By Quibian Salazar-Moreno With the anticipation of the upcoming release of 2pac’s new album, Pac’s Life, Atlanta’s Tupac Amaru Foundation will host a week of events honoring Pac as well as helping the community. The celebration began on Saturday with a gallery showing called All Eyez on Me: Hip-Hop’s Legendary Performers and Photographers at the Vaknin Gallery in Atlanta. Here’s a list of the rest of the events: Tuesday, November 14 – VIP "PAC’s Life" CD Preview Party Vaknin Gallery, 905Juniper St., Suite 109 Atlanta, GA 30309. 7:00PM-10:00PM Wednesday, November 15 – Bring A Coat Drive Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA. Everyone who brings a warm winter coat will receive 2 admission tickets to "PAC’s Life" Album Release Party 6:00PM to 8:00PM Friday November 17 – Bring A Coat Drive continues at TASCA 6:00PM to 8:00PM Monday, November 20 – "PAC’S Life" Teen Art competition at TASCA Children ages 13-17 will compete in an art exhibit contest and all art will be posted in the Center for the month of December. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. 6:00PM to 8:30PM Tuesday, November 21 – "PAC’S Life" Album Release Party: Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083. 9:00PM to 1:00AM Pac’s Life drops on November 21 and features contributions from Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Keyshia Cole, T.I., Ashanti, Young Buck, Lil Scrappy, Carl Thomas, Outlawz, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Big Syke, Papoose, LT Hutton, Sha Money XL, Swizz Beatz and more.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Juvenile was cleared in a lawsuit that claimed he was responsible for an off-duty officer injuring her knee. On July 23, 1999, Juvenile and members of his entourage were at Regency Square Mall in Jacksonville, Florida when they were asked to leave because their dress and language violated the mall policies. When Juve and his crew refused, Melissa Huxley-Bujeda, an off-duty officer working security at the mall was sent to give the group trespassing citations. According to the lawsuit, a scuffle broke out and Huxley-Bujeda said she injured her knee. Juvenile was arrested and charged with breach of peace and resisiting arrest but was later dropped. Huxley-Bujeda claims that she’s had four surgeries and racked up $68, 635 in medicals bills. After a six day trial, the jury found in favor of Juvenile. His attorneys said that Huxley-Bujeda suffered from degenerative arthritis and had hurt her knees about 35 times as a child from sports. "We got them, we got them, we got them," Juvenile told the Associated Press after the decision. "Just the fact that it’s a rap artist against the police, that never happens. Rappers never win. We never win against the police or the government." Huxley-Bujeda’s attorneys plan to file a motion for a new trial or an appeal.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Chris Lighty, CEO Violator Management announced an agreement that would have his company direct the career of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs. The agreement will ‘specifically implement brand extension plans intended to expand Diddy’s reach and influence exponentially in music.’ Violator also manages the careers of 50 Cent, Busta Rhmyes, Missy Elliot, LL Cool J, Three 6 Mafia, Fantasio and a host of others. Violator will begin work on promoting Diddy and his album Press Play immediately. To get the latest on Violator management, check outViolator.

By: Rizoh As anticipation mounts for the release of his first album in three years, Jay-Z has taken the promotion of Kingdom Come in his own hands. The Def Jam CEO will host a live radio program, "Street Certified," on November 18 where he’s expected to play some of his favorite tracks and take calls from listeners. Jay-Z’s DJ gig begins at 8 p.m. on the Sirius Satellite Radio’s Hip-Hop Nation channel. So, get your tape recorders ready.

By: Rizoh A 17-song CD by iconic rap group N.W.A. will be available on December 26 through Capital/Priority Records. The CD/DVD package titled The Best of N.W.A.: Strength of Street Knowledge contains the greatest hits and music videos from the legendary gangsta rap crew. Songs like "Straight Outta Compton," "F*** Tha Police" and "Express Yourself" are all included on the CD. Nine songs from the album will debut Dec.12 as ringtones, with 35 different audio clip options. In addition to rare interview footage of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and the late Eazy-E, the DVD also features music videos for "Straight Outta Compton," "Express Yourself," and "100 Miles and Runnin’". Below is the track list for The Best of N.W.A: The Strength of Street Knowledge: "Straight Outta Compton" "Appetite For Destruction" "Dope Man" "F*** Tha Police" "Real Niggaz" "8-Ball" "Express Yourself" "Alwayz Into Somethin’" "A Bitch Iz A Bitch" "Gangsta Gangsta" "100 Miles and Runnin’" "Boyz-N-The-Hood" "Real Niggaz Don’t Die" "Compton’s in the House (remix)" "Approach to Danger" "Chin Check" "If It Ain’t Ruff"

