Original G-Unit member Tony Yayo was released from a federal jail facility in New York yesterday, his second release from prison this year.The rapper had been in federal prison since early January for carrying a fake passport, which is a federal violation. The incident occurred one day after he was released from jail after serving one year for bail jumping.After being arrested for a weapons-possession charge on New Year’s Eve 2002, it was discovered Yayo already had an outstanding weapons-possession charge.The Queens native spent the entire year of 2003 locked down while 50 Cent skyrocketed to success, bringing Lloyd Banks and G-Unit newcomer Young BucK with him.Yayo was featured on 50’s record-breaking debut Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, but his vocals were sparse on the G-Unit album.While Interscope Records had planned to release new albums by Banks and Buck this summer, it has also been reported Yayo’s debut album will also be out this year.An attorney for Yayo told MTV the rapper went straight to the studio upon his release to record new songs. A spokesperson for Interscope could not confirm the information.Look for Tony Yayo to appear alongside 50 Cent and the rest of the G-Unit next month at Summer Jam ’04, New York radio station Hot 97’s annual concert.

Becky Campbell, mother of the deceased DJ Threat, remembers her son and wants others to continue to honor him as she hosts a yearly dinner on the date of his death. While on the rise, the DJ was tragically killed in a 2001 motorcycle accident. The non-profit Jason Campbell Foundation held the event at the Westbury Manor in Long Island, New York to help send four lucky scholarship recipients to music school. "We have a bigger dinner May 12 every year, the day of his accident," Mrs. Campbell told AllHipHop.com. "We gather as many celebrities together to give away scholarships in our community to people who follow their musical dreams. Producers, engineers, DJ’s, musicians, we help everyone in our community." As an aspiring executive, Threat had accepted a position at Hot 97 and held executive positions with Ruff Ryders and Atlantic Records when he was killed. Four $1200 scholarships are given in his honor and were handed out the evening of the dinner. Mrs. Campbell said that money for the scholarships was provided in part by funding from the music industry. "Most of the records labels donate," she said. "Enuff, The Heavyhitters, Rene Mclean and RPM Marketing, Atlantic Records, Jive Records, Shady Records and others make this and our other events possible." The evening the foundation also bestowed DJ Smooth Danali with the "DJ Threat Heart Award," because his success has been reminiscent of the late DJ, organizers was. "Jason [was] doing three big things (DJing, Hot 97 and Atlantic Records), so we recognized Smooth Denali because he is making big moves like Threat was," Campbell said. In addition to the dinner, the scholarships and the award ceremony, the Jason Campbell Foundation sends 165 kids from Long Island to a summer music course, that also teaches the use of turntables. The non-profit organization hosts an all-age day in the park. I was so devastated by the whole thing, but I didn’t want to bury his dream," Campbell lamented. "But I promised him ‘I will bury your body because I don’t have a choice, but I won’t bury your heart or the work of your hands." For more information on the Jason "DJ Threat" Campbell Foundation call 631-273-4274.

Entertainer Missy Elliott canceled a concert in Indonesia after warnings about terrorist attacks in the country. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta warned Americans about the potential attacks in Indonesia, which has been the site of two major bombings. "We’ve sent out another warden message, which is a message to American citizens residing in Indonesia, about the need to be continuously vigilant and careful in their movement in Indonesia, to continue to be aware of their surroundings, to be aware of the continued potential for terrorist attacks against Americans or American interests," said Stanley Harsha, a spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta. Elliott was to perform in Jakarta on Wednesday during her international tour. Other acts, such as Korn and Enrique Iglesias ignored warnings issued in the past, but Elliott and company decided not to take the risk, like many other performers. In December of 2002, a popular tourist section on the island of Bali was bombed, killing 202 people, mostly foreigners. In August of 2003, a powerful bomb exploded outside the JW Marriott Hotel in the Mega Kuningan business complex in Kuningan, South Jakarta, killing 13 people. The alleged mastermind of the Bali bombings, a member of extremist group Jemaah Islamiyah, was arrested and charged in connection with the attacks. Yesterday, three alleged accomplices of the Bali bombings were acquitted of aiding in the attack. The promoter of the show apologized and said that ticket holders will be entitled to a full refund.

