HRS News

The Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation celebrates the release of the new Tupac Shakur CD by giving fans several unique opportunities to hear the album before it hits the streets in two weeks. “PAC’S Life.

Tuesday (tomorrow) will see a preview party of the CD that features guests such as Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Keyshia Cole, T.I., Ashanti, Young Buck, Lil Scrappy, Carl Thomas, Outlawz, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.

In addition, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts was the setting for the new video for the single “PAC’S Life” featuring T.I. and Ashanti.

Yahoo has the press release with the complete itinerary.

Responding to “the public’s concern” for the tragic passing of Gerald Levert, his family released the following statement:

“We are overwhelmed by the generous outpouring of love, condolences and support from the many friends, fans and admirers of Gerald’s life and legacy. As everybody knows, Gerald was a man who loved and breathed music. To his family and friends he was a man of strong character, who had an infectious personality and a zest for life. For his fans, his greatest love was touching the hearts and souls of all people through his music. At this very difficult time, we thank you for your prayers and hope you will understand our need for privacy.”

As reported Friday, the R&B powerhouse passed away from a heart attack that same day.

EURweb.com supplies a great podcast celebrating his life and career, and including interviews from the man himself. The site seemingly had so much traffic, the servers were overloaded. Here is the alternate link.

T.I. was the big winner at this weekend’s inaugural BET Awards in Atlanta, while host Katt Williams made it to the podium in time and hip-hop icon Grandmaster Flash was recognized for his achievements.

T.I., nominated for eight awards, took home three in the categories of best hip hop video, CD and MVP of the year.

“You can’t hate on hard work and talent,” the Atlanta native said. “This awards show will show people a lot about where I come from.”

Grandmaster Flash was feted with the “I Am Hip Hop Icon” award, given to hip-hop pioneers.

“To get an award for my technological ability means a whole lot more than anything else I’ve accomplished in my life,” he said.

Other winners included Jermaine Dupri, who received the best producer award.

The show’s host, comedian Katt Williams, was the big story of the evening, having made it to the awards show despite being released on Friday after a three-day stay in an LA jail after being detained on a weapons charge at Los Angeles International Airport. The “Pimp Chronicles” comic also told fans, via video statement, to look out for the second installment of his DVD series.

Check out a rehash of the evening’s goings-on, and Mark Nero’s great photo recap.

The show is scheduled to air Wednesday, November 15 on BET.