Monday, December 29, 2014
Thursday, December 11, 2014
Sony executive slams Kevin Hart in leaked email
Actor Kevin Hart at the Special Screening of Screen Gems THE WEDDING RINGER at Texas A+M on November 23, 2014 in College Station, Texas. (Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for Screen Gems)
Since hackers nabbed a purported 11,000 gigabytes of data from Sony Pictures last month, leaked communications connecting back to stars like Seth Rogen and Angelina Jolie have surfaced, and they largely haven't been flattering. Now, North Philly's Kevin Hart, fresh off a trip back to his homeland yesterday, has been referenced in the leaks, with one Sony executive calling the comedian a "whore."
The leaked email exchange between Sony Pictures co-chair Amy Pascal, studio executive Clint Culpepper, and Sony Entertainment CEO Michael Lynton comes from early March and shows the trio discussing Hart's involvement in social media promotion of The Wedding Ringer. Apparently, the studio hoped that Hart would tweet a few times about the film, a task for which Hart wanted more money than the $3 million he earned for making the movie itself.
Exec Clint Culpepper didn't take kindly to that, unleashing a tirade in one email that concluded with an insult aimed squarely at the comedian:
As I suspected, I got a call from Jeremy Zimmer today informing me that they feel that if we're going to expect and take advantage of Kevin's social media savvy that "they" feel there is a price to be paid for it which is above and beyond the 3M he was paid to do the film. Jeremy was very clear that Kevin would do the normal publicity asked of him like junket, tv shows, radio interview, etc. however, the social media blitzkrieg would cost us. I told him I was in a big meeting but would call him back. I'm tempted to suggest we call his bluff. If his film does NOT perform it hurts his brand and we have his next 3 films. I'm not saying he's a whore, but he's a whore. Let's discuss in Tuesday's MPG mtg?
It's not as if we paid him 3M and 4M respectively for his last 2 films thinking he might be nominated. We paid for his ability to open a film which included his social media savvy. I feel like this is something that should be negotiated going into the film as opposed to after the fact. It feels tantamount to buying a car and then upon picking it up being told that the engine will cost extra. I'm tempted to suggest we call his bluff. If he doesn't do his normal routine, his film will not open as well and his brand will appear diminished and he will- in fact - be f------ himself because we have his next 2 immediate films. And then there's the social media precedent we're setting...especially in light of the fact that Channing is at the same agency.
Channing or no, that precedent appears to be set: If you want Kevin Hart to tweet, you pay Kevin Hart to tweet. If nothing else, at least the two weeks he spent at the Community College of Philadelphia appear to have taught him well. Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/trending/Sony-executive-slams-Kevin-Hart-in-leaked-email-.html#HzlfG38s5Y3HXIP5.99
Thursday, December 4, 2014
EXCLUSIVE: Big Boi, Nas, & Jimmy Fallon To Join The Zulu Nation
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The Universal Zulu Nation has added more high-profile members. After Q-Tip announced
that Cash Money’s Lil Wayne joined the Zulus, the A Tribe Called Quest member has now
revealed that Big Boi of OutKast is part of the Zulu Nation as well.
[ALSO READ: Q-Tip Welcomes Lil Wayne To The Zulu Nation] Zulu Nation’s Minister Of Information Quadeer “M.C. Spice” Shakur has also told AllHipHop.com that two other entertainers will become part of the international Hip Hop awareness organization.
According to Shakur, veteran emcee Nas is now a Zulu. The Queens representative’s affiliation
with the Zulu Nation follows other legendary Hip Hop performers Afrika Bambaataa (founder)
, A Tribe Called Quest, Public Enemy, KRS-One, and Rakim.
Shakur has also started a new chapter called “The Honorary Zulu” for those individuals who have exemplified the organization’s principles through music, media, literature, community, and politics.
He discloses that Jimmy Fallon will be included as an honorary member.
Fallon became the host of NBC’s The Tonight Show earlier this year. Hip Hop group The Roots
serve as the official house band for the program, and numerous rap stars like Rick Ross, Nas, Q-Tip, Wiz Khalifa, T.I., Public Enemy, and Dej Loaf have appeared on Fallon.
