UrbanWorld Ringtonez

Thursday, June 5, 2008
	ENDORSED: Hillary Clinton will concede her long fought Democratic race against Senator Barack Obama on Saturday with a "unity" party in Washington D.C. Although a seat as Vice President on Obama's ticket is a long shot according to analysts, Clinton is expected to endorse Obama at Saturday's shindig. BLACK PRESIDENT: Rapper Nas released the new track "Black President" that directly addresses Obama. The DJ Green Lantern produced record includes iconic rapper Tupac and incorporates bits of Obama's victory speech from earlier this week. OFF THE HOOK: A Cook County judge has decided Chicago-Sun Times reporter Jim DeRogatis will not have to testify in the R. Kelly trial after all. The decision came at the same time as family members of the alleged victim took the stand denying the individuals on the tape were their teenage relative and Kelly. Another man also took the stand in the defense's effort to undermine the prosecution's star witness who testified she took part in a three way sex romp including the teenager. POLITRICKS: Isn't it amazing that while people in our country are still trying to grasp the idea of a Black man as president, Obama's Democratic nomination is winning rave reviews around the world? Newspapers, websites and governments from France to China to Pakistan are excited about the possibilities, and believe his reign in the White House would bring goodwill and much needed change. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
	HERE WE GO AGAIN: DJ Khaled is putting the finishing touches on his new album "We Global" slated for an early September release. Khaled was recently in New York to shoot a clip for the first single "Out Here Grindin' " featuring Lil' Wayne, Lil' Boosie, Trick Daddy and Young Jeezy; he will drop the album on Koch Records, setting the stage for a major label debut on Def Jam Records with his artist Ace up first to bat. HISTORY MADE: With the historical win as the first Black Democratic Presidential nominee, Barack Obama now faces the challenge of whether to ask Senator Hillary Clinton to be his Vice Presidential candidate. It's been reported for the past few weeks hubby and former pres Bill Clinton has been quietly putting together a VP bid for his wife; most recently BET founder Bob Johnson urged Obama to seek Clinton as his running mate. COMING SOON: Brooklyn rapper Maino will release his debut album this September with a little help from T.I. The Lil' Kim protege has been making his rounds lately with his smash hit "Hi Haters" and the release of his mixtape "Last Real Nigga Alive." starring DJ Superstar Jay. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008
	OUT TO GET 'CHA: Chicago-Sun Times reporter Jim Derogatis, responsible for bringing the R. Kelly sex tape to the media, is a wanted man. The Cook County judge overseeing the controversial case is threatening to jail the reporter if he doesn't show up in court today. According to the Times, Derogatis never received the subpoena and that's why he didn't show up. STANDING TALL: Singer Usher's comeback album was all that and then some, raking in 445K units sold and making his "Here I Stand" one of this year's biggest debuts. "Stand" rides off the success of the hit single "Love in This Club" featuring Young Jeezy; other tracks making their way to radio include a collaboration with Jay-Z on which the two married men speak about walking down the aisle. LAST NIGHT: The documentary that takes a look at the life and legacy of Jam Master Jay, "Two Turntables and a Mic", kicked off the Black Film Festival in Hollywood. Friends and industry peers such as Ice-T, Bishop Don Juan, Onyx, Reverend Run of Run DMC and many more came out to celebrate the film produced by a close relative of Jay's who spent some of his final days with the DJ. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
	HEADED TO TRIAL: Lil' Wayne is not working out a plea deal with Arizona prosecutors and is readying himself for trial according to his lawyer. Internet reports suggested Weezy's legal team and prosecutors were hammering out a deal that would see the N.O. rapper serve no jail time and commit himself to a rehab facility. CLINCHED: Barack Obama has officially clinched the Democratic nomination according to the Associated Press. Although a public announcement of the nomination has yet to be made, the tally includes convention delegates and means Obama may be the first Black headed to the White house. HOUSE OF PAIN: Singer T-Pain has launched his own independent digital label Nappy Boy Digital. Pain's new business endeavor will allow him to release his autotune obsessed sound directly to digital platforms. ANIMATED: Snoop Dogg and CodeBlack Entertainment will release a straight to DVD video all about the Doggfather called "Snoop Dogg Presents Adventures of tha Blue Carpet Treatment." The DVD release marks Snoop's first animated disc and will capture his travels throughout the streets of L.A., featuring notables such as E-40, The Game, Nate Dogg and more. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
	JIM JONES SPEAKS: Diplomats/Byrd Gang head Jim Jones spoke out to hhnlive.com about Sunday night's incident at New York City's Summer Jam concert where he was allegedly maced backstage after his bodyguard was arrested: "Everybody is talking about we need to protest, etc. and yeah we need to do everything we can do. I just got into it with the police and had an incident where they pulled a gun out on me for NO reason. Undercover. And I didn't know who the fuck they were and they didn't come out with any badges until after they had sprayed mace, then they want to say they are police." STAR WITNESS TAKES THE STAND: The prosecution's star witness at the center of the R. Kelly trial took the stand yesterday testfying she engaged in threesome sex with Kelly and the underage girl in the infamous video. The one-time Kelly accomplice also testified Kelly offered her $25,000 to recover a tape showing one of the encounters. FINALLY OVER: According to the AP, Hillary Clinton will give a speech tonight acknowledging Senator Barack Obama has defeated her in the Democratic race. As the news hit the wires, Clinton handlers shot down the reports to CNN: "Obama doesn't have the numbers today, and until someone has the numbers the race goes on." HOW YA LIVIN'?: According to Essence magazine, you're living like a bank to your family, especially if you're a black woman. 46.4% of black women vs. 29.6% of white women lend money to family members regularly. This causes family members to always be dependent on the person loaning the money, and increased personal debt and lack of personal savings for everyone. GET A JOB, FOLKS! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, June 2, 2008
	DJ CLUE'S TOP PICKS: 1. I Luv Your Girl by Dream feat. Fabolous; 2. Lollipop (Remix) by Lil' Wayne feat. Kanye West; 3. Love In This Club by Usher feat.Young Jeezy; 4. Milli by Lil' Wayne; 5. Put On by Young Jeezy feat. Kanye West. UNDER THE RADAR: 1. Here I Am by Rick Ross feat. Avery Storm & Nelly; 2. Mr.Carter by Lil' Wayne feat. Jay-z; 3. Respirator by Lil' Kim. CLUE-SPN: NBA - Lakers vs. Celtics for all the marbles - it sets off Thursday! NFL - Broncos release running back Travis Henry; Miami Dolphins' Jason Taylor does not demand a trade at his Sunday press conference as earlier suggested. MLB - Ken Griffey Jr. is stuck on 599 home runs in his pursuit for 600. Track - Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt sets a new world record, running the 100 meter in 9.72 seconds. BIGGER!: Big Tigger's 7th annual Celebrity Classic goes down this weekend, June 6th through the 8th, in Washington D.C. - get more info at www.bigtigweekend.net! Dj Clue aka Fidel Cashflow aka Earl Lee Respect All Giants...Especially NY Giants! I Used To Pedal Hard..But Its Not On Bicycles!!! ClueTube-ClueTv-ClueSendIt POWER 105.1 NYC 6pm to 10pm Mon-Friday Stream it live www.power1051fm.com DESERT STORM RECORDS 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, June 2, 2008
	NEXT STOP...ROC NATION?: Although Saigon is a free agent, the hard rock rapper is planning to release his highly anticipated "The Greatest Story Never Told" on September 30th. Saigon told MTV News he has a couple of record deals on the table, including a potential deal with Jay-Z and his newly formed Roc Nation label. WE REMEMBER YOU: Rock pioneer Bo Diddley died earlier today after suffering from heart failure. The guitar player, best known for his hits such as "I'm A Man", had been in rehabilitation in Florida after suffering a stroke. NEXT UP: The Chicago Sun Times writer responsible for introducing the infamous R. Kelly sex tape to the public is set to take the stand in the ongoing trial. Reporter Jim DeRogatis attempted to dodge a subpoena but Judge Vincent Gaughan ruled the journalist must now testify; the judge will not allow the defense to force DeRogatis to reveal his sources. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 30, 2008
	THE KAN MAN LETS IT GO: In a blog on his website, Kanye West is speaking out following the unauthorized release of two alternate "Flashing Lights" video: "I shot 3 vids for 'Flashing Lights' cuz I ain't like the first 2. I loved the 3rd one that I released with Spike [Jonze] and hit the world with that. So I hope whoever leaked them got the shine they was looking 4 cause that's all they'll get now. And I know that's incorrect english but that's how I talk when I want 2." WHAT THE HELL?: A Long Island mansion owned by rap superstar 50 Cent "suspiciously" caught fire early this morning, burning down completely. Fif and his estranged girlfiend have been feuding over the home and their ten year old son Marquise; this week the two squared off after a court appearance. UPDATE Shaniqua Tompkins is holding 50 Cent reponsible for the fire, noting, "he said he was going to kill me" as told to tmz.com. 50 SPEAKS: Representatives for 50 issued a statement regarding the fire: "Informed this morning while filming a new motion picture on location in Louisiana, Curtis Jackson expressed deep concern over this fire at his property. He is extremely thankful that everyone including his son, Marquise, escaped the burning house safely. He is confident that authorities will be conducting a thorough investigation of the incident and is eager to review their findings." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 30, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN: In the 1950s, Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first presidential candidate to target radio listeners; John F. Kennedy became the first to target television viewers during debates with Richard Nixon; now Barack Obama leads the current presidential candidates in effectively utilizing digital media platforms and effectively targeting youth voters. IT’S PARTY TIME: UrbanWorld Wireless is gearing up for its 2nd Annual “Wireless Lifestyle” Showcase. Witness “The Making of a Ringtone”, featuring some of hip-hop’s biggest stars; it goes down Sunday, June 22 – BET Awards weekend - at a secret location in Hollywood, CA. For your mobile invite, text UDUB to 81595. DID U KNOW?: The heart and soul of the ringtone market is based on mobile users with “idle time” who search and purchase mobile content. Examples of your idle time include the classroom, the bus, the train and the barbershop! MAJOR BIG!: This season, the hit show “American Idol” generated over 78 million text messages for AT&T, the show’s exclusive wireless sponsor. Can you say cha-ching! RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 4. Get Like Me, David Banner feat. Chris Brown; 3. Sexy Can I, Ray J. feat. Yung Berg; 2. Love in this Club, Part II, Usher feat. Beyonce and Lil' Wayne; 1. Lollipop, Lil' Wayne. STREET BANGER: Text WARR1 to 66555 for “Virgin” by Warren G. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 29, 2008
	SUED: Actor Eddie Griffin is being sued by a one time production manager for assault on the set of his reality TV show. According to E! Online, a drunken Griffin laid the smack down on the manager after he booked the comic's mom in a "cheap" hotel; Griffin calls the suit "absurd." AT IT AGAIN: The L.A. Times is under fire again, this time for identifying Dilated Peoples' Evidence as a graffiti tag artist who was recently arrested. Notorious graf artist Cyrus "Buket" Yazdani was taken down this week (whom police have referred to as one of L.A.'s "most prolific taggers") but somehow Evidence was confused for Yazdani. Ev himself released a statement: "I only met Buket once when I was asked to do a promo for an internet show; however I'm obviously not him and find it humorous how the media didn't take the time to figure this out before running such an extensive story." COMING SOON: Busta Rhymes' new LP is due out early July as the electric MC has a major remix out on the streets and a new single ready to go. Busta released the remix for "Don't Touch Me" featuring Nas, Game, Lil' Wayne, Big Daddy Kane and more; according to mtvnews.com, his next single features T.I. and Akon , and addresses his legal situations. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 29, 2008
	UNITY: Since his departure from the G-Unit camp, ousted member Young Buck has revealed he no longer has beef with Fat Joe and The Game. Last year Buck and Game bumped heads in Vegas which led to a brief non-violent situation; Fat Joe and Buck reportedly had a few run-ins as well. Buck says these rivalries stemmed from his allegiance with G-Unit (which no longer exists.) AIR 'EM OUT: The backlash behind Lil Wayne's recent comments were discussed during DJ Kay Slay's satellite radio show; Wayne commented to a Foundation magazine interviewer: "If you a mixtape DJ, fuck you" (referring to Carter 3 album tracks being leaked to the mixtape circuit.) Foundation mag head B Mack phoned in to Slay and expressed his disappointment in Wayne, whom he feels has benefitted greatly from the mixtape game, and will address this in their upcoming issue. STOP THE PRESSES: A surprise witness put a halt to the R. Kelly trial yesterday just as a prosecution witness was set to testify she, Kelly and the underage girl on the infamous sex tape engaged in threesomes. She didn't get a chance as Kelly's defense team introduced a new witness that surfaced earlier that morning; the trial will resume today with possibly both testimonies. POLITRICKS: You've not only got to vote, you've got to pay attention to who's running: in a judicial race in L.A., a candidate named Bill Johnson is a racial separatist who wanted to add a racial exclusion amendment to the Constitution: "No person shall be a citizen unless he is a non-Hispanic white of the European race, in whom there is no ascertainable trace of Negro blood…or other non-European or non-white blood". Thanks to reader JM for the heads up! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
	110% SURE: A former assistant of R. Kelly's drove the dagger deeper into the embattled singer's heart yesterday testfying she was "110% sure" the man on tape having sex with a minor is Kelly. The assistant referenced Kelly as one of the best bosses: "I think so highly of Mr. Kelly and his family"; then she detailed her days picking up the alleged victim and bringing her to the studio where she spent the night. MIXTAPE DISCIPLE: Nas won't be able to title his next album "Nigger" but that won't stop his moves in the streets as he now plans to release a mixtape with DJ Green Lantern. "The Nigger Tape" will include unreleased Nas material as well new music from the upcoming Mike Tyson documentary. LL'S WAY: LL Cool J, who ran through clothing lines in the early years such as Troop and FUBU, recently wrapped a deal with Sears to market affordable clothing. Uncle L says his line will cater to all families nationwide at a less expensive cost than other high end fashion labels. In other news, LL just wrapped up his "G.O.A.T." mixtape with DJ Kay Slay which he says will be the beginning of the "G.O.A.T." season, leading right into his album. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, May 28, 2008
	BUSTED: An associate of 50 Cent's is back in the news again. Dwayne McKenzie was charged with assault, strangulation, breach of peace and unlawful restraint after a young woman claimed he choked and hit her with a belt in Fif's Connecticut mansion. USHER GOES OFF: With his new album expected to ring in the biggest sales of the year (575 K, whoa) Usher took some time out to visit MTV's TRL where he went on a small rant addressing a wide variety of rumors. Just before a commercial break, Usher looked directly at the camera and shot down reports of an impending divorce, the release of his momager fueled by Tameka and being a real man getting married versus men who father children, live with the significant other and "continue to play the game" without tying the knot. GOOD DEAL: T.I. is definitely back on the road to recovery as it's been revealed he has netted a reality show with MTV. The Viacom channel will follow TIP as he does court-ordered community service, capturing the ATLien in the months leading up to his one year incarceration. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008
	FOR A GOOD CAUSE: The life and legacy of Dr. Donda West will live on as a relative seeks to pass a new bill in light of her tragic death. Dr. West's niece Yolanda Anderson is teaming up with a Califorrnia politician on legislation that would require all patients to undergo a physical prior to cosmetic surgery. CONGRATS: Martin Luther King III and his wife welcomed their first child, a girl, into this world this past weekend. Yolanda Renee King is the first grandchild born into the King family, weighing in at 7.5 pounds and named after her late aunt. COMING SOON: N'Awlins rapper C-Murder is slated to drop his new album "Screamin' 4 A Vengance" this July. The Asylum Records release marks Murder's first since his incarceration on murder charges. DONE DEAL: NBA Legend Charles Barkley has paid off a $400,000 gambling debt, avoiding any potential charges. The TNT analyst sparked controversy after the Wynn Las Vegas casinos revealed the debt, followed by tense pressure from the prosecution to pay up. Barkley even spoke about his gambling woes before an NBA playoff game. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008
	LASHING OUT: 50 Cent recently spoke out against MTV News' roundtable discussion "Hottest MCs In The Game". In an interview with Shade 45, Fif poked fun at the eight member panel saying they're not relevant and that a hip hop artist in the discussion is needed to explain the pressure of making a hit record. 50's remarks come as no surprise after last year's diss towards the same group when he issued a "Fuck MTV" response to his number eight place on their list. ALMOST OVER: Reps for Senator Barack Obama are predicting his Democratic nomination will come after the June 3rd primaries in South Dakota and Montana. An Obama assistant told members of the press: "We're very close now. When the primaries end, I think...we'll be at the number we need to claim the nomination." HOW YA LIVIN'?: You're breathing a little more difficult in you live in Knoxville, TN, which is the "asthma capital" of the U.S., according to the Allergy Fountain of America. Cities following closely behind include Tulsa, Milwaukee, Atlanta and Memphis - make sure you keep an eye on your kids, especially as we get into summer and the air quality gets worse... 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, May 26, 2008
	COMING SOON: Jim Jones and his Byrd Gang faction will release their "M.O.B." album on Asylum Records end of June. Jones and his crew - Chink Santana, NOE, Mel Matrix and more – are riding high on the success of their single "Splash". GRANTED: Actor Wesley Snipes will remain free on bail while his legal team dukes it out with federal prosecutors for an appeal to his conviction on tax fraud. The "Blade" actor was set to turn himself in to begin his three year sentence but a Florida judge granted him bail as the court does not consider him a flight risk or threat to the community. SHOT DOWN: Reps for Tracey Edmonds sent a memo denying British tabloid reports that the stunning businesswoman is dating Sean "Diddy" Combs: "Tracey Edmonds never uttered the words quoted in the [tabloid]. The story is a complete fabrication." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 23, 2008
	EXCLUSIVE: As reported earlier, MTV News has uncovered a new piece of evidence in the ongoing murder case of Jam Master Jay by having recovered the iconic DJ's Motorola 2-way pager. It's been exclusively learned the record spinner was a loyal recipient of Urbanworld's daily news alerts in the days leading up to his death and after. Ironic and sad: Jay's pager received the UW news report of his shocking death. For the complete story go to: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587882/20080521/jam_master_jay.jhtml PARDON ME: Rapper Slick Rick can forget about his past challenges of facing deportation after New York governor David Paterson pardoned the patch-eye emcee. While he still faces a weapons charge, Paterson gave Ricky Dee the best news to date: "Mr. Walters has fully served the sentence imposed upon him for his convictions, had an exemplary disciplinary record while in prison and on parole, and has been living without incident in the community for more than 10 years. In that time, he has volunteered at youth outreach programs to counsel youth against violence, and has become a symbol of rehabilitation for many young people. Given these demonstrated rehabilitative efforts, I urge federal immigration officials to grant Mr. Walters relief from deportation, so that he is not separated from his many family members who are U.S. citizens, including his two teenage children." OVER?: It looks like the "beef" between T.I. and Shawty Lo has been officially deaded. While Asylum exec Joe I.E. went on record to confirm the union, sources informed UW the two were scheduled to meet to dead the beef before the week's end. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 23, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN: A recent MTV exclusive report showed that the last moments of the legendary Jam Master Jay's life were captured on his Motorola Timeport pager. Emails on the device document his personal and business conversations and even the disbelieving messages sent immediately after the news of his death circulated (as well as Rest in Peace messages from loved ones). Will this mobile gadget be the key to solving his murder? Read the article at http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1587882/20080521/jam_master_jay.jhtml. USHER GOES MOBILE: Five time Grammy Award-winner Usher has teamed up with Sony Ericcson and will appear in the company's marketing "mix" to promote their new W350 & W980 phones. It don't stop there: Sony Ericsson has also secured headline sponsorship rights for Usher's European tour; U.S. fans will also have access to exclusive Ersh content. TRY & TRY AGAIN: Boost Mobile founder Peter Adderton - who was axed and later ran Amp'd Mobile 'til it failed horribly - is back at it again. This time he's teamed up with the William Morris Agency to launch the "Agency 3.0" ad agency, which will work with corporate clients and brands. PLEASE BELIEVE IT: A recent study estimates 189 billion mobile text messages were sent by U.S. phone subscribers in 2007 and forecasts 301 billion text messages will be sent in 2008. RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. The Boss, Rick Ross feat. Lil' Wayne; 4. Sexy Can I, Ray J. feat. Yung Berg; 3. Love in this Club, Part II, Usher feat. Beyonce and Lil' Wayne; 2. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 1. Lollipop, Lil' Wayne. STREET BANGER: Text KEAK1 to 66555 for "Not Listening" by Keak Da Sneak. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 22, 2008
	ALMOST OVER? Wesley Snipes is scheduled to turn himself in to a federal penetentiary on June 3rd if his request for bail is denied. Snipes is seeking to appeal his federal tax evasion conviction claiming the judge overseeing his case gave a number of erroneous instructions to the jury. COMING SOON: It's been reported famed lensman Spike Lee will direct a film based on the life of basketball legend Michael Jordan. According to Variety, Lee told the audience at the Cannes Film Festival he plans to bring the project to next year's event. CEASE THE VIOLENCE: South African president Thabo Mbeki gave his seal of approval for the army to step in and put an end to the bloodshed that's taken over a part of the country. In light of the violence, refugees from Zimbabawe have fled their homes with the startling number of dead foreigners reportedly as high as 42. A statement released reads: "President Thabo Mbeki has approved a request from the South African Police Service for the involvement of the South African National Defence Force in stopping on-going attacks on foreign nationals." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 22, 2008
	BREAKTHOUGH: Sexy siren Rihanna will make her debut in the new movie "Mama Black Widow." According to AOL, Rihanna joins a cast that includes Anthony Anderson, Mos Def, Kerry Washington and more, and is based on a Mississippi family's battle with segregation. ON BLAST: 50 Cent responded to a YouTube video clip of BET host Rocsi siding with Kanye West during the two giants' album battle last year. In a radio interview with Tony YaYo and Lloyd Banks, Fif phoned in and called the 106 and Park host a "ho" and says the starlet is upset because he passed on her advances. JUST BLAZE SPEAKS: Super producer Just Blaze is speaking out about his flagship artist Saigon's release from Atlantic Records "We have been quietly working to get released from Atlantic. Most folks that get a release granted don't even get their masters period and whatever label they DO end up on will have to buy them from the previous label, plus all types of overrides and fees. There are already new situation(s) in the works." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
	HAPPY BORN DAY: A very special happy birthday goes out to Christopher Wallace aka the Notorious BIG who would have celebrated his 36th birthday today. OUTTA HERE: New York upstart rapper Saigon has moved on from his Atlantic Records home, UWN has learned. Saigon has been working on his "Greatest Story Never Told" LP with super-producer Just Blaze the past two years with hip-hop heads eagerly anticipating the album; now it appears the wait will continue as Sai finds his next recording home. Along with the news of his release, Saigon unleashed a new heater to the streets "Gotta Believe." THAT'S HER?: A former friend of the alleged victim at the center of the R. Kelly trial has fingered her one time BFF as the young lady on the tape. 24-year-old Simha Jamison testified she first discovered the sex tape while in high school and immediately recognized her friend and Kelly. CONGRATS: Props go out to Polow Da Don who received the Songwriter of The Year award at last night's BMI Pop Awards. Polow's award are due to his efforts on Fergie's "London Bridge" and Mary J. Blige's "Runaway Love." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008
	CHARGED: Several NYPD detectives involved in the shooting of unarmed Sean Bell were hit with disciplinary charges yesterday by NYPD brass. The three detectives responsible for the shooting death may lose their jobs; their commanding officer was also hit with charges. Rev Al Sharpton released a statement following the decision: "I feel it is a step in right direction. However, we at National Action Network call upon Mayor Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly to follow the lead of Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey who fired four police yesterday, demoted one sergeant, and disciplined others, without going through a long internal procedure." KELLY WATCHES: The infamous R. Kelly sex tape was played in a Chicago courtroom yesterday as the troubled singer sat and watched along with the jury who will decide his fate. Kelly's defense argued the R&B crooner is not the man on the tape, which they feel is confirmed as the individual on tape has no mole on his back and Kelly does. The defense even suggested the young lady on the video is a prostitute as she's seen receiving money during the clip. CONFIRMED: Beyonce is finally speaking out about her relationship with Jay-Z: "I don't deny it. I just don't talk about it. We've never talked about us and it's kind of protected our relationship. A lot of actresses that have had successful relationships don't talk about them, so neither do I." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
