Innacity | News

Innacity | News Mon, 31 May 2010 13:07:36 GMT Eclectic Music 4 Eclectic people<br /> Read the latest news headlines or why not visit our website at http://www.innacityfm.com/ http://www.innacityfm.com/news/ Mon, 31 May 2010 13:07:36 GMT en-gb 15 50 Cent reveal shocking weight loss for cancer film role Rapper-turned-actor 50 Cent has shed four stone in weight for his new film, as these gaunt pictures of the star show. The star also spent three hours a day on a treadmill to get from 15st 4lbs to 11st 2lbs for forthcoming movie Things Fall Apart.50 Cent - real name Curtis Jackson - lost the weight to play the role of a star high-school footballer who is diagnosed with cancer. The rapper, 34, normally weighs 214 pounds and is often seen shirtless, flaunting his muscles. Yet after nine weeks on a liquid diet, Jackson now weighs just 160 pounds, and appears gaunt. He posted these pictures on Twitter, saying he was "starving". Jackson, who begins a US tour tonight, has assured fans: "I've been eating. I'll be back in shape in no time!"50 Cent previously revealed that he was also having several of his tattoos removed for the role.   http://www.innacityfm.com/news/23 Sun, 30 May 2010 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/23 Guru of Gangstarr Dies, Writes Letter To Supporters  Legendary Gangstarr artist Guru has succumbed to cancer after a lengthy bout with the disease.The artist, born Keith Elam, died on Monday April 19. He was 43 years old.Solar, Guru's partner, expressed sadness over the loss."The world has lost one of the best MCs and Hip-Hop icons of all-time -- my loyal best friend, partner, and brother, Guru," Solar said in a statement. "Guru has been battling cancer for well over a year and has lost his battle! This is a matter that Guru wanted private until he could beat it, but tragically, this did not happen. The cancer took him. Now the world has lost a great man and a true genius.Guru, a Boston native, rose to fame in the 80's as one half of Gangstarr, the iconic rap group with DJ Premier.The group released six highly regarded albums in their tenure until 2003 when they broke up. After his successful run with Premier, Guru founded 7 Grand Records with producer Solar.Solar went on to tend to the rapper as he fell ill, seemingly controlling the flow of information and access to Guru. Many of his family members complained that they were denied their right to see him.Solar also said that Guru wrote a letter to fans and sent it out through a press agency. "For the fans that reached out with love and support, I can't tell you how much that meant to Guru and myself. Guru prepared this letter (read below) while he was in the hospital for the fans," the producer continued. "I hope now that Guru has moved on to a better place."In the letter, seen below, the rapper explains his illness, expresses gratitude to supporters and offers some parting words for DJ Premiere. I, Guru, am writing this letter to my fans, friends and loved ones around the world. I have had a long battle with cancer and have succumbed to the disease. I have suffered with this illness for over a year. I have exhausted all medical options. I have a non-profit organization called Each One Counts dedicated to carrying on my charitable work on behalf of abused and disadvantaged children from around the world and also to educate and research a cure for this terrible disease that took my life. I write this with tears in my eyes, not of sorrow but of joy for what a wonderful life I have enjoyed and how many great people I have had the pleasure of meeting.My loyal best friend, partner and brother, Solar, has been at my side through it all and has been made my health proxy by myself on all matters relating to myself. He has been with me by my side on my many hospital stays, operations, doctors visits and stayed with me at my home and cared for me when I could not care for myself. Solar and his family is my family and I love them dearly and I expect my family, friends, and fans to respect that, regardless to anybody's feelings on the matter. It is my wish that counts. This being said I am survived by the love of my life, my sun KC, who I trust will be looked after by Solar and his family as their own. Any awards or tributes should be accepted, organized approved by Solar on behalf myself and my son until he is of age to except on his own.I do not wish my ex-DJ to have anything to do with my name likeness, events tributes etc. connected in anyway to my situation including any use of my name or circumstance for any reason and I have instructed my lawyers to enforce this. I had nothing to do with him in life for over 7 years and want nothing to do with him in death. Solar has my life story and is well informed on my family situation, as well as the real reason for separating from my ex-DJ. As the sole founder of GangStarr, I am very proud of what GangStarr has meant to the music world and fans. I equally am proud of my Jazzmatazz series and as the father of Hip-Hop/Jazz. I am most proud of my leadership and pioneering efforts on Jazzmatazz 4 for reinvigorating the Hip-Hop/Jazz genre in a time when music quality has reached an all time low. Solar and I have toured in places that I have never been before with GangStarr or Jazzmatatazz and we gained a reputation for being the best on the planet at Hip-Hop/Jazz, as well as the biggest and most influential Hip-Hop/Jazz record with Jazzmatazz 4 of the decade to now. