Despite avoiding felony charges for an incident with photographers at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), rapper/producer Kanye West could face a lesser charge for his role in the scuffle.   Frank Mateljan, spokesman for the L.A. City Attorney’s Office, told Reuters that West could be charged with a misdemeanor from the incident.   “We’re in the process of reviewing the case that was sent to us, I don’t anticipate a decision until sometime next week,” Mateljan said.   Mateljan’s statement comes just days after West was arrested at LAX on Sept. 11, after he was videotaped rushing a photographer and grabbing his camera.   As the two struggled, the 31-year-old rapper threw the camera to the ground.   West, who was booked on suspicion of felony vandalism, was released from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division station in Culver City the same day on $20,000 bail.   West’s road manager, Don Crowley, was also arrested after he broke the photographer’s camera and a camera that belonged to a TMZ videographer.   West is due in court on Thursday (Oct. 2) for the incident.

Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z and Iconix Brand Group, owner of Rocawear Clothing, are being sued in federal court on copyright infringement charges.   The case was filed last Thursday (September 18) in Georgia Northern District Court by I Will Not Lose, LLC, a company claiming that Iconix Brand Group and Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, adopted the exact same “I Will Not Lose” trademark.   Last March, Jay-Z sold the rights for Rocawear to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million.   Despite this, Carter is also named in the suit as it is believed by the plaintiff that he continues to oversee the product development, licensing, and marketing of Rocawear.   Last year, Rocawear launched an international “I Will Not Lose Campaign,” (www.iwillnotlose.org) where stars such as Chris Brown and Ciara gave accounts of how they overcame personal challenges before reciting the trademarked phrase “I Will Not Lose.”   I Will Not Lose, LLC (www.iwillnotlose.net) CEO Reggie Tucker alleges in the lawsuit that his company trademarked the brand first and were subsequently ignored throughout 2007 after attempts were made to settle the matter out of court.   The plaintiff is seeking an undisclosed amount of damages for the dilution of their trademark.   At press time calls to attorneys representing I Will Not Lose, LLC were not returned and Jay-Z could not be reached for comment.

More pressure is set to be put on the murderers of slain Hip-Hop icon and Run-DMC group member Jam Master Jay, when America’s Most Wanted features a segment on the DJ’s murder during an upcoming episode. Sources have confirmed with AllHipHop.com that AMW is creating the segment on the pioneering DJ, who was gunned down on October 30, 2002, inside of his 24/7 recording studio, located in Hollis, Queens on Merrick Boulevard. While many theories exist about how Jam Master Jay was shot and killed and why, no one has ever been charged in the slaying, which occurred with as many as six people present in the recording studio. Those present in the studio included associates of Jam Master Jay: Uriel “Pretty Tony” Rincon, Mike B., Jay’s assistant Lydia Allen High and her brother Randy Allen. While Jam Master Jay, born Jason Mizell, was sitting on a couch in the recording studio, two unknown assailants entered the recording studio and shot Jam Master Jay once in the back of the head. Rincon was also shot in the leg by a stray bullet, but was not seriously wounded. After the shooting, a number of suspects emerged – mostly Jay’s close friends in the studio who witnessed the murder – yet no one has ever been charged for one of the music industry’s most heinous crimes. Even police detectives with the 103rd Police Precinct in Queens, as well as Jam Master Jay’s own mother have pointed to Jay’s inner circle as stonewalling the investigation. In previous statements and interviews with AllHipHop.com, both Allen’s, as well as other suspects have denied involvement in the murders. One person of interest officially emerged in the murder by the name of Tinard Washington, a child hood friend of Jam Master Jay, who was also implicated in the murder of Randy “Stretch” Walker. Walker, who was present when Tupac Shakur was shot inside of the Quad Recording Studios, was machine gunned to death on a Queens street, after a high speed car chase. Washington, who was also a childhood friend of Jam Master Jay, was implicated in the murders by unnamed witnesses. He has previously denied his involvement in the murder of Jam Master Jay. Jam Master Jay’s segment on America’s Most Wanted is currently in pre-production.

