By: Rizoh Mos Def’s long-awaited third solo album, Tru3 Magic, will now hit shelves on January 9, 2007, according to a statement on the rapper’s website. Despite the album’s postponement, Mos is up for a Grammy nod in the Best Rap Solo Performance category with Tru3 Magic‘s first single, "Undeniable." Tru3 Magic is the follow-up to 2004′s The New Danger, which shifted 445,000 units in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Below is the tentative track list for Mos Def’s Tru3 Magic 1.)"Tru3 Magic" 2.)"Undeniable" 3.)"U R the One" 4.)"Thug Is A Drug" 5.)"Crime & Medicine" 6.)"A Ha" 7.)"Dollar Day" 8.)"Napoleon Dynamite" 9.)"There Is A Way" 10.)"Sun, Moon, Stars" 11.)"Murder of A Teenage Life" 12.)"Fake Bonanza" 13.)"Perfect Timing" 14.)"Lifetime"

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Last night Nike celebrated the 25th Anniversary of their Air Force Ones at New York’s Gotham Hall with performances from Nas, Kanye West, Rakim and KRS-One along with legendary producer Rick Rubin. The four rappers and producer also made an original track for the celebration and performed live last night. "Those that know the history of KRS-One’s recordings will recall a song called ‘Advance.’ We signed to this label to put this single out, and what I remember was the advance, what came back from signing this contract was a pair of Air Force Ones," KRS said regarding his love for the shoe. "You know, believe it or not, we were satisfied. We got a fresh pair of Air Force Ones and it was dope. I rhymed, and I got a fresh pair of Air Force Ones. The mentality was that my rhymes bring value. And the point was that Air Force Ones had value." At the celebration there were over 1,040 unique pairs of Air Force Ones, assembled from the Nike archives and key collectors attending the celebration. Nike also announced that the new Air Force 25 (which was on display as well) will hit store shelves in 2007. Fans will also be able to catch the live performance and part of the celebration on MTV sometime in January.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno It’s been a long seven years since Pharoahe Monch dropped his excellent debut, Internal Affairs. Although rumors of him signing to Aftermath Records never came to fruition, he’s been surviving by doing shows and working in the lab on his follow-up. Monch is now signed to Steve Rifkind’s SRC Records and announced that his new album, Desire, is definitely slated to drop during the first half of 2007. The album features production from Mr. Porter (Kon-Artist of D12), The Alchemist, Detroit‘s Black Milk and Lee Stone. “I think the approach I took to making some of the songs is still underground," Monch said. "But in terms of the arrangements and the song-writing, I wouldn’t say it’s commercial, but it’s a bigger approach than I’ve taken in the past.”

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno The Grammy nominees were announced yesterday in Los Angeles and Mary J Blige came out on top with the most nominations. Already having just won two American Music Awards and nine Billboard Awards, Mary J. Blige was nominated for eight Grammy awards including the prestigious Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Other nominees include Ganrls Barkley, The Roots, T.I., Chamillionaire, Outkast and Lupe Fiasco. The Grammy Awards will air live on February 11 from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Here’s a partial list of the nominees (For a full list, check out GRAMMY) : Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.) Ring The Alarm Beyoncé Track from: B’Day [Sony Urban Music/Columbia] Be Without You Mary J. Blige Track from: The Breakthrough [Geffen Records] Don’t Forget About Us Mariah Carey Track from: The Emancipation Of Mimi (Ultra Platinum Edition) [Island