A Conversation With Freddie Gibbs: Rap's "Silent Killer" On Embracing Melody & Honoring Gucci Mane

Freddie Gibbs isn't even at his peak yet; "that's the scary part". Things haven't always looked this clear for Freddie Gibbs. The Gary, Indiana rapper could have ended his career as another major label casualty, stuck in a deal that didn't have his best interests in mind. After failed stints with Interscope and Jeezy's CTE World, Gibbs set his sights on the independent route, allowing him the freedom to give his loyal fanbase new music how and when he wanted. Last week, Gibbs released Shadow Of A Doubt, his second full-length release for his ESGN label, and first LP since his the celebrated Pinata project with Madlib. Where Pinata was a shared vision of its rapper-producer team, Shadow is Gibbs through-and-through, giving him the freedom to explore a large range of sounds throughout the project's 17 tracks. Having already established himself as one of rap's most technically proficient voices, Gibbs takes the opportunity to further hone his abilities as a songwriter, focusing more on melody and further challenging himself with his production choices. It's also his first full length since becoming a father, something he says has made him a more "delicate" man. The result is Freddie's most assured material yet, proving that there's no one better to guide the rapper's career than Gibbs himself. Describing his place in rap as that of a "silent killer," the hard-edged emcee is willing to be the artist lurking in the shadows of the industry, just as long as when he's done, people recognize that there was never anyone like him -- but don't worry, he's not even at his peak yet. We spoke to Gibbs about his region-less sound, putting on for Gucci Mane while he's locked up, and looking to Pimp C for songwriting inspiration. Read our conversation below. Pinata found you working with Madlib for an entire project, whereas Shadow Of A Doubt hosts over a dozen producers. Did you make an effort to work with as many people as possible? I was really just trying to expand. Get out there and just take risks musically. I pretty much fine-tuned my sound, working with a lot of the guys like Pops, Mikhail, Murda Beatz, and Kaytranada. I kind of stumbled on to something that I just wanted to keep going. I worked with Mike Dean -- he really helped me prepare for this project. I wanted to be really diverse. I just picked the beats that fit the best, that made the project cohesive. Someone today said my project wasn't cohesive and I was like "what the fuck you talkin' 'bout?". That shit sticks together like glue. You recently did a Canadian tour. What was the reception like? I love it, man. They always show love when I come up to Canada. Every city from Montreal to Calgary to Victoria. All the shows are crazy in Canada. I love it up there, it's like my second home. Everywhere I go they show me love. There are a lot of Canadians featured on the album (Tory Lanez, Frank Dukes, Boi-1da, Kaytranada, etc.). Did any of those collaborations come together during the tour? We were all just working and it just ended up happening. I think I was in Toronto when I was working with Tory Lanez. I was doing TIME festival or something like that. Everything happened organically for the record, nothing was forced whatsoever.

Tyga Reportedly Moved Out Of Kylie Jenner's Crib

Tyga is reportedly moving out of Kylie Jenner's Calabasas home so that the two can have more space. The other week, rumors were flying around that Tyga and Kylie Jenner were no more. The rumors were followed by a clip of Kylie hitching a late-night ride with A$AP Rocky, thus creating even more rumors. However, since then, Kylie has done her best to quiet down the gossip by continuing to post photos/Snapchats of herself and T-Raww, including a recent family photo for Thanksgiving. As it turns out, rather than a proper break-up, Tyga and Kylie are reportedly looking to add some space to their relationship. Tyga reportedly moved out of Kylie's mansion in Calabasas last week, and is renting a pad in the Hollywood Hills instead. The reason for all this space is apparently because they don't want to appear to much like a duo, rather than individuals, each with their own career.