Snoop Dogg and his wife of eight years are calling it quits according to published reports and divorce papers filed in Los Angeles late last week. According to the Associated Press, the rapper/actor officially filed for divorce from wife Shante Broadus in Los Angeles Superior Court on Friday. The rapper seeks joint custody of their three children who are aged 9, 7 and 4. In court papers, Snoop stated “irreconcilable differences” as the chief reason for the abrupt break. Robert Nachshin, Snoop’s lawyer told The AP, “The only thing I want to say is Mr. Broadus hopes that the divorce can be as amicable as possible.” In the recent past, Snoop said that his wife was working with rapper Rage on unspecified projects. Neither Shante Broadus nor her lawyers were available at press time. The 32-year-old Snoop will make his latest acting appearance in the movie “Soul Plane,” a comedic take on the 70’s#### “Airplane.” Snoop, who began rapping with a gangbanger image, has more recently adopted a pimp-like lifestyle and has a close friendship with real pimp Bishop Magic Don Juan. Snoop once declared his love for his wife in a song,”I Believe In You.” In the tune, he rapped “I believe in you/ See can’t nobody make me do what you do/ I mean I’m so in love with you, boo/ I never thought a girl could make me/ Take me To a whole new world/ Re-shape me, love me, hate me.”

With technology revolutionizing the music industry, Wyclef Jean looked to the past in order to figure out the future of the billion-dollar business. “I read the Russell Simmons book, the Berry Gordy book,” he told AllHipHop.com from Platinum Studios. “And I was like ‘What’s the next level?’ “Focus,” he said, answering his own question. Clef explained focus is the organization of music and business. With that in mind, the Refugee All-Star started Clef Records, an independent venture that is as close to being vertically integrated as possible. Wyclef and long-time collaborator Jerry Wonder produce everything, which is recorded at Clef’s studio, and then they press it up themselves and shop it to a distributor. As a musician and artist, Wyclef stated he can’t do everything and that’s why he will still shop for distribution. “The distribution game is not what we do,” he clarified. “I don’t want to be in the distribution business, that’s a headache within its own. I’m gonna pay you a fee to get it from here to Japan quicker than me.” The first acts on Clef Records that will require distribution are female rapper Trini Don and Bronx R&B group 3 on 3, whose father is former Harlem Globetrotter Clarence “Mugsy” Leggett. Wyclef boasted how his artists write their own lyrics, which presents their authentic point of view. “They got a whole side of the BX that’s like Motown now,” he said of his crooners’ residence. “That side is not expressed.” One person who Wyclef won’t allow to help express himself is Dylan of the Da Band, who speculated on his future with the hit-making producer. Clef was also featured on “Making of the Band II” giving advice to the young dancehall artist. “You never know what can happen. Wyclef is a big supporter of everything that I do. He co-signed the first song, ‘Dear Diddy’” Dylan told AllHipHop.com in a recent interview. “Me and Clef chill every other day if I’m in New York.” While Wyclef did acknowledge the track, he also said it was highly unlikely he would recruit the dancehall artist to his label. “It’s a crazy record,” he admitted. “But my relationship with Puffy—Puffy’s just too powerful. Really powerful. “Then he’s my friend,” Clef added, explaining how Diddy specifically called him and asked him to appear on “Making of The Band II” because he hadn’t had much exposure recently. “I can’t sign Dylan.” Wyclef previously had a deal for his Yclef Records (a different label from Clef Records) imprint through J Records, but the only release was the soundtrack to Dr. Doolittle 2. Wyclef is still signed to J Records and will release his next solo album on the label. No date has been set at press time.

Shyheim, an affiliate of Wu-Tang Clan, will launch an online reality series this week that will feature Hip-Hop luminaries like RZA, Method Man, Redman, Easy Mo Bee and others. On May 28, the reality show titled "Real Talk," will allow to watch Shyheim behind the scenes, in clubs, the studio, record company offices and his Staten Island home. "I want to show everyone from New York to Yugoslavia what it’s like for a Hip-Hop artist to be on the grind," Shyheim said. "It ain’t gonna be like no Makin’ Da Band…it’ll be more real." "Real Talk" will promote his upcoming release The Greatest Story Never Told and will web-cast three times a week every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Shyheim is also planning an autobiographical film, also called The Greatest Story Never Told, and it will be lensed by D-Don, who also directed 2002’s cult classic "Shottas." Shyheim was 15 when the gritty single "On and On" went as high as #7 in 1994. The film is an account of his rise as a child rap star, his burgeoning acting career and the setbacks he experienced along the way. Recently, Shyheim was released from prison after two and a half years for probation violation, gun charges and armed robbery. "I got caught with a cop’s gun," he told AllHipHop.com in a previous interview. "Then on top of that, I had an armed robbery in the first degree. It started off on some beefing s**t. That’s just the way the ‘hood goes. So, that’s what turned it into an armed robbery with a deadly weapon. I owe [the State of New York] three years on parole. I learned a lesson from that. That was Allah’s way of telling me, ‘Look, slow down.’ " The Greatest Story Never Told features production from DJ Quik, RZA and Easy Mo Bee. The album drops July 13 on Shyheim’s label, Bottom Up Records. "It’s time that Shyheim show and prove he’s the youngest veteran in the rap game," said Easy Mo Bee, who produced the first single off the album, "21st Century Crisis." "He needs to bring back Hip-Hop where it should be right now.” The reality series can be viewed at www.shyheim.tv