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Prosecutors in the felony gun possession case against rappers Lloyd Banks and Young Buck were dropped yesterday after an investigation determined they were innocent. In August 2005 Banks and Buck were riding in a van with their entourage when it ran a red light in midtown Manhattan. When officers pulled the van over they discovered a loaded handgun and another weapon in the vehicle. The rappers had just come from performing at Madison Square Garden as part of the Anger Management Tour 3 with Eminem and 50 Cent. Barbara Thompson, spokeswoman for Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau said that an investigation revealed that neither Banks or Buck were in possession of the weapons and that one suspect had already pleaded in the case while another is under indictment. "This whole experience reminds me of the title of my new album – Rotten Apple," said Banks, obviously plugging his album, in a statement.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Mary J. Blige, the undisputed queen of hip-hop soul, has been putting it down for almost 15 years now so it’s fitting that a collection of her greatest songs is set to be released. The album, Reflections: A Retrospective will feature songs from all her album starting with 1992’s What’s the 411 plus four new songs including the new single “We Ride (I See the Future)”. “Mary J. Blige has reached the defining moment of her life – as a vocalist, as a songwriter, and as a human being,” said Ron Fair, Chairman of Geffen Records. “Her new album Reflections- A Retrospective is an essential collection of songs that solidifies Mary as one of the greatest recording artists of all time. Anyone who has ever suffered loss, experienced pain, been in trouble, gave love or been loved,can find themselves in the music of Mary J. Blige." The album is scheduled to drop on December 12.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno H3Enterprises announced that Diplomats emcee Juelz Santana will help introduce H3TV, a new LCD flat screen television made specifically for competitive video gaming. Juelz will participate at a live demo taking place this week at Warren Sapp’s Hip-Hop Soda Shop in St. Petersburg, Florida. "H3TV is by far the hottest LCD flat screen on the market," said H3′s Chief Communications Officer, Adrian "Hollywood" Walton. "And for hardcore gamers like me, H3TV is a gift from heaven. On Wednesday when I stop talking, you all are going to witness the future of HiDefTV and trust me; you will be amazed by what you see." According to Walton, H3TV offers simultaneous gaming competitions on the same screen, fully integrated gaming consoles compatible with both Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and a multitude of split screen options available with just the touch of a button on the most user friendly remote on the market. HTRE is planning a second public presentation of H3TV in Harlem next week in conjunction with the Dipset crew.

By: Rizoh Comedian and host of this year’s BET Hip-Hop Awards Katt Williams was arrested on Monday (November 6th) at the Los Angeles International Airport after officials found a weapon concealed in his carry-on luggage. Williams, 31, was cuffed at 3p.m. in Terminal 5 after security officers discovered what law enforcement source described as a "cheap, Saturday night special," according to TMZ.com Katt Williams was booked on felony charges of carrying a concealed weapon along with other unnamed offenses. Authorities also claim that the weapon had been reported stolen. Three additional weapons were packed in the baggage that Williams had previously checked in. The comedian, who recently appeared in his own HBO comedy special and signed a recording contract with Diplomats Records, is expected to host the first annual BET Hip-Hop Awards this week. The show will be taped in Atlanta on Sunday, November 12. A telecast is slated for Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno We first heard about “Carmen” during the 2001 battle between Jay-Z and Nas. The mother of Nas daughter, Carmen Bryan was thrust into the middle of the war of words between the rappers after Jay-Z admitted to hooking up with her while she was still with Nas. Of course this had the industry going nuts, but Bryan always refused to talk to the media about the battle and her relationship with the two rappers – until now. She was saving it all for her book, It’s No Secret. The book will reveal the stuff that went down behind the scenes plus her time working at Def Jam and Capitol Records and her experiences with different celebrities on a day-to-day basis. In the book, Bryan name checks everyone from Diddy and Allen Iverson to Beyonce and Kelis along with Nas and Jay-Z. The book will hit stores on November 28 through Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno Blackalicious is one of the longest running indie hip-hop groups in the industry putting it down for more than a decade. In their new DVD, Blackalicious: 4/20 Live in Seattle, they not only performed some of their best known music, they share their beginnings, growth, and continuous development of new sound in in-depth interviews between songs. The live concert was taped on April, 20, 2006 in Seattle, Washington at the Showbox Theatre. More than 1200 fans came out to the show to see Gift of Gab and DJ Excel perform one of their more charismatic sets along with Lateef, Pigeon John, Lifesavas and Fat Lip (formerly of Pharcyde). Look for the DVD to hit stores on November 21. Here’s the tracklist: Alphabet Aerobics Excellent/Pen & Pad Paragraph President Blazing Arrow Rhythm Sticks Rock the Spot Deception Lady Don’t Tekno First in Flight Green Light Halfway Home Chemical Calestenics Side to Side Quannum World

