Canibus recently sat down with allhiphop.com in England and commented on his new album, Eminem, Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel. One of the underground’s favorite MC’s, and arguably one of the best lyricists of all time, Canibus has just dropped his independently released 3rd album, C : True Hollywood Stories. During certain songs on the album, Canibus assumes the role of Eminem’s Stan character. When asked if this was meant as a diss to Eminem (See advertisements in The Source), Canibus blew the notion of dissing Eminem off. "I have no real reason to diss Eminem," Canibus said. "But you have to understand that it’s Stan spitting. He’s got the right to write a letter to his man expressing his feelings. Besides that, it’s all hip hop anyway. Everything I do is in the name of Hip Hop." When asked how he felt about Beanie Sigel dropping his name in his diss record aimed at Jadakiss (I’ll rock your bells like L/I aint Canibus N####), Canibus said "Honestly I don’t even know what Beanie really meant by that lyric. I mean I’ve took it everyway it can possibly be taken," Canibus said. "I figure he thinks since life is gravy for him cause he’s on the ROC, he just don’t have a care in the world and can just say anything on record. I still think he gets busy…But as far as rhyme for rhyme, seeing me? If any one of these monkey faced rappers wanna [battle] with me just name the date and place. Don’t just talk on record. If you wanna meet a real Mc lets do it."

Russell Simmons, who recently released his book "Life And Def," will discuss his new book at a workshop at New York City’s Boys & Girls High School. Co-author and longtime friend and writer Nelson George will also be present. The workshop will be moderated by journalist/activist Kevin Powell. Taking place Saturday, November 17, 2001 at 7 P.M., the Boys & Girls High School is located at 1700 Fulton Street (Bed-Stuy) Brooklyn New York. When asked why he chose to do a book signing and workshop in Brooklyn as opposed to a flashier venue, Simmons told allhiphop.com "I love going to the hood and meeting kids. I like to discuss their experiences, they inspire and change me." There will also be performances by Poets features in the new anthology, "Bum Rush The Page: A Def Poetry Jam." Simmons recently finished taping and editing his HBO special, Def Poetry Slam, which featured top poets from around the country and was hosted by Mos Def. For more info email: aworksongs@aol.com

Blaze magazine hosted the their annual battle, at Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan New York City last week. Eyedea, who is from St. Paul, won the top spot, battling amongst others, Puff Daddy, Doug E. Fresh, Mystikal and Black Rob. Shyne, who is still out to prove what a Bad Boy he really is, was engage in one of the fights that took place throughout the event. According to sources, an audience member hurled a helmet at Shyne, who was performing on the stage. The Biggie Smalls sound a like, proceeded to enter the crowd and engage in a fight. He then hopped back on the stage, and spit obscene words at the audience members he fought with, and performed with Puff’s other Bad Boy, Black Rob. Other fights took place througout the evening, but host KRS-One was able to maintain the peace. If you have HBO, you can catch the evenings festivities November 25th.

The Beatnuts have officially been dropped from Loud Records after over 7 years on the label. The group, which is overseas on their "Take It Or Squeeze It" tour, recently canceled their dates in Australia for unknown reasons. "The promoters and sponsors would like to personally thank and apologise to everybody who has supported this tour. The Beatnuts have cancelled their shows in Australia," a spokesperson for MA Entertainment, who booked the tour said. The group was scheduled to perform in Melbourne, Sydney and New Zealand. According to sources, Psycho Les & Juju are reuniting with Al Tariq to drop an LP as the Intoxicated Demons. Loud will release the "Best of The Beatnuts" LP in February 2002.

Suge Knight has resumed building a mansion in the San Fernando Valley for inner city children. Construction on the house stopped when Knight went to prison in 1996 for assault. The 9,000-square-foot hilltop mansion, which sits on 1.8 acres, will have a movie theater, a pool & other accommodations, according to renovation plans. Suge Knight has no plans to reside at the mansion, which will go by the zoning board Thursday (Nov. 15th). Suge made the cover of this month’s issue of The Source, which will issue four different covers. The covers are Suge Knight, Source co-owner Ray "Benzino" Scott, Jadakiss and Nas. Suge’s Death Row most recent release Is Tha Dogg Pound "2002".