Suge Knight’s Death Row Records was ordered to pay $162,000 to a man that claimed Knight and a crew of bodyguards attacked him at a recording studio three years ago.The verdict was issued last Tuesday by a Jury in Los Angeles that did not hold Knight personally liable for the attack, but ruled that Death Row was accountable for the actions of the security guards they employ.Baudy said he became involved in an altercation with Knight’s head of security, Reggie Wright Jr. At the Con Am studios in November of 2001.As a result of the altercation, Baudy suffered a ruptured disc and now walks with a cane. Wright claimed Baudy and a friend of his flashed guns after they were prevented from entering a restricted area of the recording studio.Knight testified he was not present at the studio during the altercation. Death Row was ordered to pay almost $60,000 in hospital bills and over $100,000 for Baudy’s pain and suffering and lost income. Knight was freed from prison last month, after serving 10 months in prison for violating his probation.Sources have stated that Knight and Wright had a falling out since the altercation occurred.

Sean "P. Diddy" Combs is creating a show for MTV that will air this summer, with people directing questions towards presidential candidates John Kerry and George W. Bush. The show, tentatively titled "Project Change," differs from MTV shows in the past due to the more aggressive line of questioning and according to Combs, the questions will come from "real" people from across the country. "I’m going to make Kerry and Bush squirm," Combs told the New York Post. "The people who usually ask the candidates questions are screened, and I’m going to use real people off the streets to get their questions out there." Combs said his goal with the MTV show was to generate the highest voter registration for youth and minorities in American history. "My vote is only one vote, so I’m going to make sure a record number of youth and minorities register to vote this year. I’m asking them to hold their vote hostage until these candidates answer questions in real terms that people can understand. I want to be disruptive because it seems Kerry and Bush are already counting their votes, but I’m going to pull the rug out from under them – they need to work." Combs said that as part of the campaign, various actors and rappers would challenge Kerry and Bush to a town hall meeting, answering tough questions from people who have not been prepared by their cronies. Kerry’s spokesman said Kerry would debate Bush "anytime," while Bush’s spokesman said he was looking forward to a "robust debate" with Kerry.

The Hip-Hop masses have clamored about rhymestress Foxy Brown and her whereabouts. Now, the Brooklyn rapper will introduce a custom line of furs and possibly an accessory line called Champaign and Ice. Partnering with Alexis & Ganni for the collection, the exotic line will include pieces include mink and chinchilla, with prices ranging from $2000 to $12,000. A special show room for the collection will open in Manhattan next month. Incidentally, the name of the fur line has meaning to it. Champaign represents the life of a celebrity and elegance, while Ice signifies the opulent lifestyle sometimes associated with a person who decides to wear furs. To promote her latest venture, Foxy will do six in store appearances across the country to promote the line, which will be sold to most upscale clothing outlets in the United States. The rapper also has input as to the designs of the fur collection, which is scheduled to hit stores this year and via a website, www.foxybrownfurs.com.

Hard-core rapper Ice-T is grooming a new rapper, one that he says will astonish the rap world with his skills – David Hasselhoff. Ice-T recently revealed that he and Hasselhoff, star of 80’s action television show “Knight Rider” and the worldwide hit “Bay Watch” are working on a rap album. After striking up a friendship in Los Angeles due to the proximity of their residences, Ice-T agreed to produce Hasselhoff, who will reemerge as emcee "Hassel The Hoff." "The man is a legend and we are going to show a whole new side of him," Ice-T told UK newspaper The Sun. Hasselhoff, 51, is more than just a television actor. He is also a mega-star in Austria and Germany. He has released seven albums and the most recent, My America, went as high as #11 on the Austrian charts. "The Hoff will surprise people with his rap skills and humor," Ice-T said. Hip-Hop has had an unofficial relationship with David Hasselhoff for numerous years. The theme music to “Knight Rider” has been sampled by various rappers over the years.

