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Sunday, February 24, 2013

SUGE KNIGHT & SNOOP DOGG UNEXPECTED REUNION DETAILS SURFACE

West Coast rapper Snoop Dogg and former Death Row Records owner Marion "Suge" Knighthave officially squashed their past issues and reunited after a messy break-up nearly 20 years ago.

According to reports, Snoop and Suge embraced one another a few nights ago in Los Angeles.

The picture was taken Monday night at AV Club in Los Angeles. Sources tell TMZ ... Snoop had performed at the club that night ... and Suge showed up to see the performance. After the show, we're told Suge walked over to Snoop's VIP table and the two hit it off like old times ... hugging, laughing and taking pictures. (TMZ)

Snoop finally broke away from Suge's Death Row Records in the late 1990's.

In 1998, Snoop officially left Death Row and it was a very messy split. In an interview with the Long Beach Press-Telegram at the time, Snoop said, "I definitely feel my life is in danger if I stay in Death Row Records. That's part of the reason why I'm leaving." Snoop also told the Press-Telegram that he was planning to leave the label, "Because there's nothing over there. Suge Knight is in jail, the president; Dr. Dre left and Tupac (Shakur) is dead. It's telling me that I'm either going to be dead or in jail or I'm going to be nothing." (RapFix)

Back in 2006, Dogg allegedly made a slew of accusations related to Knight.

In an upcoming interview with Rolling Stone, Snoop traced the source of his frustration to when Dr. Dre left Death Row to start his Aftermath record label. That move, coupled with Snoop's defection to Master P's No Limit Records, resulted in bad blood with Knight, who was serving a five year jail sentence at the time. "The n***a threatened my life when he was in jail," Snoop revealed to the publication. "N***as tried to get at me at concerts; they put my address on a tape. He was gonna give a n***a a Benz if a n***a cut my hair. All kinda f****n' with me." (All Hip Hop Rumors)

The rap veteran released his debut album while on Knight's Death Row roster.

After many delays, Doggystyle was finally released on Death Row in November of 1993, and it became the first debut album to enter the charts at number one. Despite reviews that claimed the album was a carbon copy of The Chronic, the Top Ten singles "What's My Name?" and "Gin & Juice" kept Doggystyle at the top of the charts during early 1994, as did the considerable controversy over Snoop's arrest and his lyrics, which were accused of being exceedingly violent and sexist. During an English tour in the spring of 1994, tabloids and a Tory minister pleaded for the government to kick the rapper out of the country, largely based on his arrest. Snoop exploited his impending trial by shooting a short film based on the Doggystyle song "Murder Was the Case" and releasing an accompanying soundtrack, which debuted at number one in 1994. By that time, Doggystyle had gone quadruple platinum. (All Music)

The Satellite Question: Why SiriusXM Should Pay Higher Performance Royalties to Artists

On Feb. 14, the Copyright Royalty Board issued a “final determination” setting SiriusXM’s statutory sound recording performance royalty rate for 2013 at 9% of “gross revenue.” This rate is too low by several percentage points, depriving artists and labels of tens of millions of dollars of royalty payments that will instead flow into SiriusXM’s coffers.

SiriusXM’s satellite radio service is subject to a standard called 801(b), which requires the CRB to balance the interests of copyright holders and the public when setting statutory royalty rates. In addition, 801(b) mandates calculating rates that “minimize any disruptive impact on the structure of the industries involved and on generally prevailing industry practices.” During the CRB proceeding for the previous licensing period, which covered 2007-12, the CRB judges concluded that 13% of gross revenue was the “upper boundary for a zone of reasonableness.” But, in the interest of avoiding disruption to the satellite radio industry, artists were forced to accept much lower rates, ranging from 6% to 8%.

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How has this artist-subsidized growth of satellite radio worked out? Pretty well. In recent years, SiriusXM has thrived, with revenue increasing from less than $2.5 billion in 2009 to more than $3.4 billion in 2012. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization grew from about $463 million in 2009 to more than $920 million in 2012. Speaking to a Forbes interviewer in early 2012, former SiriusXM CEO Mel Karmazin called the satellite broadcaster “a very profitable, successful company.”

“If we want a performer,” he added, “we can afford to pay more than anybody else can because we’re making more.”

Against this backdrop, it’s hard to argue that SiriusXM still needs a government-sanctioned discount from rates that the CRB deems appropriate. But that’s in essence the argument the company made in the CRB proceeding to set rates for 2013-17. In written testimony, Karmazin warned against an increase that could “take improper advantage of the company’s only recently improved economic circumstances” and “jeopardize the company’s ability to earn a fair return on long-term investments to which investors in our company are entitled.”