	SET IT OFF: Opening arguments kicked off today in the R. Kelly child porn trial. Starting today, Kelly and his legal team will embark on a mission to dispel theories the man on the infamous sex tape involving a minor is not their client. NOT THE CASE: In a statement, Rev. Al Sharpton has responded to allegations he attempted to shake down Dr. Dre at the height of the 50 Cent/The Game beef: "The National Action Network and Reverend Al Sharpton were not involved with and did not attend a press conference held by hip-hop artists The Game and 50 Cent to announce their truce and donation to charities. At no point has Reverend Al Sharpton or an authorized representative of National Action Network met with Dr. Dre. Interscope Records participated--as did other record companies-- in National Action Network's previous Hip-Hip Town Hall meeting and has sponsored events at our annual national convention for several years." AND JIMMY SPEAKS TOO: The Game's manager Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond also chimed in on behalf of his client: "I am 100 percent positive that the Game did not come to the conference in fear of Al Sharpton marching and Rev. Sharpton had nothing to do with that conference or donations affiliated with it. The Game has worked with the community and National Action Network in the past and it has never been affiliated with a donation." CONGRATS: A special shout out goes to Dame Dash and wife Rachel Roy who welcomed a baby girl Tallulah Ruth into the world. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, May 20, 2008
	OUTTA HERE: Three of the Philadelphia police officers caught on camera assaulting a number of shooting suspects were fired by the city's Commissioner. Four other officers will face disciplinary action for their role in the beating that's sparked nationwide outrage; eight more are scheduled to undergo training for excessive force. GRAND OPENING, GRAND CLOSING: BET has announced rapper Lil' Wayne will close its upcoming June awards show. According to company head Stephen Hill, singer Usher is slated as the show's opener. In other Usher news, Ersh released his new record featuring Jay-Z titled "The Best Thing" produced by Jermaine Dupri. TONIGHT!: Speaking of the god emcee, as Clue mentioned in yesterday's CLUE-SPN, Jay-Z will be on hand to represent the New Jersey Nets for the NBA lottery pick. Jay, a minority owner in the Nets, is expected to usher in the next potential star for the fledgling team. HOW YA LIVIN'?: According to a recent study, if you smoke between 78 and 350 joints per week, you're living with an increased chance for hardened arteries, strokes and heart disease. However - if you have time to smoke between 11 and 50 joints per day, you've probably got other issues to worry about (like how you clearly don't have a job if you have time to be high ALL DAY!) 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, May 19, 2008
	DJ Clue's Top Picks: 1. Lollipop by Lil' Wayne; 2. I Luv Your Girl by Dream; 3. Love In This Club by Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 4. Rider Part 2 by 50 Cent and G-Unit; 5. Milli by Lil Wayne. UNDER THE RADAR: 1.Out Here Grinding by DJ Khaled feat. Ross, Plies, Akon, Lil Boosie, Trick Daddy, Ace Hood and Lil' Wayne; 2. Lollipop Remix by Lil' Wayne feat. Kanye West; 3. Addiction Remix by Ryan Leslie feat. Fabolous & Cassie. CLUE-SPN: NBA - Yesterday was Dominique vs Bird....my bad..I mean Lebron vs. Paul Pierce as the Celtics knocked off the Cavs to advance to the Eastern Conf. Final (Lebron put up 45 points and Pierce 4); Jay-Z will rep the NJ Nets at the NBA Draft Lottery tomorrow night on TNT!!! NFL - The Cincinnati Bengals have released Odell Thurman who has been suspended each of the last two seasons for violating the NFL's substance abuse program; Cowboys' suspended CB (Corner Back) Pacman Jones to ask NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for permission to enter the Player Program so he can participate in team activities. MLB - Florida Marlins sign free agent Jacque Jones. THURSDAY, BABY: In Miami this Thursday nite, check out Trey Songz and DJ Clue at Karu & Y!!! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, May 19, 2008
	DISMISSED: A Hawaii judge has dismissed drug possession charges against singer Whitney Houston after she filed a substance abuse assessment. Houston was charged with possession of marijuana back in 2000 when the Mary Jane cigarettes were found in her bag. GIFT OF GIVING: NBA star guard Dwyane Wade attended a special ceremony yesterday after he purchased a church for his once troubled mother. The one time NBA MVP's mom Jolinda Wade has a past of drug dealing, alcohol abuse and stints in jails that at times led her children to believe she'd wind up dead but fortunately Wade managed to turn her life around. "These are tears of joy. Tears of joy for my mother," said Wade at the tear jerker ceremony. GIMME DAT!: The Game just can't stay away from the media headlines. According to a report on tmz.com, Hurricane Game was stopped by LA's finest and failed to provide insurance papers for his Bentley that also had expired tags. Game's shiny toy was impounded and he was hit with a hefty fine. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, May 18, 2008
	PAY ME OR ELSE: An accomplice of Dr. Dre has made some shocking accusations about civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton. In the book "Rollin Wit Dre", Bruce Williams claims Sharpton and company demanded half a million dollars to put an end to the 50 Cent and Game beef or else they would march in protest. TAPPED: The NAACP named Benjamin Todd Jealous as its new president after much debate among members. Jealous will step in to fill the post that has been vacant for nearly a year; he will be the youngest African American to hold the position and the fourth since the NAACP's creation in 1935. NOT THE CASE: A source close to 50 Cent told vibe.com Fiddy's reported News Corp/Myspace deal is all talk. It was reported last week 50 would sign a deal at the end of the year for close to $300 million in return for his G-Unit empire. Another source close to the rapper revealed to UWN "50 would never sign such a deal" (which would have been similar to Jay-Z's Live Nation pact.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY: This evening, friends and family of Sean Bell will celebrate what would have been the 25th birthday of the Queens, NY man who was gunned down by three New York police detectives. Bell and two of his pals were wounded by the detectives who believed they were in possession of a weapon (the officers, as you know, were tried and acquitted on various charges.) 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, May 17, 2008
	BAD JOKE: Politician Mike Huckabee made some controversial statements towards Senator Barack Obama at a National Rifle Association conference. The former Presidential candidate joked Obama "dove to the floor" when "a gun was aimed at him" after a loud bang was heard in the room during his speech. I'M NUMBER ONE!: MTV News aired its "Hottest MCs In The Game" show last night tapping Kanye West as number one. Lil' Wayne, last year's number one, came in this year at number three just behind Jay-Z. For the entire list, go to hottest.mtv.com. OUTTA HERE: Floyd Mayweather is throwing in the towel, ending his boxing career. In a recent radio interview, money Mayweather told a local radio station he was quitting boxing partly due to politics. Mayweather is again back in headlines after sources claim he spent hundreds of counterfeit dollars at a strip club. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 16, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN: As mobile phones are replacing landlines, Sony Pictures has teamed up with AT&T to offer full movie downloads - Ghostbusters, Bugsy and The Karate Kid will be the first movies to roll out in the new product offering (wow!) BURGER KING OF RINGS: Fast food giant Burger King, Virgin Mobile and Warner Music Group have teamed up to offer ringtones for $1 to Virgin Mobile USA users. The Virgin Mobile Ringtone Value Menu, powered by BK, allows customers to chose from a list of options as well as get SMS blasts. MYSPACE TV: The future of TV is changing as News Corp. aims to make its new web-TV venture a reality on the Fox Network with the pilot show “Dirty Soap.” The goal of MySpace TV is to make professionally produced programming to take on YouTube, which relies on amateur videos. DIG THIS: Move over Facebook and Myspace: Playboy is ready to make its mark in mobile (NOT in adult content, but in lifestyle and social networking). READ ON: Get the latest scoop in mobile and digital - check at www.hitechpimpin.com- Step Ya Game Up! RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey; 4. The Boss, Rick Ross feat. T-Pain; 3. Sexy Can I, Ray J. feat. Yung Berg; 2. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 1. Lollipop, Lil’ Wayne. Street Banger - Hammerz (Remix) by 40 Glocc feat. G-Unit. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 15, 2008
	IN JAIL: Brooklyn rapper Uncle Murda was arrested at Los Angeles' LAX airport last night. According to various reports, Murda was pulled out of line at the airport after officials were alerted by his fake ID. Uncle Murda was taken to a local police station and was later released. COMING SOON: The 12th annual St. Kitts Festival is slated to take place late next month with R&B star Mario kicking off the event. Mario, a first time performer at the festival, told a media outlet: "I am very excited to make my first trip to St. Kitts this summer. I've never been there and I hear from everyone how beautiful it is. I am also looking forward to bringing my band and doing an amazing show for everyone." REWARD MONEY: Shawty Lo clearly has no intentions of letting go of his gripes with T.I. An internet clip released last week showed Lo on the streets of Bankhead "looking for T.I."; a more recent video features him offering reward money of a class photo of TIP. Why any man would want to beef with T.I. after his display of artillery is beyond the average human being. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 15, 2008
	LOST ONE: Lil' Kim is back in headlines this week but on a more positive note - well, at least for her - after she won a lawsuit against former Junior M.A.F.I.A. member Lil' Cease. Kim lobbed an excessive $6 million dollar lawsuit at Cease following the release of his "Chronicles of Junior M.A.F.I.A." DVD which took shots at Kim. As part of the settlement, Kim will receive $500,000. PAP SPEAKS: As reported yesterday, Papoose released a record with lyrics that speak on his wife Remy Ma: "Why would I need a handcuff key when I have a key to your heart?" Papoose spoke with MTV News about his courtroom outburst following Remy's sentencing: "I got a little bit aggravated. I think anybody would. To see a female get persecuted like that for something [they] didn't do. ... Then, on the other hand, you see Sean Bell get murdered by police and they just walk out the courtroom. It's aggravating." POLITRICKS: We touched on the Chinese earthquake in Tuesday's How Ya Livin', but we can't ignore the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Although the U.S. government currently lists Myanmar on its travel warning list, we showed up quickly to help, but when Hurricane Katrina hit, it took too long for help to come. Get this - it took HALF the time to get TWICE the amount of troops on the ground in the China earthquake as it took to get troops to New Orleans after Katrina. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
	ENDORSED: Senator Barack Obama picked up another spectacular endorsement from one time rival John Edwards. Edwards is expected to make his endorsement official during a rally tonight in Michigan. Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama were anticipating Edwards' support. PUSHED BACK: Singer Ne-Yo's release date for his upcoming "Year of the Gentleman" album has been pushed back until early August. Originally "Year Of" was expected next month, but a report says Ne-Yo will spend the extra time penning more hits. BE ON THE LOOK OUT: Brooklyn rapper Papoose is currently holed up in a New York studio working on a record to address his most recent media frenzy, specifically addressing his marriage to Remy Ma and her sentencing yesterday on assault and weapons charges. COULD IT ALL BE SO SIMPLE?: Will 50 Cent be the next rapper to skyrocket his rap career inking a major distribution deal? Reportedly, Fif is in talks with media titan News Corp. and MySpace for a Jay-Z/Live Nation type situation that will allegedly net the Queens rapper close to $300 million. As part of the deal, Fiddy will relinquish his albums, touring, books, and even his thisis50.com website to News Corp. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
	DONE DEAL?: Remy Ma and Papoose's marriage plans on Monday were nixed due to some controversial jewelry Pap wore; however, sources say the two are already married (Papoose himself told urban website sohh.com he and Rem already tied the knot - how?). In a hip-hop climate where stranger nuptials have taken place (insert Jay-Z and Beyonce here), the two New York rappers have managed to raise the bar. HOTTEST REVEALED: MTV News' Braintrust has unveiled their number ten "Hottest MCs In The Game", with honors going to T.I. TIP had an amazing year in 2007 ending in turmoil and controversy following his arrest on federal weapons charges. Tomorrow, MTV drops their number nine "Hottest MC" followed by the show premiere this coming Friday at 10 PM EST. GUESS WHO'S BACK?: Nas has officially launched his campaign for his highly controversial "Nigger" album. The king of Queens gathered a host of media friends to play some tracks and give extensive interviews about the album on Monday afternoon in New York City. A highlight: one song in which he raps from the perspective of a roach, which is a comparison to the experience of African Americans. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
	THE RESPONSE: Jay-Z has responded to Noel Gallagher's comments about the god emcee playing at the upcoming Glastonbury festival: "This headline show is just a natural progression. Rap music is still evolving. From Afrika Bambaataa DJ-ing in the Bronx and Run DMC going platinum, to Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince winning the first rap Grammy, I'm just next in the line. We have to respect each other's genre of music and move forward." HAPPY BORN DAY: A special Happy Birthday goes out to Stevie Wonder who celebrates his birthday today. NOT LETTIN' GO: Mobb Deep rapper Prodigy has been more vocal since his incarceration than during his days as a free man, and will soon release his H.N.I.C. 2 DVD next month. On the DVD, Prodigy and lensman Dan The Man shot videos for all the tracks off the new album, H.N.I.C. 2, as well his cut off the Grand Theft Auto soundtrack featuring Havoc titled "Dirty New Yorker." WHEN HE WINS!: Senator Barack Obama's better half Michelle spoke out on the idea of herself as the first lady: "If I have the honor of becoming the next first lady, I want to continue conversations like the ones I've had with these incredible women across the country. I want to ensure that their voices don't get drowned out ever again in Washington." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008
	NOT THE CASE: Remy Ma was sentenced to eight years in prison today in a Manhattan courtroom for her conviction on assault charges. The sentencing comes a day after Remy and fiancee Papoose made headlines when their wedding was cancelled once authorities claimed they found contraband on Papoose as he entered Rikers Island to meet his bride-to-be. Prison reps say Pap was in possession of a skeleton key and now must stay away from Rikers until November. However, according to Miss Info, a source close to Papoose says the skeleton key he was wearing was the same charm he previously wore on visits to see Remy. REMY SPEAKS: During her sentencing, Remy told the judge: "I'm not a thug. I'm not a hardcore anything, I have feelings. I'm a wife, mother, daughter, big sister." It's also been reported Papoose, who was present in the courtroom, protested the sentencing with a number of comments. HOW YA LIVIN'?: You're living with a major disaster in the Sichuan province of China, which was struck by a 7.9 earthquake. Here's some info you may not know - 1 out of every 50 people on Earth lives in this part of China; the earthquake lasted nearly three minutes; if it had taken place in the U.S., the earth would be shaking from Maine to Arizona. What's next in the world (get more in Thursday's Politricks...) 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, May 12, 2008
	CLUE'S TOP PICKS: 1. Lollipop by Lil Wayne; 2. I Luv Your Girl by Dream; 3.Love In This Club by Usher; 4. Rider Pt 2 by 50 Cent and G-Unit; 5. Music For Love by Mario. UNDER THE RADAR: 1. I Luv Your Girl Remix by Dream feat. Fabolous; 2. Got Money by Lil' Wayne feat. T-Pain. CLUE-SPN: NBA - Both Lakers/Jazz and Hornets/Spurs series are tied 2-2 in the best of seven game series; former USC Guard O.J. Mayo accused of violating NCAA rules by accepting money and special treatment from B.D.A sports agency in both high school and college. NFL - The murderers of Washington Redskins player Sean Taylor escape the death penalty, but still may get life in prison; Chicago Bears' Cedric Benson will not be dropped by team after getting arrested for B.W.I.(Boating While Intoxicated) last weekend; Dallas Q.B. Tony Romo sings "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at Chicago Cubs game (Tony, don't quit ya day job). MLB - Major League players played Sunday using pink bats to support the fight againt breast cancer; former MLB star Daryl Strawberry will host Mets/Yankees Subway Series at Justin Timberlake's Southern Hospitality restaurant in NYC this weekend. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, May 12, 2008
	ARRESTED: Busta Rhyme's longtime sidekick Spliff Starr was arrested in Sweden for possession of an unidentified controlled substance. Busta and Spliff were in Stockholm for a show when authorities collared the fidgety sideman. SHOOTING FROM THE LIP: Former Source Editor Kim Osorio is set to pen a manuscript about her days at the embattled mag titled "Straight From The Source: An Expose from the Former Editor of the Hip-Hop Bible." Osorio, who is infamously known for dealing a scathing sexually harassment blow at the magazine's founders Dave Mays and Raymond "Benzino" Scott, will chronicle some of her best and darkest days overseeing the once-prominent brand. MOST OF THE MOST: Oprah Winfrey will grace the cover of Black Enterprise's upcoming edition as the most influential black entrepreneur. In the report, Oprah elaborates on her next endeavors once her contract is up in three years, which more than likely includes focusing on the Oprah Winfrey Network. WE WANNA KNOW?: Why do we have to put non-profit organizations in place in the U.S. to assist in basic homeland issues? Teachers across this country are frontline to kids who are homeless, don't have food to eat, and can't afford school supplies (yet we spending big dough to rebuild a country that didn't even ask for our help!). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, May 11, 2008
	YOU GOT KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT!: Last night, once untouchable Death Row founder Suge Knight suffered a major setback - literally - when a clubgoer landed a knockout blow to the embattled mogul outside of an L.A. hotspot. UW sources were on hand when Suge and another man got into a confrontation that reportedly started with Knight delivering a beatdown before the victim managed to completely knock Suge out, reportedly for minutes. Suge was taken to a local hospital where he was approached by police about the incident. THE JIG IS UP: Al Sharpton has called on Hillary Clinton to bow out gracefully and allow Barack Obama to make history as the first African American to take the Oval office. In comments to Reuters, Sharpton compares Clinton to an oblivious entertainer: "The worst thing in the world is when an entertainer doesn't know when the show is over. The audience is gone, the lights are down, you're getting ready to cut the mics off and you are still on the stage singing. Come sing another day, but this show is over for Sen. Clinton.” REMEMBER YOU: Fader magazine will celebrate their icon issue with fallen star Aaliyah gracing the cover. In the new issue scheduled to hit stands soon, she is remembered by boyfriend Dame Dash and friend Missy Elliot, who commented: "We was gonna save the world. We was gonna change music every chance we got. We was gonna always be family. Forever." HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY: From the staff at UW, we'd like to extend our blessings to all of the mothers today. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, May 10, 2008
	HIP HOP TAKES CENTER STAGE: Some of hip-hop?s up and coming emcees will meet up in Atlanta this August for the first World Series of Hip Hop. Thousands of rappers are expected to duke it out at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta over the course of four days with celebrity judges Roxanne Shante, Big Daddy Kane, Kool Herc, MTV's Sway and more deciding who will walk away with a million dollar prize. GUESS WHO'S BIZZACK?: MTV News' infamous Brain Trust is back again for another round of action with the controversial show "Hottest MCs In The Game." The MTV special, which sparked anger from notable rappers such as 50 Cent, T.I. and Jay-Z, will debate over today's hottest rappers slotting them in a top ten category. MTV's Sway Calloway will moderate the event airing May 16th at 10 PM EST. GETTING MARRIED: It looks like Papoose and fiancee Remy Ma are ready to tie the knot. According to various reports, Rem and Pap are scheduled to wed this coming Monday at Riker's Island, the correctional facility the Bronx female raptress is holed up in waiting on her sentence for attempted murder charges. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 9, 2008
	BACK IN: A U.S. judge has reinstated a wrongful death suit filed by the estate of Christopher Wallace aka Notorious BIG. The suit was dismissed earlier after the Wallace family allegedly missed a deadline relating to the case, but was recently put back into motion after a successful appeal. OUT AND ABOUT: Happy couple Nick and Mariah Cannon made their first public appearance together yesterday sporting nice size rocks and tattoos. The newlyweds were spottted leaving the Waverly Inn in New York City after dinner with Def Jam boss L.A. Reid and company; Nick was rocking an icy wedding band and his wife was wearing a million-dollar size rock. GOING DOWN: As R. Kelly appeared in court yesterday for his child pornography trial, it was revealed a star witness who may hit the stand was allegedly paid off by the singer. According to a report in the Chicago Sun Times, an aide of Kelly's paid off a woman who claimed to have a videotape of herself, Kells and another woman having a threesome. The woman is expected to testify against Kelly as a state witness. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 9, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN: UDub!Music becomes among the first indie labels to partner with Jamster to distribute full length tracks internationally; in the U.S. they will focus on "mixtape music" formatted as ringtones. DIG THIS: In Canada, Blackberrys and other PDA devices have become so prevalent in the workforce that Workers' Unions are requesting extra wages for workers connected 24/7 to their office. They already have time and half pay and holiday pay, but these clauses need to be updated as mobile devices have changed the definition of work hours and being called "after-hours". DID U KNOW?: There are 14 million people around the world who use Blackberrys, and another 2.2 million will be shipped out by end of next quarter. RUMORVILLE: Sprint is considering dropping Nextel in efforts to bring the company profitability. Deutsche Telecom, T-Mobile USA?s parent company, is rumored to have interest in buying Sprint (whoa!) STEP YA GAME UP: Read these stories & more online at www.hitechpimpin.com! RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey; 4. The Boss, Rick Ross feat. T-Pain; 3. Sexy Can I, Ray J. feat. Yung Berg; 2. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 1. Lollipop, Lil? Wayne. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 8, 2008
	NOT GUILTY YA'LL GOT TO FEEL ME: Foxy Brown pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of menacing after she smacked her Brooklyn neighbor Laura Dilimetin in the face with her Blackberry. Foxy avoided any jail time or a fine as part of the agreement following the lawsuit. THROWING SHADE: Kanye West is the latest celeb to launch his own line of sunglasses. Ye's frames will be the first pass on his Pastelle line including a limited edition frames going for a cool $2,000. Kanye told the Sydney Morning Herald: "I love the sunnies Ksubi has produced over the years, and it's an honour to collaborate with them on this first installment of Pastelle frames." Speaking in regards to designer George Gorrow, the genius behind the Pastelle frames, he added: "George is an incredibly talented designer, and I've never met anyone who knew more about sunglasses and other cool stuff." GUESS WHO'S BIZZACK?: Dame Dash is making his return to the rap game. After his split with Roc-A-Fella partner Jay-Z, Dame vowed to leave the music and concentrate on his movies, but a certain Diplomat has given the millionaire hope. Dash has partnered with childhood friend Jim Jones and will oversee his latest venture with Sony Records that includes a few movies. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 8, 2008
	SHAWTY LO SPEAKS: Atlanta rising rapper Shawty Lo phoned in to DJ Kay Slay to chop it up about T.I. and his subliminal jabs. Lo says the beef stems from a previous incident where T.I. declined to hop on one of his tracks; the trapper says T.I. took the first jab, referencing Lo's request, and he began to question if TIP actually hailed from Bankhead. Fasten your seatbelts, things are just getting started! UPDATE: Rev. Al Sharpton, wife of Sean Bell, Nicole Paultre-Bell and victims Trent Benefield and Joseph Guzman were released from an NYC jail following their arrests on charges of disorderly conduct. Dozens more were also arrested during a massive protest in the aftermath of the acquittal of three New York police detectives. Sharpton, Bell’s family, Benefield and Guzman are scheduled to meet with Gov Paterson today to address the matter. POLITRICKS: Rush Limbaugh is supporting Barack Obama! Not so fast though - he is supporting Obama because he feels the Illinois senator is the "weakest" of the Democratic nominees. Limbaugh even created "Operation Chaos", getting Republicans to vote for Hillary Clinton, thereby extending the Democratic race (which has been seen by many as divisive and harmful to the Democratic Party as a whole). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008
	SOUNDSCAN: Singer Madonna's dabbling into urban music paid off as her new album "Hard Candy" skyrocketed to the top of the charts. Madge appeared on BET's 106 & Park last week with her single "Beat Goes On" featuring Kanye West and produced by Pharrell; she has pushed close to 300,000 copies of "Candy." NOT SO COOL: Brooklyn upstart Lil Mama's debut album "Voice Of The Young People" moved a mere 18,000 units. The numbers come in as Mama's new single "Life" goes to the radio. A MILLION AND ONE: Following successful demonstrations on Washington such as the Million Man March, DJs from across the country will descend on the nation's capitol this August for the Million DJ March. The three day event features DJ Green Lantern as the host and will address issues DJs face such as security, promotion, compensation and recognition for breaking some of the hottest artists on the airwaves. REQUEST: In light of the media frenzy surrounding a surprise witness scheduled to testify at R. Kelly's upcoming trial, the singer and his legal team were in a Chicago courtroom this morning seeking a delay in the case. "We ask to continue the case," lawyer Ed Genson requested. Last weekend a new witness surfaced, claiming she had sex with Kelly and is the unidentified young woman on the infamous sex tape. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, May 7, 2008
	BELLS AND WHISTLES: It's been confirmed Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are officially married. Photos of the nuptials and quotes from Carey herself mark the first public confirmation of the wedding. "We really do feel we are soulmates," Carey told people.com. "I never felt a love like this was in the cards for me." Congratulations to the newlyweds! WEBBY ALERT: Props go out to Black Eyed Peas' frontman Will.I.Am who won a Webby award for his Barack Obama inspired video. Will snagged the Artist of The Year video for the clip "Yes We Can", created based on Obama's campaign theme. SPEAKING OF: Barack Obama all but sealed his Democrat nomination last night with a knockout blow winning North Carolina. Hillary Clinton won Indiana, but political experts say it's just a matter of time before Clinton is forced to drop out of the race. Can we say history in the making? 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
	SHOT DOWN: An emergency petition allowing the media clearance for documents in the R. Kelly trial has been denied by one of the state's highest courts; the Chicago Sun Times, a local radio station and other media outlets were seeking the transcripts of sealed documents and the release of a gag order imposed by the court. Jury selection in R. Kelly's trial starts this Friday. IN A TIME OF NEED: Rapper T.I. conducted an interview with a radio station where he touched on the support he received from a variety of rappers during his hard time last year. T.I. told 107.9 Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, Nelly and Young Jeezy stayed in constant contact with him; most notably, Busta Rhmyes and Eminem spoke with TIP on a daily basis: "I wasn't expecting to hear from nobody. I made a point not to reach out to people ... because I didn't want to get none of my trash in nobody else's yard." SPEAKING OF...: Lil Wayne revealed he's playing with the idea of touring with Keyshia Cole. The N'awlins rap monster told MTV News: "I think I might go out with Keyshia Cole. You're bringing two different types of people in there. You got people coming to soothe their souls with Keyshia, and you got people who wanna throw their hands up with me." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, May 6, 2008
