the Snowgoons’ raw talent as well as an homage to their influences and predecessors, German Lugers highlights the four-man production teams’ diverse range and varied aesthetic, from their roots in gritty Wu-Tang inflected beats to a fresh twist on the sped-up vocal sensibility that made Kanye West a household name.” Purpose I would say everybody hopes to sell as many record as possible, but to us it’s not all about the money. We are more out to make our name a brand. A brand for real hip-hop. We all grew up with hip-hop music so we wanna keep the old school and 90’s flavor alive and ensure that the younger generation knows the roots of hip-hop. But, of course, we are open minded too and always open to new styles. Is hip-hop really dead? A lot of heads are thinking hip-hop is about to die but as long as there are cats out like ourselves or great artists like these featured on our album, hip-hop will survive. People should stop crying about hip hop, they should start lookin’ to themselves and ask what they can do to revitalize it. There’s still a lot of dope music out there between all the bullshit. Get back to the roots and do some research. Hip-hop in 80′s or early 90′s didn’t need the internet. It was all about the communication on jams, parties and sessions. Three wishes (If you had three wishes to change anything within hip-hop, what would they be? Bring someone back to life? Get a Kanye West beat? Make snap music disappear?): We would love to see big l and big pun on stage again, working with NAS on an album and that more people appreciate the work of masterminds like PRIMO, PETE ROCK or mc´s like OC and EDO G just to name a few! One love

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Chamillionaire had a hugely successful 2006 and he’s hoping the same happens in 2007. The Houston emcee announced that his new single will be “Not a Criminal” featuring Kelis from his upcoming album, Ultimate Victory. Produced by Styalz Fuego, Cham says the song was inspired by the recent success he’s been experiencing and the spotlight it puts on you for your lyrics. “People treat you like you committed a crime when you speak the truth about what’s really on your mind,” Cham said. “People act like its wrong to have an opinion about things especially when your views are different than theirs. I feel like setting the goal to be a successful entrepreneur should be looked at as a good thing and should not come with all the unnecessary hate and resistance. The business world can be a cruel place and even though I work hard at being successful and staying on top of my business, some people will look at me like I’m a criminal because of it, when I’m actually just working hard so my company can grow and I can remain successful. Even though one may have money through hard work, you still get judged and have to deal with prejudices and problems. I plan on doing what I feel is right for me and not worrying about anyone that feels otherwise.” The new album, set to drop this Spring will feature appearances from Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne, Pimp C, Slick Rick, Devin the Dude, with production from Three Six Mafia, JR Rotem, Rick Rock and others. Cham hopes that people will heed his lyrics more than what he’s wearing this time out. “I need people to pay attention to what I have to say, instead of just staring at my mouth,” he said. “I speak with a purpose and definitely want people to know that I’m not just some rapper with diamonds in his mouth. As soon as they get past the materialistic stuff and listen to the message on my album then I will feel like I have won.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno The Clipse recently announced their participation on the Seagram’s Live 2007 tour launching in April, but first they’re going to hit up some cities on their own. The Hell Hath No Fury Tour launches on February 25 in Baltimore at Club Sonar and will run until March 29 where they will also end in Baltimore. Pusha T and Malice will get a small break before they head out on the Seagram’s Live Tour starting on April 7 in Memphis and running until April 29 ending in Miami. The proceeds from this tour will go towards the rebuilding of New Orleans from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. 