Independent Kansas City rap artist Tech N9ne won’t be alone when he embarks on a 40-city plus outing titled the Strictly Strange ‘08 tour.   Media sources tell AllHipHop.com the rapper will be joined by the complete roster of artists on his Strange Music record label, which include Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, Prozak, Skatterman & Snug Brim and Grave Plott.   The Strictly Strange tour will kick off Oct. 3 at the Mesa in Grand Junction, Colorado.   The outing, which includes stops in Seattle San Francisco, New Orleans, Detroit and Oklahoma City, comes as Tech N9ne finds success with his latest album Killer.   The double-disc release, which his reps claim have moved more than 1,000,000 copies independently since hitting stores on July 1, features guest appearances from Texas rappers Scarface and Paul Wall as well as Ice Cube, Brother J of X-Clan, Shawnna, Mistah F.A.B., Kottonmouth Kings, Hed PE, Krizz Kaliko, Skatterman and Snug Brim, BG Bulletwound and Mr. Stinky.   Strange Music, which is co-owned by Tech N9ne, is currently preparing to release the new album from Kutt Calhoun, Feature Presentation, on Oct.7.   The following is a list of tour dates for the Strictly Strange ‘08 tour:   10-03-08 Grand Junction, CO Mesa 10-04-08 Magna, UT Salt Air 10-05-08 Missoula, MT The Wilma 10-06-08 Spokane, WA Knitting Factory (formerly The Big Easy) 10-08-08 Seattle, WA Moore Theatre 10-09-08 Bellingham, WA Viking Union (WWU) 10-10-08 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre 10-11-08 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre 10-12-08 Bend, OR Midtown Music Hall 10-14-08 San Francisco, CA DNA Lounge 10-15-08 Sparks, NV New Oasis 10-16-08 Chico, CA Senator Theatre 10-17-08 Santa Cruz, CA Catalyst 10-18-08 Bakersfield, CA Bakersfield Dome 10-19-08 Santa Clara, CA Avalon 10-20-08 San Diego, CA House of Blues 10-21-08 Los Angeles, CA Key Club 10-23-08 Tempe, AZ Marquee 10-24-08 Tucson, AZ Rialto 10-25-08 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theater 10-26-08 Amarillo, TX Azteca Music Hall 10-27-08 Houston, TX House of Blues 10-28-08 New Orleans, LA House of Blues 10-31-08 Columbia, MO Blue Note 11-01-08 Sauget, IL Pops 11-02-08 Davenport, IA River Center Ballroom 11-04-08 Fargo, ND Playmaker’s Pavillion 11-05-08 Brookings, SD Swiftel Ballroom 11-06-08 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium 11-07-08 Maplewood, MN Myth 11-08-08 Mokena , IL The Pearl Room 11-09-08 Detroit, MI St. Andrews Hall 11-10-08 Cleveland, OH House of Blues 11-11-08 Columbus, OH Newport 11-12-08 Grand Rapids, MI Intersection Lounge 11-13-08 Cincinnati, OH Bogart’s 11-15-08 Nashville, TN Wild Horse 11-18-08 Oklahoma City, OK Diamond Ballroom 11-19-08 Tulsa, OK Cains Ballroom 11-20-08 Wichita, KS Cotillion 11-21-08 Kansas City, MO The Uptown Theater 11-22-08 Denver, CO Fillmore

