Grammy award winning producer Rockwilder has announced that he too would jump into the rap fray like Irv Gotti, CEO of Murder Inc. "I said if Irv Gotti can do it, so can I," the producer said to AllHipHop.com. Rockwilder first gained underground recognition in the group Crossbreed, who were featured on Redman's Muddy Waters album and a number of Def Squad songs.

Eminem has released a controversial new animated video for "White America." The song & video make references to Eric Harris, 1 of the 2 Columbine high school shooters that murdered 15 people. "We put Charles Manson away for life," said Darrell Scott, who lost his daughter. "He didn't kill anyone, but influenced his followers to do so. Eminem has more influence & more followers than Charles Manson."

K-Mart has launched Ched-da, a new clothing line aimed at people interested in urban and hip-hop fashion. The line will be tested in 50 K-Mart stores in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. starting September 1st. "You can be cool, and you don't have to spend a lot of money. I'm no different than Sean John. I'm just $9.99."

Scarface has canceled touring to support his latest LP, "The Fix," after being hospitalized & diagnosed with high blood pressure. "I was 194 over 127, which is near stroke," Face told AllHipHop.com. "Retiring aint in my blood. I'm going to step away for a minute, focus on running Def Jam South & get my health back. N*ggas need to know about this, cause we're affected by it the most."f Ched-da said.

Snoop Dogg recently gave up two of his longtime vices- smoking weed & drinking liquor. Snoop, who won High Times Magazine's Stoner Of The Year Award this year, said he has been sober for almost a month. "I said 'Let me stop smoking dope so I can get a better vision of myself," Snoop told AllHipHop.com. "So I can see who I am & what I mean to the world. What I mean to my kids & to life in general'."

Russell Simmons has joined forces with the NAACP & Rock The Vote to relaunch Rap The Vote. Rap The Vote will produce celebrity PSA's & voter registration drives during Jay-Z's Sprite tour as well as a tour featuring The Beatnuts. "Rap The Vote has been very successful plugging in the money," Simmons told AllHipHop.com. "The infrastructure of the NAACP will make it even more effective."

Gangstarr's DJ Premier will be inducted into the DMC Hall Of Fame on August 23rd at The Roxy in NYC. The ceremony is part of the 17th Annual DMC US Finals, hosted by Run-DMC's Jam Master Jay. DMC is the worlds largest DJ organization with branches in 28 countries. "I'm deeply honored by this award," Premier told AllHipHop.com. "It feels so good to be recognized for doing something you love."

Legendary DJ Grandmaster Flash has teamed with electronics company Rane and has developed a customized mixing board. Known as the Empath, the mixer includes many unique features, including one that will correct sonic deficiencies in vinyl. "They fought me on a lot of it, but I had to tell them that this is what a DJ needs when he's in the booth," Flash said. The Empath will be available in September.

A month after Eminem released his "Eminem Show" with uncrackable coding to prevent bootlegging, perfectly duplicated pirated copies are being sold across Eastern Europe. Universal released the album with coding to prevent widespread copying. The album is being sold as low as $1.50 in American currency. In related news, Eminem has signed on to host an episode of the popular "Girls Gone Wild," series.

Nas recently cleared the confusion as to whether he was still signed with Columbia, or if he was signing with Irv Gotti's Murder Inc. label. "I've always had a great relationship with Columbia and look forward to making records with them for the rest of my career," Nas confirmed with AllHipHop.com. His latest studio album, "God's Son," hits stores 11/19 on Ill Will/Columbia.

DJ Kay Slay will host his 5th Annual "We Will Ball" memorial basketball tournament 8/17. The free tournament is taking place at 105th & 1st Ave at the Taylor Homes in NYC & will feature performances by Cam'ron, Black Rob, Animal & others. "A friend died the first year I did it. My Grandfather died the second year, so I just decided to make it an annual thing," Kay Slay told AllHipHop.com.

Trina is heading up a new clothing line, Diamond Princess Wear. Launching in the fall, the clothing line will have a variety of styles, from casual wear to "glammed up night attire." "$1,000 for a shirt - everybody can't afford that," Trina told AllHipHop.com "It's going to be popular because everybody can rock it." Trina's latest album "Diamond Princess," hits stores 8/27th.

Talib Kweli will headline the 5th Annual Black August Benefit Concert, which is taking place 8/28 in NYC. Billed as a celebration of hip-hop and freedom fighters, performers such as Black Thought of The Roots, Rise & Shine, Martin Luther, DJ Life and Tahir w/Duo Live will perform. "To be responsible for our community is not something that I feel anybody should be applauded for," Kweli told AllHipHop.com.