	APPREHENDED: The deranged Angolan man who snatched 50 Cent's chain during a concert has been arrested by local authorities. According to a report on the Angola Press, Bruno Carvalho was fingered after footage of the incident hit the web. A source at the concert confirms 50's chain was snatched, but also notes the Queens native got it back moments after the incident. PUUULL UP: The judge who issued a warrant for Foxy Brown's arrest has recalled the warrant. News hit the wires that Fox Boogie was again in trouble with the law after she missed a court date but her legal team said yesterday's date was a misunderstanding on the court's part. PAY HOMAGE: On Game's new single "Pain" featuring Keyshia Cole both of the platinum artists show their respects to the legends in the game. Game does the usual shouting out of his list of favorite rappers while Keyshia does the unthinkable: shouting out Mary J Blige. It was long rumored Cole was taking shots at MJB, but clearly that ain't so! HOW YA LIVIN'?: You're living with the inability to swim, particularly if you are an African American child; a recent study shows that 6 out of 10 Black children can't swim (and are three times more likely to drown.) Why? Well, for a long time, most pools were segregated and few were built in black communities (Latinos have almost the same percentage of kids that can't swim, but they are enrolling in swimming programs at twice the rate of African Americans). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, May 5, 2008
	HOW TO ROB: 50 Cent was performing over the weekend in the country of Angola when an African native, clearly out of his mind, hopped on stage, snatched 50's jewels and headed for hills. A video clip on the web shows Fif and the Unit rocking out onstage when the man appears and rips 50's chain off of his neck before being chased by a number of individuals. KANYE SPEAKS: On his blog, Kanye West apologized to fans for technical difficulties during his "Glow In The Dark" tour in Houston: "We were having a lot of technical issues due 2 the heat. I asked for them 2 turn the screens off 3 times because it was distracting 2 the show. The fans were not getting what they paid for. I admit, in my frustration, I did use profanity on the 4th time I asked. I stopped the show 2 go over and check it out myself." Kanye also admitted he did "go in a little 2 much" on Entertainment Weekly after they posted a bad review of one of his shows. REMY SPEAKS: Incarcerated Remy Ma spoke out for the first time since her assault conviction on DJ Kay Slay's radio show: 'I'm in the cell 23 hours a day - max security. It's real crazy over here. You got certain officers that are extra nice and you got the ones that are extra not nice. I be telling them it's not my fault that my commissary is more than their salary." Good to know Rem's in good spirits! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 2, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN': UDub!Music is steady at work on the release of the "Google Me Bitch" digital mixtape, scheduled to drop May 20; GMB tracks will be offered as ringtone/ringbacks and full track downloads on multiple carriers including T-Mobile, Jamster, Boost Mobile and Verizon. Produced by L.A.'s own DJ Saki Bomb, the project features exclusive music from Truth Hurts, Keak Da Sneak, Warren G, Bonecrusher, 40Glocc and VA's very own The Clipse. MOBILE SOUNDCLASH: In Jamaica, kids compete with one another to for bragging rights over who has the hottest, most exclusive MP3 tracks stored on their phones. The practice is similar to a reggae soundclash, only now it's been staged on the mobile device. SPIKE LEE & NOKIA: Nokia is partnering up with pioneering filmmaker Spike Lee to direct a short film to be created with "YouTube" style videos shot and uploaded by teenagers and adults using only their mobile phones. IT'S ALL BAD: Motorola announced a Q1 loss of $194 million, and is rumored to be spinning off its mobile handset division. Think about it: Motorola hasn't made anything hot since the Razr (word up)! RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey; 4. The Boss, Rick Ross feat. T-Pain; 3. Sexy Can I, Ray J. feat. Yung Berg 2. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy 1. Lollipop, Lil' Wayne 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, May 2, 2008
	COMING SOON: Ludacris is readying his sixth studio album "Theater of the Mind." According to a report on Billboard, Luda plans to take his next album in a more theatrical direction. "Theater of the Mind" drops in September. DENIED: NBA star guard Dwyane Wade has denied reports linking him to Star Jones. The married father released a statement following whispers of the alleged romance: "Star is an unbelievable woman. We have a great, great relationship. As friends. That's all…We're friends, just like a lot of celebrities. We are friends." MARIAH AND NICK PART DEUX: A close relative of Nick Cannon is confirming the nuptials between their celebrity family member and Mariah Carey. E! is reporting Linda Cannon heard the news firsthand from the 27 year old newlywed: "He called us and told us all about it. If that is what he wants, then we are happy for him." And as for the controversial ring, which was rumored to have also been on the hand of model Selita Ebanks, apparently Cannon purchased a $2.5 mil sparkler from Jacob and Co. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 1, 2008
	REVOKED: Northwestern University has revoked its invitation to honor the Reverend Jeremiah Wright, who was set to receive a honorary degree during this year's commencement. Vice President Alan Cubbage explained the university's decision: "In light of the controversy around Dr. Wright and to ensure the celebratory character of commencement not be affected, the university has withdrawn its invitation to Dr. Wright." DENIED: In the latest edition of King magazine, Queens' reigning prince Nas denies reports that he was aiming at Jay-Z on his track "Success" off the "American Gangster" album. On Esco's verse, he spits "Worst enemies want to be my best friends" and many suspected he was going at Jay; Nas says different: "But could you see how Jay couldn't relate to that in his own life with his own situation? Everything in Jay's rhyme, I relate to. I feel that every day." INVINCIBLE: Common has announced his next studio album, slated to drop in the next few months, will be titled "Invincible Summer." Billboard caught up with the Chi-town lyricist, who says the new LP lacks the tunes of Kanye West and will instead go with a more "electric" sound. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, May 1, 2008
	SAD BUT TRUE: It's been revealed former South African president Nelson Mandela is on the United States' terrorist watch list. Mandela and members of the banned African National Congress were targeted as terrorists in the late '70's. However, USA Today reports Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who calls the situation "embarrassing", has issued a waiver to the Senate committee to override the ban. SPEAKING OF MANDELA: 50 Cent is currently touring the coast of Africa with his G-Unit family and met Nelson Mandela for the first time. Reported by MTV News, who's on hand with Fiddy, Fif and a few members of his entourage spent time with the praised political figure inside his gated mansion. http://newsroom.mtv.com/2008/05/01/50-cent-meets-mandela-and-we-are-there/ DONE DEAL: It's been reported Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are officially married. Latina magazine reports the two eloped in a private ceremony yesterday in a small ceremony off an unnamed island. More as this story develops. POLITRICKS: John McCain and Hillary Clinton support a gas tax holiday, which would drop the price of a gallon of gas by $0.19; Barack Obama opposes it. Folks were up in arms that he would go against relief to Americans, but economists are siding with Obama. They calculate a savings on a fill-up of 20 gallons of just $3.80, which they say is not enough to relieve the pain at the pump. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
	CONFIRMED?: According to Access Hollywood, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon are engaged to be married. Word began to spread over the past weeks the two were an item; over the weekend those "rumors" were propelled by a nice size rock Carey was seen wearing, allegedly from Cannon. The report details a friend of Carey as the culprit who blew the whistle on the engagement. More on this story to come. THE MOST BEAUTIFULLEST: People magazine are set to release their "100 Most Beautiful People In The World" edition which names a few notable African Americans. Topping the list are Mary J Blige, Zoe Saldana and Miami Dolphin's Jayson Taylor, who has a moonlighting gig on "Dancing With The Stars." TAPPED: Usher is passing the baton to Chris Brown. In a recent interview with WENN, Ersh expressed his excitement over the future generation of R&B stars and compares Brown to himself: "All of this young energy is great for the industry. Chris is the guy who dances and sings, which is a lot like I do and did as a young artist as well." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 30, 2008
	BLACK FACE GAME: Yesterday, the Game delivered a special video message regarding the Sean Bell verdict, in white makeup and black lipstick. In the clip, Game, who's surrounded by a crew of his partners all reminiscent of the urban classic "Dead Presidents", compares the verdict to the infamous Watts Riots, which he says took place when he was eleven years old, and speaks on the presidential election as well. Later that day, Game followed up on his promise and released the track "911 Is A Joke." OUT THE PICTURE: The long-awaited "Iron Man" film drops this week but rap fans shouldn't expect to see Wu-Tang's Ghostface in it. It was announced last year Staten Island's own Iron Man would make a brief appearance in the flick, but his part was cut; however, Ghost's presence is still felt as his "Celebrate" video is shown in one scene. CONGRATS!: We reported it earlier this year, and the time has finally come: on Friday, mogul Diddy will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. As expected, Puff plans to bring in the honors with style. Stay tuned for more info (and keep your eyes on UDub!News to find out how you can win tickets to an event he is hosting while in L.A.!) 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008
	GONE UNNOTICED: Barack Obama's campaign has turned to the controversy surrounding his pastor Rev. Wright, but John McCain's bud Pat Buchanan has also apparently made some eyebrow raising comments. "America has been the best country on earth for black folks. It was here that 600,000 black people, brought from Africa in slave ships, grew into a community of 40 million, were introduced to Christian salvation, and reached the greatest levels of freedom and prosperity blacks have ever known. Wright ought to go down on his knees and thank God he is an American," said Buchanan in a post on his blog. "Is white America responsible for the fact that the crime and incarceration rates for African-Americans are seven times those of white America? Is it white America's fault that illegitimacy in the African-American community has hit 70% and the black dropout rate from high schools in some cities has reached 50%? Is that the fault of white America or a failure of the black community itself?" How Buchanan's comments went unnoticed is beyond any breathing African American. IS JEREMIAH WRIGHT?: Barack Obama's former pastor re-surfaced last night at the National Press Club. During his speech, Jeremiah Wright suggested again that the government was responsible for the AIDS epidemic sweeping the African American community; Barack Obama responded that he was "outraged" at Wright's comments. Oddly enough, while Obama has been taking flack for standing by his pastor, Hillary Clinton supporter Barbara Reynolds was responsible for bringing Wright to yesterday's forum. GUILTY!: A young Caucasian teenager pled guilty to federal hate crimes of threatening and intimidating civil rights marchers during last year's Jena 6 protest. The troubled man hung a noose from his pickup truck and taunted protesters as they returned from the march; he now faces up to 15 years in prison. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, April 29, 2008
	NO MATTER WHAT: As promised, T.I. released the brand new banger "No Matter What." In the track, reminiscent of T.I. back in the days, TIP raps: "I ain't run/I ain't scared...facing all kinda time/But smile like, 'I'm fine". On the song, it appears T.I. is speaking out against Shawty Lo, who's been on his own defamation campaign against the King, questioning his credibility on the streets of Bankhead. DENIED: Brooklyn rapper Papoose is denying reports a video he shot in Brooklyn with the assistance of EMTs is going at rival rapper Uncle Murda. Pap made headlines when the Brooklyn EMT crew he enlisted for the video claimed they were duped into shooting the video (which turned out to be a diss video rather a clip dedicated to the New York City funded program's efforts to save lives.) HOW YA LIVIN'?: Even with $4 gas, Americans still want to appear like things are good; so good they're willing to rent luxury items like jewelry and watches. Companies like Bag, Borrow or Steal (which rents high end purses) are reporting a 20 to 40% increase in business. Our advice? Check your rented Raymond Weil watch to make sure you have enough time to get down to Nix and cash the unemployment check in your rented Prada bag. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, April 28, 2008
	DJ CLUE'S TOP PICKS: 1. Love In This Club by Usher; 2. Lollipop by Lil' Wayne; 3. Rider Part 2 by 50 Cent feat G-Unit; 4. Touch My Body by Mariah Carey; 5. I Love Your Girl by The Dream. UNDER THE RADAR: 1. Blow The Whistle Hater by Jay-Z; 2. The 5 Boroughs Is Back by LL Cool J feat. Jim Jones, KRS-One, Lil' Kim & Method Man; 3. Lollipop Remix by Lil' Wayne feat. Young Jeezy. CLU-ESPN: NBA - Orlando Magic's Hedo Turkoglu named NBA's Most Improved Player; Pat Riley steps down as the head coach of the Miami Heat, but will remain Team President. NFL - Tennessee Titans trade of Pacman Jones to Dallas has been approved by NFL. MLB - Yankees Jorge Posada put on D.L. with a bad shoulder; reports say Roger Clemens had a decade long affair with country music singer Mindy McCready. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, April 28, 2008
	WHAT'S JAY-Z DOING?: 50 Cent has made a note the difference between him and Hov is he'll respond to ALL rappers such as Jadakiss, Fat Joe, etc., while Jay keeps his list to just Nas and Jim Jones. Well, Hov left many wondering why he issued a diss record to a B-list Washington Wizards player DeShawn Stevenson over a mini war of words between the baller and King Lebron James. Jay-Z's freestyle "Blow The Whistle" was previewed Friday on Stevenson's own turf. THE CONTROVERSY CONTINUES: As the Sean Bell officer acquittal fallout continues, more and more rappers are headed towards the booth to vent their frustration. Most recently, Fabolous and Red Cafe laid down vocals. Moving to politics, activist Kevin Powell penned a touching memo on the tragedy: "New York, America, this society as a whole, still views the lives of Black people, of Latino people, of people of color, of women, of poor or working-class people, as less than valuable. Sean Bell is never coming back, but we are here, and the biggest tragedy will be if we keep going about our lives as if this never happened in the first place." MORE: The Game has also released a statement soon followed by a record titled "911 Is A Joke": "I'm outraged and speaking out for my generation that are afraid to speak out against police brutality and murder. I grew up in Compton and had to stay silent because of the fear that was prevalent in my community. Now that I have a voice, I'm speaking out." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, April 25, 2008
	OUTRAGED: In the aftermath of this morning's acquittal of three NYPD dectives in the shooting death of 23 year old Sean Bell, African Americans are completely outraged at the ruling. Earlier this morning, Judge Cooperman cleared the officers of any wrongdoing citing issues within the prosecution witnesses - "specifically their criminal background," said Leroy Gadsden of the Jamaica, Queens arm of NAACP. NOT THE CASE: NBC reps outright denied their interest in landing O.J. Simpson for the show "The Celebrity Apprentice." The statement reads: "O.J. Simpson is not being considered as a cast member for 'The Celebrity Apprentice 2'; [any reporting of this is] completely false." IF SHE DID SAY THAT...: Gossip website tmz.com recently caught up with Jim Jones, who had some words for Alicia Keys who apparently put herself under the bus when she was asked about gangsta rap. Before bursting into laughter, Jones told the media outlet: "I know how magazines can get ... but if she did say that, I'll tell her 'I used to want to fuck her, but now it's fuck her'!" A little comedy is always needed to balance things out. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 24, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN: UDub!Music is steady at work on the release of the "Google Me Bitch" digital mixtape, scheduled to drop at the top of May; GMB tracks will be offered as ringtone/ringbacks and full track downloads on multiple carriers including T-Mobile, Jamster, Boost Mobile and Verizon. Produced by L.A.'s own DJ Saki Bomb, the project features exclusive music from Truth Hurts, Keak Da Sneak, Warren G, BoneCrusher, 40Glocc and VA's very own The Clipse. NOT IN MY SCHOOL: The NY Supreme Court has upheld a ruling from September 2005 that allows NYC school districts to ban mobile phones in public schools. The NYC school district is the largest in the country with more than 1,400 schools and 1.1 million students. WORLD DOMINATION: In 2007, over a billion mobile phones were sold. That number is growing with Nokia pushing over 133.2 million units and holding down a 40% market share; Samsung is next in line with 44.4 million phones sold and 13.4% share, followed by Motorola with 39.3 million units sold and 11.9% market share. That's big pimpin', playas! RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Pick The Money Up, Storm P. Feat. Remy Ma; 4. The Boss, Rick Ross; 3. Hell on Earth, 40 Glocc; 2. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 1. Lollipop, Lil’ Wayne. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 24, 2008
	CANCELLED: A high school in rapper T.I.'s Atlanta hometown has cancelled an appearance he was scheduled to make as part of his court ordered thousand hours of community service. T.I. has been temporarily banned from Cobb County schools due to his federal gun conviction; school officials claim it isn't the right time to have the rapper speak about the effects of guns and drugs in light of a recent student murder due to gang violence. I WANT IN!: Snoop Dogg will be granted access to enter the UK after government officials sought to stop his entry following a series of run-ins with the law. Originally Snoop was banned from the UK after a brawl with authorities at London's Heathrow Airport but his UK pass was later reinstated. The UK Border Agency again attempted to revoke Snoop's pass, but an appeals judge has officialy ruled Snoop can enter the UK. LAST NIGHT: Pharrell Williams held an extravagant opening for his Los Angeles based Bape clothing store. Williams was joined by pals Kanye West, Rick Ross, Serena Williams, Jermaine Dupri and Omarion. ALSO: Later that night, 'Ye was spotted courtside at the Los Angeles Lakers' home playoff game versus the Denver Nuggets, where Kobe Bryant netted an impressive 49 points. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 24, 2008
	TOMORROW: After weeks of testimony in the controversial trial of the NYPD officers who shot and killed Sean Bell, a verdict will be delivered at 9 AM sharp tomorrow. A Queens judge overseeing the trial will decide the fate of the three men who fired 50 shots at Bell and two of his friends as they were sitting in their Nissan Altima on the eve of his wedding day. The officers say they believed the men had a weapon in their car. BUSINESS IS BUSINESS: 50 Cent will be the latest rapper to throw his hat into the reality TV biz. It's been reported Fif will partner with MTV to unleash a show geared around the mogul's savvy business endeavors. IT'S THE REMIX: Usher has called in a few A-list celeb friends to hop on the remix to his number one smash "Love In The Club." Originally fans heard T.I. lay his vocals on an unofficial remix, but yesterday an official remix featuring Beyonce and Lil' Wayne had the phone lines at local radio stations going bananas. POLITRICKS: Admit it: you thought of Bill Clinton as the first Black president too. Clearly, that ain't the case given his most recent comment where he accused the Obama camp of playing the race card on him (and then goes down the list about how "down" he is). The comment was recorded (of course, he denied it. Uh, it's on tape, homie - http://www.whyy.org/podcast/election2008/elect20080421clinton.mp3). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
	OUTTA HERE: Less than a week since she was released from a New York City correctional facility, rapper Foxy Brown was in court this morning to answer separate charges. Brown appeared before a magistrate for a "routine" hearing where she attempted to work out a plea deal that resulted in her lawyer throwing in the towel. Fox Boogie is slated to appear back in court May 13th. AND THE WINNER IS: Mariah Carey put the M back in music with her "E=MC2" album topping the Soundscan charts by moving 400,000 plus units. Mariah also released the remix to the track "Bye Bye" featuring Jay-Z. CLAP BACK: 50 Cent has responded to Young Buck's track which indirectly takes aim at the G-Unit captain and his recent comments about Buck's alleged drug use. In an interview with MTV News, Fif says: "I knew he would do that first, because he felt if he mentioned the things that people said he did in a song, it would defuse [perceptions of him]. He said, 'Yeah, I sip syrup. Yeah, I did this. I did things wrong.' If you say it in the music, [the fans] can accept it, because they [knew of] stars prior to this using drugs." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008
	AND ANOTHER ONE: Music producer Swizz and his wife Mashonda have apparently separated. According to a release sent by the music man’s reps: "Swizz Beatz and Mashonda have agreed to separate on amicable terms. Their union was one shared in love and deep admiration. For the last seven months, the two have been working on establishing a formidable friendship, being great parents to their son, and remaining great supporters of each other's careers. The couple has asked that their privacy be respected at this time." COMING OUT: Solange Knowles has announced plans to release a new solo album this August titled "SoL-AngeL and The Hadley Street Dreams." Beyonce’s younger sister is kicking off her sophomore effort with the first single "I Decided" produced by Pharrell; "Hadley Street" also features artists Lil’ Wayne, Bilal, Raphael Saadiq, Estelle and more. BACK AGAIN: It's been announced A Tribe Called Quest will unite at this year’s annual Rock The Bells concert. The famed hip hop trio briefly graced the stage at last year’s VH1 Hip Hop Honors show and will do so again during the tour which starts mid-July in Chicago, before wrapping in Vancouver in August. The trek also includes Nas, Rakim, Ghostface and Raekwon and De La Soul. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
	BETTER YET...: It's been revealed Jay-Z and wife Beyonce filed a marriage license this past Friday in Scarsdale, NY. While the pair has yet to confirm reports they were married in a private ceremony, the signed marriage license all but makes it crystal clear Miss Knowles is now Mrs. Carter. NOT THE CASE: Rap-A-Lot founder J Prince was delivered a minor setback when a Federal judge dismissed his lawsuit against BET Networks. The suit, which also names Apple and Viacom, accused BET of wrongfully portraying Prince in an episode of the celebrated BET show, "American Gangster". Prince's attorneys claim Apple, in a partnership with BET, sold digital downloads of the show. GONE: American Idol winner and Jive Records' artist Jordin Sparks has dropped out of the Alicia Keys tour due to vocal chord issues. A Jive records label rep told the AP: "All of her April activities have been postponed or canceled so she can take care of her voice properly." On a more positive note, there's a good chance Sparks will rejoin Key's tour before it ends. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, April 22, 2008
	CONFIRMED: As reported weeks ago by UWN, Kanye West and Alexis Phifer have officially ended their relationship. Alexis confirmed the split to people.com: "It's always sad when things like this end, and we remain friends. I wish him the best in his future and all of his endeavors. He's one of the most talented people I've ever met." Kanye and Alexis met in 2002 before getting engaged in 2006. PUSHED BACK: Remy Ma's sentencing date was recently pushed back, as analysts have suggested the Bronx rapper may get off with a lighter sentence as expected. Originally Remy was due to be sentenced tomorrow, but her lawyer Ivan Fisher says that date has changed to May 13th. COMING SOON: It's been revealed starlet actor Meagan Good will star in the upcoming "Saw V" movie. Slated for an October release, Good will play a city planner in the gory flick, according to comingsoon.net. HOW YA LIVIN'?: Live Green to celebrate Earth Day today: cut down on your water bottles by buying a sports bottle and refilling it, wash clothes in cold water only, make sure your gas cap clicks five or six times after you refill your gas tank and change your regular light bulbs for fluorescent ones (and before you think being green doesn't apply to you, remember pollution affects folks in the inner city and urban areas more than anywhere else). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, April 21, 2008
	DJ CLUE'S TOP PICKS: 1. Love In This Club by Usher; 2. Lollipop by Lil' Wayne; 3. Touch My Body by: Mariah Carey; 4. I Love Your Girl by The Dream; 5. Rider Part 2 by: 50 Cent feat. G-Unit. UNDER THE RADAR: 1. Be A Ngger Too by Nas; 2. Touch My Body Part 2 by Mariah Carey feat R.Kelly; 3. Aura by Cam'ron. CLUE-SPN:* NFL - Colts Running Back Kenton Keith arrested for disorderly conduct at an Indy night club; NY Giants Star Full Back Brandon Jacobs set to undergo wrist surgery, but will be ready for training camp. NBA - Ex-Bulls Coach Scott Skiles signs four year deal to Head Coach Milwaukee Bucks; Wizards' Guard Gilbert Arenas cleared to play after suffering wrist pains. MLB - Veteran Frank Thomas released by Blue Jays; NY Yankees' Alex Rodriguez day to day with a strained quad. Indy Circuit - Danica Patrick becomes the first woman to ever win an Indy Car race, taking the checkered flag at the Firestone 300 in Japan this weekend (way to get the monkey off ya back Danica!!!) In celebration, Air Tran - one of her Sponsors - has painted her image on the side of several Air Tran aircrafts. Refer A Friend 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, April 21, 2008
	SUCCESS: This past weekend, hundreds of potential voters turned out on the steps of Temple University's North Philadelphia Campus to join artists T.I., Ciara, Flo Rida and BET's Rocsi and Terrence J for a special event sponsored by the Hip Hop Summit Action Network. The event was held as part of an initiative to increase voter registration; according to CEO Benjamin Chavis, the HSAN has registered 120,000 people in Pennsylvania. T.I. told the crowd: "It's very, very important to fulfill your obligation to your nation. [By choosing to not participate] you lose your right to complain." IT'S COMING!: Queens, NY rapper Nas previewed some brand new material off his upcoming "N***" album that is about as controversial as expected. During a recent show, Esco took out some time from performing his endless catalog to spit a few bars off a new track "Be a N* Too" where he calls out all races. According to Nas' camp, the new song is expected to be released today. BATTLE OF THE 80'S BABIES: Basketball player Lebron James and Soulja Boy have engaged in a mini war of words stemming from one of Lebron's rivals on the Washington Wizards. It all started when the Wizards' DeShawn Stevenson told the press he didn't feel Lebron was worthy of the praise he'd been receiving; in response, James compared Stevenson to Soulja Boy (which didn't sit so well with the young tyke). Word is Soulja Boy will appear at this weekend's Wizards home playoff game against Lebron and the Cavs to taunt the MVP candidate. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!**