Records] Day Dreaming Natalie Cole Track from: Leavin’ [Verve Records] I Am Not My Hair India.Arie Track from: Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship [Motown Records] Category 24 Best Male R&B Vocal Performance (For a solo vocal performance. Singles or Tracks only.) Heaven John Legend Track from: Once Again [Columbia/GOOD/Sony Urban Music] So Sick Ne-Yo Track from: In My Own Words [Def Jam Recordings] Black Sweat Prince Track from: 3121 [Universal Records] I Call It Love Lionel Richie Track from: Coming Home [Island Def Jam Recordings] Got You Home Luther Vandross [J Records/Epic/Legacy Recordings] Category 25 Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals (For duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.) Breezin’ George Benson & Al Jarreau Track from: Givin’ It Up [Concord Records/Monster Music] Love Changes Jamie Foxx Featuring Mary J. Blige Track from: Unpredictable [J Records] Everyday (Family Reunion) Chaka Khan, Gerald Levert, Yolanda Adams & Carl Thomas Track from: Madea’s Family Reunion — Music From The Motion Picture [Motown Records] Family Affair (Sly & The Family Stone), John Legend, Joss Stone With Van Hunt Track from: Different Strokes By Different Folks [Epic/Legacy Recordings] Beautiful, Loved And Blessed Prince & Támar Track from: 3121 [Universal Records] Category 26 Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.) Christmas Time Is Here Anita Baker Track from: Christmas Fantasy [Blue Note Records] God Bless The Child George Benson & Al Jarreau Featuring Jill Scott Track from: Givin’ It Up [Concord Records/Monster Music] I Found My Everything Mary J. Blige Featuring Raphael Saadiq Track from: The Breakthrough [Geffen Records] You Are So Beautiful Sam Moore Featuring Billy Preston, Zucchero, Eric Clapton & Robert Randolph Track from: Overnight Sensational [Rhino Entertainment] How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) The Temptations Track from: Reflections [New Door Records] Category 27 Best Urban/Alternative Performance (For solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, with vocals. Singles or Tracks only.) Crazy Gnarls Barkley Track from: St. Elsewhere [Downtown/Atlantic] That Heat Segio Mendes Featuring Erykah Badu & Will.i.am Track from: Timeless [Concord Records/Hear Music] Mas Que Nada Sergio Mendes Featuring The Black Eyed Peas Track from: Timeless [Concord Records/Hear Music/Will.i.am music] Idlewild Blue (Don’t Chu Worry ‘Bout Me) Outkast Track from: Idlewild [La Face Records/Zomba Label Group] 3121 Prince Track from: 3121 [Universal Records] Category 28 Best R&B Song (A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parenthesis.) Singles or Tracks only.) Be Without You Johnta Austin, Mary J. Blige, Bryan-Michael Cox & Jason Perry, songwriters (Mary J. Blige) Track from: The Breakthrough [Geffen Records; Publishers: Chrysalis Music, Mary J. Blige Music, Naked Under My Clothes Music, Universal Music Corp., Babyboy's Little Publishing, Jason's Lyrics, Noontime South, Reach Global Tunes, WB Music.] Black Sweat Prince, songwriter (Prince) Track from: 3121 [Universal Records; Publisher: Controversy Music.] Deja Vu Shawn Carter, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Beyoncé Knowles, Makeba, Keli Nicole Price & Delisha Thomas, songwriters (Beyoncé Featuring Jay-Z) [Sony Urban Music/Columbia; Publishers: Beyoncé Publishing, EMI Blackwood Music, 23000 Music Publishing, Makeba Yoga Flames Music/Janice Combs Publishing/EMI Blackwood, Price Tag, EMI April Music/Carter Boys Publishing.] Don’t Forget About Us Johnta Austin, Mariah Carey, Bryan-Michael Cox & Jermaine Dupri, songwriters (Mariah Carey) Track from: The Emancipation Of Mimi (Ultra Platinum Edition) [Island Records; Publishers: Rye Songs, Shaniah Cymone Music, EMI April