bigted

Yeah that's the reason why Nas calls G-Unit CB4 gangstas 'cause there's another 50 Cent and he's also from New York, a lot of peeps in New York think he's fake, Game also exposes that on his new DVD, they got a whole bunch of G-Unot signs up in Queens :lolsign: That's kinda weird how Pac was tight with one Biggie Smalls who died before Pac died while he was beefing with another Biggie Smalls who died after Pac did, that's one of the strangest things I ever heard, lol... There's a skit on Fugees "The Score" album dissin' gangsta rappers who use names from gangstas in movies acting like they're really those characters, Biggie Smalls was also a name of a character in a gangsta flick too I believe, when I listen to that album I always think, "Were they dissin' Biggie?!!" on another track on that album Pras says, "Did you shoot him/No kid I didn't have the balls/I realised I was bumping too much Biggie Smalls", maybe they were dissin' the other Biggie Smalls, maybe that's why they were considered one of Pac's enemies? Wow you tellin' me there was another Biggie Smalls actually opened that up for me, I didn't know that... It's sad though that a lot of people think that when a lot of these rappers use other names think that it's really their names... Fiddy vs. "Original 50 Cent" by Charlie Amter Jun 1, 2005, 4:45 PM PT 50 Cent is taking aim at some DVD producers for allegedly failing to keep a promise not to cash in on the rapper's name. The Massacre purveyor sicced his lawyers on Czar Entertainment and two offshoots Tuesday, claiming he had made a deal with the companies to participate in an interview session in exchange for the producers making a donation to charity. a d v e r t i s e m e n t Per the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles, Fiddy granted the sit-down in 2004. The rapper, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson, fielded questions about Kelvin Martin, a notorious 1980s thug who worked the streets of Brooklyn. Martin was nicknamed 50 Cent; Jackson, inspired by Martin's street-savvy attitude, assumed the moniker when Martin died in a hail of bullets. The "In Da Club" rapper says he agreed to participate for free in the segment, which, he says, was supposed to be part of Czar's Infamous Times video series. In lieu of payment, Fiddy claims Czar agreed to make a donation either to his charity, the G-Unity Foundation, or Martin's family. The rapper also says he never cleared the footage to be used in a for-profit venture. But the lawsuit contends that Czar never made the donation. Instead, per the suit, in early March, as Fiddy's The Massacre was riding high on the charts, the company, in association with Vision Plant Pictures and Premo Pictures, released a DVD titled The Original 50 Cent: The True Story of the Legend Who Inspired the Biggest Name in Rap. The box cover features 50 Cent's name, sans his permission, and the interview. His protégé, the Game, is also interviewed in the documentary, which, according to Czar, has already shipped platinum to major retail outlets. Jackson seeks unspecified damages, profits from the DVD and a court order barring the defendants from selling The Original 50 Cent. For its part, Czar says the federal suit is "without merit." The company claims to be working out a profit-sharing deal with the Martin family. "We have made arrangements directly with family regarding the donation of proceeds from the DVD sales and feel confident that all relevant parties will be satisfied," the company said in a statement Wednesday. It's been a busy few weeks for Fiddy's legal department. Last month, the rap megastar managed to avoid jail after reaching a plea deal with Massachusetts prosecutors in a case stemming from a 2004 concert brawl that left three women injured. His lawyers have vowed to fight any lawsuits that might arise from the incident. Speaking of Chuck D, I looked at one of his terrordomes he posted a couple years ago and he said that he wrote a letter to 2Pac a year before he died, he wanted Pac to change his ways, probably squashing beef with Biggie, him and Ice-T wanted to reached out to Pac, but Pac never responded back to Chuck, they did meet up briefly though before Pac was murdered: http://www.publicenemy.com/index.php?page=page3&item=73 "Last but not least how would you feel if you wrote a letter 8 years ago, and didn’t get a reply until yesterday? That’s how I felt picking up and then reading TUPAC’S book RESURRECTION 1971-1996. Page 194 has his response to a 7 page letter I wrote him while he was incarcerated in upstate New York. I had decided to write him whereas not long before ICE T and myself were waiting for him to join us as a third component to the EUROPEN AMERICA’S MOST WANTED tour then. He was shot 5 times while in NY handling his court case. He was then jailed and I wrote him a very personal hardcore note on what really was going on inside his head and soul. I really didn’t expect, or receive, a response but I had to say what I had to say regardless. I’m straight and no chaser, and look a cat in the eye. No, I don’t remember exactly what I said and what the letter looks like, (who copies their own letter before sending it?.. snail mail keeps no record) but I know that the next time I saw PAC he was rolling up with SUGE at the HOUSE OF BLUES in LA and we hugged and PAC talked of plans for kids and the hood. The next time I saw him disoriented, angry and lost about a year later at a post MTV Video awards party searching for NAS in a NYC park. Two weeks later he was shot dead in VEGAS. When everyone was crying I was angry as fuk because it was a waste of a genius, and everybody watched him heading into death like it was a movie or video. I didn’t get that return letter until yesterday, that in mind I had an idea deep down but never knew exactly how he was down with getting out and comprehending his paradox. I was there for him and somewhere out there he was there for me. Yeah, I know this for sure now. 2003… Yeah."

