Cam'Ron Sells Juelz Santana's Contract To Def Jam For $2 Mill

The Dipset movement isn't as prevalent as it once was but, with all the label politics that have been involved, it's no secret that Juelz Santana has had a hard time pressing forward with the release of his next album, Born To Lose, Built To Win.

Partly in lew of the fact that his deal was a joint venture with Dipset and Def Jam; both sides had to be on amicable terms [as far as the setup is concerned], but no longer will that be an issue as Cam'Ron has sold Juelz Santana's contract to Def Jam for $2 Mill, making him the sole proprietorship of Def Jam Records in the process.

Now, while this move will benefit Juelz the most, I think Cam was put in a position to pull the trigger on this because Juelz is a really talented M.C. He's not quite on par with some of the greats, but what he lacks in versatility and hip-hop "quotability", he more than makes up in swagga. By far, Juelz is one of the most confident M.C.'s in the game right now [next to Lil' Wayne] and I'm glad I'll get to see him shine as a free agent. Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know it's still Dipset for life, but I think Juelz should take advantage of this golden opportunity and shine bright [finally] in his OWN right.

Ludacris: Politics As Usual

I don't know if it was a case of poor judgement on the part of Ludacris, but some sense of responsibility should've came into play while recording his "ode" to Democratic nominee, Barack Obama. In the song, Luda lashes out at both Hillary and John McCain and declares an imminent victory for Obama but the backlash in doing so may cost him not only fans, but support from Obama as well.

Let's face it. Hip-Hop already gets a bad "rap" as it already is and this mishap will only further that unfair stereotype. News syndicates like Fox News will eat this up and [unfairly] blame everything that's wrong with America on Hip-Hop but, then again, what's new?

I'll admit, Luda was wrong in his choice of words/lyrics and should be lamented for his actions, but I fully understand his intentions and I really don't think he intended for this to be spun into a negative. Clearly he was displaying his support for Obama and instead of being praised like he had hoped, the media is painting him as an incoherent, misogynistic bigot and [rightfully so] some would say he deserves it. Me, myself? I could care less what a rapper thinks because I have my own opinion and would never allow someone to conform my thoughts, ideas, and opinions to that of their own. People are too sensitive these days in my opinion and until we learn to let go and not be so cynical about shit that really isn't all that important to begin with, I fear that this country of ours will never break the mold. Therefore, in a sense, I guess it's still "Politics As Usual". Who woulda thunk it?

Nelly's Ad Campaign For Sean John

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I'm not jealous in the least bit because I, too, could look like this if I wanted to, but is it me or is Nelly really trying to sell himself right now. I realize his new album [Brass Knuckles] is slated to drop sometime within the next month, but was a underwear ad for Sean John really necessary? I, myself, say no seeing that this really doesn't appeal to me, but feel free to feast your eyes if it does you.

The Watchmen [Trailer]

I'm not too familiar with the graphic novel this movie is based on, but after watching this trailer I'm psyched to learn as much as I can. The special effects look breathtaking and I'm sure this will be a huge success by comic book standards, but for now it's all wait and see. In the meantime, peep the trailer for yourself and let me know what you think.

Lupe Fiasco & N*E*R*D Get Complex

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Complex magazine never really appealed to me before, but even I will admit that this is a pretty dope cover. I'm a huge fan of both N*E*R*D and Lupe Fiasco and btw, if you don't have either of their new albums then I suggest you do yourself a favor and cop 'em both, their both ill in their own right. Anyway, be sure to pick up the new issue of Complex when it hits newsstands here shortly and big up to both artists. Hip-Hop is alive and well because of y'all. Real talk.

Miss American Dream

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You would never think that an American flag could look so sexy but, somehow, Esther Baxter has made that possible. I'm just trippin' over the fact that she recently had a baby and unlike most girls who let themselves go after giving birth, Esther toned herself back up and is killing the game as if she had never left. So, in the meantime, enjoy these new pics and be sure to check out her new website by clicking here.

