Say That Then!

News From Around The Way...

August 22, 2004

Miller beer is slowly but surely trying to get their foot out of their mouth after they released a series of commemorative beer cans with Rock 'n' Roll heroes that didn't include a single black artist. In a press release heavy on a**-kissing, Miller apologized and has announced a concert featuring all the black folks they could round up on short notice. The concert aims to highlight the contributions of black artists in Rock 'n' Roll and will feature Wyclef Jean, Bo Diddley, James Brown, and Lenny Kravitz among others.

Hip Hop's Liquid Throne is about to be vacated. Tha Alkoholics are calling it quits after their fifth studio effort Fire Water drops early next year. J-Ro, E-Swift and Tash won't be hanging up the mics, but from now on, they rolling for dolo. "It's the right time to go out with a bang," E-Swift said. "Knowing it's our last album has made us much more focused, knowing we have to sum it all up right here, right now and the feeling is great. We owe it to the fans to put everything into one last album and blow it up."

Cats across the Pond in merry olde England have been doing something right, because the Powers That Be, well, Nas and DMX's Bloodline Records, have both been scouting the British Isles for talent. Nas will feature one lucky hopeful on his next album, Streets Disciple, and the Bloodline gang will be featuring a few of their prospects on an upcoming label mixtape and one of them will see light on the forthcoming Bloodline label compilation.

Big Nocc dropped by the Seaspot offices the other day and brought us a treat, some fresh-from-the-reels heat from DPG affiliate Butch Cassidy. If Cassidy ever manages to get a deal and distribution he'll do just fine.

Sometimes, you have to feel lucky the cops get to you before the folks you done wrong. Scott Elkins is probably feeling that way right now. Elkins was arrested after he scammed a bunch of folks in Fargo, North Dakota, claiming he was the promoter for Lil' Jon. It'd be real hard to find someone if they disappeared in North Dakota...lotsa empty space.

In "What the eff are they thinking?" news, Jay-Z and R. Kelly are teaming back up for the Best of Both Worlds Tour. The tour was originally canceled because Kelly's legal troubles.

So, Hip Hop 101 in 2004 - how do you get a buzz? By writing good lyrics? Putting time and effort into developing your skills? If you're North Carolina rapper Twip, you just make a video even sluttier than Nelly's "Tip Drill." "If they aren't talking about me already they will after they see this," Twip was quoted as saying.

Damn homie, another soldier gone. Dennis "D-Roc" Miles of Ice-T hardcore band Body Count, finally lost his battle with a disease I will not describe, except that it sounds horrible and I hope D-Roc is in a better place. He was the third original member of Body Count to pass on. Love and respect to Ice and Ernie C and the rest of the band.

Hip Hop is killing it. Russel Rush and Head Diva In Charge Kimora have announced that their respective shoe lines are outselling everybody else at Finish Line stores. Including Nike and the rest of the big boys. We're taking over the world kiddies, the revolution is already in progress.

For those of you looking forward to seeing the Outlawz signing to Cash Money, don't hold your breath. The deal has fallen apart. But don't worry, word has it they'll be appearing on Seattle rapper and Bone Thugs affiliate Dub B's next album.

Shyne Poe can't catch a break. Well, he just keeps getting caught doing dirt is the problem. Turns out Shyne just got phone checked by prison officials. Turns out you aren't supposed to use the phones to conduct business on while you're locked up. Keep ya head up folks, the album is fuego. FREE SHYNE!.

News From the Butcher Shop: Nas did a show in New York's Central Park, during which he called out Jay-Z, 50 Cent and to quote God's Son "those c***s*****g Dip Set n****s."

MC Eiht is back in the building! The Compton legend will release Veteran's Day on September 28th.

MC Breed still gots to get his and he'll be back in the mix with The New Prescription at the end of the month.

High Holy What The F**k, Batman? Andre 3000 is going to be getting down with the GOP. He's scheduled to perform at the Republican National Convention? It's the end of the world as we know it.

Diddy Runs the City - half naked. The Puffster was partying on his boat, docked at the Mediterranean party paradise of Ibiza. Proving that cops are the same all over the world, local police mistakenly raided his boat. Diddy freaked out, grabbed a fur coat and ran the streets in his boxers.

Keep your eyes on the mixtapes for the remix of Jadakiss' "Why" with Common and Nas. Pure fuego.