Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 11:23

… And Now Jay-Z Sued …

According to sources like BET and TMZ, Hov is being slammed with a new lawsuit that claims he was negligent in paying worker’s compensation insurance during a three-month span back in 2009.

TMZ got a hold of the lawsuit from the Workers Compensation Board of New York, stating that “the insurance was supposed to cover domestic employees in Jay-Z’s house … cooks, maids, drivers … that sort of thing,” reported the network.

That three-month lapse cost Jay-Z $18,000, which the New York-based court made him pay back to the WCB.

“According to the docs, it was only a momentary lapse,” stated TMZ. “After the three-month period in 2009, Jay-Z acquired the right insurance and the problem was resolved … with the exception of the outstanding $18,000 owed.”

BET.com wrote, that “a source is refuting the claim that Jay-Z put his employees’ health and safety in jeopardy when he missed the payments by saying he never missed them at all and that the $18,000 is a minor clerical error.”

It is unspecified whether the hip-hop mogul has had a chance to pay back his debt yet, although the suit should sort out that and the alleged minor clerical error.

Jay-Z doesn’t seem like the type of flaky rapper who wouldn’t pay his bills and allow his employees to work uninsured. He’s about to be a new daddy for crying out loud!

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Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 14:32

Kanye Throws a Fan Out of His Concert

Being a diva is one thing, but throwing out a fan out of a concert over a mere business card can be considered re-defining the word ‘diva’. At his recent “Watch the Throne” concert at the Tacoma Dome, Washington, Kanye West threw a hissy fit and eventually caused a fan to be kicked out of the concert.

It all started when a tiny card was thrown to the stage by a fan. Kanye picked up the card and yelled:

“Whose card is this?”

And then he continued:

“We risking our lives up here. You can’t go throwing sh** that we gonna slip on.”

You’d think he would stop after the fit. No. In a typical Kanye West move, the rapper told the crowd:

“I see it come from that direction.  Unless one person raises their hand and says ‘I’m the one who did it’, all that whole section gotta go.

The fan manned up and eventually got thrown out of the building.

Well at least Kanye West escaped ‘death’.

So what do you think about the incident, SoJones readers? Do you think Kanye West was crazy to flip over a business card, or do you think he did the right thing by kicking his fan out of the concert?

Here’s the video of what happened:

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Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 14:27

Drake to Work On Justin Bieber’s New Album!

Justin Bieber and the hip hop world are becoming inseparable. After Usher, he had enlisted Drake and Kanye West for his next album titled Believe that will be released in summer 2012. (Read: Drake Skypes with Bieber)

Drake announced that he will start working on Justin Bieber’s album in January. The Canadian rapper made the statement at the Stevie Wonder’s House Full of Toys benefit concert in Los Angeles last weekend.

Drake shared the stage with Bieber at the Power 106′s Cali Christmas Jam 2011 concert last Friday, where they performed their duet performance of “Trust Issues”. The song was released last summer by Drake, and the original version features Drake both singing and rapping. Bieber then did a remix on the track, censored the lyrics (to Drake’s objection) and eventually brought the two together.

“Trust Issues” was not included in Drake’s album as he told the press that it was just a fun project.

Well now that Bieber comes in the picture, will it still be just “for fun”? Are you anticipating this collaboration, SoJones readers? Discuss!

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Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 14:24

Rihanna’s ‘We Found Love’ Becomes Her Biggest Hit

Rihanna received an early Christmas present this year. The pop superstar’s dance smash “We Found Love” has become her biggest hit yet, remaining at No. 1 for an eighth consecutive week on the singles chart.

The Calvin Harris production surpasses 2007’s “Umbrella” and her collaboration with Eminem, “Love the Way You Lie,” which both topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks straight.

RiRi took to Twitter to celebrate the big news. “#WFL is still at #1 on BBHot100 for an 8th week, making it our biggest record to date! Who knew we wud beat LTWYL r UMBRELLA? #MAJAH #TTT,” she wrote.

Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 14:23

Paul McCartney featuring Eric Clapton – My Valentine

Recent news broke of Paul McCartney’s forthcoming album dedicated to some of the legend’s classics over the years. But some additional material will complement some of his past work including a clash of musical heavyweights including the track My Valentine with Eric Clapton. The track should tide music fans over until the official release in the near future.

Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 12:26

Jay-Z to Play United Way Benefit Concert

Jay-Z has announced that he will be playing two benefit shows at Carnegie Hall on February 6 and 7 to help raise funds for the United Way’s scholarship program, according to AllHipHop.com. It will mark the first-ever solo hip-hop performance at the famous concert venue.

“Jay-Z says performing at Carnegie Hall is a big deal for hip-hop, and he’s happy to bring the genre to greater heights,” reported the Associated Press.

“Any time that I get a chance to expand and broaden the reach of hip-hop is a great thing for me on a personal level,” said Jay-Z. “I feel like they bent the rules so that it could make sense for me [to play] right now, but I’ll take it.”

In addition to helping out the United Way, proceeds will also go toward Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation non-profit organization in an attempt to reduce the high school dropout rate in New York City.

“Education is super important,” Jay-Z told the Associated Press. “I don’t have a high school diploma or a college diploma, but still for me to articulate, I had to have some form of schooling to articulate my thoughts.”

There was a ton of blue-collar jobs that no longer exist, and the gap is wider than ever,” he continued. “The kids need to really know that and be prepared, to really succeed in this new America they are going to need an education. Not everyone can be entertainers and hit the lottery – that’s what I call it.”

The tickets range in price from $500 to $2,500 per ticket, and are geared toward wealthier people and private philanthropists, according to the Times. They go on sale Dec. 12.

“It’s every artist’s dream to play a venue as legendary as Carnegie Hall,” said Jay-Z. “The fact that I can use the arts and my talent to benefit the education of the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs and great thinkers makes for a legendary night.”

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Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 12:21

Streetwear Year In Review: Brooklyn Bandit + GIVEAWAY!

Brooklyn Bandit or BKB has been a consistent brand developing its amazing products for its customers. SoJones has been covering BKB since a year ago and we must say the brand is heading to greatness. Check what’s going on with BKB:

Hi Brooklyn Bandit, how’s 2011 been? What’s up with the brand?
2011 has been great, and our crew is ready to take on 2012 with more experience, and some really creative ideas that we’re excited to present the Street wear industry with! We’ve started to explore more than just denim and cut n sew in the past year, and we plan to add that into our future collections.

What has been your best seller in 2011?
The Love over $ Tee and crew necks sold very well. All our stores were selling out consistently, as were we. With money being so emphasized in a lot of our current lifestyles, I think people liked to see something being put above money. There is a lot of issues in this world that can be solved with having love for our own kind, and that design puts all that into perspective. Show love it’s the Brooklyn way!

What are your brand’s milestones or highlights during 2011?
The entire year was a learning process, and we continued to strive to be better and grow. We had a chance to meet a few cool celebs and just people that wear the brand, and that to me is the best highlight. I was walking down 48th street in Manhattan and saw a guy wear BKB jeans, and seen a lot people on the train and random places reppin’ BKB tee’s.. That is a great feeling to see that something that was just an idea a few years back is actually in motion with people wearing the brand. In addition to that, we dropped our first collection of tee’s, and we made our first Jacket (Metal storm) which has been flying of the shelfs.

What do you have in store for 2012? Any sneak peeks?
For 2012, we’re going to be re-releasing some classics such as the Manilas, and Friscos. Originally we had made very few pieces of those jeans and not everyone got a chance to get themself a pair, so this time around we will have plenty in sock this time around. Also, we’re going to do more cut and sew tops, as well as graphics. We’re always trying out new things so you never know what we will drop.