In a decision signed by two of the three judges, the CRB appears to have at least partially heeded that warning. While concluding that “the most appropriate rate” for satellite radio for 2013-17 is 11% of gross revenue, to “minimize any potential disruptive impact of the rate increase” the judges elected to “phase it in over the license period.” Thus, SiriusXM will pay a rate that starts at 9% in 2013 and rises in annual increments to 11% in 2017. “Gross revenue” has a complex definition, and can be significantly less than the total revenue reported in SiriusXM’s financial statements.

If 11% is indeed the appropriate rate, it’s hard to see why requiring a thriving company like SiriusXM to pay that amount for the entire 2013-17 period would have been particularly burdensome. In fact, under the 9% rate that will apply for 2013, there’s a good argument that artists will suffer more disruption from their unfairly low income than SiriusXM will avoid thanks to its discounted payment obligations.

There are also consequences for the broader music delivery ecosystem, since SiriusXM can use the money saved by paying artificially low satellite radio royalties to subsidize its expansion into market segments with higher royalty costs. And if the launch of its new MySXM Internet radio service thins the number of companies providing digital music services in the coming years, then everyone, not just artists, will pay the price for SiriusXM’s low royalty rates.

TAKEAWAY: The royalty rate set by the CRB for satellite radio will deprive artists and labels tens of millions of dollars that will instead go into SiriusXM’s coffers.

MC HAMMER BLASTS POLICE AFTER ARREST: "HE PULLED OUT HIS GUNS, BLEW HIS WHISTLE & YELLED FOR HELP"

Former music icon MC Hammer has stepped forward to call out a local police department for allegedly racially profiling him, which led to an arrest, this weekend.

Hammer hopped onto his Twitter page Saturday (February 23) to dish dirt on the injustice he experienced.

"chubby elvis looking dude was tapping on my car window, I rolled down the window and he said'"Are you on parole or probation?," Hammer tweeted February 23rd.

"While I was handing him my ID he reached in my car and tried to pull me out the car but forgot he was on a steady donut diet. .."

"It was comical to me until he pulled out his guns, blew his whistle and yelled for help (MallCop) !!! But make no mistake he's dangerous .."

"only thing more dangerous than a scared man with a gun, is a scared man with an agenda, a gun and a badge. I was citied for obstruction smh"

"You have to know me to understand I was laughing when he was grunting and pulling on me .. I had just left the weight room .."

"I will now answer his question, contrary to his personal beliefs, all people of color are not on parole or probation fat boy !!!" (MC Hammer's Twitter)

Details of what reportedly went down have also surfaced online.

MC Hammer was arrested yesterday for obstructing an officer, but he paints a story of racial profiling by the police ... claiming an officer pulled out his gun and randomly asked him, "Are you on parole or probation?" Hammer was booked and released from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin, CA after he was popped for obstructing an officer in the performance of their duties and resisting an officer. (TMZ)

Hammer previously made headlines a couple years ago when he became involved in an online search engine campaign.

On stage at the conference Mr. Hammer announced a new Web service called WireDoo: a search engine that adds relationship information to search results. For example, if someone searches for the word "car" on WireDoo, they will see results for topics related to a car, including insurance, pricing and consumer safety ratings. Searching a stock symbol will show related investors and mutual funds. Mr. Hammer said WireDoo, which is currently still being built and not available to the public, is not trying to compete with established search giants like Google, but hopes to offer a "deeper type of search" that can show relationships to queries. (New York Times)

Despite selling platinum albums and making millions from endorsement deals, Hammer fell on hard times in the mid-1990's.

In 1996, Hammerfiled for bankruptcy, his taste for luxury having gotten the better of his dwindling income; his mansion was sold at a fraction of its cost. The crisis prompted a religious reawakening, and he began to write new material with an emphasis on spirituality and family. (All Music)

SETH MACFARLANE DISSES RIHANNA, CHRIS BROWN IN OSCARS 2013 MONOLOGUE

After joking about Daniel Day-Lewis' character acting for Lincoln, host Seth MacFarlane channeled Ricky Gervais-humor during his opening monologue at the 2013 Oscars. The Family Guy creator went after Chris Brown and Rihanna, who were not present at the 85th Academy Awards on Sunday night, in his speech.

"Django Unchained, now that was an intense film," started MacFarlane. "This is the story of a man fighting to get back his woman, who has been subjected to unthinkable violence ... or as Chris Borwn and Rihanna call it -- a date movie."

The crowd all responded with muffled ooohs and aaahs. "That's what we were afraid he would do," said a sarcastic MacFarlane, and promised the crowd that "that's as bad as it gets."

MacFarlane then continued: "A lot of controversy over the multiple uses of the N-word in the film. I'm told the screenplay is loosely based on Mel Gibson's voicemails." More whispers from the crowd.

