In an Allhiphop.com exclusive, newly signed Def Jam South recording artist Haystak has issued an official response to the following excerpt from the March ’03 issue (pg. 144) of The Source magazine: After numerous failed experiments (the closest success came with "Project Elvis Part 1," which was Vanilla Ice) the Powers That Be struck gold – or should we say nine-times platinum – when they created the perfect candidate for rule. Project Infiltrator became a success and they were ready to claim the whole culture. However, while being greedy and using those same methods, the next wave of Infiltrators didn’t make it. (Sorry Bubba Sparxxx and Haystak.) "It’s very ambiguous to me how I could infiltrate somethin’ I was born into," stated Haystak. Who continue to say "I’m a lower-class citizen and rap music has been the soundtrack to my whole life." While Haystak was very "aggravated" over the piece, he made a point to vent his frustration solely at Benzino, and not at The Source staff as a whole. "You gotta realize there’s two factions at work here. It’s people that just come to work and do their f*ckin’ job and try to do it to the best standard that’s been set by The Source, then you got another side of it which is just a person tryin’ to utilize a publication, which is to increase awareness of the people that read it, to sell his records," said ‘Stak. The Nashville MC believes that Benzino is using The Source as a tool to salvage a lackluster recording career. "At this time he might feel like, or it seems as though he feels like he don’t have a leg to stand on so he’s tryin’ to make a prosthetic one out of a white rapper." Haystak continued, "seems to me at this time the only one tryin’ to infiltrate somethin’ is Benzino." As for a possible resolution to this matter, Haystak posed a challenge to Benzino. "If I’m not worthy of bein’ here, if I’m infiltrating somethin’ that I’m not worthy of bein’ in, show me." ‘Stak wants to settle this debate about the worthiness of white MC’s the old-fashioned way, on the microphone. Haystak and his manager, Eric McAnally would like to set-up an MC battle between ‘Stak and ‘Zino "wherever you wanna do it, Madison Square Garden, his driveway, our driveway, MTV, 106 and Park," stated Mr. McAnally. And what if Benzino emerges victorious? Well, ‘Stak has decided to put up a purse of one million dollars for ‘Zino to take home should he manage to slay the Tennessee Titan. However, Haystak is fairly confident that he won’t be writing any large checks anytime soon because as he states, "let’s face it, this cat’s no 50 Cent and I ain’t gonna lose no sleep." *Benzino can contact Eric McAnally if he wishes to take Haystak up on his challenge.

Sean "P.Diddy" Combs has joined the world’s most dominate record label, Universal, inking a 3 year deal with the giant to market, distribute and promote his Bad Boy Entertainment record label. Combs will retain 100 percent ownership of his company, the catalog and the roster of Bad Boy artists. Combs was hoping to get at least a $100 million dollar deal and after almost 8 months of negotiating, Universal offered the best deal, and things that were more important than money, according to Combs. "I’m blessed to make the money," Combs told the Associated Press. "But what I’m trying to do is make history, make some hit records." Combs realized the condition of the music industry, when several record labels would not, or could not meet his $100 million dollar price tag. "It’s been a difficult time to negotiate a new record deal," said Combs. "This has been a wake up call for me." New Edition, Dream, 8Ball & MJG, and Loon are all scheduled for upcoming releases under the new deal. "I do my best work when I’m working under pressure," Combs said. "I’m in the prime of my life as a creative person. I’m extremely focused after all the years of partying, running around. This is a good time for me."