2/25 BALTIMORE, DC @ SONAR 2/26 NEW YORK, NY @ BB KINGS 2/27 CAMBRIDGE, MA @ MIDDLE EAST 2/28 PHILADELPHIA, PA @ TROCADERO 3/1 OHIO (TBA) 3/2 CHICAGO, IL @ PARK WEST 3/3 MINNEAPOLIS, MN @ MYTH 3/5 BOLDER, CO @ GOTHIC 3/6 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO @ FOX 3/7 JACKSON HOLE @ MANGY MOOSE 3/8 SALT LAKE CITY, UT @ SUDES 3/10 TACOMA, WA @ TACOMA CENTER 3/11 VANCOUVER, BC @ NIGHTLIGHT LOUNGE 3/12 PORTLAND, OR @ BERBAITIS PAN 3/14 SAN JOSE, CA @ VINGOS 3/15 SAN FRANSCISCO, CA @ MEZZANIE 3/16 LOS ANEGLES, CA @ KEY CLUB 3/17 SAN DIEGO @ BELLY UP 3/18 PHOENIX, AZ @ CLUB HOUSE 3/19 ALBERQUERQUE, NM @ SUNSHINE THEATER 3/21 AUSTIN, TX @ EMO 3/23 MIAMI, FL @ I/0 3/24 ORLANDO, FL @ SOCIAL 3/25 ATLANTA, GA @ THE LOFT 3/26 ASHVILLE, NC @ ORANGE PEEL 3/27 CARBORO, NC @ CATS CRADLE 3/28 RICHMOND, VA (TBA) 3/29 BALTIMORE, MD (TBA) SEAGRAM’S LIVE 2007 TOUR SCHEDULE (Dates and Venues Subject to Change) 4/7Memphis (Plush) 4/8 New Orleans(House of Blues) 4/12 Atlanta (Earthlink Live) 4/13Birmingham (Platinum Nightclub) 4/14Jackson )Free Lons Groove) 4/20Detroit (Club Visions) 4/21Washington D.C. (930 Club) 4/26NYC (BB King’s) 4/27Fort (Bragg Sports USA) 4/28Tampa(Club Skye) 4/29Miami (TBD)

By: Hot Gossip Gal Paris Hilton filed a lawsuit in federal court to close down the site that is exposing even more of her antics to the world. "I was appalled to learn that people are exploiting my and my sisters’ private personal belongings for commercial gain," said the ’distraught’ hotel heiress. This will teach you to pay your bills Paris. All the new goods were acquired by Bardia Persa, who created ParisExposed.com. He got the possessions back in September and paid ten million dollars for them…three letters …WHY?

By: Hot Gossip Gal I thought, or rather I hoped it was a joke but no it wasn’t. My girl Miss Info wasn’t playing when she said she had footage of Benzino in the bath getting his with some blonde chick…the sex tape to end all sex tapes is out there. Why Benzino though? I mean do we really need to see him getting down and dirty..or should that be clean..

By: Rizoh The Game a.k.a. the West Coast King of Controversy recounted a sexual encounter with video vixen Vida Guerra recently. While speaking to Funkmaster Flex on New York radio Hot 97, Game was asked about his decision to lash out at video models on his new single “Wouldn’t Get Far.” He explained that the negative influence models have on his 16-year old sister inspired him to write the song. He later disclosed that he met Vida Guerra, one of the subjects of “Wouldn’t Get Far,” at a Jamie Foxx house party. “I go over there and she’s sitting down on a couch. I sit down next to her,” Game recalls. The rest, as they say, is history. Click here to listen to the audio to find out more about Game’s finger-poppin’ encounter with Vida.

By: Rizoh Brandy, who was involved in a fatal car crash last December, may face charges for vehicular manslaughter. The charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail in addition to a $1,000 fine. "The office is currently reviewing the case and determining whether the evidence warrants the filing of a misdemeanor charge of vehicular manslaughter," said California Highway Patrol spokesperson Nick Velasquez. He added that prosecutors couldn’t put a date on when they would make a definitive decision on the case. As we reported earlier, Brandy was driving her 2007 Land Rover when she accidentally struck a 2005 Honda in front of her, which in turn crashed into a 1989 Toyota. The 2005 Honda, driven by 38-year old Awatef Aboudihaj, then spun sideways and struck the center divider. As Aboudihaj’s Honda came to a halt, it was pummeled by an oncoming 1988 Acura. Aboudihaj was taken to a hospital, where she died of injuries. Brandy has publicly expressed condolences to the victim’s family. Her publicist said Brandy wasn’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the crash occurred. On a related note, the singer’s fans recently filed an online petition demanding that she be prosecuted for “taking an innocent life.” The petitioners go on to say that Brandy should Brandy should not be treated fairly on the strength of her celebrity status.” She should serve time for it or at least pay a fine. It’s wrong on so many levels and something should be done about it.”