Jahlil Okafor Scuffles With A Heckler In Boston

Jahlil Okafor was selected 3rd in the 2015 NBA draft, and last night, he proved his allegiance to the team that took him on, picking a fight with a heckler in Boston. Apparently Okafor wasn't too pleased when a guy yelled "the 76ers suck" following the team's loss to the Boston Celtics Wednesday, and from there, things only got more heated. TMZ has footage of the brawl that ensued, which shows Okafor being held back before swinging on the guy, at which point a couple of other dudes push their way into the altercation. While we see a cop car in one of the shots, it's said that everyone involved in the fight fled the scene, avoiding arrest. A rep for Okafor says that the player was "protecting" a teammate (who's name was not shared) as he was being attacked by one of the hecklers. According to the source, they had been harassing Okafor and his friend all night.

Lil Wayne Being Sued By Trukfit Model For Using Her Image On T-Shirt

Lil Wayne is reportedly being sued by a Trukfit model for using her image on one of his t-shirts. For the third time in as many months, following up the private jet debacle & unpaid pyrotechnics from a past tour, Lil Wayne is having to face another lawsuit again. According to TMZ, Lil Wayne is being sued by a woman, Shanise Taylor, for using her photo on one of his Trukfit t-shirts, which she apparently never agreed upon. Taylor admits she posed for a photo session back in 2011, but never signed off on the shirts, and furthermore, she never would want her image "on apparel associated with misogyny and violence." She also reportedly says Trukfit edited the photo to make her look like she’s not wearing any underwear on the t-shirt, something she has on in her modeling shoot (see pics in gallery). Linking up with the Mase Lara law firm in Miami, Taylor claims she’s been humiliated, and wants the shirts to disappear entirely, not to mention that she’s also trying to get paid an unspecified amount for her trouble of course too. Wayne has yet to comment on the matter, and he probably won’t (rightfully so). But on a much brighter note, No Ceilings 2 drops later today!

Someone Bought That Secret Wu-Tang Album For "Millions"

Wu-Tang's mystery album has finally been purchased. When Wu-Tang Clan announced they were releasing an album as a single copy, it left us confused. When we found out no one but the purchaser would be able to hear it for at least 88 years, it made us more confused. Now, possibly the most confusing news yet has arrived, someone has paid millions of dollars for this mysterious album. No real details have been released on the sale, other than it came from a "private American collector" and the price was in the "millions". On top of the "the hand-carved nickel silver box," "leather-bound book containing the album’s lyrics," and the music itself, a new addition was made to the package, being "a pair of customized PMC MB2-XBD speakers worth $55,000, included after consultation with PMC." The last element certainly drives the price of the deal up, but we're still not completely sure it's worth millions of dollars. Then again, if it's as good as 36 Chambers, and we had the money, we'd probably shell out.

Michael Jordan Wins Lawsuit Against Supermarket That Used His Likeness In A 2009 Ad

Michael Jordan was back in his old stomping grounds of Chicago recently, taking the stand in court for his lawsuit against Jewel-Osco and Dominick's, a now defunct grocery chain, which used his likeness in a print ad which appeared in a 2009 issue of Sports Illustrated. According to reports, not only did the grocery store fail to ask Jordan for permission to use his likeness but he said, under oath, that he would've rejected the deal anyway because he only accepts media deals that are worth more than $10 million. Having recently taken an L in a lawsuit against a Beijing company that specializes in producing fugazzi Jordans, His Airness was thirsty for a win this time around and he should be quite pleased with the outcome. MJ won an $8.9 million lawsuit against Dominick's in August, and this past weekend he reached an undisclosed settlement with Jewel-Osco, officially closing the book on this case. All of the money he was awarded will reportedly be donated to charities.

Busta Rhymes throws a protein shake at a gym employee in newly released security footage. Earlier this Summer, Busta Rhymes was arrested in New York after he was said to have been involved in an altercation with an employee. It was reported that the rapper actually threw a protein shake at the worker, which was a pretty insane picture to paint in your head -- but you'll no longer need to use your imagination when thinking about the incident, as security footage has now made its way online. Through the new video, we now see that the ordeal happened at the front desk, and while we don't get to hear the audio, Busta's reaction goes beyond just throwing a shake, going on to toss the employee's computer aside and continuing to confront the man as his security guard attempts to intervene. According to a Page Six interview with Ole Hernandez, the employee seen in the video, Busta was reacting to news he could not enter the gym without speaking to the owner. The halt at the door was due to a previous incident in which Busta allegedly made racist and homophobic remarks towards Hernandez when his cameraman was denied entry. Busta was able to score a plea deal which left him with no jail time, but did require him to take anger management classes.