With 10 albums and 23 films in the books, it would seem difficult for a person to consistently reinvent himself and keep things fresh. Apparently, LL Cool J has no problems in that department. His latest movie, "Deliver Us From Eva," hits theaters nationwide tomorrow(Feb. 7), alongside other notable talent as Gabrielle Union, Duane Martin, Meagan Good, Robinne Lee, Dartaynian Edmunds and Mel Jackson. Albeit that this is LL’s first leading role, he said he said he felt no pressure and willingly accepted the challenge. "You feel anxiety and nervous because you want to deliver, but at the same time, I’m there to do a job, so I got to work on it and stay focused," LL told Allhiphop.com. "I just went in and did what I had to do." The veteran rapper explained his take on the current state of the music business. "The music business as a whole is not in a healthy state. People download a million of your albums, and you’ll sell six or 700,000 copies, and people will look at your Soundscan wondering what happened. You got 1.7 million albums in the marketplace, but most of them was free." Still LL said he has no plans to slow down and outlined his upcoming projects. He is currently filming a new movie and is working on a children’s book. "I’m not a politician, I’m not a pastor, and I don’t want to be shoved into that position, but on the flipside of that, I will make a children’s book and do the things that I feel are good for the youth and good for my community because that’s what’s in my heart." His current album, 10 is currently in stores and his latest duet with Jennifer Lopez, “All I Have” tops the Billboard singles chart.

Rapper Benzino will hit the road for eight dates on the Evolution tour, which features Ja Rule and Eve. Benzino is currently preparing to shoot the "Would You," the latest video from his Surrender Records album, Redemption. The video features actress turned rapper LisaRaye, while the song was produced by Mario Winans. Tour dates are as follows: Wednesday, February 5 USF Sun Dome/University of Southern Florida Tuesday, February 11 Jack Breslin Student Events Center/MSU Wednesday, February 12 Convocation Center, Northern Illinois University Thursday, February 13 UNI Dome/University of Northern Iowa Saturday, February 15 SIU Arena/Southern Illinois University Sunday, February 16 Assembly Hall/University of Illinois Monday, February 17 Hearnes Center/Univ. of Missouri

Cash Money Records CEO’s Ronald ‘Slim’ Williams and Brian ‘Baby’ Williams will officially inaugurate their “Cash Money for Kids” program during halftime at tonight’s (Feb. 5) New Orleans Hornets’ sold-out game against the Sacramento Kings. Cash Money For Kids will purchase and donate 100 tickets for underprivileged youths in New Orleans for all upcoming Hornets home games. "Baby and I wanted to reward kids who are doing well in school, this is one way," Slim told AllHipHop.com in a statement. The brothers will be joined by New Orleans’ mayor, The Honorable C. Ray Nagin and New Orleans Hornets owner Ray Wooldridge “Cash Money Records is setting a great example with this act of generosity,” Hornets co-owner Ray Wooldridge said. “Ronald and Bryan have not forgotten their roots and are committed to helping others in the New Orleans area. These tickets are just one more way that they continue to give back to their community.” The brothers have also launched the Johnny & Gladys Williams Foundation, named in memory of their deceased parents. The foundation donates food, offers scholarships throughout the year and every Thanksgiving for the past 4 four years, the successful hip-hop label has hosted a free turkey giveaway. Tickets purchased by Cash Money will be distributed by the Hornets community relations department, and will be issued to various charitable organizations and underprivileged children in the New Orleans area.

Rapper/actor Ice-T has been ordered to pay $4000 a month in child support after a DNA test proved him to be the father of a 15-month-old boy. Linda Marie Sanchez, a clerk for the New York City Board of Education, sued the star of Law & Order: SVU for child support after he initially declined being intimate with her. The rapper turned actor-real name Tracy Marrow-waived his right to a paternity trial once the DNA test revealed him to be the father of the child, Kevin Marrow. Sanchez, 27, met the entertainer in 2000 at Jimmy’s Café, a popular eatery in the Bronx. She and her lawyer, Suzanne Kimberly Bracker, originally sought $8000 a month in support, but a family court hearing officer awarded only half that amount in a temporary arrangement pending the outcome of a final support trial. "We’re happy that Mr. Marrow has finally admitted what he has known since Kevin was born, that he is the child’s father and will be assuming financial responsibility for him as he should," Bracker told the Associated Press. Marrow, 45, told the court he earns about $25,000 for each of 22 episodes a year of his television show. He also lectures a few times a year for about $5,000 to $10,000 per appearance and is starting a new clothing line called Ice Wear. Sanchez reported taking in close to $600 every two weeks in her position as a clerical worker. May 1 will be the next Family Court appearance for Ice-T and Sanchez.