Yeah I found out what you're talking about there, Puffy talks about it in an interview, I'm not that much of a Biggie fan so I didn't know that Biggie had to change his name, but you're saying that the original rapper named Biggie Smalls died too? Where did you hear that? that's freaky, lol: http://www.chronicmagazine.com/public.php?..._id=473&level=2 It's just like there was some gangsta named 50 Cent before the rapper 50 Cent called himself that and I think he tried sueing 50 for that too, a lot of rappers name themselves after other street cats, especially after Biggie did it... Biggie referenced himself a lot as Biggie Smalls in his songs but there was another Biggie Smalls like you said there, I kinda figured there was anyway but I never really researched it 'cause I never really bought into the conspiracy, I knew that saying that Pac was still alive when Biggie was murdered was just rediculous... Most people who listen to that wouldn't know that so they think he's referring to Biggie the rapper.... Biggie also called himself a couple other names of street cats in his songs too.. A lot of times though that Pac was talking about death was talking about how a lot of brothers die young on the street and he was making songs like that so they could relate to what he's talking about...

I think a lot of these conspiracy theories are just stuff to get us talking about 2Pac again, the way he made his songs they seemed ahead of its time, he was just a unique artist, you could put on a 2Pac song from 10 years ago and it's still relevant unlike a lot of music out now that's just relevant at the moment but he's timeless, his music makes you think, that's why he was such a great artist, he put all of his emotions into his songs, you notice how he started talking about how he might die soon 'cause he knew that after he was shot that people were after him, he looked at life different after he was shot, it was just the emotions he was going through, a lot of people after getting shot and surviving probably feel that way, I think the reason why he said RIP to Biggie before he died in a song is 'cause Biggie named his first album "Ready To Die", I think Pac was just referencing to that, he knew that Biggie was going through his own drama too...

There's no way 4 Pistons should be in the All-Star game, they're not gonna break the '96 Bulls with 8 losses already, they're overhyped, not even the '96 Bulls had 4 All-Stars, only Pippen and Jordan...

Russell Simmons Salutes Coretta Scott King By Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis A Hip-Hop Salute to Coretta Scott King: Continuing the Struggle for Freedom, Justice and Equality February 8, 2006 Across America and throughout the world, millions of people have taken the time to say a prayer, to utter a word of condolence, or to make some expression of gratitude for the living legacy of Coretta Scott King. Like the living legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mrs. King’s life-longed contributions to the freedom struggle now stand as a living testimony to the oneness of humanity and to the transcendent power of God’s love. Today the hip-hop generation of youth inherits and appreciates the progress, sacrifices and remaining challenges of the civil rights generation in word, deed and spirit. In the wake of the tremendous public outpouring of support and solemn respect for the King family and the effective movement that they led, we did not want this historic moment to past without offering a sincere salute to Coretta Scott King from the perspective of hip-hop culture. In her elegant and dignified manner, Mrs. King lived the life of a freedom fighter in her own right. She was an outspoken leader who was not afraid to raise her voice against injustice. She consistently refused to bow down to the temptations of a world gone mad with poverty, war and ignorance. The poetry of hip-hop captures the essence of the continuing struggle for freedom, justice and equality. When Dr. King and Coretta Scott King were a young married couple, they both had high aspirations and resolute faith that “The Movement” would eventually overcome the evils of that day and time. The good news is that today’s youth have those same high aspirations for a better quality of life and a resolute determination not to be satisfied with an impoverished mindset or living condition. Now young people all over the world are reaching out to one another in solidarity through the music and other cultural manifestations of hip-hop that transcend the racial and social divisions of the past. The legacy of the civil rights era connects directly with the resilience and recommitment of this new emerging force for change and empowerment. We will not forget the wisdom and perseverance of Mrs. King and all of the other elders of the struggle. We mourn her passing, but we celebrate her dedicated life and example. We know the importance of speaking truth to the powerful in behalf of the powerless. May the words of mouth and the meditations of our heart be acceptable in the sight and presence of God. May God bless the living legacy of Coretta Scott King. Russell Simmons, Co-Chairman Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Co-Chairman Hip-Hop Summit Action Network