Veteran rhymesayers Nas and Mos Def will be among the artists carrying the banner of Hip-Hop overseas for the Rock the Bells 2008 International Festival Series.   The SanDisk-sponsored outing, which kicks off Oct. 31 in Prague, Czech Republic, marks its first appearance outside the US with scheduled stops in Amsterdam, Stockholm and Paris before concluding Nov. 12 at Manchester’s Apollo.   The chance to take part in a major milestone in Rock the Bells and Hip-Hop history proved to be too good to pass up, according to Nas.   “I’ve been down with Rock The Bells since day one, and I’m excited to be a part of Hip-Hop history for the first Rock The Bells festivals in Europe,” said the Queensbridge rapper, who will perform classic songs in addition to new material from his latest release Untitled.   “It’s an honor and blessing to share the stage with so many artists that I truly love and appreciate on so many levels.”   Like Nas, Mos Def will take the stage to perform new tracks from his highly anticipated new album The Ecstatic.   The rappers won’t be the only entertainers on hand for the international Rock the Bells trek.   All four original members of the Los Angeles-based collective the Pharcyde will reunite on stage for the event, which also includes performances by Supernatural, former Roots member Scratch, De La Soul and EPMD, who will join the tour in Prague, Amsterdam and Birmingham.   “When I first heard the line-up for Rock The Bells, all I could think was what more can anyone ask for?,” said Dave, aka Plug Two from De La Soul. “If there ever was a hip-hop tour that made reminiscing more pleasant, Rock The Bells ’08 was it…and now to go to Europe, can’t wait!”   The inaugural European Rock the Bells festival series comes amid the recent conclusion of the outing’s 10-city US leg at The Gorge in George, WA.   The show’s line up of artists is a dream come true for event organizer Chang Weisberg, who feels the tour’s initial shows “represent the beginning of our long-term commitment to bring quality Hip-hop events on a more regular basis globally.”   “We are thrilled that Rock The Bells is launching its inaugural series of festivals in Europe. It is the first American hip-hop platform to do so,” Weisberg told AllHipHop.com in a statement. “We appreciate the enthusiastic support of all our partners especially SanDisk, Live Nation, and all the fans who love quality live music experiences.”   The following is a list of Rock the Bells 2008 International Festival Series dates.   The BBC’s digital Black Music station, 1Xtra, will have exclusive interviews and live music from the UK leg of the tour.   For details, visit www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/events. Oct. 31 – Prague, Czech Republic – T-Mobile Arena –Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, EPMD, Supernatural and Scratch Nov. 1 – Amsterdam, Holland – Heineken Music Hall – Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, The Pharcyde, EPMD, Supernatural and Scratch Nov. 4 – Stockholm, Sweden – Annexet – Nas, Mos Def, De La Soul, Supernatural and Scratch Nov. 6 – Birmingham, UK – Birmingham Academy – Nas, Mos Def, The Pharcyde, Supernatural and Scratch Nov. 10 – Paris, France – Zenith – Nas, Mos Def, The Pharcyde, Supernatural and Scratch Nov. 12 – Manchester Apollo – Nas, Mos Def, The Pharcyde, Supernatural and Scratch

A performance by Brooklyn rap group Black Moon that was slated to take place tonight has been postponed, after lead rapper Buckshot suffered a series of seizures, resulting in his hospitalization.   According to Duck Down co-founder and CEO Dru Ha, the legendary MC was returning home from a European trip, when he suffered from multiple seizures.   “[I] got to see him today and he’s doing OK but obviously needs time to recover,” Dru Ha told AllHipHop.com in an emailed statement.   The show, which was to feature Black Moon and Smif N Wessun performing cuts from their debut albums Enta Da Stage and Da Shinin backed by a live band, has been rescheduled to November 8.   Duck Down, which is co-owned by Buckshot, recently dropped a free digital mixtape, The Duck Down Hotline.   The 80-minute mixtape features 21 tracks, as well as exclusive interviews with Buckshot, Heltah Skeltah, Kidz in the Hall, Ruste Juxx and DJ Revolution.

Rapper Tony Yayo will host a special live edition of MTV’s new reality-based show Busted the network announced today (September 25).   During the three-hour long Busted:Live, which airs October 4, Yayo will broadcast live from MTV’s Times Square studio, as MTV cameras join police patrols in Calvert County, Maryland and Akron, OH, in search of live versions of the moments reenacted on the show.   In between live busts, Yayo will take a look back at some of the most notorious arrests of the daily show’s first season.   The show will air as part the a line of programming entitled Cell Block Saturday, which will also include a recap of the most memorable moments from Busted and the premier of MTV’s new countdown show, MTV Ranked.   Cell Block Saturday will kick off with Celebrity Busts: Ranked, an hour-long special featuring the biggest and most embarrassing celebrity moments in recent pop culture history, including Kid Rock’s Waffle House fight in Atlanta.   The MTV Ranked series will countdown various topics using a new system that rates various incidents based on the details involved.   The seires will also include “Celebrity Meltdowns,” “Bromances,” and “Crap Tattoos.”   MTV’s Cell Block Saturday will air October 4 starting at 5:30pm ET/6:30pm Central.

A judge in the British High Court has ordered the immediate release of Busta Rhymes from his detention by UK immigrant officials. The New York MC was barred from entering the country earlier today because of his previous criminal record and accusations that his work permit was not valid. According to the judge, the rapper’s work permit was in order and there were no grounds to detain him. Rhymes is scheduled to participate in a charity concert for 5,000 young volunteers at the Royal Albert Hall on Friday along with Ludacris, who was added to the bill as backup.