Sunday, April 20, 2008
	NOT GOING THERE: G-Unit Records rapper Young Buck has responded to the various allegations made by honcho 50 Cent on the new track "My Interview." Buck, who's declined to speak to the media at the height of Fiddy's assassination on his character, confirms his obsessive use of narcotics and syrup. While Buck never says Fif's name, clearly he is responding to interviews where the G-Unit family has claimed Buck has been disloyal and has an outstanding debt to pay. PUT IT ON THE LINE: Tuesday's Pennsylvania primary will be the deciding factor in the ongoing showdown between Democratic powerhouses Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Initially, Clinton led at the polls by a ten point margin which evaporated due to Obama's momentum. Since then, surveys have shown the two senators in a dead heat; if Clinton does win, she faces a tough challenge at the upcoming primaries, all of which Obama is projected to win. GET BETTER: Shout out to rap pioneer KRS-One who was briefly hospitalized in Connecticut after an angry fan threw a bottle at him, fracturing his hand; sadly enough, KRS was touring for his Stop the Violence movement. Due to the incident, KRS-One has cancelled four upcoming dates from the tour. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, April 19, 2008
	THE GREATEST: Houston music legend Scarface is slated to drop a greatest hits disc next week. The lengthy 37 track CD released on his Rap-A-Lot label features songs "Smile", "Mary Jane" "Guess Who's Back?" and more. GONE: Record label OG Clive Davis will be relieved from his duties overseeing conglomerate Sony BMG. The seventy year old executive, who's responsible for music legends such as Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Santana and many more was replaced by Barry Weiss, formerly CEO of the Zomba Music Label (home to acts such as Usher, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Chris Brown and more). Davis reportedly will serve a smaller role at Sony working with artists. ON THE GOOD FOOT: Rapper 50 Cent is looking more in shape nowadays as emcee has slimmed down for a role in the upcoming movie "Microwave." Fiddy has been known for rolling with a nutritionist and now the emcee has revealed he went from 200 to 185 lbs for the movie. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, April 18, 2008
	NOT THE CASE: Reps for Eminem say the rapper is not confirmed to perform at an event honoring Nelson Mandela. It was reported Em would make his comeback at the African concert celebrating Mandela's birthday, but Em's handlers say they were approached but have not decided if he will play the show that also includes Will Smith. TOUCHDOWN: Dressed in dark shades and a brown Louis Vuitton scarf, Foxy Brown was released from New York City's Rikers Island this afternoon and greeted by a slew of family, fans and media. Brown told reporters: "I feel good to be home ... Brooklyn's Don Diva." Supporters stood close by screaming, "Stay home," "you did it" and "you the best, Foxy!" Brown left the premises in a white luxury car accompanied by her manager Chaz Williams. AL QAEDA TALKS OBAMA?: Members of Al Qaeda released a video yesterday taunting Presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. In the internet clip, Al Qaeda second in command Ayman al-Zawahiri poked fun at President Bush for suggesting he'd begin troop withdrawal this summer, before taking aim at the Democratic nominees: "As to the Democrats, they try to fool their people by claiming that they will withdraw their forces in Iraq. " al-Zawahiri says both Clinton and Obama suffer from "blindness of ignorance." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, April 18, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN’: Jamster and Boost recently announced separate partnerships noting the distribution of UDub!News as a premium service offering. UDub!News is now available on Boost Mobile handsets as well as Jamster. Other carriers deals with be announced next month. DIGI EFFECT: The Jamaican reggae dancehall scene seems to have embraced digital. Dancehall artist Busy Signal currently has the hit track "Unknown Caller", while new artist Voicemail is making waves with his hit "Jump Off". Also killing the dancehall clubs in Kingston, Jamaica is the hot joint "Bluetooth Riddim". DEF JAM WIRELESS: Island Def Jam recently stepped its game up with the launch of its mobile portal/wap site, available on any internet–capable phone. The site includes updated Island Def Jam content, news and information, as well as tour dates and ongoing promotions; earlier this month, the label hired a new head of Web and Mobile Marketing. The company could potentially be launching a handset - imagine a Def Jam phone! AT&T IS BALLER STATUS?: AT&T is one of the leading candidates to obtain the naming rights for the new Dallas Cowboys stadium, opening in 2009. The new stadium will cost about $1.1 billion, and the sponsorship could be the largest such deal in the history of sports. STEP YA GAME UP: Read these stories and more online at www.hitechpimpin.com! RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. The Boss, Rick Ross feat. T-Pain; 4. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey; 3. Sexy Can I, Ray J feat. Yung Berg; 2. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 1. Lollipop, Lil’ Wayne. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 17, 2008
	NO SHOW: The 22nd annual Soul Train Awards have been cancelled for unknown reasons. According to a report on Reuters, a spokesperson for the show confirmed the "longest running show in syndication" is pulling the plug on the honors. Soul Train has been well respected as a mainstay in the Urban market since its birth in 1971. FALL BACK: Tyler Perry released a statement that's no laughing matter. Apparently Perry is the target of a crazed fan obsessed with the writer/director as he explains in a memo: "'I'm trying to be careful how I say this without inciting this person, but I have a stalker. This person sends several hundred emails a day to my office and has planned our wedding and bought rings and such. She has showed up at my house several times. What's crazy is I've never met this woman nor have I even responded to her emails." COMING HOME: Foxy Brown will be released from NYC's Rikers Island tomorrow morning; a report on panachereport.com says Brown will be shooting her reality TV show and anticipates fans wearing Foxy tees and holding signs upon her release. As odd as this sounds, it is similar to another Brooklyn raptress who was welcomed by her fans after she was released after a one year bid in a Federal prison. Go figure. R.I.P.: The staff at UWN would like to extend our condolences to the Vandross family who lost the eldest member, Ida Vandross. Luther's beloved mother died of natural causes. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 17, 2008
	SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: One time MTV VJ La La is setting the record straight on fiancee NBA basketball player Carmelo Anthony's DUI arrest on Monday. Reports suggested the starlet refused to pick her significant other up from the precinct, hinting at infidelity in their relationship. La La told a radio station those reports are false and she stands by her man 100%. GET BETTER: Diplomats rapper and co-founder Freeky Zeeky expended the second life out of his remaining seven when he escaped a near fatal car crash on the way to his Harlem stomping grounds. He and his passenger suffered minor injuries when they were reportedly rear ended in his Mercedes, suspending his vehicle in mid-air. REMINISCE: Zeeky's first injury was a fender bender where a group of men attempted to rob him and fatally shot an accomplice before hitting Zeke with their vehicle. Zeke was also shot numerous times but survived and did a stretch in a North Carolina prison on unrelated drug charges. POLITRICKS: How hungry would you have to be to start a riot? Ask folks in Haiti and Senegal who are rioting; Moroccans, Egyptians and Mexicans are also protesting against food prices, which have gone up as much as 50%. Think about how easy it is for you to go to Popeye's or McDonald's - or your own refrigerator; then think about people who are so desperate to feed their families they are not just stealing bread from a store, they are resorting to large-scale violence. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
	FREE MAN: Houston rapper Slim Thug is readying his next album, which he vows will be an independent one. According to a report on mtvnews.com, he is expected to be released from Star Trak/Interscope Records very soon. From there, Thug will release the indie record "Boss of All Bosses." SUED: The son of Frank Lucas, portrayed as the pinnacle gangster in last year's hit "American Gangster" film, has lobbed a lawsuit at the NYPD over a recent arrest. According to a media outlet, the junior Lucas was stopped in a vehicle along with his manager and harassed once authorities realized he was the son of the infamous drug lord. After two nights in the bing following charges of marijuana possession, Lucas is now suing for $25 million over what he calls excessive force and harassment. ON THE ROAD: Bad Boy acts Danity Kane and Day 26 have announced they're hitting the road together. The trek dubbed "Making the Band 4 - The Tour" kicks off on May 24th in Orlando before wrapping June 10th in Los Angeles. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 16, 2008
	PUULL UP: During a call to Ryan Seacrest's radio show, Alicia Keys cleared up comments she made suggesting the government was responsible for starting "gangsta rap" imagery in hip-hop: "I feel that I wasn't 100 percent clear on exactly what I was saying so it got slightly misinterpreted. Everyday people, as well as the government, could've done so much more to really obliterate and eradicate the things that were going on in the communities." KEYS SPEAKS BIG AND TUPAC: "I think what happens is that when other people are telling the story, I don't feel [Pac and Biggie] were really able to communicate with each other and tell each other what they meant. Instead it kind of came through different outlets and different people and it might have gotten misconstrued or misinterpreted." HAPPY BORN DAY: A special Happy Birthday shout out goes to comedian/actor Martin Lawrence who celebrates his 43rd birthday today. UNDER FIRE....AGAIN: BET Founder Bob Johnson is back in headlines for controversial remarks over Senator Barack Obama again. Johnson is catching heat for backing a politician's comments that Barack would not be so hot in the Democratic race had he been white: "What I believe Geraldine Ferraro meant is that if you take a freshman senator from Illinois called 'Jerry Smith' and he says I'm going to run for president, would he start off with 90 percent of the black vote? The answer is, probably not." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008
	ALMOST OVER: Wesley Snipes was in a Florida courtroom today fighting for his freedom in the aftermath of his tax evasion case; prosecutors handling the trial want to hit Snipes with the maximum penalty for failing to file tax returns over the years. "For nearly a decade, Snipes has engaged in a campaign of criminal tax conduct, combining brazen defiance with insidious concealment," said the U.S. Department of Justice. Prosecutors are seeking to give Blade actor three years in jail for his conviction. GAME IS TO BE TOLD: The Game sat down with XXL Magazine where the controversial rapper gave his most pure interview to date. In the chat, the Compton spitter indicates things have been so tough that he actually contemplated suicide: "Sometimes I wanna be at peace so bad that I wish myself off of the earth." Game ends the interview by shedding a tear: "The tears coming from left eye are from my sh that I'm dealing with in my life, and the tears down my right cheek are tears for hip-hop." IN STORES TODAY: Pop diva Mariah Carey returns to shelves today with her new disc "E=MC2." Mariah is expected to push some big numbers next week due to her record breaking single "Touch My Body" and yesterday's appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show, where the two visited Carey's home and touched on her personal life. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!**

