On Friday, CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer had a candid interview with Sean “P.Diddy” Combs where the rap entrepreneur suggested that his recent wave of philanthropic work might lead him to being a revolutionary for African American/Civil Rights causes.  After being queried if he wanted to enter the world of politics, Diddy said, “There’s a lot of lies in politics, a lot of deception. What you’re hearing isn’t what I think somebody can guarantee they could do. I would have to say, I’d probably be more interested in being a revolutionary.”  “I would want to be an activist, you know, before I would want to be a politician.”  Diddy also admitted to being heavily recruited by the Democratic ticket, but said his assistance would largely depend on a commitment to helping the conditions in the inner cities across the nation. He opposition to the Rockefeller Drug Laws and fundraising for education were prominent examples displayed in the segment.”  “[For me] to be involved and in being helpful in this election…and it’s something that I’m pondering, you know? Because if I do something, I want to do it all the way,” Diddy continued. “But to be honest, Kerry and Bush, anybody running for president, I can only go on what I’m hearing them say. And you know, I hear a lot of talking around in circles, like I usually do.”  Diddy stressed to Blitzer that the candidates are going to have to expand the center issues for him to join forces with any of them.  He said, “It’s time that we make these candidates accountable, and it’s time they start talking about issues that affect urban inner city life, that affect young people, education, health care and also affect minorities. I know that there are wars going on, but you have people that are dying right in our own back yards from poverty, illiteracy and just, you know, depression of not being able to make something of themselves.”  Without referring to many of his high-profile legal episodes in the past, Diddy stated that there are more important aspects to life for him far beyond money, fame and entertainment.  “I’m a child of God. I give all glory to God. And I have a responsibility to be the best child of God that I could be,” he expounded. “And I have to stay focused on that. Because the money and the power and the sales aren’t going to get me into heaven at the end of the day. And it won’t have as much of an impact as me having a positive impact on somebody’s life, especially my kids and my family.” To comment on this story, click HERE!

Darryl "Lil Scrappy" Richardson has filed a $250 million dollar lawsuit against the Orlando, Florida police department, manager Tommy "Serious" Phillips confirmed with AllHipHop.com. The lawsuit stems from the treatment that Scrappy and Phillips received after a concert at a local high school turned into chaos. The lawsuit names the Orlando Police Department and the arresting officer Richard Bailey Jr. as defendants. The concert took place at Dr. Phillips High School late last month. Sources told AllHipHop.com that Scrappy was warned not to use profanity and was not allowed to remove his shirt during the performance. Officer Bailey claimed that the men on the stage were attempting to "invoke a riot response from the crowd." Police attempted to subdue the performers on the stage and a fight broke out. Bailey alleges that Scrappy attempted to stop him from arresting Phillips. The video footage shows Bailey turning towards Lil Scrappy and shoving him several feet off the stage. Phillips was subsequently arrested and charged with battery on a law-enforcement officer. Phillips said police brutalized him and Lil Scrappy, who was handcuffed and suffered minor injuries due to the shove, but was not charged with any crime. Lil Scrappy is a recording artist on Lil Jon’s BME Recordings. His debut The King of Crunk and BME Recordings Present: Lil Scrappy debuted at # 12 on Billboard’s Top 200 Chart, powered by his single "Headbussa."

Raqiyah Mays, a popular writer and DJ, was fired by New York’s Power 105 earlier in the week, but now has already been hired by WQHT’s Hot 97, her press machine released today. Mays was fired by the program director after she commented that Black men shouldn’t date Caucasian women because of a shortage for their African American counterparts. During a contest for Usher’s new CD Confessions, Mays reasoned, “I made a confession of my own. I said I was concerned about interracial relationships when the African-American community has our own inner work and healing to do. If I see a white woman dating an African-American man, I feel, as do many African-American women, that there is one less black man available to us.” Power 105, a Clear Channel station, reportedly felt the comments were actually racist and made the dismissal. After a meeting with Hot 97’s Tracey Cloherty, VP of Programming, Mays was offered her previous timeslot on Sunday from 1-5 pm. Cloherty told the NY Daily News that she didn’t agree with Mays’ views on interracial dating, but said she still should maintain her freedom to say her viewpoints. Cloherty said, “I happen to disagree with that view. But I think she has every right to state it on air.” Mays said that she looks forward to her new post with Hot 97, especially the open dialogue with her fans and listeners. “A lot of the feedback I have gotten from across the country has been very supportive from both black and white people,” she said via statement. “I feel blessed to have the opportunity to talk to the people again. I can’t wait to find out how the tri-state area feels about my comments, life, the world, everything.” Mays also serves as the executive editor of The Ave Magazine, a relatively new politically charged hip-hop magazine. Mays starts on Sunday, March 28, from 1pm-5pm.