A second showdown between rappers Kanye West and 50 Cent will not take place.   The rapper/producer’s album was originally slated to hit stores in December, the same month 50 Cent is set to release his upcoming album, Before I Self Destruct.   The change of plans was revealed yesterday (Sept. 24) on West’s blog on his official web site, KanyeUniverseCity.com.   West cited a desire for fans to hear his forthcoming album, 808s and Heartbreak “as soon as possible” as the reason for moving the project’s release date up to November.   “I changed my album to November something cause I finished the album and I felt like it..I want yall to hear it as soon as possible,” the entertainer blogged.   The new release date eliminates the possibility of West squaring off against 50 Cent in a battle for the most first week album sales of their respective releases.   West bested the Queens, NY emcee last year in their first ever match up when his album Graduation sold more copies than 50 Cent’s Curtis.   According to reports, West sold 957,000 copies, while 50 Cent moved 691,000 copies during their first week of release after hitting stores the same day on Sept. 11, 2007.   Although West has not locked in a specific November release date for 808s and Heartbreak, 50 Cent’s Before I Self Destruct is scheduled to arrive in stores on Dec. 9.

Hip-Hop star Busta Rhymes is being held by officials in the United Kingdom, after he was refused entry into the country today (September 25).   The 36-year-old rapper was arrested at London’s City Airport due to his criminal record in the United States. Rhymes, born Trevor Smith, had previously traveled to London on August 17, where he picked up litter on behalf of RockCorps.   According to reports, officials attempted to send Rhymes to Amsterdam, but his lawyer intervened.   As of press time, Rhymes is being held while Immigration Officials decided whether or not he will be allowed entry into the country to perform a benefit show for Orange RockCorps at Royal Albert Hall in London.   “He is just waiting on his Visa right now,” Rhymes’ manager Chris Lighty told AllHipHop.com.   Atlanta rapper Ludacris is being flown to the UK as a last minute replacement for Rhymes, who was due to appear on a bill that features John Legend, Feeder, The Automatic and Guillemots.   “He has the necessary work-permit and has been in the country twice already this year, so we’re a little puzzled that a question mark is now being placed over his ability to enter the country to perform to volunteers…he is currently detained pending a decision on temporary admission by the immigration officer…documents are being prepared to apply for judicial review as early as possible today.”   Over 5,000 fans, who earned their tickets by doing community service, are expected to attend the concert.

Former Tonight Show sidekick Ed McMahon is set to debut next month in his most unlikely job yet; an 85-year-old rapper.   The former American Family Publishing sweepstakes spokesman will star in two viral rap videos for freecreditreport.com, a web site operated by the credit bureau Experian.   The videos feature McMahon rhyming heartfelt lyrics about his recent financial woes, while riding shotgun in a Cadillac Escalade golf cart around Los Angeles.   A tongue in cheek McMahon explained that he surprised himself with the skills he showed behind the mic.   After spending an entire day in the studio coming up with the lyrics and practicing his flow, the entertainment veteran felt comfortable releasing the work to the public.   “I knew I could sing the blues,” McMahon stated. “But I didn’t know I could rap,” McMahon told Fox News.   Hoping to inspire viewers to learn from his financial mistakes, McMahon’s bars focus on knowing your financial limits and the dangers of excess.   “When I retired I was famous,” McMahon spits. “I had money and glory/ I bought a house for 6 mill/ I thought nothing could touch me/ Until my credit went south, and debt started to crunch me/ Next thing I know, instead of playing gin rummy/ I was scrambling just to make end meet/ It wasn’t funny.”   The first video features McMahon and a bodyguard looking for previous winners of the American Family Publishing sweepstakes to ask for some of the money back, with McMahon deciding in the end not to go through with it.   The second showcases the former pitchman undergoing a financial makeover and acquiring a new suit.   In June Ed McMahon was in danger of losing his home to foreclosure after falling behind $644,000.   In August, he agreed to sell the property to a private buyer.   In regards to possible plans to record a full length album, McMahon would only state “not immediately.”   The two viral videos are set to appear online in October.