Monday, April 14, 2008
	DJ CLUE'S TOP PICKS: 1. Love In This Club Remix by: Usher feat Jeezy & T.I.; 2. Rider, Part 2 by 50 Cent feat. G-Unit; 3. Touch My Body by Mariah Carey; 4. The Way That I Love You by Ashanti; 5. I Love Your Girl by The Dream. UNDER THE RADAR: 1. Addiction by Ryan Leslie feat. Cassie; 2. Haterproof by Newz feat. Blok Gang; 3. Liar Liar by 50 Cent. CLUE-SPN: NBA - Carmelo Anthony is arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of D.U.I.; Kansas State freshman Beasley declares his intent to enter the NBA Draft. NFL - Dallas Cowboys and troubled Titans' player Pacman Jones in negotiation to bring Pacman to Dallas before NFL draft. MLB - Crazed Boston Fan Gino Castignoli plants a Red Sox Jersey under the foundation of the new Yankee stadium. It cost the Yankees $50,000 to dig it up! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, April 12, 2008
	SPEAKING OUT: Busta Rhymes held private listening sessions this week for his upcoming album, but the embattled emcee is finally speaking out about his slain friend/bodyguard Israel Ramirez. In an exclusive with Hot 97’s DJ Enuff, Rhymes said he's been the victim of police harassment following the murder on the video set for his song "Touch It." He went on to state he played no role in the fatal shooting and that he's been in touch with members of the Ramirez family. BOUGHT: Media conglomerate Radio One has acquired website Black Planet as part of a special deal. The radio giant, which owns a wealth of top urban radio stations, is throwing its hat into the digital ring after a reported net loss of $386 million last year. GUESS WHO'S BIZZACK?: Eminem will make his return to the big stage at an African show for Nelson Mandela. The 90th birthday party for the former South African president takes place in June and will be hosted by none other than Will Smith. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, April 11, 2008
	CONGRATS: Producer maestro Timbaland received the Songwriter of the Year honor at the 25th annual ASCAP awards. Timbo is responsible for hits such as "Give It To Me", "They Way I Are" and "My Love"; this year's other winners include Polow Da Don, Beyonce and Akon. T.I. SPEAKS: Atlanta rapper T.I. recently spoke with his local Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper regarding the lengthy house arrest that's had him at a standstill for the past months: "Sometimes you laugh to keep from crying. But you know, I'm blessed to be able to be out here to make $10 to $12 [million] more. Especially considering I brought this all on myself. So you know - minimal injury. Maximum lesson learned." Unfortunately T.I. revealed he lost his lucrative General Motors deal, but vows to pick up the pieces of his career and move on. CASE SETTLED: Snoop Dogg has settled a lawsuit against Priority Records. Originally Snoop D-O double hit his one time label home with a $950,000 lawsuit over failed advances for his album "The Last Meal." According to reports, both sides reached an agreement after an order from a judge demanded them to do so. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, April 11, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN': Comedian Damon Wayans is launching "Wayout TV," a multi-platform production company that will host comedy shows on the internet. Wayout will be offered on YouTube and serve as a safe haven for up & coming writers, directors, producers and even musical talents. Mr. Wayans is negotiating a similar deal with Myspace. FLAVOR OF MONEY: One of the highest rated shows in VH1's history is coming to your phone next month (sort of): Flavor of Love, starring Public Enemy hype man Flava Flav, will be made available as a mobile game. 15 MEGABYTES OF FAME: Though not on purpose, sites such as Myspace and Youtube have created avenues to promote violence. Teenagers, like the ones in the recent "Cheerleader Attack" video, are putting their work online, not realizing the reality of the crime they've committed versus the fame they get in the virtual world (we've already noted MySpace has created a task force to combat crime.) THE NEW ROAMING FEE: Within the next five years, mobile users will be able to travel the world with their own phone number. Your phone will go into "satellite" roam, enabling worldwide usage of your current device. Get more Hi Tech Pimpin' at www.hitechpimpin.com!. RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. The Boss, Rick Ross feat. T-Pain; 4. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey; 3. Sexy Can I, Ray J. feat. Yung Berg; 2. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 1. Lollipop, Lil' Wayne. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 10, 2008
	NICE RIDE: Singer Ciara has been spotted showing off her pricy Rolls Royce while wrapping up her third solo album "Fantasy Ride." The first single features none other than Ludacris, another figure CC has been linked to, but heads have been wondering who's the giver of her new gift. Some have suggested a certain "beefy" rapper, but obviously the leggy singer is more than capable of funding the luxury vehicle herself. DISSED: The Game is picking up where he left off, throwing rocks at the G-Unit throne on a new track featuring other Black Wall Street artists. In the song, Game takes sole responsibility for Young Buck leaving G-Unit Records and lyrically assassinates Fif; the track ends with a member of BWS taking shots at Lloyd Banks and 50. ALMOST OVER: Presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton's White House dreams are dwindling as the April 22 Pennsylvania caucus gets closer. Originally Clinton held a "comfortable" lead over Barack Obama, but a recent poll shows Clinton now holds a mere 4 point advantage. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 10, 2008
	REST IN PEACE: The mother of music legend Bob Marley has passed at the age of 81. According to family members, Cedella Booker passed in Florida after battling a long term illness. COMING HOME: Raptress Foxy Brown is set to be released from New York's infamous Rikers Island next week. After just under a year of incarceration, the Brooklyn Don Diva is being released for good behavior; Brown will concentrate on her independent album and her reality show. CONGRATS: Shout out to Jermaine Dupri who was recently named President of TAG deodorant's new music label. Dupri will maintain his duties at Island Def Jam (which will distribute TAG's music). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
	BACK WITH A VENGEANCE: T.I. has no intentions of kicking his feet up, releasing his track "Hunt 'Em Down" as well as the remix to Usher's "Love In The Club" featuring Young Jeezy. Earlier in the week, TIP hinted he would pop up on the remix and sure enough, yesterday Ersh pushed the button. T.I. is also working on his next album, which is expected be released later this fall. GET BETTER: Singer Toni Braxton is recovering at a Las Vegas hospital after suffering from a case of pericarditis. According to website tmz.com, Braxton may have contracted the disease after giving birth to her latest child. SENTENCED: A crazed fan of rapper Eminem was sentenced after he stole a cell phone belonging to Em's ex Kim Mathers. The 19 year old Canadian man lifted the phone from Mathers at a bingo hall and later returned it after retrieving several numbers including Em's (who he eventually called). The young man was sentenced to a year of probation and fined $200. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 9, 2008
	SUED: The mother of Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond's teenage son has hit 50 Cent and Tony YaYo with a lawsuït related to the assault of the young Henchman. According Cynthia Reed, neither YaYo or Fif apologized for the incident following YaYo's guilty plea to charges of endangering the welfare of her child. SPOTTED: Jay Z and Beyonce appeared at an afterparty for Jay and Mary J. Blige's "Heart of The City" tour last night in Atlanta. Jay and B were nestled in the club's VIP area, sponsored by Jermaine Dupri, before leaving around 3 AM. MORE LEGAL: Plies is being sued for $10 million after a brawl that took place in a Gainesville club in 2006. The lawsuït, which also names Slip N Slide Records, stems from a shootout at the venue after Plies' performance was cut short. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
	YOU STAND CORRECTED: Rapper T.I. Is wasting no time getting back to work, releasing a new track titled "Hunt 'Em Down." Disputing reports from media sites that TIP leaked the track, the ATLien revealed to mtvnews.com that he recorded the single around the time his friend Philant Johnson was murdered. ON THE ROCKS?: Kanye West has appeared at a number of high profile events but his fiancee Alexis, who's been a regular at his side, has been notably absent. According to our inside sources, Ye and Alexis may have called it quits, ending their impending marriage. Word is Ye has been a single man for some time now, but only time will tell. CONGRATS: After years of sitting on the bench, legendary NBA players Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon were inducted into the Hall Of Fame. Both centers, who squared off against each other over the years, also shared time together as members of the Olympic Dream Team. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, April 8, 2008
	OUTTA HERE: As expected, 50 Cent told a New York radio station that he gave Young Buck his walking papers from G-Unit. Fif and Buck have been going back and forth in a series of events that included Buck reuniting with Cash Money onstage, his absence from various G-Unit mixtapes and his comments regarding lack of royalties during his time on the Unit. In the latest edition of XXL Mag, Fiddy hinted at some dissension between the two saying Buck's actions were similar to The Game's prior to his exit from G-Unit, and that Buck was headed down the same road. Young Buck will remain as a solo artist on G-Unit - let the games begin! KEEP IT MOVING: Jay-Z is clearly not on a honeymoon as it's been announced he'll headline the O2 Wireless festival, kicking off in July at London's Hyde Park. POOR RAY J: Brandy's little brother Ray J is all grown up with the major hit "Sexy Can I" and an anticipated album dropping today. Safe to say everything is going well; so well many are wondering why the new R&B heartthrob is drumming up controversy surrounding the late greats Notorious BIG and Tupac. Ray J recently told Rhapsody: "We walked in one day and Faith was sitting on Pac's lap while Pac was writing a verse. It was like, 'What the fck is going on?' That was one of the craziest sights, dog. Three weeks later, 'Hit 'Em Up' came out." What would motivate Ray J to re-hash news that's over a decade old is the question! HOW YA LIVIN’?:* Although we are slipping into a recession, plastic surgeons report that y’all are still spending money on plastic surgery. However, the same doctors say there are some surgeries you should avoid, like toe shortening (cutting the bones in the toes to make the foot more petite), limb lengthening (cutting and stretching leg and arm bones to add inches), butt implants and tattooed make-up. Duh. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, April 7, 2008
	DISGRACE: The L.A. Times newspaper has completely retracted the story "An Attack on Tupac Shakur Launched a Hip-Hop War" from its website this morning. The Times published a new story stating: "An article and related materials published on the Los Angeles Times website on March 17 have been removed because they relied heavily on information that The Times no longer believes to be credible." Now hopefully the Tines will also retract Mr. Phillips' job. SPEAKING OF: Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond, a figure at the center of the Times' investigation into the Shakur case, released a statement following the publication's retraction: "We're pleased that the L.A. Times has gone further in admitting that not only were the FBI reports which implicated Mr. Rosemond fake, but that the underlying claims about his involvement in the assault on Tupac were fake as well. We hope that in the future the Times recognizes that fabricating scurrilous accusations in an effort to sell newspapers completely undermines their credibility." KEEP IT GOING: Rapper Papoose is showing no signs of letting go of his gripes against Fat Joe as the Brooklyn spitter has released a video for his dis record against Joe. The video for the song "A Fair One" shows clips of Pap at various locations and depicts Joe in some quite laughable scenarios that may not be so funny to the Bronx heavyweight. To date, Fat Joe has yet to respond to Papoose. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, April 6, 2008
	CONGRATULATIONS: Mary J. Blige shouted out Jay Z and Beyonce last night during the Heart of the City tour, leaving fans to assume the couple was indeed hitched Friday night. "Congratulations to my man Jay Z and B," said Blige, before breaking into her hit "All I Need." LORD HELP!: Gospel singer Yolanda Adams released her tax returns to the IRS after the government secured a court order requiring her to do so. Adams is under the IRS' watchful eye after mortgage loans tied to one of the singer's businesses were discovered. The IRS reversed their initial request for a judge to intervene to force Adams to cooperate with the government. TONIGHT: The History channel will air a special on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marking the 40th anniversary of his death. "King" is a two hour eulogy, featuring his son Martin III and several of King's colleagues. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, April 5, 2008
	I DID IT MY WAY: Were Jay-Z and Beyonce married last night? Those reports are more questionable than if Princess Diana was pregnant at the time of her deadly car crash. According to people.com, the boyfriend and girlfriend of the past six years exchanged vows in New York City; the ceremony was attended by Jay-Z's mom Gloria Carter, Beyonce's dad Matthew Knowles, mom Tina, sister Solange and Destiny's Child members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams. Hov has been infamously known to keep his personal and business lives separate, going years into their relationship without once acknowledging its existence despite various public appearances together. MY BUSINESS: Jay-Z spoke to a media outlet last year about relationships: "I think people are only interested in (a relationship) three times: When you get together, when you break up, and when you have a baby. They don't have good intentions. People just want to manipulate the situation to benefit them. I think relationships are broken up because of the media." If Jay-Z and Beyonce are married, then congratulations; if not, then congrats Hov for once again reminding us how brilliant you are! AUCTIONED OFF: According to a report from the Augusta Chronicle, a number of personal items from late singer James Brown will be auctioned off. Up to 400 items are up for bid to pay a severe debt Brown owed the government at the time of his death. THE RESPONSE: In a statement, Whitney Houston's reps have responded to Bobby Brown's strong accusations in his upcoming memoir: "Miss Houston is sad that Bobby feels the need to say such things but she chooses to take the high road and will not speak badly about the father of her child, even if it's to set the record straight." Oh well, it was worth a try. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, April 4, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN Earlier this week, RCA Music Group announced Alicia Keys' "No One" has reached the half-a-mil mark for ringbacks sold in the U.S., making it the first ever ringback to go gold. The "No One" ringtone sold over two million units. WORD FROM CUBA: The new president of Cuba, Raul Castro, has granted "ordinary" citizens the ability to use mobile phones! Please believe it - mobile phone service was once only allowed for those who worked in government. THE BIG APPLE: A couple of months ago, Apple passed Best Buy to become the #2 music retailer behind Wal-Mart (and might actually be on pace to outsell the retail giant!) DIG THIS: The cell phone accessory business has turned into big business, according to ABI Research; sales of accessories like cases, ear pieces and memory cards could top $80 billion in sales by 2012. This year, the business is on track to bring in over $40 billion. STEP YA GAME UP: Read these stories and more online at hitechpimpin.com, "Hip Hop's Love For Mobile Gadgets!" RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Umma Do Me, Rocko 4. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey; 3. Sexy Can I, Ray J. feat. Yung Berg; 2. Love in this Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 1. Lollipop, Lil' Wayne 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 3, 2008
	IS THIS WHAT YOU WANT?: Jay-Z and tour powerhouse Live Nation have announced a deal to keep Hov in the Forbes top 50 for the next couple of years. It's been reported Jay-Z is close to signing a whopping $150 million deal, surpassing Madonna's $100 million dollar pact. As part of the agreement, Jay will release his last album on Def Jam this year, then leave the label and produce up to three albums under the new Live Nation deal. FINALLY: Ja Rule could learn a thing or two from Ashanti. The "Princess of Hip Hop and R&B" will drop her next album "Declaration" this June. Both Ashanti and Ja have leaked out a number of joints, but with the success of 'Shanti's single "The Way I Love You", the starlet appears to be ready to go! DRAMA: Recently, N.E.R.D. shot the video for their single "Everyone Nose" which reportedly led to violence. Word is during the shoot - which included Lindsay Lohan and Kanye West - two of the extras began fighting, sending one man to the hopsital. According to eyewitnesses, none of the celebrities were present at the time of the altercation. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, April 3, 2008
	WHERE'S 50?: Wrestlemania XXIV came and went this past Sunday with 50 Cent nowhere to be found. Originally Fif was set to walk Floyd Mayweather out to his showdown with Big Show, but as it got closer to showtime, Floyd was present but 50 wasn't. So where was Fif? Well, our inside sources say 50 and the G-Unit crew were in Hawaii promoting their upcoming album. HONORED: Spike Lee was recently honored by Chrysler with the Chrysler LLC Behind the Lens Award. As part of the accolade, Chrysler will donate $25,000 to the school of journalism at Morehouse, Spike's alma mater. HERE WE GO: Singer Usher has announced his next studio album "Here I Stand" will come in May. Originally the project was slated for a June release, but obviously Zomba heads are more excited about the project due to the success of Ersh's Polow Da Don produced track "Love In This Club" featuring Young Jeezy. POLITRICKS: Tomorrow marks the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King – we wonder what he would think of such developments as the current historic presidential race, high levels of black on black violence, the war in Iraq and the destruction that still remains from Katrina. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, April 2, 2008
	MISTAKES HAPPEN: Rapper Spice-1 has conducted his first interview since he was shot last year while asleep in his vehicle. Spice tells dubcnn.com he was sleeping in his truck when a burglar attempted to rob the vehicle, surprised to find the rapper present "He saw a big ass nigga coming at him and shot! (laughs) I don't blame him, shit I'm 6'1, I weigh 220 pounds, and dude was kinda small... I woulda shot too with a big ass nigga coming at me like that, but he was trying to break into my truck while I was sitting in it, and he got scared and shot and ran at the same time." Spice goes on further to state that he's officially back after performing his first show last weekend. THIS TIME FOR REAL?: We've heard it all before, Jay-Z and Beyonce were secretly married off an exotic island as a small number of family and friends looked on. Well, this time people.com is reporting the two recently obtained a marriage license in Upstate, NY. Also, according to usmagazine.com a "source close to the couple" told the website Jay and B plan to marry sometime in May. While this all sounds nice we're sure Jay is profiting from the hype via his 'Heart Of The City" tour. RELAUNCHED: While the Detroit spitter, Eminem, is busy wrapping up his next album it's been reported the blonde hair emcee has found the time to re-launch his Shady clothing line. Em can be seen in a number of upcoming ads promoting the newly revamped line. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
	DID YOU KNOW?: Hillary Clinton has come under a firestorm of backlash following her Bosnia sniper claims; but did you know the man responsible for blowing the lid was none other than comic Sinbad? Apparently he and singer Sheryl Crow tagged along on the 1996 trip; the comedian told the Washington Post the only threatening part was deciding where to eat: "I never felt that I was in a dangerous position. I never felt a sense of 'Oh, God, I hope I'm going to be OK when I get out of this helicopter or out of this tank. I think the only 'red-phone' moment was: 'Do we eat here or at the next place?'" BUCK THE ADS: Is Young Buck the new face of the Red Bull helmed music division? The energy drink is throwing their weight behind the sagging music industry (why?), funding studio time with a few high-profile musicians. Young Buck is one of the most recent artists who shared time in the Red Bull provided lab with an up and coming producer. Sources say the company will launch a fully operated record label by the year's end. FEDS TAKIN' PICTURES: Who was surprised at the "revelation" that civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. was being watched by the FBI? It was reported the Feds tracked King's every move, which was startling news to many supporters. According to documents, the FBI ramped up their efforts to monitor King following his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. HELL UNIT: On Indy radio station WBLS, rapper 50 Cent stated that he is toying with using the Notorious Hell's Angel Gang as personal security. The motorcycle gang recently made the news with their attempted "hit" on Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger in the late 1960s. UDub!News caught up with Fiddy and asked why he chose such an "unorthodox" group of known hellraisers for security: "If motha fckas was gonna try and kill Mick Jagger - and he white! - I knew I should add them to the squad!" WORD IS: Fiddy is planning to have members of the Nevada Chapter of Hell's Angels in his upcoming music video for "Night Riders". Should Fat Joe be concerned? 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!*