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno It’s been about three years since we first and last heard from Lumidee, the voice behind that 2003 hit “Never Leave You (Uh Oh).” Now she’s gearing up to make a return, this time with TVT Records, home of Lil Jon, Pitbull and Ying Yang Twins. “TVT Records is the perfect way for me to come back and again I¹m coming out of left field, just like with ‘Never Leave You (Uh Oh),’ Lumidee said. “Nobody ever thought of me coming back on a street credible label like TVT, alongside acts like Pitbull, Lil Jon and the Ying Yang Twins. Actually nobody ever thought of me really even coming back, period. It’s better then being on a major – been there, done that. TVT is a strong indie and I was able to actually see the boss as he signed me! It’s exciting for me to be repping a new side of TVT, being from Spanish Harlem.” Lumidee is currently at work on her new album, Unexpected, due out in March 2007. Her first single, “She’s like the Wind” features Tony Sunshine, is already generating a buzz.

By: Rizoh With only one week left before Game’s sophomore album, the Doctor’s Advocate, hits shelves the Compton rapper has found yet another way to keep his name in headlines. A star-studded remix of Game’s street single "It’s Okay (One Blood)" recently found its way to the internet. The guest list for "It’s Okay (One Blood) Remix" reads like a hit-making factory: Snoop Dogg, Nas, T.I., Jim Jones, Fat Joe, Lil Wayne, Noreaga, Fabolous, Twista, Jadakiss & Styles P, Tha Dogg Pound, W.C., E-40, Clipse, Bun B, Slim Thug, Chamillionare, Juelz Santana, Young Dro, and Ja Rule. Featuring 20+ emcees and clocking in at 11 minutes and 47 seconds, the song has the most guest spots and the longest runtime for a rap remix. "What other rap artist could bring this type of lineup together for one song? It’s the biggest rap remix ever—No Question! And every emcee spits fire. Just listening to the track after we put the final touches on, I almost didn’t believe it myself. I’m very proud to be able to put this out for fans of hip-hop everywhere," said The Game. "It’s Okay (One Blood)" featuring Junior Reid, was released as a street single from the Doctor’s Advocate in July 2006. Following incessant airplay on radio stations across the nation, the song quickly exploded onto Billboard charts. The Doctor’s Advocate is expected in stores November 14th, 2006. Listen Here

By: Rizoh While speaking to teenmusic recently, Akon disclosed that rap megastar Eminem (born Marshall Mathers) has a new album in the bakery. Akon, who met Eminem through Obie Trice, also claims to have inspired Eminem’s recent move. "Eminem told me he was getting bored with everything, which is why he took a break. But he’s back working on an album and I’ve got some records ready for him to use on it. "I know him through (rapper) Obie Trice and we’ve talked about doing something together for so long, but our schedules made it impossible. It was our chemistry that got him out of retirement." As reported previously, Akon’s "Smack That" single (which features Eminem) recently skyrocketed from No. 95 to No.7, thus setting a new Billboard record. The song is featured on Akon’s upcoming sophomore album Konvicted, due out November 21. Eminem, on the other hand, is currently adding finishing touches to his forthcoming Shady compilation Eminem Presents: The Re-Up, slated for December5.

By Quibian Salazar-Moreno BET announced that performers for the 1st annual BET Hip-Hop Awards will include Diddy, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, The Game, T.I., Young Dro, Lil Wayne, Baby and Young Jeezy. Other participants include nominees Lupe Fiasco, Rick Ross, Remy Ma, Jim Jones, Rhymefest, Sway, Papoose, DJ Scratch, DJ Drama, Saigon, and Styles P. The will be hosted by Katt Williams (Money Mike in Friday after Next) and air on November 15. To get hip-hop fans hyped for the show, BET aired “Tailgatin’: The Hip-Hop Awards Nomination Special” last week and on Sunday, November 12, BET will air a clip show featuring rapper cameos from Busta Rhymes, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Redman, Method Man, Murphy Lee and a host of others. Preceding the November 15 broadcast, will be the BET Hip-Hop Awards Black Carpet pre-show that will capture artist interviews as they arrive at the show. After the show, there will also be a post-show wrap-up. BET is now asking viewers to cast their votes now at BET for their favorite video to win the Alltel Wireless People’s Champ Award (Viewers’ Choice).