Which celebrity do you think deserves ‘the most fashionable’ title in 2011?
I think Pharell Williams is up there on the list. His style is not too over the top but it still speaks volumes. I’m excited to see if he drops any new collections in the new year.

Get your BKB fix at www.brooklynbandit.com and follow on Twitter @bkbanditjeans.

BROOKLYN BANDIT GIVEAWAY!
Brooklyn Bandit is giving away TWO PACKAGES for TWO lucky SoJones readers! Here are what you can win:

Package 1:
Metal Storm Jacket: $84.00
MOB Tee: $22.00

Package 2:
Cesar ScarfL $65.00
LOV > $ Crew: $28.00

Here’s how it works:

1. Answer the following question: What’s the name of the streetwear brand featured in this article?
   
2. You can give your answer between December 16h – December 30th, 2011. Make sure that when you comment you provide a link of where we can contact you (like your SoJones account, your facebook, etc.). It makes life easier to be able to contact you should you win.
3. Drawing for TWO WINNERS will be held on January 2nd, 2012. The winner will be announced on this page and on the forums page (http://www.sojones.com/forums/).

Article Comments Lottery Rules

• One package per winner

• Previous winners must wait 30 days before entering this contest

• Duplicate comments will not count, like posting “I love this forum” or “hi” 50 times.

• Garbage or nonsensical pounding-on-the-keyboard comments will not count, like “awr#$ASFasdfkl”

• Comments hating on other people will definitely NOT count.

• U.S. residents only

Don’t forget to visit SoJones.com’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SoJones and become a fan!

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Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 12:12

Pharrell Williams Introduces “Billionaire Girls Club”

Closing 2011 with a bang, Pharrell Williams let us in on his newest project: The Billionaire Girls Club collection for women. And without further ado, here’s the sneak peek before the whole collection unveils.

We have a strange sensation and that translates to not being too impressed. Hope the full collection would be more lively and more… Pharrell.

In the mean time, Pharrell is also working on several other projects including working on a shoe collection with New York designer, Mark McNairy. This upcoming collection will be released in February 2012.

So what do you think? Should Pharrell just stay designing boys’ clothes or is BGC going to take off and do as good as BBC? Share your thoughts!

Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 13:38

Southpole Clothing - Apparel For The Poor?

Southpole Clothing from its very start set its self as a cheaper alternative to the other mainstream urban clothing brands that were overcharging for poorer quality. Because of this fact many misconceptions have been formed regarding the brand and its place in today's streetwear market. Check out the link to the article below for a look at southpole clothing and its effect on popular culture. Of all of the brands in the fashion industry this is the one that has established itself as a brand for anyone that wants to be an individual. See why Southpole Clothing is not just for poor people and why this brand is just as relevant as they have always been.

http://goarticles.com/article/Southpole-Clothing-The-Poor-Peoples-Clothes/4648525/

Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 13:36

Drake Fires Hip Hop Since 1978

Drake’s been on fire these days; releasing a new album last month, outwardly dissing social media, maintaining beef with Ludacris and now firing his management team, Hip Hop Since 1978.

“Drake just felt like there were too many hands in his pockets,” an anonymous source told the New York Post. “He was getting pulled in too many different directions.”

Hip Hop Since 1978, comprised of industry moguls like Cortez Bryant, Kyambo “Hip Hop” Joshua, Al Brach, Gee Roberson and Kinky “B” Ellerbee, is still managing big hip-hop names like Lil Wayne, Kanye West, T.I., Nicki Minaj, Just Blaze and Young Jeezy to name a few.

The Hip Hop Since 1978 team was not the only ones who were given the axe. Dana Sims and Robert Gibbs of International Creative Management, Drake’s booking agents, were also fired due to differing business opinions, according to BET.com.

In the two management teams’ place, Drake hired Brent Smith (Snoop Dogg’s rep) of the William Morris Endeavor to represent him, and he is still signed to Cash Money Records, according to AllHipHop.com.