Ending months of speculation and rumors, Ghanaian rapper Sway has officially announced his signing with Akon’s Kon Live label.   The deal entails several albums from the European Hip-Hop star, who will retain his independent standing in his UK homebase with his own Dcypha Productions.   Akon’s latest signee adds to the superstar’s growing talented roster which includes T-Pain, singer/songwriter Colby o’Donis, and Kardinal Offishall, the latter recently charting a top 10 single on Billboard’s Hot 100 with the song “Dangerous.”   Sway’s first appearance to US fans came in November 2006 when he won a BET award for “Best Uk Hip-Hop Act.”   He also participated in a popular freestyle cipher on a New York rooftop with Rhymefest, Remy Ma, and Saigon, which was later included on Kay Slay’s Drama Season Begins Now mixtape.   Sway’s first offering for the label with by The Signature LP, set for release on October 6.   The first single will be a joint effort with Akon entitled “Silver & Gold,” a track deliberately held back until contract details were finalized.   Preceding the LP is The Signature LP Mixtape, a melting pot of radio clips, exclusives, freestyles and bootlegs.   The free download features appearances from Styles P, British artist Giggs, Kardinal Offishall, and actor Idris Elba AKA Stringer Bell of The Wire.   The mixtape is now available for a limited 2 week period at www.sway.uk.com

A fire broke out at award-winning rapper/actor Ludacris’ home just South of Atlanta Wednesday night, AllHipHop.com has learned.   The fire, described by authorities as a “significant fire,” destroyed the residence’s pool house, but did not affect the main structure on the property.   The fire left some property damage but no injuries.   According to Fulton County Fire Department spokesman Gregory Chambers, the fire was first reported by a neighbor, even before the alarm system at the home was triggered.   Authorities arrived at the scene on DeMooney Road near College Park around 11:30pm and were able to put out the fire within 30 minutes.   Ludacris was in New York at the time of the fire, where he is scheduled to host a private “screening” for his forthcoming album Theater of the Mind, which hits stores November 11.   A male relative was in the main house’s basement, but was not injured.   At press time, authorities were still attempting to identify the cause of the fire.

Universal Music Group president Sylvia Rhone is set to be honored next month for her decades of pioneering work in African-American music.   Organized by the non-profit Black Women in Entertainment Law (BWEL) foundation, the October 1 event will double as fundraiser for scholarship initiatives directed at empowering young women seeking to aspire to executive positions in entertainment.   The ceremony will bestow Rhone with the “Excellence in Business” Award for breaking down many barriers for women of color in the industry.   Confirmed guests for the event include Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Q-Tip, Russell Simmons, Naomi Campbell, and Missy Elliott with more to be announced.   Rhone began her career in 1974 with Buddha Records (originally spelled Buddah), notable for housing Gladys Knight and the Pips, Barbara Mason and others.   She advanced to senior vice president of Atlantic Records by 1988, continuing to expand each record company she worked with.   Rhone went on to become the first African-American woman to helm a major record company when she took over Eastwest Record in 1990, former home to En Vogue, MC Lyte, Gerald Levert, De Lench Mob, and Das Efx.   In 1994, she merged her organization with Elektra Records, taking on a diverse catalogue of artists including Metallica, Yolanda Adams, Missy Elliott, and Fabolous.   Rhone held that CEO position until 2004; when she moved on to accept her current position as president of Universal Motown Records, now overseeing music from Lil Wayne, Erykah Badu, Damian Marley, Kem, India Arie and now the labels most recent signing – Busta Rhymes.   The award ceremony will start at 7 PM at The Talavera Gallery, located on 145 Avenue of the Americas in New York, NY.   For more information, visit www.bwelfoundation.org.