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time. And we as a team were not afraid to push the envelope. To me this is what true artists do! As men of honor we stood tall in the face of small mindedness, greed, and ignorance. As we fought for music and integrity at the cost of not earning millions and for this I will always be happy and proud, and would like to thank the million fans who have seen us perform over the years from all over the world. The work I have done with Solar represents a legacy far beyond its time and is my most creative and experimental to date. I hope that our music will receive the attention it deserves as it is some of the best work I have done and represents some of the best years of my life. innacityfm.com  sends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Keith ElamRIP  http://www.innacityfm.com/news/22 Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/22 Gangstarr's Guru Suffers Heart Attack, Currently In Coma Legendary rapper Guru, best known as a member of the rap duo Gangstarr, reportedly suffered a heart attack over the weekend and is currently in critical condition.According to HipHopWired.com, the 43-year-old rapper (real name: Keith Elam) went into cardiac arrest sometime this weekend, and has since slipped into a coma.Guru's former partner, DJ Premier, was set to call into DJ Eclipse's HipHopNation/Sirius show to speak on the rapper's condition. But, several reports indicate that he decided to hold off.HipHopWired, however, says the call did take place, and Premier revealed that Guru is set to undergo surgery Monday afternoon (March 1).Further details regarding his condition are unknown.The news of the rapper's heart attack shocked many in the hip-hop community, who took to Twitter to express their reactions. Below are a few of their comments:"When Worst Comes To Worst My Peoples Come First #PrayforGuru," Dilate Peoples' Evidence wrote (@MrEvidence)."All my greatest positive energy and prayers going to Guru and family... please get well," Jean Grae tweeted (@JeanGreasy)."Praying 4 Guru...," commented Slaughterhouse member, Royce Da 5'9 (@RoyceDaFive9)."my prayers go out to guru, ((((((prayers, love, meditation))))))," said Pharoahe Monch (@pharoahemonch).As the sole MC for Gangstarr, with DJ Premier serving as the producer, Guru served as a pioneer for hip-hop/jazz crossovers. The duo released six studio LPs and two greatest collections. Many of their albums are considered hip-hop classics.The pair's latest album came in 2003 (The Ownerz, after the went their separate ways, calling the split a long break.As of recent years, Guru began working with a new producer named Solar, launched his own label 7 Grand Records, and has released several new projects.Guru will be in our prayers. http://www.innacityfm.com/news/21 Mon, 01 Mar 2010 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/21 LIL WAYNE TO LEAD HAITI CONCERT BEFORE ENTERING JAIL Rapper LIL WAYNE is to make one more final public appearance before he begins a year behind bars - he has signed on to be part of the SOS Save OurSelves - Help For Haiti benefit on Friday night (05Feb10). Sunday night's (31Jan10) Grammy Awards performance with Drake and Eminem was expected to be the rap star's last before he's sentenced on gun charges in New York next week (09Feb10). But he'll team up with Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Pharrell Williams, Chris Brown, Wyclef Jean and other stars from the worlds of hip-hop and R&B for the latest celebrity fundraiser for the earthquake survivors of Haiti. The Miami, Florida concert will raise money for CARE, Project Medishare, Yele Haiti and Children’s Safe Drinking Water. Queen Latifah will host the event.    http://www.innacityfm.com/news/20 Wed, 03 Feb 2010 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/20 Are Alicia & Swizz Engaged ? MediaTakeOut.com is reporting that Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz are getting married. They call the news “exciting,” but were still not sure how we feel about them as a couple.Apparently, the buzz has been growing in industry circles for months, but the two have been trying to keep things under wraps until his divorce with Mashonda is finalized.Earlier, pictures of the duo celebrating Alicia’s 29th birthday in Hawaii hit the internet, and she’s rocking a band on her left hand. Now, while we do suspect Swizz – a major producer – would have got her something a bit more overwhelming, we do think its a little suspect that she’d rock a ring on that finger. Celebs know we’re watching – so either it’s true or they’re just in need of some attention.  