Hypnotized Minds camp recently inked a deal with Chris Lighty’s company Violator and are now managed by the same company that handles such stars as Missy Elliot, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, Clipse and others. "They were initially interested in doing a deal with Lil Whyte," 36 Mafia group member DJ Paul told AllHipHop.com. "He’s sold over 100,000 Soundscanned copies of his album Doubt Me Now, independent with no promotions. He’s still doing 1500 copies a week and everyone is wondering how he did this, I even wonder. He hasn’t gotten any promotion on the radio stations in Memphis and I just started running ads on him." Through discussions about Lil Whyte, Violator big wigs inquired as to why 36 Mafia never received the proper push, yet still sold hundreds of thousands of records. After realizing all of the acts were for the most part self managed, Violator offered to handle the careers of the Memphis based collective. "The whole camp is going to be managed by Violator," Paul continued. "36, Frayser Boy, Project Pat and Lil Whyte." Hopes are high that the incarcerated Project Pat, who has been serving a 4 year sentence for violation of his probation since 2002, would be released before the end of the year to rejoin the group as they turn a new page in their rap careers. A new album, Crook By The Book consisting of all new material by the rapper is being produced and prepared for release. "They just moved him to a low security prison. He’s in Missouri now, he was being held in Beaumont Texas. We are remixing the music, all the lyrics are sh*t he did before he went in. It’s all unreleased sh*t, we are just redoing the music." Crook By The Book is expected to hit stores later this year.

Jermaine Dupri announced that he intends to marry his love interest, Janet Jackson. The hip-hop mogul declared his love for Jackson on Ryan Seacrest’s syndicated Los Angeles radio show. "I want to marry her. I’m not going to mess this up. I would like to be with her forever," Dupri said. When the two take their vows, it will be Jackson’s third attempt at marriage. While Dupri didn’t specify a date, friends of Janet Jackson said that the two may be hitched before the end of the year. In related news, Dupri’s So So Def label is preparing to release Hood Hop, the debut by St. Louis rapper J-Kwon. Dupri lent his production and rhyming talents to the album, which also features appearances by the St. Lunatics.

Twista was dropped from an Alabama music festival, after city officials threatened to withhold $200,000 from the event if the rapper performed. Five commissioners in Jefferson County agreed yesterday (March 25) that they would not provide public money for the City Stages festival that is scheduled to take place during Fathers Day weekend in June if the Chicago rapper performed. The officials said that Twista’s lyrics were racially insensitive and anti-woman. Organziers of the festival issued a statement and said that the rapper would have performed clean versions of his songs. "City Stages has no more important partner than the Jefferson County Commission," the statement read. "Our partner has made us aware they do not regard the hip-hop act Twista as appropriate for this year’s festival. We have listened to their concerns, and Twista will not perform at City Stages, even though he was to have played a clean show." "I think it was a very, very wise decision on their part," Larry Langford, the commission president, told The Birmingham News. "They’re trying to build a venue where you can take the whole family and not be caught off-guard. I am delighted they heard our plea and pulled him." The commission also felt that the rapper’s use of the N word was not tolerable and labeled the rapper’s music as "filth." Langford said that he has used the N word to other black people in the past, but said that using the word is "degrading in any context it’s used." "It’s a question of decency," Langford said. "Whenever disrespect for women, people or races raises its ugly head, I’m going to speak out – especially when it comes to spending taxpayer money." Rappers have been the biggest draw for the festival, with Outkast setting the festival’s single-day attendance record in 2002. Ludacris also proved to be the biggest draw of last years event.