Entertainment Industry veteran Michael Mauldin has entered into a joint venture with Atlantic Records to launch the latest facet of his Scream Star Entertainment brand, Atlantic announced today.   The newly formed Scream Star Records is one of several new ventures by Mauldin, as he continues to expand the force behind the popular Screamfest tour, which will continue this year with the Scream Tour Holiday Jam.   “Michael is a true renaissance man whose career has encompassed many areas,” said Craig Kallman, Chairman/CEO of Atlantic Records. “His entrepreneurial spirit and depth of experience is invaluable, especially at a time when the industry is looking for ways to extend the reach of artists and music into new territories.”   The first artist to be introduced on the Scream Star imprint will be a soon to be 17-year-old R&B singer Maleek, who is signed to the label in association with Wyclef Jean’s Carnival House Records.   “Maleek is without a doubt one of the hottest new talents I’ve seen in a long time,” said Wyclef of his new signee. “I’m proud to help introduce him to the rest of the world.”   Maleek, born Jeremy Leggett, was first introduced to Mauldin in 2005 as part of the trio 3 on 3, consisting of him and his brothers, all sons of former Harlem Globetrotter Clarence “Mugsy” Leggett.   Through his Mauldin Brand Agency, Michael Mauldin has worked with a number rappers including Outkast, Da Brat and Common.   In the past, Mauldin partnered with son Jermaine Dupri to develop the career of rapper Bow Wow.

A higher child support bill is on the horizon for superstar rapper T.I.   According to reports, the 27-year-old Atlanta native, born Clifford Harris, was ordered on Tuesday (September 23) to pay just over $3,000 a month to LaShon Dixon, the mother of two of his children.   Prior to the ruling, Harris was paying about $2,000 a month.   Tuesday’s court decision concludes a palimony lawsuit Dixon recently filed that claimed she was having a hard time raising the former couple’s two boys with the $2,000 a month Harris provided for child support.   As a result, the 28-year-old mother asked the court to order a stipend that is equal to the money Harris makes as a successful rapper.   Harris later disputed the lawsuit on his web site, StreetCred.com, as he detailed how he provided for his sons, while claiming Dixon chose to live off his child support payments and not work.   The rapper also fathers two sons with his fiancé, former Xscape member Tameka “Tiny” Cottle.   In addition to the increased child support, Superior Court Judge Bensonetta Tipton Lane ruled that Harris must continue to pay for the boys to attend private school, as well as uninsured medical bills and expenses related to the children’s extracurricular activities.   Joint custody of the boys was awarded to the Harris, who granted Dixon primary physical custody.   Before the new order, the boys, ages 7 and 8, only spent about 40 percent of their time with Harris.   Despite the conclusion of the palimony suit, Harris’ legal troubles continue to occupy his time as he continues to serve 1,000 hours of community service after pleading guilty to federal weapons charges.   The rapper, whose upcoming album Paper Trail hits stores next Tuesday (September 30), is expected to complete his sentence in March when he begins serving a one-year stint in prison.

Sean “Diddy” Combs emerged victorious in court this week as New York City judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by a woman who complained about being photographed topless at a party thrown by the rapper/mogul.   The Associated Press reports that Maria Kristina Dominguez sued Vibe magazine and Combs for $3 million.   The lawsuit stemmed from a photo of three bare breasted women that was taken at the music executive’s annual White Party in East Hampton in 2003.   The picture, which was captioned “Mermaids Gone Wild,” was published in the November 2006 issue of Vibe with an article on Combs.   Dominguez, a hedge fund money manager who was one of the women wearing a mermaid costume in the photo, claimed the picture was published without her consent.   Despite her complaint, a Manhattan judge ruled the photo was related to newsworthy issues of public interest and Dominguez in this instance, had no right of privacy while cavorting topless except for pasties.   According to Dominguez’s lawyer, his client is exploring her options.

Lil’ Wayne’s ex-wife is reportedly writing a book about her life with the New Orleans rapper, AllHipHop.com has learned.Antonia “Toya” Carter, who divorced Wayne in 2004 after a two-year marriage, announced her literary endeavor last week via her MySpace page.While she did not offer many specifics on a title or proposed release date, Carter did request the public’s opinion on the topics she should cover.The 24-year-old, born Antonia Johnson, briefly made headlines a year ago, when she responded to a revealing interview with Vibe Magazine by her famous ex, with her own eye-opening account of their relationship and life together.While Wayne’s cover interview with the magazine seemed to downplay the extent of their relationship, the former Mrs. Carter revealed that she and Weezy began their courtship in middle school and went on to be high school sweethearts.When she was 14, she became pregnant with their only child, now 9-year-old Reginae.The two married on Valentine’s Day 2004, with the marriage existing somewhere between Lil’ Wayne’s more public relationships with R&B singer Nivea and rapper Trina.While Carter blamed Wayne’s infidelity for the dissolution of the marriage in early 2006, she told the magazine that they continue to maintain a strong friendship, and that the rapper has grown to become a “better father over the years.”At press time, there was no additional information about Antonia Carter’s forthcoming book.