Busta Rhymes Issues Statement, Police Say Two Weapons Fired By Nolan Strong Date: 2/10/2006 7:50 am Rapper Busta Rhymes has issued a statement about an early morning shooting last Sunday (Feb. 5) that took the life of his longtime bodyguard. Authorities believe an argument between Ruff Ryders President Swizz Beatz and Tony Yayo and G-Unit sparked a deadly shooting on the set of a video shoot for Busta Rhymes' single "Touch It (Remix)." The argument spilled out onto the street and now police say two weapons were fired. Authorities said eight rounds were fired from a .45 and five more were shot from another weapon. Ramirez, 29, was struck once in the hail of bullets and fatally wounded. "I have sent my condolences to the Ramirez family during this time," Busta Rhymes told AllHipHop.com in a statement issued by his attorney, Robert I. Kalina. Busta Rhymes said Ramirez, 29, was more than just a security guard and labeled him "one of the rare friends that you come across that you can trust with your life." "The conversations I have had with Izzy's wife have all been focused on comforting her and helping her get through this," Busta Rhymes said. "To that end, I've assured her that I will be taking responsibility in making sure that my friend, a devoted husband and a loving father, is laid to rest in a proper fashion." Wakes for the slain bodyguard were held on Wednesday (Feb. 8) and Thursday (Feb. 9) in New York. Busta Rhymes immediately drew criticism for not attending the first wake, but the rapper did attend the second day of services flanked by four bodyguards, where friends and family paid their last respects to Ramirez. The rapper also offered an explanation for his absence at the first wake for Ramirez. "Out of respect for the family's desire for, and right to, privacy during this mourning period I made the decision to attend Izzy's wake on the second day rather than the first, knowing that my presence [on Feb 8.] would have brought unnecessary media attention to a personal and private time of grieving," Busta Rhymes said. Funeral services for Ramirez are scheduled to take place today (Feb. 10) at the Church of the Ascension in New York. While over 500 people were on the set of the video shoot in the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, N.Y., witnesses, have been reluctant to come forward to speak to police. Busta Rhymes initially told police he was inside the studio with other celebrities when the shooting took place, but other witnesses placed Busta Rhymes just feet from Ramirez when he was shot. While the rapper expressed his sympathy for the family, he made no mention of when - or if - he intends to speak with police about the shooting. "Beyond this [statement] I have no further remarks to make at this time," Busta Rhymes concluded. Authorities believe the gunmen are associates of Queens, New York rapper Tony Yayo. Yayo has refused to speak to police about the shooting, according to his lawyer, Scott Leemon.

Yeah Kanye you won Grammies, who gives a ****, you're not the only one that won them, you ain't God, shut the **** up and just put out good music if you want more attention...

Well a lot of people look at the Game and 50 beef as a negative part of hip-hop 'cause it's more personal than just battlin' on the mic, you have a shooting outside a radio station building and now we got Busta's bodyguard being shot, even with Ja Rule and 50 they're beef is deeper than just music and it shouldn't be like that, they should learn from what happened to Pac and Biggie and not make things so personal, I remember you saying before that Pac and Biggie died for hip-hop, that's ignorant talk, you ain't supposed to die for hip-hop, you're supposed to live for hip-hop, Pac and Biggie should've mended their ways but it was too late, these artists that're alive now that're beefin' should do it while they're still here 'cause you never know what might happen, Pac vs. Biggie and 50 vs. Game are not hip-hop battles on the mic but rap wars on the streets which is horrible, you have people killing each other over it, I like that Game was trying to make it hip-hop by making mixtape songs against 50 but now I heard he got a DVD out now where he goes and destroys stuff on 50's property, that ain't hip-hop, that's stupid, yeah you could say 50's wack but you don't have to go that far, that could lead to violence... If you're gonna battle it should be like LL vs. Canibus or KRS vs. Shan where it's just beef over lyrical skills, you see Jay and Nas battle and now they're coming together, you didn't hear about LL going on Canibus' crib and steal stuff from him, lol, he just ripped him on songs and left it at that, that's hip-hop.... I could defend the part of saying that without these mainstream cats out now not many would be familiar with hip-hop... I just can't defend this point though of saying that Game and 50 beef is good for hip-hop, is just ain't and this ain't me saying this to diss them I'm just givin' real talk here, this makes hip-hop look bad, now if it was just battlin' on the mic I would have no problems but I think it's more of a negative way though, lots of people are talking about the negative things like this and ignore the positive things that rappers do, the media has really ruined hip-hop's image and the fans buy into it, the media saw this when Pac and Biggie had beef and they kept on feeding it to the public more and more, it wasn't Pac and Biggie's fault though and now they're doing it with 50 and Game, history's repeating itself again, I pray no rapper gets killed over these silly street beefs 'cause if that happens I think a lot of positive mcs might get discouraged and stop recording and hip-hop'll die, they need to embrace the music more and leave the streetlife behind them, there's a better life out there that hip-hop provided them with and they shouldn't throw it away... This isn't all the artists fault either but they need to be more mature and responsible with millions watching them, all eyez are on hip-hop as the most popular genre... I have no problem with them expressing themselves but they have to be a lil' more responsible, I'm dissapointed that Busta ain't tellin' the cops about what happened in the shootin', he wants to keep it real to the streets by not snitching but hey what're the streets gonna do if that person stays out there and kills Busta or his family? You keep it real the most by being an honest person and doing the right thing to improve the community, not bring it down, this is like when nobody comes forward to tell who killed Pac or Biggie but somebody in this world knows but their families continue suffering without closure because everybody 'refuses to snitch' I'm dissapointed in Busta but I've been a lil' dissapointed in him ever since he jumped in the middle of the 50 Cent/Ja Rule beef, where he had no reason to be involved with, his whole career has been about bringing peace but now he's getting involved with this juvenile crap just so he could stay relevant and that's not real... I've talked to a lot of people and they're dissapointed in Busta, especially since he's from an older generation of hip-hop artists, he has this responsibility, he needs to step up and set an example, I'm sure if Will saw the person who killed somebody he'd tell someone... There's a bigger life than just the streets, hip-hop is bigger than just the streets but it seems like it's just staying in the gutter instead of exanding like it was originally planned, you could keep it real and run the streets all you want but that ain't a smart move if you wanna have a long successful life, I would like to see some hip-hop artists live a long life, they all shouldn't have to all be killed runnng the streets keepin' it real, that's dumb...