Turns out the joke was on us, though. The tasteless and inappropriate jokes were part of the shtick, where William Shatner later interrupted MacFarlane's crude jokes to prevent him from becoming the worst host ever to host the Oscars.

Google In Talks For Music Streaming Service

Google is in the process of negotiating licensing fees for a music streaming service akin to Spotify, Mog, Deezer and others, according to several published reports and first reported by the Financial Times.

The news comes as Google is in the process of looking to implement subscription models on YouTube, the company’s video site and the web’s most popular music streaming service.

The search engine launched Google Music in Nov. 2011 allowing users to download music and the previous May a storage service allowing users to store and stream music to various remote devices.

Music retail competitors Apple and Amazon launched similar music storage services the same year. Interestingly there is much speculation now that the same online music retailers will also compete in the music streaming space.

Apple, the leading music download site, was last fall reported to be seeking music licensing for its own Pandora-like radio streaming service.

YouTube’s importance in the music space got a boost this week when Billboard announced it would incorporate Nielsen’s YouTube streaming data into its chart tally, which had immediate impact. Baauer’s “Harlem Shake,” a song that has become a viral video sensation, immediately shot to No. 1 on the Hot 100.

A report earlier this week by the Recoding Industry Association of America slammed Google for failing to live up to its commitment to keep pirated music sites from appearing prominently in its search rankings.

KOBE BRYANT REACHES 31,000-POINT MILESTONE IN NBA

Add Kobe Bryant's name to the short list of NBA greats that have reached 31,000 points in their careers.

The league's second leading scorer led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 103-99 victory against the Dallas Mavericks Sunday afternoon, at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. Bryant would not only out duel the Mavs' Dirk Nowitzki, who finished with 30 points but he'd also outscore the other four starters on his own team combined. Kobe finished with 38 points on the night, 12 rebounds and three assists shy of a triple-double. Steve Nash would score 20 points for the first time this season for the Lakers and the struggling - yet, All-Star Dwight Howard would add 9 points and 13 rebounds. The Mavs and Lakers looked like they were two playoff contenders but are in fact battling to make the eighth seed.

The Black Mamba joins Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (38,387), Karl Malone (36,928), Michael Jordan (32,292) and Wilt Chamberlain (31,419) as one of five players to surpass 31,000 points. Bryant became the youngest this afternoon, reaching the milestone at the age of 34 years, 185 days. His 17 seasons as a Laker, also makes him the only player to have reached the mark with one team. He finished just a few points shy of his third career scoring title last year.

There's no question that Kobe is a Hall-of-Famer when he decides to hang up his jersey but his legacy seems to be on the line as the Lakers have struggled all season. Just two days ago, Mark Cuban suggested that the Lakers should consider dumping Bryant through the league's amnesty clause. Bryant responded to Cuban as he has responded to critics in the past. With a win and an ageless performance. Kobe went as far as recently telling Sports Illustrated that the Lakers 'will make the playoffs,' assuring his team can turn around their losing record, in time to make the post season. He's never shied away from bold statements. It's not enough for Kobe to be mentioned with the greats. He's less than 500 points away from Wilt and additional 1,000 away from MJ -- he wants to be the greatest.

Jermaine Dupri Brings Out Jay-Z, Usher & More at So So Def Anniversary Concert

Julia Beverly's (@julia_beverly) Instagramin

"I do more than run So So Def," Jermaine Dupri said before a full house at Atlanta's Fox Theater on Saturday night (February 23), "I've produced so many hits for people outside of So So Def." In case there was any doubt, J.D., one of the city's first moguls, proceeded to bring out stars from every phase in his career, ranging from A-town's beloved Pastor Troy to his ‘Money Ain't a Thang' collaborator, Jay-Z.   

In the weeks preceding So So Def Recordings' 20th anniversary concert, there was little fanfare. Rumors swirled about low ticket sales. As the date drew near, the buzz grew louder and on the evening of the show, an undercurrent of hometown pride ran through the streets of Atlanta.   

"This feels like a mother fucking family reunion [up] in this thang," Lil' Jon shouted, as he DJ'd for much of the evening. He was absolutely right. From Kris Kross and Da Brat kicking the show off, the evening was sure to be a special one for fans of the imprint.   

Xscape, sans Tameka "Tiny" Cottle-Clifford and Kandi, continued the momentum by belting out a few of their classics, including "Who Can I Run To" and "Just Kick It." The ladies proved that even when Xscape is halved, they don't skimp on the quality.  

The show ran fluidly as J.D. moved between genres and generations: from the R&B Soul of Xscape to the hip-hop/soul of Jagged Edge who performed hits like "Let's Get Married."  