Tuesday, April 1, 2008
	FOR THE PEOPLE: 50 Cent is a man for the people. The G-Unit head told MTV that one of his ongoing disagreements with Eminem, specifically takes aim at Fif's mixtape grind. Leading up to the release of last year's not so spectacular "Curtis" album, Fiddy made mention he'd be granting Interscopes wishes and not puttting out mixtapes. However, Fif feels plenty of things went wrong leading up to that release, one of them holding out to the mixtape audience. Since then, the G-Unit camp has released three mixtapes not including the upcoming Gangsta Grillz: G-Unit edition. DAMAGED GOODS: Rapper Yung Berg is enjoying success with the collaboration on Ray-J's "Sexy Can I" and now is putting the focus back on himself readying his new album. Shortly before previewing his new track, Berg sat down with DJ Envy where he spoke on Reggie Bush and Kim Kardashian, shooting down any rumors of potential beef betweeen Bush and Ray J over Miss K, whom he refers to as "damaged goods." Berg is apparently on a task to take on another pint size rapper, Bow Wow. Or as he calls him, Lil Bow Wow." Let the record speak for itself. IM IN: Add Mos Def to the flick "Cadillac Records" which also features Beyonce. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Mos will play the roll of music legend Chuck Berry. HOW YA LIVIN'?: You're livin' with paternity tests from the comfort of your home; the DNA sample which is collected is then sent to a lab (results are available in about five days for $119). But before you become Maury Povich - the kits aren't on sale in New York as a court order is required for paternity tests and these results aren't admissible as evidence in court. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, March 31, 2008
	JAY GETS POLITICAL: Brooklyn, NY's unofficial mayor Jay-Z is getting his politics on during his joint tour with Mary J. Blige. Towards the end of his set during the track "Blue Magic", Jay prompts the crowd to repeat the lyrics to the song where he raps "Fuck Bush", followed by a full screen image of Barack Obama. "We're not sponsored by Obama," Jay points out, while mentioning he's supporting Obama and that it is "time for a change." REST IN PEACE: Tragedy has struck the Levert family again as it's been reported Sean Levert has passed. The younger Levert was jailed last week on charges of failing to pay back child support and according to family members, the aforementioned factors may have been too much for the singer who was found dead in his cell. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Sean Levert. HAPPY BORN DAY: A special Happy Birthday shout out goes to Shaquille O'Neal who celebrated his birthday on Friday night in NYC. With a new lady on his arm, Shaq popped bottles with friends such as DJ Kay Slay, Phoenix Suns' forward Amare Stoudemire, ESPN's Steven Smith and plenty more. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, March 29, 2008
	GETTIN' MARRIED: Brooklyn upstart rapper Papoose has confirmed he and Remy Ma are an item, acknowledging to MTV News (sorry secondary wanna-be urban sites) the couple was indeed scheduled to exchange vows and will move ahead with their plans: "We always wanted to keep our personal lives personal, so that's why we never went public with our relationship. Right now, I just feel like she gotta live through me. Yes, we were scheduled to be married on a yacht April 27th. But due to circumstances beyond our control, we are now making arrangements to be married in prison." PRAY FOR THE BEST: Like Papoose, family and friends of Miss Smith are using her Myspace page to ask for the Bronx emcee's fan base to express their support in hopes a judge will hand down a light prison sentence next month: "Please write letters about how Remy and her music have positively affected you, influenced you and inspired you in hopes that a judge will be lenient in Remy's upcoming sentence." All letters can be sent to: LettersForRemy@gmail.com. 14 CENTS AND COUNTING: Beanie Sigel is back in a prison cell after a judge ordered the Philly native to serve three months and an additional year of probation for failing to meet requirements of his probation. Beans reportedly failed a scheduled drug test, which he says is partly due to financial depression. Beanie revealed he gets a mere 14 cents from each of his records sold and is currently suffering due to restrictions that don't allow him to travel and do shows. THAT’S A GOOD LOOK: According to reports, Jay-Z will be the new face of Fendi. Joining pal Pharrell who has a line with Louis Vuitton, Hovito makes his way into the world of high end fashion and has already begun taking part in photo shoots for Fendi ads. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, March 28, 2008
	THE KING SPEAKS: Clifford "T.I." Harris spoke to the media yesterday following his guilty plea on federal weapons charges: "I'd like to thank God with blessing me with a second chance at life and success. I'm grateful that the court and the government have given me the chance as part of my sentence to help kids live safe, be productive and avoid making the same mistakes I've made. I've realized completely that I've violated the law and I accept that I must be punished. The most important thing to me is that I can turn this negative thing in my life into a positive." GET WELL: After much back and forth debating, it's been revealed one time Jim Jones underling Max B was shot yesterday in New York City. While details remain sketchy, various reports say Max was shot outside of a car dealership in his arm and and side, and is currently recovering. Max B made a name for himself alongside Jim Jones on a number of hits as a fledging member of Jones' Byrd Gang faction, but recently the two men have been embroiled in a war of words. YOU BE THE JUDGE: Weeks back in an interview with yoraps.com , G-Unit rapper Young Buck claimed he hadn't received royalities from his recording contract. Buck manager and G-Unit co-founder Sha Money XL said the accusations were false and that Buck had indeed received royalties. Now Yo! Raps heads are coming out swinging: "The interview was published within two weeks after I interviewed Young Buck, which is standard. As a journalist, I was just trying to find out what was going on with Young Buck's career. As a journalist, it's often that we get criticized for the work we do and what is published. That is something he wanted to get off his chest. I can see if I was instigating the situation by asking a question like - I heard you didn't get any royalties from 50, is that true? But I didn't mention anything of the sort. Young Buck took the interview in that direction and I have the audio file to prove what Young Buck said." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, March 27, 2008
	PLEA: T.I. accepted a plea today as part of his federal weapons case. Originally it was reported TIP would receive a year in a Federal penitentiary, but the FBI says he could actually get up to three years and a 100K fine. T.I. will also serve up to 1500 hours of community service speaking to youths about violence, gangs and drugs. NOW WHAT?: Earlier today, Remy Ma was found guilty on two assault charges; the Bronx emcee faces sentencing next month. Depending on what's handed down from the judge presiding over the case, Rem could potentially face up to 25 years in jail, potentially ending her rap career. According to sources, Rem was in the midst of a major bidding war to release her sophomore album; she is also the mother of a young son. Our prayers go out to Remy Ma and her family, as well the victim Makeda Barnes-Joseph. COMING SOON: Crooner Ne-Yo will return this year with a new studio album titled "Year of the Gentleman." "Gentleman" marks Ne-Yo's third disc and is perfectly timed as he feels R&B music needs him: "Years ago, if you weren't wearing the right suit or had a correct crease in your pants, you couldn't even get in the door--let alone on stage to perform." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
	GOTCHA: Less than two weeks since his controversial "Diddy and Biggie Knew Tupac Was Being Set-Up" story hit the wires, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Chuck Phillips was dealt a devastating blow to his investigative report. Website thesmokinggun.com is reporting Phillips' article was based on forged documents from one of the men at the center of the allegations, James Sabatino. The report goes even further to state the FBI was never a part of the investigation, rather the Secret Service. G-UNIT GANGSTA GRILLZ ON THE WAY: 50 Cent sure does know how to maintain a buzz between diss records, Photoshop wars and magazine covers; now Fif and DJ Drama are coming together for the first official Gangsta Grillz/G-Unit collaboration. Drama told MTV: "We're gonna have fun with it. Let the mixtape game come back to life. It's been over a year since the historical [RIAA] raid, and the mixtape game is still here. That's what we're out to prove. 50 is a monster in the game, I'm a monster in the game. The combination is gonna kill the streets." CHARGES: A Virginia man has been hit with extortion charges related to an alleged shakedown of basketball legend Allen Iverson. According to Virginia Beach authorities, the Hampton man attempted to extort cash from the b-ball player after he was arrested on marijuana charges in Iverson's car. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
	FINALLY: Lil' Wayne will finally release his highly anticipated album "The Carter III" on May 13th. Wayne is riding high after two years of guest appearance frenzies and mixtape massacres; now with the official release of his single "Lollipop" and the street leaker "Milli", Wayne is ready to blast off. ALSO: Speaking of big dogs, The Game has announced his "L.A.X. Times" album will hit shelves on June 24th. Game is also heating things up with the Cool N Dre produced banger "Big Dreams.". GOOD LUCK: Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and an aide both entered not guilty pleas surrounding lying about their involvement in a steamy affair. Kilptrick marks the latest high profile politician at the center of a sex scandal; if convicted, he could face up to 90 years in jail. Ouch. APPROVED: The long proposed merger between satellite radio giants XM and Sirius was approved by the U.S. Justice Department. The deal would bring together stations from celebs including Eminem (and his popular Shade 45), Oprah Winfrey, Ludacris, Jamie Foxx and more. However, the deal is facing approval from the Federal Communications Commission before fans can rock out to the joint venture. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, March 25, 2008
	LET IT GO: Mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs is throwing in the towel as it's been reported he settled his ongoing assault lawsuit. According to various media outlets, Diddy will pay an undisclosed amount to a man he allegedly backhanded for speaking to his woman. Court papers filed on Friday by his legal team support this report. IN THE JURY’S HANDS: Remy Ma rested her case yesterday, leaving the fate of her career and life in the hands of twelve jurors. During closing arguments, her lawyers argued their client did not intentionally shoot her friend Makeda Barnes-Joseph, but that the gun accidentally went off after the two women struggled over it; Remy is accused of shooting her friend after she allegedly stole $3000 from her. Keep your head up, Rem. HOW YA LIVIN’?: You may be living on borrowed time if you are renting from a homeowner who might be in foreclosure. At least 20% of the properties that are being foreclosed on are occupied by renters, who often find out they’ll soon be homeless only a few days before the process is completed (in several cases, while the foreclosure process was happening, the homeowner continued to collect rent from unsuspecting tenants. Shady.) 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, March 24, 2008
	EMOTIONAL EASTER: T.I. and his family attended the Georgia Dome yesterday morning for what's been reported as a very emotional Easter service. TIP, wifey Tiny and their five children - plus over 10,000 members of the New Birth Baptist church - sat through a service that included a special message from the Trap star himself: "We're here to celebrate the death of our Lord and Savior. He was willing to give his life so that we may ask for forgiveness for our sins and be saved.no matter how many times we have to ask.or how long it takes to get it right." Props to sandrarose.com. NOT GONNA BE ABLE TO DO IT: Crazed anchorman Bill O'Reilly sicced his goons on Jesse Jackson in hopes to get Jackson to speak on the controversial comments from Obama's pastor Reverend Wright. A FOX news producer aggressively confronted the civil rights activist, but Jackson refused to answer, pointing out his main concerns were the war and economy. Shortly after Jackson exited the interview, O.G. journalist Davey D turned the tables on the reporter, asking him questions similar to the ones the producer posed to Jackson. UPSTAGED: UWN has exclusively learned Brooklyn diva Foxy Brown may be released from New York City's Rikers Island in the next three weeks. According to a source close to Brown, the raptress will definitely drop her debut independent album this year and is currently wrapping up a major deal that should be announced very soon. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, March 23, 2008
	SET IT OFF: Jay-Z and Mary J Blige kicked off their "Heart Of The City" tour in Miami and as promised, both mega stars delivered. Hov and MJB tore through their endless catalog of hits from over the years before bringing out friends Timbaland and Kanye West. The Dream opened up, while Young Jeezy and Fabolous also came out to show their support. OH BOY!: Comedian Mike Epps has reportedly been hit with a lawsuit that's no laughing matter. Website tmz.com is reporting the comic/actor was hit with a suit from a Georgia woman who has alleged Epps is refusing to take a paternity test over her newborn child. While the young woman’s attorney has told the media Epps is denying he's the father, obviously there's two sides to every story. ENDORSEMENT: The United States' only Latino governor, New Mexico's Bill Richardson, has put his money on Barack Obama. Richardson was quoted saying Obama won his heart earlier this week after what some are calling a speech of a lifetime in the wake of some not so friendly comments made by Obama’s pastor. Richardson has been labeled a hypocrite for turning on Hillary Clinton; many – including the governor himself - have acknowledged he owes the Clintons for helping to fuel his political career. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, March 22, 2008
	I HATE SOULJA BOY: An Illinois boy was taken into custody after he threw a rock through the window of a bus rapper Soulja Boy was riding in. Bloomington officers arrested the 12 year old following a concert at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum; according to WJBC, when asked what his motivation was for tossing the stone, the young man replied: "I hate Soulja Boy." JUST A FRIEND: Chris Brown has shot down reports he and sexy siren Rihanna are an item. In an interview with MTV, Brown explained: "From a relationship standpoint I am a single guy, I am definitely single. I have a close friend [though] but it's not like a relationship. I'm not trying to settle down - I'm only 18, so I'm just trying to live my life and have fun". FREE MAN: Tony Taylor - co-defendant turned songbird in NFL quarterback Mike Vick's federal dogfighting case - is a free man. Taylor was released from a prison work camp in Lewisburg, PA after serving two months; Vick, who pled guilty to the charges, is currently serving a 23 month sentence. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, March 21, 2008
	NO ID: Pimple popper Soulja Boy is taking a few friends along on his "21 And Under Tour" kicking off in April. Soulja Boy, Lil' Mama, Tiffany Evans and more will kick off the trek in Myrtle Beach, SC and wrap in mid-May in Atlanta. INTERNET WARS, VOL. 2: Fat Joe sent shots back at 50 Cent following the mock funeral sponsored by the G-Unit founder. Apparently handlers from the Terror Squad released a video clip which highlights Fiddy's marketing dollars loss during promotion for his "Curtis" album. As reported yesterday, although first week sales appear a bit sluggish for Joe, the video clip suggests Joe's debut raked in roughly $50,000. Not bad for 50K units, eh? EASTER EGG HUNT: T.I. was granted permission to leave his home on Sunday for Easter service at a local Atlanta church. TIP is scheduled to leave his home for the first time from 9 AM to 2 PM after a similar request was denied for the Thanksgiving holiday. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, March 20, 2008
	GOING DIGITAL: Ludacris is the latest artist to throw his hat into the Internet as he launches a digital community dubbed wemix.com. The new site allows users to create their own pages, develop revenue streams and interact with top artists and producers. Ludacris now joins other web savvy celebs such as 50 Cent, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, T.I., and many more. GAME OVER?: Barack Obama has clinched the Democratic nomination - that is, if you ask columnist Dick Morris. In a recent post on realclearpolitics.com the journalist says that although Obama's pastor has come under fire for his outlandish remarks - not to add a minor slip in his lead - there's no way mathematically Hillary Clinton can catch Obama even if she wins all of the upcoming primaries (Obama is currently 170 votes ahead.) SPEAKING OUT: One of the Notorious B.I.G.'s managers has started a blog just as the film dedicated to one of the greatest rappers gets underway. In a post, Wayne Barrow elaborates on how they decided to cast Brooklyn MC Gravy for the role of BI: "Although Jamal has a bit of history of his own in the music industry, he is still relatively unknown, which we thought was an integral element in filling the role. Jamal, a Brooklyn native, has been working hard to capture the spirit of Christopher's character, the soul of the man." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, March 20, 2008
	LAX TIMES: Rapper The Game is readying his third solo effort, and to show and prove, he's just released the new track "Big Dreams." Cool - of Cool & Dre, who produced the record - told MTV News the track came immediately following his short prison stint: "It's like when 'Pac came outta prison and did 'California Love' that same night. When he was going to jail he said he didn't know how long he's gonna be going in for. But he was like, 'When I come out, I'm ready to go.' So the day he got out, we got the call, like, 'Yo, come to L.A. right now.' So me and Dre jumped on the plane." DEARLY BELOVED: To be considered one of the most powerful businessmen in hip hop, 50 Cent sure does have plenty of free time on his hands. The G-Unit mastermind has released another online video dedicated to Fat Joe, depicting a mock funeral for the Bronx bomber in light of his first week sales, which Fif says pretty much ends Joe's rap career. Only thing is, for an independent label like Imperial, those numbers may be acceptable to the brass. WARNING SHOTS: In the video, Fif also warned Rick Ross to stand clear of Fat Joe or else. In the past, Jadakiss, The LOX and Joe himself were victims of Fiddy's wrath due to their relationships with nemeses of his, specifically Ja Rule. POLITRICKS: Yesterday marked year five of the Iraq war; while President Bush boldly defended his choice to start the conflict, the media shared the sobering fact that almost 4,000 Americans have been killed in battle. However, the media did not mention how many Iraqis have died since the invasion. Hmmm. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
	AND ANOTHER ONE: Add comedian Pauly Shore to the growing list of the Michael Richard-alikes after the mouthy actor went on a racist rant. In an online video, Shore claims black comedians are putting white comics out of business and that white folks would be "picking cotton" in a few years. The soon to be controversial clip ends with Shore hinting the tables were turning on the Caucasian community, proof being the number one candidate for the upcoming election is a black man. Let the backlash begin!. ET TO THE MONEY: Young Buck is back in the G-Unit bashing headlines yet again. In an interview with yoraps.com , Buck spoke on his royalty situation with G-Unit, saying he's never once received a royalty check: "I'm the only artist on G-Unit that ever recouped off of an album. Meaning I went off on this 'Buck The World' project not owing Interscope and G-Unit sht, I can say that much. I'm still waiting on a royalty check period. I never seen a royalty check since I've been signed with G-Unit...I've never in my career cashed a royalty check, how you like that?" SHUT IT DOWN:* Danity Kane held an album release party last night in New York City to celebrate their release "Welcome To The Dollhouse." The five stunning young ladies were joined by the likes of Ne-Yo, Patti LaBelle, Maino, Jaslene Gonzalez and more until the wee hours at the Meatpacking District's Club Tenjune. WOMEN'S HISTORY: Latina pride is the focus today - have you heard of: Dolores Huerta, who was co-founder of the United Farm Workers and organizer of the grape boycott along with Cesar Chavez, although she has only recently been given full credit for this; Nancy Lopez, a prominent woman golfer who was inducted into the LPGA's Hall of Fame in 1987; and Antonia Novello the first female to serve as Surgeon General of the United States who focused her medical and public health career on children and women. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, March 19, 2008
	THE RESULTS ARE IN: Miami "boss" Rick Ross will land atop the Billboard charts with his number one album "Trilla", which sold an impressive 198,000 copies in its first week. Snoop Dogg trails closely behind with 136K units sold; Fat Joe's independent "The Elephant In The Room" moved just under 50,000 copies. FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Actors such as The Wire's Snoop Pearson and Jamie Hector, John Amos, Ruby Dee and more came out to support "Healing Starts With Us" held in New York City. The campaign, which kicked off yesterday at the legendary Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center, also included actress Mo'Nique, author Terri McMillan and publisher Susan L. Taylor. BACK FOR MORE: Embattled L.A. Times writer Chuck Phillips participated in a live chat yesterday afternoon where the journalist defended his bombshell report published on Monday. According to Phillips, he attempted to reach out to Diddy and Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond prior to publishing his article but was unsuccessful in his attempts. Phillips also promised two additional articles over the next eight months, one of which insiders say will focus again on similar parties as the Tupac reporting. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
	A PERFECT UNION: This morning, Barack Obama delivered what may be a defining speech in his candidacy for President of the U.S. He addressed issues of race, covering everyone from Blacks to Latinos to Whites, stuck up for his friend Jeremiah Wright while denouncing his comments, and revealed his own grandmother was afraid of Black men and had used racial slurs. He ended the speech saying that we will never have a perfect union as the Founding Fathers envisioned, but that each new generation can work towards that goal. DENIED: Will Smith and wife Jada Pinkett-Smith have denied reports that they are members of the Church of Scientology. The NY Daily News is reporting Smith has denied all ties to the church that pal Tom Cruise is a faithful member of: "You don't have to be Jewish to be a friend of Steven Spielberg. You don't have to be a Muslim to be a friend of Muhammad Ali. And you don't have to be a Scientologist to be a friend of Tom Cruise. I am a Christian. I am a student of all religions." TWO TIMES A CHARM?: Sexy singer Rihanna and her Def Jam record label have decided to re-release her "Good Girl Gone Bad" album. The re-release scheduled for late May will include the new single "Take A Bow." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, March 18, 2008
	CHARGED: D-12 manager Jeremey Geffen was charged with multiple felony counts of rape by use of drugs and rape of an unconscious person; his alleged victims were teenage girls. Geffen's legal counsel released a statement: "I strongly respect my client's presumption of innocence. I like to think I specialize in cases of innocent clients, and that is why I am attracted to this case." AW MAN DAMN: David Paterson was officially sworn in yesterday as New York state's first black governor. On his first day in office, Paterson admitted he and his wife of over a decade had a brief seperation during which the two were involved with other parties; local news outlets have plastered the revelations across their platforms. However, Paterson vowed to pick up the pieces of the embattled state and get back to business. HOW YA LIVIN'?: If you're a black teenage girl, you're more likely than any other ethnic group to have an STD. 25% of teenagers have a sexually transmitted disease, and most of those girls are African American (who are also less likely to have the resources to get treatment for their disease). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, March 17, 2008
	AND HERE IT IS: As promised, the L.A. Times published a scathing article about the infamous 1994 Tupac shooting in New York City, naming Diddy, Notorious B.I.G. and Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond as players in the "set-up." In his article, Chuck Phillips alleges Diddy and the late great BIG were aware the setup was taking place, which a “source” says was masterminded by Rosemond. Phillips claims Bad Boy was attempting to sign Shakur, who at the time was managed by Rosemond. CLAP BACK: Rosemond – clearly heated - responded to allegations: "In the past 14 years, I have not even been questioned by law enforcement with regard to the assault of Tupac Shakur, let alone brought up on charges. Chuck Phillips, who in the past has falsely claimed that the Notorious B.I.G. was in Las Vegas when Tupac was murdered and supplied the gun that killed Tupac - only to be proven wrong as Biggie was in New Jersey recuperating from a car accident - has reached a new low by employing fourth-hand information from desperate jailhouse informants along with ancient FBI reports. I simply ask for all rap and Tupac fans to analyze this fiction for what it is, along with Phillips' motives. I am consulting with my attorneys about my legal rights regarding this libelous piece of garbage.” DIDDY SPEAKS: Sean "Diddy" Combs also chimed in on Phillips' article: "This story is beyond ridiculous and is completely false. Neither Biggie nor I had any knowledge of any attack before, during, or after it happened. It is a complete lie to suggest there was any involvement by Biggie or myself. I am shocked that the L.A. Times would be so irresponsible as to publish such a baseless and completely untrue story." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, March 16, 2008
	HERE WE GO AGAIN: Controversial L.A. Times writer Chuck Phillips claims in a new report that both Biggie and Puffy were aware Tupac Shakur was being set up the night he was shot in NYC’s Quad Studios. The article, which is scheduled to publish tomorrow morning, details that while B.I.G. and Diddy had prior knowledge to the set up, they were not involved; it also implicates Jimmy "Henchman" Rosemond as being involved in the plot, a theory that's been refuted by various parties. FOR A GOOD CAUSE: Rapper Jim Jones and singer Lyfe Jennings will serve as panelists to raise awareness about AIDS; Jones is no stranger to the epidemic, having lost his father to AIDS. The third annual "HIV/AIDS and the Hip-Hop Generation" takes place end of March and is sponsored by Howard University's Afro-American Studies Department. SAY IT AIN'T SO: Snoop Dogg is in the headlines again for another controversial comment regarding African American women. Snoop recently told Hot 97's Miss Info: "How many ugly women selling records? None! Only the pretty ones sell records - Beyonce, Mary J, Keyshia Cole. The ugly ones don't sell - I ain't gon say no names; they just be singing their little hearts out. Now, that's my fault?" Dozens of women activists went after Snoop last year when he referred to the "bitches" in his music as the women who are in the "hood trying to bring a brother down." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, March 15, 2008
	GAME SUED: The Game has been out of jail not even a week and the victim at the center of the case has reportedly lobbed a lawsuit at the tatted Compton rapper. In the suit, Shannon Rodrick alleges Game sucker punched him after a game of basketball then proceeded to his vehicle to retrieve a gun. REMY UPDATE: Remy Ma's friend turned foe took the stand yesterday to tell her side of a story that ended with her being shot. Makeda Barnes-Joseph testified she wasn't worried when Remy pulled out a gun: "When she did that I knew she was trying to make a scene." Moments later the two tussled over a purse and Barnes was shot in the abdomen. R.I.P.: The staff at UW would like to extend our condolences to DJ Wits, who passed early yesterday due to complications from a heart attack. The Albany, NY native made strides as one of the first blind DJs to make a name for himself as a mixtape DJ player and disc jockey for the Music Choice channel. NOT THE CASE: Reps for Atlanta trapper Shawty Lo released a statement denying rumors about the rapper's health, clarifying Lo has not been infected by HIV but confirming Shawty is battling diabetes: "Carlos 'Shawty Lo' Walker is not infected with the virus that causes AIDS. He does however suffer from diabetes, a serious condition that affects millions of people, particularly those of color. Despite occasional setbacks, Shawty Lo continues his rigorous work schedule in support of his debut album 'Units in the City'. He appreciates the outpouring of concern and support for his health, but he is doing fine." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, March 14, 2008
	WHO COULD DO IT BETTER?: Gearing up for his "Heart of The City" tour, Jay-Z has been tapped to headline the Pemberton Festival. Jay will headline the first ever Canadian festival alongside Coldplay, Nine Inch Nails and Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers kicking off at the end of July in Pemberton. B.C BOMBS OVER BAGHDAD: As expected, Papoose released a record aimed at Fat Joe titled "Controversy." On the hook, Papoose raps "tell Joe to shoot me a fair one", then comments on the much talked about altercation and even throws in some personal jabs regarding Remy Ma and a childhood friend of Joe's named Charlie Rock. REMY UPDATE: Speaking of Remy Ma, another witness has come forward in her assault trial to testify she did not see the Bronx bombshell with a gun. Witness Krystal Bolton, who's been labeled by the media as "an aspiring rapper", told a courtroom: "I don't recall seeing her at all. I just remember a light flashing and me running to [the victim] on the ground." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, March 14, 2008
	PRODIGY GOES WILD: Rapper Prodigy posted a video on his website that is sure to set off a firestorm of controversy amongst his hip hop peers. In the clip posted on his hnic2.com site, Prodigy speaks on some of his most loved/hated emcees, listing Nas, G-Unit, Young Jeezy, Shawty Lo and more as some of his top rappers, while Jim Jones, Sheek Louch, Joe Budden and Saigon get the bad end of the stick. Let the fight, err, the games begin here!. THE GAME SPEAKS: Embattled rapper The Game released a statement following his early release from an L.A. jail: "I apologize but due to the sensitive negotiations on this matter, I felt it appropriate not to give an exact date on my release. I went directly to the studio with producers Cool & Dre and recorded several records including my street record 'Big Dreams'. Thank you to all my fans as well for the support." NOT GUILTY: Juelz Santana and his lawyer appeared in a New Jersey court yesterday where he pled not guilty to drug charges related to the police stop during which drugs and bullets were found in his vehicle. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, March 14, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN’: West Coast rapper/producer Warren G is currently in the lab cooking up new music exclusively for the mobile space and for distribution through UDub!Music. He also just wrapped on a new “ringtone” track similar to the 80’s classic “Computer Love” featuring Watts, CA spitter Bad Luck, Holla and Blac Nic. NOW THAT’S GANGSTA: Stu Reed, former head of Motorola’s cell phone division, received a $2 million buyout after resigning from his job last week. Peep game: the buyout includes his salary of $445,479 that he will receive for the rest of year and a lump sum of $1.5 million. HTP reported last week Motorola is toying with the idea of selling its handset unit (goodbye Razr?) T-MOBILE SHOUTOUT: Bay Area rapper E-40 just finished recording the new track “Big Time”; in one verse, 40 spits on how he handles his business using his T-Mobile device - can you say endorsement deal? Look for “Big Time” to be featured on 40’s upcoming album “Ball Street Journal”, dropping this summer. A MAKEOVER: Sprint Nextel is remixing its marketing campaign in efforts to retain customers (real talk!). Instead of campaigning about how fast their network is, they’ll promote use of the network to access data services and multimedia features such as music and videos. RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. With You, Chris Brown; 4. She Got It, 2 Pistols; 3. Touch My Body, Mariah Carey; 2. Umma Do Me, Rocko; 1. Love in This Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, March 13, 2008
	BYRDGANG BEEF: Jim Jones is apparently at odds with his one time protege Max B, whose voice can be heard on various Diplomat and Byrd Gang Records and who Jones bailed out of jail late last year on a million dollar bond. According to Max, their fallout stems from lack of payment from Byrd Gang after Max says he wrote the majority of records for Jones, including the smash hit "Ballin'". JIM NOT FEELING MAX: Jim Jones recently broke his silence regarding Max B as things continue to heat up. Jones is clearly disappointed at how things went south, noting he "gave the boy an opportunity and put up a bond" to get him out of jail. Jim Jones considers Max and the mutual friend who introduced them as "friend-enemies." TAKE THAT TAKE THAT!: MTV Europe retracted an earlier story that Kanye West and his fiancee Alexis were married in a small private ceremony. Although the retraction was sent out, according to media outlets, the couple's handlers originally sent out press releases announcing their union. POLITRICKS: The resignation of Eliot Spitzer as New York's governor is official as of Monday, paving the way for David Paterson to be the first Black governor of New York. But word is the powers that be thought it would be good PR to have a black and blind lieutenant governor as a sign of diversity; never did they think he'd actually become governor (joke's on them!) 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008
	IN JAIL: As the days go by, another rapper's name gets added to a court docket. The most recent, Juelz Santana, was arrested in New Jersey and charged with possession of marijuana and hollow point bullets. Apparently Santana was driving one of his luxury whips not far from his residence when cops pulled him over and smelled marijuana; a vehicle search turned up the MJ, hollow point bullets and Jolly Rancher candies. CASE SOLVED?: According to reports, Cincinnati authorities have arrested two men and are looking for the triggerman who took the life of rapper T.I.'s best friend Philant Johnson following an afterparty. Atlanta radio station V103 shed light on the incident, hinting the tragic shooting may have stemmed from a party promoter who attempted to book T.I. for a show following the Cincinnati concert. At press time, the alleged shooter had yet to be apprehended. ON THE MOVE: Ice Cube is readying his next album "Raw Footage" for this week's annual SXSW concert, and is planning to stream his entire March 15 performance live on his website UVNTV.com . "Raw Footage" hits stores this June. WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH: March is Women's History Month; this week we salute strong African American women who you may not know about: Maggie Williams has been heading the charge as campaign manager to Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton; Wangari Maathai is the first woman in central or eastern Africa to hold a Ph.D., the first woman head of a university department in Kenya and the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize; and Maggie Lena Walker was an activist and first known female bank president in the U.S. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, March 12, 2008
	OUT AND ABOUT: It appears The Game has been released from a Los Angeles jail after all. On Monday, reports hit the wires that the tatted Compton spitter received an early release, claims disputed by his management; however, a prison rep says Game was a free man as of yesterday. DID U KNOW?: With the announcement of Governor Elliot Spitzer's resignation, his successor David Paterson will make history as New York's first black governor. More in tomorrow's Politricks! KAY SLAY SPEAKS: A video clip of mixtape champ DJ Kay Slay hit the web yesterday where he spoke on his fallout with Fat Joe. The man who once called himself the "black Fat Joe" confirmed his previously solid relationship with Joe went sour in light of his relationship with 50 Cent. But don't expect the Drama King to throw any darts in Fat Joe's direction - what goes on in the streets, stays in the streets! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
	SAFE AND SOUND: Despite media reports, producer Polow Da Don was not the victim of a robbery. A close associate of the platinum soundman cleared up rumors Polow was stripped of his jewelry in a studio. According to our source, a group of individuals indeed attempted to rob Polow, but were unsuccessful, leaving the producer unharmed. IN STORES: Today is the day several notable hip hop releases hit stores: Miami native Rick Ross drops his sophomore album "Trilla" with the lead single "The Boss" featuring T-Pain, followed by Fat Joe's highly anticipated "Elephant In The Room", featuring guest appearances from Plies, J Holiday and KRS-One. Last but not least, Snoop Dogg drops his "Ego Trippin'" album, coming off his success with the single "Sensual Seduction." SNOOP PARTIES HARD: Snoop Dogg held his album release party last night in New York City and a host of stars came out to support him. Jermaine Dupri, Teddy Riley, Anthony Anderson, Kevin Liles, Freeway and many more graced the "blue" carpet to help Snoop celebrate his "Ego Trippin'" record. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008
	FRIEND OR FOE: Remy Ma's assault trial kicked off into high gear yesterday with the prosecution accusing of Remy of shooting her friend after she allegedly stole money from her; prosecutor Jason Berland claims Remy fired two shots into Makeda Barnes Joseph, then fled the scene and crashed into a parked car. THE DEFENSE PRESENTS THEIR CASE: The defense claimed the shooting was "accidental", and shot back noting the victim changed her story after her grand jury appearance. Ivan Fisher says after Smith's $20 million lawsuit was filed, she changed her original testimony that the two women struggled over the gun, resulting in Smith being shot. Remy has pled not guilty and will return to court today. IN OR OUT?: West Coast big gun The Game has not been released from an L.A. jail; it was reported by various media outlets Jayceon Taylor was let go due to overcrowding, but his management says otherwise: "Reports stating that The Game has been released from prison are false. Although he was transferred from the Twin Towers, he is not expected to be released until early April in time to promote his upcoming album 'L.A.X. Times'. The Game and his family would like to thank his fans for their continued support." HOW YA LIVIN'?: You've heard the phrase "There must be something in the water" - now it's true. 41 million of us are exposed to water with trace amounts of birth control, steroids, antidepressants and more; drugs we take aren't fully absorbed and when we use the bathroom, it gets flushed out (people have also been advised to flush drugs down the toilet). Water treatment plants don't filter out drugs, and that treated water comes back through your pipes - and into your glass. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, March 10, 2008
	DJ CLUE'S TOP PICKS: 1. They Know (Remix) by Shawty-Lo feat. Jeezy, Luda, Lil' Wayne and Plies; 2. Falsetto by The Dream; 3. Touch My Body by Mariah Carey; 4. Love In This Club by Usher feat. Jeezy; 5. The Boss by Rick Ross feat. T-Pain. UNDER THE RADAR: 1. Rider by 50 Cent feat. G-Unit; 2. Cash Flow by Ace feat. T-Pain & Rick Ross. CLUE-SPN: NBA - Houston Rockets are on an 18 game winning streak and will take on the New Jersey Nets to see if they can make it to 19; with no chance of making the playoffs, the Miami Heat has deactivated All-Star guard Dwayne Wade for the season due to a nagging knee injury; Knicks center Eddie Curry's season is over due to a tear in his knee cartilage suffered in last week's game vs. the Pistons. MLB - Cardinals superstar Albert Pujols is out with a torn ligament in his elbow. NFL - Ex-Falcons Q.B. Mike Vick awaits entrance to a Federal drug program to try to reduce his stay in Jail. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, March 10, 2008
	ARE YOU KIDDING?: It's been reported that after just a few days in jail, rapper The Game has been released. According to tmz.com, Game walked out of the Twin Towers Correctional Facility after serving just eight days of his proposed 60 day sentence. OUTRAGED: The mother of Jimmy Rosemond's teenage son is lashing out at Tony YaYo and a book company after the two parties announced a deal that will allow the G-Unit affiliate to serve as a spokesperson for a program that focuses on children. As part of his community service following his guilty plea of harassing Cynthia Reed's young son, YaYo will speak to kids stressing the importance of literacy; Reed feels Marvin's conviction undermines his position as a role model. REED SPEAKS: "Shame on you Glen Toby for letting Marvin Bernard's punishment look like willful charity." YaYo and the Book Bank Foundation are scheduled to go on a promotional tour March 10 - 15th. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, March 8, 2008
	LIL' WAYNE DOES GOOD: Shout out to our readers who keep us updated on the streets. Rapper Lil' Wayne appears in ads for Rap-A-Lot founder J. Prince's "Strapped" condom line; in a statement, Prince says: "In the midst of this crisis where HIV & AIDS is the #1 killer where our people are concerned, I salute Lil' Wayne as an authority figure for taking a stand to inform our people to use Strapped Condoms & to Stay Strapped for Life." REBELS: Scarface and Nas have joined Ice Cube on the remix to his street hit "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It." Previously Cube told MTV he was interested in landing Nas on his new album; now it looks like those wheels are already in motion. PAP DENIES ALL: Who says beef isn't good for a healthy rap career? In a recent interview with sohh.com, Brooklyn young gun Papoose has denied reports he's engaged to marry Remy Ma, saying they're nothing more than good friends. Papoose, whose name has blazed the headlines for the last week following his altercation with Fat Joe, was officially granted his release from Jive Records. Thursday night an excited Kay Slay told the New York City airwaves "Free at last, free at last. Thank GOD almighty, we are free at last." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, March 7, 2008
	LEAKED: Musical sensation Gnarls Barkley's anticipated sophomore album has leaked to the Internet a month prior to its release. "The Odd Couple" is set to drop first week in April, but fans have already downloaded the album that features guest appearances such as Justin Timberlake. A HUMAN FACT: There are 35 wars currently going on in the world, all done in the name of Allah/God. We are the only living animal that kills each other. MORE HI TECH PIMPIN: Samsung has teamed up with shoemaker Adidas to launch the fitness phone "miCoach." The phone features a heartbeat monitor, step counter, MP3 player and 2 megapixel camera. The phone launches first in the U.K. WILL.I.AM MOBILE: Artist Will.i.am is proving to be quite the mobile content king, having made a deal to make his content and online community Dipdive available on the BlackBerry (which is trying to broaden its customer base beyond the 70% of government and corporate employees). RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie feels Will.i.am's community will bring him and other artists directly to the fans. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, March 6, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN’: Chairman of the Board of all Famous Players worldwide Bishop Don “Magic” Juan has joined on board to become the spokesperson of Hi Tech Pimpin’. Look for a slew of new “off da hook” mobile products from the Bishop including ringtones, videos and wallpapers - chuuuuch! HELP WANTED: Motorola’s CEO Greg Brown said he is looking for a new leader with a proven track record and consumer electronics knowledge to head the company’s struggling mobile phone division. Word is someone might have to come out of retirement to help Motorola. EDUCATED BY SPRINT: In light of business problems at Sprint Nextel, they’ve announced a new education grant program that will give away up to $600,000 for the 2008-09 academic year. We encourage those of you in school to take advantage of “Sprint Ahead for Education” - learn more at www.sprint.com. IPHONE INVASION: Apple CEO Steve Jobs reports it will stick to its goal of selling 10 million iPhones by the end of the year! DIG THIS: In England, a couple has been hit with a whopping £11,000 bill after the wife downloaded four episodes of the hit sitcom “Friends” on her “unlimited” phone broadband package. Step ya game up - get the entire scoop and more online at www.hitechpimpin.com. RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Falsetto, The Dream; 4. Love In This Club, Usher feat. Young Jeezy; 3. She Got It, 2 Pistols; 2. Umma Do Me, Rocko; 1. With You, Chris Brown. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, March 6, 2008
	GANGS OF LA: The LA Times is reporting homicides are up 27% in California, with over 70 murders taking place this year alone. Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton has downplayed the racial tensions between Brown and Black but the streets have a different view. Recently, a 17 year old black student and star football player was gunned down near his home by two Hispanic males and a 6 year old Black child was shot in the head by Latinos. DID U KNOW?: The LAPD is the first in the country to work with international law agencies, particularly Latin countries such as Mexico and El Salvador. The FBI and LAPD are making a solid effort to reduce gang activity in California and across the border, and will host an "International Gang Conference" in L.A. kicking off on March 8th and followed by a second meeting April 8th in El Salvador. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED: Along with this partnership comes information sharing - basically, if you get pulled over in L.A., the police can run your background from East L.A. to Mexico City. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, March 6, 2008
	AND THE WINNER IS: Brooklyn upstart rapper Gravy has been tapped to play the role of the Notorious B.I.G. in the upcoming biopic on slain rapper's life. For months, there's been much speculation regarding who exactly would net the role from Guerilla Black to Beanie Sigel. While some critics question if Gravy can fill the shoes of arguably the greatest rapper of all time, it makes sense as Grav is a hefty lyrical rapper hailing from where else...Broooooklyn! DREAM TICKET: Following her comeback win in primary states Ohio and Texas, Hillary Clinton left open the possibility of a Democratic dream ticket featuring herself and Barack Obama. Meanwhile, Obama's camp says they're focusing on the Senator locking down the Democratic presidential nomination before considering any such offers from the Clinton camp. POLITRICKS: Thousands of Americans are "killed" every year by typos at the Social Security office; employees have typed in the wrong Social Security number and even put incorrect names in the system as being deceased. And keep in mind - it can take over a YEAR to get a hearing to clear up any issues (in the meantime, government services from Medicare, welfare, tax returns and more will all be stopped.) 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008
	BANNED...OH YEAH?: You gotta love these Internet platforms. Rampant reporting has suggested Gnarls Barkley's video for their single "Run" is banned from television, due to a disorder caused by its visual effects. More specifically, MTV has been named as one of the outlets to thumb their nose at the clip, but insiders say those reports are false as "Run" will debut on the channel's TRL program tomorrow. SUGE SPEAKS: Embattled rap mogul Suge Knight phoned in to shock jock Wendy Williams' radio show to clear up a couple of rumors. Word had spread last week that Suge was slapped around by a soap opera actress for unknown reasons, which he outright denied, and also noted that hell would more than likely freeze over before he releases the master of the Death Row classic "The Chronic" to its producer, Dr. Dre. I'M NUMBER ONE: As expected, Janet Jackson landed in the number one spot atop the Billboard charts with her new album "Discipline". Janet beat out Erykah Badu and Webbie selling an impressive 180,000 copies of her Island/Def Jam debut. Badu's "NuAmerykah" moved 122,708 units, followed by Webbie's "Savage Life 2" with 70,000 units sold. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