Gretzky knew about gambling ring ESPN.com news services Phoenix Coyotes coach Wayne Gretzky knew about a gambling ring involving his wife and assistant coach Rick Tocchet, sources who cited state wiretaps told the Newark Star-Ledger and The Associated Press. Star-Ledger reported in Thursday's editions that there is no evidence that Gretzky placed bets, but investigators are looking into whether his wife, Janet Jones, placed them for him. Arraignment Date Coyotes associate coach Rick Tocchet, New Jersey State Police Officer James Harney and James Ulner -- who are accused by New Jersey authorities of running an illegal gambling ring -- are to be arraigned Feb. 21 in Mount Holly, N.J. Tocchet, who is on a leave of absence from the Coyotes and the NHL, has been charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. Harney, an eight-year veteran of the state police force who has been suspended, has been charged with official misconduct, promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. He is free on $100,000 bail. Ulner has been charged with promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy. Authorities said he funneled wagers to Tocchet. He is free on $50,000 bail. Gretzky can be heard on wiretaps made within the past month discussing with Tocchet how his wife could avoid being implicated, a source told The Associated Press, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the investigation was ongoing. Gretzky has said that he had no knowledge of the gambling ring. "The reality is, I'm not involved, I wasn't involved and I'm not going to be involved," Gretzky said Tuesday. "Am I concerned for both of them? Sure, there's concern from me. I'm more worried about them than me." Law enforcement officials told the New Jersey newspaper that Jones bet $500,000 in recent weeks, including $75,000 in Super Bowl wagers. Also, a source close to the team told ESPN.com on Thursday that GM Mike Barnett placed a Super Bowl bet with Rick Tocchet for a few hundred dollars. Barnett, accordng to the source, told investigators he placed the bet with Tocchet because he knew Tocchet was known in the dressing room to be a regular bettor on football games and a regular visitor to nearby Las Vegas during team breaks. The source said Barnett was told by New Jersey investigators that he would not be subpoenaed and that they no longer consider him part of the investigation. Jim O'Neal, the Coyotes' head of security, said in a statement Thursday that the team didn't expect further inquiries from New Jersey investigators. "There are a lot of rumors circulating with many names included," O'Neal said in the statement. "I was … advised by the authorities today that they did not likely foresee a need for further questioning pertaining to any members of our organization, whether it be Michael Barnett or others." Authorities say that from Dec. 29 through Feb. 5 -- the day of the Super Bowl -- bettors placed a total of $1.7 million in wagers with the ring run by a New Jersey state trooper, Tocchet and a south Jersey man. All face charges of promoting gambling, money laundering and conspiracy and are scheduled to be arraigned in state Superior Court in Mount Holly, N.J., on Feb. 21, the state attorney general's office said Thursday. Tocchet, Gretzky's friend and assistant with the Coyotes, was placed on indefinite leave of absence Wednesday night by NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, a day after New Jersey police accused him of financing a gambling operation that took bets from about a half dozen current players, among other bettors. Gretzky could be subpoenaed to testify before a New Jersey grand jury, the Star-Ledger reported. Jones has not made a public statement, but Gretzky said Tuesday that she would answer questions at some point. Gretzky did not attend the Coyotes' practice in Phoenix on Thursday. He would not be available until after Thursday night's game against the Dallas Stars in Phoenix and the team would not comment, said Coyotes spokesman Rich Nairn. ESPN's Pedro Gomez reported Thursday that Gretzky has no plans to resign as executive director of Hockey Canada and will to travel to Torino for the Olympics. The NHL Players' Association posted a message on a secure Web site Wednesday advising any player who is contacted by law enforcement authorities or the league to contact his lawyer "before talking to