N*E*R*D: Spaz [Video]

I ♥ Rosario Dawson

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God, I love this woman! I really do. It's not even the fact that she has a bangin' body (trust me, looks are not everything) but, more so that Rosario seems like a pretty down ass chick. She's almost like one of the guys with the personality she puts off and when you combine that with how sexy she is, I think you have everything a guy can ask for in a girl. Well, at least everything I could ask for a in a girl.

Anyway, peep these pics I came across a while ago but never had time to post. Rosario is lookin' mad sexy here and I dare anybody to say differently, but enough about my secret wants and desires. There's more where this came from (click here) and trust me, you want to see more. God, knows I want to.

David Banner Feat. Lil' Wayne: Shawty Say [Video]

Manny Ramirez Traded To The L.A. Dodgers

Why Boston would make such a move is beyond me, but apparently the beloved franchise has had enough of "Manny being Manny". I'll admit, I'm not an avid fan of baseball and could care less for the game (it's too boring, in my opinion) but I'm a little surprised that Boston [actually] pulled the trigger on this deal. It had been reported that a deal was close to being dead, but this 3-way deal to the Dodgers came in close to the end of the trade deadline and was made official once Manny waived his no trade clause to approve it.

Again, why Manny would leave Boston in spite of all the turmoil surrounding him and his antics is beyond me but last I checked, the Red Sox are the defending World Champions. Why the hell would you leave a team that is prime for another championship run? See, it just doesn't make sense. At least, not to me anyway. For better or worse, the Red Sox remain a lesser team without Ramirez in the line up and his departure will [undoubtedly] make the L.A. Angels the odds on favorite to win the A.L. But, until then, that remains to be seen and to think...who would've imagined that we'd have such a compelling pennant race heading into this year's fall classic? Yep, this will be a hell of a post season indeed so stay tuned and watch how it unfolds..

Solange Covers Up

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Solange has been a welcome breath of fresh air as of late and I'm eager to hear this new album of hers when it drops on the 26th. Her current single, "I Decided" has been making its rounds at radio and the video is doing moderately well, but it's a shame that the mainstream will overlook this girl's originality. Solange is just as, if not more, talented as her sister but to compare the two would be unfair. Plain and simple, Solange does her own thing regardless of what people may think and as long as she keeps that same mindset, I'm sure she'll find an avenue for those who love and appreciate her music and all that she may encompass.

*£åïlµrê †ð Çðmmµñï¢å†ê

"Language is for liquid that we're all dissolved in. Great for solving problems, after it creates a problem." -Modest Mouse

It's funny how the events in our lives are shaped by our words and actions. However, the irony of all this is that miscommunication seems to be the most prevalent theme embodied by us collectively as human beings. By some sort of recollection, if you will, one would find it hard to argue against the fact but beneath any irrational façade…the underlying message of all this would be that some things are better left unsaid. While anything else would be indicative of a lie, the perception of being closed minded only leads to limiting one's self to something we, otherwise, would have never known existed.

In order for a growth to occur, a change must be the prior result and after wrestling with a certain issue the past couple of weeks I've realized that sometimes the only thing standing in the way is pride; and as much as it goes against human nature to do so…the best thing to do is swallow it and move on. I think Fabolous said it best--"…It's ok to lose your pride over someone you love/Don't lose someone you love though over your pride/Stick wit'cha entrée and get over your side"--Words to live by, in deed, but my whole problem has been what most would call a "failure to communicate".

Over the years, I've found that it's been much easier for me to express myself through my writing than through anything I could say verbally so I kind of feel that there's a part of me that I really don't know about. Up until recently, I hadn't been called out on this particular character trait of mine but after someone holds up a proverbial mirror in front of you…you finally see things for yourself and the natural thing to do is to respond in a negative manner. What can I say? I have an icebox for a heart but for damn good reason. Sure, I give people the benefit of the doubt in most cases if not all, but the moment someone does something to hurt me…it's fuck you and I don't want nothing to do with you.