AllHipHop.com’s first Social Lounge kicked off at S.O.B.’s in New York City last night.A panel of Hip-Hop industry professionals took part in a discussion of issues that are relevant to the Hip-Hop community.Early in the show, DJ Lazy K, CEO of the Murda Mamis, spun hit records that got the adrenalin pumping for the panelists.Rapper Cormega, Shady Records A&R Riggs Morales, Fat Man Scoop and poet/MTV2 VJ Amanda Diva engaged in heated, passionate conversations, moderated by radio personality Egypt and actor/poet, Mums of “Oz” fame.Mums and Egypt presided over the discussion that started slow, but quickly sped up in front of the crowd about 200 people.Cormega and Scoop immediately sparred when the subject of commercial radio was brought up. Cormega, who is independent, disagreed with Scoop’s take that budding artists simply needed to come up with a hit record to obtain commercial radio airplay.”You talk about it being backpack rap, but if that backpack is filled with money, it’s gonna get played,” Cormega quipped. While the views clashed, both men agreed that they have known and supported each other for a long time.When the subject of the upcoming presidential election was brought up, each panelist agreed – George Bush needs to be removed from office. Still, many in attendance – audience included – stated that on paper there are many commonalities between Bush and Democrat John Kerry.AllHipHop allowed those in attendance to register to vote on the spot at S.O.B.’s.Other matters during the evening included serious talk about the usage of “N-word” and a Q&A session from the inquisitive and opinionated audience.Many in the crowd challenged the panelist commitment to hip-hop and the community, which they all replied with their respective efforts outside of the music industry.The evening was capped off with a rousing performance by Brooklyn-bred rapper Stimuli spit accapella verses that spun into his song “Emotions.” Some began to file out of the nightclub, but the rapper’s performance actually made the majority of the crowd stop and take heed to his impressive display of lyricism.[Special Editor’s Note: Everybody at AllHipHop would like to thank EVERYBODY that made the first “Social Lounge” a huge success.]

Wyclef Jean will team with Buju Banton, Scarface and Haitian group T-Vice to shoot a video in Miami, showing support for Haiti and the entire Caribbean. The video for "Next Generation" and "Party By the Sea" will be shot in the Little Haiti section of Miami and will produce a realistic depiction of Caribbean islanders. "Through music, people are united despite their cultures, views, race or creed. Music is responsible for creativity and change. That is why this video is needed," Wyclef told AllHipHop.com in a statement. Jean is using the video to urge members of the Caribbean and abroad to show support for Haiti, which is embroiled in civil strife, after country’s elected president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide was forced to flee the country due to a rebel insurgency. The video will be shot Monday April 5th and Tuesday April 6th. During the shoot, Jean will hold a press conference to announce his plans for a relief effort for Haiti.

Eminem’s ex-wife is back in jail, after she dropped out of a court-ordered drug treatment program, official allege. Kim Mathers was released from jail on March 1 and ordered to attend the drug program after she was convicted of using cocaine, while on probation. She was ordered to serve 30 days in county jail and was then transferred to a drug treatment program for 90 days. "For whatever reason, she left the program she was attending so the judge ordered her back to jail," Capt. John Roberts, the jail commander, told The Detroit News. "For right now, it’s ordered by the judge that she complete her sentence in jail." In January, Mathers pleaded guilty to possessing 25 grams or less of cocaine and failing to give space to an emergency vehicle after a traffic stop. Mathers’ jail stint will end May 12.

BMG North America cut over 150 jobs yesterday in an attempt to increase profitability and reduce redundancies within its U.S. labels. Under the new structure, LaFace Records and So So Def Records will be relocated within the newly formed Zomba Label Group, Clive Davis announced yesterday. "This new structure underscores our deep commitment to preserving and strengthening our diverse record labels and investing in creativity and artists," said Davis. "BMG has a peerless roster of superstar and developing artists who deserve the very best creative homes and the resources necessary to develop careers that endure and music that inspires." Arista, the label Davis founded, has gone from a stand-alone label to an imprint under the RCA Music Group. Under the new structure Laface and So So Def will remain stand-alone record labels, their artists and distribution will be handled by the Zomba Label Group Artists effected by the broad changes include Outkast, Bone Crusher, Anthony Hamilton, J-Kwon, Pink, Usher, Youngbloodz, Clipse, Kelis and others. BMG’s North American operations now include RCA Music Group (RCA, J, Arista), Zomba Label Group, BMG Canada, BMG Strategic Marketing Group and BMG Distribution. RLG – Nashville.