anyone," the Toronto Star reported. Tocchet and his new attorney met with Bettman on Wednesday, officially informing the commissioner of the pending charges Tocchet is facing. On the advice of attorney Kevin Marino, Tocchet wasn't prepared to respond to specific questions about the allegations, the NHL said in a news release. At the end of the meeting, the league said Tocchet requested the leave of absence. Bettman agreed to the leave as long as several conditions were met. Tocchet must immediately cease all contact and communication with NHL and team personnel and stay away for the duration of his leave. He will not be allowed to return without Bettman's consent. The commissioner also reserved the right to change the terms of Tocchet's absence at any time. "We view the charges against Mr. Tocchet in the most serious terms," Bettman said in a statement. "We have pledged our full cooperation to the New Jersey State Police and the New Jersey Attorney General's Office." The NHL hired former federal prosecutor Robert J. Cleary, who headed the case against the Unabomber, to investigate Tocchet. New Jersey authorities told the NHL on Wednesday there is nothing that indicates the gambling activities relate in any way to league games. None of the players was identified in the complaint. "While there is speculation as to which other NHL personnel may have been involved in this matter, we continue to await guidance in that regard from the New Jersey law enforcement authorities," Bettman said. In an interview with ESPN.com's Mike Fish, Marino continued to criticize the New Jersey state police, particularly for speaking so extensively to the media. "I have to tell you, I think that to suggest that Rick Tocchet involved himself in this underworld gambling enterprise, or that he financed it, made money off it or whatever, I think it is very, very irresponsible. It is just completely false," Marino said. "I am not going to begin to speculate on why they brought the charges that they did," Marino added. "I can only tell you that in this country we respond to the allegations that are leveled against us. And when they are serious allegations we respond to them if they are leveled against us by a grand jury. That hasn't even happened here yet. My expectation is that when and if he is indicted on these charges we will go forward and have him vindicated, because he is not guilty. "I think it is unfortunate that they have decided to proceed in this fashion. To have Mr. Gretzky, who has not even been accused of a crime, much less indicted, to have his named bandied about as though somehow he is involved, I think is really reprehensible." State police Col. Rick Fuentes said the investigation -- dubbed "Operation Slap Shot" -- discovered the processing of more than 1,000 wagers, exceeding $1.7 million over several weeks, on professional and college sports, mostly football and basketball. Attorneys for the other men charged -- James Ulmer and Trooper James Harney -- have said they will fight the charges. "This case will not be a guilty plea," said Charles A. Peruto Jr., who is representing Ulmer. Ulmer, along with Harney, is accused of taking wagers and cuts of the bets. Cleary was the U.S. Attorney in New Jersey from 1999-2002 and in the Southern District of Illinois in 2002. He was also the lead prosecutor from 1996-98 in the case against Unabomber Theodore Kaczynski, who was sentenced to four lifetime terms in prison on charges related to three deaths and the maiming of two scientists. New Jersey State Police Lt. Gerald Lewis said police investigators will interview other hockey players to get a sense of the scope of the gambling ring and to determine whether others should be charged. Lewis said authorities also were exploring links between the gambling ring and Philadelphia-area organized crime. He said the investigation so far has turned up only that there might be some links, but authorities are unsure. He also declined to reveal which players will be interviewed. The NHL prohibits its players from making wagers, legal or otherwise, on NHL games. League rules do not forbid players from betting legally on other sports (for instance, with an established Las Vegas book). The charges against Tocchet are for illegal gambling per New Jersey law. Information from ESPN.com's Scott Burnside and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