By: Hot Gossip Gal Is it any wonder why Jay Z has decided to live on the 90th floor of Trumps World Tower here in NYC when he has a stalker who openly confessed on Dr. Phil yesterday that she has been obsessed with him for the last three years and sends hundreds of e mails a day. Not only did Katrina sit and explain how she also stalked Jays assistant on the show but she openly revealed that Beyonce is no competition for her and once Jay sees her, he WILL realize she is the the true Mrs Jigga. My oh my…restraining order comes to mind here and I think Dr. Phil was even at a loss with this situation You hear about stalkers climbing walls and jumping fences all the time to get close to their victims, but I doubt crazy girl will get the opportunity at Jays new abode. Once again he is opting to rent as opposed to buying, this time 65,000 a month, he recently lost his 40,000 a month place in the Time Warner Building, but this is a lil more luxurious. Five beds, five baths, fireplaces, unobstructed views of ‘his’ city and the use of the health club, spa and indoor pool oh and his new neighbor is Derick Jeter.

Label name: Duck Down Records Founded (Date): 1995 Founders: Dru Ha & Buckshot Backstory (What’s the story behind the launch of the label? How was it launched? Why was it launched?): Founded by Buckshot and DruHa, Duck Down Records was conceptualized as an outlet for how they envisioned music to be created, managed and distributed. At the time, it was founded to give us an outlet for our music, without having to seek out deals or be salesmen for projects that we wanted to introduce, It was also the beginning of an era, where producers and hot artists were getting label deals that allowed them total control over their products and visions. Buckshot and Dru Ha formed Duck Down for that very reason. To date, Duck Down Records is the home to: Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Sean Price, Black Moon, Heltah Skeltah, O.G.C., Ruste Juxx and BOOT CAMP CLIK. Greatest Achievements (What are the label’s proudest moments? Going platinum? Releasing a classic? Signing a legend?): Duck Down’s proudest moment has to be the fact that we’ve been able to maintain our label now for over 10 years in a very tough market. We’ve seen extreme highs and also the lows, but through it all our artists have remained true to the Duck Down formula. Of course some of the other things we’re proud of is the over 4 million records sold in our 12-year history; the opportunity to work with hip hop heavyweights such as: Tupac (who we recorded an album with, entitled One Nation before his untimely death); Talib Kweli, Aaliyah, Busta Rhymes, Mobb Deep, KRS One, M.O.P., Q-Tip, Raekwon and our current collaborations with the Justus League. Duck Down’s most notable releases are: Black Moon’s, “Enta Da Stage,” Smif N Wessun’s “ Da Shinin,” O.G.C.’s, “Da Storm,” Heltah Skeltah’s. “Nocturnal,” 9th Wonder and Buckshot’s, “Chemistry,” Sean Price’s, “Monkey Barz,” and Boot Camp Clik’s, “The Last Stand,” albums. One other amazing feat was just over a year ago in 2005, when we released Duck Down Record’s Triple Threat Summer. It Has 3 releases, Sean Price, “Monkey Barz” (May, 2005), 9th Wonder and Buckshot, “Chemistry” (July, 2005) and then Smif N Wessun, “Reloaded” (September, 2005). For an INDIE label or any label for that matter having 3 Full Length albums out in such a short period of time is a tough task, but it ended up being very successful for us and we earned the title of Top 5 Comebacks of the Year from HipHopSite.com. Current and Future projects (What current projects are you pushing and what’s planned for the next year?): Duck Down Record’s most current release is from our signature group, Boot Camp Clik (Great which consists of Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Sean Price, O.G.C. and Heltah Skeltah. The new album, LAST STAND, was released this past summer (July 18th, 2006). The album features production from Pete Rock, Large Professor, Da Beatminerz, 9th Wonder, G-Unit’s, Ill