Blame my head, not my heart is what I've always maintained because it's hard to think straight when you let your emotions get the best of you. Lord knows I bit my tongue a lot especially with all the bullshit I had to go through while working at Video Warehouse (and now @...well, nevermind) and with some of the people that work there (hint: She's fake…and in more ways than one…think about it/as for where I'm @ now, he's fake too and all he does is kiss ass...think about it) but it is what it is. Sometimes you gotta call an ace an ace and a spade a spade and when I threw my cards on the table , I saw that I had been working with a bad hand for two years and it was time to reshuffle the deck and try my luck with a better hand. What goes around…/…comes around though and when that day comes I would love nothing more than to have a front row seat right along with all the other people you've [both] fucked over, but all that is in due time.

In hindsight, "the possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react" so none of the aforementioned is even a concern and has pretty much become an afterthought. More importantly, the subject at hand is the character analysis of Trimaine J. Irby and after a lot of self-reflection, I've sorted through all the things I need to work on in order to become a better person. The obvious being my inability to communicate my thoughts and feelings verbally rather than through my writing.

I wouldn't say I hide behind this particular medium as a defense mechanism but the more and more I continue to pick apart the social structure of my life, the more and more I'm finding this to be true. I have a really hard time in opening up and letting people in and the sad part of all this is that I have people I consider to be my closest friends, yet know nothing about me. It's a gift and a curse all at the same time and it's something I've carried with me for the [22] years that I've been on this earth. To ignore it any longer would be a mistake on my part because it means I would have missed out on the beauty of friendship but the "icebox" part of me is saying that I'm making things bigger then they really are. Whether this is true or not remains a mystery to me but until then…call it a work in progress.

"…I'm In repair"-John Mayer

Trina Feat. Killer Mike: Look Back At Me [Video]

Lil' Wayne Feat. T-Pain: Got Money [Video]

The Game Feat. Travis Barker: Dope Boys [Official Uncensored Video]

*Whå† Gðê§ ÄrðµñÐ.../...Çðmê§ ÄrðµñÐ

"Excuse my French emotion and my passion/But I wear my heart on my sleeve like it's the new fashion"-Lil' Wayne

*Continued from †hê Èlêþhåñ† Ìñ †hê Rððm [The Elephant in the Room]

It's like this…for a far as I can remember, it seems like I've always gotten the raw end of the deal. So much so that when things take a turn for the worse, the only justifiable means I can come up with is to shrug my shoulders, say "it's no big deal", put on a smile, and pretend like it doesn't even bother me. Deep down, a lot of pent up frustration lies dormant after all these years of being suppressed but if it wasn't for writing, I fear my only outlet would be one that was non-constructive. Not that it matters anyway but, to each his own. I just feel like all this "bad luck" of mine serves a higher purpose of sorts and may be a way of telling me when things aren't right for me, but who am I to question fate? Things happen for a reason is what I've always believed and for some reason, I've always been that nice guy to finish last.

Outside looking in, I suppose I'm not aggressive enough in my nature to go after what I want, when I want it but I'm starting to think that dating is not my thing. Bad things happen when I try and, besides, my history suggests that any girl I start talking to will end up in the arms of another guy. Don't believe me? I'm 8-for-8 so far and you can bet 9-for-9 will be a sure thing. It all depends though, I really like the person I'm talking to now and want to see where that goes, but I'm not as confident about it as I was when things first started. I'm not exactly sure what changed or what I may have done to have her lose interest, but then again it's me that we're talking about. Too many times I hear, "Trimaine, you're such a nice guy, any girl would be lucky to have you" and if that isn't bullshit then I don't know what is. My personality is MY personality and so far, nobody has been able to click with that like I had hoped; but lately I've found hope in her. The only thing is, I'm just not sure if that is what she wants anymore. . .

So, there's this girl. . .now that that's out of the way, why not continue deeper into the dark recesses of this mind of mine and see what else is in there. Other than friends being fake (*surprise, surprise*--not really) and this "No Country For Old Men" policy I strongly want to advocate, I'm at a standstill right now with life as I know it. No part of me is happy in the least bit, but in every dark cloud is a silver lining and from here lies an uphill struggle that I know all too well.