yeah it seems to be wishful thinking these days, i'll be happy if they do anything...

Five players will make their inaugural NBA All-Star appearance Four Pistons Named as Reserves for 2006 NBA All-Star Game Chauncey Billups will be passing to Richard Hamilton in the first All-Star Game for both Pistons. D. Lippitt/Einstein/NBAE/Getty Images NEW YORK, Feb. 9 -- Detroit Pistons guards Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton will be appearing in their first NBA All-Star Game, joining frontcourt teammates Ben Wallace and Rasheed Wallace after having been selected by the coaches as reserves for the 2006 NBA All-Star Game. This is the first time in NBA All-Star Game history that the coaches have selected four teammates as reserves and the seventh time that a team will have four representatives in the All-Star Game. The 2006 NBA All-Star Game will be played on Sunday, Feb. 19 at Toyota Center in Houston. Joining the Pistons foursome as reserves will be first-time All-Star forward Chris Bosh of the Toronto Raptors with forwards Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics and Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets rounding out the Eastern reserves. Two Western Conference players are also making their initial All-Star appearance as center Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies and guard Tony Parker of the 2005 NBA Champion San Antonio Spurs have each been invited to Houston. Also named to the Western Conference All-Star team are guard Ray Allen of the Seattle SuperSonics and forwards Dirk Nowitzki of the Dallas Mavericks, Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers, Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Shawn Marion of the Phoenix Suns. The 14 players selected -- seven each from the Eastern and Western Conferences -- were chosen by the 30 NBA head coaches, who were asked to vote for seven players in their respective conferences -- two guards, two forwards, one center and two players regardless of position. They were not permitted to vote for players from their own team. Previously selected as starters for the East through the 2006 NBA All-Star Balloting Program were Cleveland’s LeBron James, Indiana’s Jermaine O'Neal, Miami’s Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade and Philadelphia’s Allen Iverson. Houston’s Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, Los Angeles Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, Phoenix’s Steve Nash and San Antonio’s Tim Duncan will start for the West. The 2005-06 Pistons joins the Celtics (1952-53, 1961-62 and 1974-75), L.A. Lakers (1961-62 and 1997-98) and Philadelphia 76ers (1982-83) as the only teams in All-Star Game history to have four players selected to play in an single All-Star Game. The selections of Gasol (Spain), Nowitzki (Germany) and Parker (France) along with voted-starters Duncan (U.S. Virgin Islands), Nash (Canada) and Yao (China), gives the 2006 NBA All-Star Game a record-tying six international players in one year. The 2003, 2004 and 2005 NBA All-Star Games each featured six international players on the rosters. Should any player be unable to participate in the All-Star Game due to injury, NBA Commissioner David Stern will select the replacement. Flip Saunders of Detroit coaches the Eastern Conference All-Stars and Avery Johnson makes his All-Star coaching debut representing the Western Conference. San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich is not eligible to coach in the 2006 NBA All-Star Game because he coached in last year’s All-Star Game. The NBA All-Star Game will be televised live nationally on TNT in the United States and on Rogers Sportsnet in Canada at 7 p.m. CT/ 8 p.m. ET. Live audio broadcasts are available on ESPN Radio and on NBA.com in multiple languages. For the fourth consecutive year, NBA All-Stars will wear uniforms created just for the game. This year's All-Stars will be outfitted in new uniforms from Reebok which were inspired by the exploration of space and the Texas state flag. As has become tradition, the East will be the road team wearing predominantly royal blue uniforms accented with red and silver, while the West will be the home team wearing white uniforms with red as the featured color and royal and gold accents. The NBA logo on the jersey has been enhanced with the All-Star version and the player's team is represented with the team logo on the center back neck of the jersey. NBA.com will provide basketball fans with the opportunity to have their vote count towards selecting the MVP of the 55th NBA All-Star Game, as a part of the site's exclusive 2006 NBA All-Star coverage. Through the Balloting program, which ran from Nov. 17, 2005 through Jan. 22, fans had the opportunity to vote in NBA arenas, in 19 languages on the NBA.com Network, in approximately 130 Loews Cineplex Entertainment movie theaters in the United States and through mobile phones at t-zones using T-Mobile service or wap.nba.com for any wireless carrier. This year’s All-Star Balloting partners include T-Mobile, AOL, NBA 2K6, Xbox and retailers GameStop & Electronics Boutique. NBA All-Star 2006 is a week-long celebration that enables fans to experience the thrill of the world’s greatest athletes playing the game they love and features a full slate of community enhancing activities and fan festivals.

I'm bumping this for those who didn't vote yet, the poll closes tomorrow, I was listening today and they said that LL's in second place right now... :pony:

it's been almost 2 months since they performed together since they did the holiday concerts, have they done anything together since then? i'd rather hear about them getting together recording than them doing seperate projects with will doing this compilation album and jazzy doing "return of the magnificent", they need to get on the same page while they have the time now, they could make it a double disc, have collabos with other artists on one disc and nothing but JJFP tracks on another disc...