Cleveland Officer Who Shot 12-Year-Old Boy Was Emotionally Unstable
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The officer that killed 12-year-old Tamir Rice in Cleveland, OH on Nov. 23rd has been revealed to be
In documents obtained by Buzzfeed, Independence Deputy Chief Jim Polak revealed that officer
Field Training Officer Sgt. Tinnirello said that Loehmann felt that his behavior was a result of a bad break
[ALSO READ: Surveillance Of 12-Year-Old Boy Being Shot By An Officer Released]
Loehmann was a patrolman for less than a year before he joined the Cleveland Police Department in
“While our policy does not require obtaining a personnel file prior to employment, the Cleveland Division
Loehmann shot and killed Rice after a man called 911 and said that he saw someone waving a gun that
Kenny Smith responds to Barkley's controversial Ferguson comments
NBA Hall of Famer and current NBA analyst Charles Barkley's controversial comments on a Philadelphia-area talk show last week continued to stoke the fiery debate surrounding the lack of indictment of Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri.
On Wednesday, Barkley's fellow NBA commenter Kenny Smith wrote his "Inside the NBA" coworker an open letter, posted on For the Win, in direct response to Barkley's radio comments, particularly the ones where he called looters "scumbags."
Smith agreed with Barkley in taking care not to condemn all law enforcement: "Let's not discredit that there are great police officers in all neighborhoods, but let's not credit that we shouldn't have doubt."
"I respect that you have an opinion on Ferguson and here's mine," Smith wrote. "The question must be asked: Why is there so much distrust in the police and the legal system from the African American community? ... Dec 1st still marks only 59 years since Rosa Parks sat on that memorable bus. Many of our parents and grandparents have lived through those times ... . Those civil rights changes were at one time the law!
"So did the protection of the law by the courts and police make it right? Obviously not ... . Some laws were initially made without us as equals in mind, that's just the facts. So the thought process that it's not for us or by us will unfortunately lead to distrust."
The NBA analyst then went on to say how he was "disheartened" by the looters, but that they did not deserve to be called "scumbags":
"If you put 100 people on an island with no food, no water, no hope of a ship coming, some will overcome it and be resourceful, some will live in it, others will panic and others will show horrific character, which is wrong. But not to understand that all alternatives are possible is wrong as well.
"I was also disheartened to see the reaction of burning buildings and looters by some. However, when you are in 'The Struggle' to not expect that that potential reaction is foolish on our part.
"The real issue is learning to positively put your anger in anger management so you can be heard. It's not that they are 'scumbags,' their emotions won't allow them to rationally think through their anger. I applaud that you have done a great job in your anger management in recent times but not always."
Smith concluded that the Michael Brown case was not so much about race as it was a lack of trust: "Do I trust you to help me off the island? ... Do I trust that you will you send a ship or allow me access to build my own ship?"
The entire letter:
Dear Chuck,
I hope this finds you in the way I always see you, in great spirits, with great joy and full of life. There are some things I want to openly say to you that sometimes in conversation get lost.
Firstly I lied! You ARE the greatest Power Forward of all time. It’s not (Tim) Duncan or (Karl) Malone, they had size and height that you weren’t blessed with and you never had near the talent around you that they were blessed to have. Contrarily you took your teams to similar heights. Secondly, you are a champion in my book. Effort and determination is what makes a champion, not a ring.
Lastly, you are the most entertaining person in sports television (partly because I throw you so many assists lol).
However, what I consistently find interesting is how writers and media members view your insights in politics, and now race relations, with the same reverence as your insights in sports.
They did it in the Trayvon Martin trial and now with Mike Brown and the decision in Ferguson. It’s not that you shouldn’t ever have an opinion, but you are often quoted alongside the likes of Al Sharpton and even President Obama. I would hope that Sharpton or President Obama would never be referenced with you when picking the next NBA Champs!
The body of work that our Black Civil Rights leaders put in by planning, executing and activating does not justify you being in the conversation. While your body of work on the court very few compare to nor should be mentioned when you are giving your expert analysis. Again, I respect that you have an opinion on Ferguson. And here’s mine.
The question must be asked: Why is there so much distrust in the police and the legal system from the African American community? Without manifesting what the effects of slavery still have today, Dec 1st still marks only 59 years since Rosa Parks sat on that memorable bus. Many of our parents and grandparents have lived through those times and have passed those stories on to all of us. Those civil rights changes were at one time the law! They were not illegal.
So did the protection of the law by the courts and police make it right? Obviously not, so as African Americans we still know and feel that there are laws and jurisdictions that severely penalize the poor and, most importantly, African Americans greater than any other group. Some laws were initially made without us as equals in mind; that’s just the facts. So the thought process that it’s not for us or by us will unfortunately lead to distrust.
When someone is in “the struggle”, which many of our black communities are in, they are living with a lack of educational facilities, high unemployment and poor recreational facilities. The masses involved in “the struggle” will react in several ways. They can overcome it, challenge it, live in it, or fall victim to it … For those of us who are decades removed from “the struggle” because of our life through sports or business, we now have to acknowledge that every option listed exists. If not, then we are the ignorant ones.