In a statement released to AllHipHop.com, Nas responded to Jay-Z's call for a Pay Per View battle, in which both artists would put up $1 million & rap for the peoples respect. "Pay Per View is for wrestlers & boxers, I make records," Nas said. "If Jay-Z wants to battle, he should drop his album the same day I do & let the people decide."

Clipse group member Malice was arrested at the University Mall in Tampa, FL on 8/10 & charged with trespassing. According to group members, Malice was signing autographs for fans around 9 P.M. when local police asked him to leave. As he left an officer allegedly shoved him and subsequently arrested him. "It's f*cked up, I was just signing autographs. All he saw was a bunch of black people in a huddle," Malice told AllHipHop.com.

Movie studio MGM is in negotiations with director Tim Story to direct a sequel to the yet to be released "Barbershop." The movie, which stars Eve, Cedric The Entertainer and Ice Cube, is the story of a day in a Southside Chicago barbershop. "Barbershop" was produced by Cube's movie production company, Cubevision and hits theaters nationwide September 13th.

In a recent interview with Big Von on San Francisco's KMEL, Murder Inc. CEO Irv Gotti addressed the beef between Ja Rule & DMX. DMX is planning a dis towards Ja Rule titled "Ruled Out," claiming that Ja stole his style. "I'm letting this guy dig his own grave," Gotti said of X. "I went another route & created what I feel is my own lane with Ja." Ja throws jabs at DMX on the remix to "The Pledge."

After the success of "The Mobilization For Education" rally in NYC, the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network is hitting the road. HSAN will hold 20 different rallys in 20 different U.S. cities starting this fall, with each city being linked to another via satellite connection. "The hip-hop power movement demands quality equal public education," President of HSAN Min. Benjamin Muhammad told AllHipHop.com.

Legendary DJ Jam Master Jay has founded the Scratch DJ Academy. Already in it's 3rd semester, the six week courses teach upcoming DJ's the history of turntablism & DJ'ing techniques. "Im really a fan of turntablism," Jay told AllHipHop.com. "Turntablists are musicians." In related news, JMJ will host 17th annual DMC US Finals DJ competition Friday, August 23rd at the legendary Roxy in New York.

KRS-One and his Temple Of Hip-Hop are advocating a hip-hop recording artist minimum wage. Set at $2.00 per album sold, KRS says that 50 cents of that amount should be placed in a fund for medical, dental and legal insurances for artists. "They are making less money today than Little Richard did in the 50's and 60's - and they claimed they were ripped off," KRS told AllHipHop.com.

Cam'ron was arrested yesterday (7/29) in NYC after police stopped his Land Rover & found a .22 pistol & marijuana in the SUV. According to police, Cam'ron was pulled over after a forged Fire Department Of New York parking permit was spotted in the window of the SUV. Cam was charged with criminal possession of marijuana, criminal possession of a weapon & criminal possession of a forged instrument.

Russell Simmons held a fundraiser for various educational charities at his East Hampton, NY home on July 27. The event, which was hosted by Rosie Perez, honored Earl Graves, Kathy Hughes, Cynthia Nixon & Martha Stewart for their social achievements. According to Simmons, the event raised almost $1 million dollars. Jay-Z, Dame Dash, Tyra Banks & Dick Gregory were among those present at the sold-out fundraiser.

Billboard Magazine will honor the legacy of hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa during the 2nd annual Billboard-AURN (American Urban Radio Networks) R&B/Hip-Hop Awards show August 9th in Miami, Florida. Bambaataa will be presented with The first "Founders Award," for his contributions & influence within hip-hop. Bambaataa currently hosts "True School Radio" on Chuck D's Bringthenoise.com.