K-Mart is turning to their urban consumer to help rescue the company from their recent bankruptcy filing. The company has launched an urban newsletter, Urban Direct, aimed at inner city customers. The first issue of the newsletter has been released in conjunction with Black History Month and features an interview with rapper LL Cool J. Urban direct is "targeted to minorities," and will have an initial run of 1 million copies in nine major markets. K-Mart also recently launched a similar newsletter aimed at capturing the lucrative Hispanic market, by launching La Vida, a Spanish language publication.

Indian composer Bappi Lahiri won a court order yesterday (Feb. 3) barring sales of "Addictive" by Truth Hurts. The song was produced by DJ Quik and was released on Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment. The court ordered issue prohibits further sales until "Addictive" composer Lahiri is listed on the song’s credits. Lahiri says that the producers of "Addictive" illegally sampled 4 minutes of the song "Thoda Resham Lagta Hai." "The judge took the matter quite seriously and felt as though, from what I could tell, the defendants had not acted appropriately," Lahiri’s lawyer Anthony Kornarens said. Truth Hurts debut album , sold about 600,000 copies between June and October, when the lawsuit was filed. Kornarens has accused Universal of "cultural imperialism," and said the judge expedited the trial date of June 17 for Lahiri’s ongoing lawsuit.

Various hip-hop heavyweights are lining up to announce a proposed boycott of Pepsi and other companies that exploit hip-hop music. Russell Simmons and his Hip-Hop Summit Network plan to make announcements and detail the plans during All Star Weekend in Atlanta. "We are going to show Pepsi and cooperate America just how powerful we are," Simmons told AllHipHop.com. Many are accusing Pepsi of a double standard, after dumping rapper Ludacris in August of last year. Fox’s Bill O’Reilly assailed Pepsi on "The O’Reilly Factor," for utilizing the rapper in their advertisements. The company had no issues with the equally, if not more profane Osbournes, who debuted a new Pepsi Twist commercial during this years Superbowl. “This isn’t about the Osbournes, but that situation makes it more pertinent,” Simmons continued. “What Pepsi did has affected other deals and other rappers. We intend to flex our muscle.” O’Reilly branded Pepsi as “immoral” for using Ludacris to promote the soft drink and urged viewers to boycott Pepsi. Over 3,000 people called in and pressured Pepsi to drop Ludacris. Pepsi claimed the nature of his lyrics were not appropriate for their younger viewers. "We have a responsibility to listen to our consumers and customers and we’ve heard from a number of people that were uncomfortable with our association with this artist," the PepsiCo Inc. unit said in a statement. "We’ve decided to discontinue our ad campaign with this artist and we’re sorry that we’ve offended anyone." The Osbournes Pepsi Twist commercial ironically aired on the Fox television network during the Superbowl.

Ja-Rule and Ashanti are both working on film careers. According to sources, Ja-Rule will star opposite Ving Rhames and Vanessa Williams in the upcoming film, "Back In The Day," which Rule described as an "urban story." The 26 year-old rapper will also star opposite Murder Inc. label mate Ashanti in a remake of the 1976 classic, "Sparkle," which starred Irene Cara. The movie will be released through Warner Brothers and will mark the directorial debut of Murder Inc. CEO, Irv Gotti. Ashanti will handle the chore of playing the lead role that Cara played in the original, while Ja-Rule will play the role of Stix, who was originally played by Miami Vice heart throb Phillip Michael Thomas. Ja-Rule’s platinum selling Last Temptation is currently number 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart, while the duet single "Mesmerized" with Ashanti checks in at number 5 on The Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

