50 Cent is backing race car driver Steve Hobday, who will drive the 50 Cent race car at Days of Thunder, the UK’s equivalent to the United States’ NASCAR. The rapper will square off against rock group Darkness’ Team Darkness driver Shaun Richardson. 50 Cent headlines his only outdoor concert in the UK this year when he takes the Rockingham stage during the Days of Thunder race. "50 is a big fan of NASCAR and this style of racing and I’m sure we will give him something to cheer about before he goes out on the Rockingham stage," Hobday said. The Days of Thunder takes place June 6th.

DJ Muggs of Cypress Hill will be producing an untitled CD that melds Hip-Hop with rock-n-roll, a style called Mash-Ups. A Mash-Up, an English/ Jamaican term, blends two seemingly dissimilar music types into one that is designed to outshine each original. With blends like 50 Cent and Nirvana, the veteran West Coast producer told AllHipHop.com that he hopes to break down barriers with the CD. “For some reason, hip-hip cats want to keep you in this box and want you to keep drawing inside the lines. But can we be creative, man? I never want to work in a box,” he said. In addition, Muggs is developing a syndicated radio show called Mash-Up Radio that he said would continue to expose the genre-melding music. “It would open up for the format on radio to allow rock stations to start playing more hip-hop and hip-hop stations to play more rock. So this is the best way I went about it to make it feasible for both to understand it and digest it.” And, Muggs admitted, with the legacy of DJs like Ron G, the concept of Mash-Ups is hardly revolutionary to Hip-Hop. He did state that there are differences. “Because a lot of stuff [in England], they’ll mix Britney Spears with like Blink-182. So I decided to put my own twist on it like this. Blends has been used, there would have been nothing new. Run DMC opened the doors a long time ago,” he said. “But [with a] Mash-Up somebody is going to be like ‘What’s this?’” As far as his album, Muggs said that he would be using largely original composition from Interscope Records, his label home. “We got all the clearances worked out. We just going to use all Interscope rock bands and all Interscope rap artists. That way we’ll have no problem clearing [samples],” he said. “The real album is going to have like 75 percent original vocals on it and different bands stuff.” Muggs currently has a mixtape that features his Mash-Ups with mixes that includes 50 Cent, Nirvana, Eminem, Jimi Hendrix, Jay-Z, Tupac, Biggie and many more.

Next month in Memphis Tennessee, rapper Ludacris will start filming a new movie called “Hustle & Flow,” which is produced by Oscar-nominated filmmaker John Singleton.Singleton expressed excitement about his new movie, which stars Terrence Howard (“Big Momma’s House”) as a pimp who has a unique problem stemming from the fast life.Singleton revealed to AllHipHop.com. “It’s about a hustler, a pimp that has a mid-life crisis at the age of 28. He knows there’s no future in being a pimp ’cause he aint even that good of a pimp. So he up and decides he wants to be a rap star.”Additional performances come from Anthony Anderson (“Barbershop”).DJ Qualls (“Road Trip”), Taryn Manning, (“8 mile”) and Taraji Henson (“Baby Boy”).”This film is hot. It’s what’s going on the dirty South today,” Singleton continued.Ludacris will play the role of a local artist that recently struck it rich in the rap game. He comes back to his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, looking down on all of the local acts that seek his assistance in getting into the music business, including Howard’s pimp/rapper character.Howard is spending time among the local rap community in Memphis, hoping to give an air of authenticity to his role. Meanwhile, Ludacris was tapped to play a character to bring a bit more humor to the movie.”Ludacris plays a cat that has some new money,” Singleton said. “He comes back to town and is an a**hole. He’s one of them ni**as that been to Europe and thinks he’s seen the world and he’s just a basic artist, but everyone wants to get put on by him.”The movie is being shot over a four-week period on a budget of $2.8 million dollars and will be directed by Craig Brewer. Brewer directed “The Poor and Hungry,” also shot in Memphis and eventually won the best Digital Feature Award at the 2000 Hollywood Film Festival.”Hollywood doesn’t know what to do with these kinds of movies,” Singleton added. “We had to do it independent. I hope this movie does for the South what ‘Boyz-n-the Hood’ and ‘Baby Boy’ did for Los Angeles. Terrance Howard plays the pimp. Anthony Anderson plays the church going married man trying to help him make a record. It’s funny and dramatic like all my films and gonna be an instant hood classic.”The accompanying soundtrack will be released on Ludacris’ DTP imprint and will feature performances by Ludacris, 36 Mafia, Al Kapone, Frayser Boy and other local Memphis acts.Singleton said he is aiming to have “Hustle & Flow” in theaters in Spring of 2005.