Authorities are seeking Ryan Richard "Tater Head" Hobbs, an associate of rapper Trick Daddy. Hobbs allegedly kidnapped his daughter at gunpoint from the hands of her mother last week, the second such incident in 3 months. Authorities said they suspect he is hiding at the house of the rapper. Trick maintains that he's not hiding Hobbs. "If they go in my sh*t, I'm going to be pissed. Trick Daddy told AllHipHop.com

Ice-T has signed on to be the national spokesman for "Posse Pops," a brand of ice cream targeting Urban youth. Posse Pops were created by Rick Brown, who worked for Ben & Jerry Ice Cream for over 20 years. Each pop is wrapped in packaging that will educate the kids on safe sex & discourage them to use illegal drugs. "I'm known as such a hard person...there's nothing softer than ice cream!" Ice-T told AllHipHop.com

DMX recently finished writing "E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX." Co-authored by veteran music journalist Smokey D. Fontaine, the 352 page book chronicles DMX's early childhood, how he became a rapper & his exploits as an international star. "E.A.R.L. is poised to become the most gut-wrenching story of the hip-hop generation," Fontaine told AllHipHop.com. The book hits shelves November 5th.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. yesterday, Min. Louis Farrakhan called upon rappers to be "messengers of good." Farrakhan was speaking about his recent tour of the Middle East & Africa, as well as the current war climate in the world. "These young men & women are messengers," Farrakhan said. "Young people are not politically sophisticated but through rap they could be."

Ray "Benzino" Scott pleaded no contest to driving with a suspended license & reckless driving in Miami, FL. Police stopped Scott, who co-owns The Source, for speeding after the 2001 Source Awards. According to police, Scott punched & kicked an officer, while Scott alleged racism & brutality. The charges were reduced & Scott was ordered to pay $2,500 to a police officer assistance fund & court costs.

Baltimore, MD city council has adopted a resolution that asks all residents to cease using "the N-word" & to "condemn the use of the word in any form or fashion in popular music, film & literature." Introduced by Councilman Melvin Stukes after he attended a hip-hop concert with his two teenaged daughters, a second resolution will be sent to the President & U.S. Congress.

Yesterday, on BET's Rap City, Cam'ron apologized to Nas' deceased mother and his 7-year-old daughter. In a rap, Cam said a number of things aimed at Nas' family and referred to the R. Kelly case with regards to Nas' daughter. "I said some things out of character. I'm just apologizing, because I'm a grown man," Cam said. Clips of the apology can be viewed on BET.com.

Mystikal was arrested early Thursday morning along with two men and accused of raping and extorting a 40-year-old woman, police said. According to police, the woman cashed checks written to her from the rapper's account without his permission. Mystikal allegedly offered not to press charges if he could have sex with her instead. At his home, Mystikal allegedly raped the women in front of the two men, who then raped and threatened her also. Neither Mystikal nor Jive Records commented on the case.

Jay-Z and Dame Dash announced that they have purchased imported Scottish liquor brand, Armadale Vodka. While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, the CEO of Roc-A-Fella was excited about the acquisition. "Roc-A-Fella has always respected quality vodkas, such as Belvedere and Grey Goose. Just like we do with all of our businesses we wanted to present a vodka that represented the best and we feel Armadale is of elite quality," Dame Dash said.

Chicago producer NoID has inked a deal with Def Jam for his label, Face The Music. NoID has produced tracks for Common, Method Man, Jay-Z, Diego & others. The first act to drop will be female singer K.Fox, who's "For Goodness Sake," will hit stores later this year. "Def Jam out bid the competition to get the label," NoID told AllHipHop.com. "I just wanna show them I am about my business & make it happen."

Slick Rick is in INS custody in Tampa, FL & is being held without bail. Rick was arrested upon returning to the U.S. after performing on a Tom Joyner Morning Show cruise on June 1. INS claims that his felony record prevents him from residing in the U.S. & he is facing deportation. "I can't believe INS won't release me on bail for a case I've already won in 1995," Rick told AllHipHop.com from his cell.

Veteran Heavy D is finishing up his 8th LP, "Hev." The LP features appearances from Faith Evans, Loon, P. Diddy & others, as well as production by Trackmasters, P. Diddy, Tony Dofat & Heavy himself. In related news, Heavy has been tapped to run the soon-to-be launched Big & Tall division of the Sean John clothing line. "My LP will reflect where I am in my life...and I'm in a real good place," Heavy told AllHipHop.com

Chicago rapper Teefa, formerly of the rap group Infamous Syndicate, is releasing a new single, "I Am/Ghetto Fabulous." The single is being supported & played by hip-hop DJ coalition, The Technitions. Teefa, who also hosts a popular show on Chicago's WGCI, the #1 radio station in the Midwest, is working on her solo LP for record label, The Plant. The untitled LP will feature production by Terry Hunter & NoID.

Houston rapper Lil Troy will release "My Turn," the debut album from his 16 year old son, Troy jr. Known as T2, the younger Troy will drop the album on his fathers indie label, Short Stop Records. "I know how to make someone well known," Lil Troy told AllHipHop.com. "I take the talent and mold them." "My Turn" hits stores in August.