AND IN THIS CORNER:
Boxing champ Floyd Mayweather has raised the stakes for his upcoming Wrestlemania match by adding pal 50 Cent to the bill. Reportedly, Mayweather reached out to Fif last week requesting his presence to walk the boxer in the ring and he gladly accepted. As part of his agreement, Mayweather will receive a whopping $20 million.

SPEAKING OF BEATINGS:
Fat Joe has finally spoken out about his altercation with Brooklyn rapper Papoose, confirming he approached Papoose in a North Carolina hotel room to ask if he "had a problem" with the Bronx bomber. Joe landed a couple of shots to Pap's dome, but Pap maintains he landed shots to Joe's chin. Joe ended the interview noting he has no plans to engage in future physical activities with the BK lyricist.

STILL GOING:
Barack Obama's momentum was not enough to lockdown the Democratic nomination last night as Hillary Clinton is still fighting, locking down primaries in Texas and Ohio; she celebrated her victory with Ohio supporters last night: "For everyone across America who has been counted out but refused to be knocked out, for everyone who has stumbled but stood right back up, and for everyone who works hard and never gives up, this one is for you." But hold on Hillary, Obama isn't finished yet: "We know this -- no matter what happens tonight, we have nearly the same delegate lead we had this morning and we are on the way to winning this nomination." Next stop, Pennsylvania!

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

JAY HOPS ON THE TRAIN:

50 Cent put his money on Hillary Clinton and now Jay-Z is putting his behind Barack Obama. Over the weekend, Hov told members of the media: "Bring your friends and families make sure your voices are heard for change. It's time for change. It's time for Barack Obama." Last year Obama apparently won Jay's heart when he privately met with the island Def Jam staff including LA Reid, Jay-Z and Beyonce. More recently, Obama told the press that he has both Kanye West and Jay-Z's numbers on speed dial, when needed.

JUVENILE UPDATE:

Funeral services will be held this week for rapper Juvenile's four year old daughter, her eleven year old sister and mother this week in South Carolina. While full details of the arrangements have yet to be released, a report in the AJC says slain mom Joy Deleston had relatives in Charleston. A memorial service for the victims was held this past Sunday in Georgia.

CAN'T FORGET ABOUT YOU:

Andre 3000 and Will Ferrell's "Semi-Pro" flick didn't fare so well at the box office over the weekend. Though it was number one, the New Line Cinema basketball comedy raked in a not-so impressive $15.7 million at the box office (half of what it was expected to earn). Maybe now Andre will shift his focus back to music.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008
	GAME SPEAKS: Shortly before turning himself in for a 60 day sentence, The Game sat down with UWN to speak on his recent situation. While Game vows to stand tall and do his time like a man, he acknowledges the actions which landed him in this position: "It’s a lesson I'm going to learn [from]. As a hip hop artist, we gotta take charge as role models, especially if you have kids like myself. I'm so ashamed of how it makes me look in the media. I gotta learn karate cuz I can’t carry a gun no more.” KELLY GOES OFF: R. Kelly is an R&B boss - let's not get that confused. The self-proclaimed King of R&B released a new track which claims he's a "beast", but fans say it sounds like warning shots aimed at Ne-Yo. Kelly takes indirect shots at his former tourmate on the record and also sends messages to other industry friends whom he says "smile in his face but talk about me behind my back." Kelly hints that he may drop names on the song’s remix. HOW YA LIVIN’?: If you’re an American, you’re probably livin’ real tired, and your job might be to blame, as technology is allowing you to work from the office and home (about five hours each week). A recent survey also found participants get less than seven hours of sleep per night; 30% said they had even fallen asleep or become very sleepy at work in the past 30 days. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, March 3, 2008

DJ CLUE'S TOP PICKS:

1. They Know (Remix) by Shawty-Lo feat. Jeezy, Luda, Lil? Wayne and Plies
2. Falsetto by The Dream
3. The Boss by Rick Ross feat. T-Pain
4. Touch My Body by Mariah Carey
5. Love In This Club by Usher feat. Jeezy.

UNDER THE RADAR:

1.Thank God For That White by Fat Joe;
2. Can't Help But Wait (Desert Storm Remix) by Trey Songz feat. Rick Ross.

CLUE-SPN:

NBA - Kobe Bryant scores 52 points vs. the Mavericks to lead the Lakers to a 108-104 victory; Houston Rockets defeat Nuggets to extend their winning streak to 15 straight games; Sam Cassell?s agent says he will be signing with the Boston Celtics. NFL - Steelers Ben Roethlisberger signs an eight year, $102 million deal, making him the highest paid Steeler in history; Patriots close to signing Randy Moss to a three year, $29 million dollar deal; former Falcon Alge Crumpler signs a two year deal with the Titans; Broncos trade Brian Griese to Tampa Bay Bucs for draft picks. NCAA - North Carolina claims college basketball's new #1 ranking on the ESPN/USA Today poll.

TONIGHT:

Trey Songz on DJ Clue's Desert Storm Radio 2nite at 8 PM EST. Stream it live at Power1051fm.com!

Monday, March 3, 2008
	MONEY ON OBAMA: Russell Simmons has announced his plans to endorse Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. In a press release, Simmons says: "Today I am announcing my personal endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. During the last nine months, I have closely observed the presidential campaigns, analyzed the issues and platforms of the major candidates, and have had substantive discussions with Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. As the Chairman of the non-partisan, nonprofit The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, it is my personal opinion that Senator Obama's campaign for President has and will continue to transcend race in America and have a profound positive impact on the very issues I have been fighting for my whole life."IN JAIL: The Game reported to a Los Angeles jail last night to start his 60 day sentence for felony possession of a firearm. A host of camera crews followed the Compton rapper as he turned himself in to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility wearing a Champion sweatshirt and sweatpants. According to reports, Hurricane Game may serve less than 60 days.CORRECTION: Photos of a bruised Fat Joe following his clash with Papoose hit the internet yesterday; his reps say they are 100% false. The doctored photos show Joe Crack sitting at what appears to be a basketball game with stitches and a black eye. Shortly after, the original photos circulated depicting Joe without a scratch on his face. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, March 2, 2008
	JUVENILE UPDATE: Rapper Juvenile is coping with the "devastating loss" of his daughter Jelani, according to his manager Aubrey Francis. Juvie has been quiet on the tragedy that took the life of his four year old girl, her mother and another sister allegedly at the hands of her older brother; understandably, the killing has left the New Orleans spitter in a state of disarray. "It really shocked him and devastated him to the point where I've never seen him before. Right now he trying to grasp what has happened,” said Francis. RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE?: Fat Joe and New York upstart emcee Papoose allegedly got into a scuffle during a recent show. As odd as the accounts sound, a shocking report on thisis50.com claims Fat Joe stepped to Pap and the two quickly got into it. If the reports turn out to be true, the question is why exactly the two New York rappers would resort to violence as both were at one point affiliated with DJ Kay Slay (Papoose is currently signed to Kay Slay’s Streetsweepers Entertainment). More as this story develops. I’M NUMBER ONE: Flo-Rida has tied Kanye West and Beyonce with his monster single "Low" sitting atop the Billboard singles chart in the number one slot for its tenth straight week. Flo is on pace to surpass Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" and Ye's "Gold Digger" on the Billboard Hot 100, just as his debut album is set to drop in just weeks. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, March 1, 2008
	STAY UP: T.I. is spending his time on house arrest wisely, recording his upcoming album and shaping his Grand Hustle company; now it's been revealed TIP will pen the foreword in the upcoming book "Rap-Up: The Ultimate Guide to Hip-Hop and R&B", dedicated to some of the greatest hip hop albums over the years. T.I. notes of some of his fave emcees in "Rap-Up": "People sometimes ask me what rappers I'm influenced by, and I've got to say I'm influenced by life more than anything else. Jay went over my head at first. It took me a minute. But I did salute it." MORE ON JUVENILE TRAGEDY: The seventeen year old young man who is accused of shooting his mother and two young sisters - one of them the daughter of rapper Juvenile - was in custody last night and charged with triple homicide and aggravated assault. According to a report in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, friends were shocked Anthony Tyrone Terrell Jr. would commit such a crime as he loved his mother Joy Deleston, a sheriff in Gwinnett County and her two daughters, Micaiah, 11, and Jelani, 4. At press time, Juvenile was unavailable for comment. SUPER TUESDAY: Barack Obama is looking to officially knock Hillary Clinton out of the Democratic presidential race on this coming Tuesday's Ohio and Texas primaries. Originally Clinton held a wide lead over the Illinois Senator, but things have changed as Obama's momentum closed the gap in Texas and Ohio. Bill Clinton has maintained all along that his wife needs a decent win in both states in order to stay on the path to the White House. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, February 28, 2008
	BAD BOY: In a recent survey, rapper 50 Cent was labeled a "bad influence" amongst African Americans. About 42% of blacks voted on the "gangsta" rapper while on a more positive note 17% of the audience considers Kanye West a good influence on the culture. ON A GOOD NOTE: Young Jeezy held his word and followed through with his promise to deliver a wheelchair accessible van to a young man. Jeezy initiated a contest during the height of his last album, but months after the stricken young man won the contest, his mother took to the internet claiming Jeezy was a hoax. In the end the Snowman delivered on his promised and unveiled the new whip last night in Atlanta. ANNOUNCEMENT: It's been revealed Brooklyn based Duck Down Records have officially added rap icon KRS-One to its roster. Label frontman, Buckshot, released a statement shortly after the signing, "It's a dream to be able to work with KRS-One. Before I even began rapping, that is who I checked for. I kept the Blueprint album on me at all times. That is all I listened to for an entire summer." The label also announced the addition of DJ Revolution to the Duck Down family. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: Okay, this is a real pet peeve - we personally feel it is an injustice when any book, person, website, etc. says something to the effect of "the Black slaves arrived in the United States." First of all, these people were not Black, nor were they slaves when they were forced over here; a more accurate statement would be "the enslaved Africans were kidnapped and forced to come to America." We're just saying. 2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, February 28, 2008
	SAY IT AIN'T SO: Ja Rule was scolded by a judge during a court appearance in Manhattan to answer gun possession charges related to the same August arrest that got Lil’ Wayne. The judge handling Ja's case suggested the Queens rapper should not have paid the tab for his co-defendants and hinted coercion may come into play down the line, with either of the two gentlemen copping out to the charges to protect Rule; he also instructed the two men to pay their own bail. THE FAMILY SPEAKS: In the wake of the death of producer Static, his label Blackground Records has released a statement: "Blackground Records and its staff and affiliate entities are deeply mourning the loss of a great talent and a great human being. It has been a pleasure to work and develop his career as a songwriter and producer. His talent was only surpassed by his loyalty and dedication." YOU BE THE JUDGE: Janet Jackson's "Discipline" album is on track to move just under 200,000 copies of the record in its first week. According to Hits Double Daily, the return of Michael Jackson’s kid sister was originally expected to move around 300,000 copies; even with the drop, Janet will still be number one. POLITRICKS: Immigration is a 2008 hot button issue, and is particularly focused on Latinos, but did you know the original Immigration Act of 1924 was focused on Asians? After the Act was passed, almost 90% of those who were admitted to America were from England, Germany, France and other northern European countries; Asians were completely forbidden from becoming citizens. Whose turn will it be next?? 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008
	STILL THERE: Months after his supposed final farewell speech, Nation Of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan remains in power and stronger than ever. Farrakhan resurfaced on Sunday with a two hour speech that some have suggested will re-ignite the Nation; the minister spoke on his wishes for the presidential election and the future of the Nation of Islam. AT A LOSS: Michael Jackson is reportedly in jeopardy of losing his infamous Neverland Ranch as a deadline for an overpaid bill is looming. According to various websites, Jackson owes a whopping $25,000,000 on the property and has until mid-March to pay the tab or face foreclosure. There's been no word on MJ’s financial state but sources say he's in no position to pay the tab. IN STORES: Legendary Pete Rock is back on the music scene with his new album "NY's Finest." The return of the soul producer's new album features heavyweights Raekwon, Redman, Jim Jones, Styles P and many more. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: We all know Garrett Morgan invented the gas mask and the stoplight, and Benjamin Banneker invented the clock, but did you know Marie Brown invented the first video home surveillance system and Lonnie Johnson invented the Super Soaker water gun? As a matter of fact, African Americans in the 1800s received more patents than we did in the past century! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, February 26, 2008
	NOT GUILTY YA'LL GOT TO FEEL ME: Lil’ Wayne pled not guilty to weapons charges in a New York City courtroom yesterday. The Cash Money emcee was arraigned on felony possession of two hammers following last summer’s appearance at the Beacon Theater in New York when his tour bus was stopped after the performance. WHAT THE HELL?: Brooklyn activist Clive Campbell and Da Black Defense League are suing Jay-Z, developer Bruce Ratner and Barclays Bank for $5 billion in slavery reparations. Ratner and his developers are currently building a new arena for the New Jersey Nets in downtown Brooklyn when they started a firestorm of controversy naming the arena after Barclays Bank, an institution that allegedly has ties to the slave trade. HOW YA LIVIN’?: According to 45% of economists polled, we’re all living on the edge of a recession. These experts say that lower consumer confidence, a crashing housing market and slow job growth will more than likely mean trouble for us all. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, February 25, 2008
	JOHHNY SPEAKS EDDIE: Johnny Gill came out of the woodworks and gave an interview with V103’s Doug Banks about allegations surrounding his good friend Eddie Murphy. Gill denied being the puppet-master behind Eddie and Tracy Edmonds’ ill-fated marriage and gave an account of what really happened the night Eddie got caught with a transvestite. Overall, JG says Eddie Murphy barely pays attention to the rumors. LEAKED: Janet Jackson's Def Jam Island debut, "Discipline" is in stores tomorrow but online fans got an early treat when the record hit the internet last week. Jackson has been in the news lately with rumors that the singer and boyfriend Jermaine Dupri are on the verge of tying the knot; however, all focus appears to be on "Discipline" with Janet making a number of appearances in support of the album, including a performance taking over Times Square in New York City. IT'S ALL LOVE: Lil’ Wayne told MTV News he has no beef with 50 Cent. 50 put Wayne on blast last year following the channel's "Hottest MCs In The Game" show which tapped Wayne as the number one artist and 50 as the number 8th, followed by a couple of records that took pot shots at Wayne. However, Wayne says in the wake of his reunion with Young Buck, he's making it clear it's all good with Fif. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: Was the entire Jena 6 controversy the biggest mis-education of recent times (besides the Iraq war, of course)? We all know the details – or do we? Read Jason Whitlock’s column which claims everything is not as it appeared, and then you can decide - http://www.kansascity.com/sports/columnists/jason_whitlock/story/296701.html. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, February 24, 2008
	FINALLY: Tomorrow, three New York City Police detectives will stand trial in Queens, New York for gunning down 23 year old African American Sean Bell who was out celebrating his bachelor party. The controversial trial stems from the officers who fired 51 shots at the unarmed father, killing him and injuring two of his pals. GET BETTER: Prince made the news earlier this week for his much anticipated Oscar bash that is expected to draw some of the biggest names in Hollywood; after that, the Purple one may be laid up for some time. It's been revealed Prince will undergo surgery to repair a hip that was allegedly damaged from years of dancing, courtesy of one of the greatest entertainers to ever do it. AND ANOTHER ONE: Singer J. Holiday was arrested late last week on charges of marijuana possession. Apparently, Holiday was speeding on a Maryland highway when he was pulled over and the police discovered the sweet smell of mary jane, leading to the arrest of Holiday and his friend. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: No disrespect to Jackie Robinson, but the HBO documentary “Joe Louis: America’s Hero…Betrayed” clearly shows how the Brown Bomber successfully brought two Americas together and made inroads for all Black athletes with his knockout of German powerhouse Max Schmeling. In a metaphor for how the world would eventually whip Nazi ass during World War II, his second match-up with Schmeling gave America a morale boost that lasted throughout the war; check out the docu to see how America did not return the favor to Joe. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, February 23, 2008
	JOKE'S ON YOU: Today's lesson - "money wins wars." Just ask British tabloid World Entertainment News Network who was instructed to pay actor Will Smith an unspecified amount of damages following an erroneous story they printed quoting Smith as praising dictator Adolf Hitler. The outlet acknowledged their mistake but by that point the damage was already done, according to Smith's attorneys, who vowed the monetary damages would go towards charity. Hopefully gossip tabloids, websites and blogs will learn from this expensive lesson. WHAT'S THE FUSS?: Singer Ne-Yo was arrested in Atlanta for reckless driving. The R&B crooner was pulled over in Cobb County in his Range Rover after he was clocked going 100 mph; to make matters worse, he did not have a valid driver license. Word is Ne-Yo has since been released. Give the man a break, he's got a lot to be happy about, specifically with his recent Grammy wins. COMING SOON: Breakout rapper Flo Rida is just a few weeks away from his anticipated album "Mail On Sunday." Flo is living the life of luxury thanks to the T-Pain track "Low"; Timbaland is up to bat next on the second single "Elevator." Flo Rida, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Rick Ross, Fabolous, Busta Rhymes, T-Pain, Snoop Dogg, Jim Jones and more brought their Miami flavor to New York City's Nassau Coliseum last night for the Winter Fest sponsored by Foundation Magazine. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: This is for our Brazilian brothers and sisters – despite the fact that almost 40% of enslaved Africans were taken to Brazil, and many sociologists and anthropologists have coined the term “Afro-Brazilian” for their descendants, most Brazilians do not embrace the term. However, there is a movement for Brazilians of African heritage to embrace their genealogy as a source of power and pride. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, February 22, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN’: Not too long ago, they warned you about pictures on the Internet, then your Facebook and MySpace profiles; now your cell phone can get you fired from your job. Be careful who snaps that picture on their cell phone – if it makes its way to your boss, you may get a one way ticket to unemployment! THE WORLD IS FLAT: After Verizon said it would allow unlimited talking for a flat rate of $99.99 per month, AT&T and T-Mobile USA offered their own flat rate plans. Sprint Nextel is the only major hold-out (sorry Sprint customers!) T-Mobile's plan will also allow unlimited texting. PARAMOUNT MOBILE: Paramount Pictures’ new business unit will focus on "developing mobile entertainment"; Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Nokia have partnered with them. Users can go to the Paramount website to download ringtones, games and wallpapers movies like The Godfather and Dreamgirls. RICK JAMES WAS RIGHT: Do you check your email before you brush your teeth? Do you check your device while in face to face conversations or in meetings? Are you among the 60% of Americans who check their emails – on vacation? Technology addiction may affect up to one-third of users, at least in England, according to a recent study. To paraphrase Rick James: “Technology is a helluva drug.” For more on these and other stories, go to www.hitechpimpin.com! RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Falsetto, The Dream; 4. Suffocate, J. Holiday; 3. She Got It, 2 Pistols; 2. Sensual Seduction, Snoop Dogg; 1. With You, Chris Brown. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, February 21, 2008
	TANK SPEAKS: Singer Tank has released a statement following his unruly arrest during this past weekend’s NBA All Star gala: "The most frustrating part of the entire incident is knowing that I did not do anything to pose a threat but was treated like a criminal. With a clean-cut image and a lady by my side, the law took matters into their own hands and chose to endanger my safety and those accompanying me. New Orleans is still very much in trouble beyond the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. I'm a living witness." MISTAKE?: NBC issued an apology to Senator Barack Obama after the station flashed a photo of terrorist Osama Bin Laden during a brief centered around the Democrat. Obama's folks flooded the national channel with calls when the "mistake" took place on the MSNBC Hardball show, leading to regrets from on-air personality Chris Matthews. PAYING RESPECTS: Lil’ Wayne spent about an hour at his former New Orleans high school earlier this week as part of a thank you to students who assisted him by designing a logo for his One Family Foundation. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: Haiti was the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere to gain its independence; despite this proud victory (as the first country to abolish slavery), the country is now largely in poverty. Some might think it has to do with Haitians not being able to get their stuff together; little do they know a system of sanctions and boycotting by Western Europe and the United States severely is what truly damaged the island’s economy. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, February 21, 2008
	SAD BUT TRUE: Notorious street figure Larry Davis was reportedly killed in prison yesterday. Davis was stabbed to death with a homemade metal shank in his arms, legs and hands in a massive fight in the correctional facility’s yard around 7:30 pm, according to CNN. Davis' name rang bells on the streets of New York City after he engaged in a longstanding shootout with a number of police officers in the late 80's. IN THE WORKS: Famed rapper Eminem is working on a book, "Eminem: The Way I Am." Em will partner with Orion books to release the memoir in October, which includes exclusive photos, hand-drawn sketches, lyrics and notes from the blonde emcee. GOOD DEAL: Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.I.Am will be featured in the next X-Men flick, "X-Men Origins." In the film, which elaborates on the character Wolverine's rise, Will.I.Am will play a supporting superhero alongside Ryan Reynolds and Taylor Kitsch. POLITRICKS: Do you get the whole Democratic delegates and superdelegates set-up? Basically, the superdelegate vote carries more weight than an individual delegate; he or she can even endorse one candidate and vote for another. They can also go against the popular vote and make another candidate the Democratic nominee (interesting little fact: Bill Clinton is a superdelegate - wonder who he is voting for?) 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008
	I’M A STAR: On May 2nd, Diddy will be honored with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He admitted that he wasn’t sure which of his many names would be featured on the star! ON THE GRIND: Chicago rapper Common recently sat down with MTV News where he revealed his next album may be coming sooner than many have thought. Com says he expects to drop his new album "The Believer" sometime in November. BACK AT IT: It's been announced singer Beyonce will play the role of Etta James in the upcoming film "Cadillac Records." According to the Hollywood Reporter, as B takes on another stellar role she'll also play executive producer on the project. "Cadillac" will portray the rise of the legendary label, its owner Chess and its fledging roster which included Muddy Waters. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, February 20, 2008
	F* YOU PAY ME: 50 Cent may not be bulletproof after all when a judge decided the Queens rapper was at fault ordering the rapper to pay a New York newspaper photographer. According to the suit, Fif's security roughed up the photog as he attempted to snap shots of the beefy emcee, leaving him with minor bruises. As part of the agreement, 50 will pay the victim an undisclosed amount. DANCING WITH THE STARS: Singer Mario is the latest celebrity to join television show "Dancing With The Stars." On the new show debuting March 17th, Mario and other contestants will show off their fancy footwork as they fight for that number one spot. OUTTA HERE: As announced earlier this week, TVT Records has filed for Chapter 11 giving their artists and staff the green light to pursue other endeavors. As staff members sent out final emails yesterday - with more expected to come today and tomorrow - artists such as Yo Gotti, Teedra Moses, Lil’ Jon, Pitbull and more are reportedly now free agents. Jon, who is readying his release "Crunk Rock", is especially sure to ignite a bidding war for his next label home. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: Before there was a Black Panther, the African Blood Brotherhood was active. Founded in 1919 in New York, the ABB promoted armed defense as a way for Blacks to protect themselves and aligned itself with the Communist Party of the USA (CPUSA). Committed to revolutionary tactics and falsely blamed for 1921’s Black Wall Street Riot in Tulsa, Oklahoma, it was dissolved in 1925 after claiming 50,000 members in its six year existence. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!**