http://www.innacityfm.com/news/18 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/18 Nate Dogg In Therapy: ‘He Can Lift His Head’ Long beach singer Nate Dogg is recovering from a stroke and doing well in therapy, according to childhood friend and longtime collaborator, Warren G.Nate Dogg, born Nathaniel Hale has suffered two strokes since January of 2008.The strokes left the Grammy-nominated singer partially paralyzed and he was also using an assisted breathing tube, to make breathing easier.“He’s in therapy getting himself together, that’s all I can tell people,” Warren G. told HardKnock.tv. “I see him any and every time I want to. It’s hard when you have somebody that got two strokes, usually the person don’t make it. But he’s strong. He’s getting good therapy and he’s pulling out of it.”According to Warren G., Nate Dogg was relearning to use basic human functions and that he “can lift his head up.”Warren G Clarifies Raekwon/Joe Budden “Twit” Rant!“It’s hard when you first have a stroke, you got to learn everything over again, Warren G. stated. “It’s like you’re a baby again. You gotta learn everything.”Between collaborations with artists like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Fabolous and Warren G. and solo releases, Nate Dogg has sold close to 60 million records over the past 20 years.   http://www.innacityfm.com/news/19 Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/19 MTV: No Longer A Music Authority When I awoke this morning and saw MTV’s complete “Hottest MCs In The Game” list, I thought I found a misprint.... There was one name that was missing from the top ten... A guy named Eminem. MTV says the list is based on current achievements, rhyme skill, flow, buzz, impact, commercial success (sales, airplay, web presence, and helping to spawn other artist careers). So lets look at this closer shall we...1. Achievements: Just this year, Eminem won “Best Hip Hop Video” at MTV’s Own Award Show. His “Relapse” album has gone over the Platinum status and he just happen to be the biggest artist in the world.2. Rhyme Skill: Is there any question that Eminem is one of, if not the best rhyming rapper, period? On the new “Forever” track which features three artists in the top 5 Drake (#3), Lil Wayne (#2) and Kanye West (#4), Eminem clearly came with the most lyrical verse, even winning a fan poll over who had the best verse.3. Influence: Not considering the face that Eminem is the most sot-after artist, but Lil Wayne himself has gone public many times practically begging Eminem to do a song with him oh and Eminem inducted Run-DMC into the Hall Of Fame.4. Web Presence: Besides winning MTV’s own “Hottest MCs” Poll by far with over 38% of the votes (2nd place only had 18%), news stories, websites or any item containing Eminem’s name quickly becomes the number one trafficked item online. Let's not forget to mention that if you go to MTV.com, they list Eminem #6 on the "Hot Artists" list, but I guess that doesn't mean MCs. 5. Sales: That’s a Joke. Eminem is Hip Hop’s number one selling artist of all time, period. His new “Relapse” album went platinum easily in an environment where albums are considered great sellers if they go gold. 6. Buzz: Eminem’s “Relapse” album was by far the most anticipated album of 2009 and now his “Relapse 2” album is beyond the next most anticipated. Let's not forget that MTV itself used Eminem to boost ratings of their Movie Awards by staging a stunt with Bruno or getting him to do Shorts/Skits with Tracy Morgan for the recent Video Music Awards7. Building Other Artists Careers: Really? Anyone ever heard of 50 Cent? G-Unit, D-12, Obie Trice etc. etc.     Not only is it clear that MTV does not care what fans or the public think (they ignored their own poll where fans voted Eminem #1), but they are trying to stay relevant with the youth by voting rappers who don’t even an album out yet, to the top (Sorry Drake, we will be happy to take this back once you drop a debut album that does well).         Oh and we forgot that Eminem also released his own video game (with Jay-Z), is headlining the Voo-Doo Festival and is currently working on his 2nd album in a year, Dr Dre's "Detox," 50 Cent's "Before I Self Destruct" and possibly signing Slaughterhouse.       It Seems that MTV wants to USE Eminem to help their ratings, web hits, video plays and exposure but they aren't willing to give credit, where credit is do. Last year and the year before Eminem did not make the list either. We aren't saying that Eminem should always be #1 but maybe next year the most popular and biggest hip hop artist of all time could break their top ten. http://www.innacityfm.com/news/15 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/15 MTV Tries To Explain And Fails (Jay-Z Agrees) It looks like MTV decided to respond to our article on Eminem not making their list.  