Dr. Dre's Aftermath Ent. is in settlement talks with lawyer Dedra Davis & Saregama India Limited, after Truth Hurt's smash "Addictive" illegally used portions of an Indian movie soundtrack. The song sampled was "Thoda Resham Lagta Hai," by Hindu singer Lata Mangeshkar, from the movie "Jyoti." Dre's legal counsel said that they couldn't find the original copyright holders.

Duck Down Entaprizez has inked a distribution deal with Koch. The label is home to such artists as Cocoa Brovaz, Buckshot, Blackmoon & others. Duck Down is planning to drop "Chosen Few," by Bootcamp Clik in October & is aiming to be a distribution outlet for new acts. "This deal gives Duck Down the opportunity to give our fans more music than we have ever before," Dru Ha, CEO of Duck Down told AllHipHop.com

Wu-Tang's Ghostface Killah has launched his own label, Starks Enterprises & has signed a deal with Def Jam. Ghost is aiming to release his untitled album before the end of this year. "They on top right now. They control the radio, its bananas. We not gonna change nothing. Going from Epic to Def Jam is like going from the Padres to Yankees," Ghost told AllHipHop.com.

Murder Inc CEO Irv Gotti will reverse roles with Ja-Rule and sign as a rapper with Ja's new label, MI2 (Murder Inc 2). Gotti, who rhymes on the new compilation "The Inc," told AllHipHop.com, "I think the public is really going to like that he is my artist and I'm his artist. We staying together." Gotti's said his LP won't drop until Murder Inc "has released 4 or 5 more platinum records."

After being convicted on two counts of firearm possession as a felon, rapper Project Pat is requesting a new trial, alleging his own song lyrics prejudiced the jury and judge. During the trial, Pat's lawyers attempted to limit references to his lyrics, called "gangsta rap" in court. In June, a judge sentenced Pat to four years and three months in prison along with a $75, 000 fine.

Portland's Cool Nutz is getting ready to release the follow up to his successful indie LP, "Verbal Porn." "I Hate Cool Nutz" will feature such artists as Kurupt, E-40, Rass Kass & others. The new LP drops in September. After leaving a major for independence, Cool Nutz told AllHipHop.com "I can release an album when I want without the politics of the label. It's a good situation."

Contrary to published reports, Special Ed won't be an artist signed to Snoop Dogg's Dogghouse Records. "We just did a song together," Ed said. "It's called ‘Don't Make A Wrong Move’ & it'll be on his 'All-Stars' Album coming out in August." The Brookyln born rapper has started his own label, SEMI Entertainment, & will release his new album, "Still Got It Made" in September.

Fubu Records has entered into an exclusive distribution deal with Koch Records. Fubu Records is a division of FUBU The Collection, the popular clothing line. The label will release New Orleans-based rap group 54th PLATOON & a new compilation. "We are excited..we have total control of all aspects of all projects & receive the lion share of the profits," Carl Brown, CEO of Fubu Records told AllHipHop.com.

The 5th annual Bad Boy All Star Weekend kicks off in Atlanta, GA July 3rd-7th. P.Diddy & the Bad Boy fam will host various events around the city, including a celebrity basketball game vs. So So Def, an all-star softball game in which Bad Boy will take on Organized Noize/Outkast & P.Diddy's infamous "White Party." "I'm just trying to do something to take away from all the negativity," Diddy said.

Run-DMC is preparing to release the follow up to 2001's "Crown Royal." The untitled LP will be accompanied by a world tour, celebrating the group's 20th anniversary. "We won't let a record company dictate our existence," DMC said. "We'll be 80 years old, still coming up & DJing & rapping." In related news, DMC is preparing to release his solo LP, "Checks, Thugs & Rock & Roll," in the fall.

Dame Dash said yesterday (June 27) that he was the person that prevented Nas from performing at Hot 97's Summer Jam concert. "Who do you think made that phone call? I just wanted to aggravate [Nas]," he said. "I can’t rap, but I can get at him though." Dame also said that he didn't think Nas would get so angry over his not being able to perform. Hot 97 stands by their claim that the simulated lynching, not Dash prevented Nas from performing.

Nas walked out on NY's annual Hot 97 Summer Jam concert June 26, after station officials would not let him perform "Ether." According to Angie Martinez, Nas wanted to simulate a lynching, which officials opposed. "They support everything he does," Nas said. "When Nas disses him back, they team up with the evil. A whole evil empire funded by a bunch of other evil empires, Def Jam is one of them - that's giving [Hot 97] money to play all they artist records," Nas fumed.