I edited the title since Kanye and Mariah won 3, they didn't lose in a big way, it's fair that they won that amount, I don't what they did was so groundbreaking that they deserved to win all of them, it was a fair balance, btw I felt it was kinda strange to see Jay-Z performing with Paul Mccartney, my mama's a huge Beatles fan, lol...

They only did a handful of promo shows together in 18 months, while Will went off to shoot movies and Jazzy did seperate shows, where's the JJFP tour if they're such potnas? :stickpoke:

Here's more details, Busta didn't go to his bodyguard's wake, it also mentions that Yayo ran away with the shooter, I also remember hear a DJ on Hot 97 saying a couple days ago that he was at a G Unit party for the Super Bowl, now that was hours after Busta's bodyguard got murdered before their eyes? They got no heart if they're gonna go party after that.... Busta Rhymes A No-Show At Bodyguard's Wake Thursday - February 9, 2006 by Carl "H.D." Chery In addition to angering the Ramirez family with his lack of cooperation, Busta Rhymes pulled a no show at the wake of his slain bodyguard Israel Ramirez yesterday (February 8). Authorities believe Busta was standing by Ramirez when he was fatally shot outside of Brooklyn's Kiss the Cactus Production studio this past Sunday. "They're not knocking on our door to talk to us," New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly told reporters in regards to Bus and other potential witnesses present during the incident. The rapper initially told cops he was inside when the shooting took place and hasn't talked to cops since witnesses have placed him at the scene of the shooting. Tony Yayo, who is believed to have left the scene with the shooter, also refuses to talk to cops. Police believe Busta's refusal to cooperate is preventing other witnesses from coming forward with key information. "They have a code in the industry," a police source told the New York Daily News. "You don't talk to cops. if you do, your career tanks." Meanwhile, at Ramirez's wake yesterday, the bodyguard's brother-in-law Shawn Reynolds criticized Busta and Yayo for their silent treatment. "You think people making all of this money, they'd leave the ghetto out of them," Reynolds told the Daily News at the Century Cremation and Funeral Services. "You'd think they're making millions of dollars, they'd learn to be civilized." Word is Busta told Ramirez's sister he would do anything in his power to make sure justice prevails. Other reports say he first told Ramirez's widow, Amelin Ramirez, he wasn't sure he could help. "How are you going to say that when the husband of the woman you're talking to lost his life trying to protect you?" Reynolds added. Authorities believe Ramirez was attempting to grab the gunman's firearm when he was fatally shot. Though Busta said he would appear at the wake, the rapper pulled a no show, further frustrating Ramirez's family. Baby Sham, a member of Busta's Flipmode Squad was the only affiliate to show up. Sham wasn't on location when Ramirez was gunned down. "He gave up his life for them," Jenny Fernadez, Ramirez's sister-in-law, asked angrily at the wake. "Where are all these people? My nephew's thinking his daddy's coming home. Daddy's not coming home."

Well yes it's about the music, not the Grammies, it ain't the commitee's fault either 'cause they have to include a few popular artists to the nominations just so they could get high ratings, even though a lot of those albums got low ratings from critics, but the best songs these days are the ones that rarely get played on the radio, now if quality albums starting selling millions again it'd be an easier job for them, it's nice to know that Stevie Wonder got 2 Grammies even though his album failed to go gold.... I'd rather see Kelly Clarkson winning instead of that lip-synching Ashlee Simpson too, it's nice to know a lot of that watered down teenybopper crap didn't win much compared to recent years...

I'm just happy that the Grammies wasn't a popularity contest this time where the lesser talented artists would win, it shows that marketing schemes might get high sales but that don't guarantee a lot of awards, this takes away some dissapointment I had for Will not getting nominated, he still got an AMA though this year that 90% of those who outsold him didn't get so that makes up for it too, a lot of those Mike Jones, Ying Yang Twins, Ludacris', 50 Cents, etc. didn't win any awards over the last year even though they sold millions....

This is probably one of the better years for the top music artists winning Grammies, it wasn't just about who had the highest selling album in who won unlike over the past few years, 50 Cent and Eminem sold as much as Mariah did but they didn't win anything but she won 3 which is great 'cause she's a lot better quality artist than them, the icing in the cake would've been for "Lost and Found" to have been nominated and winning best rap album 'cause it was the best by far but I'll take Kanye over everyone else that was there except Common anyday even though his ego gets on my nerves sometimes...

