(AllHipHop News) The step-brother of a man murdered 17-years-ago by G-Dep has labeled the rapper an “idiot” for inadvertently turning himself in for the homicide. G-Dep confessed to shooting 32-year-old John Henkel three times in the chest, killing him on October 19, 1993 during a botched robbery attempt. On December 15th, G-Dep, born Trevell Coleman, went to police in Manhattan and admitted to the shooting, although he did not know Henkel had died from his gunshot wounds.”I think he’s an idiot,” John Henkel’s step-brother Robert Henkel told The New York Post. “He has three kids and a wife. It was years and years and years ago,” Robert said. “Finally, we’re not always thinking about it…and now it has to be dug up all again.” Last week, a grand jury indicted the rapper for murder. According to G-Dep’s lawyer, he confessed to the crime as part of a 12-step anti-drug addiction program. “I’ve got mixed emotions about this whole thing,” Robert told The Post. “[Coleman] might have made something of his life.”

(AllHipHop News) R&B legend Teena Marie has died, her manager confirmed today (December 26th). Although no cause of death has been released as of press time, Teena Marie’s publicist revealed that the singer had suffered a grand mal seizure last month in Los Angeles. Teena Marie, 54, was born Mary Christine Brockert. She recorded a number of hit singles in the 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and the 2000’s. Teena Marie was known for classic songs like “I’m A Sucker For Your Love” featuring Rick James, “Fire and Desire” featuring Rick James, “Behind the Groove,” “Portuguese Love,” “Dear Lover,” “Out on A Limb” and “Square Biz,” which featured her rapping. Teena Marie originally signed with Motown in 1976 and was a protege of James, who took her under his wing shortly after she signed with the label.Throughout the years, Teena Marie’s was regularly sampled by a variety of rappers. Artists like The Fugees (“Fu-Gee-La”), The Firm “Firm Biz” Jadakiss “By My Side featuring Ne-Yo” and numerous others have all incorporated Tina Marie’s music into their own. At one point, Teena Marie was also signed to Cash Money Records, where she released two albums for the label. La Dona (2004) produced the single “I’m Still In Love,” while her final album for Cash Money titled Sapphire (2007) produced the Top 40 single “Ooh Wee.”Bryan Williams paid tribute to Teena Marie via his official Twitter page. “R.I.P. Tina  Marie,” Birdman said.“We’re shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Teena Marie,” said Philadelphia International Records’ founders, Gamble & Huff, who honored Teena Marie in Philadelphia in 2008, during the R&B Foundation’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony for the singer. “She was one of the most memorable, soulful and unique R&B vocalists to come out of Motown. We send or condolences to Teena’s family, the entire Motown family and of course, our dear friend Berry Gordy,” Gamble & Huff said.

(AllHipHop News) Funeral arrangements and a memorial party have been announced for veteran New Orleans rapper Magnolia Shorty, who was gunned down in a double homicide last week. Tonight (December 26th), a variety of performers from New Orleans will gather to host a memorial show and benefit at Club Red Velvet for Magnolia Shorty, born Renetta Lowe. Rappers like 5th Ward Weebie, Cheeky Black, Rude Jude, 10th Ward Buck and singer Kourtney Heart, along with others, will hit the stage to raise money for Magnolia Shorty’s family.Final services for Magnolia Shorty, 28, will take place on Thursday, December 30th at the 5th African Baptist Church. Meanwhile, police are still looking for a motivation into the slayings of Magnolia Shorty and a man who was slain the car with a 25-year-old associate named Jerome “Man Man” Hampton.According to sources, the shooters drove a white Crown Victoria with tinted windows, although police have no suspects in custody as of press time. Magnolia Shorty was the second female artist signed to legendary New Orleans Cash Money Records, home to rap stars like Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Drake and others. “Please stop the violence, It hurts that every time I call I have to hear that we lost someone else to crime,” said rapper Turk, who was introduced to Bryan “Birdman” Williams by Magnolia Shorty. Turk, who is finishing a 12-year prison sentence, went on to join the Cash Money roster as a member of The Hot Boys, which featured Lil Wayne, Juvenile and B.G.In February of 2010, Turk also lost a family member, when his younger brother Ronald “Rilo” Smith was shot and killed in New Orleans. “This past February 2010 I lost my little brother Ronald “Rilo” Smith to crime, this must stop. I’m trying to do something positive to help New Orleans and bring us together. The killing must end,” Turk said. Donations to the Renetta Lowe Memorial Fund may be made at Capital One banks, account #5626134485.

(AllHipHop News) A Scrooge almost ruined Christmas for Compton, California rapper Game.The rapper, born Jayceon Taylor, was robbed of $75,000 worth of jewelry and other items from his vehicle while he was shopping at the Westfield Topanga Mall in Canoga Park, California on December 24th.”Tried 2 do last minute shoppin 4 da kids & valet stole a Louis Duffle out @avanterose ‘s car & we 2 chains & $75,000 short,” Game tweeted early in the morning of December 25th. The rapper and a friend parked their car with the valet in a Nordstrom department store, only to return to the vehicle to find that several pieces of jewelry worth almost $75,000 was stolen.Game accused Topanga Mall’s Nordstrom valet workers of being engaged in a criminal ring involving stealing. Topanga Mall “Nordstroms” valet is janky as F**K !!! They gotta a lil stealing ring goin, PARKS YA OWN S**T from now on !According to Game, the incident was on videotape, but police that responded told him that palm trees obscured the perpetrators from being seen. Game also accused responding officers of being racist, after they patted him down and questioned him, despite being victimized. “me or @avanterose couldnt do sh!t cuz both are dumb ass’s on parole. Ole’ Yes officer, No officer ass n!ggas we was !!! Then after 4 hrs of no answers we drivin off & da most racist of all da cops gone say: “Thats a sweet ride man”. WHAT ?!? B####, investigate.Despite the setback, Game managed to muster holiday cheer be his Twitter page to his friends and fans.”I hope everyone ate good, received the things they wanted, spent time with loved ones & had a miracle of a Christmas.”

(AllHipHop News) Dogg Pound rapper Daz has announced the release of a new independent album, titled D.A.Z. According to Daz, the album, which is being released on Daz’ Dogg Pound Records, will return to a classic West coast sound.”This whole album is going to be all West coast beats,” said Daz, who revealed that D.A.Z. will feature 10 songs and a come with a bonus DVD. “Voice control, no yelling, smooth s**t,” said Daz. “[The album is] for the real fans out there. Not you mother f**king haters out there talking s**t on the blogs, suck a c**k you bastards,” Daz said.Daz’ last major release was the album 100 Wayz with Tha Dogg Pound. The album, which was released in August, features guest appearances by Snoop, Soopafly, RBX, Nate Dogg and others. D.A.Z. is slated to hit stores in 2011.