Mind, Coptic and more. Our main priority, aside from continuing to promote BCC’s newest release, is Sean Price’s second solo effort, JESUS PRICE SUPASTAR, slated for a January 30th, 2007 release. Sean P!’s second album was produced mainly by 9th Wonder, and Khrysis, but also has production from MoSS, G-Unit’s Ill Mind, PF Cuttin and more. The album features Buckshot, of Black Moon, Rock, of Heltah Skeltah, Sadat X, Ruste Juxx, Steele (Of Smif N Wessun), Loud Mouf Choir, Skyzoo, and Phonte (Of Little Brother). There is a good amount of anticipation surrounding Sean Price’s second release, especially following his MONKEY BARZ LP, where Sean garnered Indie Artist of the Year honors from SOURCE Magazine and ALLHIPHOP.COM. The Savior Will Be Recognized January 30th. Goals and Purpose (What kind of impact are you hoping to make on the industry? What goals do you have for the label?): For Duck Down it’s about continuing to make good music and music that we believe in. In terms of an impact for us, it’s always trying to stay true to our core group of fans, and hopefully make enough noise to make some new ones along the way. In 2007 we’re looking to release at least 3 to 4 albums, which should keep Duck Down’s name in the mix. (Sean Price, “Jesus Price Supastar,” Heltah Skeltah, “D.I.R.T.,” Ruste Juxx, “Indestructable,” 9th Wonder and Buckshot, “The Formula.”) We are also looking to sign some new talent, and have had some discussions with members of the Justus League, and even KRS One. Within the Game (How does the label fit within the current climate of hip-hop? Or does it even fit in at all? What’s the label’s personality in relation to the rest of hip-hop?): Well for starters, I guess we get classified as being an INDIE Label, meaning we don’t have the same MACHINE that a Def Jam, or J-Records may have. The good thing about being an independent record label is that we don’t have to rely on an individual or company to create, approve, or execute a plan. We have always taken pride in our ability to come up with creative and original marketing tactics, something that we are proud of and that we feel has always created a separation from our competition. At times we have had to cut corners in order to fund plans properly. However, continuing with grassroots tactics and a heavy presence, to this day we remain proud of how we run our Label. Our Personality in this game is like that smaller dog that actually thinks he’s the size of a rottweiler. We’re not going to be afraid of any challenge/obstacle or fear a major release that may coincide with one of our Indie releases. We have to just find ways to break through the clutter and make ourselves noticeable. So that means taking over the Web, hitting the streets with posterboard and finding new ways to publicize our artists and advertise their respective albums. CLICK HERE TO VIEW SEAN PRICES’ INTERVIEW CLICK HERE TO VIEW BUCKSHOTS’ INTERVIEW

Artist/Group Name: Sean Price Reppin’ (What city you reppin’?): Brooklyn, NY Affiliation (What crew or artists you roll with?): My whole Duck Down Record’s crew…Boot Camp Clik, Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Rock (Heltah Skeltah), Ruste Juxx, O.G.C. Influences (Who inspires you? Not limited to just hip-hop): My Mother. She owned a record store, worked in a record store. Artist wise Jimmy Castor, Funky Bunch, James Brown, Barry White, Kook G Rap. Backstory (How’d you get in the game? How did the group form? What work did you put in before getting signed to a label?) Being a fan, taping the radio, listening to the radio, Red Alert, Marly Marl, Babito, Teddy Ted, Special K. I didn’t know I wanted to rap till I met Rock. From then on I knew this is what I wanted in my life. Hip Hop definitely saved my life. If I wasn’t rapping, who knows what I’d be doing. I’d most likely be standing on the corner of some block doing shit I wasn’t supposed to be doing. Current project (What are you pushing right now? What can people expect from it? Feel free to just hype your album here…why