Yeah it's been long time, the 18th Letter is coming back!! :yeah:

Well 50 Cent and Eminem "lost big" but they're nobodys anyway, lol, it's nice to know that high quality talent prevailed in the winners, seriously that was a waste of nominations... :paperbag:

De La Soul won a Grammy, I thought I'd never say those words but it's been a long time coming!!! I'm not trying to be a hater or anything but since 99% of this board don't like G Unit anyway I'm gonna say I'm happy to know that 50 Cent got snubbed of winning anything!!! Bow Wow's girl Ciara got shut out too...:kekeke: :stickpoke: :wickedwisdom: I didn't see 50 perform or even present an award either, was he even there? It feels good to know that he's quickly becoming irrelevant in the music industry, Will beat him a couple months ago at the AMAs and now he's shut out at the Grammies.... :davidblaine: So is Kanye gonna start ranting that he didn't win album of the year?

http://nahright.com/news/2006/02/08/rakim-...ummer/#comments As a few people who were in attendence have mentioned, during his January 30th show in NY Rakim announced that he will be releasing a new album this summer. That article also mentions that he stated about his doomed stint on Aftermath that "he would have taken his talent elsewhere" if he could do it all again. It sucks that those two couldn’t bury their egos long enough to finish the project, because who knows what might have been. Let’s just hope some stuff from those studio sessions makes it’s way to the public some day. After reading the comments from people who made the show on the 30th, I have repeatedly kicked and slapped myself for not buying tickets early enough. Luckily for me, they have added another date on February 27th, and I’m so in there it’s not even funny.

I bet the Jam Session was probably more entertaining than the Grammies, I tried watching some of that last night but I thought it was boring: The Roots and Jermaine Dupri Rock L.A. For The Grammys Wednesday - February 8, 2006 by Carl "H.D." Chery As Kanye West, Mariah Carey and John Legend prepare to take the stage, Jermaine Dupri and The Roots are hosting parties in celebration of the 48th annual Grammy Awards. 'Ye, Carey and Legend, who are nominated for eight Grammys each, are also slated to perform during the ceremony tonight. West will team up with Jamie Foxx for a rendition of "Gold Digger" while Legend, Ciara and Will.I.Am of Black Eyed Peas are among the stars scheduled to take part in a tribute to Sly and the Family Stone. Meanwhile, Jay-Z will join forces with Linkin Park to perform "Numb/Encore." Mary J. Blige is also expected to perform. Dave Chappelle, Ludacris, Queen Latifah, Destiny's Child, Alicia Keys, Chris Brown and Terrence Howard are among the night's presenters. The Grammys got an early start with a slew of shindigs starting yesterday (February 7). At the stroke of midnight, the Fugees performed a Pre-Grammy concert on the legendary intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles. The performance was also broadcasted live on the radio for Hot 97 New York listeners. Later in the day, legendary record executive/J Records founder Clive Davis hosted his star-studded Pre-Grammy party at Beverly Hills' Beverly Hilton Hotel. Davis' Pre-Grammy parties have previously featured performances from Kanye, Diddy, Wyclef, Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys, among countless others. Meanwhile, the Roots held their third annual Grammy Jam Session, hosted by Black Thought, Don Cheadle and Dave Chappelle. The session was open to aspiring vocalists, musicians and emcees. Jay-Z, Common, Erykah Badu, Jeremy Piven of HBO's "Entourage," Legend, Martin Luther, Will Smith, Mos Def, Will.I.Am, Spike Lee, Talib Kweli, Kelis and Floetry are all featured on this year's guest list. Post celebrations are also being planned. Carey and Dupri are set to hold their LG Mobile Phone-sponsored post Grammy celebration in Beverly Hills. Pharrell Williams, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Ashton Kutcher and Jessica Simpson will be on hand for the event. But before Mariah or Kanye can celebrate, both are facing stiff competition in their respective Grammy categories. Among the nominees for Best Rap Song are 50 Cent's "Candy Shop" featuring Olivia, West's "Diamonds From Sierra Leone," The Black Eyed Peas' "Don't Phunk With My Heart," "Hate It Or Love It" by The Game featuring 50 Cent, and "Lose Control" by Missy Elliott featuring Ciara and Fat Man Scoop. The Best Rap Album Category includes Common's album Be, Elliott's The Cookbook, Eminem's Encore, 50's The Massacre and West's Late Registration. West's "Gold Digger" is up against Common's "Testify," T.I.'s "U Don't Know Me," 50 Cent's "Disco Inferno" Ludacris' "Number One Spot" and Eminem's "Mockingbird" for Best Rap Solo Performance.

:word: I'm going with no too, I wanna be surprised 'cause the way things look with JJ+FP only doing a handful of tracks in the last 12 years, it seems like they ain't much "Potnas" anymore, FP was at the Grammy's Jam Session with The Roots and Jazzy wasn't there, Jazzy performs at a party at the Super Bowl and FP wasn't there, they don't seem to be rolling that much anymore, no matter who's on the album I'll be dissapointed if FP ain't on there...