After months of rumors and speculation, it has been confirmed that hip hop legend Big Daddy Kane has signed a deal with Massachusetts based Landspeed Records. The rumor mill had spawned many different versions of who Kane was going to finally sign with after a lengthy hiatus. Some reports had Kane with Rawkus, while other had him as a perfect match at Jay-Z’s Roc-A-Fella imprint. Including two greatest hits compilations, this will be Kane’s 10th album to date. He exploded on the scene in 1988 with the classic album, Long Live The Kane. He maintained consistency is his releases, dropping an album every year until 1994. He dropped the album Daddy’s Home, and didn’t release another album until 1998, when he released Veteranz Day. Kane has also tried his hand in acting, appearing in the movies Posse and Gunmen, and even appeared in Madonna’s controversial erotic book, Sex. His newest untitled LP features production by D.J. Premier and Pete Rock. The Alchemist will also produce tracks as well as executive produce the album and over see the project to ensure quality. The album is slated for a Spring 2002 release.

The beef between Beanie Sigel and Jadakiss just will not go away as battle ensued on Sigel’s Philly homefront. At the annual Powerhouse concert, which is sponsored by Philadelphia’s WUSL Power 99 FM, Jada incensed the crowd by launching verses at Philly’s hometown hero. Jada performed after sets by Mr. Cheeks, Fabolous and Noreaga. After some crowd participation, it appeared that Kiss had won the Philly crowd over. However, once Kiss then broke into a freestyle aiming lines at Beans, old wounds were made fresh again. Jadakiss says: "Send Sigel a wire that I’m ridin’ again/We getting’ it on/throw your mans leg on the lawn/he cant walk/put your brothers tongue in the mail/he can’t talk/kissin’ the ring or kissin’ the dirt/I’m in the back of the limo liftin’ his skirt/rippin’ your earth/blowin’ weed in a corona deluxe/phony n##### wanna roll in the truck but they don’t know what was up/f#####’ with killas we f###### with scrillas/im the prince of the hood, I’m the one who wrote the criminal pillars." According to witnesses, the crowd began to boo when they realized Beans was being dissed. As Kiss continued the jeers got louder and, according to witnesses, a rain of everything from Water bottles to car keys pelted the stage. After Kiss exited the stage, an out of breath Beanie Sigel made an appearance. Apparently, Sigel was notified of the diss and made it to the stage as Kiss was leaving. Sigel says: "I’ma do this right…(shhhh)…I’m thinkin’ about f###### his mom and lettin’ him watch/I’m takin his time I’m takin’ his watch/I’m takin’ his grime, putting five 8’s on his block/ He a b#### without the pocket book and the ring/how you talk that Pac s### and you rolled with big/ I thought that chump blew trees with em, pushed V’s with em, Couldn’t wait to go on tours across seas with ‘em/ look it here, why this n#### took it here, I earned my spot/ Jay had to put me there I burnt his block gasoline sent in the air the burn of the glock, fifty shots sittin’ in there, now picture if I splatter his mask…Sheik will be happy, P will be a sad, b####…His reign on the top be short like leprechauns/as I crush his weak rap flow like Cappadons/getting’ his ass and I still fast on Ramada/ I’ll still rock his bells like L I’m a phenomenon…. Check out the two freestyles in Real Audio: Beanie Sigel Jada Kiss

Afrika Bambaataa, who was commissioned by Nike to do the Emmy Award nominated "Freestyle" basketball piece has been keeping busy. Bam’s group, Hydraulic Funk which includes Steven "Boogie" Brown and Fred Fowler, also did a spot for Reebok which features MVP Allen Iverson. After the enormous success of the "Freestyle" piece, Hydraulic Funk is working on a remixed break-beat version of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Flashlight", a remake of George Clinton’s Parliament smash hit. Hydraulic Funk also has a track featured on the soundtrack to the forthcoming film, "King of The Jungle" starring John Leguizamo and Rosie Perez. Bam himself just finished the touring, celebrating Tommy Boy’s 20th anniversary in Europe. That tour featured Maseo of De La Soul, Prince Paul, Arthur Baker, Dan The Automator,Tony Touch, and Angie Martinez. Bambaataa is also lending a hand to victims of the 9-11 tragedy, appearing on the forthcoming benefit record "We Are Family," which features Diana Ross, Sister Sledge and fellow pioneers Run-DMC. Bambaataa continues to deejay at raves and clubs throughout USA and the world, having recently deejayed for over a million people at Germany’s Love Parade in July along with Afrika Islam and Germany’s WestBam. Bambaataa’s Universal Zulu Nation is preparing for the 27th anniversary of Hip-Hop with a celebration in November. November 2001 will also be the worldwide inaugural launch of "Hip-Hop History Month."