did you name the album that name? Was there a theme? Any funny stories during its creation?) The album is Jesus Price Supastar out January 30th. I named it that cuz of the Bible, in the Bible it said Jesus went through the slums and spread the word, the word is God. Im going through the hood and Jesus Price, which is me, is going through the hood spreading the word and the word is real hip hop. I did most of the recording down south. I didn’t smoke like I wanted to cuz the Justus League studio is connected to a church. I study Islam, but I’m not trying to disrespect anybody’s church. I also did a photoshoot inside a Church and people were inside praying during the photoshoot. I had one person come up to me and asked me to recite a prayer. So I babbled some verse off and told the woman to bless the God! LOL People can expect a much more intense Sean Price from my second album, but understand the album is fire. People need Sean Price in their lives. Purpose (What kind of impact do you hope to have on the game? Do you just want to go platinum or is there something more?) I don’t really know. That is for the people to decide. I hope when the album drops people go crazy and cop that shit. Is hip-hop really dead? (Wax philosophical here, break down what you think of hip-hop today or compare it to when you were coming up. Good? Bad? Break it down!) Nah. I think if Nas would had heard Monkey Barz he wouldn’t have said that. I don’t think he listened to Monkey Barz. Someone should tell Son to cop that shit. Three wishes (If you had three wishes to change anything within hip-hop, what would they be? Bring someone back to life? Get a Kanye West beat? Make snap music disappear?): I would bring my Mom back. I would bring Pun back so we could do an album Then with my third wish I would wish for 100 more wishes and on my 100th wish I would wile the fuck out! THE SAVIOR WILL BE RECOGNIZED JANUARY 30th.

Artist/Group Name : Buckshot of Black Moon Reppin’ (What city you reppin’?): Brooklyn, NY Affiliation (What crew or artists you roll with?): The Co-Owner of Duck Down Records and lead MC for the mighty Boot Camp Clik (Buckshot, Smif N Wessun, Sean Price, Heltah Skeltah, O.G.C.). Also a member of the legendary rap group, Black Moon, known for their classic LP, Enta Da Stage. Influences (Who inspires you? Not limited to just hip-hop): Special Ed was a huge inspiration for me. Actually the first time I heard Special Ed on the mic, I knew I wanted to become an MC. I was like I NEED to get on stage and do what he’s doing. What’s crazy is I got to eventually do a track with Special Ed and Masta Ace when we collaborated to do the Crooklyn Dodger’s theme song. Spike Lee reached out to me as a fan and that was a special collaboration for me. KRS One was another huge inspiration for me as he taught me how to be a true MC on the stage. A lot of rappers have a hit song and can make some noise, but they aren’t SHOW MC’s. They don’t really have the craft of Mastering the Ceremony of what real Hip Hop is. I learned how to become a SHOW MC by watching KRS One. Backstory (How’d you get in the game? How did the group form? What work did you put in before getting signed to a label?) I was an intern at first and then actually it was 5ft who brought me into Black Moon and from there I got up with Nervous Records and the rest is history. I met Dru Ha up at Nervous Records where we things started out more as management. That eventually led to Duck Down Records and our eventually departure from Nervous Records to Priority Records. Priority is where we put on groups like Heltah Skeltah, OGC and our first Boot Camp Clik ablum. Before I came into the game I did a lot of dancing belive it or not. I loved to dance, on some real b-boy, break-dance vibe. I just loved entertaining as a kid and now I get to do it for a living. Current project (What are you pushing right now? What can people expect from it? Feel free to just hype your album here…why did you name the album that name? Was there a theme? Any funny stories