The Neptunes have defected from Arista, moving their Star Trak label to Jimmy Iovine’s powerhouse label, Interscope.The Grammy Award winning duo will ink a deal worth an estimated $5 million dollars.Under their new deal, Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo will continue to sign and produce Star Trak artists, as well as acts on Interscope and artists affiliated with the label.Interscope will handle the sales, marketing, promotion and distribution for the label.The duo’s talent for production has generated over $200 million in sales over the years.Interscope is home to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, Eminem’s Shady Records and 50 Cent’s G-Unit imprint.Star Trak’s contract with Arista expired this year, during the same time Arista’s CEO, L.A. Reid left and headed for Island/Def Jam.

Kurupt is preparing to release Death Row Presents Kurupt – Against The Grain, his first album of all-new material for Death Row since 1996.Incarcerated Death Row CEO Suge Knight labeled the album as historic for both Kurupt and Death Row.”It’s the first all-new album from a Death Row artist since 1996, and for Kurupt, it’s a return to the classic Dogg Pound sound,” Knight asserted. “Longtime fans know that Kurupt and Death Row Records are synonymous with high-quality, hard-edged music. Against The Grain further solidifies that reputation, fusing classic rap rhymes with cutting-edge sentiments.”Death Row is also gearing up for releases from Danny Boy, Eastwood and Spider.Death Row Presents Kurupt – Against The Grain hits stores June 29.

Busta Rhymes was sentenced to six months probation by a Massachusetts judge today (March 23). Rhymes pled not guilty to charges of assaulting a woman at a December 2002 concert. Rhymes admitted that he touched Celine Giguere of Providence, who was also charged with assault by Rhymes after she touched his face as he was leaving the stage. She accused him of slamming her head into a barroom table, a charge he denied in a handwritten letter to the judge. When Giguere allegedly went to touch his face, Rhymes said he grabbed her hand and said, "Please make sure you do not touch me again,” before leaving for his hotel. Rhymes’ case will automatically be dismissed if he steers clear of trouble for six months. He had to pay $300 in court costs and a $21 fee to have unsupervised probation.

In the latest edition of the Village Voice, the New York Police Department has finally admitted that there is indeed a "Hip-Hop Task Force" that exists within the NYPD. Until now, the NYPD consistently denied following rappers and keeping tabs on their associates. But the founder of the unit, Derek Parker, has gone public and is very vocal about the department’s existence. "Miami is getting a lot of heat, with Derek Parker coming out and there being a smoking gun," Dasun Allah told AllHipHop.com. Allah wrote the Village Voice piece that features the admission from the NYPD. "Parker was revealed several years ago, but now its coming to the mainstream. "We have an intelligence division and we have detectives that monitor the music industry and any incidents regarding the music industry," NYPD spokesperson Officer Doris Garcia admitted. "And in regards to Miami P.D. we did exchange information, and that’s it." The NYPD paid more attention to the rap industry after the 1997 murder Christopher "The Notorious B.I.G." Wallace, in Los Angeles. "We prevented certain crimes because when you started talking to rappers and you knew they had hits on them and you were on to them, people wouldn’t go and shoot them or rob them if they knew you were around," said the unit’s founder, Derek Parker. "Most of the time, it’s not the rappers, it’s the guys in their entourages that cause the problems." The department’s activities have become a hot issue, so hot that Hollywood has come calling. Interscope’s founder Ted Fields’ movie company Radar Pictures is backing a movie titled "Hip-Hop Cops," which is about the inner-workings of the NYPD department. Those involved in the rap business are taking the notion of being monitored and scrutinized without just cause seriously. "A very dangerous precedent has been set," said Dr. Benjamin Chavis, CEO of the non-profit Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN), founded by mogul Russell Simmons. "It needs to be exposed, and we’re going to take legal action against these police departments for violating the constitutional rights of hip-hop artists." "Its a matter of keeping heat under the pot," Allah concluded. "People have consistently stayed on it. We have to be consistent. In the words of Sonny Carson ‘We have to consistent, persistent and resistent. That’s CPR.’"