Diplomat Records President Freekey Zeekey is well known for disappearing for weeks on end, keeping only his Dip-Set brethren aware of his whereabouts. Again, Zeeky is missing from the Dip-Set limelight, this time due to a relatively new incarceration. Sources say, after Zeekey was shot twice in an April 2003 incident where associate Eric Mangrum was murdered, the attention brought awareness of past unresolved charges. “When he got shot, some stuff from down south came up and it all came back out,” Dip Set A&R Duke Da God said. Both Cam’ron and Jim Jones confirmed Zeeky’s status, stating that he wouldn’t be home until 2006. “Freaky Zeeky right now is on a little vacation,” Cam told AllHipHop.com. “I don’t get into too much detail about it, but he is alright and he gives everybody his love.” Jim Jones also remained tightlipped about details on Zeekey. “I’m not really liable to talk about the whole Zeke s**t. Let’s just say that my ni**a Zeke is on vacation and when he comes home he’s going to be a rich motherf**ker.” Zeke’s fun-loving personality is exemplified in the Diplomat videos, but Jim Jones said the president had a duality to his persona comparable to another character. “Joe Pesci was funny in all his movies,” Jones explained “Do you understand the whole picture? Joe Pesci was a hell of a comedian in all of his movies. And he also did all the motherf**king’ killing, ya dig?” Cam has finished recording Purple Haze, his fourth album, and recently released Sizzurp Purple Punch, a 32-proof liquor, with Jim Jones. To read more on Freekey Zeekey prior to his incarceration: https://staging.allhiphop.com/features/?ID=657 https://staging.allhiphop.com/features/?ID=656

Ruff Ryders Records is expanding their musical horizons and hopes to have the same impact they have on Hip-Hop in the world of pop with a new label, Ruff Pop. Female singer LT is the first pop act signed to the Ruff Pop imprint, which is part of the empire founded by the Samsi-Dean family 15 years ago. "LT is one of the rawest breeds of pop and is one of the most unique artists that I have heard in a long time," Ruff Ryder co-CEO Waah Dean told AllHipHop.com in a statement. "She writes, sings very well and her stage performance is incredible. The Ruff Ryders and LT partnership is going to be a long lasting musical marriage. We anticipate big things from her in the future." LT said that she was excited to be signed to a label with such a strong reputation for bringing forth talent. Eve, Jadakiss nd DMX are some of the Hip-Hop stars that are signed to the "Double R." "Being the first signed pop artist to Ruff Ryders, I look forward to bringing those same qualities to the label and the listeners, in my own unique style," LT said. Ruff Ryders have been quietly expanding their business. In addition to the Ruff Ryders label and the new Ruff Pop division, the company is involved in film and video production and an apparel line. No release date was given for LT’s debut Ruff Pop debut album.

Outkast member Andre 3000 will start production and star in a movie tentatively titled the "Untitled Andre Benjamin Project," an effort with Element Films. The rapper is currently negotiating with two-time Emmy Award winning Director Paris Barclay, who is responsible for "NYPD Blue" and "City of Angels." The movie is set in the mid-1970’s and follows the story of an upper-middle-class musical wizard named ‘Valentine’ (Benjamin) and his lower-class friend ‘Chevron.’ Tension grows, as the families are opposed to their interracial relationship as lovers. The plot takes a turn when an accidental shooting by Chevron’s brother, who is a police officer is blamed on Valentine. "This is a story that I have been passionate about being a part of for a long time," Benjamin said via statement. "This project is coming to life at a perfect time in my theatrical career." The film will be executive produced by Element’s CEO Sam Nazarian, while Element partners Adam Rosenfelt and Stavros Merjos will produce. Andre has been featured in several movies including "Be Cool," the sequel to 198’s comedy "Get Shorty," "Hollywood Homicide" and hopes to play guitar legend Jimmy Hendrix in an upcoming Hughes Brothers film.

Officials in Indianapolis, Indiana are considering filing charges against Twista’s tour bus driver, after some 200 gallons of sewage flowed out of the rapper’s tour bus. Twista was in town performing at the Murat Theatre yesterday (May 16). Indianapolis police and fire officials were called to McCrea Street where the bus was parked, after someone with the tour emptied the bus’ sewage tank. The sewage, which police said was mostly liquid, flowed down the gutter toward the nearby Omni Hotel. The smell was so bad, employee’s notified the police. Firefighters arrived on the scene and said the liquid could have been a biohazard. A firefighter called local health and public safety officials in order to obtain the best method available to clean up the sewage. A county health representative decided it was safe for firefighters to hose the mess off the street, which they did.