Jay-Z was sentenced to three years probation on Wednesday after pleading guilty to stabbing Lance "Un" Rivera. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and confessed to stabbing Rivera on Dec. 1, 1999, at a party for Q-Tip at Manhattan’s Kit Kat Klub. According to the police, Jay accused Rivera of bootlegging copies of Vol. 3-Life & Times Of S.Carter and stabbed Un twice with a 5-inch knife. According to press reports, Jay said, “I stabbed Lance Rivera,” in a low tone at Manhattan’s State Supreme Court. On Dec. 6, the judge will sentence him to three years probation. “I have accepted responsibility for my actions as well as the actions of others who were involved,” Jigga said. "I am very pleased that this unfortunate episode is now over.” At once time, Rivera almost filed a lawsuit against Jay-Z but didn’t after he received an out of court settlement between $500,000 and $1 million. After the settlement, Un told prosecutors that he wasn’t interested on pursuing the case even though the State continued with its case. Lance Rivera allegedly refused to cooperate with the authorities. "(Jay-Z) stabbed plaintiff Rivera in the stomach, thrusting the blade up towards the rib cage and chest," the suit claimed. Following this first stabbing, an unknown assailant from defendant Carter’s entourage then struck plaintiff Rivera in the head with a bottle. As plaintiff Rivera was falling to the floor from the head blow, defendant Carter then stabbed plaintiff Rivera again." On Tuesday, a NY court dismissed a previous gun charge after his chauffeur admitted ownership of the gun found in a sport utility vehicle that Jay was a passenger on April 13. Sentenced to one year in jail, the chauffeur pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Bungalo Records which is distributed by the nation’s leading distribution company, Universal, is the newest label to rep the streets of Compton, South Central, and beyond. The labels’ roster claims many of the west’s top notch acts, including DJ Quik, Suga Free, Coolio, Hi-C and Chill of Compton’s Most Wanted. Bungalo’s founder and CEO is Paul Ring, is the former president of Private Eye Records which was home to acts such as Rick James, Cameo, James Brown, and The Gap Band. King says his label will serve as an umbrella for other labels, including Tony Lane’s Lane Way Records and Quik’s Euponic Records. As one of Compton’s most revered OG’s, Lane played a critical role in forging alliances with many of the labels artists and gives Bungalo its street credibility. Other labels in Bungalo’s camp include Organized Rhyme, headed by famed songwriter and music publisher Tony Haynes along with Chuck Fassert’s 3rd Level Records. Fassert, former Macola Records exec, was responsible for breaking acts such as NWA, Eazy E, and Dr. Dre among others. Bungalo’s staff consists of seasoned vets of the music industry. Kenneth "Tricky" Williams, Senior VP of Marketing, also serves as Supervisor for the largest African-American-owned record chain in the country, V.I.P Records. John Ferguson (formerly A&R at Tommy Boy) will serve as Senior A&R, and David Urso will hold the position as Senior VP of Promotions. "We’re changing the game at Bungalo," Ring said of his new label. "We view artists more as partners, which means they retain more creative and financial control of their records. We’ve got aggressive marketing and promotions campaign — including radio and retail support–in place." Watch for Bungalo in 2002: Both Quik and Coolio LPs drop January 2002, Suga Free (produced by Quik) drops spring 2002. LPs from Hi-C and Beelow will also follow. Also this Spring, Bungalo will drop the all star compilation, Bad Boys of Hip-Hop Vol 1 on affiliate label, Down Low’d Records. Featuring tracks by DMX, Lil’ Kim, Nas, Redman, Method Man, Snoop Dogg, and more. Bad Boys will include songs and appearances from a concert recorded live this October at the Nassau Coliseum in New York for an exclusive Pay Per View event.

Ol’ Dirty Bastard was sentenced yesterday, (Wednesdy July 18th), to 2-4 years in prison, for possesion of 20 vials of crack cocaine. According to reports, Ol Dirty may have tried to hurt himself earlier at the psychiatric ward where he currently being held. Ol’ Dirty was in protective custody and is under suicide watch Tuesday July 17th, prior to his sentencing. "After he’s sentenced, the state will do a physical and mental exam, and they’ll determine if he needs special treatment while he’s institutionalized and they’ll make the proper recommendation," Assistant District Attorney Holder told sonicnet.com. "All we’re trying to do is get him into the state system, and that’s what Frankel (Ol Dirty’s lawyer) is trying not to do. This case has been going on and on for a while. Enough already. Let’s just move on with it." "His mentality is totally different, he’s not himself anymore," Ol’ Dirty’s wife, Icelene Jones said. "He’s scared to go back to jail because people are threatening to kill him there," she continued. "Me and the children know that he’s not doing so well."