Kendrick Lamar Tried To Crash A Wedding And Got Kicked Out

Who wouldn't want Kendrick Lamar to dab at their wedding? Sure, Wedding Crashers was a pretty good movie, but Kendrick Lamar has proved that it would've been a whole lot better with one additional element -- dabbing. K-Dot and his crew rolled up on a random wedding party with a camera in-hand, and while the rapper pulled out some impressive elbow-sneezing upon arrival, his very relevant dance moves seemed to pinpoint his posse as intruders, with a guest approaching the crashers and asking them to leave the event. The buzz-kill of a guest didn't stop K-Dot from throwing down, but when his friends couldn't answer the simple question "who got married," they were ordered to "get the fuck out". The funniest part might be that no one manages to recognize Kendrick as this is all going down... their loss. UPDATE: according to TMZ someone actually DID recognize K-Dot eventually, at which point they stopped hassling the rapper.

Hodgy Beats Feels Tyler, The Creator Turned His Back On Odd Future

Hodgy Beats calls Tyler, the Creator a "fraud" after tensions rose at yesterday's Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. Last night (Nov. 14), during his headlining set at Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, Tyler, the Creator expressed his frustration with a certain unnamed member of his inner-circle. It now seems as though his words were directed at Hodgy Beats, who, apparently, during his own performance earlier in the evening, had spoken to the crowd about his unhappiness with Tyler. Skip to around the 39:30 mark of the below video to watch Tyler address the situation. "N*ggas got me fucked up. I put too many n*ggas on. I helped too many of my motherfucking friends out. And n*ggas gonna come foul? And you know who the fuck I'm talking about, n*gga. And yes, it's getting real. I love you though," he told the crowd after performing a heated rendition of "FUCK IT."

Adrien Broner Defends Young Thug Against Gay Accusations

The champion boxer says he and Thug have been with some of the same women. Adrien Broner, the boxer who has held world titles in 4 different weight classes, seems to have certain ties to the Atlanta rap scene. In a fight last month, Broner was escorted into the ring by Migos, and over a year before that, Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug accompanied him out of the gates to provide his entrance music. In a new interview with VladTV, Broner was asked about the latter Rich Gang member, specifically about Thug's decision to wear women's clothes as well as other "stunts" the Slime Season rapper has pulled that have caused outsiders to question his sexuality. "Young Thug ain't gay. He's actually one of the thoroughest n*ggas out hear, that I hear...he just got a different language, a different understanding with his self," said Broner, before going on to reveal that he and Thug have "messed with some of the same women before." The boxer was then asked about why Thug seems to deliberately invite people to question his sexuality, which prompted him to respond adamantly, "Listen to me: Young Thug is a marketing genius. And he got you. He definitely got you. And in some ways I look up to him for that."

Jerry Heller Sues Dr. Dre, Ice Cube & "Straight Outta Compton" For $110 Million

Jerry Heller is suing everybody involved in "Straight Outta Compton" for a huge sum. Jerry Heller, the former manager of N.W.A., is suing all those involved in the group's recent biopic, Straight Outta Compton, for (at least) $110 million, reports TMZ. Heller, now 75, has just filed a lawsuit against Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, the estate of Eazy-E, NBC Universal, and others for defamation and using his likeness in their film without his permission. Heller claims that Straight Outta Compton wrongly portrayed him as "a sleazy manager who took advantage of Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube." He said that the movie lied about numerous different scenarios involving him, including him withholding a $75,000 check from Ice Cube, persuading Dre and Cube to sign misleading contracts, and getting fired by Eazy-E. The lawsuit also accuses the film's producers of incorporating pivotal scenes from Heller's memoir, "Ruthless," into the film without permission. Heller wants $35 million in compensatory damages, $75 million in punitive damages, and then the rightful amount of the film's profits, which he and his lawyers believe will bring the total sum to at least $110 million. As of late September, Straight Outta Compton had grossed almost $190 million.

