Common's Visit To White House Sparks Media Debate Between Jon Stewart & Bill O'Reilly

After visiting United States President Barrack Obama in the White House during an American Poetry celebration, hip hop artist and actor Common has become the subject of a recent media debate between political comedy genius Jon Stewart and right-wing conservative robot Bill O'Reilly.

Bill O'Reilly, why don't you just stop attacking rappers already? You look like an idiot. #Fail

For a full article on the matter, please check out: http://www.allhiphop.com/stories/news/archive/2011/05/14/22764342.aspx

Drake "Best I Ever Had" Infringe On Copyrights Owned By PlayBoy Enterprises

Drake's breakthrough smash hit "Best I Ever Had" has landed this hip hop artist in some hot water. Play Boy enterprises realized that they actually own the copyrights to the sample which is featured prominently in the song's hook.

While every situation has some positives, this situation is still not a good one to be caught up in. However there is some added promotion through increased media exposure.

From all the added attention I'm sure Drake's debut album "Thank Me Later" will sell a few more units atleast. Read more on Billboard.
Still the worst music video ever directed, sorry Kanye! LOL

Lawsuit Filed Against Producer/Rapper Kanye West Over Number One Record

It is now being reported that Kanye West is involved in an emerging law suit which pits him as the defendant in a copyright infringement case. The song in question? Kanye's popular track "Stronger" from his album "Graduation". "Stronger" is sampled from the song "Hard, Better, Faster, Stronger" by international group Daft Punk.

Apparently, West's version is a blatant rip off of a track created by a fellow rapper/producer "Vince P" out of Chicago, who is now suing for damages. The single "Stronger" reached number one on Billboard and even received a Grammy Award for it's 3 million plus copies sold world wide.

Did Kanye West really infringe on this man;s copyrights? What portions of the track did Kanye steal? Do you think "Vince P" has a case?

Ricky Ross Files Lawsuit Against Rapper Rick Ross & Def Jam Records

Can you say fail? It seems the real Rick Ross is not too happy with the Miami rapper who uses his name as an alias. Now he is taking aim at the record label which financially supports the popular recording artist.

Recently released from serving a 15 year prison sentence, former drug-lord "Freeway Ricky Ross" is filing suit against rap recording artist "Rick Ross" and his record label Def Jam Records for using his name.

The problem here is that a "name" cannot be copyrighted, so it will be interesting to see how this legal issue gets resolved. In a recent interview with XXL magazine, the former drug dealer Ricky Ross shared his views on the topic. What do you think will come of this lawsuit?

Catch the whole article here on XXL: http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=80579

Win Some, Lose Some: Lessons Learned From Failure That Lead To Success

What up y'all? I just thought I'd give you an update with what's going on in RTiculate's world these days.

Well, I let myself (as well as many others) down recently, by failing to do my job in a venture that I was involved in for the last year and a half or so. However, one can never get too down on one's failures.

You live, and you learn. That's it, life keeps moving so you gots to keep up with it! The key is in your positive reaction, reinforced by more positive actions. So in transition, you may be seeing more frequent posts on the blog as well as more new music projects.

Back on the music grind, I'm working on my first EP as well as a series of mixtapes featuring unique indie rap artists from all over the world. Also, I would like to line up more shows as well as a possible tour. So here we go, turning failure to new opportunities. Stay posted for more from ya boy!

Still Getting Bad Press & Publicity, Multi-Platinum Rapper DMX Arrested Again

Man, I swear DMX just never be learning anymore. Check out dude lose his composure in front of a judge and crew of TMZ cameras (those fuckers are every where!).

Looks like someone should have read the post regarding commitments and consequences of one's actions in the rap music business. They say even 'bad publicity' is 'good publicity', but damn, Dark Man X hasn't gotten any good publicity in a long time. Can you even recall? Drop your two cents.

Public Enemy Falls Almost $200,000 Short Of Fundraising Goal For New Record

On the last line of defense for Sellaband.com, nearly going bankrupt, they were purchased by a German music business entrepreneur. Unfortunately that does not ensure the successful completion of the Sellaband.com's pet music project, an all new album from iconic rap group Public Enemy.

The site, which is designed to help musicians and artists collect fundraising from their music fans to create the next album, was apparently the only option for Public Enemy, who have failed to reach the target of $250,000 to produce, manufacture and distribute their no-long-upcoming album.

Public Enemy raised approximately 1/5th of their goal, but with all respect the goal may be a little unrealistic. Especially for a group who started in the rap music business the better part of 25 years ago. Why are you asking your fans for a quarter of a milli, when you should have at least that, easy?

Looks like the veterans Chuck D and Flav are going to have to come up with a better strategy to get this album produced and released. Do you think this project will finally come out some day?

Lloyd Banks Arrested In Assault, Held By Canadian Immigration

Remember the DMX-related post I made on considering the consequences of your commitments in the music biz?

Banks must (obviously) not read this blog, or he might have thought twice before pulling a stupid ass stunt like this one. First of all, what kind of artist shows up late, performs half of one track and then bounces out on the fans and everyone involved with the show. WTF are you thinking ?

Chris Hines, a respected and nationally acclaimed booking agent concert promoter, was victimized in a brutal beating and also robbed on January 9th, in Ontario Canada. The assault occured after an incident at club NV in Brantford, Ontario where Banks walked off the stage after showing up late to angry fans.

Evidently it takes six 'tough guys' in a group assault to beat down one hard working individual. C'mon, stomping someone you had a working relationship with for years, after getting paid to totally disappoint your music fans? That's a super spaghetti dish served with some extra-weak sauce.

Hines, who also represents his own company Chris Hines/ Ultimate Entertainment, briefly comments on the event in this exclusive interview with hollywoodstreetking.com.


Rap artist Lloyd Banks, who posted bail at $50,000, was held at a detention center by Canadian Immigration for not disclosing his full criminal background before coming up across the border. Banks is reportedly still sitting in the facility in tucked away south western town Milton, Ontario.

**Other News Updates**
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In reference to Will Ferrel's "Your Welcome America; One final night with George Bush", I'm giving 'Banksy' a new nick name. I'ma call you Lloyd "MAJOR MUHFUKKIN' FAIL" Banks.