In the midst of the Arab-Israeli conflict, rap music is blossoming amongst some 1.2 million Arabs in Israel. Various groups are springing up using hip-hop to protest Israeli occupation. The groups say they identify with the plight of African-Americans as they rap of rascisn, police brutality & poverty. "Because I'm An Arab," a song by rap group MWR, topped the charts in Haifa, Israel a few weeks ago resonating with Jewish & Arab youth alike.

According to sources, Khujo of the Goodie Mob was involved in a near fatal car accident, resulting in the loss of both legs. There are no other details at this time. Please send your prayers out to family and friends.

Dungeon Family members the Calhouns are preparing to release their "Made In The Dirdy South," LP. Consisting of Lucky, Pauly, Howg Major & Cool Breeze aka Freddy Calhoun, the new LP features production by veterans Organized Noize. "Everyone involved with this album is from the South including all the artists, producers & songwriters," Freddy Calhoun told AllHipHop.com. The LP hits stores 8/20.

Wyclef Jean is launching a new record label, Sak Passe, which means "what's up" in Creole. Focusing on Haitian and other Caribbean music, Clef said that he wants to help take the island music known as "Compas" to new heights. "The same way Chris Blackwell (founder of Island Music) put reggae on the map...Compas can be in those forefront's if it's done right," Clef told the Miami Herald.

Contrary to rumors circulating, Tampa Florida's Khia is alive and well, according to her label Artemis Records. A Rumor circulated that Khia was killed after she was shot in the head. Her record, "My Neck, My Back" is a top 20 single, while her "Thug Misses," LP is # 2 on Billboard's Independent Albums chart. Khia is preparing to release her follow up single, "The K-Wang."

The High Times Hip-Hop tour, which was halted on the East coast in May after venue owners complained of excessive cannabis smoking, will resume in August 2002. Artists from High Times' "THC: The Hip-Hop Collection, Vol. 1" will kick off a tour at the House Of Blues in Los Angeles, CA in August. "THC Vol.1" features Black Moon, RZA, Defari, MF Doom, B-Real of Cypress Hill and others.

50 Cent has inked a deal with Eminem's Shady Records. Best known for his "How To Rob" song in which he robs various rappers, 50's 2nd major label release will be distributed by Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment. The LP drops later this year & will feature the production of Eminem, Dre & others. "Anyone who has been following 50 cent can only imagine what's about to go down," 50 Cent said.

NYC's Mayor Bloomberg signed a deal with the United Federation Of Teachers last week, granting 80,000 NYC teachers pay raises of 16% to 22%. Following the 100,000 strong "Mobilization For Education" rally staged by the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network, the Mayor vowed to make the schools better & is expected to restore almost $250 million back into the school system's budget.

Legendary DJ Chuck Chillout has joined the on-air talent roster at XM Satellite Radio's uncensored hip-hop channel, 66 Raw. The twenty year radio veteran helped take hip-hop around the globe. "I've been waiting for some sh*t like this to come along," he told AllHipHop.com. "This is what the hip hop industry will recognize as the music's new driving force above all other mediums."

Durham N.C. based Rev. Paul Scott has called for a boycott of "Gangsta Rap" music. Scott is urging fans to demand rap and hip-hop that promotes positive images of and for African-American men and women. Yesterday (June 16th), he called for radio stations to play more socially meaningful music. "Leave the Jay-Z and the rest of them rotting on the bargain table," he said.

Queen Latifah is executive producing and starring opposite Steve Martin in the comedy, "In The Houze." The movie centers around a man (Martin) who meets a female (Latifah) on the internet, who happens to be in prison. In a strange twist, the female inmate escapes prison and proceeds to wreak havoc on Martin's life. The movie is scheduled for a 2003 release.

Will.I.Am, member of the L.A. hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas, has launched his own clothing line. I Am Clothing will be sold in "high end trendy spots," & will be available for both men & women. Each design will not exceed 500 pieces & all are signed & numbered by Will.I.Am himself. "I.Am Clothing is directly aimed for people that know who they are," Will.I.Am told AllHipHop.com

Public Enemy is preparing to release their latest LP, "Revolverlution." P.E. recently shot the video for the first single, "Give The Peeps What They Need," in front of 60,000 people at CMGI Field in Boston. "Too many rappers give the fans what they want instead of what they need. This hip-hop game needs an overhaul," group member Professor Griff told AllHipHop.com "Revolverlution" hits stores 7/23.