Chief Keef To Drop Collaborative Mixtape With Sonny Digital?

According to Chief Keef's Instagram, Sosa & Sonny Digital are teaming up for the "Back From The Dead 3" mixtape. It looks like Chief Keef has more “treats” for his fans come this Halloween season. Earlier in the week, Sosa announced that he has a new project with Metro Boomin dropping on Halloween called Peacocks, Peacoats, Flavor, & Paper, but apparently that’s not all he’s got for us. Taking to Instagram on Thursday night, Sosa unveiled the artwork to his third installment in Back From The Dead mixtape series, along with caption “produced by Sonny Digital.” No word yet as for when this joint effort will drop, but seeing how Back From The Dead 2 dropped last Halloween, I wouldn’t be surprised if both projects ended up dropping on Saturday, aka Halloween.

Rihanna Signs $25 Million Deal With Samsung

Rihanna inks a $25 million deal with Samsung to sponsor her upcoming album. As if you needed further proof that Rihanna is killing it on all cylinders, the unstoppable femme fatale has just signed a $25 million deal with Samsung, reports New York Post. For those keeping track, that's $6 M's more than Drake's rumored deal with Apple Music. Rihanna and Samsung have apparently been working on the deal for 7 months. The deal will reportedly sponsor Rihanna's upcoming album, Anti, as well as the tour that follows. Samsung, in turn, is looking for Rihanna to help promote the company's new line of Galaxy products as well as its new music streaming service, Milk Music, which will presumably gain some sort of exclusivity to the music off Anti. Rihanna is currently signed to the management wing of Roc Nation, and reports say that Jay Z was instrumental in helping work out RiRi's new deal with Samsung. There seems to be a conflict of interest between TIDAL and Milk Music -- with regard to each platform's access to Anti, but Jay Z and Samsung have worked extensively in the past. The disclosure of Rihanna's deal comes at the same time as a rumored deal between Apple Music and Adele for an even bigger amount -- $30 million for her upcoming album. If this is all true, congrats to both women. Rihanna wasn't lying with "Bitch Better Have My Money."

DMX Arrested Again This Week; Judge Cuts Him A Break

DMX was arrested, then later released, for failing to pay child support to another woman-- ex-wife Tashera Simmons. A month after being released from prison and DMX has already encountered his first run in with the law. On Tuesday morning, X got arrested at his home in Westchester County, New York on a contempt of court charge for allegedly failing to pay $10,000 a month in child support to his ex-wife Tashera Simmons. According to TMZ, X appeared in court on Tuesday afternoon and begged the judge to let him out of jail because he’d be losing the opportunity to make money from scheduled shows, which ultimately would create a bad rep for his name. The judge apparently had mercy for the former Ruff Ryder and released him without bail. He'll have to be back in court on November 18 to work out child support issues with his ex- Tashera, but for now lets consider this a win for X. If you forgot, DMX just spent two months in a Buffalo jail for not paying child support to another woman. He was released just last month and has been in the studio working on new music ever since. Hopefully he stays out of trouble for us to hear it however.

Future Shuts Down Blac Chyna Dating Rumors

Despite Blac Chyna's new tattoo, Future maintains that he's single. Hopefully Blac Chyna got that tattoo just to pay tribute to her favorite rapper, because according to Future the two are not dating. "Single & focusing on what makes me happy," Future wrote on Twitter today, following it up with a quote from his own song "Though It Was A Drought" (coincidentally the very one Chyna referenced in her Instagram post) "U kno I dnt fuck wit no rumors..." In case you're not up to date, Chyna and Future dating rumors have been circulating over the last few weeks, and Chyna seemed to confirm things when she debuted a "FUTURE" hand tattoo this weekend. This is all very confusing, and we're sure we haven't heard the end of it just yet. Think Chyna is regretting that tattoo now? Or did it mean something else entirely?