Indeed, it would be nice to have a "pocket full of sunshine" that I could enjoy for once and embellish with those around me, but dark clouds seem to follow me and it seems like I'll never break the mold. For what it's worth, it seems like I'm destined for a life of solitude but FUCK THAT…I'll be damned if that happens. My shit is just as good as the next guy so it's time for me to wake up, smell the roses, and get my swagga on full tilt. I'm superbly confident in what I can bring to the table and sure that I will make someone happy one day, but what the fuck is crying over spilled milk gonna do? The past is the past, the only thing I can do is learn from my mistakes and try not to make the same one's twice, right?

Easier said than done, I know, but my demeanor is on par as we speak and things are starting to come full circle. No longer will I give my heart so willingly, only to have people step all over it when they feel the need to and no longer will I be as naïve. The most important person I can/should care about is me, everybody else can kick rocks for all I care. That being said, I don't have a care in the world. Fuck everything to be more specific. And last but not least, before I hit the kill switch. Fuck Y.O.U.---And THAT'S HOW YOU LET THE BLOG BUILD, BITCH!

Bow Wow Feat. Soulja Boy: Marco Polo [Video]

Trey Songz: Missin U [Video]

Rick Ross Feat. Trey Songz: This Is The Life [Video]

Young Jeezy Feat. Kanye West: Put On [Video]

Gnarls Barkley: Who's Gonna Save My Soul [Video]

Plies Feat. Jamie Foxx & The Dream: Please Excuse My Hands [Video]

Nelly Feat, Akon & Ashanti: Body On Me [Video]

Ashanti: Good Good [Video]

Rihanaa: Disturbia [Video]

DJ Khaled: Out Here Grinding [Video]

Destiny's Child: Teyana, Keri, & Solange

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All (3) of these ladies will have an impact [musically] in some shape, form, or fashion. Mark my words. In the meantime, peep the latest cover of The Rap-Up magazine as all (3) were chosen to grace the cover. It's a real good look if you ask me.

LL Feat. The Dream: Baby [Video]

You know, as much as I love The Dream--this song doesn't really work for me. I don't know what it is, but maybe it's LL for all I know. Exit 13 is supposed to be his last album on Def Jam and in the beginning stages, L claimed that we would see a return to his rugged side--but, this my friend, is far from that. Wouldn't you agree?

The Re-Up: Bria Myles

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Keri Hilson: TKO

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Peep these promo pics from the set of Keri Hilson's video "Energy". I know what you're thinking. There kind of hot, right?

Nas Feat. Keri Hilson: Hero [Video]

I swear, I hated this song at first but now it's starting to grow on me. So much so, I can't wait for the Untitled project from Nas dropping this tuesday.

Angelina Jolie Does Vanity Fair

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Next to Scarlett Johansson (see post below), there's no other white girl I desire more than Angeline Jolie. She may be up there in age but, seriously, who doesn't think this broad is hot?

Scarlett Johannson Covers Cosmo

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The Return of Esther Baxter

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A Toast To The Cool

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Ebony Magazine should win an award for best collaboration, because this is one of the best collection of power players I've ever seen [at one time] share a cover. You guys agree?

Diddy Blog #8: "Hancock, Bitches!"

I swear, Diddy is a fool. Peep the vid to see what I mean, LOL.

G-Unit Projected To Sell More Than 700k Units Of Their New Album Terminate On Sight

According to MediaTakeOut.com, the new G-Unit album (that was released yesterday!) is projected to sell well over what label execs had expected. How much more you ask? Over 700,000! Now, while I don't believe any of this bullshit to begin with, let me be the first to say that their is no way in hell this album comes close to those kind of numbers. That is, unless 50 (or the label) buys almost half of that number and I wouldn't be surprised if a bulk of that was the case. I guess it's a wait and see for now, but I'm expecting the album to fall between 200,00-320,000; and that's just being nice.