Since posting their 'List' MTV has been getting blasted for not including Eminem, even from their #1 Hottest MC, Jay-Z. "Eminem?!?! I think you do the credibility of this list a disservice if you don’t thoroughly explain his omission. As of this second he has the highest selling rap album of the year and a scene stealing verse on the best ‘posse’ cut of the year," Jay wrote to MTV.     So once again, we will use quotes from MTV to show how they not only were wrong but constantly contridict themselves. In their response, they said the list was based on...MIC SKILLS - Did they not hear "UNDERGROUND" from ''Relapse,' which was one of his most lyrical and hungry songs in years. Let's not forget his diss towards Mariah Carey ‘THE WARNING’ which is arguably his hardest diss in years, even if it was to some of the softest peops in the game (Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon)BUZZ - Anytime there is a single word mentioning Eminem as a feature or a producer, people come storming in requesting and commenting. Even with false rumors like the whole ‘Eminem Gets Fat’ thing, the stories and headlines start buzzing immedietly.  COMMERCIAL SUCCESS (SALES AND AIRPLAY) – Eminem had the highest selling first week this year along with going platinum in 2 weeks. Relapse was #1 in sales in over 14 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, Polish, Taiwan, UK, US) not to mention the first single from Relapse ‘Crack a Bottle’ was #1 on the charts in both US and Canada. BUSINESS VENTURES – Anyone ever heard of Shade 45 (highest rated hip hop channel on satelite radio) or Shady Records? (which happens to include 50 CENT, one of their hottest mcs)WEB PRESENCE – NO other Rap artist has as many fan and other sites dedicated to them. It doesn't matter what music site you go to you will see Eminem somewhere.IMPACT – Last years hottest MC was Lil Wayne. Eminem has such impact on Lil Wayne that he numerous times throughout the year begged for a Collaboration with Slim Shady. Eventually the two got together on ‘Forever’ (featuring Drake and Kanye West as well).  So from last years hottest mc, to one of the newest mc’s in the game (Asher Roth) artists have expressed HUGE thanks to Eminem for his impact and contributions to Hip Hop even giving him the hope of becoming a rapper one day.ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MOMENT NOT AN ENTIRE CAREER - what about winning MTV's own 'Best Hip Hop Video' award?       The only real reason that MTV could use for not including Eminem took himself out of of the public eye after releasing his "Relapse" album. That means that appearing on BOTH MTV's "Movie Awards" and "Video Music Awards" plus taking over Jimmy Kimmel Live, appearing on BET's shows, multiple interviews on his Shade45 and even releasing three music videos, doesn't factor in.      MTV then says timing was an issue stating... "If the Brain Trust had compiled the Hottest list back in May, there's no doubt Eminem would have made the Top 10," yet they included Kanye West and Lil Wayne who both had albums come out BEFORE Eminem, not to mention including Drake, who doesn't even have an album out yet.      TRY AGAIN MTV http://www.innacityfm.com/news/16 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/16 The 2009 UK B-Boy Championships - World finals The World’s Best Breakers Bring the Battle to Brixton at the annual Sony Ericsson B-Boy Championships – World Finals The best breakers from around the globe will be competing for the coveted title of Sony Ericsson World Champions here in the UK this October.The best poppers, lockers, B-Girls and B-Boys will be showing their sickest moves and tricks at the Brixton Academy on Sunday 11th October in the World’s #1 B-Boy competition. Hosted by the original and undisputed icon of B-Boy, 30 year veteran Crazy Legs, the World Final is the most prestigious and high calibre breaking event of the year. The Champs brings together the best of the best from the qualifiers in US, Japan, Korea, Russia, Holland and Scandinavia. After a five-month search, staging seven international eliminations, the elite line up will now take part in the ultimate B-Boy battle.  Joining them will be the UK’s winning breakin’ crew, Soul Mavericks, the eight-strong team hailing from London who will represent Great Britain in this year’s team competition.  