Montana Of 300 Explains Slim Jesus Collaboration

Montana of 300 explains why he plans to collaborate with Slim Jesus. The Slim Jesus movement has been met its with fair share of hate, and that's putting it kindly. He recently told us that he's been the target of over 500 diss tracks. The usual charge against him is that he has no right to be rapping about the Chiraq lifestyle when he comes from a very different town: Hamilton, Ohio. Funnily enough, Jesus has received cosigns from many of the finest drill artists in Chicago. Such rappers include Chief Keef, Lil Bibby, Lil Herb, and Montana of 300, who has a feature on an upcoming Jesus track. During a recent interview with VladTV, Montana provided an insightful response to all the controversy surrounding his decision to collaborate with the 18-year-old rapper. Montana first explained how he's not into gang banging and how he thinks Jesus might be telling more truths than a lot of rappers out there. Montana compared Jesus not living the life about which he raps to seeing his own white fans chant Montana lyrics at concerts. He sees authenticity in Jesus simply for being himself. Slim Jesus included a Montana lyric, "let that 40 bang," in "Drill Time," his breakout hit. Montana didn't see that as an offense; instead, he responded to fans asking for a collab by hitting up Jesus on Twitter. The song hasn't been recorded yet, but Montana confirmed that they're setting it up soon.

Meek Mill Disses Wale On Instagram: "You Not MMG No More!"

Meek Mill has attacked Wale following his appearance on the Breakfast Club. Meek Mill is still getting over his beef with Drake, but it isn't stopping him from going at Wale in a very similar fashion today. Taking to Instagram, Meek attacked Wale for comments he made on the Breakfast Club this morning, where he discussed Meek's beef with Drake as well as his own struggles with depression. In the conversation he criticized Meek's approach to the beef in a fairly level-headed way, saying "he brought a pencil to a gunfight," and suggesting that fans would take Drake's side no matter what Meek's response was. Meek accused Wale of gossiping to promote his new music, as well as saying he's no longer a part of MMG. Later on, he claims that Wale was attempting to call him because he thought Ross owed them both money. He also takes plenty of shots about Wale's depression throughout. Read the full post below. Knowing Wale, he won't be able to resist replying. Update: Wale has responded, joking about Meek's request for him to jump off a roof on Twitter. He's also listed the other people he spoke about while on the radio show, probably as an effort to prove it wasn't all about Meek. Niggas b doing all this to drop a new record gossiping about they hoe ass feelings and they personal life because they miserable and nobody don't rock wit them! Really stay away from me Fam! U not MMG NOMORE! This why u can't get my number you a hoe! 😂😂😂😂 and u dead cracked right now @wale foh nuttttt! I wasn't even mad at you Fam u got some real issues with yaself and you jealous! Broke rapper! This my last time I think addressing shit on the Internet .... But if I don't talk about it one of you dudes gone get hurt speaking my name like it's sweet! Y'all niggas gone stop mentioning my name like it ain't no consequences.... I'm off this internet! I don't speak on Mmg in interviews unless it's good! U a clown ... We don't wanna hear you nomore Fam! Go jump off a roof like u been tryna do chump! He not MMG IM MAKING THAT CALL ... He been tryna call me saying Rozay owe us money... He don't owe me shit and if he do I'll get it later .... Go that away!

Ace Hood Reveals Cover Art & Release Date For "Starvation 4" Mixtape

Ace Hood shares the artwork for his upcoming mixtape "Starvation 4." We've known that Starvation 4 is on the way for a minute, as Ace Hood has been teasing fans about on his recent leaks like "Clarity." However now the We The Best rapper makes the official announcement, by unveiling the artwork and the release date for the fourth instalment in the series. Taking to Instagram, Ace shared artwork which features his young son drawing the words "Starvation 4" on a little chalkboard. He explained in the photo caption that this will be the final instalment in the Starvation series, as well as why he decided to put his son on the cover. Ace wrote, "Starvation 4 the 4th and final installment of my starvation mixtape series. This is the official cover art for "S4" i chose to put my son on the cover simply because he inspired my growth not only as a father but as a man as well. My daughter "my shining light" a few years back graced the cover of starvation 2 (some may know) so I felt that it was only right to have my son be apart of the the final Starvation Mixtape "S4". Furthermore this tape represent my growth mentally, spiritually, and physically. I'm in a new zone! There's been a lot of questions... where've I been? What I've been working on? Whats going on in my life? All of your questions will be answered on NOVEMBER 3rd "S4". I'm proud of my growth on this project and I know my fans will be too! So sorry for the wait ..so sorry for the inconsistency never again will I let up thats a promise.... it's time!!! "STARVATION 4" NOVEMBER 3rd 2015..... guess who's Back! #HOODNATION"