Music, Babyboy's Little Publishing Company, Noontime South, Naked Under My Clothes, Chrysalis Music.] I Am Not My Hair Drew Ramsey, Shannon Sanders & India Arie Simpson, songwriters (India.Arie) Track from: Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship [Motown Records; Publishers: Gold & Iron Music, Wang Out Music Sony, Combustion Windswept, Noka International/Famous Music.] Category 29 Best R&B Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.) The Breakthrough Mary J. Blige [Geffen Records] Unpredictable Jamie Foxx [J Records] Testimony: Vol. 1, Life & Relationship India.Arie [Motown Records] 3121 Prince [Universal Republic] Coming Home Lionel Richie [Island Def Jam Recordings] Category 30 Best Contemporary R&B Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.) B’Day Beyoncé [Sony Urban Music/Columbia] Chris Brown Chris Brown [Jive Records/Zomba Label Group] 20 Y.O. Janet Jackson [Virgin Records] Kelis Was Here Kelis [Jive Records/Zomba Label Group/Dope Entertainment] In My Own Words Ne-Yo [Def Jam Recordings] Return to top of page Field 7 — Rap Category 31 Best Rap Solo Performance (For a solo Rap performance. Singles or Tracks only.) Touch It Busta Rhymes Track from: The Big Bang [Aftermath/Interscope Records] We Run This Missy Elliott Track from: The Cookbook [Goldmind/Atlantic] Kick, Push Lupe Fiasco Track from: Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor [1st & 15th/Atlantic] Undeniable Mos Def [Geffen Records] What You Know T.I. Track from: King [Grand Hustle/Atlantic] Category 32 Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group (For duo, group or collaborative performances of Rap only. Singles or Tracks only.) Ridin Chamillionaire Featuring Krayzie Bone [Universal Records] Georgia Ludacris & Field Mob (Featuring Jamie Foxx) Track from: Ludacris Presents…Disturbing Tha Peace And From Field Mob — Light Poles And Pine Trees [DTP/Geffen/Def Jam Recordings] Grillz Nelly Featuring Paul Wall, Ali & Gipp Track from: Sweatsuit [Universal Records] Mighty "O" Outkast [La Face/Zomba Label Group] Don’t Feel Right The Roots [Def Jam Recordings] Category 33 Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (For a Rap/Sung collaborative performance by artists who do not normally perform together. Singles or Tracks only.) Smack That Akon Featuring Eminem [SRC/Universal Records] Deja Vu Beyoncé Featuring Jay-Z [Sony Urban Music/Columbia] Shake That Eminem Featuring Nate Dogg Track from: Curtain Call — The Hits [Aftermath/Shady/Interscope Records] Unpredictable Jamie Foxx Featuring Ludacris Track from: Unpredictable [J Records] My Love Justin Timberlake Featuring T.I. Track from: FutureSex/LoveSounds [Jive Records/Zomba Label Group] Category 34 Best Rap Song (A Songwriter(s) Award. For Song Eligibility Guidelines see Category #3. (Artist names appear in parenthesis.) Singles or Tracks only.) It’s Goin’ Down Chadron Moore & Jasiel Robinson, songwriters (Yung Joc) Track from: New Joc City [Bad Boy South; Publishers: Granny Man Publishing, Malik/Mekhi Music, Basement Funk, Regina's Son Music.] Kick, Push Wasalu Muhammad Jaco, songwriter (Lupe Fiasco) Track from: Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor [1st & 15th/Atlantic; Publishers: Hey Lu Chill Music/Heavy as Heaven, 1st & 15th Publishing/Mr. Lopez Music.] Money Maker Christopher Bridges & Pharrell Williams, songwriters (Ludacris Featuring Pharrell) Track from: Release Therapy [Disturbing The Peace/Def Jam Recordings; Publishers: EMI Blackwood Music, Waters of Nazareth Publishing.] Ridin Anthony Henderson, J. Slainas, O. Salinas & Hakeem Seriki, songwriters (Chamillionaire Featuring Krayzie Bone) [Universal Records; Publishers: Chamilitary Camp Music, Play-N-Skilz Music, EMI Publishing.] What You Know A. Davis & Clifford Harris, songwriters; (Donny