Bow Wow, one of So So Def's brightest stars, hit the stage. Although the majority of concert-goers were thirty-plus, they cheered as he blazed through his catalogue, leaning on the support of the women in the crowd. He brought up one ecstatic young lady onstage to engage in his flirtatious set.  

Singer Dondria graced the stage to perform her biggest hit, "You're the One." J.D. was certain to leave room for superstars like Nelly, Usher, Mariah Carey as well as those artists who've been with the imprint for a short time such as Lil' Scrappy, Dem Franchize Boyz, Bonecrusher, and J-Kwon. J-Kwon performed his hit, "Tipsy," to a surprisingly receptive audience.   

Anthony Hamilton proved to be one of the night's best sets. The crowd couldn't be happier to sing along with the Carolina native.

Every word of "Charlene" and "Coming Where I'm From" echoed across the theater, from wall to wall.   

When Hamilton finished his set, the surprises promptly continued. "I'm from College Park. Atlanta is my city," J.D. said, "Where's my homegirl from College Park?" Right on cue, Monica took the stage, teasing the crowd with an accapella version of "Love Over Me," hitting every riff and vibrato with precision. "I rock with singers," J.D. boasted, "I do rap too. But real singers..." To add emphasis to the point, Usher took the stage and ran through hits he made alongside Dupri. The number of hits the duo has crafted, while never signing Usher to So So Def, is further proof that J.D.'s legacy runs beyond his accomplishments with the imprint.  

With all the stars that were present at the Fox, the "Looking 4 Myself" artist couldn't leave without doing a few of his hits produced by Lil' Jon who was only too happy to take the mic and jokingly thumb his nose at JD who feigned bewilderment, "This is my show. How you gon' do your songs at my show? I ain't make that!"  

Ludacris ran out to join in the fun as the three performed "Lovers and Friends" and, of course, "Yeah." The Fox seemed to vibrate in excitement as the synths from the latter started up. From Usher's set to a quick performance of "Welcome to Atlanta," J.D. abruptly ended the show: "I love Atlanta! Good night."  

Those who were paying attention to the online chatter over the past week, paid no attention to Dupri's prompt send-off. The majority of the crowd stood solidly, waiting on the Jay-Z appearance promised by J.D. earlier in the week on Twitter. There was also the matter of whether or not longtime friend, Mariah Carey, would be showing her face at all, but at this point the show was upwards of three-and-a-half hours, so whatever else was in store would need to happen quickly.  

It wasn't long before the instrumental hit for "Money Ain't A Thang" and the crowd knew -- Jay-Z was definitely in the building. On the third bar of the song's hook, Hov ran out to a screaming audience and launched into his verse following J.D. The two exchanged lines with a chemistry only witnessed in established duos. After "Money," Jay teased that Dupri hadn't brought out one particular A-Town rapper who had been hanging out backstage. "I thought that it being ATL, it would only be right if we bring him out now..."  

To his prompting, Young Jeezy hit the stage to perform his current hit, "R.I.P.," and the crowd ignited, bouncing along to the bass-heavy banger. He then congratulated J.D. on 20 years and it was back to Jay-Z, who returned to bless the crowd with a quick performance of "P.S.A.," "Ni**as in Paris," and "Clique."  

When many thought the show was over, Mariah Carey strutted her heels on to the stage, rolling out a multi-tiered birthday cake for Dupri and So So Def.   

Saturday night couldn't have been predicted by anyone but Jermaine Dupri as no one knew to expect such a phenomenal turnout. Fans and megastars made a special trip to the A simply to pay homage to So So Def Recordings and the man who built it.

At a pre-party on Friday night, JD brought out the likes of producer Jazze Pha, songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox, manager Chaka Zulu, T-Pain and many others.

Inside a large, open-spaced studio on Atlanta's northwest side, a DJ played hits that put the city on the pop-music map in the early '90s – many of which were crafted by Dupri. Even Dupri’s female standout, Da Brat made an appearance and hyped the crowd up throughout the night.

In the back of the space were large flat screens that looped promo videos that made So-So Def and Dupri famous. Screen images of a young Jay-Z, Dupri and Tameka (Tiny) Harris were followed by some of Dupri’s more contemporary hits with artists like Chris Brown.

It was an extension of the dinner Dupri hosted the night before – he kicked off the 20th anniversary weekend by celebrating with Bow Wow, Chris Kelly of Kris Kross, Da Brat, Jagged Edge, LaTocha and Tamika Scott of Xscape, Bonecrusher, Youngbloodx, Dem Franchize Boys and his father, music exec Micheal Mauldin.

The weekend fellowship has been much like a reunion, but Dupri hasn’t hinted at any new music coming from it. A 20-song compilation of the ‘Best of So So Def’ will be released in June 2013, Dupri says.