Scarface Releases Statement Regarding BET Hip Hop Awards Arrest

Scarface has cleared up reports on his arrest at the BET Hip Hop Awards earlier this month. You may have heard that Scarface was arrested earlier this month after an appearance at the BET Awards, but the Texas rapper wants to make sure you got the full story. Face received the I Am Legend achievement award at the ceremony, only to be taken into custody when he entered the backstage area. The initial report stated that Scarface was arrested for unpaid child support, and was not permitted to leave the state of Texas. A new statement from the rapper does not deny that, but does call into question reports of numbers and the assumption that he was aware of the arrest warrant. He also reveals that the matter has been taken care of. Read his statement released to the press below. First and foremost I would like to thank my supporters for their concern during my recent arrest in Atlanta. While we have resolved the issue I would like to correct some misinformation. The amount reported that was owed is inaccurate and I had no knowledge about there being an arrest order for me as I have traveled to Atlanta many times; with the latest trip being in September to perform at the One Music Festival. Due to the nature of the case (having a minor child involved), I will make no further comment at this time.

First Week Sales For The Game's “Documentary 2” Are In

The Game’s “Documentary 2” fell just short of the #1 album this week, but it did very well nonetheless. As the early projections told us last week, The Game’s highly anticipated Documentary 2 album fell just short of the #1 spot this week thanks to Selena Gomez’ Revival, but that's saying a lot. HitsDailyDouble reports that The Game’s Documentary 2 album sold 81,614 copies in the first week (94,529 including streams), meanwhile Selena’s top-earning album moved 86,264 units in the opening week (117,374 including streams). In comparison though, The Game’s previous album, Blood Moon: Year of The Wolf, sold only 33k in the opening week, meaning he gained an increase of nearly 50k in sales this time around which is pretty damn good.

Arron Afflalo Says He Once Sold Kendrick Lamar A Bootleg Copy Of 'Reasonable Doubt'

Arron Afflalo just dropped the greatest article in the brief history of the Player's Tribune and it's not even close. Afflalo, who joined the New York Knicks this offseason, grew up in Compton, California and was a hustler from day one. He begins his story, talking about donuts. Not a game. Not the game. We talkin' about donuts. When Afflalo was just 13 years old he would buy donuts before school at 50 cents a pop, and flip them for $1 to all of the kids at school. He would later graduate to moving bootleg CD's by the time he got to High School, and his business was booming by the time 50 Cent's 'Get Rich Or Die Tryin' dropped. Using Napster and Kazaa, he would downloaded the entire CD, track by track, and burn bootlegs throughout the night- selling them the next day for $5. Soon, the word was out: If you need a CD, talk to Arron. When 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’ album was coming out, I literally had so much demand that I started taking pre-orders. People were giving me money up front to be the first on the list. It was crazy. If you heard “In Da Club” coming from a car stereo in Compton in 2003, there’s a really good chance that CD was burned by Arron Afflalo. 50, I’m sorry man, but I probably took $200 from you that summer. It got addicting. I would stay on the computer all night downloading songs. I had a setup in my room where I had some weights and I’d work out while I was waiting for the CDs to finish burning. If you heard “In Da Club” coming from a car stereo in Compton in 2003, there’s a really good chance that CD was burned by Arron Afflalo. Every 15 minutes, a CD would pop out of the tray. It was like a bakery. Every 15 minutes was another $5. I’d stay up until three or four in the morning. There was a point during high demand when I’d set an alarm every 15 minutes and I’d just pass out asleep right on my desk, then the alarm would go off and I’d swap in a new CD. Eventually, Arron met a guy from his school named Kendrick Duckworth who asked if he could burn Jay-Z's 'Reasonable Doubt,' which he gladly sold him for $5. Of course, Kendrick Duckworth is now known as Kendrick Lamar. This one guy from my school named Kendrick Duckworth was really into hip-hop. He asked me to burn him Jay Z’s Reasonable Doubt. That’s an all-time classic from ’96. You couldn’t just go to the store and buy all these albums, you know? It would cost too much money. But you could come to me and get it for $5. Kendrick eventually started making his own music. He got pretty good at it, too. You’ve probably heard of him. He goes by the name Kendrick Lamar.