Hathaway, Leroy Hutson & Curtis Mayfield, songwriters) (T.I.) Track from: King [Grand Hustle/Atlantic; Publishers: Club Crown Publishing, Toomp Stone Publishing, Careers-BMG Music, WB Music Corp., Warner-Tamerlane Publishing.] Category 35 Best Rap Album (For albums containing 51% or more playing time of VOCAL tracks.) Lupe Fiasco’s Food & Liquor Lupe Fiasco [1st & 15th/Atlantic] Release Therapy Ludacris [Disturbing Tha Peace] In My Mind Pharrell [Star Trak/Interscope Records] Game Theory The Roots [Def Jam Recordings] King T.I. [Grand Hustle/Atlantic] Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical (A Producer’s Award. (Artists names appear in parenthesis.)) Howard Benson Every Man For Himself (Hoobastank) (A) Flyleaf (Flyleaf) (A) In With The Out Crowd (Less Than Jake) (A) One-X (Three Days Grace) (A) The Paramour Sessions (Papa Roach) (A) Popaganda (Head Automatica) (A) Saosin (Saosin) (A) T Bone Burnett Thunderbird (Cassandra Wilson) (A) The True False Identity (T Bone Burnett) (A) Walk The Line — Soundtrack (Joaquin Phoenix & Various Artists) (A) Danger Mouse Pieces Of The People We Love (The Rapture) (T) St. Elsewhere (Gnarls Barkley) (A) Rick Rubin American V: A Hundred Highways (Johnny Cash) (A) God’s Gonna Cut You Down (Johnny Cash) (T) Stadium Arcadium (Red Hot Chili Peppers) (A) Taking The Long Way (Dixie Chicks) (A) 12 Songs (Neil Diamond) (A) Will.i.am About You (Mary J. Blige Featuring Will.i.am) (T) Big Girls Don’t Cry (Fergie) (T) Damn Girl (Justin Timberlake Featuring Will.i.am) (T) I Am Somebody (Santana Featuring Will.i.am) (T) I Love My B**** (Busta Rhymes Featuring Kelis & Will.i.am) (T) Mas Que Nada (Sergio Mendes Featuring The Black Eyed Peas) (T) Timeless (Sergio Mendes) (A)

By: Rizoh The Clipse have finally responded to Lil’ Wayne‘s heated comments in Complex magazine. In the January issue of Complex, Wayne not only disses Jay-Z for coming out of retirement, he also had some harsh words for the Clipse. "I don’t see no f****in Clipse. This is a f****in legend you’re talking to right here. How many years them n***as been around? Who the f**k is Pharrell? Do you really respect him?" In a new radio interview, Malice of the Clipse responds to Wayne with a riddle, "What do you call a man who kisses another man?’ Listen to the rest of the audio.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Nas was on Chicago’s Power 92 the other day discussing his new album and his new label situation. But what got people talking is his response to the upcoming release of Carmen Bryan’s, his ex, tell-all book about their relation ship, among other things. On Chicago’s Trey the Chocolate Jock Morning Jump-Off show, Nas refused to address any of Carmen’s allegations in the book and said that he doesn’t even talk to her anymore. However, moments after the interview ended, Carmen called in to call Nas a liar. Take a listen to the audio snippets Nas Interview 1 Nas Interview 2 Carmen Interview 1

By:Rizoh You’ve probably figured it out by now, but Bow Wow wants to make sure that no one holds him responsible for the alleged interview with Ozone magazine that’s been making rounds lately. In the interview, Bow Wow presumably talks about Ciara’s bladder problem and Beyonce’s bad breath. The interview never happened, according to the teen rapper. It was either a misconstrued attempt at humor or a prank. "When you gain success and are doing something positive, there’s always someone out there that wants to see you fail," Bow Wow said in a statement. "I wonder what they’ll come up with next? My fans know that I would never say anything like what’s in that interview." It’s no surprise that Bow Wow attributes the fake interview to the price of fame. The Price of Fame happens to be the title of Bow’s forthcoming album, due out on December 19.