As Mobb Deep prepares to release their highly anticipated seventh album Amerika’z Nightmare, the group already has their eyes set to the future. "I’m working on my solo album as soon as I get a chance to," group member Havoc told AllHipHop.com. “I’ll experiment a little bit more alone because it’s just me and my little project. You’ll see some things that won’t be on a Mobb Deep album, I’ll do that. I’m going to try to push the envelope a lil something, you know?” "P [Prodigy] is working on his as well. It’s going to be interesting, too. It’s not going to be what you used to. It’s going to be a little mixture of everything." Still the group is going to deal with matters at hand so to support the Amerika’z Nightmare release Havoc said the group would embark do extensive touring. "We’re either gonna create our own tour or hop on whatever is hot at the time. But we definitely gonna be in a town near where ever the fans is at," he said. Havoc said the current climate in Hip-Hop makes it an ideal time for a brand new Mobb Deep album and that he was satisfied with the current direction of Hip-Hop music. "Hip-Hop is going in the direction that it is suppose to even though it’s a lot of commercial [music] and all of that. But you gotta take the good with the bad. Hip-Hop is, right now, the most successful it’s ever been. You just gotta get in where you fit in. If your name is underground, you just gotta work that much harder to break through the surface.” The group has also established Infamous Records, which will put out their upcoming album in a joint venture with Jive Records. A bonus DVD will accompany Amerika’z Nightmare when the CD hits stores later this year. It features 50 Cent, Nelly and Nate Dogg, while the majority of the album is produced by Havoc with contributions from Kanye West and Red Spyda. Songs that featured Nelly and Lil’ Jon were reportedly cut from the album, but Mobb Deep weren’t available to confirm or deny the speculation at press time.

They say it’s tough love over at Roc-A-Fella Records. Diplomat Capo Jim Jones knows this first hand. After staying behind the scenes to manage everything Dip Set, Jones stepped to the forefront last year as a rapper on the group’s debut album Diplomatic Immunity, which he thought would lead to a solo deal with the Roc. It didn’t. Roc-A-Fella execs didn’t even approach Jones about signing with the label— and the rapper felt it wasn’t his place to approach them. “I never stepped to them,” Jones told AllHipHop.com. “‘Cause I already did a whole [Diplomats] album and they had to listen to it everyday, so if that there didn’t show them what I was doing—and it was a double CD, so I felt I gave it everything I had because I wanted to be hot.” Instead, Jones chose to sign with Koch Records, which will release his as-yet-titled debut album later this summer. Going the independent route made more sense to him and his Harlem hustle anyway, according to Jones. “I did so much by myself, my own videos, my own marketing, just to get myself out there,” he said. Jones’ pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps philosophy has been the main reason the Diplomats has become a household name in hip-hop the past few years. He cites Roc-A-Fella CEO Dame Dash and P.Diddy as influences on his business acumen. In fact, Jones sampled a hit from the ‘80s like Diddy when it came time to promoting his and Cam’ron’s latest venture, Sizzurp Purple Punch Liquor. Cam’ron said, “While I was working on my album, [Purple Haze] Jim Jones was making sure the liquor [deal] was straight.” Taking a page from the St. Ides Malt Liquor marketing campaigns that featured 2Pac, Ice Cube and Rakim rapping about the popular beverage, Jones and the Dips put together “Sippin’ on Sizzurp Vol. I: Getting Drunk on Music.” The mixtape includes a host of today’s rappers performing their own odes to alcohol. “You got to copy something to make it great,” Jones said of the campaign. Perhaps that then explains why he and Cam called their concoction Sizzurp, which is the Southern slang term for the mixture of cough syrup and a sweet beverage like fruit punch. “Yeah, I stole it from Down South,” Jones admitted. But he stated it simply was the first name that popped into his head when he tasted the product, which he described as resembling grape Kool Aid. The name, however, puts the rapper in the precarious position of defending against criticism from both southern rap acts and a probably rant from Bill O’Reilly regarding its influence on children. “First of all, kids aren’t supposed to be able to buy liquor from out the store, so they shouldn’t be confused (by the name) anyway,” Jones asserted. And as far as the reaction from the South, he boasted: “They love me for that.” He then joked, “My n***as Down South hit the syrup with the Sizzurp.” Jim Jones solo debut album is due August 10.