HRS News

Halloween sees a legion of rap album releases including the major label debut from Naledge and Double-0, collectively known as Kidz In The Hall.

School Was My Hustle comes courtesy Rawkus and garnered top reviews from XXL who raved about the album in the December issue and features the duo as guest bloggers this week on xxlmag.com.

The latest issue of The Source also had glowing reviews about the former University of Pennsylvania students as featured in the “Off The Radar” section of the mag.

Having made a name for themselves over the past six years on the mixtape scene, Kidz In The Hall is also set to perform in Baltimore and New York this week with The Clipse on November 2. They’ll appear as one of the headlining acts at the annual CMJ Music Festival on November 4th, before performing before a sold out crowd at New York’s The Knitting Factory.

AUDIO: “Cruise Control” “Wassup Jo”

Brian McKnight returns with his tenth album, aptly titled Ten and featuring guests such as Jill Scott and Rascal Flatts. Due to drop December 5, the set also features his new single “Used To Be My Girl.”

The Grammy-nominated crooner teams-up with Scott on “More Than Just A Thang,” a sweet tune about being in love.

“When you work with talented people, good things are bound to happen,” he offered. “Jill and I have a respect for each others work, so it was just a pleasure having her in the studio. I think the outcome was amazing.” More…

AUDIO: “Used To Be My Girl” Windows|Quicktime
myspace.com/brianmcknight

Also due in December is the latest from Tyrese. As previously reported the Alter Ego features the singer as well as his literal alter ego, rapper Black Ty, a throwback to his days as a rapper with former group Triple Impact.

The oft-pushed back album features guest appearances by The Game, Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Too Short, David Banner, Method Man, Lil Scrappy and Manni Fresh, along with production from Fresh, Scott Storch and All Star. Tyrese is also preparing to hit the road with the following tour dates:

10/26 – Lincoln, NE – Pershing Center
10/27 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
10/29 – Denver, CO – The Paladium Night Club
11/2 – Baton Rouge, LA – The Great Hall
11/3 – Spartanburg, SC – Club Liquid
11/5 – Atlanta, GA – South Beach Bistro & Bar
11/9 – Sacramento, CA – Avalon Nightclub
11/17 – Ventura, CA – Majestic Ventura Theatre
11/18 – Phoenix, AZ – Celebrity Theatre
11/19 – Las Vegas, NV – Empire Ballroom
11/25 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues San Diego
11/27 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues Anaheim
11/30 – Highland, CA – San Manuel Casino
12/2 – West Hollywood, CA – House Of Blues Sunset Strip

AUDIO: “One” Windows|Real
myspace.com/tyrese
Tyrese.com

Ray Charles ranked No. 8 in the top 10 list of money-earning dead celebrities according to Forbes. The estate of the soul legend, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 73, pulled in a whopping $10 million.

The steady revenue is mostly due to royalties streaming from Ray, the 2004 biopic starring Jaime Foxx, as well as sales of his music. Most recently Ray Sings, Basie Swings, a technologically-induced collaboration between Charles and the late Count Basie was released earlier this month.

At the top of the list for the first time was angst-filled, Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain. The grunge pioneer garnered $50 million when his widow, Courtney Love, sold a 25% stake in his band’s song catalog to a New York music publishing company.

Forbes’ complete list

Fans of Sleepy Brown know him as not only a retro-soul crooner, but also as a looooong-time collaborator of hip-hop super-duo Outkast, and one-third of production super trio Organized Noize.
Now as a solo artist, Sleepy’s recent debut, Mr. Brown dropped on Big Boi’s Purple Ribbon imprint.

Well we’re running a contest for old and new fans alike which will give you the chance to cop a cool Live Mechanics jacket. Interested? All you need do is answer one simple question about Sleepy. One lucky winner will be picked from all the correct answers on Friday, November 3rd, so get crackin’.

In the meantime, if you haven’t already, check out Sleepy’s myspace page where you can hear some of his smooth tunes.

Sleepy Brown contest

WINNER UPDATE: Congrats to lucky winner Nelson Hernandez! 

The artist formerly known as P. Diddy is celebrating in his usual high style with his first No. 1 album on The Billboard 200 since 1997.

Press Play not only tops the pop chart, it also comes in at No. 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop list.

Back in the day when he was known as Puff Daddy, he dropped his No. 1 debut set No Way Out in 1997.

His last album, 2001′s The Saga Continues hit the chart’s No. 2 spot.