Troubled rap star DMX missed an important court date yesterday (September 23) after being hastened to a South Florida hospital due to suffering “stroke-like” symptoms.While DMX’s current condition is unknown, hospital officials did disclose he will not be released for at least the next few days.Charles Kozelka, DMX’s lawyer, claimed earlier today to not know any specific details about his client’s health.“I don’t know the cause, but I know that he’s still hospitalized and that they’ve admitted him and won’t be releasing him for a couple more days,” Kozelka stated.DMX, real name Earl Simmons, was scheduled to be in court today to face charges stemming from a missed court date in Arizona. In that case, Simmons is charged with attempting to buy cocaine and marijuana from an undercover officer.Because of his illness, Kozelka successfully arranged DMX’s day in court to be pushed back to September 29, in hopes that Simmons will have recovered and be in condition to attend.The abrupt medical trip marks the second time in two months that the conflicted MC has been hospitalized.In August DMX missed a previous court date, admitting himself to a rehabilitation clinic in hopes of combating his well documented substance abuse problems.However, the judge issued a bench warrant as the missed date marked Simmons’ second consecutive no-show.Before his current hospitalization, X was free on $25,000 bond.At press time, DMX’s management has declined further comment.

Grand Hustle Entertainment President and CEO Jason Geter has entered into a new agreement to manage the solo career of Atlanta rapper Big Boi, AllHipHop.com has learned exclusively.   The new situation, which was made official last week, will see Geter and the Grand Hustle Management staff overseeing the branding of Big Boi, as he continues to pursue opportunities beyond his success with Outkast.   “Our first plan of action is to identify Big Boi’s next hit record and get him on the road,” Geter told AllHipHop.com. “He’s so big. But we feel what’s going to get him where he’s trying to be is to get back to the grassroots level and let him interact with those fans that grew up on Outkast and are eagerly waiting to see what Big Boi has to offer on his own.”   The announcement comes as Geter and the Grand Hustle family prepare for the release of two highly anticipated albums: T.I.’s sixth studio album Paper Trail and Big Kuntry’s long awaited debut My Time To Eat.   In celebration of the two releases, the Atlanta-based label will present the first annual Grand Hustle Takeover weekend, offering fans a variety of events during which they can share in the celebration with the label’s entire roster, which includes Young Dro, Alfamega, Eightball & MJG, Mac Boney, B.O.B., Xtaci, and comedian Lil’ Duval.   Included in the weekend’s festivities will be a Comedy Show on September 26; a Teen Skate Jam at Cascade Family Skate on Saturday (Sep 27); and an Untouchables-themed private birthday celebration for T.I., with music provided by DJ Khaled, DJ Drama and DJ MLK later that evening.   On Sunday (Sep 28), T.I. and Jason Geter will be joined by Warner Music Group Executive Vice-President Kevin Liles hosting a brunch to bring awareness to the It’s Cool To Be Smart mentoring program, of which T.I. has been a great supporter.   The Grand Hustle Takeover weekend will conclude with an Official Pre-Release Party on Sunday night at the Velvet Room.   T.I. and Geter are also gearing up for the launch of their new clothing line, A.K.O.O., which is set to hit retail stores nationwide in November.   The new line, an acronym for A King Of Oneself, represents T.I.’s multi-faceted styled clothes, that can go from casual to business to formal effortlessly, Geter said.   “Hip-Hop is a lifestyle,” Geter told AllHipHop.com. “This is our culture. Music is just one aspect of what we do, but clothing is something that’s important to us. And since we have an entrepreneurial spirit, launching our own line was only a natural progression.   “We didn’t just wake up and decide to do it though,” he adds. “We’ve spent the last year traveling to places like Milan and Paris, visiting factories and educating ourselves.”   The first promotional campaign for A.K.O.O. was recently shot in Atlanta.   The ads feature T.I. alongside producers Jim Jonsin and Drumma Boi, singer/songwriters Sean Garrett and Tha Dream, and Grand Hustle’s latest client, Big Boi.   The ads will start to appear in print magazines in October.   Geter hopes to expand the next round of advertising for A.K.O.O. to include celebrities outside of the world of music.