If fans felt there wasn’t enough freestyle mania in the big screen version of Eminem’s "8-Mile," the DVD version will offer five exclusive freestyle rap battles edited off the original when the DVD hits shelves on March 18. The five new uncensored battle scenes even offers a censor option that will allow children to view the raunchy rhyme footage. The DVD will also feature the exclusive video to Eminem’s “Superman,” and ode to the ladies on his 9-million-selling album, The Eminem Show. “8-Mile,” a quasi-biographical tale of Eminem’s struggles as an emcee in Detroit, was released early November and has generated nearly $116 million in domestic box offices alone. "I’ve been interested in hip-hop for more than 20 years. That’s what made me want to learn more about its roots," "8 Mile" producer Brian Grazer said. Grazer produced such films as "Apollo 11" and "A Beautiful Mind." "I became interested in Eminem several years ago. He wasn’t a star at the time, but I felt he had enormous charisma and that he could be explosive as a film star," Grazer continued. Director Curtis Hanson of “L.A. Confidential” fame supplied the film with its distinct look and brought the Detroit rapper’s vision to life. The release of the 8-Mile DVD adds to lengthy string of accomplishments for the emcee. “The Eminem Show” was 2002’s best selling album and is nominated for five Grammys, including album of the year, while the 8-Mile soundtrack was 2002’s fifth-highest selling album. Marshall Mathers, the businessman, is now focusing on the development of his label, Shady Records, as he prepares for 50 Cent to release the highly anticipated Get Rich orDie Trying.

Rapper Snoop Dogg and former pimp Bishop Don Juan have come under fire for hosting "The World’s Famous Players Ball." The event, which honors pimps from around the nation, will take place next weekend and has drawn criticism from local government officials and women’s rights groups. "I think having a pimp convention in and of itself is totally inappropriate, no matter where it is," former federal prosecutor Janis Gordon and DeKalb State Court judge told the Atlanta Journal. "I think it is particularly inappropriate to have it in Atlanta when Atlanta has taken such steps to eradicate child prostitution." Tickets to the event are being sold for $60 a piece, hoping to cash in on the anticipated crowds due to NBA All Star weekend. Various women’s rights groups are planning to protest and said that they will target the event’s supports. "The World’s Famous Players Ball," has taken place annually in various cities to honor pimps and players. The event has been well documented on HBO’s "Pimps Up, Hoe’s Down," and The Hughes Brothers classic, "American Pimp." According to law enforcement officials, there is nothing they can do about the party legally, but plan to keep tabs on the event. "We will be watching it very closely, but there’s nothing we can do about it," DeKalb District Attorney J. Tom Morgan said. "I just wish they hadn’t picked DeKalb County."

Due to rampant Internet bootlegging, Interscope Records will make selected tracks from 50 Cent’s Get Rich Or Die Trying, available for download February 4th. The downloads will be sold for .99 via Liquid Audio, Press Play and other services and announced they would move the release date up one week to February 4. The album was scheduled to drop the following Tuesday. The move to up the release date and offer tracks for download is being made in an attempt to stifle the demand for the bootleg copies that are being heavily traded on the internet. Get Rich Or Die Trying will also contain a bonus DVD for the first 500,000 units as incentive to prevent consumers from buying bootleg copies. The album is expected to ship platinum and hits retail shelves February 11.

After ventures in print, radio and television, The Source Magazine is expanding again, this time in the form of a fashion clothing line. The line is the union between The Source and AST Sportswear meant to shape an exclusive collection of branded sportswear. Dave Mays said that he intends for the line to arrive in stores nationwide just in time for the 2003 fall school year. (Ironically, Eminem and Ice-T stated that they would also aim to release clothing lines during the same period.) The Source collection will target lower end retail outlets like JC Penney and Target chains instead of higher end specialty chains that most rap lines have sought. “It’s part of the brand expansion of The Source. The vision of my company is to take the magazine and build it into the Time Warner of the hip-hop generation,” Mays said to the New York Post. Mays said that his line will be considerably cheaper than other couture fashion lines, capitalizing on a market he considers untapped thus far. “Most established hip-hop lines have made a business by staying out of those stores,” he continued. “We’ll be the premium brand in the JC Penney’s of the world. We’ll be significantly less expensive than the top urban brands. Hip-hop fashion staples “Groovey Lew” Jones and P.Diddy’s ex Misa Hylton-Brim will act at the line’s creative directors.