Baron Davis Gives Up $18 Million To Become A Free Agent

This year's NBA free agent market is nothing compared to the one expected in 2010 (Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James...enough said) but, still, there's some pretty big names that have made themselves readily available (if the price is right). Most notably, Baron Davis.

Although he was expected not to opt out of the $17.8 million that was owed to him in the final year of his contract, Davis has chosen to do just that and, by all accounts, you can expect a handful of teams to request his services. His performance in last year's playoffs solidified his status as an elite player in the NBA and any team in desperate need of an invaluable point guard would be lucky to have him. However, I fully expect the Warriors to re-sign Davis in an attempt to pull off a [possible] sign and trade and make that rumored deal with the Detroit Pistons happen. Then again, as I watch ESPN, I'm also hearing that the L.A. Clippers is a more likely destination so you just never know.

Either way, Baron Davis has earned my respect as an elite player and I would love nothing more then to see him win a championship. Him and Allen Iverson. Those two have been long overdue, especially A.I., but if Kevin Garnett can finally win one then there may just be hope after all. On paper, pairing Baron with Elton Brand in L.A. will be commanding and will give the Clippers a real presence. Not to mention, it would make them a legitimate contender to challenge out west. Could I see them winning a championship? Yes, if given time but just Elton Brand and Baron Davis isn't going to cut it. The Clippers need a few more pieces to make this thing work in the long run, but all this talk is contingent upon Baron agreeing to even come there in the first place. Therefore, it's all wait and see for now and Baron, it's your move.

***BREAKING NEWS: Reportedly, Baron Davis has verbally agreed to a five-year deal worth roughly $65 million with the Los Angelas Clippers.

Obie Trice Dropped From Shady Records

Young Buck's departure from G-Unit was a small piece of news I could've cared less about; but, in hearing that Obie Trice has been dropped from Shady/Aftermath, I really have to wonder what's going on over there at Interscope. Aside from Eminem and 50, it seems like all they do is focus their time on those two (as far as rap is concerned) and it's fuck everybody else. Jadakiss, for example, was a prime target of this piss poor attitude and, while it's not much of a loss for the label, it ends up hurting the artist the most.

Now, I could understand if things are amicable and it just comes to a point that it's in both interests of the parties involved, but label politics is just something I will never quite understand. Hands down, Obie Trice was one of the most underrated artists in the Shady/Aftermath camp and, undoubtedly, his departure will make him a coveted free agent. I'll admit, his market is not as mainstream as say a Eminem or 50 Cent, but his devoted fanbase will not be far behind. His debut album Cheers is one of the most slept on albums of the past couple of years and, although it failed to do numbers, his second album Second Round's On Me was not half bad either.

As you can tell, I've very disappointed to see an artist of Obie Trice's potential be dropped, but maybe this will spin into a positive. From what I hear, there's no bad blood between him and the folks over at Shady/Aftermath/Interscope so, at least, things remain cool on that front. The only question now is, how will this setback affect Obie's upcoming album Bottom's Up? For now, that question remains to be answered as Obie finds a suitor for this upcoming project, but I'm sure that won't be much of a problem for long. Besides, if all else fails, independent is the way to go (in my opinion), so I guess that's always an ace in the hole. Right?

New York Goes To Hollywood

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I wouldn't necessarily call this "back my pouplar demand", but [for some reason] VH1 has green lit a new show featuring New York. Now, I don't particularly care for New York that much so I could care less, but is it me or does VH1 give everybody a show?

I'm so sick of "love" right now that it's not even funny, but I guess VH1 feels the same way because this is NOT I Love New York 3. Nope. Fresh over Tailor Made, New York has set her sights on Hollywood and this show will chronicle her attempt to become a starlet. Now, as intriguing as that may sound, I would much rather watch paint dry but that's just me. Yet and still, New York Goes To Hollywood is set to debut August 4th so check it out if you want. Lord knows I won't.

For your viewing pleasure, click here for more promo pics.