After wowing the crowds in the UK Final with their explosive freestyle interjected with slick choreographed routines and their secret weapon, B-Girl Roxy – the ‘Mavericks’ will be challenging the greatest crews from around the world for the title of Sony Ericsson World B-Boy Champions. Over 10,000 people are set to descend into London to watch all the incredible action and contests during the two-day event.For the first time this year, there will be a special B-Girl battle event on Saturday 10th October at Islington Academy, judged by Lady Jules, star of the movie ‘B-Girl’, due to be released on 12th October.Channel 4 has also re-commissioned the second series on the trials and tribulations of the world’s greatest breakers, poppers & lockers in the lead-up to the Sony Ericsson UK B-Boy Championships World Finals.The six-part series ‘2009 Sony Ericsson World B-Boy Series’, will document the search to find the most talented break-dancers to compete at the World Finals. Plus, if you miss any action you can catch up on all the episodes with fresh updates on how each battle went down at  www.bboychampionships.com http://www.innacityfm.com/news/17 Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/17 DMX Says Jay-Z Has No Soul DMX has broken his silence on his thoughts of Jay-Z and his time as president of Def Jam records. Stating that he respects Jay-Z but he could not stay at the label as long as he was president, DMX says "I f*cks with him and had respect for him -- until he became the president of Def Jam and I ain't gonna say too much more about it, but you know what it is. There's a difference between doing wrong and being wrong. There's a difference between doing wrong and 'being' wrong, at one point you were 'being' wrong. N*ggas can't do it like we could, n*ggas couldn't do it like we could. N*ggas weren't able to -- we're artists. Jay is a talented motherf*cker. Don't misunderstand me. He is talented but he has no heart behind it. There's no soul behind it. It's motivated by money...But I still maintain the respect, because our birthday is in the same month and you know, we have history. But I lost it when he became president of Def Jam, that's why I left Def Jam." [DMX Talks About Jay-Z - Watch Here]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=49V64sY_I7M http://www.innacityfm.com/news/14 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/14 Method Man arrested on tax evasion charge Grammy-winning rapper Method Man was arrested Monday and charged with tax evasion for failing to pay $32,799 in New York state income taxes between 2004 and 2007, according to the New York Daily News.The Staten Island native, who was born Clifford Smith and recently appeared on HBO's hit show "The Wire" could face up to four years in prison if convicted of the charge.It's not the first time Method Man, 38, has run into financial troubles: In 2008, he fell behind in car payments by $52,503, causing his Lincoln Navigator to be repossessed, the News reports.He was also arrested in 2007 on charges of drug possession and driving while under the influence after police said they found marijuana in his SUV near the Battery Tunnel in New York.Smith turned himself in to authorities early Monday and is expected to be arraigned this afternoon.  http://www.innacityfm.com/news/13 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/13 Graffiti Art Blek le Rat With Bristolian graffiti artist Banksy fetching a whopping £322,900 at Sotheby's in 2007 for his work The Rude Lord, it's worth noting that before Banksy, there was Xavier Prou (aka Blek le Rat), dubbed the "the godfather… of politically conscious graffiti" by The Independent. He's been stencilling for a damn sight longer than the elusive Banksy, starting his career in 1981. Blek le Rat, whose name is derived from a childhood cartoon-strip character Blek le Roc, was born in Paris in 1952 to well-heeled parents. He first began daubing the walls of France with large images of rats — an apparent symbol of freedom — before exposing Germany, Spain, Italy, England and the USA to his unique brand of urban art. He's been so successful at disseminating his work that Banksy reportedly said, "Every time I think I've painted something slightly original, I find out that Blek le Rat has done it as well. Only 20 years earlier…" His art, like Banksy's, is playful, political and often provocative. In fact, Blek le Rat is the archetypal enfant terrible, undermining the establishment with his risqué imagery. Controversy was sparked with David With The Machine Gun Such headline-grabbing declarations only drives up Blek le Rat's stock, as interest in urban art gathers momentum. Not since the days of Jean-Michel Basquiat has there been such hullabaloo over well-crafted graffiti. Black Rat Press director Mike Snelle, who represents Blek le Rat, said in the Financial Times that "the fuss about Banksy has been important in making people aware of the street art market's existence." That can only mean one thing: the price tag of graffiti tagged by Blek le Rat will escalate. Who would've thought that subversion could be so lucrative? http://www.innacityfm.com/news/12 Tue, 06 Oct 2009 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/12 Innacity Radio Looking For New Talent !!! INNACITY RADIO IS NOW LOOKING FOR NEW DJ'S AND RADIO PRESENTERS IF YOU THINK YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES EMAIL US ON LETMEIN@INNACITYFM.COM http://www.innacityfm.com/news/8 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 07:00:00 GMT News http://www.innacityfm.com/news/8