Stream Raury's Debut Album "All We Need"

"All We Need" with features from Big K.R.I.T., A year after dropping his critically acclaimed EP Indigo Child, Raury releases his debut album All We Need. The 14-song album includes guest appearances from Big K.R.I.T., RZA, Tom Morello, and Key! and production by Malay, Danger Mouse, Jacknife Lee, and Daytrip, and Raury himself. We've already heard a couple tracks from the album, including the outstanding "Forbidden Knowledge" with his fellow southerner K.R.I.T. Earlier this week, Raury released a track that didn't make the album cut called "Demo 1: The Sea."

Ludacris To Executive Produce New CBS Drama About Atlanta Gangs

The show is called "The Down Beat." Ludacris is no stranger to the world of television and film, having appeared in the "Fast and Furious" franchise, "Crash," and most recently, on "Empire." He will pull from his experience as he executive produces a new CBS drama called "The Down Beat." According to Variety, Ludacris will co-executive produce the show with Ryan Seacrest and Nina Wass. Developed by Paul Downs Colaizzo, "The Down Beat" is set in Atlanta and follows a former businessman as he attempts to give young men an alternative outlet to gang life by way of the local high school marching band. No word yet on when the show will premiere. Think you'll be tuning in?

Jay Z & Timbaland Testify In Court For “Big Pimpin” Trial

Jay Z & Timbaland showed up to court on Tuesday & Wednesday to testify in their "Big Pimpin" trial. Jay Z & long time collaborator, Timbaland, showed up to an L.A. court room on Tuesday & Wednesday to testify in a trial surrounding copyright infringement over their 1999 hit collab “Big Pimpin’.” The two are being sued by the heirs of Baligh Hamdi, an Egyptian composer who created the 1957 song “Khosara Khosa.” According to the Associated Press, Jay Z spent 90 minutes answering a series of questions and recounting his life, successes, and the creative process that led him and Timbaland to create “Big Pimpin’.” To prove his point, Jay brought out physical copies of his 1999 album Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter to show the juror the liner notes that credit "Khosara Khosara." “We have the rights as you can see on the bottom of the CD,” Hov told jurors. Later, the Roc Nation mogul went on to explain that he thought the rights to “Khosara Khosara” had been properly negotiated after issues were raised following the release of “Big Pimpin’.” According to their lawyers, Hamdi’s family had been repeatedly paid for the use of “Khosara Khosara,” the song in which four of its 74 notes are repeated throughout “Big Pimpin’,” an Egyptian music expert claimed in court.

50 Cent Announces New Music Off "Kanan" Mixtape

50 Cent teases fans about a "Kanan" mixtape. At the end of September, 50 Cent announced that a new mixtape would precede the long-awaited and almost mythological Street King Immortal album. He made the announcement by previewing new music, however he didn't reveal the mixtape title. It looks like the title was just revealed this morning on Fif's Instagram, where he poked fun at himself with dollar bills laid out to spell the word 'BROKE.' He captioned the photo, "Man this lunch money,I gotta go to work I'm still up, no Sleep at all. NEW MUSIC this week,Off The KANAN tape." Kanan would be a reference to the menacing character that 50 plays in his Starz TV show "Power." He'd definitely be a gangster ass character to base a mixtape around, and hopefully that incites Fif to go hard too.