That leads me to the looters and civilians burning buildings which you referred to as “scumbags”. Here’s an analogy: If you put 100 people on an island with no food, no water, no hope of a ship coming, then some will overcome it and be resourceful, some will live in it, others will panic and others will show horrific character, which is wrong. But not to understand that all alternatives are possible is wrong as well.
I was also disheartened to see the reaction of burning buildings and looters by some. However, when you are in “The Struggle” to not expect that that potential reaction is foolish on our part.
The real issue is learning to positively manage your anger so you can be heard. It’s not that they are “scumbags”, their emotions won’t allow them to rationally think through their anger. I applaud that you have done a great job in your anger management in recent times … but not always.
Mike Brown wasn’t about race relations, nor Trayvon Martin or even Hurricane Katrina for that matter. It’s about trust. Do I trust you to help me off the island? If so, do you have my best interests at heart? Do I trust that you will you send a ship or allow me access to build my own ship?
And you were right Chuck, let’s not discredit that there are great police officers in all neighborhoods, but let’s not credit that we shouldn’t have doubt.
See you Thursday night!
Kenny Smith
Reported Police Officer: Cops Are Being Indoctrinated To Support Illegal Activity
In the wake of the grand jury decision to not indict New York Police officer Daniel Pantaleo for the killing of Eric Garner, a lot of attention is being placed on the training (or lack of) for how cops interact with citizens. In particular, the appropriate amount of force used by police against minorities is being discussed.
[ALSO READ: No Indictment For Officer Involved In Eric Garner’s Death; Officer & Family Release Statements]
One man who claims to be a police officer called into Power 105’s The Breakfast Club radio show this morning, and he claimed that the actions of officer Pantaleo and a call to cover up wrongdoing is an indication of a systemic problem in the department.
“As an officer, we’re being indoctrinated in the precincts, in the rolls calls, were being told we have to support this. We have to show the face of unity – the blue wall, ” said the caller.
He also expressed his belief that Pantaleo should be facing charges for Garner’s death. The choke hold maneuver the officer used on Garner during the incident has been banned by the NYPD.
“The choke hold is illegal. Bottom line. The choke hold contributed to his death it was illegal,” he added. “Even if he was resisting the choke hold is illegal. He could have used other forces to take him down.”
When asked if it will be a time when a police officer would be indicted in a case where a citizen has been killed, he responded, “There’s very few situations. We’re being indoctrinated to support illegal activity. We’re being told unofficially to support this.”
Listen to a segment of the conversation below.
Andre 3000 Says He Felt Like A Sellout Because Of OutKast Reunion Tour
André 3000 used his time on stage during the OutKast festival run to reunite with Big Boi, perform some of the group’s classic records, and express his thoughts on the world via his clothing. Dré’s 47 tour jumpsuits featuring social, political, and comical quotes have been included in Savannah College of Art and Design’s i feel ya: SCAD + André 3000 Benjamin exhibit at Art Basel Miami Beach.
André spoke with Fader about his tour outfits, and the “Hey Ya” performer revealed he did not go into the trek with the plan of wearing the jumpsuits. Dré was actually not that interested in touring at all.
“Honestly, just, you know—I didn’t wanna do the tour. We hadn’t performed in 10 years. It was old songs,” said André. “I’m like, How am I gonna present these songs? I don’t have nothing new to say. So I was like, maybe I can start saying new stuff while doing these old songs. It became a theme where I was more excited about this than the actual show. This is fun, running out in these.”
3000 was also apprehensive about the fans’ reactions to the Atlanta duo coming together for one last tour. The suits featuring sayings like “across cultures, darker people suffer most. why?” and “art of fart?” became his release from the concerns that core OutKast followers would view their reuniting as just a money-making venture.
“I felt weird about going out on stage and doing it again. I felt like people would be like, ‘Y’all are doing all these festivals, y’all are just doing it for money,'” said Dré. “And I felt like a sellout, honestly. So I was like, if I’m in on the joke, I’ll feel cool about it.”
Puff Daddy Says Artists Need To "Step Up And Be Better Leaders"
by DANIELLE HARLING
Puff Daddy reacts to grand jury's verdict in the case involving the police officer who killed Eric Garner.
Yesterday (December 3), Puff Daddy expressed his frustration over the grand jury's verdict in the case against New York City police officer Daniel Pantaleo in the death of Eric Garner. The Hip Hop entrepreneur, who appeared weary in a video uploaded to Instagram, declared that "this is not right."
"This ain't right. This is not right. To continue to let this go on. It's enough. It's enough, man," Puff said in a video uploaded to Instagram earlier this week.