Eminem is scheduled to appear for a live Sirius Satellite Radio broadcast today Wednesday (October 25) to premiere the new track from his forthcoming CD, Eminem Presents: The Re-Up.
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Jermaine Dupri quit his job at Virgin Records after girlfriend Janet’s 20 Y.O. album is announced as an official flop. If you remember, Dupri also stepped down from the Grammy Awards committee to protest Janet’s treatment after the “wardrobe malfunction” involving Justin Timberlake.
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Foxy Brown got slapped on the wrists with a three year probation sentence for assaulting two nail salon employee. The offense, started over a $20 manicure, also earned the Ill Na Na mandatory anger management classes.
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Meanwhile, Busta Rhymes got off the hook after a judge threw out charges of weapon possession brought against the 34 year-old emcee when a machete was found in his SUV. The only thing Bussa had to say was to the court sketch artists – “I love it when you make me look good.”
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Apparently there’s alleged danger in diva land. Rumor has it Diana Ross may or may not be happy with Beyonce’s upcoming Dreamgirls movie, and she may or may not put the project on blast as a rip off of her legendary career as a Supreme. Hmmmm…. this sounds like manufactured post movie hype, but we’ll keep an eye on this one for you.
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Mary J. Blige has signed on to deliver the title track to an upcoming film about the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. The flick stars Nick Cannon, Laurence Fishburne, Joy Bryant and is being directed by Emilio Estevez.
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Ras Kass is catching much heat after referencing the tragic death of Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, in a diss rap directed at the Game.
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A judge has ruled that C Murder, currently under house arrest, cannot talk to the press… not even to promote his new album. He can, however, have his picture taken.

Former Source editor-in-chief Kim Osorio spoke to the press after crushing former bosses Raymond “Scott” Benzino and Dave Mays in court. The 32 year-old ratted on the duo who were found guilty of defamation and retaliation when Osorio complained about the magazine’s work environment fostering drug use, porn watching and use of the B-word when referring to female employees.

Her complaints got her fired in 2005 after two years of service.

“I feel like I’ve been vindicated,” Osorio said. “Whether it’s hip hop, rock ‘n’ roll or the post office, there’s still laws a company needs to abide by.”

Currently serving as executive editor at BET Interactive, Osorio copped $4 million for retaliation from The Source, $4 million for retaliation from Mays, $4 million for retaliation from Benzino, and $3.5 million for defamation from Benzino.

SOHH.com published a day-by-day account of the trial.

Grammy-winning soul phenom John Legend returns with a new genre-busting flavor on his Get Lifted follow-up Once Again. Featuring the track “Save Room,” the set is a mash of different genres and adds a fascinating layer to the piano playing crooner’s mystique. Get it today!
John Legend Official site
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According to Geffen, teen rapper Jibbs is the second artist to have sold 1 million+ ringtones before releasing a debut album. His Jibbs Feat. Jibbs hits download portals today and features Chamillionaire, David Banner, Fabo of D4L and Melody of the PCD.

Check out the entire album at MP3.com.
www.myspace.com/jibbs
www.jibbsmusic.com
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Disturbing Tha Peace singer Shareefa drops her debut album Point Of No Return today as well. The set features labelmates Ludacris and Bobby Valentino along with producers Chucky Thompson, Rodney Jerkins and Salaam Remi. Shareefa is currently touring with Lyfe Jennings.

AUDIO: Shareefa – “Cry No More” Windows|Real

http://www.myspace.com/shareefadtp

Jeremiah recently opened for Kenny and Chante at The Gypsy Tea Room in New York City. The party was thrown by Groovevolt.com. Here’s a photo of the extremely happy threesome.

As previously reported, Jeremiah as well as Kenny and Chante, dropped brand spanking new CDs this month.

Kenny and Chante Uncovered review

http://www.jeremiahonline.com/

www.myspace.com/jeremiahsoul

www.kennyandchante.com/

Young Jeezy is hitting the streets with a new album and a new fashion line.

The Inspiration is scheduled to drop December 12 and features the track “I Luv It.”

Also, according to fashion site SoJones, the Atlanta rapper’s 8732 clothing line will hit stores in late November.

The line was formerly named U.S.D.A. (United Streets and Dopeboys of America), however the United States government made him change the acronym which is also associated with the United States Department of Agriculture.

“The government won’t let me [name the clothing line] U.S.D.A.,” Young Jeezy told AllHipHop.com. “[So] what I did was, you know back in the day, you know had those little pagers? We would page people numbers for letters. 8732 is U.S.D.A.”

The line features jeans, jackets and sweat tops.

AUDIO: “I Luv It” Windows|Real

http://www.youngjeezy.com/

http://myspace.com/youngjeezy