50 Cent
As the world of Rap Music hang’s up it’s bling and sweatpants for another year, we at FemaleFirst decided to take a look at the top stories that have shaped the news over the past year.
50 Cent sued Taco Bell for $4 million after the Mexican food chain used him in their advertisements, and cheekily suggested that the rapper should change his name to 69 cents or 99 cents.
Atlantic Records’ Rapper Gucci Mane was arrested under charges of driving under the influence of drugs, possession marijuana, and possession of a firearm for a convinced felon. Mane was pulled over on a routine stop check, and was released after three hours in jail after posting a $3,300 bail.
LL Cool J denied any rumours that he might sign with G-Unit Records. Because he had worked with 50 Cent, fans believe he will sign over but the rapper/actor said: “Why would I work for 20 years to sign to another artist?â€
Rapper Rick Ross denied claims that he used to be a correctional officer in Florida despite an 86 page file proving his employment there.
K-Swift, has died in her home town of Baltimore. The well loved DJ was found in her own pool after having a party. She was said to have died of a broken neck.
Master P was awarded the key to the city of Memphis for a project he and he son organised. “Let the Kids Grow Day†educated young children to stay away from crime and guns.
Andre Young Jr, son of Dr. Dre was found dead after he was found unresponsive in his bed. At only 20 years old, coroners have yet to conclude a cause of death.
Trae The Truth struck Mike Jones backstage at the 2008 Ozone Awards for an unknown reason, but to the oblivious crowd, the ceremony was a great hit.
Raw Footage, the new album from Ice Cube was leaked onto the internet and pleads are made online for fans to support the artist and buy the album.
Yung Berg was attacked and robbed in Trick Trick’s club, Plan B, for his Transformer Diamond necklace, worth an estimated $70,000. Trick has been accused of involvement but severely denies the claim.
Kanye West was arrested at LAX Airport after smashing paparazzi’s cameras. He was forced to be arrested and posted bail of a reported $20,000.
Nate Dogg suffers his second stroke in less than a year. Although in stable condition at hospital, doctors increase their concern about the Death Row recording artist.
Ludacris’ pool house burned down whilst he was out of town. Although only an addition to his home, the fire service claimed it was bigger than most other houses, and the fire was lucky to be put out in less than half an hour.
Ti’s is on top of the world in September as his new album becomes his biggest release to date shooting straight to #1, achieving gold status after selling 568,000 copies.
50 Cent released the first single of his Before I Self Destruct album. The video for “Get Up†was inspired by Will Smith’s characters in I Am Legend who is always ready for a challenge.
Eminem reveals his new album title to be “Relapseâ€. Working with long time collaborator Dr.Dre, the duo has been working on the long-awaited album for 5 months.
Lil Jon has been snatched by Universal Records as Production Consultant as well as a recording artist. Since the close of TVT Records, the King of Crunk has been under speculation what to do with his own label BME Recordings.
MC Lil Boosie was arrested on count of marijuana possession, possession of a firearm with a controlled dangerous substance and attempting to evade law enforcements after he sped away from police in Louisiana.
Shakir Stewart, who was named Vice President of Def Jam Records only five month previously, has died of a self-inflicted gun wound. The well loved music producer shot himself in the bathroom of his home.
Lupe Fiasco will be releasing his final album Lupe E.N.D (Standing for Everywhere. Nowhere. Down here), as a triple CD set with more than 30 individual tracks.
Chamillionaire is set to release his first single from Venom, his third studio album. Creepin, featuring Ludacris, has been criticized for not releasing any single without another great artist.
Lil Wayne is to release a mix tape style album named Dedication 3. Despite already having great success this year with Tha Carter III, he is already working on Tha Carter IV for release next year.
Lil Wayne received 8 nominations for the 2009 Grammy Awards, including the category for Album of the Year for his best-selling Tha Carter III. Jay-Z and Kanye West were both nominated for 6 awards.
Outkast's Andre 3000 has been drawn into a $2 million lawsuit. Former art student claimed that Andre was credited for the creation of cartoon characters in 'The Class of 3000' which are suspiciously similar to his own show 'The Music Factory.'
Arizona police issue a $5000 reward for any information that may lead to the capture and arrest of rapper DMX. Currently facing charges of drug possession and animal cruelty, the warrant was issued after he failed to turn up in court.
Grandmaster Flash is to release an album after almost two decades. The Bridge: Concept of a Culture is due to be released in February guest starring Busta Rhymes and Snoop Dogg among others.
FemaleFirst - Karen Asbury