C. Delores Tucker, who almost single handedly helped Death Row lose their distribution deal with Time-Warner, lost her attempt to sue Time Magazine and Newsweek, claiming that they had mischaracterized her dispute with the estate of the late Tupac Shakur. The Supreme Court’s 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals threw out 74 year old Tucker and her husband’s lawsuit, in which they were seeking $10 million from the Shakur’s estate for “loss of consortium” and other claims because of references to her in songs on Shakur’s 1996 album “All Eyez on Me.” According to the Newsweek and Time articles, the couple claimed that Tupac’s lyrics caused her so much distress that her and her husband were unable to have sex. According to Tucker, the lawsuit was not about sex and she had revised her suit and sued multiple media outlets, reporters and the attorney for the estate for Tupac Shakur for remarks he made on the subject. The Court ruled that since the Gangsta Rap basher was a public figure, she had to prove that Time and Newsweek reporters wrote their stories with actual malice. The Court ruled that there was no such proof. The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said the anti-rap crusader was a public figure and had to prove that Time and Newsweek reporters wrote the stories with actual malice. The court said there was no proof to support that. “Although sex, sleaze and celebrities sell, one cannot deliberately change facts and call fiction `news’ and not permit a jury to find malice,” they said in their appeal. Her lawsuit over the lyrics was also dismissed. Her case against Shakur’s estate attorney Richard Fischbein is still pending. The 3rd Circuit said there was evidence that Fischbein acted with malice by encouraging stories on the sex angle, even after the lawsuit was revised. "No participant in public debate should be put to a defamation trial for his mere failure to discern the actual alleged intended meaning of an (at best) ambiguously drafted pleading,” Fischbein said.

DMX will embark on his Hoodstock tour, giving fans on the East Coast free outdoor shows on top of an 18 wheeler truck. According to Def Jam, Hoodstock starts Oct. 12th in D.C. and will end in Atlanta on Nov. 1st. The tour will run through Baltimore, Boston, Hartford, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Richmond, Norfolk, Charlotte and Atlanta. In order to find out when this free concert is going to be coming to your hood, you have to listen to your local radio station for the location and the times. DMX’s 4th CD, "The Great Depression," hits stores Oct. 23rd.

Fueling the rumors that have already been circulating, Paterson New Jersey police said Tuesday that they are investigating as to whether or not Erick Sermon tried to commit suicide. Sermon’s J Record’s spokesman Biff Warren told allhiphop.com that Sermon was involved in a car accident, which broke the artist’s shoulder, jaw and leg. Sermon also sustained other injuries and was in Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson New Jersey, in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. According to police, they were called by a woman, who reported an attempted suicide. She said that she left briefly and returned to find him gone and a window open. The woman, who was not identified by police, said that she looked out the window and saw Sermon lying on his back in the parking lot, bleeding from his head. Sermon was unable to be interviewed by police because he is being treated for head and facial injuries. Another J Record publicist was not aware of the new information that the police have released. "As far as we knew and what was sent to us, he was in a car accident,” the rep said. Sermon’s latest LP, The Sermon is set to drop on Def Squad/J Records November 30th.

Bad Boy Records CEO, Sean "Puffy" Combs is looking to move his label away from parent label, Arista when his deal with the label runs out in 2003. Puff is already in negotiations with Arista chief, L.A. Reid and are currently talking about who will be allowed to follow Puff when he exits at the end of his contract. The Bad Boy roster may end up being cut when the move is complete as I’m sure Arista would like to keep a few of Puff’s talents after the move. The news of Puff’s desire to leave Arista has alerted many other labels in snapping up Bad Boy records. Former Arista boss, Clive Davis seems to be the number one contender with his J Records outfit, but he will have major competition against the likes of Interscope, Sony, Universal and EMI, who recently dropped No Limit from their roster Many people feel that if Bad Boy leaves Arista, the parent company BMG will drop the axe on LA Reid, who filled Clive Davis’ shoes when he left to start the white hot, J Records. Sources state that Reid may be out as early as the end of this year. Arista Records head of promotions Jerry Blair was fired last week. Blair, was fired after being hired by Reid one year ago. According to sources, Arista is losing money. The label released the latest by Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, which sold 55,000 copies it’s first week, charting at number 25. The numbers put up by P. Diddy are also low compared to some of the latest releases that are out. His P. Diddy and The Bad Boy Family’s The Saga Continues has currently sold 725,000 and is resting at number 48 on the billboard charts.