during its creation?) Currently I’m pushing Boot Camp Clik’s new album, The Last Stand, which came out this past summer (July 2006). The album features the entire Great 8 and has some crazy production…Pete Rock is on there, Large Professor, 9th Wonder, Da Beatminerz, Coptic, G-Unit’s Ill Mind and Marco Polo. We named the album The Last Stand cuz we are trying to take a Stand on all the shit going on in Hip Hop. If it’s not Nas calling Hip Hop dead it’s some other bullshit, so as a collective whole we took a STAND. Sean Price is the other major project we are working right now. Son is one of the best MC’s in Hip Hop today. His new album, entitled Jesus Price Supastar hits streets January 30th. He’s got real good production from 9th Wonder and Khrysis from the Justus League. Sean will not disappoint fans following his first solo effort, Monkey Barz (May 2005). We got an artist by the name of Ruste Juxx coming out in 2007 as well. His album Indestructable is going to be a serious hood anthem. As for Buckshot the artist, I’m working with 9th Wonder again for our second release, first one being Chemistry (July 2005). Our second album is gonna be called The Formula. Duck Down is currently looking at expanding in a major way. We are close to signing a deal with rapper KRS One to put out his next album. Now that is Hip Hop!!! We are also looking at Justus League artists, Joe Scudda, Chaundon and Jossie Mo, all of whom have a solid following out of North Carolina. Purpose (What kind of impact do you hope to have on the game? Do you just want to go platinum or is there something more?) A business impact, a strong business impact. Not worried about going platinum. I want every artists in the world signed to Duck Down. Have every artist period. It’s time for people to see what Duck Down Records can do outside our core set of groups. Don’t get me wrong we are gonna continue to make Boot Camp Music, but we’re also looking to be a home for other artists as well. Is hip-hop really dead? (Wax philosophical here, break down what you think of hip-hop today or compare it to when you were coming up. Good? Bad? Break it down!) Hip Hop is not dead. Get the fuck outa here. Especially when u hear Nas say HipHop is dead and it’s crazy that he should flip on New York. It’s dead only to Nas and all the funky fans that support that shit. The marketing campaign is too hypocritical. It’s doing more damage than it’s helping. It’s pushing people like me further and further back cuz I got to fight more and more to push through the murk. Hip Hop now if u watch the videos and listen to the tracks is dudes rapping about money and more money. But that shit ain’t the case. Nas is buggin. Bottomline, he is straight buggin. I heard him on the radio talking the other day about New York Rappers and how shit is dead. So now he’s talking directly at me. Don’t get me wrong Nas is my man and I saw him the other night at the Nike Air Force One event, dude was even the one who brought me up on stage to perform with the likes of Rakim, KRS ONE and Kanye West. In a sense how can Nas speak that shit about Hip Hop and then take the stage with the father of Rap. To combat that slogan that Hip Hop is Dead I would start by first saying Nas is whiling out, like a Jeezy did. To combat that Ima say I got KRS ONE. Hip Hop started before Buckshot, before Nas. If I’m saying ima Hip Hop artist than am I saying Im dead? Jeezy said it, but more people need to say it. Three wishes (If you had three wishes to change anything within hip-hop, what would they be? Bring someone back to life? Get a Kanye West beat? Make snap music disappear?): First and foremost would be to bring Pac back so we could eventually finish the One Nation album. I also think Pac would have taken myself and other Duck Down artists to a new level. We had a serious bond and a good chemistry in the studio. Pac flew us out to his brand new home and we were like family. We recorded closet to 8 tracks with him in a matter of 3 days. One of the best memories of that trip