Eminem and 50 Cent will come together in a show of unity for the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network’s Detroit Hip-Hop Summit. The summit will make its second stop in Detroit at the Fox Theater on May 22, 2004, with the goal of registering 50,000 additional voters. "I know people been down on Eminem, but all I ever see is him giving back," HSAN founder Russell Simmons told AllHipHop.com. "They can talk about me, but Eminem is a giver and I’m proud to work with him." Simmons was referring to the backlash that came about after he publicly stood by Eminem after he used the N-word on tapes that surfaced before the rapper was famous. "This is a big event. The last summit in Detroit was a huge success. Governor Jennifer Granholm , Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and a lot of other artists are scheduled to be at this one in addition to Eminem and 50 Cent." Another Hip-Hop Summit was scheduled for May 15 in Denver, Colorado, but was canceled due to unforeseen problems. "We remain committed to convening the Denver Hip-Hop Summit at a future date, Simmons said. "We salute the evolution of Hip-Hop in Denver and we look forward to coming to Denver at a time when all of the necessary elements are in place to produce a successful gathering." Loon, Rev. Run, D12 and others are also expected to make appearances at the Detroit Hip-Hop Summit.

Despite being a chart-topping recording artist, 50 Cent’s music isn’t always welcomed “In Da Club.” Fearing an outbreak of fights ignited by the rapper’s songs, a Connecticut bar owner has banned 50 Cent from the play list during hip-hop nights at his establishment. "Anything too hardcore or an anthem-type song that pumps the crowd up is not something I really want played," Robert Peterson, owner of Longshot Sports Bar & Grill, told the New Britain Herald. Since many of the songs from 50 Cent’s catalogue rely heavily on chorus and melodies, such as “What Up Gansta” and “Many Men (Wish Death),” Peterson decided to exclude those selections, which he felt could incite violence. Instead, Peterson focuses on playing music that is more upbeat and positive. "I try to mix it up and really play music people can dance to, stay busy," he said. Rather than blame the raucous activity on the patrons, however, Peterson squarely placed the burden on the music. "It’s really not about who’s in the crowd. It’s the music today; most of it is really not about respect," he asserted. Notwithstanding his contempt for the G-Unit soldier, Peterson admitted he has no reservations about hip-hop specifically. It’s not the genre he has a problem with more so than the incendiary elements—regardless of the type of music. "I know I can listen to hardcore rap or rock and be fine,” he said. “But I’ve seen some individuals who can’t handle that kind of stimulation." Ten days ago, 50 Cent was involved in a melee at a small club in Springfield, Massachusetts. After being hit in the head by a water bottle during his performance, the rapper jumped into the crowd after the antagonist. A brawl ensued and currently police are still investigating the incident.

Eve will unleash and expand her Fetish clothing when the the Fall 2005 line debuts. Having teamed with Marc Ecko to re-launch the Fetish brand, Eve will introduce a new line of women’s sportswear, headwear, footwear and luggage. "It’s an ideal match working with Marc and his organization on the re-launch of Fetish," Eve said. "I’ve always appreciated Marc’s design sense and he seems to have a sophisticated understanding of me as a person and as a brand. I expect the new Fetish will offer consumers the same high caliber as the other products I’ve brought to market." Eve had originally partnered with Innovo Group in 2003 to design her line, but ended the union, stating that the clothing that was being produced did not reflect her personal style. "She’s got an amazing fashion approach and vision, which will be reflected in the new Fetish line," Marc Ecko said. Despite Eve’s dissatisfaction with her last partner, Fetish Clothing raked in over $50 million dollars in clothing and accessory sales last year, according to Anthony Ottino, President of Fetish Clothing.