“The Canadian rapper’s break with his business team is consistent with recent moves he has made to surround himself with the close-knit, largely Toronto-based crew of friends and associates who have been by his side since he was just a mixtape artist,” reported BET.com. “Oliver El-Khatib, a Toronto native and member of Drake’s October’s Very Own crew, began taking on management duties for Drake earlier this year.”

In addition to the Drake tug-of-war, the same anonymous source said that conflicts between the rapper’s original Canadian management team and Hip Hop Since 1978 have arisen. “His team fromCanada is trying to wrestle back control,” claimed the source. “He may go back to them to streamline things.”

Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 13:30

Queen Latifah Offers the Queen Collection for Curvaceous Women

It’s the holiday season and when it comes to getting presents for those we love, we want to make sure they get the best. For the curvaceous women in your life, Queen Latifah presents her clothing line “Queen Collection” on HSN. (Read more about Queen Latifah.)

The actress says that there is a lack of respect to the curvy ladies from the industry:

“A lot of manufacturers don’t respect the curvaceous woman. They don’t respect our dollar or our shape.”

And we’re thanking her for partnering up with HSN.com, where Latifah designs for real women who want affordable and wearable fashion.

“It’s really something you can incorporate into your existing wardrobe. I mean these are things that are really beautiful, but they’re very wearable. We’re really trying to make sure that they have the best fabrics possible, that it feels good on the body. I’m a Pisces, I’m sensitive; I like things to feel good on my skin.”

The Queen Collection is available for women sized 2 to 24 and offers the same things accessible to Latifah to her fans.

For the special ladies in your life, here are some of our editor’s best picks from the Queen Collection:

Queen Collection Belted V-Neck Caftan Tunic, $69

Queen Collection Croco Embossed Leather Satchel with Calfhair, $329.90

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Posted by Dr. Green Thumb at 13:29

Hip-Hop Blog Falsely Censored for One Year

Last year, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security took over a hip-hop music blog along with 81 others due to an alleged copyright infringement that ended over false allegations. According to CNET, the government abandoned the suit on Dec. 8 after learning that the charge had been exaggerated to prove an anti-piracy point.

The seizure of the music blog, found at DaJaz1.com, was a feeble attempt by Homeland Security to curb piracy over the internet, reported CNET, except that it was done in a shady way.

“Intellectual property crimes are not victimless,” Attorney General Eric Holder said at the time of the seizure. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) director John Morton added, “Today, we turn the tables on these Internet thieves.”

“It turns out that Holder’s and Morton’s claims appear to have been, well, exaggerated,” wrote CNET.

“What’s unusual here is that normally,U.S.law strongly discourages efforts to censor Web sites before a full trial can be held,” CNET continued. “But in the DaJaz1 case, a series of allegations of dubious reliability offered in an ICE affidavit were enough to censor a popular music blog — which had been featured on MTV News a few months earlier — for over a year.”

As it turns out, the four songs by Jamie Foxx, Chris Brown, Nelly and Reek Da Villian that were featured in the affidavit by ICE agent Andrew Reynolds, were actually sent to Dajaz1’s editor (Splash) for promotional use, reported CNET.

Apparently ICE kept the case under wraps by “getting extension after extension from the court under seal without showing me any papers whatsoever,” partner at the Fenwick and West law firm Andrew Bridges told CNET Dec. 8. Bridges is representing Dajaz1 pro bono. “Why did the government feel the need to keep secret the fact of its repeated extensions of time to file the forfeiture proceeding?” he asked.

The Dajaz1 blog is back in its owner’s possession, and features a temporary disclaimer that says it will be back shortly, according to CNET. In addition to this, the site demonstrates a video with a censorship petition that will be sent to ICE.

Check out the website and let Splash know what you think of the whole thing at: www.DaJaz1.com

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