By: Rizoh Jay-Z and Island Def Jam Records joined forces with Cingular on an innovative concert tour that had the 37-year old rapper performing 30-minute shows in seven cities in one day as a way to celebrate the release of Kingdom Come. Two weeks after that concert Cingular customers now have exclusive access to the original content captured from the "Jay-Z Hangar Tour." "As with the Jay-Z Hangar Tour, Cingular Sounds Live events are designed to generate exclusive, one-of-a-kind mobile content for our customers. Jay-Z is one of the most talented and popular artists on the music scene today, and we are confident his fans will embrace this mobile content just as enthusiastically as they have embraced his new album," said David Garver, executive director, segment marketing and sponsorships, Cingular Wireless, via a statement. Cingular is making the videos available in a variety of channels accessible on their cell phones. Songs like "Kingdom Come," "U Don’t Know," and "Show Me What You Got" are available in ringtone format as well. The Jay-Z Hangar Tour ringtones and Answer Tones are available online at cingularsource on the handset in the Cingular MEdia Mall. Cingular is also turning it up a notch by sponsoring a "Show Me What You Got" Lip Sync Battle, which gives fans the opportunity to win $5,000 by doing their best lip sync renditions of two new Jay-Z songs–"Show Me What You Got" and "Kingdom Come." Visit myvideobattle for details.

By: Rizoh Renowned boardsman Timbaland will take a break from lacing beats for other artist to prep his own solo project, tentatively titled Timbaland Presents Shock Value. The compilation will feature both hip-hop and non-hip-hop artists. Fall Out Boy, She Wants Revenge, Elton John, Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, The Hives and Bjork, are all expected to make appearances in addition to rap and titans Jay-Z, Dr. Dre, and 50 Cent. The first single from Timbaland Presents… is "Give It To Me," which features familiar faces Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado. The album is slated for release in March 2007.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno After a stint of a year or so doing the Chicago Broadway thing as Billy Flynn, Usher ready to finish up an album and get it to the masses next summer. In a quick interview with MTV News, Usher just isn’t happy with what he’s hearing nowadays. "I feel it’s about time for me to come out with an album," Usher told MTV News. "I’m not extremely enthused about where music has gone. I say that coming from listening to artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson — those great artists and iconic musicians. I feel music is at a standstill." As with his previous albums Jermaine Dupri and Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis will handle the bulk of the production with contributions from Dre & Vidal and Robin Thicke. Usher said that he and Jay-Z will also have a song together on the album. To whet your appetite, you can listen to Usher-influenced R&B through One Chance, a group that R&B star signed to his Us Records imprint.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno It’s been over five years since Redman dropped an album so for his next album he’s pulling out all the stops. In an interview with HipHopCrack.com, Red revealed that his album, Red Gone Wild, is scheduled to drop in March and fans may hear a little something different. “Man, I don’t like shooting names like that, that’s never been my forte but I got like five or six producers on there….” Red said reluctantly. “Well, Eminem did one… you know it ranges from Eminem to Scott Storch. Timbaland did one. And you know, it sounds funny for a Redman album, you know ‘Scott Storch on a Redman album!!?!’ But I’ve known Scott Storch for awhile and I see Timbaland and these are cats that I see. So when thy give me some music, its not like they’re reaching for the big single like if Scott Storch was going to do something for Jay-Z or 50 Cent. They ain’t reaching for the big single like that, they’re reaching to give me something big that’s in a Redman sense.” Redman is currently touring with Raekwon, Supernatural, Smif N’ Wessun and a host of others as part of the Rock The Bells Tour. To see our Redman interview in full, stay tuned to HipHopCrack.com.