Project Pat was sentenced to 4 years in prison on 6/11. Pat was convicted on 2 counts of firearm possession as a felon in March, after an incident in Jan. 2001, when Pat was pulled over for speeding. Police found 2 revolvers under his seat. 36 Mafia members Juicy J & DJ Paul allege racism, noting that Pat was tried by an all white jury. Pat's LP, "Laying The Smack Down" is due in November.

L.A. inner city schools have banned the popular "C-Walk," a dance short for "Crip Walk." According to officials, the dance was originally performed after a rival gang member was killed. The dance has been banned from the playgrounds to the prom. Kurupt, who has never hidden his Crip gang ties told AllHipHop.com: "They better be careful...people have lost their lives over that dance."

Suge Knight has joined forces with the Acme Literary & Talent agency & will be shopping his personal memoirs to potential publishers. According to Knight, his book will focus on the music industry, his time behind bars, the early days of Death Row and his ties to Snoop, Dre & Tupac. Knight will also comment on the work he did with the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

Rapper Antron "Big Lurch" Singleton will stand trial for the murder of a 21-year-old L.A. woman 2 months ago. Detectives said they found the woman's body in her apartment with her chest ripped open & bite marks on her face & lungs. An examination found foreign human flesh & blood in his stomach. Lurch, who was allegedly high on PCP, has done songs with Mystikal, RBL Posse, C-Bo & others.

Method Man & Redman, who starred in Universal's 2001 surprise hit "How High," will star in their 2nd movie together. In the new untitled film, the duo play undercover DEA agents attempting to break a drug ring. The action/comedy film is being produced by Native Pictures and Jersey Films and will be distributed by Universal. The script is still being written.

Snoop Dogg has become the first celebrity host of the successful "Girls Gone Wild" series. In a deal worth an estimated $1.5 million, "Girls Gone Wild Doggy Style," follows Snoop around 2002's Mardi Gras in New Orleans. "He was a huge draw for crowds of beautiful women," said Joe Francis, CEO of the series' parent company, Mantra Entertainment. The VHS/DVD hits stores in September.

R. Kelly was indicted today (6/5) on child pornography charges related to a videotape officials allege show him having sex with an under age girl. A Cook County, IL grand jury has charged Kelly with 21 counts of child pornography. The charges carry a sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $100,000. Despite authorities verifying the tape is not fraudulent, Kelly maintains his innocence.

West Coast veteran DJ Quik has been tapped to produce tracks for Mariah Carey's newest album on Def Jam. Quik, who produced Truth Hurt's single "Contagious," just released "Under Tha Influence," his 7th album. "I had a blast putting this album together," Quik told AllHipHop.com. "Talib Kweli & Pharoahe Monch were incredible to work and Dr. Dre, well he's just the Doctor."

Jay-Z issued a call for students in NYC to join him in supporting the "Mobilization For Education" march on City Hall tomorrow (June 4th). The march is to protest Mayor Bloomberg & Governor Pataki's proposed $1.2 billion dollar budget cuts for education. "At 2:30 pm I want you to get up & walk out of class & meet us at City Hall. Let's let these elected officials know...they work for us," Jay-Z said.

Joseph "Reverend Run" Simmons will make a cameo appearance in "Red Dragon," the prequel to "Silence Of The Lambs." The movie, which stars Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton & Harvey Keitel, centers around a former FBI agent tracking a serial killer. "Run has always had a tremendous amount of personality & stage presence," director Brett Ratner told AllHipHop.com. "Red Dragon," hits theaters October 4th.

Prosecutors in PA are planning to use the lyrics of local rapper Karim Ali Howard against him in court. Howard was arrested earlier this month & charged with drug trafficking, after authorities raided his house & seized cocaine, $94,000 in cash & copies of his CD. "When he's writing such lyrics, it would indicate to me that he's a drug dealer," Deputy District Attorney Kevin Steele said.

African-American students are threatening to boycott The University of Minnesota's student newspaper, The Daily. The student newspaper ran a cartoon spoofing hip-hop culture, which depicted a young black male denying he impregnated his girlfriend, used stereotypical urban slang, & featured various background props including a bottle of malt liquor & a poster of Tupac. The Daily apologized on their website.

Def Poetry Jam Is Seeking Poets. Interested Poets: 212-840-9399, Speak To Bruce George