was a huge watergun fight that broke out in Pac’s backyard. Of course it ended up inside his crib, where Dru Ha ends up shooting a water gun all over Pac’s brand new walls. We all laughed, but I think Pac was upset! I’d also change the DJ’s. Hip Hop started with the DJ, so how is it all of a sudden that they don’t allow us to matter. U not talking about that money, I’m not playing u. It’s a style thing. But what is crazy is u got to stay up on a trend. We do a good job of trying to stay ahead of the trends and u got to evolve with the trends. BUT a DJ needs to see your movement and they got to make it more accessible to reach them. In a sense Duck Down tries to stay true to a sound and ahead of its time. It feels like u got to be negative to get a somewhat positive result, so should I start doing that shit. NAH! I’m done with being negative. Buckshot is here now as a voice and I got a lot to say in 2007 and beyond.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Since dropping his critically acclaimed debut album, Dead Ringer, in 2002 producer RJD2 went on to drop a couple of more albums and produce joints for Aceyalone, Soul Position and score a variety of video games and movies. Now he’s preparing to drop his new album, The Third Hand, on March 6. In an effort to curtail any bootlegging of the album, RJD2 said he will offer a bonus digital only EP for the fans who buy songs from independent records stores and iTunes. “All of these are going to be high quality mp3′s, as will be the iTunes album version of course,” RJD2 posted on his blog. “So why listen to an 8-bit low-res garbage-sounding ripped copy off some kid’s blog? In 2007, exclusive bonus cuts+good sound quality=the way to live. I truly think its worth your hard earned 10-15 bucks at the end of the day. sheeeeit, 9.99 for an album on itunes? You know you cant beat that!” Shortly after the album drops, RJD2 will head out on tour with a live band and DJ to give you a live version of his production. Here’s the current tour itinerary: 3.9.07 Wexner Center – Columbus OH 3.10.07 The Dame – Lexington KY 3.11.07 Exit In – Nashville TN 3.12.07 Revolution Music Room – Little Rock AR 3.13.07 Bricktown Ballroom – Oklahoma City, OK 3.14.07 Haileys – Denton TX 3.16.07 Emo’s – Austin, TX 3.17.07 Warehouse Live – Houston TX 3.19.07 House of Blues – New Orleans LA 3.20.07 Variety Playhouse – Atlanta GA 3.21.07 Cats Cradle – Carrboro NC 3.22.07 Satellite Ballroom – Charlottesville VA 3.23.07 9:30 Club – Washington DC 3.24.07 Sonar – Baltimore MD 4.11.07 Starlight Ballroom – Philadelphia PA 4.12.07 The Crazy Donkey – Farmingdale NY 4.13.07 Webster Hall – New York NY 4.14.07 Middle East Downstairs – Cambridge MA 4.15.07 Pearl Street Nightclub – Northampton MA 4.16.07 La TuLipe – Montreal QC 4.17.07 Phoenix Concert Theatre – Toronto ON 4.18.07 Magic Stick – Detroit MI 4.19.07 Grog Shop – Cleveland Heights OH 4.20.07 Metro – Chicago IL 4.21.07 First Avenue – Minneapolis MN 4.22.07 The Picador (formerly Gabes Oasis) – Iowa City IA 4.23.07 Birdys – Indianapolis IN 5.10.07 Bluebird Theatre – Denver, CO 5.11.07 Abbey Theatre, Durango, CO 5.12.07 The Clubhouse – Tempe, AZ 5.13.07 Belly Up Tavern – Solana Beach, CA 5.14.07 Henry Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA 5.15.07 Mezannine – San Francisco, CA 5.17.07 Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR 5.18.07 Neumos – Seattle, WA 5.19.07 The Nightlight Lounge – Bellingham, WA

By: Rizoh An unidentified man was injured at a recent Bone Thugs-N-Harmony concert. Fight broke out at the show, drawing the attention of law enforcement. The victim was hit in the head with a barstool and beaten unconscious, according to reports. The concert came to an abrupt halt, as authorities dispersed the crowd of about 1,500 people Friday night at the Warner Grand Theatre. The injured concertgoer was later treated at a hospital, but he wasn’t the only one having a unfavorable night. Another man who allegedly threw a punch at a police officer was cuffed for resisting arrest.