By: Rizoh Oscar-nominated actor Don Cheadle ("Hotel Rwanda") will direct and star in "Miles Davis," a biopic of the legendary jazz musician. The Miles Davis film project has been an idea held dear by Cheadle for the several years, but until now, a music rights issue threatened to impede its progress to the big screen. Carey Brokaw will share production duties with Don Cheadle, and screenwriting and producing duo Chris Wilkinson and Steve Rivele. News of Cheadle’s interest in depicting the jazz icon first surfaced in March, after Miles was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Every year there’s some sort of new hip-hop movement going on like ATL’s Crunk music or Houston’s Screwed music. In 2006, it was the Bay Area’s Hyphy Movement that was a force to be reckoned with. Thanks to folks like E-40 telling us to take a look at the movement, learn how to ghost ride the whip and “get dumb”, the hip-hop subculture is starting to make its way east. Now to continue in support of the movement, TVT Records has announced Hyphy Hits, a 20-track collection of Hyphy’s hottest songs from the likes of A’z, Nump, Messy Marv, Mac Dre, Mistah F.A.B. and more. The album will hit stores on January 9. Here’s the track listing: 1. The A’z ­ “Yadadamean” 2. Messy Marv ­ “Get On My Hype” 3. Keak Da Sneak ­ “Super Hyphy” 4. Nump ­ “I Got Grapes” feat. The Federation and E-40 5. Dem Hoodstarz (Band-Aide & Scoot) ­ “Getz Ya Grown Man On (The Remix)” feat. San Quinn, Mistah F.A.B, Clyde Carson and Turf 6. Twisted Black ­ “I¹m A Fool Wit it” 7. Furious ­ “Take You Down” feat. E-40 8. Balance ­ “Grind” 9. Mac Dre ­ “Feeling Myself” 10. Da Muzicianz ­ “Go Dumb” feat. The Federation 11. The Team ­ “Hyphy Juice” feat. Clyde Carson 12. Shake Da Mayor ­ “Stunner Shades” 13. Mac Dre ­ “Get Stupid” Remix feat. Miami 14. Mistah F.A.B. ­ “Super Sic Wit It” feat. Turf Talk & E-40 15. Sky Balla ­ “Big Payback” feat. Keak Da Sneak 16. BabyFace Assasins ­ “Everybody Know My Name” feat. Keak Da Sneak 17. The A’z ­ “Same Thang” 18. Keak Da Sneak & The Farm Boyz ­ “AllnDoe” 19. E-40 ­ “Gouda” feat. B-Legit & Stressmatic of The Federation 20. D.B.’z ­ “Stewy” feat. E- 40

By: Rizoh Former Making The Band 2 co-star Chopper (born Kevin Barnes) has inked a deal with Cash Money Records, according to MTV News. The New Orleans native, formerly signed to Diddy’s Bad Boy South, slammed his ex-boss for neglecting him after Hurricane Katrina dismantled his city last year. "When that happened [Hurricane Katrina], I didn’t get no phone call from Diddy," Chopper said. "He didn’t call me and say, ‘Are you all right?’ He didn’t say, ‘I got these Sean John clothes and can make sure your family at least has clothes on its back.’ He didn’t do none of that. So at the end of the day, I felt played. That’s why I wanted to disband myself from the Bad Boy situation." The 21-year-old rapper is putting finishing touches on his forthcoming solo debut, Fast Life, which will feature collaborations with Lil Wayne, Chingy, Soulja Slim, and Princess of Crime Mobb. Chopper was pulled over in July for speeding. Police later found he had prior charges, stemming from an incident where he allegedly robbed two men at gunpoint. According to Chopper’s lawyer Paul Gardner, the rapper faces 90 years in prison if found guilty. He’s due back in court next February.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Lately, Ice Cube has been touring like crazy in promotion of his last album, Laugh Now, Cry Later. He’s currently finishing up his U.S. tour and is now lining up dates in Canada. This time however, Cube will be bring Snoop Dogg along with him so he can push his new album, Tha Blue Carpet Treatment. The Canada dates start on January 12 in Victoria, BC at the Save on Foods Memorial Center and will run until January 23 in Winnipeg, Manitoba at the Winnipeg Convention, Centre. Here’s the current itinerary: JAN 12 Victoria, Canada Save On Foods Memorial Center JAN 13 Vancouver, Canada Vancouver Pacific Coliseum JAN 14 Kelowna, Canada Prospera Place JAN 15 Prince George. Canada Prince George Multiplex JAN 17 Edmonton, Canada Rexall Place JAN 18 Calgary, CanadaCalgary Stampede Corral JAN 19 Red Deer, Canada Enmax Centrium Arena JAN 20 Lethbridge, Canada Enmax Centre JAN 22 Regina, Canada Brandt Centre JAN 23 Winnipeg, Canada Winnipeg Convention Centre