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
	THE SAGA CONTINUES: The young lady at the center or R. Kelly's latest controversy, Maxine Daniels, is speaking out. The daughter of Kelly's longtime friend George Daniels released a statement following her stepmother, who was the first to reveal details about Kelly and Maxine's relationship (followed by Kelly's statement last week). MAN UP: Says Daniels: "I take full responsibility for my actions. My stepmother and father didn't know about my relationship because [we] knew that they wouldn't approve...when my stepmother found out, she resigned because she felt that Rob had 'crossed the line' by dating a girl that he has known since she was seven. My brief relationship with Kelly ended because my parents were starting to hear rumors that we were together. I made a mistake and I know I am not the first young adult to make a serious misjudgment." LEAKED: Producer Polow Da Don has admitted to mtvnews.com that he leaked one of the various Usher tracks floating around. According to the interview, after much back and forth between Usher's camp, the Polow took matters into his own hands and released the record; after all was said and done, Polow revealed Ersh is getting positive feedback on the song "Love in the Club." MIS-EDUCATION 2008: There are more than 6,800 recognized languages spoken including the typical French, English, Spanish, Portuguese, etc., but how many African languages can you name? Swahili is the probably the first (and maybe only one) that comes to mind: speakers of the language covered the lower half of Africa, but due to European colonization, the language never covered the enter continent. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, February 19, 2008
	RECAP: Alicia Keys strutted her star power at last week’s NAACP Image Awards, taking home four statues. Keys nabbed honors for Outstanding Album and Outstanding Female Artist, while Janet Jackson also nabbed an honor for her role in the Tyler Perry flick "Why Did I Get Married?" SPEAKING OF: Alicia Keys is gearing up to hit the road with American Idol winner Jordin Sparks this spring. Starting in mid-April, Keys and company will start their trek in Hampton, Virginia and end in late June at the world’s most famous arena, Madison Square Garden in New York. STEPPING DOWN: Embattled world leader Fidel Castro is calling it quits after decades at his controversial post. According to reports, the Cuban president resigned earlier today due to his ailing health following a statement released overnight: "I will not aspire nor accept—I repeat I will not aspire or accept—the post of President of the Council of State and Commander in Chief." Castro's brother Raul is expected to take the dictator’s seat. HOW YA LIVIN’?: We’ve touched on the most miserable cities in the United States, but did you know that the happiest people are living in Denmark? Among other perks, the Danish government fully pays for college for all students, completely covers day care for children and gives fathers six months PAID paternity leave. The U.S. ranked 23rd ; the most unhappy country is Burundi, in Africa. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, February 18, 2008
	LEAVING ON TOP: In our exclusive chat with The Game, he confirmed his plans to UDub!News that his upcoming album “LAX” will be his last. Game explained his retirement as both a way to focus on his acting (he’ll be in the movie “Street Kings” with Keanu Reeves and Forest Whitaker, dropping in April) as well as his belief that hip hop as an art form just isn’t what it used to be. NO SHOW: The long overdue Cash Money reunion show planned for last night was cancelled. Lil’ Wayne, BG, Mannie Fresh and Juvenile were expected to grace a New Orleans stage capping off the NBA All Star weekend festivities, but the show was nixed due to unrelated violence at the venue. OUT THE BLUE: It appears Aretha Franklin may have stepped into dangerous territory with her shocking comments against Beyonce; she grabbed the attention of animal rights activists PETA, who released a statement in regards to the pearly white fur she wore to the Grammys: "Music lovers may think of you as a 'queen,' but to animal lovers, you’re a court jester...your furs make you look like a clown. Why not shed the old-fashioned look that adds pounds to your frame and detracts from your beautiful voice? Please consider donating your furs to the homeless; you'll get a tax credit, and we at PETA will sing your praises." MIS-EDUCATION 2008: As African Americans continue to make educational and professional strides, don’t think that these achievements are only recent: in 1788, a freed slave named James Derham opened a medical practice in 1788; in 1823, Alexander Twilight became the first black American to graduate from college, and in 1864, Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first Black woman to earn a medical degree. Bottom line – you have NO EXCUSES! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, February 15, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN: UrbanWorld, Sony BMG and Treemo would like to thank everyone who attended and made “The Making of a Ringtone”/Listening Party with Lyfe Jennings a hit during Grammys Weekend in L.A. (a special congrats to those who got the exclusive location info by texting LYFE to 81595!) CAN U HEAR ME NOW?: Producer and rapper Timbaland is planning to drop the world’s first “mobile album”, to be distributed and offered exclusively to Verizon Wireless VCast Music customers. Timbaland's music will be available to customers as full-length song downloads, ringtones and ringback tones. JAM’S ON IT: Ringtone powerhouse Jamster (or Jamba as it’s called in Europe) recently launched Jamba Music, a service which allows customers to buy or rent entire tracks. The company boasts 1.5 million full length tracks including music from label giants Universal, Sony BMG and EMI. SIDEKICK 5: Now that Microsoft has acquired Danger, makers of the Sidekick, is it safe to say the new version will feature Windows Mobile software? GET CONNECTED: Read these stories and more online at www.hitechpimpin.com: “hip hop’s love for mobile gadgets & more!” RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. She Got It – 2 Pistols; 4. With You, Chris Brown; 3. Apologize – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic; 2. Suffocate – J. Holiday; 1. Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, February 14, 2008
	DISMISSED?: Earlier today, Tony YaYo's lawyer quickly released a statement after his client was cleared of assault charges: "I am pleased to announce that as of this morning, Tony YaYo is no longer facing any criminal charges relating to the incident that occured last March. As I told you from the beginning, Tony YaYo would never do anything to harm a child. This fact was confirmed by Mr. Fletcher when he told members of the notorious Hip Hop police in August that he did this on his own.” AU CONTRAIRE: The now 15 year old boy’s mother released a statement to the contrary: “In court today, 50 Cent sidekick Marvin Bernard (Tony Yayo) of the group G-Unit, and sidekick Lawell Fletcher accepted a guilty plea. They both admitted that after coming out of Chris Lighty's Violator office they jumped out of an SUV and confronted a minor named James Rosemond for wearing a Czar Entertainment shirt. Fletcher will do nine months in jail while Marvin Bernard will do 60 days of community service for his role in the assault against a minor.” Take that! Take that! MIS-EDUCATION 2008: In 1995, more money was spent on building prisons than universities for the first time ever: these prisons now house black men at a rate six times higher than whites. The U.S. criticizes other governments as being restrictive, but countries like Libya, Iran and China have 1/3 less inmates compared to the U.S. Just as the American economy was built on the backs of slaves, the prison industry is thriving on the backs of black men. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, February 14, 2008
	GAME TIME: UWN had an exclusive sitdown with The Game, the King of the West Coast. We covered everything from his view on hip-hop artists and the law, his kids, his upcoming bid, Barack Obama, his new tattoo and why he wants to put his iPhone “in the freezer with the ice cream”...more coming very soon! STILL OUT: Mobb Deep frontman Prodigy found another loophole to dodge his three year prison sentence, for now. The Queens native was scheduled to turn himself in yesterday to begin his bid, but that's been delayed one more week as P is suffering severe lung damage. In other Prodigy news, "H.N.I.C." will now be released on April 8th. HAPPY V DAY: The fine folks at UWN would like to extend a Happy Valentines day to all the couples (and all the single people who love themselves) out there. POLITRICKS: Check out our Reality Check this Sunday for a spin on the first Black president – let’s just say, if some things about Barack Obama were different, would the country’s response to him be different?? 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
	WE HONOR YOU: Mogul Russell Simmons will honor Jim Jones, Ciara, Snoop Dogg and Doug E. Fresh at this year's Action Awards. The fifth annual gala takes place end of February and acknowledges the aforementioned parties for their community service efforts. OUT ON BAIL: Rapper Juvenile was released from a Mississippi jail yesterday after he was booked on marijuana charges. Juvie was riding in a vehicle when it was pulled over for its expired tags, leading to the discovery of the illegal substance. KINGS: This weekend in the midst of NBA madness in New Orleans, Lebron James and Jay-Z are putting on their now annual "Two Kings" dinner. The event, sponsored by Wrigley’s DoubleMint gum, is expected to draw some of the top entertainers and athletes in the game, with music courtesy of Clark Kent and DJ Mick Boogie. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, February 13, 2008
	SIMPLY THE BEST: Miami radio disc jockey DJ Khaled is launching his very own record label, We The Best Music, in an exclusive partnership with Def Jam Records. Khaled enjoyed a great year in 2007, if not his best with his album "We The Best" which was responsible for a number of hits on the airwaves. Recording artist ACE will be the first project released on the new label. GETTIN’ HOT IN HERE!: Lil’ Wayne was indicted on felony drug and weapons charges yesterday stemming from his arrest in Arizona. Wayne and a few of his accomplices were bagged in Yuma, Arizona when their tour bus was stopped at a checkpoint; he has pled not guilty and is still out on tour. DISSED: It appears Beyonce ruffled the feathers of a certain Aretha Franklin following the Grammy Awards. Allegedly Franklin was upset with B after she referred to Tina Turner as the "queen" during their duet together. Franklin told AOL's Black Voices: "I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyoncé, however I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy. In addition to that, I thank the Grammys and the voting academy for my 20th Grammy and love Beyoncé anyway." Ouch. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: It’s mindblowing to consider the extent to which enslaved Africans and their descendants were treated like property: much like people put ads in the Penny Saver today, slave owners put notices in the local papers about their runaway slaves, complete with descriptions of their injuries to identify them (shotgun wounds, whip scars, missing body parts). “Entrepreneurs” would offer their services, advertising packs of “Negro dogs”, which they would use to “hunt” or “catch” runaway slaves. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, February 12, 2008
	NOT TRUE (SURPRISE, SURPRISE): Reps for Bronx rapper Fat Joe are coming out swinging against a faux issue of Hip Hop Weekly magazine bearing embattled emcee Benzino on the cover story who says he slept with Joe's wife. Yesterday, cease and desist orders were sent to websites that erroneously reported the story, which also named Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim, Trina and more as victims of Benzino's sexual behavior. HHW says the real cover for this month’s issue features Young Buck. SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: Owners of Hip Hop Weekly released a statement in regards to the recent scandal: "It is not only a shame that someone would take such a cheap and low road to falsely humiliate other human beings, but a prime example as to why people shouldn't believe everything they read and see on the internet. We apologize to any readers who have been misled in believing that this false cover is a product of Hip Hop Weekly." CELEBRATION: Vanessa and Angela Simmons celebrated the opening of play "The Actor's Rap" this past Friday in NYC, partying it up at Plumm until the wee hours and requesting the sound man play some classics courtesy of their dad, Run from Run DMC. "The Actors Rap" is a comedy based on actors' frustration with rappers stealing their roles, highlighted by a plot to kidnap a high profile rapper. HOW YA LIVIN’?: Imagine living in a city with the country's highest rate for violent crime, the second-highest unemployment rate and high levels of toxic waste - this is the reality in Detroit, the number one city on Forbes' first ever list of America's Most Miserable Cities. Other cities on the list include Stockton, California and Flint, Michigan, and New York and L.A. at spots 4 and 6, respectively, due to commute times and high taxes, among other things. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, February 11, 2008
	ROC BOY IN THE BUILDING TONIGHT: Kanye West made his presence felt at last night’s Grammy Awards. First, Kanye began nabbing Grammys during the telecast; then he put on an emotional performance that saw the outspoken producer singing versus his infamous raps. Later, during his acceptance speech for Rap Album of the year - beating out Jay-Z, Nas, and T.I. - Kanye strongly suggested that he not be cut off from finishing his speech; at that specific moment he spoke about his mother and thanked fans for their support: "I appreciate all the support, I appreciate all the prayers. Mama, all I'ma do is keep making you proud." In the end, Kanye took home four Grammys. Job well done, 'Ye! SPEAKING OF WINNERS: Senator Barack Obama is inching his way towards the White House after dusting off Hillary Clinton this weekend. Obama went on a spree, grabbing Louisiana, Nebraska and Washington; the Illinois lawyer then upped the ante last night with a major win in Maine. NOT BAD: Martin Lawrence's new comedy "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins" raked in $17 million at the box office over the weekend to land at the number two spot. The Malcolm Lee directed flick has been compared to Ice Cube's "First Sunday": both cost roughly $35 million to produce and earned around $17 million in their first weekend out. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: Although rhythm and blues would set the foundation for rock and roll, only ONE label - Decca — showed any interest in what was an exciting new music in the 1950s. During that time, young black entrepreneurs started small labels to get the R&B sound out to the public; today, corporate greed and capitalism have wiped out the memories of these go-gettas and replaced it with huge machines that couldn’t care less about the art and excitement of music. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, February 10, 2008
	THE RETURN: He’s one of the expected big winners at tonight's 50th Grammy Gala: Kanye West will perform at the awards show, possibly dedicating his performance to his mom Donda West. Word is Kanye will unleash a medley of hits ending with a tribute to his mother, who passed late last year. In other related news, ‘Ye and BET are previewing his new video “Flashing Lights” next week. SUCCESS: Diddy successfully held his Sean John fashion show Friday night in New York City, previewing a line mostly catering to men. UDub caught up with Combs on Thursday at his Sean John offices, where the man of many tasks told us: "I’m a little nervous about tomorrow’s event. This year marks the ten year anniversary of Sean John, so I’m excited." THE FAT LADY HAS SUNG: On Friday, 50 Cent’s G Unit clothing line officially ended their partnership with designer Marc Ecko. The move comes days after sources from within the Unit denied claims the company was on the verge of shutting down. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: Here’s an interesting fact about Howard University, which is known as the Harvard of the HBCU system and awards the most Ph.Ds to African Americans, while boasting alumni including Ossie Davis, Stokely Carmichael and Thurgood Marshall (from the school of law): for the first 60 years of its existence, all of Howard’s presidents were white men! It wasn’t until Mordecai Wyatt Johnson was elected president in 1926 that the head of the university looked like the student body. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, February 8, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN': Don’t take it for granted - the “T9” function on your mobile phone is featured in over three billion handsets! The T9 Application (which allows predictive text technology), Bluetooth and Navigation are the three hottest features/accessories on the mobile phones invented to date. ANOTHA 1 DOWN: Voce, the luxury MVNO phone based on AT&T’s network, recently filed bankruptcy after AT&T pulled the plug. Embarrassing as Voce customers in Beverly Hills weren’t even notified that their service was disconnected! Voce joins Amp’d Mobile, ESPN Mobile and Disney Mobile as Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that have failed. Among the last one standing is Helio (don’t call it a phone….remember?). BEST ‘N THE HOOD: Helio dropped its unlimited service plan from $145-a-month to $99-a-month including voice, text and email usage. Boost Mobile on the other hand is now offering a $1-a-day pay as you go plan called the Chat Plan, and is also lowering the price of its premium 600 minute offer to $60. PIMPIN OUT: Get these stories and more visit us online at www.hitechpimpin.com in Beta - “Hip hop’s love for mobile gadgets and more!” RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. She Got It – 2 Pistols; 4. Like You’ll Never See Me Again – Alicia Keys; 3. Apologize – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic; 2. Suffocate – J. Holiday; 1. Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, February 7, 2008
	ANNOUNCEMENT: Megastars Jay-Z and Mary J Blige will embark on a trek across the states dubbed "Mary J. Blige & Jay-Z: Heart of the City". There have been whispers of the two coming together, following stints together on Jay-Z's farewell "Black Album" tour and other spots. MJB and Jay-Z's 25 tour date kicks off in Miami and hits Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Toronto, Baltimore and Washington. NOT THE CASE: 50 Cent visited Kay Slay's radio show and shot down rumors of Young Buck leaving G-Unit. Fif told the Drama King Buck's absence from the Unit's latest mixtape was due to the Cashville Ten-A-Key's conflicting schedule and not beef. SAD BUT TRUE: It's been reported one of the Jena 6 has found his way back in jail after allegedly assaulting a high school student. Bryant R. Purvis, who shockingly attended the BET Hip Hop Awards last year, faces up to a year in jail for his involvement in a fight at his now Dallas-based school. POLITRICKS: U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey wants Congress to prevent the release of nearly 20,000 violent criminals - over 60% of whom have violent criminal histories or gun charges - from federal prison under new crack cocaine sentencing rules. The goal of the release was to “ease the disparity” between prison sentences for crack versus powder cocaine violations. 80% of crack defendants are black; powder cocaine convictions mostly involve whites. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
	ON DECK: Producer Teddy Riley graced news headlines recently with reports that the Virginia native was selling his recording studio. According to MTV's Mixtape Monday, Riley is showing no signs of slowing down his music career and told the outlet he's producing some tracks for Juelz Santana. Riley says although he's yet to record actual vocals with the DipSet member, he's anticipating gettin' it in with him soon. OUTTA HERE: So much for Shaquille O'Neal's plans to stick it out with the Miami Heat for the remainder of the season after being sidelined with yet another injury. A variety of reports suggest the once dominant center is on his way to the Phoenix Suns in a possible exchange for Shawn Marion. A source close to O'Neal told reporters that Shaq is prepared if and when the trade happens. BACK IN THE SADDLE: Sunday night's Super Bowl performance did Alicia Keys some good as the starlet landed back in the number one position on the Billboard charts. Keys' "As I Am" raked in another 61,000 copies, pushing her to multi-platinum status. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: On the eve of possibly the first person of color becoming the President of the U.S., race still hangs over Barack Obama's head. In the past, some said he wasn't "black" enough, but what they don't know is that some scholars believe up to 30% of the current U.S. population descends from the African Diaspora. What - and who - is Black now?! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008
	FESTIVAL TIME: Kanye West has been tapped to perform at the 2008 Bonnaroo Festival in June. The four day festivities will feature up to as many as 80 performers, including Lupe Fiasco. NO BRAINER: West Coast rap king Game will spend 120 days behind bars for his assault case. In the premiere issue of the Dave Mays and Ray Benzino Monsta magazine, Compton's fave son contemplates doing a four month bid versus spending "millions of dollars." There's been no official word when Game will begin his sentence; the decision comes just as Game is finishing up his next and rumored to be last CD “LAX”. CONDOLENCES: We are sad to report that famed hip hop lensman Tony Silver - responsible for one of the greatest documentaries to hit the screen, Style Wars - has passed. According to family, Silver died this past Friday; the cause of death has yet to be determined. LYFE CHANGE: UDub will be hosting “The Making of A Ringtone/Listening Party” for singer Lyfe Jennings and his upcoming album, “Lyfe Change”; Lyfe has recorded with artists including Rick Ross, Project Pat, Young Buck and Talib Kweli. If you’re in L.A. this Saturday, February 9th (Grammys weekend!), you can be among the five lucky fans who get in for this exclusive event – text LYFE to 81595 for details! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008
	YOU NAME IT: Rapper Missy Elliott is taking her next album title to the internet. According to the Virginia native's website missy-elliott.com, fans will have the opportunity to name her upcoming album, slated to hit stores in April. ALL LOVE: Although recent reports suggested Snoop Dogg was still banned in the UK, the Doggfather suggested otherwise during a visit to the Larry King Live show this past Friday. According to Snoop: "I was wrongfully accused, and now I've been accepted back in. The judge overturned it. He looked at the evidence and looked at what I've been doing, just checked my character out and found me to be innocent, and now I'm able to go back out there." MIS-EDUCATION 2008: In 1972, Robert Lewis Douglas became the first African American inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Douglas was the founder of the New York Renaissance basketball team, which went on to win an impressive 88 games in a single season; not too bad of a feat considering basketball was segregated like the rest of society and teams were supported solely by black colleges, churches and social clubs (many don’t think about this fact, given the domination and legacy of legends from Wilt Chamberlain to Shaq). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, February 5, 2008
	SUPER DUPER: Today is the day as Americans began their race to the polls across the 24 primary states for the much-anticipated Super Tuesday. While John McCain has been tapped as the favorite to seal up the Republican primary, at press time polls showed the Democrat primary in a dead heat. Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama made their final pitches last night in Connecticut and New Jersey, respectively. GET THIS: Barack Obama campaigning in New Jersey last night congratulated the New York Giants on their Super Bowl win, but failed to acknowledge he put his money on the New England Patriots (although Barack is not a gambling man). THIS YEAR: Rap duo 9th Wonder is due to release its second rap album this April; "The Formula" follows the pair's 2005 release "Chemistry" and includes the first single hitting radio "Go All Out" with Carlitta Durand (the upcoming video features none other than Charlie Murphy.) HOW YA LIVIN’?: You’re livin’ kinda big in Mississippi and a proposed bill down there would have banned restaurants from serving the obese! According to a 2007 study, more than 30% of adults in Mississippi are considered obese – making it the heaviest state in the U.S.; but worry not, the bill is going to be “shredded”. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, February 4, 2008
	DJ CLUE’S TOP PICKS: 1. Sensual Seduction by Snoop Dogg; 2. Low by Flo-Rida; 3. Flashing Light Remix by Kanye West feat. R. Kelly; 4. Falsetto by Dream; 5. The Boss by Rick Ross feat. T-Pain. UNDER THE RADAR: 1. Ain't I by Jay-Z; 2. In This Club by Usher feat. Jeezy. CLUE-SPN: NFL - Congratz to the New York Giants, Super Bowl Champs - thanks to the haters for the motivation!! Tom Brady and Randy Moss choose to skip the Pro Bowl…oh well! Mike Vick won his court battle and is allowed to keep more than $16 million in signing bonuses. NBA - Lakers await the debut of Pau Gasol, their newest player to hit the hard wood floor; Nets acquire Stromile Swift from the Grizzles for center Jason Collins and cash. Golf - Tiger does it again, winning the Dubai Classic! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, February 4, 2008
	TOSSED: G-Unit head 50 Cent reportedly threw Paris Hilton off the stage during a pre-Super Bowl performance. According to a New York media outlet, as Fif was performing, Hilton helped herself to the stage and he instructed his security to remove her. CELEBRATION: VH-1 is planning a month of programming on its various platforms dedicated to Black History Month. VH-1, VH-1 Soul, VH-1 Classic and more have partnered with Ebony and JET magazine and will also feature artist Common and Living Colour's Corey Glover as part of the coverage. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: Mis-education of the Negro extends even past what they don’t teach Black folks about themselves – it includes what they don’t teach about some dirty deeds of the “majority”. In 1920, U.S. Senator James D Phelan created the campaign slogan “Keep California White!” in an unsuccessful bid for re-election; Phelan felt Japanese farmers were invading the state of California. T-MOBILE GETS SUED: A class action lawsuit has been filed against T-Mobile claiming customers were being charged for text messages that they did not want and that T-Mobile refused to disable the text messaging even after customer requests to do so. For more, visit www.hitechpimpin.com. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, February 2, 2008
	PAY TO PLAY: In an interview published on MTV’s Sucker Free blog, up and coming rapper Shawty Lo admitted he paid various radio stations for airplay. The Bankhead native would have no problem footing the bill as his money is longer than train smoke, but sadly confirmed what struggling artists and labels have complained about for years - payola. According to Lo, he paid a variety of radio stations to play his record, which eventually got attention at other outlets once the BDS from smash hit "Dey Know" caught on. BRING ‘EM OUT: Oprah Winfrey will once again aim her shining power on friend Barack Obama at a rally in California tomorrow. Obama gained major points from the talk show diva’s audience when she initially threw her weight behind the Senator; now her plans out West including wooing women voters. SUED: Singer R. Kelly just found one more reason to stay in a courtroom: yet another lawsuit from a promoter seeking $120,000 in damages says Kelly cancelled a December show in Minneapolis. Kelly's excuse? He was in court. MIS-EDUCATION 2008: There has been some controversy over whether Black History Month is still valid – actor Morgan Freeman famously stated that Black History month is “ridiculous” because “Black history is American history”. Little known fact: Even Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History Month, hoped that a celebration relegated to one month would no longer be necessary as Black accomplishments would be a standard component of American history. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, February 1, 2008
	OFF THE HOOK: Actor Wesley Snipes was acquitted of charges of tax fraud and conspiracy, but was found guilty of three counts of failing to file tax returns by a Florida jury. While Snipes originally faced up to 16 years in prison, the famed actor now faces up to three years following the conviction on the misdemeanor charges. ALMOST OVER: As the days pass, it's becoming more apparent a fallout between G-Unit soldier Young Buck and 50 Cent will hit at any moment. Buck conducted an interview this week where he confirmed things ain't all good with his crew; the latest G-Unit mixtape doesn't have Buck in sight. The hip hop community wondered what Fif would think of Buck's recent onstage alliance with Lil' Wayne and Baby - now it appears we're getting our answer. Stay tuned as this saga is far from over. TONIGHT: Snoop Dogg will appear on Larry King Live tonight at 9 PM EST, the eve of his annual Snoop Bowl. Over a meal of Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, Snoop and King will discuss a variety of topics. SUPER SOUL SUNDAY: The Players Bowl is the hot spot to be for the big game, Sunday 3 PM – 9 PM at Skye Restaurant and Lounge in Peoria, Arizona. Hosted by the Law and Order player himself, Ice T, and his lovely wife Coco, general admission is $40, VIP is $100 and Ultra VIP is $150 (proceeds to benefit the Home Base Youth Foundation). Invited guests include Jamie Foxx, Keyshia Cole and Snoop Dogg; get down with the Celebrity Madden ’08 challenge and much more. More info - www.ThePlayersBowl.com! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, February 1, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN: Microsoft Mobile powered devices will soon have access to Hip Hop content including ringtones, wallpapers and much more - can you say “Udub!” (say it again!) DON’T GET EXPOSED: Thanks to the text, email, camera and video capabilities of mobile phones, consumers can record it all - LITERALLY! But remember, everything you record can become exposed (including those private moments hint, hint - read the next section). DETROIT'S MAYOR CAUGHT: Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was involved in a scandal that was busted wide open by incriminating text messages. He and his chief of staff lied about having an affair, but explicit texts proved otherwise (hey dumb ass - probably not a good idea to "get your text on" using city issued cell phones!) WE FLY HI: Continental Airlines announced it will begin offering wi-fi internet access and satellite TV starting January 2009. With wi-fi, customers will have the ability to use laptops, Blackberrys and other "baller" gadgets; airlines following suit include Jet Blue, Southwest and Virgin. RINGTONE BANGERS: 5. Like You’ll Never See Me Again – Alicia Keys; 4. Crank That – Soulja Boy; 3. Suffocate – J. Holiday; 2. Apologize – Timbaland feat. OneRepublic; 1. Sensual Seduction – Snoop Dogg. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, January 31, 2008
	COMING NEXT WEEK: The original G-Unit lineup of Tony YaYo, Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent plan to go back to where it all started on Monday – the mixtape market. The Queens collective is releasing their new mixtape "Return of The Bodysnatchers" with some interesting tracks, including 50's memo to Fat Joe "I'm Leaving." Fif and company have released a host of promotional video clips to the internet; a few samplers from the release will be available Monday on thisis50.com. IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN: Snoop Dogg will host his very own Super Bowl festivities this weekend with his 6th annual Snoop Bowl. This year's Snoop Bowl takes place at the Hamilton High School in L.A. featuring a local Arizona youth team going against Snoop's Snoop Dogg All-Stars team. THE LAUNCH: MTV and Wake Up Show host Sway and System of a Down bassist Shavo Odadjian are launching a social-networking website today. The beta launch kicks off on the site that boasts content featuring hip-hop legends Notorious BIG, Eminem, Wu-Tang Clan and more. BLACK HISTORY MONTH…: The Miseducation of the Negro 2008 starts tomorrow! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, January 31, 2008
	"AIN'T I" ... NO YOU'RE NOT!: An unreleased Jay-Z track sent a firestorm through the internet last night, leading many to believe Hov is working on a new album. The Timbaland produced track titled "I Am" pops up on a new DJ Clue mixtape, where even the mixtape king shouts "off that Blueprint 3." In other words, Jay’s dropping a new album, right. Wrong! Well, at least according to a rep for Jay who says the reports are totally false. MURDER, MURDER: According to a recent report, Missouri ranked as the lead state for black homicides in 2005. Statistics based on FBI data revealed that out of the 229 victims, 189 of them were gunshot related. Other states following Missouri include Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Indiana. DISMISSED: A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the faulty levees following the tragic Hurricane Katrina. While the same judge all but blamed the agency for failing to "protect" the city, over 400,000 businesses who filed billions of dollars in suits were trumped by a 1982 bill that prevents lawsuits against federal agencies during natural disasters. POLITRICKS: As if the war itself wasn’t bad enough, suicides among active-duty soldiers in 2007 reached their highest level since the Army began keeping such records in 1980. Last year, 121 soldiers took their own lives, nearly 20% more than in 2006; the number of attempted suicides or self-inflicted injuries in the Army has jumped to 2,100 compared with 350 in 2002. Common factors include failed personal relationships; legal, financial or job problems; and the frequency and length of overseas deployments. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008
	COMEBACK: Lyrical monster AZ is readying his new album "Undeniable" on Koch Records end of February. AZ, who like other rappers has been playing with the idea of leaving the rap game, has lined up artists such as Styles P and Ray J for the album. PUSHED BACK: No Limit soldier C Murder’s trial has been pushed back to June. According to the Associated Press, Murder’s attorneys and prosecutors requested the trial date to be moved due to issues surrounding witnesses. Originally C-Murder was set to go to trial on Feb 11th. ANOTHER BREAKOUT: As the hit television show The Wire winds down its final season, another actor from the show is launching his career. Maestro Harrell - aka Randy Wagstaff and bka the snitching candy kid - has a real hustle with his singing and piano playing that landed him a deal with Jermaine Dupri's So So Def imprint. Recently Harrell accompanied JD to Diddy and ex-girlfriend Kim Porter’s Sweet 16 birthday party for son Quincy. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008
	AWARD TOUR: Kanye West has been popping up at a few local New York events, the latest in support of newcomer Kid Sister at a museum over the weekend. Now Mr. West has announced the lineup for his "Glow in the Dark Tour"; the much anticipated trek features Rihanna, Lupe Fiasco, and N.E.R.D. BACK IN THE BUILDING: Philadelphia outfit The Roots is back with a new album titled "Rising Down." According to the group’s official website okayplayer.com, "Rising" is panning out to be jam packed with guest appearances from Mos Def, Styles P, Common, Q-Tip, Lupe Fiasco and more. Last year, The Roots and other disgruntled artists on the Def Jam roster were outraged by lack of promotion over their albums, but things appear to have worked themselves out. SPEAKING OF: Breakout group Gnarls Barkley solidified plans of their return on the upcoming album "The Odd Couple." While the duo is still reportedly hard at work on the album, a track called "Run" hit the web this week. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008
	RAISING THE BAR: Missy Elliott is infamous for her breakout videos; now she plans to turn things up a notch with the release of her new video, "Ching-a-Ling." According to the Hollywood Reporter, Walt Disney Studios has signed on to handle graphics for the clip as well heater "Shake Your Pom Pom." The video is scheduled to air on MTV this Monday and is also available on the soundtrack "Step Up 2: The Streets". CONGRATS: Major shot out goes to Harve Pierre, who was tapped as President of Bad Boy Records today. As part of the new position, Pierre's production company Crazy Joint Productions will develop artists under the Bad Boy imprint. Pierre, a historical figure within the Bad Boy camp, has been influential on the label from its launch to current day-to-day activities. AND THE WINNER IS...: Def Jam Records has decided to not replace their vacant presidency following the exit of Sean "Jay-Z" Carter. Jay left his post on Christmas Eve, starting a firestorm of speculation over his successor. One thing is for sure: Chuck D, who was also named in the running for the position, is not taking the news so well and points the finger at "10-15 buzzards" who he says really run hip-hop. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, January 28, 2008
	NO WORRIES: Mary J Blige spoke out for the first time regarding allegations of her steroid use. Blige told MTV that she has no plans to "clear anything up" and that she's treating the latest headline no different than those of the past, completely writing them off. HONEY I’M HOME: 50 Cent has returned from tour and back to his old tricks. The number one gunner in the game put a target on the back of Terror Squad leader Fat Joe on the new record "I'm Leaving." On the track 50 responds to Joe, rapping that "no one likes your shit" in reference to Fat Joe's new single with J Holiday; Fif promises that he's now giving Joe his full, undivided attention. OUT OF THE WOODWORKS: This popped up late last week and we decided to pass, but things are getting interesting now: Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Shyheim is lashing out at Wu member Raekwon. Apparently the Rugged child is upset with Rae for preventing him from securing a drop from Diddy at a recent live show. Originally Shyheim recorded a track dedicated to the "fat boy" and now he's gone as far as releasing a YouTube video. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, January 27, 2008
	SUED: The family of late TLC singer Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes is contemplating whether to sue a Los Angeles outfitter after the company refused to remove images of the fallen star from their new clothing line. Dragonfly Designs incorporated photographs of Lopes, as well as those of other music legends such as Elvis Presley and Kurt Cobain, but the Lopes family claims the action is illegal. CLOSE TO HISTORY: Senator Barack Obama sealed the South Carolina Democratic primary, putting the Illinois lawyer one step closer as the first African American to run Capitol Hill. The Obama train took a few stumbles earlier on with significant losses in New Hampshire and Nevada, leaving South Carolina as a much needed win. The charismatic Senator now cruises into Florida for his next showdown - although the state’s electoral college votes will not count - followed by Super Tuesday on February 5th. Senator Hillary Clinton called Obama to congratulate him following his win. BATTLE FOR THE SOUTH: Which new jack emcee has plans to unseat one of Atlanta's first blockbuster rappers? This hungry lyricist is enjoying a taste of success with a monster record at radio and enough street credibility to fill the blocks of Bankhead with his sights set on a fellow ATLien. Stay tuned. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, January 26, 2008
	SHOW GOES ON: Just as the Writers Guild called off their strike against next month’s Grammy Awards, superstar singers Beyonce and Rihanna have been announced as performers at the ceremony. The Grammys’ 50th anniversary show will include Aretha Franklin and a special performance from Mary J Blige, the Clark Sisters, the Madison Bumblebees and more. Recording Academy President Neil Portnow released a statement following the WGA’s decision: "In light of this, we are gratified that the 50th Annual Grammy Awards will focus solely on the great music, artists and charitable work resulting from our show." IN STORES: In February, Hidden Beach Records plans to release its first live CD/DVD box set from recording artist Jill Scott. “Jill Scott: Live in Paris” features Scott's Elysee Montmartre performance where she cranked out hits "He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat)", "Whatever" and "Golden." Jill Scott is also up for a number of Grammy Awards including Best Female R&B Vocal Performance, Best Urban/Alternative Performance and Best R&B Album. GOING NOWHERE: An injured Shaquille O' Neal dismissed reports of retirement at the end of the 2008 NBA season. Speculation has loomed for months following the ground breaking center's lowest point average to date. Although hanging up his Miami Heat jersey may not happen this year, O'Neal left the possibility open once his contract expires in an interview with ESPN: "I'm the son of an army drill sergeant and when we enlist, we go out full-term. So I got two years left on my term and then, after that, I'll be looking to do other things.” 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, January 25, 2008
	NAS STICKS UP FOR IMUS?: Rapper Nas is well known for getting fans riled up, from the content of his lyrics to the historical rap battle with Jay-Z to his inconsistency on various promises; now Nas is backing Don Imus, sort of. In the latest issue of XXL magazine, the Queensbridge poet told the publication: "It was a win-win situation for him because it wasn't handled properly. I believe in Don Imus' freedom of speech. Because if we don't know what people are thinking, how can we solve any problems?" MORE ON NAS: Speaking of Sir Escobar, it's been widely reported the lyricist was on the verge of being dropped from parent company Def Jam records. However, as always, UWN got the real deal straight from an Island Def Jam spokesperson: "That is absolutely ridiculous and untrue." We couldn't have said it better ourselves! ONE MORE TO THE FRAY: While we're playing clean up man, moving on to Diddy, word is the Bad Boy mogul has changed his moniker yet again. However, a statement released from a label rep suggested otherwise: "Recent reports of a name change are totally false, he is still Diddy. He is currently in ‘Sean John’ mode as the upcoming Sean John fashion show is scheduled for February 8th in New York." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, January 24, 2008
	GUESS THAT MEANS NO: Once word began to spread Michael Jackson was on the move to perform a string of shows overseas, whispers of a certain Queens rapper offering his services to the King of Pop began to surface. 50 Cent recently spoke to MTV where he pretty much shot down the reports of him helping Jacko on tour: "Help him with his live shows? Now who could help Michael Jackson with a live show? You're talking about one of the greatest entertainers ever, man. I don't even have to say anything about that one". HERE'S ANOTHER HIT: Soccer phenomenon David Beckham will reportedly make an appearance on the Snoop Dogg’s upcoming album. Word is the kicker plans to lay a few vocals for his pal Snoop after the two put their heads together on previous collaborations, including Snoop's reality TV show "Father Hood." AWARD TOUR: Singer Janet Jackson is one of several nominees who will be honored at the 19th annual GLAAD Media Awards. GLAAD President Neil Giuliano released the following statement: "This year's extraordinary nominees exemplify the important strides we have made as a community toward creating a truly inclusive society." 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Thursday, January 24, 2008
	PARTY HARD: Producer and fashion guru Pharrell held a dinner this week in Paris to launch his Louis Vuitton jewelry line. Skateboard P experienced success with his "Billionaire" Louis shades and hopes to garner even more attention with the line of Blason baubles. A New York media outlet reports Pharrell and friends partied at a French palace. SENSELESS VIOLENCE: New York upstart emcee Uncle Murda was reportedly shot in the head Tuesday night in Brooklyn. Apparently Murda was grazed while sitting in a vehicle in his native hood and is currently recovering. SLAP ON THE WRIST: After all the hoopla surrounding his drug arrest and possible weapons charges, rapper to the stars Lil’ Wayne was released yesterday on a $10,000 bond. Wayne was collared by the DEA after his vehicle was stopped at a checkpoint in Arizona; officers discovered marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine plus a registered firearm. POLITRICKS: As we draw closer to our February 5th Super Tuesday primary in 23 states and on the eve of the most pivotal election in recent years, thousands of convicted felons STILL believe they can’t vote. FACT: if you have completed your felony parole, you ARE eligible to vote again (exception: felons in Florida, Kentucky, and Virginia permanently lose their voting privileges). 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
	GAME OVER: Beefy rapper Busta Rhymes was in court today and pled guilty to a variety of charges ranging from assault to DUI. This development allows the rapper to escape any potential jail time (Bussa Bus previously rejected plea deals). As part of the deal, Busta will serve three years probation. LEAVE IT ALONE: Golfer Tiger Woods has wholeheartedly accepted TV analyst Kelly Tilghman’s apology and is now asking the public to move past the matter. Tilghman drummed up controversy when she joked Tiger should be “lynched”, resulting in protests from the black community including Rev Al Sharpton. The golf champ is clearly bothered by the uproar caused by the incident: "Kelly and I did speak. There was no ill intent. She regrets saying it. In my eyes, it's all said and done. We all say things that we do regret, and certainly that's one she's going to regret." THE AFTERMATH: The doctor who performed the Dr. Donda West's ill-fated surgery made a follow up appearance on Larry King Live. During Dr. Jan Adams’ interview – which lasted longer than his first chat where he walked off the set - the plastic surgeon said his business is pretty much doomed in light of West's death. According to Adams, the autopsy report was about what he expected. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008
	DRAMA!: Lil’ Wayne was booked on three felony counts of drug possession in Arizona. Wayne’s legal troubles are a bit more serious this time around as the Cash Money spitter was arrested by the DEA and currently remains behind bars. More on this story as it develops. GHOST SPEAKS MYSPACE: In a recent interview, Wu-Tang rapper Ghostface spoke on his disappointing record sales. In the clip, aimed specifically at his Myspace fans, Ghost scratches his head after he sold less than 60,000 copies of his "Big Doe Rehab" album in one week while maintaining a fanbase of over 100,000 visitors on the media platform: "I thought ya'll muthafuckas loved me." FUNNY HOW TIME FLIES: At the kickoff for promotion of the "Big Doe Rehab" album, Ghost vowed to not support the Wu-Tang Clan "8 Diagrams" album which was scheduled to drop the same week as his. However, GFK starts off the interview by noting he has two albums out and not just one. SOULJA BOY...TELL 'EM: New school Soulja Boy feels he's the “Hottest MC In The Game”. During an interview with MTVNews.com, the candid rapper says that although the channel gave Lil’ Wayne that title last summer, along with highlighting Kanye West and Jay-Z as favorites, he's undoubtedly the hottest out right now. Soulja Boy is far from being wrong as this week's Soundscan report shows his debut album has sold roughly 700,000 copies to date. Not bad for a new jack! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
	LET IT GO: 50 Cent spoke recently on his comical feud with rival rapper Kanye West. While at Sundance promoting movies and not music, Fif took the time out to tell reporters that he sold more records than Kanye worldwide, therefore he won the battle. Although Fif did sell more copies than 'Ye in certain countries, according to statistics, overall Kanye left Fiddy choking on his dust. I WANT MY TIMBALAND: Missy Elliott is readying her next solo album on the heels of her new hit single "Ching-A-Ling." According to Billboard, Missy is aiming for May as the month to drop and is also hoping to collaborate with producer Timbaland on the record. HOW YA LIVIN’?: Here’s some truth about abortion, a heated topic in the presidential race: half of U.S. women who have abortions each year are over 25; 60% have given birth to least one child prior to getting an abortion. Women who are Black and/or poor are more likely to have them (Black women account for over 1/3 of terminations.) New York, New Jersey, California, Delaware, Nevada, Maryland and Florida have the highest abortion rates. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008
	SNUBBED: Academy Award nominations were released this morning and the Denzel Washington flick "American Gangster" was almost nowhere to be found. While Ruby Dee was nominated as best supporting actress for her role as Denzel's mom, the lead actor himself, his rival - a passionate detective turned prosecutor - and the movie itself were left out of the remaining categories. BACK IN BUSINESS: Compton rapper The Game recently showed off his new facial art just as news of his next and rumored last album hit the wires. A close friend of Game told MTV's Mixtape Monday that Game is about halfway done with his album “LAX” and that Dr. Dre has submitted tracks for the project. A new video clip that hit the web shows the lanky emcee sporting a star symbol tattoo on his cheek. TONIGHT: Pop phenomenon Usher will appear at a rally alongside Senator Barack Obama. Barack has been bringing out the big guns throughout his campaign from Oprah Winfrey, to private meetings with Jay-Z and Kanye West; now Ersh will speak at a South Carolina rally later tonight to elaborate on his support for the Illinois Senator. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Monday, January 21, 2008
	CONGRATS: In honor of his father Dr Martin Luther King Jr., son Martin Luther King III has announced his marriage to wife Arndrea Waters. King and Waters have been item for roughly two years, and were married just shortly after Coretta Scott King passed last year; it's also been revealed the Kings are expecting their first child together – who will be Dr. King’s first grandchild - this spring. Congrats! WHAT’S THE CASE?: The lead prosecutor who unearthed Mick Vick’s dogfighting activity last year has left the controversial case with no explanation. The Surry county prosecutor, who was credited with cracking the case of the fallen NFL star, leaves his post just months before Vick is set to stand trial on local charges of dogfighting. GET READY: Black History Month is almost here, and UDub!News is gearing up for our special series based on the spirit of Carter G. Woodson’s famous book, “The Mis-education of the Negro”. Stay tuned for the REAL history they still don’t teach you in school as we present “The Miseducation of the Negro: 2008”. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Sunday, January 20, 2008
	BIG THINGS POPPIN': Yesterday 50 Cent announced the formation of his latest business venture, a film production company. The beefy rapper unveiled the news at the Sundance film festival; he plans to work with high profile actors such as Leonardo DeCaprio and lensman Martin Scorcese. Later that evening, Fif tore down club Tao for the many Sundance visitors, ripping through his lengthy catalog of hits. A CALL FOR UNITY: Senator Barack Obama suffered another blow by losing the Nevada primary to Hillary Clinton. Predictions had Obama taking the state but a final tally declared Clinton the winner (though, in the weird world of politics, he may still end up with more delegates than Clinton). On a brighter note, this morning Obama headed to the Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. King helped spearhead the Civil Rights movement. During his speech, Obama called on blacks and Jews to unite: "Unity is the great need of the hour - that's what Dr. King said. Not because it sounds pleasant or makes us feel good, but because it's the only way we can overcome the essential deficit that exists in this country." WOULDN'T GET FAR: Golfweek magazine VP and Editor Dave Seanor was dismissed after the publication's latest issue featured a noose on the cover. The reckless decision was in support of embattled Golf Channel anchorwoman Kelly Tilghman, who made a racial comment about Tiger Woods. The days following the Tilghman controversy have included a two week suspension, a variety of supporters denouncing the treatment the anchor received, and now the tasteless Golfweek cover. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Saturday, January 19, 2008
	I AM HIP-HOP: Presidential candidate Barack Obama began showing his love and passion for Hip Hop after his win in Iowa, when he made a direct shout-out to urban fashion pioneer FUBU and the hip hop community during his speech, stating "For Us and By Us". During the festivities, he also entered the filled room to Jay-Z's "99 Problems" blaring in the background. CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN: Obama's slogan is "Change You Can Believe In", a similar creed that helped birth FUBU and other urban clothing brands. As a global powerhouse, FUBU changed the way that corporate America looked at us - the hip hop community - as we defined our own lives through empowerment via entrepreneurship. The guys from Queens and success of FUBU helped give the hip hop community the boldness to break down stereotypes and barriers, and change the status quo – just like Barack Obama. KEEP IT GOING: There are many more hurdles ahead and battles to be won by Senator Obama, as well as for the hip hop community, of which FUBU is a proud citizen. The only thing constant is a change that is being embraced as we get deeper into a new beginning for our country. Keep your heads up! 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, January 18, 2008
	I'M SO SORRY: Not even a week following his venomous statement against Senator Barack Obama, BET founder Bob Johnson is apologizing. In a letter to Obama, Johnson acknowledges his comments were out of line and offered an apology; according to a spokesperson, Obama has accepted. POSTPONED: Lawyers for Akon managed to get the singer's fan-throwing court date postponed. Akon tossed a fan into the crowd during one of his shows last year, resulting in misdemeanor assault charges; he is due back in court in March and has pled guilty to the incident. ONE LIFE, ONE LOVE: Mary J Blige is keeping it moving despite recent negative press; the latest involves a stint on soap opera "One Life To Live." Blige will appear as a surprise guest and released a statement about her cameo: "It's absolutely amazing to be integrated into a soap opera I've watched since I was a little girl." STEVE HARVEY STAYS FLY!: In the January 28th issue of JET, radio king Steve Harvey reveals his fresh new look. Harvey, who turned 51 yesterday, shaved his head and lost weight in an effort to change the way people view men in their 50s. The comedian told JET, "At 50, a man ought to feel that he is on top of the hill. At 50, you are still fly!" The issue hit stands nationwide Monday. 2002-2008. UWN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED!

Friday, January 18, 2008
	HI TECH PIMPIN: Verizon Wireless has now made “mobile banking” a reality. Verizon customers who bank with Wachovia, SunTrust, Bancorp South and First Bank can now check bank balances, transfer funds between accounts and more from their mobile phones - now that’s hi tech pimpin’! AMERICA’S NEW PROBLEM: Piles of old TVs,