The rumor mill worked overtime when reports circulated that Bang ‘Em Smurf and Domination (Silverback Guerillaz) were signing to Death Row Records. However, those reports have been somewhat misconstrued, according to the Smurf. “When they mean sign, I signed a distribution deal – not like an artist deal or nothin’. Gangta Flip Records signed through Koch and Tha Row,” Bang ‘Em Smurf told AllHipHop.com. “I’m running my company.” Smurf affirmed, when asked about the influence of Death Row. “Where Suge [Knight] comes in, him and Alan Grunblatt [Executive Vice President of KOCH Records], is business partners. So he’s been looking for some New York cats that got street credibility. And you know, I’m going at the same people [that] he got drama with, that’s how [Suge] got involved,” Smurf added. In addition, Smurf said that an association with Suge would help him clear a posthumous song recorded with Tupac Shakur. However, while Suge Knight and Bang ‘Em Smurf may share mutual disdain for 50 Cent and his associations, don’t expect a war on wax. Of the street predictions, Smurf stated, “Everybody think it’s gonna be goin’ at 50. Nope! We’re not even thinking about [him]. We’re making music now. The mixtapes, that’s cool. But the album, we are capturing reality, what we go through in life, songs about [mothers], hood music.” Good Giveth and God Taketh Away will be released in late Summer, although fans can expect a video in the near future. On (May 14), Smurf held a free concert/party in honor of slain Lost Boyz member Freaky Tah. Tah is cousins with Domination, Smurf’s partner in the Silverback Guerillaz.

Two British men who were detained at the US prison camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, allege they were tortured and forced to listen to Eminem at deafening levels. Shafiq Rasul and Asif Iqbal described their abuse in an open letter to George Bush released by the New York-based Center for Constitutional Rights, which is providing legal counsel for the men. The men say they were forced to squat with their hands chained between their legs for hours, blinded with strobe lights and were forced to listen to loud rap music, particularly Eminem, in an attempt to extract information from the prisoners. As early as last year, a Lebanese man who was in Iraq on a pilgrimage to Islamic holy sites and was mistakenly detained by U.S. troops, made the same accusations. "They didn’t torture us physically, but they did psychologically by raising the volume of rap music all day until it became unbearable and by withholding food," Mohammed Jaber said in December of 2003.” These allegations come in the face of similar accusations in Iraq’s Abu Ghraib prison. Pictures of naked prisoners in compromising positions have prompted outcries from humanitarian organizations worldwide. The men also claim Major General Geoffrey Miller, who was in charge of the Guantanamo operation from November of 2002 until this year, created new forms of torture, including "short-shackling," which shackled a prisoner to a hook in the floor to limit movement. Miller is now in charge of the prisons in Iraq, where he has promised to reform the system. Around 600 prisoners are still being held in Guantanamo, on suspicion of having ties to the ousted Taliban regime or the al-Qaida network. None have been charged with crimes and have not been allowed to see lawyers. Some have been held in the prison for over two years.

Sean “P.Diddy” Combs finally made good on his word and dismantled Da Band, the group of six individuals that were followed on MTV’s “Making the Band 2.” But, former member Dylan disputes the televised version of the finale show last night on television. On the show, Diddy was seen talking harshly to Dylan, but the dancehall artist refuted the portrayal of him being removed from the rap mogul’s residence, where the group lived for the season. “Get the f**k out my house,” Diddy said repeatedly to Dylan. “On the show, they showed Diddy kicking me out of the house, but they took a clip of him bugging out before and made it look like it was the time that he kicked me out,” Dylan said to AllHipHop.com. “You can’t talk to me any way. There is so much editing on that s**t. He didn’t even kick me out like that.” (Click here to see the full feature on Dylan.) But, on a whole, Diddy said that Da Band devalued the vast possibilities that stood before them. “The moral of the story is you have to take advantage of your opportunities and you have to give love to your craft,” he told the Associated Press. “If you don’t, you can achieve a dream, but it can also be dissolved.” On Thursday, the mogul said that he broke the group apart because he was weary of the bickering, fighting and lackadaisical attitude towards their music. “Initially my goal with Da Band was to make sure the world saw realistically how serious Hip-Hop was. So at times it was kind of embarrassing to me the way they were portraying themselves, not taking it as serious as most artists take this art form,” he said. “The venture with Da Band was successful because it had the TV backing. But at the end of the day, it’s not worth me getting money for something I think misrepresents what Bad Boy and Hip-Hop is about.” The group sold an impressive 800,000 on their first musical outing, Too Hot For TV, but there will be no sophomore album from Da Band. Some shows featured a record number of bleeped curse words, but the show frequently dominated its nightly time slot. Two members of Da Band, Babs and Ness, were kept as Bad Boy solo artists, Fred refused to return from his home in Florida and Sara was home with her husband and children. Young City (aka Chopper) has also been reportedly retained on Diddy’s Bad Boy South imprint. Diddy may produce another “Making The Band” with MTV in the future, but has not confirmed such plans.