The Bad Boy Records founder also included a caption with his Instagram upload. He stated that "enough is enough" and added that artists need to "step up and be better leaders."
He later stressed the importance of being well organized and having a real strategy.
"I can't take it anymore! It's Enough, and enough is enough! Honestly my emotions are all over the place," Puff wrote. "We as artists, myself included, all have to step up and be better leaders in our communities. It's a hard burden to bear, but we have been chosen whether we like it or not. We need to do whatever we can in a POSITIVE way, to help unite people of all colors in this injustice!
"In order to be successful, it is very important that we have a well ORGANIZED, STRATEGIC plan," he added. "This is super important in order for us to make change!! REAL organization, REAL strategy and a TRUE commitment to not forget and move on like we usually do when the news stops reporting. This has to stop and we as a people are the only ones that can stop it. I truly do not have the right to preach, but I do have the right to speak. #EricGarner #MikeBrown #UNITE"
Lil Wayne On Cash Money Records: "I Want Off This Label And Nothing To Do With These People"
Lil Wayne says Cash Money refuse to release "Tha Carter IV."
LIl Wayne says that he is not behind the delay of Tha Carter IV.
"To all my fans, I want u to know that my album won't and hasn't been released bekuz Baby & Cash Money Rec. refuse to release it,” Lil Wayne tweeted today (December 4).
The New Orleans rapper continued by assessing blame for his situation. "This is not my fault,” he wrote. "I am truly and deeply sorry to all my fans but most of all to myself and my family for putting us in this situation.”
Lil Wayne, who has been the only flagship Cash Money Records artist to remain with the label since it rose to prominence in the late 1990s, says he no longer wants to be on the imprint.
"I want off this label and nothing to do with these people but unfortunately it ain't that easy,” Lil Wayne says. "I am a prisoner and so is my creativity Again,I am truly sorry and I don't blame ya if ya fed up with waiting 4 me & this album. But thk u.”
Lil Wayne's tweets are as follows:
To all my fans, I want u to know that my album won't and hasn't been released bekuz Baby & Cash Money Rec. refuse to release it.
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 4, 2014
This is not my fault. I am truly and deeply sorry to all my fans but most of all to myself and my family for putting us in this situation.
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 4, 2014
I want off this label and nothing to do with these people but unfortunately it ain't that easy
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 4, 2014
I am a prisoner and so is my creativity Again,I am truly sorry and I don't blame ya if ya fed up with waiting 4 me & this album. But thk u
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) December 4, 2014
For additional Lil Wayne coverage, watch the following DX Daily:
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
(EXCLUSIVE) DJ Mustard Sued by Former Friend
DJ Mustard(real name Dijon McFarlane) is being sued by his former friend, over allegedly stealing tracks he produced — that turned into big hits for Big Sean, YG and Tyga— and not paying him a dime, along with threatening to blacklist him in the industry if he attempted to tell anyone.
theJasmineBRAND.comexclusively reports Mikely Adamaka Mike Freefiled a federal lawsuit against his childhood friend Mustard, claiming he stole his beats.
Reportedly, the musicproducer explains that 4 years ago, both him and Mustard were aspiring producers. He says that Mustard noticed his talent and approached him telling him he could makethem both a lot of money for Mike Free’s tracks.
According to the court docs, Mikely says that Mustard said he could take his musicand give to artists to add their vocals which would bring in lots of income. The verbal agreement was that Mustard would give Free a producer credit and they would split the profits from each song.
Allegedly, around July 2011, he emailed Mustardthe first track which would later turn into Tyga’ssong“Rack City”, followed by another track that turned into “I’m Different” by 2 Chainz.
However, he claims things turned sour when Mustardrefused to honor their agreement and took full credit as producer for both songs. Mikely says he asked Mustardwhen he would be getting paid for the music and Mustardallegedly told him if he told anyone he produced the songshe would have him blacklisted in the music industry.
He says from 2013 to Summer 2014 he continued providing tracks to Mustardincluding: “My Hitta” & “Who Do You Love” by YG, “Show Me” by Kid Ink, “Don’t Tell Em” by Jeremih, “I Don’t F*ck With You” by Big Seanand “Party Aint a Party” by Jamie Foxx.
Mikely says all of his work should have resulted in the ultimate success story as a unknown producer, but due to the betrayal by DJ mustardhe has been screwed out of tons of profit and is still an unknown name on the music industry.
He has filed his federal lawsuit demanding the ownership in the various songsthat he produced along with all accounting from Mustardon the profits made and a court to order he turn overthe money he is owed from each song. See the court docs.
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